Elastic imaging method, device, elastic imaging system and storage medium

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of elastic imaging technology, and specifically to an elastic imaging method, device, elastic imaging system, and storage medium. The method includes obtaining a current pressure value applied by an elastic detection probe to a target area of ​​a target tissue, wherein the current pressure value is detected by a pressure sensor in the elastic detection probe; obtaining a target pressure value corresponding to the target area; displaying a comparison diagram of the current pressure value and the target pressure value on an imaging interface; when the current pressure value meets the target pressure value, controlling the elastic detection probe to perform shear wave excitation in the target area and tracking the propagation of the shear wave to obtain shear wave elastic imaging information of the target tissue. The current pressure value is measured using the pressure sensor in the elastic detection probe, and shear wave elastic imaging detection is performed when the current pressure value meets the detection requirements to ensure the accuracy and stability of the elastic imaging results.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of elastic imaging, and in particular to an elastic imaging method, an elastic imaging device, an elastic imaging system and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] Elasticity imaging technology has been widely used in various fields. When used clinically, it usually converts the elasticity information of biological tissues into pseudo-color images that doctors are accustomed to, so that doctors can judge the mechanical properties of the tissue through the pseudo-color images, and then determine the elasticity test results of the tissue according to the softness and hardness of the tissue. For the same target area of ​​the object to be tested, the target contact pressure for accurate elasticity imaging needs to be controlled within a stable pressure range. During the elasticity imaging process, the tester (such as a doctor) usually holds the probe to perform elasticity imaging scanning, and stable and appropriate pressure needs to be applied. Too little pressure will lead to an unstable measurement process, and too much pressure will cause discomfort to the subject. Therefore, it is difficult to guarantee the accuracy of the elasticity imaging results by applying pressure based on the doctor's experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, embodiments of the present invention provide an elastic imaging method, an apparatus, an elastic imaging system, and a storage medium to solve the problem of accuracy of elastic imaging results.

[0004] According to a first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides an elastic imaging method, comprising:

[0005] obtaining a current pressure value applied by the elastic detection probe to the target area of ​​the target tissue, wherein the current pressure value is detected by a pressure sensor within the elastic detection probe;

[0006] Obtaining a target pressure value corresponding to the target area;

[0007] Displaying a comparison diagram of the current pressure value and the target pressure value on an imaging interface, wherein the comparison diagram is used to indicate whether the current pressure value meets the target pressure value;

[0008] When the current pressure value meets the target pressure value, the elasticity detection probe is controlled to perform shear wave excitation in the target area and track the propagation of the shear wave to obtain shear wave elasticity imaging information of the target tissue.

[0009] The elastic imaging method provided by the present invention utilizes the pressure sensor in the elastic detection probe to detect the current pressure value, and displays a comparison diagram of the measured current pressure value and the target pressure value on the imaging interface. Shear wave elastic imaging is performed only when the current pressure value meets the detection requirements, ensuring the accuracy and stability of the measurement results when different operators perform the detection and when the same operator performs multiple detections.

[0010] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0011] When it is determined that the current pressure value does not meet the target pressure value, controlling the elasticity detection probe to adjust the current pressure value applied, and during the adjustment process, controlling the elasticity detection probe to transmit an ultrasonic signal to the target tissue and receive an echo signal of the ultrasonic signal;

[0012] Quasi-static elastic imaging information of the target tissue is determined according to the echo signal.

[0013] The elastic imaging method provided by the present invention utilizes the imaging characteristics of quasi-static elastic imaging to simultaneously obtain quasi-static elastic imaging information of the tissue during the pressure adjustment phase of shear wave elastic imaging. This ingenious solution allows different types of elastic imaging information to be obtained in a single test without increasing the test duration, thereby enabling more accurate tissue assessment based on these different elastic imaging characteristics.

[0014] In some embodiments, displaying a comparison diagram of the current pressure value and the target pressure value on the imaging interface includes:

[0015] Comparing the current pressure value with the target pressure value to determine the difference between the current pressure value and the target pressure value;

[0016] determining a current difference level based on the size difference;

[0017] A comparison diagram corresponding to the current difference level is displayed on the imaging interface.

[0018] The elastic imaging method provided by the present invention uses the size difference to determine the current difference level, which represents the size relationship between the current pressure value and the target pressure value. The comparison diagram corresponding to the current difference level is restricted on the imaging interface to intuitively display the size relationship between the current pressure value and the target pressure value, further providing the user with pressure guidance and further improving the accuracy of the elastic imaging results.

