Multi-fetal ultrasonic inspection data processing method and ultrasonic imaging equipment

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a data processing method for multi-fetal ultrasonic examination and ultrasonic imaging equipment, and belongs to the technical field of medical equipment. According to the embodiments of the invention, the fetus identifier of the target fetus can be generated by activating the fetus identifier control, and after the ultrasonic image of the target fetus is stored, the fetus identifier is associated with the ultrasonic image, so that a user can conveniently check whether repeated examination or missing detection exists. Furthermore, the scanning structure of the ultrasonic image can be obtained and associated with the stored ultrasonic image, and the user can quickly check whether missing inspection or repeated inspection exists or not by browsing the ultrasonic images of different scanning structures of the same fetus. In addition, the measurement result of the related measurement item of the ultrasonic image can be obtained, the measurement result is associated with the stored ultrasonic image, and then the automatic association of the measurement result and the fetal identifier is realized through the ultrasonic image, so that the tedious operation of manually selecting the fetal identifier associated measurement result by a user is avoided, and the working efficiency of ultrasonic examination is accelerated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical device technology, and more specifically, to a data processing method and ultrasound imaging equipment for multiple pregnancy ultrasound examination. Background Technology

[0002] Ultrasound equipment has wide applications in clinical imaging, and the scanned ultrasound images are one of the main auxiliary means for doctors to diagnose diseases. Specifically, in the context of prenatal testing, placental ultrasound examination is a necessary procedure during early, mid, and late pregnancy.

[0003] In multiple pregnancies, doctors need to perform various examinations on each fetus based on the fetal ultrasound images. However, if the fetal ultrasound images are not differentiated, it may lead to problems such as missed examinations or duplicate examinations. Therefore, it is necessary to annotate the ultrasound images to distinguish the ultrasound images of different fetuses. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, this application provides a data processing method and an ultrasound imaging device for multiple fetal ultrasound examinations, which are used to mark the fetal ultrasound images that need to be stored in multiple fetal ultrasound examinations in order to distinguish the ultrasound images of different fetuses.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a data processing method for ultrasound examination of multiple pregnancies, the method comprising:

[0006] Display the interactive interface and input the number of fetuses of the target object to be examined based on the interactive interface;

[0007] Based on the input number of fetuses, display the fetus identification control corresponding to each fetus, wherein the fetus identification control can generate a corresponding fetus identification when activated;

[0008] Activate one of the fetal identification controls to generate a target fetal identification corresponding to the activated fetal identification control;

[0009] An ultrasound scan is performed on the target fetus of the object to be examined to obtain an ultrasound image of the target fetus;

[0010] The ultrasound image of the target fetus is frozen, and corresponding annotation information and / or measurement results are obtained based on the frozen ultrasound image of the target fetus. The annotation information includes the location structure of the target fetus input by the user or the location structure of the target fetus identified based on the ultrasound image of the target fetus. The measurement results include the measurement results corresponding to the relevant measurement items of the target fetus.

[0011] Store the frozen ultrasound images of the target fetus and associate the frozen ultrasound images of the target fetus, the target fetus identifier, and the annotation information and / or measurement results.

[0012] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a data processing method for ultrasound examination of multiple pregnancies, the method comprising:

[0013] The interactive interface displays multiple fetal identification controls corresponding to multiple fetuses, and the fetal identification controls can generate corresponding fetal identifications when activated.

[0014] Activate one of the fetal identification controls to generate a target fetal identification corresponding to the activated fetal identification control;

[0015] An ultrasound scan is performed on the target fetus of the object to be examined to obtain an ultrasound image of the target fetus;

[0016] The ultrasound images of the target fetus are stored, and the ultrasound images of the target fetus are associated with the target fetus identifier.

[0017] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide an ultrasound imaging device, comprising:

[0018] Ultrasonic probe;

[0019] A transmitting circuit is used to excite the ultrasound probe to emit ultrasound waves toward the target fetus to be examined.

[0020] A receiving circuit is used to control the ultrasound probe to receive the echo of ultrasound waves returned by the target fetus of the target object to be examined, so as to obtain an ultrasound echo signal;

[0021] A display device is used to display an interactive interface and input the number of fetuses of the target object to be examined based on the interactive interface;

[0022] The processing device is configured to process the ultrasound echo signal to obtain an ultrasound image of the target fetus and to execute the data processing method for multiple fetal ultrasound examination described in any of the above embodiments.

[0023] A storage device for storing frozen ultrasound images of the target fetus.

[0024] The data processing method and ultrasound imaging device for multiple fetal ultrasound examinations provided in this application can generate a fetal identifier for the target fetus by activating a fetal identifier control. After storing the ultrasound image of the target fetus, the fetal identifier is associated with the ultrasound image to facilitate user verification of the stored ultrasound images based on the fetal identifier, i.e., to check for duplicate or missed examinations. Furthermore, the scanning structure of the ultrasound image can be obtained and associated with the stored ultrasound image. By browsing ultrasound images of the same fetus with different scanning structures, users can more quickly check for missed or duplicate examinations. Moreover, the measurement results of relevant measurement items in the ultrasound image can be obtained and associated with the stored ultrasound image, thereby automatically associating the measurement results with the fetal identifier through the ultrasound image. This avoids the tedious operation of manually selecting the fetal identifier to associate the measurement results, thus accelerating the efficiency of ultrasound examinations. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a data processing method for ultrasound examination of multiple pregnancies provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an interface including a fetal identification control is provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an interface including an ultrasound image and a fetal identifier, provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 4 Another flowchart illustrating the data processing method for ultrasound examination of multiple pregnancies provided in this application embodiment;

[0030] Figures 5A-5B A schematic diagram of the interface for viewing ultrasound images in a fetal image set provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of an interface for browsing various image collections by category, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an interface for entering measurement provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ultrasound imaging device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0035] During obstetric ultrasound examinations of multiple pregnancies, each fetus undergoes the same comprehensive examination as a singleton pregnancy. This involves scanning and storing ultrasound images of various parts of the fetus, including but not limited to cross-sectional views of the face, head, trunk, and heart. Typically, if the ultrasound technician is unable to continue examining a fetus due to fetal position or other reasons, they will move on to examine other fetuses. The examination of the remaining fetuses will continue only after the previous examination is completed or if further examination is no longer possible. The ultrasound images of each fetus are stored for future diagnostic use.

