Elasticity detection probe and elasticity detection system

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of elastic imaging, in particular to an elastic detection probe and an elastic detection system. The elastic detection probe comprises an elastic detection module, a first surface in contact with a target object, and a second surface away from the target object; and a piezoelectric detection module arranged on the second surface of the elastic detection module, which is used for measuring the contact pressure between the elastic detection probe and the target object. When the contact pressure is detected to be in a preset range, the target object is subjected to elastic detection. By arranging the piezoelectric detection module on the second surface of the elastic detection module, the contact pressure between the elastic detection probe and the target object can be accurately obtained, and the tissue elastic detection is ensured to be performed only when the contact pressure is in a stable range. Therefore, the detection result difference caused by different operators in the detection process can be reduced, and a detection result with good stability and high accuracy can be obtained.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of elasticity imaging technology, specifically to an elasticity detection probe and an elasticity detection system. Background Technology

[0002] Elastography technology has been widely used in various fields. In clinical applications, the elastic information of the acquired organism is usually converted into pseudo-color images familiar to doctors. This allows doctors to determine the tissue's mechanical properties through the pseudo-color images, and then determine the elasticity test results based on the tissue's hardness. During elastography, the operator (e.g., a doctor) typically holds the probe to perform the elastography scan, requiring the application of stable and appropriate pressure. Too little pressure will lead to unstable measurement, while too much pressure will cause discomfort to the subject.

[0003] Currently, the application of this pressure relies on the doctor's experience. Manual operation cannot guarantee that the applied pressure is within a stable range, which leads to differences in the test results obtained by different doctors when performing elastography scans. Even the same doctor may obtain different test results in different measurement processes. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, embodiments of the present invention provide an elasticity detection probe and an elasticity detection system to solve the problem of variability in elasticity measurement results.

[0005] According to a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide an elastic detection probe, comprising:

[0006] An elasticity detection module has a first surface for contacting a target object and a second surface away from the target object;

[0007] A piezoelectric detection module is disposed on the second surface of the elastic detection module. The piezoelectric detection module is used to measure the contact pressure between the elastic detection probe and the target object.

[0008] Specifically, when the contact pressure is detected to be within a preset range, the elasticity of the target object is tested.

[0009] The elasticity detection probe provided in this embodiment of the invention includes a piezoelectric detection module disposed on the second surface of the elasticity detection module to quantitatively measure the contact pressure between the elasticity detection probe and the target object to be tested. Since the piezoelectric detection module is disposed on the second surface of the elasticity detection module, the first surface of the elasticity detection module is in direct contact with the target object when the elasticity detection probe is working. The piezoelectric detection module is fixed to the fixing structure of the elasticity detection probe, maintaining relative fixation with the elasticity detection probe. The pressure between the elasticity detection probe and the target object is transmitted in reverse to (or reflected in) the piezoelectric detection module. The piezoelectric detection module allows for the quantitative acquisition of the contact pressure between the elasticity detection probe and the target object, ensuring that the pressure applied by different operators is within a stable range before tissue elasticity testing. Therefore, it can greatly reduce the difference in test results caused by different operators during the testing process, thereby obtaining test results with good stability and high accuracy.

[0010] In some embodiments, the piezoelectric detection module includes:

[0011] A first piezoelectric layer is stacked on the second surface of the elastic detection module, and the first piezoelectric layer includes at least one strain gauge.

[0012] The elastic detection probe provided in this embodiment of the invention uses at least one strain gauge for piezoelectric detection. Since the strain gauge has a pressure detection function, the circuit structure can be simplified.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first piezoelectric layer further includes a waterproof material layer for covering the at least one strain gauge.

[0014] The elastic detection probe provided in this embodiment of the invention can protect the strain gauge by covering at least one strain gauge with a waterproof material layer, as water molecules in the environment may be absorbed by the strain gauge due to changes in ambient humidity, thereby changing the strain coefficient of the strain gauge.

