An ultrasonic device and a spatial composite method for ultrasonic imaging.

Abstract

This application provides an ultrasonic device and a spatial composite method for ultrasonic imaging to solve the problem of grating lobe artifacts during spatial composite. The method includes: determining the imaging area and a preset deflection angle when the user selects a target probe for ultrasonic scanning; for each preset deflection angle, determining the scanning angle of the edge beam scanning lines emitted by two edge sub-elements of the target probe, wherein at each preset deflection angle, the area between the two edge beam scanning lines covers the imaging area, and the convergence point of the two edge beam scanning lines is on the center line of the imaging area; based on the convergence point, determining the scanning angle of the intermediate beam scanning lines corresponding to multiple intermediate sub-elements of the target probe; acquiring ultrasonic data obtained after ultrasonic scanning of the object to be tested based on the beam scanning lines corresponding to the scanning angles of each sub-element; and spatially composited the image data at the same location in the ultrasonic data to obtain a composite image.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of ultrasound technology, and in particular to an ultrasound device and a spatial composite method for ultrasound imaging. Background Technology

[0002] Trapezoidal imaging creates a trapezoidal imaging region by expanding the scanning angle on top of the existing linear array rectangular imaging area. Traditional T-type imaging, on the other hand, adds multiple spatially composite angles to the original scan line emission deflection angle. Each scan position adds the same but different deflection angle to the original scan angle, forming images with different deflection angles. Furthermore, because traditional methods create stitching gaps at the boundaries when combining images from multiple spatially composite angles, they are prone to raster lobe artifacts. In addition, the more composite images and the larger the deflection angle, the more complex the stitching becomes. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides an ultrasonic device and a spatial composite method for ultrasonic imaging to solve the problem of grating lobe artifacts during spatial composite.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an ultrasonic device, comprising:

[0005] The processor is configured to determine the imaging area and a preset deflection angle when the user selects the target probe for ultrasound scanning; for each preset deflection angle, determine the scanning angle of the edge beam scanning lines emitted by the two edge sub-elements of the target probe, wherein at each preset deflection angle, the area between the two edge beam scanning lines covers the imaging area, and the convergence point of the two edge beam scanning lines is on the center line of the imaging area; based on the convergence point, determine the scanning angle of the intermediate beam scanning lines corresponding to the multiple intermediate sub-elements of the target probe; wherein each intermediate beam scanning line converges at the convergence point.

[0006] The target probe is used to perform ultrasonic scanning on the object to be detected based on the beam scanning lines corresponding to the determined scanning angles of each sub-array element, and to send the received ultrasonic data to the processor.

[0007] The processor is further configured to spatially composite ultrasound image data at the same location based on the ultrasound data to obtain a composite image of the imaging region.

[0008] The display is used to display the composite image.

[0009] Based on the above scheme, under the premise of determining the imaging area, by adjusting the scanning angle of different scanning lines, the ability to suppress noise in the spatial composite image can be improved, and the stitching gaps of multiple angles in traditional trapezoidal imaging spatial composite can be reduced.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the imaging region is a trapezoidal imaging region, and the target probe is located above the short side of the trapezoidal imaging region.

[0011] In one possible implementation, before spatially combining image data at the same location based on the ultrasound data, the processor is further configured to: convert the image data at the second deflection angle to the coordinate system corresponding to the first deflection angle based on a preset transformation relationship, thereby obtaining image data at the second deflection angle in the coordinate system corresponding to the first deflection angle; wherein, the first deflection angle is the maximum positive deflection angle among the preset deflection angles, and the second deflection angle is any other deflection angle among the preset deflection angles besides the maximum positive deflection angle, and at the maximum positive deflection angle, the edge beam scanning lines emitted by the two edge subarray elements coincide with the edge of the trapezoidal imaging region.

[0012] In one possible implementation, when the processor determines the scanning angle of the edge beam scanning lines emitted by the two edge sub-elements of the target probe based on each preset deflection angle, it is specifically used to: determine the angle corresponding to the overlap between the edge beam scanning lines emitted by the two edge sub-elements and the trapezoidal imaging region based on the first deflection angle as the first scanning angle; the first deflection angle is the maximum positive deflection angle among the preset deflection angles;

[0013] For the second deflection angle, the angle difference between the first deflection angle and the second deflection angle is determined, and the scanning angle obtained by rotating the first scanning angle by the angle difference is used as the second scanning angle of the edge beam scanning line emitted by the two edge sub-elements of the target probe; the second deflection angle is any other deflection angle among the preset deflection angles except for the maximum positive deflection angle.

