Ultrasonic imaging system and imaging method thereof

Abstract

According to the ultrasonic imaging system and the imaging method thereof, if image optimization is carried out in a real-time scanning process, two data are stored, and one data is an optimization quantity for image optimization; therefore, in the image review process, on one hand, the stored optimization quantity can be called to optimize the ultrasonic image, on the other hand, it is guaranteed that the image optimization in the image review state and the image optimization in the real-time imaging process are consistent in effect, and on the other hand, computing resources are saved; and on the other hand, the original ultrasonic data which is not deeply processed or optimized are stored, so that enough space for other optimization of the image is reserved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of ultrasound imaging, and more specifically to an ultrasound imaging system and its imaging method. Background Technology

[0002] Ultrasound imaging technology can image many organs in the human body to aid doctors in diagnosis. It utilizes ultrasound waves to scan human tissues and organs, obtaining images of the corresponding areas through the reception and processing of reflected signals. Specifically, ultrasound imaging emits ultrasound waves towards the target tissue, receives the echo data returned from the target tissue, and generates an ultrasound image of the target tissue based on the received echo data. Due to its advantages such as being non-invasive, low-cost, and highly real-time, ultrasound imaging has gradually become the most widely used and frequently employed examination method in medical imaging today.

[0003] To enable physicians to better utilize ultrasound images for diagnosis, ultrasound images are typically optimized during ultrasound scans to ensure that the information the physician is interested in is displayed more clearly. Generally, ultrasound imaging systems have control panels with multiple function keys, each corresponding to different imaging parameters. During an ultrasound scan, the physician can adjust these parameters using the control panel. However, this approach still has many shortcomings and requires improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides an ultrasound imaging system and imaging method thereof, which are described in detail below.

[0005] According to a first aspect, one embodiment provides an imaging method for an ultrasound imaging system, comprising:

[0006] In response to the scan start command, it enters real-time scan mode;

[0007] In the real-time scanning state: the region of interest is scanned to acquire ultrasound data;

[0008] When the imaging optimization function is off: the ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain an ultrasound image, and the ultrasound image is displayed in frame time sequence; and multiple frames of the ultrasound data are stored for retrieval during image review;

[0009] When the imaging optimization function is active: the ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain an ultrasound image; starting from the ultrasound image of the current frame, the ultrasound images of the current frame and subsequent frames are optimized to obtain an optimized ultrasound image, wherein a first optimization amount is obtained, and the ultrasound image of the current frame is optimized based on the first optimization amount; the optimized ultrasound image is displayed according to the frame time sequence; and multiple frames of ultrasound data are associated and stored with the first optimization amount for retrieval during image review.

[0010] In response to the scan stop command, enter image review mode;

[0011] In the image review state: stop scanning the region of interest to stop acquiring ultrasound data; read at least two frames of ultrasound data from the stored multiple frames of ultrasound data;

[0012] When the imaging optimization function is off: each frame of the at least two frames of ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain the corresponding number of ultrasound images, and the ultrasound images are displayed in frame time sequence.

[0013] When the imaging optimization function is active: each frame of the at least two frames of ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain the corresponding number of ultrasound images, and it is determined whether the stored multiple frames of ultrasound data are associated with the first optimization amount; if the stored multiple frames of ultrasound data are associated with the first optimization amount, the first optimization amount is read, and each frame of ultrasound image is processed based on the first optimization amount to obtain an optimized ultrasound image, and the optimized ultrasound image is displayed in frame time sequence; if the stored multiple frames of ultrasound data are not associated with the first optimization amount, a second optimization amount is obtained, and each frame of ultrasound image is processed based on the second optimization amount to obtain an optimized ultrasound image, and the optimized ultrasound image is displayed in frame time sequence.

[0014] In one embodiment, storing multiple frames of ultrasound data with the first optimization amount associated with them includes: storing some or all frames of the stored multiple frames of ultrasound data with the first optimization amount associated with them; and / or,

[0015] The storage of multiple frames of ultrasound data without the first optimization quantity is defined as follows: all frames in the stored multiple frames of ultrasound data are not associated with the first optimization quantity.

[0016] According to a second aspect, one embodiment provides an imaging method for an ultrasound imaging system, comprising:

[0017] In response to the scan start command, it enters real-time scan mode;

[0018] In the real-time scanning state: the region of interest is scanned to acquire ultrasound data;

[0019] When the imaging optimization function is off: the ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain an ultrasound image, and the ultrasound image is displayed in frame time sequence; and multiple frames of the ultrasound data are stored for retrieval during image review;

[0020] When the imaging optimization function is active: the ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain an ultrasound image; starting from the ultrasound image of the current frame, the ultrasound images of the current frame and subsequent frames are optimized to obtain an optimized ultrasound image, wherein a first optimization amount is obtained, and the ultrasound image of the current frame is optimized based on the first optimization amount; the optimized ultrasound image is displayed according to the frame time sequence; and multiple frames of ultrasound data are associated and stored with the first optimization amount for retrieval during image review.

[0021] In response to the scan stop command, enter image review mode;

[0022] In the image review state: stop scanning the region of interest to stop acquiring ultrasound data; read at least two frames of ultrasound data from the stored multiple frames of ultrasound data;

[0023] When the imaging optimization function is off, each frame of the at least two frames of ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain the corresponding number of ultrasound images, and the ultrasound images are displayed in frame time sequence.

[0024] When the imaging optimization function is active: each frame of the at least two frames of ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain the corresponding number of ultrasound images, and it is determined whether the at least two frames of ultrasound data are associated with and stored with the first optimization amount; if the at least two frames of ultrasound data are associated with and stored with the first optimization amount, the first optimization amount is read, and each frame of ultrasound image is processed based on the first optimization amount to obtain an optimized ultrasound image, and the optimized ultrasound image is displayed in frame time sequence; if the at least two frames of ultrasound data are not associated with and stored with the first optimization amount, the second optimization amount is obtained, and each frame of ultrasound image is processed based on the second optimization amount to obtain an optimized ultrasound image, and the optimized ultrasound image is displayed in frame time sequence.

[0025] In one embodiment, the at least two frames of ultrasound data are associated with and stored with the first optimization amount, including: some or all frames of the at least two frames of ultrasound data are associated with and stored with the first optimization amount; and / or,

[0026] The statement that at least two frames of ultrasound data are not associated with the first optimization amount includes: all frames in the at least two frames of ultrasound data are not associated with the first optimization amount.

[0027] According to a third aspect, one embodiment provides an imaging method for an ultrasound imaging system, comprising:

[0028] In response to the scan start command, it enters real-time scan mode;

[0029] In the real-time scanning state: the region of interest is scanned to acquire ultrasound data;

[0030] When the imaging optimization function is off: the ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain an ultrasound image, and the ultrasound image is displayed in frame time sequence; and multiple frames of the ultrasound data are stored for retrieval during image review;

[0031] When the imaging optimization function is active: the ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain an ultrasound image; starting from the ultrasound image of the current frame, the ultrasound images of the current frame and subsequent frames are optimized to obtain an optimized ultrasound image, wherein a first optimization amount is obtained, and the ultrasound image of the current frame is optimized based on the first optimization amount; the optimized ultrasound image is displayed according to the frame time sequence; and multiple frames of ultrasound data are associated and stored with the first optimization amount for retrieval during image review.

[0032] In response to the scan stop command, enter image review mode;

[0033] In the image review state: stop scanning the region of interest to stop acquiring ultrasound data; read at least two frames of ultrasound data from the stored multiple frames of ultrasound data;

[0034] When the imaging optimization function is off, each frame of the at least two frames of ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain the corresponding number of ultrasound images, and the ultrasound images are displayed in frame time sequence.

[0035] When the imaging optimization function is active: each frame of the at least two frames of ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain ultrasound images of the corresponding number of frames; it is determined whether the at least two frames of ultrasound data are associated with and stored with the first optimization amount; if all frames of the at least two frames of ultrasound data are associated with and stored with the first optimization amount, the first optimization amount is read, and each frame of ultrasound image is processed based on the first optimization amount to obtain an optimized ultrasound image, and the optimized ultrasound image is displayed in frame time sequence; if all frames of the at least two frames of ultrasound data are not associated with and stored with the first optimization amount, the second optimization amount is obtained, and each frame of ultrasound image is processed based on the second optimization amount to obtain an optimized ultrasound image, and the optimized ultrasound image is displayed in frame time sequence.

[0036] In one embodiment, the imaging method further includes: if some frames of the at least two frames of ultrasound data are associated with and stored with the first optimization amount, and some frames are not associated with and stored with the first optimization amount, then the first optimization amount is read, each frame of the at least two frames of ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain an ultrasound image of the corresponding number of frames, and each frame of ultrasound image is processed based on the first optimization amount to obtain an optimized ultrasound image, and the optimized ultrasound image is displayed in frame time sequence.

[0037] In one embodiment, the imaging method further includes: if a first portion of the at least two frames of ultrasound data is associated with and stored with the first optimization amount, and the remaining second portion of the frames is not associated with and stored with the first optimization amount, then each frame of the at least two frames of ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain an ultrasound image of the corresponding number of frames; then the first optimization amount is read, and each frame of the ultrasound image corresponding to the first portion of the frames is processed based on the first optimization amount to obtain an optimized ultrasound image; a second optimization amount is obtained, and each frame of the ultrasound image corresponding to the second portion of the frames is processed based on the second optimization amount to obtain an optimized ultrasound image; and the optimized ultrasound image is displayed in frame time sequence.

[0038] In one embodiment, obtaining the first optimization amount includes: calculating the first optimization amount based on ultrasound data of an ultrasound image frame corresponding to when the imaging optimization function is enabled and a first optimization algorithm of the imaging optimization function; and / or,

[0039] The process of obtaining the second optimization quantity includes: calculating the second optimization quantity based on the ultrasound data of a frame of ultrasound image corresponding to when the imaging optimization function is enabled and the first optimization algorithm of the imaging optimization function.

[0040] In one embodiment, the imaging method further includes:

[0041] In the real-time scanning state and when the imaging optimization function is active: after acquiring the first optimization value and executing the imaging optimization function, the first optimization value is automatically updated; the automatic update of the first optimization value includes: after acquiring the first optimization value and executing the imaging optimization function, during the subsequent display of ultrasound images in frame sequence, taking the ultrasound image corresponding to the frame when the imaging optimization function is enabled as the initial reference image, determining whether the information of the currently displayed ultrasound image has changed relative to the information of the latest reference image, if it has changed, then recalculating based on the ultrasound data of the currently displayed ultrasound image and the first optimization algorithm to obtain the updated first optimization value, and taking the currently displayed ultrasound image as the latest reference image for the next determination.

[0042] In one embodiment, the imaging method further includes:

[0043] In the image review state and when the imaging optimization function is active: after acquiring the second optimization value and executing the imaging optimization function, the second optimization value is automatically updated; the automatic update of the second optimization value includes: after acquiring the second optimization value and executing the imaging optimization function, during the subsequent display of ultrasound images in frame sequence, taking the ultrasound image corresponding to the frame when the imaging optimization function is enabled as the initial reference image, determining whether the information of the currently displayed ultrasound image has changed relative to the information of the latest reference image, if it has changed, then recalculating based on the ultrasound data corresponding to the currently displayed ultrasound image and the first optimization algorithm to obtain the updated second optimization value, and taking the currently displayed ultrasound image as the latest reference image for the next determination.

[0044] In one embodiment, when the real-time scanning state is in the active state and the imaging optimization function is in the active state: after obtaining the first optimization amount, it is also possible to receive an optimization refresh instruction, and recalculate based on the ultrasound data of a frame of ultrasound image corresponding to the optimization refresh instruction and the first optimization algorithm to obtain the updated first optimization amount.

