Ultrasound imaging method, apparatus, electronic device, and computer storage medium

Abstract

The application relates to an ultrasonic imaging method, device, electronic equipment and computer storage medium. The method comprises the following steps: acquiring positions of multiple transmitting focal points in a target imaging area; the multiple transmitting focal points are located at multiple depths in the target imaging area; controlling each transmitting element in multiple transmitting elements of a transducer to emit a first beam based on the positions of the multiple transmitting focal points; obtaining multiple echo signals based on multiple first beams; processing the multiple echo signals by using a back-projection beam synthesis algorithm to obtain an ultrasonic image. The multiple echo signals solve the problem that an ultrasonic image obtained by combining a traditional focused transmission method with a back-projection beam synthesis algorithm forms an image dark area, thereby affecting the quality of the ultrasonic image.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of image processing technology, and in particular to an ultrasound imaging method, apparatus, electronic device, and computer storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Ultrasound imaging equipment uses an ultrasound probe to contact the skin surface of the region of interest. After contact, the probe scans the region of interest to obtain an ultrasound image. To improve the resolution and penetration of the ultrasound image, the beam within the region of interest needs to have good focusing. However, traditional focusing emission methods combined with backtracking beamforming algorithms can result in dark areas in the ultrasound image, thus affecting its quality. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an ultrasound imaging method, device, electronic device, and computer storage medium to address the aforementioned technical problems, in order to solve the problem that ultrasound images obtained by combining traditional focused emission methods with backbench beamforming algorithms will have dark areas, thus affecting the quality of ultrasound images.

[0004] In a first aspect, this application provides an ultrasound imaging method, the method comprising:

[0005] The positions of multiple emission focal points in the target imaging region are obtained; the multiple emission focal points are located at multiple depths in the target imaging region.

[0006] Based on the position control of the multiple transmission focal points, each of the multiple transmission array elements of the transducer transmits the first beam.

[0007] Multiple echo signals are obtained based on multiple first beams.

[0008] The multiple echo signals are processed using a backtracking beamforming algorithm to obtain an ultrasound image.

[0009] In one embodiment, determining the position of the first emission focus based on the positions of two adjacent target reference focuses includes:

[0010] The position of a reference focus among multiple emission focuses in the target imaging region is obtained; the reference focus is located at the first depth among the multiple depths, and one emission aperture corresponds to one reference focus.

[0011] Based on the positions of two adjacent target reference foci among the reference foci, the position of the first emission focus is determined; the first emission focus is the emission focus with the closest lateral distance to the two adjacent target reference foci at the other depths among the plurality of depths excluding the first depth.

[0012] In one embodiment, determining the position of the first emission focus based on the position of the reference focus includes:

[0013] Obtain a first included angle and a first distance. The first included angle is the angle between the line connecting the first end of the emission aperture to the position of the target reference focus corresponding to the emission aperture and the transducer. The first distance is the lateral distance between the first emission focus and the target reference focus that is closest to the first emission focus.

[0014] The position of the first emission focus is determined based on the first included angle and the first distance.

[0015] In one embodiment, obtaining the first distance includes:

[0016] Obtain the lateral distance between the two adjacent target reference focal points.

[0017] The first distance is determined based on the lateral distance between the two adjacent target reference focal points.

[0018] In one embodiment, determining the position of the first emission focal point based on the first included angle and the first distance includes:

[0019] The depth of the first emission focal point is determined based on the first included angle and the first distance.

[0020] The position of the first emission focus is determined based on the depth of the first emission focus and the first distance.

[0021] In one embodiment, the method further includes: the aperture value f-number of each of the emission focal points is the same.

[0022] In one embodiment, the multiple ultrasound echo signals are processed using the backbench beamforming algorithm to obtain an ultrasound image, including:

[0023] The backtracking beamforming algorithm is used to synthesize the multiple echo signals to obtain multiple image datasets.

[0024] The ultrasound image is determined based on the multiple image datasets.

[0025] In one embodiment, determining the ultrasound image based on the plurality of image datasets includes:

[0026] The ultrasound image is obtained by coherently combining the multiple image datasets.

[0027] Secondly, this application also provides an ultrasound imaging device, the device comprising:

[0028] An acquisition module is used to acquire the positions of multiple emission focal points in the target imaging region; the multiple emission focal points are located at multiple depths in the target imaging region.

[0029] The control module is used to control each of the multiple transmission array elements of the transducer to transmit the first beam based on the position of the multiple transmission focal points acquired by the acquisition module.

[0030] The acquisition module is used to control the first beam emitted by multiple transmitting array elements of the transducer based on the control module to obtain multiple echo signals.

[0031] The processing module is used to synthesize the multiple echo signals using the backtracking beamforming algorithm to obtain an ultrasound image.

[0032] Thirdly, this application also provides a computer device. The computer device includes a memory and a processor, the memory storing a computer program, and the processor executing the computer program to perform the following steps:

[0033] The positions of multiple emission focal points in the target imaging region are obtained; the multiple emission focal points are located at multiple depths in the target imaging region.

[0034] Based on the position control of the multiple transmission focal points, each of the multiple transmission array elements of the transducer transmits the first beam.

