Ultrasound imaging device and method of determining a veterinary mode thereof

Abstract

The application provides an ultrasonic imaging device and a method for determining a veterinary mode of the ultrasonic imaging device. A veterinary mode selection interface is displayed, which includes a plurality of animal types, a plurality of examination modes and a plurality of probe types. Each animal type is associated with at least one examination mode displayed in an examination mode area. When an examination mode displayed in the examination mode area associated with an animal type is activated, the animal type associated with the examination mode area to which the activated examination mode belongs is also activated. Each examination mode is associated with at least one probe type, and each examination mode is further provided with an activation area. The at least one probe type associated with each examination mode is arranged in the activation area corresponding to the examination mode. When a probe type in the activation area is activated, the examination mode corresponding to the activation area to which the activated probe type belongs is also activated. One-key activation of the veterinary mode is realized by selecting a probe type, and the operation is very convenient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical devices, specifically to an ultrasound imaging device and a method for determining its veterinary mode. Background Technology

[0002] When using ultrasound imaging equipment to examine animals, it is necessary to select the animal type, probe, and examination mode according to the specific animal. This is to match the corresponding image parameters and calculation formulas for the animal.

[0003] Typically, the "Probe" and "Inspection Mode" selections on the main interface are not differentiated between humans and animals. When inspecting each animal, the "Animal Type" is usually selected via a dropdown menu. After selecting the animal type, one must return to the main interface to select the "Probe" and "Inspection Mode." This method requires switching back and forth between interfaces, which is not only prone to errors, such as selecting the wrong animal type, but also cumbersome. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention mainly provides an ultrasound imaging device and a method for determining its veterinary mode, so that users can activate the veterinary mode.

[0005] One embodiment provides a method for determining the veterinary mode of an ultrasound imaging device, comprising:

[0006] The veterinary mode selection interface is displayed. This interface includes multiple animal types, multiple examination modes, and multiple probe types. Each animal type has at least one examination mode displayed within its associated examination mode area. When an examination mode displayed within each animal type's associated examination mode area is activated, the animal type associated with the activated examination mode's area is also activated. Each examination mode is associated with at least one probe type. Each examination mode also has an activation area. At least one probe type associated with each examination mode is located within the activation area corresponding to each examination mode. When a probe type within the activation area is activated, the examination mode corresponding to the activation area of ​​the activated probe type is also activated.

[0007] Receives an instruction for selecting a probe type, and in response to the instruction for selecting a probe type, activates the selected probe type, the inspection mode corresponding to the activation area to which the selected probe type belongs, and the veterinary mode that is jointly corresponding to the animal type associated with the inspection mode area to which the inspection mode belongs.

[0008] In one embodiment of the method, in the veterinary mode selection interface, various animal types and inspection modes are arranged in an array; wherein, all animal types are arranged in a row along a first direction, and the various inspection modes displayed in the inspection mode area associated with each animal type are arranged in a column along a second direction, and the inspection modes of the same type associated with each animal type are located in the same row, and the various inspection modes in the inspection mode area associated with each animal type are located in the same column, and when a probe type is selected, the animal type whose inspection mode corresponding to the active area to which the selected probe type belongs is located in the same column is determined as the animal type of the veterinary mode.

[0009] One embodiment of the method further includes:

[0010] Record the activated veterinary modes and obtain the recorded information;

[0011] According to the recorded information, multiple interactive elements are displayed on the display interface according to preset rules; the interactive elements are used to identify the veterinary mode in the recorded information, and the interactive elements display an animal icon for identifying the animal type in the veterinary mode, a probe icon for identifying the probe type in the veterinary mode, and an inspection mode icon for identifying the inspection mode in the veterinary mode.

[0012] Receive an instruction for selecting an interactive element, and in response to the instruction, switch the currently active veterinary mode to the veterinary mode identified by the selected interactive element.

[0013] One embodiment of the method further includes:

[0014] When the veterinary mode is activated, at least one of the annotation items, measurement items, and body position diagrams applicable to the veterinary mode is also switched accordingly.

[0015] One embodiment of the method further includes:

[0016] The animal type includes at least one of the following: felines, canines, and other animals.

[0017] In one embodiment of the method, the canines include at least one of small, medium, and large dogs, categorized by weight range.

[0018] One embodiment of the method further includes:

[0019] The veterinary mode selection interface displays at least one of the probe types based on historical usage data, and highlights the probe type with the highest usage frequency.

[0020] In one embodiment of the method, the activation area of ​​the inspection mode setting is an area inside or around the displayed inspection mode.

[0021] In one embodiment of the method, the probe type is a virtual button.

[0022] One embodiment of the method further includes:

[0023] In response to the instruction for selecting a probe type, the selected probe type is displayed in a differentiated manner.

[0024] One embodiment of the method further includes:

[0025] The biological tissue is scanned according to the activated veterinary mode to obtain ultrasound images, which are then displayed on the display interface.

[0026] One embodiment provides an ultrasound imaging device, comprising:

[0027] Ultrasonic probe;

[0028] A transmit / receive control circuit is used to control the ultrasound probe to transmit ultrasound waves to the region of interest within biological tissue and to receive the echoes of the ultrasound waves to obtain ultrasound echo signals.

[0029] Human-computer interaction devices are used to output visual information and receive user input.

[0030] A processor for executing the method for determining the veterinary mode of the ultrasound imaging device as described above.