[0019] In some embodiments, the elasticity detection probe is further provided with an orientation sensor. After obtaining the current pressure value applied by the elasticity detection probe to the target area of ​​the target tissue, the method further includes:

[0020] Obtaining a current rotation angle of the elastic detection probe detected by the orientation sensor;

[0021] Obtaining a no-load pressure value of the elasticity detection probe in the vertical direction;

[0022] The current pressure value is corrected according to the current rotation angle and the pressure no-load value to obtain a corrected current pressure value.

[0023] The elasticity imaging method provided by the present invention may cause measurement errors in the pressure sensor's detection results due to the influence of the elasticity detection probe's own weight. Therefore, to improve the accuracy of the pressure detection results, the detected pressure can be corrected. Furthermore, because the rotation angle of the elasticity detection probe also affects the magnitude of the applied pressure, the current detected pressure value is corrected using the current rotation angle and the no-load pressure value. The corrected pressure value is ultimately obtained, ensuring accurate quantitative measurement of the applied pressure value.

[0024] In some embodiments, the no-load pressure value includes a first no-load pressure value and a second no-load pressure value, the first no-load pressure value being a measurement value of the pressure sensor when the elastic detection probe is no-load in a vertically upward direction, and the second no-load pressure value being a measurement value of the pressure sensor when the elastic detection probe is no-load in a vertically downward direction, and correcting the current pressure value according to the current rotation angle and the no-load pressure value to obtain the corrected current pressure value includes:

[0025] determining a first correction value according to the first no-load pressure value and the second no-load pressure value;

[0026] determining a second correction value according to the first no-load pressure value, the second no-load pressure value, and the current rotation angle;

[0027] The current pressure value is corrected using the first correction value and the second correction value to obtain the corrected current pressure value.

[0028] The elastic imaging method provided by the embodiment of the present invention has different no-load values ​​for the elastic detection probe in different directions. Therefore, by correcting the current pressure value in combination with the first pressure no-load value in the vertical upward direction and the second pressure no-load value in the vertical downward direction, the accuracy of the corrected pressure value can be further improved.

[0029] In some embodiments, obtaining a target pressure value of the target area corresponding to elastic imaging includes:

[0030] Acquire the target area, the type of the target tissue, and basic information of the object in the target tissue;

[0031] The target pressure value is determined according to the basic information, the target area, and the type of the target tissue.

[0032] In the elastic imaging method provided by the present invention, the target pressure value is determined in combination with the target tissue, target area and target tissue type, thereby improving the accuracy of the target pressure value and ensuring the accuracy of subsequent elastic imaging results.

[0033] According to a second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention further provides an elastic imaging device, comprising:

[0034] a first acquisition module, configured to acquire a current pressure value applied by the elastic detection probe to a target area of ​​a target tissue, wherein the current pressure value is detected by a pressure sensor within the elastic detection probe;

[0035] A second acquisition module is used to obtain a target pressure value corresponding to the target area;

[0036] A display module, configured to display a comparison diagram of the current pressure value and the target pressure value on an imaging interface, wherein the comparison diagram is used to indicate whether the current pressure value meets the target pressure value;

[0037] The control processing module is used to control the elasticity detection probe to perform shear wave excitation in the target area and track the propagation of the shear wave to obtain shear wave elastic imaging information of the target tissue when the current pressure value meets the target pressure value.

[0038] In some embodiments, the control processing module is further configured to:

[0039] When it is determined that the current pressure value does not meet the target pressure value, controlling the elasticity detection probe to adjust the current pressure value applied, and during the adjustment process, controlling the elasticity detection probe to transmit an ultrasonic signal to the target tissue and receive an echo signal of the ultrasonic signal;

[0040] Quasi-static elastic imaging information of the target tissue is determined according to the echo signal.

[0041] In some embodiments, the display module includes:

[0042] a comparing unit, configured to compare the current pressure value with the target pressure value to determine a difference between the current pressure value and the target pressure value;

[0043] a first determining unit, configured to determine a current difference level based on the size difference;

[0044] The display unit is configured to display a comparison diagram corresponding to the current difference level on the imaging interface.

[0045] In some embodiments, the elasticity detection probe is further provided with an orientation sensor, and the device further comprises:

[0046] a third acquisition module, configured to acquire a current rotation angle of the elastic detection probe detected by the orientation sensor;

[0047] A fourth acquisition module is used to obtain a no-load pressure value of the elasticity detection probe in the vertical direction;

[0048] The correction module is used to correct the current pressure value according to the current rotation angle and the pressure no-load value to obtain the corrected current pressure value.