[0035] Multiple echo signals are obtained based on multiple first beams.

[0036] The multiple ultrasonic echo signals are processed using a backbench beamforming algorithm to obtain an ultrasonic image.

[0037] Fourthly, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. A computer program is stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, performs the following steps:

[0038] The positions of multiple emission focal points in the target imaging region are obtained; the multiple emission focal points are located at multiple depths in the target imaging region.

[0039] Based on the position control of the multiple transmission focal points, each of the multiple transmission array elements of the transducer transmits the first beam.

[0040] Multiple echo signals are obtained based on multiple first beams.

[0041] The multiple echo signals are processed using a backtracking beamforming algorithm to obtain an ultrasound image.

[0042] Fifthly, this application also provides a computer program product. The computer program product includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, performs the following steps:

[0043] The positions of multiple emission focal points in the target imaging region are obtained; the multiple emission focal points are located at multiple depths in the target imaging region.

[0044] Based on the position control of the multiple transmission focal points, each of the multiple transmission array elements of the transducer transmits the first beam.

[0045] Multiple echo signals are obtained based on multiple first beams.

[0046] The multiple echo signals are processed using a backtracking beamforming algorithm to obtain an ultrasound image.

[0047] The aforementioned ultrasound imaging method, apparatus, electronic device, and computer storage medium, by acquiring the positions of multiple emission focal points located at multiple depths within the target imaging region, enable the first beam emitted by multiple emission array elements of the transducer, based on the positions of the multiple emission focal points, to cover all areas within the target imaging region. This allows for the processing of multiple echo signals obtained from the multiple first beams using a backtracking beamforming algorithm, resulting in a clearer ultrasound image. This solves the problem of incomplete coverage of the target imaging region in ultrasound images obtained by traditional focusing emission methods combined with backtracking beamforming algorithms, leading to dark areas in the ultrasound image, thus improving the quality of the ultrasound image. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the effective imaging range of a single focal point in existing technologies.

[0049] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the effective imaging range of multiple focal points in existing technologies.

[0050] Figure 3 This is an architectural diagram of an ultrasound imaging system in one embodiment;

[0051] Figure 4 This is one of the flowcharts of an ultrasound imaging method in one embodiment;

[0052] Figure 5 This is a second schematic flowchart of an ultrasound imaging method in one embodiment;

[0053] Figure 6 This is one of the schematic diagrams illustrating the effect of focused cross-emission in one embodiment;

[0054] Figure 7This is the second schematic diagram illustrating the effect of focused cross-emission in one embodiment;

[0055] Figure 8 This is the third schematic diagram illustrating the effect of focused cross-emission in one embodiment;

[0056] Figure 9 This is the fourth schematic diagram illustrating the effect of focused cross-emission in one embodiment;

[0057] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ultrasound imaging device in one embodiment;

[0058] Figure 11 This is an internal structural diagram of a computer device in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0059] The technical solutions in some embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments provided in this application are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0060] Unless the context otherwise requires, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprise" and its other forms, such as the third-person singular "comprises" and the present participle "comprising," are interpreted as open-ended and encompassing, meaning "including, but not limited to." In the description of the specification, terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "exemplary embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic associated with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. The illustrative representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics mentioned may be included in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0061] Hereinafter, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0062] In describing some embodiments, the terms "coupled" and "connected," and their derivative expressions, may be used. For example, the term "connected" may be used in describing some embodiments to indicate that two or more components have direct physical or electrical contact with each other. Similarly, the term "coupled" may be used in describing some embodiments to indicate that two or more components have direct physical or electrical contact. However, the terms "coupled" or "communicatively coupled" may also refer to two or more components that do not have direct contact with each other but still cooperate or interact with each other. The embodiments disclosed herein are not necessarily limited to the content of this document.

[0063] "At least one of A, B and C" has the same meaning as "at least one of A, B or C", both including the following combinations of A, B and C: only A, only B, only C, combinations of A and B, combinations of A and C, combinations of B and C, and combinations of A, B and C.

[0064] As used herein, depending on the context, the term “if” may optionally be interpreted as meaning “when”, “in the event of”, “in response to determination”, or “in response to detection”. Similarly, depending on the context, the phrase “if it is determined that…” or “if [the stated condition or event] is detected” may optionally be interpreted as meaning “in the event of determination that…”, “in response to determination that…”, “when [the stated condition or event] is detected”, or “in response to the detection of [the stated condition or event]”.

[0065] The use of “applies to” or “configured to” in this article implies an open and inclusive language that does not preclude applicability to or configuration to devices that perform additional tasks or steps.

[0066] In addition, the use of “based on” or “according to” implies openness and inclusivity, because processes, steps, calculations or other actions “based on” or “according to” one or more of the stated conditions or values ​​may in practice be based on additional conditions or beyond the stated values.

[0067] Beamforming plays a crucial role in medical ultrasound imaging. Beamforming means superimposing signals from different channels to achieve signal enhancement.

