Methods and apparatus for adjusting the time gain of an ultrasonic system, ultrasonic equipment and storage medium

Abstract

This application relates to the field of ultrasonic testing technology, and discloses a method for adjusting the time gain of an ultrasonic system, comprising: calculating the gray-level distribution slope of an initial ultrasonic image; determining the attenuation coefficient of the ultrasonic signal in the ultrasonic system based on the gray-level distribution slope; calculating the time gain compensation of the ultrasonic system using the attenuation coefficient; and adjusting the time gain of the ultrasonic system based on the time gain compensation. In the embodiments of this disclosure, after acquiring the initial ultrasonic image, the attenuation coefficient of the ultrasonic signal is deduced by calculating the gray-level distribution slope, the time gain compensation is calculated, and the time gain of the ultrasonic system is adjusted under the time gain compensation to reacquire the ultrasonic image. Because the time gain compensation is derived from the initial ultrasonic image, it is more suitable for the current scanning situation and can make the reacquired image clearer. This application also discloses a device and ultrasonic equipment for adjusting the time gain of an ultrasonic system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of ultrasonic testing technology, and for example to a method and apparatus for adjusting the time gain of an ultrasonic system, ultrasonic equipment, and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] During ultrasound imaging, the amplitude of the received ultrasound waves decreases as the depth of tissue penetration increases, causing the final image to gradually darken with increasing depth and exhibiting uneven longitudinal distribution. Furthermore, the degree of ultrasound signal attenuation varies when scanning different areas. Time gain compensation (TGC) is a method used by ultrasound equipment to overcome signal weakening caused by ultrasound energy attenuation. For different scanning areas, the ultrasound system typically provides different TGCs by reading system presets. These TGCs are optimized for most populations, but the default TGC cannot be guaranteed to be suitable for every patient. Therefore, in actual use, users often encounter situations where the preset TGC is inappropriate. This manifests in the image as uneven grayscale distribution along the depth direction, and an overall image that is either too bright or too dark.

[0003] The related technology discloses a TGC adjustment method for an ultrasound system. By using statistical information on image grayscale, the image is segmented into tissue and background parts. The contrast between the foreground and background is adjusted by adjusting the TGC curve to make the image grayscale distribution uniform.

[0004] In the process of implementing the embodiments of this disclosure, at least the following problems were found in the related art:

[0005] Optimizing the TGC curve based on the difference in image grayscale in different regions is not accurate.

[0006] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the background section above is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of this application, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a brief summary is given below. This summary is not intended as a general commentary, nor is it intended to identify key / important components or describe the scope of protection of these embodiments, but rather as a prelude to the detailed description that follows.

[0008] This disclosure provides a method and apparatus for adjusting the time gain of an ultrasound system, an ultrasound device and a storage medium, to obtain more suitable TGC compensation, adjust the time gain of the ultrasound system, and make the ultrasound image clearer.

[0009] In some embodiments, the method includes: calculating the grayscale distribution slope of an initial ultrasound image; determining the attenuation coefficient of the ultrasound signal in the ultrasound system based on the grayscale distribution slope; calculating the time gain compensation of the ultrasound system using the attenuation coefficient; and adjusting the time gain of the ultrasound system based on the time gain compensation.

[0010] Optionally, the calculation of the grayscale distribution slope of the initial ultrasound image includes: calculating the column grayscale distribution slope of each column of data in the initial ultrasound image; and performing a weighted average of the multiple column grayscale distribution slopes to obtain the image grayscale distribution slope.

[0011] Optionally, the calculation of the column grayscale distribution slope of each column of data in the initial ultrasound image includes: obtaining the grayscale values ​​of m data points located in the j-th column of the initial ultrasound image; calculating the linear fitting slope of the grayscale values ​​of the m data points; and using the linear fitting slope as the column grayscale distribution slope of the j-th column; where j = 1, ..., n; n is the total number of columns in the initial ultrasound image; and m is the total number of data points in the j-th column.