[0036] After research, the inventors discovered that because multiple fetal ultrasound examinations involve multiple fetuses and often require switching between fetuses for examination, if the stored images are not differentiated, it may lead to duplicate examinations or missed scans of certain sections.

[0037] See Figure 1 This application provides a data processing method for ultrasound examination of multiple pregnancies. This method can be applied to ultrasound imaging equipment and specifically includes steps S101-S104.

[0038] S101: Display the interactive interface, which shows multiple fetal identification controls corresponding to multiple fetuses. When a fetal identification control is activated, it can generate the corresponding fetal identification.

[0039] The target object to be examined can be a human or various animals; the target object can be understood as the mother of the fetus. In the scenario of multiple pregnancy ultrasound examination, the number of fetuses in the target object is greater than or equal to 2.

[0040] The display device of the ultrasound imaging equipment, such as a touch screen, displays an interactive interface. This interface can display fetal identification controls corresponding to each fetus, based on the number of fetuses. These fetal identification controls are a type of control displayed on the interface, and their display name can be "fetal identifier," hence the name "fetal identification control." Figure 2The provided interface example displays three fetal identification controls: Fetus A, Fetus B, and Fetus C. The ultrasound imaging equipment can automatically detect the number of fetuses based on the examination results of the target object, or obtain the number of fetuses from the user information system, or allow the ultrasound technician to input the number of fetuses.

[0041] In one embodiment, the number of fetuses to be examined is input via an interactive interface. When the number of fetuses includes multiple fetuses, multiple fetus identification controls corresponding to the multiple fetuses are displayed. Specifically, the display device of the ultrasound imaging equipment, such as a touch screen, displays an interactive interface. This interactive interface can be the aforementioned interactive interface or another interactive interface, allowing the ultrasound examiner to input the number of fetuses to be examined, such as inputting 3 fetuses. It is understood that the number of fetus identification controls is the same as the input number of fetuses, and different fetus identification controls represent different fetuses.

[0042] In one embodiment, the number of fetuses in the target object to be examined is determined based on the examination results. When the number of fetuses includes multiple fetuses, multiple fetus identification controls corresponding to the multiple fetuses are displayed. Specifically, the examination results of the target object to be examined may include examination information in the form of fetus-related images (including but not limited to ultrasound images) or text, and more specifically, may include the examination information of the number of fetuses. Therefore, the number of fetuses can be obtained from the examination results of the target object to be examined.

[0043] S102: Activate a fetal identification control and generate a target fetal identification corresponding to the activated fetal identification control.

[0044] The fetal identification control can be activated, such as by touch, voice, or by inputting a fetal identification symbol. Specifically, in one embodiment, the selected fetal identification control can be activated when a user selects one from multiple fetal identification controls. In another embodiment, when displaying an ultrasound image preceding the ultrasound image of the target fetus, fetal identification symbols added by the user for the previous ultrasound image are obtained; based on these symbols, the corresponding fetal identification control is activated. For example, if the currently scanned ultrasound image is T2, and the previously scanned ultrasound image is T1, and the user added a fetal identification symbol A to ultrasound image T1, then fetal identification control A can be activated based on the added symbol A. The activated fetal identification control A can then easily generate a fetal identification symbol for ultrasound image T2.

[0045] When a fetus identification control is activated, a fetus identification corresponding to that control is generated. For easy differentiation, this generated fetus identification can be called the target fetus identification. For example, if the fetus identification control Fetus (fetus) A is activated, then the target fetus identification A is generated.

[0046] It should be noted that multiple fetal identification controls are mutually exclusive; only one fetal identification control can be active at any given time. To indicate the currently active fetal identification control, its activation status can be displayed. For example... Figure 2 In the interface example shown, when Fetus (fetus) A is activated, the Fetus (fetus) A control is highlighted.

[0047] S103: Perform an ultrasound scan on the target fetus of the subject to be examined to obtain an ultrasound image of the target fetus.

[0048] When an ultrasound probe of an ultrasound imaging device is used to scan a fetus, the fetus being scanned can be referred to as the target fetus in order to distinguish it from other fetuses that have not been scanned.

[0049] An ultrasound image of the target fetus is obtained through scanning. This ultrasound image can be any form of ultrasound image scanned according to the examination requirements. In some embodiments, the ultrasound image can be an ultrasound image of various sections of the fetus, such as a head section including a transverse section at the level of the thalamus, a transverse section through the cerebellum, a transverse section of both eyes, a transverse section at the level of the maxillary arch, etc.; a trunk section including a transverse section of the spine, a transverse section of both kidneys, a transverse section of the bladder, etc.; a longitudinal section showing the entire cervical vertebrae; a longitudinal section showing the entire coccyx; a facial transverse section including a facial transverse section through the orbit, maxilla, and upper lip, etc.; and a cardiac section including a four-chamber view, a left ventricular outflow tract view, and a right ventricular outflow tract view, etc.

