An ultrasonic imaging apparatus and method

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application provides an ultrasonic imaging device and method, which excites a probe to generate a shear wave in a target object for elasticity measurement through a vibration mechanism, and excites the probe to emit ultrasonic waves to the target object through a transmitting circuit, and receives and processes ultrasonic echoes to obtain an ultrasonic image of the target object; meanwhile, the vibration state of the probe is judged after the generation of the shear wave, whether the pressure before and after the generation of the shear wave in the elasticity measurement is consistent is judged, and the actual value of the vibration parameter of the probe is controlled to remain constant. According to the device and method provided by the present application, the pressure between the probe and the target object after the probe starts to vibrate is detected to judge whether the probe appears empty vibration or sliding, and whether the measurement result is effective, so as to prevent the empty vibration of the probe from affecting the service life of the probe, and improve the effectiveness of the elasticity measurement result; and the channel signal of the probe is adjusted according to the vibration signal, so as to ensure that the actual vibration of the probe is stable, and the accuracy of the elasticity detection is further improved.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number 202080000807.9, application date May 14, 2020, entitled "An Ultrasonic Imaging Device and Method". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to ultrasound imaging equipment and methods. Background Technology

[0003] Liver fibrosis is the pathological process by which various chronic liver diseases progress to cirrhosis. Transient elastography (TE) reflects the degree of liver fibrosis by measuring liver stiffness. Compared to invasive liver biopsy pathological examination, transient elastography is non-invasive, simple, rapid, easy to operate, repeatable, safe, and well-tolerated. It has been recommended by the WHO, AASLD, EASL, and the Chinese Society of Hepatology as an important clinical assessment method for hepatitis B and C virus-related liver fibrosis. Traditional transient elastography typically involves observing a baseline image, selecting a suitable section, and applying pre-compression before starting probe vibration to measure transient elasticity. However, this traditional method only performs a simple pre-compression judgment before probe vibration and uses a fixed drive signal.

[0004] In actual elasticity measurement, many factors may cause changes in preload, such as probe vibration or slippage, operator error, etc., which may cause changes in preload and make it unsuitable for measurement. At this time, the probe will not stop vibrating, which will lead to accelerated aging of the probe and inaccurate measurement results. Moreover, the operator cannot detect that the preload is not suitable at this time, so they cannot make adjustments quickly. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides an ultrasound imaging device and method to at least solve one of the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] In one embodiment, an ultrasound imaging device is provided, comprising:

[0007] probe;

[0008] A vibration mechanism that drives an oscillator or the probe to vibrate in order to generate a shear wave that propagates in a target object;

[0009] A transmitting circuit that excites the probe to emit ultrasonic waves toward the target object to detect the shear waves propagating in the target object;

[0010] A receiving circuit controls the probe to receive ultrasonic echoes returned from the target object to obtain ultrasonic echo signals;

[0011] A vibration state detection device, wherein the vibration state detection device detects the pressure between the oscillator or the probe and the target object;

[0012] A processor that processes the ultrasonic echo signal to obtain the propagation parameters of the shear wave;

[0013] in,

[0014] The vibration state detection device detects the pressure between the oscillator or the probe and the target object during the vibration of the oscillator or the probe, and obtains the vibration center pressure;

[0015] The processor determines the vibration state of the oscillator or the probe based on the mid-oscillation pressure.

[0016] In one embodiment, an ultrasound imaging device is provided, comprising:

[0017] probe;

[0018] A vibration mechanism that drives an oscillator or the probe to vibrate in order to generate a shear wave that propagates in a target object;

[0019] A transmitting circuit that excites the probe to emit ultrasonic waves toward the target object to detect the shear waves propagating in the target object;

[0020] A receiving circuit controls the probe to receive ultrasonic echoes returned from the target object to obtain ultrasonic echo signals;

[0021] A vibration state detection device, wherein the vibration state detection device detects the vibration state of the oscillator or the probe during the vibration of the oscillator or the probe, and obtains vibration state data;

[0022] A processor that processes the ultrasonic echo signal to obtain the propagation parameters of the shear wave;

[0023] When the vibration state data indicates an abnormality in the vibration state of the oscillator or the probe, the processor executes at least one of the following steps:

[0024] This indicates that the oscillator or the probe is in an abnormal state;

[0025] Control the oscillator or the probe to stop vibrating;

[0026] The propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained by the ultrasonic imaging device during the current vibration are not output.

[0027] The system indicates that the propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained by the ultrasonic imaging device are abnormal during the current vibration.

[0028] Stop acquiring the propagation parameters of the shear wave through the ultrasound imaging device.

[0029] In one embodiment, an ultrasound imaging device is provided, comprising:

[0030] probe;

[0031] A vibration mechanism that drives an oscillator or the probe to vibrate in order to generate a shear wave that propagates in a target object;

[0032] A transmitting circuit that excites the probe to emit ultrasonic waves toward the target object to detect the shear waves propagating in the target object;

[0033] A receiving circuit controls the probe to receive ultrasonic echoes returned from the target object to obtain ultrasonic echo signals;

[0034] A vibration state detection device, wherein the vibration state detection device detects the vibration state of the oscillator or the probe during the vibration of the oscillator or the probe, and obtains vibration state data;

[0035] A processor that processes the ultrasonic echo signal to obtain the propagation parameters of the shear wave;

[0036] in:

[0037] When the vibration state data indicates that the vibration state of the oscillator or the probe is abnormal, the processor performs at least one of the following steps:

[0038] This indicates that the oscillator or the probe is in an abnormal state;

[0039] The propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained by the ultrasonic imaging device during the current vibration are not output.

[0040] The system indicates that the propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained by the ultrasonic imaging device are abnormal during the current vibration.

[0041] Stop acquiring shear wave propagation parameters through the ultrasonic imaging device;

[0042] And when the vibration state data indicates that the vibration state of the oscillator or the probe has returned to normal, the processor performs at least one of the following steps:

[0043] The oscillator or the probe has returned to normal operation.

[0044] Restore the propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained by the ultrasonic imaging device when the current vibration is output;

[0045] The system indicates that the propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained by the ultrasonic imaging device have returned to normal during the current vibration.

[0046] The propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained through the ultrasound imaging device are restored.

[0047] In one embodiment, an ultrasound imaging device is provided, comprising:

[0048] probe;

[0049] A vibration mechanism that drives an oscillator or the probe to vibrate in order to generate a shear wave that propagates in a target object;

[0050] A transmitting circuit that excites the probe to emit ultrasonic waves toward the target object to detect the shear waves propagating in the target object;

[0051] A receiving circuit controls the probe to receive ultrasonic echoes returned from the target object to obtain ultrasonic echo signals;

[0052] A vibration state detection device, wherein the vibration state detection device detects the pressure between the oscillator or the probe and the target object;

[0053] A processor that processes the ultrasonic echo signal to obtain the propagation parameters of the shear wave;

[0054] in,

[0055] The vibration state detection device detects the pressure between the oscillator or the probe and the target object before the oscillator or the probe vibrates, and detects the pressure between the oscillator or the probe and the target object after the oscillator or the probe vibrates;

[0056] The processor determines whether the pressure between the oscillator or probe and the target object is consistent before and after the oscillator or probe vibrates, based on the pressure between the oscillator or probe and the target object before and after the oscillator or probe vibrates.

[0057] In one embodiment, an ultrasound imaging device is provided, comprising:

[0058] probe;

[0059] A vibration mechanism that drives an oscillator or the probe to vibrate under the control of a drive signal to generate a shear wave that propagates in a target object;

[0060] A transmitting circuit that excites the probe to emit ultrasonic waves toward the target object to detect the shear waves propagating in the target object;

[0061] A receiving circuit controls the probe to receive ultrasonic echoes returned from the target object to obtain ultrasonic echo signals;

[0062] A vibration parameter detection device, wherein the vibration parameter detection device detects the actual value of the vibration parameter of the oscillator or the probe;

[0063] A processor that processes the ultrasonic echo signal to obtain the propagation parameters of the shear wave;

[0064] The processor is further configured to: adjust the operating parameters of the oscillator or the probe according to the actual value of the vibration parameter detected by the vibration parameter detection device and the target value of the vibration parameter, so as to change the actual value of the vibration parameter of the oscillator or the probe so that the actual value of the vibration parameter is consistent with or tends to be consistent with the target value of the vibration parameter.

[0065] In one embodiment, an ultrasound imaging method is provided, comprising:

[0066] Drive the oscillator or probe to vibrate to generate shear waves that propagate in the target object;

[0067] An excitation probe emits ultrasonic waves toward the target object to detect the shear waves propagating in the target object;

[0068] Receive the ultrasonic echo returned from the target object to obtain an ultrasonic echo signal;

[0069] The ultrasonic echo signal is processed to obtain the propagation parameters of the shear wave;

[0070] During the vibration of the oscillator or the probe, the pressure between the oscillator or the probe and the target object is detected to obtain the vibration pressure;

[0071] The vibration state of the oscillator or the probe is determined based on the mid-oscillation pressure.

[0072] In one embodiment, an ultrasound imaging method is provided, comprising:

[0073] Drive the oscillator or probe to vibrate to generate shear waves that propagate in the target object;

[0074] An excitation probe emits ultrasonic waves toward the target object to detect the shear waves propagating in the target object;

[0075] Receive the ultrasonic echo returned from the target object to obtain an ultrasonic echo signal;

[0076] The ultrasonic echo signal is processed to obtain the propagation parameters of the shear wave;

[0077] During the vibration of the oscillator or the probe, the vibration state of the oscillator or the probe is detected to obtain vibration state data;

[0078] When the vibration state data indicates an abnormality in the vibration state of the oscillator or the probe, at least one of the following steps is performed:

[0079] This indicates that the oscillator or the probe is in an abnormal state;

[0080] Control the oscillator or the probe to stop vibrating;

[0081] The propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained by the ultrasonic imaging device during the current vibration are not output.