[0015] In some embodiments, the piezoelectric detection module further includes an elastomer layer stacked with the first piezoelectric layer.

[0016] The elastic detection probe provided in this embodiment of the invention utilizes an elastomer layer to realize force transmission between the elastic detection module and the piezoelectric detection module, which can improve the detection reliability of the piezoelectric detection module.

[0017] In some embodiments, the at least one strain gauge is located on the same side of the elastomer layer;

[0018] or,

[0019] When the number of strain gauges is greater than 1, the at least one strain gauge is located on both sides of the elastomer layer.

[0020] The elastic detection probe provided in this embodiment of the invention allows for the setting of strain gauges and elastomer layers at different positions to meet the requirements of setting different numbers of strain gauges.

[0021] In some embodiments, the elasticity detection module sequentially includes:

[0022] An acoustic lens layer is used to contact the target object;

[0023] A matching layer is used for acoustic impedance matching between the acoustic lens layer and the second piezoelectric layer;

[0024] The second piezoelectric layer includes an ultrasonic transducer array;

[0025] The backing material is located between the second piezoelectric layer and the piezoelectric detection module.

[0026] The elasticity detection probe provided in this embodiment of the invention utilizes an acoustic lens layer for focusing in a direction perpendicular to the imaging plane, reducing the reflection of ultrasonic signals between the probe and the target object, allowing more ultrasonic signals to refract into the interior of the target object, and improving the accuracy of elasticity measurement results.

[0027] According to a second aspect, embodiments of the present invention also provide an elasticity detection system, comprising:

[0028] The elastic detection probe described in the first aspect of the present invention, or in any embodiment of the first aspect;

[0029] The host is communicatively connected to the elastic detection probe. The host is used to control the elastic detection probe to excite shear waves in the detection area of ​​the target object when the contact pressure between the elastic detection probe and the target object is within a preset range, so as to obtain the elastic information of the target object.

[0030] The elasticity testing system provided in this invention relies on an elasticity testing probe that can quantitatively measure the pressure of the elasticity testing probe in contact with the target object. This allows the operator to clearly understand the magnitude of the applied pressure, and the tissue elasticity testing is only performed after the applied pressure is within a stable range. This can greatly reduce the difference in test results caused by different operators during the testing process, thereby obtaining elasticity testing results with good stability and high accuracy.

[0031] In some implementations, the host includes:

[0032] A pressure detection device is connected to a data processing device and the piezoelectric detection module of the elastic detection probe. The pressure detection device is used to connect to the first piezoelectric layer in the piezoelectric detection module to form a strain circuit.

[0033] The data processing device is used to acquire the detection results of the pressure detection device, and to control the elastic detection probe to excite shear waves in the detection area of ​​the target object when the contact pressure is within a preset range.

[0034] The elasticity detection system provided in this embodiment of the invention uses a strain circuit to detect pressure, and has a simple structure that is easy to implement.

[0035] In some embodiments, the pressure detection device further includes a compensation unit for compensating for pressure detection differences caused by environmental factors.

[0036] The elasticity detection system provided in this embodiment of the invention uses a compensation unit to compensate for pressure detection differences caused by the environment, thereby avoiding the influence of the environment on the pressure detection results and improving the accuracy of pressure detection.

[0037] In some embodiments, the compensation unit includes:

[0038] A compensation resistor is connected in parallel to the input terminal of the strain circuit.

[0039] The elasticity detection system provided in this embodiment of the invention achieves compensation for the differences in the components forming the strain circuit by connecting a compensation resistor to the input terminal of the strain circuit, that is, performs zero bias correction on the strain circuit. Attached Figure Description

[0040] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the elastic detection probe according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the elastic detection probe according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the elastic detection probe according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figures 4a-4dThis is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of strain gauges and elastomer layers according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an elasticity detection system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figures 6a-6c This is a schematic diagram of the strain circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a pressure detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the strain circuit according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0049] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0050] This invention provides an elasticity detection probe for detecting the contact pressure between the probe and a target object during elasticity detection. This allows the operator to know the current contact pressure between the probe and the target object, i.e., the pressure applied by the probe to the target object. Furthermore, by ensuring the contact pressure remains within a stable range, elasticity detection of the target object reduces the variation in detection results caused by different operators. This means that different operators can obtain the same measurement results when performing elasticity detection on the same target object; and the same doctor can obtain the same measurement results in different measurements. The target object is the tissue to be detected, such as thyroid, liver, or breast tissue.

