Method for acquisition of ultrasound images, ultrasound imaging device and readable storage medium

Abstract

This application relates to the field of ultrasound imaging technology, and discloses a method for acquiring ultrasound images, an ultrasound imaging device, and a readable storage medium. The method includes: controlling a transducer in an ultrasound probe to automatically adjust its position according to a preset method; acquiring at least one frame of ultrasound image in response to the transducer adjusting to a target set position; analyzing each frame of ultrasound image to obtain analysis results; determining an optimal set position based on the analysis results; and controlling the transducer to adjust to the optimal set position to acquire at least one frame of ultrasound image. This method reduces the requirements for the operator's ultrasound instrument operation skills, ultrasound expertise, and clinical expertise, eliminating the need for the operator to blindly adjust the ultrasound probe multiple times, thus improving acquisition efficiency and consequently enhancing ultrasound diagnostic efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of ultrasound imaging technology, and in particular to ultrasound image acquisition methods, ultrasound imaging equipment, and readable storage media. Background Technology

[0002] During childbirth, the progress of labor needs to be monitored and the delivery method clinically assessed before the pregnant woman enters the delivery room and during labor. Traditional monitoring methods involve internal examination to check the degree of cervical dilation, the position of the presenting head, and the fetal position. This process relies on the midwife's experience and judgment, which is highly subjective. Furthermore, frequent digital examinations can increase the risk of infection and discomfort for the pregnant woman, and reduce her compliance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main technical problem addressed by this application is to provide a method for acquiring ultrasound images, an ultrasound imaging device, and a readable storage medium, which enables the ultrasound probe to quickly acquire optimal ultrasound images, reduces the requirements for the operator's ultrasound instrument operation skills, ultrasound expertise, and clinical expertise, eliminates the need for the operator to blindly adjust the ultrasound probe multiple times, improves acquisition efficiency, and thus enhances ultrasound diagnostic efficiency.

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides a method for acquiring ultrasound images. The method includes: controlling a transducer in an ultrasound probe to automatically adjust its position according to a preset method; acquiring at least one frame of ultrasound image in response to the transducer adjusting to a target set position; analyzing each frame of ultrasound image to obtain analysis results; determining the optimal set position based on the analysis results; and controlling the transducer to adjust to the optimal set position to acquire at least one frame of ultrasound image.

[0005] The process involves analyzing each frame of ultrasound image to obtain analysis results, including: scoring each frame of ultrasound image using standard ultrasound images to obtain a score for each frame of ultrasound image; determining the optimal setting position based on the analysis results, including: identifying the target ultrasound image with the highest score; and determining the target setting position corresponding to the target ultrasound image as the optimal setting position.

[0006] The method further includes: controlling the transducer to adjust its position within a first preset range and acquiring multiple frames of first ultrasound images; analyzing each frame of ultrasound images to obtain analysis results, including: analyzing each frame of the first ultrasound images to obtain a first analysis result; determining an optimal setting position based on the analysis results, including: determining an optimal setting position within the first preset range based on the first analysis result; the method further includes: determining a second preset range based on the optimal setting position within the first preset range; controlling the transducer to adjust its position within the second preset range and acquiring multiple frames of second ultrasound images; wherein the second preset range is smaller than the first preset range; analyzing each frame of ultrasound images to obtain analysis results, including: analyzing each frame of the second ultrasound images to obtain a second analysis result; determining an optimal setting position based on the analysis results, including: determining an optimal setting position within the second preset range based on the second analysis result; controlling the transducer to adjust to the optimal setting position and acquiring at least one frame of ultrasound images, including: controlling the transducer to adjust to the optimal setting position within the second preset range and acquiring at least one frame of ultrasound images.

[0007] The process of controlling the transducer to adjust its position within a first preset range and acquiring multiple frames of first ultrasound images includes: determining the rotation angle of the transducer; rotating the transducer to the posture corresponding to the rotation angle according to the rotation angle, and acquiring the first ultrasound image in the current posture.

[0008] The step of determining the second preset range based on the optimal setting position within the first preset range includes: obtaining the previous setting position of the optimal setting position within the first preset range, and obtaining the next setting position of the optimal setting position within the first preset range; and using the angle range between the previous setting position and the next setting position as the second preset range.

[0009] The process involves analyzing each frame of the second ultrasound image to obtain a second analysis result, including: inputting multiple frames of the second ultrasound image into an image segmentation model to obtain feature information and the category of the feature information in each second ultrasound image; selecting the second ultrasound image to be determined whose category matches the preset category; comparing the second ultrasound image to be determined with a standard ultrasound image to obtain multiple similarity results, and using the similarity results as the second analysis result.