[0012] Optionally, calculating the linear fitting slope of the grayscale values ​​of m data points includes calculating the linear fitting slope according to the following formula:

[0013]

[0014] Among them, slope j d is the slope of the linear fit of the j-th column of data; i = 1, ..., m; d i Let be the scan depth of the i-th data point; g is the average scan depth of m data points; i Let be the grayscale value of the i-th data point; Let be the average gray value of m data points.

[0015] Optionally, the weighted average processing of the gray-scale distribution slopes of multiple columns includes: calculating the column weight of each column of data in the initial ultrasound image; wherein the column weight is positively correlated with the gray-scale values ​​of all data points in each column; and performing a weighted average processing of the gray-scale distribution slopes of multiple columns based on the column weights of each column of data.

[0016] Optionally, the method for adjusting the time gain of the ultrasound system further includes calculating the column weight of each column of data in the initial ultrasound image according to the following formula:

[0017]

[0018] Where, weight jdenoted as column weight of the j-th column in the initial ultrasound image; g(i,j) is the gray value of the i-th data point in the j-th column of the initial ultrasound image; j = 1, ..., n; n is the total number of columns in the initial ultrasound image; i = 1, ..., m; m is the total number of data points in the j-th column.

[0019] Optionally, determining the attenuation coefficient of the ultrasonic signal in the ultrasonic system based on the slope of the grayscale distribution includes calculating the attenuation coefficient according to the following formula:

[0020] α = -meanslope / log2e

[0021] Where α is the attenuation coefficient; and meanslope is the slope of the gray-level distribution of the graph.

[0022] Optionally, the calculation of time gain compensation of the ultrasound system using the attenuation coefficient includes calculating the time gain compensation according to the following formula:

[0023] ΔTGC depth =N*log 10 (e α*depth )

[0024] Among them, ΔTGC depth For time gain compensation; N is the compensation coefficient; α is the attenuation coefficient; depth is the maximum scanning depth of the initial ultrasound image.

[0025] Optionally, adjusting the time gain of the ultrasound system based on time gain compensation includes calculating the adjusted time gain compensation according to the following formula:

[0026] TGC new =TGC default +ΔTGC depth

[0027] Among them, TGC new The time gain after adjustment of the ultrasound system; TGC default ΔTGC represents the initial time gain of the ultrasound system. depth For time gain compensation.

[0028] Optionally, the method for adjusting the time gain of the ultrasound system further includes: obtaining the front-end analog signal gain compensation and the back-end digital signal gain compensation of the ultrasound system; calculating the initial time gain of the ultrasound system based on the front-end analog signal gain compensation and the back-end digital signal gain compensation; and using the ultrasound image obtained by the ultrasound system under the initial time gain as the initial ultrasound image.

[0029] In some embodiments, the means for adjusting the time gain of an ultrasound system includes a processor and a memory storing program instructions, the processor being configured to, when running the program instructions, perform the method for adjusting the time gain of the ultrasound system as described above.

[0030] In some embodiments, the ultrasonic device includes an ultrasonic device body; and means for adjusting the time gain of the ultrasonic system as described above, which is mounted on the ultrasonic device body.

[0031] In some embodiments, the storage medium stores program instructions that, when executed, perform the method described above for adjusting the time gain of an ultrasound system.

[0032] The method, apparatus, ultrasonic device, and storage medium for adjusting the time gain of an ultrasonic system provided in this disclosure can achieve the following technical effects:

[0033] By using the slope of the grayscale distribution of the initial ultrasound image, the attenuation coefficient of the ultrasound signal is calculated, and a new time gain compensation is determined. Adjusting the time gain of the ultrasound system under this time gain compensation can make the adjusted time gain more suitable for the current scanning situation, and the reacquired ultrasound image will be clearer.