[0051] Specifically, such as Figure 1As shown, the elasticity detection probe includes an elasticity detection module 10 and a piezoelectric detection module 20. The elasticity detection module 10 emits ultrasonic signals to the target object and receives corresponding ultrasonic echo signals to obtain the elasticity information of the target object. The elasticity detection module 10 has a first surface for contact with the target object and a second surface away from the target object. The elasticity detection module 10 includes an ultrasonic transducer for converting electrical signals into ultrasonic signals and emitting them to the target object, while simultaneously receiving the ultrasonic signals reflected back from the target object (i.e., ultrasonic echo signals) and converting them back into electrical signals. After processing, the elasticity information of the target object is obtained. The specific structure of the elasticity detection module 10 is not limited here; it can be configured according to actual needs.

[0052] The elasticity detection probe also includes a shear wave excitation device, which can be a vibrator, an ultrasonic transducer, or a loudspeaker. When the shear wave excitation device is an ultrasonic transducer, the ultrasonic waves emitted by the transducer are focused inside the target object to generate acoustic radiation force, thereby generating shear waves inside the target object. When the shear wave excitation device is a vibrator, the vibrator applies low-frequency instantaneous vibration to the outer surface of the target object, thereby generating shear waves inside the target object. When the shear wave excitation device is a loudspeaker, the loudspeaker emits sound waves of a certain frequency on the outer surface of the target object, thereby generating shear waves inside the target object. It should be noted that when the shear wave excitation device is an ultrasonic transducer, the ultrasonic transducer used to excite the shear wave can be the same as or different from the ultrasonic transducer in the elasticity detection module. In this embodiment of the invention, the ultrasonic transducer used to excite the shear wave is the same as the ultrasonic transducer in the elasticity detection module, so the elasticity detection probe does not need to include a shear wave excitation device. The embodiments in this invention are all described using ultrasonic excitation as an example.

[0053] The piezoelectric detection module 20 is disposed on the second surface of the elastic detection module 10 and is used to measure the contact pressure between the elastic detection probe and the target object. For example... Figure 1 As shown, a piezoelectric detection module 20 is stacked on the second surface of the elastic detection module 10, and the first surface of the elastic detection module 10 is used to contact the target object. The piezoelectric detection module 20 is used to convert the force signal applied to the elastic detection probe into an electrical signal, thereby measuring the magnitude of the force signal. Based on this, the piezoelectric detection module 20 can be a pressure sensor. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor includes, but is not limited to, a piezoelectric pressure sensor, a piezoresistive pressure sensor, a capacitive pressure sensor, or an electromagnetic pressure sensor. No specific type of pressure sensor is limited here; it is determined according to actual needs.

[0054] In this embodiment of the invention, the elasticity detection process is as follows: An operator holds the elasticity detection probe, bringing the first surface of the elasticity detection module 10 of the probe into contact with the target object. Appropriate pressure is applied according to the detection requirements, acting on the elasticity detection probe, which in turn applies corresponding pressure to the target object. Based on this, the detection area of ​​the target object will deform, and the magnitude of the deformation is related to the magnitude of the contact pressure. During this process, the contact pressure between the elasticity detection probe and the target object is measured by the piezoelectric detection module (i.e., the pressure applied by the elasticity detection probe to the target object), thereby determining whether the actual pressure applied by the elasticity detection probe meets the detection requirements (i.e., whether it is within a preset range). When the contact pressure is detected to be within the preset range, elasticity detection is performed on the target object. Specifically, the elasticity detection module of the elasticity detection probe emits a high-intensity ultrasonic signal to the detection area of ​​the target object through an ultrasonic transducer, focusing and generating acoustic radiation force within the detection area, thereby generating shear waves within the target object. The elasticity detection module also emits an ultrasonic signal to the detection area through the ultrasonic transducer to track the propagation of the shear waves, receives the echo signal of the ultrasonic signal tracking the propagation of the shear waves, and feeds it back to the system host. The system host processes the received echo signals to obtain the elasticity information of the target object.