[0049] According to a third aspect, an embodiment of the present invention further provides an elastic imaging system, comprising:

[0050] An elasticity detection probe having a probe body and a pressure sensor built into the probe body, wherein the pressure sensor is used to measure a current pressure value applied by the elasticity detection probe to the target area; the probe body is used to perform shear wave excitation on the target area when the current pressure value meets the target pressure value;

[0051] A host is communicatively connected to the elasticity detection probe, and the host is used to execute the elasticity imaging method described in the first aspect of the present invention, or any one embodiment of the first aspect.

[0052] According to a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions, and the computer instructions are used to enable the computer to execute the elastic imaging method described in the first aspect or any embodiment of the first aspect.

[0053] It should be noted that, for the beneficial effects of the elastic imaging device, elastic imaging system, and computer-readable storage medium provided by the embodiments of the present invention, please refer to the description of the corresponding beneficial effects of the elastic imaging method above, which will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the specific embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0055] Figure 1 is a flow chart of an elastic imaging method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 2 is a flow chart of an elastic imaging method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 3 is a flow chart of an elastic imaging method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a structural block diagram of an elastic imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without making creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0060] The elasticity imaging method provided by an embodiment of the present invention relies on an elasticity detection probe with a built-in pressure sensor. Specifically, the elasticity detection probe is provided with a pressure sensor for measuring the current pressure value between the elasticity detection probe and the target area of ​​the target tissue. A schematic diagram comparing the measured current pressure value and the target pressure value is displayed on the imaging interface, allowing the user to know the difference between the current pressure value and the target pressure value in real time, thereby enabling real-time adjustment of the current pressure value. Shear wave elasticity imaging is only performed when the current pressure value meets the target pressure value to ensure the accuracy and stability of the measurement results.

[0061] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an embodiment of an elastic imaging method is provided. It should be noted that the steps shown in the flowchart of the accompanying drawings can be executed in a computer system such as a set of computer-executable instructions, and although a logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases, the steps shown or described can be executed in an order different from that shown here.

[0062] In this embodiment, an elastic imaging method is provided, which can be used in a host of an elastic imaging system. Figure 1 is a flow chart of an elastic imaging method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the process includes the following steps:

[0063] S11 , obtaining a current pressure value applied by the elasticity detection probe to a target area of ​​a target tissue.

[0064] The current pressure value is the pressure currently applied by the elastic detection probe to the target area, which can be detected by a pressure sensor within the elastic detection probe. Therefore, this applied pressure is also the contact pressure between the probe and the target area, and therefore can also be referred to as contact pressure. In other words, this step involves obtaining the current pressure value applied by the elastic detection probe to the target area of ​​the target tissue, as detected by the pressure sensor. The target tissue is the tissue to be tested, including the liver, thyroid gland, etc.; the target area is the test area of ​​the tissue to be tested.

[0065] As mentioned above, the current pressure value is measured by the pressure sensor provided in the elasticity detection probe. For the elasticity detection probe, there is no limitation on the type of pressure sensor, and the pressure sensor can be provided according to actual needs.

[0066] S12, obtaining a target pressure value corresponding to the target area.

[0067] The target pressure value is related to elastography.

[0068] The target pressure value is the standard contact pressure applied by the detection probe to the target area during elasticity testing. The target pressure value can be set according to different tissue types, or according to different target areas (e.g., deep surface area, superficial area), or can be set in combination with the basic information of the target area and target tissue, etc. There is no limitation on it here. The target pressure values ​​corresponding to different tissues may be different. It should be noted that the target pressure value is not limited to a specific value, but can also be a pressure range.

[0069] It should also be noted that the target pressure values ​​of different target areas may have the same pressure value. For example, the target contact pressure of target area A is 1N to 2N, the target contact pressure of target area B is 0.002N to 5N, and so on.

[0070] In some embodiments, the target contact pressure for thyroid tissue is 0.5N-2N, and the target contact pressure for breast tissue is 0.002N-5N.

[0071] S13, displaying a comparison diagram of the current pressure value and the target pressure value on the imaging interface.

[0072] The comparison diagram is used to indicate whether the current pressure value meets the target pressure value.

[0073] For example, the numerical values ​​of the current pressure value and the target pressure value are displayed on the imaging interface, and the operator adjusts the contact pressure based on the displayed comparison result; or, the difference between the current pressure value and the target pressure value is compared, and different colors or lines are used to distinguish different differences.

[0074] Regarding the style of the comparison diagram, it can be strip-shaped, pie-shaped, or other shapes. There is no limitation on it here, and it can be set according to actual needs.

