Adaptive ultrasound imaging acquisition

Abstract

An ultrasound imaging system (102) includes a transducer array (110) configured to transmit in a first transmission mode or a split transmission mode in which an original transmission of the first transmission mode is split into a plurality of transmissions for each scan line. The system also includes a beamformer (124) configured to beamform an echo signal corresponding to the original transmission or a combination corresponding to the plurality of transmitted echo signals. The system also includes a scan line processor (128) configured to adaptively apply digital time gain compensation to each scan line, where a first gain is applied to the scan line corresponding to transmission through the tissue and a second gain is applied to the scan line corresponding to transmission through the water balance. The system also includes a controller (142) configured to switch from the first transmit mode to the split transmit mode in response to detecting the water balance enhancement artifact.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following content relates to ultrasound imaging in general, and more specifically to adaptive ultrasound imaging acquisition, and identifies specific applications of adaptive ultrasound imaging acquisition to mitigate water standoff enhancement artifacts. Background Technology

[0002] Ultrasound imaging provides real-time images with information about the interior of an object or subject (such as tissue, organ, etc.). In one example, an excitation pulse is provided to a transducer array. At least a subset of the elements in the array receive the pulse and convert the electrical pulse into a pressure wave / ultrasound signal. The pressure wave is transmitted by the transducer array during transmission, propagates in the medium, and interacts with the medium. Such interaction, in particular (among other things), results in an echo, which is a reflection towards the transducer.

[0003] During a receive operation, the component receives the echo and converts the reflection into an analog signal. For each receive operation, the analog signal is amplified, converted into a digital signal, and beamformed to generate scan lines of radio frequency (RF) data. Using delay-sum beamforming, the digital signal is delayed, weighted, and then summed to generate scan lines. The scan lines are further processed (e.g., bandpass filtering, envelope detection, logarithmic compression, etc.), scan-converted, and displayed as a frame / 2D image (e.g., a B-mode image).

[0004] Acoustic coupling materials are used between the ultrasound probe and the patient being examined. These materials reduce or eliminate cavitation between the probe and tissue, maintain the intensity of the ultrasound signal, and mitigate image artifacts because ultrasound pressure waves travel poorly through the air. For some surgeries, ultrasound imaging is used not only before surgery to confirm the location and size of the surgical tumor but also during and after surgery to examine any residual tissue of interest removed during the procedure. For such surgeries, acoustic coupling materials include water balance.

[0005] For example, certain surgeries may involve removing a tumor or other tissue of interest. An example of such a surgery is neurosurgery to remove a brain tumor from brain tissue. For this type of surgery, ultrasound imaging is used after resection to determine if any residual tumor remains. The resection creates a cavity in the tissue, and water balance is used to fill the cavity and create acoustic coupling. Without water balance, the cavity introduces cavitation between the probe and the tissue. The tumor is either completely removed, or any remnants of the tumor remain near the interface between the water balance and the tissue.

[0006] Ultrasound pressure waves have reduced echo reflectivity within a tumor. Therefore, pixels corresponding to the tumor are darker than pixels in the surrounding tissue. However, water attenuates ultrasound pressure waves almost nothing relative to tissue. Therefore, the echo at the water-tissue boundary is highly reflective and has enhanced intensity relative to the echo from ultrasound pressure waves that only pass through the tissue. This high echo results in bright pixels (enhancement artifacts) at the water-tissue boundary, which mask (or “hide”) some or all of the residual tumor at the water-tissue boundary. Figure 17 An example of fluid balance associated with removed tissue is shown.

[0007] exist Figure 17 In this design, the ultrasound probe 1702 includes a transducer surface 1704. The transducer surface 1704 is located above the tissue 1706 and the cavity 1708 created by the resection. Figure 17 In the middle, cavity 1708 is filled with water 1710. A water balance artifact is visible at the water balance-tissue boundary 1712. Figure 17 In this process, the ultrasonic pressure wave emitted at the end region 1714 of the transducer surface 1704 only penetrates the tissue 1706, while the pressure wave emitted at the central region 1716 of the transducer surface 1704 only penetrates the water 1710. Figure 17 In the middle, the ultrasonic pressure waves in other regions partially penetrate the water 1710 and partially penetrate the tissue 1706.

[0008] Unfortunately, digital temporal gain compensation (DTGC) applied to the scan line cannot be simply reduced to reveal hidden residual tumors at the water balance—tissue boundary. For example, large reflections can cause the echo signal to have an intensity higher than the maximum capacity of the amplifier in the analog front end, resulting in saturation. In this case, part of the signal is clipped and cannot be recovered by reducing the DTGC. Furthermore, reducing the DTGC applied to scan lines that only cross the tissue will degrade the image quality of those areas.

[0009] In view of at least the foregoing, there is an unresolved need for methods to mitigate pixel intensity enhancement artifacts at the water balance-tissue interface in ultrasound imaging. 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, the ultrasound imaging system includes a transducer array configured to transmit in a first transmission mode or a split transmission mode, in which a raw transmission for a scan line of the first transmission mode is split into multiple transmissions for the scan line. The ultrasound imaging system also includes a beamformer configured to beamform echo signals corresponding to the raw transmission or a combination of echo signals corresponding to the multiple transmissions. The ultrasound imaging system further includes a scan line processor configured to adaptively apply digital temporal gain compensation individually to each scan line, wherein a first gain is applied to scan lines corresponding to transmissions crossing tissue, and a second gain is applied to scan lines corresponding to transmissions crossing water balance, to correct for water balance enhancement artifacts. The ultrasound imaging system also includes a controller configured to switch the transducer array, beamformer, and scan line processor from the first transmission mode to the split transmission mode in response to the detection of water balance enhancement artifacts. The ultrasound imaging system also includes an image processor configured to generate an image based on a set of scan lines. The ultrasound imaging system also includes a display configured to display the image.