[0010] To address the aforementioned problems, another technical solution adopted in this application is to provide an ultrasound imaging device, comprising: an ultrasound probe including a transducer capable of automatic position adjustment; a transmitting circuit connected to the transducer for transmitting ultrasound signals to a target tissue via the transducer; a receiving circuit connected to the transducer for acquiring ultrasound echo signals reflected by the ultrasound signals through the target tissue; and a processor connected to the receiving circuit for controlling the transducer in the ultrasound probe to automatically adjust its position according to a preset method; acquiring at least one frame of ultrasound image in response to the transducer adjusting to a target set position; analyzing each frame of ultrasound image to obtain analysis results; determining an optimal set position based on the analysis results; and controlling the transducer to adjust to the optimal set position to acquire at least one frame of ultrasound image.

[0011] The processor is also used to score each frame of ultrasound image using standard ultrasound images to obtain a score for each frame of ultrasound image; to determine the target ultrasound image with the highest score; and to determine the target setting position corresponding to the target ultrasound image as the optimal setting position.

[0012] The processor is further configured to control the transducer to adjust its position within a first preset range and acquire multiple frames of first ultrasound images; analyze each frame of the first ultrasound image to obtain a first analysis result; determine the optimal setting position within the first preset range based on the first analysis result; determine a second preset range based on the optimal setting position within the first preset range; control the transducer to adjust its position within the second preset range and acquire multiple frames of second ultrasound images, wherein the second preset range is smaller than the first preset range; analyze each frame of the second ultrasound image to obtain a second analysis result; determine the optimal setting position within the second preset range based on the second analysis result; and control the transducer to adjust to the optimal setting position within the second preset range and acquire at least one frame of ultrasound image.

[0013] The processor is also used to determine the rotation angle of the transducer; and to rotate the transducer to the posture corresponding to the rotation angle, and to acquire the first ultrasound image in the current posture.

[0014] The processor is also used to obtain the previous setting position of the optimal setting position within the first preset range, and to obtain the next setting position of the optimal setting position within the first preset range; and to use the angle range of the previous setting position and the next setting position as the second preset range.

[0015] The ultrasonic probe also includes a housing and a drive assembly; the housing has an accommodating space for accommodating the transducer; the drive assembly is connected to the ultrasonic transducer for adjusting the position of the transducer.

[0016] The accommodating space is filled with a sound-permeable medium.

[0017] An indicator light is located on the outside of the casing, and the indicator light is connected to the processor.

[0018] To address the aforementioned problems, another technical solution adopted in this application is to provide a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the method provided by the above technical solution.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: Unlike existing technologies, the ultrasound image acquisition method provided in this application includes: controlling the transducer in the ultrasound probe to automatically adjust its position according to a preset method; acquiring at least one frame of ultrasound image in response to the transducer adjusting to the target set position; analyzing each frame of ultrasound image to obtain analysis results; determining the optimal set position based on the analysis results; and controlling the transducer to adjust to the optimal set position to acquire at least one frame of ultrasound image. Through this method, the ultrasound probe can quickly acquire optimal ultrasound images, reducing the requirements for the operator's ultrasound instrument operation skills, ultrasound expertise, and clinical expertise. It eliminates the need for the operator to blindly adjust the ultrasound probe multiple times, improving acquisition efficiency and thus enhancing ultrasound diagnostic efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the ultrasound image acquisition method provided in this application;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the ultrasound imaging device provided in this application;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the ultrasound image acquisition method provided in this application;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the application of an embodiment of the ultrasonic probe provided in this application;

[0024] Figure 5 This is an application diagram of another embodiment of the ultrasonic probe provided in this application;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of another embodiment of the ultrasound image acquisition method provided in this application;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of step 61 provided in this application;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of step 64 provided in this application;

[0028] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of step 66 provided in this application;

[0029] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the ultrasound imaging device provided in this application;

[0030] Figures 11-14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the ultrasonic probe provided in this application;

[0031] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the computer-readable storage medium provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining this application and not for limiting it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts related to this application are shown in the accompanying drawings, not all structures. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0033] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or apparatuses.

[0034] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0035] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the ultrasound image acquisition method provided in this application. The method includes:

[0036] Step 11: Control the transducer in the ultrasonic probe to automatically adjust its position according to the preset method.

[0037] In some embodiments, an ultrasound imaging device may be used to acquire ultrasound images. See also Figure 2 The ultrasound imaging device 100 includes an ultrasound probe 101, a transmitting circuit 102, a receiving circuit 103, a transmit / receive selection switch 104, a processor 105, a display 106, and a memory 107. The transmitting circuit 102 and the receiving circuit 103 can be connected to the ultrasound probe 101 via the transmit / receive selection switch 104. In some embodiments, the transmitting circuit 102, the receiving circuit 103, and the transmit / receive selection switch 104 can be integrated with the ultrasound probe 101.