[0034] The above general description and the description below are exemplary and illustrative only and are not intended to limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0035] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. These illustrations and drawings do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements having the same reference numerals in the drawings are shown as similar elements. The drawings are not to be scaled. And wherein:

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a method for adjusting the time gain of an ultrasound system according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another method for adjusting the time gain of an ultrasound system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another method for adjusting the time gain of an ultrasound system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0039] Figure 4 (a) in the image is the initial ultrasound image acquired under the initial time gain conditions of the ultrasound system;

[0040] Figure 4(b) in the image is an ultrasound image acquired under the time gain condition after the ultrasound system has been adjusted.

[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a device for adjusting the time gain of an ultrasound system according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0042] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another device for adjusting the time gain of an ultrasound system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0043] To provide a more detailed understanding of the features and technical content of the embodiments of this disclosure, the implementation of the embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure. In the following technical description, for ease of explanation, several details are used to provide a full understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, one or more embodiments may still be implemented without these details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices may be simplified in their depiction to simplify the drawings.

[0044] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this disclosure are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate for the embodiments of this disclosure described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0045] Unless otherwise stated, the term "multiple" means two or more.

[0046] The term "and / or" describes an association between objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B means: A or B, or A and B.

[0047] The term "correspondence" can refer to an association or binding relationship. The correspondence between A and B means that there is an association or binding relationship between A and B.

[0048] In ultrasound equipment, the gain of the ultrasound system is mainly determined by Time Gain Compensation (TGC), which can be further divided into front-end analog signal gain compensation (ATGC) and back-end digital signal gain compensation (DTGC). Adjusting the gain of an ultrasound system includes adjusting both ATGC and DTGC, and the system gain directly affects the brightness distribution of the image. During ultrasound imaging, the amplitude of the received ultrasound waves decreases as the depth of tissue penetration increases, causing the final ultrasound image to gradually darken with increasing depth, resulting in uneven longitudinal distribution of the image, and an overall image that is either too bright or too dark.

[0049] This disclosure provides a method for adjusting the time gain of an ultrasound system. The ultrasound device performs vertical statistical analysis on the pixels of an initial ultrasound image, calculates the distribution relationship between depth and grayscale, and uses this to fit the image grayscale attenuation coefficient. This leads to the derivation of the attenuation coefficient of the entire ultrasound echo signal. Finally, the corresponding TGC curve is obtained from the signal attenuation coefficient, and the gain of the ultrasound system is adjusted. Under the adjusted gain conditions, a clearer ultrasound image can be obtained.

[0050] Combination Figure 1 As shown in the embodiments of this disclosure, a method for adjusting the time gain of an ultrasound system includes:

[0051] S001, The ultrasound equipment calculates the slope of the grayscale distribution of the initial ultrasound image.

[0052] S002, the ultrasonic equipment determines the attenuation coefficient of the ultrasonic signal in the ultrasonic system based on the slope of the grayscale distribution in the graph.

[0053] S003, Ultrasonic equipment uses attenuation coefficient to calculate time gain compensation of ultrasonic system.

[0054] S004, The ultrasonic equipment adjusts the time gain of the ultrasonic system according to time gain compensation.

[0055] The method for adjusting the time gain of an ultrasound system provided in this disclosure calculates the grayscale distribution slope and attenuation coefficient when the ultrasound device acquires an initial ultrasound image. This results in a time gain compensation suitable for the initial ultrasound image. Reacquiring the image under this time gain compensation yields a clearer ultrasound image. Furthermore, the method provided in this disclosure can calculate the corresponding time gain compensation based on the actual received image signal distribution, ensuring clear ultrasound images when the ultrasound device scans patients in different situations.

[0056] Optionally, the grayscale distribution slope of the initial ultrasound image is calculated, including: calculating the column grayscale distribution slope of each column of data in the initial ultrasound image; and performing a weighted average of the multiple column grayscale distribution slopes to obtain the image grayscale distribution slope.

