Area array ultrasonic transducer, ultrasonic imaging method and electronic device

Abstract

The application provides a surface array ultrasonic transducer, an ultrasonic imaging method and an electronic device, wherein the ultrasonic transducer comprises a plurality of array elements, the distance between adjacent array elements is consistent; the plurality of array elements are divided into a plurality of subarray regions, each subarray region has M rows and N columns of array elements; the array elements at the same row and column position in each subarray region can be connected to the same channel line, and the array elements at different row and column positions in each subarray region are connected to different channel lines; the channel line is used for inputting an excitation signal of the surface array ultrasonic transducer and / or transmitting an ultrasonic echo signal; at the same time, for any row and column position, at most, the array elements of the row and column position of one subarray region are connected to the channel line. The ultrasonic transducer reduces the number of channels of the ultrasonic transducer, and can realize sub-aperture emission or reception at any position on the surface array of the ultrasonic transducer, thereby improving the flexibility of imaging.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of ultrasonic imaging, in particular to a two-dimensional array ultrasonic transducer, an ultrasonic imaging method and an electronic device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Three-dimensional ultrasonic imaging has important application value in medical clinical and academic research. It promotes the traditional two-dimensional ultrasonic surface imaging to three-dimensional ultrasonic volume imaging, can reflect more rich structure level information, and thus can detect complex lesions or organ states which cannot be evaluated by two-dimensional ultrasonic imaging, and can make more accurate clinical diagnosis and research exploration. Among various three-dimensional ultrasonic scanning methods, using a two-dimensional array transducer to perform three-dimensional data acquisition is the most rapid and accurate.

[0003] A full-sampling large-aperture two-dimensional array ultrasonic transducer can achieve good imaging quality and high imaging flexibility, but the number of array elements of such a two-dimensional array transducer is thousands, and the number of physical channels of the imaging system is also thousands, which not only has great wiring difficulty, but also has very high cost. The number of array elements of the full-sampling two-dimensional array ultrasonic transducer is N×N, and the number of required system channels is the same as the number of array elements, so a high-channel imaging system is required.

[0004] In order to reduce the manufacturing cost, the number of system channels, facilitate wiring, and at the same time realize high-quality three-dimensional imaging, the following several two-dimensional array transducers are proposed in the field: a two-dimensional sparse array ultrasonic transducer, a row-column addressing array ultrasonic transducer, a two-dimensional array ultrasonic transducer based on a beamforming integrated circuit, and a two-dimensional array ultrasonic transducer based on a high-voltage switch.

[0005] The two-dimensional sparse array ultrasonic transducer randomly and uniformly selects a small number of active array elements on the full-sampling two-dimensional array for imaging, reduces the number of system channels required for three-dimensional ultrasonic imaging to the number of active array elements required, and is simple to wire and easy to implement.

[0006] The row-column addressing array ultrasonic transducer is composed of two one-dimensional arrays which are vertically overlapped and placed, the array in one direction is used for transmission, and the array in the other direction is used for reception, so as to realize focused imaging. This method changes the number of array elements of the two-dimensional probe from N×N to N+N, greatly reducing the number of required system channels and wiring cost.

[0007] The two-dimensional array ultrasonic transducer based on the beamforming integrated circuit first sends the signals received by the adjacent multiple array elements into the beamforming integrated circuit, and outputs one signal after beamforming processing, so as to reduce the signal path entering the system (for example, the signal output of four array elements is one signal path, so the number of system channels can be reduced to 1 / 4 of the number of array elements). However, the delay, focusing and other parameters of such a transducer are fixed and not flexible, and can only be applied to specific imaging needs.

[0008] Compared with a full-sampling planar array, the sensitivity and resolution of a two-dimensional sparse array ultrasonic transducer decrease with the decrease of the activated elements, and the calculation of the optimal arrangement of the activated elements is time-consuming and dependent on parameters. The row-column addressing array ultrasonic transducer is not a true two-dimensional array in structure, and an edge effect occurs during imaging, resulting in a larger main lobe width and a stronger side lobe amplitude, and the resolution is poorer than that of a full-sampling planar array. The two-dimensional planar array ultrasonic transducer based on a beam forming integrated circuit has a fixed beam forming delay in the integrated circuit, and the imaging parameters of the probe are also fixed, which cannot be flexibly adjusted according to the application, and the use scene is limited. Therefore, the full-sampling two-dimensional planar array ultrasonic transducer is still the best choice for three-dimensional ultrasonic imaging, and has great advantages in signal-to-noise ratio, sensitivity, resolution and flexibility of beam control.

[0009] The selectable full-sampling two-dimensional planar array ultrasonic transducer based on a high-voltage switch is connected to a programmable high-voltage switch to select the sub-aperture, so that the three-dimensional ultrasonic imaging of the full-sampling planar array ultrasonic transducer with a large number of elements is realized by a low-channel ultrasonic imaging system.

[0010] However, in order to realize the line connection, the existing 1024-element full-sampling two-dimensional planar array ultrasonic transducer divides the 1024 elements into four sub-arrays (8x32), and there is a 0.6mm gap between each sub-array. Due to the existence of the gap and the limitation of the wiring mode, only the fixed four sub-apertures can be selected for imaging, which seriously affects the flexibility of the optimization of the imaging method and also leads to poor imaging quality. SUMMARY

[0011] The purpose of the present specification is to provide a planar array ultrasonic transducer and an ultrasonic imaging method and an electronic device to solve the problem of inflexible existing ultrasonic imaging method and poor imaging quality.

[0012] To solve the above technical problems, the first aspect of the present specification provides a planar array ultrasonic transducer, comprising: a plurality of elements arranged in an array, adjacent elements have a consistent distance in a first direction, and adjacent elements have a consistent distance in a second direction, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction; the plurality of elements are divided into a plurality of sub-array regions, each sub-array region has M rows and N columns of elements; the elements at the same row and column position in each sub-array region can be connected to the same channel line, and the elements at different row and column positions in each sub-array region are connected to different channel lines; the channel line is used to input an excitation signal of the planar array ultrasonic transducer and / or transmit an ultrasonic echo signal; wherein the M and the N are natural numbers; at the same time, at most one element at the row and column position of any one row and column position in a sub-array region is connected to a channel line.