[0055] The elastic detection probe provided in this embodiment of the invention includes a piezoelectric detection module disposed on the second surface of the elastic detection module to quantitatively measure the contact pressure between the elastic detection probe and the target object to be detected. Since the piezoelectric detection module is disposed on the second surface of the elastic detection module, the first surface of the elastic detection module is in direct contact with the target object when the elastic detection probe is working. The piezoelectric detection module is fixed to the fixed structure of the elastic detection probe, maintaining relative fixation with the elastic detection probe. The pressure between the elastic detection probe and the target object is transmitted in reverse to (or reflected in) the piezoelectric detection module. The piezoelectric detection module allows for the quantitative determination of the contact pressure between the second surface of the elastic detection probe and the target object. This ensures that the pressure applied by different operators is within a stable range before elastic detection is performed, thus significantly reducing the difference in detection results caused by different operators, resulting in stable and accurate elastic detection results. The quantitatively determined contact pressure between the second surface of the elastic detection probe and the target object can be a specific pressure value or a pressure range, set according to actual needs, and is not limited herein.

[0056] In some implementations, such as Figure 2As shown, the elasticity detection module sequentially includes an acoustic lens layer 11, a matching layer 12, a second piezoelectric layer 13, and a backing material 14. The acoustic lens layer 11 is used to contact the target object, and the surface of the backing material 14 away from the second piezoelectric layer 13 is the second surface of the elasticity detection module, that is, a first piezoelectric layer 21 is stacked on the surface of the backing material 14 away from the second piezoelectric layer 13.

[0057] Specifically, the acoustic lens layer 11 is used to focus the signal in a direction perpendicular to the imaging plane, reducing signal loss. The matching layer 12 performs acoustic impedance matching between the second piezoelectric layer 13 and the acoustic lens layer 11 to reduce multiple reflections caused by the acoustic impedance difference between the skin and the elasticity detection probe, ensuring better signal propagation into the target object. The second piezoelectric layer 13 includes an ultrasonic transducer array for converting electrical signals into corresponding ultrasonic signals and transmitting these signals to the target object, as well as converting received ultrasonic echo signals back into electrical signals. The backing material 14 is used to reduce vibration, shorten vibration time, and improve axial resolution. Here, axial direction refers to the direction perpendicular to the imaging plane.

[0058] like Figure 2 As shown, the piezoelectric detection module includes a first piezoelectric layer 21, which is stacked on the second surface of the elastic detection module. The first piezoelectric layer 21 includes at least one strain gauge. The working principle of the first piezoelectric layer is as follows: applying pressure to the strain gauge causes strain in the strain gauge; this strain is converted into an electrical parameter, and the magnitude of the applied pressure can be obtained by measuring this electrical parameter. The number of strain gauges included in the first piezoelectric layer 21 can be one, two, or more, depending on actual needs. Using at least one strain gauge for piezoelectric detection simplifies the circuit structure because the strain gauge has pressure detection capabilities.

[0059] In some embodiments, the first piezoelectric layer 21 further includes a waterproof material layer for covering at least one strain gauge. For example, each strain gauge in the first piezoelectric layer 21 is covered with a waterproof material layer, and furthermore, the contact points between each strain gauge and other components are also covered with a waterproof material layer. This is because changes in ambient humidity can cause water molecules in the environment to be absorbed by the strain gauge, thereby altering the strain coefficient of the strain gauge and affecting the accuracy of the detection results from the first piezoelectric layer 21. Therefore, by including a waterproof material layer around the strain gauge, waterproof protection is achieved, improving the accuracy of the detection results.

