A phantom and method for three-dimensional ultrasound imaging performance testing

Abstract

This application relates to the field of medical device testing technology, and more particularly to a phantom and method for testing the performance of three-dimensional ultrasound imaging. The phantom includes: an outer shell surrounded by a top panel and an acoustic window; a background tissue-like material filling the sealed space inside the top panel and acoustic window; a target embedded in the background tissue-like material; a protective ring at the bonding point between the top panel and the acoustic window; a fixing post fixed to the underside of the top panel, the head of which is embedded in the background tissue-like material, the fixing post serving to achieve an integrated connection between the top panel and the background tissue-like material; the acoustic window, a window for ultrasound transmission, with material and thickness simulating the acoustic characteristics of human epidermal tissue; the background tissue-like material being an aqueous polymer gel-based composite material; and the target having calibrated dimensions, used as a target for three-dimensional ultrasound imaging and to provide quantitative indicators.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical device testing technology, and in particular to a phantom and method for testing the performance of three-dimensional ultrasound imaging. Background Technology

[0002] Ultrasound computed tomography (USCT) is a promising technique for the early detection and diagnosis of breast tumors. Three-dimensional ultrasound computed tomography utilizes a hemispherical ultrasound array probe to directly scan and image the breast in three dimensions underwater. Its imaging modes include reflection imaging, similar to conventional B-mode ultrasound, which uses reflected ultrasound waves, and sound velocity measurement and sound attenuation imaging, which use transmitted wave signals.

[0003] Ultrasound scanning computed tomography (USCT) can be achieved in various ways, such as forming a series of tomographic images through longitudinal mechanical scanning with a circular array, or forming tomographic images after spatial sampling through mechanical scanning of multiple pairs of transducers. Ultrasound tomography equipment typically uses degassed water as the coupling medium between the transducer and the human body, and is mainly used for three-dimensional ultrasound scanning imaging of the breast, but can also be used for tomographic imaging of the limbs and brain.

[0004] According to the quality system requirements of medical device manufacturers and professional quality inspection institutions, and relevant regulations, all measuring instruments used for quality inspection must be periodically verified or calibrated. How to inspect the imaging quality of 3D imaging equipment is a problem that urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a phantom for three-dimensional ultrasound imaging performance testing. The phantom includes: an outer shell surrounded by a top panel 202 and an acoustic window 203; a background tissue-like material 204 filling the sealed space inside the top panel 202 and the acoustic window 203; a target 209 embedded in the background tissue-like material 204; and a fixing post 206 fixed below the top panel 202, the head disc of the fixing post 206 being embedded in the background tissue-like material 204. The fixing post 206 is used to connect the top panel 202 and the background tissue-like material 204. The simulated tissue material 204 achieves integrated connection; the acoustic window 203, which is hemispherical, is used for the transmission and entry of ultrasonic waves, and its material and thickness simulate the acoustic characteristics of human epidermal tissue; the background simulated tissue material 204 is used to simulate the acoustic parameters of human soft tissue; the acoustic parameters include sound velocity, sound attenuation coefficient and scattering coefficient; the target 209 has an oval structure of a calibrated size, which is used to calibrate the imaging capability of the three-dimensional ultrasound scanning imaging equipment in three-dimensional imaging mode, the sound velocity and / or sound attenuation parameters of a certain size.

[0006] The phantom provided in this application has a transmissive shape design on the front, back, left, right and bottom sides. The phantom has an oval target of a specified size as a target and quantitative indicator for ultrasonic three-dimensional imaging. It can measure and evaluate the three-dimensional imaging performance of hemispherical three-dimensional ultrasound equipment or similar equipment with rotating structures.

[0007] In some possible implementations, the target 209 includes a reflection mode target, which has the same sound velocity and sound attenuation parameters as the background tissue-like material 204, but a different scattering coefficient; the reflection mode is a pulse-echo grayscale imaging mode.

[0008] In some possible implementations, the target 209 includes a transmission imaging mode target, wherein when the transmission imaging mode target is a sound velocity target, the ultrasonic longitudinal wave sound velocity ranges from 1400 m / s to 1620 m / s; and when the transmission imaging mode target is an acoustic attenuation target, the ultrasonic longitudinal wave acoustic attenuation coefficient slope ranges from 0 dB / (cm·MHz) to 2.0 dB / (cm·MHz).

[0009] Therefore, in this application, the volume and major and minor axes of a target embedded in the background tissue-like material are used as the imaging target for transmission imaging within the phantom. By setting the target distribution, three-dimensional imaging performance parameters can be measured. Three-dimensional imaging performance includes imaging capability, sound velocity at a certain size, and / or sound attenuation parameters.

