Ultrasonic imaging area array probe based on orthohexagonal array elements and imaging method

Abstract

According to the ultrasonic imaging area array probe based on the array elements arranged in the regular hexagon mode and the imaging method, the array elements are arranged in the regular hexagon mode, each array element has the transmitting and receiving functions in three directions, and composite imaging with higher quality can be achieved in cooperation with unique addressing and signal processing algorithms. Therefore, the resolution ratio and the contrast ratio of an ultrasonic image are greatly improved, a doctor can see details of tissues and organs more clearly, diseases can be diagnosed more accurately, and the method has obvious advantages especially in the aspects of observation of minimal lesions, complex structures, blood flow signals and the like. The addressing technology provided by the invention can realize combined imaging of signals in multiple directions, so that the imaging angle is increased, the effective coverage range is expanded, and the imaging blind area is reduced. The method is particularly important in imaging of organs or lesions in complex shapes, information can be obtained more comprehensively, key details are prevented from being omitted, and a more complete image basis is provided for clinical diagnosis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of ultrasonic imaging, and in particular to an ultrasonic imaging area array probe based on regular hexagonally arranged array elements and an imaging method. Background Art

[0002] Ultrasound imaging, as a noninvasive and nondestructive medical diagnostic technology, is widely used in clinical medicine for a variety of areas, including the abdomen, superficial and small organs, peripheral vascular disease, cardiology, and obstetrics and gynecology, thanks to its numerous advantages, including real-time availability, low cost, and high portability. Technologies such as transthoracic ultrasound, transesophageal ultrasound, and intracardiac ultrasound provide physicians with real-time anatomical and hemodynamic information, assisting in disease diagnosis and treatment.

[0003] However, with the continuous advancement of medical technology, clinical requirements for ultrasound imaging quality are also increasing. Existing ultrasound imaging technology still has shortcomings in certain areas. For example, in cardiac imaging, there is still room for improvement in the display of fine internal cardiac structures and the assessment of complex arrhythmias. Therefore, the development of an ultrasound imaging area array probe that can provide higher-quality images is of great significance to meet clinical needs and improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment effectiveness.

[0004] Traditional ultrasound imaging probes are mostly linear or matrix arrays. Their element arrangement and addressing technology limit further improvements in imaging quality and efficiency. For example, traditional linear array probes can only provide two-dimensional imaging information, while area array probes can provide three-dimensional imaging information. However, existing area array probes have several limitations, such as complex manufacturing processes due to the large number of elements, difficult wiring due to the large number of channels, and large data volumes.

[0005] Row-column addressing (RCA) technology was proposed to simplify the manufacturing process and circuit design of area array probes. By treating a two-dimensional matrix as two interchangeable, overlapping one-dimensional arrays, it reduces the number of channels and, to a certain extent, alleviates the aforementioned issues. However, this technology still has certain limitations. For example, its imaging angle and quality are restricted by the array element arrangement and addressing mode.

[0006] Furthermore, existing area array probes also have room for improvement in terms of element shape and arrangement. Traditional array elements are mostly arranged in a rectangular pattern, which is inefficient in terms of space utilization and signal coverage. This arrangement can easily lead to signal blind spots during imaging, compromising image integrity and accuracy.

[0007] In summary, existing ultrasonic imaging area array technology still needs further improvement in aspects such as array element arrangement, addressing scheme, and imaging quality to meet clinical demands for high-quality ultrasound images. Against this backdrop, the present invention proposes an ultrasonic imaging area array probe and imaging method based on a regular hexagonal array element arrangement, aiming to overcome the shortcomings of existing technology and improve the quality and efficiency of ultrasonic imaging. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objectives and other advantages of the present invention, the first objective of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic imaging planar array probe based on array elements arranged in a regular hexagon, comprising a plurality of array elements, wherein the array elements are closely arranged in a regular hexagon to form an array, each of the array elements having transmission and reception functions in three directions, and the three directions of each array element are respectively combined with the directions of its adjacent array elements to realize multi-angle signal transmission and reception.

[0009] Furthermore, each of the array elements transmits ultrasonic signals in three directions in the transmitting mode, and receives echo signals from three directions in the receiving mode. The signals transmitted and received in different directions are combined and processed through addressing and signal processing to achieve higher quality composite imaging.

[0010] Furthermore, the planar array probe sequentially selects different array elements as transmitting array elements according to timing control, and receives corresponding echo signals, thereby realizing multi-angle signal acquisition and improving imaging quality.

[0011] Furthermore, the array element is a regular hexagon or a circle.

[0012] Furthermore, each array element is provided with three groups of independent electrodes corresponding to the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction respectively, supporting multi-directional signal transmission and reception.