[0050] When scanning an ultrasound image of a target fetus, the image can be displayed on the ultrasound imaging equipment's display device, such as the main display screen, for the ultrasound examiner to view. Additionally, the fetal identifier generated by the currently active fetal identification control can be displayed simultaneously on the screen, allowing the ultrasound examiner to identify which fetus the currently scanned ultrasound image belongs to. For example... Figure 3 The example main display screen interface shown displays the ultrasound image of the target fetus, as well as the target fetus identifier A (displayed as FetusA) generated by the currently active fetus identifier control.

[0051] It should be noted that step S103 is not limited to being executed after step S102; it can be executed before step S101, or at any time between step S101 and step S102.

[0052] The target fetal identifier generated in step S102 can be displayed together with the ultrasound image of the target fetus. For example, the target fetal identifier can be a character mark or an icon mark displayed on or near the ultrasound image. Alternatively, the generated target fetal identifier can be not displayed, but instead serve as an attribute of the ultrasound image of the target fetus to indicate which fetus the ultrasound image corresponds to. For example, the ultrasound image can be classified according to the size range of the attribute value, which facilitates the subsequent classification, browsing and management of ultrasound images.

[0053] S104: Store the ultrasound image of the target fetus and associate the ultrasound image of the target fetus with the target fetus identifier.

[0054] Once an ultrasound image of the target fetus is detected, it can be saved. When saving the ultrasound image, the target fetus identifier generated by the currently active fetal identification control can be associated with that ultrasound image. Figure 3 For example, the ultrasound image is associated with the target fetal identifier A. In one embodiment, the target fetal identifier can be generated once, that is, after the fetal identifier control is activated, the fetal identifier corresponding to the activated fetal identifier control (i.e., the target fetal identifier) ​​is generated. Each ultrasound image stored during the time period when the fetal identifier control is activated is associated with the target fetal identifier. In another embodiment, the target fetal identifier is generated following the ultrasound image. That is, each time an ultrasound image of the target fetus is obtained or each time an ultrasound image of the target fetus is stored, the target fetal identifier is generated according to the activated fetal identifier control, and the target fetal identifier is associated with the stored ultrasound image.

[0055] One association method involves embedding the target fetal identifier into the ultrasound image, with the target fetal identifier being a part of the ultrasound image itself. Another method involves storing the target fetal identifier as editable text along with the ultrasound image. Yet another method involves storing the target fetal identifier as an attribute of the ultrasound image; for example, the ultrasound image may have attributes such as format, size, fetal identifier, and generation time, and the target fetal identifier is stored as the attribute value of the fetal identifier.

[0056] When storing ultrasound images, they are associated with the target fetus. This clearly records the fetus to which each ultrasound image belongs. When ultrasound examiners review the stored ultrasound images, they can know which aspects of which fetuses have been scanned. This can help ultrasound examiners avoid duplicate examinations of the same ultrasound image of the same fetus or omissions in scanning ultrasound images of a fetus in a certain aspect.

[0057] It should be noted that the descriptions of each step in this data processing method embodiment can be found in the descriptions of other embodiments below, and will not be repeated here.

[0058] In one embodiment, after obtaining the ultrasound image of the target fetus in step S103, the data processing for the multiple fetal ultrasound examination further includes: freezing the ultrasound image of the target fetus, and obtaining corresponding annotation information and / or measurement results based on the frozen ultrasound image of the target fetus. The annotation information includes the location and structure of the target fetus input by the user or the location and structure of the target fetus identified from the ultrasound image of the target fetus. The measurement results include the measurement results corresponding to the relevant measurement items of the target fetus. Accordingly, step S104, in associating the ultrasound image of the target fetus with the target fetus identifier, may specifically include: associating the frozen ultrasound image of the target fetus, the target fetus identifier, and the annotation information and / or measurement results.

[0059] During ultrasound examinations for multiple pregnancies, it is usually necessary to add annotation information to the scanned ultrasound images. The annotation information indicates the fetus to which the ultrasound image belongs and the location of the scanned fetus. Overall, the current fetal examination process includes the following steps: scanning ultrasound images, freezing ultrasound images, annotating the fetus and structures (e.g., fetus A's right hand), storing ultrasound images, and thawing ultrasound images.

[0060] The frozen ultrasound image will be displayed on the interface. The user can manually enter annotation information for the ultrasound image. However, the annotation information is only displayed on the same interface as the ultrasound image. The annotation information added when storing the ultrasound image in the next step is not associated with the ultrasound image. When ultrasound examiners view each stored ultrasound image, they cannot directly know the annotation information of the ultrasound image, which may lead to repeated scanning or missed scanning.

[0061] Ultrasound examiners can also measure ultrasound images to obtain measurement results for various items. For example, they can measure a currently frozen ultrasound image or select an ultrasound image from the stored images for measurement. Currently, the measurement results cannot be automatically associated with the fetus; ultrasound examiners need to manually input the fetal identifier to record the measurement result as the measurement result of a specific fetus, which seriously reduces work efficiency. However, the data processing method for multiple fetal ultrasound examinations provided in this embodiment, after storing the ultrasound image of the target fetus, not only associates the ultrasound image with the target fetal identifier but also associates the ultrasound image with annotation information and / or measurement results. Thus, the ultrasound image serves as a linking bridge, and the obtained annotation information and / or measurement results can be associated with the target fetal identifier. This allows for direct identification of the target fetal identifier corresponding to the annotation information and / or measurement results, saving ultrasound examiners the manual marking of fetal identifiers and improving work efficiency.

[0062] See Figure 4 The data processing method for multiple pregnancy ultrasound examination shown therein can be applied to ultrasound imaging equipment, and the method includes steps S401-S406.

[0063] S401: Display the interactive interface and input the number of fetuses of the target object to be examined based on the interactive interface.

