Super-resolution contrast imaging method and ultrasound imaging apparatus

Abstract

The application discloses an ultrasonic imaging device and an ultrasonic imaging method. The method comprises the following steps: in a collection preparation stage, emitting a plurality of pulse sequences of ultrasonic waves to a target tissue containing contrast microbubbles; obtaining a first tissue image and a first contrast image of the target tissue based on echo signals; and displaying the first tissue image and the first contrast image in a first display area and a second display area of a display interface, respectively; in a collection calculation stage, emitting a plurality of second ultrasonic waves to the target tissue; obtaining a second tissue image and an ultrasonic imaging result of the target tissue based on echo signals; and displaying the second tissue image and the ultrasonic imaging result in the first display area and the second display area, respectively; and in an imaging display stage, switching the first display area and the second display area into a third display area, and playing all frames or part of the ultrasonic imaging result in the third display area. The method can improve the reliability of the ultrasonic imaging result.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of ultrasound imaging technology, and more specifically to a super-resolution contrast imaging method and an ultrasound imaging device. Background Technology

[0002] Contrast-enhanced ultrasound, as a new technology that can dynamically observe the blood perfusion of lesions and their tissues in real time, plays an increasingly important role in the diagnosis of malignant diseases such as liver cancer, thyroid cancer, and breast cancer, and has become an essential examination method for clinical evaluation of blood circulation and perfusion.

[0003] Blockage, obstruction, and lesions in the microcirculation are precursors to many diseases, and observing changes in microvessels is beneficial for early diagnosis. Capillaries, located in the epidermis, are an important component of the blood microcirculation, with the smallest diameter, approximately 6–9 μm. Arterioles and venules, located in the dermis, have a diameter of approximately 10–100 μm and connect to arteries and veins in the subepithelial layer. Microcirculation refers to the blood circulation between arterioles and venules in the vascular network; it is both the peripheral part of the circulatory system and an important component of organs. Under normal circumstances, the blood flow in the microcirculation is adapted to the metabolic level of human tissues and organs, maintaining normal life activities and metabolism. When the metabolism and function of tissues and organs become abnormal, the microcirculation will change to a certain extent. Therefore, the microcirculation is closely related to the occurrence and development of diseases and has important physiological, pathological, pharmacological, and clinical significance, playing a crucial role in the early diagnosis and treatment of various diseases.

[0004] However, due to the diffraction limit of ultrasound in the far field, the ability of routine clinical ultrasound contrast imaging to display the details of microvascular structures is limited. Although spatial resolution can be improved by increasing the transmission frequency and using near-field imaging, this inevitably leads to a decrease in imaging depth, and since most organs are at considerable distances from the probe, near-field super-resolution methods are difficult to apply. Super-Resolution Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (SR-CEUS) is a novel imaging method with ultra-high spatial resolution. By borrowing the principle of fluorescence microscopy positioning technology from optical super-resolution imaging, it obtains images with a spatial resolution of tens of micrometers by locating and tracking isolated microbubbles. Therefore, super-resolution contrast imaging technology solves the problem of microvascular visualization and has become a powerful tool for observing microblood flow. It is currently widely used in preclinical research in areas such as tumors, microblood flow perfusion in different tissues and organs, and plaque angiogenesis.

[0005] Currently, super-resolution contrast imaging typically acquires tissue image data containing microbubble information under ultra-high frame rate imaging conditions. However, under these conditions, the microbubble perfusion state cannot be clearly observed, and real-time image guidance is not possible, making it difficult for users to determine the timing of acquisition. Furthermore, current super-resolution contrast imaging usually only displays the super-resolution image after all the raw data used for super-resolution imaging has been acquired and all frames of super-resolution images have been calculated from all the raw data. This makes it difficult for users to determine the reliability of the acquired raw data and to view the super-resolution imaging results in a timely manner. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application is proposed to address the aforementioned problems. According to one aspect of this application, a super-resolution contrast imaging method is provided, the method comprising: an acquisition preparation stage, an acquisition calculation stage, and an imaging display stage, wherein: in the acquisition preparation stage, based on a first contrast imaging mode, multiple pulse sequences of ultrasound are emitted towards a target tissue containing contrast microbubbles; a first tissue image and a first contrast image of the target tissue are acquired based on the echo signals of the ultrasound pulse sequences; and the first tissue image and the first contrast image are displayed in a first display area and a second display area of ​​a display interface, respectively; wherein the echo signal of each ultrasound pulse sequence is used to acquire one frame of the first contrast image, and the contrast microbubble perfusion state reflected in the first contrast image is used to determine the mode switching time from the first contrast imaging mode to the super-resolution contrast imaging mode; at the mode switching time, the acquisition calculation stage is entered; in the acquisition calculation stage, based on the super-resolution contrast imaging mode, multiple second ultrasound waves are emitted towards the target tissue; based on the first... The echo signals of two ultrasound waves acquire a second tissue image and a super-resolution contrast image of the target tissue, and display the second tissue image and the super-resolution contrast image in the first display area and the second display area, respectively; wherein, after obtaining all frames of super-resolution contrast images, the imaging display stage is entered, and each second ultrasound wave is a pulse sequence of ultrasound or a single pulse of ultrasound; in the imaging display stage, the first display area and the second display area are switched to a third display area, and all frames of super-resolution contrast images or a portion of the super-resolution contrast images are played and displayed in the third display area; or, in the imaging display stage, all frames of super-resolution contrast images or a portion of the super-resolution contrast images are played and displayed in the second display area, and the second tissue image synchronized with all frames of super-resolution contrast images or a portion of the super-resolution contrast images is played and displayed in the first display area.

