Evaluating acquisition quality of 3D ultrasound scans

Abstract

The proposed concepts are directed to providing schemes, solutions, concepts, designs, methods and systems relating to evaluating acquisition quality of a scan of an object by a 3D ultrasound scanner. In particular, the evaluation of image quality in 3D is achieved based on coherence values of image data generalized over an elevation dimension, rather than an azimuth dimension for 2D ultrasound data. Thus, image quality values for different portions of the 3D region are determined based on coherence factors of the associated ultrasound image data. From the image quality value, the volume of the sufficiently scanned 3D region may be determined. In this way, feedback about the acquisition quality of the 3D ultrasound scan may be provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of evaluating the acquisition quality of scanners, and more particularly to the field of evaluating the acquisition quality of scans performed by 3D ultrasound scanners. Background Technology

[0002] The quality of images acquired through 3D ultrasound scanning depends on several factors. Proper positioning and orientation of the ultrasound scanner's transducer are necessary to ensure that the desired region of the object (i.e., the region of interest) is adequately imaged. Furthermore, the desired region may not be imaged when obstructions are present (e.g., bone between the transducer and the region of interest).

[0003] Providing feedback on the quality of the acquired scans of the subject enables adjustments to be made to improve that quality. This can be useful for training purposes, ensuring that sonographers are provided with information on how to improve the scans. Furthermore, such feedback can be useful in real-time scanning scenarios to minimize the amount of time spent performing ultrasound scans, which can be inconvenient and uncomfortable for the subject.

[0004] In the case of 2D ultrasound scanning, the process is often straightforward: the scan is directly visualized, allowing for feedback to be performed. That is, in 2D, the sonographer can directly review the image to determine the effect of adjustments on the acoustic window. However, this proves more difficult in 3D, particularly because parts of the volume may have a good acoustic window while other parts may suffer from a poor one.

[0005] EP 4149360 A1 describes a method for hip measurement in ultrasound images, the method comprising obtaining an ultrasound image of the hip and a spatial coherence map of one or more hysteresis-associated ultrasound waves with the ultrasound image.

[0006] Barry and others "Three-dimensional freehand ultrasound: Image reconstruction and volume analysis” A system for rapidly generating regular 3D data blocks suitable for processing by conventional image analysis and volume measurement software is described. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention is defined by the claims.

[0008] According to an example of one aspect of the present invention, a method for evaluating the acquisition quality of a scan of an object performed by a 3D ultrasound scanner is provided, comprising:

[0009] Obtain ultrasound image data associated with a 3D region of the object;

[0010] For each of several distinct portions of the 3D region, an image quality value is determined that indicates the quality of the ultrasound image data associated with that portion of the 3D region, each image quality value being based on a coherence factor of the associated ultrasound image data in the elevation dimension of the 3D region; and

[0011] The volume of the 3D region having a predetermined minimum acquisition quality is determined based on identifying portions of the 3D region associated with image quality values ​​that meet predetermined requirements, wherein the predetermined requirements are based on at least one of the following: contrast value; resolution value; distortion value; noise value; sharpness value; and artifact density value.

[0012] This invention provides a means by which the volume (i.e., region of interest) of a 3D region that has been sufficiently scanned (i.e., with minimum required acquisition quality) can be determined. In other words, this invention provides a way to determine / identify the volume of an object in a 3D ultrasound scan from associated ultrasound image data, the volume of which can be imaged with sufficient quality.

[0013] While simply generating images from a 2D ultrasound scan may be straightforward (and thus provides sonographers with a means to determine the adequacy of the imaging data), this is more problematic for 3D scans because drawing and displaying all slices of the 3D region is impractical. In fact, such drawing is difficult and / or confusing for the user.

[0014] The proposed embodiments attempt to overcome this problem by determining the volume of a fully scanned 3D region. Specifically, this is achieved by determining and / or calculating quality values ​​for different portions of the 3D region. The quality values ​​are based on the coherence factor—a well-known metric in ultrasound imaging. However, the coherence factor is based on focused transmission (i.e., 2D ultrasound scanning), rather than the unfocused beam in the azimuth angle as in 3D ultrasound scanning. Therefore, the embodiments are based on the understanding that the coherence factor can be used to characterize the quality of ultrasound image data of portions of a 3D volume by generalizing the coherence factor to the elevation dimension.

