Three-level transmitted waveform apodization method and system and ultrasonic imaging equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a three-level transmitted waveform apodization method and system and ultrasonic imaging equipment. The apodization method is applied to the ultrasonic imaging equipment. A plurality of transmitting array elements are arranged on the ultrasonic imaging equipment; the three levels comprise a non-zero level; the apodization method comprises the following steps: acquiring a target ultrasonic waveform which needs to be emitted by ultrasonic imaging equipment; and determining a first duration for applying the non-zero level to each transmitting array element, so that the ultrasonic transmitting waveform transmitted by the ultrasonic imaging equipment is matched with the target ultrasonic waveform. Non-zero level of a first duration is applied to each transmitting array element in ultrasonic imaging equipment which does not support the application of any voltage to each transmitting array element, so that array element waveforms transmitted by each transmitting array element have different transmitting energy; therefore, the ultrasonic waveform after the waveform of each array element is superposed can be matched with the target ultrasonic waveform, so that the ultrasonic imaging equipment can emit an ideal waveform close to any applied voltage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of ultrasound imaging technology, and in particular to a method, system, and ultrasound imaging device for apodizing a 3-level transmitted waveform. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the common method for apodizing ultrasonic emission waveforms is to apply different voltages to the waveforms emitted by each element of the ultrasonic imaging device, thereby adjusting the waveform emitted by the device and enabling it to produce an ideal waveform. However, some ultrasonic imaging devices do not support applying arbitrary voltages to each element.

[0003] Therefore, current methods for apodizing ultrasonic emission waveforms are insufficient to produce ideal waveforms in ultrasonic imaging devices that do not support applying arbitrary voltages to individual emission elements. Thus, how to enable these ultrasonic imaging devices to emit ideal waveforms has become a pressing problem to solve. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this disclosure is to overcome the shortcomings of existing ultrasonic waveform apodization methods, which cannot enable ultrasonic imaging devices that do not support the application of arbitrary voltages to each transmitting element to emit ideal waveforms. This disclosure provides a method, system, and ultrasonic imaging device for apodizing a 3-level transmitted waveform.

[0005] This disclosure solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solution:

[0006] In a first aspect, this disclosure provides an apodization method for a 3-level transmitted waveform, the apodization method being applied to an ultrasound imaging device; the ultrasound imaging device is provided with a plurality of transmitting array elements; the 3 levels include non-zero levels; the apodization method includes:

[0007] A first duration for which a non-zero level is applied to each of the transmitting array elements is determined so that the ultrasonic wave emitted by the ultrasonic imaging device matches the target ultrasonic wave shape.

[0008] Optionally, the step of determining the first duration for which a non-zero level is applied to each of the transmitting array elements includes:

[0009] Obtain the first target energy possessed by each of the transmitting array elements corresponding to the target ultrasonic wave shape;

[0010] Based on each of the first target energies, determine the number of first transmission clock cycles for which the corresponding transmission array element applies the non-zero level, so as to determine the first duration for which the non-zero level is applied to each of the transmission array elements.

[0011] The number of the first transmission clocks is positively correlated with the first duration.

[0012] Optionally, the step of obtaining the first target energy possessed by each of the transmitting array elements corresponding to the target ultrasonic wave shape includes:

[0013] Obtain the weight value corresponding to each of the transmitting elements on the preset apodization curve, and the standard energy of each of the transmitting elements; wherein, the standard energy is the energy possessed when the non-zero level is applied to each of the transmitting elements during the transmission period; wherein, the preset apodization curve is constructed according to the target ultrasonic wave shape;

[0014] Calculate the product of each weight value and the standard energy to obtain the first target energy of the corresponding transmitting element.

[0015] Optionally, the step of determining the number of first transmit clock cycles with the non-zero level applied to the corresponding transmit array element based on each of the first target energies includes:

[0016] Determine the first unit energy possessed by each transmit array element after applying the non-zero level for a transmit clock cycle;

[0017] The first target energy of each element is rounded down to obtain the second target energy of each element of the transmitting array;

[0018] Based on the first target energy, the second target energy, and the first unit energy, determine the number of first transmit clock cycles with non-zero levels applied to the corresponding transmit array element.

[0019] Optionally, the step of determining the number of first transmit clock cycles with the non-zero level applied to the corresponding transmit array element based on the first target energy, the second target energy, and the first unit energy includes:

[0020] Calculate the ratio of the second target energy to the first unit energy to obtain the second number of transmission clocks;

[0021] In response to the energy difference between the first target energy and the second target energy being greater than or equal to an energy difference threshold, the number of second transmission clocks is increased by a preset step size to obtain the number of first transmission clocks;

[0022] In response to the energy difference between the first target energy and the second target energy being less than the energy difference threshold, the second transmission clock count is used as the first transmission clock count.

[0023] Optionally, the step of determining the first duration for which a non-zero level is applied to each of the transmitting array elements to match the ultrasonic wave emitted by the ultrasonic imaging device with the target ultrasonic wave shape includes:

[0024] Based on each first duration, select the first element waveform to be transmitted by the corresponding transmitting element from the first preset correspondence;

[0025] Each of the transmitting array elements is controlled to transmit a corresponding first array element waveform so that the ultrasonic transmission waveform emitted by the ultrasonic imaging device matches the target ultrasonic wave waveform; wherein the ultrasonic transmission waveform is obtained by superimposing the waveforms of each of the first array elements.

[0026] Optionally, the step of determining the first duration for which a non-zero level is applied to each of the transmitting array elements to match the ultrasonic wave emitted by the ultrasonic imaging device with the target ultrasonic wave shape further includes:

[0027] In response to the fact that the frequency of the ultrasonic emission waveform is the same in the emission cycle, a second duration for which a non-zero level is applied to each of the emission array elements is determined within half of the emission cycle; wherein the second duration is half of the first duration;

[0028] The ultrasonic wave emitted by the ultrasonic imaging device during each second duration is mapped onto the other half of the emission cycle so that the ultrasonic wave emitted by the ultrasonic imaging device matches the target ultrasonic wave pattern.

[0029] Since the frequencies of the ultrasonic emission waveforms are not completely identical during the emission cycle, the second element waveform to be emitted by the corresponding emission element is selected from the second preset correspondence based on the first duration of the non-zero level applied to each emission element; wherein, the second correspondence is the correspondence between the different first durations of the non-zero level applied to each emission element and the second element waveform emitted by each emission element when the emission waveform frequencies are different.