[0031] According to the ultrasound imaging device and its veterinary mode determination method in the above embodiments, a veterinary mode selection interface is displayed. This interface includes multiple animal types, multiple examination modes, and multiple probe types. Each animal type has at least one examination mode displayed in its associated examination mode area. When an examination mode displayed in each animal type's associated examination mode area is activated, the animal type associated with the activated examination mode's associated examination mode area is also activated. Each examination mode is associated with at least one probe type, and each examination mode also has an activation area. The at least one probe type associated with each examination mode is located in the activation area corresponding to each examination mode. When a probe type in the activation area is activated, the examination mode corresponding to the activation area of ​​the activated probe type is also activated. Thus, the user only needs to select one probe type, and the examination mode corresponding to that probe type and its associated activation area is activated. The animal type associated with the activated examination mode's associated examination mode area is also activated, achieving one-click activation of the corresponding veterinary mode, making the operation very convenient. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a structural block diagram of an embodiment of the ultrasound imaging device provided by the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 A flowchart of an embodiment of the method for determining veterinary patterns provided by the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 for Figure 2 The method shown is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the veterinary mode selection interface;

[0035] Figure 4 A flowchart of an embodiment of the method for determining veterinary patterns provided by the present invention;

[0036] Figure 5 for Figure 4 The method shown is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the veterinary mode selection interface;

[0037] Figure 6 A flowchart of an embodiment of the method for determining veterinary patterns provided by the present invention;

[0038] Figure 7 for Figure 6 The method shown is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the veterinary mode selection interface;

[0039] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of multiple interactive elements displayed on the display interface in the ultrasound imaging device provided by the present invention;

[0040] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the veterinary mode selection interface in the ultrasound imaging device provided by the present invention;

[0041] Figure 10 A flowchart of an embodiment of the method for determining veterinary patterns provided by the present invention;

[0042] Figure 11 for Figure 10 The method shown is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the veterinary mode selection interface;

[0043] Figure 12 for Figure 10 The method shown is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the veterinary mode selection interface. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Similar elements in different embodiments are referred to by associated similar element reference numerals. In the following embodiments, many details are described to facilitate a better understanding of the present application. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that some features may be omitted in different situations, or may be replaced by other elements, materials, or methods. In some cases, certain operations related to the present application are not shown or described in the specification. This is to avoid obscuring the core parts of the present application with excessive description. For those skilled in the art, detailed description of these related operations is not necessary; they can fully understand the related operations based on the description in the specification and general technical knowledge in the art.

[0045] Furthermore, the features, operations, or characteristics described in the specification can be combined in any suitable manner to form various embodiments. At the same time, the steps or actions in the method description can be rearranged or adjusted in a manner obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the various orders in the specification and drawings are only for the clear description of a particular embodiment and do not imply a necessary order, unless otherwise stated that a particular order must be followed.

[0046] The serial numbers assigned to components in this document, such as "first" and "second," are used only to distinguish the described objects and have no sequential or technical meaning. The terms "connection" and "linkage" used in this application, unless otherwise specified, include both direct and indirect connections (linkages).

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, the ultrasound imaging device provided by the present invention includes an ultrasound probe 30, a transmitting / receiving circuit 40 (i.e., a transmitting circuit 410 and a receiving circuit 420), a beamforming module 50, an IQ demodulation module 60, a processor 20, a human-computer interaction device 70, and a memory 80.

[0048] The ultrasound probe 30 includes a transducer (not shown) composed of multiple array elements arranged in an array. These elements can be arranged in a row to form a linear array, or in a two-dimensional matrix to form a planar array; they can also form a convex array. The array elements are used to emit ultrasonic waves according to an excitation electrical signal, or to convert received ultrasonic waves into electrical signals. Therefore, each array element can be used to achieve the mutual conversion between electrical pulse signals and ultrasonic waves, thereby emitting ultrasonic waves to the biological tissue 10 to be imaged, and also to receive the echoes of ultrasonic waves reflected back from the tissue. During ultrasound detection, the transmitting circuit 410 and the receiving circuit 420 can control which array elements are used to emit ultrasonic waves and which are used to receive ultrasonic waves, or control the array elements to be used in time-slotted manner for emitting ultrasonic waves or receiving ultrasonic wave echoes. Array elements participating in ultrasonic wave emission can be simultaneously excited by electrical signals, thereby emitting ultrasonic waves simultaneously; or array elements participating in ultrasonic wave emission can be excited by several electrical signals with a certain time interval, thereby continuously emitting ultrasonic waves with a certain time interval.

[0049] The array elements, for example, employ piezoelectric crystals, which convert electrical signals into ultrasonic signals according to the transmission sequence transmitted by the transmitting circuit 410. Depending on the application, the ultrasonic signals may include one or more scanning pulses, one or more reference pulses, one or more driving pulses, and / or one or more Doppler pulses. Depending on the wave morphology, ultrasonic signals may include focused waves, plane waves, and diverging waves, etc.

[0050] The user selects a suitable position and angle by moving the ultrasound probe 30 to emit ultrasound waves to the biological tissue 10 to be imaged and receives the echo of the ultrasound waves returned by the biological tissue 10. The user outputs an ultrasound echo signal, which is a channel analog electrical signal formed by the receiving array element. It carries amplitude information, frequency information and time information.

[0051] The transmitting circuit 410 generates a transmission sequence under the control of the processor 20. This transmission sequence controls some or all of the multiple array elements to transmit ultrasonic waves towards the object to be imaged. The transmission sequence parameters include the position and number of array elements, and the ultrasonic beam transmission parameters (e.g., amplitude, frequency, number of transmissions, transmission interval, transmission angle, waveform, focusing position, etc.). In some cases, the transmitting circuit 410 also performs phase delay on the transmitted beam, allowing different transmitting array elements to transmit ultrasonic waves at different times, so that each transmitted ultrasonic beam can be focused in a predetermined region of interest. Different operating modes, such as B-image mode, C-image mode, and D-image mode (Doppler mode), may have different transmission sequence parameters. After the echo signal is received by the receiving circuit 420 and processed by subsequent modules and corresponding algorithms, a B-image reflecting tissue anatomy, a C-image reflecting blood flow information, and a D-image reflecting the Doppler spectrum can be generated.