[0045] In one embodiment, when the image review state is in the active state and the imaging optimization function is in the active state: after obtaining the second optimization amount, it is also possible to receive an optimization refresh instruction, and recalculate based on the ultrasound data of a frame of ultrasound image corresponding to the optimization refresh instruction and the first optimization algorithm to obtain the updated second optimization amount.

[0046] In one embodiment, the first optimization algorithm of the imaging optimization function is associated with the information of a frame of ultrasound image corresponding to when the imaging optimization function is enabled, and different first optimization algorithms are associated with the information of different ultrasound images.

[0047] In one embodiment, the information of the ultrasound image includes one or more of the following: the examination item of the ultrasound image, the detection site of the ultrasound image, the imaging mode of the ultrasound image, and the section type of the ultrasound image.

[0048] In one embodiment, the ultrasound imaging system includes an imaging optimization function key; the imaging optimization function key has an on state and an off state; when the imaging optimization function key is in the on state, the imaging optimization function is in the active state, and when the imaging optimization function key is in the off state, the imaging optimization function is in the off state; the imaging method further includes: in response to an operation on the imaging optimization function key, setting the imaging optimization function key to an on state or an off state.

[0049] In one embodiment, the imaging optimization function key is a function key with a physical structure or a function key of the interface display control type.

[0050] In one embodiment, the ultrasound data is channel acquisition data.

[0051] According to a fourth aspect, one embodiment provides an imaging method for an ultrasound imaging system, comprising:

[0052] In image review mode, at least two frames of ultrasound data are read from the stored multi-frame ultrasound data; wherein the stored multi-frame ultrasound data are ultrasound data acquired and stored in real-time scanning mode;

[0053] When the imaging optimization function is off: each frame of the at least two frames of ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameter to obtain the corresponding number of ultrasound images, and the ultrasound images are displayed in the frame time sequence.

[0054] When the imaging optimization function is active, each frame of the at least two frames of ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain the corresponding number of ultrasound images. It is then determined whether the stored multiple frames of ultrasound data are associated with a first optimization quantity, which is stored under real-time scanning state and when the imaging optimization function is active. If the stored multiple frames of ultrasound data are associated with the first optimization quantity, the first optimization quantity is read, and each frame of ultrasound image is processed based on the first optimization quantity to obtain an optimized ultrasound image. The optimized ultrasound image is then displayed in frame time sequence. If the stored multiple frames of ultrasound data are not associated with the first optimization quantity, a second optimization quantity is obtained, and each frame of ultrasound image is processed based on the second optimization quantity to obtain an optimized ultrasound image. The optimized ultrasound image is then displayed in frame time sequence.

[0055] In one embodiment, storing multiple frames of ultrasound data with the first optimization quantity associated with them includes storing some or all frames of the stored multiple frames of ultrasound data with the first optimization quantity associated with them.

[0056] In one embodiment, storing multiple frames of ultrasound data without associating them with the first optimization amount includes: all frames of the stored multiple frames of ultrasound data are not associated with the first optimization amount.

[0057] In one embodiment, obtaining the second optimization amount includes: calculating the second optimization amount based on the ultrasound data of a frame of ultrasound image corresponding to when the imaging optimization function is enabled and the first optimization algorithm of the imaging optimization function.

[0058] In one embodiment, the imaging method further includes:

[0059] After acquiring the second optimization value and executing the imaging optimization function, the second optimization value is automatically updated. The automatic update of the second optimization value includes: after acquiring the second optimization value and executing the imaging optimization function, during the subsequent display of ultrasound images according to the frame sequence, the ultrasound image corresponding to the frame when the imaging optimization function is enabled is used as the initial reference image. It is determined whether the information of the currently displayed ultrasound image has changed relative to the information of the latest reference image. If it has changed, the updated second optimization value is recalculated based on the ultrasound data of the currently displayed ultrasound image and the first optimization algorithm. The currently displayed ultrasound image is then used as the latest reference image for the next determination.

[0060] In one embodiment, the imaging method further includes:

[0061] After obtaining the second optimization amount, it can also receive an optimization refresh instruction, and recalculate based on the ultrasound data of a frame of ultrasound image corresponding to the optimization refresh instruction and the first optimization algorithm to obtain the updated second optimization amount.

[0062] In one embodiment, the ultrasound data is channel acquisition data.

[0063] In one embodiment, the scan stop command includes a short-term stop command and / or a long-term stop command; wherein, when the ultrasound imaging system receives the short-term stop command, the ultrasound imaging system enters an image freeze state; when the ultrasound imaging system receives the long-term stop command, the ultrasound imaging system enters a movie review state.

[0064] According to the fifth aspect, one example provides an imaging method for an ultrasound imaging system, comprising:

[0065] In response to the scan start command, it enters real-time scan mode;

[0066] In the real-time scanning state: the region of interest is scanned to acquire ultrasound data;

[0067] When the imaging optimization function is off: the ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain an ultrasound image, and the ultrasound image is displayed in frame time sequence;

[0068] When the imaging optimization function is active: the ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain an ultrasound image; starting from the ultrasound image of the current frame, the ultrasound images of the current frame and subsequent frames are processed to obtain an optimized ultrasound image, wherein a first optimization amount is obtained, and the ultrasound image of the current frame is optimized based on the first optimization amount; the optimized ultrasound image is displayed in frame time sequence; and multiple frames of ultrasound data stored when the imaging optimization function is active are associated with the first optimization amount for retrieval during image review.

[0069] In response to the scan stop command, enter image review mode;

[0070] In the image review state: stop scanning the region of interest to stop acquiring ultrasound data; read at least two frames of ultrasound data from the stored multiple frames of ultrasound data;

[0071] When the imaging optimization function is off: each frame of the at least two frames of ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain the corresponding number of ultrasound images, and the ultrasound images are displayed in frame time sequence.

[0072] When the imaging optimization function is activated: each frame of the at least two frames of ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameter to obtain the corresponding number of ultrasound images, the first optimization amount is read, and each frame of ultrasound image is processed based on the first optimization amount to obtain the optimized ultrasound image, and the optimized ultrasound image is displayed in frame time sequence.

[0073] In one embodiment, obtaining the first optimization amount includes: calculating the first optimization amount based on the ultrasound data of a frame of ultrasound image corresponding to when the imaging optimization function is enabled and the first optimization algorithm of the imaging optimization function.

[0074] In one embodiment, the imaging method further includes: in the real-time scanning state and when the imaging optimization function is activated: after acquiring the first optimization amount and executing the imaging optimization function, automatically updating the first optimization amount; the automatic updating of the first optimization amount includes: after acquiring the first optimization amount and executing the imaging optimization function, during the subsequent display of ultrasound images in frame sequence, taking the ultrasound image corresponding to the frame when the imaging optimization function is enabled as the initial reference image, determining whether the information of the currently displayed ultrasound image has changed relative to the information of the latest reference image; if it has changed, recalculating based on the ultrasound data of the currently displayed ultrasound image and the first optimization algorithm to obtain the updated first optimization amount, and taking the currently displayed ultrasound image as the latest reference image for the next determination.

[0075] In one embodiment, the imaging method further includes: in the real-time scanning state and when the imaging optimization function is activated: after obtaining the first optimization amount, it can also receive an optimization refresh instruction, and recalculate based on the ultrasound data of a frame of ultrasound image corresponding to the optimization refresh instruction and the first optimization algorithm to obtain the updated first optimization amount.

[0076] In one embodiment, the first optimization algorithm of the imaging optimization function is associated with the information of a frame of ultrasound image corresponding to when the imaging optimization function is enabled, and different first optimization algorithms are associated with the information of different ultrasound images.

[0077] In one embodiment, the information of the ultrasound image includes one or more of the following: the detection mode to which the ultrasound image belongs, the detection location of the ultrasound image, the imaging mode of the ultrasound image, and the section type of the ultrasound image.

[0078] In one embodiment, the ultrasound data is channel acquisition data.

[0079] According to a sixth aspect, one embodiment provides an ultrasound imaging system, including an ultrasound probe, a transceiver control circuit, a memory, a processor, and a display;

[0080] The ultrasonic probe is used to emit ultrasonic waves toward a target object and to receive the echo signals of the ultrasonic waves; the transceiver control circuit is used to control the ultrasonic probe to emit ultrasonic waves and receive the echo signals of the ultrasonic waves; the processor is used to process the echo signals to obtain ultrasonic data and generate ultrasonic images based on the ultrasonic data; the display is used to display the ultrasonic images; and the memory is used to store the ultrasonic data and stored programs.

[0081] The processor is also configured to implement the method described in any embodiment of this document by executing a program stored in the memory.

[0082] According to the ultrasound imaging system and imaging method of the above embodiments, if image optimization is performed during real-time scanning, two sets of data are stored, one of which is the optimization amount used for image optimization. Thus, during image review, the stored optimization amount can be retrieved to optimize the ultrasound image, thereby ensuring that the image optimization in the image review state and the image optimization in the real-time imaging process have the same effect, while saving computing resources. Furthermore, since the stored data is relatively raw ultrasound data that has not undergone in-depth processing or optimization, sufficient space is reserved for other image optimizations. Attached Figure Description

[0083] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ultrasound imaging system according to one embodiment;

[0084] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of data rearrangement in one embodiment;

[0085] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ultrasound imaging system according to one embodiment;

[0086] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ultrasound imaging system according to one embodiment;

[0087] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart of an imaging method for an ultrasound imaging system according to one embodiment.

[0088] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of an imaging method for an ultrasound imaging system according to one embodiment.

[0089] Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart of an imaging method for an ultrasound imaging system according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0090] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. Similar elements in different embodiments are referred to by associated similar element reference numerals. In the following embodiments, many details are described to facilitate a better understanding of this application. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that some features may be omitted in different situations, or may be replaced by other elements, materials, or methods. In some cases, certain operations related to this application are not shown or described in the specification. This is to avoid obscuring the core parts of this application with excessive description. For those skilled in the art, detailed description of these related operations is not necessary; they can fully understand the related operations based on the description in the specification and general technical knowledge in the art.

[0091] Furthermore, the features, operations, or characteristics described in the specification can be combined in any suitable manner to form various embodiments. At the same time, the steps or actions in the method description can be rearranged or adjusted in a manner obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the various orders in the specification and drawings are only for the clear description of a particular embodiment and do not imply a necessary order, unless otherwise stated that a particular order must be followed.

[0092] The serial numbers assigned to components in this document, such as "first" and "second," are used only to distinguish the described objects and have no sequential or technical meaning. The terms "connection" and "linkage" used in this application, unless otherwise specified, include both direct and indirect connections (linkages).

[0093] A typical ultrasound scan process might look like this: After initiating the ultrasound scan, the ultrasound imaging system performs a real-time scan of the region of interest and displays the ultrasound image in real time. The control panel of the ultrasound imaging system has multiple function keys, each corresponding to different imaging or processing parameters. During the ultrasound scan, the doctor can adjust the corresponding imaging parameters using the function keys on the control panel to optimize the real-time displayed ultrasound image. Some systems also offer an automatic optimization function for processing parameters; by enabling this function, the real-time ultrasound image can be optimized in real time.

[0094] During a scan, the ultrasound imaging system stores ultrasound image sequences for cinematic review after the scan. In some systems, the ultrasound imaging system stores ultrasound images / data optimized in real-time during the scan; however, this reduces the scope for further image optimization during subsequent cinematic review. In other systems, the ultrasound imaging system stores unoptimized ultrasound images / data during the scan (even if automatic parameter optimization is enabled during real-time scanning); however, this requires re-optimization during subsequent cinematic review if the physician needs further image optimization, consuming computational resources and time. Alternatively, the ultrasound imaging system can store both optimized and unoptimized ultrasound images / data during the scan; however, this consumes significant storage space and complicates the subsequent cinematic review process, requiring specific retrieval strategies for each type of data.

