Ultrasonic host, ultrasonic imaging system and imaging method

Abstract

According to the ultrasonic host, the ultrasonic imaging system and the imaging method, an ultrasonic probe is controlled by a transceiving control circuit to repeatedly perform multiple groups of ultrasonic wave emission, for example, the ultrasonic wave emission of each group comprises M times of ultrasonic wave emission in sequence in a time sequence, and the number of array elements used for each time of ultrasonic wave emission is smaller than a first number; and obtaining echo signals of each group of ultrasonic waves to obtain ultrasonic data, and generating and controlling to display a full-view ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic data, so that the problem that the view is limited due to the fact that an array element needs a time division multiplexing channel is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of ultrasonic imaging, and particularly to an ultrasonic main machine, an ultrasonic imaging system and an imaging method. Background Art

[0002] Ultrasonic imaging technology can image many organs in the human body to assist doctors in diagnosis. Ultrasonic imaging technology uses ultrasonic waves to scan human tissues and organs, and obtains images of corresponding regions through the reception and processing of reflected signals.

[0003] An ultrasonic probe is an essential key component structure in an ultrasonic imaging system. The ultrasonic probe converts electrical signals into ultrasonic signals and ultrasonic signals into electrical signals through array elements, that is, it has the dual functions of ultrasonic transmission and reception. The ultrasonic imaging system sends excitation signals to the array elements of the ultrasonic probe through channels; currently, the number of array elements of most ultrasonic probes is relatively large and greater than the number of channels of the ultrasonic imaging system, which makes it impossible for the ultrasonic probe to transmit at full aperture, resulting in limited final imaging field of view. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Considering the above problems, the present application provides an ultrasonic main machine, an ultrasonic imaging system and an imaging method, which are specifically described below.

[0005] According to a first aspect, an ultrasonic main machine is provided in an embodiment, including: one or more probe interfaces, a channel group, a transceiver control circuit, a processor and a display;

[0006] The probe interface is used to connect an ultrasonic probe; wherein, the probe interface can at least connect a first type of ultrasonic probe, the first type of ultrasonic probe includes an array element group and a switch switching circuit, the array element group includes a first number of array elements, and the array elements are used to convert electrical signals and ultrasonic waves into each other;

[0007] The channel group includes a second number of channels, and the second number is less than the first number; wherein, when the probe interface connects the first type of ultrasonic probe, the channel group is connected to the array element group through the switch switching circuit, and at least some of the array elements in the array element group time-division multiplex at least some of the channels in the channel group through the switch switching circuit;

[0008] The transceiver control circuit is used to control the transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves; wherein, when the probe interface connects the first type of ultrasonic probe, the transceiver control circuit selects and turns off the array elements in the array element group through the switch switching circuit to control the first type of ultrasonic probe to transmit ultrasonic waves and receive echo signals of the ultrasonic waves;

[0009] A processor for obtaining identification information, and enabling an ultrasonic panoramic function when it is determined based on the identification information that the probe interface is connected to the first type of ultrasonic probe; under the ultrasonic panoramic function, the processor is configured to:

[0010] Control the first type of ultrasonic probe to repeatedly perform multiple groups of ultrasonic wave transmissions through the transceiver control circuit, where each group of the ultrasonic wave transmissions includes: selecting a first part of the array elements in the array element group to transmit a first ultrasonic wave during a first time period, and selecting a second part of the array elements in the array element group to transmit a second ultrasonic wave during a second time period; the first time period is different from the second time period, and the first part of the array elements is different from the second part of the array elements;

[0011] Obtain the echo signals of each group of the ultrasonic waves to obtain ultrasonic data, where: receiving the echo signal based on the transmission of the first ultrasonic wave to obtain first ultrasonic data, and receiving the echo signal based on the transmission of the second ultrasonic wave to obtain second ultrasonic data;

[0012] Control the display to dynamically display a panoramic ultrasonic image, where the field of view of the panoramic ultrasonic image is the field of view of the ultrasonic image corresponding to the full aperture transmission of the first type of ultrasonic probe; where: starting from the Nth group, generating a panoramic ultrasonic image based on each group of the first ultrasonic data, and generating a panoramic ultrasonic image based on each group of the second ultrasonic data, so as to continuously display and update the panoramic ultrasonic image; N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0013] In one embodiment, starting from the Nth group, the processor generating a panoramic ultrasonic image based on each group of the first ultrasonic data and generating a panoramic ultrasonic image based on each group of the second ultrasonic data includes:

[0014] Inputting the first ultrasonic data into a panoramic image model to obtain a panoramic ultrasonic image, and inputting the second ultrasonic data into the panoramic image model to obtain a panoramic ultrasonic image.

[0015] In one embodiment, the processor establishes the panoramic image model based on several groups of the first ultrasonic data and the second ultrasonic data before the Nth group, and continuously optimizes the panoramic image model based on the first ultrasonic data and the second ultrasonic data of the Nth group and those after it.

[0016] In one embodiment, the processor superimposes the first ultrasonic data and the second ultrasonic data in a set after normalization processing to obtain a normalized full-field ultrasonic image, denormalizes the normalized full-field ultrasonic image to obtain a processed full-field ultrasonic image, and establishes the full-field image model based on the first ultrasonic data and the second ultrasonic data in the set, and the processed full-field ultrasonic image;

[0017] For the ultrasonic data of the Nth group or subsequent groups, the processor superimposes the first ultrasonic data and the second ultrasonic data in a set after normalization processing to obtain a normalized full-field ultrasonic image, denormalizes the normalized full-field ultrasonic image to obtain a processed full-field ultrasonic image, and optimizes the full-field image model based on the first ultrasonic data and the second ultrasonic data in the set, and the processed full-field ultrasonic image for use in the next group.

[0018] In one embodiment, the processor establishes the full-field image model based on the Kalman filter model.

[0019] In one embodiment, starting from the Nth group, the processor generates a full-field ultrasonic image based on the first ultrasonic data of each group, and generates a full-field ultrasonic image based on the second ultrasonic data of each group, including:

[0020] Generating a full-field ultrasonic image corresponding to the first ultrasonic data of the current group based on the first ultrasonic data of the current group and the second ultrasonic data of the previous group;

[0021] Generating a full-field ultrasonic image corresponding to the second ultrasonic data of the current group based on the second ultrasonic data of the current group and the first ultrasonic data of the current group.

[0022] In one embodiment, the processor generates a full-field ultrasonic image corresponding to the first ultrasonic data of the current group based on the first ultrasonic data of the current group and the second ultrasonic data of the previous group, including: taking the first ultrasonic data of the current group or the second ultrasonic data of the previous group as a reference, processing the two into ultrasonic data of the same amplitude scale, and generating a full-field ultrasonic image based on the processed ultrasonic data;

[0023] The processor generates a full-field ultrasonic image corresponding to the second ultrasonic data of the current group based on the second ultrasonic data of the current group and the first ultrasonic data of the current group, including: taking the second ultrasonic data of the current group or the first ultrasonic data of the current group as a reference, processing the two into ultrasonic data of the same amplitude scale, and generating a full-field ultrasonic image based on the processed ultrasonic data.

[0024] In one embodiment, the probe of the first type is a 1.XD probe greater than 1D and less than 2D; preferably, the 1.XD probe is a 1.25D probe, a 1.5D probe or a 1.75D probe.

[0025] In one embodiment, the array element group of the probe of the first type includes array elements arranged in M1 rows and N1 columns, where M1 and N1 are integers greater than or equal to 2;

[0026] If M1 is odd, then for the array elements in each column: the array element located in the central row is led out by a single wire, and the array elements symmetric to the central row are connected in pairs and then led out by a single wire;

[0027] If M1 is even, then for the array elements in each column, the symmetric array elements are connected in pairs and then led out by a single wire.

[0028] In one embodiment, the array elements of the first part are the array elements in the first column to the N2th column, and the array elements of the second part are the array elements in the (N2 + 1)th column to the N1th column, where N2 is an integer less than N1 and greater than or equal to 1;

[0029] Alternatively, the array elements of the first part are the array elements of some rows in the first column to the N1th column, and the array elements of the second part are the array elements of the remaining rows in the first column to the N1th column.

[0030] In one embodiment, starting from the Nth group, the processor generates one full-field ultrasound image based on the first ultrasound data of each group and one full-field ultrasound image based on the second ultrasound data of each group, including:

[0031] Taking the ultrasound data corresponding to the ultrasound waves emitted by the array elements in the central row as a reference, performing amplitude scale processing on the first ultrasound data, and generating an ultrasound image based on the processed first ultrasound data as the full-field ultrasound image;

[0032] Taking the ultrasound data corresponding to the ultrasound waves emitted by the array elements in the central row as a reference, performing amplitude scale processing on the second ultrasound data, and generating an ultrasound image based on the processed second ultrasound data as the full-field ultrasound image.

[0033] According to a second aspect, an embodiment provides an ultrasound imaging system, including: an ultrasound probe, a channel group, a transceiver control circuit, and a processor;

[0034] The ultrasound probe includes an array element group and a switch switching circuit; the array element group includes a first number of array elements, and the array elements are used for converting electrical signals and ultrasound waves mutually;

[0035] The channel group includes a second number of channels, where the second number is less than the first number; the channel group is connected to the element group through the switch switching circuit, wherein at least some of the elements in the element group time-division multiplex at least some of the channels in the channel group through the switch switching circuit;

[0036] A transceiver control circuit, configured to select and turn off elements in the element group through the switch switching circuit, so as to control the ultrasonic probe to emit ultrasonic waves and receive echo signals of the ultrasonic waves;

[0037] A processor, configured to:

[0038] Control the ultrasonic probe to repeatedly perform multiple groups of ultrasonic wave emissions through the transceiver control circuit, where each group of the ultrasonic wave emissions includes: sequentially performing M ultrasonic wave emissions in time sequence, and the number of elements used for each ultrasonic wave emission is less than the first number, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 2;

[0039] Obtain echo signals of the ultrasonic waves in each group to obtain ultrasonic data, and each group of ultrasonic data includes M times of ultrasonic data respectively corresponding to the M ultrasonic wave emissions;

[0040] Generate and control the display of a full-field ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic data, where the field of view of the full-field ultrasonic image is the field of view of the ultrasonic image corresponding to the full-aperture emission of the ultrasonic probe.