[0082] The system indicates that the propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained by the ultrasonic imaging device are abnormal during the current vibration.

[0083] Stop acquiring the propagation parameters of the shear wave through the ultrasound imaging device.

[0084] In one embodiment, an ultrasound imaging method is provided, comprising:

[0085] Drive the oscillator or probe to vibrate to generate shear waves that propagate in the target object;

[0086] An excitation probe emits ultrasonic waves toward the target object to detect the shear waves propagating in the target object;

[0087] Receive the ultrasonic echo returned from the target object to obtain an ultrasonic echo signal;

[0088] The ultrasonic echo signal is processed to obtain the propagation parameters of the shear wave;

[0089] During the vibration of the oscillator or the probe, the vibration state of the oscillator or the probe is detected to obtain vibration state data;

[0090] in:

[0091] When the vibration state data indicates that the vibration state of the oscillator or the probe is abnormal, at least one of the following steps shall be performed:

[0092] This indicates that the oscillator or the probe is in an abnormal state;

[0093] The propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained by the ultrasonic imaging device during the current vibration are not output.

[0094] The system indicates that the propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained by the ultrasonic imaging device are abnormal during the current vibration.

[0095] Stop acquiring shear wave propagation parameters through the ultrasonic imaging device;

[0096] And when the vibration state data indicates that the vibration state of the oscillator or the probe has returned to normal, at least one of the following steps shall be performed:

[0097] The oscillator or the probe has returned to normal operation.

[0098] Restore the propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained by the ultrasonic imaging device when the current vibration is output;

[0099] The system indicates that the propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained by the ultrasonic imaging device have returned to normal during the current vibration.

[0100] The propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained through the ultrasound imaging device are restored.

[0101] In one embodiment, an ultrasound imaging method is provided, comprising:

[0102] Drive the oscillator or probe to vibrate to generate shear waves that propagate in the target object;

[0103] The probe is excited to emit ultrasonic waves toward the target object to detect the shear wave propagating in the target object;

[0104] Receive the ultrasonic echo returned from the target object to obtain an ultrasonic echo signal;

[0105] The ultrasonic echo signal is processed to obtain the propagation parameters of the shear wave;

[0106] The pressure between the oscillator or the probe and the target object is detected before the oscillator or the probe vibrates, and the pressure between the oscillator or the probe and the target object is detected after the oscillator or the probe vibrates.

[0107] Based on the pressure between the oscillator or probe and the target object before the oscillator or probe vibrates and the pressure between the oscillator or probe and the target object after the oscillator or probe vibrates, determine whether the pressure between the oscillator or probe and the target object is consistent before and after the oscillator or probe vibrates.

[0108] In one embodiment, an ultrasound imaging method is provided, comprising:

[0109] A shear wave propagating in the target object is generated by driving an oscillator or probe to vibrate using a driving signal.

[0110] The probe is excited to emit ultrasonic waves toward the target object to detect the shear wave propagating in the target object;

[0111] Receive the ultrasonic echo returned from the target object to obtain an ultrasonic echo signal;

[0112] The ultrasonic echo signal is processed to obtain the propagation parameters of the shear wave;

[0113] The actual value of the vibration parameter of the oscillator or the probe is detected, and the operating parameters of the oscillator or the probe are adjusted according to the detected actual value of the vibration parameter and the target value of the vibration parameter, so as to change the actual value of the vibration parameter of the oscillator or the probe so that the actual value of the vibration parameter is consistent with or tends to be consistent with the target value of the vibration parameter.

[0114] The ultrasonic imaging device and method of this invention determine whether the probe is experiencing empty vibration or slippage by detecting the pressure between the probe and the target object after the probe starts to vibrate, and whether the measurement results are valid. This prevents the probe from being affected by empty vibration, thus improving the effectiveness of elasticity measurement results. Furthermore, the channel signal of the probe is adjusted according to the vibration signal to ensure the stability of the actual vibration of the probe, further improving the accuracy of elasticity detection. Attached Figure Description

[0115] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention 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 only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0116] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural block diagram of an ultrasound imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0117] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of an ultrasound imaging method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0118] Figure 3a This is a schematic flowchart of an instantaneous elasticity measurement.

[0119] Figure 3b This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of instantaneous elasticity measurement.

[0120] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of an ultrasound imaging method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0121] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the pressure curve during the vibration process according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0122] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the pressure curves before and after shear vibration according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0123] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the control principle of an ultrasound imaging method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0124] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0125] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of an ultrasound imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. See also Figure 1 The ultrasound imaging device 10 may include:

[0126] The system comprises a probe 100, a transmitting circuit 101, a vibration mechanism 102, a receiving circuit 103, a vibration state detection device 104, and a processor 105. The transmitting circuit 101 excites the probe 100 to emit ultrasonic waves toward the target object; the vibration mechanism 102 excites the probe 100 to vibrate and generate shear waves propagating within the target object; the receiving circuit 103 receives the ultrasonic echoes returned from the target object via the probe 100, thereby obtaining ultrasonic echo signals / data; the vibration state detection device 104 detects the actual values ​​of the vibration parameters of the probe 100, such as the actual pressure between the probe 100 and the target object. The processor 105 processes the ultrasonic echo signals / data to obtain an ultrasonic image of the target object.

[0127] In one embodiment, the vibration mechanism 102 may also generate shear waves propagating in the target object by vibrating a separately configured oscillator (not shown) instead of the vibration probe 100. In this embodiment, the probe 100 will not be used to generate shear waves, but only to obtain ultrasound images of the target object and / or track the propagation of shear waves in the target object.

[0128] Optionally, the probe 100 may include a transducer and a vibrating device. The transducer is used to receive instructions from the transmitting circuit 101 to transmit ultrasonic waves and / or receive ultrasonic echoes, and the vibrating device is used to vibrate under the drive of the vibration mechanism 102 to generate shear waves in the target object.

[0129] Optionally, the vibration mechanism 102 may include a motor. Further, the vibration mechanism 102 may be connected to the probe 100 via a transmission mechanism. After receiving a drive signal, the vibration mechanism 102 drives the transmission mechanism to move, and the transmission mechanism drives the vibration device to vibrate.

[0130] In one embodiment, the vibration mechanism 102 may also directly drive the transducer to vibrate to generate a shear wave that propagates in the target object; that is, the vibration device may be the transducer itself.

[0131] Optionally, the vibration state detection device 104 may include at least one of the following: a pressure sensor, a displacement sensor, a velocity sensor, an acceleration sensor, etc.

[0132] Optionally, the vibration parameters include at least one of the following: pressure between the oscillator or probe and the target object, vibration frequency of the oscillator or probe, vibration displacement (vibration amplitude) of the oscillator or probe, vibration phase of the oscillator or probe, vibration duration of the oscillator or probe, vibration velocity of the oscillator or probe, and vibration acceleration of the oscillator or probe, etc.

[0133] Optionally, the ultrasound imaging device 10 may further include a display 106, which can be used to display ultrasound images acquired by the processor 105.

[0134] In some embodiments, the display 106 of the aforementioned ultrasound imaging device 10 may be a touch screen, a liquid crystal display, or an independent display device such as a liquid crystal display or a television set, separate from the ultrasound imaging device 10, or a display screen on an electronic device such as a mobile phone or tablet computer, etc.

[0135] Optionally, the ultrasound imaging device 10 may further include a memory 107, which can be used to store ultrasound images acquired by the processor 105.

[0136] In some embodiments, memory 107 may be volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM); or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), or solid-state drive (SSD); or a combination of the above types of memory, and provide instructions and data to the processor.

[0137] Optionally, the ultrasound imaging device 10 may further include: a transmit / receive selection switch 108, which is connected to the probe 100, the transmit circuit 101, the receive circuit 103, and the processor 105, respectively. The processor 105 controls the transmit / receive selection switch 108 to connect the probe 100 to the transmit circuit 101 or the receive circuit 103.

[0138] Optionally, the ultrasound imaging device 10 may further include a beamforming circuit 109, wherein the ultrasound echo signal / data obtained by the receiving circuit 103 is processed by the beamforming circuit 109 and then sent to the processor 105.

[0139] In practical applications, the processor 105 can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof. It can be a circuit, one or more of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a digital signal processing device (DSPD), a programmable logic device (PLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a central processing unit (CPU), a controller, a microcontroller, or a microprocessor, so that the processor 105 can execute some or all of the steps or any combination of the steps in the ultrasound imaging of the various embodiments of this application.

[0140] When the ultrasound imaging device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention is running, it can provide a corresponding operation interface for the operator to operate. The operation interface can include controls corresponding to each section group, such as identification selection boxes or menu bars, so that the operator can input operation commands on the operation interface according to the actual use situation, so as to realize ultrasound imaging through the ultrasound imaging device 10.

[0141] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 , Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating an ultrasound imaging method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The ultrasound imaging method may include:

[0142] After the operator completes the preparation for elasticity measurement, the basic image of the target object is obtained by conventional two-dimensional B-mode imaging. Then, the appropriate cross-section and appropriate pressure between the probe and the target object before vibration are selected through the operation interface.

[0143] The operator holds the probe, bringing it into contact with the surface of the target object corresponding to the target area, and performs an operation to trigger a single elastic measurement. Upon receiving this operation instruction, the front-end control and processing module in the processor sends a vibration command to the vibration control module. The vibration control module, based on the vibration command, sends a drive signal to the vibration mechanism on the probe. Upon receiving the drive signal, the vibration mechanism begins to operate, and the transmission mechanism connected to the vibration mechanism starts to move. The transmission mechanism drives the vibrating device to vibrate on the surface of the target object, generating shear waves that propagate within the target object. These shear waves cause displacement changes in the tissue of the target area. The front-end control and processing module, according to the real-time ultrasound imaging method of this invention, sends a command to the transmitting circuit for scanning control (timing or method). The transmitting circuit receives the command and excites the transducer on the probe to emit ultrasonic waves. These ultrasonic waves track the propagation of shear waves, continuously tracking and recording the displacement changes in tissue caused by the shear waves within the target area. The ultrasonic waves are reflected by the target area to obtain ultrasonic echoes. The ultrasonic echoes pass through the transducer on the probe and reach the receiving circuit. The receiving circuit processes the obtained ultrasonic echo signals through a beamforming circuit and then sends them to the front-end control and processing module in the processor. The front-end control and processing module processes the ultrasonic echoes to obtain the propagation parameters of the shear waves, such as shear wave velocity, shear wave modulus, shear wave attenuation, shear wave elasticity, and shear wave viscosity. The front-end control and processing module can store at least one propagation parameter of the shear waves and send it to the display for display. In addition, the ultrasonic probe can also be used to obtain other modes of images of the target object, such as B-images, color Doppler flow images, etc., and these images can be displayed together with the propagation parameters of the shear waves.

