Improved four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound imaging

Abstract

The disclosure relates to improved four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound imaging. An ultrasound imaging system (802) includes: a transmit circuit (814) configured to generate ultrasound element excitation pulses based on an acquisition pattern (816) including at least two different types of ultrasound acquisition for a single ultrasound imaging scan; a transducer array (810) having elements (816) configured to transmit ultrasonic pressure waves based on the at least two different types of ultrasonic acquisitions and to receive corresponding echo signals for each of the at least two different types of ultrasonic acquisitions; a beamformer (822) configured to beamform the echo signal independently for the at least two different types of ultrasound acquisition; an image generator (824) configured to generate an image for each of the at least two different types of ultrasound acquisition based on the corresponding echo signal; and a display (828) configured to simultaneously display the image for each of the at least two different types of ultrasound acquisition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following content relates to ultrasound imaging in general, and more specifically to improved four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound imaging. Background Technology

[0002] Ultrasound imaging provides real-time imaging of the interior of an object or subject, such as tissues, organs, etc. An example ultrasound imaging system includes an ultrasound imaging probe and a control console. The ultrasound imaging probe includes a transducer array. The transducer array is configured to transmit pressure waves and receive echoes generated in response to the interaction of the pressure waves with structures such as tissues and blood cells. The transducer array converts the echoes into analog signals. The control console includes signal processing hardware and software, a user interface, and a display monitor. The control console processes the analog signals to produce images for applications such as B-mode, C-mode, A-mode, Doppler, color flow, elastography, three-dimensional (3D), and four-dimensional (4D).

[0003] Two-dimensional (2D) transducer arrays allow imaging of a combination of planes (e.g., B-mode imaging) and slices (e.g., C-mode imaging). As used herein, a plane is derived from the transducer surface of the transducer array, while a slice is not derived from the transducer surface of the transducer array and extends across multiple planes. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The plane and slice are illustrated together. Figure 1 A perspective view of a plane 102 associated with the transducer surface 104 of the 2D transducer array 106 is schematically illustrated. Plane 102 originates from, is orthogonal to, the transducer surface 104, and extends in one of two directions (azimuth or elevation) of the 2D transducer array 106. In another example, plane 102 originates from, but is not orthogonal to, the transducer surface 104.

[0004] Figure 2 A perspective view of a plane 202 associated with the transducer surface 104 of the 2D transducer array 106 is schematically illustrated. Similar to... Figure 1 Plane 102 in the diagram originates from and is orthogonal to the transducer surface 104 of the 2D transducer array 106. However, plane 202 extends in another direction (elevation or azimuth) of the 2D transducer array 106, and is perpendicular to the transducer surface 104 of the 2D transducer array 106. Figure 1 In the example, plane 202 is orthogonal to transducer surface 104. In another example, plane 202 originates from transducer surface 104, but is not orthogonal to transducer surface 104. Figure 3A perspective view is schematically illustrated together with planes 102 and 202 associated with the transducer surface 104 of the 2D transducer array 106. In another example, plane 202 is also not orthogonal to plane 102.

[0005] Figure 4 A perspective view of multiple slices (including slice 402, ..., and slice 404) associated with the transducer surface 104 of the 2D transducer array 106 is schematically illustrated. Slices 402, ..., and slice 404 are part of the same volume in front of the transducer surface 104, do not originate from the transducer surface 104, are parallel to the transducer surface 104, and span multiple planes originating from the transducer surface 104 (e.g., ...). Figure 1 plane 102 and Figure 2 The plane 202 extends from the transducer surface 104. Generally speaking, the spatial orientation of the slice relative to the transducer surface 104 is defined by the azimuth angle α between the normal of the transducer surface 104 and the slice and the elevation angle β between the normal of the transducer surface 104 and the slice.

[0006] exist Figure 4 In this configuration, slices 402, ..., and 404 are parallel to the transducer surface 104, with α = 0° and β = 0°. When α is in the range of 0° < α < 90°, the slice is tilted in the azimuth angle. When β is in the range of 0° < β < 90°, the slice is tilted in the elevation angle. When both α and β are in the range of 0° < α < 90°, the slice is tilted in both the azimuth and elevation angles. When either α or β equals 90°, the slice becomes a plane originating from the transducer surface 104 of the 2D transducer array 106, similar to... Figure 1 plane 102 and Figure 2 Plane 202. Figure 5 The diagram illustrates an example of slice 502 that is tilted in azimuth but not in elevation (0° < α < 90°). Figure 5 A perspective view of an inclined slice 502 associated with the transducer surface 102 of the 2D transducer array 106 is schematically illustrated. Slice 502 is associated with... Figure 4 A portion of the same volume as slices 402, ... and 404.

[0007] Figure 6 A perspective view of plane 102, plane 202, and slice 402 associated with the transducer surface 104 of the 2D transducer array 106 is schematically illustrated. Figure 6 In the diagram, planes 102 and 202 are orthogonal to the transducer surface 104, slice 402 is parallel to the transducer surface 104, and planes 102, 202 and slice 402 are orthogonal to each other. Figure 7 An illustrative example Figure 6A side view along one of two directions (azimuth or elevation) related to the transducer surface 104 of the 2D transducer array 106. (See also...) Figure 6 and Figure 7 Planes 102 and 202 extend from transducer surface 104 but are not necessarily orthogonal to it, and slice 402 extends across planes 102 and 202 but is not necessarily parallel to transducer surface 104.

[0008] Two-dimensional (2D) transducer arrays can acquire data for generating planes and slices relevant to 4D imaging (e.g., 4D cardiac imaging). In the case of a 2D transducer array, the user can electronically manipulate and focus the ultrasound beam anywhere in front of the transducer array. A higher frame rate is achieved by utilizing a wider acquisition beam, which uses fewer transmissions per frame compared to a narrower acquisition beam. However, a wider acquisition beam reduces image quality (resolution and / or contrast) compared to a narrower acquisition beam. Higher image quality is achieved by utilizing a narrower acquisition beam, which uses more transmissions per frame compared to a wider acquisition beam. However, a narrower acquisition beam reduces the frame rate.