[0015] In other words, the implementation can be based on the understanding that if the coherence factor is generalized to the elevation dimension, it can be used to evaluate image quality. This allows for a straightforward measure of the quality of ultrasound image data associated with different portions of the 3D region of the object, which can then be used to determine areas that have been adequately scanned.

[0016] The fully scanned volume can be presented to the user / sonographer, or an indication of such volume can be provided. Therefore, embodiments can offer the advantages of improved ultrasound scans (because relevant feedback can be provided), or can reduce the time spent completing a scan. Thus, time can be saved for both the sonographer and the subject.

[0017] In some embodiments, the method may further include generating a signal that includes information for displaying a visual indication describing the volume of a 3D region.

[0018] Therefore, the advantages achieved by determining / identifying the volume of a fully scanned 3D region are realized. In other words, visual indicators describing the volume of the 3D region can be displayed to reassure the user / ultrasound physician that the volume of interest has been fully scanned, or to prompt them to adjust the scan to fully scan the volume of interest.

[0019] In addition, the visual indication may include a set of lines representing the boundaries of a volume.

[0020] A simple way to provide feedback is by using a set of lines that define the volume that has been fully scanned. This can be quickly and easily interpreted by the user / ultrasound physician to gain a clear understanding of the volume that has been fully scanned / has been fully scanned.

[0021] Additionally, the visual indication may also include an image representing at least a portion of a 3D region of an object superimposed by a set of lines.

[0022] By overlaying the aforementioned lines onto the visual representation of the object (i.e., a simplified representation of the organ / region on the object), the ease with which the user / ultrasound physician can understand the volume of a full scan can be increased.

[0023] In some embodiments, the predetermined requirement may be based on at least one of contrast value, resolution value, distortion value, noise value, sharpness value, and artifact density value.

[0024] The quality of ultrasound scan data can be improved by basing predetermined requirements on one of these factors.

[0025] In an additional embodiment, the portion identifying the 3D region may include evaluating each of the image quality values ​​based on predetermined requirements.

[0026] One way to assess an appropriate region is by individually comparing each image quality value with predetermined requirements.

[0027] In other embodiments, identifying the 3D region may include: determining a set of image quality values, each set of image quality values ​​being associated with a portion of the 3D region in a different image orientation; for each image orientation, processing the associated set of image quality values ​​to determine a set quality value indicating the quality of the ultrasound image data in the image orientation; and determining the volume of the fully scanned object based on identifying the image orientation associated with the set quality value that meets the predetermined requirement.

[0028] In other words, a region can be evaluated as a sufficient alternative by comparing image quality values ​​in each image direction (i.e., the direction extending from the transducer). This ensures that visualizations (e.g., by defining a set of lines that delineate a sufficiently imaged volume) are drawn straightforwardly.

[0029] Some embodiments of the method may further include processing ultrasound image data to determine the location of a structure of an object in a 3D region that obstructs ultrasound imaging of the object, wherein the determination of the volume of the 3D region is also based on the determined location of the structure.

[0030] Another piece of information used to determine a fully scanned 3D region is the presence of the object's structure. The object's structure can blur the scanner, resulting in a low-quality image. Therefore, by identifying and utilizing the location of one or more of the object's structures, a more meaningful fully scanned 3D region can be determined.

[0031] Specifically, determining the location of a structure may involve processing the B-mode component of ultrasound image data based on image analysis algorithms, or processing the channel components of ultrasound image data based on signal processing algorithms.

[0032] In some embodiments, the structure may include at least one rib of the object.

[0033] Another embodiment of the method may further include processing ultrasound image data to determine the position of a transducer of a 3D ultrasound scanner used to acquire the ultrasound image data relative to a 3D region of the object; wherein the determination of the volume of the 3D region is also based on the determined position of the transducer.

[0034] Another piece of information used to determine the fully scanned 3D region is the location and / or orientation of the scanner's transducers. Therefore, by determining and using the transducer's position, a more meaningful fully scanned 3D region can be identified.

[0035] In addition, each of the multiple different parts of the object's 3D region can be a voxel of the object's 3D region.

[0036] Specifically, acquiring ultrasound image data may include acquiring ultrasound image data in real time from a 3D ultrasound scanning session, wherein volume determination is performed during the scanning session.