[0057] In the initial ultrasound image, the data points can be divided into n columns with equal spacing along vertical lines. To calculate the grayscale distribution slope of the initial ultrasound image, we can first calculate the column grayscale distribution slope of each column of data, and then perform a weighted average of these column grayscale distribution slopes to obtain the overall grayscale distribution slope.

[0058] Optionally, the column grayscale distribution slope of each column of data in the initial ultrasound image is calculated, including: obtaining the grayscale values ​​of m data points in the j-th column of the initial ultrasound image; calculating the linear fitting slope of the grayscale values ​​of the m data points; and using the linear fitting slope as the column grayscale distribution slope of the j-th column; where j = 1, ..., n; n is the total number of columns in the initial ultrasound image; and m is the total number of data points in the j-th column.

[0059] To calculate the column grayscale distribution slope of the j-th column of data, the grayscale values ​​and scan depths of the m data points in the j-th column of the initial ultrasound image need to be recorded: (d1, g1), (d2, g2), ..., (d... m g m ), where d i g is the scan depth of the i-th data point; i Let be the gray value of the i-th data point; i = 1, ..., m.

[0060] A linear fit is performed on the grayscale values ​​and scan depth values ​​of these m data points. The linear fit formula is:

[0061] g = a + slope j *d

[0062] Where g is the gray value of the data point in the j-th column; a is the intercept of the linear fit; slope j d is the slope of the linear fit of the data in column j; d is the scanning depth of the data points in column j.

[0063] The slope of the linear fit is calculated in the linear fit formula. j The slope of the linear fit is then used as the slope of the column grayscale distribution of the j-th column data.

[0064] Optionally, the linear fitting slope of the gray values ​​of m data points is calculated, including calculating the linear fitting slope according to the following formula:

[0065]

[0066] Among them, slope j d is the slope of the linear fit of the j-th column of data; i Let be the scan depth of the i-th data point; g is the average scan depth of m data points; i Let be the grayscale value of the i-th data point; Let be the average gray value of m data points.

[0067] To calculate the slope of the linear fit for the gray values ​​of m data points, we can use the least squares method to solve the above linear equation and obtain the slope of the linear fit for the j-th column of data. j , and serve as the slope of the column grayscale distribution of the j-th column data.

[0068] Optionally, to calculate the linear fitting slope of the gray values ​​of m data points, you can input the gray values ​​and scan depth of m data points into Origin or Excel, and call Origin's LMA (Levernberg-Marquardt Algorithm) or Excel's SLOPE function to obtain the column gray distribution slope of the j-th column.

[0069] Optionally, a weighted average of the grayscale distribution slopes of multiple columns is performed, including: calculating the column weight of each column of data in the initial ultrasound image; wherein the column weight is positively correlated with the grayscale value of all data points in each column; and performing a weighted average of the grayscale distribution slopes of multiple columns based on the column weight of each column of data.

[0070] To perform a weighted average of the grayscale distribution slopes across multiple columns, we can first determine the column weight of each column in the initial ultrasound image, and then perform a weighted average of the grayscale distribution slopes across multiple columns based on these column weights. The column weights are positively correlated with the grayscale values ​​of all data points in each column.

[0071] Optionally, the column weights for each column of data in the initial ultrasound image can be calculated using the following formula:

[0072]

[0073] Where, weight j denoted as column weight of the j-th column in the initial ultrasound image; g(i,j) is the gray value of the i-th data point in the j-th column of the initial ultrasound image; j = 1, ..., n; n is the total number of columns in the initial ultrasound image; i = 1, ..., m; m is the total number of data points in the j-th column.

[0074] Optionally, for regions where more image information is desired, certain coefficients can be assigned to the data points in those regions, giving them greater weight in the column containing those data points when calculating column weights. After determining the coefficients for each data point, the column weight for each column can be calculated using the following formula:

[0075]

[0076] Where θ(i,j) is the coefficient of the gray value of the i-th data point in the j-th column of the initial ultrasound image, and 0.5 < θ(i,j) < 1.5.