[0041] In one embodiment, the generating and controlling the display of the full-field ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic data includes:

[0042] Starting from the Nth group, generate a full-field ultrasonic image based on each ultrasonic data in each group of ultrasonic data to update the displayed full-field ultrasonic image; N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0043] In one embodiment, starting from the Nth group, the processor generates a full-field ultrasonic image based on each ultrasonic data in each group of ultrasonic data to update the displayed full-field ultrasonic image, including:

[0044] For any ultrasonic data in each group of ultrasonic data, input the ultrasonic data into the full-field image model to obtain a full-field ultrasonic image.

[0045] In one embodiment, the processor establishes the full-field image model based on the ultrasonic data of several groups before the Nth group, and continuously optimizes the full-field image model based on the ultrasonic data of the Nth group and subsequent groups.

[0046] In one embodiment, the processor processes M ultrasound data in a set of ultrasound data into ultrasound data of the same amplitude scale, generates a full-field ultrasound image based on the processed M ultrasound data, and establishes the full-field image model based on the M ultrasound data before processing and the generated full-field ultrasound image;

[0047] For the Nth group or subsequent groups of ultrasound data, the processor processes M ultrasound data in a set of ultrasound data into ultrasound data of the same amplitude scale, generates a full-field ultrasound image based on the processed M ultrasound data, and optimizes the full-field image model based on the M ultrasound data before processing and the generated full-field ultrasound image for use in the next group.

[0048] In one embodiment, the processor establishes the full-field image model based on the Kalman filter model.

[0049] In one embodiment, starting from the Nth group, the processor generates a full-field ultrasound image based on each ultrasound data in each group of ultrasound data to update the displayed full-field ultrasound image, including:

[0050] For any ultrasound data in each group of ultrasound data, a full-field ultrasound image corresponding to the ultrasound data is generated based on the ultrasound data and its previous (M - 1) ultrasound data.

[0051] In one embodiment, for any ultrasound data in each group of ultrasound data, the processor generates a full-field ultrasound image corresponding to the ultrasound data based on the ultrasound data and its previous (M - 1) ultrasound data, including:

[0052] The ultrasound data and its previous (M - 1) ultrasound data are processed into ultrasound data of the same amplitude scale, and a full-field ultrasound image is generated based on the processed ultrasound data.

[0053] In one embodiment, generating and controlling the display of the full-field ultrasound image based on the ultrasound data includes:

[0054] The processor generates a full-field ultrasound image based on M ultrasound data in each group of ultrasound data to update the displayed full-field ultrasound image.

[0055] In one embodiment, the processor generates a full-field ultrasound image based on M ultrasound data in each group of ultrasound data to update the displayed full-field ultrasound image, including:

[0056] M ultrasound data in a set of ultrasound data are processed into ultrasound data of the same amplitude scale, and a full-field ultrasound image is generated based on the processed ultrasound data.

[0057] In one embodiment, the ultrasonic probe is a 1.XD probe greater than 1D and less than 2D; preferably, the 1.XD probe is a 1.25D probe, a 1.5D probe or a 1.75D probe.

[0058] In one embodiment, the ultrasonic probe includes array elements arranged in M1 rows and N1 columns, where M1 and N1 are integers greater than or equal to 2;

[0059] If M1 is odd, for the array elements in each column: the array element located in the central row is separately led out by a wire, and the array elements symmetric to the central row are connected in pairs and then led out by a wire;

[0060] If M1 is even, for the array elements in each column, the symmetric array elements are connected in pairs and then led out by a wire.

[0061] In one embodiment, for each of the M ultrasonic transmissions in each group: the array elements used include at least one array element in each column of array elements.

[0062] In one embodiment, generating and displaying a full-field ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic data includes:

[0063] For any one of the ultrasonic data in each group of ultrasonic data, performing amplitude scale processing on the ultrasonic data of this time, and generating an ultrasonic image based on the processed ultrasonic data of this time as the full-field ultrasonic image.

[0064] According to a third aspect, an embodiment provides an imaging method for an ultrasonic imaging system. The ultrasonic imaging system includes an ultrasonic probe and a channel group. The ultrasonic probe includes a first number of array elements, and the channel group includes a second number of channels, where the second number is less than the first number. The imaging method includes:

[0065] Controlling the ultrasonic probe to repeatedly perform multiple groups of ultrasonic transmissions, where each group of the ultrasonic transmissions includes: sequentially performing M ultrasonic transmissions in time series, and the number of array elements used in each ultrasonic transmission is less than the first number, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 2;

[0066] Obtaining the echo signals of each group of the ultrasonic waves to obtain ultrasonic data, and each group of ultrasonic data includes M times of ultrasonic data respectively corresponding to the M ultrasonic transmissions;

[0067] Generating and controlling the display of a full-field ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic data, and the field of view of the full-field ultrasonic image is the field of view of the ultrasonic image corresponding to the full-aperture transmission of the ultrasonic probe.

[0068] In one embodiment, generating and controlling the display of a full-field ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic data includes:

[0069] Starting from the Nth group, a full-field ultrasound image is generated based on each ultrasound data in each group of ultrasound data to update the displayed full-field ultrasound image; N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0070] In one embodiment, starting from the Nth group, generating a full-field ultrasound image based on each ultrasound data in each group of ultrasound data to update the displayed full-field ultrasound image includes:

[0071] For any ultrasound data in each group of ultrasound data, inputting the ultrasound data into a full-field image model to obtain a full-field ultrasound image; or,

[0072] For any ultrasound data in each group of ultrasound data, generating a full-field ultrasound image corresponding to the ultrasound data based on the ultrasound data and its previous (M - 1) ultrasound data.

[0073] According to the ultrasound host, ultrasound imaging system, and imaging method of the above embodiment, the ultrasound probe is controlled by the transceiver control circuit to repeatedly perform multiple groups of ultrasonic wave transmissions. For example, each group of ultrasonic wave transmissions includes M ultrasonic wave transmissions sequentially in time series, and the number of array elements used for each ultrasonic wave transmission is less than the first number; the echo signals of each group of ultrasonic waves are acquired to obtain ultrasound data, and a full-field ultrasound image is generated and controlled for display based on the ultrasound data, thereby overcoming the problem of limited field of view caused by the need for time-division multiplexing of channels by array elements. Description of the Drawings

[0074] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the array element arrangement of a 1.XD ultrasound probe in one embodiment;

[0075] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the connection of a 1.XD ultrasound probe to channels in one embodiment;

[0076] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the imaging field of view of a 1.XD ultrasound probe in one embodiment;

[0077] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ultrasound imaging system in one embodiment;

[0078] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ultrasound imaging system in one embodiment;

[0079] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ultrasound probe in one embodiment;

[0080] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ultrasound probe in one embodiment;

[0081] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the structure of an ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment;

[0082] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of generating a full - field ultrasonic image according to an embodiment;

[0083] Figure 10 Schematic diagram of generating a full - field ultrasonic image according to an embodiment;

[0084] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of generating a full - field ultrasonic image according to an embodiment;

[0085] Figure 12 Schematic diagram of the structure of an ultrasonic main machine according to an embodiment;

[0086] Figure 13 Flowchart of an imaging method of an ultrasonic imaging system according to an embodiment. Detailed implementation manners

[0087] The present invention will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings through specific implementation manners. Similar elements in different implementation manners are labeled with related similar element numbers. In the following implementation manners, many detailed descriptions are provided to enable a better understanding of the present application. However, those skilled in the art can easily recognize that some of the features can be omitted in different situations, or can be replaced by other elements, materials, or methods. In some cases, some operations related to the present application are not shown or described in the specification, which is to avoid the core part of the present application being overwhelmed by excessive descriptions. For those skilled in the art, it is not necessary to describe these related operations in detail, and they can fully understand the related operations based on the description in the specification and the general technical knowledge in the art.

[0088] In addition, the features, operations, or characteristics described in the specification can be combined in any appropriate manner to form various implementation manners. At the same time, the steps or actions in the method description can also be reordered or adjusted in a manner obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the various sequences in the specification and the drawings are only for clearly describing a certain embodiment and do not mean a necessary sequence, unless it is stated that a certain sequence must be followed.

[0089] The serial numbers assigned to the components herein, such as "first", "second", etc., are only used to distinguish the described objects and do not have any sequential or technical meaning. And the "connection" and "coupling" mentioned in the present application, unless otherwise specified, both include direct and indirect connection (coupling).

[0090] An ultrasonic probe is a device that utilizes the piezoelectric effect of materials to achieve the conversion between electrical energy and acoustic energy for ultrasonic wave emission and reception. The ultrasonic probe is one of the core components in an ultrasonic imaging system. Its performance such as bandwidth and sensitivity directly determines the characteristics of the ultrasonic waves used in detection and has a decisive impact on the medical diagnosis and treatment effect. According to the dimension of the spatial arrangement of the array elements in the ultrasonic probe, it can be classified into 1D, 1.25D, 1.5D, 1.75D, and 2D ultrasonic probes, etc. The array elements on a 2D ultrasonic probe form a two-dimensional array, and it can obtain completely arbitrary focusing and scanning in any direction. The 1.XD ultrasonic probe is between the 1D ultrasonic probe and the 2D ultrasonic probe - Figure 1 is an example. In the figure, the squares represent the array elements. There are three rows and multiple columns, or three rows and more columns. The X-axis direction is the radial direction of the ultrasonic probe, and the Z-axis direction is the axial direction of the probe, that is, the direction of the imaging depth. In the Y-axis direction, it is divided into multiple parallel rows (arrays) (usually 3 to 7 rows); it can be focused in the YOZ plane to reduce the thickness of the imaging plane. At the same time, the 1.XD ultrasonic probe has symmetry, and the array rows (arrays) in the symmetric positions can be connected using the same channel circuit and adopt the same excitation and delay, thereby reducing the number of leads and enabling the number of array elements to correspond one-to-one with the number of channels or be less than the number of channels - for example Figure 1 in the figure, the gray-filled squares represent the central row, and the array elements in the first row and the third row are the array elements of the symmetric rows. From the perspective of geometric distribution, the structure of the 1.XD ultrasonic probe is equivalent to symmetrically adding multiple rows of linear arrays on both the upper and lower (Y-axis direction) sides of the original linear phased array, and the quantity is the same as that of the original array.