[0052] The receiving circuit 420 receives and processes ultrasonic echo signals from the ultrasonic probe 30. The receiving circuit 420 may include one or more amplifiers, analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), etc. The amplifier amplifies the received echo signal after appropriate gain compensation. The amplifier samples the analog echo signal at predetermined time intervals, converting it into a digitized echo signal. The digitized echo signal still retains amplitude, frequency, and phase information. The data output from the receiving circuit 420 can be sent to the beamforming module 50 for processing or to the memory 80 for storage.

[0053] The beamforming module 50 is signal-connected to the receiving circuit 420 and is used to perform beamforming processing on the echo signal, including delay and weighted summation. Because the distance from the ultrasonic receiving point in the tested tissue to the receiving array elements varies, the channel data from the same receiving point output by different receiving array elements has delay differences, requiring delay processing to align the phases. Weighted summation of the different channel data from the same receiving point is then performed to obtain the beamformed ultrasonic image data. The ultrasonic image data output by the beamforming module 50 is also called radio frequency (RF) data. The beamforming module 50 outputs the RF data to the IQ demodulation module 60. In some embodiments, the beamforming module 50 can also output the RF data to the memory 80 for caching or storage, or directly output the RF data to the processor 20 for image processing.

[0054] The beamforming module 50 can perform the above functions in hardware, firmware, or software. For example, the beamforming module 50 may include a central controller circuit (CPU), one or more microprocessor chips, or any other electronic components capable of processing input data according to specific logic instructions. When the beamforming module 50 is implemented in software, it can execute instructions stored on a tangible and non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., memory) to perform beamforming calculations using any suitable beamforming method. The beamforming module 50 can be integrated into the processor 20 or set up separately; this invention is not limited thereto.

[0055] The IQ demodulation module 60 removes the signal carrier through IQ demodulation, extracts the tissue structure information contained in the signal, and filters to remove noise. The signal obtained at this time is called the baseband signal (IQ data pair). The IQ demodulation module 60 outputs the IQ data pair to the processor 20 for image processing.

[0056] In some embodiments, the IQ demodulation module 60 also caches or saves the IQ data output to the memory 80 so that the processor 20 can read the data from the memory 80 for subsequent image processing.

[0057] The IQ demodulation module 60 can also perform the above functions in hardware, firmware or software. In some embodiments, the IQ demodulation module 60 can also be integrated with the beamforming module 50 in a single chip.

[0058] The processor 20 is configured to process input data according to specific logical instructions. It is a central controller circuit (CPU), one or more microprocessors, a graphics controller circuit (GPU), or any other electronic component. It can control peripheral electronic components according to input instructions or predetermined instructions, or perform data reading and / or saving on the memory 80. It can also process input data by executing programs in the memory 80. For example, it can perform one or more processing operations on the acquired ultrasound data according to one or more operating modes. The processing operations include, but are not limited to, adjusting or limiting the form of ultrasound waves emitted by the ultrasound probe 30, generating various image frames for display on the display of the human-machine interface device 70, or adjusting or limiting the content and form displayed on the display, or adjusting one or more image display settings displayed on the display (e.g., ultrasound images, interface components, locating regions of interest).

[0059] When an echo signal is received, the acquired ultrasound data can be processed in real time by the processor 20 during the scan, or it can be temporarily stored in the memory 80 and processed in a near real-time manner during online or offline operation.

[0060] In this embodiment, the processor 20 controls the operation of the transmitting circuit 410 and the receiving circuit 420, for example, controlling the transmitting circuit 410 and the receiving circuit 420 to operate alternately or simultaneously. The processor 20 can also determine a suitable operating mode according to the user's selection or the program settings, form a transmission sequence corresponding to the current operating mode, and send the transmission sequence to the transmitting circuit 410 so that the transmitting circuit 410 can use the appropriate transmission sequence to control the ultrasonic probe 30 to emit ultrasonic waves.

[0061] The processor 20 is also used to process the ultrasound data to generate a grayscale image showing the changes in signal intensity within the scanning range. This grayscale image reflects the anatomical structure inside the tissue and is called a B-image. The processor 20 can output the B-image to the display of the human-computer interaction device 70 for display.

[0062] The human-computer interaction device 70 is used for human-computer interaction, that is, to receive user input and output visual information; it can receive user input through a keyboard, operation buttons, mouse, trackball, touchpad, etc., or it can use a touch screen integrated with the display; it can output visual information through a display.

[0063] based on Figure 1The ultrasound imaging device shown can be used in various ways to determine its veterinary mode, which will be explained in several examples below.

[0064] like Figure 2 As shown, a method for determining a veterinary model includes the following steps:

[0065] Step 1: The processor 20 displays the veterinary mode selection interface on the display interface of the human-computer interaction device 70, such as... Figure 3 or Figure 9 As shown. The veterinary mode selection interface includes at least multiple probe types a (such as...) Figure 3 The four C11-3s, L12-4s, P8-2s, and P10-4s are mentioned. Figure 9 (L13-3, L12-3E, and 6C2). Probe type a is optional on the display interface and is used to determine the probe type in veterinary mode and trigger the veterinary mode selection interface to display at least one animal type associated with the determined probe type, and to display at least one examination mode associated with the determined probe type in the examination mode area associated with each animal type. Specifically, there are two methods, one of which is as follows: Figure 9 As shown, the veterinary mode selection interface initially only displays probe type 'a'. Once the user selects a probe type, the interface displays at least one animal type associated with the selected probe type, and within each animal type's associated examination mode area, at least one examination mode associated with that selected probe type is displayed. In other words, the veterinary mode selection interface... Figure 9 Become Figure 3 Thus, in Figure 9 This status can save screen resources. For example, selecting probe type C11-3s will display... Figure 3 The interface shown is Figure 3 The interface shown displays several animal types associated with probe type C11-3s, and each animal type has a column of examination modes related to that animal type and the selected probe type C11-3s. In other words, the animal types applicable to probe type C11-3s and the supported examination modes are presented on one interface, allowing the user to further select the corresponding examination mode for that animal type. Another example is... Figure 3 As shown, the veterinary mode selection interface simultaneously displays multiple probe types a and multiple animal types b (e.g., ...). Figure 3 The five categories (Canine < 5kg, Canine 5-15kg, Canine > 15kg, Feline and other animals) and multiple examination modes (such as Figure 3The interface includes abdominal mode, heart mode, reproductive mode, and small organ mode. Users can select the probe type on this interface. The changes to the interface after selecting the probe type are described in the previous instructions and will not be repeated here.