[0060] In some embodiments, the piezoelectric detection module further includes an elastomeric layer stacked with the first piezoelectric layer. For example, as... Figure 3As shown, the elastomer layer 22 is disposed between the first piezoelectric layer 21 and the backing material 14. The elastomer layer enables force transmission between the elastic detection module and the piezoelectric detection module, improving the detection reliability of the piezoelectric detection module. The material of the elastomer layer 22 includes, but is not limited to, ferritic steel or silicon dioxide, materials with minimal temperature influence; the specific material is selected based on actual requirements.

[0061] As described above, the first piezoelectric layer 21 may contain one, two, or more strain gauges. Therefore, all strain gauges in the first piezoelectric layer 21 may be disposed on the same layer of the elastomer layer, or, when the number of strain gauges in the first piezoelectric layer 21 is greater than one, each strain gauge may be located on opposite sides of the elastomer layer.

[0062] For example, such as Figure 4a As shown, the first piezoelectric layer 21 includes a strain gauge 1, and the strain gauge 1 is disposed on one side of the elastomer layer; as Figure 4b As shown, the first piezoelectric layer 21 includes strain gauge 1 and strain gauge 2, and strain gauge 1 and strain gauge 2 are disposed on one side of the elastomer layer; as Figure 4c As shown, the first piezoelectric layer 21 includes strain gauge 1 and strain gauge 2, and strain gauge 1 and strain gauge 2 are respectively disposed on both sides of the elastomer layer; as Figure 4d As shown, the first piezoelectric layer 21 includes strain gauges 1 to 4, and strain gauges 1 to 4 are respectively disposed on both sides of the elastomer layer. It should be noted that... Figures 4a-4d The diagram only illustrates the relative positional relationship between the strain gauges and the elastomer layer, and does not limit the structural range of both in the embodiments of the present invention. The specific configuration can be adjusted according to actual needs. The positions of the strain gauges and the elastomer layer can be set to meet the requirements of different numbers of strain gauges.

[0063] This invention also provides an elasticity detection system, including an elasticity detection probe and a host. The specific structural details of the elasticity detection probe are described above and will not be repeated here. The host is communicatively connected to the elasticity detection probe and is used to control the elasticity detection probe to excite a shear wave in the detection area of ​​the target object when the contact pressure between the elasticity detection probe and the target object is within a preset range, thereby performing elasticity detection on the target object and obtaining its elasticity information. Specifically, when the contact pressure between the elasticity detection probe and the target object is within the preset range, the host provides an excitation signal to the elasticity detection probe to excite a shear wave in the detection area of ​​the target object, thereby obtaining the elasticity information of the target object. The communication connection between the host and the elasticity detection probe can be wired or wireless, etc., configured according to actual needs.

[0064] Specifically, the preset range can be set to different ranges depending on the target object, or the same range can be set for different target objects.

[0065] The imaging types of this elasticity detection system include, but are not limited to: (1) displacement or strain imaging, including strain elastography (SE) and acoustic radiation force impulse imaging (AFRI), AFRI being virtual touch imaging (VTI / AFRI); (2) shear wave elastography, including transient elastography (TE), point shear wave elastography (pSWE), and two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE); etc.

[0066] Based on this, the elasticity detection probe can also be an AFRI probe, an SWE probe, or a TE probe. If it is a TE probe, the aforementioned shear wave excitation device is a vibrator.

[0067] The elasticity detection system provided in this embodiment relies on an elasticity detection probe that can quantitatively measure the contact pressure between the elasticity detection probe and the target object. This allows the operator to clearly understand the currently applied contact force and perform elasticity detection when the contact pressure is within a preset range, thereby improving the accuracy and stability of elasticity detection.