[0091] Therefore, compared with the conventional 1D ultrasonic probe, the 1.XD ultrasonic probe has multiple rows (arrays) of independent and equal-number parallel array elements. Therefore, its total number of array elements is 3 times or more that of the same type of conventional 1D ultrasonic probe. If the total number of array elements in the radial (X-axis direction) is greater than the number of channels of the device, it will cause the inability to achieve the mapping relationship between all array elements and channels in plane wave emission.

[0092] Figure 2 is Figure 1 an example of the connection between a 1.XD ultrasonic probe and channels. Figure 2An example of an ultrasonic probe with 3 rows and 192 array elements is given. The first row and the third row of each column of array elements are connected to the same channel. The second row of array elements in the first column is connected to one channel. In an example where the system has 256 channels, the first 128 columns of the ultrasonic probe occupy 256 channels. The last 64 columns of the ultrasonic probe (i.e., columns 129 to 192) need to occupy 128 channels. Therefore, the last 64 columns of the ultrasonic probe time-division multiplex the channels numbered 1 to 128. In one example, the middle 128 columns (i.e., columns 33 to 160) of these 192 columns of the ultrasonic probe can also be connected to 256 channels respectively, and then the 64 columns in total including the 32 columns on the left (i.e., columns 1 to 32) and the 32 columns on the right (i.e., columns 161 to 192) time-division multiplex the channels again.

[0093] For the above connection methods, some array elements need to time-division multiplex the channels. The fundamental reason is that the number of channels is insufficient, or in other words, the number of array elements is relatively large, resulting in the need to occupy more channels, so some channels need to be time-division multiplexed. This makes it impossible for the ultrasonic probe to use all the array elements at once and unable to perform full-aperture transmission, thus limiting the original imaging field of view of the ultrasonic probe. Figure 3 An example of an imaging field of view is given, and the corresponding ultrasonic probe is Figure 2 the structure where the middle 128 columns of the 192 columns of the ultrasonic probe in Figure 3 are connected to 256 channels respectively, and the 32 columns on the left and the 32 columns on the right time-division multiplex the channels. As can be seen from

[0094] Please refer to Figure 4 or Figure 5 , in some embodiments, the ultrasonic imaging system 100 includes an ultrasonic probe 10, a channel group 20, a transceiver control circuit 30, and a processor 40. In some embodiments, a display 50 may also be included. Each component will be described below.

[0095] In some embodiments, the ultrasonic probe 10 is used for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves. In some embodiments, the ultrasonic probe 10 includes an array element group 11 and a switch switching circuit 13. In some embodiments, the array element group 11 includes a first number of array elements 12, and the array elements 12 are used to convert electrical signals and ultrasonic waves into each other, so as to emit ultrasonic waves to a target area and receive echo signals reflected by tissues. The array element 12 can be implemented by, for example, piezoelectric ceramics, piezocrystals or piezoelectric composite materials, etc. The array element 12 is used to emit ultrasonic waves according to an excitation electrical signal, or convert the received ultrasonic waves into an electrical signal. Therefore, each array element 12 can be used to realize the mutual conversion of electrical pulse signals and ultrasonic waves, so as to emit ultrasonic waves to a target area and can also be used to receive ultrasonic echo signals reflected by tissues. The switch switching circuit 13 is used to connect each array element 12 in the array element group 11 to each channel 21 in the channel group 20, which will be further described below.

[0096] Figure 6 is an example of the ultrasonic probe 10. In Figure 6 it, the ultrasonic probe 10 includes a probe body 10a, and an array element group 11 and a switch switching circuit 13 provided on the probe body 10a.

[0097] In some embodiments, the ultrasonic probe 10 is a 1.XD probe greater than 1D and less than 2D; for example, the 1.XD probe is a 1.25D probe, a 1.5D probe or a 1.75D probe, that is, the first type of ultrasonic probe 10 is a 1.25D probe, a 1.5D probe or a 1.75D probe.

[0098] In some embodiments, the array element group 11 of the ultrasonic probe 10 includes array elements arranged in M1 rows and N1 columns, where M1 and N1 are integers greater than or equal to 2; in some embodiments, M1 is an integer greater than or equal to 3.

[0099] In some embodiments, for each column of array elements 12: the symmetric array elements 12 in this column of array elements are connected together in pairs and then a wire is led out to receive the excitation signal of the same channel 21, and if there is a single central array element 12 in this column, then this central array element 12 is separately led out with a wire for connecting to a channel and receiving the excitation signal of this channel 21.

[0100] In some embodiments, if M1 is an odd number, then for each column of array elements 12: the array elements 12 located in the central row are separately led out with a wire, and the array elements 12 symmetric to the central row are connected together in pairs and then a wire is led out.

[0101] For example, when M1 is odd, the element 12 in the (M1 + 1) / 2-th row is the element in the central row. For each column of elements 12, the element 12 in the (M1 + 1) / 2-th row of this column is the central element of this column (or the element in the central row); therefore, for each column of elements 12: the element 12 in the (M1 + 1) / 2-th row among the elements 12 in this column is separately led out by a wire to connect to a channel 21 and receive the excitation signal of this channel 21; the elements 12 that are symmetric about the central element of this column, i.e., the (M1 + 1) / 2-th row, in the elements 12 of this column are connected in pairs and then led out by a wire to receive the excitation signal of the same channel 21. That is, the 1st to the [(M1 + 1) / 2 - 1]-th rows in ascending order of the row numbers are symmetric to the M-th to the [(M1 + 1) / 2 + 1]-th rows in descending order of the row numbers.

[0102] Figure 7 As an example, in the figure, the square represents the element 12, and the obliquely filled rectangle represents the channel 21; in Figure 7In the example, M1 = 3, that is, the array element group 11 has three rows of array elements. The array element 12 in the second row is the array element of the central row. For each column of array elements 12, the array element 12 in the second row of this column is the central array element of this column. Therefore, a single wire is led out from the array element 12 in the second row of each column to connect to a channel 21 and receive the excitation signal of this channel 21. For example, among the three (row) array elements in the first column, the array element 12 in the second row of the first column is the central array element, and a single wire is led out from it to connect to a channel 21 and receive the excitation signal of this channel 21. For another example, among the three (row) array elements in the second column, the array element 12 in the second row of the second column is the central array element, and a single wire is led out from it to connect to a channel 21 and receive the excitation signal of this channel 21. For another example, among the three (row) array elements in the n1-th column, the array element 12 in the second row of the n1-th column is the central array element, and a single wire is led out from it to connect to a channel 21 and receive the excitation signal of this channel 21, where n1 is a positive integer less than or equal to N1; for each column of array elements 12, the array elements 12 that are symmetric with respect to the array element 12 in the second row of this column in the array elements 12 of this column are connected in pairs and then a single wire is led out to receive the excitation signal of the same channel 21, that is, the array elements 12 in the first row and the third row of each column are connected in pairs and then a single wire is led out to receive the excitation signal of the same channel 21; for example, among the three (row) array elements in the first column, the array elements in the first row and the third row of the first column are symmetric, and the two are connected together and then a single wire is led out to receive the excitation signal of the same channel 21. For another example, among the three (row) array elements in the second column, the array elements in the first row and the third row of the second column are symmetric, and the two are connected together and then a single wire is led out to receive the excitation signal of the same channel 21. For another example, among the three (row) array elements in the n1-th column, the array elements in the first row and the third row of the n1-th column are symmetric, and the two are connected together and then a single wire is led out to receive the excitation signal of the same channel 21, where n1 is a positive integer less than or equal to N1.

[0103] In some embodiments, M1 is an even number. Then, for each column of array elements 12, the symmetric array elements 12 are connected in pairs and then a single wire is led out.

[0104] For example, when M1 is an even number, for each column of array elements 12: the symmetric array elements 12 in this column of array elements are connected in pairs and then a single wire is led out to receive the excitation signal of the same channel 21. When M is an even number, the first row and the last row are symmetric, the second row and the penultimate row are symmetric, and so on. That is, the 1st to the M1 / 2-th rows in ascending order of row numbers are symmetric with the M1-th to the (M1 / 2 + 1)-th rows in descending order of row numbers respectively.

[0105] Figure 8 As an example, in the figure, the square represents the array element 12, and the rectangle filled with diagonal lines represents the channel 21. InFigure 8 In the example, M = 4, that is, the array element group 11 has four rows of array elements. The first row of array elements and the second row of array elements are symmetric, and the second row of array elements and the third row of array elements are symmetric. For each column of array elements 12, the symmetric array elements 12 in this column are connected in pairs and then a wire is led out to receive the excitation signal of the same channel 21. That is, the array elements 12 in the first row and the fourth row of each column are connected in pairs and then a wire is led out to receive the excitation signal of the same channel 21, and the array elements 12 in the second row and the third row of each column are connected in pairs and then a wire is led out to receive the excitation signal of the same channel 21. For example, among the four (rows) of array elements in the first column, the array elements in the first row and the fourth row of the first column are symmetric, and after they are connected together, a wire is led out to receive the excitation signal of the same channel 21. The array elements in the second row and the third row of the first column are symmetric, and after they are connected together, a wire is led out to receive the excitation signal of the same channel 21. For example, among the four (rows) of array elements in the second column, the array elements in the first row and the fourth row of the second column are symmetric, and after they are connected together, a wire is led out to receive the excitation signal of the same channel 21. The array elements in the second row and the third row of the second column are symmetric, and after they are connected together, a wire is led out to receive the excitation signal of the same channel 21. For example, among the four (rows) of array elements in the n1-th column, the array elements in the first row and the fourth row of the n1-th column are symmetric, and after they are connected together, a wire is led out to receive the excitation signal of the same channel 21. The array elements in the second row and the third row of the n-th column are symmetric, and after they are connected together, a wire is led out to receive the excitation signal of the same channel 21. n1 is a positive integer less than or equal to N1.

[0106] In some embodiments, some of the array elements 10 time-division multiplex the channels 21.

[0107] The above are some descriptions of the ultrasonic probe 10.

