An ultrasonic elasticity measuring device and method

Abstract

An ultrasonic elasticity measurement device (100) includes an ultrasonic probe (101), which includes a vibrator (1012) and a transducer (1011). The transducer includes multiple array elements. The ultrasonic elasticity measurement device also includes a vibration control module (103), a transmit / receive controller (104), and a data processor (107). The vibration control module generates a vibration sequence and outputs it to the vibrator in a mode that simultaneously performs strain detection and vibration elasticity detection. The ultrasonic probe vibrates under the drive of the vibrator, emitting ultrasonic waves to biological tissue or receiving ultrasonic echoes to obtain ultrasonic echoes for strain detection and ultrasonic echoes for vibration elasticity detection. The data processor calculates strain-type elasticity results based on the ultrasonic echoes of strain detection and calculates vibration elasticity results based on the ultrasonic echoes of vibration elasticity detection, thereby realizing simultaneous strain elasticity imaging measurement and vibration elasticity measurement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to medical devices, and more specifically to an ultrasonic elasticity measuring device. Background Technology

[0002] Ultrasound elastography has become a hot topic in clinical research in recent years. Because it mainly reflects the elasticity or hardness of tissues, it is increasingly used in the auxiliary detection of tissue cancer lesions, the differentiation of benign and malignant lesions, and the evaluation of prognosis and recovery.

[0003] Ultrasonic elastography primarily reflects the stiffness or softness of tissues by imaging elastic parameters within the region of interest. Over the past two decades, various elastography methods have emerged, such as quasi-static elastography, which uses probe pressure to induce strain in the tissue, and vibrational elastography, which uses external vibrations to generate shear waves.

[0004] Quasi-static elastography, also known as strain-based elastography, primarily uses a multi-element probe with a convex or linear array to press on tissue, inducing deformation and detecting strain. Parameters related to tissue elasticity, such as strain rate, are calculated and imaged. Quasi-static elastography can indirectly reflect the elastic differences between different tissues. However, because strain parameters are sensitive to pressure, the pressure applied through the probe needs to be as uniform and stable as possible, placing high demands on the operator's technique. Furthermore, since it is difficult to maintain consistent pressure for each operation, the repeatability and stability of the imaging are also challenging to guarantee.

[0005] The vibration elasticity method primarily uses a vibrator to drive a single-element probe to vibrate, generating shear waves that propagate deep within the tissue. Vibration elasticity is then measured to calculate the tissue's elasticity value, which reflects the hardness of the region of interest. However, this method only provides the average elasticity result for the region of interest and cannot achieve true imaging or reveal the elasticity distribution within that region. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, an ultrasonic elasticity measuring device is provided, comprising:

[0007] An ultrasonic probe, comprising a vibrator and a transducer, wherein the transducer comprises multiple array elements, the array elements being used to emit ultrasonic waves toward biological tissue in a mode simultaneously performing strain detection and vibration elasticity detection, and to receive ultrasonic echoes returned by the biological tissue, thereby obtaining ultrasonic echo data for strain detection and ultrasonic echo data for vibration elasticity detection; the vibrator being used to acquire a vibration sequence, and driving the transducer to vibrate according to the vibration sequence, the vibration causing deformation of the biological tissue and generating shear waves propagating into the depth of the biological tissue when the ultrasonic probe contacts the biological tissue;

[0008] The vibration control module, which is connected to the vibrator signal, is used to generate a vibration sequence and output it to the vibrator in a mode that simultaneously performs strain detection and vibration elasticity detection.

[0009] A transmit / receive controller is used to generate transmit timing and receive control signals and output the transmit timing and receive control signals to an ultrasound probe. The transmit timing is used to control some or all of the multiple array elements to transmit ultrasound waves to biological tissue in the region of interest. The receive control signals are used to control some or all of the multiple array elements to receive the echoes of the ultrasound waves.

[0010] A data processor is configured to calculate strain-type elastic results based on ultrasonic echoes used for strain detection, and to calculate vibration-elastic results based on ultrasonic echoes used for vibration-elastic detection.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, an ultrasonic elasticity measuring device is provided, comprising:

[0012] An ultrasonic probe, comprising a vibrator and a transducer, wherein the transducer comprises multiple array elements, the array elements being used to emit ultrasonic waves toward biological tissue in a strain detection mode and receive ultrasonic echoes returned by the biological tissue for strain detection; and to emit ultrasonic waves toward biological tissue in a vibration elasticity detection mode and receive ultrasonic echo data returned by the biological tissue for vibration elasticity detection; the vibrator being used to acquire a vibration sequence and drive the transducer to vibrate according to the vibration sequence, the vibration causing deformation of the biological tissue and generating shear waves propagating into the depth of the biological tissue when the ultrasonic probe contacts the biological tissue;

[0013] A vibration control module, which is connected to the vibrator signal, is used to generate a vibration sequence for vibration elastic detection and output it to the vibrator, at least in the vibration elastic detection mode.

[0014] A transmit / receive controller is used to generate transmit timing and receive control signals and output the transmit timing and receive control signals to an ultrasound probe. The transmit timing is used to control some or all of the multiple array elements to transmit ultrasound waves to biological tissue in the region of interest. The receive control signals are used to control some or all of the multiple array elements to receive the echoes of the ultrasound waves.

[0015] A data processor is used to calculate strain-based elastic results based on the ultrasonic echoes from strain detection, and to calculate vibration-elastic results based on the ultrasonic echoes from vibration-elastic detection.

[0016] The display module is used to simultaneously display strain elasticity results and vibration elasticity results on the display interface when the user inputs a simultaneous display command.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, an ultrasonic elasticity measurement method is provided, comprising:

[0018] Upon receiving a user's input command to simultaneously perform strain detection and vibration elasticity detection, the system enters the mode for simultaneous strain detection and vibration elasticity detection.

[0019] Output vibration sequence to the vibrator;

[0020] The vibrator drives the transducer of the ultrasonic probe to vibrate according to the vibration sequence. When the ultrasonic probe comes into contact with biological tissue, the vibration causes the biological tissue to deform and generates shear waves that propagate into the depth of the tissue.

[0021] Output transmission timing and reception control signals to the ultrasonic probe;

[0022] An ultrasonic probe controls multiple array elements to emit ultrasonic waves toward biological tissue in the region of interest according to the emission timing sequence, and controls multiple array elements to receive the echoes of the ultrasonic waves according to the reception control signal, thereby obtaining ultrasonic echo data for strain detection and ultrasonic echo data for vibration elasticity detection.