[0066] Regardless of the method, at least one animal type b is associated with at least one inspection pattern c. That is, the inspection pattern c displayed in the inspection pattern area associated with each animal type b is also associated with the animal type b corresponding to the inspection pattern area to which the inspection pattern c belongs. Figure 3 In this system, each animal type associated with the selected probe type C11-3s is associated with one or more examination modes. The veterinary mode is determined by probe type a, animal type b, and examination mode c. The examination mode is selectable on the display interface and is used to determine the examination mode used in the veterinary mode and to identify the animal type associated with the examination mode as the applicable animal type in the veterinary mode; for example, selecting the grayscale "abdomen" mode determines its animal type as Feline (Ceratophylla). Thus, users can easily and quickly determine the veterinary mode by selecting the probe type and examination mode on the same interface.

[0067] In this embodiment, the human-computer interaction device 70 includes a main display and a touch screen. The touch screen displays a veterinary mode selection interface, allowing the user to easily select the veterinary mode by simply clicking twice on the touch screen. Since the veterinary mode selection interface is displayed on the touch screen, it does not occupy the main display, allowing the main display to focus on displaying the ultrasound image.

[0068] The association between animal type b and inspection pattern c can be a positional or hierarchical association, such as... Figure 3 As shown, there is a correlation between inspection mode c and animal type b, which are in the same column. This means that all inspection modes displayed in the same column fall within the scope of inspections applicable to the animal type in that column. In other words, when an animal type and its associated inspection modes are located in the same column, selecting an inspection mode not only designates the selected mode as the inspection mode used in the veterinary mode, but also designates the animal types in the same column as the selected inspection mode as the animal types applicable to the veterinary mode. This correlation is visually apparent and easily distinguishable by the user.

[0069] In the veterinary mode selection interface, the various animal types and inspection modes are arranged in an array, as shown below. Figure 3The rectangular array shown can also be an arc-shaped array, etc. All animal types are arranged in a row along a first direction (e.g., horizontal or clockwise). For a rectangular array, this row is a straight line; for an arc-shaped array, this row is an arc. The various examination patterns displayed within the examination pattern area associated with each animal type are arranged in a column along a second direction (e.g., vertical). This column can be a straight line, and rows and columns can be perpendicular or at an angle. Examination patterns of the same type associated with each animal type are located in the same row, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the abdominal patterns for each animal type are located in the same row, as are the other examination patterns, making it easy for users to quickly locate the examination pattern for the desired animal type.

[0070] In this embodiment, the probe type and inspection mode are virtual buttons, which not only need to serve as identifiers but also need to be selectable. Since there is no need to click on the animal type, the animal type can be an icon, serving only an identifier. In other words, the probe type in the veterinary mode selection interface is presented by the corresponding first button, the inspection mode by the corresponding second button, and the animal type by the corresponding first icon. The first button is labeled with the probe model and a probe diagram. The second button is labeled with the text corresponding to the inspection mode. The first icon is labeled with an animal icon and text (numbers) reflecting the animal's size. In this way, users can clearly see all kinds of probe types, animal types, and inspection modes and quickly find the desired button.

[0071] Step 2: The user selects a probe type to activate from among the multiple probe types in the veterinary mode selection interface, which is equivalent to issuing a command to select a probe type. The processor 20 receives the command to select a probe type through the human-computer interaction device 70. In this embodiment, the command to select a probe type is received through the touch screen. In response to the command, at least one animal type associated with the selected probe type is displayed on the veterinary mode selection interface, and at least one examination mode associated with the selected probe type is displayed in the examination mode area associated with each animal type. Figure 3 If the user selects the C11-3s probe type, then the presented animal types and examination modes are all associated with the C11-3s probe type.

[0072] Step 3: The user selects the desired inspection mode from among multiple inspection modes associated with the selected probe type, which is equivalent to issuing a command to select an inspection mode. The processor 20 receives the command to select an inspection mode through the human-machine interface device 70. In this embodiment, the command to select an inspection mode is received through a touch screen. In response to the command, the selected inspection mode is displayed differentiatedly, for example, highlighted. Figure 3The image is in grayscale; the selected probe type, the selected inspection mode, and the veterinary mode corresponding to the animal type associated with the inspection mode area to which the selected inspection mode belongs are activated. Figure 3 In the process, if examination mode c' is selected, the corresponding animal type is Feline in the same column. Combined with the probe type C11-3s selected in step 2, all three elements determining the veterinary mode are now determined, allowing activation. Probe types can be classified by diagnostic site, application method, number of array elements, beam control method, geometry, etc., which determines some parameters in ultrasound scanning and subsequent image processing (these parameters vary depending on the probe type). For example, different probe types have different transmission and reception sequence parameters. Animal types can be classified as common (e.g., felines, canines) and uncommon animals (classified as other animals), or further subdivided by body size (e.g., small dogs, medium dogs, large dogs, etc.). Different animal types also determine some parameters in ultrasound scanning and subsequent image processing (these parameters vary depending on the animal type). For example, different animal types may have different annotations, body position diagram names / types, and measurement items in their ultrasound images. The examination mode can be classified according to the scanning area, which also determines some parameters in ultrasound scanning and subsequent image processing (these parameters vary depending on the examination mode). For example, different examination modes have different scanning sections, annotation items, and measurement items.