[0068] Ultrasound imaging equipment involves placing an ultrasound probe into contact with the skin surface of a region of interest. After contact, the probe scans the region of interest using a beam to obtain an ultrasound image. To improve the resolution and penetration of the ultrasound image, the beam within the region of interest must have good focusing ability, as described above. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the effective imaging range for forming a focal point. Figure 1 The effective imaging range shown is the gray area. Based on this, traditional focusing methods, due to their fixed emission focusing, result in the focal point being formed at a fixed position at the same depth. When conditions exist... Figure 2 When multiple focal points such as b1, b2, b3, and b4 are used, a blank area 201 is usually formed near the focal points. This blank area 201 represents the imaging area not covered by the effective imaging range in the imaging region. When this focusing method is used to transmit the beam, in the ultrasound image obtained by processing the received echo signal using a backscatter beamforming algorithm, these uncovered imaging areas near the focal points will form dark areas in the image, thus affecting the quality of the ultrasound image.

[0069] Based on the above-mentioned technical problems, this application proposes an ultrasound imaging method. This method determines the positions of multiple emission focal points at multiple depths in the imaging area to be imaged, so that the beam can be focused at focal points at different depths. This allows the effective imaging range to cover the entire imaging area when the received echo signal is processed using a backtracking beamforming algorithm. This overcomes the problem of dark areas forming in ultrasound images obtained by combining traditional focusing methods with backtracking beamforming algorithms, and improves the quality of ultrasound images.

[0070] For ease of use of this embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 The illustrated ultrasonic imaging system 10 includes an ultrasonic imaging device 11 and an ultrasonic detection device 12. The ultrasonic detection device 12 is capable of transmitting a sound wave beam towards the region of interest (i.e., the imaging area) of the target object, receiving the sound wave beam reflected from the region of interest, and performing electroacoustic signal conversion. Specifically, the electroacoustic signal conversion involves converting the electrical signal transmitted by the ultrasonic imaging device 11 into a high-frequency oscillating sound wave beam, which is then transmitted to the region of interest of the target object. It also converts the sound wave beam reflected from the region of interest of the target object back into an electrical signal, which is then displayed on the display 111 of the ultrasonic imaging device 11. Exemplarily, the ultrasonic imaging device 11 and the ultrasonic detection device 12 can be housed in the same device or in different devices; this embodiment does not impose any limitations on this.

[0071] In one exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound imaging device 11 can typically be a terminal device capable of receiving electrical signals transmitted by the ultrasound detection device 12. This terminal device can possess a general-purpose or dedicated computing environment or configuration. Examples include: personal computers, server computers, handheld or portable devices, tablet devices, multiprocessor devices, distributed computing environments including any of the above devices, etc. This terminal device can have different names, such as user equipment (UE), access device, terminal unit, terminal station, mobile station, mobile station, remote terminal, mobile device, wireless communication device, terminal agent, or terminal device. In this embodiment, the device used to implement the function of the ultrasound imaging device 11 can be a terminal device or a device capable of supporting the ultrasound imaging device 11 in implementing this function, such as a chip system. In this application, the chip system can consist of chips or include chips and other discrete components.

[0072] In combination with the above Figures 1-3 This paper provides a detailed description of the ultrasound imaging method provided in the embodiments of this application, referring to... Figure 4 The method includes:

[0073] S11. Obtain the positions of multiple emission focal points in the target imaging region; the multiple emission focal points are located at multiple depths in the target imaging region.

[0074] Understandably, the location of different transmission focal points determines the angle and time delay of each transmission element of the transducer corresponding to the beam overlapping at that focal point when transmitting that beam.

[0075] It should be noted that each of the multiple depths in the target imaging region contains one or more emission focal points.

[0076] The target imaging region here can be the region of interest of the target object.

[0077] S12. Each of the multiple transmitting array elements in the multiple transmitting array elements of the position control transducer based on multiple transmitting focal points transmits the first beam.

[0078] The first beam is the beam emitted by the transmitting element.

[0079] It should be noted that the ultrasonic detection device 12 includes one or more transducers, each transducer including multiple transmitting array elements, which are divided into several transmitting array element groups according to the transmitting aperture. Each transmitting array element group includes at least one transmitting array element. The transmitting angle and transmitting time delay of each transmitting array element in each transmitting aperture are determined according to the position of the transmitting focal point corresponding to each transmitting aperture. Here, the transmitting array element can also be referred to as a transmitting element or a transmitting vibrator.

[0080] In one example, a single emission aperture is used as an example, containing i emission elements, where i is a positive integer; and each i emission element corresponds to a emission focal point, and each emission focal point corresponds to a emission line, where the emission line is a straight line perpendicular to the transducer surface. The emission delay of the emission channel corresponding to each group of emission elements is obtained based on the distance and / or angle between emission element i and the emission line, and the focal depth of the emission focal point corresponding to emission element i; during imaging, each group of emission elements focuses its beam onto its corresponding focal point through the emission channel according to its corresponding emission delay.

[0081] Understandably, in other embodiments, the emission focus does not necessarily need to be perpendicular to the surface of the ultrasonic transducer. That is, the angle between the emission focus and the surface of the ultrasonic transducer is less than 90°. As long as the focus distribution is adjusted by cross-focusing and emission, the effective imaging range can cover the entire imaging space.

[0082] In one possible implementation, factors affecting transmission delay also include the type of probe, such as linear array probes, arc array probes, and phased array probes, which will be analyzed in detail below.