[0108] In some embodiments, the channel group 20 includes a second number of channels. In some embodiments, the second number is less than the first number. The channel group 20 is connected to the array element group 11 through the switch switching circuit 13. Among them, at least some of the array elements 12 in the array element group 11 time-division multiplex at least some of the channels 21 in the channel group 20 through the switch switching circuit 13.

[0109] In some embodiments, the settings of the number of channels in the channel group 20 and the number of array elements in the array element group 11, as well as the connection relationship between the array element group 11 and the channel group 20, enable at least some of the array elements 12 in the array element group 11 to time-division multiplex at least some of the channels 21 in the channel group 20 through the switch switching circuit 13.

[0110] The transceiver control circuit 30 is configured to turn on and off the elements 12 in the element group 11 through the switch switching circuit 13, so as to control the ultrasonic probe 10 to transmit ultrasonic waves and receive the echo signals of the ultrasonic waves.

[0111] In some embodiments, during ultrasonic detection, the transceiver control circuit 30 can control which elements are used to transmit the ultrasonic beam (transmitting elements), and which elements are used to receive the ultrasonic beam (receiving elements), or control the elements to be used for transmitting ultrasonic waves or receiving the echo of ultrasonic waves in time slots. The elements participating in ultrasonic wave transmission (transmitting elements) can be simultaneously excited by an electrical signal (the electrical signal can be called an excitation signal), so as to transmit ultrasonic waves simultaneously; or the elements participating in ultrasonic wave transmission (transmitting elements) can also be excited by a plurality of electrical signals with a certain time interval, so as to continuously transmit ultrasonic waves with a certain time interval.

[0112] In some embodiments, the transceiver control circuit 30 is configured to generate a transmission sequence and output it to the ultrasonic probe 10, and the transceiver control circuit 30 is configured to generate a reception sequence and output it to the ultrasonic probe 10. The transmission sequence is used to control some or all of the elements in the element group 11 in the ultrasonic probe 10 to transmit ultrasonic waves to the region of interest, and the parameters of the transmission sequence include the number of elements for transmission and ultrasonic wave transmission parameters (such as amplitude, frequency, number of wave transmissions, transmission interval, transmission angle, waveform, and / or focusing position, etc.). The reception sequence is used to control some or all of the elements in the element group 11 in the ultrasonic probe 10 to receive the echo of the ultrasonic waves after passing through the tissue, and the parameters of the reception sequence include the number of elements for reception and the echo reception parameters (such as reception angle, depth, etc.). Depending on the use of the ultrasonic echo signal or the different images generated based on the ultrasonic echo, the ultrasonic parameters in the transmission sequence and the echo parameters in the reception sequence are also different.

[0113] In some embodiments, the processor 40 is configured to process the echo signal of the ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic probe 10, and can perform data processing in one or more links, such as receiving to form channel data, analog-to-digital conversion, signal demodulation, amplification, filtering, downsampling, beamforming, modulus extraction, logarithmic compression, and grayscale transformation, etc. The processor 40 processes the ultrasonic echo signal received by the ultrasonic probe 10 to obtain an ultrasonic image of the target area. In some embodiments, the processor 40 includes, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and a digital signal processing (DSP), etc., which are devices for interpreting computer instructions and processing data in computer software.

[0114] In some embodiments, the processor 40 is also capable of executing various computer application programs in a computer-readable storage medium, thereby performing corresponding steps and methods.

[0115] In some embodiments, the processor 40 processes ultrasound data by executing an ultrasound imaging method to generate an ultrasound image.

[0116] In some embodiments, the display 50 can be used to display information, such as parameters and images calculated by the processor 40. Those skilled in the art should understand that in some embodiments, the ultrasound imaging system 100 itself may not integrate a display module, but rather be connected to a computer device (such as a computer), and the information is displayed through the display module (such as a display screen) of the computer device.

[0117] The above is some description of the ultrasound imaging system 100.

[0118] When at least some array elements 10 time-division multiplex at least some channels 21, the ultrasound imaging field of view will be limited. The ultrasound imaging system 100 in some embodiments can overcome the limited field of view situation to generate and display a full-field ultrasound image.

[0119] In some embodiments, the processor 40 controls the ultrasound probe 10 to repeatedly perform multiple sets of ultrasonic wave transmissions through the transceiver control circuit 30. Each set of ultrasonic wave transmissions includes: sequentially performing M ultrasonic wave transmissions in time sequence, the number of array elements used for each ultrasonic wave transmission being less than the first number, and M being an integer greater than or equal to 2; the processor 40 acquires the echo signals of each set of ultrasonic waves to obtain ultrasound data. Each set of ultrasound data includes M sets of ultrasound data respectively corresponding to the M ultrasonic wave transmissions, that is, each ultrasonic wave transmission corresponds to collecting one set of ultrasound data, and the M ultrasonic wave transmissions respectively correspond to collecting M sets of ultrasound data; the processor 40 generates and controls the display 50 to display a full-field ultrasound image based on the ultrasound data. The full-field ultrasound image is the ultrasound image corresponding to the full aperture emission of the ultrasound probe 10, or in other words, the field of view of the full-field ultrasound image is the field of view of the ultrasound image corresponding to the full aperture emission of the ultrasound probe 10.

[0120] In some embodiments, starting from the Nth group, the processor 40 generates a full-field ultrasound image based on each set of ultrasound data in each set of ultrasound data to update the displayed full-field ultrasound image; N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0121] In some embodiments, starting from the Nth group, for any set of ultrasound data in each set of ultrasound data, the processor 40 inputs the set of ultrasound data into the full-field image model to obtain a full-field ultrasound image, thereby continuously updating the displayed full-field ultrasound image.

[0122] Figure 9For an example, Figure 9 Each quadrilateral in Figure 9 represents a set of ultrasonic data collected corresponding to an ultrasonic emission; in the figure, FFOV represents the full-field ultrasonic image, and the number after it represents the serial number of the full-field ultrasonic image in each group. KF represents the full-field image model. It can be seen that starting from the Nth group, every time a set of ultrasonic data is collected, inputting this set of ultrasonic data into the full-field image model can generate a full-field ultrasonic image in real time, thereby continuously updating the displayed full-field ultrasonic image.

[0123] In some embodiments, the processor 40 establishes a full-field image model based on the ultrasonic data of several groups before the Nth group, and continuously optimizes the full-field image model based on the ultrasonic data of the Nth group and the subsequent groups. It should be noted that in this article, several means an indefinite quantity, that is, several means one or more.

[0124] In some embodiments, establishing a full-field image model based on the ultrasonic data of several groups before the Nth group can be carried out as follows: the processor 40 processes M ultrasonic data in a set of ultrasonic data into ultrasonic data of the same amplitude scale, generates a full-field ultrasonic image based on the processed M ultrasonic data, and establishes the full-field image model based on the M ultrasonic data before processing and the generated full-field ultrasonic image.

[0125] In some embodiments, for the ultrasonic data of the Nth group or the subsequent groups, the processor 40 processes M ultrasonic data in a set of ultrasonic data into ultrasonic data of the same amplitude scale, generates a full-field ultrasonic image / data based on the processed M ultrasonic data, and optimizes the full-field image model based on the M ultrasonic data before processing and the generated full-field ultrasonic image for use in the next group. For example, process M ultrasonic data in a set of ultrasonic data into ultrasonic data of the same amplitude scale, generate a full-field ultrasonic image based on the processed M ultrasonic data, and continuously optimize and update the full-field image model (such as parameter optimization and update) based on this full-field ultrasonic image / data and the full-field ultrasonic image output by the full-field image model.

[0126] In some embodiments, the processor 4o establishes a full-field image model based on the Kalman filter model.

[0127] In the above-mentioned some embodiments, while retaining the performance advantages of the 1.XD ultrasonic probe, by introducing a full-field image model for data processing, the field of view is made complete; the above-mentioned some embodiments also reduce the impact on the frame rate; the above-mentioned some embodiments make the full-field signal intensity of the ultrasonic image relatively uniform.

[0128] An example can be like this:

[0129] Build a full - field image model based on the Kalman filter model, so that the ultrasonic data collected in each emission can be processed by the model and become equivalent to the ultrasonic data collected by full - aperture emission. For example, Figure 2 Take the 192 - column array elements shown as an example. For the first time, control the first 128 columns to emit to obtain the ultrasonic data A1 collected based on the first 128 columns. For the second time, control the last 64 columns to emit to obtain the ultrasonic data B1 collected based on the last 64 columns. The full - field ultrasonic quantity C1 = A1 + B1; According to the corresponding relationship between the number of transmitting array elements, receiving array elements and data intensity, normalize the ultrasonic data A1, ultrasonic data B1, and ultrasonic data C1 into ultrasonic data a1, ultrasonic data b1, and ultrasonic data c1 respectively (or adjust them to ultrasonic data a1, b1, and c1 of the same amplitude scale); The first and second emissions are the first group of ultrasonic emissions, then the third and fourth are the second group of ultrasonic emissions, the fifth and sixth are the third group of ultrasonic emissions, and so on; That is, each group of ultrasonic emissions includes two ultrasonic emissions: one is to control the first 128 columns to emit to obtain the ultrasonic data collected based on the first 128 columns, and the other is to control the last 64 columns to emit to obtain the ultrasonic data collected based on the last 64 columns. Based on the ultrasonic data A1 and ultrasonic data B1 obtained from the first and second emissions, and the further calculated ultrasonic data a1, b1, and c1, build a model between the input - output relationships (such as a full - field image model based on the Kalman filter model). The input of this model is ultrasonic data An or ultrasonic data Bn, and the output is full - field data cn, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2. Ultrasonic data An represents the ultrasonic data obtained by controlling the first 128 columns to emit in the nth group of emissions, ultrasonic data Bn represents the ultrasonic data obtained by controlling the last 64 columns to emit in the nth group of emissions, and cn represents the full - field ultrasonic data obtained after processing ultrasonic data An and ultrasonic data Bn into ultrasonic data of the same amplitude size; Therefore, during the nth group of emissions, first control the first 128 columns to emit to obtain ultrasonic data An, input ultrasonic data An into the model to obtain the corresponding full - field ultrasonic data, and a full - field ultrasonic image can be generated based on this full - field ultrasonic data; During the nth group of emissions, control the last 64 columns to emit to obtain ultrasonic data Bn, input ultrasonic data Bn into the model to obtain the corresponding full - field ultrasonic data, and a full - field ultrasonic image can be generated based on this full - field ultrasonic data; In addition, after obtaining ultrasonic data An and Bn, cn can be calculated based on ultrasonic data An and Bn, and the model can be optimized and updated based on the calculated cn and the cn output from the model.