[0014] In one possible implementation, when the processor determines the scanning angle of the intermediate beam scan line corresponding to each of the multiple intermediate sub-elements of the target probe based on the convergence point, it specifically performs the following steps: taking the difference between the first scanning angles of the edge beam scan lines emitted by the two edge sub-elements as a first angle difference; determining the first scanning angle of the intermediate beam scan line corresponding to each intermediate sub-elements based on the convergence point corresponding to the first scanning angle of the edge beam scan lines emitted by the two edge sub-elements, the first angle difference, and the number of intermediate sub-elements; taking the difference between the second scanning angles of the edge beam scan lines emitted by the two edge sub-elements as a second angle difference; and determining the second scanning angle of the intermediate beam scan line corresponding to each intermediate sub-elements based on the convergence point corresponding to the second scanning angle of the edge beam scan lines emitted by the two edge sub-elements, the second angle difference, and the number of intermediate sub-elements.

[0015] In one possible implementation, when the processor spatially composites ultrasound image data at the same location based on the ultrasound data, it specifically performs the following: for the image data at the same location within the imaging area, the image data at the same location corresponding to the second deflection angle in the coordinate system corresponding to the first deflection angle are weighted together with the image data at the same location corresponding to the first deflection angle to obtain composite image data at the same location.

[0016] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a spatial composite method for ultrasound imaging, including:

[0017] Determine the imaging area and preset deflection angle when the user selects the target probe for ultrasound scanning;

[0018] For each preset deflection angle, the scanning angle of the edge beam scanning lines emitted by the two edge sub-elements of the target probe is determined. Under each preset deflection angle, the area between the two edge beam scanning lines covers the imaging area, and the convergence point of the two edge beam scanning lines is on the center line of the imaging area.

[0019] Based on the convergence point, the scanning angle of the intermediate beam scanning line corresponding to the multiple intermediate sub-elements of the target probe is determined; wherein, the intermediate beam scanning lines converge at the convergence point;

[0020] The ultrasonic data is obtained by performing ultrasonic scanning on the object to be tested using a beam scan line with a defined scanning angle corresponding to each subarray element.

[0021] By spatially combining image data from the same location in the ultrasound data, a composite image of the imaging region is obtained.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the second determining unit, when determining the scanning angle of the intermediate beam scan line corresponding to the multiple intermediate sub-elements of the target probe based on the convergence point, is specifically used for:

[0023] The difference between the first scanning angles of the edge beam scanning lines emitted by the two edge sub-elements is taken as the first angle difference;

[0024] The first scanning angle of the middle beam scan line corresponding to each middle sub-element is determined based on the convergence point corresponding to the first scanning angle of the edge beam scan line emitted by the two edge sub-elements, the first angle difference, and the number of middle sub-elements.

[0025] The difference between the second scanning angles of the edge beam scanning lines emitted by the two edge sub-elements is taken as the second angle difference;

[0026] The second scanning angle of the intermediate beam scan line corresponding to each intermediate sub-element is determined based on the convergence point corresponding to the second scanning angle of the edge beam scan line emitted by the two edge sub-elements, the second angle difference, and the number of intermediate sub-elements.

[0027] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide an execution device, including:

[0028] Memory, used to store program instructions;

[0029] A processor is configured to invoke program instructions stored in the memory and execute the methods described in the second aspect and different implementations of the second aspect according to the obtained program instructions.

[0030] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium including computer instructions, wherein when executed by a computer, the computer program instructions cause the computer to perform the methods described in the second aspect and different implementations of the second aspect.