[0083] In one embodiment, the probe is a linear array probe, then the transmission delay corresponding to the transmitting element i is expressed as: delay(i) = (Fm - sqrt(Fm)) 2 +dx 2 )) / c.

[0084] Where Fm is the focal depth of the transmission focus corresponding to the transmission element i, dx is the lateral distance of the transmission element i from the transmission line, c is the beam propagation speed, and sqrt represents the square root operation function.

[0085] In another real-time mode, where the probe is an arc array probe, the transmission delay corresponding to the transmitting element i can be expressed as: delay(i)=(Fm–sqrt((Fm+ROC)) 2 +ROC 2 –2*(Fm+ROC)*ROC*cos(θ))) / c.

[0086] Where Fm is the focal depth of the transmission focus corresponding to the transmitting element i, ROC is the radius of curvature of the transmitting element i, θ is the deflection angle of the transmitting element i from the transmission line, and c is the beam propagation speed.

[0087] In another real-time mode, where the probe is a phased array probe, the transmission delay corresponding to the transmitting element can be expressed as: delay(i) = (Fm – sqrt(Fm)) 2 +dx 2 –2*Fm*dx*cos(π / 2-θ))) / c.

[0088] Where Fm is the focal depth of the transmission focus corresponding to the transmission element i, dx is the lateral distance of the transmission element i from the transmission line, θ is the deflection angle of the transmission line, and c is the propagation speed of the beam.

[0089] In practical applications, the obtained transmission delay is mostly negative. In this case, for practical needs, if the obtained transmission delay is negative, the transmission delay delay(i) is converted to a positive number, that is, the conversion is performed by the following formula: delay(i) = delay(i) + abs(min(delay)).

[0090] Here, min(delay) means taking the smallest negative value in the delay array; abs(min(delay)) means taking the absolute value of min(delay) in parentheses.

[0091] S13. Based on multiple first beams, multiple echo signals are obtained.

[0092] Specifically, the array element used to receive the echo beam can be called the receiving array element.

[0093] In practical applications, the transmitting array element used to transmit the first beam can be used only to transmit the first beam, and the corresponding receiving array element can be any other array element in the transducer besides the transmitting array element; alternatively, all or part of the transmitting array element that transmits the first beam can be used as receiving array elements to receive the echo signal (ultrasonic echo signal), and the corresponding receiving array element can be entirely a transmitting array element; or it can be partially a transmitting array element and partially other array elements in the transducer besides the transmitting array element. This application does not impose any limitations on this aspect.

[0094] Here, the first beam emitted by the transmitting element in a transmitting aperture can obtain echo beams reflected at multiple points in the target imaging region.

[0095] S14. The echo signals are processed using the backtracking beamforming algorithm to obtain the echo signals of the ultrasound image.

[0096] In one embodiment, S14 specifically includes: using a backtracking beamforming algorithm to synthesize multiple echo signals to obtain multiple image datasets, and determining an ultrasound image based on the multiple image datasets.

[0097] In one implementation, the image dataset corresponds one-to-one with the number of emission apertures; multiple emission elements in each emission aperture can generate an image dataset.

[0098] For example, assuming the target imaging area contains point 'a', and there are two receiving array elements (receiving element 1 and receiving element 2) used to receive the echo beam reflected from point 'a' by the first beam m1, the specific method for determining how the transmitting element in one of the transmitting apertures obtains the image data of point 'a' after transmitting the first beam includes: setting the time delay of the first beam m1 reaching point 'a' as T1, the time delay of receiving element 1 receiving the echo beam 1 reflected from point 'a' as R1, and the time delay of receiving element 2 receiving the echo beam 2 reflected from point 'a' as R2. Thus, echo beam 1 can be determined based on the time delays T1 and R1; echo beam 2 can be determined based on the time delays T1 and R2; and the acoustic signal corresponding to the determined echo beam 1 and the acoustic signal corresponding to the echo beam 2 can be superimposed to obtain the acoustic signal of point 'a', from which the image data of point 'a' can be obtained.

[0099] Specifically, determining the ultrasound image based on multiple image datasets includes: coherently combining multiple image datasets to obtain the ultrasound image.

[0100] Furthermore, coherent compositing of multiple image datasets specifically refers to superimposing the amplitude of the same pixel in multiple image datasets to obtain an ultrasound image.

[0101] In this embodiment, an ultrasound image is obtained by coherently combining multiple image datasets. This effectively smooths noise, improves the signal-to-noise ratio of the image, and thus obtains a high-quality ultrasound image.

[0102] In a preferred embodiment, the aperture value f-number is the same for all emission focal points.

[0103] Understandably, the appropriate transmitting elements are determined based on the focal depth and focusing intensity to transmit the first beam, such as the position and number of transmitting elements. Once the focal point position is determined, the number of transmitting elements in each element group will affect the focusing strength, which can be judged by the f-number exponent. The f-number directly affects the shape of the sound field and the width of the sound field boundary. The relationship between the number of elements in each element group and the f-number is: f-number = focal depth / emission aperture; the focal depth refers to the depth of the emission focal point within the target imaging region.