[0030] Each of the transmitting array elements is controlled to transmit a corresponding second array element waveform so that the ultrasonic transmission waveform emitted by the ultrasonic imaging device matches the target ultrasonic wave waveform; wherein the ultrasonic transmission waveform is obtained by superimposing the waveforms of each of the second array elements.

[0031] Secondly, this disclosure provides an apodization system for a 3-level transmitted waveform, the apodization system being applied to an ultrasound imaging device; the ultrasound imaging device is provided with a plurality of transmitting array elements; the 3 levels include non-zero levels; the apodization system includes:

[0032] A determining module is used to determine the first duration for which a non-zero level is applied to each of the transmitting array elements, so that the ultrasonic wave emitted by the ultrasonic imaging device matches the target ultrasonic wave shape.

[0033] Optionally, the determining module includes:

[0034] The acquisition unit is used to acquire the first target energy possessed by each of the transmitting array elements corresponding to the target ultrasonic wave shape;

[0035] The determining unit is configured to determine, based on each of the first target energies, the number of first transmission clock cycles for applying the non-zero level to the corresponding transmission array element, so as to determine the first duration for which the non-zero level is applied to each of the transmission array elements;

[0036] The number of the first transmission clocks is positively correlated with the first duration.

[0037] Optionally, the acquisition unit includes:

[0038] A subunit is used to acquire the weight value corresponding to each of the transmitting array elements on the preset apodization curve, and the standard energy of each of the transmitting array elements; wherein, the standard energy is the energy possessed when the non-zero level is applied to each of the transmitting array elements during the transmission period; wherein, the preset apodization curve is constructed according to the target ultrasonic wave shape;

[0039] The first calculation subunit is used to calculate the product of each weight value and the standard energy to obtain the first target energy of the corresponding transmitting array element.

[0040] The determining unit is also configured to determine the first unit energy possessed by each transmitting array element after applying a non-zero level equal to the number of transmitting clock cycles;

[0041] Optionally, the determining module further includes:

[0042] The rounding unit is used to round down each of the first target energies to obtain the second target energy of each of the transmitting array elements;

[0043] The determining unit is further configured to determine, based on the first target energy, the second target energy, and the first unit energy, the number of first transmission clocks with non-zero levels applied to the corresponding transmission array element.

[0044] Optionally, the determining unit includes:

[0045] The second calculation subunit calculates the ratio of the second target energy to the first unit energy to obtain the second number of transmission clocks;

[0046] The response subunit, in response to the energy difference between the first target energy and the second target energy being greater than or equal to the energy difference threshold, increases the number of the second transmission clocks by a preset step size to obtain the number of the first transmission clocks;

[0047] The response subunit further responds to the energy difference between the first target energy and the second target energy being less than the energy difference threshold by using the second transmission clock count as the first transmission clock count.

[0048] Optionally, the determining module further includes:

[0049] The selection unit is used to select the first array element waveform to be transmitted by the corresponding transmitting array element from the first preset correspondence according to each first duration.

[0050] The control unit is used to control each of the transmitting array elements to transmit a corresponding first array element waveform, so that the ultrasonic transmission waveform emitted by the ultrasonic imaging device matches the target ultrasonic wave waveform; wherein the ultrasonic transmission waveform is obtained by superimposing the waveforms of each of the first array elements.

[0051] Optionally, the determining module further includes:

[0052] The response unit, in response to the fact that the frequency of the ultrasonic emission waveform is the same in the emission cycle, determines a second duration of applying a non-zero level to each of the emission array elements within half of the emission cycle; wherein the second duration is half of the first duration;

[0053] A mapping unit is configured to map the ultrasonic emission waveform emitted by the ultrasonic imaging device during each second duration onto the other half of the emission cycle, so that the ultrasonic emission waveform emitted by the ultrasonic imaging device matches the target ultrasonic wave pattern.

[0054] The response unit also responds to the fact that the frequencies of the ultrasonic emission waveforms are not completely the same in the emission cycle, and selects the second element waveform to be emitted by the corresponding emission element from the second preset correspondence based on the first duration of the non-zero level applied to each emission element; wherein, the second correspondence is the correspondence between the first duration of the non-zero level applied to each emission element and the second element waveform emitted by each emission element when the emission waveform frequencies are different.

[0055] The control unit also controls each of the transmitting array elements to transmit a corresponding second array element waveform, so that the ultrasonic transmission waveform emitted by the ultrasonic imaging device matches the target ultrasonic wave waveform; wherein, the ultrasonic transmission waveform is obtained by superimposing the waveforms of each of the second array elements.

[0056] Thirdly, this disclosure provides an ultrasound imaging device, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and for running on the processor, wherein the processor executes the computer program to implement the apodization method of the three-level transmission waveform described above.

[0057] Fourthly, this disclosure provides an electronic device including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and used to run on the processor, wherein the processor executes the computer program to implement the apodization method of the three-level transmit waveform described above.

[0058] Fifthly, this disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the apodization method for the three-level transmit waveform described above.

[0059] In a sixth aspect, this disclosure provides a computer program product, including a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, performs the aforementioned method for apodizing a 3-level transmit waveform.

[0060] Based on common knowledge in the field, the above-mentioned preferred conditions can be combined arbitrarily to obtain various preferred embodiments of this disclosure.

[0061] The positive and progressive effect of this disclosure is that by applying a non-zero level of a first duration to each transmitting element in an ultrasound imaging device that does not support applying arbitrary voltage to each transmitting element, the element waveform emitted by each transmitting element can have different emission energy, thereby enabling the ultrasonic wave shape after the superposition of the element waveforms to match the target ultrasonic wave shape, thus enabling the ultrasound imaging device that does not support applying arbitrary voltage to each transmitting element to emit an ideal waveform close to the one applied with arbitrary voltage. Attached Figure Description

[0062] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the emitted sound field of an ultrasonic transducer in an ultrasonic imaging device.

[0063] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the emitted sound field in an ultrasound imaging device using 3-level and rectangular windows;

[0064] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the emitted sound field when using a 3-level ultrasonic imaging device and when using a Hanning window;

[0065] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the emitted sound field using an infinite-level sine wave and a rectangular window for an ultrasound imaging device;

[0066] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the emitted sound field when using an infinite-level sine wave for an ultrasound imaging device and when using a Hanning window.