[0144] This invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing multiple program instructions. When these multiple program instructions are called and executed by the processor 105, they can execute some or all of the steps or any combination of the steps in the ultrasound imaging method of various embodiments of this application.

[0145] See Figure 3a , Figure 3a A schematic flowchart of an instantaneous elasticity measurement is shown. Figure 3a As shown, after preparing for the test, the operator observes the baseline image of the target object (e.g., B image), selects a suitable detection area (i.e., cross-section), and selects an appropriate pre-compression based on pressure detection. Then, multiple elasticity measurements are initiated, with each elasticity measurement yielding a measurement result. Each measurement result is relatively independent, and the operator needs to compare the data to select reliable and valid data. Then, the operator determines whether the validity of the measurement result and the statistical results of multiple measurement results meet clinical requirements. If they do, the measurement ends; otherwise, the elasticity measurement is repeated until the clinical requirements are met.

[0146] See Figure 3b , Figure 3b A schematic diagram illustrating the principle of instantaneous elasticity measurement is shown. Figure 3b As shown, each instantaneous elasticity measurement primarily involves external vibration of the probe's vibration mechanism, such as motor vibration, generating shear waves within the tissue. These shear waves propagate within the target body. The ultrasonic transducer on the probe emits ultrasonic waves and receives the echoes to track and observe the propagation process of the shear waves within the tissue, detecting tissue displacement and calculating the shear wave propagation velocity Cs (m / s). Corresponding images can also be displayed on a monitor, and the elastic modulus E (kPa) of the tissue can be further estimated, thus reflecting the degree of tissue fibrosis. The propagation velocity of the shear wave in the tissue is positively correlated with the stiffness of the liver tissue; the greater the tissue stiffness, the faster the shear wave propagates and the greater the elastic modulus.

[0147] In the aforementioned instantaneous elastic measurement process, the external vibration is equivalent to the signal source of the shear wave. This external vibration originates from the motion of a motor driven by a driving signal. The motor drives the vibration mechanism of the probe through a series of mechanical transmission structures, further generating vibration on the surface of the target object. The external vibration process can be simplified as a forced damped simple harmonic motion process. The relationship between the driving signal F(t) and the actual vibration x(t) can be expressed as:

[0148] (1)

[0149] Where b and ω are the damping coefficient and resonance coefficient, respectively, which are related to the internal mechanical structure of the probe and the target object.

[0150] Traditional elasticity measurements are based on the assumption that within a certain preload range, b and ω are essentially the same, and the actual vibration is also essentially the same. The same driving signal is used for different target objects, with only a simple preload judgment performed before probe vibration. In practical applications, although selecting the cross-section and preload before probe vibration can avoid empty vibration to some extent, it still relies on operator control and affects measurement efficiency in multiple elasticity measurements. Moreover, even with cross-section and preload selection before vibration, empty vibration of the probe still occurs after vibration begins. Empty vibration of the probe detaching from the body surface can damage the internal mechanical structure and accelerate probe aging.

[0151] Furthermore, in actual clinical applications, due to factors such as the operator's grip and pre-pressure or the intercostal distance and body fat thickness of the target object, the actual vibration generated for different target objects is difficult to be consistent, resulting in inconsistent shear waves, which has a significant impact on the final test results.

[0152] Based on the above considerations, see Figure 4 , Figure 4A schematic flowchart of an ultrasound imaging method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 4 As shown, the ultrasound imaging method 400 provided in this embodiment of the invention includes:

[0153] Step S410: Excite the probe or oscillator to vibrate to generate a shear wave propagating in the target object for elasticity measurement, and emit ultrasonic waves to the target object to detect the shear wave propagating in the target object.

[0154] Step S420: Control the probe to receive the ultrasonic echo returned from the target object to obtain the ultrasonic echo signal;

[0155] Step S430: Detect the pressure between the probe and the target object, or the actual value of the vibration parameters of the probe vibrating on the target object;

[0156] Step S440: Process the ultrasound echo signal to obtain an ultrasound image of the target object; wherein the processor further performs at least one of the following steps:

[0157] Step S441: Determine the vibration state of the probe after the shear wave is generated;

[0158] Or, in step S442, determine whether the pressure before and after the shear wave generated by the elastic measurement is consistent;

[0159] Alternatively, in step S443, the actual value of the probe's vibration parameters is kept constant.

[0160] It should be noted that the above sequence of steps is only an example and does not mean that the ultrasound imaging method according to the embodiment of the present invention must be in this order; it can be adjusted as needed. For example, step S430 can be performed before step S420, simultaneously with step S420, or after step S420, without any limitation.

[0161] In some embodiments, before step S410, the method further includes receiving an operator's instruction to trigger an elasticity measurement.

[0162] Specifically, the processor 105 of the ultrasound imaging device 10 receives operation instructions. These operation instructions can be protocol trigger instructions (which can be corresponding workflows) issued by the operator after the ultrasound imaging device 10 is started. These protocol trigger instructions can also be trigger instructions for a certain function displayed on the display interface (e.g., a touch screen), and are not limited here.

[0163] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in step S410, the excitation probe generates a shear wave in the target object for elastic measurement, which may include:

[0164] The excitation probe generates external vibrations on the target object, and the external vibrations generate shear waves that are transmitted into the target area within the target object.

[0165] In some embodiments, the external vibration includes low-frequency vibration.

[0166] Specifically, after receiving the trigger command from the operator, the processor 105 sends a drive signal to the vibration mechanism 102. The vibration mechanism 102 drives the vibrating device on the probe 100 to perform low-frequency pulsating mechanical motion on the target object, thereby generating shear waves in the target object. The shear waves travel from the surface of the target object to the target area deep within the tissue, causing elastic displacement in the target area.

[0167] The target region can be selected and determined in any applicable way. It can be determined after preliminary detection using various applicable basic imaging detection methods such as conventional two-dimensional B-mode imaging or conventional elastography E-mode, or it can be selected according to the needs of elasticity measurement. After selecting a suitable target region based on the aforementioned basic image of the target object, shear waves are generated in the target object through external vibration at the corresponding position on the target object surface. For example, the target region can be the liver or other tissues; there are no restrictions.

[0168] In some embodiments, there may be one or more target regions. When there are multiple target regions, their respective longitudinal depths or lateral positions may differ. It is understood that when multiple target regions are measured simultaneously, the average distance ratio between the multiple target regions can be obtained through subsequent steps to reflect the elasticity differences between the multiple target regions.

[0169] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in step S410, the excitation probe emits ultrasonic waves toward the target object, which may include: the excitation probe emits ultrasonic waves toward the target area of ​​the target object to detect the propagation of shear waves in the target area.

[0170] Specifically, the processor 105 in the ultrasonic imaging device 10 controls the transmit / receive selection switch 108 to switch the probe to be connected to the transmit circuit 101. The transmit circuit 101 controls the transducer on the ultrasonic probe 100 to transmit ultrasonic waves to the target area of ​​the object being measured. The ultrasonic waves track and detect the propagation process of shear waves in the target area and measure the propagation parameters of the shear waves, such as shear wave velocity, shear wave modulus, shear wave attenuation, shear wave elasticity, and shear wave viscosity.

[0171] It should be understood that ultrasound waves can be emitted before shear waves, simultaneously with shear waves, or after shear waves for a preset time; there are no restrictions on this. The preset time is the time interval between the shear wave entering the target object and the generation of the ultrasound wave. The preset time can be set as needed and is not restricted here.

[0172] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in step S420, controlling the probe to receive the ultrasonic echo returned from the target object to obtain an ultrasonic echo signal may include:

[0173] Switch the probe to connect to the receiving circuit, which then receives the ultrasonic echo through the probe.

[0174] Specifically, after emitting the ultrasonic wave, the processor 105 controls the transmit / receive selection switch 108 to switch the probe to be connected to the receiving circuit 103. After the ultrasonic wave reaches the target area from the surface of the target object, it returns. The receiving circuit 103 receives the ultrasonic echo of the ultrasonic wave returning from the target area through the transducer of the probe 100 to obtain ultrasonic echo data. After receiving the ultrasonic echo data, the receiving circuit 103 sends the ultrasonic echo data as measurement data to the processor 105.

[0175] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in step S430, detecting the pressure between the probe and the target object may include: detecting the pressure through a vibration state detection device.

[0176] Specifically, the vibration state detection device 104 can be a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor acquires the pressure between the probe 100 and the target object based on a predetermined frequency to obtain a pressure signal, and sends the pressure signal to the processor 105 for processing.

[0177] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in step S430, detecting the actual value of the vibration parameter of the probe vibrating on the target object may include: detecting the actual value of the vibration parameter by means of a vibration state detection device.

[0178] Specifically, the vibration state detection device 104 can be a pressure sensor, in which case the actual value of the vibration parameter corresponds to a pressure signal; or the vibration state detection device 104 can be a displacement sensor, a velocity sensor, or an acceleration sensor, with the actual values ​​of the vibration parameters corresponding to displacement signals, velocity signals, and acceleration signals, respectively. It should be understood that the vibration state detection device 104 can include one of the aforementioned sensors to detect the actual value of a single vibration parameter, or it can include a combination of them to detect the actual values ​​of multiple vibration parameters; no limitation is made here.