[0038] During ultrasound imaging, the transmitting circuit 102 sends a delayed-focused transmission pulse with a certain amplitude and polarity to the ultrasound probe 101 via the transmit / receive selection switch 104 to excite the ultrasound probe 101 to emit ultrasonic waves. After a certain delay, the receiving circuit 103 receives the echo of the ultrasonic wave via the transmit / receive selection switch 104, obtains the ultrasonic echo signal, and performs amplification, analog-to-digital conversion, and beamforming on the echo signal. Then, the processed ultrasonic echo signal is sent to the processor 105 for further processing. The processor 105 processes the ultrasonic echo signal to obtain the corresponding ultrasound image.

[0039] The display 106 is connected to the processor 105. For example, the processor 105 can be connected to the display 106 via an external input / output port. The display 106 can detect user input information, which may include, for example, control commands for ultrasonic wave transmission and reception timing, operation input commands for initiating still image capture, dynamic video capture, and / or dynamic image storage, or other command types. The display 106 may include one or more of the following: keyboard, mouse, scroll wheel, trackball, mobile input device (such as a mobile device with a touch screen, a mobile phone, etc.), multi-function knob, buttons, etc. Therefore, the corresponding external input / output port can be a wireless communication module, a wired communication module, or a combination of both. The external input / output port can also be implemented based on USB, bus protocols such as CAN, and / or wired network protocols.

[0040] The display 106 also includes a screen that can display ultrasound images acquired by the processor 105. Furthermore, while displaying ultrasound images, the screen can also provide a graphical user interface for human-computer interaction. One or more controlled objects can be set on the graphical interface, allowing the user to input operation commands through the display 106 to control these controlled objects and perform corresponding control operations. For example, icons can be displayed on the graphical interface, and the user can operate these icons using a human-computer interaction device to perform specific functions, such as storing dynamic images while simultaneously capturing still images / movie clips. In practical applications, the screen can be a touchscreen display. Furthermore, the display in this embodiment may include one screen or multiple screens.

[0041] In other embodiments of this application, the processor 105 is also configured to receive an instruction to store the ultrasound image, and in response to the instruction to store a dynamic image, a static image, or a short video of the ultrasound image, thereby facilitating a user (e.g., a doctor) to browse and review it for diagnosis.

[0042] The ultrasound imaging device 100 can be of the amplitude modulation type, the spot scanning type, or the grayscale modulation type.

[0043] In this embodiment, the transducer in the ultrasonic probe can automatically adjust its position. For example, it can automatically adjust its position according to a preset method.

[0044] For example, the angle of the transducer can be adjusted. This angle can be the incident angle of the ultrasonic wave or the rotation angle of the transducer. Specifically, it can be rotated according to a preset rotation angle.

[0045] Specifically, an ultrasonic probe includes a housing and a transducer. The transducer is used to emit ultrasonic waves and collect the echoes of those waves. The transducer can rotate and extend within the housing.

[0046] In some embodiments, the transducer in the ultrasonic probe can automatically adjust its position and / or orientation.

[0047] Step 12: In response to the transducer being adjusted to the target set position, acquire at least one frame of ultrasound image.

[0048] When adjusted to the target position, the ultrasound probe is used to collect corresponding ultrasound data at the target tissue at this position, and then an ultrasound image is obtained based on the ultrasound data.

[0049] Step 13: Analyze each frame of ultrasound image to obtain the analysis results.

[0050] In some embodiments, ultrasound images can be input into an image segmentation model to obtain feature information in the ultrasound images.

[0051] Image segmentation models are trained using training sample images, which are obtained by annotating standard ultrasound images. Specifically, the contours of feature information and the category of that feature information are annotated in the standard ultrasound image, thereby training the image segmentation model.

[0052] In this embodiment, the image segmentation model can be trained based on network structures such as FCN (Fully Convolutional Network), SegNet, Unet, Deeplab, or PSPNet.

[0053] Then, the target features are analyzed to obtain the analysis results.

[0054] For example, it can be analyzed whether the contour area of ​​the target feature meets the preset contour area requirements. Therefore, the analysis result can be the result of whether the contour area of ​​the target feature meets the preset contour area requirements.

[0055] For example, the types of target features in the ultrasound image can be analyzed to determine whether these types match preset feature types. Therefore, the analysis result can be the result of whether the type matches the preset feature type.

