Setting progress for ultrasound

Abstract

An ultrasound system includes an ultrasound probe, a display, and an ultrasound base. The ultrasound probe transmits ultrasound imaging beams according to a set combination. The display displays an image based on feedback generated from the ultrasound imaging beam. And the ultrasonic base is connected with the ultrasonic probe and the display. The ultrasound system is configured to automatically progress through a variety of settings combinations for transmitting the ultrasound imaging beam.

Description

Background Art

[0001] In recent years, the use of ultrasound for lung assessment has increased due to the COVID pandemic. Several features / artifacts that can be detected by ultrasound indicate the severity of lung disease. Examples of such features / artifacts include B-lines, pleural line patterns, consolidation, lung sliding, etc. Recent studies have shown that the appearance of these features / artifacts on ultrasound varies with the specific ultrasound system settings used to transmit the ultrasound beam. For example, both the quality and quantity of B-lines have been found to vary with system settings (e.g., depth of focus, harmonic settings, image gain, TGC, etc.). Therefore, changes in system settings may indirectly lead to different diagnostic conclusions. For various reasons, the results of ultrasound imaging are sometimes suboptimal, which is caused by the use of a non-optimal combination of system settings. Summary of the invention

[0002] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an ultrasound system includes an ultrasound probe, a display, and an ultrasound base. The ultrasound probe transmits an ultrasound imaging beam according to a combination of settings. The display displays an image based on feedback generated according to the ultrasound imaging beam. The ultrasound base is connected to the ultrasound probe and the display. The ultrasound system is configured to automatically progress through multiple combinations of settings for transmitting the ultrasound imaging beam.

[0003] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for operating an ultrasound system includes: transmitting, by an ultrasound probe, a first ultrasound imaging beam according to a first setting combination; displaying, by a display, a first image based on feedback generated according to the first ultrasound imaging beam; transmitting, by the ultrasound probe, a second ultrasound imaging beam according to a second setting combination; displaying, by the display, a second image based on feedback generated according to the second ultrasound imaging beam; and automatically progressing through multiple setting combinations including the first setting combination and the second setting combination.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a controller includes: a memory storing instructions; and a processor executing the instructions. When the instructions are executed by the processor, the controller: controls an ultrasound probe to transmit a first ultrasound imaging beam according to a first setting combination in automatic progression; controls a display of a first image based on feedback from the first ultrasound imaging beam; controls the ultrasound probe to transmit a second ultrasound imaging beam according to a second setting combination in the automatic progression; controls the display of a second image based on feedback generated from the second ultrasound imaging beam; and automatically progresses through multiple setting combinations to transmit multiple ultrasound imaging beams including the first ultrasound imaging beam and the second ultrasound imaging beam. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] When read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the exemplary embodiments can be best understood from the following detailed description. It should be emphasized that the various features are not necessarily drawn to scale. In fact, for the clarity of discussion, the size can be increased or reduced at will. Where applicable and practical, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements.

[0006] Figure 1A A system for setting up progression for ultrasound is illustrated according to a representative embodiment.

[0007] Figure 1B Another system for setting up progression for ultrasound is illustrated in accordance with a representative embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 A method of setting up progression for ultrasound according to a representative embodiment is illustrated.

[0009] Figure 3 A user interface for setting up progress for ultrasound is illustrated according to a representative embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4 Another method of setting up progression for ultrasound is illustrated in accordance with a representative embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5 Another user interface for setting up progress for ultrasound is illustrated according to a representative embodiment.

[0012] Figure 6 Another user interface for setting up progress for ultrasound is illustrated according to a representative embodiment.

[0013] Figure 7 A computer system on which a method for setting up progress for ultrasound is implemented is illustrated according to another representative embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] In the detailed description below, for the purpose of explanation, and not limitation, illustrative embodiments that disclose specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments according to the teachings of the present invention. The description of known systems, equipment, materials, operating methods, and manufacturing methods can be omitted to avoid drowning the description of representative embodiments. Nevertheless, systems, equipment, materials, and methods within the capabilities of those of ordinary skill in the art are within the scope of this teaching and can be used according to representative embodiments. It should be understood that the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and are not intended to be limited. The defined terms are the meanings outside the scientific and technological meanings of the defined terms that are generally understood and accepted in the technical field of this teaching.

[0015] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements or components, these elements or components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element or component from another element or component. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the inventive concept, the first element or component discussed below may also be referred to as the second element or component.

[0016] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. The singular forms of the terms "one", "an" and "said" as used in the specification and claims are intended to include both the singular and plural forms, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, when used in this specification, the terms "include" and / or "comprises" and / or similar terms specify the presence of recorded features, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or increase of one or more other features, elements, parts and / or their groups. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any combination and all combinations of one or more items in the associated listed items.