[0095] Furthermore, during the film review phase, if doctors require image optimization, they typically adjust the corresponding imaging parameters using the function keys on the control panel of the ultrasound imaging system. This is not only cumbersome to operate, but also requires doctors to be familiar with each ultrasound imaging parameter; otherwise, the optimized image may be of even worse quality.

[0096] This application provides a solution where, during real-time scanning, if image optimization is performed, two sets of data are stored: one set of raw, unprocessed or unoptimized ultrasound data, and the other set of optimization parameters for image optimization. This allows the stored optimization parameters to be retrieved during image review to further optimize the ultrasound image, ensuring consistency between image optimization in review mode and real-time imaging, while also saving computational resources. Furthermore, storing raw, unprocessed or unoptimized ultrasound data leaves sufficient room for other image optimizations. Further, this application provides automatic optimization functions in both real-time and image review modes to reduce user intervention and ensure effective image optimization. This is described in detail below.

[0097] Please refer to Figure 1 Some embodiments provide an ultrasound imaging system 100; the ultrasound imaging system 100 includes an ultrasound probe 10, a transceiver control circuit 20, a processor 30, a memory 40, and a display 50, which are described in detail below.

[0098] An ultrasound probe 10 is used to emit ultrasound waves toward a target object (e.g., biological tissue in a human or animal body) and to receive the echo signals of the ultrasound waves. In some embodiments, the ultrasound probe 10 includes multiple array elements for converting electrical pulse signals and ultrasound waves into each other, thereby emitting ultrasound waves toward the target object and receiving the ultrasound echoes reflected back from the tissue to obtain the echo signals of the ultrasound waves. In some embodiments, the multiple array elements included in the ultrasound probe 10 can be arranged in a row to form a linear array. In some embodiments, the multiple array elements included in the ultrasound probe 10 are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix to form a planar array. The array elements, for example, use piezoelectric crystals to convert electrical signals into ultrasound signals according to the transmission sequence transmitted by the transmit and receive control circuit 20. Depending on the application, the emitted ultrasound waves (ultrasound signals) may include one or more scanning pulses, one or more reference pulses, one or more push pulses, and / or one or more Doppler pulses. Depending on the wave morphology, ultrasound signals include focused waves, plane waves, and divergent waves. The array elements are used to emit ultrasound waves according to excitation electrical signals or to convert received ultrasound waves into electrical signals. Therefore, each array element can be used to convert between electrical pulse signals and ultrasonic waves, thereby enabling the transmission of ultrasonic waves to the target object and the reception of echo signals of ultrasonic waves reflected back from tissue. During ultrasonic testing, the transmit and receive control circuit 20 can control which array elements are used to transmit ultrasonic beams (transmitting array elements), which array elements are used to receive ultrasonic beams (receiving array elements), or control the array elements to be used in time slots for transmitting ultrasonic waves or receiving ultrasonic echoes. Array elements participating in ultrasonic wave transmission can be simultaneously excited by electrical signals, thereby transmitting ultrasonic waves simultaneously; or array elements participating in ultrasonic wave transmission can be excited by several electrical signals with a certain time interval, thereby continuously transmitting ultrasonic waves with a certain time interval.

[0099] In some examples, the target object can be selected by the user. For instance, when an ultrasound image is displayed on the monitor 50, the user can select a region of interest on the ultrasound image to determine the target tissue to be scanned. In some examples, the processor 30 can also automatically determine the location of the region of interest on the ultrasound image based on relevant machine recognition algorithms to determine the target tissue to be scanned. In some examples, the target object can also be obtained through semi-automatic detection to determine the target tissue to be scanned. For example, the processor 30 first automatically detects the location of the target object on the baseline ultrasound image based on machine recognition algorithms, and then the user further modifies or corrects it to obtain a more accurate location of the target object.

[0100] The user selects a suitable position and angle by moving the ultrasonic probe 10 to emit ultrasonic waves toward the target object and receives the echo of the ultrasonic waves returned by the target object, outputting an ultrasonic echo signal. The ultrasonic echo signal is a channel analog electrical signal formed by the receiving array element, which can carry information such as amplitude, frequency and / or time information.

[0101] The transceiver control circuit 20 controls the ultrasound probe 10 to transmit ultrasound waves and receive ultrasound echo signals (also referred to as ultrasound echo signals). In other words, the transceiver control circuit 20 controls the ultrasound probe 10 to transmit ultrasound waves and receive ultrasound echo signals. For example, the transceiver control circuit 20 controls the ultrasound probe 10 to transmit ultrasound waves towards the target object and also controls the ultrasound probe 10 to receive ultrasound echoes reflected from tissue. In some specific embodiments, the transceiver control circuit 20 generates a transmission sequence and a reception sequence, and outputs them to the ultrasound probe 10. The transmission sequence controls some or all of the multiple array elements in the ultrasound probe 10 to transmit ultrasound waves towards the target object. The parameters of the transmission sequence include the number of array elements used for transmission and ultrasound transmission parameters (e.g., amplitude, frequency, number of transmissions, transmission interval, transmission angle, waveform, and / or focusing position). The reception sequence controls some or all of the multiple array elements to receive the echoes of ultrasound waves after they have passed through tissue. The parameters of the reception sequence include the number of array elements used for reception and the reception parameters of the echoes (e.g., reception angle, depth, etc.). Depending on the intended use of the ultrasound echo or the image generated by it, the ultrasound parameters in the transmission sequence and the echo parameters in the reception sequence will differ. For example, different operating modes, such as B-mode, C-mode, M-mode, and D-mode (Doppler mode), may have different transmission sequence parameters. After the echo signal is received by the ultrasound probe 10 under the control of the transceiver control circuit 20 and processed by subsequent modules and corresponding algorithms, it can generate B-images reflecting tissue anatomy, C-images reflecting blood flow information, and D-images reflecting Doppler spectrum images, etc.

[0102] The processor 30 is used to process the ultrasonic echo signal (i.e., the echo signal of ultrasound) received by the ultrasonic probe 10 to obtain ultrasonic data, and to generate an ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic data. The processor 30 can perform one or more data processing steps, such as receiving and forming channel data, analog-to-digital conversion, signal demodulation, amplification, filtering, downsampling, beamforming, modulus extraction, logarithmic compression, and grayscale conversion; each data processing step is described below.

[0103] The array elements of the ultrasonic probe 10 receive the echo signal of the ultrasonic wave and convert it into data represented by an electrical signal. This data is an analog signal, which is then converted into a digital signal after an analog-to-digital conversion process. This digital signal can be called channel acquisition data. The signal demodulation stage refers to demodulating the input ultrasonic data, which can be a digital signal obtained after an analog-to-digital conversion process. Demodulation methods can include: simple demodulation, quadrature demodulation, Hilbert transform demodulation, double sampling demodulation, multiple sampling demodulation, or baseband sampling demodulation, etc. The commonly used demodulation method is quadrature demodulation. That is, the received echo signal is split into two paths and multiplied by cos(ωnT) respectively. s ) and sin(ωnTs The amplification process includes: amplifying the ultrasound data using different amplification factors depending on the time of reception to compensate for signal attenuation; or, applying different amplification factors depending on the location of the ultrasound data to compensate for signal attenuation; the amplification process can be performed after the signal demodulation process.

[0104] Filtering is typically performed after signal demodulation, using, for example, a low-pass filter to improve signal quality. Downsampling reduces the signal sampling rate, decreasing computational complexity. Data normalization, including scaling normalization or standard normalization, confines data within a certain range, thus eliminating the adverse effects of outlier (sample) data.

[0105] Principal component analysis includes: centering the features of the ultrasound data to obtain features, solving the covariance matrix of the features, solving the eigenvalues ​​of the covariance matrix, selecting the largest eigenvalue to form the eigenvector, and projecting the ultrasound data onto the eigenvector. Principal component analysis mainly serves to reduce the dimensionality of the data features.

[0106] Data augmentation involves translating and / or adding noise to ultrasound data, which improves the accuracy of neural networks in processing data. For example, when training a neural network, operations such as translating and adding noise to the limited training data can expand the dataset size, thereby enhancing the accuracy of the neural network.

[0107] Data rearrangement includes rearranging the ultrasound data in at least one of the following ways: The ultrasound data received by each element of the ultrasound probe 10 is demodulated and arranged into two columns (one column for I data and one column for Q data; assuming an element receives (Npoint*1) data, it is arranged into two columns as follows: Figure 2 (a) shows the two columns of data I1Q1, or they are arranged into one column before demodulation; the ultrasonic echo data (Npoint*2n) received by all effective array elements after the ultrasonic probe 10 emits ultrasonic waves in the same time are arranged into a matrix (e.g., Figure 2 (b) shows an N*2n matrix of I1Q1……InQn, where n is the number of effective array elements; the ultrasonic echo data (Npoint*1) received by each array element of the ultrasonic probe 10 is divided into multiple (e.g., m) and arranged into a matrix (Npoint / m, 2m, etc.). Figure 2 The data I1_1Q1_1 and I1_2Q1_2 shown in (c) are... Figure 2 (C) shows an example where m is 2). It should be noted that if the data is before demodulation, it will not be set to two columns, i.e. Figure 2 (a) to Figure 2 The number of columns in (c) is reduced by half. Furthermore, in other examples, Figure 2 (a) to Figure 2 The (c) elements can also be combined to form three-dimensional or even higher-dimensional data inputs. The rearranged data, when used as input to the neural network, can improve the accuracy of the neural network.

[0108] Beamforming refers to the process of reconstructing channel echo data (which can be either the RF signal before demodulation or the baseband signal after demodulation) from the channel domain (e.g., data dimension: time direction * number of channels * number of transmissions) into beam domain data (i.e., beamformed data, e.g., data dimension: number of vertical points * number of horizontal points, which are points in the actual physical space). Beamforming can employ various beamforming methods, including but not limited to the Delay Apodization Summation (DAS) method, adaptive beamforming method, coherence factor beamforming method, and so on.

[0109] Modulus extraction, logarithmic compression, and grayscale transformation are processing steps performed on ultrasound data in the image domain. These three steps can also be collectively referred to as scan transformation.

[0110] The processor 30 processes the echo signal of the ultrasound wave to obtain an ultrasound image, which is then displayed on the monitor 50.

[0111] In some embodiments, the processor 30 includes, but is not limited to, devices for interpreting computer instructions and processing data in computer software, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a micro controller unit (MCU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and a digital signal processing unit (DSP).

[0112] In some embodiments, the processor 30 is used to execute various computer applications stored in the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, thereby performing corresponding steps and methods. For example, the processor 30 can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof, and can be at least one of the following: circuitry, single or multiple application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), central processing units (CPUs), controllers, microcontrollers, or microprocessors, thereby enabling the processor 30 to execute some or all of the steps, or any combination of the steps, in the imaging methods of the various embodiments of this application. For example, the memory 40 stores a program, and the processor 30 executes the program stored in the memory 40 to perform some or all of the steps, or any combination of the steps, in the imaging methods of the various embodiments of this application.

[0113] In some embodiments, memory 40 is used to store data, such as ultrasound data, or programs. In some embodiments, memory 40 may be a tangible and non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a flash memory card, solid-state memory, hard disk, etc., used to store data or programs. For example, memory 40 may be used to store acquired ultrasound data or image frames generated by processor 30 that are not immediately displayed, or memory 40 may store a graphical user interface, one or more default image display settings, or programming instructions for execution by processor 30.

[0114] The display 50 can be used to display information, such as parameters and / or images calculated by the processor 30.