[0012] In one instance, each of the multiple transmissions has a transmission energy smaller than the transmission energy of the original transmission for the scan line. In another instance, the total transmission energy of each of the multiple transmissions is equal to the transmission energy of the original transmission for the scan line. In another instance, the controller is configured to detect water balance enhancement artifacts based on image analysis. In another instance, the image analysis includes edge detection to detect water balance boundaries in the image. In another instance, the controller is configured to detect water balance enhancement artifacts based on echo signal analysis. In another instance, echo signal analysis identifies signal saturation. In another instance, the controller is configured to switch from a first transmission mode to a split transmission mode based on user input. In another instance, the original transmission includes excitation of a predetermined set of elements of the transducer array, and the split transmission includes excitation of a first subset of the set of elements for the first transmission of the transducer array and excitation of a second subset of the set of elements for the second transmission of the transducer array. In another instance, the first and second subsets include the same number of elements from the set of elements.

[0013] In another aspect, a computer-implemented method includes transmitting in a first transmission mode or a split transmission mode, in which an original transmission for a scan line of the first transmission mode is split into multiple transmissions for the scan line. The computer-implemented method further includes beamforming the echo signal corresponding to the original transmission or a combination of echo signals corresponding to the multiple transmissions. The computer-implemented method further includes adaptively applying digital time gain compensation individually to each scan line, wherein a first gain is applied to scan lines corresponding to transmissions passing through tissue, and a second gain is applied to scan lines corresponding to transmissions passing through water balance, to correct for water balance enhancement artifacts. The computer-implemented method further includes switching a transducer array, beamformer, and scan line processor from the first transmission mode to the split transmission mode in response to the detection of water balance enhancement artifacts. The computer-implemented method further includes generating an image based on a set of scan lines. The computer-implemented method further includes displaying the image.

[0014] On the other hand, a computer-readable medium is encoded with computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: transmit in a first transmission mode or a split transmission mode, in which the original transmission for a scan line of the first transmission mode is split into multiple transmissions for the scan line; perform beamforming on the echo signal corresponding to the original transmission or a combination of echo signals corresponding to the multiple transmissions; individually and adaptively apply digital time gain compensation to each scan line, wherein a first gain is applied to scan lines corresponding to transmissions passing through tissue and a second gain is applied to scan lines corresponding to transmissions passing through the water balance to correct for water balance enhancement artifacts; switch the transducer array, beamformer, and scan line processor from the first transmission mode to the split transmission mode in response to the detection of water balance enhancement artifacts; generate an image based on the set of scan lines; and display the image.

[0015] Other aspects of this application will be recognized by those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the accompanying specification. Attached Figure Description

[0016] 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.

[0017] Figure 1 A non-limiting example of an ultrasound imaging system according to one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, the ultrasound imaging system being configured with adaptive imaging acquisition to mitigate water balance enhancement artifacts.

[0018] Figure 2 An example of a single transmission acquired per scan line in the prior art is illustrated schematically.

[0019] Figure 3 An example of a first transmission of split transmission of only odd-numbered transducer elements, according to one aspect of the embodiments described herein, is illustrated schematically.

[0020] Figure 4 An example of one aspect of the implementation scheme according to this document is illustrated. Figure 3 An example of a split-transmission second transmission, which only excites even-numbered transducer elements.

[0021] Figure 5 Another example of a first transmission of a split transmission that only excites an external transducer element, according to one aspect of the embodiments described herein, is illustrated schematically.

[0022] Figure 6 An example of one aspect of the implementation scheme according to this document is illustrated. Figure 5 An example of a split-transmission second transmission, which only excites the internal transducer element.

[0023] Figure 7 Another example of a first transmission of a split transmission of only a first set of excitation transducer elements according to one aspect of the embodiments herein is illustrated.

[0024] Figure 8 An example of one aspect of the implementation scheme according to this document is illustrated. Figure 7 An example of a split-transmission second transmission, which only excites the remaining set of transducer elements.

[0025] Figure 9 A non-limiting example of an adaptive image acquisition algorithm for an imaging system including an image analyzer, according to one aspect of the embodiments described herein, is illustrated.

[0026] Figure 10 The configuration according to one aspect of the implementation scheme described herein is illustrated schematically. Figure 9 Examples of adaptive image acquisition algorithms and image analyzers for ultrasound imaging.

[0027] Figure 11 A non-limiting example of an adaptive image acquisition algorithm for an imaging system including an echo signal analyzer, according to one aspect of the embodiments described herein, is illustrated.

[0028] Figure 12 The configuration according to one aspect of the implementation scheme described herein is illustrated schematically. Figure 11 Examples of adaptive image acquisition algorithms and echo signal analyzers for ultrasound imaging.

[0029] Figure 13An example of an ultrasound imaging system configured to switch to split-transmission mode on demand based on user input is illustrated in one aspect of the implementation described herein.

[0030] Figure 14 A non-limiting example of a flowchart illustrating a computer-implemented method for mitigating water balance enhancement artifacts based on image analysis, according to an embodiment of this paper.