[0017] Unless otherwise specified, when an element or component is said to be "connected to," "coupled to," or "adjacent to" another element or component, it will be understood that the element or component can be directly connected or coupled to another element or component, or there may be intervening elements or components. That is, these and similar terms include situations where one or more intervening elements or components may be employed to connect two elements or components. However, when an element or component is referred to as being "directly connected" to another element or component, this only includes situations where two elements or components are connected to each other without any intervening or intermediate elements or components.

[0018] The present disclosure, through one or more of its various aspects, embodiments and / or specific features or sub-components, is intended to bring one or more of the advantages specifically noted below. For purposes of explanation and not limitation, example embodiments disclosing specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments according to the present teachings. However, other embodiments consistent with the present disclosure that depart from the specific details disclosed herein are still within the scope of the claims.

[0019] As described herein, automated methods provide standardized and consistent interpretation of lung ultrasound features. The systems and methods described herein can automatically perform through a combination of ultrasound system settings to evaluate the effect of changing the settings on the presentation of one or more ultrasound features (e.g., B-lines). As an initial example use, the results can be output through a user interface to enable a user to select a desired combination of settings that produces a particular presentation of one or more ultrasound features.

[0020] Figure 1AIllustrated is a system 100 for setting up progression for ultrasound, according to a representative embodiment.

[0021] Figure 1A The ultrasound system 100A in the embodiment is a system for setting progress of ultrasound and includes components that can be provided together or can be provided in a distributed manner. The ultrasound system 100A includes an ultrasound probe 110A, an ultrasound base 120A, and a display 180. The ultrasound base 120A includes a controller 150A, and the controller 150A includes a memory 151 and a processor 152.

[0022] The ultrasound base 120A may include an ultrasound cart, a mobile computer (e.g., a tablet or laptop) for controlling ultrasound procedures and processing results, or even a fixed computer system for controlling ultrasound procedures and processing results. The ultrasound base 120A is configured to control ultrasound procedures and process feedback of ultrasound imaging beams emitted from the ultrasound probe 110A. Figure 7 A computer that can be used to implement the ultrasound base 120A is shown in FIG. 1 , but the ultrasound base 120A may include Figure 1A or Figure 7 More or fewer elements as shown.

[0023] Figure 1A The controller 150A in the ultrasound base 120A in the embodiment can perform the functions of the controller described herein. The memory 151 stores instructions and the processor 152 executes the instructions. In some embodiments, Figure 1A The various elements of the ultrasound system 100A in the present invention may include a controller, such as the controller 150A. For example, the ultrasound probe 110A, the ultrasound base 120A, and the display 180 may each include a separate controller having a memory for storing instructions and a processor for executing the instructions. The controller 150A may directly perform some operations described herein and may indirectly implement other operations described herein. For example, the controller 150A may indirectly control other operations, such as by generating and transmitting content to be displayed on the display 180. The controller 150A may directly control other operations, such as logical operations performed by the processor 152 executing instructions from the memory 151 based on inputs received from electronic components and / or users via an interface. Therefore, when the processor 152 executes instructions from the memory 151, the process implemented by the controller 150A may include steps that the controller 150A does not directly execute. An example of an operation performed by the controller 150A is that even if the ultrasound imaging beam is emitted by the ultrasound probe 110A, the controller 150A is configured to automatically progress through a variety of setting combinations for emitting the ultrasound imaging beam.

[0024] The controller 150A may also include interfaces, such as a first interface, a second interface, a third interface, and a fourth interface. One or more interfaces may include ports, disk drives, wireless antennas, or other types of receiver circuits that connect the controller 150A to other electronic components. One or more interfaces may also include a user interface, such as a button, a key, a mouse, a microphone, a speaker, a display separated from the display 180, or other elements that a user may use to interact with the controller 150A (e.g., input instructions and receive output).

[0025] The display 180 may be located locally on the ultrasound base 120A or may be remotely connected to the ultrasound base 120A. The display 180 may be connected to the ultrasound base 120A via a local wired interface (e.g., an Ethernet cable) or via a local wireless interface (e.g., a Wi-Fi connection). The display 180 may be connected to other user input devices through which the user may enter instructions, including a mouse, a keyboard, a thumb wheel, etc. The display 180 may be a monitor, such as a computer monitor, a display on a mobile device, an augmented reality display, a television, an electronic whiteboard, or another screen configured to display an electronic image. The display 180 may include one or more input interfaces (e.g., the input interfaces mentioned above that may be connected to other elements or components), and an interactive touch screen configured to display prompts to the user and collect touch inputs from the user.

[0026] The user interface of the ultrasound system 100A may include a touch user interface on the display 180, a mouse, a keyboard and a thumbwheel, a control element on the ultrasound probe 110A, and the like. The user interface may be used to collect user input about the value range of each parameter in the setting combination. The user interface may also be used to guide the user through the image acquisition process. For example, the display 180 may display instructions on when to keep the ultrasound probe 110A stable. For example, the user interface may include a progress bar on the display 180 or the ultrasound probe 110A, showing the completion of the progress in percentage form. The results of the setting progress may be presented to the user on the display 180 as a set of ultrasound images, so that the user can select the desired setting combination to produce a specific representation of the ultrasound feature corresponding to one or more ultrasound images in the set of ultrasound images.