[0067] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the emitted sound field contour lines for ultrasonic imaging equipment using 3-level and rectangular windows;

[0068] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the emitted sound field contour lines for ultrasonic imaging equipment using 3-level and Hanning windows;

[0069] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the emitted sound field contour lines for an ultrasound imaging device using an infinite-level sine wave and a rectangular window.

[0070] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the emitted sound field contour lines for ultrasonic imaging equipment using an infinite-level sine wave and after applying a Hanning window.

[0071] Figure 10 A flowchart of a method for apodizing a 3-level transmitted waveform provided in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure;

[0072] Figure 11 This is a partial schematic diagram of the target ultrasonic wave shape when the transmission waveform frequency is f0, which is part of the apodization method for a 3-level transmission waveform provided in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure.

[0073] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the half-cycle waveform set in the first preset relationship of the apodization method for a 3-level transmitted waveform provided in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure.

[0074] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the actual ultrasonic transmission waveform emitted by the ultrasonic imaging device in the apodization method for a 3-level transmission waveform provided in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure;

[0075] Figure 14 The actual ultrasonic transmission waveform distribution diagram emitted by the ultrasonic imaging device in the apodization method of a 3-level transmission waveform provided in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure;

[0076] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the transmitted sound field before apodization of the transmitted waveform in a method for apodizing a 3-level transmitted waveform provided in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure;

[0077] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the transmitted sound field after transmission level apodization in a method for apodizing a 3-level transmitted waveform provided in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure;

[0078] Figure 17 A schematic diagram of the transmitted sound field before apodization of the transmitted waveform in a method for apodizing a 3-level transmitted waveform provided in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure;

[0079] Figure 18This is a schematic diagram of the transmitted sound field after transmission level apodization in a method for apodizing a 3-level transmitted waveform provided in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure;

[0080] Figure 19 A schematic diagram of a 3-level transmit waveform apodization system provided in Embodiment 2 of this disclosure;

[0081] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in Embodiment 4 of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0082] The present disclosure is further illustrated below by way of embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0083] The prefixes such as "first" and "second" used in this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not limit the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the described objects. The use of ordinal numbers and other prefixes used to distinguish descriptive objects in this disclosure does not constitute a limitation on the described objects. The description of the described objects is given in the context of the embodiments, and the use of such prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. Furthermore, in the description of this embodiment, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more.

[0084] Example 1

[0085] The inventors discovered that current ultrasonic transducers in ultrasonic imaging equipment utilize some or all of their transmitting array elements for emission. The emitted ultrasonic waveform is focused in space through electronic delay, forming an emitted sound field region. For example... Figure 1 The ultrasonic transducer 11 emits a sound field region 13 from a portion of the emitting array elements, forming a high-intensity emission focal region 12 within the sound field region 13.

[0086] Typically, only the image of the emission focal area 12 is relatively clear within the emission sound field region 13, indicating high lateral resolution. However, the lateral resolution of images far from the emission focal area 12 is not high. This is because the sound field width of the beam in the emission focal area 12 is narrower. Only a narrower sound field width needs to be excited. Therefore, for targets laterally adjacent to the emission focal area 12 with similar acoustic impedance, the echo signal excited only by the emission focal area 12 differs significantly in amplitude from the echo signal of targets less excited beside the emission focal area 12. When the sound beam scans the entire imaging area, targets laterally adjacent to the emission focal area 12 with similar acoustic impedance are clearly distinguishable during imaging because they are excited by different sound beams and the pixel spacing is smaller than the target spacing. However, in areas far from the emission focal area 12, the sound beam coverage area is wider. Within this area, adjacent targets with similar acoustic impedance are excited to similar degrees, resulting in similar echo amplitudes. The scanning imaging method causes the echo of the same target to appear at different scanning positions, leading to a wider lateral width for a single target during imaging. This results in unclear brightness blending and contrast between laterally adjacent targets, which is a direct manifestation of lateral resolution. The professional description of lateral resolution is the FWHM (full width at half maximum), which is -6dB (decibel) of the point target echo. It is usually required to be less than the lateral distance between adjacent targets.

[0087] Contrast is also affected by the emitted sound beam. Because the lateral sound intensity changes rapidly in the emission focal area 12, the lateral resolution is high, and the brightness fusion phenomenon is not easy to occur near the target. This phenomenon significantly reduces the lateral contrast. The reason why the lateral contrast of the target far away from the emission focal area 12 is low is the same.

[0088] The changes in the lateral sound intensity of the sound beam manifest in two aspects: first, the width of the main lobe, which directly determines the lateral resolution of the point target; and second, the amplitude and descent rate of the side lobes, which determine the amplitude and width of the side lobes. Side lobes affect the visual perception of lateral resolution; high side lobes make points in the image appear wider and more visible laterally, and the descent rate determines the lateral widening. A narrow main lobe results in high lateral resolution, while low side lobe amplitude, besides reducing the visual visibility of side lobes, also increases lateral contrast.

[0089] As described above, the width of the emitted acoustic beam, the width of the main lobe, and the amplitude of the side lobes directly affect the lateral resolution and contrast. Therefore, existing technologies use emission amplitude apodization (i.e., using different voltages for the waveform emitted by each element) to ensure that each element emits the required waveform, thereby narrowing the overall acoustic beam emitted by the ultrasound imaging device.

[0090] The following explains the effect of amplitude anomalous emission on the emitted sound beam.

[0091] Table 1 Simulation parameters for transmit amplitude apodization

[0092]

[0093] The rectangular window does not perform amplitude apodization on the ultrasonic emission waveform, while the Hanning window does.

[0094] The transmitted waveforms were tested using three levels (meaning that each transmitting element emitted the same waveform) to compare the transmitted beam performance of different element waveforms, as well as whether or not transmitted amplitude apodization was used, i.e., the transmitted beam performance after the rectangular window and the Hanning window. Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the emitted sound field when using a 3-level ultrasonic imaging device and when using a rectangular window; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the emitted sound field when using a 3-level ultrasonic imaging device and when using a Hanning window; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the emitted sound field using an infinite-level sine wave and a rectangular window for an ultrasound imaging device; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the emitted sound field using an infinite-level sine wave and a Hanning window for ultrasound imaging equipment; combined with Figures 2 to 5 It can be seen that the beam width of the transmit focal region without amplitude apodization is significantly narrower, but it can only be maintained within the transmit focal region. The beam diverges significantly away from the transmit focal region, and the far-field lateral sidelobes are also clearly visible. However, after using Hanning window amplitude apodization, the beam width of the transmit focal region does widen, but the overall beam width does not change drastically. Within the same dynamic range, the overall beam width is narrower after using Hanning window amplitude apodization, and it is no longer limited to the transmit focal region.