[0023] The data processor calculates strain-based elastic results based on ultrasonic echoes used for strain testing, and calculates vibration-elastic results based on ultrasonic echoes used for vibration-elastic testing.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, an ultrasonic elasticity measurement method is provided, including a strain detection step, a vibration elasticity detection step, and a simultaneous display step;

[0025] The strain detection step includes:

[0026] Receives user input command to perform strain detection and enters strain detection mode;

[0027] The biological tissue outputs transmission timing and reception control signals to the ultrasound probe under the condition of deformation.

[0028] An ultrasonic probe controls multiple array elements to emit ultrasonic waves toward biological tissue in the region of interest according to the emission timing sequence, and controls multiple array elements to receive the echoes of the ultrasonic waves according to the reception control signal, thereby obtaining ultrasonic echo data for strain detection.

[0029] The data processor calculates strain-based elastic results based on the ultrasonic echoes from strain detection.

[0030] The vibration elasticity detection step includes:

[0031] Upon receiving a user's command to perform vibration elasticity testing, the device enters vibration elasticity testing mode.

[0032] Output a vibration sequence to the vibrator for vibration elasticity detection;

[0033] The vibrator drives the transducer of the ultrasound probe to vibrate according to a vibration sequence used for vibration elasticity detection. The vibration generates shear waves that propagate deep into the tissue within the biological tissue.

[0034] Output transmission timing and reception control signals to the ultrasonic probe;

[0035] An ultrasonic probe controls multiple array elements to emit ultrasonic waves toward biological tissue in the region of interest according to the emission timing sequence, and controls multiple array elements to receive the echoes of the ultrasonic waves according to the reception control signal, thereby obtaining ultrasonic echo data for vibration elasticity detection.

[0036] The data processor calculates the vibration elasticity results based on the ultrasonic echoes from the vibration elasticity test;

[0037] The steps to be displayed simultaneously include:

[0038] Display instructions while receiving user input;

[0039] The display interface simultaneously shows strain elastic results and vibration elastic results.

[0040] In one embodiment of the present invention, an ultrasonic elasticity measurement method is provided, characterized by comprising: inducing deformation within biological tissue; emitting ultrasonic waves into the biological tissue via an ultrasonic probe and receiving ultrasonic echoes to obtain ultrasonic echo data from the biological tissue for strain detection before and after the deformation; calculating strain-based elasticity results based on the ultrasonic echo data for strain detection; generating shear waves propagating in the depth direction of the biological tissue; emitting ultrasonic waves into the biological tissue via an ultrasonic probe to track the propagation of the shear waves and receiving ultrasonic echoes to obtain ultrasonic echo data for vibration elasticity detection; calculating vibration elasticity results based on the ultrasonic echoes for vibration elasticity detection; and simultaneously displaying the strain-based elasticity results and the vibration elasticity results.

[0041] In this embodiment of the invention, a vibrator drives an ultrasonic probe to vibrate according to a specific pattern. On the one hand, the vibration of the ultrasonic probe driven by the vibrator replaces manual operation to achieve strain elastic imaging; on the other hand, the vibration of the ultrasonic probe, driven by the vibrator, generates shear waves to achieve vibration elasticity measurement. Therefore, this invention can provide an elasticity difference distribution map of tissue within a target area and can also perform quantitative elasticity measurement of tissue in a specific area, thus realizing simultaneous strain elastic imaging and vibration elasticity measurement. Furthermore, this invention does not rely on manual pressure operation, resulting in better image stability and repeatability. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the ultrasonic elasticity measuring device in one embodiment;

[0043] Figure 2a and Figure 2b This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of an ultrasonic probe;

[0044] Figures 2c-2e This is a timing diagram showing simultaneous strain and vibration elasticity detection in a specific embodiment;

[0045] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating simultaneous strain and vibration elasticity detection in one embodiment;

[0046] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of displacement detection during strain elastic imaging.

[0047] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the propagation trajectory of a shear wave obtained in one embodiment; Figures 6a-6c This is a schematic diagram that simultaneously displays the results of strain and vibration elasticity testing;

[0048] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the ultrasonic elasticity measuring device in another embodiment;

[0049] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the differentiation and identification of sequences in one embodiment;

[0050] Figure 9 This is a flowchart showing the processing of both strain elasticity and vibration elasticity results in another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0051] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. Similar elements in different embodiments are referred to by associated similar element reference numerals. In the following embodiments, many details are described to facilitate a better understanding of this application. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that some features may be omitted in different situations, or may be replaced by other elements, materials, or methods. In some cases, certain operations related to this application are not shown or described in the specification. This is to avoid obscuring the core parts of this application with excessive description. For those skilled in the art, detailed description of these related operations is not necessary; they can fully understand the related operations based on the description in the specification and general technical knowledge in the art.

[0052] Furthermore, the features, operations, or characteristics described in the specification can be combined in any suitable manner to form various embodiments. At the same time, the steps or actions in the method description can be rearranged or adjusted in a manner obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the various orders in the specification and drawings are only for the clear description of a particular embodiment and do not imply a necessary order, unless otherwise stated that a particular order must be followed.

[0053] The serial numbers assigned to components in this document, such as "first" and "second," are used only to distinguish the described objects and have no sequential or technical meaning. The terms "connection" and "linkage" used in this application, unless otherwise specified, include both direct and indirect connections (linkages).

[0054] Please refer to Figure 1 In one embodiment, the ultrasonic elasticity measuring device 100 includes an ultrasonic probe 101, a vibration control module 103, a transmit / receive controller 104, a transmit and receive module 105, an echo processing module 106, a data processor 107, a display module 108, and a controller 109. The transmit / receive controller 104 is signal-connected to the ultrasonic probe 101 via the transmit and receive module 105. The ultrasonic probe 101 is signal-connected to the echo processing module 106 via the transmit and receive module 105. The output of the echo processing module 106 is signal-connected to the data processor 107, and the output of the data processor 107 is signal-connected to the display module 108. The ultrasonic probe 101 includes a transducer 1011 and a vibrator 1012.

[0055] The vibrator 1012 is mounted on the ultrasonic probe 101, for example, on the housing of the ultrasonic probe 101, or disposed within the housing of the ultrasonic probe 101, and assembled with the transducer and other probe components into an integrated ultrasonic probe. The vibrator is used to acquire a vibration sequence from the vibration control module 103 and drive the transducer to vibrate according to the vibration sequence. For example, the vibrator itself vibrates according to the vibration sequence and drives the transducer to vibrate; or the vibrator itself does not vibrate, but the transducer is driven to vibrate through a telescopic or rotating component that moves according to the vibration sequence. This vibration causes deformation of the biological tissue when the ultrasonic probe contacts it, and also generates shear waves that propagate deep into the tissue. A single vibration is defined as the driving process completed by the vibrator 1012 according to a vibration sequence. When the vibration control module 103 outputs the next vibration sequence, the vibrator 1012 begins its next vibration.