[0027] Figure 1B Another system for setting up progression for ultrasound is illustrated in accordance with a representative embodiment.

[0028] exist Figure 1B In the ultrasound system 100B of FIG. 1 , the controller 150B is implemented as a component of the ultrasound probe 110B, rather than as a component of the ultrasound base 120B. Figure 1BThe controller 150B in the embodiment may perform the functions of the controller described herein. The controller 150B may include a memory for storing instructions and a processor for processing instructions, such as Figure 1A As one example of the operations performed by the controller 150B, the controller 150B is configured to automatically perform a plurality of setting combinations for transmitting an ultrasound imaging beam, and the ultrasound probe 110B including the controller 150B transmits the ultrasound imaging beam. The features of the ultrasound system 100B may be similar to those of the ultrasound system 100B, except that the controller 150B is implemented in the ultrasound probe 110B instead of the ultrasound base 120B. Figure 1A The features of the ultrasound system 100B in FIG. 1 are similar or identical, and for the sake of brevity, they will not be described repeatedly.

[0029] Using the ultrasound system 100A or ultrasound system 100B, the ultrasound setup process can be automatically performed through a combination sequence of ultrasound system settings to evaluate the impact of changing the settings on the performance of features, including but not limited to B-lines. For each setting combination, the ultrasound system 100A or ultrasound system 100B can store (one or more) images to capture the performance of (one or more) features. After obtaining confirmation, the ultrasound system 100A or ultrasound system 100B can store images corresponding to the desired setting combination. In some embodiments, the user can be enabled to transfer the selected ultrasound image to an image storage database provided as part of the ultrasound base 120A, ultrasound base 120B or as a separate element.

[0030] Figure 2 A method of setting up progression for ultrasound according to a representative embodiment is illustrated.

[0031] Figure 2 The method can be Figure 1A The ultrasound system 100A in the embodiment of the present invention may be performed by Figure 1B The ultrasound system 100B is performed in.

[0032] At S205, a first setting is set. For example, a first setting combination can be set at S205. The first setting combination can be the first combination in a progression of combinations, such as a first setting combination, a second setting combination, a third setting combination, a fourth setting combination, and the like. In addition, the combination of settings can be cyclic and iterative, so that each time the ultrasound probe 110A or the ultrasound probe 110B is activated to transmit (one or more) ultrasound imaging beams during an ultrasound session, the progression through the combination of settings can be repeated in the same order and in the same combination. In addition, or alternatively, the combination of settings can be dynamically adaptable, so that the progression through the combination of settings can be changed to have different sequences in different combinations when the ultrasound probe 110A or the ultrasound probe 110B is activated one or more times during an ultrasound session to transmit an ultrasound imaging beam. In some embodiments, the parameter value range of one or more settings can be adaptively updated, for example when none of the images generated in the progression meet a minimum quality threshold.

[0033] At S210, (one or more) ultrasound imaging beams are transmitted. According to the combination of settings set at S205, ultrasound (one or more) imaging beams are transmitted at S210. Each combination of settings may include: a first setting for image depth; a second setting for harmonics; a third setting for gain depending on image depth; and a fourth setting for focal depth. Other settings may also or alternatively be used in combination with the settings set in S205. For example, a fifth setting for total gain may be set and / or a sixth setting for transmit frequency may be set. The transmit frequency may refer to the center frequency of the transmit band center used to transmit (one or more) ultrasound imaging beams.

[0034] At S215, one or more images are displayed based on the one or more ultrasound imaging beams emitted at S210. The one or more images may be displayed on the display 180. In some embodiments, the display 180 may be configured to simultaneously display a first image based on feedback from a first setting combination and a second image based on feedback from a second setting combination. More than two images from two or more setting combinations may be displayed simultaneously to facilitate comparison by the user.

[0035] At S220, analysis is performed based on the data used to generate and display the one or more images displayed at S215. The analysis may include counting the number of B-lines and analyzing the quality of the B-lines present in the data used to generate and display the one or more images displayed at S215. The number and quality of the B-lines may reflect the appropriateness of the combination of settings used to generate and transmit the one or more ultrasound imaging beams at S210.

[0036] B-lines are lung ultrasound (LUS) artifacts that consist of vertical lines originating from the pleura and extending to the far field of the image. B-lines are characteristic of common lung pathologies, including cardiogenic pulmonary edema, interstitial lung disease, acute respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary fibrosis, etc. B-line assessment has become a core part of point of care ultrasound (POCUS) in emergency medicine, critical care, family medicine, internal medicine, and many subspecialties.

[0037] B-line images are dependent on technical aspects of image acquisition and are one reason a combination of settings may be used to determine the optimal setting. Quantification of B-lines provides a dynamic quantitative tool for assessing severity of pulmonary edema and disease progression. However, B-line quantification can be affected by multiple factors, such as the sonographer's level of expertise, the time taken to perform the assessment, the type of transducer, the image depth setting used, focal depth, and other patient-related factors. Variation can be partially mitigated by using automated quantification solutions. However, such automation still relies on the underlying image quality, which in turn can be affected by the ultrasound system settings selected.