[0007] According to another aspect of this application, an ultrasound imaging apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising a transmitting and receiving circuit, an ultrasound probe, a processor, and a display, wherein: the transmitting and receiving circuit is used to control the ultrasound probe to emit ultrasound waves toward a target object, receive the echoes of the ultrasound waves, and acquire ultrasound echo signals from the echoes; the processor is used to control the transmitting and receiving circuit and execute the super-resolution contrast imaging method described above to generate a first tissue image, a first contrast image, a second tissue image, and a super-resolution contrast image; the display is used to display the first tissue image, the first contrast image, the second tissue image, and the super-resolution contrast image.

[0008] The super-resolution contrast imaging method and ultrasound imaging device of this application can provide users with different image display content at different stages of the contrast imaging workflow, thereby providing image guidance. This not only enables users to determine the timing of super-resolution contrast imaging image acquisition, but also allows users to view the super-resolution imaging results in a timely manner during the raw data acquisition process, ensuring the reliability of the raw data and thus improving the reliability of the super-resolution imaging results. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the more detailed description of the embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are provided to further illustrate the embodiments of the invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of the invention to explain the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings, the same reference numerals generally represent the same parts or steps.

[0010] Figure 1 A schematic flowchart illustrating a super-resolution contrast imaging method according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a super-resolution contrast imaging method according to an embodiment of this application during the acquisition preparation stage.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an image display, illustrating an example of a super-resolution contrast imaging method according to an embodiment of this application during the acquisition and calculation phase.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an example image display stage of a super-resolution contrast imaging method according to an embodiment of this application.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a schematic image display showing another example of the super-resolution contrast imaging method according to an embodiment of this application during the acquisition and calculation phase.

[0015] Figure 6This is a schematic image display showing another example of a super-resolution contrast imaging method according to an embodiment of this application during the acquisition preparation phase.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an image display illustrating another example of the super-resolution contrast imaging method according to an embodiment of this application during the acquisition and calculation phase.

[0017] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of an image display showing another example of a super-resolution contrast imaging method according to an embodiment of this application in the imaging display stage.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of an image display illustrating yet another example of a super-resolution contrast imaging method according to an embodiment of this application during the acquisition and calculation phase.

[0019] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of an image display, illustrating yet another example of a super-resolution contrast imaging method according to an embodiment of this application during the imaging display stage.

[0020] Figure 11 An exemplary schematic diagram showing the display interface of a super-resolution contrast imaging method according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0021] Figure 12 A schematic structural block diagram of an ultrasound imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention more apparent, exemplary embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein. Based on the embodiments of the present invention described herein, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without inventive effort should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 1 A schematic flowchart of a super-resolution contrast imaging method 100 according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 1 As shown, the super-resolution contrast imaging method 100 may include an acquisition preparation stage S110, an acquisition calculation stage S120, and an imaging display stage S130, wherein:

[0024] In the acquisition preparation stage S110, based on the first contrast imaging mode, multiple pulse sequences of ultrasound are emitted to the target tissue containing contrast microbubbles. The first tissue image and the first contrast image of the target tissue are acquired based on the echo signal of the ultrasound pulse sequence, and the first tissue image and the first contrast image are displayed in the first display area and the second display area of ​​the display interface, respectively. The echo signal of each pulse sequence of ultrasound is used to acquire one frame of the first contrast image. The perfusion state of the contrast microbubbles reflected in the first contrast image is used to determine the mode switching time from the first contrast imaging mode to the super-resolution contrast imaging mode. At the mode switching time, the acquisition calculation stage 120 is entered.

[0025] In the acquisition and calculation stage S120, based on the super-resolution contrast imaging mode, multiple second ultrasound waves are emitted to the target tissue. The second tissue image and the super-resolution contrast image of the target tissue are acquired based on the echo signal of the second ultrasound waves, and the second tissue image and the super-resolution contrast image are displayed in the first display area and the second display area, respectively. After obtaining all frames of super-resolution contrast images, the imaging display stage 130 is entered, and each second ultrasound wave is a pulse sequence ultrasound wave or a single pulse ultrasound wave.

[0026] In the imaging display stage S130, the first display area and the second display area are switched to the third display area, and all or some frames of super-resolution contrast images are played and displayed in the third display area; or, all or some frames of super-resolution contrast images are played and displayed in the second display area, and a second tissue image synchronized with all or some frames of super-resolution contrast images is played and displayed in the first display area.

[0027] In the embodiments of this application, the super-resolution contrast imaging process is divided into three stages: acquisition preparation stage 110, acquisition calculation stage 120, and imaging display stage 130.