[0104] Wherein, f-number is a characteristic value representing the strength of focusing, the focal depth can also be expressed as the distance between the emission focal point and the transducer, and the emission aperture refers to the maximum width range formed by all the array elements participating in the emission focused on the emission focal point. The width of the emission array element is also called the emission aperture, and the width of the emission array element is proportional to the number of array elements.

[0105] In practical applications, the larger the f-number, the weaker the focusing, and the wider and more dispersed the sound field in the converging part. The smaller the f-number, the stronger the focusing, and the narrower and more concentrated the sound field in the converging part.

[0106] Based on the above, once the focal position is determined, the number of array elements in each array element group can be determined according to the required f-number.

[0107] Of course, the aperture value f-number of each emission focal point can also be different, and this application does not limit this.

[0108] The aforementioned ultrasound imaging method, by acquiring the positions of multiple emission focal points located at multiple depths within the target imaging region, enables the first beam emitted by multiple emission array elements of the transducer, based on the positions of these multiple emission focal points, to cover all areas within the target imaging region. This allows for the processing of multiple echo signals obtained from the multiple first beams using a backtracking beamforming algorithm, resulting in a clearer ultrasound image. This solves the problem of incomplete coverage of the target imaging region in ultrasound images obtained by combining beam-to-beam focusing with backtracking beamforming in traditional focusing methods, which leads to dark areas in the ultrasound image, thus improving the quality of the ultrasound image.

[0109] In one embodiment, reference Figure 5 Acquire the positions of multiple emission focal points in the target imaging region, including:

[0110] S111. Obtain the position of the reference focus among multiple emission focuses in the target imaging region; the reference focus is located at the first depth among multiple depths, and one emission aperture corresponds to one reference focus.

[0111] Specifically, the location of the reference focus includes a longitudinal position and a lateral position. The longitudinal position is located at a preset depth within the target imaging region, and this preset depth can be determined based on the imaging depth of the target imaging region; for example, the preset depth of the reference focus can be between 20% and 80% of the imaging depth. The lateral position can be located on the emission line perpendicular to the center point of the emission aperture. It can be understood that a point on the emission line at the preset depth can be considered the reference focus.

[0112] S112. Based on the positions of two adjacent target reference focuses in the reference focus, determine the position of the first launch focus; the first launch focus is the launch focus at a depth other than the first depth that has the closest lateral distance to the two adjacent target reference focuses.

[0113] Optionally, within each imaging region bounded by the depth lines where the two target reference focal points are located, there exists at least one first emission focal point, such that the emitted first beam can fully cover the dark areas of the target imaging region. Here, the depth line refers to a line perpendicular to the transducer in the imaging region.

[0114] For example, when multiple depths include a second depth, the second depth may be greater than or less than the first depth; the first emission focus in the second depth may be located on the depth line passing through the line connecting two adjacent target focuses.

[0115] In a preferred embodiment, the first launch focus at the second depth may be located on a depth line passing through the center of the line connecting the two target focuses.

[0116] Optionally, when multiple depths include only the first depth and the second depth, in order to further improve the clarity of the image, the second depth may be greater than the first depth, and the first emission focus in the second depth may be located on the depth line passing through the center of the line connecting the two target focuses.

[0117] Furthermore, when multiple depths include a third depth, the depth configuration can be such that the second depth is greater than the first depth, and the third depth is less than the first depth. Similarly, the first emission focus in the second depth can be located on the depth line passing through the line connecting two adjacent target focuses, and the first emission focus in the third depth can be located on the depth line passing through any point on the line connecting two adjacent target focuses.

[0118] In one implementation, the position of the first emission focus is determined based on the positions of two adjacent target reference focuses. This includes: obtaining a first included angle and a first distance, where the first included angle is the angle between the line connecting the first end of the emission aperture to the position of the target reference focus corresponding to the emission aperture and the transducer; the first distance is the lateral distance between the first emission focus and the target reference focus closest to the first emission focus. The position of the first emission focus is then determined based on the first included angle and the first distance. Therefore, in the embodiments of this application, the position of the first emission focus can be obtained by combining the angle between the line connecting the first end of the emission aperture to the position of the target reference focus corresponding to the emission aperture and the transducer, and the lateral distance between the target reference focus and the first emission focus, so that the beam emitted by the emission element corresponding to the first emission focus can cover the imaging area that cannot be covered by the beam emitted by the emission element corresponding to the reference focus.

[0119] For example, when the f-number is the same for all emission focal points, refer to Figure 2Assuming the reference focus includes focus b1, focus b2, focus b3, and focus b4; when only the reference focus exists, each element in the transmitting aperture emits a first beam, and after focusing at its corresponding reference focus, there are blank areas 201 between focus b1 and focus b2, focus b2 and focus b3, and focus b3 and focus b4 that the first beam cannot cover. To ensure the first beam can cover these blank areas, multiple first transmitting focuses can be determined at the second depth. Based on... Figure 2 In the case shown, where there are four reference focal points, the minimum number of first emission focal points is three. Specifically, there is at least one first emission focal point in the imaging region between the depth line where focal point b1 is located and the depth line where focal point b2 is located; similarly, there is at least one first emission focal point in the imaging region between the depth line where focal point b2 is located and the depth line where focal point b3 is located; and there is at least one first emission focal point in the imaging region between the depth line where focal point b3 is located and the depth line where focal point b4 is located.