[0075] S14, when the current pressure value meets the target pressure value, controlling the elasticity detection probe to perform shear wave excitation in the target area and tracking the propagation of the shear wave to obtain shear wave elasticity imaging information of the target tissue.

[0076] If the target pressure value is a fixed value, the current pressure value meeting the target pressure value means that the current pressure value is equal to the fixed value; if the target pressure value is a pressure range, the current pressure value meeting the target pressure value means that the current pressure value is within the pressure range.

[0077] The elastic detection probe can perform shear wave excitation in the target area through an ultrasonic transducer, a vibrator or a loudspeaker, thereby generating shear waves inside the target tissue.

[0078] Take the elastic detection probe performing shear wave excitation through an ultrasonic transducer as an example for explanation. When the current pressure value meets the detection requirements (i.e., the target pressure value), the host controls the elastic detection probe to perform shear wave excitation on the target area. Specifically, the elastic detection probe transmits an ultrasonic signal to the target area through the first ultrasonic transducer, focuses to form an acoustic radiation force, forms a shear wave in the target tissue, and propagates. The host also controls the elastic detection probe to transmit an ultrasonic wave to the target area through the second ultrasonic transducer and receives a corresponding ultrasonic echo signal, and tracks the propagation of the shear wave through the ultrasonic wave. The host obtains the above-mentioned ultrasonic echo signal and processes the ultrasonic echo signal to obtain the shear wave elastic imaging information of the target tissue. Among them, the first ultrasonic transducer and the second ultrasonic transducer can be the same or different.

[0079] The elastic imaging method provided in this embodiment uses the pressure sensor in the elastic detection probe to detect the current pressure value, and displays a comparison diagram of the measured current pressure value and the target pressure value on the imaging interface. Shear wave elastic imaging detection is only performed when the current pressure value meets the target pressure value, ensuring the accuracy and stability of the elastic imaging results.

[0080] In this embodiment, an elastic imaging method is provided, which can be used in the host of an elastic imaging system. The method also includes: when the current pressure value does not meet the target pressure value, controlling the elastic detection probe to adjust the current applied pressure value, and during the adjustment process, controlling the elastic detection probe to transmit an ultrasonic signal to the target tissue and receive an echo signal of the ultrasonic signal; based on the echo signal, determining the quasi-static elastic imaging information of the target tissue.

[0081] Specifically, the elastic imaging system may also include a robotic arm, one end of which is mounted on the host, and the other end of which can grasp the elastic detection probe. When the current pressure value does not meet the target pressure value, the host can control the elastic detection probe to lift or press down through the robotic arm to adjust the current pressure value. When the elastic detection probe is lifted or pressed down, it causes the target tissue to deform accordingly. At this time, the control probe transmits an ultrasonic signal and receives a reflected echo signal. The host can obtain a quasi-static elastic imaging image of the target tissue based on the echo signal; and then, based on the quasi-static elastic imaging image, quasi-static elastic imaging information of the target tissue can be obtained.

[0082] The elastic imaging method provided by the present invention utilizes the imaging characteristics of quasi-static elastic imaging to simultaneously obtain quasi-static elastic imaging information of the tissue during the pressure adjustment phase of shear wave elastic imaging. This ingenious solution allows for the acquisition of multiple types of elastic imaging information in a single test without increasing the test duration, enabling more accurate tissue assessment based on this diverse elastic imaging information.

[0083] In this embodiment, an elastic imaging method is provided, which can be used in a host of an elastic imaging system. Figure 2 is a flow chart of an elastic imaging method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 As shown, the process includes the following steps:

[0084] S21 , obtaining a current pressure value applied by the elasticity detection probe to a target area of ​​a target tissue.

[0085] The current pressure value is detected by a pressure sensor in the elasticity detection probe.

[0086] For details, please see Figure 1 S11 of the illustrated embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0087] S22, obtaining a target pressure value corresponding to the target area.

[0088] The target pressure value is related to elasticity imaging.

[0089] For details, please see Figure 1 S12 of the illustrated embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0090] S23, displaying a comparison diagram of the current pressure value and the target pressure value on the imaging interface.

[0091] The comparison diagram is used to indicate whether the current pressure value meets the target pressure value.

[0092] Specifically, the above S23 includes:

[0093] S231 , comparing the current pressure value with the target pressure value to determine the difference between the current pressure value and the target pressure value.

[0094] The magnitude difference can be greater than, less than, or equal to the target pressure value. If the target pressure value is a pressure range, a magnitude difference less than the minimum value in the pressure range is considered less than the target pressure value, a magnitude difference greater than the maximum value in the pressure range is considered greater than the target pressure value, and a magnitude difference within the pressure range is considered equal to the target pressure value.