[0028] After selecting the probe and examination mode, the super-resolution contrast imaging workflow can be started, entering the acquisition preparation stage 110. In the acquisition preparation stage 110, based on the first contrast imaging mode, multiple pulse sequences of ultrasound are emitted to the target tissue containing contrast microbubbles. The first tissue image and the first contrast image of the target tissue are acquired based on the echo signal of the pulse sequence ultrasound, and the first tissue image and the first contrast image are displayed in the first display area and the second display area of ​​the display interface, respectively.

[0029] Here, the first contrast imaging mode can be understood as a contrast imaging mode that is not a super-resolution contrast imaging mode. It is named the first contrast imaging mode to distinguish it from the super-resolution contrast imaging mode. The super-resolution contrast imaging mode is the mode used to generate super-resolution contrast images, while the first contrast imaging mode is the mode used to generate non-super-resolution contrast images (i.e., ordinary contrast images). Super-resolution contrast images are not generated in real time; a single frame of a super-resolution contrast image needs to be calculated by superimposing multiple frames of ordinary contrast images, while ordinary contrast images can be generated in real time. Super-resolution contrast images are used to observe the condition of microvessels and other tiny tissues, while ordinary contrast images can show the real-time perfusion of contrast agent microbubbles.

[0030] Specifically, the first contrast imaging mode emits a sequence of pulsed ultrasound waves towards the target tissue containing contrast microbubbles. For example, the pulsed ultrasound waves are emitted at a conventional frame rate (referred to as the first frame rate, ranging from, for example, 10 frames / second to 15 frames / second); or at a high frame rate (referred to as the second frame rate, ranging from, for example, 30 frames / second to 70 frames / second). A pulse sequence comprises at least two pulses, thus equivalent to emitting at least two pulses of ultrasound waves to the same location. Since the echo signal corresponding to one pulse sequence can be used to generate a single frame of a typical contrast image (referred to as the first contrast image in the acquisition preparation stage 110 of this application), real-time microbubble imaging can be performed during the acquisition preparation stage 110. The user can view the real-time perfusion status of contrast agent microbubbles through the first contrast image, which helps the user determine (or determine through image recognition of the first contrast image, such as by identifying microbubbles in the contrast image using traditional image processing algorithms or deep learning methods) the timing for acquiring the super-resolution contrast image, that is, determining the timing for entering the acquisition and calculation stage 120 (i.e., determining the mode switching time). For example, acquisition can begin when the contrast agent flows into the target tissue. Therefore, in the super-resolution contrast imaging method 100 of this application, the acquisition preparation stage 110 can provide real-time contrast agent microbubble perfusion status, guide the image, and provide the timing for entering the acquisition and calculation stage 120, thereby facilitating the acquisition and calculation stage 120 to acquire more complete raw data for the generation of the super-resolution contrast image.

[0031] In addition, during the acquisition preparation stage 110, a first tissue image is acquired, and the first tissue image and the first contrast image are displayed in the first display area and the second display area of ​​the display interface, respectively, such as... Figure 2 As shown. This dual-window display method provides a comparative display of tissue images and contrast images, making it easier for users to view the location of contrast agent microbubbles.

[0032] After determining the acquisition timing (i.e., reaching the mode switching time), the acquisition and calculation phase 120 can be entered. In the acquisition and calculation phase 120, the system switches from the first contrast imaging mode to the super-resolution contrast imaging mode. In the acquisition and calculation phase 120, based on the super-resolution contrast imaging mode, multiple second ultrasound waves are emitted towards the target tissue. The second tissue image and the super-resolution contrast image of the target tissue are acquired based on the echo signals of the second ultrasound waves, and are displayed in the first display area and the second display area, respectively.

[0033] Here, to distinguish it from the ultrasound waves (pulse sequence ultrasound waves) emitted in the acquisition preparation phase 110 described above, the ultrasound waves emitted in the acquisition calculation phase 120 are referred to as the second ultrasound waves. This second ultrasound wave can be either a pulse sequence ultrasound wave or a single-pulse ultrasound wave. As mentioned above, a pulse sequence includes at least two pulses, thus equivalent to emitting at least two pulses of ultrasound waves at the same location. Correspondingly, a single pulse includes one pulse, thus equivalent to emitting at least one pulse of ultrasound waves at the same location. In one example, in the acquisition calculation phase 120, multiple pulse sequence ultrasound waves can be emitted to the target tissue at the first frame rate or the second frame rate described above. In another example, multiple single-pulse ultrasound waves can be emitted to the target tissue at a third frame rate (ultra-high frame rate greater than or equal to 300 frames / second, with a value range, for example, from 300 frames / second to 500 frames / second). In both examples, a second tissue image and a second contrast image can be obtained. The difference lies in the timing of the acquisition. When the second ultrasound is a pulse sequence, the echo signal of one pulse sequence can be used to generate one frame of the second contrast-enhanced image. Conversely, when the second ultrasound is a single pulse, the echo signal of one single pulse can be used to generate one frame. Therefore, the former results in slower single-frame data generation and longer acquisition time, while the latter results in faster single-frame data generation and shorter acquisition time. Regardless of the acquisition method, a certain number of second contrast-enhanced images can be used to generate one frame of super-resolution contrast-enhanced image.