[0077] The column weights of the j-th column data are obtained. j Then, by weighted averaging the gray-level distribution slopes of all columns in the initial ultrasound image, the gray-level distribution slope of the initial ultrasound image can be obtained. The specific formula is:

[0078]

[0079] Where, meanslope is the slope of the gray-level distribution of the graph.

[0080] Optionally, the attenuation coefficient of the ultrasonic signal in the ultrasonic system is determined based on the slope of the grayscale distribution in the graph, including calculating the attenuation coefficient according to the following formula:

[0081] α = -meanslope / l0g2e

[0082] Where α is the attenuation coefficient; and meanslope is the slope of the gray-level distribution of the graph.

[0083] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the ultrasonic signal intensity is considered to decay exponentially, and the model is as follows:

[0084] I depth =I0*e (-α*depth)

[0085] Where depth is the scanning depth; I depth I0 is the ultrasound signal intensity at a scanning depth of depth; I0 is the initial ultrasound signal intensity.

[0086] In ultrasound systems, ultrasound images are generated through logarithmic compression. Therefore, by taking the logarithm of the ultrasound signal intensity, a relationship can be established between the ultrasound signal intensity and the image's grayscale level. The formula after taking the logarithm can be written as:

[0087] log2(I depth ) = log2(I0) - α*depth*log2(e)

[0088] Therefore, the relationship between the attenuation coefficient of the ultrasonic signal and the slope of the gray-level distribution can be expressed as:

[0089] α = -meanslope / log2 e

[0090] Alternatively, when taking the logarithm of the ultrasound signal intensity model, the logarithmic formula can be written as:

[0091] ln(I depth )=ln(I0)-α*depth

[0092] At this point, the relationship between the attenuation coefficient of the ultrasonic signal and the slope of the grayscale distribution can be expressed as:

[0093] α = -meanslope

[0094] As can be imagined, when performing logarithmic operations, the base can be chosen to have different values ​​depending on the actual application, with a range including [2, 3]. More specifically, the base can be 2, e, or 3.

[0095] Optionally, the time gain compensation of the ultrasound system is calculated using the attenuation coefficient, including calculating the time gain compensation according to the following formula:

[0096] ΔTGC depth =N*log 10 (e α*depth )

[0097] Among them, ΔTGC depth For time gain compensation; N is the compensation coefficient; α is the attenuation coefficient; depth is the maximum scanning depth of the initial ultrasound image.

[0098] In practical applications, the compensation coefficient N ranges from [10, 30]. More specifically, N = 15, 20, or 25.

[0099] Optionally, the time gain of the ultrasound system is adjusted according to the time gain compensation, including calculating the adjusted time gain compensation according to the following formula:

[0100] TGC new =TGC default +ΔTGC depth

[0101] Among them, TGC new The time gain after adjustment of the ultrasound system; TGC default ΔTGC represents the initial time gain of the ultrasound system. depth For time gain compensation.

[0102] Determining the time gain compensation ΔTGC of the ultrasound systemdepth In practical applications, further adjustments can be made to the time gain compensation. If the image remains unclear, a coefficient can be assigned to the time gain compensation, and a new time gain compensation can be calculated. This includes assigning coefficients to the time gain compensation according to the following formula:

[0103] TGC new =TGC default +β*ΔTGC depth

[0104] Where β is the coefficient for time gain compensation, and 0.5 < β < 1.5.

[0105] The method provided in this disclosure utilizes prior knowledge of signal intensity attenuation with depth to establish a concise mathematical model. It links the attenuation coefficient of the ultrasound signal intensity with the slope of the grayscale distribution of the initial ultrasound image, thus giving the algorithm strong robustness. Furthermore, this algorithm has low computational complexity and fast processing speed, meeting the high-frequency requirements of ultrasound images.

[0106] Optionally, the method for adjusting the time gain of the ultrasound system further includes acquiring an initial ultrasound image.