[0115] In some embodiments, the ultrasound imaging system 100 may also include an input tool 60—for example Figure 3This is just one example; the input tool 60 can be in the form of an operation panel. The input tool 60 is used for user operation and can include one or more function keys 61. It should be noted that the function keys 61 can be in the form of buttons, knobs, levers, trackballs, etc. In some examples, the user can complete the functions and operations required during the ultrasound scan by using the function keys 61 on the input tool 60. For example, the input tool 60 can include one or more of the following: a scan start key 61 to start the scan, a freeze function key 61 to freeze the ultrasound section image, a save function key 61 to save the ultrasound section image, a thaw function key 61 to thaw the ultrasound section image, a gain function key 61 for adjusting the image sensitivity, a focus function key 61 for selecting the number of focus areas, a depth adjustment function key 61 for adjusting the depth of focus, a function key 61 for adjusting the depth gain compensation, a dynamic range function key 61 for adjusting the contrast resolution or display range of the image, etc. In some examples, the ultrasound imaging system 100 may also include an operation screen 51, which is a touch-screen display that can not only display content but also allow for user operation and input. The operation screen 51 may display virtual function keys and / or operation controls, which the user uses via touch operation, including but not limited to clicking, swiping, and dragging. In some examples, the operation screen 51 can be adjusted to present various operating postures for user operation, such as... Figure 3 The operating posture shown is a flat position; the operating screen 51 can be stood upright, or tilted, thus being in a tilted posture between a flat and a vertical position. It should be noted that... Figure 3 The ultrasound probe 10 is not shown in the ultrasound imaging system 100 shown. The ultrasound probe 10 in the ultrasound imaging system 100 may be a pluggable connection.

[0116] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 The ultrasound imaging system 100 may also include an imaging optimization function key 70, which enables one-click imaging optimization. In some embodiments, the imaging optimization function key 70 can be used to activate the imaging optimization function. In some embodiments, the imaging optimization function key 70 can be used to deactivate the imaging optimization function.

[0117] For example, when the current imaging optimization function is off, the user can switch the imaging optimization function from off to active by pressing the imaging optimization function key 70; when the current imaging optimization function is active, the user can switch the imaging optimization function from active to off by pressing the imaging optimization function key 70.

[0118] Therefore, in some embodiments, the imaging optimization function key 70 has an on state and an off state; when the imaging optimization function key 70 is in the on state, the imaging optimization function is in the active state, and when the imaging optimization function key 70 is in the off state, the imaging optimization function is in the off state.

[0119] The imaging optimization function key 70 can be a function key with a physical structure, such as by implementing the imaging optimization function key 70 through a function key 61 of the input tool 60. The imaging optimization function key 70 can also be a control-like function key displayed on the interface, such as a menu control key on the operation screen 51 or the display screen 50.

[0120] In some embodiments, the ultrasound imaging system 100 has an imaging optimization function in real-time scanning mode, which may also be referred to as real-time imaging optimization function; the imaging optimization function key 70 can turn the imaging optimization function in real-time scanning mode on or off.

[0121] In some embodiments, the ultrasound imaging system 100 has an imaging optimization function in image review mode, which may also be called a non-real-time imaging optimization function; the imaging optimization function key 70 can turn the imaging optimization function in image review mode on or off.

[0122] In some embodiments, the ultrasound imaging system 100 has an imaging optimization function in real-time scanning mode and an imaging optimization function in image review mode, and both are turned on or off by the same imaging optimization function key 70.

[0123] The above are some descriptions of the ultrasound imaging system 100.

[0124] Please refer to Figure 5 Some embodiments provide an imaging method 101, which can be applied to the ultrasound imaging system 100 of any embodiment of this application, i.e., the imaging method 101 of the ultrasound imaging system 100; the imaging method 101 includes the following steps:

[0125] Step 110: In response to the scan start command, enter real-time scan state.

[0126] For example, the user can activate the scan start button 61 by inputting the tool 60, or generate a scan start command by clicking the menu control, so that the ultrasound imaging system 100 receives the scan start command.

[0127] Step 120: In real-time scanning mode, acquire and store ultrasound data and display real-time ultrasound images. For example, in step 120, control the scanning of the region of interest to acquire ultrasound data, and process the ultrasound data to obtain an ultrasound image.

[0128] The transceiver control circuit 20 controls the ultrasound probe 10 to acquire ultrasound data and stores the acquired ultrasound data in the memory 40. The processor 30 generates ultrasound images based on the ultrasound data, which are then displayed on the display 50. Understandably, in real-time scanning mode, the processor 30 controls the display 50 to display one frame of ultrasound image for each frame generated. The ultrasound images displayed on the display 50 are updated as the processor 30 continuously generates ultrasound images; that is, the display 50 displays ultrasound images in real time.

[0129] The ultrasound imaging system 100 provides an imaging optimization function in real-time scanning mode. The imaging optimization function can be turned on and activated, or it can be turned off and deactivated.

[0130] In some embodiments, step 120 scans the region of interest in real-time scanning mode to acquire ultrasound data; during the real-time acquisition of ultrasound data, if the imaging optimization function is off: step 120 processes the ultrasound data based on the first processing parameters to obtain ultrasound images, and displays the ultrasound images in frame time sequence; and stores multiple frames of the ultrasound data for retrieval during image review.

[0131] In some embodiments, step 120 scans the region of interest in real-time scanning mode to acquire ultrasound data; during the real-time acquisition of ultrasound data, if the imaging optimization function is active: step 120 processes the ultrasound data based on a first processing parameter to obtain an ultrasound image; starting from the ultrasound image of the current frame, optimizes the ultrasound images of the current frame and subsequent frames to obtain an optimized ultrasound image, wherein a first optimization amount is obtained, and the ultrasound image of the current frame is optimized based on the first optimization amount; the optimized ultrasound image is displayed according to the frame time sequence; and multiple frames of ultrasound data and the first optimization amount are associated and stored for retrieval during image review. It can be understood that the current frame refers to the ultrasound image frame generated when the imaging optimization function is enabled or the ultrasound image frame currently being displayed when the imaging optimization function is enabled.

[0132] For example, during real-time ultrasound data acquisition, if the imaging optimization function is off, the processor 30 processes the ultrasound data based on the first processing parameters to obtain an ultrasound image, and displays the ultrasound image according to the frame sequence of the ultrasound image. At the same time, during this process, multiple frames of ultrasound data are stored in the memory 40 according to the storage rules. If the imaging optimization function switches from off to active, the processor 30 optimizes the ultrasound images of the current frame and subsequent frames starting from the current frame to obtain an optimized ultrasound image. The processor 30 obtains a first optimization amount and optimizes at least the current frame of ultrasound image based on the first optimization amount. At the same time, during this process, multiple frames of ultrasound data and the first optimization amount are associated and stored according to the storage rules.

[0133] In some embodiments, the multi-frame ultrasound data stored in the real-time scanning state is relatively raw ultrasound data that has not been deeply processed or optimized, such as ultrasound data after analog-to-digital conversion (channel acquisition data), ultrasound data before signal demodulation, ultrasound data after the output of the signal demodulation stage, ultrasound data before beamforming, ultrasound data after the output of the beamforming stage, etc. In the design process, the principle is to leave relatively sufficient room for possible optimization and changes in imaging parameters later.

[0134] As can be seen, in real-time scanning mode, regardless of whether the imaging optimization function is enabled, the ultrasound data will be processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain an ultrasound image. When the imaging optimization function is enabled, the ultrasound image will be further optimized based on the first optimization amount.

[0135] In this article, the first processing parameter can be the system default or it can be adjusted by the user through the function keys corresponding to each processing parameter or imaging parameter.

[0136] In some embodiments, step 120 of obtaining the first optimization amount includes: calculating the first optimization amount based on the ultrasound data of a frame of ultrasound image corresponding to when the imaging optimization function is enabled and the first optimization algorithm of the imaging optimization function.

[0137] As described above, in real-time scanning mode and with the imaging optimization function active, step 120 optimizes the ultrasound images of the current frame and subsequent frames starting from the ultrasound image of the current frame to obtain optimized ultrasound images. Step 120 optimizes at least the ultrasound image of the current frame based on a first optimization amount—for example, step 120 optimizes the ultrasound images of the current frame and subsequent frames starting from the ultrasound image of the current frame based on the first optimization amount. During the optimization process, the first optimization amount can also be updated automatically or manually, as will be explained in detail below.

[0138] In some embodiments, when in real-time scanning mode and the imaging optimization function is active, step 120 automatically updates the first optimization value after acquiring the first optimization value and executing the imaging optimization function. It can be understood that executing the imaging optimization function can mean acquiring at least the first optimization value, or it can mean optimizing at least one frame of ultrasound image. In some embodiments, step 120 automatically updating the first optimization value includes: after acquiring the first optimization value and executing the imaging optimization function, during the subsequent display of ultrasound images in frame sequence, using the ultrasound image corresponding to when the imaging optimization function was enabled as the initial reference image, determining whether the information of the currently displayed ultrasound image has changed relative to the latest reference image; if it has changed, recalculating the updated first optimization value based on the ultrasound data of the currently displayed ultrasound image and the first optimization algorithm, and using the currently displayed ultrasound image as the latest reference image for the next determination.

[0139] In some embodiments, when in real-time scanning mode and the imaging optimization function is active, after obtaining the first optimization amount and executing the imaging optimization function, step 120 can also receive an optimization refresh command, and recalculate the updated first optimization amount based on the ultrasound data of the ultrasound image frame corresponding to the optimization refresh command and the first optimization algorithm. It can be understood that the ultrasound image frame corresponding to the optimization refresh command can refer to an ultrasound image generated by the ultrasound imaging system 100 when it receives the optimization refresh command, or an ultrasound image currently being displayed.

[0140] In addition, the ultrasound imaging system 100 may include an optimization refresh function key 61, which generates an optimization refresh command when the user operates the optimization refresh function key 61.

[0141] The ultrasound imaging system 100 may also include an optimization refresh control displayed on the display 50, which generates an optimization refresh command when the optimization refresh control is operated by the user.

[0142] In some embodiments, the first optimization algorithm of the imaging optimization function can be associated with the information of a frame of ultrasound image corresponding to when the imaging optimization function is enabled. For example, different ultrasound images may be associated with different first optimization algorithms.

[0143] In some embodiments, the information of the ultrasound image includes one or more of the following: the examination item of the ultrasound image, the detection site of the ultrasound image, the imaging mode of the ultrasound image, and the section type of the ultrasound image.

[0144] The above involves concepts such as inspection items, inspection sites, imaging modes, and section types, which will be explained in detail below.

[0145] The examination items in an ultrasound image refer to the examination items to which the ultrasound image belongs. These examination items may include, but are not limited to, obstetric examination items, abdominal examination items, cardiac examination items, etc.

[0146] Generally, the examination items correspond to multiple slice types to be scanned. Multiple slice types to be scanned refer to the slices that are to be obtained during the ultrasound scan. These slices can be standard slices or non-standard slices. In clinical and other scenarios, it is usually desirable to obtain ultrasound images of multiple standard slices of the target object through ultrasound scan.

[0147] The examination site is one or more tissues or areas, especially one or more tissues or areas under the current examination item. For example, under the cardiac examination item, the examination site is the heart, and the multiple types of sections to be scanned can be the apical four-chamber section, the apical three-chamber section, and the apical two-chamber section, etc. The sections corresponding to obstetric examination items include at least one of the following: transverse section of both eyes, nasolabial coronal section, and midsagittal section of the face; the sections corresponding to abdominal examination items include at least one of the following: oblique section of the right subcostal region, hepatobiliary section, and hepatorenal section.

[0148] Imaging modes include one or more of B mode, C mode, M mode, PW mode and CW mode; in addition, during the imaging process, there may be only one imaging mode (called simplex mode) or multiple imaging modes (called multi-mode mode).

[0149] The examination items, section type, examination site, and imaging mode can be selected / specified / set by the user input, or they can be obtained based on image recognition of ultrasound images.

[0150] In some embodiments, step 120 is based on ultrasound image recognition of imaging patterns.

[0151] For example, processor 30 can determine the imaging mode by performing image analysis on the ultrasound image; processor 30 can also input the ultrasound image into the imaging mode determination model to obtain the imaging mode. The imaging mode determination model is used to identify the input ultrasound image and determine its imaging mode. The imaging mode determination model can be a pre-trained network model, such as a deep learning or other machine learning model.