[0034] In the embodiments of this application, during the acquisition and calculation stage 120, the first tissue image displayed in the first display area during the acquisition preparation stage 110 is switched to display a second tissue image, and the first contrast image displayed in the second display area during the acquisition preparation stage 110 is switched to display a super-resolution contrast image, such as... Figure 3As shown. Therefore, in the embodiments of this application, as long as one frame of super-resolution contrast imaging is generated, one frame of super-resolution contrast imaging can be refreshed and displayed. This not only allows users to view the super-resolution imaging results in a timely manner, but also allows for the determination of the reliability of the original data (i.e., the echo signal of the second ultrasound) used for super-resolution contrast imaging. Because super-resolution contrast imaging is based on microbubble localization and cumulative calculation, it is very sensitive to inter-frame motion. Therefore, good cross-sectional stability is required during the acquisition of original data. If the cross-sectional stability is poor, it means that the quality of the original data is poor, i.e., the original data is unreliable. In the acquisition and calculation stage 120, each time a frame of super-resolution contrast imaging is generated, one frame of super-resolution contrast imaging is refreshed and displayed. Users can judge whether the cross-section is stable by looking at adjacent frames of super-resolution contrast imaging. For example, if the cross-sectional stability is good, there will be no ghosting or misalignment in adjacent frames of super-resolution contrast imaging; conversely, if the cross-sectional stability is poor, there may be ghosting or misalignment in adjacent frames of super-resolution contrast imaging. Once this phenomenon is detected, users can re-collect the original data (applicable to the method of collecting data before calculation described later), or even stop collecting the original data and re-collect it in time (applicable to the method of collecting data while calculating later), thereby avoiding the unreliability of the collected data due to the instability of the cross-section.

[0035] In addition, the second tissue image and the super-resolution contrast image are displayed in the first and second display areas of the display interface, respectively. This dual-window display method can provide a comparative display of the tissue image and the super-resolution contrast image, making it easier for users to view the location of the lesion.

[0036] Finally, after obtaining all frames of super-resolution contrast images, the imaging display stage 130 begins. At this stage, the first and second display areas are switched to the third display area, and all frames of super-resolution contrast images, or a portion of all frames, are displayed in the third display area. Figure 4As shown. Alternatively, in the imaging display stage 130, all frames of super-resolution contrast images or a portion of all frames of super-resolution contrast images are played and displayed in the second display area, while a second tissue image synchronized with all frames of super-resolution contrast images or a portion of all frames of super-resolution contrast images is played and displayed in the first display area. Although super-resolution contrast images can be displayed in both the imaging display stage 130 and the acquisition and calculation stage 120, their display differs. Specifically, in the acquisition and calculation stage 120, each super-resolution contrast image is refreshed and displayed after it is generated, resulting in a relatively slow overall playback speed. In the imaging display stage 130, however, all frames of super-resolution contrast images have been generated, and all frames of super-resolution contrast images or a portion of all frames of super-resolution contrast images can be played and displayed at any set playback speed, allowing the user to view the final, complete super-resolution imaging result.

[0037] Overall, the super-resolution contrast imaging method 100 of this application can provide users with different image display content at different stages of the contrast imaging workflow, thereby providing image guidance. This not only enables users to determine the timing of super-resolution contrast imaging image acquisition, but also allows users to view the super-resolution imaging results in a timely manner during the raw data acquisition process, ensuring the reliability of the raw data and thus improving the reliability of the super-resolution imaging results.

[0038] In one embodiment of this application, during the acquisition and calculation stage 120, acquiring a super-resolution contrast image of the target tissue based on the echo signal of the second ultrasound and displaying the super-resolution contrast image in the second display area may further include: acquiring a second contrast image of the target tissue based on the echo signal of the second ultrasound; after obtaining all frames of second contrast images, generating multiple frames of super-resolution contrast images based on all frames of second contrast images; and displaying each generated super-resolution contrast image in the second display area. In this embodiment, a method of acquisition followed by calculation is implemented. That is, after acquiring all frames of second contrast images (e.g., after the set acquisition time has been reached), multiple frames of super-resolution contrast images can be generated based on all frames of second contrast images. For example, the first to nth frames of second contrast images are used to generate the first frame of super-resolution contrast image; the (n+1)th to (n+n)th frames of second contrast images are used to generate the second frame of super-resolution image; the (n+n+1)th to (n+n+n)th frames of second contrast images are used to generate the third frame of super-resolution contrast image, and so on. In this method, the data acquisition and calculation phase 120 can be further divided into a data acquisition phase and a calculation phase.

[0039] In another embodiment of this application, during the acquisition and calculation stage 120, acquiring a super-resolution contrast image of the target tissue based on the echo signal of the second ultrasound, and displaying the super-resolution contrast image in the second display area, may further include: acquiring a second contrast image of the target tissue based on the echo signal of the second ultrasound; generating a super-resolution contrast image based on the predetermined number of second contrast images acquired, and displaying the super-resolution contrast image in the second display area. In this embodiment, a simultaneous acquisition and calculation method is implemented. That is, whenever the number of acquired second contrast images is sufficient to generate a super-resolution contrast image, a super-resolution contrast image can be generated and refreshed after acquiring that number of second contrast images. Compared to the acquisition-then-calculation method in the previous embodiment, the simultaneous acquisition and calculation method in this embodiment allows users to view the super-resolution contrast image earlier, thereby enabling users to determine the reliability of the original data earlier and more promptly.