[0056] The vibration control module 103 is connected to the vibrator signal and is used to generate a vibration sequence, which includes parameters such as waveform, frequency, amplitude, and duration.

[0057] The transducer 1011 comprises multiple array elements arranged in an array. These elements can be arranged in a row to form a linear array, or in a two-dimensional matrix to form a planar array. They can also form a convex array. The array elements are used to emit ultrasonic waves according to an excitation electrical signal, or to convert received ultrasonic waves into electrical signals. Therefore, each array element can be used to emit ultrasonic waves towards biological tissue in a region of interest, or to receive ultrasonic wave echoes returning from the tissue. During ultrasound detection, the timing of transmission and the control signals for receiving can be used to control which array elements are used to emit ultrasonic waves and which are used to receive ultrasonic waves, or to control the array elements to be used in time-slotted manner for emitting ultrasonic waves or receiving ultrasonic echoes. Array elements participating in ultrasonic wave emission can be simultaneously excited by electrical signals, thus emitting ultrasonic waves simultaneously; or array elements participating in ultrasonic beam emission can be excited by several electrical signals with a certain time interval, thus continuously emitting ultrasonic waves with a certain time interval.

[0058] In this embodiment, in the mode of simultaneous strain detection and vibration elasticity detection, some or all of the multiple array elements emit ultrasonic waves toward the biological tissue in the region of interest. Depending on the emission sequence, the emitted ultrasonic waves can be used for strain detection, vibration elasticity detection, or both. Some or all of the multiple array elements receive the echo of the ultrasonic waves, which can be used for both strain detection and vibration elasticity detection.

[0059] like Figure 2a The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of an ultrasound probe. Multiple array elements are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix on the ultrasound probe 101, forming a surface array. The row of elements in the upper box 111 is used to emit ultrasound waves. Elements 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d, 111e, and 111f emit ultrasound waves suitable for detecting biological tissue deformation, while elements 111c and 111d emit ultrasound waves suitable for detecting shear waves. The row of elements in the lower box 112 is used to receive ultrasound echoes. Elements 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, 112e, and 112f receive ultrasound waves suitable for detecting biological tissue deformation, while elements 112c and 112d receive ultrasound waves suitable for detecting shear waves. Of course, in other embodiments, array elements 111a, 111b, 111c, and 111d may be used to emit ultrasonic waves for detecting biological tissue deformation, array elements 112a, 112b, 112c, and 112d may be used to receive ultrasonic waves for detecting biological tissue deformation, and array elements 111e and 111f may be used to emit ultrasonic waves suitable for detecting shear waves, and array elements 112e and 112f may be used to receive ultrasonic waves suitable for detecting shear waves.

[0060] like Figure 2bAs shown, multiple array elements can also be arranged into a linear array of ultrasonic probes. Some or all of the array elements on transducer 1011 can be used to transmit ultrasonic waves or receive ultrasonic echoes. For example, at a first moment, some or all array elements are used to transmit ultrasonic beams, such as U1-U6, while at a second moment, some or all array elements are used to receive the echoes of the ultrasonic beams, such as U7-U12. Furthermore, array elements used for transmission or reception at different moments can overlap; that is, at a first moment, U1-U9 are used for transmission, while at a second moment, U4-U12 can be used for reception.

[0061] The transmit / receive controller 104 generates transmit timing and receive control signals. The transmit timing controls some or all of the multiple array elements to transmit ultrasound waves toward the biological tissue in the region of interest. Transmit timing parameters include the number of array elements and ultrasound transmission parameters (e.g., amplitude, frequency, number of waves, transmission interval, transmission angle, waveform, etc.). The receive control signals control some or all of the multiple array elements to receive the echoes of the ultrasound waves after they have passed through the tissue. Receive control signal parameters include the number of array elements and echo reception parameters (e.g., reception angle, depth, etc.). The ultrasound parameters in the transmit timing and the echo parameters in the receive control signals may differ depending on the intended use of the ultrasound echo or the image generated by the echo.

[0062] In this embodiment, the transmission / reception controller 104 outputs a transmission sequence to the ultrasonic probe, including a first transmission sequence 104a and a second transmission sequence 104c. The first transmission sequence controls the corresponding array elements to transmit ultrasonic waves for detecting biological tissue deformation, and the second transmission sequence controls the corresponding array elements to transmit ultrasonic waves suitable for detecting shear waves. The transmission / reception controller 104 outputs a reception control signal to the ultrasonic probe, including a first reception control signal 104b and a second reception control signal 104d. The first reception control signal controls the corresponding array elements to receive ultrasonic echoes for strain detection, and the second reception control signal controls the corresponding array elements to receive ultrasonic echoes for detecting vibrational elasticity. In the first and second transmission sequences, the positions and number of array elements transmitting ultrasonic waves and the transmission parameters are defined, respectively; in the first and second reception control signals, the positions and number of array elements receiving echoes and the reception parameters are defined, respectively. According to the definition of the transmission timing and reception control signal, at least a portion of the array elements of an ultrasonic probe are used to transmit ultrasonic waves, and at least a portion are used to receive ultrasonic echoes. Among the array elements used to transmit ultrasonic waves, some are used to transmit ultrasonic waves for detecting biological tissue deformation, and some are used to transmit ultrasonic waves suitable for detecting shear waves. The array elements that transmit the former ultrasonic waves and those that transmit the latter ultrasonic waves may or may not overlap. Among the array elements used to receive ultrasonic echoes, some are used to receive ultrasonic echoes for strain detection, and some are used to receive ultrasonic echoes for detecting vibration elasticity. Similarly, the array elements that receive the former echoes and those that receive the latter echoes may or may not overlap.

[0063] The transmitting and receiving module 103 is connected between the ultrasonic probe and the transmitting timing control module 102 and the echo processing module 104. It is used to transmit the transmitting timing of the transmitting timing control module 102 to the ultrasonic probe 101 and to transmit the ultrasonic echo 101a received by the ultrasonic probe 101 to the echo processing module 104.