[0009] For example, a typical workflow for 4D cardiac imaging involves acquiring a data volume using a single acquisition scheme and then generating and simultaneously displaying one or more B-mode planes and one or more C-mode slices selected by the user. For cardiac imaging methods that benefit from higher frame rates, image quality is sacrificed for speed. Techniques such as parallel receive beamforming have been used to improve frame rates, and / or techniques such as coherent compositing have been used to improve image quality. Unfortunately, as mentioned above, existing methods require a trade-off between speed and image quality. At least for the foregoing, there is an unresolved need for methods that improve both speed and image quality. Summary of the Invention

[0010] This application addresses the aforementioned and other issues. The present invention provides a more detailed description of concepts in the specific embodiments. It should not be used to identify the essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor should it be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0011] In one aspect, an ultrasound imaging system includes a transmitting circuit configured to generate ultrasound element excitation pulses based on an acquisition mode comprising at least two different types of ultrasound acquisitions for a single ultrasound imaging scan. The ultrasound imaging system further includes a transducer array having elements configured to transmit ultrasonic pressure waves based on the at least two different types of ultrasound acquisitions. The transducer array is further configured to receive a corresponding echo signal for each of the at least two different types of ultrasound acquisitions. The ultrasound imaging system further includes a beamformer configured to independently beamform the echo signals for each of the at least two different types of ultrasound acquisitions. The ultrasound imaging system further includes an image generator configured to generate an image for each of the at least two different types of ultrasound acquisitions based on the corresponding echo signal. The ultrasound imaging system further includes a display configured to simultaneously display the image for each of the at least two different types of ultrasound acquisitions.

[0012] In another example, one type of ultrasound acquisition of the at least two different types includes image plane acquisition, and the other type of ultrasound acquisition of the at least two different types includes image slice acquisition. In another example, the transducer array interleaves transmissions for the image plane and the image slice. In another example, the transducer array transmits a first pressure wave to acquire a subset of scan lines for the image plane, and transmits a second pressure wave to acquire a data volume for the image slice. In another example, the transducer array interleaves transmissions for two image planes and the image slice. In another example, the transducer array transmits a first pressure wave to acquire a subset of scan lines for a first image plane, transmits a second pressure wave to acquire a data volume for the image slice, and transmits a third pressure wave to acquire a subset of scan lines for a second image plane. In another example, the first image plane is in azimuth, and the second image plane is in elevation. In another example, the transducer array transmits a first pressure wave to acquire a subset of scan lines for a first image plane, transmits a second pressure wave to acquire a subset of scan lines for a second image plane, and transmits a third pressure wave to acquire the data volume for the image slice. In another example, the first image plane is in azimuth and the second image plane is in elevation. In yet another example, the image includes the first image plane and the first image plane has a first image quality that is greater than the second image quality of a second image generated from the data volume at the same frame rate.

[0013] In another aspect, a computer-implemented method includes generating ultrasound element excitation pulses based on an acquisition mode comprising at least two different types of ultrasound acquisitions for a single ultrasound imaging scan. The computer-implemented method further includes transmitting ultrasound pressure waves based on the at least two different types of ultrasound acquisitions. The computer-implemented method further includes receiving a corresponding echo signal for each of the at least two different types of ultrasound acquisitions. The computer-implemented method further includes beamforming the echo signals independently for each of the at least two different types of ultrasound acquisitions. The computer-implemented method further includes generating an image for each of the at least two different types of ultrasound acquisitions based on the corresponding echo signal. The computer-implemented method further includes simultaneously displaying the image for each of the at least two different types of ultrasound acquisitions.

[0014] In another example, one type of ultrasound acquisition of the at least two different types includes image plane acquisition, and the other type of ultrasound acquisition of the at least two different types includes image slice acquisition, and the method further includes interleaving transmissions for the image plane and the image slice. In another example, the interleaving includes: transmitting a first pressure wave to acquire a first subset of scan lines for the image plane; receiving a first echo signal in response to the first pressure wave; transmitting a second pressure wave to acquire a data volume for the image slice; receiving a second echo signal in response to the second pressure wave; transmitting at least a third pressure wave to acquire a second subset of scan lines for the image plane; receiving at least a third echo signal in response to the third pressure wave; and generating the image plane based on the first echo signal and the third echo signal, and generating the image slice based on the second echo signal.

[0015] In another example, the interleaving includes: sending a first pressure wave to acquire a first subset of scan lines for a first image plane; receiving a first echo signal in response to the first pressure wave; sending a second pressure wave to acquire data volume for the image slice; receiving a second echo signal in response to the second pressure wave; sending a third pressure wave to acquire a first subset of scan lines for a second image plane; receiving a third echo signal in response to the third pressure wave; and generating the first image plane based on the first echo signal, generating the image slice based on the second echo signal, and generating the second image plane based on the third echo signal. In another example, the interleaving includes: transmitting a first pressure wave to acquire a first subset of scan lines for a second image plane; receiving a first echo signal in response to the first pressure wave; transmitting a second pressure wave to acquire a first subset of scan lines for the second image plane; receiving a second echo signal in response to the third pressure wave; transmitting a third pressure wave to acquire data volume for the image slice; receiving a third echo signal in response to the third pressure wave; and generating the first image plane based on the first echo signal, generating the second image plane based on the second echo signal, and generating the image slice based on the third echo signal.

[0016] On the other hand, a computer-readable medium is encoded with computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to generate ultrasound element excitation pulses based on an acquisition mode comprising at least two different types of ultrasound acquisitions for a single ultrasound imaging scan. The instructions further cause the processor to transmit ultrasound pressure waves based on the at least two different types of ultrasound acquisitions. The instructions further cause the processor to receive a corresponding echo signal for each of the at least two different types of ultrasound acquisitions. The instructions further cause the processor to independently beamform the echo signals for each of the at least two different types of ultrasound acquisitions. The instructions further cause the processor to generate an image for each of the at least two different types of ultrasound acquisitions based on the corresponding echo signal. The instructions further cause the processor to simultaneously display the image for each of the at least two different types of ultrasound acquisitions.