[0040] In the embodiments of this application, during the acquisition and calculation stage 120, since the generation of the first frame of super-resolution contrast imaging image requires the accumulation of at least several frames of second contrast imaging images, the second tissue image can be displayed in the second display area before the generation of the first frame of super-resolution contrast imaging image, such as... Figure 5 As shown, after the first frame of the super-resolution contrast image is generated, the super-resolution contrast image is then refreshed and displayed in the second display area. This allows the user to more clearly see the transition from the acquisition preparation stage 110 to the acquisition calculation stage 120 (because the content displayed in both the first and second display areas has changed). Alternatively, blank content can be displayed in the second display area, and the super-resolution contrast image can be refreshed and displayed in the second display area after the first frame of the super-resolution contrast image is generated.

[0041] In one embodiment of this application, during the acquisition preparation stage 110, a first contrast imaging mode emits a sequence of ultrasonic pulses at a first frame rate or a second frame rate to the target tissue; during the acquisition calculation stage 120, a super-resolution contrast imaging mode can also emit a sequence of ultrasonic pulses at the target tissue at either the first frame rate or the second frame rate. The first frame rate ranges from 10 frames / second to 15 frames / second, and the second frame rate ranges from 30 frames / second to 70 frames / second. Typically, emitting a sequence of ultrasonic pulses at the first frame rate to the target tissue is a line-scan focused wave, requiring multiple scans, with all apertures of the probe emitting once to obtain one frame image. Emitting a sequence of ultrasonic pulses at the second frame rate to the target tissue is a domain scan, i.e., a partial aperture sliding window scan, where each scan can cover a certain area. In this embodiment, although the imaging mode changes when switching from the acquisition preparation stage 110 to the acquisition calculation stage 120, the emission strategy can remain unchanged. Thus, during the acquisition and calculation phase 120, because the imaging frame rates of the second tissue image and the second contrast image are relatively low, they can be displayed in real time. This allows the user to view the contrast agent microbubble perfusion status during the acquisition and calculation phase 120, just as in the acquisition preparation phase 110 (e.g., by displaying the second contrast image). Furthermore, due to the real-time nature of the second tissue image and the second contrast image, the user can also determine the stability of the section through the second tissue image and / or the second contrast image (e.g., if the section is unstable, i.e., the probe has moved from one section to another, the change in section can be perceived through real-time display; conversely, if no change in section is observed in the real-time displayed second tissue image and / or second contrast image, it indicates that the section is stable). However, compared to ultrasound transmitting single pulses at a third frame rate (the ultra-high frame rate mentioned above), the generation speed of single-frame data is slower, and under the same acquisition frame requirement, the acquisition of raw data requires a longer time.

[0042] In another embodiment of this application, during the acquisition preparation stage 110, the first contrast imaging mode emits a pulse sequence of ultrasound waves at a first frame rate or a second frame rate to the target tissue; during the acquisition calculation stage 120, the super-resolution contrast imaging mode can emit a pulse sequence of ultrasound waves at a third frame rate to the target tissue. The third frame rate is higher than or equal to 300 frames per second, for example, its range can be from 300 frames per second to 500 frames per second. Typically, the ultrasound waves emitted at the third frame rate to the target tissue are plane waves or divergent waves, achieving complete coverage in a single scan, and one frame image can be obtained with a single emission. In this embodiment, when switching from the acquisition preparation stage 110 to the acquisition calculation stage 120, the imaging mode and emission strategy are switched. Thus, during the acquisition calculation stage 120, due to the high imaging frame rate of the second tissue image and the second contrast imaging image, the large data processing volume makes real-time display difficult, and it is also impossible to view the cross-sectional stability through the second tissue image. However, as mentioned earlier, the stability of the cross-section can be determined by refreshing the displayed super-resolution imaging image frame by frame, thereby improving the reliability of the super-resolution imaging results. Moreover, compared to emitting a pulse sequence of ultrasound at the first or second frame rate, emitting a single pulse of ultrasound at the third frame rate, which is higher, results in faster single-frame data generation. In the same amount of time, more data is collected, and the collected microbubbles exhibit better continuity and more precise microbubble movement trajectories.

[0043] Furthermore, when emitting single-pulse ultrasound waves at a third frame rate to the target tissue in super-resolution contrast imaging mode, displaying the second tissue image can include: performing frame-by-frame display of the generated second tissue image. For example, for every 500 frames acquired, only 10 or 15 frames can be extracted and displayed in real time. In this way, the stability of the image cross-section can be further presented through the frame-by-frame display of the second tissue image.