[0095] To more clearly and quantitatively display the changes in transverse beam intensity, Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the emitted sound field contour lines for ultrasonic imaging equipment using 3-level and rectangular windows; Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the emitted sound field contour lines using a 3-level ultrasonic imaging device and after using a Hanning window; Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the emitted sound field contour lines for an ultrasound imaging device using an infinite-level sine wave and a rectangular window. Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the emitted sound field contour lines for ultrasonic imaging equipment using an infinite-level sine wave and after applying a Hanning window. Figures 6 to 9 The intermediate high line changes at equal intervals from 0 dB to 25 dB. It can be seen that the transverse energy of the sound beam changes slowly when there is no amplitude apomorphism, but the transverse energy of the sound beam changes more rapidly after the Hanning window apomorphism.

[0096] From the contour lines, we can infer the lateral resolution as follows: at the same depth and with contour lines of the same sound intensity, the narrower the width, the higher the lateral resolution; at the same depth and with contour lines of different sound intensities, the higher the lateral resolution of the high-intensity contour lines; after the Hanning window amplitude apodization, the lateral sound intensity changes rapidly, resulting in high lateral contrast.

[0097] Although apodization windows affect the modulation of the waveform amplitude emitted by the transmitting elements, using apodization windows requires applying different voltages to the waveform emitted by each element. This places extremely high demands on the hardware performance of the ultrasound imaging equipment, which essentially requires defining a waveform generator independently for each transmitting element, making it difficult to control hardware costs. Furthermore, many low- to mid-range ultrasound imaging devices can only use 3-level transmission waveforms, that is, waveforms encoded with voltages in the range of [-1, 0, 1]. The waveform can only consist of 3 voltages; for example, if the voltage is set to x volts, -1 level is -x volts, 1 level is x volts, and 0 level is 0 volts.

[0098] Therefore, in order to enable an ultrasound imaging device that does not support applying arbitrary voltage to each transmitting element to emit a waveform close to the ideal waveform applied by arbitrary voltage, embodiments of the present invention provide an apodization method for a 3-level transmitting waveform. Figure 10 The flowchart illustrates a method for apodizing a 3-level transmitted waveform according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. This apodization method is applied to an ultrasound imaging device. The ultrasound imaging device has several transmitting array elements. The 3 levels include non-zero levels, specifically, positive level (+1) and negative level (-1); the 3 levels also include zero level (0). The method for apodizing a 3-level transmitted waveform includes the following steps:

[0099] A first duration for which a non-zero level is applied to each of the aforementioned transmitting array elements is determined so that the ultrasonic wave emitted by the ultrasonic imaging device matches the target ultrasonic wave shape.

[0100] Specifically, it includes:

[0101] Step 101: Obtain the target ultrasonic wave shape that the ultrasonic imaging device needs to emit.

[0102] Step 102: Determine the first duration for which a non-zero level is applied to each transmitting element so that the ultrasonic wave emitted by the ultrasonic imaging device matches the target ultrasonic wave.

[0103] The inventors discovered that the aforementioned emission amplitude apodization can be simulated by changing the energy of the transmitting array elements. The specific principle is explained below:

[0104] Since ultrasonic imaging equipment generates ultrasonic emission waveform levels via hardware and sends them to the ultrasonic transducer, the emitted sound waves from the ultrasonic transducer form a sound field in space. Mathematically, the time-domain response of the excitation waveform wave through each emission element of the ultrasonic transducer is: The waveform emitted by each transmitting element is spatially superimposed to form the spatial response under this transmitting condition. Ignoring propagation attenuation, this can be expressed by the formula:

[0105]

[0106] Where N represents the number of transmitting array elements, This represents the waveform of the i-th transmitting element; This represents the convolution operation. Based on the fact that the frequency domain response of an ultrasonic transducer is symmetrical about the center frequency of the ultrasonic transducer, a finite bandwidth filter is used to perform frequency domain multiplication filtering on the frequency domain response of the transmitted waveform, allowing the transmitted waveform energy within the bandwidth of the ultrasonic transducer's frequency domain response to pass through.

[0107] Therefore, as long as the energy of each transmitting element in the ultrasonic imaging device is approximately the same as the energy of the corresponding transmitting element in the target ultrasonic wave pattern, the ultrasonic wave emitted by the ultrasonic imaging device can be matched with the target wave. The energy of the transmitting element is the time integral of the element waveform when a non-zero voltage is applied to the transmitting element.

[0108] Therefore, by determining that each transmission element in an ultrasound imaging device, which does not support applying arbitrary voltages to each transmission element, has a first duration of non-zero level, the transmission waveform emitted by each transmission element can have different transmission energy.

[0109] In this embodiment, by applying a non-zero level for a first duration to each transmitting element in an ultrasound imaging device that does not support applying arbitrary voltage to each transmitting element, the element waveform emitted by each transmitting element can have different emission energy. This allows the ultrasonic wave shape after the superposition of the element waveforms to match the target ultrasonic wave shape, thereby enabling the ultrasound imaging device that does not support applying arbitrary voltage to each transmitting element to emit an ideal waveform close to the ideal waveform when applying arbitrary voltage.

[0110] In one embodiment, the step of determining the first duration for which a non-zero level is applied to each transmitter element includes:

[0111] S1-1: Obtain the first target energy of each transmitting element corresponding to the target ultrasonic wave shape.

[0112] S1-2: Based on the energy of each first target, determine the number of first transmission clocks that apply a non-zero level to the corresponding transmission element, so as to determine the first duration of applying a non-zero level to each transmission element.

[0113] It should be noted that the first target energy possessed by the transmitting element is obtained by integrating the non-zero voltage applied by the transmitting element over time. Furthermore, the non-zero voltage is encoded using a non-zero level.

[0114] The total number of transmission clocks M in the transmission cycle of the ultrasonic transmission waveform emitted by the ultrasonic imaging device is calculated as follows: M = floor(fs / f0); where floor() represents rounding down, fs is the transmission clock frequency of the ultrasonic imaging device, and f0 is the transmission waveform frequency of the ultrasonic imaging device.

[0115] Taking the transmit clock frequency fs of 120MHz and the transmit waveform frequency of 6MHz in Table 1 above as an example, the total number of transmit clocks is 20.

[0116] The range of the first number of transmit clocks needs to be less than or equal to the total number of transmit clocks.