[0120] Normally, the angle between the line connecting the two ends of the emission aperture to the position of the target reference focus corresponding to the emission aperture and the transducer is the same. Therefore, any end of the emission aperture can be used as the line connecting the first end of the emission aperture to the position of the target reference focus corresponding to it, and the angle formed by this line connecting the two ends and the transducer can be used as the first angle.

[0121] In one embodiment, determining the position of the first emission focus based on the first included angle and the first distance includes: determining the depth of the first emission focus based on the first included angle and the first distance; and determining the position of the first emission focus based on the depth of the first emission focus and the first distance.

[0122] As an example, combined Figure 2If multiple depths are represented by two depths, then the multiple depths also include a second depth. Assuming the second depth is greater than the first depth, when the angle between the line connecting the two ends of the emission aperture to its corresponding reference focus and the transducer (i.e., the first angle) is the same, let this angle be α, the first distance be m, the first depth be D, and the second depth be D+d. To ensure the effective imaging range covers the entire target imaging area, the d in the second depth satisfies the formula: d≥m*tan(α). Assuming the number of first emission focuses is 3, at the second depth, there exists a first emission focus a1 in the imaging region between the depth lines of focus b1 and focus b2, a first emission focus a2 in the imaging region between the depth lines of focus b2 and focus b3, and a first emission focus a3 in the imaging region between the depth lines of focus b3 and focus b4. Therefore, the imaging region formed by the focuses b1, b2, b3, a1, a2, and a3 can be referenced... Figure 6 As shown. From Figure 6 As can be seen, by adding three focal points, a1, a2 and a3, at the second depth, the transmitting array element can transmit the first beam to cover the original blank area 201.

[0123] As another example, combined Figure 2 If multiple depths are represented by two depths, then the multiple depths also include a second depth. Assuming the second depth is less than the first depth, and the angle between the lines connecting the two ends of the emission aperture to the reference focal point and the transducer is the same, let this angle be α, where α > 0. Let the first distance be m, the first depth be D, and the second depth be Dd. To ensure that the effective imaging range covers the entire target imaging area, the second depth d satisfies the formula: d ≤ m * tan(α). The following section combines... Figure 2 Assuming there are 3 first emission focal points, at the second depth, there exists a first emission focal point a1 in the imaging region between the depth lines of focal point b1 and b2, a first emission focal point a2 in the imaging region between the depth lines of focal point b2 and b3, and a first emission focal point a3 in the imaging region between the depth lines of focal point b3 and b4. Therefore, the imaging region formed by focal points b1, b2, b3, a1, a2, and a3 can be referenced... Figure 7 As shown. From Figure 7 As can be seen, by adding three focal points, a1, a2 and a3, at the second depth, the transmitting array element can transmit the first beam to cover the original blank area 201.

[0124] As yet another example, combined with Figure 2In the case of multiple depths, which include three depths, there are also second and third depths. Assuming the second depth is greater than the first depth and the third depth is less than the first depth, and the angle between the lines connecting the two ends of the emission aperture to the reference focus and the transducer is the same, let this angle be α. Let the first distance be m, the first depth be D, the second depth be D+d1, and the third depth be D-d2. To ensure the effective range covers the entire target imaging area, d1 in the second depth satisfies the formula d1≥m*tan(α), and d2 in the third depth satisfies the formula d2≤m*tan(α). Assuming the number of first emission focuses is 3, at the second depth, there is a first emission focus a1 located in the imaging region between the depth lines of focus b1 and focus b2, and a first emission focus a3 located in the imaging region between the depth lines of focus b3 and focus b4. At the third depth, there exists a first emission focus a2 within the imaging region located between the depth lines of focus b2 and focus b3. Therefore, the imaging region formed based on focuses b1, b2, b3, a1, a2, and a3 can be referenced. Figure 8 As shown. From Figure 8 As can be seen, by adding three focal points, a1 and a3, at the second depth and a2 at the third depth, the transmitting array element can transmit the first beam to cover the original blank area 201.

[0125] Based on the above example, combined with Figure 2 The embodiments of this application are not limited to the three focal points mentioned above, but refer to... Figure 9 Assuming the number of first emission focal points is 4, at the second depth, there is a first emission focal point a1 located in the imaging region between the depth lines of focal point b1 and focal point b2, and a first emission focal point a3 located in the imaging region between the depth lines of focal point b3 and focal point b4. At the third depth, there is a first emission focal point a2 located on the depth line of focal point b1, and a first emission focal point a4 located on the depth line of focal point b3. Therefore, the imaging region formed by the focal points b1, b2, b3, a1, a2, a3, and a4 can be referenced... Figure 9 As shown. From Figure 9 As can be seen, by adding three focal points, a1 and a3, at the second depth and a2 and a4, at the third depth, the transmitting array element can still cover the original blank area 201 when transmitting the first beam.

