Ultrasound imaging method and ultrasound imaging system

Abstract

An ultrasonic imaging method and ultrasonic imaging system, the method comprising: acquiring a first three-dimensional shear wave elastography image and a first two-dimensional tissue image of a target tissue in a first stage, both corresponding to a same ultrasonic probe position; in a second stage for the target tissue, generating a plurality of real-time two-dimensional tissue images, matching the same with the first two-dimensional tissue image, and determining a second two-dimensional tissue image matched with the first two-dimensional tissue image; generating a two-dimensional shear wave elastography image corresponding to a plurality of sections of the target tissue at the ultrasonic probe position corresponding to the second two-dimensional tissue image; generating a second three-dimensional shear wave elastography image based on the two-dimensional shear wave elastography images corresponding to the plurality of sections of the target tissue; displaying the first three-dimensional shear wave elastography image and the second three-dimensional shear wave elastography image on the same screen; and / or obtaining and displaying a contrast analysis result of the target tissue between the first stage and the second stage based on the two to represent changes of the target tissue in different stages.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of ultrasound imaging technology, and more specifically to an ultrasound imaging method and an ultrasound imaging system. Background Technology

[0002] Ultrasound elastography can qualitatively reflect the firmness of a lesion relative to surrounding tissues, or quantitatively reflect the firmness of the lesion and surrounding tissues. In recent years, it has been more widely used in clinical research and diagnosis. Assessing tissue firmness can effectively assist in the diagnosis and evaluation of cancerous lesions, benign and malignant tumors, and postoperative recovery.

[0003] Current elastography techniques mainly include two types: strain elastography and shear wave elastography. Strain elastography uses a probe to press on tissue and calculates the tissue's displacement and strain in real time to reflect and image the elastic parameters of the tissue within the Region of Interest (ROI), indirectly reflecting the hardness of different tissues. Shear wave elastography uses an ultrasonic probe to excite a focused ultrasonic beam, generating acoustic radiation force that creates a shear wave source within the tissue, producing transversely propagating shear waves. By identifying and detecting the shear waves generated within the tissue and their propagation parameters, and imaging these parameters, the differences in tissue hardness can be quantitatively and visually obtained.

[0004] The hardness or softness of a lesion is an effective auxiliary means of evaluating the treatment effect. In actual clinical practice, compared to two-dimensional changes in hardness, doctors prefer to observe the hardness or softness information across the entire spatial dimension of the lesion, thereby gaining a more holistic understanding and making a more accurate and comprehensive assessment of the treatment effect. Currently, there is a lack of effective evaluation methods for lesions before and after treatment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The summary section introduces a series of simplified concepts, which will be further explained in detail in the detailed description section. The summary section of this invention is not intended to limit the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention provides an ultrasound imaging method, the method comprising:

[0007] A first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and a first two-dimensional tissue image of the target tissue are acquired. The first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and the first two-dimensional tissue image are acquired in a first stage targeting the target tissue, and the first two-dimensional tissue image and the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image correspond to the same ultrasound probe position.

[0008] In the second stage targeting the target tissue, the ultrasound probe is controlled to emit a first ultrasound wave toward the target tissue, the echo signal of the first ultrasound wave is received, and a multi-frame real-time two-dimensional tissue image of the target tissue is generated based on the echo signal of the first ultrasound wave.

[0009] The multi-frame real-time two-dimensional tissue images are matched with the first two-dimensional tissue image, and a second two-dimensional tissue image that matches the first two-dimensional tissue image is determined from the multi-frame real-time two-dimensional tissue images.

[0010] At the location of the ultrasound probe corresponding to the second two-dimensional tissue image, a shear wave propagating within the target tissue is generated. The ultrasound probe is controlled to emit a second ultrasound wave that tracks the shear wave to multiple sections of the target tissue. The echo signal of the second ultrasound wave is received, and a two-dimensional shear wave elastic image corresponding to multiple sections of the target tissue is generated based on the echo signal of the second ultrasound wave.

[0011] A second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image of the target tissue is generated based on the two-dimensional shear wave elastic images corresponding to multiple cross-sections of the target tissue.

[0012] The first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image are displayed on the same screen; and / or, based on the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, a comparative analysis result of the target tissue between the first stage and the second stage is obtained, and the comparative analysis result is displayed.

[0013] In some embodiments, the ultrasonic probe is a volumetric probe, and the volumetric probe is provided with a motion control mechanism and an array of elements inside;

[0014] The method of controlling the ultrasound probe to emit a second ultrasound wave that tracks the shear wave to multiple sections of the target tissue and receiving the echo signal of the second ultrasound wave includes:

[0015] The motion control mechanism controls the array of elements to move along a preset path within the volume probe, and different positions of the preset path correspond to different sections of the target tissue.

[0016] The array of elements is controlled to emit the second ultrasonic wave toward the target tissue at different positions along the preset path, and the echo signal of the second ultrasonic wave is received.

[0017] In some embodiments, controlling the array of elements to move along a preset path within the volume probe via the motion control mechanism includes:

[0018] The motion control mechanism controls the array of elements to perform accelerated, uniform, and decelerated motion.

[0019] The method of controlling the array element array to emit the second ultrasonic wave toward the target tissue at different positions along the preset path and receiving the echo signal of the second ultrasonic wave includes: during the uniform motion, controlling the array element array to emit the second ultrasonic wave and receiving the echo signal of the second ultrasonic wave.

[0020] In some embodiments, the method further includes: determining a preset position of the array element array in the preset path when acquiring the first two-dimensional tissue image;

[0021] The control of the ultrasound probe to emit a first ultrasound wave toward the target tissue and to receive the echo signal of the first ultrasound wave includes:

[0022] The motion control mechanism controls the array element column to move to the preset position, and at the preset position, controls the array element column to emit the first ultrasonic wave toward the target tissue and receive the echo signal of the first ultrasonic wave.

[0023] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0024] The array of elements is controlled to emit a third ultrasonic wave toward the target tissue at different positions along the preset path, the echo signal of the third ultrasonic wave is received, and a third two-dimensional tissue image corresponding to multiple cross-sections of the target tissue is generated based on the echo signal of the third ultrasonic wave.

[0025] A three-dimensional tissue image of the target tissue is generated based on the third two-dimensional tissue image corresponding to multiple cross-sections of the target tissue, and the three-dimensional tissue image is fused with the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image for display.

[0026] In some embodiments, the ultrasound probe is a matrix probe, and the matrix probe is provided with an array element matrix. The array element matrix includes multiple array element columns, and different array element columns correspond to different sections of the target tissue.

[0027] The method of controlling the ultrasound probe to emit a second ultrasound wave that tracks the shear wave to multiple sections of the target tissue and receiving the echo signal of the second ultrasound wave includes:

[0028] The system controls multiple array elements to emit the second ultrasonic wave toward the target tissue and receives the echo signal of the second ultrasonic wave.

[0029] In some embodiments, the method further includes: determining a target array of elements for acquiring the first two-dimensional tissue image among the plurality of array elements;

[0030] The control of the ultrasound probe to emit a first ultrasound wave toward the target tissue and to receive the echo signal of the first ultrasound wave includes:

[0031] The target array element is controlled to emit the first ultrasonic wave toward the target tissue, and the echo signal of the first ultrasonic wave is received.

[0032] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0033] The different array elements are controlled to sequentially emit third ultrasonic waves toward the target tissue, the echo signals of the third ultrasonic waves are received, and a third two-dimensional tissue image corresponding to multiple cross-sections of the target tissue is generated based on the echo signals of the third ultrasonic waves.

[0034] A three-dimensional tissue image of the target tissue is generated based on the third two-dimensional tissue image corresponding to multiple cross-sections of the target tissue, and the three-dimensional tissue image is fused with the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image for display.

[0035] In some embodiments, obtaining comparative analysis results of the target tissue between the first and second stages based on the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and displaying the comparative analysis results, includes:

[0036] A first three-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined in the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and a second three-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined in the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image;

[0037] Based on the first three-dimensional target region and the second three-dimensional target region, the three-dimensional elastic change data of the target tissue are obtained;

[0038] A three-dimensional elastic change image is generated based on the three-dimensional elastic change data, and the three-dimensional elastic change image is displayed.

[0039] In some embodiments, obtaining comparative analysis results of the target tissue between the first and second stages based on the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and displaying the comparative analysis results, further includes:

[0040] A first section selection identifier is displayed in the three-dimensional elastic change image; the first section selection identifier is used to select the target section of the target tissue.

[0041] Based on the first section selection identifier, extract the two-dimensional elastic change data corresponding to the target section from the three-dimensional elastic change data;

[0042] A two-dimensional elastic change image is generated based on the two-dimensional elastic change data, and the two-dimensional elastic change image is displayed.

[0043] In some embodiments, obtaining comparative analysis results of the target tissue between the first and second stages based on the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and displaying the comparative analysis results, includes:

[0044] A second section selection identifier is displayed in the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and / or the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, the second section selection identifier being used to select the target section of the target tissue;

[0045] Based on the second section selection identifier, the first two-dimensional shear wave image corresponding to the target section is extracted from the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and the second two-dimensional shear wave elastic image corresponding to the target section is extracted from the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image.

[0046] In the first two-dimensional shear wave elastic image, a first two-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined, and in the second two-dimensional shear wave elastic image, a second two-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined;

[0047] Two-dimensional elastic variation data of the target cross section are obtained based on the first two-dimensional target region and the second two-dimensional target region;

[0048] A two-dimensional elastic change image is generated based on the two-dimensional elastic change data, and the two-dimensional elastic change image is displayed.

[0049] In some embodiments, obtaining comparative analysis results of the target tissue between the first and second stages based on the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and displaying the comparative analysis results, further includes:

[0050] A reference line is set in the two-dimensional elastic change image, and the one-dimensional elastic change data corresponding to the reference line is extracted from the two-dimensional elastic change data.

[0051] An elastic change curve is generated based on the one-dimensional elastic change data, and the elastic change curve is displayed.