[0031] Figure 15 A non-limiting example of a flowchart illustrating a computer-implemented method for mitigating water balance enhancement artifacts based on echo signal analysis, according to an embodiment of this paper.

[0032] Figure 16 A non-limiting example of a flowchart illustrating a computer implementation of a method for mitigating water balance enhancement artifacts based on user input analysis, according to an embodiment of this paper.

[0033] Figure 17 An example of fluid balance associated with removed tissue is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Embodiments of this disclosure will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein systems, methods, and / or instructions on computer-readable media mitigate water balance enhancement artifacts at the water balance-tissue interface in ultrasound imaging. In one example, this is achieved by identifying the presence of water balance enhancement artifacts at the water balance-tissue boundary, automatically adjusting ultrasound pressure wave transmission and reception beamforming, and adaptively adjusting scanline digital time gain compensation (DTGC) to mitigate water balance enhancement artifacts.

[0035] As discussed above, water balancing has been used in surgeries involving the removal of certain tissues of interest (e.g., tumors, etc.) to fill the cavity created by the resection with water to avoid cavitation between the probe and normal tissue, which can lead to reduced signal strength, image artifacts, etc. However, water provides almost no attenuation of ultrasound pressure waves relative to tissue, and therefore, the echo at the water-tissue interface within the cavity has enhanced intensity relative to the echo from the ultrasound pressure waves that actually pass through the water balance. This results in bright pixels at the water-tissue boundary, masking some or all of the residual tissue of interest.

[0036] As described in more detail below, in one instance, the identification of the presence of water balance enhancement artifacts is based on image analysis of the B-mode image, signal analysis of the echo signal, user input, etc. In any instance, in response to the identification of the presence of water balance enhancement artifacts, the energy of each transmission is reduced by splitting the transmission into multiple transmissions, each transmission having lower energy than the original transmission, and DTGC is applied individually to the scan lines based on the material each scan line passes through (e.g., tissue only, water only, both tissue and water). Splitting the transmissions alleviates saturation, and applying DTGC individually allows compensation for scan lines passing through the water balance.

[0037] First refer to Figure 1 The illustration schematically illustrates a non-limiting example of an ultrasound system 102. The ultrasound system 102 includes an ultrasound probe 104 and a console 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the probe 104 and the console 106 are coupled to each other via a communication channel 108, which includes wired (e.g., a complementary interface and a cable between them) and / or wireless technologies (e.g., Wi-Fi, etc.). In another example, the probe 104 and the console 106 are integrated into the same housing, such as part of a handheld ultrasound system.

[0038] The probe 104 includes a transducer array 110. The transducer array 110 includes one or more transducer elements 112. Examples of suitable arrays include 64, 128, 192, 256, and / or other arrays, including larger and smaller arrays, one-dimensional (1D) or two-dimensional (2D) arrays, etc. The transducer array 110 can be linear, curved, and / or otherwise shaped, fully filled, sparse, and / or combinations thereof, etc. One or more transducer elements 112 are configured to convert an excitation electrical signal into an ultrasonic pressure field and to convert the reflected ultrasonic pressure field into an electrical signal.

[0039] By way of non-limiting example, one or more transducer elements 112 may be selectively excited via an excitation electrical (pulse) signal, such that at least a subset of the transducer elements 112 transmits an ultrasonic pressure field into the examination or scanning field of view. The ultrasonic pressure field may include a focused ultrasound beam, a defocused (spherical) wave, and / or other ultrasound signals. The one or more transducer elements 112 receive echo signals and generate analog electrical signals indicative of the echo signals. The echo signals are generated in response to the transmitted ultrasonic pressure field interacting with structures such as tissue or blood cells flowing in a portion of a blood vessel.

[0040] The console 106 includes a transmitting circuit 114 configured to generate an excitation electrical signal for transmitting an ultrasonic pressure field to the transducer array 110. In one example, this includes generating delays for individual elements 112 of the transducer array 110, such as for transmitting focusing, beam steering, etc., the complete set of excitation elements, or, for a split-transmission mode, the excitation being less than the complete set of each split transmission, where the split transmission combines the complete set of excitation elements.

[0041] The console 106 also includes a receiving circuit 116 configured to receive and preprocess the analog echo signal. In one example, this includes applying fixed amplification, applying analog time gain compensation (ATGC), converting the analog signal to a digital signal (i.e., digitizing the signal), down-converting the signal to shift its center frequency to baseband, decimating the signal to reduce the data rate, and / or otherwise preprocessing the signal.

[0042] The console 106 also includes a switch 118 configured to switch between the transmitting circuit 114 and the receiving circuit 116, for example, by electrically connecting the transmitting circuit 114 to the transducer array 110 for transmitting operations and electrically connecting the receiving circuit 116 to the transducer array 110 for receiving operations. In an alternative embodiment, separate switches are used, such that the transmitting circuit 114 has a switch and the receiving circuit 116 has a different switch.

[0043] Console 106 also includes a transmit (TX) beamformer 120. The transmit beamformer 120 includes a mode and a transmit determiner 122. The mode determines which elements are excited by the transmit circuitry 114 for each transmit. Examples of suitable modes include elements (e.g., elements 0-95 of a 96-element array), even-numbered elements (e.g., 0, 2, 4, ...), odd-numbered elements (e.g., 1, 3, 5, ...), external elements (e.g., elements 0-15 and 48-63 of a 64-element array instead of elements 16-47), internal elements (e.g., elements 16-47 of a 64-element array instead of elements 0-15 and 48-63), element groups (e.g., elements 0-3, 8-11, ...), and all elements in the group.