[0013] In some embodiments, at any one time, for any one row-column position and the channel line corresponding to the row-column position, there is only one element of the row-column position of the subarray region connected to the channel line.

[0014] In some embodiments, the elements connected to each channel line form a continuous subaperture region.

[0015] In some embodiments, the elements of the same row-column position in each subarray region are connected to the channel line through a multiplex controllable switch.

[0016] In some embodiments, the number of channel lines is the same as the number of elements in each subarray region, and the number of moving contacts of the multiplex controllable switch is the same as the number of divided subarray regions.

[0017] In some embodiments, each subarray region is arranged in X rows and Y columns, and X and Y are any natural numbers.

[0018] The second aspect of the specification provides an ultrasonic imaging method for a planar array ultrasonic transducer, the planar array ultrasonic transducer comprising a plurality of elements arranged in an array, adjacent elements having a consistent distance in a first direction and a consistent distance in a second direction, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction; the plurality of elements are divided into a plurality of subarray regions, each subarray region having M rows and N columns of elements; elements of the same row-column position in each subarray region can be connected to the same channel line, and elements of different row-column positions in each subarray region are connected to different channel lines; the channel line is used to input an excitation signal of the planar array ultrasonic transducer and / or transmit an ultrasonic echo signal; wherein M and N are natural numbers; at any one time, for any one row-column position, at most one element of the row-column position of the subarray region is connected to the channel line; the method comprises: determining each subaperture region for transmitting an ultrasonic signal and each preset region for receiving an ultrasonic echo signal; sequentially controlling each subaperture region to transmit an ultrasonic signal, and when each subaperture region transmits an ultrasonic signal, sequentially controlling each preset region to receive an ultrasonic echo signal, and taking the ultrasonic echo signal received by each element in each preset region as the ultrasonic echo signal corresponding to the subaperture region transmitting the ultrasonic signal; wherein controlling one subaperture region to transmit an ultrasonic signal means controlling each element in the subaperture region to be connected to a channel line, and controlling one preset region to receive an ultrasonic echo signal means controlling each element in the preset region to be connected to a channel line; processing the ultrasonic echo signal corresponding to each subaperture region to obtain an ultrasonic image.

[0019] In some embodiments, when controlling the connection of each array element in the sub-aperture region to a channel line, for any one row-column position and corresponding channel line, the array element of the row-column position of only one sub-array region is controlled to be connected to the corresponding channel line, and the array elements connected to each channel line form a continuous sub-aperture region.

[0020] In some embodiments, when determining each preset region for receiving an ultrasonic echo signal, a set of preset regions covers each array element on the area array transducer; and / or, when determining each sub-aperture region for transmitting an ultrasonic signal, a set of sub-aperture regions covers each array element on the area array transducer.

[0021] In some embodiments, when determining each preset region for receiving an ultrasonic echo signal, a set of preset regions covers at least the array element closest to the imaging target on the area array transducer, and the set of preset regions does not include at least one array element farthest from the imaging target on the area array transducer; and / or, when determining each sub-aperture region for transmitting an ultrasonic signal, a set of sub-aperture regions covers at least the array element closest to the imaging target on the area array transducer, and the set of sub-aperture regions does not include at least one array element farthest from the imaging target on the area array transducer.

[0022] In some embodiments, each sub-aperture region and each preset region comprises an arbitrary shape.

[0023] In some embodiments, the preset region and the number of rows and columns of the divided sub-array region are the same.

[0024] In some embodiments, before controlling each sub-aperture region to transmit an ultrasonic signal, further comprising: determining the corresponding transmission angle of each sub-aperture region; controlling a target sub-aperture region to transmit an ultrasonic signal and a target preset region to receive an ultrasonic echo signal, comprising: controlling the target sub-aperture region to transmit an ultrasonic signal at each transmission angle, and controlling the target preset region to receive an ultrasonic echo signal corresponding to each transmission angle; wherein the ultrasonic echo signal corresponding to a transmission angle refers to the ultrasonic echo signal generated when the target sub-aperture region transmits an ultrasonic signal at the transmission angle.

[0025] The third aspect of the present specification provides an electronic device, comprising: a memory and a processor, which are in communication connection with each other, the memory stores computer instructions, and the processor implements the steps of the method of any one of the second aspect by executing the computer instructions.

[0026] The fourth aspect of the specification provides a computer storage medium, which stores computer program instructions, and the computer program instructions are executed by a processor to implement the steps of the method of any one of the second aspect.

[0027] The ultrasonic transducer provided by the specification can reduce the number of channels of the ultrasonic transducer under the condition that the distances in the row direction and the column direction are consistent, and can realize sub-aperture transmission or reception at any position on the surface array of the ultrasonic transducer, and can realize a sub-aperture of any shape.

[0028] The ultrasonic imaging method provided by the specification can realize three-dimensional ultrasonic imaging of a high-channel full-sampling two-dimensional ultrasonic probe by using a low-channel and low-cost imaging system, and can optimize the imaging quality by flexibly adjusting the imaging parameters of the three-dimensional sub-aperture ultrasonic imaging algorithm, and greatly improve the resolution, contrast and signal-to-noise ratio of three-dimensional ultrasonic imaging. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the prior art, the drawings needed in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments described in the present application, and those skilled in the art can also obtain other drawings according to these drawings without creative labor.

[0030] Figure 1 The structure diagram of the multiple-to-one controllable selector is shown;

[0031] Figures 2 to 4 The wiring mode schematic diagram of the surface array ultrasonic transducer provided by the specification is shown;

[0032] Figure 5 The schematic diagram of the sub-aperture region is shown;

[0033] Figure 6 The wiring mode schematic diagram of an ultrasonic transducer that may exist in the prior art is shown;

[0034] Figure 7 The wiring mode schematic diagram of another surface array ultrasonic transducer provided by the specification is shown;

[0035] Figure 8 The flowchart of the ultrasonic imaging method provided by the specification is shown;

[0036] Figure 9 An embodiment schematic diagram of step 20 in Figure 8

[0037] Figure 10 An embodiment schematic diagram of the method based on​Figures 2 to 4 A schematic diagram of an ultrasound imaging method proposed by the ultrasound transducer wiring mode shown;

[0038] Figure 11 A schematic diagram showing that sub-aperture regions emit ultrasound signals at different emission angles;

[0039] Figure 12 A schematic diagram showing that the ultrasound imaging method is based on Figures 2 to 4 A schematic diagram of another ultrasound imaging method proposed by the ultrasound transducer wiring mode shown;

[0040] Figure 13 A schematic diagram showing three working modes of a possible prior art ultrasound transducer;

[0041] Figure 14 A principle block diagram of an electronic device provided in the present specification is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] In order for those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described in the following with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0043] The present specification provides a planar array ultrasound transducer, which comprises a plurality of array elements arranged in an array, the plurality of array elements having a consistent distance in a first direction and a consistent distance in a second direction, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. The first direction can be the extension direction of a row of array elements in the array (hereinafter referred to as row direction), and the second direction can be the extension direction of a column of array elements in the array (hereinafter referred to as column direction).