[0064] The controller 109 is connected to the transmitter / receiver controller 104 and the vibration control module 103, respectively, and is mainly used to control the output timing of the transmitter / receiver controller 104 and the vibration control module 103. When the controller 109 receives an operation command from the user to simultaneously perform strain detection and vibration elasticity detection, the controller 109 controls the vibration control module 103 to output a vibration sequence. The vibrator starts a vibration according to the vibration sequence. At the same time, the controller 109 controls the transmitter / receiver controller 104 to output a first transmission timing sequence and a first reception control signal, a second transmission timing sequence and a second reception control signal. The first transmission timing sequence and the first reception control signal, as well as the second transmission timing sequence and the second reception control signal, can be output simultaneously or sequentially. For example, the first transmission timing sequence and the first reception control signal can be output first, followed by the second transmission timing sequence and the second reception control signal. The ultrasonic probe emits ultrasonic waves and receives echoes according to the first transmission timing sequence and the first reception control signal, as well as the second transmission timing sequence and the second reception control signal. In this case, the ultrasonic probe emits ultrasonic waves for strain detection and ultrasonic waves for shear wave detection simultaneously or sequentially for a single vibration. In some specific embodiments, the ultrasonic probe emits ultrasonic waves for strain detection or for vibratory elasticity detection for different vibrations. For example, when the controller 109 receives a user input command to simultaneously perform strain detection and vibratory elasticity detection, the controller 109 controls the vibration control module 103 to output a vibration sequence. The vibrator starts its first vibration according to the vibration sequence. Simultaneously, the controller 109 controls the transmit / receive controller 104 to output a first transmission timing sequence and a first receive control signal. The ultrasonic probe emits ultrasonic waves and receives the echo according to the first transmission timing sequence and the first receive control signal. Then, the controller 109 controls the vibration control module 103 to output another vibration sequence. The vibrator starts its second vibration according to the vibration sequence. The controller 109 controls the transmit / receive controller 104 to output a second transmission timing sequence and a second receive control signal. The ultrasonic probe emits ultrasonic waves and receives the echo according to the second transmission timing sequence and the second receive control signal. Of course, the ultrasonic probe can also emit ultrasonic waves for vibratory elasticity detection for the first vibration and ultrasonic waves for strain detection for the second vibration. In addition, this detection can be performed cyclically to achieve real-time updates of the detection results.

[0065] like Figure 2cAs shown, in the mode of simultaneous strain detection and vibration elasticity detection, within one period T, the controller 109 first controls the vibration control module 103 to output a vibration sequence V1. The vibrator drives the transducer to perform vibration for strain detection according to the vibration sequence V1. In the figure, a square wave is used to represent the vibration sequence for illustrative purposes, but the vibration sequence can also be a sine wave, a triangular wave, etc. After controlling the vibration control module 103 to output the vibration sequence V1, the controller 109 controls the transmitter / receiver controller to output a first transmitter / receiver control signal T1 (the transmitter / receiver control signal here includes the transmitter timing and the receiver control signal, the same below). The transducer emits a first ultrasonic wave within a first predetermined time period according to the first transmitter / receiver control signal T1. The first ultrasonic wave is used for strain detection, and the echo of the first ultrasonic wave is used to obtain the first ultrasonic echo data for strain detection. Then, the controller 109 controls the vibration control module 103 to output a vibration sequence V2, and the vibrator drives the transducer to perform vibration for vibration elasticity detection according to the vibration sequence V2. After the vibration control module 103 outputs the vibration sequence V2, the controller 109 controls the transmitter / receiver controller to output a second transmitter / receiver control signal T2. The transducer emits a second ultrasonic wave within a second predetermined time period according to the second transmitter / receiver control signal T2. The second ultrasonic wave is used for vibration elasticity detection. The transducer also receives the second ultrasonic wave to obtain second ultrasonic echo data for vibration elasticity detection. In a specific embodiment, the ultrasonic wave emission frequencies defined by the first and second transmitter / receiver control signals can be the same or different. There can be a time interval t2 between the vibration sequence V1 and the vibration sequence V2, and a time interval t1 between the first transmitter / receiver control signal T1 and the second transmitter / receiver control signal T2. The first predetermined time period can be the same as or different from the period during which the transducer vibrates for strain detection. The second predetermined time period is the sum of a third predetermined time period t3 after the start of vibration for vibration elasticity detection and a fourth predetermined time period t4 after the end of vibration. That is, after the vibration according to the vibration sequence V2 ends, the ultrasonic wave transmission and reception according to the second transmitter / receiver control signal T2 continues for a period of time. In some embodiments, the duration of ultrasonic transmission and reception defined by the second transmit / receive control signal within one cycle is greater than the duration of ultrasonic transmission and reception defined by the first transmit / receive control signal.

[0066] Of course, in another embodiment, within one period T, vibration elasticity can be detected first, followed by strain detection, such as... Figure 2d As shown.

[0067] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2eAs shown, there can be a time interval t2 between vibration sequence V1 and vibration sequence V2, and there is no time interval between the first transmit / receive control signal T1 and the second transmit / receive control signal T2.

[0068] In some embodiments, the controller 109 is also used to control the connection switching of the transmitting and receiving modules 103, so as to transmit the transmission timing of the transmitting timing control module 102 to the ultrasonic probe 101 and transmit the ultrasonic echo received by the ultrasonic probe 101 to the echo processing module 104. Of course, those skilled in the art should understand that the controller 109 can also control other components in the ultrasonic elasticity measuring device 100.

[0069] The echo processing module 106 is used to process the ultrasonic echo, such as filtering, amplifying, and beamforming the ultrasonic echo. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic echo includes both ultrasonic echoes used for strain detection and ultrasonic echoes used for detecting vibration elasticity.

[0070] The data processor 107 receives the echo signal processed by the echo processing module 106 and uses relevant algorithms to obtain the required parameters or images. In this embodiment of the invention, the data processor 107 includes a strain elastic imaging module 1071 and a vibration elastic imaging module 1072. The strain elastic imaging module 1071 is used to calculate strain-type elastic results based on the ultrasonic echo used for strain detection. The strain-type elastic results may be, for example, one or more of elastic image data, strain, or strain rate. The vibration elastic imaging module 1072 is used to calculate vibration elastic results based on the ultrasonic echo used for vibration elasticity detection. The vibration elastic results may be, for example, shear wave elastic parameters and / or shear wave trajectories. The shear wave elastic parameters include at least one of shear wave propagation velocity, Young's modulus value, or shear modulus value. In some embodiments, the data processor 107 may also include an ultrasonic image generation module (not shown in the figure), which is used to generate various ultrasonic images, such as B-mode images, based on the ultrasonic echo of strain detection.

[0071] The display module 108 receives various visualization data output by the data processor 107 and displays various images, graphics, charts, text or data on the display interface, including various elastic parameters, various elastic images and / or various ultrasound images.

[0072] In this embodiment of the invention, the ultrasonic probe vibrates according to a vibration sequence driven by a vibrator. On the one hand, mechanical vibration replaces manual pressure, improving pressure consistency and ensuring imaging repeatability and stability. On the other hand, vibration elasticity can be detected through the vibration of the ultrasonic probe, eliminating the need to replace it with a single-element probe. This allows for the detection of strain elasticity distribution in the region of interest, as well as the quantitative detection of elasticity values ​​at specific sampling gates. In one embodiment, Figure 2c , Figure 2d and Figure 2e The vibration sequences V1 and V2 in the sequence can be the same or different. For example, the pulse width of vibration sequence V1 is longer than the pulse width of vibration sequence V2.