[0064] S402: Based on the input number of fetuses, display the fetus identification control corresponding to each fetus. When the fetus identification control is activated, it can generate the corresponding fetus identification.

[0065] S403: Activate a fetal identification control and generate a target fetal identification corresponding to the activated fetal identification control.

[0066] S404: Perform an ultrasound scan on the target fetus of the subject to be examined to obtain an ultrasound image of the target fetus.

[0067] For a description of steps S401-S404, please refer to the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0068] S405: Freeze the ultrasound image of the target fetus and obtain corresponding annotation information and / or measurement results based on the frozen ultrasound image of the target fetus, wherein the annotation information includes the location structure of the target fetus input by the user or the location structure of the target fetus identified based on the ultrasound image of the target fetus, and the measurement results include the measurement results corresponding to the relevant measurement items of the target fetus.

[0069] During the ultrasound scan, the images can be displayed in real time on the main display screen of the ultrasound imaging equipment. When a storable ultrasound image is detected, the ultrasound examiner can trigger the freeze button on the ultrasound imaging equipment or input a freeze command in other ways to freeze the ultrasound image. Based on the frozen ultrasound image, at least one of the scanned structures (i.e., site structures) and measurement results can be obtained.

[0070] The annotation information for ultrasound images includes fetal structures within the image, such as the hands and torso. This annotation information can be entered by the user after observing the ultrasound image, such as by selecting a fetal structure in the scan structure interface, or it can be obtained through image recognition of a frozen ultrasound image.

[0071] The measurement results are obtained by measuring the ultrasound images based on the measurement items, such as head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length, etc.

[0072] S406: Store frozen ultrasound images of the target fetus and associate the frozen ultrasound images of the target fetus, the target fetus identifier, and annotation information and / or measurement results.

[0073] When storing the frozen ultrasound image, in addition to associating the target fetal identifier generated based on the activated fetal identifier control with the ultrasound image, at least one of the annotation information and measurement results can also be associated with the ultrasound image. The association method can be found in the relevant descriptions in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0074] In one embodiment, the target fetal identifier can be generated once, that is, after the fetal identifier control is activated, the fetal identifier corresponding to the activated fetal identifier control (i.e., the target fetal identifier) ​​is generated. Each ultrasound image stored during the time period when the fetal identifier control is activated is associated with the target fetal identifier. In another embodiment, the target fetal identifier is generated following the ultrasound images, that is, each time the ultrasound image of the target fetus is frozen or stored, the target fetal identifier is generated according to the activated fetal identifier control, and the target fetal identifier is associated with the stored ultrasound image.

[0075] This embodiment generates a target fetal identifier by activating a fetal identifier control, and associates stored ultrasound images with the target fetal identifier. This allows ultrasound technicians to clearly identify which fetus each ultrasound image belongs to when viewing the stored images. Associating frozen ultrasound images with annotation information allows ultrasound technicians to clearly identify which fetal structures are included in the ultrasound image. Based on the target fetal identifier and annotation information associated with the ultrasound images, ultrasound technicians can easily verify whether ultrasound images of each fetus have been examined in various aspects, avoiding duplicate scans and omissions. Furthermore, associating stored ultrasound images with measurement results allows the target fetal identifier and measurement results associated with the ultrasound images to be used to link the measurement results to the corresponding fetus, enabling ultrasound technicians to easily access the various measurement results for each fetus.

[0076] In ultrasound examinations involving multiple pregnancies, each fetus's ultrasound image is examined sequentially. Currently, manually adding annotations makes this continuous scanning process cumbersome. Added annotations can be displayed on the ultrasound image interface, such as in the area below the ultrasound image.

[0077] One continuous scanning process is "image thawing and annotation clearing," which includes the following steps: freezing an ultrasound image after it is scanned, manually adding annotation information (fetal identifiers and scan structures), storing the ultrasound image, thawing the ultrasound image, and then scanning the next ultrasound image. During this process, the thawing operation clears the currently added annotation information, and the annotation information, including fetal identifiers and scan structures, needs to be manually added again during the next ultrasound image scan.

[0078] Another continuous scanning process is "image thawing without clearing annotations," which includes the following steps: after scanning an ultrasound image, freeze the ultrasound image, manually add annotation information (fetal identifier and scanning structures), save the ultrasound image, thaw the ultrasound image, and then scan the next ultrasound image. During this process, the currently added annotation information (including fetal identifier and scanning structures) is retained after the thawing operation. If the next ultrasound image does not belong to the same fetus or does not contain the same scanning structures, it is necessary to manually delete all annotation information and re-add it, or manually delete the scanning structure and add a new one.

[0079] It is evident that, regardless of the continuous scanning process, manually adding annotation information requires multiple manual additions and deletions, making the process time-consuming and laborious, especially for multiple pregnancies. More importantly, the added annotation information is not associated with the ultrasound images during storage; the stored ultrasound images lack annotation information. Ultrasound examiners rely on experience to scan in a pre-arranged order, and the stored ultrasound images are sorted by storage timestamps to help examiners check for duplicates or missed scans. If the fetus is switched or the scanning order changes during continuous scanning, the stored ultrasound images are mixed together, causing inconvenience for subsequent verification by the ultrasound examiners.

[0080] The data processing method for multiple-pregnancy ultrasound examination provided in one embodiment of this application can maintain the activation state of the currently active fetal identification control until the deactivation condition is met. Thus, during continuous scanning, after activating a fetal identification control, a fetal identification generated by the currently active fetal identification control can be automatically added to each scanned ultrasound image, eliminating the need for manual addition of fetal identification by the ultrasound technician. If a different fetus is being examined, the corresponding fetal identification control is activated. Only one activation operation is required to add fetal identification to multiple ultrasound images, making the operation simple and convenient.