[0073] Step 4: The processor 20 scans the biological tissue according to the activated veterinary mode, obtains ultrasound images, and displays the ultrasound images on the main display screen. Activating the veterinary mode also switches at least one of the applicable annotation items, measurement items, and body position diagrams. In other words, during ultrasound scanning and subsequent image processing, presentation, body position diagrams, annotation, measurement, and image storage, the parameters corresponding to the veterinary mode are used to obtain various ultrasound images required by the user.

[0074] In summary, the main features of this embodiment are as follows: the left column of the veterinary mode selection interface is a probe list for switching between different probes; the upper part of the middle layout displays different animal types, used to identify the examination mode for each animal (each column). Therefore, selecting a lower examination mode automatically matches the animal type above, achieving simplified operation and an intuitive interface. When selecting an examination mode for a different animal type, the system automatically switches the corresponding application information (annotation items, body position diagrams, measurement items, etc.) according to the different animal types. This operation eliminates the need for operators to worry about whether an animal type has been selected or an incorrect animal type has been selected, leading to incorrect application data, thus improving efficiency.

[0075] In one embodiment, a method for determining a veterinary pattern includes:

[0076] The processor 20 displays the veterinary mode selection interface on the display interface of the human-computer interaction device 70.

[0077] It should be noted that, as Figure 3 or Figure 9 As shown, the veterinary mode selection interface includes multiple probe types a (such as...) Figure 3 The four C11-3s, L12-4s, P8-2s, and P10-4s are mentioned. Figure 9 (L13-3, L12-3E, and 6C2). Probe type a is selectable on the display interface and is used to determine the probe type in veterinary mode and trigger the veterinary mode selection interface to display multiple animal types and at least one inspection mode associated with the determined probe type. These multiple animal types can be a preset set of animal types and may not change with the selected probe type; that is, regardless of which probe type is selected, the interface will always present the preset multiple animal types. At least one inspection mode is displayed in the inspection mode area associated with at least one animal type. In other words, each inspection mode under the preset multiple animal types is associated with the selected probe type. As the probe type is selected, the inspection modes under the preset multiple animal types will change accordingly, for example, displaying the inspection modes associated with the selected probe type (such as those supported by the probe). If no inspection mode is associated with the selected probe type for a certain animal type, the corresponding inspection mode may not be displayed for that animal type, but the preset multiple animal types will still be displayed. When an inspection pattern is activated within the inspection pattern area associated with an animal type, the animal type associated with the activated inspection pattern is also activated.

[0078] The user selects a desired probe type from multiple probe types on the veterinary mode selection interface, essentially issuing a command to select a probe type. The processor 20 receives this command via the human-computer interaction device 70. In this embodiment, the command is received via a touchscreen. In response to this command, multiple animal types and at least one examination mode associated with the selected probe type are displayed on the veterinary mode selection interface. At least one examination mode is displayed within the examination mode area associated with at least one animal type. When an examination mode displayed within this area is activated, the animal type associated with the activated examination mode is also activated. Figure 3 In the interface, the user selects the C11-3s probe type. Several preset animal types are displayed on the screen, and the examination modes presented under these animal types are all associated with the C11-3s probe type.

[0079] The user selects one of the multiple inspection modes associated with the chosen probe type, which is equivalent to issuing a command to select an inspection mode. The processor 20 receives the command to select an inspection mode through the human-computer interaction device 70. In this embodiment, the command to select an inspection mode is received through a touch screen. In response to the command, the selected inspection mode is displayed differently, for example, highlighted. Figure 3 The image is in grayscale; the selected probe type, the selected inspection mode, and the veterinary mode corresponding to the animal type associated with the inspection mode area to which the selected inspection mode belongs are activated.

[0080] The processor 20 scans the biological tissue according to the activated veterinary mode, obtains ultrasound images, and displays the ultrasound images on the main display screen. This step is the same as... Figure 2 Step 4 of the embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0081] This embodiment and Figure 2 The difference in the embodiments is that, Figure 2 In the previous embodiment, the animal type and probe type were associated, but in this embodiment, the animal type can be preset and may not be associated with the selected probe type. Other content is the same as... Figure 2 The implementation examples are largely the same, so they will not be described in detail here.

[0082] like Figure 10 As shown, a method for determining a veterinary model includes the following steps:

[0083] Step 1”, the processor 20 displays the veterinary mode selection interface on the display interface of the human-computer interaction device 70; such as Figure 3 or Figure 11 As shown. The veterinary mode selection interface includes multiple animal types b and multiple inspection modes c; wherein, at least one inspection mode c is displayed in the inspection mode area associated with each animal type b, and when the inspection mode c displayed in the inspection mode area associated with each animal type b is activated, the animal type b associated with the inspection mode area to which the activated inspection mode c belongs is also activated. Figure 3 and Figure 11 In this system, each animal type is associated with multiple inspection modes. Similarly, the inspection modes are selectable on the display interface and are used to determine the inspection mode used by the veterinary mode and the applicable animal types. For example, selecting the grayscale "abdomen" mode determines that the applicable animal type is Feline.

[0084] Step 2”: The user selects an examination mode c’, which is equivalent to issuing a command to select an examination mode c’; the processor 20 receives the command to select an examination mode c’ through the human-computer interaction device 70, and in response to the command, displays at least one probe type a associated with the selected examination mode c’ on the veterinary mode selection interface. The at least one probe type a associated with the selected examination mode c’ can be displayed on one side of the animal type and examination mode, such as… Figure 3 As shown, it can also be displayed in an adjacent position to the selected inspection mode c', such as... Figure 12 As shown.