[0037] By performing real-time determination of the volume of a full scan, users / ultrasound physicians can adjust the scanning device accordingly to ensure that their region of interest is fully scanned (without having to perform multiple individual scanning sessions and assess image quality between each session).

[0038] According to an example of another aspect of the invention, a computer program including a computer program code module is provided, wherein when the computer program is run on a computer, the computer program code module is adapted to implement any embodiment of the method of the invention.

[0039] According to an additional example of one aspect of the invention, a system is provided for evaluating the acquisition quality of a scan of an object performed by a 3D ultrasound scanner, comprising:

[0040] An interface configured to acquire ultrasound image data associated with a 3D region of an object; and

[0041] The processor is configured as follows:

[0042] For each of several distinct portions of the 3D region, an image quality value is determined, indicating the quality of the ultrasound image data associated with that portion of the 3D region, each image quality value being based on the coherence factor of the associated ultrasound image data in the elevation dimension of the 3D region; and

[0043] The volume of the 3D region having a predetermined minimum acquisition quality is determined based on identifying portions of the 3D region associated with image quality values ​​that meet predetermined requirements, wherein the predetermined requirements are based on at least one of the following: contrast value; resolution value; distortion value; noise value; sharpness value; and artifact density value.

[0044] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the embodiments described below and will be set forth with reference to the embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description

[0045] To better understand the invention and to more clearly illustrate how the invention can be implemented, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings by way of example only, in which:

[0046] Figure 1 The potential overlay to be presented to the user is shown, which demonstrates the extent of the fully scanned 3D volume;

[0047] Figure 2A flowchart of a method for evaluating the acquisition quality of a scan of an object performed by a 3D ultrasound scanner, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is presented; and

[0048] Figure 3 A simplified block diagram of a system for evaluating the acquisition quality of a scan of an object performed by a 3D ultrasound scanner, according to another embodiment, is presented; and

[0049] Figure 4 It is a simplified block diagram of a computer in which one or more parts of an embodiment may be employed. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] It should be understood that while the detailed description and specific examples indicate exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, system, and method, they are intended for illustrative purposes only and not to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, system, and method of the invention will be better understood from the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings. Although specific measures are recited in the dissimilar dependent claims, this does not imply that combinations of these measures cannot be advantageously used.

[0052] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are merely schematic and not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used in all the accompanying drawings to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0053] The proposed concept aims to provide schemes, solutions, concepts, designs, methods, and systems related to evaluating the acquisition quality of scans of objects using a 3D ultrasound scanner. Specifically, the evaluation of image quality in 3D is based on the coherence values ​​of image data generalized in the elevation dimension (rather than the azimuth dimension used for 2D ultrasound data). Therefore, image quality values ​​for different portions of a 3D region are determined based on the coherence factor of the associated ultrasound image data. The volume of the fully scanned 3D region can be determined based on the image quality values. In this way, feedback on the acquisition quality of the 3D ultrasound scan can be provided.

[0054] For 2D scans, a set of lines can be provided to define portions of the image with a good image quality score. Due to a poor acoustic window, portions of the image can be shown as having a poor / insufficient image quality score. The positions of the lines can be updated as the transducer (i.e., the probe) of the ultrasound scanner is moved, thus providing real-time feedback indicating the adequately imaged portions of the object.

[0055] However, the benefits of providing lines superimposed on 2D ultrasound images are limited. This is because sonographers can easily see from the image itself which parts of the image have sufficient quality and which parts do not.

[0056] Conversely, with 3D ultrasound scans, assessing and visualizing image quality at every point within the scanned volume is no longer straightforward. Simply plotting the entire volume and providing the plotted 3D image does not offer sonographers a straightforward / easy way to determine which parts of the volume have been adequately scanned. Sonographers not only find it difficult to immediately identify which parts of the volume have been adequately scanned, but also struggle to actually display the 3D volume in a meaningful way.

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, and according to one aspect of the invention, a signal is proposed to generate a set of lines in 3D for displaying to the user / ultrasound physician, indicating the extent of an area that can be acceptedly scanned (i.e., according to image quality values). Similarly, the position of the lines can be updated in real time as the probe / transducer moves, thereby showing the user which parts of the volume are not scanned adequately or adequately (e.g., due to obstruction by ribs or lungs when attempting to scan the heart, or due to irregular positioning of the probe / transducer).