[0073] The following example illustrates the control and processing procedures of this embodiment by using the example of ultrasonic waves emitted by an ultrasonic probe for strain detection and ultrasonic waves for shear wave detection, where the vibrations are different orders of vibration. Figure 3 As shown.

[0074] Step 10: When the user needs to simultaneously detect strain elasticity results and vibration elasticity results, the user can input a simultaneous detection command through the input device to enter the simultaneous strain detection and vibration elasticity detection mode. Based on the response to the simultaneous detection command, the controller controls the vibration control module to output a first vibration sequence in step 11. The first vibration sequence defines the waveform, frequency, amplitude, duration, and other parameters of the vibrator vibration when detecting tissue strain. For example, the first vibration sequence defines a sinusoidal vibration waveform with a frequency of 2Hz, an amplitude of 0.5mm, and a duration of 2s.

[0075] The vibrator begins its first vibration according to the waveform, frequency, and amplitude defined in the first vibration sequence, and ends its first vibration according to the duration defined in the first vibration sequence.

[0076] Step 12: The controller simultaneously controls the transmitter / receiver controller to output the first transmission timing signal and the first reception control signal. The ultrasonic probe transmits ultrasonic waves and receives echoes according to the first transmission timing signal and the first reception control signal.

[0077] Step 13: Receive the echo; the echo processing module processes the echo.

[0078] Step 14: The strain elastic imaging module calculates the strain elastic result based on the echo.

[0079] The strain-elastic imaging module can determine the location of the region of interest after tissue deformation by using two frames of ultrasound echo data before and after the deformation. There are many methods for displacement calculation, such as the block-matching approach. Figure 4As shown, for two frames of echo data before and after the change, data A and B of a certain region of interest are selected in one frame of data, and the search is performed at different positions in the other frame of data. The positions A' and B' of the data that best match the region of interest are found. It is then considered that the region of interest has moved to that position, and the position difference between the two frames is the displacement of the region of interest.

[0080] After obtaining the displacement data, the strain M in the region of interest can be calculated according to the definition of strain, i.e.:

[0081] M = ΔL / L

[0082] Where L is the length of the region of interest before tissue deformation, and ΔL is the change in length of the region of interest after tissue deformation.

[0083] In one embodiment, the strain elastic imaging module can also generate a strain elastic image of the region of interest based on strain. According to Hooke's Law, stress = strain * Young's modulus. Young's modulus is a commonly used physical quantity reflecting the hardness of a tissue; therefore, under a certain pressure, the harder the tissue, the smaller its strain, and the softer the tissue, the greater its strain. When the probe contact surface is good, the stress on the target tissue can be considered uniform. Therefore, the strain distribution image can reflect the hardness differences between tissues.

[0084] Step 15: After the first vibration is completed, the controller controls the vibration control module to output the second vibration sequence. The second vibration sequence defines the waveform, frequency, amplitude, duration, and other parameters of the vibrator vibration when detecting shear waves. For example, a vibration sequence defines a sinusoidal vibration waveform with a frequency of 50Hz, an amplitude of 1mm, and a duration of one cycle.

[0085] The vibrator begins its second vibration according to the waveform, frequency, and amplitude defined by the second vibration sequence, and ends its second vibration according to the duration defined by the second vibration sequence.

[0086] In addition to causing tissue deformation, the vibrator also generates shear waves that propagate deep into the tissue due to adhesions between tissues. As the shear waves propagate, the corresponding tissue will be displaced, and this displacement will gradually decrease and disappear after the shear waves have passed.

[0087] Step 16: The controller simultaneously controls the transmitter / receiver controller to output a second transmission timing signal and a second reception control signal. The ultrasound probe 101 transmits ultrasound waves 1091 and receives echoes according to the second transmission timing signal and the second reception control signal. To detect shear waves, the ultrasound probe is required to continuously transmit ultrasound pulses into the tissue and receive echo signals for a period of time.

[0088] Step 17: Receive the echo; the echo processing module processes the echo.

[0089] Step 18: The vibration elasticity imaging module calculates the vibration elasticity results based on the echo. The vibration elasticity results can be shear wave elastic parameters, such as shear wave propagation velocity, Young's modulus, and / or shear modulus; the vibration elasticity results can also be the shear wave trajectory. For example, the vibration elasticity results can be calculated using the following methods:

[0090] The vibration elastic imaging module can calculate the displacement of a point along the shear wave propagation path based on the received echo signal. When the displacement at that point is maximum, the shear wave is considered to have reached that point. By determining the arrival time of the shear wave at each point, the propagation path or trajectory of the shear wave can be located, allowing for the creation of a shear wave trajectory diagram, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the slope of each point on the shear wave propagation path can be obtained from the trajectory of the shear wave, and the slope is the propagation speed of the shear wave.

[0091] For an isotropic elastic body, the shear wave propagation velocity has the following approximate relationship with Young's modulus and shear modulus:

[0092] E=3ρc 2 =3G

[0093] Where c represents the shear wave velocity, ρ represents the tissue density, E represents the Young's modulus of the tissue, and G represents the shear modulus of the tissue. Typically, ρ is taken as the density of water. Therefore, once the shear wave propagation velocity is obtained, other elastic parameters, such as Young's modulus and shear modulus, can be further calculated.

[0094] Step 19: Display the real-time strain-based elasticity results and vibration-based elasticity results. For example, the display module simultaneously displays the strain-based elasticity results and vibration-based elasticity results on the display interface, such as... Figure 6a , 6bAs shown in Figure 6c, on the display interface 304, the strain-based elastic results are presented as a strain distribution image 301. In the strain distribution image 301, the first hardness attribute structure 3011 and the second hardness attribute structure 3012 can be identified by different colors, grayscale, or fill methods. Simultaneously, a sampling gate 3013 can be displayed in the strain distribution image 301. The pixel attributes of the first and second hardness attribute structures are completely different in the strain image, and they can be distinguished on the strain distribution map. The elastic values ​​inside the first and second hardness attribute structures may be different or the same, but for the first and second hardness attribute structures, and any region within them, quantitative elastic measurement results cannot be obtained on the strain distribution map. In this embodiment, by simultaneously detecting vibration elasticity while measuring strain, the vibration elasticity value of a certain region on the strain distribution map can be measured. The vibration elasticity measurement value at the sampling gate position is displayed in the elasticity value display area 302. The vibration elasticity measurement value can also be presented in various ways. Figure 6a In this context, vibrational elasticity results are presented numerically, such as E = 27 kPa or Cs = 3 m / s². Figure 6b In the diagram, vibration elasticity results are displayed using color fills or color bars. For example, a scaled color bar can be displayed within the elasticity value display area to show the quantitative analysis of hardness changes along the measurement depth direction of the sampling gate. In the diagram, the sampling gate is selected within the second hardness attribute structure, but it can also be selected within the first hardness attribute structure; the location of the sampling gate can be freely chosen by the user. Alternatively, the sampling gate can be represented by a rectangle to characterize the vibration elasticity measurement values ​​within the rectangle. The entire rectangle's corresponding elasticity measurement values ​​can be characterized and displayed by calculating statistical indicators such as the mean, root mean square deviation, and variance of the elasticity measurement values ​​at each point within the rectangle. Figure 6c As shown.