[0117] The number of first transmission clocks is positively correlated with the first duration.

[0118] In this embodiment, the first target energy is quantized into the number of first transmission clocks with a non-zero level applied, and the first duration is refined to the number of first transmission clocks, thereby more accurately adjusting the energy required by the transmission array element, so that the energy of each transmission array element is closer to the corresponding first target energy, thereby making the ultrasonic transmission waveform emitted by the ultrasonic imaging device more matched with the target ultrasonic wave shape.

[0119] In one embodiment, the step of acquiring the first target energy possessed by each transmitting array element corresponding to the target ultrasonic wave shape includes:

[0120] S2-1: Obtain the weight value corresponding to each transmitting element on the preset apodization curve, as well as the standard energy of each transmitting element.

[0121] The standard energy is the energy required to apply a non-zero level to each transmitting element during the transmission cycle. The preset apodization curve is constructed based on the target ultrasonic wave shape.

[0122] During the simulation, the preset apodization curve can be selected according to the actual situation.

[0123] S2-2: Calculate the product of each weight value and the standard energy to obtain the first target energy of the corresponding transmission element.

[0124] Taking an ultrasonic transmitting device with only 6 transmitting elements as an example:

[0125] First, the element numbers of the six transmitting elements can be set as #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6.

[0126] Assuming that the standard energy of each transmitting element is 10, the transmitting weights of the elements on the apodization curve are: #1: 0.25; #2: 0.795; #3: 1.0; #4: 1.0; #5: 0.795; #6: 0.25.

[0127] The first target energies of the six transmitting array elements are: #1: 2.5; #2: 7.95; #3: 10; #4: 10; #5: 7.95; #6: 2.5.

[0128] It should be noted that the number of transmitting elements in an ultrasonic transmitting device can be arbitrary; the above six transmitting elements are just examples.

[0129] Figure 11 This is a partial schematic diagram of the target ultrasonic wave shape when the transmission waveform frequency is f0, which is part of the apodization method for a 3-level transmission waveform provided in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure.

[0130] In this embodiment, the first target energy of each transmitting element is calculated by using the apodization curve and the standard energy of each transmitting element. This provides better data support for determining the number of first clocks based on the first target energy, thereby making the determined number of first clocks more accurate.

[0131] In one embodiment, the step of determining the number of first transmit clock cycles with non-zero levels applied to the corresponding transmit array element based on each first target energy includes:

[0132] S3-1: Determines the first unit energy of each transmitter element after applying a non-zero level for one transmit clock cycle.

[0133] Let's take an ultrasonic transmitting device with only 6 transmitting elements as an example:

[0134] Assuming that each transmitting element has a first unit energy of 1, the first target energies of the 6 transmitting elements are: #1: 2.5; #2: 7.95; #3: 10; #4: 10; #5: 7.95; #6: 2.5.

[0135] S3-2: Round down the energy of each first target to obtain the energy of the second target for each transmitting element.

[0136] Rounding down the first target energy of the above 6 transmitting array elements, the second target energies are: #1: 2; #2: 7; #3: 10; #4: 10; #5: 7; #6: 2.

[0137] S3-3: Based on the first target energy, the second target energy, and the first unit energy, determine the number of first transmission clocks with non-zero levels applied to the corresponding transmission array elements.

[0138] Based on the first target energy of the above six transmitting elements: #1: 2.5; #2: 7.95; #3: 10; #4: 10; #5: 7.95; #6: 2.5; the second target energy: #1: 2; #2: 7; #3: 10; #4: 10; #5: 7; #6: 2; and the first unit energy of 1, the number of first transmission clock cycles with non-zero levels applied to the corresponding transmitting elements can be calculated.

[0139] In this embodiment, since the number of transmission clocks is an integer, the weight value corresponding to each transmission element on the preset apodization curve may be floating-point. Therefore, the first target energy will also be floating-point. In order to better quantize the first target energy to the number of transmission clocks, and to avoid the energy of each transmission element exceeding the first target energy, the number of first transmission clocks with non-zero levels applied to the corresponding transmission element is calculated based on the second target energy obtained by rounding down the first target energy. This can prevent the phenomenon of each transmission element having energy exceeding the first target energy from occurring, and also leaves controllable space for subsequent error compensation.

[0140] In one embodiment, the step of determining the number of first transmit clock cycles with non-zero levels applied to the corresponding transmit array element based on the first target energy, the second target energy, and the first unit energy includes:

[0141] S4-1: Calculate the ratio of the second target energy to the first unit energy to obtain the second transmission clock count.

[0142] Let's take an ultrasonic transmitting device with only 6 transmitting elements as an example:

[0143] The second target energies of the six transmitting elements are: #1: 2; #2: 7; #3: 10; #4: 10; #5: 7; #6: 2, and the first unit energy is 1.

[0144] The number of second transmission clocks corresponding to the 6 transmission array elements are: #1: 2; #2: 7; #3: 10; #4: 10; #5: 7; #6: 2.

[0145] S4-2: In response to the energy difference between the first target energy and the second target energy being greater than or equal to the energy difference threshold, the number of second transmission clocks is increased by a preset step size to obtain the number of first transmission clocks.

[0146] It should be noted that the energy difference threshold and preset step size can be set according to the actual situation.

[0147] Assume the energy difference threshold is 0.95, and the preset step size is 1.

[0148] The first target energies of the six transmitting elements are: #1: 2.5; #2: 7.95; #3: 10; #4: 10; #5: 7.95; #6: 2.5.

[0149] The energy difference between the first target energy and the second target energy is: #1: 0.5; #2: 0.95; #3: 0; #4: 0; #5: 0.75; #6: 0.5.

[0150] Since the energy difference between the first target energy and the second target energy of #2 and #5 is equal to 0.95, the number of second transmission clocks of #2 and #5 needs to be increased by 1 to obtain the number of first transmission clocks.

[0151] S4-3: In response to the energy difference between the first target energy and the second target energy being less than the energy difference threshold, the second transmission clock count is used as the first transmission clock count.

[0152] Since the energy difference between the first target energy and the second target energy of #1, #3, #4 and #6 is less than 0.95, the second transmission clock count of #1, #3, #4 and #6 is directly used as the first transmission clock count.

[0153] Therefore, the number of first transmission clocks corresponding to these 6 transmission array elements is: #1: 2; #2: 8; #3: 10; #4: 10; #5: 8; #6: 2.