[0044] The send parameter determines how many sends are used to acquire data for each scan line. Examples of suitable sends include a single send, two sends, ..., N sends per scan line, where N is a positive integer. As an example, in one instance, a single send includes all elements in the element, and in another example, a single send is split into two sends, each with half the elements, where the send energy level of each send is half that of the single send, and the total energy level of the two sends equals the energy level of the single send.

[0045] The console 106 also includes a receive (RX) beamformer 124 with a scan line buffer memory 126. For receive operations, the RX beamformer 124 is configured to beamform the signal from the receive circuitry 116, for example via delay summation (e.g., matched filter beamformer, etc.) and / or other beamforming, and to construct a scan plane of scan lines for the echoed radio frequency (RF) data or in-phase / quadrature (IQ) data for each receive operation. In the case where a transmission is split into multiple transmissions, scan lines for the first transmission can be stored in the buffer memory 126 and combined with scan lines for the second transmission to generate scan lines.

[0046] Console 106 also includes a scanline processor 128. Scanline processor 128 includes at least a DTGC 130. DTGC 130 is configured to digitally amplify individual scanlines. As described in more detail below, in one instance, DTGC 130 applies a gain factor to scanlines based on tissue attenuation in the absence of water-balance enhancement artifacts, and adaptively modulates the gain factor for each scanline in the presence of water-balance enhancement artifacts (e.g., tissue only, water only, or both tissue and water). Scanline processor 128 can be configured to perform further processing.

[0047] The console 106 also includes an image processor 132. The image processor 132 is configured to perform one or more of the following: filtering (e.g., via a finite impulse response (FIR) filter, an infinite impulse response (IIR) filter, a bandpass filter (BPF), etc.), in-phase and quadrature (I / Q) demodulation, envelope detection, dynamic range compression, composite, dynamic range expansion, noise suppression, downconversion, and decimation. The image processor 132 outputs processed scan lines as frame data or a B-mode image.

[0048] Console 106 also includes additional processing 134. In this example, additional processing 134 includes adaptive gain. In one instance, the adaptive gain is configured to provide 2-D adaptive gain in both the axial and lateral directions using known methods and / or other methods to balance the gain of the cross-B mode image. In another instance, additional processing 134 and / or adaptive gain are omitted.

[0049] Console 106 also includes a scan converter 136. Scan converter 136 is configured to convert frame scans into data or images in the coordinate system of a display monitor. Scan converter 136 may be configured to employ analog and / or digital scan conversion techniques. Console 106 also includes a display 138. In this example, scan converter 136 converts frame scans into data or images in the coordinate system of display monitor 138 and / or other display monitors.

[0050] The console 106 also includes a user interface (UI) 140. UI 140 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). UI 140 allows the user to control the operation of the system 102. For example, in one instance, UI 140 receives input indicating a transmission scheme, such as single transmission per scan line (raw transmission mode) and / or multiple scan lines per scan line (split transmission mode).

[0051] The console 106 also includes a controller 142. The controller 142 includes a processor, such as a microprocessor (μP), a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc. The controller 142 is configured to control one or more of the following: a transmitting circuit 114, a receiving circuit 116, a switch 118, a TX beamformer 120, an RX beamformer 124, a scan line processor 128, an image processor 132, an adaptive gain module 134, a scan converter 136, a display 138, and / or a user interface 140. One or more of these components of the console 106 may be implemented in software and / or hardware.

[0052] The console 106 also includes a computer-readable medium 144 (“MEMORY”), which includes non-transitory media and excludes transient media (signals, carriers, etc.). The computer-readable medium 144 includes at least an adaptive image acquisition module 146. The adaptive image acquisition module 146 includes instructions that, based on inputs, control at least the TX beamformer 120, the RX beamformer 124, and the scan line processor 128 to mitigate water-balance-based enhancement artifacts. These inputs include one or more images from the image processor 132, one or more echo signals from the receiving circuitry 116, and / or one or more inputs from the user via the U / I 140.

[0053] Briefly switch to Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 , Figure 2 An example of a raw single transmission for a scan line is shown, and Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 An example of split transmission from the original single transmission to two transmissions per scan line is shown. Figure 3and Figure 4 An example is shown where one transmission includes elements with odd-numbered IDs and another transmission includes elements with even-numbered IDs. Figure 5 and Figure 6 An example is given where one transmission includes an external element and another transmission includes an internal element. Figure 7 and Figure 8 An example is given where one transmission includes a first set of component groups and another transmission includes a second set of remaining component groups. Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the diagram, the gray element is the energized element, while the white element is not energized.

[0054] First refer to Figure 2 The transducer array 110 includes N elements, namely element 2021, element 2022, element 2023, element 2024, element 2025, element 2026, element 2027, element 2028, ..., element 2020. (N-7) Component 202 (N-6) Component 202 (N-5) Component 202 (N-4) Component 202 (N-3) Component 202 (N-2) Component 202 (N-1) and component 202 N .exist Figure 2 In the context of each scan line, all N elements in the element set, namely element 2021, element 2022, element 2023, element 2024, element 2025, element 2026, element 2027, element 2028, ..., element 202... (N-7) Component 202 (N-6) Component 202 (N-5) Component 202 (N-4) Component 202 (N-3) Component 202 (N-2) Component 202 (N-1) and component 202 N Motivated.