[0058] Furthermore, according to other aspects of the invention, lines can be superimposed on a 3D representation of the volume of interest (e.g., the heart) to show which parts of the scanned area are obstructed / insufficiently scanned relative to the volume of interest (e.g., the heart). Thus, it may be immediately apparent to the user which parts of the object are adequately scanned. Additionally, if it is not possible to capture / image / scan the entire region of interest in a single acoustic window, a scanning session can be performed in two iterations, wherein the lines guide the probe position for each iteration.

[0059] In another embodiment of this aspect, a 3D live navigation diagram can be displayed to the user during acquisition. For example, the navigation diagram can present a representation of the chest / thoracic cavity of an object in relation to the transducer location, showing an estimate of the inlet window and a graphical depiction of the 3D volume acquired during the scanning session. Furthermore, the various portions of the 3D volume can be represented by multiple 2D slices evaluated as having poor image quality.

[0060] Furthermore, determining / calculating the image quality value for each part of the 3D region scanned by the ultrasound scanner is also challenging.

[0061] One method for assessing image quality is through the coherence factor. The coherence factor is a measure of the coherence of ultrasound data based on dividing the coherence intensity (the sum of the coherence of the RF data on each channel of the ultrasound scanner) by the incoherence intensity (the sum of the intensities of each channel). This is a well-known factor in ultrasound imaging, with various modifications familiar to those skilled in the art.

[0062] However, the coherence factor is commonly known for evaluating image quality in 2D ultrasound scans. 2D scans and their corresponding coherence factors are based on focused transmission. Conversely, in 3D, an unfocused beam is typically utilized at the azimuth angle. Therefore, calculating the coherence factor is more problematic. One method for calculating the coherence factor in 3D is to calculate it along the elevation dimension of the beam focus. This evaluates the coherence sum across the elevation angle, normalized by the sum of intensities at the elevation angle.

[0063] Another way to overcome this problem is to retrospectively refocus the transmitted beam, and once the transmitted beam is refocused, the coherence factor can be calculated at either the azimuth or both the azimuth and elevation angles.

[0064] In summary, the coherence factor of 3D ultrasound data can be calculated either by computed the coherence factor in the elevation dimension or by refocusing the transmitted beam before computed. Essentially, the coherence factor provides an indication of image quality within a portion of the 3D volume (e.g., at each voxel). Blocked portions of the 3D volume are associated with a low coherence factor.

[0065] Go to Figure 2 A flowchart of a method for evaluating the acquisition quality of a scan of an object performed by a 3D ultrasound scanner, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is presented. That is, the method is suitable for helping to evaluate / analyze the quality of ultrasound image data acquired during a scan of an object. Such a method may be useful for users / ultrasound physicians to gain a better understanding of the quality of the scans they are performing (i.e., whether the scan is performed in a manner that acquires images of regions of interest of sufficient quality).

[0066] First, in step 110, ultrasound image data associated with the 3D region of the object is obtained. That is, ultrasound image data generated during a 3D ultrasound scan of the object is obtained. The 3D region of the object is a volume / area / zone scanned by a 3D ultrasound scanner. For example, the 3D region may correspond to the heart of the object, but may also include surrounding tissues / objects.

[0067] Ultrasound image data can be acquired in real time from a 3D ultrasound scanning session. Therefore, methods for evaluating the acquisition quality of the scan can be performed during the scanning session, and thus feedback can be provided in real time, as described below. Of course, the embodiments are not limited to this, and data can be processed post-scan for analysis and feedback.

[0068] In step 120, an image quality value is determined for each of the multiple distinct portions of the 3D region. Each image quality value indicates the quality of the ultrasound image data associated with that portion of the 3D region. Furthermore, each image quality value is based on a coherence factor of the associated ultrasound image data generalized to the elevation dimension.

[0069] In other words, a 3D region can be considered to include multiple distinct parts / regions / areas. For each of these parts, an image quality value reflecting image quality (i.e., the availability of ultrasound images generated from ultrasound data corresponding to that region) is calculated.

[0070] The quality value of each image is determined based on the calculated coherence value. The use of coherence value in 2D is well-known as a metric for evaluating the quality of ultrasound image data. Typically, it is the coherence intensity divided by the incoherence intensity. However, in the case of 2D, the scan is based on focused transmission. This is not the case in 3D, where divergent beams are utilized.