[0095] In this embodiment, when the ultrasonic probe sequentially emits ultrasonic waves for strain detection and ultrasonic waves for vibration elasticity detection in response to different vibrations, i.e., when performing periodic detection, the strain elasticity imaging module and the vibration elasticity imaging module also perform real-time calculations based on the received ultrasonic echoes, and the display module displays the real-time updated strain elasticity results and vibration elasticity results on the display interface.

[0096] In some embodiments, the data processor also generates ultrasonic images, such as B-images or C-images, based on the ultrasonic echoes used for strain detection. Figures 6a-6cAs shown, the display module can also simultaneously display the ultrasonic image 303 on the display interface. The ultrasonic image 303 can be displayed side-by-side or top-bottom with the strain distribution image 301 in a tiled manner, or layered, or the ultrasonic image 303 can cover a part of the strain distribution image 301, or vice versa. A region of interest 305 can be selected on the ultrasonic image 303, and the strain distribution image 301 of the region of interest 305 will be displayed in the strain distribution image area.

[0097] Step 20: Determine if the loop is complete. If yes, end the detection; otherwise, proceed to step 11 to begin the next loop. After each detection, the strain elasticity results and vibration elasticity results can be updated in real time. The number of loops can be set to one or more as needed.

[0098] In the above steps, shear wave detection can be performed first in a loop, followed by strain elasticity detection.

[0099] In some specific embodiments, the vibration of the vibrator and the emission of ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic probe may not be simultaneous, but sequential. For example, the controller may first control the ultrasonic probe to emit ultrasonic waves, and then control the vibrator to vibrate. However, the echo data used in subsequent data processing is the echo data after the vibration begins. Therefore, in this case, the ultrasonic probe needs to continuously emit ultrasonic waves for a period of time according to the emission interval defined by the emission sequence, for example, until the ultrasonic probe vibration ends. When detecting shear waves, the continuous emission of ultrasonic waves is required to be even longer.

[0100] In some specific embodiments, the vibration sequences of the first and second vibrations may be the same. In some embodiments, the frequency of the vibration waveform for detecting shear waves may be greater than the frequency of the vibration waveform for detecting tissue deformation.

[0101] Please refer to Figure 7 The ultrasonic elasticity measurement device 200 includes an ultrasonic probe 201, a vibrator 202, a vibration control module 203, a transmitter / receiver controller 204, a transmitter and receiver module 205, an echo processing module 206, a data processor 207, a display module 208, and a controller 209. The connection relationship of each module is the same as in Embodiment 1. The difference is that the transmitter / receiver controller 204, in generating the transmission timing sequence and the receiver control signal, distinguishes whether the echo is used to detect biological tissue deformation or is suitable for detecting shear waves based on the marking of the sequence. For example, the transmitter / receiver controller 204 outputs a transmission timing sequence 204a to the ultrasonic probe, which specifies 6 array elements for transmitting ultrasonic waves, but the first and second sequences are marked as 1, the third and fourth sequences are marked as 0, and the fifth and sixth sequences are marked as 1, such as... Figure 8As shown, sequences marked with 1 are used to detect ultrasonic waves of biological tissue deformation, while sequences marked with 0 are suitable for detecting shear waves. Similarly, the receive control signal 204b output by the transmit / receive controller 204 to the ultrasonic probe can also be marked in a similar manner. When the corresponding array element receives an echo, the echo data is marked according to the marking of the receive control signal. In this case, the ultrasonic probe can simultaneously transmit ultrasonic waves for strain detection and ultrasonic waves for shear wave detection for the same vibration. The received echo data includes both ultrasonic echoes for strain detection and ultrasonic echoes for vibration elasticity detection, but different echo data have different markings. The data processor performs different processing based on different markings. For echo data marked with 1, the strain elasticity imaging module 2071 calculates the strain-type elastic result based on the echo data; for echo data marked with 0, the vibration elasticity imaging module 2072 calculates the vibration elasticity result based on the echo data.

[0102] Those skilled in the art should understand that a sequence labeled 1 for detecting biological tissue deformation can also be labeled 0 or other types of labels, and a sequence suitable for detecting shear waves can also be labeled 1 or other types of labels. Alternatively, one of the two sequences used for detecting biological tissue deformation and detecting shear waves may be labeled, while the other may not be. Or, the transmission timing may not be labeled, while the receiving control signal may be labeled. In short, it is sufficient to be able to identify which ultrasonic echoes are for strain detection and which are for shear wave detection in the echo data.

[0103] In one embodiment, the user can input detection commands twice, and the specific operation process is as follows: Figure 9 As shown, it includes the following steps:

[0104] Step 30: Receive the user's instruction to perform strain detection and enter the strain detection mode.

[0105] Step 31: The vibration control module outputs a vibration sequence for strain detection to the vibrator. The vibrator drives the transducer of the ultrasonic probe to vibrate according to the vibration sequence for strain detection. This vibration causes deformation of the biological tissue when the ultrasonic probe contacts the biological tissue, which is then used for strain detection.

[0106] Step 32: The transmitter / receiver controller outputs transmission timing and reception control signals to the ultrasound probe. The ultrasound probe controls some or all of the multiple array elements to transmit ultrasound waves towards the biological tissue in the region of interest according to the transmission timing, and controls some or all of the multiple array elements to receive the echoes of the ultrasound waves according to the reception control signals, thereby obtaining ultrasound echo data for strain detection.

[0107] Step 32: The data processor calculates the strain-based elastic result based on the ultrasonic echo from the strain detection.

[0108] Step 34: Receive the user's instruction to perform vibration elasticity detection and enter the vibration elasticity detection mode.

[0109] Step 35: Output a vibration sequence for vibration elasticity detection to the vibrator. The vibrator drives the transducer of the ultrasound probe to vibrate according to the vibration sequence for vibration elasticity detection, and the vibration generates shear waves that propagate deep into the biological tissue.