[0056] For example, the sharpness of target features in the ultrasound image can be analyzed to determine whether the sharpness meets the requirements. Therefore, the analysis result can be the result of whether the sharpness meets the requirements.

[0057] The above analysis methods can be performed simultaneously or in any combination. During this process, weights can be set for each analysis method. When multiple methods are combined as analysis requirements, they are multiplied according to their respective weights to obtain the final result, which is then used to determine whether the requirements are met.

[0058] That is, each frame of the image corresponds to an analysis result.

[0059] Step 14: Determine the optimal setting position based on the analysis results.

[0060] Each analysis result is compared to determine the best result. The ultrasound image corresponding to the best result is defined as the optimal ultrasound image. The acquisition position corresponding to the optimal ultrasound image is defined as the optimal position.

[0061] Step 15: Control the transducer to adjust to the optimal setting position and acquire at least one frame of ultrasound image.

[0062] In this embodiment, the transducer in the ultrasound probe is automatically adjusted to a preset position; in response to the transducer adjusting to the target position, at least one frame of ultrasound image is acquired; each frame of ultrasound image is analyzed to obtain analysis results; the optimal setting position is determined based on the analysis results; by controlling the transducer to adjust to the optimal setting position and acquiring at least one frame of ultrasound image, the ultrasound probe can quickly acquire the optimal ultrasound image. This reduces the requirements for the operator's ultrasound instrument operation skills, ultrasound expertise, and clinical expertise, and eliminates the need for the operator to blindly adjust the ultrasound probe multiple times, thus improving acquisition efficiency and ultimately enhancing ultrasound diagnostic efficiency.

[0063] See Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the ultrasound image acquisition method provided in this application. The method includes:

[0064] Step 31: Control the transducer in the ultrasonic probe to automatically adjust its position according to the preset method.

[0065] Step 32: In response to the transducer being adjusted to the target set position, acquire at least one frame of ultrasound image.

[0066] Step 33: Use standard ultrasound images to score each frame of ultrasound image to obtain the score corresponding to each frame of ultrasound image.

[0067] Step 34: Identify the target ultrasound image with the highest score.

[0068] Step 35: Determine the target setting position corresponding to the target ultrasound image as the optimal setting position.

[0069] Step 36: Control the transducer to adjust to the optimal setting position and acquire at least one frame of ultrasound image.

[0070] like Figure 4 As shown, when the ultrasound probe is working, the transducer moves to a position from P1->P2->P3……->P8, and each time it is in a different position, it acquires an ultrasound image.

[0071] The ultrasound image acquired at this location is then transmitted to the system's analysis module, where it is scored as a standard cross-sectional position. This process is repeated for all locations, each with a score. The location with the highest score is then selected as the optimal scanning location, and the image acquired at this optimal scanning location is the optimal cross-sectional image.

[0072] The position value can be set appropriately according to the actual situation, such as... Figure 4 It can be set to 8, in which case the number of positions for the transducer to move is relatively small.

[0073] like Figure 5As shown, the value n of the position can be relatively large, so that there are more positions for the transducer's movement attitude, and the optimal cross-sectional position can be located more accurately. The intervals between two position points P1, P2, ..., Pn can be equal or unequal.

[0074] See Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the ultrasound image acquisition method provided in this application. The method includes:

[0075] Step 61: Control the transducer to adjust its position within the first preset range and acquire multiple frames of the first ultrasound image.

[0076] For example, the angle of the transducer can be adjusted. This angle can be the incident angle of the ultrasonic wave or the rotation angle of the transducer. The transducer is adjusted automatically.

[0077] Specifically, an ultrasonic probe includes a housing and a transducer. The transducer is used to emit ultrasonic waves and collect the echoes of those waves. The transducer can rotate and extend within the housing.

[0078] In some embodiments, see Figure 7 Step 61 can be the following process:

[0079] Step 611: Determine the rotation angle of the transducer.

[0080] In some embodiments, the rotation angle can be set according to different body parts. For example, the transducer rotates at a first angle at the perineum and at a second angle at the abdomen. Since the area of ​​the abdomen is larger than that of the perineum, the second angle is greater than the first angle.

[0081] In some embodiments, the rotation angle can be manually set in advance. When using an ultrasonic probe, the ultrasonic probe directly acquires the set rotation angle, and when rotation is required, it rotates according to the rotation angle.

[0082] Step 612: Rotate the transducer to the posture corresponding to the rotation angle, and acquire the first ultrasound image in the current posture.