[0044] The array elements are divided into a plurality of sub-array regions, each sub-array region having M rows and N columns of array elements. The array elements at the same row and column positions in each sub-array region can be connected to the same channel line, and the array elements at different row and column positions in each sub-array region are connected to different channel lines. The channel line is used to input an excitation signal of the planar array ultrasound transducer and / or transmit an ultrasound echo signal. Wherein M and N are natural numbers. At the same time, for any one row and column position, at most only the array elements at the row and column positions of one sub-array region are connected to the channel line.

[0045] The ultrasound transducer mentioned in the present specification can be at least one of the following: a piezoelectric transducer, a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT), and a piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer (PMUT).

[0046] The "distance uniformity" of the adjacent elements can be that the distance between the adjacent elements is equal, or that the distance difference between the adjacent elements is very small so as to be negligible for the imaging result.

[0047] The "row-column position" in the present specification refers to a position located by a row and a column. Since each sub-array region is an M-row and N-column element, the shape and layout of each sub-array region are the same. Any element of any sub-array region can be located by a row number and a column number.

[0048] "Different row-column positions" refer to two positions with different row numbers and / or different column numbers.

[0049] "For any row-column position, at the same time, at most one" element of the row-column position of the sub-array region is connected to the channel line, can be that for the position of m rows and n columns (m is any natural number from 1 to M, and n is any natural number from 1 to N), none of the m-row and n-column elements of the sub-array region is connected to the corresponding channel line of the m-row and n-column, or one of the m-row and n-column elements of the sub-array region is connected to the corresponding channel line of the m-row and n-column. The channel line is one-to-one corresponding to the row-column position.

[0050] The above-mentioned "elements of the same row-column position in each sub-array region can be connected to the same channel line" means that the elements of the same row-column position in each sub-array region can be controlled to be connected to the same channel line. That is, the elements of the same row-column position in each sub-array region can be connected to the same controllable device, which is connected to the channel line corresponding to the row-column position, and by controlling the controllable device, it can be selected which one or which ones of the elements (connected to the controllable device) are electrically connected to the channel line.

[0051] In some embodiments, the controllable device can include a plurality of controllable switches, wherein each controllable switch corresponds to an element, one end of the controllable switch is electrically connected to the corresponding element, and the other end is electrically connected to the channel line. Whether each element is connected to the channel line is controlled by controlling whether the controllable switch is closed. The plurality of controllable switches can be integrated in the same chip.

[0052] In other embodiments, the controllable device can be a multiple-to-one controllable selector, such as Figure 1 As shown, the multiple-to-one controllable selector includes a static contact, a plurality of movable contacts, and a contact head. The static contact is electrically connected to the channel line, and each movable contact is electrically connected to an element. The first end of the contact head is electrically connected to the static contact, and the other end can be controlled to be electrically connected to any movable contact, thereby realizing the control of the electrical connection between the element corresponding to the movable contact and the channel line.

[0053] The number of movable contacts is not less than the number of divided sub - array regions. In some embodiments, the number of movable contacts is the same as the number of divided sub - array regions. That is, at the same moment, for any row - column position (such as an element at row m and column n), there is one and only one element at the row - column position of a sub - array region connected to the channel line. In some other embodiments, the number of movable contacts can also be 1 more than the number of divided sub - array regions. For example, the extra 1 movable contact is left floating (i.e., not connected to anything). Then when the contact touches this movable contact, it means that at the same moment, for a row - column position (such as an element at row m and column n), no element at the row - column position of a sub - array region is connected to the channel line.

[0054] The "one - of - many controllable selector" in this specification can specifically be a multiplexing high - voltage switch.

[0055] The "channel line" in this specification is used to input the excitation signal of the planar array ultrasonic transducer and / or transmit the ultrasonic echo signal. All the channel lines of a planar array ultrasonic transducer can be used to input the excitation signal, or can be used to transmit the ultrasonic echo signal. It can also be that a part of the channel lines in a planar array ultrasonic transducer are used to input the excitation signal, and another part of the channel lines are used to transmit the ultrasonic echo signal. Whether the channel line is specifically used to input the excitation signal or to transmit the ultrasonic echo signal can be determined according to the specific usage mode of the planar array ultrasonic transducer.

[0056] Figures 2 to 4 A schematic diagram of a planar array ultrasonic transducer provided in this specification is shown. The planar array ultrasonic transducer includes 1024 elements, and these elements are arranged in a 32×32 manner. These elements are divided into the following four sub - array regions: Ap1, Ap2, Ap3, Ap4. In each of these four sub - array regions, the elements are arranged in a 16×16 manner. These four sub - array regions are arranged in a "field" shape.

[0057] The elements at the same row and same column positions in each sub - array region can be connected to the same channel line, and the elements in different rows or different columns are connected to different channel lines. For example, as Figure 3 shown, the elements at the 1st row and 1st column positions in the sub - array regions Ap1, Ap2, Ap3, Ap4 are connected to the controllable switch Switch 1, and this controllable switch Switch 1 is connected to the "1st channel line"; as Figure 4 shown, the elements at the 16th row and 16th column positions in the sub - array regions ApI, Ap2, Ap3, Ap4 are connected to the controllable switch Switch256, and this controllable switch Switch 256 is connected to the "256th channel line". Figure 2 The shown planar array ultrasonic transducer can correspond to 256 Switches and 256 channel lines. Figure 3 andFigure 4 Only the connection mode of 2 elements in subarray regions Ap1, Ap2, Ap3, Ap4 is shown, and the connection mode of the remaining elements can be analogized according to the connection mode of Figure 2 and Figure 3 .