[0038] At S225, it is determined whether the ultrasound imaging beam transmitted at S210 is transmitted based on the last setting combination. The determination at S225 may simply identify whether the last setting combination is the last combination in the sequence.

[0039] If the ultrasound imaging beam transmitted at S210 is not based on the last setting combination (S225=No), then at S230, Figure 2 The method includes incrementing the setting combination to the next setting combination and then returning to S210. For example, the combination of settings can be stored in the memory in order so that the method proceeds according to the combination sequence. In another example, the combination library can include entries associated with unique identifiers, and the method can refer to a list of unique identifier subsets to identify each combination to be used. In the latter example, the sequence of combinations to be used may be adjustable so that the sequence can be updated even during a single session to add or delete unique identifiers of combinations to be used or not used.

[0040] If the ultrasound imaging beam transmitted at S210 is based on the last setting combination (S225=Yes), then Figure 2 The method ends at S235. Although not shown, Figure 2The method may include determining which combination of settings produces the best data based on the transmitted ultrasound beam. The determination may be made by the clinician, or by the ultrasound system 100A or the ultrasound system 100B. For example, the ultrasound system 100A may "blindly" perform a series of different settings and then apply an automatic parameter detection algorithm to determine which setting works best. The automatic parameter detection algorithm may utilize an image quantization procedure, such as by determining which ultrasound images contain 4 or more B-lines. The automatic parameter detection algorithm may also parameterize the quality of features such as B-lines, such as by ensuring that the B-lines contain characteristics such as average brightness above a predetermined threshold.

[0041] In addition, the combination of settings may vary for different pathologies. The user may be provided with the option of selecting the best diagnostic measurement results / presentation settings for each different pathology. In some embodiments, the user may specify the pathology, and the ultrasound system 100A or ultrasound system 100B may select the combination of settings to use in the progression based on the specified pathology.

[0042] exist Figure 2 In the method, the automatic quantification solution of the ultrasound system (e.g., ultrasound system 100A and ultrasound system 100B) can quantify, for example, B-lines to provide a seamless workflow for the user. Once the ultrasound probe 110A or ultrasound probe 110B is positioned in the lung region / location, the ultrasound system 100A or ultrasound system 100B can select and set a first combination of system settings at S205, start (one or more) automatic quantification solutions, transmit ultrasound imaging beams at S210, display (one or more) ultrasound images at S215, analyze the data used to generate (one or more) ultrasound images at S220, record the results, and then proceed to the next combination of settings and repeat the process. Once all combinations are achieved (S225=Yes), the user can be prompted to move to the next scanning position. The combination of ultrasound setting progress and B-line quantification features can improve the robustness of the lung solution and improve flexibility to adapt to user preferences. At any time, the user can view the results according to the setting combination (e.g., the first combination, the second combination, etc.). Alternatively, the user may be asked to complete a scan of, for example, the lungs, and view the results at the end. The final selection of settings may be up to the user. Quantitative results corresponding to the selected combination of settings may be automatically sent to the imaging report.

[0043] In some embodiments, the ultrasound setup process may be implemented as a software update running on the ultrasound system 100A or the ultrasound system 100B.

[0044] Table 1 below lists an example of the progression of settings combinations:

[0045] Combination 1 Setting 1A Setting 2A Setting 3A Setting 4A Setting 5A Combination 2 Setting 1B Setting 2B Setting 3B Setting 4B Setting 5B Combination 3 Setting 1C Setting 2C Setting 3C Setting the 4Cs Setting the 5Cs Combination 4 Setting up 1D Setting up 2D Setting up 3D Setting up 4D Setting up 5D Combination 5 Setting 1E Setting 2E Setting 3E Setting 4E Setting up 5E Combination 6 Setting 1F Setting 2F Setting 3F Setting 4F Setting 5F Combination 7 Setting 1G Setting up 2G Setting up 3G Setting up 4G Setting up 5G Combination 8 Set 1H Set 2H Set 3H Set 4H Set 5H.

[0046] Table 1

[0047] As shown in Table 1 above, eight combinations for five different settings can be used for the progression of setting combinations. For example, a first setting can be for image depth, a second setting can be for harmonics, a third setting can be for gain depending on image depth, a fourth setting can be for focal depth, and a fifth setting can be for another parameter that can be variably set. The fifth setting can be, for example, a setting for overall gain or a setting for transmit frequency. Other settings can also, or alternatively, be used in combination with the settings in Table 1.

[0048] In Table 1, one or more settings may retain the same value in each combination, while one or more other settings may change between different combinations. In addition, while Table 1 may be established before the progression, in some embodiments, some settings may be adaptively changed after the progression begins, for example, if the controller 150A or the controller 150B identifies that one or more settings that result in ultrasound images with satisfactory characteristics (e.g., the number and quality of B-lines) are not consistently used in combination. In addition, while 8 setting combinations are shown in Table 1, the progression may include more or less than 8 setting combinations.