[0031] Furthermore, for the beneficial effects of the second to fourth aspects and their different implementations, please refer to the first aspect and the different implementations of the first aspect, which will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0032] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0033] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a conventional trapezoidal imaging spatial composite method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a conventional trapezoidal imaging result provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 3 This application scenario provides an optional spatial composite method for ultrasound imaging in an embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure 4 This provides another optional application scenario for the spatial composite method of ultrasound imaging provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0037] Figure 5 A flowchart of a spatial composite method for ultrasound imaging provided in this application embodiment;

[0038] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the edge beam scan line at the first deflection angle provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0039] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the edge beam scan line at the second deflection angle provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the edge beam scanning line at another second deflection angle provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a convergence point provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a beam scanning line provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of coordinate transformation provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a spatial composite device for ultrasonic imaging provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0046] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0047] It should be noted that relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0048] Linear scanning is a commonly used clinical scanning method due to its good spatial resolution, especially the consistent spatial resolution between the front and rear fields, and it is particularly widely used in the examination of superficial lesions. However, due to the size of the ultrasound probe and the imaging method, the field of view and range of imaging are limited, so it cannot fully display the entirety of larger lesions. To solve this problem, trapezoidal imaging is generally used. Trapezoidal imaging involves expanding the scanning angle to create a trapezoidal imaging area on top of the original rectangular imaging area.

[0049] Considering the final image quality of trapezoidal imaging, spatial compositing is usually enabled simultaneously when trapezoidal imaging is activated. Multi-angle spatial compositing is an important technique for improving the quality of B-mode ultrasound imaging. The ultrasound probe performs multi-angle scanning and receives echo signals from different directions at the front end. The back-end equipment processes the echo signals from different angles to obtain ultrasound images, and then combines these ultrasound images from different angles to obtain a new image containing multi-angle information. Since the target signals obtained from different angles have strong correlation, but speckle noise has weak correlation, the target signal is enhanced and the speckle noise is reduced after combining multiple angle images, thereby improving image clarity.

[0050] Traditional spatial compositing technology fuses data from multiple angles to obtain composite frame images. In this multi-angle data, the angle of each beam scan line in a single frame image is fixed, meaning the scanning imaging method is a parallelogram. Because the scanning areas of the multiple frames are different, the number of superimposed frames in different regions of the composite image varies. Therefore, the imaging effect of different regions in the composite image will differ, and there will be obvious stitching marks at the imaging boundaries.

[0051] Figure 1Traditional trapezoidal imaging spatial compositing methods require that, after enabling spatial compositing, the emission lines need to be deflected at an angle beyond the original trapezoidal imaging extension angle, and the deflection angle is the same for each emission line. Since the spatial compositing angle is generally set to be positive and negative symmetrical, different deflection angles will form different image imaging regions during coordinate system transformation, resulting in boundary stitching gaps when compositing at different deflection angles. Furthermore, the more frames and the larger the deflection angle in spatial compositing, the more boundaries are formed, and the greater the impact on image quality. Figure 2 The imaging areas formed by different deflection angles in traditional trapezoidal imaging have obvious stitching gaps.

[0052] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a spatial composite method for ultrasonic imaging. The scanning angles of the edge beam scan lines emitted by two edge sub-elements are determined based on the imaging region. The convergence point of the two edge beam scan lines lies on the center line of the imaging region and coincides with the imaging region. Further, based on the convergence point, the scanning angles of the intermediate beam scan lines corresponding to multiple intermediate sub-elements of the target probe are determined. Each intermediate beam scan line converges at the convergence point. Then, based on the determined scanning angles of the beam scan lines corresponding to each sub-element, ultrasonic scanning is performed on the object to be detected, obtaining multiple frames of images. These multiple frames are then spatially composited to obtain a composite image of the imaging region. Based on this scheme, given a defined imaging region, by adjusting the scanning angles of different scan lines, the noise suppression capability of the spatially composited image can be improved, and the stitching gaps between multiple angles in traditional trapezoidal imaging spatial composite can be reduced.

[0053] This application provides a spatial composite method for ultrasonic imaging, which can be applied to ultrasonic equipment. The structure of this ultrasonic equipment is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 3 The ultrasound device 10 shown includes a touch screen 101, a display screen 102, a processor 103, and at least one probe 104. Wherein:

[0054] The touch screen 101 is used to detect the user's operation of selecting the target probe triggered on the first display interface of the touch screen 101, and to detect the user's operation of the imaging area, preset deflection angle and composite frame number when performing ultrasound scanning through the target probe.