[0071] Therefore, for the coherence factor to be meaningful, it must be generalized to the elevation dimension. In other words, in the case of this invention, the coherence factor can be the coherent intensity at the elevation angle divided by the incoherent intensity at the elevation angle. Alternatively, the emitted beam of the ultrasound scanner can be retrospectively refocused (and thus generalized to the elevation dimension), and the coherence factor is calculated in a conventional manner.

[0072] Therefore, multiple image quality values ​​are obtained for different parts of a 3D volume. The different parts of a 3D volume at its finest granularity can be voxels representing 3D regions of an object. This should not be considered limiting, and the set of voxels can be represented by a single image quality value.

[0073] In step 130, the volume of the fully scanned 3D region is determined. Parts of the 3D region that can be imaged / drawn in a manner useful to the user (e.g., for diagnostic / analysis) are identified in order to determine the volume of the fully scanned region. For example, such a volume can exclude any parts of the 3D region that are excessively noisy, distorted, blurry, or have low resolution, contrast, sharpness, or a large number of artifacts. That is, if the resulting imaged volume is too noisy, the user may not be able to correctly understand / interpret the image (i.e., the image may not reflect the condition of the objects within that volume).

[0074] This determination is based on identifying portions of a 3D region that are associated with image quality values ​​that meet predetermined requirements. These predetermined requirements are based on at least one of contrast, resolution, distortion, noise, sharpness, and artifact density values. Therefore, the coherence factor can be adapted / interpreted in previous steps to reflect a range of these values ​​and compared with the predetermined requirements to inform the decision regarding whether that portion of the 3D region possesses satisfactory quality.

[0075] In some embodiments, identifying portions of the 3D region includes evaluating each of the image quality values ​​based on predetermined requirements. That is, each image quality value is evaluated individually for each predetermined requirement in order to identify the sufficiently scanned portion of the 3D region. More specifically, it may be evaluated whether the image quality values ​​meet and / or exceed the quality values ​​defined by the predetermined requirements.

[0076] In an alternative embodiment, determining the fully scanned volume includes the following (optional) sub-steps.

[0077] First, in sub-step 132, a set of image quality values ​​is determined, with each set of image quality values ​​associated with a portion of a 3D region in a different image orientation. The image orientation is the direction that extends linearly from the transducer / probe of the ultrasound scanner. In other words, the image orientation is the direction in which the sound waves from the ultrasound device travel.

[0078] In sub-step 134, the set of associated image quality values ​​is processed for each image direction. Therefore, a set quality value indicating the quality of the ultrasound image data in each image direction is determined. In its simplest form, the set quality value can simply be the average of the image quality values ​​for different portions of the 3D region in the image direction. However, different weights can be applied to the different image quality values, or another statistical method can be used to determine the set quality value.

[0079] In sub-step 136, the volume of the fully scanned object is determined based on the image orientation associated with the identified quality setting value that meets predetermined requirements. Similarly, the quality setting value is compared with predetermined requirements to determine whether a portion of the 3D region has been fully scanned in a given orientation. In general, this provides a set of fully scanned image orientations and those that are not fully scanned. This can be presented relatively straightforwardly to the user and is easy for the user to understand.

[0080] In (optional) step 140, a signal is generated that includes information for displaying a visual indication of the volume describing the 3D region. This signal may be adapted to control the display to present a visual indication of a fully scanned volume describing the 3D region. The visual indication can be any visual means by which the user can determine that a volume has been / is being fully scanned.

[0081] In a particular embodiment, the visual indication may include a set of lines representing the boundaries of a volume. This can be like... Figure 1 As seen in the image, a set of simple lines defines the area that is fully scanned, and its intensity decreases or increases as a particular portion of the volume is fully or insufficiently imaged.

[0082] Additionally, visual indications may include images representing at least a portion of a 3D region of an object superimposed by a set of lines. The image may represent the anatomical structure of the imaged object. For example, the image may be an image of a heart, such that the lines clearly indicate which parts of the heart have been adequately (inadequately) imaged.

[0083] In (optional) step 122, the ultrasound image data is processed to determine the location of structures of the object in a 3D region that obstruct ultrasound imaging of the object. This processing can be performed using any known method, such as processing the B-mode components of the ultrasound image data using image analysis algorithms, and / or processing the channel components of the ultrasound image data using signal processing algorithms.