[0085] Step 3”: The user selects a probe type, which is equivalent to issuing a command to select a probe type; the processor 20 receives the command to select a probe type through the human-computer interaction device 70, and in response to the command, activates the selected probe type, the selected inspection mode, and the veterinary mode corresponding to the animal type associated with the inspection mode area to which the selected inspection mode belongs.

[0086] Step 4”: The processor 20 scans the biological tissue according to the activated veterinary mode, obtains an ultrasound image, and displays the ultrasound image on the main display screen. This step is the same as step 4 in the previous embodiment, and will not be described again here.

[0087] This embodiment and Figure 2 The difference in the embodiments is that, Figure 2 In the previous example, the probe type was selected first, followed by the inspection mode. In this example, the inspection mode is selected first, followed by the probe type. Everything else is the same, so it will not be described in detail here. Figure 2 and Figure 10 Both corresponding embodiments can be applied simultaneously in a single ultrasound imaging device. For the processor 20, it first receives the instruction to select the probe type on the veterinary mode selection interface via the human-computer interaction device 70, and then starts... Figure 2 The process shown begins by receiving an instruction to select the inspection mode, then it is initiated. Figure 10 The process is shown below.

[0088] like Figure 4 As shown, a method for determining a veterinary model includes the following steps:

[0089] Step 1': The processor 20 displays the veterinary mode selection interface on the display interface of the human-computer interaction device 70, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the veterinary mode selection interface includes multiple animal types (b) and multiple inspection modes (c). Each animal type (b) has at least one inspection mode (c) displayed within its associated inspection mode area. In other words, the inspection mode (c) displayed within each animal type (b)'s associated inspection mode area is also associated with the animal type (b) to which that inspection mode (c) belongs. Figure 5 In this system, each animal type is associated with multiple examination modes. Similarly, the examination modes are selectable on the display interface and are used to determine the veterinary mode. For example, selecting the grayscale "abdomen" mode determines the animal type as Feline. Then, based on the selected examination mode and animal type, the probe type is determined, thus determining the veterinary mode. This allows for one-click confirmation, which is very convenient and fast.

[0090] In this embodiment, the human-computer interaction device 70 includes a main display and a touch screen. The touch screen displays a veterinary mode selection interface, allowing the user to select the veterinary mode with a single click, which is very convenient. Since the veterinary mode selection interface is displayed on the touch screen, it does not occupy the main display, allowing the main display to focus on displaying the ultrasound image.

[0091] Step 3': The processor 20 receives an instruction to select an examination mode via the human-machine interface 70. Specifically, the user selects an examination mode on the veterinary mode selection interface. In response to this instruction, the processor 20 determines the probe type based on the selected examination mode and the animal type associated with the examination mode area to which the selected examination mode belongs. For example, the probe type can be determined according to preset rules based on the selected examination mode and the animal type associated with the examination mode area to which it belongs. For instance, the probe that is most suitable for both and is in place (connected to the ultrasound imaging device) can be determined as the probe type for the veterinary mode to be activated. Alternatively, the probe that is most frequently paired with both and is in place can be determined as the probe type for the veterinary mode to be activated, and so on. The processor 20 activates the veterinary mode corresponding to the determined probe type, the selected examination mode, and the animal type associated with the examination mode area to which the selected examination mode belongs.

[0092] Step 4': The processor 20 scans the biological tissue according to the activated veterinary mode, obtains ultrasound images, and displays the ultrasound images on the main display screen. This step is the same as... Figure 2 Step 4 of the embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0093] This embodiment and Figure 2 The difference in the embodiments is that, Figure 2 The probe type in the embodiment is selected by the user, but in this embodiment it is automatically determined. The others are the same, so they will not be described in detail here.

[0094] As can be seen, in this embodiment, the interface layout does not use the method of displaying the probe on the left and the animal type-inspection mode in the middle, but only displays the animal type-inspection mode. After the inspection mode is selected, the processor automatically matches the most suitable in-situ probe for that animal type. This avoids the user having to select different probes; the optimal probe type (based on the probes currently in use on the machine) can be matched directly based on the selection of animal type-inspection mode, which is very convenient.

[0095] like Figure 6 As shown, a method for determining a veterinary model includes the following steps:

[0096] Step 1: The processor 20 displays the veterinary mode selection interface on the display interface of the human-computer interaction device 70, such as... Figure 7 As shown. The veterinary mode selection interface includes multiple animal types b, multiple examination modes c, and multiple probe types a. Each animal type b has at least one examination mode c displayed within its associated examination mode area. When an examination mode c is activated within the associated examination mode area of ​​each animal type b, the animal type b associated with the examination mode area to which the activated examination mode c belongs is also activated. Each examination mode c is associated with at least one probe type a, and each examination mode c also has an activation area. The at least one probe type a associated with each examination mode c is respectively located within the activation area corresponding to each examination mode c. When a probe type within the activation area is activated, the examination mode corresponding to the activation area to which the activated probe type belongs is also activated. The activation area can be a region within the examination mode or a region surrounding the examination mode; this embodiment uses the former as an example. Selecting a probe type determines the examination mode corresponding to the activation area to which the selected probe type belongs as the examination mode used in the veterinary mode, and determines the animal types in the same column as the examination modes corresponding to the activation areas to which the selected probe type belongs as the applicable animal types in the veterinary mode.

[0097] In this embodiment, the association between animal type b and inspection mode c can also be a correspondence in terms of location or hierarchy, specifically the same as... Figure 2 The embodiments shown are not described in detail here.