[0130] In some embodiments, starting from the Nth group, for any piece of ultrasound data in each group of ultrasound data, the processor 40 generates a full-field ultrasound image corresponding to the piece of ultrasound data based on the piece of ultrasound data and its previous (M - 1) pieces of ultrasound data. For example, the processor 40 processes the piece of ultrasound data and its previous (M - 1) pieces of ultrasound data into ultrasound data of the same amplitude scale, and generates a full-field ultrasound image based on the processed ultrasound data.

[0131] Figure 10 As an example, Figure 10 Each quadrilateral in the figure represents a piece of ultrasound data collected corresponding to an ultrasonic emission. In the figure, FFOV represents a full-field ultrasound image, and the number after it represents the serial number of the full-field ultrasound image within each group. It can be seen that starting from the Nth group, every time a piece of ultrasound data is collected, the piece of ultrasound data and its previous (M - 1) pieces of ultrasound data, that is, a total of M pieces of ultrasound data, are processed into ultrasound data of the same amplitude scale, which is equivalent to obtaining full-field (full-aperture) ultrasound data, and a full-field ultrasound image is generated based on the processed M pieces of ultrasound data.

[0132] Another example can be like this:

[0133] Let's take Figure 2 the array element with 192 columns shown as an example. Each group of ultrasonic emissions includes two ultrasonic emissions. One is to control the first 128 columns to emit to obtain the ultrasound data collected based on the first 128 columns, and the other is to control the last 64 columns to emit to obtain the ultrasound data collected based on the last 64 columns. From the perspective of the overall emission, the control of the first 128 columns to emit and the control of the last 64 columns to emit are carried out alternately. The ultrasound data obtained from adjacent two emissions can be alternately superimposed and combined. For example, the second piece of ultrasound data and the first piece of ultrasound data generate a full-field ultrasound image, the third piece of ultrasound data and the second piece of ultrasound data generate a full-field ultrasound image, the fourth piece of ultrasound data and the third piece of ultrasound data generate a full-field ultrasound image, and so on. The nth piece of ultrasound data and the (n - 1)th piece of ultrasound data generate a full-field ultrasound image, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0134] In the above-mentioned some embodiments, while retaining the performance advantages of the 1.XD ultrasound probe, a post-processing method with a relatively small amount of calculation is used to achieve a complete field of view and has a relatively small impact on the frame rate.

[0135] In some embodiments, the processor 40 generates a full-field ultrasound image based on M ultrasound data in each group of ultrasound data to update the displayed full-field ultrasound image; this can generate a full-field ultrasound image starting from the first group of ultrasound data, and then generate a full-field ultrasound image for each subsequent group of ultrasound data to continuously update the displayed full-field ultrasound image; for example, the processor 40 processes the M ultrasound data in a group of ultrasound data into ultrasound data of the same amplitude scale, and generates a full-field ultrasound image based on the processed ultrasound data.

[0136] Figure 11 As an example, Figure 11 Each quadrilateral in the figure represents the ultrasound data collected corresponding to one ultrasonic wave emission; FFOV in the figure represents the full-field ultrasound image, and the number after it represents the serial number of the full-field ultrasound image; it can be seen that a full-field ultrasound image can be generated from each group of ultrasound data.

[0137] Another example can be like this:

[0138] Let's take Figure 2 the array elements of 192 columns shown as an example. Each group of ultrasonic wave emissions includes two ultrasonic wave emissions. One is to control the first 128 columns to emit to obtain the ultrasound data collected based on the first 128 columns, and the other is to control the last 64 columns to emit to obtain the ultrasound data collected based on the last 64 columns. The ultrasound data obtained from the two emissions in each group are superimposed and combined to obtain the ultrasound data equivalent to that collected by a full-aperture emission, so that a full-field ultrasound image can be corresponding to each group of emissions.

[0139] The above are some descriptions of obtaining a full-field ultrasound image through processing of ultrasound data.

[0140] In the embodiment where the ultrasound probe 10 is an array element of a 1.XD probe, or in the embodiment where the ultrasound probe 10 includes an array of M1 rows and N1 columns, for each of the M ultrasonic wave emissions in each group: the array elements used include at least one array element in each column. Based on this ultrasonic wave emission method, starting from the Nth group, for any ultrasound data in each group of ultrasound data, the processor 40 performs amplitude scale processing on this ultrasound data, and generates an ultrasound image as a full-field ultrasound image based on the processed ultrasound data. For example, for any ultrasound data in each group of ultrasound data (let's denote it as the mth time, m is a positive integer and less than M): taking the ultrasound data corresponding to the ultrasonic wave emitted by the array elements in the central row as a reference, perform amplitude scale processing on the ultrasound data collected at the mth time, and generate an ultrasound image as a full-field ultrasound image based on the processed ultrasound data (which can be used as full-field ultrasound data). In some embodiments, the first ultrasonic wave emission in each group can be to control the array elements in the central row to emit.

[0141] The above are some descriptions of the acquisition of full - field ultrasound data or images by the ultrasound imaging system 100.

[0142] Please refer to Figure 12 , in some embodiments, an ultrasound main unit 101 is also disclosed. The ultrasound main unit 101 includes one or more probe interfaces 60, a channel group 20, a transceiver control circuit 30, a processor 40, and a display 50; the following is a specific description.

[0143] In some embodiments, the probe interface 60 is used to connect the ultrasound probe 10, and the probe interface 60 can at least connect the first - type ultrasound probe 10. In some embodiments, the first - type ultrasound probe 10 includes an array element group 11 and a switch - switching circuit 13 - - for example, the above Figure 6 is an example. In some embodiments, the array element group 11 includes a first number of array elements 12. The array elements 12 are used to convert electrical signals and ultrasonic waves into each other, so as to emit ultrasonic waves to the target area and receive the echo signals reflected by the tissue. The array elements 12 can be implemented by, for example, piezoelectric ceramics, piezocrystals, or piezocomposite materials, etc. The array elements 12 are used to emit ultrasonic waves according to the excitation electrical signals, or convert the received ultrasonic waves into electrical signals. Therefore, each array element 12 can be used to realize the mutual conversion of electrical pulse signals and ultrasonic waves, so as to emit ultrasonic waves to the target area and can also be used to receive the ultrasonic echo signals reflected by the tissue. The switch - switching circuit 13 is used to connect each array element 12 in the array element group 11 to each channel 21 in the channel group 20.

[0144] In some embodiments, the ultrasound probe 10 is a 1.XD probe greater than 1D and less than 2D; for example, the 1.XD probe is a 1.25D probe, a 1.5D probe, or a 1.75D probe, that is, the first - type ultrasound probe 10 is a 1.25D probe, a 1.5D probe, or a 1.75D probe.

[0145] In some embodiments, the array element group 11 of the ultrasound probe 10 includes array elements arranged in M1 rows and N1 columns, where M1 and N1 are integers greater than or equal to 2; in some embodiments, M1 is an integer greater than or equal to 3.

[0146] In some embodiments, for each column of array elements 12: the symmetric array elements 12 in this column are connected together in pairs and then a wire is led out to receive the excitation signal of the same channel 21, and if there is a single central array element 12 in this column, then this central array element 12 is separately led out a wire to connect to a channel and receive the excitation signal of this channel 21. For example, the above Figure 7 and Figure 8 are two examples.

[0147] In some embodiments, if M1 is odd, for the array elements 12 in each column: the array element 12 located in the central row is separately led out by a wire, and the array elements 12 symmetric to the central row are connected in pairs and then led out by a wire.

[0148] For example, when M1 is odd, the array element 12 in the (M1 + 1) / 2-th row is the array element in the central row. For the array elements 12 in each column, the array element in the (M1 + 1) / 2-th row of this column is the central array element (or the array element in the central row) of this column; thus, for the array elements 12 in each column: the array element 12 in the (M1 + 1) / 2-th row among the array elements 12 in this column is separately led out by a wire to connect to a channel 21 and receive the excitation signal of this channel 21; the array elements 12 symmetric to the central array element of this column, that is, with the (M1 + 1) / 2-th row as the center, in the array elements 12 of this column are connected in pairs and then led out by a wire to receive the excitation signal of the same channel 21. That is, the 1st to the [(M1 + 1) / 2 - 1]-th rows in ascending order of row numbers are symmetric to the M-th to the [(M1 + 1) / 2 + 1]-th rows in descending order of row numbers respectively.

[0149] In some embodiments, if M1 is even, for the array elements 12 in each column, the symmetric array elements 12 are connected in pairs and then led out by a wire.

[0150] For example, when M1 is even, for the array elements 12 in each column: the symmetric array elements 12 in the array elements of this column are connected in pairs and then led out by a wire to receive the excitation signal of the same channel 21. When M is even, the first row and the last row are symmetric, the second row and the penultimate row are symmetric, and so on. That is, the 1st to the M1 / 2-th rows in ascending order of row numbers are symmetric to the M1-th to the (M1 / 2 + 1)-th rows in descending order of row numbers respectively.

[0151] In some embodiments, some of the array elements 10 time-division multiplex the channels 21.

[0152] The above are some descriptions of the first type of ultrasonic probe 10.

[0153] In some embodiments, the channel group 20 includes a second number of channels; in some embodiments, the second number is less than the first number; the channel group 20 is connected to the array element group 11 through a switch switching circuit 13, wherein at least some of the array elements 12 in the array element group 11 time-division multiplex at least some of the channels 21 in the channel group 20 through the switch switching circuit 13.

[0154] In some embodiments, the number of channels in channel group 20 and the number of array elements in array element group 11, as well as the connection relationship between array element group 11 and channel group 20, are set such that at least some of the array elements 12 in array element group 11 time-division multiplex at least some of the channels 21 in channel group 20 through the switch switching circuit 13.

[0155] The transceiver control circuit 30 is configured to select and turn off the array elements 12 in the array element group 11 through the switch switching circuit 13 to control the ultrasonic probe 10 to emit ultrasonic waves and receive the echo signals of the ultrasonic waves.