[0110] Step 36: Output transmission timing and reception control signals to the ultrasound probe. The ultrasound probe controls some or all of the multiple array elements to transmit ultrasound waves towards the biological tissue in the region of interest according to the transmission timing, and controls some or all of the multiple array elements to receive the echoes of the ultrasound waves according to the reception control signals, thereby obtaining ultrasound echo data for vibration elasticity detection.

[0111] Step 37: The data processor calculates the vibration elasticity result based on the ultrasonic echo from the vibration elasticity test.

[0112] Step 38: Receive user input and display instructions simultaneously.

[0113] Step 39: The display module simultaneously displays the strain elasticity results and the vibration elasticity results on the display interface.

[0114] In other embodiments, vibration elasticity can be detected first, strain can be detected, and then strain elasticity results and vibration elasticity results can be displayed simultaneously on the display interface.

[0115] In this embodiment, step 31 involves driving the ultrasonic probe to vibrate via a vibrator to induce deformation in the biological tissue. In another embodiment, the tissue can also be deformed by the user manually pressing it to facilitate subsequent strain detection.

[0116] In an improved embodiment of the above embodiments, the ultrasound probe may further include a pressure sensor, the output of which is connected to the data processor. The pressure sensor is used to sense pressure, for example, to detect the driving force of the vibrator on the transducer or the pressure of the probe on the tissue, and to feed the sensed pressure back to the data processor. The data processor normalizes the strain detected at different times based on this pressure. For example, if time t1 corresponds to a strain of S1 and a pressure of approximately F1, and time t2 corresponds to a strain of S2 and a pressure of approximately F2, then the strain result at time t2 can be normalized to S2_new = S2*F1 / F2.

[0117] In other embodiments, the ultrasonic elasticity measuring device may not use a controller to control the output timing of the vibration control module and the transmitter / receiver controller. Instead, the transmitter / receiver controller and the vibration control module are connected in a signal-to-signal configuration. When the vibration control module outputs a vibration sequence, the transmitter / receiver controller outputs a transmission timing signal and a reception control signal.

[0118] The functions involved in this application can be implemented either by the programs described in the above embodiments or by hardware, such as by building an application-specific integrated circuit using gate circuits. Those skilled in the art will understand that the various programs in the above embodiments can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, which may include: read-only memory, random access memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk, etc., and the data processor can implement the above functions by executing the programs.

[0119] This document describes various exemplary embodiments with reference to them. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes and modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of this document. For example, various operational steps and components for performing operational steps can be implemented in different ways depending on the specific application or considering any number of cost functions associated with the operation of the system (e.g., one or more steps can be deleted, modified, or combined with other steps).

[0120] Furthermore, as those skilled in the art will understand, the principles herein can be reflected in a computer program product on a computer-readable storage medium pre-loaded with computer-readable program code. Any tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be used, including magnetic storage devices (hard disks, floppy disks, etc.), optical storage devices (CD-ROMs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), flash memory, and / or the like. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to form a machine, such that instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, can generate means for performing a specified function. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can instruct the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to operate in a particular manner, such that instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium can form an article of manufacture, including means for implementing the specified function. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to perform a series of operational steps on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, such that instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, can provide steps for implementing the specified function.

[0121] While the principles herein have been illustrated in various embodiments, numerous modifications to the structure, arrangement, proportions, elements, materials, and components, particularly suited to specific environmental and operational requirements, may be used without departing from the principles and scope of this disclosure. These modifications and other alterations or alterations will be included within the scope of this document.

[0122] The foregoing specific descriptions have been described with reference to various embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, considerations for this disclosure are to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and all such modifications are to be included within its scope. Similarly, advantages, other advantages, and solutions to problems with respect to various embodiments have been described above. However, benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that produce these, or make them more explicit, should not be construed as critical, essential, or necessary. The term “comprising” and any other variations thereof as used herein are non-exclusive inclusion, meaning that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed or not part of the process, method, system, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the term “coupled” and any other variations thereof as used herein refer to physical connections, electrical connections, magnetic connections, optical connections, communication connections, functional connections, and / or any other connections.

[0123] Those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes can be made to the details of the above embodiments without departing from the basic principles of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be defined only by the following claims.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic elastography apparatus, characterized by The application relates to an ultrasonic detection device and method. The application comprises: a transmitting / receiving controller for generating and outputting transmitting timing and receiving control signals to an ultrasonic probe; a vibration control module connected with a vibrator signal for generating and outputting a vibration sequence to the vibrator; the vibration sequence comprises an elastic vibration sequence and a strain vibration sequence; the vibration control module generates the vibration sequence in a strain detection and vibration elasticity detection mode; the ultrasonic probe comprises a vibrator and a transducer, and the transducer comprises a plurality of array elements; the transducer emits ultrasonic waves and receives echoes for vibration; the vibrator acquires the vibration sequence, drives the transducer to generate elastic detection vibration according to the elastic vibration sequence, so as to generate shear waves propagating in a depth direction of biological tissues in a region of interest, and drives the transducer to generate strain detection vibration according to the strain vibration sequence, so as to cause the biological tissues to deform; the elastic vibration sequence and the strain vibration sequence share a time-varying vibration sequence, and part or all of the plurality of array elements are controlled by the transmitting timing to simultaneously or successively emit first ultrasonic waves and second ultrasonic waves to the biological tissues for one vibration; or the elastic vibration sequence and the strain vibration sequence are generated alternately, and part or all of the plurality of array elements are controlled by the transmitting timing to emit the first ultrasonic waves and the second ultrasonic waves to the biological tissues; wherein the driving process of the vibrator according to one vibration sequence is called one vibration; the first ultrasonic waves are used for detecting the shear waves, and the second ultrasonic waves are used for detecting the deformation of the biological tissues caused by the strain detection vibration; the receiving control signal controls part or all of the plurality of array elements to receive echoes of the first ultrasonic waves and echoes of the second ultrasonic waves, and obtain ultrasonic echo data for vibration elasticity detection and ultrasonic echo data for strain detection; a data processor is used for calculating a strain elasticity result according to the ultrasonic echo data for strain detection and calculating a vibration elasticity result according to the ultrasonic echo data for vibration elasticity detection; 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, a display module is used for displaying real-time strain elasticity results or vibration elasticity results on a display interface.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The strain detection vibration and the elastic detection vibration have a time interval.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, Parameters of the strain vibration sequence and parameters of the elastic vibration sequence are different.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The transducer emits the second ultrasonic waves for strain detection vibration and the first ultrasonic waves for elastic detection vibration, and receives corresponding echoes.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The transmitting timing comprises first transmitting timing and second transmitting timing, the first transmitting timing is used for controlling part or all of the plurality of array elements to emit the first ultrasonic waves in a first predetermined time period, and the second transmitting timing is used for controlling part or all of the plurality of array elements to emit the second ultrasonic waves in a second predetermined time period.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The first predetermined time period is the same as a vibration period of the elastic vibration sequence; the second predetermined time period is a third predetermined time period after the start of the vibration period of the strain vibration sequence plus a fourth predetermined time period after the end of the vibration. The first predetermined time period and the second predetermined time period satisfy one of the following conditions: a time interval between the first predetermined time period and the second predetermined time period, a time interval between the first predetermined time period and the second predetermined time period is zero, and a time overlap between the first predetermined time period and the second predetermined time period.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The imaging parameters of the first ultrasonic wave and the second ultrasonic wave are the same.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein, The data processor receives ultrasonic echoes received during a vibration period for the purpose of strain detection as strain detection ultrasonic echoes, and receives ultrasonic echoes received during a vibration period for the purpose of vibration elasticity detection and within a predetermined time period after the vibration ends as vibration elasticity detection ultrasonic echoes; or the transducer differentially marks the strain detection ultrasonic echoes and the vibration elasticity detection ultrasonic echoes.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The transducer emits a continuous ultrasonic wave for one vibration.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein, The transducer differentially marks the strain detection ultrasonic echoes and the vibration elasticity detection ultrasonic echoes.