[0058] Although Figures 2 to 4 The schematic diagram of four subarray regions arranged in a checkboard pattern is shown, the surface array ultrasonic transducer provided in the present specification can also be divided into other number of array regions, for example, 6 subarray regions arranged in 2 rows and 3 columns; or 9 subarray regions arranged in 3x3. That is, the surface array ultrasonic transducer provided in the present specification can be divided into XxY subarray regions, and the XxY regions are arranged in X rows and Y columns. X and Y can both be any natural number. In some examples, X≥2, Y≥2, that is, the surface array ultrasonic transducer has at least 2 rows and at least 2 columns.

[0059] In some embodiments, at the same time, for any row-column position and the channel line corresponding to the row-column position, only the element of the row-column position in one subarray region is connected to the channel line; and the elements connected to each channel line form a continuous subaperture region.

[0060] For example, the element of the same row-column position in each subarray region is connected to the channel line through a K-selectable controllable switch, so that the above-mentioned "only the element of the row-column position in one subarray region is connected to the channel line" can be realized. The number of channel lines is the same as the number of elements contained in one subarray region, and the value of K is the same as the number of divided subarray regions.

[0061] Under the setting of "only the element of the row-column position in one subarray region is connected to the channel line", the elements connected to the channel line can be dispersed at various positions on the surface array transducer. The control of the elements connected to the channel line to form a continuous subaperture region can facilitate the emission of ultrasonic signals in subaperture imaging to be more concentrated, so that the signal intensity is high and the imaging effect is better.

[0062] Figure 5The schematic diagram of the sub-aperture region is shown, wherein each square thick solid line frame represents a sub-aperture region. For example, at t1, the elements in the upper square thick solid line frame are all connected to the channel line, and the elements outside the square thick solid line frame are all not connected to the channel line due to the limitation of the wiring mode. That is, if the elements in the square thick solid line frame are selected to transmit ultrasonic signals or receive ultrasonic echo signals, the region enclosed by the square thick solid line frame is the sub-aperture region corresponding to t1. At t2, the elements in the lower square thick solid line frame are all connected to the channel line, and the elements outside the square thick solid line frame are all not connected to the channel line due to the limitation of the wiring mode. That is, if the elements in the square thick solid line frame are selected to transmit ultrasonic signals or receive ultrasonic echo signals, the region enclosed by the square thick solid line frame is the sub-aperture region corresponding to t2. Figure 5 The position schematic diagram of two sub-aperture regions is shown. In fact, the sub-aperture region can have various positions, and any one of the sub-array regions in the regions Ap1, Ap2, Ap3, and Ap4 can also form a sub-aperture.

[0063] The formed continuous sub-aperture region can be as large as the divided sub-array region, and the number and arrangement of the elements included in the largest and continuous sub-aperture region are the same as those of the divided sub-array region.

[0064] It should be noted that in the case of "at the same time, for a row-column position and the channel line corresponding to the row-column position, there can be no element of the row-column position of a sub-array region connected to the channel line", the number of rows and columns of the formed continuous sub-aperture region is less than that of the divided sub-array region.

[0065] Figure 6 The schematic diagram of the element arrangement of a face array ultrasonic transducer that can exist in the prior art is shown, wherein 1024 elements are divided into 4 sub-array regions, and each region has 256 sub-array elements, which are arranged in a rectangular shape of 8 rows and 32 columns. The distance between adjacent array regions is greater than the distance between elements in the sub-array region. The elements in the same row-column position in each sub-array region are also connected to the channel line through the multiple selection controllable switch. The number of channel lines is also the same as the number of elements in each sub-array region, that is, there are 256 channel lines.

[0066] The face array ultrasonic transducer provided in the specification and the face array ultrasonic transducer shown in Figure 6 The difference between the face array ultrasonic transducer provided in the specification and the face array ultrasonic transducer shown in Figure 61. The distance between adjacent subarray regions is greater than the distance between elements within each subarray region; that is, the distances between elements are not uniform. 2. The number of rows and columns of the subarray regions of the area array ultrasonic transducer provided in this specification can be arbitrarily selected. Figure 6 The neutron array region can only have one column; 3. The area array ultrasonic transducer provided in this specification can form a sub-aperture region for emitting ultrasound or receiving ultrasound echoes at any position on the area array of the area array ultrasonic transducer (sub-apertures of arbitrary shapes can be realized), and Figure 6 The area array ultrasonic transducer shown cannot form sub-aperture regions across regions.

[0067] Regarding point 3 above, because Figure 6 The distance between each subarray region is greater than the distance between each element within a subarray region, therefore Figure 6 The area array ultrasonic transducer shown can only control one of the sub-array regions Ap1, Ap2, Ap3, and Ap4 as a sub-aperture region at a time. When the sub-aperture region spans two sub-array regions, the ultrasonic imaging effect will be affected by the interval between the sub-array regions, resulting in poor ultrasonic imaging. Figure 7 As shown, in the ultrasonic transducer provided in this specification, the sub-aperture region formed across the region (e.g.) Figure 7 The imaging effect (shown in the large, thick black rectangle) is the same as that formed by any sub-array region creating a sub-aperture region. For example... Figure 7 As shown in the small rectangle with thick black lines, the size of the sub-aperture region in the ultrasonic transducer provided in this specification can be arbitrarily selected. In fact, the shape of the sub-aperture region can also be arbitrarily selected; for example, the sub-aperture shape can also be approximately circular.

[0068] It should be noted that prior to this application, area array ultrasonic transducers with uniformly spaced elements typically had each element connected to a separate channel line, meaning the number of channel lines equaled the number of elements, resulting in a large number of channels in the area array ultrasonic transducer. However, the area array ultrasonic transducer provided in this specification reduces the number of channels through multiplexing. This element wiring method is a prerequisite for achieving sub-aperture transmission or reception (and even sub-apertures of arbitrary shapes) at any position on the area array ultrasonic transducer.

[0069] As can be seen from the above analysis, the area array ultrasonic transducer provided in this specification can reduce the number of channels of the area array ultrasonic transducer while maintaining the consistent distance between each array element, and can realize sub-aperture transmission or reception at any position on the area array of the area array ultrasonic transducer, and can even realize sub-apertures of arbitrary shapes.