[0055] In one instance, by applying to components 2021, ... 202... N To achieve the voltage Figure 2 The data can be split and sent. For example, components 2021, ... 202 can be used. NTo achieve half-power transmission, a system including hardware is implemented where the transmission pressure can be controlled by changing the applied voltage. In this case, the two transmissions would be two repeated transmissions, each with half the voltage applied to the same element 2021, ... 202. N This results in two transmitters having half the energy, one from element 2021, ..., element 202. N The two transmissions together have a total of [number] from components 2021, ... 202. N The original single transmission sends the same energy.

[0056] exist Figure 3 In this context, only odd-numbered components 2021, 2023, 2025, and 2027 are activated, and... Figure 4 In this process, only even-numbered components 2022, 2024, 2026, and 2028 are activated. Furthermore, Figure 3 This indicates that one of the two transmissions is sent, and Figure 4 This indicates the other of two transmissions. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the context of a scan line, all N elements in the element set, namely element 2021, element 2022, element 2023, element 2024, element 2025, element 2026, element 2027, element 2028, ..., element 202... (N-7) Component 202 (N-6) Component 202 (N-5) Component 202 (N-4) Component 202 (N-3) Component 202 (N-2) Component 202 (N-1) and component 202 N They are excited together, but in two transmissions instead of in one transmission.

[0057] exist Figure 5 In the middle, only external components 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, ..., 202 (N-3) 202 (N-2) 202 (N-1) and 202 N Motivated, and Figure 6 In the middle, only internal component 202 K ...202 L Motivated. Again, Figure 5 This indicates that one of the two transmissions is sent, and Figure 6 This indicates the other of two transmissions. Figure 5 and Figure 6In the context of the scan line, all N elements in the element set, namely element 2021, element 2022, element 2023, element 2024, ..., element 202... K ... Component 202 L ... Component 202 (N-3) Component 202 (N-2) Component 202 (N-1) and component 202 N They are excited together, but in two transmissions instead of in one transmission.

[0058] exist Figure 7 In the middle, every other group of M components 202 1-M The collective incentives of ... and, and Figure 8 In the middle, oppositely, every other group of M elements 202 (M+1)-2M The collective incentive of ... . Again, Figure 7 This indicates that one of the two transmissions is sent, and Figure 8 This indicates the other of two transmissions. Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the context of the scan line, all N elements in the element, i.e., element 202 K ... 202 L Component 2023, Component 2024, Component 2025, Component 2026, Component 2027, Component 2028, ..., Component 202 (N-7) Component 202 (N-6) Component 202 (N-5) Component 202 (N-4) Component 202 (N-3) Component 202 (N-2) Component 202 (N-1) and component 202 N They are excited together, but in two transmissions instead of in one transmission.

[0059] again, Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 An example of splitting a single transmission for two transmissions per scan line is illustrated. Generally, this paper envisions all permutations of splitting a single transmission across multiple transmissions. Furthermore, it should be understood that combining... Figure 2 The single transmission described may not include all elements of the excitation transducer. In any case, split transmissions will each have less energy than the original transmission from all elements in fewer elements.

[0060] Go to Figure 9 and Figure 10, Figure 9 An example of an adaptive image acquisition module 144 is schematically illustrated. In this example, the adaptive image acquisition module 144 includes an image analyzer 902. (Reference) Figure 9 and Figure 10 The controller 142 receives a 2-D frame or image generated by the image processor 132 as input, and outputs a signal indicating the presence of a water balance in response to determining from the 2-D frame or image that a water balance exists. The controller 142 does not output a signal and / or outputs a signal indicating the absence of a water balance in response to determining that a water balance does not exist.

[0061] Image analyzer 902 is configured to process 2-D frames or images to determine the presence of level balance. Generally, a level-balanced region in a 2-D frame or image will appear as flat pixels with grainy noise (e.g., speckle) relative to a region of tissue in the 2-D frame or image. In one instance, image analyzer 902 is configured to process 2-D frames or images to remove and / or reduce such noise. Example methods for removing and / or reducing noise include spatial filtering, anisotropic diffusion, artificial intelligence (AI), and / or other methods, such as methods that enhance an image by reducing noise while preserving structure.

[0062] With and / or without noise removal and / or reduction, the image analyzer 902 is configured to identify and segment any level balance. In one instance, the image analyzer 902 is configured to employ an edge detection algorithm to identify the boundaries of the level balances used for segmentation. Examples of edge detection algorithms include operators that use convolutional kernels to approximate the gradient of the image intensity function, smooth the image, and then detect the gradient. Other algorithms, such as AI-based algorithms, are also envisioned in this paper.

[0063] If image analyzer 902 does not detect water balance, it continues to analyze 2-D frames or images generated by image processor 132 upon receipt. If image analyzer 902 detects water balance, it sends a signal indicating the presence of water balance to TX beamformer 120, RX beamformer 124, and scanline processor 128. As discussed herein, water provides almost no attenuation to ultrasonic pressure waves relative to tissue, and the echo at the water-tissue interface is larger than the tissue echo, which may lead to issues with the receiving circuit 116 ( Figure 1 Saturation or clipping of the output digital signal.