[0081] When the deactivation condition is detected, the activation state of the activated fetal identifier control is deactivated. The deactivation condition includes any of the following: deleting the target fetal identifier corresponding to the activated fetal identifier control, or other fetal identifier controls among multiple fetal identifier controls being activated, wherein other fetal identifier controls are fetal identifier controls other than the activated fetal identifier control.

[0082] Regarding the first scenario, the target fetal identifier can be displayed simultaneously with the acquired ultrasound image of the target fetus. The target fetal identifier can be edited by the user; for example, if the user discovers that the acquired ultrasound image does not belong to any fetus and deletes the target fetal identifier, the corresponding fetal identifier control (i.e., the activated fetal identifier control) can be deactivated upon detection of the deletion operation. In some embodiments, in addition to generating a fetal identifier control, a maternal identifier control can also be generated. In this case, while deactivating the fetal identifier control, the maternal identifier control can also be activated to generate a maternal identifier associated with the ultrasound image.

[0083] Regarding the second scenario, users can switch between different fetal identification controls. Understandably, after switching, the previously activated fetal identification control will be deactivated.

[0084] It should be noted that, as long as no deactivation condition is detected, the fetal identification control can remain active under any of the following circumstances: unfreezing the ultrasound image of the target fetus, or switching scan modes. Scan modes can be set for specific scan structures; different scan modes can be set for different fetal scan structures to meet the scanning needs of different structures. Specifically, when unfreezing an image after storage, the fetal identification control remains active. This allows the fetal identification to be automatically added to the ultrasound image during the next scan. The user only needs to input the scan structure, and the added fetal identification and the input scan structure are displayed simultaneously with the ultrasound image. Compared to existing continuous scan processes, this eliminates the need to delete and re-add scan structures from previous annotation information, making it simpler and more convenient. The fetal identification and annotation information (including the scan structure) are displayed simultaneously with the ultrasound image but are not yet associated with it. The association between the fetal identification and annotation information (including the scan structure) and the ultrasound image is established when the ultrasound image is stored. The association process for measurement results is similar.

[0085] Based on the above description of the technical solution, it is understood that the data processing method for multiple-pregnancy ultrasound examination provided in this application embodiment differs from the technical concept of existing continuous scanning processes. This method does not entirely reuse the annotation information manually added by the user in the previous ultrasound image (the retained annotation information includes fetal identifiers and scanning structures). Instead, it adds fetal identifiers and scanning structures to each ultrasound image separately using different methods. The fetal identifier is added through an activated fetal identifier control, and the scanning structure can be added manually by the user or automatically based on the image recognition results of the ultrasound image. This avoids the tediousness and inconvenience caused by constantly deleting some annotation information in the overall annotation information reuse scheme. Furthermore, the added fetal identifiers and scanning structures can be associated with stored ultrasound images to facilitate user verification of whether there are duplicate or missed examinations.

[0086] In a single-fetal scan scenario, the function corresponding to the fetal identification control will not be enabled. That is, the ultrasound imaging device will not generate the fetal identification control, and the scan can be performed on a single fetus according to the current scan procedure.

[0087] Currently, the ultrasound images obtained from continuous scanning are sorted according to the storage timestamp. If the examination of a fetus is switched during the scanning process, the ultrasound images of different fetuses are mixed together and cannot be browsed according to the fetus. It is not easy for ultrasound examiners to verify whether the ultrasound images of each fetus in all aspects have been scanned and stored.

[0088] Therefore, in one embodiment of this application, the data processing method for multiple fetal ultrasound examination further includes: classifying and storing the ultrasound images of the target fetus into the fetal image set corresponding to the target fetal identifier based on the target fetal identifier associated with the ultrasound image of the target fetus. Specifically, different fetal image sets are set up for different fetuses, such as the image set of fetus A, the image set of fetus B, and the image set of fetus C. In this way, when storing ultrasound images, they can be stored into the image set of the target fetal identifier based on their associated target fetal identifier, so as to realize the classified storage of ultrasound images of different fetuses, thereby facilitating the verification of whether fetal images are missed or duplicated.

[0089] After storing ultrasound images, if a user finds errors in the information associated with the ultrasound images, such as the location structure in the target fetal identifier and / or annotation information, they can modify the associated information. Therefore, in one embodiment of this application, the data processing method for multiple fetal ultrasound examinations further includes: responding to a user's modification operation on the location structure in the target fetal identifier and / or annotation information associated with the ultrasound image of the target fetus, updating the fetal identifier and / or annotation information based on the modified fetal identifier and / or location structure, such as changing the target fetal identifier of an ultrasound image from A to B, or changing the location structure in the annotation information of an ultrasound image from right-handed to left-handed. If the target fetal identifier of an ultrasound image is modified, the modified ultrasound image can be moved to the fetal image set corresponding to the modified target fetal identifier.

[0090] After storing ultrasound images, if a user discovers that an ultrasound image contains multiple fetuses or multiple different scanning structures of the same fetus, they can add associated fetal identifiers and / or scanning structures to that ultrasound image. In one embodiment, the data processing method for multiple fetal ultrasound examinations further includes: responding to a user's operation of adding fetal identifiers and / or site structures to an ultrasound image of a target fetus, copying the ultrasound image of the target fetus to obtain another ultrasound image, and using the added fetal identifiers and / or site structures as associated fetal identifiers and / or site structures of the other ultrasound image; based on the added fetal identifiers, classifying and storing the other ultrasound image into the fetal image set corresponding to the fetal identifier. It is understood that the copied ultrasound image can be stored into the fetal image set corresponding to the newly added associated fetal identifier. In this embodiment, ultrasound examiners can add new fetal identifiers and scanning structures to the same ultrasound image during subsequent verification, thereby enriching the stored ultrasound images and obtaining more fetal information.