[0156] For a detailed description of the transceiver control circuit 30 of the ultrasonic host 101, reference may be made to the transceiver control circuit 30 in the ultrasonic imaging system 100 above, which will not be elaborated here.

[0157] In some embodiments, the processor 40 is configured to process the echo signals of the ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic probe 10, and can perform data processing in one or more steps, such as receiving and forming channel data, analog-to-digital conversion, signal demodulation, amplification, filtering, downsampling, beam synthesis, modulus extraction, logarithmic compression, and grayscale transformation. By processing the ultrasonic echo signals received by the ultrasonic probe 10, the processor 40 can obtain an ultrasonic image of the target area. In some embodiments, the processor 40 includes, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and a digital signal processing (DSP), etc., which are used to interpret computer instructions and process data in computer software.

[0158] In some embodiments, the processor 40 can also execute various computer application programs in the computer-readable storage medium, thereby performing corresponding steps and methods.

[0159] In some embodiments, the processor 40 processes the ultrasonic data by executing an ultrasonic imaging method to generate an ultrasonic image.

[0160] In some embodiments, the display 50 can be used to display information, such as the parameters and images calculated by the processor 40. Those skilled in the art should understand that in some embodiments, the ultrasonic imaging system 100 itself may not integrate a display module, but is connected to a computer device (such as a computer), and the information is displayed through the display module (such as a display screen) of the computer device.

[0161] The above are some descriptions of the ultrasonic host 101.

[0162] For the first type of ultrasound probe 10, when it is connected to the ultrasound main unit 101, since at least some of its array elements 10 time-division multiplex at least some of the channels 21, the ultrasound imaging field of view will be restricted. The ultrasound main unit 101 in some embodiments can overcome the situation of limited field of view and generate and display a full-field ultrasound image.

[0163] In some embodiments, the processor 40 obtains the identification information and enables the ultrasound full-field function based on the identification information when determining that the probe interface 60 is connected to the first type of ultrasound probe 10. The identification information can be the probe type information input by the user to the ultrasound main unit 101, or the information carried by the ultrasound probe 10 itself. When the ultrasound probe 10 is connected to the probe interface 60, the ultrasound main unit 101 can obtain the identification information from the ultrasound probe 10 through the probe interface 60 to determine the type of the ultrasound probe 10, such as whether the ultrasound probe 10 is the first type of ultrasound probe.

[0164] When the ultrasound full-field function is enabled: the processor 40 controls the first type of ultrasound probe 10 to repeatedly perform multiple groups of ultrasonic wave transmissions through the transceiver control circuit 30. Each group of ultrasonic wave transmissions includes: selecting and gating the first part of the array elements 12 in the array element group 11 to transmit the first ultrasonic wave in the first time segment, and selecting and gating the second part of the array elements 12 in the array element group 11 to transmit the second ultrasonic wave in the second time segment; the first time segment is different from the second time segment, and the first part of the array elements 12 is different from the second part of the array elements 12; the processor 40 obtains the echo signals of each group of ultrasonic waves to obtain ultrasound data, where: based on the transmission of the first ultrasonic wave, receiving its echo signal to obtain the first ultrasound data, and based on the transmission of the second ultrasonic wave, receiving its echo signal to obtain the second ultrasound data; the processor 40 controls the display 50 to dynamically display the full-field ultrasound image. The full-field ultrasound image is the ultrasound image corresponding to the full aperture emission of the first type of ultrasound probe 10, or in other words, the field of view of the full-field ultrasound image is the field of view of the ultrasound image corresponding to the full aperture emission of the first type of ultrasound probe 10; where: starting from the Nth group, generating a full-field ultrasound image based on the first ultrasound data of each group, and generating a full-field ultrasound image based on the second ultrasound data of each group to continuously display and update the full-field ultrasound image; N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0165] In some embodiments, starting from the Nth group, the processor 40 inputs the first ultrasound data into the full-field image model to obtain a full-field ultrasound image, and inputs the second ultrasound data into the full-field image model to obtain a full-field ultrasound image.

[0166] In some embodiments, the processor 40 establishes a full - field image model based on the first ultrasonic data and the second ultrasonic data of several groups before the Nth group, and continuously optimizes the full - field image model based on the first ultrasonic data and the second ultrasonic data of the Nth group and the subsequent groups. It should be noted that in this article, "several" refers to an indefinite quantity, that is, "several" means one or more.

[0167] In some embodiments, establishing a full - field image model based on the first ultrasonic data and the second ultrasonic data of several groups before the Nth group can be carried out as follows: The processor 40 superimposes the first ultrasonic data and the second ultrasonic data in a group after normalization processing to obtain a normalized full - field ultrasonic image, denormalizes the normalized full - field ultrasonic image to obtain a processed full - field ultrasonic image, and establishes a full - field image model based on the first ultrasonic data, the second ultrasonic data in a group, and the processed full - field ultrasonic image.

[0168] In some embodiments, for the ultrasonic data of the Nth group or subsequent groups, the processor 40 superimposes the first ultrasonic data and the second ultrasonic data in a group after normalization processing to obtain a normalized full - field ultrasonic image, denormalizes the normalized full - field ultrasonic image to obtain a processed full - field ultrasonic image, and optimizes the full - field image model based on the first ultrasonic data, the second ultrasonic data in a group, and the processed full - field ultrasonic image for use in the next group.

[0169] In some embodiments, the processor 40 establishes a full - field image model based on a Kalman filter model.

[0170] In the above - mentioned some embodiments, while retaining the performance advantages of the 1.XD ultrasonic probe, by introducing a full - field image model for data processing, the field of view is made complete; the above - mentioned some embodiments also reduce the impact on the frame rate; the above - mentioned some embodiments make the full - field signal intensity of the ultrasonic image relatively uniform.

[0171] In some embodiments, starting from the Nth group: The processor 40 generates a full - field ultrasonic image corresponding to the first ultrasonic data of the current group based on the first ultrasonic data of the current group and the second ultrasonic data of the previous group; The processor 40 generates a full - field ultrasonic image corresponding to the second ultrasonic data of the current group based on the second ultrasonic data of the current group and the first ultrasonic data of the current group.

[0172] In some embodiments, starting from the Nth group, the processor 40 can generate a full - field ultrasonic image corresponding to the first ultrasonic data of the current group based on the first ultrasonic data of the current group and the second ultrasonic data of the previous group as follows: Taking the first ultrasonic data of the current group or the second ultrasonic data of the previous group as a reference, processing the two into ultrasonic data of the same amplitude scale, and generating a full - field ultrasonic image based on the processed ultrasonic data.

[0173] In some embodiments, starting from the Nth group, the processor 40 generates a full - field ultrasound image corresponding to the second ultrasound data of the current group based on the second ultrasound data and the first ultrasound data of the current group. This can be achieved as follows: taking the second ultrasound data or the first ultrasound data of the current group as a reference, processing both into ultrasound data of the same amplitude scale, and generating a full - field ultrasound image based on the processed ultrasound data.

[0174] In some embodiments, the processor 40 generates a full - field ultrasound image based on the first ultrasound data and the second ultrasound data in each group of ultrasound data to update the displayed full - field ultrasound image. This can generate a full - field ultrasound image starting from the first group of ultrasound data, and then generate a full - field ultrasound image for each subsequent group of ultrasound data to continuously update the displayed full - field ultrasound image. For example, the processor 40 processes the two ultrasound data in a group of ultrasound data into ultrasound data of the same amplitude scale, and generates a full - field ultrasound image based on the processed ultrasound data.

[0175] The above are some descriptions of obtaining a full - field ultrasound image through processing of ultrasound data.

[0176] In an embodiment where the first - type ultrasound probe 10 includes array elements arranged in M1 rows and N1 columns, the array elements in the first part are the array elements from the 1st column to the N2nd column, and the array elements in the second part are the array elements from the (N2 + 1)th column to the N1th column, where N2 is an integer less than N1 and greater than or equal to 1.

[0177] In an embodiment where the first - type ultrasound probe 10 includes array elements arranged in M1 rows and N1 columns, there is at least one array element in each column in the first part of the array elements, and there is at least one array element in each column in the second part of the array elements. For example, the array elements in the first part are the array elements of some rows from the 1st column to the N1th column, and the array elements in the second part are the array elements of the remaining rows from the 1st column to the N1th column.

[0178] In some embodiments where there is at least one array element in each column in the array elements of the first part and at least one array element in each column in the array elements of the second part, starting from the first group or the Nth group, the processor 40 generates a full-field ultrasound image based on the first ultrasound data of each group and generates a full-field ultrasound image based on the second ultrasound data of each group. This can be achieved as follows: taking the ultrasound data corresponding to the ultrasonic waves emitted by the array elements in the central row as a reference, performing amplitude scaling processing on the first ultrasound data, and generating an ultrasound image based on the processed first ultrasound data as the full-field ultrasound image; taking the ultrasound data corresponding to the ultrasonic waves emitted by the array elements in the central row as a reference, performing amplitude scaling processing on the second ultrasound data, and generating an ultrasound image based on the processed second ultrasound data as the full-field ultrasound image. In some embodiments, the first ultrasonic wave emission of each group can be controlled by the array elements in the central row. For example, the array elements of the first part are all the array elements located in the central row. It can be understood that if M1 is an even number, there are two central rows, and if M1 is an odd number, there is only a single central row.

[0179] The above are some descriptions of the ultrasound host 101.

[0180] Some embodiments of the present application also disclose an imaging method of an ultrasound imaging system (hereinafter referred to as the imaging method). The ultrasound imaging system can be the ultrasound imaging system 100 disclosed herein. For example, it includes an ultrasound probe 10 and a channel group 20. The ultrasound probe 10 includes a first number of array elements 12, and the channel group 20 includes a second number of channels 21. The second number is less than the first number. Further, at least some of the array elements 12 are time-division multiplexed with at least some of the channels 21.

[0181] Please refer to Figure 13 , the imaging method of some embodiments includes the following steps:

[0182] Step 110: Control the ultrasound probe 10 to repeatedly perform multiple groups of ultrasonic wave emissions, where each group of ultrasonic wave emissions includes: sequentially performing M ultrasonic wave emissions in time series, and the number of array elements used for each ultrasonic wave emission is less than the first number, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0183] Step 120: Obtain the echo signals of the ultrasonic waves of each group to obtain ultrasound data. Each group of ultrasound data includes M times of ultrasound data corresponding to the M ultrasonic wave emissions respectively.