[0107] Combination Figure 2 As shown, this disclosure provides another method for adjusting the time gain of an ultrasound system, including:

[0108] S101, Ultrasonic equipment acquires front-end analog signal gain compensation and back-end digital signal gain compensation of the ultrasonic system.

[0109] S102, the ultrasound equipment calculates the initial time gain of the ultrasound system based on the front-end analog signal gain compensation and the back-end digital signal gain compensation.

[0110] S103, the ultrasound equipment uses the ultrasound image obtained by the ultrasound system under the initial time gain as the initial ultrasound image.

[0111] S104, The ultrasound equipment calculates the slope of the grayscale distribution of the initial ultrasound image.

[0112] S105, the ultrasonic equipment determines the attenuation coefficient of the ultrasonic signal in the ultrasonic system based on the slope of the grayscale distribution in the graph.

[0113] S106, Ultrasonic equipment uses the attenuation coefficient to calculate the time gain compensation of the ultrasonic system.

[0114] S107, The ultrasonic equipment adjusts the time gain of the ultrasonic system according to time gain compensation.

[0115] When acquiring the initial ultrasound image, it is necessary to acquire the ultrasound image under the initial time gain of the ultrasound system. The initial time gain of the ultrasound system includes the system's preset ATGC and DTGC, as well as the total gain in two-dimensional mode. Without adjusting the TGC via the TGC slider or other means, only the system's preset time gain conditions are used to generate a single frame of two-dimensional ultrasound image as the initial ultrasound image.

[0116] Combination Figure 3 As shown, this disclosure provides another method for adjusting the time gain of an ultrasound system, including:

[0117] S201, Ultrasonic equipment acquires front-end analog signal gain compensation and back-end digital signal gain compensation of the ultrasonic system.

[0118] S202, the ultrasound equipment calculates the initial time gain of the ultrasound system based on the front-end analog signal gain compensation and the back-end digital signal gain compensation.

[0119] S203, the ultrasound equipment uses the ultrasound image obtained by the ultrasound system under the initial time gain as the initial ultrasound image.

[0120] S204, The ultrasound equipment calculates the slope of the grayscale distribution of the initial ultrasound image.

[0121] S205, the ultrasonic equipment determines the attenuation coefficient of the ultrasonic signal in the ultrasonic system based on the slope of the grayscale distribution in the graph.

[0122] S206, Ultrasonic equipment uses attenuation coefficient to calculate time gain compensation of ultrasonic system.

[0123] S207, The ultrasonic equipment adjusts the time gain of the ultrasonic system according to time gain compensation.

[0124] S208, The ultrasound equipment acquires a new ultrasound image under the adjusted time gain condition.

[0125] In practical applications, after acquiring the initial ultrasound image, the time gain compensation of the ultrasound system is calculated and adjusted. Finally, a new ultrasound image needs to be acquired under the adjusted time gain conditions. Since the time gain compensation of the ultrasound system is calculated based on the initial ultrasound image, different time gain compensations will be applied depending on the scanning conditions. Under the adjusted time gain conditions, a clearer ultrasound image can be acquired again.

[0126] like Figure 4As shown in (a), the initial ultrasound image is acquired under the initial time gain conditions of the ultrasound system. When the patient is obese, the grayscale at the bottom of the image is darker, making many details difficult to observe. Using the method provided in this embodiment, the ultrasound device automatically adjusts the time gain of the ultrasound system upon receiving a command, and then re-acquires the ultrasound image, as shown in (a). Figure 4 As shown in (b), the brightness of the bottom part of the image has increased, and many details are displayed more clearly.

[0127] Combination Figure 5 As shown, this embodiment of the present disclosure provides an apparatus for adjusting the time gain of an ultrasound system, including an image acquisition module 21, a time gain adjustment module 22, and an image display module 23. The image acquisition module 21 is configured to acquire an image of a target object under the gain conditions of the ultrasound system; the time gain adjustment module 22 is configured to calculate the time gain compensation of the ultrasound system based on the image information of the initial ultrasound image, and adjust the time gain of the ultrasound system; the C module 23 is configured to display the image information obtained by the image acquisition module 21 on a display screen.