[0091] In practical applications, if no fetal identification control is found to be activated when storing ultrasound images of the target fetus, the ultrasound imaging device will not receive instructions on which category of fetal image set to store the ultrasound image. Therefore, in one embodiment of this application, the data processing method for multiple fetal ultrasound examinations further includes: if no fetal identification control is activated among the multiple fetal identification controls, storing the ultrasound image of the target fetus in an image set other than the fetal image set. The other image set may represent an image set of parts unrelated to the fetus (such as maternal parts such as the cervix) or an image set of parts commonly related to multiple fetuses (such as a single placenta or amniotic fluid).

[0092] The ultrasound images included in the image collection can be viewed through review or other methods; see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 5A and Figure 5BThe two different review pages can be identified by the FetusC control displayed at the bottom of the interface. The current review page shows the fetal C image set, which includes seven stored ultrasound images. You can select any ultrasound image for editing operations, such as saving or deleting.

[0093] During continuous scanning, stored ultrasound images can be categorized and displayed on the scanning interface to facilitate ultrasound examiners in reviewing scanned images and improve the efficiency of continuous scanning. In one embodiment of this application, the data processing method for multiple fetal ultrasound examination further includes: when displaying the ultrasound image of the target fetus, displaying thumbnails of ultrasound images from other image sets outside the fetal image set and / or thumbnails of ultrasound images from the fetal image set corresponding to each fetal identifier.

[0094] The main display screen of the ultrasound imaging equipment can show the scanning interface, which can include ultrasound images generated during the scanning process. Ultrasound examiners can observe each ultrasound image scanned in real time through the scanning interface. When a satisfactory ultrasound image is detected, the image can be frozen and displayed by pressing the freeze button. The frozen ultrasound image can be displayed in a fixed frame on the scanning interface.

[0095] An example of a scanning interface is as follows: Figure 6 As shown, the target fetal identifier FetusA is displayed in the lower area of ​​the ultrasound image (the fetal identifier may or may not be displayed). The right side of the ultrasound image displays other image sets (i.e., the image set indicated by "other") and the fetal image set. The fetal image set can be displayed in categories, such as... Figure 6 As shown, image sets for fetus A (Fetus A) and fetus B (Fetus B) are displayed respectively. The displayed image sets are thumbnails of the individual ultrasound images included in the set. Compared to displaying the original ultrasound images, this method involves less data and occupies less screen space, meaning more ultrasound images can be displayed within the screen space. The display location of the image sets is not limited to... Figure 6 As shown, the location can be set to other positions on the scanning interface according to actual viewing needs, such as the lower area, the upper area, etc.

[0096] When displaying thumbnails of ultrasound images, one specific display method is to display tabs corresponding to each fetal image set and / or tabs corresponding to other image sets; in response to the user's selection operation on any tab, display the thumbnail of the ultrasound image corresponding to the selected tab, wherein the thumbnail of the ultrasound image is a thumbnail of the ultrasound images included in the fetal image set or a thumbnail of the ultrasound images included in other image sets outside the fetal image set.

[0097] Specifically, the scanning interface can display tabs corresponding to image sets, including tabs for fetal image sets and tabs for other image sets (referred to as "other tabs"). The fetal image set tabs can further differentiate between different fetuses. Users can select a specific fetus's tab or another tab to display a thumbnail of the ultrasound image of that particular fetus or a thumbnail of ultrasound images from other image sets. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the scanning interface includes a tab for Fetus A, a tab for Fetus B, a tab for other image sets, and a tab for all images. If the currently selected tab is Fetus A, the right-hand area displays thumbnails of the ultrasound images in the Fetus A image set. If this area cannot display all thumbnails, it can be displayed in a split-screen format, and the user can use the drop-down control to scroll through the thumbnails in other split screens. If the user selects the All tab, thumbnails of all ultrasound images from the Fetus image set and other image sets will be displayed.

[0098] Tabs can be displayed in rows. For example, the first row displays the fetus tab, which can correspond to the fetus identification control. The number of fetus tabs changes according to the number of fetuses entered. The second row always displays other tabs and all tabs. The display of tabs can change according to the changes in ultrasound images in the image set. When the image set does not contain any stored ultrasound images, such as before storing the first ultrasound image, or when all ultrasound images in the image set are deleted, the tab for that image set will not appear. If no tabs exist for any image set, the "All" tab can be displayed by default. When the first ultrasound image is stored in the image set, the tab corresponding to that image set is displayed.

[0099] Tab switching can also be implemented based on the activation of the fetal icon control; that is, the tab displayed will be the image set corresponding to the currently active fetal icon control. Alternatively, the tabs can be independent of the active fetal icon control, allowing the user to select the image set to browse.

[0100] In this embodiment, tabs corresponding to different image sets are displayed. By switching tabs, the ultrasound image thumbnails corresponding to the currently displayed image set can be switched, thus meeting the user's need to browse and view different types of ultrasound image thumbnails.

[0101] After obtaining the ultrasound image of the target fetus, measurements can be performed on the ultrasound image to obtain the results of various obstetric measurements, or the relevant measurements can be performed on each ultrasound image separately after all stored images have been completed. For example, click... Figure 7The example interface shown includes a fetal biometry control to initiate the measurement process. The user or device automatically performs obstetric measurements on the ultrasound image to obtain the measurement results.