[0184] Step 130: Generate and control the display of a full-field ultrasound image based on the ultrasound data. The full-field ultrasound image is the ultrasound image corresponding to the field of view when the ultrasound probe 10 emits at full aperture, or in other words, the field of view of the full-field ultrasound image is the field of view of the ultrasound image corresponding to when the ultrasound probe 10 emits at full aperture.

[0185] In some embodiments, starting from the Nth group, step 130 generates a full-field ultrasound image based on each piece of ultrasound data in each group of ultrasound data to update the displayed full-field ultrasound image; N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0186] In some embodiments, starting from the Nth group, for any piece of ultrasound data in each group of ultrasound data, step 130 inputs the piece of ultrasound data into the full-field image model to obtain a full-field ultrasound image, thereby continuously updating the displayed full-field ultrasound image.

[0187] In some embodiments, step 130 establishes a full-field image model based on several groups of ultrasound data before the Nth group, and continuously optimizes the full-field image model based on the ultrasound data of the Nth group and subsequent groups. It should be noted that in this article, "several" refers to an indefinite quantity, that is, "several" refers to one or more.

[0188] In some embodiments, establishing a full-field image model based on several groups of ultrasound data before the Nth group can be carried out as follows: step 130 processes M pieces of ultrasound data in a group of ultrasound data into ultrasound data of the same amplitude scale, generates a full-field ultrasound image based on the processed M pieces of ultrasound data, and establishes the full-field image model based on the M pieces of ultrasound data before processing and the generated full-field ultrasound image.

[0189] In some embodiments, for the ultrasound data of the Nth group or subsequent groups, step 130 processes M pieces of ultrasound data in a group of ultrasound data into ultrasound data of the same amplitude scale, generates a full-field ultrasound image / data based on the processed M pieces of ultrasound data, and optimizes the full-field image model based on the M pieces of ultrasound data before processing and the generated full-field ultrasound image for use in the next group. For example, process M pieces of ultrasound data in a group of ultrasound data into ultrasound data of the same amplitude scale, generate a full-field ultrasound image based on the processed M pieces of ultrasound data, and continuously optimize and update the full-field image model (such as parameter optimization and update) based on the full-field ultrasound image / data and the full-field ultrasound image output by the full-field image model.

[0190] In some embodiments, step 130 establishes a full-field image model based on the Kalman filter model.

[0191] In the above-mentioned some embodiments, while retaining the performance advantages of the 1.XD ultrasound probe, by introducing a full-field image model for data processing, the field of view is made complete; the above-mentioned some embodiments also reduce the impact on the frame rate; the above-mentioned some embodiments make the full-field signal intensity of the ultrasound image relatively uniform.

[0192] In some embodiments, for any piece of ultrasound data in each set of ultrasound data, step 130 generates a full-field ultrasound image corresponding to this piece of ultrasound data based on this piece of ultrasound data and its previous (M - 1) pieces of ultrasound data; for example, step 130 processes this piece of ultrasound data and its previous (M - 1) pieces of ultrasound data into ultrasound data of the same amplitude scale, and generates a full-field ultrasound image based on the processed ultrasound data.

[0193] In some of the above embodiments, while retaining the performance advantages of the 1.XD ultrasound probe, a post-processing method with a relatively small computational amount is used to achieve a complete field of view and has a relatively small impact on the frame rate.

[0194] In some embodiments, step 130 generates a full-field ultrasound image based on M pieces of ultrasound data in each set of ultrasound data to update the displayed full-field ultrasound image; this can generate a full-field ultrasound image starting from the first set of ultrasound data, and then generate a full-field ultrasound image for each subsequent set of ultrasound data to continuously update the displayed full-field ultrasound image; for example, step 130 processes M pieces of ultrasound data in a set of ultrasound data into ultrasound data of the same amplitude scale, and generates a full-field ultrasound image based on the processed ultrasound data.

[0195] This document has been described with reference to various exemplary embodiments. 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 operating steps and the components used to perform the operating steps can be implemented in different ways according to a particular application or any number of cost functions associated with the operation of the system (e.g., one or more steps can be deleted, modified, or combined into other steps).

[0196] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. Additionally, as understood by those skilled in the art, the principles herein can be embodied in a computer program product on a computer-readable storage medium that is preloaded with computer-readable program code. Any tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can be used, including magnetic storage devices (hard disks, floppy disks, etc.), optical storage devices (CD-ROMs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), flash memories, and / or the like. These computer program instructions can be loaded onto a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing devices to form a machine, such that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable data processing devices can generate a device for implementing the specified functions. These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable memory, which can direct the computer or other programmable data processing devices to operate in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory can form a manufactured article, including a device for implementing the specified functions. The computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing devices, thereby performing a series of operational steps on the computer or other programmable devices to generate a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable devices can provide steps for implementing the specified functions.

[0197] Although the principles herein have been shown in various embodiments, many modifications of the structures, arrangements, proportions, elements, materials, and components that are particularly adapted to specific environments and operational requirements can be used without departing from the principles and scope of this disclosure. The above modifications and other changes or revisions will be included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0198] The foregoing detailed description has been presented 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. Accordingly, the consideration of this disclosure will be in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications will be included within its scope. Similarly, the advantages, other advantages, and solutions to problems of the various embodiments have been described above. However, benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that can produce these, or solutions that make them more apparent, should not be construed as critical, essential, or necessary. As used herein, the term "comprising" and any other variants thereof are non-exclusive inclusions, such that a process, method, article, or device that includes a list of elements not only includes those elements but also other elements not expressly listed or that are not part of the process, method, system, article, or device. Additionally, as used herein, the term "coupled" and any other variants thereof refer to physical connection, electrical connection, magnetic connection, optical connection, communication connection, functional connection, and / or any other connection.

[0199] Those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the basic principles of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be determined solely by the claims.

Claims

1. An ultrasound main unit, characterized in that, Comprising: One or more probe interfaces, a channel group, a transceiver control circuit, a processor, and a display; The probe interface is used to connect an ultrasonic probe; wherein, the probe interface can at least connect a first type of ultrasonic probe, the first type of ultrasonic probe includes an element group and a switch switching circuit, the element group includes a first number of elements, and the elements are used to convert electrical signals and ultrasonic waves mutually; The channel group includes a second number of channels, and the second number is less than the first number; wherein, when the probe interface is connected to the first type of ultrasonic probe, the channel group is connected to the element group through the switch switching circuit, and at least some of the elements in the element group time-division multiplex at least some of the channels in the channel group through the switch switching circuit; A transceiver control circuit, configured to control the transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves; wherein, when the probe interface is connected to the first type of ultrasonic probe, the transceiver control circuit selects and turns off the elements in the element group through the switch switching circuit to control the first type of ultrasonic probe to transmit ultrasonic waves and receive echo signals of the ultrasonic waves; A processor, configured to obtain identification information, and when it is determined based on the identification information that the probe interface is connected to the first type of ultrasonic probe, enable the ultrasonic full-field function; in the ultrasonic full-field function, the processor is configured to: Control the first type of ultrasonic probe to repeatedly perform multiple groups of ultrasonic wave transmissions through the transceiver control circuit, wherein each group of the ultrasonic wave transmissions includes: selecting a first part of the elements in the element group to transmit a first ultrasonic wave in a first time period, and selecting a second part of the elements in the element group to transmit a second ultrasonic wave in a second time period; the first time period is different from the second time period, and the first part of the elements is different from the second part of the elements; Obtain the echo signals of each group of the ultrasonic waves to obtain ultrasonic data, wherein: based on the transmission of the first ultrasonic wave, receive its echo signal to obtain first ultrasonic data, and based on the transmission of the second ultrasonic wave, receive its echo signal to obtain second ultrasonic data; Control the display to dynamically display a full-field ultrasonic image, and the field of view of the full-field ultrasonic image is the field of view of the ultrasonic image corresponding to the full-aperture transmission of the first type of ultrasonic probe; wherein: starting from the Nth group, generate a full-field ultrasonic image based on each group of the first ultrasonic data, and generate a full-field ultrasonic image based on each group of the second ultrasonic data to continuously display and update the full-field ultrasonic image; N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

2. The ultrasound main unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, Starting from the Nth group, the processor generates a full-field ultrasonic image based on each group of the first ultrasonic data and generates a full-field ultrasonic image based on each group of the second ultrasonic data, including: Inputting the first ultrasonic data into a full-field image model to obtain a full-field ultrasonic image, and inputting the second ultrasonic data into the full-field image model to obtain a full-field ultrasonic image.

3. The ultrasound main unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The processor establishes the full - field image model based on the first ultrasonic data and the second ultrasonic data of several groups before the Nth group, and continuously optimizes the full - field image model based on the first ultrasonic data and the second ultrasonic data of the Nth group and the subsequent groups.

4. The ultrasound main unit according to claim 3, characterized in that The processor superimposes the first ultrasonic data and the second ultrasonic data in a group after normalization processing to obtain a normalized full - field ultrasonic image, denormalizes the normalized full - field ultrasonic image to obtain a processed full - field ultrasonic image, and establishes the full - field image model based on the first ultrasonic data and the second ultrasonic data in the group, as well as the processed full - field ultrasonic image; For the ultrasonic data of the Nth group or subsequent groups, the processor superimposes the first ultrasonic data and the second ultrasonic data in a group after normalization processing to obtain a normalized full - field ultrasonic image, denormalizes the normalized full - field ultrasonic image to obtain a processed full - field ultrasonic image, and optimizes the full - field image model based on the first ultrasonic data and the second ultrasonic data in the group, as well as the processed full - field ultrasonic image for use in the next group.

5. The ultrasound main unit according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The processor establishes the full - field image model based on the Kalman filter model.

6. The ultrasound main unit according to claim 1, wherein Starting from the Nth group, the processor generates a full - field ultrasonic image based on the first ultrasonic data of each group and generates a full - field ultrasonic image based on the second ultrasonic data of each group, including: Generating the full - field ultrasonic image corresponding to the first ultrasonic data of the current group based on the first ultrasonic data of the current group and the second ultrasonic data of the previous group; Generating the full - field ultrasonic image corresponding to the second ultrasonic data of the current group based on the second ultrasonic data of the current group and the first ultrasonic data of the current group.