[0013] Furthermore, the first direction corresponds to 0°, the second direction corresponds to 60°, and the third direction corresponds to 120°.

[0014] A second object of the present invention is to provide an imaging method for an ultrasonic imaging area array probe based on a regular hexagonal array of array elements, which is applied to the above-mentioned area array probe and includes the following steps:

[0015] Transmitting mode: The array elements are driven in groups in three directions, and each group transmits multi-angle ultrasonic beams along the specified direction;

[0016] Receiving mode: After each transmission, two electrodes in the non-transmitting direction are selected for reception, forming six groups of transmission and reception combinations, and a composite image is generated through the signal fusion algorithm.

[0017] Furthermore, the ultrasonic beam includes a plane wave and a diverging wave.

[0018] A third object of the present invention is to provide a computer device comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor implements the steps of the above method when executing the computer program.

[0019] A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein the computer program implements the steps of the above method when executed by a processor.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0021] Significantly Improved Imaging Quality: The array elements utilize a regular hexagonal arrangement, each capable of transmitting and receiving in three directions. Combined with unique addressing and signal processing algorithms, this technology enables higher-quality composite imaging. This significantly enhances the resolution and contrast of ultrasound images, allowing doctors to more clearly visualize tissue and organ details, facilitating more accurate disease diagnosis. This is particularly advantageous for observing subtle lesions, complex structures, and blood flow signals.

[0022] Optimized imaging angle and coverage: Unlike the row and column addressing methods of traditional area arrays, the addressing technology of this invention enables combined imaging of multi-directional signals, thereby increasing the imaging angle, expanding the effective coverage, and reducing blind spots. This is particularly important when imaging complex organs or lesions, enabling more comprehensive information acquisition, avoiding missing key details, and providing a more complete image basis for clinical diagnosis.

[0023] Improved imaging efficiency: Through innovative addressing technology and signal processing algorithms, this invention can complete multi-angle and multi-directional signal acquisition and image reconstruction in a relatively short time, significantly improving imaging efficiency. This not only helps reduce patient examination time and improve the medical experience, but also enables doctors to obtain diagnostic information in a shorter time, thereby accelerating the diagnosis and treatment decision-making process.

[0024] Simplified Manufacturing Process and Reduced Costs: While the area array probe of this invention offers improved functionality and performance, its hexagonal array element arrangement and unique addressing scheme reduce the number of channels compared to traditional high-channel-count area array probes. This simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces production costs, while also improving device reliability and stability, reducing the risk of failures associated with an excessive number of channels, and enabling wider clinical application of high-performance ultrasound imaging technology.

[0025] Good compatibility and versatility: The area array probe design of this invention is highly compatible with existing ultrasound imaging systems. With only appropriate software upgrades and interface adaptations, it can be used in a variety of application scenarios. This not only reduces equipment upgrade costs for medical institutions but also facilitates the further development and promotion of ultrasound imaging technology. Its excellent versatility and practicality can play an important role in a variety of clinical scenarios, providing strong support for disease diagnosis and treatment.

[0026] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present invention. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present invention and to implement it according to the contents of the description, the following preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The specific implementation methods of the present invention are given in detail by the following embodiments and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of this application. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a rectangular array composed of regular hexagonal array elements arranged in a regular hexagon;

[0029] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a rectangular array composed of circular array elements arranged in a regular hexagon;

[0030] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of a regular hexagonal surface array composed of regular hexagonal array elements arranged in a regular hexagon;

[0031] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of a regular hexagonal array composed of circular array elements arranged in a regular hexagon;

[0032] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of other shaped arrays based on regular hexagonal arrangement;

[0033] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the three-way electrode layout;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a flow chart of the six-way combined imaging method;

[0035] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a computer device;

[0036] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a computer-readable storage medium. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. It should be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments or technical features described below can be arbitrarily combined to form new embodiments.

[0038] Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making any creative work shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0039] The figure numbers in this application are only used to distinguish the various steps in the scheme and are not used to limit the execution order of the various steps. The specific execution order is subject to the description in the specification.

[0040] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art of the present invention. The terms used in this specification of the present invention are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0041] The present invention relates to the field of ultrasonic imaging technology, and in particular to a planar array probe for ultrasonic imaging. As a non-invasive and non-destructive medical diagnostic technology, ultrasonic imaging is widely used in many fields such as abdomen, superficial and small organs, peripheral blood vessels, heart, obstetrics and gynecology in clinical medicine due to its many advantages such as strong real-time performance, low cost, and high portability. However, with the continuous advancement of medical technology, clinical requirements for the quality of ultrasonic imaging are also constantly increasing. Existing ultrasonic imaging technology still has shortcomings in some aspects. For example, in cardiac imaging, there is still room for improvement in the display of fine internal structures of the heart and the evaluation of complex arrhythmias. Therefore, the development of an ultrasonic imaging planar array probe that can provide higher quality images is of great significance for meeting clinical needs, improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment effects.