[0128] Combination Figure 6 As shown, this disclosure provides another device 300 for adjusting the time gain of an ultrasound system, including a processor 400 and a memory 401. Optionally, the device may further include a communication interface 402 and a bus 403. The processor 400, communication interface 402, and memory 401 can communicate with each other via the bus 403. The communication interface 402 can be used for information transmission. The processor 400 can call logical instructions in the memory 401 to execute the method for adjusting the time gain of the ultrasound system described in the above embodiment.

[0129] Furthermore, the logic instructions in the aforementioned memory 401 can be implemented as software functional units and, when sold or used as independent products, can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0130] The memory 401, as a computer-readable storage medium, can be used to store software programs and computer-executable programs, such as program instructions / modules corresponding to the methods in the embodiments of this disclosure. The processor 400 executes functional applications and data processing by running the program instructions / modules stored in the memory 401, thereby implementing the method for adjusting the time gain of the ultrasound system in the above embodiments.

[0131] The memory 401 may include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store the operating system and applications required for at least one function; the data storage area may store data created based on the use of the terminal device. Furthermore, the memory 401 may include high-speed random access memory and may also include non-volatile memory.

[0132] This disclosure provides an ultrasonic device, including: an ultrasonic device body, and the aforementioned device for adjusting the time gain of the ultrasonic system. The device for adjusting the time gain of the ultrasonic system is installed in the ultrasonic device body. The installation relationship described herein is not limited to placement inside the ultrasonic device, but also includes installation connections with other components of the ultrasonic device, including but not limited to physical connections, electrical connections, or signal transmission connections. Those skilled in the art will understand that the device for adjusting the time gain of the ultrasonic system can be adapted to feasible ultrasonic device bodies, thereby realizing other feasible embodiments.

[0133] This disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions configured to perform the above-described method for adjusting the time gain of an ultrasound system.

[0134] The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium may be a transient computer-readable storage medium or a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0135] The technical solutions of this disclosure can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes one or more instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in this disclosure. The aforementioned storage medium can be a non-transitory storage medium, including: a USB flash drive, a portable hard drive, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk, and other media capable of storing program code; it can also be a transient storage medium.

[0136] The foregoing description and accompanying drawings fully illustrate embodiments of this disclosure to enable those skilled in the art to practice them. Other embodiments may include structural, logical, electrical, procedural, and other changes. The embodiments represent only possible variations. Individual components and functions are optional unless explicitly required, and the order of operation may vary. Parts and features of some embodiments may be included in or replace parts and features of other embodiments. Moreover, the terminology used in this application is for describing embodiments only and is not intended to limit the claims. As used in the description of embodiments and claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to equally include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the term “and / or” as used in this application means including one or more of the associated listed items and all possible combinations thereof. Additionally, when used in this application, the term "comprise" and its variations "comprises" and / or "comprising" refer to the presence of stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprises a..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, or apparatus that includes said element. In this document, each embodiment may focus on the differences from other embodiments, and similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to mutually. For methods, products, etc., disclosed in the embodiments, if they correspond to the method section disclosed in the embodiments, the relevant parts can be referred to the description of the method section.

[0137] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the embodiments of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0138] The methods and products (including but not limited to devices and equipment) disclosed in the embodiments herein can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of units may be merely a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between the shown or discussed units may be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected to implement this embodiment according to actual needs. Furthermore, the functional units in the embodiments of this disclosure may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0139] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to embodiments of this disclosure. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. In some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the blocks may occur in a different order than that shown in the drawings. For example, two consecutive blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. In the descriptions corresponding to the flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings, the operations or steps corresponding to different blocks may also occur in a different order than disclosed in the description, and sometimes there is no specific order between different operations or steps. For example, two consecutive operations or steps may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. Each block in a block diagram and / or flowchart, and combinations of blocks in a block diagram and / or flowchart, can be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or action, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