[0055] The processor 103 is configured to respond to a user's triggering of a target probe selection for ultrasound scanning on a first display interface, determine the imaging area and preset deflection angle and composite frame number; and, for each preset deflection angle, determine the scanning angle of the edge beam scanning lines emitted by the two edge sub-elements of the target probe, and, based on the convergence point, determine the scanning angle of the middle beam scanning lines corresponding to the multiple middle sub-elements of the target probe; and, based on the image data at the same position in the ultrasound image data acquired by the target probe in at least one probe, perform spatial composite to obtain a composite image of the imaging area.

[0056] Display screen 102 is used to display a composite image of the imaging area in a second display interface.

[0057] Optionally, the processor 103 can also be used to respond to the user's operation of selecting a target part triggered on the first display interface of the touch screen 101, and to determine the target probe corresponding to the target part;

[0058] At least one target probe in probe 104 is used to acquire ultrasound image data of the object under test according to user operation. For example, the object under test may be a target human body part.

[0059] Based on such Figure 3 The ultrasound device 10 shown includes a touchscreen 101, a display screen 102, a processor 103, and at least one probe 104. A first display interface can be displayed on the touchscreen, and a second display interface can be displayed on the display screen. The touchscreen is a user-operable display screen that displays information selectable by the user. The user can operate the information on the touchscreen by touching it or by using a mouse; this application does not limit this. For example, the first display interface of the touchscreen can be used to show the user at least one composite image corresponding to a target human body part, as well as probe prompts. The display screen can be used to display the composite image determined during the examination of the human body part by the probe.

[0060] This application also provides an optional application scenario for the ultrasound image processing method, such as... Figure 4 As shown, it includes an ultrasound device 10 and a server 21;

[0061] The ultrasound device 10 includes a touch screen 101, a display screen 102, and at least one probe 104;

[0062] The ultrasound device 10 detects the user's operation triggered on the first display interface of the touch screen 101 to select the target probe for ultrasound scanning, determine the imaging area, set the deflection angle and the number of composite frames, and sends the selection command to the server 21.

[0063] According to the selection instruction, the server 21 determines the scanning angle of the edge beam scanning lines emitted by the two edge sub-elements of the target probe for each preset deflection angle. Under each preset deflection angle, the area between the two edge beam scanning lines covers the imaging area, and the convergence point of the two edge beam scanning lines is on the center line of the imaging area.

[0064] Based on the convergence point, the scanning angle of the intermediate beam scanning line corresponding to the multiple intermediate sub-elements of the target probe is determined; wherein, the intermediate beam scanning lines converge at the convergence point, and the image data at the same position in the ultrasound image data acquired by the target probe in at least one probe are spatially composited to obtain a composite image of the imaging area.

[0065] The ultrasound device 10 displays the composite image corresponding to the target human body part on the first display interface via the touch screen 101 based on the composite image determined by the server 21, and saves the composite image of the imaging area determined by the server 21.

[0066] Of course, the methods provided in the embodiments of this application are not limited to... Figure 1 or Figure 2 The application scenarios shown can also be used in other possible application scenarios, and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0067] This application provides a spatial composite method for ultrasound imaging. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 The flowchart for the spatial composite method of ultrasound imaging is as follows:

[0068] 501, Determine the imaging area and preset deflection angle when the user selects the target probe for ultrasound scanning.

[0069] In some embodiments, when the user selects a target probe for ultrasound scanning, the ultrasound device enters the imaging function. The user can select the imaging area for ultrasound imaging and a preset deflection angle. In some scenarios, the imaging area is a trapezoidal imaging area, and the target probe is located above the short side of the trapezoidal imaging area. After determining the current trapezoidal imaging area, the user can select a spatial composite mode. Optionally, spatial composite modes generally include 3, 5, and 7 frame composite modes. Further, different composite angles can be set. Generally, to achieve the best speckle suppression effect, the emission angle will be set with an odd number of symmetrical angles. Taking 3-frame composite as an example, the deflection angle can be set to -β°, 0°, or +β°.