[0068] The host unit is connected to the pressure detection module to determine the pressure detection results. Furthermore, the host unit is also used to control the elastic detection probe to excite shear waves in the detection area of ​​the target object when the contact pressure between the elastic detection probe and the target object is within a preset range, in order to perform elastic detection and obtain the elastic information of the target object. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the host includes a pressure detection device 31 and a data processing device 32. The pressure detection device 31 is connected to both the data processing device 32 and the piezoelectric detection module of the elastic detection probe. Specifically, one end of the pressure detection device 31 is connected to the piezoelectric detection module, and the other end is connected to the data processing device. The pressure detection device 31 is used to connect to the first piezoelectric layer 21 in the piezoelectric detection module to form a strain circuit.

[0069] Specifically, the host computer processes the echo signal received by the elasticity detection probe to obtain one or more elastic information of the target object, such as displacement, velocity, strain, strain rate, elastic modulus and other quantitative parameters, thereby assisting doctors in diagnosis.

[0070] Specifically, regarding the configuration of the strain gauge circuit, the strain gauges included in the first piezoelectric layer serve as the bridge arm resistors of the strain gauge circuit. For example, as... Figure 6a As shown, the first piezoelectric layer includes strain gauge 1, which acts as resistor R1 in the strain circuit. Combined with three resistors R2 to R4, this forms a single-arm strain circuit. The measurement results for the single-arm strain circuit can be expressed using the following formula:

[0071]

[0072] Where K is the strain sensitivity coefficient, Vi is the input voltage, and Vo is the output voltage.

[0073] like Figure 6b As shown, the first piezoelectric layer includes strain gauge 1 and strain gauge 2. Strain gauge 1 acts as resistor R1 in the strain circuit, and strain gauge 2 acts as resistor R2 in the strain circuit. Together with two resistors R3 and R4, they form a double-arm strain circuit. The measurement results of the double-arm strain circuit can be expressed by the following formula:

[0074]

[0075] like Figure 6c As shown, the first piezoelectric layer includes strain gauges 1 to 4, which serve as resistors R1 to R4 in the strain circuit, forming a full-bridge strain circuit. The measurement results of the full-bridge strain circuit can be expressed by the following formula:

[0076]

[0077] like Figure 5 As shown, the data processing device 32 is used to provide an excitation signal to the elastic detection probe, so that the elastic detection probe excites a shear wave in the detection area of ​​the target object, thereby performing elastic detection and obtaining the detection result of the pressure detection device 31.

[0078] In some implementations, such as Figure 7As shown, the pressure detection device 31 also includes a compensation unit 311, which is connected to the piezoelectric detection device and is used to compensate for pressure detection differences caused by environmental factors. The compensation unit includes, but is not limited to, the waterproof material layer described above, used for humidity compensation of the first piezoelectric layer 21; resistance compensation, used for zero-bias compensation of the pressure detection device 31; and at least two strain gauges are disposed in the first piezoelectric layer 21 to form a double-arm strain circuit, thereby counteracting the effect of temperature on the pressure detection device 31.

[0079] Furthermore, such as Figure 7 As shown, the pressure detection device 31 also includes an amplification device 312, a sampling device 313, and a transmission device 314. The amplification device 312 is used to amplify the measurement data of the compensated strain circuit; the sampling device 313 is used to sample the amplification result of the amplification device 312, and its sampling period is set according to actual needs; the transmission device 314 is used to transmit the sampling result to the data processing device 32 for subsequent processing.

[0080] In some implementations, such as Figure 8 As shown, the compensation unit includes a compensation resistor Rt, which is an adjustable resistor. The compensation resistor Rt is connected in parallel to the input terminal of the strain gauge circuit for zero-bias correction. Specifically, in conjunction with... Figure 8 As shown, the strain gauge circuit outputs a voltage Vo of 0 when in equilibrium. However, due to factors such as accuracy and manufacturing process, the output voltage Vo may not be 0 when strain gauge 1 is not under stress. Therefore, by setting a compensation resistor Rt, the output voltage Vo of the strain gauge circuit can be made 0 when strain gauge 1 is not under stress by adjusting the value of Rt.