[0098] In this embodiment, the probe type is represented by a virtual button, which not only serves as an identifier but also needs to be selectable. Since there's no need to click on the animal type and examination mode, these can be icons for identification purposes. In other words, in the veterinary mode selection interface of this embodiment, the probe type is represented by the corresponding first button, the animal type by the corresponding first icon, and the examination mode by the corresponding second icon. The first button is labeled with the probe model, or its abbreviation or code. The first icon is labeled with an animal icon and text (numbers) reflecting the animal's size. The second icon is labeled with the text corresponding to the examination mode. In this way, users can easily see all types of probes, animal types, and examination modes and quickly find the virtual button for the desired probe type.

[0099] Step 2”: The processor 20 receives an instruction for selecting a probe type through the human-machine interface 70. That is, the user selects a probe type on the veterinary mode selection interface. In response to the instruction for selecting a probe type, the selected probe type is displayed differently, for example, highlighted. Figure 7 The diagram uses grayscale as an illustration; it shows the activated probe type, the inspection mode corresponding to the activated area of ​​the selected probe type, and the veterinary mode corresponding to the animal type associated with the inspection mode area. Figure 7 In the diagram, probe type 'a' is the selected probe type. This probe type 'a' is located in the active area of ​​the "Abdomen" examination mode. The animal type associated with this "Abdomen" examination mode area is Feline, which is in the same column. Therefore, after selecting the probe type, the probe type, animal type, and examination mode for veterinary use are all determined, and it can then be activated. As you can see, users can easily and quickly select the veterinary mode with a single click.

[0100] Step 4: The processor 20 scans the biological tissue according to the activated veterinary mode, obtains ultrasound images, and displays the ultrasound images on the main display screen. This step is the same as... Figure 2 Step 4 of the illustrated embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0101] In this embodiment, the interface layout does not use the method of displaying the probe on the left and the animal type-inspection mode in the middle. Instead, it displays the animal type-inspection mode as a whole, and then provides the probe selection inside or near the inspection mode. This can achieve the effect of selecting the animal type-inspection mode-probe at one time. The interface layout is more compact and can also achieve the purpose of "one-click switching" of veterinary mode, which is very efficient.

[0102] The above embodiments illustrate how to quickly determine the veterinary mode. During the use of ultrasound imaging equipment, this invention also provides a method for quickly switching veterinary modes. Specifically, the processor 20 records each activated veterinary mode to obtain recording information; based on the recording information, multiple interactive elements are displayed on the display interface of the human-computer interaction device according to preset rules; for example, multiple interactive elements are displayed on a touchscreen, such as... Figure 8 As shown. The interactive element d is used to identify the veterinary mode in the recorded information. The interactive element displays animal icons to identify the animal type in the veterinary mode, probe icons to identify the probe type in the veterinary mode, and inspection mode icons to identify the inspection mode in the veterinary mode. Animal icons can be presented in the form of animal icons, abbreviations, etc., such as... Figure 8 The text includes terms like "dog (5-15kg)," "cat," and "dog (>15kg)." Probe identification can also be presented using probe icons, model numbers, or model abbreviations, such as... Figure 8 The "C11-3s" and "L12-4s" are examples of this. Inspection modes are usually related to the area being inspected, so they can be indicated using abbreviations such as... Figure 8 The "abdomen" and "heart" in the text.

[0103] During routine use, the processor 20 of the ultrasound imaging device records each activated veterinary mode, stores the recorded information in the memory 80, and then displays multiple interactive elements on the display interface according to preset rules based on the recorded information. Multiple preset rules can be used, and the user can select which rule to employ.

[0104] For example, processor 20 retrieves recorded information from memory 80, generates multiple corresponding interactive elements d based on the most recently recorded veterinary usage patterns, and displays these interactive elements d in chronological order on the display interface of the human-computer interaction device. Since the current rule is displayed based on the most recent usage records, processor 20 can also display the abbreviation e of a preset rule adjacent to an interactive element d, such as... Figure 8 The "Recently Used" label helps users understand which rules generated the current interactive element d.

[0105] For example, the processor 20 retrieves recorded information from the memory 80, counts the usage frequency of veterinary modes, and generates multiple corresponding interactive elements based on the multiple veterinary modes with the highest usage frequency. That is, the veterinary modes are sorted according to usage frequency, and interactive elements are generated for the top-ranked veterinary modes. The multiple interactive elements sorted according to usage frequency are then displayed on the display interface of the human-computer interaction device.

[0106] For example, the processor 20 retrieves record information from the memory 80, counts the number of times the veterinary mode is used, and generates multiple corresponding interactive elements d according to the multiple veterinary modes with the highest number of uses. That is, the veterinary modes are sorted by the number of uses, and the top-ranked veterinary modes are used to generate interactive elements; the multiple interactive elements sorted by the number of uses are displayed on the display interface of the human-computer interaction device.

[0107] Regardless of the rules used, the goal is to allow users to easily switch between veterinary modes, which greatly improves operational efficiency when performing ultrasound examinations on a large number of animals.

[0108] In one embodiment, the veterinary mode selection interface can also display at least one probe type in a certain order based on the probe's historical usage data, and can also highlight the probe type with the highest usage frequency.

[0109] The number of interactive elements displayed can be preset by the system or set according to the user's needs, such as 4 or 5.

[0110] The interactive element is optional; that is, it can be a virtual button. When the user selects an interactive element, the processor 20 receives the instruction for selecting the interactive element via the touchscreen. In response to the instruction, the currently active veterinary mode is switched to the veterinary mode identified by the selected interactive element. In this way, the user does not need to operate in the veterinary mode selection interface; they can directly achieve one-click switching of veterinary modes through the interactive element, which is convenient and quick.