[0154] In this embodiment, by performing error compensation on each transmitting element, not only can the energy of each transmitting element be more balanced, resulting in a more regular sound field and better sidelobe suppression, but the ultrasonic wave emitted by the acoustic imaging device can also be better matched with the target ultrasonic wave shape.

[0155] In one embodiment, the step of determining a first duration for which a non-zero level is applied to each transmitting element to match the ultrasonic wave emitted by the ultrasonic imaging device with the target ultrasonic wave shape includes:

[0156] S5-1: Based on each first duration, select the first element waveform to be transmitted from the first preset correspondence.

[0157] This first pre-defined relationship can be constructed in advance. Figure 12 This diagram illustrates a half-cycle waveform set in the first preset relationship of a three-level transmit waveform apodization method provided in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. The half-cycle waveform set is constructed based on a transmit waveform frequency of f0. The energy of the transmit array element waveform can be altered by changing the number of non-zero level transmit clocks applied in the wave propagation direction.

[0158] Calculate the total number of transmit clocks: Assuming the transmit clock frequency fs is 120MHz and the transmit waveform frequency is 6MHz, the total number of transmit clocks is 20.

[0159] Assume the duration of the transmitted waveform period is x. Then, define an x*x matrix to form a set of half-cycle waveforms, where each row represents a half-cycle waveform, for a total of x half-cycle waveforms.

[0160] Starting from the first row of the matrix, the duration of the non-zero level is defined at the middle position of each half-cycle waveform. The first row defines a half-cycle waveform with a non-zero level applied for 1 transmit clock cycle, the second row defines a half-cycle waveform with a non-zero level applied for 2 transmit clock cycles, and so on, with the xth row defining a half-cycle waveform with a non-zero level applied for 20 transmit clock cycles.

[0161] S5-2: Control each transmitting element to transmit the corresponding first element waveform so that the ultrasonic transmission waveform emitted by the ultrasonic imaging device matches the target ultrasonic wave waveform; wherein, the ultrasonic transmission waveform is obtained by superimposing the waveforms of each first element.

[0162] In this embodiment, by using each first duration as an index, the waveform to be emitted by the corresponding transmitting element can be selected more quickly and accurately in the first correspondence, and each transmitting element can be controlled to emit the corresponding first element waveform, which can make the ultrasonic emission waveform emitted by the ultrasonic imaging device more closely match the target ultrasonic wave shape.

[0163] In one embodiment, determining a first duration for which a non-zero level is applied to each transmitting element to match the ultrasonic wave emitted by the ultrasonic imaging device with the target ultrasonic wave further includes:

[0164] S6-1: In response to the fact that the frequency of the ultrasonic emission waveform is the same in the emission cycle, a second duration of non-zero level is applied to each emission element within half of the emission cycle; wherein the second duration is half of the first duration.

[0165] S6-2: Map the ultrasonic wave emitted by the ultrasonic imaging device during each second duration onto the other half of the emission cycle, so that the ultrasonic wave emitted by the ultrasonic imaging device matches the target ultrasonic wave.

[0166] S6-3: In response to the fact that the frequencies of the ultrasonic emission waveforms are not completely the same during the emission cycle, the second element waveform to be emitted by the corresponding emission element is selected from the second preset correspondence based on the first duration of the non-zero level applied to each emission element.

[0167] Wherein, the second correspondence is the correspondence between the first duration of the non-zero level applied to each of the transmitting array elements at different transmitting waveform frequencies and the second array element waveform emitted by each of the transmitting array elements;

[0168] It should be noted that the second preset correspondence can also be constructed according to the actual situation. In this second preset correspondence, the array element waveform of each transmitting array element is composed of multiple half-cycle waveforms of different frequencies.

[0169] S6-4: Control each transmitting element to transmit the corresponding second element waveform so that the ultrasonic transmission waveform emitted by the ultrasonic imaging device matches the target ultrasonic wave waveform; wherein, the ultrasonic transmission waveform is obtained by superimposing the waveforms of each second element.

[0170] In this embodiment, when the frequency of the ultrasonic emission waveform is the same throughout the emission cycle, the waveforms of the two half-cycles are identical. Therefore, it is only necessary to calculate the second duration of the non-zero level applied to each transmitting element within one half-cycle and map it to the other half-cycle, which can greatly save computational resources. When the frequencies of the ultrasonic emission waveform are different throughout the emission cycle, the waveform to be emitted by the corresponding transmitting element can be selected more quickly and accurately from the second correspondence, and each transmitting element can be controlled to emit the corresponding first element waveform, making the ultrasonic emission waveform emitted by the ultrasonic imaging device more closely match the target ultrasonic wave shape.

[0171] In one embodiment, Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the actual ultrasonic transmission waveform emitted by the ultrasonic imaging device in the apodization method for a 3-level transmission waveform provided in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure; Figure 14 The actual ultrasonic transmission waveform distribution diagram emitted by the ultrasonic imaging device in the apodization method of a 3-level transmission waveform provided in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure; Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the transmitted sound field before apodization of the transmitted waveform in a method for apodizing a 3-level transmitted waveform provided in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure; Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the transmitted sound field after transmission level apodization in a method for apodizing a 3-level transmitted waveform provided in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure; Figure 17 A schematic diagram of the transmitted sound field before apodization of the transmitted waveform in a method for apodizing a 3-level transmitted waveform provided in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure; Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the transmitted sound field after transmission level apodization in a method for apodizing a 3-level transmitted waveform provided in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure.

[0172] Combination Figures 13-18It can be seen that the duration of the non-zero level applied to each transmitting element is different, and the waveform of the transmitting element is also different, showing a decreasing effect from the center of the aperture to both sides, which is the effect of the ideal waveform. Comparing the sound fields, it can be seen that the transmitted sound field of the standard 3-level waveform after apodization is the narrowest overall, and the transverse change of the sound beam is the most rapid and uniform, as can be seen from the sound intensity contour lines.

[0173] Example 2

[0174] Corresponding to the aforementioned embodiment of the apodization method for a 3-level transmitted waveform, this disclosure also provides an embodiment of a 3-level transmitted waveform apodization system. Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of a 3-level transmitted waveform apodization system provided in Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. The apodization system is applied to an ultrasound imaging device; the ultrasound imaging device has a plurality of transmitting array elements; the 3 levels include non-zero levels; the 3-level transmitted waveform apodization system 20 includes:

[0175] The determining module 21 is used to determine the first duration for which a non-zero level is applied to each of the transmitting array elements so that the ultrasonic transmission waveform emitted by the ultrasonic imaging device matches the target ultrasonic wave shape.