[0049] Figure 3 A user interface for setting up progress for ultrasound is illustrated according to a representative embodiment.

[0050] Figure 3 An example comparison of B-lines produced using two combinations of ultrasound settings in a patient presenting with shortness of breath is shown. Figure 3 In the , different manifestations of B-lines (both qualitatively and quantitatively) can be observed between the 2 image setting combinations. Figure 3 Examples of settings that vary between the two images in the image include focal depth, harmonic settings, image gain, time gain compensation (TGC), overall gain, and / or transmit frequency. It is obvious that changes in the combination of system settings may indirectly lead to different diagnostic conclusions, which can be addressed by the ultrasound setting advancements described in this article.

[0051] Figure 4 Another method of setting up progression for ultrasound is illustrated in accordance with a representative embodiment.

[0052] Figure 4 The method begins at S404, where a parameter value range is populated according to the transducer capabilities. The parameter range may be a range of parameter values ​​that may set each of a plurality of settings. The range may be as simple as a binary range, with values ​​limited to 0 and 1, yes and no, or on and off. The range may contain a large number of potential values, such as 0 to 100 or A to Z.

[0053] At S408, Figure 4 The method involves specifying the range of parameter values ​​and increments to be made. The parameter range and increment can be specified by Figure 4 The parameter ranges and increments may be specified by the user interface shown. However, the parameter ranges and increments may also be preset, such as by an entity providing the ultrasound setup process to the user in the form of a software update. Some parameter ranges and increments may not be modifiable, such as binary parameter ranges, so the only possible values ​​are 0 and 1, yes and no, or on and off. In addition, in embodiments where the user can specify the parameter ranges and increments, a default value combination may be provided initially or after a period of use to provide the user with the option of changing the parameter ranges and increments.

[0054] At S412, storage settings are specified. For example, the user may input storage settings via a user interface on the display 180 or via a user input device (e.g., a mouse, keyboard, thumbwheel, button, or other type of user interface). The storage settings may specify which images generated by different setting combinations are to be stored, e.g., for simultaneous or subsequent display on the display 180. For example, the storage settings may specify that only ultrasound images showing four or more B-lines should be stored and displayed, because not all setting combinations will result in 4 or more B-lines appearing in the image.

[0055] At S415 , the probe is positioned at a desired location. For example, the clinician may move the ultrasound probe 110A or the ultrasound probe 110B to a desired location.

[0056] At S420, the process of setting combinations for the ultrasound system 100A or the ultrasound system 100B is initiated. For example, the clinician may press a button to initiate transmission of an ultrasound imaging beam in each of a predetermined sequence of setting combinations.

[0057] A loop sequence of processes for the set combinations is performed at S425 and S430. Specifically, at S425, one or more ultrasound beams are generated and transmitted using parameter combination #n, and at S430, the resulting image(s) are stored. The images stored at S430 are stored according to the storage settings specified at S412. In some embodiments, all ultrasound images are stored or at least can be stored. In other embodiments, storage may be limited to a subset of ultrasound images, such as images showing four or more B lines.

[0058] At S435, Figure 4The method includes determining which images to discard. For example, the images stored at S430 according to the storage settings at S412 may be discarded according to a predetermined determination or instruction at S435. For example, a group of ultrasound images based on different setting combinations may be displayed together or in sequence on the display 180, and the ultrasound system 100A or the ultrasound system 100B may execute instructions to delete certain ultrasound images and retain other ultrasound images.

[0059] In some embodiments, Figure 4 The method can use the determination at S430 and S435 to set a default setting combination based on the selection of images. These images are generated by automatically performing multiple setting combinations, and the ultrasound system 100A and the ultrasound system 100B can recognize the pattern of the selection of images and the corresponding combination to identify the default values ​​that the user starts for different pathologies.

[0060] At S440, Figure 4 The method includes accepting a selection of which acquisitions to keep and which acquisitions to discard. For example, one or more ultrasound images from each of a set of setting combinations, such as ultrasound images from 10 different setting combinations, may be presented to the user. The user may be allowed to select which ultrasound image reflects the best result, such as which ultrasound image displays four or more B-lines with the best image quality.

[0061] The image selection at S440 may be used to adjust the combination of settings used by the ultrasound system 100A or the ultrasound system 100B in the process. For example, if the user repeatedly discards images from a particular combination, the ultrasound system 100A or the ultrasound system 100B may stop including the particular combination in the process and may replace the particular combination with another combination of settings.

[0062] As mentioned above about Figure 4 As described in the method, the user can position the ultrasound probe 110A or the ultrasound probe 110B at a certain lung region / location, and the ultrasound system 100A or the ultrasound system 100B can select a certain system setting combination to start the advancement. The parameter range of the setting can be determined according to the function of the selected transducer (e.g., frequency, bandwidth, etc.). In some embodiments, the selection of the setting can also be guided by the user's initial selection of the parameter range. As an example of the setting for advancement, the first setting may include a frequency of 2 MHz and a focus of 6 cm, while the second setting may include a frequency of 5 MHz and a focus of 3 cm.