[0017] In another example, one type of ultrasound acquisition in the at least two different types of ultrasound acquisition includes image plane acquisition, and the other type of ultrasound acquisition in the at least two different types of ultrasound acquisition includes image slice acquisition, and the computer-executable instructions further cause the processor to interleave transmissions for the image plane and the image slice. In another example, one of the computer-executable instructions further causes the processor to: transmit a first pressure wave to acquire a first subset of scan lines for the image plane; receive a first echo signal in response to the first pressure wave; transmit a second pressure wave to acquire a data volume for the image slice; receive a second echo signal in response to the second pressure wave; transmit at least a third pressure wave to acquire a second subset of scan lines for the image plane; receive at least a third echo signal in response to the third pressure wave; and generate the image plane based on the first echo signal and the third echo signal, and generate the image slice based on the second echo signal.

[0018] In another example, the computer-executable instructions further cause the processor to: send a first pressure wave to acquire a first subset of scan lines for a first image plane; receive a first echo signal in response to the first pressure wave; send a second pressure wave to acquire a data volume for the image slice; receive a second echo signal in response to the second pressure wave; send a third pressure wave to acquire a first subset of scan lines for a second image plane; receive a third echo signal in response to the third pressure wave; and generate the first image plane based on the first echo signal, generate the image slice based on the second echo signal, and generate the second image plane based on the third echo signal. In another example, the computer-executable instructions further cause the processor to: send a first pressure wave to acquire a first subset of scan lines for a second image plane; receive a first echo signal in response to the first pressure wave; send a second pressure wave to acquire a first subset of scan lines for the second image plane; receive a second echo signal in response to the third pressure wave; send a third pressure wave to acquire data volume for the image slice; receive a third echo signal in response to the third pressure wave; and generate the first image plane based on the first echo signal, generate the second image plane based on the second echo signal, and generate the image slice based on the third echo signal.

[0019] Other aspects of this application will be recognized by those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the accompanying specification. Attached Figure Description

[0020] This application is illustrated by way of example and is not limited to the figures in the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals indicate similar elements.

[0021] Figure 1A perspective view of a first plane of the transducer surface of a 2D transducer array, relating to the transducer surface of the 2D transducer array, is schematically illustrated according to one aspect of the embodiments herein.

[0022] Figure 2 A perspective view of a second different plane derived from the transducer surface of a 2D transducer array, in relation to the transducer surface of the 2D transducer array according to an embodiment of the present invention, is schematically illustrated.

[0023] Figure 3 The diagram schematically illustrates the transducer surface associated with a 2D transducer array according to an embodiment of this document. Figure 1 The first plane and Figure 2 A perspective view of two different planes together.

[0024] Figure 4 A perspective view of multiple slices parallel to the transducer surface of the 2D transducer array, relating to the transducer surface of the 2D transducer array according to an embodiment of the present invention, is schematically illustrated.

[0025] Figure 5 A perspective view of a single slice of the transducer surface of a 2D transducer array, tiled in azimuth or elevation and not derived from the transducer surface of the 2D transducer array, is schematically illustrated according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6 The diagram schematically illustrates the transducer surface associated with a 2D transducer array according to an embodiment of this document. Figure 1 The first plane Figure 2 The second different plane and Figure 4 A perspective view of slices together.

[0027] Figure 7 The diagram schematically illustrates the transducer surface associated with a 2D transducer array according to an embodiment of this document. Figure 1 The first plane Figure 2 The second different plane and Figure 4 A side view of the slices together.

[0028] Figure 8 A non-limiting example of an ultrasound system according to one aspect of the embodiments described herein is illustrated.

[0029] Figure 9 An example of the acquisition mode of an ultrasound imaging system according to the embodiments described herein is illustrated schematically.

[0030] Figure 10 An example of a beamformer for an ultrasound imaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated schematically.

[0031] Figure 11 An example of a beamformer in an ultrasonic imaging system comprising multiple receiving beamformers according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated schematically.

[0032] Figure 12 An example display of one or more B-mode planes and C-mode slices according to the embodiments described herein is illustrated schematically.

[0033] Figure 13 A non-limiting example of a flowchart illustrating a computer-implemented method for generating B-mode image planes and C-mode image slices for combined B-mode image plane / C-mode image slice scanning, according to an embodiment of this document.

[0034] Figure 14 A non-limiting example of a flowchart illustrating a computer-implemented method for generating B-mode image planes and C-mode image slices for combined B-mode image plane / C-mode image slice scanning, according to an embodiment of this document.

[0035] Figure 15 A non-limiting example of a flowchart illustrating a computer-implemented method for generating two B-mode image planes and C-mode image slices for combined B-mode image plane / C-mode image slice scanning, according to an embodiment of this document.

[0036] Figure 16 Another non-limiting example of a flowchart illustrating a computer-implemented method for generating two B-mode image planes and C-mode image slices for combined B-mode image plane / C-mode image slice scanning, according to an embodiment of this article. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Embodiments of this disclosure will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein ultrasound imaging systems, methods, and / or computer-readable media combine different types of data acquisition schemes to acquire data for B-mode plane and C-mode slices, including a focused, narrower transmit beam for acquiring data for the B-mode plane and a wider transmit beam for acquiring volume data for the C-mode slices. In one example, different types of data acquisition schemes are interleaved, such that multiple sets of scan lines are acquired for the B-mode plane, wherein volume data for the C-mode slices are acquired between the sets of acquired scan lines. In one example, the methods described herein utilize a combination of hardware and software beamforming to generate B-mode and C-mode images.