[0052] In some embodiments, obtaining comparative analysis results of the target tissue between the first and second stages based on the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and displaying the comparative analysis results, includes:

[0053] A third section selection identifier is displayed in the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and / or the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, the third section selection identifier being used to select the target section of the target tissue;

[0054] Based on the third section selection identifier, the first two-dimensional shear wave image corresponding to the target section is extracted from the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and the second two-dimensional shear wave elastic image corresponding to the target section is extracted from the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image.

[0055] The first two-dimensional shear wave elastic image and the second two-dimensional shear wave elastic image are displayed on the same screen.

[0056] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0057] Reference lines are set in the first two-dimensional shear wave elastic image and / or the second two-dimensional shear wave elastic image;

[0058] Extract the first elastic curve corresponding to the reference line from the first two-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and extract the second elastic curve corresponding to the reference line from the second two-dimensional shear wave elastic image;

[0059] The first elastic curve and the second elastic curve are displayed on the same screen, and / or an elastic change curve is generated based on the first elastic curve and the second elastic curve, and the elastic change curve is displayed.

[0060] In some embodiments, obtaining comparative analysis results of the target tissue between the first and second stages based on the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and displaying the comparative analysis results, includes:

[0061] A third three-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined in the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and a fourth three-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined in the second three-dimensional shear wave data;

[0062] Based on the morphology of the third and fourth three-dimensional target regions, the three-dimensional morphological change data of the target tissue are obtained;

[0063] A three-dimensional morphological change image is generated based on the three-dimensional morphological change data, and the three-dimensional morphological change image is displayed.

[0064] In some embodiments, obtaining comparative analysis results of the target tissue between the first and second stages based on the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and displaying the comparative analysis results, further includes:

[0065] A fourth section selection marker is displayed in the three-dimensional morphological change image; the fourth section selection marker is used to select the target section of the target tissue.

[0066] Based on the fourth cross-section selection identifier, extract the two-dimensional morphological change data corresponding to the target cross-section from the three-dimensional morphological change data;

[0067] A two-dimensional morphological change image is generated based on the two-dimensional morphological change data, and the two-dimensional morphological change image is displayed.

[0068] In some embodiments, obtaining comparative analysis results of the target tissue between the first and second stages based on the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and displaying the comparative analysis results, includes:

[0069] A fifth section selection identifier is displayed in the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and / or the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, the fifth section selection identifier being used to select the target section of the target tissue;

[0070] Based on the fifth section selection identifier, the third two-dimensional shear wave elastic image corresponding to the target section is extracted from the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and the fourth two-dimensional shear wave elastic image corresponding to the target section is extracted from the second three-dimensional shear wave data.

[0071] In the third two-dimensional shear wave elastic image, the third two-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined, and in the fourth two-dimensional shear wave elastic image, the fourth two-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined;

[0072] The two-dimensional morphological change data of the target tissue are obtained based on the morphology of the third two-dimensional target region and the morphology of the fourth two-dimensional target region.

[0073] A two-dimensional morphological change image is generated based on the two-dimensional morphological change data, and the two-dimensional morphological change image is displayed.

[0074] A second aspect of this invention provides an ultrasound imaging method, the method comprising:

[0075] A first three-dimensional elastic image and a first two-dimensional tissue image of the target tissue are acquired. The first three-dimensional elastic image and the first two-dimensional tissue image are acquired in a first phase targeting the target tissue, and the first two-dimensional tissue image and the first three-dimensional elastic image correspond to the same ultrasound probe position.

[0076] In the second phase targeting the target tissue, multiple frames of real-time two-dimensional tissue images of the target tissue are acquired using an ultrasound probe;

[0077] The multi-frame real-time two-dimensional tissue images are matched with the first two-dimensional tissue image, and a second two-dimensional tissue image that matches the first two-dimensional tissue image is determined from the multi-frame real-time two-dimensional tissue images.

[0078] At the location of the ultrasound probe corresponding to the second two-dimensional tissue image, two-dimensional elastic images corresponding to multiple cross-sections of the target tissue are acquired;

[0079] A second three-dimensional elastic image of the target tissue is generated based on the two-dimensional elastic images corresponding to multiple cross-sections of the target tissue.

[0080] The first three-dimensional elastic image and the second three-dimensional elastic image are displayed on the same screen.

[0081] And / or, based on the first three-dimensional elastic image and the second three-dimensional elastic image, obtain the comparative analysis results of the target tissue between the first stage and the second stage, and display the comparative analysis results.

[0082] In some embodiments, the first three-dimensional elastic image and the second three-dimensional elastic image are three-dimensional shear wave elastic images, or the first three-dimensional elastic image and the second three-dimensional elastic image are three-dimensional strain elastic images.

[0083] A third aspect of this invention provides an ultrasound imaging method, the method comprising:

[0084] In the second phase targeting the target tissue, multiple frames of real-time two-dimensional tissue images of the target tissue are generated in real time, and the real-time two-dimensional tissue images and the first two-dimensional tissue image of the target tissue are displayed on the same screen. The first two-dimensional tissue image was acquired in the first phase targeting the target tissue.

[0085] The multi-frame real-time two-dimensional tissue images are matched with the first two-dimensional tissue image, and a second two-dimensional tissue image that matches the first two-dimensional tissue image is determined from the multi-frame real-time two-dimensional tissue images.

[0086] At the location of the ultrasound probe corresponding to the second two-dimensional tissue image, a second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image of the target tissue is generated;

[0087] Acquire a first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image of the target tissue collected in the first stage of the target tissue, and display the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image on the same screen; and / or, based on the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, obtain a comparative analysis result of the target tissue between the first stage and the second stage, and display the comparative analysis result.

[0088] In some embodiments, displaying the comparative analysis results includes: displaying a three-dimensional elasticity change image of the target tissue, the three-dimensional elasticity change image reflecting the elasticity change of the target tissue between the first stage and the second stage.

[0089] In some embodiments, displaying the comparative analysis results further includes:

[0090] A first section selection identifier is displayed in the three-dimensional elastic change image; the first section selection identifier is used to select the target section of the target tissue.

[0091] Based on the first section selection identifier, a two-dimensional elastic change image corresponding to the target section is displayed.

[0092] In some embodiments, obtaining comparative analysis results of the target tissue between the first and second stages based on the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and displaying the comparative analysis results, includes:

[0093] A second section selection identifier is displayed in the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and / or the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, the second section selection identifier being used to select the target section of the target tissue;

[0094] Based on the second section selection identifier, the first two-dimensional shear wave image corresponding to the target section is extracted from the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and the second two-dimensional shear wave elastic image corresponding to the target section is extracted from the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image.

[0095] In the first two-dimensional shear wave elastic image, a first two-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined, and in the second two-dimensional shear wave elastic image, a second two-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined;

[0096] Two-dimensional elastic variation data of the target cross section are obtained based on the first two-dimensional target region and the second two-dimensional target region;

[0097] A two-dimensional elastic change image is generated based on the two-dimensional elastic change data, and the two-dimensional elastic change image is displayed.

[0098] In some embodiments, displaying the comparative analysis results further includes:

[0099] A reference line is set in the two-dimensional elastic change image, and a one-dimensional elastic change curve corresponding to the reference line is displayed.

[0100] In some embodiments, obtaining comparative analysis results of the target tissue between the first and second stages based on the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and displaying the comparative analysis results, includes:

[0101] A third section selection identifier is displayed in the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and / or the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, the third section selection identifier being used to select the target section of the target tissue;

[0102] Based on the third section selection identifier, the first two-dimensional shear wave image corresponding to the target section is extracted from the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and the second two-dimensional shear wave elastic image corresponding to the target section is extracted from the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image.

[0103] The first two-dimensional shear wave elastic image and the second two-dimensional shear wave elastic image are displayed on the same screen.

[0104] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0105] Reference lines are set in the first two-dimensional shear wave elastic image and / or the second two-dimensional shear wave elastic image;

[0106] Extract the first elastic curve corresponding to the reference line from the first two-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and extract the second elastic curve corresponding to the reference line from the second two-dimensional shear wave elastic image;

[0107] The first elastic curve and the second elastic curve are displayed on the same screen, and / or an elastic change curve is generated based on the first elastic curve and the second elastic curve, and the elastic change curve is displayed.

[0108] In some embodiments, obtaining comparative analysis results of the target tissue between the first and second stages based on the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and displaying the comparative analysis results, includes:

[0109] A third three-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined in the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and a fourth three-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined in the second three-dimensional shear wave data;

[0110] Based on the morphology of the third and fourth three-dimensional target regions, the three-dimensional morphological change data of the target tissue are obtained;

[0111] A three-dimensional morphological change image is generated based on the three-dimensional morphological change data, and the three-dimensional morphological change image is displayed.

[0112] In some embodiments, obtaining comparative analysis results of the target tissue between the first and second stages based on the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and displaying the comparative analysis results, further includes:

[0113] A fourth section selection marker is displayed in the three-dimensional morphological change image; the fourth section selection marker is used to select the target section of the target tissue.

[0114] Based on the fourth cross-section selection identifier, extract the two-dimensional morphological change data corresponding to the target cross-section from the three-dimensional morphological change data;

[0115] A two-dimensional morphological change image is generated based on the two-dimensional morphological change data, and the two-dimensional morphological change image is displayed.

[0116] In some embodiments, obtaining comparative analysis results of the target tissue between the first and second stages based on the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and displaying the comparative analysis results, includes:

[0117] A fifth section selection identifier is displayed in the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and / or the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, the fifth section selection identifier being used to select the target section of the target tissue;

[0118] Based on the fifth section selection identifier, the third two-dimensional shear wave elastic image corresponding to the target section is extracted from the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and the fourth two-dimensional shear wave elastic image corresponding to the target section is extracted from the second three-dimensional shear wave data.

[0119] In the third two-dimensional shear wave elastic image, the third two-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined, and in the fourth two-dimensional shear wave elastic image, the fourth two-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined;

[0120] The two-dimensional morphological change data of the target tissue are obtained based on the morphology of the third two-dimensional target region and the morphology of the fourth two-dimensional target region.

[0121] A two-dimensional morphological change image is generated based on the two-dimensional morphological change data, and the two-dimensional morphological change image is displayed.

[0122] A fourth aspect of this invention provides an ultrasound imaging system, the ultrasound imaging system comprising:

[0123] Ultrasonic probe;

[0124] A transmitting circuit is used to excite the ultrasound probe to emit ultrasound waves toward the target tissue.