[0179] Optionally, the actual value of each vibration parameter may include at least one of amplitude, frequency, and phase. For example, when a pressure sensor is used to collect vibration parameters, the actual value is a pressure signal, which includes data such as the amplitude, frequency, and phase of the pressure.

[0180] In some embodiments, the actual values ​​of the vibration parameters can be waveform data. The waveform data can reflect amplitude, frequency, and phase.

[0181] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in step S440, processing the ultrasonic echo signal to obtain an ultrasonic image of the target object may include:

[0182] The ultrasound echo signal is processed by beamforming and then sent to a processor to obtain an ultrasound image.

[0183] Specifically, the ultrasonic echo signal obtained by the receiving circuit 103 is processed by the beamforming circuit 109 and then sent to the processor 105. The processor 105 processes the ultrasonic echo signal, such as filtering to extract useful data and converting it into a preset data format, thereby obtaining the ultrasonic image and / or the elastic parameters of the target area.

[0184] Furthermore, the processor can send ultrasonic echo signals at various stages to the memory for storage, such as the ultrasonic echo signals received by the processor and the processed ultrasonic echo signals. In addition, the memory has a caching function; when the processor cannot process certain ultrasonic echo signals in time, they can be temporarily stored in the memory. When idle, the processor retrieves the ultrasonic echo signals from the memory, processes them, and then sends the processed ultrasonic echo signals back to the memory for storage. This speeds up the processor's processing; when the processor is busy, it caches data; when the processor is idle, it retrieves previously cached data for processing. Data in the memory can be transmitted to the display within a preset period or in real time.

[0185] In some embodiments, elastic parameters can be calculated from ultrasonic echo signals collected multiple times from the same acquisition location.

[0186] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in step S441, determining the vibration state of the probe after the shear wave is generated may include:

[0187] The vibration state of the probe is determined based on pressure after the shear wave is generated.

[0188] As mentioned earlier, traditional methods only perform pressure detection and basic image scanning before vibration. However, in practical applications, see... Figure 5 , Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the pressure curve during the vibration process according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 5As shown, the vibration process of generating shear waves by exciting the probe includes, in addition to the pre-vibration stage where the probe is stably in a suitable pre-compression region, a vibration stage where the vibration mechanism, such as a motor, is working, a residual vibration stage where the vibration mechanism stops working but continues to vibrate (the vibration stage and residual vibration stage are collectively referred to as the "mid-vibration" stage in this paper), and a post-vibration stage where the vibration has basically ended. The upper limit of the no-load pressure range when the probe is vibrating without load is smaller than the lower limit of the suitable pressure range when the probe is vibrating normally. Based on traditional methods, the ultrasonic imaging method of this invention continuously detects the pressure between the probe and the target object after the shear wave is generated, thereby determining the probe's vibration state throughout the entire process of a single elastic measurement based on the pressure. This prevents the probe from being in the no-load pressure range for extended periods during and / or after vibration, avoiding damage to the probe caused by no-load vibration.

[0189] Optionally, determining the vibration state of the probe based on pressure after the shear wave is generated includes:

[0190] If the pressure remains below the first threshold within a preset time range, the probe is determined to be in an empty vibration state.

[0191] When the pressure is less than the second threshold or greater than the third threshold, the probe is determined to be in an abnormal working state.

[0192] When the pressure is greater than or equal to the second threshold and less than or equal to the third threshold, the probe is determined to be in normal working condition.

[0193] Among them, the first threshold < the second threshold < the third threshold. The first threshold, the second threshold, and the third threshold can all be set as needed, and there are no restrictions here.

[0194] Specifically, after the external vibration generates a shear wave in the target object, the vibration state detection device 104 continuously detects the pressure between the probe 100 (or oscillator) and the target object and sends the detected pressure data to the processor 105. That is, during the vibration of the probe 100 (or oscillator), the vibration state detection device 104 also detects the pressure between the probe 100 (or oscillator) and the target object. When the processor 105 detects that the pressure is less than the first threshold, it further determines whether the pressure within a preset time range is consistently less than the first threshold. If the pressure is consistently less than the first threshold, the processor 105 determines that the probe 100 (or oscillator) is in a state of no-load vibration. If the pressure is not consistently less than the first threshold, i.e., there has been a situation where the pressure is greater than the first threshold within the preset time range, the processor 105 continues to receive the pressure data from the vibration state detection device 104. When the processor 105 detects that the pressure is less than the second threshold or greater than the third threshold, the processor 105 determines that the probe 100 (or oscillator) is in an abnormal working state. An abnormal working state can refer to an abnormal working state that is neither a state of no-load vibration nor a state of normal operation. It may be due to slipping or other reasons that the probe 100 (or oscillator) is not separated from the target object, and there is a small pressure or an excessive pressure, but it is not suitable for elasticity detection. When the processor 105 detects that the pressure is greater than or equal to the second threshold and less than or equal to the third threshold, the processor 105 determines that the probe 100 (or oscillator) is in a normal working state.

[0195] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes: prompting the user that the probe is in an abnormal working state when the probe is in an abnormal working state.

[0196] In some embodiments, when the probe is in an abnormal working state, it may be due to probe slippage or other factors, in which case the probe is not completely separated from the target object. This can prompt the user that the probe is malfunctioning and / or needs to be adjusted with appropriate preload. Furthermore, at this time, the probe can also be controlled to stop vibrating, and / or not output the elasticity measurement results, and / or not start the next measurement, and / or exit the current detection.

[0197] Optionally, when it is determined that the probe is in an idle state after the shear wave is generated, the method further includes at least one of the following: prompting the user that the probe is in an idle state, controlling the probe to stop vibrating, or not outputting the measurement results of the elasticity measurement. Further, at this time, the next measurement may not be initiated, and / or the current detection may be exited.

[0198] In some embodiments, when the probe is determined to be in a state of no-vibration after the shear wave is detected, the user may be prompted only that the probe is in a state of no-vibration and / or that a suitable preload needs to be selected, without performing any other actions. At this time, the user may decide on the next action based on the actual situation, whether to continue the test. Alternatively, the probe vibration may be stopped to protect the probe while the user is prompted that the probe is in a state of no-vibration. Furthermore, since the probe's no-vibration may have a significant impact on the test results, making the test results inaccurate, the measurement results of the elasticity measurement may not be output, and the test may be terminated.

[0199] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes: controlling the probe to stop vibrating when the user separates the probe from the target object.

[0200] In some embodiments, the ultrasonic imaging method of this invention can facilitate actual operation. During the elasticity detection process, when the operator needs to end the current elasticity detection for various reasons (such as reselecting the cross-section), they can actively operate the probe to separate it from the target object surface. At this time, the probe stops vibrating, and the operator can quickly and conveniently stop the detection based on this function, which is convenient and easy to operate, greatly improving the operator's user experience. In contrast, in traditional methods, even if the probe is separated from the target object, the probe may continue to vibrate until the processor receives the operator's instruction to stop vibration. This not only causes damage to the probe due to its own uncontrolled vibration, but also wastes resources because no effective detection is being performed at this time.

[0201] Ideally, the preload of the probe should be consistent before and after vibration. However, if this is inconsistent, it may be related to probe slippage or an unstable grip during vibration. This can cause the generated shear wave to deviate from the expected value, potentially affecting the final measurement results. See also Figure 6 , Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the pressure curves before and after shear vibration according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 6 As shown, a small difference in pressure before and after vibration indicates that the shear wave is similar to the expected value, while a large difference in pressure before and after vibration indicates that the shear wave is inconsistent with the expected value. The ultrasonic imaging method of this embodiment of the invention determines whether the probe has slipped and / or whether the current detection result is valid by detecting whether the pressure before and after the shear wave is generated. If the pressure before and after the shear wave is generated is inconsistent, the user can be prompted to decide whether to continue the detection.

[0202] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in step S442, determining whether the pressure before and after the generation of the shear wave in the elastic measurement is consistent includes:

[0203] The average pressure before the shear wave is generated is taken as the first pressure;

[0204] The average pressure after the shear wave is generated is taken as the second pressure;

[0205] Determine whether the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure is within the set range;

[0206] If the difference is within the set range, it is determined that the pressure before and after the shear wave of the elastic measurement is consistent.

[0207] If the difference is not within the set range, it is determined that the pressure before and after the shear wave of the elastic measurement is inconsistent.

[0208] Specifically, the processor 105 receives pressure data collected by the vibration state detection device 104. The vibration state detection device 104 can collect pressure data between the probe 100 and the target object at least once within a first time period based on a first frequency or a first time interval before the operator triggers the elasticity measurement. This first set of pressure data is then sent to the processor 105. The processor 105 calculates the average value of the first set of pressure data as the first pressure. For example, if the processor 105 only acquires pressure once before the probe 100 vibrates, that pressure is taken as the first pressure. After the processor 105 receives an operation command from the operator, triggering the vibration mechanism 102 to excite the probe 100 to vibrate on the target object and generate a shear wave, the vibration state detection device 104 can collect pressure data at least once within a second time period based on a preset second frequency or a second time interval. The pressure between the probe 100 and the target object is collected as the second set of pressure data, and the second set of pressure data is sent to the processor 105. The processor 105 calculates the average value of the second set of pressure data as the second pressure. For example, if the processor 105 only acquires the pressure once after the probe 100 vibrates, then the pressure is taken as the second pressure. The processor 105 can also calculate the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure based on the third frequency, the third time interval, or the preset time, and determine whether the difference is within the set range. If the difference is within the set range, it is determined that the pressure before and after the shear wave is generated is consistent, and the validity of the measurement result is high. If the difference is not within the set range, it is determined that the pressure before and after the shear wave is generated is inconsistent, and the validity of the measurement result is low. The probe may slip during the measurement process, or the pressure between the probe 100 and the target object may be inconsistent before and after the shear wave is generated (i.e., before and after vibration) due to other reasons.