[0176] In one embodiment, the determining module 21 includes:

[0177] The acquisition unit is used to acquire the first target energy possessed by each of the transmitting array elements corresponding to the target ultrasonic wave shape;

[0178] The determining unit is configured to determine, based on each of the first target energies, the number of first transmission clock cycles for applying the non-zero level to the corresponding transmission array element, so as to determine the first duration for which the non-zero level is applied to each of the transmission array elements;

[0179] The number of the first transmission clocks is positively correlated with the first duration.

[0180] In one embodiment, the acquisition unit includes:

[0181] A subunit is used to acquire the weight value corresponding to each of the transmitting array elements on the preset apodization curve, and the standard energy of each of the transmitting array elements; wherein, the standard energy is the energy possessed when the non-zero level is applied to each of the transmitting array elements during the transmission period; wherein, the preset apodization curve is constructed according to the target ultrasonic wave shape;

[0182] The first calculation subunit is used to calculate the product of each weight value and the standard energy to obtain the first target energy of the corresponding transmitting array element.

[0183] The determining unit is also configured to determine the first unit energy possessed by each transmitting array element after applying a non-zero level equal to the number of transmitting clock cycles;

[0184] In one embodiment, the determining module 21 further includes:

[0185] The rounding unit is used to round down each of the first target energies to obtain the second target energy of each of the transmitting array elements;

[0186] The determining unit is further configured to determine, based on the first target energy, the second target energy, and the first unit energy, the number of first transmission clocks with non-zero levels applied to the corresponding transmission array element.

[0187] In one embodiment, the determining unit includes:

[0188] The second calculation subunit calculates the ratio of the second target energy to the first unit energy to obtain the second number of transmission clocks;

[0189] The response subunit, in response to the energy difference between the first target energy and the second target energy being greater than or equal to the energy difference threshold, increases the number of the second transmission clocks by a preset step size to obtain the number of the first transmission clocks;

[0190] The response subunit further responds to the energy difference between the first target energy and the second target energy being less than the energy difference threshold by using the second transmission clock count as the first transmission clock count.

[0191] In one embodiment, the determining module 21 further includes:

[0192] The selection unit is used to select the first array element waveform to be transmitted by the corresponding transmitting array element from the first preset correspondence according to each first duration.

[0193] The control unit is used to control each of the transmitting array elements to transmit a corresponding first array element waveform, so that the ultrasonic transmission waveform emitted by the ultrasonic imaging device matches the target ultrasonic wave waveform; wherein the ultrasonic transmission waveform is obtained by superimposing the waveforms of each of the first array elements.

[0194] In one embodiment, the determining module 21 further includes:

[0195] The response unit, in response to the fact that the frequency of the ultrasonic emission waveform is the same in the emission cycle, determines a second duration of applying a non-zero level to each of the emission array elements within half of the emission cycle; wherein the second duration is half of the first duration;

[0196] A mapping unit is configured to map the ultrasonic emission waveform emitted by the ultrasonic imaging device during each second duration onto the other half of the emission cycle, so that the ultrasonic emission waveform emitted by the ultrasonic imaging device matches the target ultrasonic wave pattern.

[0197] The response unit also responds to the fact that the frequencies of the ultrasonic emission waveforms are not completely the same in the emission cycle, and selects the second element waveform to be emitted by the corresponding emission element from the second preset correspondence based on the first duration of the non-zero level applied to each emission element; wherein, the second correspondence is the correspondence between the first duration of the non-zero level applied to each emission element and the second element waveform emitted by each emission element when the emission waveform frequencies are different.

[0198] The control unit also controls each of the transmitting array elements to transmit a corresponding second array element waveform, so that the ultrasonic transmission waveform emitted by the ultrasonic imaging device matches the target ultrasonic wave waveform; wherein, the ultrasonic transmission waveform is obtained by superimposing the waveforms of each of the second array elements.

[0199] For the system embodiments, since they basically correspond to the method embodiments, the relevant parts can be referred to in the description of the method embodiments. The system embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this disclosure according to actual needs.

[0200] Example 3

[0201] This disclosure also provides an ultrasound imaging device, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and for running on the processor, characterized in that the processor executes the computer program for the apodization method of the three-level transmission waveform described above.

[0202] In this embodiment, the ultrasonic imaging device can apply a non-zero level for a first duration to each transmitting element, which does not support applying arbitrary voltage to each transmitting element. This allows the waveform emitted by each transmitting element to have different emission energy, thereby matching the ultrasonic wave shape after the superposition of the waveforms of each element with the target ultrasonic wave shape. As a result, the ultrasonic imaging device can emit a waveform close to the ideal waveform of applying arbitrary voltage.

[0203] Example 4

[0204] Figure 9This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in Embodiment 4 of this disclosure. The electronic device includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and used to run on the processor. When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the apodization method of the 3-level transmit waveform described in any of the above embodiments. Figure 9 The electronic device 90 shown is merely an example and should not impose any limitation on the functionality and scope of use of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0205] like Figure 9 As shown, the electronic device 90 can be manifested as a general-purpose computing device, such as a server device. The components of the electronic device 90 may include, but are not limited to: at least one processor 91, at least one memory 92, and a bus 93 connecting different system components (including memory 92 and processor 91).

[0206] Bus 93 includes a data bus, an address bus, and a control bus.

[0207] The memory 92 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 921 and / or cache memory 922, and may further include read-only memory (ROM) 923.

[0208] The memory 92 may also include a program tool 925 (or utility) having a set (at least one) program module 924, such program module 924 including but not limited to: an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data, each or some combination of these examples may include an implementation of a network environment.

[0209] The processor 91 executes various functional applications and data processing by running computer programs stored in the memory 92, such as the apodization method for the 3-level transmit waveform provided in any of the above embodiments.

[0210] Electronic device 90 can also communicate with one or more external devices 94 (e.g., keyboard, pointing device, etc.). This communication can be performed through input / output (I / O) interface 95. Furthermore, electronic device 90 can also communicate with one or more networks (e.g., local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and / or public network, such as the Internet) via network adapter 96. As shown, network adapter 96 communicates with other modules of electronic device 90 via bus 93. It should be understood that, although not shown in the figure, other hardware and / or software modules can be used in conjunction with electronic device 90, including but not limited to: microcode, device drivers, redundant processors, external disk drive arrays, RAID (disk array) systems, tape drives, and data backup storage systems.