[0084] Therefore, determining the volume of a 3D region is also based on the determined location of the structure. In other words, the location of the structure can indicate which parts of the 3D region have been fully scanned.

[0085] For example, the structure may include at least one rib of the object, or, when the region of interest is the heart, it may include a lung. Other structures will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. If a particular structure is located between the transducer head / probe and a portion of the 3D region, that portion of the 3D region is unlikely to have been adequately scanned.

[0086] In (optional) step 124, ultrasound image data is processed to determine the position of the transducer of the 3D ultrasound scanner used to acquire the ultrasound image data relative to the 3D region of the object. Therefore, the volume of the 3D region is also determined based on the determined position of the transducer.

[0087] This location can include the position of the transducer / probe relative to the surface of the object and the orientation of the transducer. For example, if the transducer separates from the surface of the object, the image quality may be degraded.

[0088] Figure 3 A simplified block diagram of a system 200 for evaluating the acquisition quality of scans of an object performed by a 3D ultrasound scanner is presented. Specifically, system 200 includes an interface 210 and a processor 220, and may (optionally) include a display 230.

[0089] Interface 210 is configured to acquire ultrasound image data associated with a 3D region of an object. This can be obtained directly from a 3D ultrasound scanner or indirectly from a database or other memory storage device. Interface 210 transmits this information to processor 220.

[0090] The processor 220 is configured to determine an image quality value for each of several distinct portions of a 3D region. Similar to the above, the image quality value indicates the quality of the ultrasound image data associated with that portion of the 3D region, and each image quality value is based on a coherence factor of the associated ultrasound image data generalized to the elevation dimension.

[0091] Furthermore, the processor 220 is configured to determine the volume of the fully scanned 3D region based on the portion of the 3D region that is associated with an image quality value that meets predetermined requirements, similar to the method described above.

[0092] Processor 220 can also be configured to perform operations related to Figure 2 Any of steps 120-140 described herein. Specifically, processor 220 may also be configured to generate a signal including information for displaying a visual indication of the volume describing the 3D region. This signal may be adapted to control display 230 to present a visual indication of a fully scanned volume describing the 3D region.

[0093] Therefore, the processor can then send a signal to the display 230. The display 230 can be configured to present an indication of the fully scanned volume to the user / ultrasound physician.

[0094] Continue, Figure 4 An example of a computer 1000 in which one or more portions of an embodiment may be employed is illustrated. The various operations discussed above can utilize the capabilities of computer 1000. For example, one or more portions of a system for obtaining input from a user to control an interface can be incorporated into any element, module, application, and / or component discussed herein. In this regard, it should be understood that system functional blocks may run on a single computer or may be distributed across several computers and locations (e.g., via an Internet connection).

[0095] Computer 1000 includes, but is not limited to, PCs, workstations, laptops, PDAs, handheld devices, servers, storage devices, etc. Typically, in terms of hardware architecture, computer 1000 may include one or more processors 1010, memory 1020, and one or more I / O devices 1030 communicatively coupled via a local interface (not shown). As is known in the art, the local interface may be, for example, but not limited to, one or more buses or other wired or wireless connections. The local interface may have additional elements such as controllers, buffers (caches), drivers, repeaters, and receivers to enable communication. Furthermore, the local interface may include address, control, and / or data connections to enable appropriate communication between the aforementioned components.

[0096] Processor 1010 is a hardware device for executing software that can be stored in memory 1020. Processor 1010 can actually be any custom or commercially available processor, central processing unit (CPU), digital signal processor (DSP), or auxiliary processor among several processors associated with computer 1000, and processor 1010 can be a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip) or microprocessor.

[0097] Memory 1020 may include any one or a combination of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM), such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), etc.) and non-volatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic tape, optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), magnetic disk, floppy disk, cassette tape, tape cartridge, etc.). Furthermore, memory 1020 may contain electronic, magnetic, optical, and / or other types of storage media. Note that memory 1020 may have a distributed architecture, in which various components are geographically separated but accessible by processor 1010.