[0125] A receiving circuit is used to control the ultrasonic probe to receive the echo of the ultrasonic wave and obtain the echo signal of the ultrasonic wave.

[0126] A processor for performing the ultrasound imaging method as described above;

[0127] A display for showing the ultrasound images generated by the processor.

[0128] The ultrasound imaging method and ultrasound imaging system of this invention perform three-dimensional shear wave elastography and two-dimensional tissue imaging on the target tissue at different stages. Based on the matching of the two-dimensional tissue images, three-dimensional shear wave elastography images from the same viewpoint are found for comparison, thereby effectively evaluating the changes of the target tissue at different stages. Attached Figure Description

[0129] 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.

[0130] Figure 1 A structural block diagram of an ultrasound imaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0131] Figure 2 A schematic flowchart of an ultrasound imaging method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0132] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a volumetric probe according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0133] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a matrix probe according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0134] Figure 5 A diagram showing the correspondence between the movement and scanning of a volumetric probe according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0135] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing the preset positions of an array of array elements according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0136] Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating simultaneous display of a first two-dimensional tissue image and a real-time two-dimensional tissue image according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0137] Figure 8 A schematic diagram illustrating the generation of a three-dimensional elastic change image according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0138] Figure 9 A schematic diagram illustrating the generation of a two-dimensional elastic change image from a three-dimensional elastic change image according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0139] Figure 10 A schematic diagram illustrating the selection of a target section based on a first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image or a second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0140] Figure 11 A schematic diagram showing a reference line set in a first two-dimensional shear wave elastic image or a second two-dimensional shear wave elastic image according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0141] Figure 12 A schematic diagram showing an elastic change curve according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0142] Figure 13 A schematic diagram showing a three-dimensional morphological change image and a two-dimensional morphological change image according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0143] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of a display interface according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0144] Figure 15 A schematic flowchart of an ultrasound imaging method according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0145] Figure 16 A schematic flowchart of an ultrasound imaging method according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0146] 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.

[0147] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention can be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, certain technical features well-known in the art have not been described in order to avoid obscuring the invention.

[0148] It should be understood that the invention can be embodied in various forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, providing these embodiments will make the disclosure thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0149] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. When used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms “comprising” and / or “including,” when used in this specification, identify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups. When used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items.

[0150] To fully understand this invention, a detailed structure will be presented in the following description to illustrate the technical solution proposed by this invention. Optional embodiments of the invention are described in detail below; however, in addition to these detailed descriptions, the invention may have other embodiments.

[0151] Below, first refer to Figure 1 An ultrasound imaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention is described. Figure 1 A schematic structural block diagram of an ultrasound imaging system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0152] like Figure 1 As shown, the ultrasound imaging system 100 includes an ultrasound probe 110, a transmitting circuit 112, a receiving circuit 114, a processor 116, and a display 118. Further, the ultrasound imaging system may also include a transmit / receive selection switch 120 and a beamforming module 122. The transmitting circuit 112 and the receiving circuit 114 can be connected to the ultrasound probe 110 via the transmit / receive selection switch 120.

[0153] The ultrasonic probe 110 includes transducer elements. These elements are used to emit ultrasonic waves according to an excitation electrical signal, or to convert received ultrasonic waves into electrical signals. Therefore, each element can be used to convert between electrical pulse signals and ultrasonic waves, thereby enabling the emission of ultrasonic waves to the target tissue of the object being tested, and also to receive ultrasonic wave echoes reflected back from the tissue. During ultrasonic testing, the emission and reception sequences can be used to control which elements emit ultrasonic waves and which receive them, or to control the elements to be used in time-slotted manner for emitting or receiving ultrasonic wave echoes. Elements participating in ultrasonic wave emission can be simultaneously excited by electrical signals, thus emitting ultrasonic waves simultaneously; alternatively, elements participating in ultrasonic beam emission can be excited by several electrical signals with a certain time interval, thus continuously emitting ultrasonic waves with a certain time interval.

[0154] During ultrasound imaging, processor 116 controls transmitting circuit 112 to send a delayed-focused transmission pulse to ultrasound probe 110 via transmit / receive selection switch 120. Excited by the transmission pulse, ultrasound probe 110 emits an ultrasonic beam towards the tissue of the target area of ​​the object being measured. After a certain delay, it receives the ultrasonic echo reflecting back from the tissue of the target area, carrying tissue information, and converts this ultrasonic echo back into an electrical signal. Receiving circuit 114 receives the electrical signal generated by ultrasound probe 110, obtains the ultrasonic echo signal, and sends these ultrasonic echo signals to beamforming module 122. Beamforming module 122 performs focusing delay, weighting, and channel summation on the ultrasonic echo data before sending it to processor 116. Processor 116 performs signal detection, signal enhancement, data conversion, and logarithmic compression on the ultrasonic echo signal to form an ultrasound image. The ultrasound image obtained by processor 116 can be displayed on display 118 or stored in memory 124.

[0155] Optionally, the processor 116 can be implemented as software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof, and can use one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more general-purpose integrated circuits, one or more microprocessors, one or more programmable logic devices, or any combination of the foregoing circuits and / or devices, or other suitable circuits or devices. Furthermore, the processor 116 can control other components in the ultrasound imaging system 100 to perform the corresponding steps of the methods in the various embodiments of this specification.

[0156] The display 118 is connected to the processor 116. The display 118 can be a touch screen, an LCD screen, etc.; or, the display 118 can be an independent display such as an LCD screen or a television, separate from the ultrasound imaging system 100; or, the display 118 can be the screen of an electronic device such as a smartphone or tablet, etc. The number of displays 118 can be one or more.

[0157] The display 118 can display the ultrasound images obtained by the processor 116. Furthermore, while displaying the ultrasound images, the display 118 can also provide a graphical user interface for human-machine interaction. One or more controlled objects can be set on the graphical interface, allowing the user to input operation commands using a human-machine interaction device to control these controlled objects and perform corresponding control operations. For example, icons can be displayed on the graphical interface, and the human-machine interaction device can be used to operate these icons to perform specific functions, such as drawing a region of interest bounding box on the ultrasound image.

[0158] Optionally, the ultrasound imaging system 100 may also include other human-machine interface devices besides the display 118, which are connected to the processor 116. For example, the processor 116 may be connected to the human-machine interface device via an external input / output port, which may be a wireless communication module, a wired communication module, or a combination of both. The external input / output port may also be based on USB, bus protocols such as CAN, and / or wired network protocols.

[0159] The human-computer interaction device may include an input device for detecting user input information. This input information may be, for example, control commands for the timing of ultrasound transmission / reception, operational input commands for drawing points, lines, or boxes on an ultrasound image, or other types of commands. The input device may include one or a combination of several of the following: a keyboard, mouse, scroll wheel, trackball, mobile input device (e.g., a mobile device with a touchscreen, a mobile phone, etc.), a multi-function knob, etc. The human-computer interaction device may also include an output device such as a printer.

[0160] The ultrasound imaging system 100 may also include a memory 124 for storing instructions executed by the processor, storing received ultrasound echoes, storing ultrasound images, etc. The memory may be a flash memory card, solid-state memory, hard disk, etc. It may be volatile and / or non-volatile memory, removable memory and / or non-removable memory, etc.

[0161] It should be understood that Figure 1 The components included in the ultrasound imaging system 100 shown are merely illustrative and may include more or fewer components. This invention is not limited thereto.

[0162] Below, we will refer to Figure 2 An ultrasound imaging method according to an embodiment of the present invention is described, which can be implemented in the ultrasound imaging system 100 described above. Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart of an ultrasound imaging method 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0163] like Figure 2 As shown, an embodiment of the ultrasound imaging method 200 of the present invention includes the following steps:

[0164] In step S210, a first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and a first two-dimensional tissue image of the target tissue are acquired. The first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and the first two-dimensional tissue image are acquired in a first stage targeting the target tissue, and the first two-dimensional tissue image and the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image correspond to the same ultrasound probe position.

[0165] In step S220, in the second stage targeting the target tissue, the ultrasound probe is controlled to emit a first ultrasound wave toward the target tissue, the echo signal of the first ultrasound wave is received, and a multi-frame real-time two-dimensional tissue image of the target tissue is generated based on the echo signal of the first ultrasound wave.

[0166] In step S230, the multi-frame real-time two-dimensional tissue images are matched with the first two-dimensional tissue image, and a second two-dimensional tissue image that matches the first two-dimensional tissue image is determined from the multi-frame real-time two-dimensional tissue images.

[0167] In step S240, at the position of the ultrasound probe corresponding to the second two-dimensional tissue image, a shear wave propagating in the target tissue is generated, the ultrasound probe is controlled to emit a second ultrasound wave that tracks the shear wave to multiple sections of the target tissue, the echo signal of the second ultrasound wave is received, and a two-dimensional shear wave elastic image corresponding to multiple sections of the target tissue is generated based on the echo signal of the second ultrasound wave.

[0168] In step S250, a second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image of the target tissue is generated based on the two-dimensional shear wave elastic images corresponding to multiple cross-sections of the target tissue;

[0169] In step S260, the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image are displayed on the same screen; and / or, based on the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, the comparative analysis results of the target tissue between the first stage and the second stage are obtained, and the comparative analysis results are displayed.

[0170] The ultrasound imaging method 200 of this invention performs three-dimensional shear wave elastography and two-dimensional tissue imaging on the target tissue at different stages. Based on the matching of the two-dimensional tissue images, a three-dimensional shear wave elastography image from the same viewpoint is found for comparison, thereby effectively evaluating the changes of the target tissue at different stages.

[0171] The first and second stages targeting the target tissue can be different phases before or after treatment, or during the treatment process. These two stages can also be any two different time periods; the following description primarily uses the first stage as the pre-treatment phase and the second stage as the post-treatment phase. Taking neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for breast cancer as an example, neoadjuvant chemotherapy is a systemic chemotherapy administered to patients without distant metastases before surgery or surgery plus radiotherapy. After NAC, the lesions undergo varying degrees of change. Early and accurate assessment of chemotherapy efficacy is crucial for individualized preoperative treatment and prognosis. In the early stages of NAC, the tumor exhibits varying degrees of necrosis and fibrosis; changes in stiffness are a key characteristic of early NAC. Three-dimensional shear wave elastography can quantitatively assess the overall and local changes in tumor stiffness, providing important information for evaluating treatment effectiveness and effectively supplementing clinical diagnosis.