[0126] In this implementation, the position of a reference focus among multiple emission focuses in the target imaging region is obtained. The reference focus is located at a first depth among multiple depths, with one emission aperture corresponding to one reference focus. Based on the positions of two adjacent target reference focuses, the positions of emission focuses with the closest lateral distance to the two adjacent target reference focuses at other depths (excluding the first depth) are determined. This ensures that the effective imaging range of the ultrasound can fully cover the target imaging region, avoiding the problem of dark areas in the image.

[0127] In one implementation, obtaining the first distance includes: obtaining the lateral distance between two adjacent target reference focal points; and determining the first distance based on the lateral distance between the two adjacent target reference focal points.

[0128] In a preferred embodiment, the first distance can be half the lateral distance between two adjacent target reference focal points. That is, the lateral position of the first launch focal point is located at half the distance between the two adjacent target reference focal points.

[0129] It should be understood that, although Figure 4 , 5 The steps in the flowchart are shown sequentially as indicated by the arrows, but these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless otherwise specified in this document, there is no strict order in which these steps are executed, and they can be performed in other orders. Furthermore, Figure 4 , 5 At least some of the steps in the process may include multiple sub-steps or multiple stages. These sub-steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times. The execution order of these sub-steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but can be executed in turn or alternately with other steps or at least some of the sub-steps or stages of other steps.

[0130] Figure 10 This is a structural block diagram of an ultrasound imaging device 11 according to one embodiment. The ultrasound imaging device 11 includes:

[0131] The acquisition module 111 is used to acquire the positions of multiple emission focal points in the target imaging region; the multiple emission focal points are located at multiple depths in the target imaging region.

[0132] The control module 112 is used to control each of the multiple transmission array elements of the transducer to transmit the first beam based on the positions of the multiple transmission focal points acquired by the acquisition module 111.

[0133] The acquisition module 111 is used to control the first beam emitted by multiple transmitting array elements of the transducer based on the control module 112 to obtain multiple echo signals.

[0134] The processing module 113 is used to process the multiple echo signals obtained by the acquisition module 111 using the backtracking beamforming algorithm to obtain an ultrasound image.

[0135] In one embodiment, the acquisition module 111 is specifically used to acquire the position of a reference focus among multiple emission focuses in the target imaging region; the reference focus is located at a first depth among multiple depths, and one emission aperture corresponds to one reference focus; and the position of the first emission focus is determined based on the positions of two adjacent target reference focuses among the reference focuses; the first emission focus is the emission focus at other depths among multiple depths besides the first depth that has the closest lateral distance to two adjacent target reference focuses.

[0136] In one embodiment, the acquisition module 111 is specifically used to acquire a first included angle and a first distance. The first included angle is the angle between the line connecting the first end of the emission aperture and the position of the target reference focus corresponding to the emission aperture and the transducer; the first distance is the lateral distance between the first emission focus and the target reference focus that is closest to the first emission focus; and the position of the first emission focus is determined according to the first included angle and the first distance.

[0137] In one embodiment, the acquisition module 111 is specifically used to acquire the lateral distance between two adjacent target reference focal points; and to determine a first distance based on the lateral distance between two adjacent target reference focal points.

[0138] In one embodiment, the acquisition module 111 is specifically used to determine the depth of the first emission focus based on the first included angle and the first distance; and to determine the position of the first emission focus based on the depth of the first emission focus and the first distance.

[0139] In one embodiment, the aperture value f-number is the same for each emission focal point.

[0140] In one embodiment, the processing module 113 is specifically used to synthesize multiple echo signals using a backtracking beamforming algorithm to obtain multiple image datasets; and to determine an ultrasound image based on the multiple image datasets.

[0141] In one embodiment, the processing module 113 is specifically used to coherently composite multiple image datasets to obtain an ultrasound image.

[0142] For specific limitations regarding the ultrasound imaging device, please refer to the limitations of the ultrasound imaging method above, which will not be repeated here. Each module in the aforementioned ultrasound imaging device can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, or a combination thereof. These modules can be embedded in or independent of the processor in a computer device in hardware form, or stored in the memory of a computer device in software form, so that the processor can call and execute the operations corresponding to each module.

[0143] In one embodiment, a computer device is provided, which may be a server, and its internal structure diagram may be as follows: Figure 11 As shown, the computer device includes a processor, memory, and network interface connected via a system bus. The processor provides computing and control capabilities. The memory includes a non-volatile storage medium and internal memory. The non-volatile storage medium stores the operating system, computer programs, and a database. The internal memory provides an environment for the operation of the operating system and computer programs stored in the non-volatile storage medium. The database stores initial data, and the network interface communicates with external terminals via a network. When executed by the processor, the computer program implements an ultrasound imaging method. The display screen can be a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an e-ink display. The input device can be a touch layer covering the display screen, buttons, a trackball, or a touchpad on the device's casing, or an external keyboard, touchpad, or mouse.

[0144] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 11 The structure shown is merely a block diagram of a portion of the structure related to the present application and does not constitute a limitation on the computer device to which the present application is applied. Specific computer devices may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0145] In one embodiment, a computer device is provided, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to perform the following steps:

[0146] The positions of multiple emission focal points in the target imaging region are obtained; the multiple emission focal points are located at multiple depths in the target imaging region.