[0063] The ultrasound system 100A and ultrasound system 100B may combine ultrasound setup progression with quantification of the setup, such as by automatically counting B-lines and performing quality assessment based on a quantification procedure, such that the determination of which images to retain at S430, S435, and S440 is based entirely or partially on counting.

[0064] In some embodiments, the setup progress program for ultrasound may communicate or otherwise interact with a separate auto-quantification solution present on the ultrasound system 100A or ultrasound system 100B to initiate auto-quantification and record the results.

[0065] exist Figure 4 In the method, each time the user moves the ultrasound probe 110A or the ultrasound probe 110B to the desired probe position, the (one or more) processes are repeated. Once all combinations are achieved, for example, after a few seconds (e.g., 5 seconds), the user may be prompted to move to the next scanning position. In some embodiments, the user may be enabled to view the results according to each setting combination (e.g., the first combination or the second combination), and this is repeated in a single process. In some other embodiments, the user can complete the lung scan and view the results at the end of the progress. The final setting selection can be set by the user, and the quantitative results corresponding to the selected setting combination can be automatically used to generate a final imaging report for the ultrasound session.

[0066] Figure 5 Another user interface for setting up progress for ultrasound is illustrated according to a representative embodiment.

[0067] exist Figure 5 , user interface 581 allows the user to select the best result. Figure 5 The B-mode image in can be a representative image. Figure 5 The user interface 581 shown in Figure 5 presents the user with the combined results from a given probe position. The user can select the result that is considered to be the best based on their clinical expertise, and the system can record that result. The system can then remember the choice of setting and use it to record results from some or all other probe positions, or the user can select different settings for other probe positions.

[0068] Figure 6 Another user interface for setting up progress for ultrasound is illustrated according to a representative embodiment.

[0069] Figure 6 The user interface 681 shown includes a progress bar for each probe position. The B-mode image on the user interface 681 can be a representative image. The user interface 681 includes a progress bar as an additional component to track the scanning progress of each position. Presenting the progress bar to the user can let the user know how long they need to keep the probe in that position before completing all acquisitions. Typically, all acquisitions at a given probe position can be completed in a few seconds, but the length of time required to complete all acquisitions may also depend on the cycle length desired by the user for each setting combination.

[0070] Figure 7 A computer system on which a method for setting up progress for ultrasound is implemented is illustrated according to another representative embodiment.

[0071] refer to Figure 7 , the computer system 700 includes a set of software instructions that can be executed to cause the computer system 700 to perform any method or computer-based function disclosed herein. The computer system 700 can operate as a standalone device, or can be connected to other computer systems or peripheral devices, for example using a network 701. In an embodiment, the computer system 700 performs logic processing based on digital signals received through an analog-to-digital converter.

[0072] In a networked deployment, the computer system 700 can operate as a server or client user computer in a server-client user network environment, or as a peer computer system in a peer (or distributed) network environment. The computer system 700 can also be implemented as or incorporated into various devices, such as a workstation including a controller, a fixed computer, a mobile computer, a personal computer (PC), a laptop, a tablet computer, or any other machine capable of executing a set (sequential or other) of software instructions, which specifies the operations to be taken by the machine. The computer system 700 can be incorporated as a device or incorporated into a device, which is then included in an integrated system containing additional devices. In an embodiment, the computer system 700 can be implemented using an electronic device that provides voice, video or data communication. In addition, the computer system 700 is shown as a monomer, but the term "system" should also be considered to include a collection of any system or subsystem that executes one or more sets of software instructions individually or jointly to perform one or more computer functions.

[0073] like Figure 7As shown in , computer system 700 includes processor 710. Processor 710 can be regarded as a representative example of a processor of a controller and executes instructions to implement some or all aspects of the methods and processes described herein. Processor 710 is tangible and non-transient. As used herein, the term "non-transient" should not be interpreted as a permanent feature of a state, but rather as a feature of a state that will last for a period of time. The term "non-transient" specifically negates fleeting features, such as features of a specific propagation carrier or signal or other forms that exist only transiently anywhere at any time. Processor 710 is an article and / or machine component. Processor 710 is configured to execute software instructions to perform functions as described in various embodiments herein. Processor 710 may be a general-purpose processor, or may be part of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Processor 710 may also be a microprocessor, a microcomputer, a processor chip, a controller, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a state machine, or a programmable logic device. Processor 710 may also be a logic circuit including a programmable gate array (PGA) such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or another type of circuit including discrete gates and / or transistor logic. Processor 710 may be a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or both. In addition, any processor described herein may include multiple processors, parallel processors, or both. Multiple processors may be included in or coupled to a single device or multiple devices.