[0044] In embodiments of this application, during the acquisition preparation stage 110, user input can also be received. This user input is used to set acquisition conditions and / or imaging parameters. Acquisition conditions include image quality levels and acquisition duration. Imaging parameters include contrast, transparency, and spectral mapping. Based on this user input, in the acquisition preparation stage 110, multiple pulse sequences of ultrasound are emitted towards the target tissue containing contrast microbubbles. A first tissue image and a first contrast image of the target tissue are obtained based on the echo signals of the pulse sequences of ultrasound. This can include: emitting multiple pulse sequences of ultrasound towards the target tissue containing contrast microbubbles based on user input and obtaining the echo signals of the pulse sequences of ultrasound to obtain the first tissue image and the first contrast image. Furthermore, in the acquisition calculation stage 120, multiple second ultrasound waves are emitted towards the target tissue. A second tissue image and a super-resolution contrast image of the target tissue are obtained based on the echo signals of the second ultrasound waves. This can include: emitting multiple second ultrasound waves towards the target tissue based on user input and obtaining the echo signals of the second ultrasound waves to obtain the second tissue image and the super-resolution contrast image. Therefore, data acquisition in the acquisition preparation phase 110 and / or acquisition calculation phase 120 can be performed based on the acquisition conditions and / or imaging parameters input by the user. Of course, the step of receiving user input can also be omitted, in which case data acquisition in the acquisition preparation phase 110 and / or acquisition calculation phase 120 can be performed according to the system's default acquisition conditions and / or imaging parameters.

[0045] In embodiments of this application, during the acquisition preparation stage 110, the second display area also displays a first tissue image, wherein the first tissue image serves as a background image, and the first contrast image serves as a foreground image superimposed on the background image, as shown below. Figure 6 As shown. In this embodiment, during the acquisition preparation stage 110, the first contrast image can be superimposed on the first tissue image, making it easier for the user to clearly see the specific location of the lesion on the first contrast image on the first tissue image.

[0046] In one embodiment of this application, during the acquisition and calculation stage 120, the second display area may also display a second tissue image, wherein the second tissue image serves as a background image, and the super-resolution imaging image serves as a foreground image superimposed on the background image, as shown below. Figure 7 As shown; and / or, in the imaging display stage 130, the third display area also displays a second tissue image, wherein the second tissue image serves as a background image, and the super-resolution contrast image serves as a foreground image superimposed on the background image, as shown. Figure 8 As shown. In this embodiment, during the acquisition and calculation phase 120 and / or the imaging and display phase 130, the super-resolution contrast image can be superimposed on the second tissue image for display, making it easier for the user to view more clearly the specific location and structural boundaries of the lesions on the super-resolution contrast image on the second tissue image.

[0047] In another embodiment of this application, during the acquisition and calculation stage 120, the second display area also displays a second contrast image, wherein the second contrast image serves as a background image, and the super-resolution contrast image serves as a foreground image superimposed on the background image, as shown below. Figure 9 As shown; and / or, in the imaging display stage 130, the third display area also displays a second contrast image, wherein the second contrast image serves as a background image, and the super-resolution contrast image serves as a foreground image superimposed on the background image, as shown. Figure 10 As shown. In this embodiment, during the acquisition and calculation phase 120 and / or the imaging and display phase 130, the super-resolution contrast image can be superimposed on the second contrast image for display, allowing the user to compare and view the specific morphological changes of a lesion at a certain location on the second contrast image in the super-resolution contrast image.

[0048] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, during the imaging display stage 130, the first display area and the second display area may not be switched to the third display area. Instead, the second display area may be directly used to play and display all frames of super-resolution imaging images or some frames of super-resolution imaging images in all frames. The first display area may play and display all frames of second tissue images or some frames of second tissue images in all frames.

[0049] In the embodiments of this application, the first display area and the second display area mentioned above can be located in the image display area of ​​the display interface (wherein the content of the image display area can switch to display different content according to different super-resolution imaging stages, such as...). Figures 2 to 10 As shown), in addition to the above, the display interface may also display other areas, including at least one of the following: an area for displaying basic information about the patient to whom the target tissue belongs (which may be called the basic information display area); an area for displaying imaging parameters of the images in the image display area (which may be called the imaging parameter display area); and an area for displaying thumbnails of the images in the image display area (which may be called the image and movie thumbnail display area), such as... Figure 11 As shown. In this embodiment, in addition to presenting tissue images, contrast images, and super-resolution images at different stages of super-resolution imaging, the display interface also displays other relevant information, enabling users to view the content displayed in different display areas in a related manner, thus improving the user experience. Here, in Figure 11 In addition to the image display area, three other display areas are shown, but it should be understood that they do not necessarily need to be displayed in the same way. Figure 11 The layout shown is displayed, but not all of them need to be displayed.

[0050] The above exemplarily illustrates a super-resolution contrast imaging method 100 according to an embodiment of this application. Based on the above description, the super-resolution contrast imaging method 100 according to an embodiment of this application can provide users with different image display content at different stages of the contrast imaging workflow, thereby providing image guidance. This not only enables users to determine the timing of super-resolution contrast imaging image acquisition, but also allows users to view the super-resolution imaging results in a timely manner during the raw data acquisition process, ensuring the reliability of the raw data and thus improving the reliability of the super-resolution imaging results.