[0152] In some embodiments, step 120 determines the imaging mode of the ultrasound image based on the imaging mode received from the user input.

[0153] For example, the imaging mode can be set by the user before or during ultrasound imaging. The processor 30 determines the imaging mode of the ultrasound image based on the received imaging mode selection instruction.

[0154] In some embodiments, the imaging mode is the system default, for example, the system default imaging mode is mode B. The processor 30 can determine the imaging mode based on the current system default imaging mode.

[0155] In some embodiments, step 120 is based on identifying the section type of the ultrasound image.

[0156] For example, processor 30 can identify ultrasound images using a pre-trained network model or other image recognition methods to obtain the cross-sectional type of the ultrasound image. In some embodiments, processor 30 inputs the ultrasound image into a cross-sectional recognition model to obtain the cross-sectional type of the ultrasound image. The cross-sectional recognition model is used to identify the cross-sectional type of the ultrasound image, and the cross-sectional recognition model is a trained network model based on deep learning or other machine learning methods.

[0157] In some embodiments, step 120 determines the section type of the ultrasound image based on the section type received from the user input.

[0158] For example, the processor 30 determines the section type of the ultrasound image based on the section type received from the user input.

[0159] In some embodiments, step 120 is based on identifying the detection site in the ultrasound image.

[0160] For example, the processor 30 can identify ultrasound images using a pre-trained network model or other image recognition methods to obtain the detection area of ​​the ultrasound image. In some embodiments, the processor 30 inputs the ultrasound image into a detection area recognition model to obtain the detection area of ​​the ultrasound image. The detection area recognition model is used to identify the detection area of ​​the ultrasound image, and the detection area recognition model is a trained network model based on deep learning or other machine learning methods.

[0161] In some embodiments, step 120 determines the examination items for the ultrasound image based on the examination items received from the user input.

[0162] The above explains the concepts of inspection items, inspection sites, imaging modes, and section types.

[0163] The above also involves storing multiple frames of ultrasound data during real-time ultrasound data acquisition for later retrieval during image review. The storage rules can be to set a preset number of ultrasound data frames and store them according to the principle of first-in, first-out, or to store all frames of ultrasound data for this examination item, or to select multiple frames of ultrasound data to store based on storage space, or to select the start and end frames of the multiple frames of ultrasound data to be stored based on user instructions.

[0164] Please refer to Figure 6 Some embodiments provide an imaging method 101, which can be applied to the ultrasound imaging system 100 of any embodiment of this application, i.e., the imaging method 101 of the ultrasound imaging system 100; the imaging method 101 includes the following steps:

[0165] Step 210: In image review mode, read the stored ultrasound data for display.

[0166] For example, in step 210, at least two frames of ultrasound data are read from the stored multi-frame ultrasound data in the image review state. Understandably, the number of frames of ultrasound data read is less than the number of frames of stored ultrasound data. For example, if there is a second number of stored ultrasound data frames, the first number of frames is read. The first number of frames is greater than one frame and less than or equal to the second number of frames.

[0167] In some examples, the stored multi-frame ultrasound data is ultrasound data acquired and stored during real-time scanning.

[0168] Image review state refers to the state in which scanning of the region of interest is stopped, thereby stopping the acquisition of ultrasound data. Examples include image freeze state and movie review state.

[0169] Therefore, in some embodiments, step 210 can respond to a scan stop command and enter an image review state; in the image review state: stop scanning the region of interest to stop acquiring ultrasound data; read at least two frames of ultrasound data from the stored multi-frame ultrasound data.

[0170] In some embodiments, the scan stop command includes a short-term stop command; wherein, when the ultrasound imaging system 100 receives the short-term stop command, the ultrasound imaging system 100 enters an image freeze state. Therefore, the short-term stop command can be an image freeze command.

[0171] In some embodiments, the scan stop command includes a long-term stop command; wherein, when the ultrasound imaging system 100 receives the long-term stop command, the ultrasound imaging system 100 enters a movie review state. Therefore, the long-term stop command may include a command to enter a movie review state.

[0172] Step 220: Process the read ultrasound data to obtain ultrasound images and display them.

[0173] The ultrasound imaging system 100 provides an imaging optimization function in image review mode. The imaging optimization function can be turned on and activated, or it can be turned off and deactivated.

[0174] In some embodiments, step 220, when the image review state is in progress and the imaging optimization function is off, involves processing each frame of the at least two frames of ultrasound data read based on the first processing parameters to obtain an ultrasound image of the corresponding number of frames, and displaying the ultrasound image in frame sequence.

[0175] In some embodiments, step 220, when the image review state is in effect and the imaging optimization function is active, involves: processing each frame of the at least two frames of ultrasound data read based on the first processing parameters to obtain ultrasound images of the corresponding number of frames; determining whether the stored multiple frames of ultrasound data are associated with a first optimization quantity—the first optimization quantity is stored when the real-time scanning state is in effect and the imaging optimization function is active; if the stored multiple frames of ultrasound data are associated with a first optimization quantity, then the first optimization quantity is read, and each frame of ultrasound image is processed based on the first optimization quantity to obtain an optimized ultrasound image, and the optimized ultrasound image is displayed in frame time sequence; if the stored multiple frames of ultrasound data are not associated with a first optimization quantity, then a second optimization quantity is obtained, and each frame of ultrasound image is processed based on the second optimization quantity to obtain an optimized ultrasound image, and the optimized ultrasound image is displayed in frame time sequence.

[0176] In some embodiments, the stored multi-frame ultrasound data are associated with a first optimization amount, including: some or all frames of the stored multi-frame ultrasound data are associated with a first optimization amount.

[0177] In some embodiments, the stored multi-frame ultrasound data is not associated with the storage of a first optimization amount, including: all frames in the stored multi-frame ultrasound data are not associated with the storage of a first optimization amount.

[0178] In one example, in image review mode, if the imaging optimization function is off, the processor 30 processes each frame of ultrasound data read based on the first processing parameters to obtain the corresponding number of ultrasound images (let's assume the first number of ultrasound data frames are read), and displays the ultrasound images in frame sequence. If the imaging optimization function switches from off to active, it determines whether the first number of ultrasound data frames read are associated with a first optimization amount. If the first optimization amount is associated with a first optimization amount, it processes each frame of the first number of ultrasound data frames based on the stored first optimization amount to obtain an optimized ultrasound image, and displays the optimized ultrasound image in frame sequence. If the first optimization amount is not associated with a first optimization amount, it obtains a second optimization amount, processes each frame of the first number of ultrasound data frames based on the second optimization amount to obtain an optimized ultrasound image, and displays the optimized ultrasound image in frame sequence.

[0179] In one example, during the display of a first number of ultrasound images in frame-by-frame sequence in image review mode, if the imaging optimization function is switched from active to off, then regardless of which frame of the first number of ultrasound images is currently displayed, the corresponding number of ultrasound images obtained by processing each frame of ultrasound data read based on the first processing parameters will be displayed. Similarly, during the display of a first number of ultrasound images in frame-by-frame sequence in image review mode, if the imaging optimization function is switched from off to active, then regardless of which frame of the first number of ultrasound images is currently displayed, each frame of the first number of ultrasound images obtained by processing the first processing parameters from the first frame to the last frame will be optimized. The optimization can be based on a first optimization amount or a second optimization amount, depending on whether the first optimization amount is associated and stored.

[0180] A more specific process could be as follows:

[0181] In response to the scan start command, the processor 30 controls the entry into real-time scan mode. In real-time scan mode, the processor 30 controls the ultrasound probe 10 to acquire ultrasound data via the transceiver control circuit 20, stores the acquired ultrasound data in the memory 40, generates ultrasound images based on the ultrasound data, and controls the display 50 to display them. During real-time acquisition and display of ultrasound data, if the imaging optimization function is disabled: the processor 30 processes the ultrasound data based on the first processing parameters to obtain ultrasound images, controls the display 50 to display the ultrasound images in frame sequence, and controls the memory 40 to store multiple frames of ultrasound data for later image review. During real-time acquisition and display of ultrasound data, if the imaging optimization function is active: the processor 30 processes the ultrasound data based on first processing parameters to obtain an ultrasound image; the processor 30 optimizes the ultrasound images of the current frame and subsequent frames starting from the current frame to obtain an optimized ultrasound image, wherein the processor 30 acquires a first optimization amount and optimizes at least the current frame's ultrasound image based on the first optimization amount; the processor 30 controls the display 50 to display the optimized ultrasound image according to the frame sequence, and controls the memory 40 to associate and store multiple frames of ultrasound data with the first optimization amount for retrieval during image review. It can be understood that the current frame refers to the ultrasound image frame generated when the imaging optimization function is enabled or the ultrasound image frame currently being displayed when the imaging optimization function is enabled. During real-time acquisition and display of ultrasound data, in response to an image freeze command or a short-term stop command, the processor 30 freezes the currently displayed ultrasound image and controls the switch from real-time scanning state to image freeze state. In image freeze state, the ultrasound probe 10 stops scanning the region of interest to stop acquiring ultrasound data. Furthermore, if the imaging optimization function was off in the real-time scanning state before the switch, the imaging optimization function will remain off in the image freeze state after the switch. If the imaging optimization function was active in the real-time scanning state before the switch, the imaging optimization function will remain active in the image freeze state after the switch. In addition, the user can manually set the state of the imaging optimization function in the image freeze state after the switch. For example, if the imaging optimization function was active in the real-time scanning state before the switch, the user can set it to off state using the imaging optimization function key 70. Similarly, if the imaging optimization function was off in the real-time scanning state before the switch, the user can set it to active state using the imaging optimization function key 70.In the image-frozen state, the processor 30 reads at least two frames of stored ultrasound data, which can be the current frame and one or more frames preceding the current frame. If the imaging optimization function is off, the processor 30 processes each frame of the at least two frames of ultrasound data based on the first processing parameters to obtain an ultrasound image of the corresponding number of frames, and controls the display 50 to display the ultrasound image in frame sequence. If the imaging optimization function is active, the processor 30 processes each frame of the at least two frames of ultrasound data based on the first processing parameters to obtain an ultrasound image of the corresponding number of frames, and determines whether the stored multiple frames of ultrasound data are associated with a first optimization amount. If the stored multiple frames of ultrasound data are associated with a first optimization amount, the processor 30 reads the first optimization amount, processes each frame of ultrasound image based on the first optimization amount to obtain an optimized ultrasound image, and displays the optimized ultrasound image in frame sequence. If the stored multiple frames of ultrasound data are not associated with a first optimization amount, the processor 30 obtains a second optimization amount, processes each frame of ultrasound image based on the second optimization amount to obtain an optimized ultrasound image, and displays the optimized ultrasound image in frame sequence. Subsequently, in response to the image thaw command, the processor 30 thaws the current ultrasound image and restores it from the image freeze state to the real-time scanning state. Furthermore, if the imaging optimization function was disabled in the image freeze state before the switch, it remains disabled in the real-time scanning state after the switch; conversely, if the imaging optimization function was active in the image freeze state before the switch, it remains active in the real-time scanning state after the switch. During or after the real-time scanning process, if the user wishes to review the image, they can do so in the movie review state. For example, in response to an instruction to enter movie review mode or a long-term stop instruction, processor 30 controls the entry into movie review mode; if the imaging optimization function is active, processor 30 processes each frame of the at least two frames of ultrasound data read based on the first processing parameters to obtain ultrasound images of the corresponding number of frames, and determines whether the stored multiple frames of ultrasound data are associated with a first optimization amount; if the stored multiple frames of ultrasound data are associated with a first optimization amount, the first optimization amount is read, and each frame of ultrasound image is processed based on the first optimization amount to obtain an optimized ultrasound image, and the optimized ultrasound image is displayed according to the frame time sequence; if the stored multiple frames of ultrasound data are not associated with a first optimization amount, a second optimization amount is obtained, and each frame of ultrasound image is processed based on the second optimization amount to obtain an optimized ultrasound image, and the optimized ultrasound image is displayed according to the frame time sequence.