[0083] During this process, the transducer rotates automatically. Specifically, because the transducer is connected to the processing module, the processing module can send control commands to make the transducer rotate according to the rotation angle specified in the control commands. For example, the processing module obtains the current angle and the single rotation angle of the transducer, calculates the next rotation angle, and then sends the next rotation angle to the transducer. After receiving the rotation angle, the transducer rotates to that angle.

[0084] In this way, the transducer can acquire multiple frames of first ultrasound images within a first preset range according to the rotation angle.

[0085] Step 62: Analyze each frame of the first ultrasound image to obtain the first analysis result.

[0086] Step 63: Determine the optimal setting position within the first preset range based on the first analysis results.

[0087] Step 64: Determine the second preset range based on the optimal setting position within the first preset range.

[0088] In some embodiments, the second preset range can be determined by acquiring a previous posture of the first posture and a subsequent posture of the first posture; the angular range between the previous and subsequent postures is used as the second preset range. For example, if the transducer rotates by 15 degrees in a single rotation and the first posture is 120 degrees, then the angle of the previous posture is 105 degrees and the angle of the subsequent posture is 135 degrees. In this case, the second preset range can be between 105 degrees and 135 degrees.

[0089] In some embodiments, the second preset range can be determined by acquiring the first two postures and the last two postures of the first posture; the angular range of the first two postures and the last two postures is used as the second preset range. For example, if the transducer rotates by 10 degrees in a single rotation and the first posture is 120 degrees, then the first two postures of the first posture are 100 degrees and 110 degrees, and the last two postures of the first posture are 130 degrees and 140 degrees. In this case, the second preset range can be between 100 degrees and 140 degrees.

[0090] For example, if the first preset range is within 360 degrees, then the second preset range can be within 90 degrees, 180 degrees, 270 degrees, or 45 degrees. For instance, within a 360-degree range, 12 frames of first ultrasound images are acquired, meaning the angle difference between each frame is 30 degrees. Then, an optimal first ultrasound image is determined from these 12 frames. The transducer angle corresponding to this optimal first ultrasound image is 30 degrees. Using this optimal transducer angle as a reference, the second preset range is determined, thus defining the transducer's rotation range. If the second preset range is within 90 degrees, then the transducer's rotation range is between -15 degrees and 75 degrees. Within the second preset range, the transducer's single rotation angle can be reset. For example, as the range decreases, the transducer's single rotation angle can be reduced accordingly, such as from 30 degrees to 5 degrees, 10 degrees, or 15 degrees, to acquire multiple frames of second ultrasound images within the second preset range.

[0091] It is understandable that the second preset range can be determined based on the similarity ratio between the optimal first ultrasound image and the standard ultrasound image. The higher the similarity, the smaller the second preset range; the lower the similarity, the larger the second preset range.

[0092] For example, if the first preset range is a 10 cm movement range, then the second preset range can be within 5 cm, 3 cm, or 2 cm. For instance, within the 10 cm movement range, 10 frames of first ultrasound images are acquired, meaning the distance between each frame is 1 cm. Then, an optimal first ultrasound image is determined from these 10 frames. In this case, the transducer movement distance corresponding to the optimal first ultrasound image is 5 cm. Using the transducer angle corresponding to the optimal first ultrasound image as a reference, the second preset range is determined, thus defining the transducer's movement range. If the second preset range is within 5 cm, then the transducer's movement range is between 2 cm and 7 cm. Within the second preset range, the single movement distance of the transducer can be reset. For example, as the range decreases, the single movement distance of the transducer can be reduced accordingly, such as from 1 cm to 0.5 cm, 0.2 cm, or 0.1 cm, to acquire multiple frames of second ultrasound images within the second preset range.

[0093] It is understandable that the second preset range can be determined based on the similarity ratio between the optimal first ultrasound image and the standard ultrasound image. The higher the similarity, the smaller the second preset range; the lower the similarity, the larger the second preset range.

[0094] In some embodiments, see Figure 8 Step 64 can be the following process:

[0095] Step 641: Obtain the previous setting position of the best setting position within the first preset range, and obtain the next setting position of the best setting position within the first preset range.

[0096] Step 642: Use the angle range between the previous set position and the next set position as the second preset range.

[0097] Step 65: Control the transducer to adjust its position within a second preset range and acquire multiple frames of second ultrasound images; wherein the second preset range is smaller than the first preset range.

[0098] Step 66: Analyze each frame of the second ultrasound image to obtain the second analysis result.

[0099] In some embodiments, see Figure 9 Step 66 can be the following process:

[0100] Step 661: Input multiple frames of second ultrasound images into the image segmentation model to obtain the feature information in each second ultrasound image and the category of the feature information.

[0101] Step 662: Select the second ultrasound image to be determined that matches the preset category.