[0038] As discussed above, 2D transducer arrays allow imaging of combinations of planes and slices, such as those associated with 4D imaging (e.g., 4D cardiac imaging). For example, an example workflow for 4D cardiac imaging involves acquiring a data volume with a single acquisition scheme and then generating and simultaneously displaying one or more B-mode planes and one or more C-mode slices selected by the user. Unfortunately, existing methods require a trade-off between speed and image quality, and while cardiac scans can benefit from higher frame rates, image quality is often sacrificed for speed. The methods described herein allow for arbitrary 3D spatial orientations with higher frame rates and higher image quality, compared to configurations without the methods described herein. The methods described herein can also be used in conjunction with known methods to increase frame rates (e.g., parallel receive beamforming, etc.) and / or increase image quality (e.g., coherent compositing, synthetic transmit focusing, adaptive focusing, etc.).

[0039] Turning Figure 8 The diagram illustrates a non-limiting example of an ultrasound system 802. The ultrasound system 802 includes an ultrasound imaging probe 804 and a console 806. The ultrasound imaging probe 804 and the console 806 interact with each other via a communication channel 808, which includes wired communication channels (e.g., corresponding interfaces, cables, complementary electromechanical connectors, etc.) and / or wireless technologies (e.g., Wi-Fi, etc.). In another example, the ultrasound imaging probe 804 and the console 806 are integrated into the same housing, such as part of a handheld ultrasound system.

[0040] The ultrasonic imaging probe 804 includes a two-dimensional (2D) matrix transducer array 810. The 2D matrix transducer array 810 includes 2D matrix transducer elements 812. Examples of suitable 2D matrix arrays include N×M arrays, where N and M are integers equal to or greater than one. Examples of N and M are 32, 48, 64, 96, 128, 192, 256 and / or other numbers of elements, squares, rectangles, circles and / or other shapes. The 2D matrix transducer array 810 can be linear, curved and / or otherwise shaped, fully filled, sparse and / or combinations thereof, etc. One or more transducer elements 812 are configured to convert an excitation electrical signal into an ultrasonic pressure field and to convert a reflected ultrasonic pressure field into an electrical signal.

[0041] As a non-limiting example, one or more transducer elements 812 may be selectively excited via an excitation electrical (pulse) signal, causing at least a subset of the one or more transducer elements 812 to transmit an ultrasonic pressure field into an examination or scanning field of view for one or more mode B planar acquisitions and / or mode C slice volume acquisitions. The ultrasonic pressure field may include a focused beam, a defocused beam, a plane wave, and / or other ultrasonic pressure fields. One or more transducer elements 812 receive echo signals and generate analog electrical signals indicative of them. Echo signals are generated in response to the emitted ultrasonic pressure field interacting with structures, such as tissue and / or blood cells flowing in a portion of a blood vessel.

[0042] Console 806 includes transmitting circuitry 814 configured to generate an excitation electrical signal for supplying to the 2D matrix transducer array 810. In this example, transmitting circuitry 814 generates the excitation electrical signal based on an acquisition mode in available acquisition modes 816. (Take a break) Figure 9 The diagram illustrates a non-limiting example of acquisition mode 816. In this example, acquisition mode 816 includes at least planar acquisition mode 902 (“planar”), slice acquisition mode 904 (“slice”), and planar+slice acquisition mode 906 (“planar+slice”). In one instance, planar acquisition mode 902 transmits a focused narrow beam, slice acquisition mode 904 transmits a wider beam, and planar+slice acquisition mode 906 transmits a combination of a focused narrow beam and a wider beam.

[0043] In one example, the transmitting circuit 814 excites the element 812 to interleave narrow and wide beam transmissions to simultaneously acquire data from the B-mode plane and C-mode slices. In one example, the interleaving pattern is P1, S, P1, S, P1, S, P1, S, P1, S, ..., where P1 represents a narrow beam transmission to acquire scan lines for the B-mode plane originating from the transducer surface of the 2D matrix transducer array 810, and S represents a wide beam transmission to acquire data volumes for one or more C-mode slices that do not originate from the transducer surface of the 2D matrix transducer array 810, but extend across the plane originating from the transducer surface of the 2D matrix transducer array 810.

[0044] The pattern is repeated to acquire data for scan lines across the entire B-mode plane, and then repeated again to refresh the B-mode plane. The set of focused narrow-beam transmissions P1 collectively comprises scan lines across the entire scan plane. In one instance, each C-mode slice transmission S covers the entire volume being imaged. In another instance, each C-mode slice transmission S covers different sub-volumes (with or without overlap) of the entire volume being imaged, and the sub-volumes from each transmission combine to cover the entire volume being imaged. The staggered pattern of the present invention acquires data for a single B-mode plane and one or more C-mode slices. In one instance, P1 acquires data to generate an axial or sagittal image, and S acquires data to generate a coronal image.

[0045] For two B-mode planes (e.g., one in azimuth and one in elevation) and one or more C-mode slices, an example staggered pattern includes P1, S, P2, S, P1, S, P2, S, P1, S, ..., where P1 represents a scan line of a focused narrow beam transmission to acquire a scan line of a first B-mode plane originating from the transducer surface of the 2D matrix transducer array 810, P2 represents a scan line of a focused narrow beam transmission to acquire a scan line of a second, different B-mode plane originating from the transducer surface of the 2D matrix transducer array 810, and S similarly represents a wide beam transmission to acquire a data volume of one or more C-mode slices that do not originate from the transducer surface of the 2D matrix transducer array 810, but extend across a plane originating from the transducer surface of the 2D matrix transducer array 810. In one example, P1 acquires data to generate an axial or sagittal image, P2 acquires data to generate the other of an axial or sagittal image, and S acquires data to generate a coronal image.

[0046] For two B-mode planes (e.g., one in azimuth and one in elevation) and one or more C-mode slices, another example staggered pattern includes P1, P2, S, P1, P2, S, P1, P2, S, P1, P2, S, ..., where, again, P1 represents a focused narrow beam transmission to acquire scan lines for a first B-mode plane originating from the transducer surface of the 2D matrix transducer array 810, P2 represents a focused narrow beam transmission to acquire scan lines for a second, different B-mode plane originating from the transducer surface of the 2D matrix transducer array 810, and S represents a wide beam transmission to acquire data volumes for one or more C-mode slices that do not originate from the transducer surface of the 2D matrix transducer array 810 but extend across a plane originating from the transducer surface of the 2D matrix transducer array 810. Similarly, P1 acquires data to generate an axial or sagittal image, P2 acquires data to generate the other of an axial or sagittal image, and S acquires data to generate a coronal image.