[0010] In some possible implementations, a maintenance hole 210 is provided at the edge of the upper panel 202 as a channel for filling the background tissue-like material 204; the maintenance hole 210 is sealed by a highly elastic sealing rubber 207; the background tissue-like material 204 is maintainable, and the water-based maintenance solution is injected through the sealing rubber 207 using an injection needle for daily maintenance.

[0011] Therefore, the mold provided in this application has unique maintainability. Through regular maintenance and liquid injection, the service life of the mold can be greatly increased.

[0012] In some possible implementations, a suspension screw 205 is arranged on the upper panel 202 for connecting the model to the suspension device; a protective ring (208) is provided at the bonding point between the upper panel (202) and the sound window (203).

[0013] Secondly, an embodiment of this application provides a method for testing the performance of three-dimensional ultrasonic imaging. A phantom for testing the performance of three-dimensional ultrasonic imaging, as described in any of the first aspects, is placed in water, suspending the phantom in the imaging area of ​​an ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonic probe is a hemispherical array of ultrasonic probes, located inside the imaging device. The method includes: setting the ultrasonic probe to a transmit-receive state; the radiation surface of the ultrasonic probe is distributed inside the hemisphere; adjusting the vertical position of the phantom so that the radiation surface is aligned with the acoustic window; using the volume and major and minor axes of a target embedded in a background tissue-like material as the imaging target for transmission imaging; obtaining a three-dimensional image of the material and structure of the target within the phantom by scanning the distributed target; and segmenting the ultrasonic transmission image of the scanning plane perpendicular to the target direction using display software to obtain a sound velocity measurement image or sound attenuation distribution image in a three-dimensional mode, thereby achieving the detection of three-dimensional imaging capability.

[0014] In some possible implementations, the method further includes: decomposing the three-dimensional ultrasound field into coronal and sagittal / transverse planes based on the phantom; the three-dimensional ultrasound field is formed by the propagation of ultrasound signals emitted by a hemispherical ultrasound probe array in a background tissue-like material and a target; the coronal plane is a plane perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the hemispherical ultrasound probe array; the sagittal / transverse plane is a plane direction coplanar with the axis of symmetry of the hemispherical ultrasound probe array; the sagittal plane and the transverse plane have 90° rotational symmetry.

[0015] In some possible implementations, the imaging device performs scanning imaging of a distributed target, including: scanning imaging of the distributed target using a B-mode ultrasound imaging method that uses ultrasound reflected wave signals.

[0016] In some possible implementations, the imaging device performs scanning imaging of a distributed target, including: scanning imaging of the distributed target using a transmission mode of a transmitted wave signal, wherein the transmission mode includes a sound velocity measurement imaging mode and a sound attenuation mode.

[0017] Thirdly, this application provides a computing device, comprising: at least one memory for storing a program; at least one processor for executing the program stored in the memory; at least one transducer for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals; and when the program stored in the memory is executed, the processor is configured to perform the method as described in any one of the second aspects.

[0018] Fourthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when run on a processor, causes the processor to perform the method as described in any of the second aspects. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the various embodiments disclosed in this specification, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only a few embodiments disclosed in this specification. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] The accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or prior art are briefly introduced below.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the clinical implementation of a hemispherical three-dimensional ultrasound imaging device.

[0022] Figure 2 This is an external view of the phantom used for three-dimensional ultrasound imaging performance testing provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0023] Figure 3 This is an internal perspective structural diagram of the simulated tissue phantom provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of ultrasonic scanning section segmentation of an ultrasonic imaging device provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the application of the tissue phantom provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the three-dimensional ultrasonic imaging performance testing method provided in Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0027] Figure label:

[0028] 11. Hemispherical three-dimensional ultrasound imaging equipment; 12. Water; 13. Subject; 14. Equipment bed;

[0029] 201. Tissue-like phantom; 202. Top panel; 203. Acoustic window; 204. Background tissue-like material; 205. Suspension screw; 206. T-shaped fixing post; 207. Sealing rubber; 208. Protective ring; 209. Target; 210. Maintenance hole;

[0030] 41. Ultrasonic array probe; 42. Array element; 43. Water; 44. Coronal plane; 45. Sagittal / transverse plane Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplary," "for example," or "for instance" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary," "for example," or "for instance" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the words "exemplary," "for example," or "for instance" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0033] In the description of the embodiments in this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the association relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, B existing alone, and A and B existing simultaneously. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, the term "multiple" means two or more. For example, multiple systems refer to two or more systems, and multiple terminals refer to two or more terminals.

[0034] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and their variations all mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0035] In the description of the embodiments in this application, "some embodiments" are mentioned, which describe a subset of all possible embodiments. However, it is understood that "some embodiments" can be the same subset or different subsets of all possible embodiments, and can be combined with each other without conflict.

[0036] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the terms "first, second, third, etc." or module A, module B, module C, etc. are used only to distinguish similar objects and do not represent a specific ordering of objects. It is understood that, where permitted, a specific order or sequence can be interchanged so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in an order other than that illustrated or described herein.