[0095] S232: Determine a current difference level based on the size difference.

[0096] After calculating the size difference, the size difference is compared with the preset difference level to determine the current difference level. For example, the preset difference level can be set as greater than, equal to, or less than. Furthermore, the three preset difference levels can be further subdivided based on the specific value of the size difference, from largest to smallest: level one greater than, level two greater than, equal to, level one less than, and level two less than. The specific division of the preset difference levels is set according to actual needs and is not limited here.

[0097] S233: Display a comparison diagram corresponding to the current difference level on the imaging interface.

[0098] The imaging interface is a display interface of the elastic imaging system, on which the current difference level is displayed using the current display style. Optionally, the current difference level can be reflected by an indicator light or an indicator bar.

[0099] S24, when the current pressure value meets the target pressure value, controlling the elasticity detection probe to perform shear wave excitation in the target area and tracking the propagation of the shear wave to obtain shear wave elasticity imaging information of the target tissue.

[0100] For details, please see Figure 1 S14 of the illustrated embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0101] The elastic imaging method provided in this embodiment uses the size difference to determine the current difference level, which represents the size relationship between the current pressure value and the target pressure value, and limits the comparison diagram corresponding to the current difference level on the imaging interface to intuitively display the size relationship between the current pressure value and the target pressure value, thereby further improving the accuracy of the elastic imaging results.

[0102] In this embodiment, another elastic imaging method is provided, which can be used in a host of an elastic imaging system. Figure 3 is a flow chart of an elastic imaging method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 As shown, the process includes the following steps:

[0103] S31, obtaining the current pressure value detected by the pressure sensor.

[0104] Please refer to step S11 of the above embodiment for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0105] S32, obtaining the current rotation angle of the elastic detection probe detected by the orientation sensor.

[0106] A pressure sensor and an orientation sensor are built into the elastic detection probe. When the elastic detection probe starts working, the pressure sensor measures the pressure to obtain the current pressure value, and the orientation sensor measures the current rotation angle. Through the connection between the pressure sensor, orientation sensor and the host, the host can obtain the current pressure value and the current rotation angle.

[0107] S33, obtaining a no-load pressure value of the elastic detection probe in the vertical direction.

[0108] The pressure sensor also measures the vertical no-load pressure value of the elastic detection probe. This no-load state refers to the elastic detection probe being naturally positioned, not in contact with the target tissue, with the elastic detection probe naturally pointing upward or downward. Ideally, when the elastic detection probe is pointing downward and no-load, the pressure sensor measures a value of 0. However, due to the influence of the elastic detection probe's own weight, this measured value is not zero. Therefore, it is necessary to correct for the pressure error caused by the elastic detection probe's own gravity to ensure accurate pressure measurements.

[0109] When the elastic detection probe is unloaded, the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor is called the pressure no-load value.

[0110] In some embodiments, the pressure no-load value includes a first pressure no-load value and a second pressure no-load value. The first pressure no-load value is the measurement value of the pressure sensor when the elastic detection probe is no-load in the vertical upward direction, and the second pressure no-load value is the measurement value of the pressure sensor when the elastic detection probe is no-load in the vertical downward direction.

[0111] S34, correcting the current pressure value according to the current rotation angle and the pressure no-load value to obtain a corrected current pressure value.

[0112] As mentioned above, the no-load pressure value represents the value measured by the pressure sensor when no load is applied. This no-load pressure value is used to correct the current pressure value. Furthermore, if the same amount of pressure is applied to the elasticity detection probe, the contact pressure exerted on the target tissue will also vary when the elasticity detection probe is rotated at different angles. Therefore, the current pressure value also needs to be corrected using the current rotation angle.

[0113] Based on this, it is necessary to correct the current pressure value in combination with the current rotation angle and the pressure no-load value to eliminate the pressure measurement error caused by the probe's own weight and the difference in rotation angle, so as to obtain an accurate current pressure value.

[0114] In some embodiments, the above S34 includes:

[0115] S341: Determine a first correction value according to the first pressure no-load value and the second pressure no-load value.

[0116] As mentioned above, it is necessary to perform pressure correction from two aspects, namely, no-load and rotation angle. Accordingly, the first pressure no-load value and the second pressure no-load value are used to obtain the first correction value.

[0117] S342: Determine a second correction value according to the first no-load pressure value, the second no-load pressure value, and the current rotation angle.