[0047] This paper also envisions other interleaved transmission patterns. Generally speaking, the frame rate FR of the method described in this paper can be determined as shown in Equation 1:

[0048] Equation 1 :

[0049]

[0050] Where PRF represents the pulse repetition frequency (i.e., the number of pulses per second), S represents the number of planes, and N b This represents the number of transmit beams for each plane. Equation 1 is a function of the number of Mode B planes because a different focused, narrower beam is transmitted for each Mode B plane. Equation 1 is not a function of the number of Mode C slices, at least because multiple Mode C slices can be acquired from the same amount of data acquired using a wider beam.

[0051] The console 806 further includes receiving circuitry 818 configured to receive analog electrical signals for planar acquisition mode 902, slice acquisition mode 904, and planar + slice acquisition mode 906. In one example, receiving circuitry 818 is further configured to preprocess the analog electrical signals, such as amplifying, digitizing, focusing, and / or otherwise processing them. For example, in one example, receiving circuitry 818 includes an amplifier for each element and a corresponding analog-to-digital converter (ADC), wherein each amplifier amplifies the corresponding analog electrical signal from a microvolt level to the voltage range of the ADC.

[0052] The console 806 further includes a switch 820 configured to switch between the transmitting circuit 814 and the receiving circuit 818, for example, by electrically connecting the transmitting circuit 814 to the transducer array 810 for transmitting operations and electrically connecting the receiving circuit 818 to the transducer array 810 for receiving operations. In an alternative embodiment, a separate switch is used for each of the transmitting circuit 814 and the receiving circuit 818.

[0053] The console 806 also includes a beamformer 822. For receive operations, the beamformer 822 is configured to perform beamforming (e.g., matched filter beamformer, etc.) and / or other beamforming on the signal from the receive circuitry 818, for example via delay summation, and to construct radio frequency (RF) data of the echo for each receive operation. Using delay summation beamforming, the digital signal of each element is delayed to align the signal in time, the digital signal is amplified, and then superimposed.

[0054] Temporary turn Figure 10In one example, beamformer 822 includes hardware beamformer 1002 (“hardware”) and software beamformer 1004 (“software”). In one example, hardware beamformer 1002 beamforms signals acquired for generating a B-mode plane, and software beamformer 1004 beamforms signals acquired for generating a C-mode slice. Generally, hardware beamformer 1002 beamforms sequential samples received for a specific B-mode plane for display, while software beamformer 1004 beamforms a subset of samples within an acquired data volume that corresponds to a C-mode slice with the data volume to be displayed.

[0055] Temporary turn Figure 11 In one example, the hardware beamformer 1002 includes J beamformers, including beamformers 11021, ... and 1102. J , where J is a positive integer equal to or greater than one. Examples of J include two (2), four (4), eight (8), sixteen (16), thirty-two (32), sixty-four (64), etc. In this example, the hardware beamformer 1002 can beamform multiple lines in parallel during each transmission. For example, in one example, the hardware beamformer 1002 includes four (4) beamformers (i.e., J = 4) and beamforms four lines during each transmission. Return to Figure 10 The software beamformer 1004 can form all samples of the C-mode slice each time it is transmitted.

[0056] Return to Figure 8 The console 806 further includes an image generator 824. The image generator 824 processes beamforming data and constructs one or more B-mode planes for scan lines against B-mode planes, and samples on a grid of one or more C-mode slices against C-mode slices (e.g., pixel-based beamforming). Generally, the image generator 824 is configured to perform processes such as filtering (e.g., via a finite impulse response (FIR) filter, an infinite impulse response (IIR) filter, etc.), time gain compensation (TGC), I / Q demodulation, envelope detection, logarithmic compression, noise suppression, and / or other processing. When configured for I / Q demodulation, the image generator 824 downmixes the RF signal and optionally applies low-pass filtering and / or decimation. This may include employing a Hilbert transform, a combination of a complex demodulation bandpass filter and optional decimation, and / or other processing.

[0057] Image generator 824 detects and extracts the envelope (e.g., amplitude) of the I / Q signal (where image generator 824 performs I / Q demodulation on the RF signal) or the RF signal (when image generator 824 does not perform I / Q demodulation on the RF signal). In one instance, this is achieved using Hilbert transform and / or other methods. Image generator 824 compresses the extracted envelope, thereby reducing its dynamic range through logarithmic dynamic range compression and / or other means, for example, to reduce the dynamic range to a predetermined display precision, and outputs scan lines. For B-mode images, image generator 824 outputs processed scan lines as frames / images (i.e., B-mode images). For C-mode images, in one instance, image generator 824 outputs a grid as frames / images (i.e., C-mode images).

[0058] The console 806 also includes a scan converter 826 and a display 828. The scan converter 826 is configured to scan and convert B-mode planar images and C-mode slice images into the coordinate system of the display 828. The scan converter 826 can be configured to employ analog and / or digital scan conversion techniques. In one instance, the display 828 is integrated with the console 806. In another instance, the display 828 is a separate and / or remote display monitor electrically connected to the console 806. The display 828 allows the display of one or more images, such as B-mode planar images, C-mode slice images, etc.

[0059] Temporary turn Figure 12 The illustration schematically demonstrates an example display of B-mode planes and C-mode slices via display 828. In this example, the user has selected a display option including R B-mode planes and S C-mode slices, where the R B-mode planes include B-mode plane 12021, ... and B-mode plane 1202. R Where R is a positive integer equal to or greater than one, and S are C-mode slices including C-mode slice 12041, ... and C-mode slice 1204. S , where S is a positive integer equal to or greater than one. For example, in one instance, display 828 visually presents a first plane in the azimuth angle, a second plane in the elevation angle, and a slice.