[0051] The following is combined Figure 12 Describes an ultrasound imaging apparatus provided according to another aspect of this application. Figure 12 A schematic structural block diagram of an ultrasound imaging apparatus 1200 according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 12 As shown, the ultrasound imaging device 1200 may include a transmit / receive circuit 1210, an ultrasound probe 1220, a processor 1230, and a display 1240. Specifically: the transmit / receive circuit 1210 controls the ultrasound probe 1220 to emit ultrasound waves towards the target object, receives the echoes of the ultrasound waves, and acquires ultrasound echo signals from the echoes; the processor 1230 controls the transmit / receive circuit and executes the super-resolution contrast imaging method 100 according to the embodiments of this application described above to generate a first tissue image, a first contrast image, a second tissue image, and a super-resolution contrast image; the display 1240 displays the first tissue image, the first contrast image, the second tissue image, and the super-resolution contrast image. The super-resolution contrast imaging method 100 according to the embodiments of this application has been described in detail above. Those skilled in the art can understand the structure and operation of the ultrasound imaging device 1200 in conjunction with the above description; for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0052] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this application, a storage medium is also provided, on which program instructions are stored. When the program instructions are executed by a computer or processor, they are used to perform corresponding steps of the super-resolution contrast imaging method of the embodiments of this application. The storage medium may, for example, include a memory card of a smartphone, a storage component of a tablet computer, a hard disk of a personal computer, a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a USB memory, or any combination of the above storage media. A computer-readable storage medium may be any combination of one or more computer-readable storage media.

[0053] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this application, a computer program is also provided, which can be stored on a cloud or local storage medium. When this computer program is run by a computer or processor, it is used to perform the corresponding steps of the super-resolution contrast imaging method of the embodiments of this application.

[0054] Based on the above description, the super-resolution contrast imaging method and ultrasound imaging device according to the embodiments of this application can provide users with different image display content at different stages of the contrast imaging workflow, thereby providing image guidance. This not only enables users to determine the timing of super-resolution contrast imaging image acquisition, but also allows users to view the super-resolution imaging results in a timely manner during the raw data acquisition process, ensuring the reliability of the raw data and thus improving the reliability of the super-resolution imaging results.

[0055] Although exemplary embodiments have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the above exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. All such changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as claimed in the appended claims.

[0056] 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 implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this invention.

[0057] In the several embodiments provided by this invention, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another device, or some features may be ignored or not executed.

[0058] Numerous specific details are set forth in the specification provided herein. However, it will be understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known methods, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this specification.

[0059] Similarly, it should be understood that, in order to streamline the invention and aid in understanding one or more of the various aspects of the invention, features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof in the description of exemplary embodiments of the invention. However, the method of the invention should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the corresponding claims, its inventive point lies in solving the corresponding technical problem with fewer features than all of those in a single disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into that detailed description, wherein each claim itself is a separate embodiment of the invention.

[0060] Those skilled in the art will understand that, apart from the mutual exclusion of features, all features disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) and all processes or units of any method or apparatus so disclosed can be combined in any combination. Unless otherwise expressly stated, each feature disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by an alternative feature that serves the same, equivalent, or similar purpose.

[0061] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that although some embodiments herein include certain features included in other embodiments but not others, combinations of features from different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention and form different embodiments. For example, in the claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0062] The various component embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in hardware, or as software modules running on one or more processors, or a combination thereof. Those skilled in the art will understand that microprocessors or digital signal processors (DSPs) can be used in practice to implement some or all of the functions of some modules in the article analysis device according to embodiments of the present invention. The present invention can also be implemented as an apparatus program (e.g., a computer program and computer program product) for performing part or all of the methods described herein. Such programs implementing the present invention can be stored on a computer-readable medium, or can be in the form of one or more signals. Such signals can be downloaded from an Internet website, provided on a carrier signal, or provided in any other form.

[0063] It should be noted that the above embodiments are illustrative of the invention and not restrictive, and that those skilled in the art can devise alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses should not be construed as limiting the claims. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps not listed in the claims. The word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention can be implemented by means of hardware comprising several different elements and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In the unit claims enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by the same item of hardware. The use of the words first, second, and third, etc., does not indicate any order. These words can be interpreted as names.