[0081] In some implementations, such as Figure 5 As shown, the host also includes an ultrasonic receiver 33, a transceiver switch 34, and an ultrasonic transmitter 35. One end of the ultrasonic receiver 33 is connected to the data processing device 32, and the other end is connected to the second piezoelectric layer 13 of the elastic detection probe via the transceiver switch 34. One end of the ultrasonic transmitter 35 is connected to the data processing device 32, and the other end is connected to the second piezoelectric layer 13.

[0082] Specifically, the ultrasonic receiver 33 is used to receive the ultrasonic echo signal output by the second piezoelectric layer 13; the ultrasonic transmitter 35 is used to transmit the excitation signal, which is converted into a corresponding ultrasonic signal (e.g., an ultrasonic signal that generates / excites shear waves, or an ultrasonic signal that tracks shear waves) by the second piezoelectric layer 13; the transceiver switch 34 is used to isolate the ultrasonic receiver 33 and the ultrasonic transmitter 35; and the pressure detection device is connected to the first piezoelectric layer 21 in the elastic detection probe to quantitatively detect the pressure signal sensed by the first piezoelectric layer 21.

[0083] The elasticity detection system provided in this invention can quantitatively detect the pressure between the elasticity detection probe and the target object during the elasticity detection process, ensuring that the pressure is within a stable range before elasticity detection is performed. Therefore, it can obtain detection results with good stability and high accuracy, and reduce the difficulty of operation.

[0084] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An elastic detection probe, characterized in that, include: An elasticity detection module has a first surface in contact with a target object and a second surface away from the target object; A piezoelectric detection module is disposed on the second surface of the elastic detection module. The piezoelectric detection module is used to measure the contact pressure between the elastic detection probe and the target object. Among them, when the contact pressure is detected to be within a preset range, the elasticity of the target object is detected; The piezoelectric detection module includes: A first piezoelectric layer is disposed on the second surface of the elastic detection module, and the first piezoelectric layer includes at least one strain gauge. An elastomer layer is stacked with the first piezoelectric layer; The elasticity detection module includes, in sequence: An acoustic lens layer is used to contact the target object; A matching layer is used for acoustic impedance matching between the acoustic lens layer and the second piezoelectric layer; The second piezoelectric layer includes an ultrasonic transducer array; A backing material is located between the second piezoelectric layer and the piezoelectric detection module; The material of the elastomer layer includes ferritic steel or silicon dioxide; The piezoelectric detection module is fixed to the fixed structure of the elastic detection probe, and it remains relatively fixed to the elastic detection probe.

2. The elastic detection probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first piezoelectric layer further includes a waterproof material layer, which is used to cover the at least one strain gauge.

3. The elastic detection probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one strain gauge is located on the same side of the elastomer layer; or, When the number of strain gauges is greater than 1, the at least one strain gauge is located on both sides of the elastomer layer.

4. An elasticity detection system, characterized in that, include: The elastic detection probe according to any one of claims 1-3; The host is communicatively connected to the elastic detection probe. The host is used to control the elastic detection probe to excite shear waves in the detection area of ​​the target object when the contact pressure between the elastic detection probe and the target object is within a preset range, so as to obtain the elastic information of the target object.

5. The elasticity detection system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The host includes: A pressure detection device is connected to a data processing device and the piezoelectric detection module of the elastic detection probe to form a strain circuit. The data processing device is used to acquire the detection results of the pressure detection device, and to control the elastic detection probe to excite shear waves in the detection area of ​​the target object when the contact pressure is within a preset range.

6. The elasticity detection system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The pressure detection device also includes a compensation unit for compensating for pressure detection differences caused by environmental factors.

7. The elasticity detection system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The compensation unit includes: A compensation resistor is connected in parallel to the input terminal of the strain circuit.

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