[0070] 502. For each preset deflection angle, determine the scanning angle of the edge beam scanning lines emitted by the two edge sub-elements of the target probe.

[0071] In each preset deflection angle, the area between the two edge beam scan lines covers the imaging area, and the convergence point of the two edge beam scan lines is on the center line of the imaging area.

[0072] In some embodiments, the scanning angle of the edge beam scanning lines emitted by the two edge sub-elements of the target probe is determined based on each preset deflection angle. This includes: determining the angle corresponding to the overlap between the edge beam scanning lines emitted by the two edge sub-elements and the trapezoidal imaging region, based on a first deflection angle, as the first scanning angle; the first deflection angle is the maximum positive deflection angle among the preset deflection angles. At the maximum positive deflection angle, the edge beam scanning lines emitted by the two edge sub-elements overlap with the edge of the trapezoidal imaging region.

[0073] As an example, the preset deflection angles are -β°, 0°, and +β°. The first deflection angle is then +β°. At this first deflection angle, the first scanning angle of the edge beam scan lines emitted by the two edge sub-elements is determined. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the two edge beam scan lines coincide with the edge of the trapezoidal imaging region. The convergence point of the two edge beam scan lines is on the center line of the imaging region, which is point O1.

[0074] In some embodiments, for the second deflection angle, the angle difference between the first deflection angle and the second deflection angle is determined, and the scanning angle obtained by rotating the first scanning angle by the angle difference is used as the second scanning angle of the edge beam scanning line emitted by the two edge sub-elements of the target probe; the second deflection angle is any other deflection angle among the preset deflection angles except for the maximum positive deflection angle.

[0075] Continuing with the example above, the second deflection angle is -β° and 0°. Taking 0° as an example, the difference between a deflection angle of 0° and a deflection angle of +β° is β°. Therefore, at the second deflection angle of 0°, the second scanning angle can be obtained by rotating the first scanning angle by β°, as shown below. Figure 7 As shown. At the second deflection angle of 0°, the convergence point of the two edge scan lines is on the center line of the imaging area, which is point O2.

[0076] Similarly, when the second deflection angle is -β°, -β° differs from +β° by 2β°. Therefore, rotating the first scanning angle by 2β° yields the second scanning angle with a second deflection angle of -β°. For example... Figure 8 As shown. At the second deflection angle -β°, the convergence point of the two edge scan lines is on the center line of the imaging area, which is point O3.

[0077] 503. Based on the convergence point, determine the scanning angle of the intermediate beam scan lines corresponding to the multiple intermediate sub-element of the target probe; wherein, the intermediate beam scan lines converge at the convergence point.

[0078] In some embodiments, the scanning angle of the intermediate beam scanning line corresponding to the multiple intermediate sub-elements of the target probe is determined based on the convergence point. This can be achieved as follows: the difference between the first scanning angles of the edge beam scanning lines emitted by the two edge sub-elements is taken as the first angle difference; the first scanning angle of the intermediate beam scanning line corresponding to each intermediate sub-element is determined based on the convergence point corresponding to the first scanning angle of the edge beam scanning lines emitted by the two edge sub-elements, the first angle difference, and the number of intermediate sub-elements.

[0079] Similarly, the difference between the second scanning angles of the edge beam scan lines emitted by the two edge sub-elements can be used as the second angle difference; the second scanning angle of the intermediate beam scan line corresponding to each intermediate sub-element can be determined based on the convergence point corresponding to the second scanning angle of the edge beam scan lines emitted by the two edge sub-elements, the second angle difference, and the number of intermediate sub-elements.

[0080] As an example, such as Figure 9 As shown, the angular difference between the first scanning angles of the edge beam scanning lines emitted by the two edge sub-elements is... The position of the convergence point O1O of the two edge beam scan lines satisfies the condition shown in the following formula:

[0081]

[0082] Where ProbeWidth is the probe width of the target probe.

[0083] Furthermore, the first scanning angle of the middle beam scanning line corresponding to each sub-element can be determined based on the convergence point corresponding to the two edge beam scanning lines, the first scanning angle, and the number of sub-elements.