Claims

1. A method for adjusting the time gain of an ultrasound system, characterized in that, include: Calculate the slope of the grayscale distribution of the initial ultrasound image; The attenuation coefficient of the ultrasonic signal in the ultrasonic system is determined based on the slope of the grayscale distribution in the figure. Calculate the time gain compensation of the ultrasonic system using the attenuation coefficient; Adjust the time gain of the ultrasound system according to time gain compensation; The time gain compensation is calculated using the following formula: Among them, ΔTGC depth For time gain compensation; N is the compensation coefficient; α is the attenuation coefficient; depth is the maximum scanning depth of the initial ultrasound image.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The calculation of the slope of the grayscale distribution of the initial ultrasound image includes: Calculate the column grayscale distribution slope of each column of data in the initial ultrasound image; The gray-level distribution slope of the graph is obtained by weighted averaging of the gray-level distribution slopes of multiple columns.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The calculation of the column grayscale distribution slope of each column of data in the initial ultrasound image includes: Obtain the grayscale values ​​of the m data points located in the j-th column of the initial ultrasound image; Calculate the slope of the linear fit of the gray values ​​of m data points; The slope of the linear fitting is used as the slope of the gray-level distribution of the j-th column; Where j=1,…,n; n is the total number of columns in the initial ultrasound image; m is the total number of data points in the j-th column.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The calculation of the linear fitting slope of the grayscale values ​​of m data points includes calculating the linear fitting slope according to the following formula: Among them, slope j d is the slope of the linear fit for the j-th column of data; i = 1, ..., m; d i Let i be the scan depth of the i-th data point; g is the average scan depth of m data points; i Let be the grayscale value of the i-th data point; Let be the average gray value of m data points.

5. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The weighted average processing of the grayscale distribution slopes of multiple columns includes: Calculate the column weight of each column of data in the initial ultrasound image; where the column weight is positively correlated with the gray value of all data points in each column. Based on the column weights of each column of data, a weighted average is applied to the grayscale distribution slopes of multiple columns.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The column weight of each column of data in the initial ultrasound image is calculated using the following formula: Where, weight j is the column weight of the j-th column of the initial ultrasound image; g(i,j) is the gray value of the i-th data point in the j-th column of the initial ultrasound image; j=1,…,n; n is the total number of columns in the initial ultrasound image; i=1,…,m; m is the total number of data points in the j-th column.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The determination of the attenuation coefficient of the ultrasonic signal in the ultrasonic system based on the slope of the grayscale distribution in the figure includes calculating the attenuation coefficient according to the following formula: Where α is the attenuation coefficient; and meanslope is the slope of the gray-level distribution of the graph.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The adjustment of the time gain of the ultrasound system based on time gain compensation includes calculating the adjusted time gain compensation according to the following formula: Among them, TGC new The time gain after adjustment of the ultrasound system; TGC default ΔTGC represents the initial time gain of the ultrasound system. depth For time gain compensation.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The initial ultrasound image was obtained using the following method: Obtain the front-end analog signal gain compensation and the back-end digital signal gain compensation of the ultrasound system: The initial time gain of the ultrasound system is calculated based on the front-end analog signal gain compensation and the back-end digital signal gain compensation. The ultrasound image obtained by the ultrasound system at the initial time gain is used as the initial ultrasound image.

10. A device for adjusting the time gain of an ultrasound system, comprising a processor and a memory storing program instructions, characterized in that, The processor is configured to, when executing the program instructions, perform the method for adjusting the time gain of an ultrasound system as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. An ultrasonic device, characterized in that, include: The ultrasonic equipment itself; The device for adjusting the time gain of an ultrasound system as described in claim 10 is installed on the body of the ultrasound device.

12. A storage medium storing program instructions, characterized in that, When the program instructions are executed, they perform the method for adjusting the time gain of an ultrasound system as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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