[0209] In some embodiments, obtaining the pressure before the shear wave is generated and obtaining the pressure after the shear wave is generated may include collecting pressure once or multiple times to obtain a first pressure and a second pressure.

[0210] In some embodiments, obtaining the pressure before the shear wave is generated may include: collecting the pressure at least once during a first time period before the shear wave is generated.

[0211] In some embodiments, obtaining the pressure after the shear wave is generated may include: collecting the pressure at least once within a second time period after the shear wave is generated.

[0212] It should be understood that the first frequency, second frequency, and third frequency, the first time interval, the second time interval, and the third time interval, the preset time point, and the setting range can all be set as needed, and no restrictions are imposed here.

[0213] Furthermore, step S442 can be used in conjunction with step S441, specifically including:

[0214] After the processor 105 executes step S442, it determines that the pressure before and after the current shear wave is generated is inconsistent. After prompting the user, the user can actively separate the probe 100 from the target object. The processor 105 sends a corresponding instruction to the vibration mechanism 102, and the vibration mechanism 102 controls the probe 100 to stop vibrating according to the instruction, thus ending the current test.

[0215] Optionally, the method further includes: determining the validity of the elasticity measurement results and / or whether the probe has slipped.

[0216] In some embodiments, determining the validity of the elasticity measurement results and / or whether the probe has slipped includes:

[0217] If the pressure before and after the shear wave generated by the elastic measurement is consistent, then the measurement result is considered valid and / or the probe has not slipped.

[0218] If the pressure before and after the shear wave in the elastic measurement is inconsistent, the measurement result is determined to be invalid and / or the probe has slipped.

[0219] In some embodiments, when the pressure before and after the shear wave of the elastic measurement is inconsistent, probe slippage and / or invalid measurement results may occur. In this case, the user can be prompted that the pressure before and after the current shear wave is inconsistent, the probe may slip, and / or the reliability of the current measurement result is low. Furthermore, at this time, the probe can be controlled to stop vibrating, and / or not output the elastic measurement result, and / or not start the next measurement, and / or exit the current detection.

[0220] Optionally, the method further includes: obtaining valid measurement results from multiple elasticity measurements, and using the median of the valid measurement results as the elasticity measurement result of the target object.

[0221] In some embodiments, during n elasticity measurements, the pressure of the probe and the target object is detected throughout the entire vibration process of each elasticity measurement to determine whether the pressure before and after the shear wave is generated in each elasticity measurement is consistent. If the pressure before and after the shear wave is generated in one or more elasticity measurements, the user is prompted that the pressure is inconsistent before and after vibration in these elasticity measurements. However, the median of all n elasticity measurements can still be used as the elasticity measurement result of the target object. Alternatively, the test results that are prompted to be inconsistent before and after vibration in the n elasticity measurements can be removed and not included in the calculation of the elasticity measurement result. That is, only the median of the test results that are not prompted to be inconsistent before and after vibration in the n elasticity measurements can be used as the elasticity measurement result of the target object. Alternatively, the operator can decide which measurement results from the n elasticity measurements are included in the calculation. For example, the operator can determine whether the result is valid and whether it can be included in the calculation of the elasticity measurement result of the target object based on the prompt of inconsistent pressure before and after vibration. Then, the median of the valid measurement results (test results that are not prompted to be inconsistent before and after vibration and measurement results that are determined to be valid by the operator) in the n elasticity measurements can be used as the elasticity measurement result of the target object.

[0222] In the complex environments of actual clinical applications, traditional elasticity measurement methods employ open-loop control. The vibration mechanism excites the probe under a fixed drive signal. However, external factors can cause the actual vibration to fail to reach the expected target vibration, making effective control of the vibration process impossible. For example, different target objects vibrating with the same drive signal will produce different shear waves; even for the same target object, the vibration measured each time may differ, resulting in different shear waves, thus affecting the accuracy of elasticity measurements. Based on these considerations, the ultrasound imaging method according to embodiments of the present invention actively controls the drive signal of the vibration mechanism by feedback adjustment based on the actual vibration of the probe or oscillator. After calculating the corresponding adjustment amount using the vibration signal during the actual vibration process as feedback input, the drive signal of the vibration mechanism is dynamically controlled using this adjustment amount, forming a closed-loop control. Regardless of changes in the target object or objective factors, the waveform of the actual vibration ultimately matches the expected target, generating a stable and expected shear wave. Furthermore, when the mechanical performance of the probe or oscillator deteriorates, adjusting the drive signal of the vibration mechanism can bring the vibration of the probe or oscillator back to a normal level, compensating for insufficient hardware performance of the probe or oscillator from a control perspective.

[0223] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in step S443, keeping the actual value of the vibration parameter of the probe or oscillator constant may include:

[0224] Adjust the operating parameters of the probe or oscillator according to the actual value of the vibration parameter.

[0225] In one embodiment, the adjusted operating parameters of the probe or oscillator can be a drive signal used to control the vibration mechanism to drive the probe or oscillator to vibrate. For example, when the processor 105 triggers elastic measurement based on the operator's operation command, the vibration mechanism 102 receives the drive signal to excite the probe 100 to start vibrating. The vibration state detection device 104 collects the actual values ​​of the vibration parameters of the probe 100, calculates the adjustment amount of the drive signal of the vibration mechanism 102 based on the actual values ​​of the vibration parameters, and adjusts the drive signal with the adjustment amount to obtain an updated drive signal. Then, the updated drive signal is used to drive the vibration mechanism 102, thereby driving the probe or oscillator to vibrate, so that the vibration waveform generated on the target object is consistent with the expected target waveform, and the actual vibration process remains stable. Accordingly, a stable and expected shear wave is generated, ensuring the stability and accuracy of the elastic measurement.

[0226] In one embodiment, the adjusted operating parameters of the probe or oscillator may also be the resonance coefficient and / or damping coefficient of the probe or oscillator. For example, the processor 105 may also adjust the parameters by changing... Figure 7 The parameters of the transmission mechanism shown, such as dimensions, are used to adjust the damping coefficient b and / or resonance coefficient ω of the probe or oscillator, so that the actual vibration remains stable and achieves the expected result.

[0227] As shown in equation (1), the vibration of probe 100 on the target object is a forced damped resonance process. However, different target objects or different probes will actually cause the damping coefficient b and resonance coefficient ω to change. Therefore, in addition to adjusting the drive signal of vibration mechanism 102, the actual vibration can also be controlled by adjusting the damping coefficient b and resonance coefficient ω of the probe or oscillator.

[0228] Optionally, calculating the drive signal adjustment amount of the vibration mechanism 102 based on the actual values ​​of the vibration parameters may include:

[0229] The vibration adjustment amount of the vibration mechanism is calculated based on the actual value and the target value of the vibration parameters.

[0230] The aforementioned drive signal adjustment amount is calculated based on this vibration adjustment amount.

[0231] Here, the target value of the vibration parameter can refer to the value that the vibration parameter is expected to achieve in actual operation, and this target value can be preset.

[0232] Specifically, see Figure 7 , Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating the control principle of an ultrasound imaging method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 7 As shown, the motor (i.e., the vibration mechanism) receives the drive signal and starts to rotate, and drives the vibration device of the probe 100 to rotate through the transmission mechanism. The vibration state detection device 104 collects the actual value of the vibration parameter of the vibration device. The active control module in the processor 105 receives the actual value of the vibration parameter of the probe 100 collected by the vibration state detection device 104, and calculates the difference between the actual value of the vibration parameter and the target value of the vibration parameter to obtain the vibration adjustment amount. Then, according to the damped simple harmonic vibration equation (1) mentioned above, the drive signal adjustment amount of the drive signal is calculated, and the drive signal is adjusted with the drive signal adjustment amount to obtain the updated drive signal. Then, the updated drive signal is used as the input of the vibration mechanism 102, thereby realizing the adjustment of the vibration mechanism 102 according to the actual value of the vibration parameter.

[0233] In some embodiments, calculating the adjustment amount of the vibration mechanism based on the actual value and the target value of the vibration parameters may include:

[0234] The vibration adjustment amount is obtained by calculating the difference between the actual value and the target value of the vibration parameters.

[0235] The adjustment amount is calculated based on the vibration adjustment amount and the damped simple harmonic vibration equation.

[0236] In controlling a vibration mechanism, it is necessary to consider not only the structure itself but also the needs of clinical applications. Since instantaneous elastic measurements are typically nonlinear, the dynamics and accuracy of the control process are crucial. The ultrasound imaging method according to embodiments of the present invention can meet various clinical needs. If high timeliness is required clinically, a real-time dynamic control method can be used. This method adjusts the next moment of the vibration while the probe is vibrating, ensuring the actual vibration state remains stable and reaches the target vibration state in real time. This is suitable for applications requiring rapid response. If lower timeliness is required clinically, a non-real-time dynamic control method can be used. After the current vibration ends, the adjustment amount is calculated based on the actual values ​​of the current vibration parameters, and the next vibration is adjusted accordingly. This method is low-cost, reduces hardware requirements, and is suitable for applications with less demanding hardware requirements.

[0237] Optionally, the adjustment amount is used to adjust the waveform or amplitude of the actual value of the vibration parameter. When the adjustment amount is used to adjust the waveform of the actual value of the vibration parameter, it actually adjusts multiple indicators such as the amplitude and phase of the vibration signal simultaneously. This comprehensive adjustment method is complex, but it has a good effect on controlling vibration stability. Alternatively, since the vibration signal is most affected by the amplitude and is more sensitive to the amplitude adjustment, in situations where the complexity requirement is not high, only the amplitude of the vibration signal can be adjusted.

[0238] Specifically, in actual clinical applications, an appropriate combination of timeliness and completeness can be selected based on actual needs and the limitations of the software and hardware platform. For example, in routine examinations, multiple independent elasticity measurements are usually performed, and the final result is obtained by statistically analyzing the results of multiple elasticity measurements. In this case, low-cost non-real-time amplitude adjustment can meet the requirements. However, for scenarios where the requirements for a single elasticity measurement are higher, real-time or waveform adjustment schemes can be used to ensure the stability of the actual vibration.