[0102] Step 663: Compare the second ultrasound image to be determined with the standard ultrasound image to obtain multiple similarity results, and use the similarity results as the second analysis result.

[0103] Step 67: Determine the optimal setting position within the second preset range based on the second analysis results.

[0104] Step 68: Control the transducer to adjust to the optimal setting position within the second preset range, and acquire at least one frame of ultrasound image.

[0105] In this embodiment, multiple frames of first ultrasound images are acquired by adjusting the orientation of the transducer in the ultrasound probe within a first preset range; the optimal first ultrasound image is determined from the multiple frames of first ultrasound images, and the first orientation of the transducer corresponding to the optimal first ultrasound image is determined; a second preset range is determined based on the first orientation, and multiple frames of second ultrasound images are acquired within the second preset range; wherein the second preset orientation is smaller than the first preset range; the method of determining and displaying the optimal second ultrasound image from the multiple frames of second ultrasound images enables the ultrasound probe to quickly acquire the optimal ultrasound image, which reduces the requirements for the operator's ultrasound instrument operation skills, ultrasound expertise, and clinical expertise, and eliminates the need for the operator to blindly adjust the ultrasound probe multiple times, thereby improving acquisition efficiency and thus improving ultrasound diagnostic efficiency.

[0106] See Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the ultrasound imaging device provided in this application. The ultrasound imaging device 100 includes: an ultrasound probe 101, a transmitting circuit 102, a receiving circuit 103, and a processor 105.

[0107] The ultrasonic probe 101 includes a transducer (not shown) that can automatically adjust its position.

[0108] The transmitting circuit 102 is connected to the transducer and is used to transmit ultrasonic signals to the target tissue through the transducer.

[0109] The receiving circuit 103 is connected to the transducer and is used to collect the ultrasonic echo signal reflected by the target tissue.

[0110] The processor 105 is connected to the receiving circuit 103 and is used to control the transducer in the ultrasound probe to automatically adjust its position according to a preset method; in response to the transducer adjusting to the target set position, at least one frame of ultrasound image is acquired; each frame of ultrasound image is analyzed to obtain the analysis result; the optimal set position is determined based on the analysis result; and the transducer is controlled to adjust to the optimal set position to acquire at least one frame of ultrasound image.

[0111] In some embodiments, the processor 105 is further configured to score each frame of ultrasound image using standard ultrasound images to obtain a score corresponding to each frame of ultrasound image; and to determine the target ultrasound image with the highest score; and to determine the target setting position corresponding to the target ultrasound image as the optimal setting position.

[0112] In some embodiments, the processor 105 is further configured to control the transducer to adjust its position within a first preset range and acquire multiple frames of first ultrasound images; and to analyze each frame of the first ultrasound image to obtain a first analysis result; and to determine an optimal setting position within the first preset range based on the first analysis result; and to determine a second preset range based on the optimal setting position within the first preset range; and to control the transducer to adjust its position within the second preset range and acquire multiple frames of second ultrasound images; wherein the second preset range is smaller than the first preset range; and to analyze each frame of the second ultrasound image to obtain a second analysis result; and to determine an optimal setting position within the second preset range based on the second analysis result; and to control the transducer to adjust to the optimal setting position within the second preset range and acquire at least one frame of ultrasound image.

[0113] In some embodiments, the processor 105 is further configured to determine the rotation angle of the transducer; and to rotate the transducer to the posture corresponding to the rotation angle, and to acquire a first ultrasound image in the current posture.

[0114] In some embodiments, the processor 105 is further configured to obtain a previous setting position of the optimal setting position within a first preset range, and to obtain a subsequent setting position of the optimal setting position within the first preset range; and to use the angle range between the previous setting position and the subsequent setting position as a second preset range.

[0115] The ultrasonic probe 101 also includes a housing and a drive assembly; the housing has an accommodating space for accommodating the transducer; the drive assembly is connected to the ultrasonic transducer for adjusting the position of the transducer.

[0116] The accommodating space is filled with a sound-permeable medium.

[0117] An indicator light is located on the outside of the casing, and the indicator light is connected to the processor.

[0118] In one application scenario, combined Figures 11-14 Description of the ultrasonic probe:

[0119] 1. A production ultrasonic probe is provided, wherein the ultrasonic transducer inside the probe is controlled by an ultrasonic system and can move and scan according to a set rule.