[0042] Example 1

[0043] An ultrasonic imaging array probe based on a regular hexagonal array element, such as Figure 1-Figure 5 As shown, the present invention comprises multiple array elements closely arranged in a regular hexagon to form an array. Each array element has transmission and reception functions in three directions, denoted as directions A, B, and C. Unlike traditional RCA addressing technology, the addressing method of the present invention fully utilizes the geometric properties of the regular hexagon. The three directions of each array element can be combined with the directions of other adjacent array elements to achieve multi-angle signal transmission and reception.

[0044] Specifically, each array element can transmit ultrasound signals in three directions in transmit mode and receive echo signals from three directions in receive mode. Through specific addressing and signal processing algorithms, the signals transmitted and received from different directions are combined and processed, achieving higher-quality composite imaging.

[0045] During actual ultrasound imaging, a planar array probe selects different array elements as transmit elements and receives corresponding echo signals according to a specific timing control. For example, one array element can transmit along direction A and receive echo signals from directions B and C. Alternatively, different combinations of transmit and receive directions can be selected to obtain more image information. This approach fully utilizes the three-directional transmit and receive capabilities of the regular hexagonal array elements, enabling multi-angle signal acquisition and improving imaging quality.

[0046] Furthermore, the array element is a regular hexagon or a circle, such as Figures 1-4 As shown. The array is arranged in a honeycomb pattern. Compared with rectangular array elements, the density is increased by about 15.47% (theoretical value of honeycomb filling), reducing the leakage of sound energy. At the same time, since the regular hexagon can simultaneously meet the requirements of no gap paving and minimum perimeter enclosing the maximum area on a two-dimensional plane, Figure 5 As shown, it has perfect advantages in the diversity of array shapes.

[0047] Further, if Figure 6 As shown, each array element is provided with three sets of independent electrodes, corresponding to the first direction A, the second direction B, and the third direction C, respectively, to support multi-directional signal transmission and reception. Furthermore, the first direction corresponds to 0°, the second direction corresponds to 60°, and the third direction corresponds to 120°.

[0048] like Figure 7 As shown, unlike the existing RCA addressing technology, the addressing method of the present invention fully utilizes the geometric characteristics of the regular hexagon. The three directions of each array element can be combined with the directions of other adjacent array elements to achieve multi-angle signal transmission and reception.

[0049] Transmitting mode: The array elements are driven in groups according to directions A / B / C. Each group transmits multi-angle plane wave / divergent wave and other ultrasonic beams along the specified direction as needed.

[0050] Receiving mode: After each transmission, two electrodes in the non-transmitting direction are selected for reception (e.g., when A transmits, B and C receive), forming six transmit-receive combinations. Signal fusion algorithms (such as time-delayed superposition and coherent synthesis) generate a composite image, reducing single-directional sidelobes, artifacts, and blind spots.

[0051] This embodiment uses a dense hexagonal arrangement to increase the spatial sampling points, and combines three directions and six combinations of beam synthesis to improve the axial / lateral resolution; through multi-plane composite scanning, it eliminates angle-dependent artifacts (such as mirror artifacts and sidelobe artifacts), achieves artifact suppression, and improves contrast.

[0052] The ultrasonic imaging area array probe provided by the present invention adopts a regular hexagonal arrangement of array elements: different from the rectangular or other shaped array elements of traditional area arrays, the regular hexagonal arrangement of array elements has higher space utilization and symmetry, can reduce mutual interference between array elements, improve imaging effects, and lay the foundation for obtaining higher quality ultrasonic images.

[0053] The ultrasonic imaging area array probe provided by the present invention has three-directional transmission and reception functions: each array element arranged in a regular hexagon has three-directional transmission and reception functions. Unlike the row and column transmission and reception methods of existing area arrays, this multi-directional signal transmission and reception method can obtain richer image information, providing the possibility of achieving high-quality composite imaging.

[0054] The ultrasonic imaging area array probe provided by the present invention adopts a unique addressing technology: the innovative addressing technology enables the three directions of each array element to be combined with the directions of other adjacent array elements respectively. Through specific addressing and signal processing algorithms, the signals transmitted and received in different directions are fused and processed to achieve higher-quality composite imaging, further improving the resolution and contrast of the image, and facilitating a more comprehensive observation of the object being detected.