[0172] In the first stage targeting the target tissue, a first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and a first two-dimensional tissue image of the target tissue are acquired. The first two-dimensional tissue image and the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image correspond to the same ultrasound probe position. The first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image is used to reflect the three-dimensional elastic state of the target tissue before treatment, and the first two-dimensional tissue image is used to calibrate the ultrasound probe position corresponding to the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image. After treatment, a second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image is acquired at the same position and compared with the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image.

[0173] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the ultrasound probe used to acquire the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and the first two-dimensional tissue image can be a volumetric probe. The volumetric probe contains a motion control mechanism and an array of elements. The motion control mechanism controls the movement of the array of elements along a preset path. The array of elements in the volumetric probe can be a linear array, and the motion control mechanism can control the linear array to translate within the volumetric probe. Alternatively, the array of elements in the volumetric probe can also be a convex array, and the motion control mechanism can control the array of elements to oscillate within the volumetric probe.

[0174] Before performing three-dimensional shear wave elastography, the system first enters two-dimensional inspection mode. The motion control mechanism moves the array of elements to a preset position, or uses the current position of the array as the preset position, and performs two-dimensional tissue imaging within this preset position. The preset position can be selected and recorded by the user according to the actual situation. The preset position can be any position inside the volumetric probe, such as the leftmost, rightmost, or middle position. Figure 6 In the example, the preset position is located in the middle of the volumetric probe. During two-dimensional tissue imaging, the user can move the volumetric probe to determine the location of the target tissue and select a suitable first two-dimensional tissue image containing relatively clear tissue features as a subsequent matching reference. Afterwards, the ultrasound probe is kept fixed in the current position, and a three-dimensional shear wave elastic image is generated.

[0175] For example, such as Figure 5 As shown, during the three-dimensional shear wave elastic imaging process, the motion control mechanism controls the array of elements to perform a series of continuous movements along a preset path within the volume probe. These continuous movements include sequential acceleration, uniform motion, and deceleration. During the uniform motion, the volume probe performs multiple shear wave elastic imaging scans, obtaining two-dimensional shear wave elastic images corresponding to multiple cross-sections of the target tissue. Three-dimensional reconstruction is then performed on these two-dimensional shear wave elastic images to obtain the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image.

[0176] Specifically, shear wave elastography scanning includes: generating shear waves propagating in the target tissue; controlling an array of elements to emit ultrasound waves that track the shear waves into the target tissue; receiving the echo signals of the ultrasound waves; and generating a frame of two-dimensional shear wave elastography data based on the echo signals. Specifically, a focused ultrasound beam can be excited by a volume probe to generate acoustic radiation force, forming a shear wave source within the target tissue and generating laterally propagating shear waves. Based on the echo signals of the ultrasound waves, the shear waves generated within the target tissue and their propagation parameters (such as propagation velocity, Young's modulus, etc., where Young's modulus can be calculated from the propagation velocity and tissue density) can be identified and detected, thereby obtaining two-dimensional shear wave elastography data. This two-dimensional shear wave elastography data can quantitatively and visually present the differences in tissue stiffness.

[0177] During three-dimensional shear wave elastography, three-dimensional tissue imaging can be performed simultaneously, allowing for the fusion and display of the three-dimensional shear wave elastography image and the three-dimensional tissue image. Specifically, the control array element column performs tissue imaging scans at different positions along a preset path, i.e., emitting ultrasonic waves to the target tissue, receiving the echo signals, and processing the echo signals through logarithmic compression, dynamic range adjustment, and digital scan transformation to obtain two-dimensional tissue data representing the morphological structure of the target tissue. By performing two-dimensional tissue imaging on multiple cross-sections of the target tissue at multiple different positions, two-dimensional tissue data for multiple cross-sections can be obtained. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the two-dimensional tissue images corresponding to multiple cross-sections yields a first three-dimensional tissue image of the target tissue, which is then fused and displayed with the first three-dimensional shear wave elastography image. Tissue imaging scans and shear wave elastography scans can be performed alternately, or a shear wave elastography scan can be performed after at least two tissue imaging scans.

[0178] In another embodiment, the motion control mechanism can also control the array element column to alternately enter a moving state and a stationary state along a preset path, and perform two-dimensional tissue imaging and two-dimensional shear wave elastic imaging in each stationary state. Since there is a moving state between each two adjacent stationary states, the position of the array element column is different in different stationary states, that is, different stationary states correspond to different cross-sections of the target tissue. Subsequently, a first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image is generated based on the two-dimensional shear wave elastic images corresponding to multiple cross-sections of the target tissue, and a first three-dimensional tissue image is generated based on the two-dimensional tissue images corresponding to multiple cross-sections of the target tissue.

[0179] Alternatively, the ultrasound probe can also be a matrix probe, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the matrix probe contains an element matrix, which includes multiple element columns. Different element columns correspond to different sections of the target tissue. During two-dimensional tissue imaging, the Nth element column in the element matrix can be controlled to emit ultrasound waves towards the target tissue, and the echo signals of the ultrasound waves can be received. Based on the echo signals, a first two-dimensional ultrasound image of the target tissue is generated. The Nth element column can be the first element column, the last element column, a middle element column, or any other element column in the element matrix.

[0180] In the process of three-dimensional shear wave elastography using a matrix probe, multiple array elements are controlled to emit second ultrasound waves toward the target tissue, and the echo signals of the second ultrasound waves are received. Since different array elements are located at different spatial positions, the ultrasound images generated based on the echo signals received by different array elements correspond to different sections of the target tissue.

[0181] Furthermore, multiple array elements of the matrix probe can be controlled to emit ultrasonic waves toward the target tissue, receive the echo signals of the ultrasonic waves, and generate two-dimensional tissue images of multiple sections of the target tissue based on the echo signals of the ultrasonic waves. By performing three-dimensional reconstruction on the two-dimensional tissue images of multiple sections of the target tissue, a first three-dimensional tissue image of the target tissue can be obtained.

[0182] The first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, the first three-dimensional tissue image, and the first two-dimensional tissue image acquired in the first stage targeting the target tissue can be stored in the memory of the ultrasound imaging system. Also stored is the position information of the array element column corresponding to the first two-dimensional tissue image. Alternatively, the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, the first three-dimensional tissue image, the first two-dimensional tissue image, and the position information of the array element column corresponding to the first two-dimensional tissue image can also be obtained through other methods.

[0183] In the second stage targeting the target tissue, the ultrasound probe emits a first ultrasound wave towards the target tissue, receives the echo signal of the first ultrasound wave, and generates multiple frames of real-time two-dimensional tissue images of the target tissue based on the echo signal. During the generation of these real-time two-dimensional tissue images, the multiple frames are matched with the first two-dimensional tissue image to identify a second two-dimensional tissue image that matches the first two-dimensional tissue image. When the real-time two-dimensional tissue image matches the first two-dimensional tissue image, it indicates that the current position of the ultrasound probe is consistent with the position when the first two-dimensional tissue image was acquired. Therefore, the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image acquired at the current position also corresponds to the same spatial position as the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, enabling accurate comparison of changes in the target tissue before and after treatment, which is of great significance for evaluating the treatment effect.

[0184] When the ultrasound probe is a volumetric probe, a preset position of the array element column within a preset path is determined when acquiring the first two-dimensional tissue image. A motion control mechanism moves the array element column to this preset position to acquire the echo signal of the first ultrasound wave. For example, if the array element column is located in the middle of the preset path when acquiring the first two-dimensional tissue image, the motion control mechanism will still move the array element column to the middle position of the preset path to acquire the echo signal of the first ultrasound wave when acquiring the real-time two-dimensional tissue image. When the ultrasound probe is a matrix probe, a target array element column is determined when acquiring the first two-dimensional tissue image, and the same target array element column is used to acquire the echo signal of the first ultrasound wave. For example, if the first two-dimensional tissue image is acquired through an array element column located in the middle position of the array element matrix, the ultrasound echo data will still be acquired through the array element column in the middle position when acquiring the real-time two-dimensional tissue image. This ensures that when the real-time two-dimensional tissue image matches the first two-dimensional tissue image, not only are the array element columns located in the same spatial position, but the ultrasound probe as a whole is also located in the same spatial position.

[0185] For example, the real-time two-dimensional tissue image and the first two-dimensional tissue image can be displayed on the same screen, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the first two-dimensional tissue image acquired before treatment is displayed on the left side of the display interface, while the real-time two-dimensional tissue image acquired after treatment is displayed on the right side. Matching the two can include calculating the similarity between the first two-dimensional tissue image and each frame of the real-time two-dimensional tissue image. When the similarity is higher than a preset threshold, it indicates that the current real-time two-dimensional tissue image matches the first two-dimensional tissue image, and the current real-time two-dimensional tissue image can be defined as the second two-dimensional tissue image. Alternatively, the user can compare the real-time two-dimensional tissue images displayed on the same screen with the first two-dimensional tissue image and manually select the second two-dimensional tissue image with a higher similarity to the first two-dimensional tissue image.

[0186] Next, in step S240, at the position of the ultrasound probe corresponding to the second two-dimensional tissue image, shear waves propagating within the target tissue are generated. The ultrasound probe is controlled to emit second ultrasonic waves tracking the shear waves to multiple sections of the target tissue, and the echo signals of the second ultrasonic waves are received. Based on the echo signals of the second ultrasonic waves, two-dimensional shear wave elastic images corresponding to multiple sections of the target tissue are generated. Here, the position of the ultrasound probe corresponding to the second two-dimensional tissue image refers to the position of the ultrasound probe housing. That is, during the generation of the two-dimensional shear wave elastic images corresponding to multiple sections of the target tissue, the position of the ultrasound probe housing is maintained or initially maintained at the position corresponding to the second two-dimensional tissue image. At this time, the position of the array of internal elements of the ultrasound probe may or may not move. Alternatively, using the position corresponding to the second two-dimensional tissue image as a base point or reference point, the ultrasound probe is moved to obtain a three-dimensional shear wave elastic image.