[0070] The sub-aperture imaging scheme selects only part of the sub-apertures in the full aperture for each transmission and reception, and then coherently combines the imaging results of multiple sub-apertures, thereby achieving high-quality ultrasound imaging while maintaining a high imaging frame rate. In the case of a limited number of channel lines in the hardware system, only sub-aperture elements less than or equal to the number of system channels are selected for transmission each time, and then the signals are coherently combined to achieve image quality comparable to full-aperture transmission. Due to limitations in process level, the wiring of the planar array ultrasonic transducer needs to leave some space for the channel lines connecting the elements, so, Figure 6 The planar array ultrasonic transducer shown divides the full aperture into four sub-apertures, and there is a gap between each sub-aperture, which seriously affects the imaging quality and the flexibility of the imaging method.

[0071] Based on the sub-aperture imaging principle, the present specification provides an ultrasonic imaging method based on the planar array ultrasonic transducer provided above, as shown in the figure, Figure 8 The ultrasonic imaging method includes the following steps:

[0072] S10: Determine each sub-aperture region for transmitting ultrasonic signals and each preset region for receiving ultrasonic echo signals.

[0073] The wiring structure of the planar array ultrasonic transducer has the following characteristics: 1. At the same time, for any row-column position, at most only the elements of the row-column position in one sub-array region are connected to the channel line; 2. The elements of the same row-column position in each sub-array region can be connected to the same channel line, and the elements of different row-column positions in each sub-array region are connected to different channel lines.

[0074] Due to the above wiring structure of the planar array ultrasonic transducer, the number of elements in one sub-aperture region or one preset region must be less than or equal to the number of elements in one divided sub-array region, and the elements in one sub-aperture region or one preset region can be continuously distributed or dispersedly distributed.

[0075] In some embodiments, each sub-aperture region and each preset region can be of any shape.

[0076] In other embodiments, when controlling the connection of each element in the sub-aperture region to the channel line, for any row-column position and corresponding channel line, only the elements of the row-column position in one sub-array region are controlled to be connected to the corresponding channel line, and the elements connected to each channel line form a continuous sub-aperture region. That is, the sub-aperture region represented by any one of the square bold solid line boxes shown in Figure 5

[0077] From Figure 5 ​It can be seen that, based on the above wiring structure of the area array ultrasonic transducer, in the case of continuous one sub-aperture region, the number of array elements, the number of rows, the number of columns and the like of the formed one sub-aperture region should be the same as that of the divided sub-array region (the array element corresponding to the row and column position of only one sub-array region is connected to the corresponding channel line) or at least one of the number of array elements, the number of rows, the number of columns and the like of the formed one sub-aperture region is less than that of the divided sub-array region.

[0078] Similarly, based on the above wiring structure of the area array ultrasonic transducer, in the case of continuous one preset region, the number of array elements, the number of rows, the number of columns and the like of the one preset region should be the same as that of the divided sub-array region (the array element corresponding to the row and column position of only one sub-array region is connected to the corresponding channel line) or at least one of the number of array elements, the number of rows, the number of columns and the like of the one preset region is less than that of the divided sub-array region (corresponding to at least one row and column position, the array element of the row and column position of no sub-array region is connected to the channel line corresponding to the row and column position).

[0079] The preset regions can be non-intersecting or intersecting. In theory, the preset regions can be at any position.

[0080] In some embodiments, when determining the preset regions for receiving ultrasonic echo signals, a set of the preset regions covers all array elements on the area array transducer. Through this setting, when one sub-aperture region transmits ultrasonic signals, the preset regions can sequentially receive ultrasonic echo signals, and the ultrasonic echo signals received by the array elements in the preset regions are coherently compounded to obtain an ultrasonic image. The imaging effect of the obtained ultrasonic image is equivalent to that of full-aperture reception, that is, the imaging effect is better.

[0081] The sub-aperture regions can be non-intersecting or intersecting. In theory, the sub-aperture regions can be at any position.

[0082] In some embodiments, when determining the sub-aperture regions for ultrasonic signals, a set of the sub-aperture regions covers all array elements on the area array transducer. Through this setting, the sub-aperture regions can sequentially transmit ultrasonic signals, and the ultrasonic echo signals corresponding to the sub-aperture regions are coherently compounded to obtain an ultrasonic image. The imaging effect of the obtained ultrasonic image is equivalent to that of full-aperture transmission, that is, the imaging effect is better.

[0083] The "covering each array element on the area array transducer" can refer to covering all array elements on the area array transducer. In some cases (for example, partial array element failure), the array elements capable of transmitting ultrasonic signals or receiving ultrasonic echoes for ultrasonic imaging are not all array elements on the ultrasonic transducer, in which case the "covering each array element on the area array transducer" is not covering all array elements.

[0084] In some embodiments, when determining each preset region for receiving ultrasonic echo signals, the set of preset regions covers at least the array element on the area array transducer closest to the imaging target, and the set of preset regions does not include at least one array element on the area array transducer farthest from the imaging target. That is, the set of preset regions can only include part of the array elements on the ultrasonic transducer, and the array elements on the ultrasonic transducer far from the imaging target can not be within the coverage of the set. For example, ultrasonic echo signals are received by array elements in the ultrasonic transducer close to the imaging object, and ultrasonic echo signals are not received by array elements far from the imaging object. Since the ultrasonic signals received by the array elements far from the imaging object are easily disturbed and not accurate, the above setting can improve the quality of ultrasonic imaging.

[0085] In some embodiments, when determining each sub-aperture region for transmitting ultrasonic signals, the set of sub-aperture regions covers at least the array element on the area array transducer closest to the imaging target, and the set of sub-aperture regions does not include at least one array element on the area array transducer farthest from the imaging target. That is, the set of sub-aperture regions can only include part of the array elements on the ultrasonic transducer, and the array elements on the ultrasonic transducer far from the imaging target can not be within the coverage of the set. For example, ultrasonic signals are transmitted by array elements in the ultrasonic transducer close to the imaging object, and ultrasonic signals are not transmitted by array elements far from the imaging object. Since the ultrasonic signals transmitted by the array elements far from the imaging object are easily disturbed and not accurate, the above setting can improve the quality of ultrasonic imaging.