[0074] The term "processor" as used herein encompasses an electronic component capable of running a program or machine executable instructions. References to a computing device that includes a "processor" should be interpreted as including more than one processor or processing core, such as a multi-core processor. A processor may also refer to a collection of processors within a single computer system or distributed between multiple computer systems. The term computing device should also be interpreted as including a collection or network of computing devices, each of which includes a processor or multiple processors. A program has software instructions executed by one or more processors, which may be within the same computing device or may be distributed across multiple computing devices.

[0075] The computer system 700 also includes a main memory 720 and a static memory 730, wherein the memories in the computer system 700 communicate with each other and with the processor 710 via a bus 708. Either or both of the main memory 720 and the static memory 730 can be considered as representative examples of the memory of the controller, and store instructions for implementing some or all aspects of the methods and processes described herein. The memory 307 described herein is a tangible storage medium for storing data and executable software instructions, and is non-transient during the time when the software instructions are stored. As used herein, the term "non-transient" should not be interpreted as a permanent feature of a state, but rather as a feature of a state that will last for a period of time. The term "non-transient" specifically negates fleeting features, such as features of a specific propagation carrier or signal or other forms that exist only transiently anywhere at any time. The main memory 720 and the static memory 730 are articles of manufacture and / or machine components. The main memory 720 and the static memory 730 are computer-readable media from which a computer (e.g., a processor 710) can read data and executable software instructions. The memory 720 and the static memory 730 may be implemented as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), registers, one or more disks in a hard disk, a removable disk, a magnetic tape, a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a floppy disk, a Blu-ray disk, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. The memory may be volatile or non-volatile, secure and / or encrypted, unsecure and / or unencrypted.

[0076] "Memory" is an example of a computer-readable storage medium. Computer memory is any memory that a processor can directly access. Examples of computer memory include, but are not limited to, RAM memory, registers, and register files. References to "computer memory" or "memory" should be interpreted as potentially being multiple memories. The memory may be, for example, multiple memories within the same computer system. The memory may also be multiple memories distributed among multiple computer systems or computing devices.

[0077] As shown, the computer system 700 also includes a video display unit 750, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a flat panel display, a solid state display, or a cathode ray tube (CRT). In addition, the computer system 700 includes an input device 760, such as a keyboard / virtual keyboard or a touch input screen or a voice input with voice recognition, and a cursor control device 770, such as a mouse or a touch input screen or a touch pad. The computer system 700 also optionally includes a disk drive unit 780, a signal generating device 790 (such as a speaker or a remote controller) and / or a network interface device 740.

[0078] In one embodiment, Figure 7 As shown, the disk drive unit 780 includes a computer readable medium 782 in which one or more sets of software instructions 784 (software) are embedded. The set of software instructions 784 is read from the computer readable medium 782 and executed by the processor 710. In addition, when the processor 710 executes the software instructions 784, one or more steps of the methods and processes described herein are performed. In one embodiment, the software instructions 784 reside in the main memory 720, the static memory 730 and / or the processor 710 during execution by the computer system 700. In addition, the computer readable medium 782 may include the software instructions 784 or receive and execute the software instructions 784 in response to the propagation signal, so that the device connected to the network 701 transmits voice, video or data through the network 701. The software instructions 784 can be transmitted or received on the network 701 via the network interface device 740.

[0079] In one embodiment, a dedicated hardware implementation is constructed, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic array, and other hardware components to implement one or more methods described herein. One or more embodiments described herein may use two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices to implement functions, and the hardware modules or devices have related controls that can communicate between modules and through modules. Therefore, the present disclosure includes software, firmware, and hardware implementations. Nothing in this application should be interpreted as being implemented or implemented only with software rather than hardware such as tangible non-transient processors and / or memories.

[0080] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a hardware computer system executing a software program can be used to implement the methods described herein. In addition, in an example non-limiting embodiment, the implementation can include distributed processing, component / object distributed processing, and parallel processing. Virtual computer system processing can be used to implement one or more methods or functions as described herein, and the processor 205 described herein can be used to support a virtual processing environment.

[0081] In some embodiments based on the teachings herein, Figure 4 After several progressions through the workflow in the example, if the clinician ends up repeatedly selecting the same ultrasound settings for a scan, the ultrasound system 100A or ultrasound system 100B can automatically capture the repeated ultrasound settings as a feature-specific default setting combination. The user may then not need to complete the entire workflow for each exam, and the clinician can simply select that TSP at the beginning of the exam. If the clinician wants to evaluate / compare the results with other settings at any time during the exam, the progression process can be easily initiated via a button on the user interface.

[0082] Therefore, ultrasound setting advances provide an automated method to highlight images based on the user's optimal settings, which can enhance standardization and consistency in the interpretation of ultrasound features, such as lung ultrasound features.