[0055] The ultrasonic imaging array probe provided by the present invention adopts a composite imaging method: the present invention proposes a signal composite imaging method based on six combinations of three directions of regular hexagonal array elements, which fully utilizes the advantages of multi-directional signals, breaks the limitations of traditional imaging methods, effectively improves the quality and efficiency of ultrasonic imaging, and provides clearer and more accurate image basis for clinical diagnosis.

[0056] Example 2

[0057] An imaging method for an ultrasonic imaging planar array probe based on a regular hexagonal arrangement of array elements is applied to the above-mentioned planar array probe. For a detailed description of the planar array probe, please refer to the corresponding description in the above-mentioned embodiment of the ultrasonic imaging planar array probe based on a regular hexagonal arrangement of array elements, and will not be repeated here.

[0058] Different from the existing RCA addressing technology, the addressing method of the present invention makes full use of the geometric characteristics of the regular hexagon. The three directions of each array element can be combined with the directions of other adjacent array elements to achieve multi-angle signal transmission and reception. Figure 7 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0059] Transmitting mode: The array elements are driven in groups in three directions (directions A / B / C), and each group transmits multi-angle plane wave / divergent wave ultrasonic beams as needed along the specified direction;

[0060] Receiving mode: After each transmission, two electrodes in the non-transmitting direction are selected for reception (e.g., when A transmits, B and C receive), forming six transmit-receive combinations. Signal fusion algorithms (such as time-delayed superposition and coherent synthesis) generate a composite image, reducing single-directional sidelobes, artifacts, and blind spots.

[0061] This embodiment uses a dense hexagonal arrangement to increase the spatial sampling points, and combines three directions and six combinations of beam synthesis to improve the axial / lateral resolution; through multi-plane composite scanning, it eliminates angle-dependent artifacts (such as mirror artifacts and sidelobe artifacts), achieves artifact suppression, and improves contrast.

[0062] The ultrasonic imaging area array probe provided by the present invention adopts a regular hexagonal arrangement of array elements: different from the rectangular or other shaped array elements of traditional area arrays, the regular hexagonal arrangement of array elements has higher space utilization and symmetry, can reduce mutual interference between array elements, improve imaging effects, and lay the foundation for obtaining higher quality ultrasonic images.

[0063] The ultrasonic imaging area array probe provided by the present invention has three-directional transmission and reception functions: each array element arranged in a regular hexagon has three-directional transmission and reception functions. Unlike the row and column transmission and reception methods of existing area arrays, this multi-directional signal transmission and reception method can obtain richer image information, providing the possibility of achieving high-quality composite imaging.

[0064] The ultrasonic imaging area array probe provided by the present invention adopts a unique addressing technology: the innovative addressing technology enables the three directions of each array element to be combined with the directions of other adjacent array elements respectively. Through specific addressing and signal processing algorithms, the signals transmitted and received in different directions are fused and processed to achieve higher-quality composite imaging, further improving the resolution and contrast of the image, and facilitating a more comprehensive observation of the object being detected.

[0065] The ultrasonic imaging array probe provided by the present invention adopts a composite imaging method: the present invention proposes a signal composite imaging method based on six combinations of three directions of regular hexagonal array elements, which fully utilizes the advantages of multi-directional signals, breaks the limitations of traditional imaging methods, effectively improves the quality and efficiency of ultrasonic imaging, and provides clearer and more accurate image basis for clinical diagnosis.

[0066] Example 3

[0067] A computer device 100, such as Figure 8As shown, the system includes a memory 110, a processor 120, and a computer program 130 stored in the memory and executable by the processor. When the processor executes the computer program, the steps of an imaging method using an ultrasonic imaging area array probe with regular hexagonal array elements are implemented. For a detailed description of the method, please refer to the corresponding description in the above method embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0068] Example 4

[0069] A computer-readable storage medium such as Figure 9 As shown, a computer program is stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of an imaging method based on an ultrasonic imaging area array probe with regular hexagonal array elements. For a detailed description of the method, please refer to the corresponding description in the above method embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0070] The number of devices and processing scales described herein are intended to simplify the description of the present invention. Applications, modifications, and variations of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0071] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed above, they are not limited to the applications listed in the description and implementation methods. They can be fully applied to various fields suitable for the present invention. For those familiar with the art, additional modifications can be easily implemented. Therefore, without departing from the general concept defined by the claims and the scope of equivalents, the present invention is not limited to the specific details and illustrations shown and described herein.