[0120] Specifically, such as Figures 11-14 As shown. Among them, Figure 11 This is a front view of the ultrasound probe. Figure 12 This is a side view of the ultrasound probe. Figure 13 This is a top view of the ultrasound probe. Figure 14 This is a 3D view of an ultrasound probe. The ultrasound probe includes a housing, an ultrasound transducer, a rotating axis, and an indicator light. The ultrasound transducer is housed within the housing. The housing can be cylindrical, and the ultrasound transducer inside the probe can be convex. The gap between the housing and the ultrasound transducer is filled with a sound-transmitting material, such as a sound-transmitting liquid medium. The ultrasound transducer inside the probe can rotate and scan around the rotating axis, controlled by the ultrasound system's motor. This rotational scanning method can scan 360°, ensuring a sufficiently large scanning angle to search for the optimal scanning position over a wide area. Before using the ultrasound probe, the operator can position it according to the desired body position, such as the abdomen or perineum.

[0121] 2. When the ultrasonic system is working, the ultrasonic transducer inside the ultrasonic probe moves in a specified manner and acquires ultrasonic images.

[0122] Specifically, the operation of the ultrasound probe can be controlled by external input commands or sensing devices. These external input commands can be trigger buttons on the ultrasound probe or virtual buttons on a display terminal. The automatic sensing device can be an electrostatic sensor installed on the surface of the ultrasound probe that contacts the human body. When the sensor contacts the skin, it automatically triggers the system to control the ultrasound probe. When the ultrasound system receives external input commands or trigger commands from the sensing device, the ultrasound probe operates, and the motor of the ultrasound system controls the rotation of the ultrasound transducer inside the probe. The ultrasound transducer starts from a fixed initial position, such as a vertical position, and rotates along a fixed clockwise direction, such as counterclockwise. Each rotation angle is Δθ, which is evenly divided by the circumference. The size of this rotation angle can be adjusted according to actual needs, and this adjustment can be controlled manually. These manual commands can be hardware settings on the probe or virtual settings on the display terminal. After each rotation of Δθ to a certain position, the ultrasound transducer scans and acquires ultrasound cross-sectional data at that position. In practical design, multiple frames, such as three-frame cross-sectional ultrasound images, can be acquired from a single location to reduce random acquisition errors. The ultrasound transducer continuously rotates and scans, acquiring data until it has completed one full rotation of all locations.

[0123] 3. All acquired transverse ultrasound images are transmitted to the processor of the ultrasound system, where the processor's algorithm analyzes and calculates the images to select the optimal transverse ultrasound images.

[0124] Specifically, all acquired ultrasound images input to the system processor are analyzed, evaluated, and selected by the ultrasound system's algorithm module. For example, a trained semantic segmentation algorithm can be used, based on which the network can identify the type of target tissue in the ultrasound image and segment the boundaries of the target tissue. The system further evaluates the semantic segmentation results, using clear, complete, and comprehensive features as evaluation criteria. The frame with the clearest, most complete, and most comprehensive features is selected as the optimal ultrasound image, and the corresponding ultrasound transducer rotation position is the optimal scanning position. The samples used to train the network can be transperineal ultrasound images, which are first processed by experienced sonographers to mark the boundaries of features such as the fetal head, pubic symphysis, cervix, and fetal spine, as well as tissue type information.

[0125] 4. Adjust the ultrasonic transducer to the optimal scanning position.

[0126] Specifically, the ultrasound system controls the ultrasound transducer to rotate to the rotation angle position corresponding to the optimal image, and displays that the optimal scanning position has been reached through prompt signals, such as a flashing green indicator light and / or an audible prompt.

[0127] 5. Continuously scan and output ultrasound images at this optimal position.

[0128] At this point, the ultrasonic transducer is in the optimal scanning position, and can scan and output an ultrasonic image of the optimal scanning section at the position.

[0129] If the user moves the probe's contact area with the tissue during monitoring, the system automatically repeats the above process. Regarding the movement of the ultrasonic transducer, in addition to the rotational movement described in the above embodiments, it can also be sector scanning movement, parallel scanning movement, or a combination of various movement methods.

[0130] See Figure 15 , Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the computer-readable storage medium provided in this application. The computer-readable storage medium 150 is used to store a computer program 151, which, when executed by a processor, implements the following methods:

[0131] The transducer in the ultrasound probe is controlled to automatically adjust its position according to a preset method; in response to the transducer adjusting to the target set position, at least one frame of ultrasound image is acquired; each frame of ultrasound image is analyzed to obtain the analysis results; the optimal set position is determined based on the analysis results; the transducer is controlled to adjust to the optimal set position and at least one frame of ultrasound image is acquired.

[0132] It is understood that when the computer program 151 is executed by the processor, it is also used to implement the method of any of the above embodiments. For details, please refer to any of the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0133] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed methods and devices can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of modules or units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed.

[0134] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment, depending on actual needs.