[0111] Interactive elements are displayed on the touchscreen. Displaying ultrasound images and interactive elements on different screens maximizes the ultrasound image display and allows for blind operation of interactive elements, resulting in high human-computer interaction efficiency. Interactive elements can be virtual buttons; users can simply click the desired element to switch between veterinary modes, which is very convenient and quick. Interactive elements can also be permanently displayed on the touchscreen, for example, directly on the right side of the touchscreen, requiring no button operation for display and operation. Clicking any virtual button on an interactive element can switch between probes, examination modes, and animal types, achieving "one-click switching." Alternatively, interactive elements can be displayed on the touchscreen triggered by user-inputted commands; that is, the user must first input a target command through the human-computer interaction device, such as clicking a specific button, before the interactive element is displayed.

[0112] This document describes various exemplary embodiments with reference to them. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes and modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of this document. For example, various operational steps and components for performing operational steps can be implemented in different ways depending on the specific application or considering any number of cost functions associated with the operation of the system (e.g., one or more steps can be deleted, modified, or combined with other steps).

[0113] Furthermore, as those skilled in the art will understand, the principles herein can be reflected in a computer program product on a computer-readable storage medium pre-loaded with computer-readable program code. Any tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be used, including magnetic storage devices (hard disks, floppy disks, etc.), optical storage devices (CD-ROMs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), flash memory, and / or the like. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to form a machine, such that instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, can generate means for performing a specified function. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can instruct the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to operate in a particular manner, such that instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium can form an article of manufacture, including means for implementing the specified function. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to perform a series of operational steps on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, such that instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, can provide steps for implementing the specified function.

[0114] While the principles herein have been illustrated in various embodiments, numerous modifications to the structure, arrangement, proportions, elements, materials, and components, particularly suited to specific environmental and operational requirements, may be used without departing from the principles and scope of this disclosure. These modifications and other alterations or alterations will be included within the scope of this document.

[0115] The foregoing specific descriptions have been described with reference to various embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, considerations for this disclosure are to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and all such modifications are to be included within its scope. Similarly, advantages, other advantages, and solutions to problems with respect to various embodiments have been described above. However, benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that produce these, or make them more explicit, should not be construed as critical, essential, or necessary. The term “comprising” and any other variations thereof as used herein are non-exclusive inclusion, meaning that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed or not part of the process, method, system, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the term “coupled” and any other variations thereof as used herein refer to physical connections, electrical connections, magnetic connections, optical connections, communication connections, functional connections, and / or any other connections.

[0116] Those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes can be made to the details of the above embodiments without departing from the basic principles of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be determined according to the following claims.

Claims

1. A method of determining the mode of an ultrasound imaging device for veterinary use, characterized in that, The method comprises: displaying a veterinary mode selection interface; the veterinary mode selection interface comprises a plurality of animal types, a plurality of examination modes, and a plurality of probe types; wherein each of the animal types is associated with at least one of the examination modes displayed in an examination mode area; when an examination mode is activated, the animal type associated with the examination mode area to which the activated examination mode belongs is also activated; each of the examination modes is associated with at least one of the probe types; each of the examination modes is further provided with an activation area; the at least one of the probe types associated with each of the examination modes is arranged in the activation area corresponding to the examination mode; when a probe type in the activation area is activated, the examination mode corresponding to the activation area to which the activated probe type belongs is also activated; in the veterinary mode selection interface, the animal types and the examination modes are arranged in an array; wherein all the animal types are arranged in a row along a first direction, and each of the examination modes displayed in the examination mode area associated with each of the animal types is arranged in a column along a second direction; receiving an instruction for selecting a probe type; in response to the instruction for selecting a probe type, activating the selected probe type, the examination mode corresponding to the activation area to which the selected probe type belongs, and the animal type corresponding to the examination mode area to which the examination mode belongs.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, In the veterinary mode selection interface, the same type of examination modes associated with each of the animal types are located in the same row, and each of the animal types and the examination modes in the examination mode area associated with each of the animal types are located in the same column; the selected probe type determines the examination mode corresponding to the activation area to which the selected probe type belongs as the examination mode used in the veterinary mode, and determines the animal type located in the same column as the examination mode corresponding to the activation area to which the selected probe type belongs as the animal type applicable in the veterinary mode.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises: recording the activated veterinary mode to obtain record information; displaying a plurality of interactive elements on a display interface according to the record information and a preset rule; the interactive elements are used to identify the veterinary mode in the record information; the interactive elements display animal identifiers used to identify the animal types in the veterinary mode, probe identifiers used to identify the probe types in the veterinary mode, and examination mode identifiers used to identify the examination modes in the veterinary mode; receiving an instruction for selecting an interactive element; in response to the instruction, switching the currently activated veterinary mode to the veterinary mode identified by the selected interactive element.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises: when the veterinary mode is activated, at least one of the annotation items, the measurement items, and the body position map applicable in the veterinary mode is also switched accordingly.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, The animal types include at least one of cats, dogs, and other animals.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The dog types include at least one of small dogs, medium dogs, and large dogs divided according to weight ranges.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises: displaying at least one of the probe types on the veterinary mode selection interface according to historical use data, and highlighting the probe type with the highest use frequency.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein, The activated area of the examination mode setting is an area inside or around the displayed examination mode.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein, The probe type is a virtual button.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein, Further comprising: In response to the instruction for selecting a probe type, the selected probe type is displayed differently.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein, Further comprising: In response to the instruction for selecting a probe type, the selected probe type is displayed differently.

12. An ultrasound imaging device, characterized by Further comprising: According to the activated veterinary mode, biological tissue is scanned to obtain an ultrasound image and the ultrasound image is displayed on a display interface. Comprising: An ultrasound probe; Transmit / receive control circuitry for controlling the ultrasound probe to transmit ultrasound waves into a region of interest in biological tissue and receive echoes of the ultrasound waves to obtain ultrasound echo signals; A human-computer interaction device for outputting visual information and receiving user input; A processor for executing the method of any one of claims 1-11.

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