[0118] The second correction value is calculated using the first no-load pressure value when the elastic detection probe is naturally upward, the second no-load pressure value when the elastic detection probe is naturally downward, and the current rotation angle to correct the error caused by the rotation angle.

[0119] S343: Correct the current pressure value using the first correction value and the second correction value to obtain a corrected current pressure value.

[0120] In some embodiments, the corrected current pressure value is calculated using the following formula:

[0121]

[0122] Wherein, the X-axis is the horizontal direction, the Y-axis is the vertical direction, and the Z-axis is the direction perpendicular to the XY plane. x Represents the rotation angle of the elastic detection probe along the Z axis in the XY plane, which can also be called the first current rotation angle. The angle range is 0° for upward, 180° for downward, and 90° for left and right. yRepresents the rotation angle of the elastic detection probe along the X axis in the YZ plane, which can also be called the second current rotation angle. The angle range is 0° for upward and downward, and ±90° for left and right. d is the current pressure value after correction, V is the current pressure value, V0 is the second pressure no-load value, V1 is the difference between the first pressure no-load value and V0, is the first correction value, is the second correction value.

[0123] S35 , obtaining a target pressure value of the target area corresponding to the elastic imaging.

[0124] like Figure 3 As shown, specifically, the above S35 includes:

[0125] S351, obtaining the target area, the type of the target organization, and basic information of the objects to which the target organization belongs.

[0126] The type of target tissue is used to determine the specific type of tissue. The type of target tissue and the target area can be input by the operator through interaction, or can be determined after locating the target area through ultrasound imaging, or can be determined by other methods, and there is no limitation on this.

[0127] The basic information of the subject to which the target tissue belongs includes but is not limited to one or more of the age, gender, height and weight of the target tissue. Since the elasticity of the tissue of subjects of different ages, genders, heights and weights is different, accordingly, in order to achieve the same elasticity detection target, the pressure to be applied is also different.

[0128] S352: Determine a target pressure value based on the basic information, the target area, and the type of the target tissue.

[0129] Specifically, the contact pressure of the same target area and type of target tissue under the same and different basic information can be collected through big data, and the target pressure value corresponding to the basic information, target area and type of target tissue can be determined through statistical analysis.

[0130] The target contact pressure is determined based on the target tissue, target area, and target tissue type, which improves the accuracy of the target contact pressure and thus ensures the accuracy of subsequent elastography.

[0131] S36, displaying a comparison diagram of the corrected current pressure value and the target pressure value on the imaging interface.

[0132] This step is similar to step S23 of the above embodiment, except that the current pressure in this embodiment is the corrected current pressure. Please refer to step S23 of the above embodiment for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0133] S37, when the corrected current pressure value meets the target pressure value, controlling the elasticity detection probe to perform shear wave excitation in the target area and tracking the propagation of the shear wave to obtain shear wave elasticity imaging information of the target tissue.

[0134] This step is similar to step S24 of the above embodiment, except that the current pressure in this embodiment is the corrected current pressure. Please refer to step S24 of the above embodiment for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0135] The elastic imaging method provided in this embodiment may cause measurement errors in the pressure sensor's detection results due to the influence of the elastic detection probe's own gravity. Therefore, to improve the accuracy of the detection results, pressure correction can be performed. Furthermore, because the rotation angle of the elastic detection probe also affects the magnitude of the contact pressure value, the current pressure value is corrected using the current rotation angle and the no-load pressure value. The final pressure value after pressure correction is obtained, ensuring accurate quantitative measurement of the contact pressure.

[0136] This embodiment also provides an elastic imaging device for implementing the above-described embodiments and preferred embodiments. Details already described will not be repeated. As used below, the term "module" may refer to a combination of software and / or hardware that implements a predetermined function. Although the devices described in the following embodiments are preferably implemented using software, implementation using hardware, or a combination of software and hardware, is also possible and contemplated.

[0137] This embodiment provides an elastic imaging device, such as Figure 4 Shown, including:

[0138] A first acquisition module 41 is configured to acquire a current pressure value applied by the elasticity detection probe to a target area of ​​a target tissue, wherein the current pressure value is detected by a pressure sensor within the elasticity detection probe;

[0139] A second acquisition module 42 is configured to acquire a target pressure value corresponding to the target area, wherein the target pressure value is related to elasticity imaging;

[0140] A display module 43 is configured to display a comparison diagram of the current pressure value and the target pressure value on an imaging interface, wherein the comparison diagram is used to indicate whether the current pressure value meets the target pressure value;

[0141] The control processing module 44 is used to control the elasticity detection probe to perform shear wave excitation in the target area and track the propagation of the shear wave to obtain shear wave elasticity imaging information of the target tissue when the current pressure value meets the target pressure value.