[0102] In existing measurement processes, after obtaining the measurement results, a fetal identifier needs to be selected again to associate the measurement results with the fetal measurement report. Each measurement item for each ultrasound image requires selecting a fetal identifier, severely impacting work efficiency. In this embodiment, the measurement results are correlated with the ultrasound image, and the ultrasound image has a target fetal identifier. Therefore, the measurement results can be directly associated with the target fetus, avoiding the tedious operation of ultrasound technicians selecting a fetal identifier for the measurement results.

[0103] The measurement results can be included in the measurement report and displayed to the user. In one embodiment of this application, the data processing method for multiple fetal ultrasound examination further includes: in response to the operation of viewing the fetal measurement report, displaying the measurement report corresponding to the target fetal identifier corresponding to the activated fetal identifier control.

[0104] Specifically, when a user views a fetal measurement report, the currently active fetal identifier (i.e., the target fetal identifier) ​​is determined based on the currently active fetal identifier control, and then the measurement report of the active fetal identifier is displayed. The measurement report includes at least the measurement results of the target fetus in each measurement item.

[0105] Corresponding to the data processing method for ultrasound examination of multiple pregnancies described above, embodiments of this application also provide an ultrasound imaging device. See Figure 8 The ultrasonic testing equipment provided in this application embodiment may include: an ultrasonic probe 10, a transmitting circuit 20, a receiving circuit 30, a processing device 40, a display device 50, and a storage device 60.

[0106] The target object to be examined can be a human or other pregnant animals, and there can be multiple fetuses. The transmitting circuit 20 is used to excite the ultrasound probe 10 to emit ultrasound waves towards the target fetus of the target object, wherein the target fetus is one of multiple fetuses. The receiving circuit 30 is used to control the ultrasound probe 10 to receive the echo of the ultrasound waves returned by the target fetus of the target object to obtain an ultrasound echo signal. In one specific embodiment, the transmitting circuit 20 and the receiving circuit 30 can be integrated, and the integrated structure can be referred to as a transmitting-receiving circuit.

[0107] Display device 50 is used to display an interactive interface and input the number of fetuses to be examined based on the interface. The display device can be independently set up from the ultrasound imaging equipment, such as an external display screen or monitor. Alternatively, the display device can be integrated with the ultrasound examination equipment. Display device 50 can be a touch screen, an LCD screen, or an independent display device separate from the ultrasound examination equipment, such as an LCD monitor or television, or a display screen on an electronic device such as a mobile phone or tablet. In one embodiment, display device 50 is a touch screen integrated with an operation keyboard, allowing the ultrasound examiner to input the number of fetuses via the touch screen.

[0108] Processing device 40 is configured to process ultrasound echo signals to obtain an ultrasound image of the target fetus, and to execute the data processing method for multiple fetal ultrasound examination provided in any of the above embodiments, such as... Figure 1 , Figure 4 The data processing method shown is as follows. The processor 40 is a unit with data processing capabilities, such as at least one of the following: Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Digital Signal Processor (DSP), Digital Signal Processing Device (DSPD), Programmable Logic Device (PLD), Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Central Processing Unit (CPU), Controller, Microcontroller, and Microprocessor.

[0109] The storage device 60 can be located at the ultrasound imaging equipment site or remotely connected to the ultrasound imaging equipment for storing frozen ultrasound images of the target fetus. In some embodiments, the storage device 60 can be volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM); or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), or solid-state drive (SSD); or a combination of the above types of memory.

[0110] The ultrasound imaging device provided in this application can generate a fetal identifier for a target fetus by activating a fetal identifier control. After storing the ultrasound image of the target fetus, the fetal identifier is associated with the ultrasound image to facilitate user verification of whether there are duplicate or missed examinations. Furthermore, the device can acquire the scanning structure of the ultrasound image and associate it with the stored ultrasound image. Users can quickly verify whether there are missed or duplicate examinations by browsing ultrasound images of the same fetus with different scanning structures. The device can also acquire the measurement results of relevant measurement items in the ultrasound image and associate the measurement results with the stored ultrasound image. This achieves automatic association between the measurement results and the fetal identifier through the ultrasound image, avoiding the tedious operation of manually selecting the fetal identifier to associate the measurement results and accelerating the efficiency of ultrasound examinations.

[0111] The features described above in the disclosed embodiments can be substituted or combined with each other to enable those skilled in the art to implement or use this application. 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 operational steps and components for performing operational steps can be implemented in different ways depending on the specific application or considering any number of cost functions associated with the operation of the system (e.g., one or more steps can be deleted, modified, or combined with other steps).

[0112] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in this specification, claims, and the accompanying drawings are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, or apparatuses.

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

[0114] The foregoing specific descriptions have been described with reference to various embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, considerations for this disclosure are to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and all such modifications are to be included within its scope. Similarly, advantages, other advantages, and solutions to problems with respect to various embodiments have been described above. However, benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that produce these, or make them more explicit, should not be construed as critical, essential, or necessary. The term “comprising” and any other variations thereof as used herein are non-exclusive inclusion, meaning that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed or not part of the process, method, system, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the term “coupled” and any other variations thereof as used herein refer to physical connections, electrical connections, magnetic connections, optical connections, communication connections, functional connections, and / or any other connections.

[0115] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of several implementation methods, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed. However, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of this invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A data processing method for ultrasound examination of multiple pregnancies, characterized in that, The methods include: Display the interactive interface and input the number of fetuses of the target object to be examined based on the interactive interface; Based on the input number of fetuses, display the fetus identification control corresponding to each fetus, wherein the fetus identification control can generate a corresponding fetus identification when activated; Activate one of the fetal identification controls to generate a target fetal identification corresponding to the activated fetal identification control; An ultrasound scan is performed on the target fetus of the object to be examined to obtain an ultrasound image of the target fetus; The ultrasound image of the target fetus is frozen, and corresponding annotation information and / or measurement results are obtained based on the frozen ultrasound image of the target fetus. The annotation information includes the location structure of the target fetus input by the user or the location structure of the target fetus identified based on the ultrasound image of the target fetus. The measurement results include the measurement results corresponding to the relevant measurement items of the target fetus. Store the frozen ultrasound images of the target fetus and associate the frozen ultrasound images of the target fetus, the target fetus identifier, and the annotation information and / or measurement results.