[0064] The mode and transmission determiner 122 adjusts the transmission operation to mitigate saturation in response to a signal indicating that a water balance has been detected. For example, in an instance where all elements of the transducer array 110 are excited in a single transmission (original transmission mode) for each scan line, the mode and transmission determiner 122 is signaled to switch the mode from the original transmission mode (all elements of the element 112 in a single transmission) to a split transmission mode, in which the excitation is split such that there are multiple transmissions per scan line, wherein for each transmission output, fewer than all elements of the element are excited.

[0065] In the case of two transmissions per scan line, each transmission will have less energy than the original single transmission. Reducing the energy of each transmission and alleviating saturation, and the total energy of the two transmissions together will be the same as the original single transmission, thus maintaining the same overall energy and not compromising image quality. The energy of each of the two transmissions per scan line can be equal (e.g., half the energy of the original single transmission) or otherwise equal, as long as the total energy of all transmissions is the same as the original single transmission.

[0066] Continuing with the example of split transmissions, receiving circuit 116 receives the echo signal of the first transmission corresponding to the split acquisition and processes the echo signal as described herein, for example, amplifying, digitizing, etc., and RX beamformer 124 stores the digitized signal in buffer memory 126. Receiving circuit 116 receives the echo signal of the second transmission corresponding to the split acquisition and processes the echo signal as described herein. RX beamformer 124 then combines the two signals and beamforms the combined signal (e.g., as described herein) to generate a single scan line or multiple scan lines depending on the beamformer configuration.

[0067] Scan line processor 128 receives scan lines generated for all split transmissions in the split transmission, and DTGC 130 applies gain along each scan line (i.e., in the axial / depth direction) based on whether the scan line corresponds to a path that passes through tissue only, a path that passes through water balance only, or a path that passes through both tissue and water balance. For scan lines with a path that passes through tissue, the original DTGC is applied to provide a uniform image. For example, the intensity of the transmitted signal typically increases until the focal point and then attenuates. In this case, DTGC 130 applies gain to equalize the signal intensity. For example, DTGC 130 increases the gain before the focal point. For scan lines with a path that passes through water balance only, there is no tissue to attenuate the signal before the focal point, and DTGC 130 decreases the gain before the focal point. For scan lines with a path that passes through both tissue and water balance, DTGC 130 applies gain according to the extent to which the path passes through both tissue and water balance.

[0068] Go to Figure 11 and Figure 12 , Figure 11 Another example of an adaptive image acquisition module 144 is schematically illustrated. In this example, the adaptive image acquisition module 144 includes an echo signal analyzer 1102. (Reference) Figure 11 and Figure 12 The controller 142 receives the echo signal output from the receiving circuit 116 as input and outputs a signal indicating whether a water balance exists. For this purpose, the echo signal analyzer 1102 is configured to process the echo signal to determine whether the echo signal is saturated, where saturation indicates the presence of a water balance.

[0069] Go to Figure 13 In this example, the imaging system 102 can be controlled to switch from a raw transmission mode to a split transmission mode on demand based on user input (e.g., via user interface (U / I) 140 and / or otherwise). In one instance, a user observing the displayed image can invoke the split transmission mode via user interface 140 after identifying water balance enhancement artifacts in the displayed image. In another instance, a user anticipating water balance enhancement artifacts can invoke the split transmission mode via user interface 140 before identifying water balance enhancement artifacts in the displayed image. In yet another instance, a user can switch between raw and split transmission modes on demand based on user input and / or automatically.

[0070] In another instance, the variant includes Figure 10 , Figure 12 and / or Figure 13The implementation scheme may involve a combination of two or more implementation schemes, and / or other methods. In any case, the image analyzer 902, the echo signal analyzer 1102, and / or the user may switch to a split transmission mode. Additionally or alternatively, the image analyzer 902, the echo signal analyzer 1102, and / or the user may switch from a split transmission mode to a full transmission mode.

[0071] Figure 14 A non-limiting example of a flowchart illustrating a computer-implemented method for mitigating water balance enhancement artifacts based on image analysis is provided. 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.

[0072] At 1402, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise, an ultrasound pressure wave is transmitted according to a selected protocol. Initially, the protocol corresponds to one used for scanning before, during, and / or after surgery, which does not include water balancing to fill cavities created by the resection of tissue of interest, such as a tumor. In this example, the protocol results in a single transmission for each scan line. At 1404, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise, the echo created in response to the single transmission is received. At 1406, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise, the echo is preprocessed.

[0073] At 1408, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise, beamforming is performed on the preprocessed echo signal to generate scan lines. This includes beamforming the preprocessed echo signal created in response to a single transmission. At 1410, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise, DTGC is applied to each beamformed scan line. Again, the intensity of the transmitted signal is typically increased up to the focal point and then attenuated, and DTGC 130 is applied to equalize the signal intensity. At 1412, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise, the scan lines are processed to generate a 2-D frame or image.

[0074] At 1414, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise, the image is analyzed to determine the presence of water balance. At 1416, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise, the presence of water balance is determined. If no water balance is detected, at 1418, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise, an adaptive gain is applied across the image in 2-D to achieve uniformity. At 1420, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise, the image is scanned. At 1422, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise, the image is displayed.

[0075] Upon detection of a water balance, the TX beamformer 120, RX beamformer 124, and scanline processor 128 switch from the original transmission mode to a split transmission mode, in which each transmission is split into multiple transmissions via the TX beamformer 120 (each transmission having less energy than the original transmission signal), the RX 124 combines the echo signals from each of the multiple transmissions, and the scanline processor 128 applies DTGC based on whether the scanline corresponds to a transmission that is organized or water-balanced by the beamformer, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise.