[0064] The above are merely specific embodiments or descriptions of the present invention, and the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A super-resolution contrast imaging method, characterized in that, The method includes an acquisition preparation stage, an acquisition calculation stage, and an imaging display stage, wherein: During the acquisition preparation phase, based on the first contrast imaging mode, multiple pulse sequences of ultrasound are emitted to the target tissue containing contrast microbubbles. Based on the echo signals of the ultrasound pulse sequences, a first tissue image and a first contrast image of the target tissue are acquired, and the first tissue image and the first contrast image are displayed in the first display area and the second display area of ​​the display interface, respectively. The echo signal of each pulse sequence of ultrasound is used to acquire one frame of the first contrast image. The contrast microbubble perfusion state reflected in the first contrast image is used to determine the mode switching time from the first contrast imaging mode to the super-resolution contrast imaging mode. At the mode switching time, the acquisition calculation phase begins. In the acquisition and calculation phase, based on the super-resolution contrast imaging mode, multiple second ultrasound waves are emitted towards the target tissue. Second tissue images and super-resolution contrast images of the target tissue are acquired based on the echo signals of the second ultrasound waves. The second tissue images and the super-resolution contrast images are then displayed in the first display area and the second display area, respectively. After obtaining all frames of super-resolution contrast images, the imaging display phase begins, where each second ultrasound wave is either a pulse sequence or a single pulse. The acquisition and calculation phase is further divided into an acquisition phase and a calculation phase, employing a simultaneous acquisition and calculation approach. This means that after obtaining a predetermined number of second contrast images in the acquisition phase, the calculation phase begins. In the calculation phase, a frame of the super-resolution contrast image is generated based on the predetermined number of second contrast images. Each generated frame of the super-resolution contrast image is then displayed in the second display area. This allows users to view the super-resolution imaging results promptly during the raw data acquisition process, ensuring the reliability of the raw data and thus improving the reliability of the super-resolution imaging results. During the imaging display phase, the first display area and the second display area are switched to a third display area, and all frames of super-resolution contrast images or a portion of the super-resolution contrast images are played and displayed in the third display area; or, during the imaging display phase, all frames of super-resolution contrast images or a portion of the super-resolution contrast images are played and displayed in the second display area, and the second tissue image synchronized with all frames of super-resolution contrast images or a portion of the super-resolution contrast images is played and displayed in the first display area.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Acquiring a super-resolution contrast image of the target tissue based on the echo signal of the second ultrasound, and displaying the super-resolution contrast image in the second display area, further includes: When the second ultrasound is a pulse sequence ultrasound, the echo signal of each pulse sequence ultrasound is used to acquire one frame of the second contrast image; when the second ultrasound is a single pulse ultrasound, the echo signal of each single pulse ultrasound is used to acquire one frame of the second contrast image.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method further includes displaying the second tissue image in the second display area before generating the first frame of the super-resolution imaging image.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first contrast imaging mode emits the pulse sequence of ultrasound waves at a first frame rate or a second frame rate to the target tissue, wherein the first frame rate ranges from 10 frames / second to 15 frames / second, and the second frame rate ranges from 30 frames / second to 70 frames / second. The super-resolution contrast imaging mode emits the pulse sequence of ultrasound waves at the target tissue at the first frame rate or the second frame rate, or the super-resolution contrast imaging mode emits the single pulse of ultrasound waves at the target tissue at the third frame rate, wherein the third frame rate is greater than or equal to 300 frames / second.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the super-resolution contrast imaging mode emits the single-pulse ultrasound at the third frame rate toward the target tissue, displaying the second tissue image includes: performing frame-by-frame display on the generated second tissue image.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, During the acquisition and calculation phase, the second display area also displays the second tissue image, wherein the second tissue image serves as a background image, and the super-resolution contrast image serves as a foreground image superimposed on the background image; and / or During the imaging display stage, the third display area also displays the second tissue image, wherein the second tissue image serves as a background image, and the super-resolution contrast image serves as a foreground image superimposed on the background image.

7. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, During the acquisition and calculation phase, the second display area also displays the second contrast-enhanced image, wherein the second contrast-enhanced image serves as a background image, and the super-resolution contrast-enhanced image serves as a foreground image superimposed on the background image; and / or During the imaging display stage, the third display area also displays the second contrast image, wherein the second contrast image serves as a background image, and the super-resolution contrast image serves as a foreground image superimposed on the background image.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, During the acquisition preparation phase, the second display area also displays the first tissue image, wherein the first tissue image serves as a background image and the first contrast image serves as a foreground image superimposed on the background image.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The mode switching time is determined based on user input or automatically based on image recognition of the first contrast image.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The method further includes: During the acquisition preparation phase, user input is received, which is used to set acquisition conditions and / or imaging parameters; The step of emitting multiple pulse sequences of ultrasound waves to the target tissue containing contrast microbubbles, and acquiring a first tissue image and a first contrast image of the target tissue based on the echo signals of the ultrasound waves of the pulse sequences, includes: Based on the user input, multiple pulse sequences of ultrasound are emitted to the target tissue containing contrast microbubbles and the echo signals of the pulse sequences of ultrasound are acquired to obtain the first tissue image and the first contrast image. The step of emitting multiple second ultrasound waves at the target tissue and acquiring a second tissue image and a super-resolution imaging image of the target tissue based on the echo signals of the second ultrasound waves includes: Based on the user input, the plurality of second ultrasound waves are emitted to the target tissue and the echo signals of the second ultrasound waves are acquired to obtain the second tissue image and the super-resolution contrast image.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first display area and the second display area are located in the image display area of ​​the display interface, and the display interface also displays other areas, which include at least one of the following: An area used to display basic information about the patient to whom the target tissue belongs; The area used to display the imaging parameters of the image in the image display area; The area used to display thumbnails of images in the image display area.

12. An ultrasonic imaging device, characterized in that, The device includes a transmitting and receiving circuit, an ultrasonic probe, a processor, and a display, wherein: The transmitting and receiving circuit is used to control the ultrasonic probe to transmit ultrasonic waves toward the target object, receive the echo of the ultrasonic waves, and obtain the ultrasonic echo signal from the echo. The processor is used to control the transmitting and receiving circuit and execute the super-resolution contrast imaging method according to any one of claims 1-11 to generate a first tissue image, a first contrast image, a second tissue image and a super-resolution contrast image; The display is used to display the first tissue image, the first contrast image, the second tissue image, and the super-resolution contrast image.

Images