[0060] In one instance, markers are visually presented to indicate the position of slices associated with a plane. For example, in one instance, markers are overlaid on the planes such that each plane indicates the position of another plane and slice relative to the displayed plane. In the illustrated example, the example further includes control 1206. The control allows the user to select one or more B-mode planes and / or one or more C-mode slices to display. In one instance, control 1206 can also be used to display other information, such as a three-dimensional (3D) view based on the acquired data.

[0061] Return to Figure 8 The console 806 includes a user interface (U / I) 830. The user interface 830 includes one or more input devices (such as buttons, knobs, sliders, touchscreens, mice, keyboards, etc.) and / or other input devices, and / or one or more output devices (such as visual, audible, etc. indicators). The user interface 830 is shown as integrated with the console 806. In another instance, the user interface 830 is a separate and / or remote keyboard, keypad, touchscreen, etc., electrically connected to the console 806. The user interface 830 allows the user to control the operation of the ultrasound imaging system 802. For example, the user interface 830 allows the user to select a scanning protocol and / or input / select scanning parameters. In one instance, the scanning protocol and / or parameters identify the type of scanning mode.

[0062] Console 806 includes controller 832. Controller 832 includes a processor (such as a microprocessor (μP), central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), etc.) and memory storing the adaptive spatial compositing algorithm described herein. Controller 832 is configured to control one or more of the following: transmitting circuitry 814, receiving circuitry 818, switch 820, beamformer 822, image generator 824, scan converter 826, display 828, and user interface 830. One or more components of console 806 may be implemented in software and / or hardware.

[0063] Figure 13 This document illustrates a non-limiting example of a flowchart of a computer-implemented method for generating B-mode image planes and C-mode image slices for combined B-mode image plane / C-mode image slice scans. It should be understood that the order of actions in this method is not restrictive. Therefore, other orders are contemplated herein. Furthermore, one or more actions may be omitted, and / or one or more additional actions may be included.

[0064] At 1302, the user interface 830 receives user input selecting scans including B-mode image planes and C-mode image slices, as described herein and / or otherwise. At 1304, the controller 832 controls the transmitting circuit 814 to generate excitation pulses based on the plane + slice acquisition mode 906 of the acquisition mode 816, as described herein and / or otherwise. At 1306, the 2D matrix transducer array 810 transmits pressure waves to acquire data for generating one or more B-mode image planes and generates pressure waves to acquire data volumes for generating one or more C-mode image slices, as described herein and / or otherwise.

[0065] At 1308, the 2D matrix transducer array 810 receives the echo corresponding to the transmitted pressure wave for use in B-mode image plane acquisition and C-mode image slice acquisition, as described herein and / or otherwise. At 1310, the echoes used for B-mode image plane acquisition and C-mode image slice acquisition are processed to generate at least one B-mode image plane and at least one C-mode image slice, as described herein and / or otherwise. At 1312, at least one B-mode image plane and at least one C-mode image slice are displayed via a user interface 830, as described herein and / or otherwise.

[0066] Figure 14 This document illustrates a non-limiting example of a flowchart of a computer-implemented method for generating B-mode image planes and C-mode image slices for combined B-mode image plane / C-mode image slice scans. It should be understood that the order of actions in this method is not restrictive. Therefore, other orders are contemplated herein. Furthermore, one or more actions may be omitted, and / or one or more additional actions may be included.

[0067] At 1402, the user interface 830 receives user input selecting scans including a B-mode image plane and C-mode image slices, as described herein and / or otherwise. At 1404, the controller 832 controls the transmitting circuit 814 to interleave excitation pulses to generate a B-mode image plane and one or more C-mode slices, as described herein and / or otherwise. At 1406, the 2D matrix transducer array 810 transmits pressure waves to acquire scan lines used to generate the B-mode image plane, as described herein and / or otherwise. At 1408, the 2D matrix transducer array 810 receives echoes corresponding to the transmitted pressure waves for the scan lines used to acquire the B-mode image plane, as described herein and / or otherwise. At 1410, the 2D matrix transducer array 810 transmits pressure waves to acquire data volumes used to generate one or more C-mode image slices, as described herein and / or otherwise.

[0068] At 1412, the 2D matrix transducer array 810 receives an echo corresponding to the transmitted pressure wave for the data volume used to generate one or more C-mode image slices, as described herein and / or otherwise. In some cases, one or more C-mode image slices are displayed. At 1414, it is determined whether more scan lines are needed to generate a B-mode image plane. If it is determined that more scan lines are needed to generate a scan plane, actions 1406-1414 are repeated. If a set of scan lines for generating a scan plane has been acquired, at 1412, a B-mode image plane and a C-mode image slice are generated, as described herein and / or otherwise. At 1414, at least one B-mode image plane and a C-mode image slice are displayed via a display 828, as described herein and / or otherwise.

[0069] Figure 15 A non-limiting example of a flowchart illustrating a computer-implemented method for generating two B-mode image planes and C-mode image slices for combined B-mode image plane / C-mode image slice scanning is provided. It should be understood that the order of actions in this method is not restrictive. Therefore, other orders are contemplated herein. Additionally, one or more actions may be omitted, and / or one or more additional actions may be included.

[0070] At 1502, the user interface 830 receives user input selecting scans including B-mode image planes and C-mode image slices, as described herein and / or otherwise. At 1504, the controller 832 controls the transmitting circuit 814 to interleave excitation pulses to generate two B-mode image planes and one or more C-mode slices, as described herein and / or otherwise. At 1506, the 2D matrix transducer array 810 transmits pressure waves to acquire scan lines used to generate the first B-mode image plane, as described herein and / or otherwise. At 1508, the 2D matrix transducer array 810 receives echoes corresponding to the transmitted pressure waves for the scan lines used to acquire the first B-mode image plane, as described herein and / or otherwise.