[0076] Furthermore, the current image is processed at 1418, where, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise, adaptive gain is applied across the image in 2-D to achieve uniformity; a scan conversion is performed at 1420, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise; and then the image is displayed as disclosed herein and / or otherwise. In one instance, splitting the transmit energy across multiple transmissions for each scan line mitigates echo signal saturation, combining the echo signals ensures the preservation of the original energy, and applying DTGC individually allows compensation across scan lines that cross the level balance, thereby reducing level balance enhancement artifacts.

[0077] Figure 15 A non-limiting example of a flowchart illustrating a method for mitigating water balance enhancement artifacts based on echo signal analysis is provided. 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.

[0078] At 1502, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise, an ultrasound pressure wave is transmitted according to a selected protocol. Initially, the protocol corresponds to one used for scanning before, during, and / or after surgery, which does not include water balancing to fill cavities created by the resection of tissue of interest, such as a tumor. In this example, the protocol results in a single transmission for each scan line. At 1504, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise, the echo created in response to the single transmission is received. At 1506, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise, the echo is preprocessed.

[0079] At 1508, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise, a saturation analysis is performed on the echo signal. At 1510, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise, it is determined whether the echo signal is saturated. If no saturation is detected, at 1512, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise, beamforming is performed on the pre-processed echo signal to generate scan lines. Again, this includes beamforming the pre-processed echo signal created in response to a single transmission. At 1514, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise, DTGC is applied to each beamformed scan line. Again, the intensity of the transmitted signal is typically increased until the focal point and then attenuated, and DTGC 130 is applied to equalize the signal intensity.

[0080] At 1516, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise, the scan lines are processed to generate a 2-D frame or image. At 1518, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise, an adaptive gain is applied in 2-D across the image to achieve uniformity. At 1520, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise, the image undergoes a scan transformation. At 1522, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise, the image is displayed.

[0081] If saturation is detected at 1510, for the next transmission, the TX beamformer 120, RX beamformer 124, and scanline processor 128 switch from the original transmission mode to a split transmission mode, in which each transmission is split into multiple transmissions via the TX beamformer 120 (each transmission having less energy than the original transmission signal), the RX beamformer 124 combines the echo signals of each of the multiple transmissions, and the scanline processor 128 applies DTGC based on whether the scanline corresponds to a transmission through organization or water balance, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise.

[0082] Furthermore, at 1512, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise, beamforming is performed on the preprocessed echo signal to generate scan lines. At 1514, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise, DTGC is applied to each beamformed scan line. At 1516, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise, the scan lines are processed to generate a 2-D frame or image. At 1518, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise, adaptive gain is applied in 2-D across the image to achieve uniformity. At 1520, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise, scan transformation is performed on the image. At 1522, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise, the image is displayed.

[0083] Furthermore, in one instance, splitting the transmit energy across multiple transmissions for each scan line mitigates echo signal saturation, combining the echo signals ensures the original energy is maintained, and applying DTGC individually allows compensation across scan lines that are leveled, thereby reducing leveled enhancement artifacts.

[0084] Figure 16 A non-limiting example of a flowchart illustrating a method for a computer-implemented method to mitigate water balance enhancement artifacts based on user input is provided. 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.

[0085] At 1602, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise, an ultrasound pressure wave is transmitted according to a selected protocol. Initially, the protocol corresponds to one used for scanning before, during, and / or after surgery, which does not include water balancing to fill cavities created by the resection of tissue of interest, such as a tumor. In this example, the protocol results in a single transmission for each scan line. At 1604, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise, the echo created in response to the single transmission is received. At 1606, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise, the echo is preprocessed.

[0086] At 1608, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise, beamforming is performed on the preprocessed echo signal to generate scan lines. This includes beamforming the received preprocessed echo signal created in response to a single transmission. At 1610, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise, DTGC is applied to each beamformed scan line. Again, the intensity of the transmitted signal is typically increased up to the focal point and then attenuated, and DTGC 130 is applied to equalize the signal intensity. At 1612, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise, the scan lines are processed to generate a 2-D frame or image.

[0087] At 1614, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise, an adaptive gain is applied in 2-D across the image to achieve uniformity. At 1616, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise, a scan transformation is performed on the image. At 1618, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise, the image is displayed. At 1620, it is determined whether the user input has switched from the original transmission mode to the split transmission mode. If the user has not switched from the original transmission mode to the split transmission mode, actions 1602 to 1620 are repeated.

[0088] In the case of user switching mode, TX beamformer 120, RX beamformer 124 and scanline processor 128 switch from original transmission mode to split transmission mode, in which each transmission is split into multiple transmissions via TX beamformer 120 (each transmission has less energy than the original transmission signal), RX beamformer 124 combines the echo signals of each of the multiple transmissions, and scanline processor 128 applies DTGC based on whether the scanline corresponds to a transmission through organization or leveling, as disclosed herein and / or otherwise.

[0089] Furthermore, in one instance, splitting the transmit energy across multiple transmissions for each scan line mitigates echo signal saturation, combining the echo signals ensures the original energy is maintained, and applying DTGC individually allows compensation across scan lines that are leveled, thereby reducing leveled enhancement artifacts.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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 also include storage devices, which may be hard disk drives or removable storage drives, such as floppy disk drives, optical disk drives, etc. Storage devices may also be other similar means for loading computer programs or other instructions into the computer or processor.