[0098] The software in memory 1020 may include one or more individual programs, each including an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. According to an exemplary embodiment, the software in memory 1020 includes a suitable operating system (O / S) 1050, a compiler 1060, source code 1070, and one or more applications 1080. As shown, application 1080 includes numerous functional components for implementing features and operations of the exemplary embodiment. Application 1080 of computer 1000 may represent various applications, computing units, logic, functional units, processes, operations, virtual entities, and / or modules according to the exemplary embodiment, but application 1080 is not intended to be limiting.

[0099] Operating system 1050 controls the execution of other computer programs and provides scheduling, input-output control, file and data management, memory management, communication control, and related services. The inventors envision that application 1080, used to implement exemplary embodiments, can be applied to all commercially available operating systems.

[0100] Application 1080 can be a source program, an executable program (object code), a script, or any other entity including a set of instructions to be executed. When it is a source program, the program is typically translated by a compiler (such as compiler 1060), assembler, interpreter, etc., which may or may not be included in memory 1020 to operate appropriately in conjunction with O / S 1050. Furthermore, application 1080 can be written in an object-oriented programming language with data and method classes, or a procedural programming language with routines, subroutines, and / or functions, such as, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Pascal, BASIC, API calls, HTML, XHTML, XML, ASP scripts, JavaScript, FORTRAN, COBOL, Perl, Java, ADA, .NET, etc.

[0101] I / O device 1030 may include input devices, such as, but not limited to, a mouse, keyboard, scanner, microphone, camera, etc. Furthermore, I / O device 1030 may also include output devices, such as, but not limited to, a printer, monitor, etc. Finally, I / O device 1030 may also include devices for transmitting both input and output, such as, but not limited to, a NIC or modulator / demodulator (for accessing remote devices, other files, devices, systems, or networks), radio frequency (RF) or other transceivers, telephone interfaces, bridges, routers, etc. I / O device 1030 also includes components for communication over various networks, such as the Internet or intranets.

[0102] If the computer 1000 is a PC, workstation, intelligent device, etc., the software in the memory 1020 may also include a Basic Input / Output System (BIOS) (omitted for simplicity). The BIOS is a collection of basic software routines that initialize and test the hardware at startup, boot the OS 1050, and support data transfer between hardware devices. The BIOS is stored in some type of read-only memory (such as ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, etc.) so that it can be executed when the computer 800 is activated.

[0103] When the computer 1000 is in operation, the processor 1010 is configured to execute software stored in the memory 1020 to transfer data to and from the memory 1020, and typically controls the operation of the computer 1000 according to the software. Applications 1080 and O / S 1050 are read, in whole or in part, by the processor 1010, possibly buffered within the processor 1010, and then executed.

[0104] When application 1080 is implemented as software, it should be noted that application 1080 can be stored on virtually any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with any computer-related system or method. In the context of this document, a computer-readable medium can be an electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical device or module that can contain or store computer programs for use by or in connection with a computer-related system or method.

[0105] Application 1080 can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, a processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch and execute instructions from and from an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. In the context of this document, "computer-readable medium" can be any module that can store, transmit, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. Computer-readable media can be, for example, but not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatus, devices, or propagation media.

[0106] about Figure 2 The methods described and about Figure 3 The described system can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both (e.g., as firmware running on a hardware device). Where the embodiments are implemented partially or entirely in software, the functional steps shown in the process flowchart can be performed by a suitably programmed physical computing device, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs) or graphics processing units (GPUs). Each process—and its individual component steps—as shown in the flowchart can be performed by the same or different computing devices. According to an embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program comprising computer program code configured to cause one or more physical computing devices to perform the encoding or decoding methods described above when the program is run on one or more physical computing devices.

[0107] Storage media can include volatile and non-volatile computer memories, such as RAM, PROM, EPROM and EEPROM, optical discs (such as CD, DVD, BD), and magnetic storage media (such as hard disks and magnetic tapes). Various storage media can be fixed within a computing device or can be transportable, allowing one or more programs stored thereon to be loaded into a processor.

[0108] Regarding the implementation of the embodiments in part or in whole in hardware, Figure 3 The blocks shown in the block diagram can be individual physical components (or logical subdivisions of a single physical component), or they can all be implemented in an integrated manner within a single physical component. The functionality of one block shown in the figures can be divided among multiple components in an implementation, or the functionality of multiple blocks shown in the figures can be combined in a single component in an implementation. Hardware components suitable for embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, conventional microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). One or more blocks can be implemented as a combination of dedicated hardware for performing some functions and one or more programmable microprocessors and associated circuitry for performing other functions.