[0239] In some embodiments, adjusting the drive signal according to the actual value of the vibration parameters includes:

[0240] The actual values ​​of vibration parameters are acquired in real time, and the adjustment amount of the drive signal of the vibration mechanism is calculated.

[0241] The drive signal is supplemented based on the adjustment amount of the drive signal to obtain an updated drive signal.

[0242] Specifically, after the probe 100 starts vibrating, the vibration state detection device 104 can collect the actual values ​​of the vibration parameters of the probe 100 in real time based on a certain frequency or time interval, and send the actual values ​​of the vibration parameters to the active control module. After the active control module calculates the adjustment amount of the drive signal in real time, it uses the adjustment amount of the drive signal to supplement the drive signal to obtain an updated drive signal. Then, the updated drive signal is output to the vibration mechanism 102 to drive the vibration mechanism 102 to drive the probe or oscillator to vibrate, so as to realize the real-time dynamic adjustment of the actual vibration.

[0243] In some embodiments, adjusting the driving signal of the shear wave according to the actual value of the vibration parameters includes:

[0244] Obtain the actual value of at least one vibration parameter in the current elasticity measurement;

[0245] The drive signal adjustment amount is calculated based on the average or median of the actual values ​​of at least one vibration parameter, and the drive signal is supplemented according to the drive signal adjustment amount to obtain an updated drive signal;

[0246] The updated drive signal is used to drive the vibration mechanism 102 during the next elastic measurement to drive the probe or oscillator to vibrate.

[0247] Specifically, after the probe 100 begins its current vibration, the vibration state detection device 104 can collect the actual values ​​of the vibration parameters of the probe 100 based on a certain frequency or time interval, and send the actual values ​​of the vibration parameters collected during the current vibration process to the active control module. The active control module calculates the driving signal adjustment amount based on the actual values ​​of at least some of the vibration parameters. For example, it calculates the average signal of the actual values ​​of the vibration parameters based on the actual values ​​of at least some of the vibration parameters, obtains the vibration adjustment amount based on the difference between the average signal and the target value of the vibration parameter, obtains the driving signal adjustment amount based on the vibration adjustment amount and the damping resonance equation, and adjusts the driving signal according to the driving signal adjustment amount to obtain an updated driving signal. When the probe 100 begins its next vibration, the updated driving signal is output to the vibration mechanism 102 to drive the vibration mechanism 102 to drive the probe or oscillator to vibrate, thereby achieving the adjustment of the actual vibration.

[0248] Optionally, the method further includes: increasing or decreasing the amount of drive signal adjustment based on user operation instructions to control the actual value of vibration parameters accordingly.

[0249] In some embodiments, the operator can also optimize the operation based on the function of step S431 to make the operation more convenient. Each target object has different perception and acceptance of the probe 100 and the same degree of vibration. When the target object cannot accept a certain degree of vibration and cannot cooperate to complete the elasticity test, it is necessary to reduce the pressure between the probe 100 and the target object under the premise of being able to complete the elasticity test, so as to increase the comfort and cooperation of the target object. The operator can issue a command to reduce the vibration pressure through the corresponding button or operation interface. The active processing module in the processor 105 obtains the command, and then reduces the driving signal adjustment amount based on a predetermined amplitude, and adjusts the driving signal with the reduced driving signal adjustment amount to obtain the aforementioned updated driving signal, and inputs the updated driving signal into the vibration mechanism to reduce the vibration degree of the probe 100 and the pressure between the target object and the probe, thereby improving the comfort of the target object during the test. Alternatively, when increased vibration pressure is required, such as when the target object's own fat content necessitates increased vibration to complete the elasticity measurement, the operator can issue an instruction to increase or decrease the vibration pressure via the corresponding button or operating interface. The active processing module in the processor 105 receives this instruction, then increases the drive signal adjustment amount based on a predetermined amplitude, and adjusts the drive signal using the increased drive signal adjustment amount to obtain the aforementioned updated drive signal. The updated drive signal is then input into the vibration mechanism to increase the vibration degree of the probe 100 and the pressure between the target object and the probe, thereby facilitating the successful completion of the elasticity measurement.

[0250] In one embodiment, as described above, an oscillator or probe can be driven to vibrate to generate a shear wave propagating in a target object. The probe is then excited to emit ultrasonic waves toward the target object to detect the shear wave propagating within it. Subsequently, the ultrasonic echo signal is obtained by receiving the ultrasonic echo returned from the target object via the probe, and this signal is processed, for example by the aforementioned processor, to obtain the propagation parameters of the shear wave. During the vibration of the oscillator or probe (e.g., Figure 5 During the vibration period and / or residual vibration period, the pressure between the oscillator or probe and the target object can be detected to obtain the vibration pressure and determine the vibration state of the oscillator or probe based on the vibration pressure.

[0251] In one embodiment, the vibrational pressure can be compared with a preset threshold to determine the vibration state of the oscillator or probe. For example, if the vibrational pressure is consistently less than a first threshold within a preset time range, the oscillator or probe is determined to be in an idle state; and / or, if the vibrational pressure is less than a second threshold or greater than a third threshold, the oscillator or probe is determined to be in an abnormal operating state; and / or, if the vibrational pressure is greater than or equal to the second threshold and less than or equal to the third threshold, the oscillator or probe is determined to be in a normal operating state; and so on.

[0252] In one embodiment, when it is determined that the oscillator or probe is in an abnormal working state, the user can be notified that the oscillator or probe is in an abnormal working state.

[0253] In one embodiment, when it is determined that the oscillator or probe is in an un-vibrated state, at least one of the following steps may be performed: prompting the user that the oscillator or probe is in an un-vibrated state; controlling the oscillator or probe to stop vibrating; not outputting the propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained by the ultrasonic imaging device during the current vibration; and prompting the user that the propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained during the current vibration are abnormal.

[0254] In one embodiment, as described above, an oscillator or probe can be driven to vibrate to generate a shear wave propagating in the target object. The probe is then excited to emit ultrasonic waves toward the target object to detect the shear wave propagating within it. Subsequently, the ultrasonic echo signal is obtained by receiving the ultrasonic echo returned from the target object via the probe, and this signal is processed, for example by the aforementioned processor, to obtain the propagation parameters of the shear wave.

[0255] During the vibration of the oscillator or probe, the vibration state of the oscillator or probe can be detected to obtain vibration state data. When the vibration state data indicates that the vibration state of the oscillator or probe is abnormal, at least one of the following steps is performed: indicating that the oscillator or probe is in an abnormal state; controlling the oscillator or probe to stop vibrating; not outputting the propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained by the ultrasound imaging device during the current vibration; indicating that the propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained by the ultrasound imaging device during the current vibration are abnormal; and stopping the acquisition of the propagation parameters of the shear wave through the ultrasound imaging device.

[0256] Alternatively, when the vibration state data indicates that the vibration state of the oscillator or probe is abnormal, at least one of the following steps is performed: indicating that the oscillator or probe is in an abnormal state; not outputting the propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained by the ultrasonic imaging device during the current vibration; indicating that the propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained by the ultrasonic imaging device during the current vibration are abnormal; and stopping the acquisition of the propagation parameters of the shear wave through the ultrasonic imaging device.

[0257] The diagnostic status of the oscillator or probe can then be continuously monitored to obtain vibration status data. When the vibration status data indicates that the vibration status of the oscillator or probe has returned to normal, at least one of the following steps is performed: indicating that the oscillator or probe has returned to normal; restoring the propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained by the ultrasound imaging device during the current vibration; indicating that the propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained by the ultrasound imaging device during the current vibration have returned to normal; and restoring the propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained by the ultrasound imaging device.

[0258] In one embodiment, the vibration state data may be contact state detection data obtained by a contact detection device, and when the contact state detection data obtained by the contact detection device indicates that the oscillator or probe has lost contact with the target object, it is determined that the vibration state of the oscillator or probe is abnormal. The contact detection device may be at least one of a temperature sensor, a distance sensor, a pressure sensor, a resistance sensor, a capacitance sensor, and a magnetic field sensor.

[0259] In one embodiment, the vibration state data can be the vibration pressure between the oscillator or probe and the target object obtained by a pressure sensor. If the vibration pressure remains below a first threshold for a preset time range, it is determined that the vibration state of the oscillator or probe is abnormal; and / or, if the vibration pressure is below a second threshold or above a third threshold, it is determined that the vibration state of the oscillator or probe is abnormal. Furthermore, if the vibration pressure is greater than or equal to the second threshold and less than or equal to the third threshold, it is determined that the vibration state of the oscillator or probe has returned to normal.

[0260] In one embodiment, as described above, an oscillator or probe can be driven to vibrate to generate a shear wave propagating in the target object. The probe is then excited to emit ultrasonic waves towards the target object to detect the shear wave propagating within it. Subsequently, the ultrasonic echo signal is obtained by receiving the ultrasonic echo returned from the target object via the probe, and this signal is processed, for example by the aforementioned processor, to obtain the propagation parameters of the shear wave. Furthermore, the pressure between the oscillator or probe and the target object before and after the oscillator or probe vibrates can be detected. Based on the pressure before and after the oscillator or probe vibrates, it can be determined whether the pressure between the oscillator or probe and the target object is consistent before and after the oscillator or probe vibrates.

[0261] In one embodiment, the average pressure between the oscillator or probe and the target object before the oscillator or probe vibrates can be obtained as a first pressure, and the average pressure between the oscillator or probe and the target object after the oscillator or probe vibrates can be obtained as a second pressure. It is then determined whether the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure is within a set range. When the difference is within the set range, it is determined that the pressure between the oscillator or probe and the target object is consistent before and after the oscillator or probe vibrates; when the difference is not within the set range, it is determined that the pressure between the oscillator or probe and the target object is inconsistent before and after the oscillator or probe vibrates.