[0187] In this embodiment of the invention, the three-dimensional shear wave elastic image can be obtained by scanning with any probe used for three-dimensional imaging. When acquiring two-dimensional shear wave elastic images corresponding to multiple sections for three-dimensional shear wave elastic imaging, the ultrasound probe is generally held at the position corresponding to the second two-dimensional tissue image, while the array of elements can scan multiple sections of the target tissue in a moving or stationary manner. Alternatively, the ultrasound probe is initially held at the position corresponding to the second two-dimensional tissue image, and then the ultrasound probe housing is moved using the position corresponding to the second two-dimensional tissue image as a base point or reference point to obtain the three-dimensional shear wave elastic image.

[0188] When the ultrasound probe is a volumetric probe, a motion control mechanism within the probe controls the array of elements to move along a preset path within the probe. The array of elements emits the second ultrasonic wave towards the target tissue at different positions along the preset path and receives the echo signal of the second ultrasonic wave. For example, the motion control mechanism can control the array of elements to accelerate, move at a constant speed, and decelerate. During constant speed movement, the array of elements emits the second ultrasonic wave and receives the echo signal. Alternatively, the motion control mechanism can control the array of elements to alternately enter a moving state and a stationary state. In the stationary state, the array of elements emits the second ultrasonic wave and receives the echo signal. When the ultrasound probe is a matrix probe, multiple array of elements in the array matrix can be controlled to emit the second ultrasonic wave towards the target tissue and receive the echo signal. When the ultrasound probe is a conventional probe, the array of elements is moved by moving the ultrasound probe to emit a second ultrasound wave towards the target tissue and receive the echo signal of the second ultrasound wave. The movement of the ultrasound probe can be manually controlled or machine-controlled. The way the array of elements emits the second ultrasound wave towards the target tissue can be a horizontal scan along a preset direction or a sector scan based on a certain position; no specific limitation is made here. Next, in step S250, a second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image of the target tissue is generated based on the two-dimensional shear wave elastic images corresponding to multiple cross-sections of the target tissue. The specific method for generating the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image can be referred to the relevant description of the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image above, and will not be repeated here.

[0189] Since the ultrasound probe is located in the same spatial position when acquiring the second and first three-dimensional shear wave elastic images, they reflect the elastic information of the target tissue at the same spatial location. By comparing the second and first three-dimensional shear wave elastic images, changes in the target tissue at different stages can be reflected, thus revealing the therapeutic effect on the target tissue.

[0190] During the generation of the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, a three-dimensional tissue image of the target tissue can also be generated simultaneously, and the three-dimensional tissue image is fused with the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image for display. Specifically, when the ultrasound probe is a volumetric probe, the array element column is controlled to emit third ultrasound waves towards the target tissue at different positions along a preset path, the echo signals of the third ultrasound waves are received, and a third two-dimensional tissue image corresponding to multiple sections of the target tissue is generated based on the echo signals of the third ultrasound waves; a three-dimensional tissue image of the target tissue is then generated based on the third two-dimensional tissue images corresponding to the multiple sections of the target tissue. When the ultrasound probe is a matrix probe, different array element columns are controlled to sequentially emit third ultrasound waves towards the target tissue, the echo signals of the third ultrasound waves are received, and a third two-dimensional tissue image corresponding to multiple sections of the target tissue is generated based on the echo signals of the third ultrasound waves; a three-dimensional tissue image of the target tissue is then generated based on the third two-dimensional tissue images corresponding to the multiple sections of the target tissue. For example, the three-dimensional tissue image acquired in the first stage can be referred to as the first three-dimensional tissue image, and the three-dimensional tissue image acquired in the second stage can be referred to as the second three-dimensional tissue image.

[0191] Finally, in step S260, the changes in the target tissue at different stages are reflected by comparing the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image. The first and second three-dimensional shear wave elastic images can be displayed simultaneously on the same screen, allowing the user to understand the changes in the target tissue at different stages by observing the differences between them. Alternatively, a comparative analysis result of the target tissue between the first and second stages can be obtained based on the first and second three-dimensional shear wave elastic images, and this comparative analysis result can be displayed.

[0192] For example, the comparative analysis result obtained based on the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image can be an elastic change image reflecting the elastic changes of the target tissue. Specifically, such as Figure 8 As shown, a first three-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined in the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and a second three-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined in the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image; based on the first three-dimensional target region and the second three-dimensional target region, three-dimensional elastic change data of the target tissue is obtained; a three-dimensional elastic change image is generated based on the three-dimensional elastic change data and displayed.

[0193] Specifically, a threshold determination method can be used to determine the first three-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue in the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and the second three-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue in the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image. That is, regions with elastic values ​​exceeding a preset threshold are defined as regions corresponding to the target tissue. The preset threshold can be adjusted by the user. Then, the difference between the elastic values ​​of each pixel in the first and second three-dimensional target regions is calculated to obtain the three-dimensional elastic change data of the target tissue.

[0194] Alternatively, the elastic changes of the target tissue can be presented in a two-dimensional manner. In one embodiment, a target cross-section of interest can be selected from the obtained three-dimensional elastic change image, and the elastic changes of the selected target cross-section can be displayed in a two-dimensional manner. The user can select a two-dimensional display mode for elastic changes, in which case a first cross-section selection identifier can be displayed in the three-dimensional elastic change image. The first cross-section selection identifier is used to select the target cross-section of the target tissue; based on the first cross-section selection identifier, two-dimensional elastic change data corresponding to the target cross-section is extracted from the three-dimensional elastic change data; and a two-dimensional elastic change image is generated based on the two-dimensional elastic change data.

[0195] The first section selection indicator can be a two-dimensional auxiliary observation section, such as... Figure 9 As shown. Both the two-dimensional auxiliary observation section and the three-dimensional elastic change image can be translated and rotated. Users can move or rotate the auxiliary observation section or the three-dimensional elastic change image to place the auxiliary observation section at a position of interest. After selecting the target section corresponding to that position, a two-dimensional elastic change image of that target section is generated, as shown. Figure 9 As shown in the right-hand diagram.

[0196] Alternatively, a second section selection identifier for selecting the target section can be displayed in the first or second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image. Based on the second section selection identifier, a first two-dimensional shear wave image corresponding to the target section is extracted from the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and a second two-dimensional shear wave elastic image corresponding to the target section is extracted from the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image. A first two-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined in the first two-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and a second two-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined in the second two-dimensional shear wave elastic image. Two-dimensional elastic change data of the target section is obtained based on the first and second two-dimensional target regions. A two-dimensional elastic change image is generated based on the two-dimensional elastic change data and displayed.

[0197] like Figure 10As shown, the second cross-section selection identifier can also be a two-dimensional auxiliary observation cross-section. After activating the two-dimensional auxiliary observation cross-section, the two-dimensional auxiliary observation cross-section or the three-dimensional shear wave elastic image can be moved or rotated to select the target cross-section of interest, thereby obtaining the two-dimensional shear wave elastic data of the target cross-section at different stages. By performing a subtraction operation on the two-dimensional shear wave elastic data of different stages, the two-dimensional elastic change data of the target cross-section can be obtained.

[0198] In another embodiment, a third section selection identifier can be displayed in either the first or second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image. This third section selection identifier is used to select the target section of the target tissue. Based on the third section selection identifier, a first two-dimensional shear wave image corresponding to the target section is extracted from the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and a second two-dimensional shear wave elastic image corresponding to the target section is extracted from the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image. The first and second two-dimensional shear wave elastic images are displayed simultaneously on the same screen. Users can observe the differences between the first and second two-dimensional shear wave elastic images to determine the changes in the elastic distribution of the target section of the target tissue at different stages.

[0199] The one-dimensional display of the elasticity change of the target tissue is a supplement to the two-dimensional display. Specifically, a reference line can be set in the two-dimensional elasticity change image, and the one-dimensional elasticity change data corresponding to the reference line can be extracted from the two-dimensional elasticity change data. An elasticity change curve can then be generated and displayed based on the one-dimensional elasticity change data.

[0200] Or, such as Figure 11 As shown, a reference line can also be set in the first or second two-dimensional shear wave elastic image; the first elastic curve corresponding to the reference line is extracted from the first two-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and the second elastic curve corresponding to the reference line is extracted from the second two-dimensional shear wave elastic image. Then, as... Figure 12 As shown, the first elastic curve and the second elastic curve can be displayed simultaneously on the same screen, or an elastic change curve can be generated and displayed based on the first and second elastic curves. For example, the elastic values ​​corresponding to each position coordinate of the first and second elastic curves can be subtracted to obtain the elastic change value corresponding to each position coordinate, thereby generating the elastic change curve.

[0201] In addition to the images reflecting the elastic changes of the target tissue mentioned above, the comparative analysis results of the target tissue between the first and second stages can also reflect the morphological changes of the target tissue. Specifically, a third three-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined in the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and a fourth three-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined in the second three-dimensional shear wave data; based on the morphology of the third and fourth three-dimensional target regions, three-dimensional morphological change data of the target tissue is obtained; a three-dimensional morphological change image is generated and displayed based on the three-dimensional morphological change data.

[0202] One approach is to use a threshold determination method to identify the three-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue in the three-dimensional shear wave elastic image. Specifically, regions in the three-dimensional shear wave elastic image with elastic values ​​greater than a preset threshold are identified as the three-dimensional target regions corresponding to the target tissue. Then, the three-dimensional target regions can be binarized, setting them to 1 and other regions to 0. Boolean operations are then performed on the three-dimensional target regions at different stages to obtain a three-dimensional morphological change image of the target tissue. The preset threshold used in the threshold determination can be adjusted by the user.

[0203] Furthermore, morphological changes of the target tissue can also be presented using a two-dimensional display method. For example, such as Figure 13 As shown, a fourth section selection marker can be displayed in the 3D morphological change image. This marker is used to select the target section of the target tissue. Based on the fourth section selection marker, 2D morphological change data corresponding to the target section is extracted from the 3D morphological change data. A 2D morphological change image is generated and displayed based on the 2D morphological change data. The fourth section selection marker can be a 2D auxiliary observation section. Both the fourth section selection marker and the 3D morphological change image can be moved or rotated to allow the user to select the target section of interest.