[0071] At 1510, the 2D matrix transducer array 810 transmits a pressure wave to acquire a data volume for generating one or more C-mode image slices, as described herein and / or otherwise. At 1512, the 2D matrix transducer array 810 receives an echo corresponding to the transmitted pressure wave for the data volume used to generate one or more C-mode image slices, as described herein and / or otherwise. In some cases, one or more C-mode image slices are displayed. At 1514, the 2D matrix transducer array 810 transmits a pressure wave to acquire scan lines for generating a second B-mode image plane, as described herein and / or otherwise. At 1516, the 2D matrix transducer array 810 receives an echo corresponding to the transmitted pressure wave for the scan lines used for acquiring the second B-mode image plane, as described herein and / or otherwise.

[0072] At 1518, it is determined whether more scan lines are needed to generate the first B-mode image plane and the second B-mode image plane. If it is determined that more scan lines are needed to generate the entire scan plane for the first B-mode image plane and the second B-mode image plane, then actions 1506-1518 are repeated. If a set of scan lines for generating the scan plane for the first B-mode image plane and the second B-mode image plane has been acquired, then at 1520, two B-mode image planes and a C-mode image slice are generated, as described herein and / or otherwise. At 1522, the two B-mode image planes and the C-mode image slice are displayed via display 828, as described herein and / or otherwise.

[0073] Figure 16 A non-limiting example of a flowchart illustrating a computer-implemented method for generating two B-mode image planes and C-mode image slices for combined B-mode image plane / C-mode image slice scanning is provided. It should be understood that the order of actions in this method is not restrictive. Therefore, other orders are contemplated herein. Additionally, one or more actions may be omitted, and / or one or more additional actions may be included.

[0074] At 1602, the user interface 830 receives user input selecting scans including B-mode image planes and C-mode image slices, as described herein and / or otherwise. At 1604, the controller 832 controls the transmitting circuit 814 to interleave excitation pulses to generate two B-mode image planes and one or more C-mode slices, as described herein and / or otherwise. At 1606, the 2D matrix transducer array 810 transmits pressure waves to acquire scan lines used to generate the first B-mode image plane, as described herein and / or otherwise. At 1608, the 2D matrix transducer array 810 receives echoes corresponding to the transmitted pressure waves for the scan lines used to acquire the first B-mode image plane, as described herein and / or otherwise.

[0075] At 1610, the 2D matrix transducer array 810 transmits a pressure wave to acquire scan lines for generating a second mode B image plane, as described herein and / or otherwise. At 1612, the 2D matrix transducer array 810 receives an echo corresponding to the transmitted pressure wave for the scan lines used for acquiring the second mode B image plane, as described herein and / or otherwise. At 1614, the 2D matrix transducer array 810 transmits a pressure wave to acquire a data volume for generating one or more mode C image slices, as described herein and / or otherwise. At 1616, the 2D matrix transducer array 810 receives an echo corresponding to the transmitted pressure wave for the data volume used for generating one or more mode C image slices, as described herein and / or otherwise. In some cases, one or more mode C image slices are displayed.

[0076] At 1618, it is determined whether more scan lines are needed to generate the first B-mode image plane and the second B-mode image plane. If it is determined that more scan lines are needed to generate the entire scan plane for the first B-mode image plane and the second B-mode image plane, then actions 1606-1618 are repeated. If a set of scan lines for generating the scan plane for the first B-mode image plane and the second B-mode image plane has been acquired, then at 1620, two B-mode image planes and a C-mode image slice are generated, as described herein and / or otherwise. At 1622, the two B-mode image planes and the C-mode image slice are displayed via display 828, as described herein and / or otherwise.

[0077] The above method can be implemented by computer-readable instructions encoded or embedded on a computer-readable storage medium, which, when executed by a computer processor, cause the processor to perform the described action or function. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the computer-readable instructions may be executed by a signal, a carrier wave, or other transient medium that is not a computer-readable storage medium.

[0078] As used herein, elements or steps listed in the singular and beginning with the word "a" or "an" should be understood to not exclude multiple said elements or steps unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to "an embodiment" of the invention are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also include the referenced features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments that "comprise," "include," or "have" one or more elements having a particular attribute may include such additional elements that do not have that attribute. The terms "comprise" and "in" are used as concise linguistic equivalents to the corresponding terms "comprising" and "wherein." Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are used merely as notations and are not intended to impose numerical requirements or a particular order of position on their objects.

[0079] Various implementations and / or components (e.g., modules or components and controllers therein) may also be implemented as part of one or more computers or processors. A computer or processor may include computing devices, input devices, display units, and interfaces, such as for accessing the Internet. A computer or processor may include a microprocessor. The microprocessor may be connected to a communication bus. A computer or processor may also include memory. Memory may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). A computer or processor may further include a storage device, which may be a hard disk drive or a removable storage drive, such as a floppy disk drive, an optical disk drive, etc. The storage device may also be other similar means for loading computer programs or other instructions into the computer or processor.

[0080] As used herein, the terms "computer" or "module" can include any processor-based or microprocessor-based system, including systems using microcontrollers, reduced instruction set computers (RISCs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), logic circuits, and any other circuitry or processor capable of performing the functions described herein. The examples above are merely illustrative and are therefore not intended to limit the definition and / or meaning of the term "computer" in any way. A computer or processor executes a set of instructions stored in one or more storage elements to process input data. Storage elements may also store data or other information as desired or required. Storage elements may take the form of an information source within the processor or a physical memory element.

[0081] An instruction set may include various commands that instruct a computer or processor to perform specific operations (such as methods and processes according to various embodiments of the present invention) as a processing machine. The instruction set may be in the form of a software program. Software may take various forms, such as system software or application software. Furthermore, software may take the form of a collection of separate programs or modules, a program module within a larger program, or a portion of a program module. Software may also include modular programming in the form of object-oriented programming. The processor's processing of input data may be in response to operator commands, the results of previous processing, or a request from another processor.

[0082] As used herein, the terms “software” and “firmware” are interchangeable and include any computer program stored in memory for execution by a computer, including RAM memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) memory. The memory types described above are merely exemplary and therefore do not limit the types of memory that can be used to store computer programs.