[0142] In some embodiments, the control processing module 44 is also used to control the elasticity detection probe to adjust the applied current pressure value when the current pressure value does not meet the target pressure value, and during the adjustment process, control the elasticity detection probe to transmit an ultrasonic signal to the target tissue and receive an echo signal of the ultrasonic signal; and determine the quasi-static elastic imaging information of the target tissue based on the echo signal.

[0143] In some embodiments, the display module includes:

[0144] a comparing unit, configured to compare the current pressure value with the target pressure value to determine a difference between the current pressure value and the target pressure value;

[0145] a first determining unit, configured to determine a current difference level based on the size difference;

[0146] The display unit is configured to display a comparison diagram corresponding to the current difference level on the imaging interface.

[0147] In some embodiments, the elasticity detection probe is further provided with an orientation sensor, and the device further comprises:

[0148] a third acquisition module, configured to acquire a current rotation angle of the elastic detection probe detected by the orientation sensor;

[0149] A fourth acquisition module is used to obtain a no-load pressure value of the elasticity detection probe in the vertical direction;

[0150] The correction module is used to correct the current pressure value according to the current rotation angle and the pressure no-load value to obtain the corrected current pressure value.

[0151] In some embodiments, the no-load pressure value includes a first no-load pressure value and a second no-load pressure value, the first no-load pressure value being a measured value of the pressure sensor when the elastic detection probe is no-loaded in a vertical downward direction, and the second no-load pressure value being a measured value of the pressure sensor when the elastic detection probe is no-loaded in a vertical upward direction, and the correction module includes:

[0152] a second determining unit, configured to determine a first correction value according to the first no-load pressure value and the second no-load pressure value;

[0153] a third determining unit, configured to determine a second correction value according to the first no-load pressure value, the second no-load pressure value, and the current rotation angle;

[0154] The correction unit is configured to correct the current pressure value by using the first correction value and the second correction value to obtain the corrected current pressure value.

[0155] In some embodiments, the second acquisition module 42 includes:

[0156] an acquiring unit, configured to acquire basic information of the target area, the type of the target organization, and the object to which the target organization belongs;

[0157] A fourth determining unit is configured to determine the target pressure value according to the basic information, the target area, and the type of the target tissue.

[0158] The elastic imaging device in this embodiment is presented in the form of a functional unit, where the unit refers to an ASIC circuit, a processor and memory that executes one or more software or fixed programs, and / or other devices that can provide the above functions.

[0159] The further functional description of each of the above modules is the same as that of the above corresponding embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0160] An embodiment of the present invention provides an elasticity imaging system, comprising an elasticity detection probe and a host computer. Specifically, the elasticity detection probe comprises a probe body and a pressure sensor built into the probe body, the pressure sensor being configured to measure the current pressure applied by the elasticity detection probe to a target area; the probe body being configured to excite the target area with shear waves when the current pressure meets a target pressure. The host computer is communicatively coupled to the elasticity detection probe and configured to execute the elasticity imaging method described in any of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0161] This elastography system not only enables quantitative and accurate measurement of contact pressure, but also ensures the accuracy of elastography results by only performing elasticity testing when the contact pressure meets the testing requirements. Furthermore, when determining contact pressure, pressure correction is performed to improve the accuracy of the measured pressure value, further enhancing the accuracy of elastography results.

[0162] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a non-transitory computer storage medium storing computer-executable instructions capable of executing the elastic imaging method of any of the above-described method embodiments. The storage medium may be a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid-state drive (SSD); the storage medium may also include a combination of the above-described types of memory.