[0204] Alternatively, a fifth section selection marker can be displayed in either the first or second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image. This marker is used to select the target section of the target tissue. Based on the fifth section selection marker, a third two-dimensional shear wave elastic image corresponding to the target section is extracted from the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and a fourth two-dimensional shear wave elastic image corresponding to the target section is extracted from the second three-dimensional shear wave data. A third two-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined in the third two-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and a fourth two-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined in the fourth two-dimensional shear wave elastic image. Two-dimensional morphological change data of the target tissue is obtained based on the morphology of the third and fourth two-dimensional target regions. A two-dimensional morphological change image is generated and displayed based on the two-dimensional morphological change data. The fifth section selection marker can be a two-dimensional auxiliary observation section. The fifth section selection marker, the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image can all be moved or rotated to allow the user to select the target section of interest. After selecting the target section, the two-dimensional morphology of the target tissue on the target section can be obtained through threshold determination, tracing, or other region selection methods. The obtained two-dimensional morphology of the target tissue is then binarized, and Boolean operations are performed on the two target regions to obtain a two-dimensional morphological change map of the target tissue.

[0205] Through the above methods, one-dimensional / two-dimensional / three-dimensional elastic images, elastic change images, morphological images, and morphological change images of the target tissue are obtained. The above information can be freely combined and presented, displaying one or more of them. Figure 14 An exemplary presentation method is shown, and the final presentation method can be selected according to the needs in actual use.

[0206] like Figure 14 As shown, it can simultaneously display a three-dimensional elastic change image, a three-dimensional morphological change image, a two-dimensional elastic change image, and an elastic change curve of the target tissue. The two-dimensional elastic change image changes in real time based on the selected cross-section in the three-dimensional elastic change image; the elastic change curve changes in real time based on the selected reference line in the two-dimensional elastic change image.

[0207] In summary, the ultrasound imaging method 200 of this invention performs three-dimensional shear wave elastography and two-dimensional tissue imaging on the target tissue at different stages. Based on the matching of the two-dimensional tissue images, a three-dimensional shear wave elastography image from the same viewpoint is found for comparison, thereby effectively evaluating the changes of the target tissue at different stages.

[0208] Another aspect of the present invention provides an ultrasound imaging method, such as... Figure 15 As shown, the ultrasound imaging method 1500 includes the following steps:

[0209] In step S1510, a first three-dimensional elastic image and a first two-dimensional tissue image of the target tissue are acquired. The first three-dimensional elastic image and the first two-dimensional tissue image are acquired in a first phase targeting the target tissue, and the first two-dimensional tissue image and the first three-dimensional elastic image correspond to the same ultrasound probe position.

[0210] In step S1520, in the second stage targeting the target tissue, multiple frames of real-time two-dimensional tissue images of the target tissue are acquired using an ultrasound probe;

[0211] In step S1530, the multi-frame real-time two-dimensional tissue images are matched with the first two-dimensional tissue image, and a second two-dimensional tissue image that matches the first two-dimensional tissue image is determined from the multi-frame real-time two-dimensional tissue images.

[0212] In step S1540, at the position of the ultrasound probe corresponding to the second two-dimensional tissue image, two-dimensional elastic images corresponding to multiple cross-sections of the target tissue are acquired;

[0213] In step S1550, a second three-dimensional elastic image of the target tissue is generated based on the two-dimensional elastic images corresponding to multiple cross-sections of the target tissue;

[0214] In step S1560, the first three-dimensional elastic image and the second three-dimensional elastic image are displayed on the same screen, and / or, based on the first three-dimensional elastic image and the second three-dimensional elastic image, the comparative analysis results of the target tissue between the first stage and the second stage are obtained and the comparative analysis results are displayed.

[0215] In the ultrasonic imaging method 1500, the first and second three-dimensional elastic images are three-dimensional shear wave elastic images, or they can also be three-dimensional strain elastic images. When the first and second three-dimensional elastic images are three-dimensional strain elastic images, if a volume probe is used, the array of elements can be controlled to generate at least two frames of two-dimensional tissue data for the current section at each position, thereby obtaining at least two frames of two-dimensional tissue data for each section. If a matrix probe is used, each array in the array element matrix can be controlled to generate at least two frames of two-dimensional tissue data for the current section, thereby obtaining at least two frames of two-dimensional tissue data for each section. By performing strain elastic imaging calculations on at least two frames of two-dimensional tissue data for each section, two-dimensional strain elastic data for each section can be obtained. By performing three-dimensional reconstruction on the two-dimensional strain elastic data of multiple sections, the three-dimensional strain elastic data of the target tissue can be obtained.

[0216] Strain-elastic imaging calculation refers to calculating the displacement at the same location in at least two frames of two-dimensional tissue data using relevant algorithms, i.e., the spatial positional change information of the target tissue at two different times. By calculating the axial gradient of the displacement, the strain value of each point in the target tissue can be obtained. Under the same stress state, the greater the strain, the softer the tissue; the smaller the strain, the harder the tissue. Tissue strain can be caused by external pressure or by the tissue itself. For example, the user can be prompted to use different pressure states on the volume probe during the scanning process to detect the strain generated by different pressure states and obtain two-dimensional strain-elastic data; alternatively, the strain caused by vascular pulsation or the strain caused by respiration can also be detected to obtain two-dimensional strain-elastic data.

[0217] In some embodiments, a speckle tracing method can be used to generate two-dimensional strain elastic data based on at least two frames of two-dimensional tissue data corresponding to the same cross-section. Specifically, the previous frame of two-dimensional tissue data can be defined as the reference frame, and the next frame of two-dimensional tissue data can be defined as the current frame. The displacement of the current frame relative to the reference frame is calculated using the speckle tracing method. That is, for a certain position in the reference frame data, a matching position is searched in the search region of the current frame data to obtain the displacement between the two positions. The strain magnitude of the tissue can be calculated from the obtained displacement information, thereby obtaining the two-dimensional strain elastic data. Exemplarily, the strain elastic imaging calculation can be based on the region of interest in the two-dimensional tissue data. The region of interest can be determined by the user or automatically determined by identifying the target tissue in the two-dimensional tissue data.

[0218] The ultrasound imaging method 1500 of this embodiment of the invention has many similar or identical details to the ultrasound imaging method 200 described above, which can be referred to above for details, and will not be repeated here.

[0219] Another aspect of the present invention provides an ultrasound imaging method, such as... Figure 16 As shown, the ultrasound imaging method 1600 includes the following steps:

[0220] In step S1610, during the second stage targeting the target tissue, multiple frames of real-time two-dimensional tissue images of the target tissue are generated in real time, and the real-time two-dimensional tissue images and the first two-dimensional tissue image of the target tissue are displayed on the same screen. The first two-dimensional tissue image was acquired during the first stage targeting the target tissue.

[0221] In step S1620, the multi-frame real-time two-dimensional tissue images are matched with the first two-dimensional tissue image, and a second two-dimensional tissue image that matches the first two-dimensional tissue image is determined from the multi-frame real-time two-dimensional tissue images.

[0222] In step S1630, at the position of the ultrasound probe corresponding to the second two-dimensional tissue image, a second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image of the target tissue is generated;

[0223] In step S1640, a first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image of the target tissue acquired in the first stage of the target tissue is obtained, and the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image are displayed on the same screen; and / or, based on the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, a comparative analysis result of the target tissue between the first stage and the second stage is obtained, and the comparative analysis result is displayed.

[0224] In addition to displaying the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image on the same screen, a third section selection identifier can also be displayed in the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and / or the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image. The third section selection identifier is used to select the target section of the target tissue. Based on the third section selection identifier, the first two-dimensional shear wave image corresponding to the target section is extracted from the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and the second two-dimensional shear wave elastic image corresponding to the target section is extracted from the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image. The first two-dimensional shear wave elastic image and the second two-dimensional shear wave elastic image are displayed on the same screen.

[0225] In one embodiment, the comparative analysis results are used to reflect the elasticity changes of the target tissue. These results can be presented in a three-dimensional manner. Specifically, a three-dimensional elasticity change image of the target tissue is displayed, reflecting the elasticity changes of the target tissue between a first stage and a second stage.

[0226] Alternatively, the comparative analysis results can be presented in a two-dimensional manner. Specifically, a first section selection marker can be displayed in the three-dimensional elastic change image, used to select the target section of the target tissue; based on the first section selection marker, a two-dimensional elastic change image corresponding to the target section is displayed. Alternatively, a second section selection marker can be displayed in the first or second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, used to select the target section of the target tissue; based on the second section selection marker, a first two-dimensional shear wave image corresponding to the target section is extracted from the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and a second two-dimensional shear wave elastic image corresponding to the target section is extracted from the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image; a first two-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined in the first two-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and a second two-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined in the second two-dimensional shear wave elastic image; two-dimensional elastic change data of the target section is obtained based on the first and second two-dimensional target regions; a two-dimensional elastic change image is generated based on the two-dimensional elastic change data and displayed.

[0227] In one embodiment, the comparative analysis results can be presented in a one-dimensional manner. This involves setting a reference line in a two-dimensional elastic change image and displaying the one-dimensional elastic change curve corresponding to the reference line. Alternatively, a reference line can be set in a first two-dimensional shear wave elastic image and / or a second two-dimensional shear wave elastic image; a first elastic curve corresponding to the reference line can be extracted from the first two-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and a second elastic curve corresponding to the reference line can be extracted from the second two-dimensional shear wave elastic image; the first elastic curve and the second elastic curve can be displayed simultaneously on the same screen; and / or, an elastic change curve can be generated based on the first elastic curve and the second elastic curve, and the elastic change curve can be displayed.

[0228] In another embodiment, the comparative analysis results are used to reflect the morphological changes of the target tissue. Specifically, a third three-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue can be determined in the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and a fourth three-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue can be determined in the second three-dimensional shear wave data. Based on the morphology of the third and fourth three-dimensional target regions, three-dimensional morphological change data of the target tissue is obtained. A three-dimensional morphological change image is generated based on the three-dimensional morphological change data and displayed.