[0084] As an example, assuming the total number of transmission line positions is LineNum and 3 frames are spatially composited, each transmission line position can transmit 3 scan lines with different deflection angles, with transmission intervals of θ1, θ2, and θ3 respectively:

[0085]

[0086]

[0087]

[0088] The scan line angles at each scan line position are as follows:

[0089] 504, Obtain ultrasonic data after ultrasonic scanning of the object to be tested by beam scanning lines based on the determined scanning angles of each subarray element.

[0090] 505. Spatial composite of image data at the same location in the ultrasound data to obtain a composite image of the imaging area.

[0091] In some embodiments, before spatially composited image data from the same location in the ultrasound data to obtain a composite image of the imaging region, the image data at the second deflection angle can be converted to the coordinate system corresponding to the first deflection angle using a preset transformation relationship, thus obtaining image data at the second deflection angle in the coordinate system corresponding to the first deflection angle. Here, the first deflection angle is the maximum positive deflection angle among preset deflection angles, and the second deflection angle is any other preset deflection angle besides the maximum positive deflection angle.

[0092] Furthermore, when spatially compositing image data at the same location in ultrasound data to obtain a composite image of the imaging region, this can be achieved as follows: For image data at the same location within the imaging region, the image data at the same location corresponding to the second deflection angle in the coordinate system corresponding to the first deflection angle are weighted together with the image data at the same location corresponding to the first deflection angle to obtain composite image data at the same location.

[0093] Among them, after weighting the image data at the same location, the composite image data satisfies the condition described in the following formula:

[0094]

[0095] Where N is the number of frames corresponding to the spatial composite level, that is, how many angles are composited, and Imagei is the image data of that position corresponding to different spatial composite angles.

[0096] In some embodiments, after scanning lines with different scanning angles are emitted at each beam scanning line position, each scanning angle belongs to a different polar coordinate system, so as to... Figure 10 For example, three different scanning angles belong to three frames of polar coordinate images. For instance, before performing a weighted combination of the three frames, it is necessary to normalize all three different frames to the same coordinate system O1O.

[0097] like Figure 11As shown, assuming point A is any point within the trapezoidal imaging region, the coordinates of point A in the polar coordinate system of vertex O1O are A(AC, α), where AC is the length from point A to the emission point of the subarray element where point C is located, which can be understood as the ID of the data point, and α is the angle, related to the scanning angle of the beam scan line. In some embodiments, beam scan lines with different scanning angles are configured with different identifiers ID, so α can be considered as the ID of the line number. It is necessary to map the data with the other two scanning angles to point A in the coordinate system with O1O as the vertex. Assuming that data AB and AD are two other scan lines passing through point A, take the intersection point of the extension of AB to the axis of O1O as O1, with an angle of θ, take the intersection point of the extension of AD to the axis of O1O as O2, with an angle of λ, and the angle between AB and AC as γ, then the following geometric relationship exists:

[0098]

[0099]

[0100] 0 = C + Y

[0101]

[0102] in:

[0103]

[0104] The method for transforming another set of data (AD, λ) into a coordinate system with O as the vertex is similar to that described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0105] Based on the same technical concept, see [link / reference] Figure 12 As shown, this application provides a spatial composite device 1200 for ultrasound imaging. This device 1200 can perform any step of the aforementioned spatial composite method for ultrasound imaging; to avoid repetition, it will not be described again here. The device 1200 includes a first determining unit 1201, a second determining unit 1202, an acquiring unit 1203, and a composite unit 1204.

[0106] The first determining unit 1201 is used to determine the imaging area and preset deflection angle when the user selects a target probe for ultrasonic scanning.

[0107] The second determining unit 1202 is used to determine the scanning angle of the edge beam scanning lines emitted by the two edge sub-elements of the target probe for each preset deflection angle, wherein, at each preset deflection angle, the area between the two edge beam scanning lines covers the imaging area, and the convergence point of the two edge beam scanning lines is on the center line of the imaging area.

[0108] Based on the convergence point, the scanning angle of the intermediate beam scanning line corresponding to the multiple intermediate sub-elements of the target probe is determined; wherein, the intermediate beam scanning lines converge at the convergence point;

[0109] The acquisition unit 1203 is used to acquire ultrasonic data obtained after ultrasonic scanning of the object to be detected by the beam scanning line based on the determined scanning angle of each sub-array element.