[0163] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art may make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Such modifications and variations are all within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for elastic imaging, characterized in that: include: Acquiring a current pressure value applied by the elastic detection probe to the target area of ​​the target tissue, wherein the current pressure value is detected by a pressure sensor in the elastic detection probe, and the elastic detection probe is also provided with an orientation sensor; Acquiring a current rotation angle of the elastic detection probe detected by the orientation sensor; Obtaining a no-load pressure value of the elasticity detection probe in the vertical direction; Correcting the current pressure value according to the current rotation angle and the no-load pressure value to obtain a corrected current pressure value; Obtaining a target pressure value corresponding to the target area; Displaying a comparison diagram of the corrected current pressure value and the target pressure value on an imaging interface, wherein the comparison diagram is used to indicate whether the corrected current pressure value meets the target pressure value; When the corrected current pressure value meets the target pressure value, controlling the elasticity detection probe to perform shear wave excitation in the target area and tracking the propagation of the shear wave to obtain shear wave elasticity imaging information of the target tissue; The pressure no-load value includes a first pressure no-load value and a second pressure no-load value. The first pressure no-load value is the measurement value of the pressure sensor when the elastic detection probe is no-loaded in the vertical upward direction. The second pressure no-load value is the measurement value of the pressure sensor when the elastic detection probe is no-loaded in the vertical downward direction. The corrected current pressure value is calculated using the following formula: Among them, the X axis is the horizontal direction, the Y axis is the vertical direction, and the Z axis is the direction perpendicular to the XY plane. x represents the rotation angle of the elastic detection probe along the Z axis in the XY plane, θ y represents the rotation angle of the elastic detection probe along the X axis in the YZ plane, V d is the corrected current pressure value, V is the current pressure value, V0 is the second pressure no-load value, and V1 is the difference between the first pressure no-load value and V0.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: When the corrected current pressure value does not meet the target pressure value, controlling the elasticity detection probe to adjust the applied corrected current pressure value, and during the adjustment process, controlling the elasticity detection probe to transmit an ultrasonic signal to the target tissue and receive an echo signal of the ultrasonic signal; Quasi-static elastic imaging information of the target tissue is determined according to the echo signal.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The display of the comparison diagram between the corrected current pressure value and the target pressure value on the imaging interface includes: Comparing the corrected current pressure value with the target pressure value to determine the difference between the corrected current pressure value and the target pressure value; determining a current difference level based on the size difference; A comparison diagram corresponding to the current difference level is displayed on the imaging interface.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein The obtaining of the target pressure value corresponding to the target area includes: Obtaining basic information of the target area, the type of the target organization, and the object to which the target organization belongs; The target pressure value is determined according to the basic information, the target area, and the type of the target tissue.

5. An elastic imaging device, characterized in that: include: a first acquisition module, configured to acquire a current pressure value applied by the elastic detection probe to a target area of ​​the target tissue, wherein the current pressure value is detected by a pressure sensor within the elastic detection probe, and the elastic detection probe is further provided with an orientation sensor; The elastic imaging device is further configured to: obtain a current rotation angle of the elastic detection probe detected by the orientation sensor; obtain a no-load pressure value of the elastic detection probe in a vertical direction; and correct the current pressure value based on the current rotation angle and the no-load pressure value to obtain a corrected current pressure value. A second acquisition module is used to obtain a target pressure value corresponding to the target area; A display module is configured to display a comparison diagram of the corrected current pressure value and the target pressure value on an imaging interface, wherein the comparison diagram is configured to indicate whether the corrected current pressure value meets the target pressure value; a control processing module, configured to control the elasticity detection probe to perform shear wave excitation in the target area and track the propagation of the shear wave to obtain shear wave elasticity imaging information of the target tissue when the corrected current pressure value meets the target pressure value; The pressure no-load value includes a first pressure no-load value and a second pressure no-load value. The first pressure no-load value is the measurement value of the pressure sensor when the elastic detection probe is no-loaded in the vertical upward direction. The second pressure no-load value is the measurement value of the pressure sensor when the elastic detection probe is no-loaded in the vertical downward direction. The corrected current pressure value is calculated using the following formula: Among them, the X axis is the horizontal direction, the Y axis is the vertical direction, and the Z axis is the direction perpendicular to the XY plane. x represents the rotation angle of the elastic detection probe along the Z axis in the XY plane, θ y represents the rotation angle of the elastic detection probe along the X axis in the YZ plane, V d is the corrected current pressure value, V is the current pressure value, V0 is the second pressure no-load value, and V1 is the difference between the first pressure no-load value and V0.

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that The control processing module is also used to: When the corrected current pressure value does not meet the target pressure value, the elasticity detection probe is controlled to adjust the applied corrected current pressure value, and during the adjustment process, the elasticity detection probe is controlled to transmit an ultrasonic signal to the target tissue and receive an echo signal of the ultrasonic signal; based on the echo signal, the quasi-static elastic imaging information of the target tissue is determined.

7. An elastic imaging system, characterized in that: include: An elasticity detection probe having a probe body and a pressure sensor built into the probe body, the pressure sensor being used to measure a current pressure value applied by the elasticity detection probe to the target area; the probe body being used to perform shear wave excitation on the target area when the corrected current pressure value meets the target pressure value; A host is communicatively connected to the elasticity detection probe, and the host is used to execute the elasticity imaging method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions, and the computer instructions are used to enable a computer to execute the elastic imaging method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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