[0229] Furthermore, a fourth section selection identifier can be displayed in the three-dimensional morphological change image. The fourth section selection identifier is used to select the target section of the target tissue. Based on the fourth section selection identifier, two-dimensional morphological change data corresponding to the target section is extracted from the three-dimensional morphological change data. A two-dimensional morphological change image is generated based on the two-dimensional morphological change data and displayed.

[0230] Alternatively, a fifth section selection identifier can be displayed in the first and / or second three-dimensional shear wave elastic images. This fifth section selection identifier is used to select the target section of the target tissue. Based on the fifth section selection identifier, a third two-dimensional shear wave elastic image corresponding to the target section is extracted from the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and a fourth two-dimensional shear wave elastic image corresponding to the target section is extracted from the second three-dimensional shear wave data. A third two-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined in the third two-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and a fourth two-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined in the fourth two-dimensional shear wave elastic image. Two-dimensional morphological change data of the target tissue is obtained based on the morphology of the third and fourth two-dimensional target regions. A two-dimensional morphological change image is generated based on the two-dimensional morphological change data and displayed.

[0231] Through the above methods, one-dimensional / two-dimensional / three-dimensional elasticity images, elastic change images, morphological images, and morphological change images of the target tissue are obtained. This information can be freely combined and presented, displaying one or more of these elements. For example, a three-dimensional elasticity change image, a three-dimensional morphological change image, a two-dimensional elasticity change image, and an elasticity change curve of the target tissue can be displayed simultaneously. The two-dimensional elasticity change image can change in real time based on the changes in the selected cross-section in the three-dimensional elasticity change image; the elasticity change curve can change in real time based on the changes in the selected reference line in the two-dimensional elasticity change image.

[0232] The ultrasound imaging method 1600 of this invention has many similar or identical details to the ultrasound imaging method 200 described above, which can be referred to above for details, and will not be repeated here.

[0233] This invention also provides an ultrasound imaging system for implementing the ultrasound imaging methods 200, 1500, and 1600 described above. (Refer to...) Figure 1 The ultrasound imaging system 100 includes an ultrasound probe 110, a transmitting circuit 112, a receiving circuit 114, a processor 116, and a display 118. Optionally, the ultrasound imaging system 100 may also include a transmit / receive selection switch 120, a beamforming module 122, and a memory 124. The transmitting circuit 112 and the receiving circuit 114 can be connected to the ultrasound probe 110 through the transmit / receive selection switch 120.

[0234] The ultrasound probe 110 can be a volume probe or a matrix probe; the transmitting circuit 112 is used to excite the array of elements in the ultrasound probe 110 to emit ultrasound waves toward the target tissue; the receiving circuit 114 is used to control the array of elements to receive the echo of the ultrasound waves and obtain the echo signal of the ultrasound waves; the processor 116 is used to execute ultrasound imaging method 200, ultrasound imaging method 1500 and ultrasound imaging method 1600; and the display 118 is used to display ultrasound images or comparative analysis results.

[0235] The above only describes the main functions of each component of the ultrasound imaging system 100. More specific details of the ultrasound imaging system 100 can be found above and will not be repeated here.

[0236] 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.

[0237] 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.

[0238] 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.

[0239] 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.

[0240] 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, this approach 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.

[0241] 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.

[0242] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that although some embodiments described herein include certain features but not others included in other embodiments, combinations of features from different embodiments are intended 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.

[0243] 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 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 some 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.

[0244] 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 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.

[0245] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention or an explanation of that embodiment. 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 technical scope 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. An ultrasound imaging method, characterized in that, The method includes: A first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and a first two-dimensional tissue image of the target tissue are acquired. The first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and the first two-dimensional tissue image are acquired in a first stage targeting the target tissue, and the first two-dimensional tissue image and the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image correspond to the same ultrasound probe position. In the second stage targeting the target tissue, the ultrasound probe is controlled to emit a first ultrasound wave toward the target tissue, the echo signal of the first ultrasound wave is received, and a multi-frame real-time two-dimensional tissue image of the target tissue is generated based on the echo signal of the first ultrasound wave. The multi-frame real-time two-dimensional tissue images are matched with the first two-dimensional tissue image, and a second two-dimensional tissue image that matches the first two-dimensional tissue image is determined from the multi-frame real-time two-dimensional tissue images. At the position of the ultrasound probe corresponding to the second two-dimensional tissue image, a shear wave propagating within the target tissue is generated. The ultrasound probe is controlled to emit a second ultrasound wave that tracks the shear wave to multiple sections of the target tissue. The echo signal of the second ultrasound wave is received, and a two-dimensional shear wave elastic image corresponding to multiple sections of the target tissue is generated based on the echo signal of the second ultrasound wave. A second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image of the target tissue is generated based on the two-dimensional shear wave elastic images corresponding to multiple cross-sections of the target tissue. The first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image are displayed on the same screen; and / or, based on the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, a comparative analysis result of the target tissue between the first stage and the second stage is obtained, and the comparative analysis result is displayed.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasonic probe is a volumetric probe, and the volumetric probe is equipped with a motion control mechanism and an array of elements. The method of controlling the ultrasound probe to emit second ultrasound waves that track the shear waves to multiple sections of the target tissue, and receiving the echo signals of the second ultrasound waves, includes: The motion control mechanism controls the array of elements to move along a preset path within the volume probe, and different positions of the preset path correspond to different sections of the target tissue. The array of elements is controlled to emit the second ultrasonic wave toward the target tissue at different positions along the preset path, and the echo signal of the second ultrasonic wave is received.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of controlling the array of elements to move along a preset path within the volume probe via the motion control mechanism includes: The motion control mechanism controls the array of elements to perform accelerated, uniform, and decelerated motion. The method of controlling the array element array to emit the second ultrasonic wave toward the target tissue at different positions along the preset path and receiving the echo signal of the second ultrasonic wave includes: during the uniform motion, controlling the array element array to emit the second ultrasonic wave and receiving the echo signal of the second ultrasonic wave.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: determining a preset position of the array element column in the preset path when acquiring the first two-dimensional tissue image; The control of the ultrasound probe to emit a first ultrasound wave toward the target tissue and to receive the echo signal of the first ultrasound wave includes: The motion control mechanism controls the array element column to move to the preset position, and at the preset position, controls the array element column to emit the first ultrasonic wave toward the target tissue and receive the echo signal of the first ultrasonic wave.

5. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: The array of elements is controlled to emit a third ultrasonic wave toward the target tissue at different positions along the preset path, the echo signal of the third ultrasonic wave is received, and a third two-dimensional tissue image corresponding to multiple cross-sections of the target tissue is generated based on the echo signal of the third ultrasonic wave. A three-dimensional tissue image of the target tissue is generated based on the third two-dimensional tissue image corresponding to multiple cross-sections of the target tissue, and the three-dimensional tissue image is fused with the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image for display.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasound probe is a matrix probe, and the matrix probe is provided with an array element matrix. The array element matrix includes multiple array element columns, and different array element columns correspond to different sections of the target tissue. The method of controlling the ultrasound probe to emit second ultrasound waves that track the shear waves to multiple sections of the target tissue, and receiving the echo signals of the second ultrasound waves, includes: The system controls multiple array elements to emit the second ultrasonic wave toward the target tissue and receives the echo signal of the second ultrasonic wave.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: determining a target array element column for acquiring the first two-dimensional tissue image among the plurality of array element columns; The control of the ultrasound probe to emit a first ultrasound wave toward the target tissue and to receive the echo signal of the first ultrasound wave includes: The target array element is controlled to emit the first ultrasonic wave toward the target tissue, and the echo signal of the first ultrasonic wave is received.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: The different array elements are controlled to sequentially emit third ultrasonic waves toward the target tissue, the echo signals of the third ultrasonic waves are received, and a third two-dimensional tissue image corresponding to multiple cross-sections of the target tissue is generated based on the echo signals of the third ultrasonic waves. A three-dimensional tissue image of the target tissue is generated based on the third two-dimensional tissue image corresponding to multiple cross-sections of the target tissue, and the three-dimensional tissue image is fused with the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image for display.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method involves obtaining comparative analysis results of the target tissue between the first and second stages based on the first and second three-dimensional shear wave elastic images, and displaying the comparative analysis results, including: A first three-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined in the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and a second three-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined in the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image; Based on the first three-dimensional target region and the second three-dimensional target region, the three-dimensional elastic change data of the target tissue are obtained; A three-dimensional elastic change image is generated based on the three-dimensional elastic change data, and the three-dimensional elastic change image is displayed.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The step of obtaining and displaying the comparative analysis results of the target tissue between the first and second stages based on the first and second three-dimensional shear wave elastic images, further includes: A first section selection identifier is displayed in the three-dimensional elastic change image; the first section selection identifier is used to select the target section of the target tissue. Based on the first section selection identifier, extract the two-dimensional elastic change data corresponding to the target section from the three-dimensional elastic change data; A two-dimensional elastic change image is generated based on the two-dimensional elastic change data, and the two-dimensional elastic change image is displayed.

11. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method involves obtaining comparative analysis results of the target tissue between the first and second stages based on the first and second three-dimensional shear wave elastic images, and displaying the comparative analysis results, including: A second section selection identifier is displayed in the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and / or the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, the second section selection identifier being used to select the target section of the target tissue; Based on the second section selection identifier, the first two-dimensional shear wave image corresponding to the target section is extracted from the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and the second two-dimensional shear wave elastic image corresponding to the target section is extracted from the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image. In the first two-dimensional shear wave elastic image, a first two-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined, and in the second two-dimensional shear wave elastic image, a second two-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined; Two-dimensional elastic variation data of the target cross section are obtained based on the first two-dimensional target region and the second two-dimensional target region; A two-dimensional elastic change image is generated based on the two-dimensional elastic change data, and the two-dimensional elastic change image is displayed.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The step of obtaining and displaying the comparative analysis results of the target tissue between the first and second stages based on the first and second three-dimensional shear wave elastic images, further includes: A reference line is set in the two-dimensional elastic change image, and the one-dimensional elastic change data corresponding to the reference line is extracted from the two-dimensional elastic change data. An elastic change curve is generated based on the one-dimensional elastic change data, and the elastic change curve is displayed.

13. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method involves obtaining comparative analysis results of the target tissue between the first and second stages based on the first and second three-dimensional shear wave elastic images, and displaying the comparative analysis results, including: A third section selection identifier is displayed in the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and / or the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, the third section selection identifier being used to select the target section of the target tissue; Based on the third section selection identifier, the first two-dimensional shear wave image corresponding to the target section is extracted from the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and the second two-dimensional shear wave elastic image corresponding to the target section is extracted from the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image. The first two-dimensional shear wave elastic image and the second two-dimensional shear wave elastic image are displayed on the same screen.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: Reference lines are set in the first two-dimensional shear wave elastic image and / or the second two-dimensional shear wave elastic image; Extract the first elastic curve corresponding to the reference line from the first two-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and extract the second elastic curve corresponding to the reference line from the second two-dimensional shear wave elastic image; The first elastic curve and the second elastic curve are displayed on the same screen, and / or an elastic change curve is generated based on the first elastic curve and the second elastic curve, and the elastic change curve is displayed.

15. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method involves obtaining comparative analysis results of the target tissue between the first and second stages based on the first and second three-dimensional shear wave elastic images, and displaying the comparative analysis results, including: A third three-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined in the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and a fourth three-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined in the second three-dimensional shear wave data; Based on the morphology of the third and fourth three-dimensional target regions, the three-dimensional morphological change data of the target tissue are obtained; A three-dimensional morphological change image is generated based on the three-dimensional morphological change data, and the three-dimensional morphological change image is displayed.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The step of obtaining and displaying the comparative analysis results of the target tissue between the first and second stages based on the first and second three-dimensional shear wave elastic images, further includes: A fourth section selection marker is displayed in the three-dimensional morphological change image; the fourth section selection marker is used to select the target section of the target tissue. Based on the fourth cross-section selection identifier, extract the two-dimensional morphological change data corresponding to the target cross-section from the three-dimensional morphological change data; A two-dimensional morphological change image is generated based on the two-dimensional morphological change data, and the two-dimensional morphological change image is displayed.

17. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method involves obtaining comparative analysis results of the target tissue between the first and second stages based on the first and second three-dimensional shear wave elastic images, and displaying the comparative analysis results, including: A fifth section selection identifier is displayed in the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and / or the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, the fifth section selection identifier being used to select the target section of the target tissue; Based on the fifth section selection identifier, the third two-dimensional shear wave elastic image corresponding to the target section is extracted from the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and the fourth two-dimensional shear wave elastic image corresponding to the target section is extracted from the second three-dimensional shear wave data. In the third two-dimensional shear wave elastic image, the third two-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined, and in the fourth two-dimensional shear wave elastic image, the fourth two-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined; The two-dimensional morphological change data of the target tissue are obtained based on the morphology of the third two-dimensional target region and the morphology of the fourth two-dimensional target region. A two-dimensional morphological change image is generated based on the two-dimensional morphological change data, and the two-dimensional morphological change image is displayed.

18. An ultrasound imaging method, characterized in that, The method includes: A first three-dimensional elastic image and a first two-dimensional tissue image of the target tissue are acquired. The first three-dimensional elastic image and the first two-dimensional tissue image are acquired in a first phase targeting the target tissue, and the first two-dimensional tissue image and the first three-dimensional elastic image correspond to the same ultrasound probe position. In the second phase targeting the target tissue, multiple frames of real-time two-dimensional tissue images of the target tissue are acquired using an ultrasound probe; The multi-frame real-time two-dimensional tissue images are matched with the first two-dimensional tissue image, and a second two-dimensional tissue image that matches the first two-dimensional tissue image is determined from the multi-frame real-time two-dimensional tissue images. At the location of the ultrasound probe corresponding to the second two-dimensional tissue image, two-dimensional elastic images corresponding to multiple cross-sections of the target tissue are acquired; A second three-dimensional elastic image of the target tissue is generated based on the two-dimensional elastic images corresponding to multiple cross-sections of the target tissue. The first three-dimensional elastic image and the second three-dimensional elastic image are displayed on the same screen; and / or, based on the first three-dimensional elastic image and the second three-dimensional elastic image, a comparative analysis result of the target tissue between the first stage and the second stage is obtained, and the comparative analysis result is displayed.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The first three-dimensional elastic image and the second three-dimensional elastic image are three-dimensional shear wave elastic images, or the first three-dimensional elastic image and the second three-dimensional elastic image are three-dimensional strain elastic images.

20. An ultrasound imaging method, characterized in that, The method includes: In the second phase targeting the target tissue, multiple real-time two-dimensional tissue images of the target tissue are generated in real time, and the real-time two-dimensional tissue images and the first two-dimensional tissue image of the target tissue are displayed on the same screen. The first two-dimensional tissue image was acquired in the first phase targeting the target tissue. The multi-frame real-time two-dimensional tissue images are matched with the first two-dimensional tissue image, and a second two-dimensional tissue image that matches the first two-dimensional tissue image is determined from the multi-frame real-time two-dimensional tissue images. At the location of the ultrasound probe corresponding to the second two-dimensional tissue image, a second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image of the target tissue is generated; Acquire a first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image of the target tissue during the first stage of the target tissue acquisition; The first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image are displayed on the same screen; and / or, based on the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, a comparative analysis result of the target tissue between the first stage and the second stage is obtained, and the comparative analysis result is displayed.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The display of the comparative analysis results includes: displaying a three-dimensional elasticity change image of the target tissue, the three-dimensional elasticity change image reflecting the elasticity change of the target tissue between the first stage and the second stage.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The display of the comparative analysis results also includes: A first section selection identifier is displayed in the three-dimensional elastic change image; the first section selection identifier is used to select the target section of the target tissue. Based on the first section selection identifier, a two-dimensional elastic change image corresponding to the target section is displayed.

23. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The method involves obtaining comparative analysis results of the target tissue between the first and second stages based on the first and second three-dimensional shear wave elastic images, and displaying the comparative analysis results, including: A second section selection identifier is displayed in the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and / or the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, the second section selection identifier being used to select the target section of the target tissue; Based on the second section selection identifier, the first two-dimensional shear wave image corresponding to the target section is extracted from the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and the second two-dimensional shear wave elastic image corresponding to the target section is extracted from the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image. In the first two-dimensional shear wave elastic image, a first two-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined, and in the second two-dimensional shear wave elastic image, a second two-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined; Two-dimensional elastic variation data of the target cross section are obtained based on the first two-dimensional target region and the second two-dimensional target region; A two-dimensional elastic change image is generated based on the two-dimensional elastic change data, and the two-dimensional elastic change image is displayed.

24. The method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that, The display of the comparative analysis results also includes: A reference line is set in the two-dimensional elastic change image, and a one-dimensional elastic change curve corresponding to the reference line is displayed.

25. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The method involves obtaining comparative analysis results of the target tissue between the first and second stages based on the first and second three-dimensional shear wave elastic images, and displaying the comparative analysis results, including: A third section selection identifier is displayed in the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and / or the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, the third section selection identifier being used to select the target section of the target tissue; Based on the third section selection identifier, the first two-dimensional shear wave image corresponding to the target section is extracted from the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and the second two-dimensional shear wave elastic image corresponding to the target section is extracted from the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image. The first two-dimensional shear wave elastic image and the second two-dimensional shear wave elastic image are displayed on the same screen.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that, The method further includes: Reference lines are set in the first two-dimensional shear wave elastic image and / or the second two-dimensional shear wave elastic image; Extract the first elastic curve corresponding to the reference line from the first two-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and extract the second elastic curve corresponding to the reference line from the second two-dimensional shear wave elastic image; The first elastic curve and the second elastic curve are displayed on the same screen, and / or an elastic change curve is generated based on the first elastic curve and the second elastic curve, and the elastic change curve is displayed.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that, The method involves obtaining comparative analysis results of the target tissue between the first and second stages based on the first and second three-dimensional shear wave elastic images, and displaying the comparative analysis results, including: A third three-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined in the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and a fourth three-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined in the second three-dimensional shear wave data; Based on the morphology of the third and fourth three-dimensional target regions, the three-dimensional morphological change data of the target tissue are obtained; A three-dimensional morphological change image is generated based on the three-dimensional morphological change data, and the three-dimensional morphological change image is displayed.

28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that, The step of obtaining and displaying the comparative analysis results of the target tissue between the first and second stages based on the first and second three-dimensional shear wave elastic images, further includes: A fourth section selection marker is displayed in the three-dimensional morphological change image; the fourth section selection marker is used to select the target section of the target tissue. Based on the fourth cross-section selection identifier, extract the two-dimensional morphological change data corresponding to the target cross-section from the three-dimensional morphological change data; A two-dimensional morphological change image is generated based on the two-dimensional morphological change data, and the two-dimensional morphological change image is displayed.

29. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The method involves obtaining comparative analysis results of the target tissue between the first and second stages based on the first and second three-dimensional shear wave elastic images, and displaying the comparative analysis results, including: A fifth section selection identifier is displayed in the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image and / or the second three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, the fifth section selection identifier being used to select the target section of the target tissue; Based on the fifth section selection identifier, the third two-dimensional shear wave elastic image corresponding to the target section is extracted from the first three-dimensional shear wave elastic image, and the fourth two-dimensional shear wave elastic image corresponding to the target section is extracted from the second three-dimensional shear wave data. In the third two-dimensional shear wave elastic image, the third two-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined, and in the fourth two-dimensional shear wave elastic image, the fourth two-dimensional target region corresponding to the target tissue is determined; The two-dimensional morphological change data of the target tissue are obtained based on the morphology of the third two-dimensional target region and the morphology of the fourth two-dimensional target region. A two-dimensional morphological change image is generated based on the two-dimensional morphological change data, and the two-dimensional morphological change image is displayed.

30. An ultrasound imaging system, characterized in that, The ultrasound imaging system includes: Ultrasonic probe; A transmitting circuit is used to excite the ultrasound probe to emit ultrasound waves toward the target tissue. A receiving circuit is used to control the ultrasonic probe to receive the echo of the ultrasonic wave and obtain the echo signal of the ultrasonic wave. A processor for performing the ultrasound imaging method according to any one of claims 1-29; A display for showing the ultrasound images generated by the processor.

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