[0072] The apparatus, computer device, non-volatile computer storage medium, and method provided in the embodiments of this specification correspond to each other. Therefore, the apparatus, computer device, and non-volatile computer storage medium also have similar beneficial technical effects as the corresponding method. Since the beneficial technical effects of the method have been described in detail above, the beneficial technical effects of the corresponding apparatus, computer device, and non-volatile computer storage medium will not be repeated here.

[0073] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that, in addition to implementing the controller in pure computer-readable program code, it is entirely possible to implement the same functionality by programming the method steps logically, such as through logic gates, switches, application-specific integrated circuits, programmable logic controllers, and embedded microcontrollers. Therefore, such a controller can be considered a hardware component, and the devices included therein for implementing various functions can also be considered structures within the hardware component. Alternatively, the devices for implementing various functions can be considered both software units implementing the method and structures within the hardware component.

[0074] The systems, devices, or units described in the above embodiments can be implemented by computer chips or physical devices, or by products with certain functions. For ease of description, the above devices are described separately by function, with each unit described separately. Of course, when implementing one or more embodiments of this specification, the functions of each unit can be implemented in the same or multiple software and / or hardware components.

[0075] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of this specification may be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the embodiments of this specification may take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware. Furthermore, the embodiments of this specification may take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to magnetic disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0076] This specification is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to the embodiments of this specification. It should be understood that each process and / or box in the flowchart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of processes and / or boxes in the flowchart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device generate instructions for implementing the processes in the flowchart and / or block diagram. Figure 1 a process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in a block or multiple blocks.

[0077] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to work in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer readable memory produce an article of manufacture comprising an instruction device, which implements the process Figure 1 a process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0078] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operational steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device for implementing the process. Figure 1 a process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A step that specifies a function in one or more boxes.

[0079] It should also be noted that the terms "comprises," "includes," or any other variations thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, commodity, or apparatus that includes a series of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not explicitly listed, or includes elements inherent to such process, method, commodity, or apparatus. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprises a ..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, commodity, or apparatus that includes the element.

[0080] This specification may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions executed by a computer, such as program units. Generally, program units include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and the like that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. The specification may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices connected via a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program units may be located in local and remote computer storage media, including storage devices.

[0081] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. Similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to in conjunction with each other. Each embodiment focuses on the differences between the other embodiments. In particular, the system embodiments are generally similar to the method embodiments, so the description is relatively simple. For relevant parts, refer to the description of the method embodiments.

[0082] The foregoing is merely an example of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention to one or more embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the present invention to one or more embodiments. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention to one or more embodiments shall be included within the scope of the claims of the present invention to one or more embodiments.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic imaging area array probe based on a regular hexagonal array element arrangement, characterized by: It includes multiple array elements, which are closely arranged in a regular hexagon to form an array. Each array element has the function of transmitting and receiving in three directions. The three directions of each array element are combined with the directions of its adjacent array elements to achieve multi-angle signal transmission and reception.

2. The ultrasonic imaging area array probe based on a regular hexagonal array element arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the transmitting mode, each array element transmits ultrasonic signals in three directions respectively, and in the receiving mode, receives echo signals from three directions. Through addressing and signal processing, the signals transmitted and received in different directions are combined and processed to achieve higher quality composite imaging.

3. The ultrasonic imaging area array probe based on a regular hexagonal array element arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that: The planar array probe selects different array elements as transmitting array elements in sequence according to time sequence control, and receives corresponding echo signals, thereby realizing multi-angle signal acquisition and improving imaging quality.

4. The ultrasonic imaging area array probe based on a regular hexagonal array element arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that: The array element is a regular hexagon or a circle.

5. The ultrasonic imaging area array probe based on a regular hexagonal array element arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each array element is provided with three groups of independent electrodes corresponding to the first direction, the second direction and the third direction respectively, supporting multi-directional signal transmission and reception.

6. The ultrasonic imaging area array probe based on regular hexagonal array elements according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first direction corresponds to 0°, the second direction corresponds to 60°, and the third direction corresponds to 120°.

7. An imaging method for an ultrasonic imaging area array probe based on a regular hexagonal array element arrangement, applied to the area array probe according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: Transmitting mode: The array elements are driven in groups in three directions, and each group transmits multi-angle ultrasonic beams along the specified direction; Receiving mode: After each transmission, two electrodes in the non-transmitting direction are selected for reception, forming six groups of transmission and reception combinations, and a composite image is generated through the signal fusion algorithm.

8. The imaging method of an ultrasonic imaging area array probe based on a regular hexagonal array element arrangement according to claim 7, characterized in that: The ultrasonic beam includes a plane wave and a diverging wave.

9. A computer device comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein: When the processor executes the computer program, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 7 to 8 are implemented.

10. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that: When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 7 to 8 are implemented.

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