[0182] As can be seen in some embodiments, as long as at least some frames of the stored multi-frame ultrasound images are associated with the first optimization quantity in the real-time scanning state, then in the image review state and when the imaging optimization function is activated, the ultrasound image corresponding to each frame of ultrasound data is optimized based on the first optimization quantity. This ensures the consistency of the image optimization effect in the image review state with the image optimization effect in the real-time imaging process, and also saves computing resources. Moreover, this resource saving is meaningful because even if some frames of ultrasound data are associated with the first optimization quantity, considering the continuity between the ultrasound data of other frames and these frames, optimizing the ultrasound images corresponding to the ultrasound data of other frames based on the first optimization quantity of the ultrasound data of these frames is still quite effective. This continuity is manifested, for example, in the fact that the ultrasound data of these frames and other frames are all obtained in the real-time scanning state: data obtained under the same examination item, or data obtained by scanning the same detection site, or data obtained by detection under the same imaging mode.

[0183] In some embodiments, step 220, when the image review state is in effect and the imaging optimization function is activated, involves processing each frame of the at least two frames of ultrasound data based on the first processing parameters to obtain ultrasound images of the corresponding number of frames, and determining whether the at least two frames of ultrasound data are associated with and stored with a first optimization quantity—the first optimization quantity is stored when the real-time scanning state is in effect and the imaging optimization function is activated; if the at least two frames of ultrasound data are associated with and stored with the first optimization quantity, the first optimization quantity is read, and each frame of ultrasound image is processed based on the first optimization quantity to obtain an optimized ultrasound image, and the optimized ultrasound image is displayed in frame time sequence; if the at least two frames of ultrasound data are not associated with and stored with the first optimization quantity, a second optimization quantity is obtained, and each frame of ultrasound image is processed based on the second optimization quantity to obtain an optimized ultrasound image, and the optimized ultrasound image is displayed in frame time sequence.

[0184] In some embodiments, the at least two frames of ultrasound data read are associated with and stored with a first optimization amount, including: some or all of the frames of the at least two frames of ultrasound data read are associated with and stored with a first optimization amount.

[0185] In some embodiments, the at least two frames of ultrasound data read are not associated with the storage of the first optimization quantity, including: all frames of the at least two frames of ultrasound data read are not associated with the storage of the first optimization quantity.

[0186] As can be seen in some embodiments, as long as at least some frames of the stored multi-frame ultrasound images are associated with the first optimization quantity in the real-time scanning state, then in the image review state and when the imaging optimization function is active, the ultrasound image corresponding to each frame of ultrasound data is optimized based on the first optimization quantity. This ensures the consistency of the image optimization effect in the image review state with the image optimization effect in the real-time imaging process, and also saves computational resources. Moreover, this resource saving is meaningful because even if some frames of ultrasound data are associated with the first optimization quantity, considering the continuity between the ultrasound data of other frames and these frames, optimizing the ultrasound images corresponding to the ultrasound data of other frames based on the first optimization quantity of the ultrasound data of these frames is still quite effective. This continuity is manifested, for example, in the fact that the ultrasound data of these frames and other frames are all obtained in the real-time scanning state: data obtained under the same examination item, or data obtained by scanning the same detection site, or data obtained by detection under the same imaging mode. Furthermore, this continuity is also reflected in the fact that they are all data frames that are read for image review.

[0187] In some embodiments, step 220, when the image review state is active and the imaging optimization function is activated, involves: processing each frame of the at least two frames of ultrasound data read based on the first processing parameters to obtain ultrasound images of the corresponding number of frames; determining whether the at least two frames of ultrasound data read are associated with and stored with a first optimization amount; if all frames of the at least two frames of ultrasound data read are associated with and stored with the first optimization amount, then the first optimization amount is read, and each frame of ultrasound image is processed based on the first optimization amount to obtain an optimized ultrasound image, and the optimized ultrasound image is displayed according to the frame time sequence; if none of the frames of the at least two frames of ultrasound data read are associated with and stored with the first optimization amount, then a second optimization amount is obtained, and each frame of ultrasound image is processed based on the second optimization amount to obtain an optimized ultrasound image, and the optimized ultrasound image is displayed according to the frame time sequence.

[0188] As can be seen, in some embodiments, all frames of the read and stored ultrasound images are associated with the first optimization quantity in the real-time scanning state. Then, in the image review state and when the imaging optimization function is activated, the ultrasound image corresponding to each frame of ultrasound data is optimized based on the first optimization quantity. This can strictly ensure the consistency of the image optimization effect in the image review state with the image optimization effect in the real-time imaging process, while also saving computing resources.

[0189] In some embodiments, step 220 is performed in the image review state and when the imaging optimization function is activated: if some frames of the at least two frames of ultrasound data read have a first optimization quantity associated with them and some frames do not have a first optimization quantity associated with them, then the first optimization quantity is read, and each frame of ultrasound image is processed based on the first optimization quantity to obtain an optimized ultrasound image, and the optimized ultrasound image is displayed in the frame time sequence.

[0190] In some embodiments, step 220, when the image review state is active and the imaging optimization function is activated: if some frames of the at least two frames of ultrasound data read have a first optimization value associated with them, and some frames do not have a first optimization value associated with them, for example, if the first part of the at least two frames of ultrasound data read have a first optimization value associated with them, and the remaining second part of the frames do not have a first optimization value associated with them, then the first optimization value is read, and each frame of the ultrasound image corresponding to the first part of the frames is processed based on the first optimization value to obtain an optimized ultrasound image; a second optimization value is obtained, and each frame of the ultrasound image corresponding to the second part of the frames is processed based on the second optimization value to obtain an optimized ultrasound image; the optimized ultrasound image is displayed according to the frame time sequence.

[0191] As can be seen, in some embodiments, some frames of the stored multi-frame ultrasound images are associated with the first optimization value in real-time scanning, while some frames are not associated with the first optimization value in real-time scanning. In image review mode and when the imaging optimization function is active, the ultrasound images corresponding to the ultrasound data associated with the first optimization value are optimized based on the first optimization value. This can strictly ensure the consistency of the image optimization effect in image review mode with the image optimization effect in real-time imaging process, while also saving computing resources. At the same time, for the frames that are not associated with the first optimization value in real-time scanning, the ultrasound images corresponding to the ultrasound data of these frames are re-optimized based on the second optimization value, which can ensure better imaging effect.

[0192] In some embodiments, step 220 of obtaining the second optimization amount includes: calculating the first optimization amount based on the ultrasound data of a frame of ultrasound image corresponding to when the imaging optimization function is enabled and the first optimization algorithm of the imaging optimization function.

[0193] During the optimization process, the second optimization quantity can also be updated automatically or manually, as explained below.

[0194] In some embodiments, when in real-time scanning mode and the imaging optimization function is active, step 220, after acquiring the second optimization amount and executing the imaging optimization function—especially when all frames read in image review mode are optimized based on the second optimization amount—automatically updates the second optimization amount. It can be understood that executing the imaging optimization function can mean acquiring at least the second optimization amount, or it can mean optimizing at least one frame of ultrasound image based on the second optimization amount. In some embodiments, step 220 automatically updating the second optimization amount includes: after acquiring the second optimization amount and executing the imaging optimization function, during the subsequent display of ultrasound images in frame sequence, using the ultrasound image corresponding to when the imaging optimization function was enabled as the initial reference image, determining whether the information of the currently displayed ultrasound image has changed relative to the latest reference image; if it has changed, recalculating based on the ultrasound data of the currently displayed ultrasound image and the second optimization algorithm to obtain the updated first optimization amount, and using the currently displayed ultrasound image as the latest reference image for the next determination. Furthermore, in some embodiments where some frames are optimized based on a first optimization amount and some frames are optimized based on a second optimization amount, any frame of the partial frames optimized based on the second optimization amount, such as the first or last frame, can be used as the initial reference image.

[0195] In some embodiments, after obtaining the second optimization value and performing the imaging optimization function—especially when all frames read in image review mode are optimized based on the second optimization value—step 220 can also receive an optimization refresh command and recalculate the updated second optimization value based on the ultrasound data of the ultrasound image frame corresponding to the optimization refresh command and the first optimization algorithm. It can be understood that the ultrasound image frame corresponding to the optimization refresh command can refer to the ultrasound image frame that the ultrasound imaging system 100 is displaying when it receives the optimization refresh command.

[0196] In the image review state, in some embodiments where all frames are optimized based on the first optimization amount, an optimization refresh instruction can also be received, and a third optimization amount can be obtained by recalculating the ultrasound data of the ultrasound image of the frame corresponding to the optimization refresh instruction and the first optimization algorithm, and then optimizing all frames based on the third optimization amount; this can also be understood as updating the first optimization amount through the third optimization amount.

[0197] In some embodiments where some frames are optimized based on the first optimization amount and some frames are optimized based on the second optimization amount in the image review state, an optimization refresh command can also be received, and a third optimization amount can be obtained by recalculating the ultrasound data of the ultrasound image of the frame corresponding to the optimization refresh command and the first optimization algorithm, and all frames can be optimized based on the third optimization amount; this can also be understood as updating both the first and second optimization amounts through the third optimization amount.

[0198] In some embodiments, the ultrasound imaging system 100 may include an optimization refresh function key 61, which generates an optimization refresh command when the optimization refresh function key 61 is operated by the user.

[0199] The ultrasound imaging system 100 may also include an optimization refresh control displayed on the display 50, which generates an optimization refresh command when the optimization refresh control is operated by the user.

[0200] In some embodiments, the first optimization algorithm of the imaging optimization function can be associated with the information of a frame of ultrasound image corresponding to when the imaging optimization function is enabled. For example, different ultrasound images may be associated with different first optimization algorithms.

[0201] In some embodiments, the information in the ultrasound image includes one or more of the following: the examination item in the ultrasound image, the detection site in the ultrasound image, the imaging mode of the ultrasound image, and the section type of the ultrasound image. The concepts of examination item, detection site, imaging mode, and section type have been explained in detail above and will not be repeated here.

[0202] As can be seen, in image review mode, regardless of whether the imaging optimization function is enabled, the ultrasound data will be processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain the ultrasound image. When the imaging optimization function is enabled, the ultrasound image will be further optimized based on the first optimization amount or the second optimization amount.

[0203] In addition, in some embodiments, the multi-frame ultrasound data stored in the memory 40 is relatively raw ultrasound data that has not been deeply processed or optimized, such as ultrasound data after analog-to-digital conversion (channel acquisition data), ultrasound data before signal demodulation, ultrasound data after the output of the signal demodulation stage, ultrasound data before beamforming, ultrasound data after the output of the beamforming stage, etc. In the design process, the principle is to leave relatively sufficient room for possible optimization and changes in imaging parameters later.

[0204] Please refer to Figure 7 Some embodiments provide an imaging method 101, which can be applied to the ultrasound imaging system 100 of any embodiment of this application, i.e., the imaging method 101 of the ultrasound imaging system 100; the imaging method 101 includes the following steps:

[0205] Step 310: In response to the scan start command, enter real-time scan state.

[0206] For example, the user can activate the scan start button 61 by inputting the tool 60, or generate a scan start command by clicking the menu control, so that the ultrasound imaging system 100 receives the scan start command.

[0207] Step 320: In real-time scanning mode, acquire ultrasound data and display real-time ultrasound images, and store optimized data. For example, step 320 controls the scanning of the region of interest to acquire ultrasound data, and processes the ultrasound data to obtain an ultrasound image.

[0208] The ultrasound imaging system 100 provides an imaging optimization function in real-time scanning mode. The imaging optimization function can be turned on and activated, or it can be turned off and deactivated.