2. The data processing method for multiple pregnancy ultrasound examination as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: When the deactivation condition is detected, the activation state of the activated fetal identification control is deactivated. The deactivation condition includes at least one of the following: deleting the target fetal identification corresponding to the activated fetal identification control, or other fetal identification controls among the multiple fetal identification controls being activated, wherein the other fetal identification controls are fetal identification controls other than the activated fetal identification control. If the deactivation condition is not detected, the activated fetal identification control shall remain active in at least one of the following situations: unfreezing the ultrasound image of the target fetus, or switching the scan mode.

3. The data processing method for multiple pregnancy ultrasound examination as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Based on the target fetal identifier associated with the ultrasound image of the target fetus, the ultrasound image of the target fetus is categorized and stored in the fetal image set corresponding to the target fetal identifier.

4. The data processing method for multiple pregnancy ultrasound examination as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: In response to a user's modification of the site structure in the target fetal identifier and / or annotation information associated with the ultrasound image of the target fetus, the fetal identifier and / or annotation information are updated based on the modified fetal identifier and / or site structure.

5. The data processing method for ultrasound examination of multiple pregnancies as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: In response to a user's operation of adding fetal identifiers and / or site structures to the ultrasound image of the target fetus, the ultrasound image of the target fetus is copied to obtain another ultrasound image, and the added fetal identifiers and / or site structures are used as the fetal identifiers and / or site structures associated with the other ultrasound image. Based on the added fetal identifier, the other ultrasound image is categorized and stored in the fetal image set corresponding to the fetal identifier.

6. The data processing method for ultrasound examination of multiple pregnancies as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: If no fetal identification control is active among the multiple fetal identification controls, the ultrasound image of the target fetus is stored in another image set outside the fetal image set.

7. The data processing method for ultrasound examination of multiple pregnancies as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: When displaying the ultrasound image of the target fetus, thumbnails of ultrasound images from other image sets besides the fetal image set and / or thumbnails of ultrasound images from the fetal image set corresponding to each of the fetal identifiers are displayed.

8. The data processing method for multiple pregnancy ultrasound examination as described in claim 7, characterized in that, Displaying thumbnails of ultrasound images included in other image sets and / or thumbnails of ultrasound images included in the fetal image set corresponding to each of the aforementioned fetal identifiers, including: Display the tabs corresponding to each of the said fetal image sets and / or the tabs corresponding to the other image sets; In response to a user's selection of any tab, a thumbnail of the ultrasound image corresponding to the selected tab is displayed. The thumbnail of the ultrasound image is either a thumbnail of the ultrasound images included in the fetal image set or a thumbnail of the ultrasound images included in other image sets outside the fetal image set.

9. The data processing method for ultrasound examination of multiple pregnancies as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: In response to the operation of viewing the fetal measurement report, the fetal measurement report corresponding to the target fetal identifier corresponding to the activated fetal identifier control is displayed. The fetal measurement report includes at least the measurement results corresponding to the relevant measurement items of the target fetus.

10. A data processing method for ultrasound examination of multiple pregnancies, characterized in that, The methods include: The interactive interface displays multiple fetal identification controls corresponding to multiple fetuses, and the fetal identification controls can generate corresponding fetal identifications when activated. Activate one of the fetal identification controls to generate a target fetal identification corresponding to the activated fetal identification control; An ultrasound scan is performed on the target fetus of the object to be examined to obtain an ultrasound image of the target fetus; The ultrasound images of the target fetus are stored, and the ultrasound images of the target fetus are associated with the target fetus identifier.

11. The data processing method for ultrasound examination of multiple pregnancies according to claim 10, characterized in that, After displaying the interactive interface, it also includes: The number of fetuses in the target object to be examined can be entered through the interactive interface or determined based on the examination results of the target object; When the number of fetuses includes multiple fetuses, multiple fetus identification controls corresponding to the multiple fetuses are displayed according to the number of fetuses.

12. The data processing method for ultrasound examination of multiple pregnancies according to claim 10, characterized in that, After obtaining the ultrasound image of the target fetus, the procedure also includes: The ultrasound image of the target fetus is frozen, and corresponding annotation information and / or measurement results are obtained based on the frozen ultrasound image of the target fetus. The annotation information includes the location structure of the target fetus input by the user or the location structure of the target fetus identified based on the ultrasound image of the target fetus. The measurement results include the measurement results corresponding to the relevant measurement items of the target fetus. The step of associating the ultrasound image of the target fetus with the target fetus identifier includes: The frozen ultrasound images of the target fetus, the target fetus identifier, and the annotation information and / or measurement results are associated.

13. An ultrasonic imaging device, characterized in that, include: Ultrasonic probe; A transmitting circuit is used to excite the ultrasound probe to emit ultrasound waves toward the target fetus to be examined. A receiving circuit is used to control the ultrasound probe to receive the echo of ultrasound waves returned by the target fetus of the target object to be examined, so as to obtain an ultrasound echo signal; A display device is used to display an interactive interface and input the number of fetuses of the target object to be examined based on the interactive interface; The processing device is configured to process the ultrasound echo signal to obtain an ultrasound image of the target fetus and to perform the data processing method for multiple fetal ultrasound examination as described in any one of claims 1-12. A storage device for storing frozen ultrasound images of the target fetus.

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