7. The ultrasound main unit according to claim 6, characterized in that, The processor generates the full - field ultrasonic image corresponding to the first ultrasonic data of the current group based on the first ultrasonic data of the current group and the second ultrasonic data of the previous group, including: taking the first ultrasonic data of the current group or the second ultrasonic data of the previous group as a reference, processing the two into ultrasonic data of the same amplitude scale, and generating a full - field ultrasonic image based on the processed ultrasonic data; The processor generates the full - field ultrasonic image corresponding to the second ultrasonic data of the current group based on the second ultrasonic data of the current group and the first ultrasonic data of the current group, including: taking the second ultrasonic data of the current group or the first ultrasonic data of the current group as a reference, processing the two into ultrasonic data of the same amplitude scale, and generating a full - field ultrasonic image based on the processed ultrasonic data.

8. The ultrasound main unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first type of probe is a 1.XD probe greater than 1D and less than 2D; preferably, the 1.XD probe is a 1.25D probe, a 1.5D probe, or a 1.75D probe.

9. The ultrasound main unit according to claim 1 or 8, characterized in that, The array element group of the first type of probe includes array elements of M1 rows and N1 columns, where M1 and N1 are integers greater than or equal to 2; If M1 is odd, for the array elements in each column: the array element located in the central row is led out by a single wire, and the array elements symmetric to the central row are connected in pairs and then led out by a single wire; If M1 is even, for the array elements in each column, the symmetric array elements are connected in pairs and then led out by a single wire.

10. The ultrasound main unit according to claim 9, wherein The array elements of the first part are the array elements from the 1st column to the N2nd column, and the array elements of the second part are the array elements from the (N2 + 1)th column to the N1th column, where N2 is an integer less than N1 and greater than or equal to 1; Alternatively, the array elements of the first part are the array elements of some rows from the 1st column to the N1th column, and the array elements of the second part are the array elements of the remaining rows from the 1st column to the N1th column.

11. The ultrasonic mainframe according to claim 10, characterized in that, Starting from the Nth group, the processor generates a full - field ultrasound image based on the first ultrasound data of each group, and generates a full - field ultrasound image based on the second ultrasound data of each group, including: Taking the ultrasound data corresponding to the ultrasonic waves emitted by the array elements in the central row as a reference, performing amplitude - scale processing on the first ultrasound data, and generating an ultrasound image based on the processed first ultrasound data as the full - field ultrasound image; Taking the ultrasound data corresponding to the ultrasonic waves emitted by the array elements in the central row as a reference, performing amplitude - scale processing on the second ultrasound data, and generating an ultrasound image based on the processed second ultrasound data as the full - field ultrasound image.

12. An ultrasonic imaging system, characterized in that, Including: An ultrasound probe, a channel group, a transceiver control circuit, and a processor; The ultrasound probe includes an array element group and a switch - switching circuit; the array element group includes a first number of array elements, and the array elements are used to convert electrical signals and ultrasonic waves mutually; The channel group includes a second number of channels, and the second number is less than the first number; the channel group is connected to the array element group through the switch - switching circuit, where at least some of the array elements in the array element group time - division multiplex at least some of the channels in the channel group through the switch - switching circuit; The transceiver control circuit is used to select and turn off the array elements in the array element group through the switch - switching circuit to control the ultrasound probe to emit ultrasonic waves and receive the echo signals of the ultrasonic waves; The processor is used to: Control the ultrasound probe to repeatedly perform multiple groups of ultrasonic wave emissions through the transceiver control circuit, where each group of the ultrasonic wave emissions includes: sequentially performing M ultrasonic wave emissions in time series, and the number of array elements used for each ultrasonic wave emission is less than the first number, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 2; Obtain the echo signals of the ultrasonic waves of each group to obtain ultrasound data, and each group of ultrasound data includes M times of ultrasound data corresponding to the M ultrasonic wave emissions respectively; Generate and control the display of a full - field ultrasound image based on the ultrasound data, and the field of view of the full - field ultrasound image is the field of view of the ultrasound image corresponding to the full - aperture emission of the ultrasound probe.

13. The ultrasonic imaging system according to claim 12, wherein, The generating and controlling the display of the full - field ultrasound image based on the ultrasound data includes: Starting from the Nth group, generating a full - field ultrasound image based on each time of ultrasound data in each group of ultrasound data to update the displayed full - field ultrasound image; N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

14. The ultrasonic imaging system according to claim 13, wherein, Starting from the Nth group, the processor generates a full-field ultrasound image based on each piece of ultrasound data in each group of ultrasound data to update the displayed full-field ultrasound image, including: For any piece of ultrasound data in each group of ultrasound data, input the piece of ultrasound data into the full-field image model to obtain a full-field ultrasound image.

15. The ultrasonic imaging system according to claim 14, wherein The processor establishes the full-field image model based on several groups of ultrasound data before the Nth group, and continuously optimizes the full-field image model based on the ultrasound data of the Nth group and subsequent groups.

16. The ultrasonic imaging system according to claim 15, characterized in that, The processor processes M pieces of ultrasound data in a group of ultrasound data into ultrasound data of the same amplitude scale, generates a full-field ultrasound image based on the processed M pieces of ultrasound data, and establishes the full-field image model based on the M pieces of ultrasound data before processing and the generated full-field ultrasound image; For the ultrasound data of the Nth group or subsequent groups, the processor processes M pieces of ultrasound data in a group of ultrasound data into ultrasound data of the same amplitude scale, generates a full-field ultrasound image based on the processed M pieces of ultrasound data, and optimizes the full-field image model based on the M pieces of ultrasound data before processing and the generated full-field ultrasound image for use in the next group.

17. The ultrasonic imaging system according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that, The processor establishes the full-field image model based on the Kalman filter model.

18. The ultrasonic imaging system according to claim 13, wherein Starting from the Nth group, the processor generates a full-field ultrasound image based on each piece of ultrasound data in each group of ultrasound data to update the displayed full-field ultrasound image, including: For any piece of ultrasound data in each group of ultrasound data, generate the full-field ultrasound image corresponding to the piece of ultrasound data based on the piece of ultrasound data and its previous (M - 1) pieces of ultrasound data.

19. The ultrasonic imaging system according to claim 18, wherein, For any piece of ultrasound data in each group of ultrasound data, the processor generates the full-field ultrasound image corresponding to the piece of ultrasound data based on the piece of ultrasound data and its previous (M - 1) pieces of ultrasound data, including: Process the piece of ultrasound data and its previous (M - 1) pieces of ultrasound data into ultrasound data of the same amplitude scale, and generate a full-field ultrasound image based on the processed ultrasound data.

20. The ultrasonic imaging system according to claim 12, wherein Generating and controlling the display of the full-field ultrasound image based on the ultrasound data includes: The processor generates a full-field ultrasound image based on M pieces of ultrasound data in each group of ultrasound data to update the displayed full-field ultrasound image.

21. The ultrasonic imaging system according to claim 20, wherein The processor generates a full-field ultrasound image based on M pieces of ultrasound data in each group of ultrasound data to update the displayed full-field ultrasound image, including: Process M pieces of ultrasound data in a group of ultrasound data into ultrasound data of the same amplitude scale, and generate a full-field ultrasound image based on the processed ultrasound data.

22. The ultrasonic imaging system according to claim 12, wherein, The ultrasound probe is a 1.XD probe greater than 1D and less than 2D; preferably, the 1.XD probe is a 1.25D probe, a 1.5D probe, or a 1.75D probe.

23. The ultrasonic imaging system according to claim 12 or 22, characterized in that, The ultrasound probe includes M1 rows and N1 columns of array elements, where M1 and N1 are integers greater than or equal to 2; If M1 is odd, then for each column of array elements: the array element located in the central row is separately led out by a wire, and the array elements symmetric to the central row are connected in pairs and then led out by a wire; If M1 is an even number, for the array elements in each column, after the symmetric array elements are connected in pairs, a wire is led out.

24. The ultrasonic imaging system according to claim 23, wherein For each of the M ultrasonic transmissions in each group: the array elements used include at least one array element in each column of the array elements.

25. The ultrasonic imaging system according to claim 24, wherein Generating and displaying the full-field ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic data includes: For any one of the ultrasonic data in each group of ultrasonic data, performing amplitude scale processing on the ultrasonic data of this time, and generating an ultrasonic image based on the processed ultrasonic data of this time as the full-field ultrasonic image.

26. An imaging method of an ultrasonic imaging system, the ultrasonic imaging system comprising an ultrasonic probe and a channel group, the ultrasonic probe comprising a first number of array elements, the channel group comprising a second number of channels, the second number being less than the first number, characterized in that, The imaging method includes: Controlling the ultrasonic probe to repeatedly perform multiple groups of ultrasonic transmissions, where each group of the ultrasonic transmissions includes: sequentially performing M ultrasonic transmissions in time series, the number of array elements used in each ultrasonic transmission is less than the first number, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 2; Obtaining the echo signals of the ultrasonic waves in each group to obtain ultrasonic data, and each group of ultrasonic data includes M ultrasonic data respectively corresponding to the M ultrasonic transmissions; Generating and controlling the display of the full-field ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic data, and the field of view of the full-field ultrasonic image is the field of view of the ultrasonic image corresponding to the full-aperture transmission of the ultrasonic probe.

27. The imaging method according to claim 26, wherein Generating and controlling the display of the full-field ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic data includes: Starting from the Nth group, generating a full-field ultrasonic image based on each ultrasonic data in each group of ultrasonic data to update the displayed full-field ultrasonic image; N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

28. The imaging method according to claim 27, wherein Starting from the Nth group, generating a full-field ultrasonic image based on each ultrasonic data in each group of ultrasonic data to update the displayed full-field ultrasonic image, including: For any one of the ultrasonic data in each group of ultrasonic data, inputting the ultrasonic data of this time into the full-field image model to obtain a full-field ultrasonic image; or, For any one of the ultrasonic data in each group of ultrasonic data, generating the full-field ultrasonic image corresponding to the ultrasonic data of this time based on the ultrasonic data of this time and its previous (M - 1) ultrasonic data.

Images