[0083] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the above embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Furthermore, many modifications may be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of various embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define parameters of various embodiments of the invention, these embodiments are by no means restrictive but rather exemplary. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the above description.

[0084] This written description uses examples to disclose various embodiments of the invention, including the best mode, and also enables those skilled in the art to practice various embodiments of the invention, including making and using any device or system and performing any included methods. The patent scope of the various embodiments of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that would occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not indistinguishable from the literal language of the claims, or if the examples include equivalent structural elements that have minor differences from the literal language of the claims.

[0085] The embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings and described above are merely exemplary embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims, including any equivalents included within the scope of the claims. Various modifications are possible and will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Any combination of the non-mutually exclusive features described herein is intended to be within the scope of this disclosure. That is, features of the embodiments may be combined with any suitable aspect described above, and optional features of any aspect may be combined with any other suitable aspect. Similarly, features listed in dependent claims may be combined with non-mutually exclusive features of other dependent claims, particularly where the dependent claims are subordinate to the same independent claim. Since some jurisdictions require single-claim dependents, these dependents may already be used in practice, but this should not be construed as meaning that features in dependent claims are mutually exclusive.

Claims

1. An ultrasound imaging system (802), the ultrasound imaging system comprising: A transmitting circuit (814) is configured to generate ultrasound element excitation pulses based on an acquisition mode (816), the acquisition mode including at least two different types of ultrasound acquisition for a single ultrasound imaging scan. A transducer array (810) having an element (812) configured to transmit ultrasonic pressure waves based on the at least two different types of ultrasonic acquisition and to receive a corresponding echo signal for each of the at least two different types of ultrasonic acquisition. A beamformer (822) configured to independently beamform the echo signals for the at least two different types of ultrasonic acquisitions; An image generator (824) is configured to generate an image for each of the at least two different types of ultrasound acquisitions based on the corresponding echo signal; and A display (828) is configured to simultaneously display the images for each of the at least two different types of ultrasound acquisitions.

2. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 1, wherein one type of ultrasound acquisition of the at least two different types of ultrasound acquisition includes image planar acquisition, and the other type of ultrasound acquisition of the at least two different types of ultrasound acquisition includes image slice acquisition.

3. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 2, wherein the transducer array is staggered for transmission to the image plane and the image slice.

4. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 3, wherein the transducer array transmits a first pressure wave to acquire a subset of scan lines for the image plane, and transmits a second pressure to acquire a data volume for the image slice.

5. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 2, wherein the transducer array is staggered for transmission to two image planes and the image slices.

6. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 5, wherein the transducer array transmits a first pressure wave to acquire a subset of scan lines for a first image plane, transmits a second pressure wave to acquire a data volume for the image slice, and transmits a third pressure wave to acquire a subset of scan lines for a second image plane.

7. The ultrasound imaging system according to claim 6, wherein the first image plane is in the azimuth angle and the second image plane is in the elevation angle.

8. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 5, wherein the transducer array transmits a first pressure wave to acquire a subset of scan lines for a first image plane, transmits a second pressure wave to acquire a subset of scan lines for a second image plane, and transmits a third pressure wave to acquire data volumes for the image slices.

9. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 8, wherein the first image plane is in the azimuth angle and the second image plane is in the elevation angle.

10. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 1, wherein the image comprises a first image plane and the first image plane has a first image quality, the first image quality being greater than the second image quality of a second image generated from a data volume at the same frame rate.

11. A method, the method comprising: The ultrasonic element excitation pulse is generated based on the acquisition mode, which includes at least two different types of ultrasonic acquisition for a single ultrasonic imaging scan. Based on the at least two different types of ultrasonic acquisition, ultrasonic pressure waves are transmitted; For each of the at least two different types of ultrasound acquisition, the corresponding echo signal is received; Beamforming is performed on the echo signals for at least two different types of ultrasound acquisition. Based on the corresponding echo signal, generate an image for each of the at least two different types of ultrasound acquisition; and The images are displayed simultaneously for each of the at least two different types of ultrasound acquisition.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein one type of ultrasound acquisition of the at least two different types comprises image planar acquisition, and the other type of ultrasound acquisition of the at least two different types comprises image slice acquisition, and the method further comprises: The transmission is interleaved for the image plane and the image slice.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the interleaving comprises: A first pressure wave is sent to acquire a first subset of scan lines against the image plane; Receive the first echo signal in response to the first pressure wave; A second pressure is applied to acquire data volumes for the image slice; Receive the second echo signal in response to the second pressure wave; Send at least a third pressure wave to acquire a second subset of scan lines for the image plane; Receive at least a third echo signal in response to the third pressure wave; as well as The image plane is generated based on the first echo signal and the third echo signal, and the image slice is generated based on the second echo signal.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the interleaving comprises: A first pressure wave is sent to acquire a first subset of scan lines against a first image plane; Receive the first echo signal in response to the first pressure wave; A second pressure is applied to acquire data volumes for the image slice; Receive the second echo signal in response to the second pressure wave; A third pressure wave is sent to acquire a first subset of scan lines against the second image plane; Receive the third echo signal in response to the third pressure wave; as well as The first image plane is generated based on the first echo signal, the image slice is generated based on the second echo signal, and the second image plane is generated based on the third echo signal.

15. A computer-readable medium encoded with computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: The ultrasonic element excitation pulse is generated based on the acquisition mode, which includes at least two different types of ultrasonic acquisition for a single ultrasonic imaging scan. Based on the at least two different types of ultrasonic acquisition, ultrasonic pressure waves are transmitted; For each of the at least two different types of ultrasound acquisition, the corresponding echo signal is received; Beamforming is performed on the echo signals for at least two different types of ultrasound acquisition. Based on the corresponding echo signal, generate an image for each of the at least two different types of ultrasound acquisition; and The images are displayed simultaneously for each of the at least two different types of ultrasound acquisition.

Images