[0209] In some embodiments, step 320 scans the region of interest in real-time scanning mode to acquire ultrasound data; during the real-time acquisition of ultrasound data, if the imaging optimization function is turned off: step 320 processes the ultrasound data based on the first processing parameters to obtain ultrasound images, and displays the ultrasound images in frame sequence. In some examples, during the real-time acquisition of ultrasound data, if the imaging optimization function is turned off: step 320 may also store the ultrasound images for later retrieval during image review.

[0210] In some embodiments, step 320 scans the region of interest in real-time scanning mode to acquire ultrasound data; during the real-time acquisition of ultrasound data, if the imaging optimization function is active: step 320 processes the ultrasound data based on a first processing parameter to obtain an ultrasound image; starting from the ultrasound image of the current frame, processes the ultrasound images of the current frame and subsequent frames to obtain an optimized ultrasound image, wherein a first optimization amount is obtained, and the ultrasound image of the current frame is optimized based on the first optimization amount; the optimized ultrasound image is displayed according to the frame time sequence; and multiple frames of ultrasound data stored when the imaging optimization function is active are associated with the first optimization amount for retrieval during image review.

[0211] In some embodiments, the multi-frame ultrasound data stored in the real-time scanning state is relatively raw ultrasound data that has not been deeply processed or optimized, such as ultrasound data after analog-to-digital conversion (channel acquisition data), ultrasound data before signal demodulation, ultrasound data after the output of the signal demodulation stage, ultrasound data before beamforming, ultrasound data after the output of the beamforming stage, etc. In the design process, the principle is to leave relatively sufficient room for possible optimization and changes in imaging parameters later.

[0212] As can be seen, in real-time scanning mode, regardless of whether the imaging optimization function is enabled, the ultrasound data will be processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain an ultrasound image. When the imaging optimization function is enabled, the ultrasound image will be further optimized based on the first optimization amount.

[0213] In some embodiments, step 320 of obtaining the first optimization amount includes: calculating the first optimization amount based on the ultrasound data of a frame of ultrasound image corresponding to when the imaging optimization function is enabled and the first optimization algorithm of the imaging optimization function.

[0214] As described above, in real-time scanning mode and with the imaging optimization function active, step 320 optimizes the ultrasound images of the current frame and subsequent frames starting from the ultrasound image of the current frame to obtain optimized ultrasound images. Step 320 optimizes at least the ultrasound image of the current frame based on a first optimization amount—for example, step 320 optimizes the ultrasound images of the current frame and subsequent frames starting from the ultrasound image of the current frame based on the first optimization amount. During the optimization process, the first optimization amount can also be updated automatically or manually, as described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0215] Step 330: In response to the scan stop command, enter the image review state.

[0216] For example, in step 330, at least two frames of ultrasound data are read from the stored multi-frame ultrasound data in the image review state. Understandably, the number of frames of ultrasound data read is less than the number of frames of stored ultrasound data. For example, if there is a second number of stored ultrasound data frames, the first number of frames is read. The first number of frames is greater than one frame and less than or equal to the second number of frames.

[0217] Image review state refers to the state in which scanning of the region of interest is stopped, thereby stopping the acquisition of ultrasound data. Examples include image freeze state and movie review state, which can be found in the description above and will not be repeated here.

[0218] Step 340: Process the read ultrasound data to obtain ultrasound images and display them.

[0219] In some embodiments, step 340, when the image review state is in progress and the imaging optimization function is off, involves processing each frame of the at least two frames of ultrasound data read based on the first processing parameters to obtain an ultrasound image of the corresponding number of frames, and displaying the ultrasound image in frame sequence.

[0220] In some embodiments, step 340, when the image review state is in effect and the imaging optimization function is activated, involves processing each frame of the at least two frames of ultrasound data read based on the first processing parameters to obtain ultrasound images of the corresponding number of frames, reading the first optimization amount, processing each frame of ultrasound image based on the first optimization amount to obtain optimized ultrasound images, and displaying the optimized ultrasound images in frame time sequence.

[0221] In some embodiments, when the image review state is active and the imaging optimization function is active, step 340 can also receive an optimization refresh command, and recalculate the third optimization amount based on the ultrasound data of the ultrasound image of the frame corresponding to the optimization refresh command and the first optimization algorithm, and optimize all frames based on the third optimization amount; this can also be understood as updating the first optimization amount through the third optimization amount.

[0222] This document describes various exemplary embodiments with reference to them. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes and modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of this document. For example, various operational steps and components for performing operational steps can be implemented in different ways depending on the specific application or considering any number of cost functions associated with the operation of the system (e.g., one or more steps can be deleted, modified, or combined with other steps).

[0223] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, as those skilled in the art will understand, the principles herein can be reflected in a computer program product on a computer-readable storage medium pre-loaded with computer-readable program code. Any tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be used, including magnetic storage devices (hard disks, floppy disks, etc.), optical storage devices (CD-ROMs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), flash memory, and / or the like. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to form a machine, such that instructions executing on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus can generate means for implementing a specified function. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can instruct the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to operate in a particular manner, such that instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium can form an article of manufacture including means for implementing the specified function. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to perform a series of operational steps on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, such that instructions executing on the computer or other programmable apparatus can provide steps for implementing the specified function.

[0224] While the principles herein have been illustrated in various embodiments, numerous modifications to the structure, arrangement, proportions, elements, materials, and components, particularly suited to specific environmental and operational requirements, may be used without departing from the principles and scope of this disclosure. These modifications and other alterations or alterations will be included within the scope of this document.

[0225] The foregoing specific descriptions have been described with reference to various embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, considerations for this disclosure are to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and all such modifications are to be included within its scope. Similarly, advantages, other advantages, and solutions to problems with respect to various embodiments have been described above. However, benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that produce these, or make them more explicit, should not be construed as critical, essential, or necessary. The term “comprising” and any other variations thereof as used herein are non-exclusive inclusion, meaning that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed or not part of the process, method, system, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the term “coupled” and any other variations thereof as used herein refer to physical connections, electrical connections, magnetic connections, optical connections, communication connections, functional connections, and / or any other connections.

[0226] Those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes can be made to the details of the above embodiments without departing from the basic principles of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be determined only by the claims.

Claims

1. An imaging method for an ultrasound imaging system, characterized in that, include: In response to the scan start command, it enters real-time scan mode; In the real-time scanning state: the region of interest is scanned to acquire ultrasound data; When the imaging optimization function is off: the ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain an ultrasound image, and the ultrasound image is displayed in frame time sequence; And to store multiple frames of the ultrasound data for use during image review; When the imaging optimization function is active: the ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain an ultrasound image; starting from the ultrasound image of the current frame, the ultrasound images of the current frame and subsequent frames are optimized to obtain an optimized ultrasound image, wherein a first optimization amount is obtained, and the ultrasound image of the current frame is optimized based on the first optimization amount; the optimized ultrasound image is displayed according to the frame time sequence; and multiple frames of ultrasound data are associated and stored with the first optimization amount for retrieval during image review. In response to the scan stop command, enter image review mode; In the image review state: stop scanning the region of interest to stop acquiring ultrasound data; read at least two frames of ultrasound data from the stored multiple frames of ultrasound data; When the imaging optimization function is off: each frame of the at least two frames of ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain the corresponding number of ultrasound images, and the ultrasound images are displayed in frame time sequence. When the imaging optimization function is active: each frame of the at least two frames of ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain the corresponding number of ultrasound images, and it is determined whether the stored multiple frames of ultrasound data are associated with the first optimization amount; if the stored multiple frames of ultrasound data are associated with the first optimization amount, the first optimization amount is read, and each frame of ultrasound image is processed based on the first optimization amount to obtain an optimized ultrasound image, and the optimized ultrasound image is displayed in frame time sequence; if the stored multiple frames of ultrasound data are not associated with the first optimization amount, a second optimization amount is obtained, and each frame of ultrasound image is processed based on the second optimization amount to obtain an optimized ultrasound image, and the optimized ultrasound image is displayed in frame time sequence.

2. The imaging method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The stored multiple frames of ultrasound data are associated with and stored with the first optimization amount, including: some or all frames of the stored multiple frames of ultrasound data are associated with and stored with the first optimization amount; and / or, The storage of multiple frames of ultrasound data without the first optimization quantity is defined as follows: all frames in the stored multiple frames of ultrasound data are not associated with the first optimization quantity.

3. An imaging method for an ultrasound imaging system, characterized in that, include: In response to the scan start command, it enters real-time scan mode; In the real-time scanning state: the region of interest is scanned to acquire ultrasound data; When the imaging optimization function is off: the ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain an ultrasound image, and the ultrasound image is displayed in frame time sequence; And to store multiple frames of the ultrasound data for use during image review; When the imaging optimization function is active: the ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain an ultrasound image; starting from the ultrasound image of the current frame, the ultrasound images of the current frame and subsequent frames are optimized to obtain an optimized ultrasound image, wherein a first optimization amount is obtained, and the ultrasound image of the current frame is optimized based on the first optimization amount; the optimized ultrasound image is displayed according to the frame time sequence; and multiple frames of ultrasound data are associated and stored with the first optimization amount for retrieval during image review. In response to the scan stop command, enter image review mode; In the image review state: stop scanning the region of interest to stop acquiring ultrasound data; read at least two frames of ultrasound data from the stored multiple frames of ultrasound data; When the imaging optimization function is off, each frame of the at least two frames of ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain the corresponding number of ultrasound images, and the ultrasound images are displayed in frame time sequence. When the imaging optimization function is active: each frame of the at least two frames of ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain the corresponding number of ultrasound images, and it is determined whether the at least two frames of ultrasound data are associated with and stored with the first optimization amount; if the at least two frames of ultrasound data are associated with and stored with the first optimization amount, the first optimization amount is read, and each frame of ultrasound image is processed based on the first optimization amount to obtain an optimized ultrasound image, and the optimized ultrasound image is displayed in frame time sequence; if the at least two frames of ultrasound data are not associated with and stored with the first optimization amount, the second optimization amount is obtained, and each frame of ultrasound image is processed based on the second optimization amount to obtain an optimized ultrasound image, and the optimized ultrasound image is displayed in frame time sequence.

4. The imaging method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The at least two frames of ultrasound data are associated and stored with the first optimization amount, including: some or all frames of the at least two frames of ultrasound data are associated and stored with the first optimization amount; and / or, The statement that at least two frames of ultrasound data are not associated with the first optimization amount includes: all frames in the at least two frames of ultrasound data are not associated with the first optimization amount.

5. An imaging method for an ultrasound imaging system, characterized in that, include: In response to the scan start command, it enters real-time scan mode; In the real-time scanning state: the region of interest is scanned to acquire ultrasound data; When the imaging optimization function is off: the ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain an ultrasound image, and the ultrasound image is displayed in frame time sequence; And to store multiple frames of the ultrasound data for use during image review; When the imaging optimization function is active: the ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain an ultrasound image; starting from the ultrasound image of the current frame, the ultrasound images of the current frame and subsequent frames are optimized to obtain an optimized ultrasound image, wherein a first optimization amount is obtained, and the ultrasound image of the current frame is optimized based on the first optimization amount; the optimized ultrasound image is displayed according to the frame time sequence; and multiple frames of ultrasound data are associated and stored with the first optimization amount for retrieval during image review. In response to the scan stop command, enter image review mode; In the image review state: stop scanning the region of interest to stop acquiring ultrasound data; read at least two frames of ultrasound data from the stored multiple frames of ultrasound data; When the imaging optimization function is off, each frame of the at least two frames of ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain the corresponding number of ultrasound images, and the ultrasound images are displayed in frame time sequence. When the imaging optimization function is active: each frame of the at least two frames of ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain ultrasound images of the corresponding number of frames; it is determined whether the at least two frames of ultrasound data are associated with and stored with the first optimization amount; if all frames of the at least two frames of ultrasound data are associated with and stored with the first optimization amount, the first optimization amount is read, and each frame of ultrasound image is processed based on the first optimization amount to obtain an optimized ultrasound image, and the optimized ultrasound image is displayed in frame time sequence; if all frames of the at least two frames of ultrasound data are not associated with and stored with the first optimization amount, the second optimization amount is obtained, and each frame of ultrasound image is processed based on the second optimization amount to obtain an optimized ultrasound image, and the optimized ultrasound image is displayed in frame time sequence.