[0109] By studying the accompanying drawings, disclosure, and appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments in practicing the claimed invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the words "a" or "an" do not exclude multiple. A single processor or other unit can perform the functions of several items recited in the claims. Although specific measures are recited in dissimilar dependent claims, this does not indicate that combinations of these measures cannot be advantageously used. If a computer program has been discussed above, it can be stored / distributed on suitable media, such as optical storage media or solid-state media provided with or as part of other hardware, but it can also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems. Where the term "suitable" is used in the claims or description, it should be noted that the term "suitable" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured as." Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

[0110] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, including one or more executable instructions for implementing one or more specified logical functions. In some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the blocks may occur in a non-consecutive order. For example, two blocks shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or these blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, may be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or action or executes a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

Claims

1. A method for evaluating the acquisition quality of a scan of an object performed by a 3D ultrasound scanner, comprising: Obtain (110) ultrasound image data associated with the 3D region of the object; For each of the multiple different portions of the 3D region, an image quality value is determined (120) indicating the quality of the ultrasound image data associated with that portion of the 3D region, each image quality value being based on the coherence factor of the associated ultrasound image data in the elevation dimension of the 3D region; as well as (130) The volume of the 3D region having a predetermined minimum acquisition quality is determined based on identifying the portion of the 3D region associated with an image quality value that meets a predetermined requirement, wherein the predetermined requirement is based on at least one of the following: contrast value; resolution value; distortion value; noise value; sharpness value; and artifact density value.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: A signal (140) is generated, the signal including information for displaying a visual indication describing the volume of the 3D region.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The visual indication includes a set of lines representing the boundaries of the volume.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The visual indication includes an image representing at least a portion of the 3D region of the object, which is superimposed by the set of lines.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, Identifying the 3D region includes evaluating each of the image quality values ​​based on the predetermined requirements.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The portion of the 3D region that is identified includes: Determine (132) a set of image quality values, each set of image quality values ​​being associated with a portion of the 3D region in a different image orientation; For each image orientation, the associated set of image quality values ​​is processed (134) to determine a set quality value indicating the quality of the ultrasound image data in said image orientation; and The volume of the object having a predetermined minimum acquisition quality is determined (136) based on the image orientation associated with the set quality value that meets the predetermined requirements.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, further comprising processing the ultrasound image data to determine (122) the location of a structure of the object in the 3D region, the structure obstructing ultrasound imaging of the object, wherein, The volume of the 3D region (130) is also determined based on the location of the structure.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, Determining the location of the structure (122) includes: processing the B-mode component of the ultrasound image data based on an image analysis algorithm, or processing the channel component of the ultrasound image data based on a signal processing algorithm.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The structure includes at least one rib of the object.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, further comprising processing the ultrasound image data to determine (124) the position of a transducer of a 3D ultrasound scanner used to acquire the ultrasound image data relative to the 3D region of the object; wherein, The volume of the 3D region (130) is also determined based on the position of the transducer.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein, Each of the plurality of different portions of the 3D region of the object is a voxel of the 3D region of the object.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein, Obtaining the ultrasound image data (110) includes acquiring the ultrasound image data in real time from a 3D ultrasound scanning session, and wherein determining the volume (130) is performed during the scanning session.

13. A computer program including a computer program code module, wherein when the computer program is run on a computer, the computer program code module is adapted to implement the method according to any one of claims 1-12.

14. A system for evaluating the acquisition quality of a scan of an object performed by a 3D ultrasound scanner, comprising: An interface (210) is configured to obtain ultrasound image data associated with a 3D region of an object; as well as Processor (220), which is configured as follows: For each of the multiple distinct portions of the 3D region, an image quality value is determined, the image quality value indicating the quality of the ultrasound image data associated with that portion of the 3D region, each image quality value being based on the coherence factor of the associated ultrasound image data in the elevation dimension of the 3D region; as well as The volume of the 3D region having a predetermined minimum acquisition quality is determined based on identifying portions of the 3D region associated with image quality values ​​that meet predetermined requirements, wherein the predetermined requirements are based on at least one of the following: contrast value; resolution value; distortion value; noise value; sharpness value; and artifact density value.

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