12. The device of any one of claims 1-11, wherein, Further comprising a controller, which is signal connected with the vibration control module and the emission / reception controller respectively, and is used for controlling the output timing of the emission / reception control signal and the vibration sequence.

13. The device of any one of claims 1-11, wherein, The emission / reception controller and the vibration control module are signal connected, and the emission / reception controller outputs the emission timing and the reception control signal when the vibration control module outputs the vibration sequence.

14. The device of any one of claims 1-11, wherein, The display module is used for displaying the real-time strain elasticity result and the vibration elasticity result on the display interface, comprising: the display module is used for simultaneously displaying the real-time strain elasticity result and the vibration elasticity result on the display interface.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein, The data processor further generates an ultrasonic image according to the strain detection ultrasonic echoes, and the display module is further used for displaying the ultrasonic image.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The transducer has a first side and a second side, the first side is used for emitting ultrasonic beams to biological tissues, and the vibrator is located at the second side of the transducer.

17. An ultrasonic elastography apparatus, characterized by Comprising: An ultrasonic probe, comprising a vibrator and a transducer, the transducer comprising a plurality of array elements, the array elements being used for emitting ultrasonic waves for strain detection and for vibration elasticity detection to biological tissues of a region of interest and receiving echoes of the ultrasonic waves in a strain detection and vibration elasticity detection mode, and obtaining strain detection ultrasonic echo data and vibration elasticity detection ultrasonic echo data; the vibrator being used for obtaining a vibration sequence, the vibration sequence comprising an elasticity vibration sequence and a strain vibration sequence; the vibrator driving the transducer to generate elasticity detection vibration according to the elasticity vibration sequence, so as to generate shear waves propagating in a depth direction of the biological tissues of the region of interest; the vibrator driving the transducer to generate strain detection vibration according to the strain vibration sequence, so as to cause the biological tissues to deform; wherein a driving process of the vibrator according to one vibration sequence is referred to as one vibration; a vibration control module, which is signal connected with the vibrator, and is used for generating a vibration sequence for strain detection and vibration elasticity detection and outputting to the vibrator at least in the strain detection and vibration elasticity detection mode; wherein the elasticity vibration sequence and the strain vibration sequence share one vibration sequence changing with time; or the elasticity vibration sequence and the strain vibration sequence are generated alternately. a transmit / receive controller configured to generate and output transmit timing for controlling a portion or all of the plurality of array elements to transmit ultrasound waves to the biological tissue of the region of interest, and receive control signals for controlling a portion or all of the plurality of array elements to receive echoes of the ultrasound waves, to the ultrasound probe; a data processor configured to calculate strain-based elasticity results from the strain detection ultrasound echo data, and calculate vibration elasticity results from the vibration elasticity detection ultrasound echo data; a display module configured to display the strain-based elasticity results or the vibration elasticity results on a display interface.

18. The apparatus of claim 1 or 17, wherein, The strain-based elasticity results include at least one of elasticity image data, strain value or strain rate, and the vibration elasticity results include at least one of shear wave elasticity parameter and / or shear wave trajectory.

19. The apparatus of claim 1 or 17, wherein, The ultrasound probe further comprises a pressure sensor, an output of the pressure sensor being connected to the data processor to feed the sensed pressure to the data processor.

20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein, The vibration control module is further configured to generate and output a vibration sequence for strain detection to the vibrator in the strain detection mode.

21. An ultrasonic elastography method characterized by The method comprises: receiving a user input to enter a strain detection and vibration elasticity detection mode, and simultaneously performing strain detection and vibration elasticity detection; outputting a vibration sequence to the vibrator, the vibration sequence comprising an elasticity vibration sequence and a strain vibration sequence, wherein the elasticity vibration sequence and the strain vibration sequence share one vibration sequence varying with time, or the elasticity vibration sequence and the strain vibration sequence are generated alternately; the vibrator generates elasticity detection vibration according to the elasticity vibration sequence to generate shear waves propagating in a depth direction of the biological tissue of the region of interest, and generates strain detection vibration according to the strain vibration sequence to cause the biological tissue to deform, and a driving process of the vibrator according to one vibration sequence is referred to as one vibration; outputting transmit timing and receive control signals to the ultrasound probe; the ultrasound probe controls a portion or all of the plurality of array elements to transmit ultrasound waves for strain detection and for vibration elasticity detection to the biological tissue of the region of interest according to the transmit timing, and controls a portion or all of the plurality of array elements to receive echoes of the ultrasound waves according to the receive control signals, to obtain strain detection ultrasound echo data and vibration elasticity detection ultrasound echo data; the data processor calculates strain-based elasticity results from the strain detection ultrasound echo data, and calculates vibration elasticity results from the vibration elasticity detection ultrasound echo data.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein, The ultrasound probe transmits strain detection ultrasound waves for strain detection and vibration elasticity detection ultrasound waves for vibration elasticity detection according to the vibrations, and receives corresponding echoes; or the ultrasound probe transmits a continuous ultrasound wave for the purpose of strain detection and vibration elasticity detection according to the vibrations, and receives ultrasound echoes.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein The method further comprises simultaneously displaying the strain-based elasticity results and the vibration elasticity results on a display interface.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein, The vibration sequence is used to control the ultrasonic probe to vibrate periodically, and the transmission timing and receiving control signals are used to control the ultrasonic probe to periodically transmit ultrasonic waves and receive echoes against the periodic vibration.

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