6. The imaging method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The imaging method further includes: if some frames of the at least two frames of ultrasound data are associated with the first optimization amount and some frames are not associated with the first optimization amount, then the first optimization amount is read, each frame of the at least two frames of ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain ultrasound images of the corresponding number of frames, and each frame of ultrasound images is processed based on the first optimization amount to obtain optimized ultrasound images, and the optimized ultrasound images are displayed in frame time sequence. or, If the first part of the at least two frames of ultrasound data is associated with the first optimization amount, and the remaining second part of the frames is not associated with the first optimization amount, then each frame of the at least two frames of ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain the corresponding number of ultrasound images; then the first optimization amount is read, and each frame of the ultrasound image corresponding to the first part of the frames is processed based on the first optimization amount to obtain the optimized ultrasound image; then the second optimization amount is obtained, and each frame of the ultrasound image corresponding to the second part of the frames is processed based on the second optimization amount to obtain the optimized ultrasound image; then the optimized ultrasound image is displayed according to the frame time sequence.

7. The imaging method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The acquisition of the first optimization amount includes: calculating the first optimization amount based on the ultrasound data of a frame of ultrasound image corresponding to when the imaging optimization function is enabled and the first optimization algorithm of the imaging optimization function; and / or, The process of obtaining the second optimization quantity includes: calculating the second optimization quantity based on the ultrasound data of a frame of ultrasound image corresponding to when the imaging optimization function is enabled and the first optimization algorithm of the imaging optimization function.

8. The imaging method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The imaging method further includes: In the real-time scanning state and when the imaging optimization function is active: after acquiring the first optimization amount and executing the imaging optimization function, the first optimization amount is automatically updated; the automatic update of the first optimization amount includes: after acquiring the first optimization amount and executing the imaging optimization function, during the subsequent display of ultrasound images in frame sequence, taking the ultrasound image corresponding to the frame when the imaging optimization function is enabled as the initial reference image, determining whether the information of the currently displayed ultrasound image has changed relative to the information of the latest reference image; if it has changed, recalculating based on the ultrasound data of the currently displayed ultrasound image and the first optimization algorithm to obtain the updated first optimization amount, and taking the currently displayed ultrasound image as the latest reference image for the next determination; And / or, In the image review state and when the imaging optimization function is active: after acquiring the second optimization value and executing the imaging optimization function, the second optimization value is automatically updated; the automatic update of the second optimization value includes: after acquiring the second optimization value and executing the imaging optimization function, during the subsequent display of ultrasound images in frame sequence, taking the ultrasound image corresponding to the frame when the imaging optimization function is enabled as the initial reference image, determining whether the information of the currently displayed ultrasound image has changed relative to the information of the latest reference image, if it has changed, then recalculating based on the ultrasound data corresponding to the currently displayed ultrasound image and the first optimization algorithm to obtain the updated second optimization value, and taking the currently displayed ultrasound image as the latest reference image for the next determination.

9. The imaging method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, In the real-time scanning state and when the imaging optimization function is activated: after obtaining the first optimization amount, it can also receive an optimization refresh command, and recalculate the updated first optimization amount based on the ultrasound data of a frame of ultrasound image corresponding to the optimization refresh command and the first optimization algorithm. And / or, In the image review state and when the imaging optimization function is activated: after obtaining the second optimization amount, it can also receive an optimization refresh command, and recalculate the updated second optimization amount based on the ultrasound data of the ultrasound image of the frame corresponding to the optimization refresh command and the first optimization algorithm.

10. The imaging method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The first optimization algorithm of the imaging optimization function is associated with the information of a frame of ultrasound image corresponding to when the imaging optimization function is enabled, and different first optimization algorithms are associated with the information of different ultrasound images.

11. The imaging method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that, The information in the ultrasound image includes one or more of the following: the examination item in the ultrasound image, the detection site in the ultrasound image, the imaging mode of the ultrasound image, and the section type of the ultrasound image.

12. The imaging method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The ultrasound imaging system includes an imaging optimization function key; the imaging optimization function key has an on state and an off state; when the imaging optimization function key is in the on state, the imaging optimization function is in the active state, and when the imaging optimization function key is in the off state, the imaging optimization function is in the off state; the imaging method further includes: in response to an operation on the imaging optimization function key, setting the imaging optimization function key to an on state or an off state.

13. The imaging method as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The imaging optimization function key is either a function key with a physical structure or a function key that is a control-like interface display.

14. The imaging method according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that, The ultrasound data is channel-acquired data.

15. An imaging method for an ultrasound imaging system, characterized in that, include: In image review mode, at least two frames of ultrasound data are read from the stored multi-frame ultrasound data; The stored multiple frames of ultrasound data are ultrasound data collected and stored in real-time scanning mode; When the imaging optimization function is off: each frame of the at least two frames of ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameter to obtain the corresponding number of ultrasound images, and the ultrasound images are displayed in the frame time sequence. When the imaging optimization function is active, each frame of the at least two frames of ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain the corresponding number of ultrasound images. It is then determined whether the stored multiple frames of ultrasound data are associated with a first optimization amount, which is stored in real-time scanning mode when the imaging optimization function is active. If the stored multiple frames of ultrasound data are associated with the first optimization amount, the first optimization amount is read, and each frame of ultrasound image is processed based on the first optimization amount to obtain an optimized ultrasound image. The optimized ultrasound image is then displayed in frame time sequence. If the stored multiple frames of ultrasound data are not associated with the first optimization amount, then the second optimization amount is obtained, and each frame of ultrasound image is processed based on the second optimization amount to obtain an optimized ultrasound image, and the optimized ultrasound image is displayed in frame time sequence.

16. The imaging method as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The stored multiple frames of ultrasound data are associated with and stored with the first optimization amount, including: some or all frames of the stored multiple frames of ultrasound data are associated with and stored with the first optimization amount; and / or, The storage of multiple frames of ultrasound data without the first optimization quantity is defined as follows: none of the frames in the stored multiple frames of ultrasound data are associated with the first optimization quantity.

17. The imaging method as described in claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The process of obtaining the second optimization quantity includes: calculating the second optimization quantity based on the ultrasound data of a frame of ultrasound image corresponding to when the imaging optimization function is enabled and the first optimization algorithm of the imaging optimization function.

18. The imaging method as described in claim 17, characterized in that, The imaging method further includes: After acquiring the second optimization value and executing the imaging optimization function, the second optimization value is automatically updated. The automatic update of the second optimization value includes: after acquiring the second optimization value and executing the imaging optimization function, during the subsequent display of ultrasound images according to the frame sequence, the ultrasound image corresponding to the frame when the imaging optimization function is enabled is used as the initial reference image. It is determined whether the information of the currently displayed ultrasound image has changed relative to the information of the latest reference image. If it has changed, the updated second optimization value is recalculated based on the ultrasound data of the currently displayed ultrasound image and the first optimization algorithm. The currently displayed ultrasound image is used as the latest reference image for the next determination. And / or, After obtaining the second optimization amount, it can also receive an optimization refresh instruction, and recalculate based on the ultrasound data of a frame of ultrasound image corresponding to the optimization refresh instruction and the first optimization algorithm to obtain the updated second optimization amount.

19. The imaging method according to any one of claims 15-18, characterized in that, The ultrasound data is channel-acquired data.

20. The imaging method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that, The scan stop command includes a short-term stop command and / or a long-term stop command; wherein, when the ultrasound imaging system receives the short-term stop command, the ultrasound imaging system enters an image freeze state; when the ultrasound imaging system receives the long-term stop command, the ultrasound imaging system enters a movie review state.

21. An imaging method for an ultrasound imaging system, characterized in that, include: In response to the scan start command, it enters real-time scan mode; In the real-time scanning state: the region of interest is scanned to acquire ultrasound data; When the imaging optimization function is off: the ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain an ultrasound image, and the ultrasound image is displayed in frame time sequence; When the imaging optimization function is active: the ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain an ultrasound image; starting from the ultrasound image of the current frame, the ultrasound images of the current frame and subsequent frames are processed to obtain an optimized ultrasound image, wherein a first optimization amount is obtained, and the ultrasound image of the current frame is optimized based on the first optimization amount; the optimized ultrasound image is displayed in frame time sequence; and multiple frames of ultrasound data stored when the imaging optimization function is active are associated with the first optimization amount for retrieval during image review. In response to the scan stop command, enter image review mode; In the image review state: stop scanning the region of interest to stop acquiring ultrasound data; read at least two frames of ultrasound data from the stored multiple frames of ultrasound data; When the imaging optimization function is off: each frame of the at least two frames of ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameters to obtain the corresponding number of ultrasound images, and the ultrasound images are displayed in frame time sequence. When the imaging optimization function is activated: each frame of the at least two frames of ultrasound data is processed based on the first processing parameter to obtain the corresponding number of ultrasound images, the first optimization amount is read, and each frame of ultrasound image is processed based on the first optimization amount to obtain the optimized ultrasound image, and the optimized ultrasound image is displayed in frame time sequence.

22. The imaging method as described in claim 21, characterized in that, The acquisition of the first optimization amount includes: calculating the first optimization amount based on the ultrasound data of a frame of ultrasound image corresponding to when the imaging optimization function is enabled and the first optimization algorithm of the imaging optimization function.

23. The imaging method as described in claim 21 or 22, characterized in that, The imaging method further includes: In the real-time scanning state and when the imaging optimization function is active: after acquiring the first optimization amount and executing the imaging optimization function, the first optimization amount is automatically updated; the automatic update of the first optimization amount includes: after acquiring the first optimization amount and executing the imaging optimization function, during the subsequent display of ultrasound images in frame sequence, the ultrasound image corresponding to the frame when the imaging optimization function is enabled is used as the initial reference image, and it is determined whether the information of the currently displayed ultrasound image has changed relative to the information of the latest reference image. If it has changed, the first optimization amount is recalculated based on the ultrasound data of the currently displayed ultrasound image and the first optimization algorithm to obtain the updated first optimization amount, and the currently displayed ultrasound image is used as the latest reference image for the next judgment; or, In the real-time scanning state and when the imaging optimization function is activated: after obtaining the first optimization amount, it can also receive an optimization refresh command, and recalculate the updated first optimization amount based on the ultrasound data of the ultrasound image of the frame corresponding to the optimization refresh command and the first optimization algorithm.

24. The imaging method as described in claim 23, characterized in that, The first optimization algorithm of the imaging optimization function is associated with the information of a frame of ultrasound image corresponding to when the imaging optimization function is enabled, and different first optimization algorithms are associated with the information of different ultrasound images.

25. The imaging method as described in claim 23 or 24, characterized in that, The information in the ultrasound image includes one or more of the following: the detection mode to which the ultrasound image belongs, the detection location of the ultrasound image, the imaging mode of the ultrasound image, and the section type of the ultrasound image.

26. The imaging method according to any one of claims 21 to 24, characterized in that, The ultrasound data is channel-acquired data.

27. An ultrasound imaging system, characterized in that, It includes an ultrasonic probe, transceiver control circuitry, memory, processor, and display; The ultrasonic probe is used to emit ultrasonic waves toward a target object and to receive the echo signals of the ultrasonic waves; the transceiver control circuit is used to control the ultrasonic probe to emit ultrasonic waves and receive the echo signals of the ultrasonic waves; the processor is used to process the echo signals to obtain ultrasonic data and generate ultrasonic images based on the ultrasonic data; the display is used to display the ultrasonic images; and the memory is used to store the ultrasonic data and stored programs. The processor is also configured to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-26 by executing a program stored in the memory.

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