[0135] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0136] If the integrated units in the other embodiments described above are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0137] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A method for acquiring ultrasound images, characterized in that, The method includes: The transducer in the ultrasound probe is controlled to adjust its position within a first preset range, and multiple frames of the first ultrasound image are acquired. Each frame of the first ultrasound image is analyzed to obtain a first analysis result; Based on the first analysis results, the optimal setting position within the first preset range is determined; Obtain the previous setting position within the first preset range, and obtain the next setting position within the first preset range; The angle range between the previous and next preset positions is taken as the second preset range; The transducer is controlled to adjust its position within the second preset range to acquire multiple frames of second ultrasound images.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of analyzing each frame of the first ultrasound image to obtain a first analysis result includes: Each frame of the first ultrasound image is scored using standard ultrasound images to obtain the score corresponding to each frame of the first ultrasound image. Determining the optimal setting position within the first preset range based on the first analysis result includes: Identify the target ultrasound image with the highest score; The target position within the first preset range corresponding to the target ultrasound image is determined as the optimal setting position.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second preset range is smaller than the first preset range; After controlling the transducer to adjust its position within the second preset range and acquiring multiple frames of second ultrasound images, the method further includes: Each frame of the second ultrasound image is analyzed to obtain a second analysis result; Based on the second analysis results, the optimal setting position within the second preset range is determined; The transducer is controlled to be adjusted to the optimal setting position within the second preset range, and at least one frame of ultrasound image is acquired.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The transducer in the controlled ultrasound probe is adjusted within a first preset range to acquire multiple frames of first ultrasound images, including: Determine the rotation angle of the transducer; The transducer is rotated to the posture corresponding to the rotation angle, and a first ultrasound image is acquired in the current posture.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The analysis of each frame of the second ultrasound image to obtain a second analysis result includes: Multiple frames of the second ultrasound images are input into the image segmentation model to obtain the feature information in each second ultrasound image and the category of the feature information; Select the second ultrasound image to be determined that matches the preset category; The second ultrasound image to be determined is compared with a standard ultrasound image to obtain multiple similarity results, and the similarity results are used as the second analysis result.

6. An ultrasonic imaging device, characterized in that, The ultrasound imaging device includes: An ultrasonic probe, the ultrasonic probe including a transducer that can automatically adjust its position; A transmitting circuit, connected to the transducer, is used to transmit ultrasonic signals to the target tissue through the transducer; A receiving circuit, connected to the transducer, is used to acquire the ultrasonic echo signal reflected by the ultrasonic signal through the target tissue; The processor, connected to the receiving circuit, is used to control the transducer in the ultrasound probe to adjust its position within a first preset range, and to acquire multiple frames of first ultrasound images; to analyze each frame of the first ultrasound image to obtain a first analysis result; to determine the optimal setting position within the first preset range based on the first analysis result; to obtain a previous setting position and a subsequent setting position within the first preset range of the optimal setting position; to use the angle range of the previous and subsequent setting positions as a second preset range; and to control the transducer to adjust its position within the second preset range to acquire multiple frames of second ultrasound images.

7. The ultrasonic imaging device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The processor is further configured to score each frame of the first ultrasound image using standard ultrasound images to obtain a score corresponding to each frame of the first ultrasound image; and to determine the target ultrasound image with the highest score; and to determine the target setting position corresponding to the target ultrasound image as the optimal setting position.

8. The ultrasonic imaging device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The processor is further configured to analyze each frame of the second ultrasound image to obtain a second analysis result; and to determine an optimal setting position within a second preset range based on the second analysis result; and to control the transducer to adjust to the optimal setting position within the second preset range to acquire at least one frame of ultrasound image; wherein the second preset range is smaller than the first preset range.

9. The ultrasonic imaging device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The processor is further configured to determine the rotation angle of the transducer; and to rotate the transducer to the posture corresponding to the rotation angle, and acquire a first ultrasound image in the current posture.

10. The ultrasonic imaging device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The processor is further configured to obtain a previous preset position within the first preset range and a subsequent preset position within the first preset range; and to use the angle range of the previous and subsequent preset positions as the second preset range.

11. The ultrasonic imaging device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The ultrasonic probe also includes a housing and a drive assembly; The housing is provided with an accommodating space for accommodating the transducer; The drive assembly is connected to the ultrasonic transducer and is used to adjust the position of the transducer.

12. The ultrasonic imaging device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The accommodating space is filled with a sound-permeable medium.

13. The ultrasonic imaging device according to claim 11, characterized in that, An indicator light is provided on the outside of the housing, and the indicator light is connected to the processor.

14. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium is used to store a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-5.

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