[0093] 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 processors 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 information sources within a processor or physical memory elements.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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 exemplary. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the above description.

[0097] 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 they include equivalent structural elements that differ only slightly from the literal language of the claims.

[0098] The embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described above are merely illustrative 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 non-exclusive features described herein is intended to be within the scope of this disclosure. That is, features of the described 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-exclusive features of other dependent claims, particularly where the dependent claims are subordinate to the same independent claim. In some jurisdictions that claim single-claim dependents, such single-claim dependents may have been 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 (102), the ultrasound imaging system comprising: A transducer array (110) is configured to transmit in a first transmission mode or a split transmission mode, wherein in the split transmission mode, the original transmission for a scan line of the first transmission mode is split into multiple transmissions for the scan line. A beamformer (124) is configured to beamform an echo signal corresponding to the original transmission or a combination of the plurality of transmitted echo signals. A scan line processor (128) is configured to adaptively apply digital time gain compensation individually to each scan line, wherein a first gain is applied to scan lines corresponding to transmissions through tissue and a second gain is applied to scan lines corresponding to transmissions through water balance to correct water balance enhancement artifacts. Controller (142), the controller being configured to switch the transducer array, the beamformer and the scanline processor from the first transmission mode to the split transmission mode in response to the detection of a water balance enhancement artifact; Image processor (132), the image processor being configured to generate an image based on a set of scan lines, and A display (138) configured to display the image.

2. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of transmissions has a transmission energy less than the transmission energy of the original transmission for the scan line.

3. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 2, wherein the total transmission energy of each of the plurality of transmissions is equal to the transmission energy of the original transmission for the scan line.

4. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to detect the water balance enhancement artifact based on analysis of the image.

5. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 4, wherein the analysis of the image includes edge detection to detect the boundaries of the water balance in the image.

6. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to detect the water balance enhancement artifact based on analysis of the echo signal.

7. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 6, wherein the analysis identifier signal of the echo signal is saturated.

8. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to switch from the first transmission mode to the split transmission mode based on user input.

9. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 1, wherein the original transmission includes excitation of a predetermined set of elements of the transducer array, and the split transmission includes excitation of a first subset of the set of elements by a first transmission of the transducer array and excitation of a second subset of the set of elements by a second transmission of the transducer array.

10. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 1, wherein the original transmission comprises excitation of a predetermined set of elements of the transducer array, and the split transmission comprises a first transmission to the predetermined set of elements for the transducer array and a second transmission to the predetermined set of elements for the transducer array, wherein the first transmission has a transmission energy less than the transmission energy of the original transmission, and the second transmission has a transmission energy less than the transmission energy of the original transmission.

11. A computer-implemented method, the computer-implemented method comprising: Transmission is performed in either a first transmission mode or a split transmission mode, wherein the original transmission for a scan line of the first transmission mode is split into multiple transmissions for the scan line; Beamforming is performed on the echo signal corresponding to the original transmission or the combination of the multiple transmitted echo signals. Digital time gain compensation is adaptively applied individually to each scan line, wherein a first gain is applied to the scan line corresponding to the transmission through the tissue and a second gain is applied to the scan line corresponding to the transmission through the water balance to correct water balance enhancement artifacts. In response to the detection of a water balance enhancement artifact, the transducer array, the beamformer, and the scanline processor are switched from the first transmission mode to the split transmission mode. Image generation based on a set of scan lines, and The image is displayed.

12. The computer-implemented method according to claim 11, further comprising: The original transmission is split into two transmissions, each transmission having a transmission energy less than that of the original transmission, wherein the total transmission energy of the two transmissions is equal to the transmission energy of the original transmission for the scan line.

13. The computer-implemented method according to claim 11, further comprising: The image is analyzed to detect the water balance enhancement artifacts.

14. The computer-implemented method according to claim 11, further comprising: The echo signal is analyzed to detect the water balance enhancement artifact by detecting signal saturation.

15. The computer-implemented method according to claim 11, further comprising: The user switches from the first sending mode to the split sending mode based on user input.

16. A computer-readable medium encoded with computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: Transmission is performed in either a first transmission mode or a split transmission mode, wherein the original transmission for a scan line of the first transmission mode is split into multiple transmissions for the scan line; Beamforming is performed on the echo signal corresponding to the original transmission or the combination of the multiple transmitted echo signals. Digital time gain compensation is adaptively applied individually to each scan line, wherein a first gain is applied to the scan line corresponding to the transmission through the tissue and a second gain is applied to the scan line corresponding to the transmission through the water balance to correct water balance enhancement artifacts. In response to the detection of a water balance enhancement artifact, the transducer array, the beamformer, and the scanline processor are switched from the first transmission mode to the split transmission mode. Images are generated based on a set of scan lines, and The image is displayed.

17. The computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to: The original transmission is split into two transmissions, each transmission having a transmission energy less than that of the original transmission, wherein the total transmission energy of the two transmissions is equal to the transmission energy of the original transmission for the scan line.

18. The computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to: The image is analyzed to detect the water balance enhancement artifacts.

19. The computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to: The echo signal is analyzed to detect the water balance enhancement artifact by detecting signal saturation.

20. The computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to: The user switches from the first sending mode to the split sending mode based on user input.

Images