[0086] S20: sequentially control each sub-aperture region to transmit ultrasonic signals, and when each sub-aperture region transmits ultrasonic signals, sequentially control each preset region to receive ultrasonic echo signals, and take the ultrasonic echo signals received by each array element in each preset region as the ultrasonic echo signals corresponding to the sub-aperture region transmitting ultrasonic signals; wherein controlling one sub-aperture region to transmit ultrasonic signals refers to controlling each array element in the sub-aperture region to be connected to a channel line, and controlling one preset region to receive ultrasonic echo signals refers to controlling each array element in the preset region to be connected to a channel line.

[0087] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, step S20 can include the following steps: Figure 9

[0088] ​S21: control the connection of the elements in the current sub-aperture region to the channel line, so that the elements in the current sub-aperture region emit ultrasonic signals, and control the connection of the elements in the current preset region to the channel line, so that the current preset region receives ultrasonic echo signals; and acquire the ultrasonic echo signals received by each element in the current preset region.

[0089] S22: determine whether there is a next preset region. If the result of the determination is yes, perform step S23; otherwise, jump to step S24 for continuous execution.

[0090] S23: take the next preset region of the current preset region as the current preset region, and jump to S21 for continuous execution.

[0091] S24: when the current sub-aperture region emits ultrasonic signals, the ultrasonic echo signals received by each element of each preset region are taken as the ultrasonic echo signals corresponding to the current sub-aperture region.

[0092] The above steps S21 to S27 will be described below with reference to the planar array ultrasonic transducer shown in Figures 2 to 5

[0093] As shown in Figure 10 , the ultrasonic signals can be first controlled to be emitted by the sub-aperture region 1, and the ultrasonic echo signals can be controlled to be received by the preset region Ap1; then the ultrasonic signals can be controlled to be emitted by the sub-aperture region 1, and the ultrasonic echo signals can be controlled to be received by the preset region Ap2; then the ultrasonic signals can be controlled to be emitted by the sub-aperture region 1, and the ultrasonic echo signals can be controlled to be received by the preset region Ap3; then the ultrasonic signals can be controlled to be emitted by the sub-aperture region 1, and the ultrasonic echo signals can be controlled to be received by the preset region Ap4. The ultrasonic echo signals received by each element in the above preset regions Ap1, Ap2, Ap3, and Ap4 are taken as the ultrasonic echo signals corresponding to the sub-aperture region 1.

[0094] S25: determine whether there is a next sub-aperture region. If the result of the determination is yes, perform step S26; otherwise, jump to step S27 for continuous execution.

[0095] S26: take the next sub-aperture region of the current sub-aperture region as the current sub-aperture region, and jump to S21 for continuous execution.

[0096] As in the above example, as shown in Figure 10 , the ultrasonic echo signals corresponding to the sub-aperture region 2, the sub-aperture region 3, …, the sub-aperture region k-1, and the sub-aperture region k can be acquired by using a method similar to that of “acquiring the ultrasonic echo signals corresponding to the sub-aperture region 1”.

[0097] S27: after acquiring the ultrasonic echo signals corresponding to each sub-aperture region, the ultrasonic echo signals corresponding to each sub-aperture region are coherently compounded to obtain an ultrasonic image.​

[0098] S30: Process the ultrasonic echo signals corresponding to each sub-aperture region to obtain an ultrasonic image.

[0099] In some embodiments, the transmission angle of each sub-aperture region when transmitting ultrasonic signals can be controlled. Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the transmission wave formed when a sub-aperture region transmits ultrasonic signals at different angles is shown. The transmission path of the divergent wave can generally be regarded as being emitted from a virtual source.

[0100] Correspondingly, controlling a target sub-aperture region to transmit ultrasonic signals and controlling a target preset region to receive ultrasonic echo signals can be: controlling the target sub-aperture region to transmit ultrasonic signals at each transmission angle, and controlling the target preset region to receive ultrasonic echo signals corresponding to each transmission angle, respectively; wherein the ultrasonic echo signals corresponding to a transmission angle refer to the ultrasonic echo signals generated when the target sub-aperture region transmits ultrasonic signals at the transmission angle.

[0101] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of this technical solution is shown. As shown in Figure 12 assuming that the target sub-aperture region is sub-aperture region 1 and the target preset region is preset region Ap1, then sub-aperture region 1 can be controlled to transmit ultrasonic signals at transmission angle 1 first, and preset region Ap1 can be controlled to receive ultrasonic echo signals; then sub-aperture region 1 can be controlled to transmit ultrasonic signals at transmission angle 2, and preset region Ap1 can be controlled to receive ultrasonic echo signals …… sub-aperture region 1 can be controlled to transmit ultrasonic signals at transmission angle a-1, and preset region Ap1 can be controlled to receive ultrasonic echo signals; finally, sub-aperture region 1 can be controlled to transmit ultrasonic signals at transmission angle a, and preset region Ap1 can be controlled to receive ultrasonic echo signals. Wherein a is the number of transmission angles corresponding to sub-aperture region 1.

[0102] The ultrasonic imaging method provided in the specification transmits at a different angle for each sub-aperture region, each transmission is received by Ap1, Ap2, Ap3, and Ap4 four preset regions, respectively, and k×a×4 (wherein 4 represents the number of preset regions, of course, 4 can also be changed to other natural numbers) transmission and reception pairs of data are coherently compounded to synthesize a frame of B mode image. Compared with the traditional three-dimensional ultrasonic imaging method, this method can significantly improve the contrast and signal-to-noise ratio of imaging.

[0103] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of three working modes of a possible prior art planar array ultrasonic transducer is shown, which are Full, Light and Direct. Figure 13 The regions shown in the upper layer correspond to the sub-array regions in Figure 6 ,Figure 12 The regions shown in the lower layer in FIG. 10 also correspond to the subarray regions in FIG. 11. Figure 6 The regions in the same vertical direction are substantially the same subarray region in FIG. 11. Figure 6 The regions in the same vertical direction are substantially the same subarray region in FIG. 11.