[0211] It should be noted that although several units / modules or sub-units / modules of the electronic device have been mentioned in the detailed description above, this division is merely exemplary and not mandatory. In fact, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the features and functions of two or more units / modules described above can be embodied in one unit / module. Conversely, the features and functions of one unit / module described above can be further divided and embodied by multiple units / modules.

[0212] Example 5

[0213] Embodiment 5 of this disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the apodization method for the 3-level transmit waveform provided in any of the above embodiments.

[0214] The readable storage medium may be more specifically adopted, including but not limited to: portable disk, hard disk, random access memory, read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, optical storage device, magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0215] Example 6

[0216] Embodiment 6 of this disclosure also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the apodization method for the 3-level transmit waveform described in any of the preceding claims.

[0217] The program code for executing the computer program product of this disclosure can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, and the program code can be executed entirely on a user device, partially on a user device, as a stand-alone software package, partially on a user device and partially on a remote device, or entirely on a remote device.

[0218] While specific embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely illustrative examples, and the scope of protection of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of this disclosure, but all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A method of apodizing a 3-level transmit waveform, characterized by, The apodization method is applied to an ultrasonic imaging device; The ultrasonic imaging device is provided with a plurality of transmitting array elements; the 3-levels include non-zero levels; The apodization method includes: Determining a first duration of applying a non-zero level by each of the transmitting array elements, so that an ultrasonic transmitting waveform transmitted by the ultrasonic imaging device matches a target ultrasonic waveform.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The step of determining the first duration of applying the non-zero level by each of the transmitting array elements includes: Obtaining a first target energy possessed by each of the transmitting array elements corresponding to the target ultrasonic waveform; According to each of the first target energies, determining a first number of transmitting clocks for applying the non-zero level by the corresponding transmitting array element, so as to determine the first duration of applying the non-zero level by each of the transmitting array elements; The first number of transmitting clocks is positively correlated with the first duration.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The step of obtaining the first target energy possessed by each of the transmitting array elements corresponding to the target ultrasonic waveform includes: Obtaining a weight value corresponding to each of the transmitting array elements on a preset apodization curve, and a standard energy of each of the transmitting array elements; the standard energy is an energy possessed by each of the transmitting array elements when the non-zero level is applied in a transmitting period; the preset apodization curve is constructed according to the target ultrasonic waveform; Calculating a product of each weight value and the standard energy, so as to obtain the first target energy of the corresponding transmitting array element.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein, The step of determining the first number of transmitting clocks for applying the non-zero level by the corresponding transmitting array element according to each of the first target energies includes: Determining a first unit energy possessed by each of the transmitting array elements after applying the non-zero level for one number of transmitting clocks; Downward rounding each of the first target energies, so as to obtain a second target energy of each of the transmitting array elements; According to the first target energy, the second target energy, and the first unit energy, determining the first number of transmitting clocks for applying the non-zero level by the corresponding transmitting array element.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The step of determining the first number of transmitting clocks for applying the non-zero level by the corresponding transmitting array element according to the first target energy, the second target energy, and the first unit energy includes: Calculating a ratio of the second target energy and the first unit energy, so as to obtain a second number of transmitting clocks; In response to an energy difference between the first target energy and the second target energy being greater than or equal to an energy difference threshold, increasing the second number of transmitting clocks by a preset step length, so as to obtain the first number of transmitting clocks; In response to the energy difference between the first target energy and the second target energy being less than the energy difference threshold, taking the second number of transmitting clocks as the first number of transmitting clocks.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein, The step of determining the first duration of applying the non-zero level by each of the transmitting array elements, so that the ultrasonic transmitting waveform transmitted by the ultrasonic imaging device matches the target ultrasonic waveform includes: According to each of the first durations, selecting a first array element waveform required to be transmitted by the corresponding transmitting array element in a first preset correspondence relationship; The control unit controls each of the transmitting elements to transmit a corresponding first element waveform, so that the ultrasonic transmitting waveform transmitted by the ultrasonic imaging device is matched with the target ultrasonic waveform, wherein the ultrasonic transmitting waveform is obtained by superimposing each of the first element waveforms.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein, The step of determining a first duration of non-zero level applied by each of the transmitting elements so that the ultrasonic transmitting waveform transmitted by the ultrasonic imaging device is matched with the target ultrasonic waveform further comprises: In response to the transmitting waveform frequency of the ultrasonic transmitting waveform in a transmitting period being the same, determining a second duration of non-zero level applied by each of the transmitting elements in a half of the transmitting period, wherein the second duration is half of the first duration; mapping the ultrasonic transmitting waveform transmitted by the ultrasonic imaging device in each of the second durations onto the other half of the transmitting period, so that the ultrasonic transmitting waveform transmitted by the ultrasonic imaging device is matched with the target ultrasonic waveform; In response to the transmitting waveform frequency of the ultrasonic transmitting waveform in a transmitting period being not completely the same, selecting a second element waveform required to be transmitted by a corresponding transmitting element according to the first duration of non-zero level applied by each of the transmitting elements in a second preset correspondence relationship, wherein the second preset correspondence relationship is a correspondence relationship between the first duration of non-zero level applied by each of the transmitting elements and the second element waveform transmitted by each of the transmitting elements when the transmitting waveform frequencies are different. The control unit controls each of the transmitting elements to transmit a corresponding second element waveform, so that the ultrasonic transmitting waveform transmitted by the ultrasonic imaging device is matched with the target ultrasonic waveform, wherein the ultrasonic transmitting waveform is obtained by superimposing each of the second element waveforms.

8. A system for apodizing a 3-level transmit waveform, comprising: The apodization system is applied to an ultrasonic imaging device. The ultrasonic imaging device is provided with a plurality of transmitting elements, and the three levels include a non-zero level. The apodization system comprises: The determining module is configured to determine a first duration of non-zero level applied by each of the transmitting elements, so that the ultrasonic transmitting waveform transmitted by the ultrasonic imaging device is matched with the target ultrasonic waveform.

9. An ultrasound imaging device comprising a memory, a processor and a computer program stored on the memory for running on the processor, characterized in that, The processor executes the computer program to implement the apodization method of the three-level transmitting waveform according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program, characterized in that, The computer program is executed by the processor to implement the apodization method of the three-level transmitting waveform according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

11. A computer program product comprising a computer program, characterized in that, The computer program is executed by the processor to implement the apodization method of the three-level transmitting waveform according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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