[0147] The first beam is emitted by multiple transmitting array elements of the transducer based on the position of the multiple transmitting focal points.

[0148] Multiple echo signals are obtained based on multiple first beams.

[0149] The multiple echo signals are synthesized using the backtracking beamforming algorithm.

[0150] In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, the computer program performing the following steps when executed by a processor:

[0151] The positions of multiple emission focal points in the target imaging region are obtained; the multiple emission focal points are located at multiple depths in the target imaging region.

[0152] The first beam is emitted by multiple transmitting array elements of the transducer based on the position of the multiple transmitting focal points.

[0153] Multiple echo signals are obtained based on multiple first beams.

[0154] The multiple echo signals are synthesized using the backtracking beamforming algorithm.

[0155] In one embodiment, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, performs the following steps:

[0156] The positions of multiple emission focal points in the target imaging region are obtained; the multiple emission focal points are located at multiple depths in the target imaging region.

[0157] The first beam is emitted by multiple transmitting array elements of the transducer based on the position of the multiple transmitting focal points.

[0158] Multiple echo signals are obtained based on multiple first beams.

[0159] The multiple echo signals are synthesized using the backtracking beamforming algorithm.

[0160] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above methods. Any references to memory, databases, or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application can include at least one of non-volatile and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, optical memory, high-density embedded non-volatile memory, resistive random access memory (ReRAM), magnetic random access memory (MRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), phase change memory (PCM), graphene memory, etc. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory, etc. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM can take many forms, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) or Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM). The databases involved in the embodiments provided in this application may include at least one type of relational database and non-relational database. Non-relational databases may include, but are not limited to, blockchain-based distributed databases. The processors involved in the embodiments provided in this application may be general-purpose processors, central processing units, graphics processing units, digital signal processors, programmable logic devices, quantum computing-based data processing logic devices, etc., and are not limited to these.

[0161] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0162] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An ultrasound imaging method, characterized in that, include: Obtain the position of the reference focus among multiple emission focuses in the target imaging region; The plurality of emission focal points are located at multiple depths within the target imaging region; The reference focus is located at the first depth among the plurality of depths, and one emission aperture corresponds to one reference focus; The position of the first emission focus is determined based on the positions of two adjacent target reference focuses among the reference focuses; The first emission focus is the emission focus at which the lateral distance between the two adjacent target reference focuses is the smallest among the plurality of depths other than the first depth; Based on the position control of the multiple emission focal points, each of the multiple emission array elements of the multiple emission array elements of the transducer emits the first beam. Multiple echo signals are obtained based on multiple first beams; The multiple echo signals are processed using a backtracking beamforming algorithm to obtain an ultrasound image.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Determining the position of the first emission focus based on the positions of two adjacent target reference focuses includes: Obtain a first included angle and a first distance, wherein the first included angle is the angle between the line connecting the first end of the emission aperture to the position of the target reference focus corresponding to the emission aperture and the transducer; the first distance is the lateral distance between the first emission focus and the target reference focus that is closest to the first emission focus; The position of the first emission focus is determined based on the first included angle and the first distance.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Obtaining the first distance includes: Obtain the lateral distance between the two adjacent target reference focal points; The first distance is determined based on the lateral distance between the two adjacent target reference focal points.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, Determining the position of the first emission focal point based on the first included angle and the first distance includes: The depth of the first emission focal point is determined based on the first included angle and the first distance; The position of the first emission focus is determined based on the depth of the first emission focus and the first distance.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The process of processing the multiple echo signals using a backbench beamforming algorithm to obtain an ultrasound image includes: The backbench beamforming algorithm is used to synthesize the multiple echo signals to obtain multiple image datasets; The ultrasound image is determined based on the multiple image datasets.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, Determining the ultrasound image based on the plurality of image datasets includes: The ultrasound image is obtained by coherently combining the multiple image datasets.

7. An ultrasonic imaging device, characterized in that, include: The acquisition module is used to acquire the position of the reference focus among multiple emission focuses in the target imaging region; The plurality of emission focal points are located at multiple depths within the target imaging region; The reference focus is located at the first depth among the plurality of depths, and one emission aperture corresponds to one reference focus; The position of the first emission focus is determined based on the positions of two adjacent target reference focuses among the reference focuses; The first emission focus is the emission focus at which the lateral distance between the two adjacent target reference focuses is the smallest among the plurality of depths other than the first depth; The processing module is used to control each of the multiple transmission array elements of the transducer to transmit the first beam based on the position of the multiple transmission focal points obtained by the acquisition module. The acquisition module is used to obtain multiple echo signals by controlling the first beam emitted by multiple transmitting array elements of the transducer based on the processing module. The processing module is used to process the multiple echo signals using a backtracking beamforming algorithm to obtain an ultrasound image.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The acquisition module is specifically used for: Obtain a first included angle and a first distance, wherein the first included angle is the angle between the line connecting the first end of the emission aperture to the position of the target reference focus corresponding to the emission aperture and the transducer; the first distance is the lateral distance between the first emission focus and the target reference focus that is closest to the first emission focus; The position of the first emission focus is determined based on the first included angle and the first distance.

9. An electronic device comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by the processor, it causes the processor to perform the steps of the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

10. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

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