[0104] Full mode refers to: the elements in the subarray region Ap1 emit ultrasound signals, and the elements in the subarray regions Ap1, Ap2, Ap3, and Ap4 receive ultrasound echo signals; the elements in the subarray region Ap2 emit ultrasound signals, and the elements in the subarray regions Ap1, Ap2, Ap3, and Ap4 receive ultrasound echo signals; the elements in the subarray region Ap3 emit ultrasound signals, and the elements in the subarray regions Ap1, Ap2, Ap3, and Ap4 receive ultrasound echo signals; the elements in the subarray region Ap4 emit ultrasound signals, and the elements in the subarray regions Ap1, Ap2, Ap3, and Ap4 receive ultrasound echo signals. That is, 16 transmit-receive pairs are formed in the Full mode, and 16 results (one receiving of ultrasound echo signals in one subarray region is referred to as one result) are coherently compounded into one image.

[0105] Light mode refers to: the elements in the subarray regions Ap1 and Ap2 emit ultrasound signals, and the elements in the subarray regions Ap1, Ap2, and Ap3 receive ultrasound echo signals; the elements in the subarray region Ap3 emit ultrasound signals, and the elements in the subarray regions Ap2, Ap3, and Ap4 receive ultrasound echo signals; the elements in the subarray region Ap4 emit ultrasound signals, and the elements in the subarray regions Ap3 and Ap4 receive ultrasound echo signals. That is, 10 transmit-receive pairs are formed in the Light mode, and 10 results (one receiving of ultrasound echo signals in one subarray region is referred to as one result) are coherently compounded into one image.

[0106] Direct mode refers to: the elements in the subarray region Ap1 emit ultrasound signals, and the elements in the subarray region Ap1 receive ultrasound signals; the elements in the subarray region Ap2 emit ultrasound signals, and the elements in the subarray region Ap2 receive ultrasound signals; the elements in the subarray region Ap3 emit ultrasound signals, and the elements in the subarray region Ap3 receive ultrasound signals; the elements in the subarray region Ap4 emit ultrasound signals, and the elements in the subarray region Ap4 receive ultrasound signals. That is, 4 transmit-receive pairs are formed in the Direct mode, and 4 results (one receiving of ultrasound echo signals in one subarray region is referred to as one result) are coherently compounded into one image.

[0107] As can be seen, Figure 6 The area array ultrasonic transducer shown in FIG. 10 can form at most 16 transmit-receive pairs, obtain 16 results, and synthesize an ultrasonic image using the 16 results.

[0108] However, as Figure 12 shown, the surface array ultrasonic transducer provided in the present specification can form k x a x 4 (k is the number of sub-aperture regions, and a is the number of corresponding transmission angles of each sub-aperture region) transmission-reception pairs. The number of sub-aperture regions can be any natural number, and the number of transmission angles can also be any natural number. As can be seen, the number of transmission-reception pairs that can be formed by the surface array ultrasonic transducer provided in the present specification can be much more than Figure 6 the 16 transmission-reception pairs of the transducer shown in the prior art, and the imaging parameters can be flexibly set to improve the imaging quality. Therefore, the ultrasonic image obtained by the ultrasonic imaging method provided in the present specification has higher quality.

[0109] The ultrasonic imaging method provided in the present specification can select any sub-aperture region, any transmission angle to transmit an ultrasonic signal, and select any preset region to receive an ultrasonic signal, and the number, size and position of the preset region can be arbitrarily selected, so that the ultrasonic imaging method provided in the present specification is more flexible. While Figure 6 the surface array ultrasonic transducer shown in the prior art can only select one of the above three working modes, and has low flexibility.

[0110] The ultrasonic imaging method provided in the present specification can select less than or equal to the number of channel lines in the hardware system to select and transmit sub-aperture elements each time, and then coherently combine the ultrasonic echo signals corresponding to the plurality of sub-aperture regions, so as to realize an image quality comparable to full-aperture transmission.

[0111] The ultrasonic imaging method provided in the present specification can flexibly control the number of transmissions and the shape of the sound field through the number and arrangement position of the sub-aperture regions, the deflection angle and the number of deflection angles, the field of view opening angle, the sub-aperture size, and other imaging parameters, so as to improve the imaging quality. In combination with the wiring mode of the ultrasonic transducer provided in the present specification and the structural advantages of the surface array transducer, the two-dimensional surface array transducer can be flexibly selected and controlled, and the sub-aperture imaging scheme can be explored, so as to realize three-dimensional ultrasonic imaging with high contrast, high signal-to-noise ratio and large field of view range at a low system cost.

[0112] The embodiment of the present application also provides an electronic device, as Figure 14 shown, the electronic device can include a processor 1401 and a memory 1402, wherein the processor 1401 and the memory 1402 can be connected through a bus or other means, Figure 14 for example, by bus connection.

[0113] The processor 1401 can be a central processing unit (CPU). The processor 1401 can also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistor logic components, discrete hardware components, or a combination thereof.

[0114] The memory 1402 is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, which can be used to store non-transitory software programs, non-transitory computer-executable programs and modules, such as program instructions / modules of the ultrasonic imaging method in the embodiments of the present application. The processor 1401 performs various functions of the processor and data classification by running the non-transitory software programs, instructions and modules stored in the memory 1402, that is, implements the ultrasonic imaging method in the above method embodiments.

[0115] The memory 1402 can include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area can store an operating system and at least one application required by a function. The data storage area can store data created by the processor 1401 and the like. In addition, the memory 1402 can include a high-speed random access memory, and can also include a non-transitory memory, such as at least one magnetic disk storage device, a flash memory device, or other non-transitory solid-state memory device. In some embodiments, the memory 1402 can optionally include a memory disposed remotely with respect to the processor 1401, and these remote memories can be connected to the processor 1401 through a network. Examples of the above network include but are not limited to the Internet, an intranet, a local area network, a mobile communication network, and a combination thereof.

[0116] The one or more modules are stored in the memory 1402 and executed by the processor 1401 to perform the above ultrasonic imaging method.

[0117] The above electronic device specific details can be understood by referring to the related description and effects in the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0118] The present specification provides a computer storage medium, which stores computer program instructions. When the computer program instructions are executed by a processor, the steps of any of the above ultrasonic imaging methods are implemented.

[0119] The specification provides a computer program product comprising a computer program which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of any of the above ultrasonic imaging methods.