[0110] The composite unit 1204 is used to spatially composite image data at the same location in the ultrasound data to obtain a composite image of the imaging area.

[0111] In some embodiments, the imaging region is a trapezoidal imaging region, and the target probe is located above the short side of the trapezoidal imaging region.

[0112] In some embodiments, before spatially composited image data at the same location in the ultrasound data to obtain a composite image of the imaging region, the second determining unit 1202 is further configured to:

[0113] Based on a preset transformation relationship, the image data at the second deflection angle is transformed into the coordinate system corresponding to the first deflection angle, so as to obtain the image data of the second deflection angle in the coordinate system corresponding to the first deflection angle.

[0114] Wherein, the first deflection angle is the maximum positive deflection angle among the preset deflection angles, and the second deflection angle is any other deflection angle among the preset deflection angles besides the maximum positive deflection angle;

[0115] At the maximum positive deflection angle, the edge beam scanning lines emitted by the two edge sub-element coincide with the edge of the trapezoidal imaging region.

[0116] In some embodiments, the second determining unit 1202, when determining the scanning angle of the edge beam scanning line emitted by the two edge sub-elements of the target probe based on each preset deflection angle, is specifically used for:

[0117] Based on the first deflection angle, the angle corresponding to when the edge beam scanning lines emitted by the two edge sub-element coincide with the trapezoidal imaging region is determined as the first scanning angle.

[0118] For the second deflection angle, the angle difference between the first deflection angle and the second deflection angle is determined, and the scanning angle obtained by rotating the first scanning angle by the angle difference is used as the second scanning angle of the edge beam scanning lines emitted by the two edge sub-elements of the target probe.

[0119] In some embodiments, the second determining unit 1202, when determining the scanning angle of the intermediate beam scanning line corresponding to the plurality of intermediate sub-elements of the target probe based on the convergence point, is specifically used for:

[0120] The difference between the first scanning angles of the edge beam scanning lines emitted by the two edge sub-elements is taken as the first angle difference;

[0121] The first scanning angle of the middle beam scan line corresponding to each middle sub-element is determined based on the convergence point corresponding to the first scanning angle of the edge beam scan line emitted by the two edge sub-elements, the first angle difference, and the number of middle sub-elements.

[0122] The difference between the second scanning angles of the edge beam scanning lines emitted by the two edge sub-elements is taken as the second angle difference;

[0123] The second scanning angle of the intermediate beam scan line corresponding to each intermediate sub-element is determined based on the convergence point corresponding to the second scanning angle of the edge beam scan line emitted by the two edge sub-elements, the second angle difference, and the number of intermediate sub-elements.

[0124] In some embodiments, the composite unit 1204, when spatially composites image data at the same location in the ultrasound data to obtain a composite image of the imaging region, is specifically used for:

[0125] For image data at the same location within the imaging area, the image data at the same location corresponding to the second deflection angle in the coordinate system corresponding to the first deflection angle are weighted together with the image data at the same location corresponding to the first deflection angle to obtain composite image data at the same location.

[0126] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0127] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to this application. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart illustrations. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0128] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0129] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0130] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. An ultrasound apparatus, characterized by, The processor is configured to determine an imaging area and preset deflection angles of a user when selecting the target probe for ultrasound scanning, the imaging area is a ladder imaging area, and the target probe is located above a short side of the ladder imaging area; for each preset deflection angle, determine the scanning angles of the edge beam scanning lines emitted by the two edge sub-arrays of the target probe, wherein the area between the two edge beam scanning lines covers the imaging area, and the convergence point of the two edge beam scanning lines is on the center line of the imaging area; based on the convergence point, determine the scanning angles of the intermediate beam scanning lines corresponding to the plurality of intermediate sub-arrays of the target probe; wherein each intermediate beam scanning line converges at the convergence point. The target probe is configured to perform ultrasound scanning on a to-be-detected object based on the beam scanning lines with the determined scanning angles of each sub-array, and send the received ultrasound data to the processor. The processor is further configured to perform spatial compounding on the ultrasound image data at the same position based on the ultrasound data to obtain a composite image of the imaging area. The display screen is configured to display the composite image. The processor is further configured to:

2. The ultrasonic device of claim 1, wherein, Before performing spatial compounding on the ultrasound image data at the same position based on the ultrasound data to obtain a composite image of the imaging area, convert the image data at a second deflection angle to a coordinate system corresponding to a first deflection angle based on a preset conversion relationship to obtain image data at the second deflection angle in the coordinate system corresponding to the first deflection angle. The first deflection angle is the maximum positive deflection angle in the preset deflection angles, and the second deflection angle is other deflection angles in the preset deflection angles except the maximum positive deflection angle. The edge beam scanning lines emitted by the two edge sub-arrays coincide with the edges of the ladder imaging area at the maximum positive deflection angle. The processor is specifically configured to:

3. The ultrasonic device of claim 2, wherein, Determine the first scanning angle corresponding to the angle at which the edge beam scanning lines emitted by the two edge sub-arrays coincide with the ladder imaging area based on the first deflection angle; For the second deflection angle, determine the angle difference between the first deflection angle and the second deflection angle, and the scanning angle obtained by rotating the first scanning angle by the angle difference is the second scanning angle of the edge beam scanning lines emitted by the two edge sub-arrays of the target probe. The processor is specifically configured to:

4. The ultrasonic device of claim 3, wherein, Determine the first angle difference as the difference between the first scanning angles of the edge beam scanning lines emitted by the two edge sub-arrays; Determine the first scanning angle of the intermediate beam scanning line corresponding to each intermediate sub-array according to the convergence point corresponding to the first scanning angles of the edge beam scanning lines emitted by the two edge sub-arrays, the first angle difference, and the number of intermediate sub-arrays; Determine the second angle difference as the difference between the second scanning angles of the edge beam scanning lines emitted by the two edge sub-arrays; ​ The second scanning angle of each intermediate beam scanning line corresponding to each intermediate subarray element is determined according to the converging point corresponding to the second scanning angle of the edge beam scanning lines emitted by the two edge subarray elements, the second angle difference, and the number of the intermediate subarray elements.

5. Ultrasonic apparatus according to any of claims 2-4, characterized in that The processor is specifically configured to: For image data of the same position in the imaging area, the image data of the same position corresponding to the second deflection angle in the coordinate system corresponding to the first deflection angle is weighted with the image data of the same position corresponding to the first deflection angle, to obtain composite image data of the same position.

6. A spatial compounding method of ultrasonic imaging, characterized in that, Comprise: Determine the imaging area and the preset deflection angle when the user selects the target probe for ultrasonic scanning, the imaging area is a ladder imaging area, and the target probe is located above the short side of the ladder imaging area; For each preset deflection angle, determine the scanning angle of the edge beam scanning lines emitted by the two edge subarray elements of the target probe, wherein the area between the two edge beam scanning lines covers the imaging area at each preset deflection angle, and the converging points of the two edge beam scanning lines are on the center line of the imaging area; Based on the converging point, determine the scanning angle of the intermediate beam scanning line corresponding to each intermediate subarray element of the target probe; wherein each intermediate beam scanning line converges at the converging point; Obtain ultrasonic data obtained after the beam scanning line based on the determined scanning angle corresponding to each subarray element performs ultrasonic scanning on the object to be detected; Spatially composite image data of the same position in the ultrasonic data to obtain a composite image of the imaging area.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The method comprises: The difference between the first scanning angles of the edge beam scanning lines emitted by the two edge subarray elements is taken as a first angle difference; The first scanning angle of each intermediate beam scanning line corresponding to each intermediate subarray element is determined according to the converging point corresponding to the first scanning angle of the edge beam scanning lines emitted by the two edge subarray elements, the first angle difference, and the number of the intermediate subarray elements; The difference between the second scanning angles of the edge beam scanning lines emitted by the two edge subarray elements is taken as a second angle difference; The second scanning angle of each intermediate beam scanning line corresponding to each intermediate subarray element is determined according to the converging point corresponding to the second scanning angle of the edge beam scanning lines emitted by the two edge subarray elements, the second angle difference, and the number of the intermediate subarray elements.

8. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer readable storage medium comprises computer instructions, which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of claim 6 or 7.

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