[0083] Although the setup process for ultrasound has been described with reference to several exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the words used are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the setup process for ultrasound. Although the setup process for ultrasound has been described with reference to specific methods, materials, and embodiments, the setup process for ultrasound is not limited to the details disclosed; rather, the setup process for ultrasound extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods, and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0084] The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structures of various embodiments. These illustrations are not intended to be used as a complete description of all elements and features of the disclosure described herein. After reviewing the disclosure, many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure so that structural and logical replacements and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, these illustrations are only representative and may not be drawn to scale. Certain ratios in the illustrations may be amplified, while other ratios may be minimized. Therefore, the disclosure and the accompanying drawings should be considered to be illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0085] One or more embodiments disclosed herein may be referred to as the term "invention" independently and / or collectively for convenience purposes only, but this does not mean that the scope of the present application is limited to any particular invention or inventive concept. In addition, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose can replace the specific embodiments shown. The present disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent modifications or variations of the various embodiments. By reviewing the specification, the combination of the above embodiments and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0086] The Abstract of the present disclosure is provided to comply with 37 CFR §1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it is not intended to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together or described in a single embodiment in order to simplify the disclosure. This disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the following claims, an inventive indication may be directed to less than all features of any one of the disclosed embodiments. Therefore, the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim independently defining the claimed indication.

[0087] The foregoing description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the concepts described in the present disclosure. As such, the subject matter disclosed above should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and the claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments that fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, to the maximum extent permitted by law, the scope of the present disclosure will be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be limited or restricted to the foregoing detailed description.

Claims

1. An ultrasound system, comprising: an ultrasound probe that transmits an ultrasound imaging beam according to the setting combination; a display that displays an image based on feedback generated from the ultrasound imaging beam; as well as An ultrasound base is coupled to the ultrasound probe and the display, wherein the ultrasound system is configured to automatically progress through a plurality of setting combinations for transmitting the ultrasound imaging beam.

2. The ultrasound system of claim 1, further comprising: A controller includes a memory storing instructions and a processor executing the instructions, wherein the controller is configured to execute the instructions to control the ultrasound probe to transmit an ultrasound imaging beam by automatically progressing through the plurality of setting combinations.

3. The ultrasound system according to claim 2, in, The controller is implemented in the ultrasound probe.

4. The ultrasound system according to claim 1, in, The combination of settings includes a first setting for image depth, a second setting for harmonics, a third setting for gain dependent on image depth, and a fourth setting for focus depth.

5. The ultrasound system of claim 1, wherein: The display is configured to simultaneously display a first image based on feedback from a first combination of settings and a second image based on feedback from a second combination of settings.

6. The ultrasound system of claim 1, wherein: The ultrasound system is configured to adaptively update the plurality of setting combinations in a single pass.

7. The ultrasound system of claim 1, wherein: The ultrasound system is configured to adaptively update a parameter value range for each parameter in at least one setting.

8. A method for operating an ultrasound system, the method comprising: The ultrasound probe transmits a first ultrasound imaging beam according to a first setting combination; displaying, by a display, a first image based on feedback generated according to the first ultrasound imaging beam; The ultrasound probe transmits a second ultrasound imaging beam according to a second setting combination; displaying, by the display, a second image based on feedback generated from the second ultrasound imaging beam; and Automatically progress through a plurality of setting combinations including the first setting combination and the second setting combination.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: The instructions are executed by a controller including a memory storing the instructions and a processor executing the instructions to control the ultrasound probe to transmit an ultrasound imaging beam by automatically progressing through a plurality of setting combinations including the first setting combination and the second setting combination.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The controller is implemented in the ultrasound probe.

11. The method according to claim 8, wherein: The combination of settings includes a first setting for image depth, a second setting for harmonics, a third setting for gain dependent on image depth, and a fourth setting for focus depth.

12. The method according to claim 8, wherein: The display is configured to display the first image and the second image simultaneously.

13. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: The plurality of setting combinations are adaptively updated during a single progression.

14. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: A parameter value range for each parameter in at least one setting is adaptively updated.

15. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: A default setting combination is set according to a selection to automatically progress images generated by the plurality of setting combinations.

16. A controller comprising: a memory storing instructions; as well as a processor that executes the instructions; Wherein, the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the controller to: controlling the ultrasound probe to transmit a first ultrasound imaging beam according to a first setting combination in automatic progression; controlling a display to display a first image based on feedback generated according to the first ultrasound imaging beam; controlling the ultrasound probe to transmit a second ultrasound imaging beam according to a second setting combination in the automatic progression; controlling the display to display a second image based on feedback generated according to the second ultrasound imaging beam; and The automatic progression is combined through a plurality of settings to transmit a plurality of ultrasound imaging beams including the first ultrasound imaging beam and the second ultrasound imaging beam.

17. The controller according to claim 16, in, The controller is implemented in the ultrasound probe.

18. The controller according to claim 16, wherein: The combination of settings includes a first setting for image depth, a second setting for harmonics, a third setting for gain dependent on image depth, and a fourth setting for focus depth.

19. The controller according to claim 16, wherein: The instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the controller to: The plurality of setting combinations are adaptively updated during a single progression through the plurality of setting combinations.

20. The controller according to claim 19, wherein: The single progression through the plurality of setting combinations is performed at each of a plurality of positions of the ultrasound probe.

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