[0120] Those skilled in the art can understand that all or part of the processes in the above-mentioned embodiment methods can be completed by instructing related hardware through a computer program. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, the program can include the processes of the above-mentioned embodiment methods. The storage medium can be a magnetic disc, an optical disc, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), etc. The storage medium can also include a combination of the above-mentioned types of memories.

[0121] Each embodiment in the specification is described in a progressive manner, and the same or similar parts between each embodiment can be referred to each other. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments.

[0122] The system, device, module or unit described in the above embodiments can be specifically implemented by a computer chip or entity, or by a product with certain functions.

[0123] For the convenience of description, the above device is described as various units respectively described in functions. Of course, the functions of each unit can be implemented in the same or more software and / or hardware in the implementation of the present application.

[0124] From the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the present application can be implemented by means of software and the necessary general hardware platform. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the present application can be embodied in the form of a software product, which can be stored in a storage medium, such as a ROM / RAM, a magnetic disc, an optical disc, etc., and includes a number of instructions for making a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) execute the methods of some parts of the embodiments of the present application.

[0125] The application is operational with numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing system environments or configurations. Examples of well- known computing systems, environments, and / or configurations that can be suitable for use with the application include personal computers, server computers, handheld or laptop devices, tablet devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices, and the like.

[0126] The application can be described in the general context of computer- executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and the like, that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The application can also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules can be located in local and remote computer storage media including memory storage devices.

[0127] While this application has been depicted, described, and is to be understood in connection with specific example embodiments, it will be appreciated that modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the application. It is therefore intended that the application not be limited to the exact example embodiments described above, but should be construed to cover all suitable structures that are pointed out in the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An ultrasound imaging method, characterized in that, For use in a planar ultrasonic transducer, the planar ultrasonic transducer comprising: Multiple array elements are arranged in an array, with adjacent array elements having the same distance in a first direction and the same distance in a second direction, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction; The multiple array elements are divided into multiple sub-array regions, each sub-array region having M rows and N columns of array elements; array elements at the same row and column position in each sub-array region can be connected to the same channel line, and array elements at different row and column positions in each sub-array region are connected to different channel lines; the channel lines are used to input the excitation signal of the area array ultrasonic transducer and / or transmit the ultrasonic echo signal; wherein, M and N are natural numbers; At any given time, for any given row or column position, at most one subarray region's array element at that row or column position is connected to the channel line, so that the subaperture region and the preset region can be of any shape and any position. The method includes: Determine the sub-aperture regions for transmitting ultrasonic signals and the preset regions for receiving ultrasonic echo signals. The system sequentially controls each sub-aperture region to emit ultrasonic signals, and sequentially controls each preset region to receive ultrasonic echo signals while each sub-aperture region emits an ultrasonic signal. The ultrasonic echo signals received by each array element in each preset region are used as the ultrasonic echo signals corresponding to the sub-aperture region that emitted the ultrasonic signal. Controlling a sub-aperture region to emit an ultrasonic signal means controlling each array element in that sub-aperture region to connect to a channel line; controlling a preset region to receive an ultrasonic echo signal means controlling each array element in that preset region to connect to a channel line. The sub-aperture regions and preset regions can be in intersecting or non-intersecting states. The ultrasonic echo signals corresponding to each sub-aperture region are processed to obtain ultrasonic images.

2. The planar array ultrasonic transducer according to claim 1, characterized in that, At any given time, for any row or column position and the corresponding channel line, there is one and only one array element of that row or column position in a subarray region connected to the channel line.

3. The area array ultrasonic transducer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The array elements connected to each channel line form a continuous sub-aperture region.

4. The area array ultrasonic transducer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The array elements at the same row and column position in each subarray region are connected to the channel line through a multi-select controllable switch; the number of channel lines is the same as the number of array elements in each subarray region, and the number of moving contacts of the multi-select controllable switch is the same as the number of subarray regions.

5. The area array ultrasonic transducer according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each subarray region is arranged in X rows and Y columns, where X and Y are arbitrary natural numbers.

6. The ultrasound imaging method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When controlling each array element in the sub-aperture region to connect to the channel line, for any row and column position and the corresponding channel line, only one array element in the row and column position of the sub-array region is controlled to connect to the corresponding channel line, and the array elements connected to each channel line form a continuous sub-aperture region.

7. The ultrasound imaging method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When determining each preset region for receiving ultrasonic echo signals, the set of each preset region covers each element on the area array ultrasonic transducer. And / or, When determining the sub-aperture regions used to transmit ultrasonic signals, the set of sub-aperture regions is made to cover each element on the area array ultrasonic transducer.

8. The ultrasound imaging method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When determining each preset region for receiving ultrasonic echo signals, the set of preset regions shall at least cover the array element on the area array ultrasonic transducer that is closest to the imaging target, and the set of preset regions shall not include at least one array element on the area array ultrasonic transducer that is farthest from the imaging target. And / or, When determining the sub-aperture regions for transmitting ultrasonic signals, the set of sub-aperture regions is such that it at least covers the array element on the ultrasonic transducer closest to the imaging target, and the set of sub-aperture regions does not include at least one array element on the ultrasonic transducer farthest from the imaging target.

9. The ultrasound imaging method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each sub-aperture region and each preset region can have any shape.

10. The ultrasound imaging method according to claim 9, characterized in that, Before controlling the emission of ultrasonic signals in each sub-aperture region, the process also includes: determining the emission angle corresponding to each sub-aperture region. Controlling a target sub-aperture region to emit ultrasonic signals and controlling a preset target region to receive ultrasonic echo signals includes: The target sub-aperture region is controlled to emit ultrasonic signals at various emission angles, and the target preset region is controlled to receive ultrasonic echo signals corresponding to each emission angle; wherein, the ultrasonic echo signal corresponding to a emission angle refers to the ultrasonic echo signal generated when the target sub-aperture region emits ultrasonic signals at the emission angle.

11. A planar array ultrasonic transducer, characterized in that, The area array ultrasonic transducer is the area array ultrasonic transducer used in the ultrasonic imaging method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: A memory and a processor, the processor and the memory being communicatively connected to each other, the memory storing computer instructions, the processor executing the computer instructions to implement the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. A computer storage medium, characterized in that, The computer storage medium stores computer program instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the method according to any one of claims 6 to 11.

Images