[0262] In one embodiment, when it is determined that the pressure between the oscillator or probe and the target object is inconsistent before and after the oscillator or probe vibrates, at least one of the following steps may be performed: indicating that the oscillator or probe is in an abnormal state; controlling the oscillator or probe to stop vibrating; not outputting the propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained during the current vibration; indicating that the propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained during the current vibration are abnormal; and stopping the acquisition of the propagation parameters of the shear wave.

[0263] In one embodiment, as described above, an oscillator or probe can be driven to vibrate to generate a shear wave propagating in a target object. The probe is then excited to emit ultrasonic waves towards the target object to detect the shear wave propagating within it. Subsequently, the ultrasonic echo signal is obtained by receiving the ultrasonic echo returned from the target object via the probe, and this signal is processed, for example by the aforementioned processor, to obtain the propagation parameters of the shear wave. Furthermore, the actual value of the vibration parameters of the oscillator or probe can be detected, and the operating parameters of the oscillator or probe can be adjusted based on the detected actual value and the target value of the vibration parameters. This changes the actual value of the vibration parameters so that it matches or tends to match the target value.

[0264] In one embodiment, the driving signal used to drive the vibration of the oscillator or probe can be adjusted according to the actual value and the target value of the vibration parameter to obtain an updated driving signal, and the oscillator or probe can be driven to vibrate using the updated driving signal, thereby changing the actual value of the vibration parameter of the oscillator or probe so that the actual value of the vibration parameter is consistent with or tends to be consistent with the target value of the vibration parameter.

[0265] In one embodiment, the drive signal adjustment amount can be calculated based on the actual value and the target value of the vibration parameter, and the drive signal can be adjusted using the drive signal adjustment amount to obtain the updated drive signal.

[0266] In one embodiment, the vibration adjustment amount can be obtained by calculating the difference between the actual value of the vibration parameter and the target value of the vibration parameter, and the aforementioned drive signal adjustment amount can be calculated based on the vibration adjustment amount.

[0267] In one embodiment, the calculated adjustment amount of the drive signal can also be increased or decreased based on the user's operation instructions.

[0268] In one embodiment, the resonance coefficient and / or damping coefficient of the oscillator or probe can be adjusted according to the actual value and the target value of the vibration parameter, thereby changing the actual value of the vibration parameter of the oscillator or probe so that the actual value of the vibration parameter is consistent with or tends to be consistent with the target value of the vibration parameter.

[0269] In one embodiment, the target value of the aforementioned vibration parameter can also be directly adjusted. The target value of the vibration parameter can be adjusted based on user input commands. For example, when a user wishes to increase or decrease the pressure between the probe or oscillator and the target object, they can input a command to increase or decrease the pressure via corresponding buttons or an interface. Upon receiving the command, the processor 105 can correspondingly increase or decrease the target value of the vibration parameter (here, the target pressure). Then, the processor 105 calculates the drive signal adjustment amount based on the current actual value of the vibration parameter and the adjusted target value of the vibration parameter, and uses this adjustment amount to adjust the drive signal to obtain an updated drive signal. The updated drive signal is then used to drive the vibration mechanism 102 to drive the probe or oscillator to vibrate, thereby achieving the purpose of increasing or decreasing the pressure between the probe or oscillator and the target object.

[0270] Alternatively, the target value of the vibration parameter can be automatically adjusted by the ultrasound imaging system (e.g., its processor). For example, when the ultrasound imaging system detects that the actual value of the current vibration parameter is inappropriate (e.g., the pressure between the probe or vibrator and the target object is too high or too low, etc.), it can directly and automatically generate a command to increase or decrease the target value of the corresponding vibration parameter. Upon receiving this command, the processor 105 can increase or decrease the target value of the vibration parameter accordingly (e.g., in this example, the target pressure between the probe or vibrator and the target object). Then, the processor 105 calculates the drive signal adjustment amount based on the actual value of the current vibration parameter and the adjusted target value of the vibration parameter, and adjusts the drive signal with the drive signal adjustment amount to obtain an updated drive signal. The updated drive signal is then used to drive the vibration mechanism 102 to drive the probe or vibrator to vibrate, thereby achieving the purpose of increasing or decreasing the pressure between the probe or vibrator and the target object.

[0271] In one embodiment, the ultrasound imaging system can detect the actual value of the current vibration parameter (e.g., the pressure between the probe or oscillator and the target object, etc.) using a vibration parameter detection device (e.g., a pressure sensor, etc.) and compare the detected actual value of the vibration parameter with a preset threshold or threshold range. When the detected actual value of the vibration parameter is greater than or less than the preset threshold, or is outside the preset threshold range, or meets some other preset condition, it is determined that the current actual value of the vibration parameter is inappropriate, and accordingly, an instruction to increase or decrease the target value of the corresponding vibration parameter (e.g., the target pressure between the probe or oscillator and the target object) is automatically generated. In other embodiments, the ultrasound imaging system can also determine whether the current actual value of the vibration parameter is appropriate by processing and analyzing the ultrasound echo signal received by the ultrasound probe or the shear wave propagation parameters obtained from the ultrasound echo signal, and when it is determined that the current actual value of the vibration parameter is inappropriate, an instruction to increase or decrease the target value of the corresponding vibration parameter (e.g., the target pressure between the probe or oscillator and the target object) is automatically generated accordingly.

[0272] In one embodiment, the processor can adjust the target value of the vibration parameter based on at least one of the received input instructions, the actual value of the vibration parameter, the ultrasonic echo signal, and the propagation parameters of the shear wave.

[0273] In the above embodiments, when adjusting the target value of the vibration parameter, the processor can directly adjust the target value of the vibration parameter to the desired value, or it can adjust the target value of the vibration parameter in a certain step size (in this case, each step size can be considered as a new target value of the vibration parameter).

[0274] The ultrasonic imaging device and method of this invention determine whether the probe is experiencing empty vibration or slippage by detecting the pressure between the probe and the target object after the probe starts to vibrate, and whether the measurement results are valid. This prevents the probe from being affected by empty vibration, thus improving the effectiveness of elasticity measurement results. Furthermore, the channel signal of the probe is adjusted according to the vibration signal to ensure the stability of the actual vibration of the probe, further improving the accuracy of elasticity detection.

[0275] 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 elements of any method or apparatus so disclosed may 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.

[0276] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that although some embodiments herein include certain features included in other embodiments but not others, combinations of features from different embodiments are 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.

[0277] The technical terminology used in the embodiments of this invention is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the invention. In this document, the singular forms “a,” “the,” and “” are used to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and / or “including” as used in the specification mean the presence of features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components.

[0278] The equivalents (if any) of the corresponding structures, materials, actions, and all means or steps and functional elements in the appended claims are intended to include any structure, material, or action used in conjunction with other expressly claimed elements to perform the function. The description of the invention is given for the purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the disclosed forms. Various modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiments described herein better reveal the principles and practical applications of the invention and enable those skilled in the art to understand the invention.

[0279] The flowchart described in this invention is merely one embodiment, and various modifications and variations can be made to this illustration or the steps in this invention without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, these steps can be performed in different orders, or certain steps can be added, deleted, or modified. Those skilled in the art will understand that implementing all or part of the processes of the above embodiments, and making equivalent changes in accordance with the claims of this invention, still falls within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic imaging device, characterized in that, include: probe; A vibration mechanism that drives an oscillator or the probe to vibrate in order to generate a shear wave that propagates in a target object; A transmitting circuit that excites the probe to emit ultrasonic waves toward the target object to detect the shear waves propagating in the target object; A receiving circuit controls the probe to receive ultrasonic echoes returned from the target object to obtain ultrasonic echo signals; A vibration state detection device, wherein the vibration state detection device detects the pressure between the oscillator or the probe and the target object; A processor that processes the ultrasonic echo signal to obtain the propagation parameters of the shear wave; in, The vibration state detection device detects the pressure between the oscillator or the probe and the target object during the vibration of the oscillator or the probe, and obtains the vibration pressure. The vibration period of the oscillator or the probe includes the vibration link of the vibration mechanism and the residual vibration link where the vibration mechanism stops working but continues to vibrate. The processor determines the vibration state of the oscillator or the probe based on the mid-oscillation pressure.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processor determines the vibration state of the oscillator or the probe based on the mid-oscillation pressure, including: When the oscillation pressure remains below a first threshold within a preset time range, the processor determines that the oscillator or the probe is in an idle state; and / or When the oscillation pressure is less than the second threshold or greater than the third threshold, the processor determines that the oscillator or the probe is in an abnormal operating state; and / or When the oscillation pressure is greater than or equal to the second threshold and less than or equal to the third threshold, the processor determines that the oscillator or the probe is in normal working condition.

3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that: When it is determined that the oscillator or the probe is in an abnormal working state, the processor prompts the user that the oscillator or the probe is in an abnormal working state.

4. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that: When it is determined that the oscillator or the probe is in an idle state, the processor is further configured to perform at least one of the following steps: The user is prompted that the vibrator or the probe is in an un-vibrated state. Control the oscillator or the probe to stop vibrating; The propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained by the ultrasonic imaging device during the current vibration are not output. The system alerts the user that the propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained by the ultrasonic imaging device are abnormal during the current vibration.

5. An ultrasonic imaging device, characterized in that, include: probe; A vibration mechanism that drives an oscillator or the probe to vibrate in order to generate a shear wave that propagates in a target object; A transmitting circuit that excites the probe to emit ultrasonic waves toward the target object to detect the shear waves propagating in the target object; A receiving circuit controls the probe to receive ultrasonic echoes returned from the target object to obtain ultrasonic echo signals; A vibration state detection device detects the vibration state of the oscillator or the probe during the vibration period and obtains vibration state data. The vibration period of the oscillator or the probe includes the vibration link of the vibration mechanism and the residual vibration link where the vibration mechanism stops working but continues to vibrate. A processor that processes the ultrasonic echo signal to obtain the propagation parameters of the shear wave; When the vibration state data indicates an abnormality in the vibration state of the oscillator or the probe, the processor executes at least one of the following steps: This indicates that the oscillator or the probe is in an abnormal state; Control the oscillator or the probe to stop vibrating; The propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained by the ultrasonic imaging device during the current vibration are not output. The system indicates that the propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained by the ultrasonic imaging device are abnormal during the current vibration. Stop acquiring the propagation parameters of the shear wave through the ultrasound imaging device.

6. An ultrasonic imaging device, characterized in that, include: probe; A vibration mechanism that drives an oscillator or the probe to vibrate in order to generate a shear wave that propagates in a target object; A transmitting circuit that excites the probe to emit ultrasonic waves toward the target object to detect the shear waves propagating in the target object; A receiving circuit controls the probe to receive ultrasonic echoes returned from the target object to obtain ultrasonic echo signals; A vibration state detection device detects the vibration state of the oscillator or the probe during the vibration period and obtains vibration state data. The vibration period of the oscillator or the probe includes the vibration link of the vibration mechanism and the residual vibration link where the vibration mechanism stops working but continues to vibrate. A processor that processes the ultrasonic echo signal to obtain the propagation parameters of the shear wave; in: When the vibration state data indicates that the vibration state of the oscillator or the probe is abnormal, the processor performs at least one of the following steps: This indicates that the oscillator or the probe is in an abnormal state; The propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained by the ultrasonic imaging device during the current vibration are not output. The system indicates that the propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained by the ultrasonic imaging device are abnormal during the current vibration. Stop acquiring shear wave propagation parameters through the ultrasonic imaging device; And when the vibration state data indicates that the vibration state of the oscillator or the probe has returned to normal, the processor performs at least one of the following steps: The oscillator or the probe has returned to normal operation. Restore the propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained by the ultrasonic imaging device when the current vibration is output; The system indicates that the propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained by the ultrasonic imaging device have returned to normal during the current vibration. The propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained through the ultrasound imaging device are restored.

7. The device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The vibration state detection device is a contact detection device used to detect the contact state between the oscillator or the probe and the target object, and the vibration state data is the contact state detection data obtained by the contact detection device. Specifically, when the contact state detection data obtained by the contact detection device indicates that the oscillator or the probe has lost contact with the target object, it is determined that the vibration state of the oscillator or the probe is abnormal.

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The contact detection device is at least one of a temperature sensor, a distance sensor, a pressure sensor, a resistance sensor, a capacitance sensor, and a magnetic field sensor.

9. The device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The vibration state detection device is a pressure sensor used to detect the pressure between the oscillator or the probe and the target object, and the vibration state data is the vibration pressure between the oscillator or the probe and the target object obtained by the pressure sensor; in: If the vibrational pressure remains below a first threshold for a preset time period, it is determined that the vibration state of the oscillator or the probe is abnormal; and / or When the vibration pressure is less than the second threshold or greater than the third threshold, it is determined that the vibration state of the oscillator or the probe is abnormal.

10. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The vibration state detection device is a pressure sensor used to detect the pressure between the oscillator or the probe and the target object, and the vibration state data is the vibration pressure between the oscillator or the probe and the target object obtained by the pressure sensor; Specifically, when the vibration pressure at the midpoint is greater than or equal to the second threshold and less than or equal to the third threshold, it is determined that the vibration state of the oscillator or the probe has returned to normal.

11. An ultrasound imaging method, characterized in that, include: Drive the oscillator or probe to vibrate to generate shear waves that propagate in the target object; An excitation probe emits ultrasonic waves toward the target object to detect the shear waves propagating in the target object; Receive the ultrasonic echo returned from the target object to obtain an ultrasonic echo signal; The ultrasonic echo signal is processed to obtain the propagation parameters of the shear wave; During the vibration of the oscillator or the probe, the pressure between the oscillator or the probe and the target object is detected to obtain the vibration pressure. The vibration period of the oscillator or the probe includes the vibration phase of the vibration mechanism and the residual vibration phase where the vibration mechanism stops working but continues to vibrate. The vibration state of the oscillator or the probe is determined based on the mid-oscillation pressure.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, Determining the vibration state of the oscillator or the probe based on the mid-oscillation pressure includes: When the oscillation pressure remains below a first threshold within a preset time range, it is determined that the oscillator or the probe is in a no-vibration state; and / or When the oscillation pressure is less than the second threshold or greater than the third threshold, it is determined that the oscillator or the probe is in an abnormal working state; and / or When the oscillation pressure is greater than or equal to the second threshold and less than or equal to the third threshold, it is determined that the oscillator or the probe is in normal working condition.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, Also includes: When it is determined that the vibrator or the probe is in an abnormal working state, the user is prompted that the vibrator or the probe is in an abnormal working state.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that: When it is determined that the oscillator or the probe is in an idle state, at least one of the following steps is also included: The user is prompted that the vibrator or the probe is in an un-vibrated state. Control the oscillator or the probe to stop vibrating; The propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained by the ultrasonic imaging device during the current vibration are not output. The system alerts the user that the propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained by the ultrasonic imaging device are abnormal during the current vibration.

15. An ultrasound imaging method, characterized in that, include: Drive the oscillator or probe to vibrate to generate shear waves that propagate in the target object; An excitation probe emits ultrasonic waves toward the target object to detect the shear waves propagating in the target object; Receive the ultrasonic echo returned from the target object to obtain an ultrasonic echo signal; The ultrasonic echo signal is processed to obtain the propagation parameters of the shear wave; The vibration state of the oscillator or the probe is detected during the vibration of the oscillator or the probe to obtain the vibration state data. The vibration period of the oscillator or the probe includes the vibration link of the vibration mechanism and the residual vibration link where the vibration mechanism stops working but continues to vibrate. When the vibration state data indicates an abnormality in the vibration state of the oscillator or the probe, at least one of the following steps is performed: This indicates that the oscillator or the probe is in an abnormal state; Control the oscillator or the probe to stop vibrating; The propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained by the ultrasonic imaging device during the current vibration are not output. The system indicates that the propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained by the ultrasonic imaging device are abnormal during the current vibration. Stop acquiring the propagation parameters of the shear wave through the ultrasound imaging device.

16. An ultrasound imaging method, characterized in that, include: Drive the oscillator or probe to vibrate to generate shear waves that propagate in the target object; An excitation probe emits ultrasonic waves toward the target object to detect the shear waves propagating in the target object; Receive the ultrasonic echo returned from the target object to obtain an ultrasonic echo signal; The ultrasonic echo signal is processed to obtain the propagation parameters of the shear wave; The vibration state of the oscillator or the probe is detected during the vibration of the oscillator or the probe to obtain the vibration state data. The vibration period of the oscillator or the probe includes the vibration link of the vibration mechanism and the residual vibration link where the vibration mechanism stops working but continues to vibrate. in: When the vibration state data indicates that the vibration state of the oscillator or the probe is abnormal, at least one of the following steps shall be performed: This indicates that the oscillator or the probe is in an abnormal state; The propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained by the ultrasonic imaging device during the current vibration are not output. The system indicates that the propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained by the ultrasonic imaging device are abnormal during the current vibration. Stop acquiring shear wave propagation parameters through the ultrasonic imaging device; And when the vibration state data indicates that the vibration state of the oscillator or the probe has returned to normal, at least one of the following steps shall be performed: The oscillator or the probe has returned to normal operation. Restore the propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained by the ultrasonic imaging device when the current vibration is output; The system indicates that the propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained by the ultrasonic imaging device have returned to normal during the current vibration. The propagation parameters of the shear wave obtained through the ultrasound imaging device are restored.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that: The vibration state data is contact state detection data obtained through a contact detection device; Specifically, when the contact state detection data obtained by the contact detection device indicates that the oscillator or the probe has lost contact with the target object, it is determined that the vibration state of the oscillator or the probe is abnormal.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The contact detection device is at least one of a temperature sensor, a distance sensor, a pressure sensor, a resistance sensor, and a magnetic field sensor.

19. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that: The vibration state data is the vibration pressure between the oscillator or the probe and the target object obtained by the pressure sensor. in: If the vibrational pressure remains below a first threshold for a preset time period, it is determined that the vibration state of the oscillator or the probe is abnormal; and / or When the vibration pressure is less than the second threshold or greater than the third threshold, it is determined that the vibration state of the oscillator or the probe is abnormal.

20. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that: The vibration state data is the vibration pressure between the oscillator or the probe and the target object obtained by the pressure sensor. Specifically, when the vibration pressure at the midpoint is greater than or equal to the second threshold and less than or equal to the third threshold, it is determined that the vibration state of the oscillator or the probe has returned to normal.

21. An ultrasonic imaging device, characterized in that, include: probe; A vibration mechanism that drives an oscillator or the probe to vibrate under the control of a drive signal to generate a shear wave that propagates in a target object; A transmitting circuit that excites the probe to emit ultrasonic waves toward the target object to detect the shear waves propagating in the target object; A receiving circuit controls the probe to receive ultrasonic echoes returned from the target object to obtain ultrasonic echo signals; A vibration parameter detection device, wherein the vibration parameter detection device detects the actual values ​​of the vibration parameters of the oscillator or the probe, wherein the actual values ​​of the vibration parameters include waveform data; A processor that processes the ultrasonic echo signal to obtain the propagation parameters of the shear wave; The processor is further configured to: determine the stability of the oscillator or the probe being driven to generate a shear wave propagating in the target object based on the actual value of the vibration parameter detected by the vibration parameter detection device and the target value of the vibration parameter.

22. The device according to claim 21, characterized in that: The vibration parameters include at least one of the following: pressure between the oscillator or the probe and the target object; vibration frequency of the oscillator or the probe; vibration displacement of the oscillator or the probe; vibration phase of the oscillator or the probe; vibration duration of the oscillator or the probe; vibration velocity of the oscillator or the probe; and vibration acceleration of the oscillator or the probe.

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