[0037] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the reference numerals for the steps, such as S110, S120, etc., do not necessarily indicate that the steps will be executed in this manner. Where permissible, the order of the steps can be interchanged or executed simultaneously.

[0038] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this application only and is not intended to limit this application.

[0039] Three-dimensional ultrasound imaging equipment includes three-dimensional ultrasound computed tomography (USCT) equipment. USCT typically uses a hemispherical array of ultrasound transducers to perform electronic scanning tomography imaging of the human body (such as the breast) in a water tank.

[0040] Three-dimensional ultrasound computed tomography uses a hemispherical ultrasound array probe to directly scan and image the breast in water. Its imaging modes include reflection imaging mode, which uses ultrasound reflection waves similar to conventional B-mode ultrasound, and sound velocity measurement imaging mode and sound attenuation mode, which use transmitted wave signals.

[0041] USCT equipment typically uses degassed water as the coupling medium between the transducer and the human body. It is mainly used for three-dimensional ultrasound imaging of the breast, but can also be used for tomographic imaging of the limbs or brain.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the clinical implementation of a hemispherical three-dimensional ultrasound imaging device. (For example...) Figure 1 As shown, the hemispherical three-dimensional ultrasound imaging device 11 (hereinafter referred to as the imaging device) uses an array of ultrasound probes to perform three-dimensional scanning imaging of the human breast. Its array elements are distributed inside the hemisphere, and the overall structure of the hemispherical space is a semi-enclosed water tank, where the water typically needs to be degassed. During the procedure, the subject 13 lies prone on the device bed 14, with the breast to be tested completely submerged in the water 12. The ultrasound signals emitted by the device through the ultrasound transducer array elements propagate in the water and through the breast. The reflected and scattered sound waves within the breast are received by the corresponding ultrasound transducer array elements.

[0043] The imaging device 11 performs scanning imaging based on the reflected and scattered signals received by the ultrasonic transducer array and outputs a reflected image.

[0044] If the ultrasonic transducer array element receives the transmitted signal of the ultrasonic signal, then a color transmission image is synthesized and output through an algorithm.

[0045] exist Figure 1 In the provided application scenarios, ultrasound computed tomography imaging equipment, as a medical device, is typically tested for imaging performance and quality using tissue phantoms. Similarly, for imaging equipment 11, which uses a hemispherical ultrasound array probe for direct 3D imaging, the imaging quality also requires testing using tissue phantoms.

[0046] Tissue phantoms are "tissue substitutes" rather than measuring instruments, and there are no standards in the metrological sense. At present, it is impossible to perform metrological verification or calibration, which directly affects the determination of whether the imaging quality of ultrasound diagnostic equipment is qualified.

[0047] Due to the unique structure and imaging algorithm of the hemispherical three-dimensional ultrasound array probe, it is necessary to detect the acoustic field of the ultrasound array arranged on the inner side of the hemisphere. Since the tissue phantom used for quality inspection of the hemispherical ultrasound array probe is completely different in design from the existing tissue phantoms used for quality inspection of conventional ultrasound computed tomography imaging equipment, entirely different structures and techniques are required.

[0048] In view of this, this application proposes a phantom for testing the performance of three-dimensional ultrasound imaging, which is applied to a hemispherical three-dimensional ultrasound device. The phantom is mainly composed of a top panel, an acoustic window, an internally embedded target, and a background tissue-mimicking material (TMM). It is a passive device specifically designed for testing the three-dimensional ultrasound imaging performance of a hemispherical ultrasound tomography imaging device.

[0049] For example, Figure 2 An external view of the phantom used for three-dimensional ultrasound imaging performance testing provided in an embodiment of this application. (See attached image.) Figure 2 As shown, it includes:

[0050] The tissue-mimicking phantom 201 has a single-hemispherical cylindrical structure. This structure has standard geometric parameters, making it easy to quantify numerical analysis or computer simulation, and is a regular shape used to simulate breast structure. Furthermore, the acoustic windows of this structure are acoustically transparent except for one side of the top panel, allowing sound waves to enter and exit from multiple angles. The structure mainly consists of the top panel 202, acoustic window 203, target 209, and background tissue-mimicking material (TMM) 204.

[0051] Furthermore, the outer shell of the tissue-simulating phantom 201 is surrounded by a top panel 202 and an acoustic window 203, and its internal sealed space is filled with background tissue-simulating material 204, in which an oval target 209 for ultrasound imaging detection is embedded.

[0052] In some possible implementations, the upper panel 202 is the main component, made of plastic sheets such as plexiglass, ABS plastic, or PVC plastic (polyvinyl chloride), and its function is to provide mechanical support and sealing for the mold. Plexiglass is chemically known as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), PVC plastic is chemically known as polyvinyl chloride, and ABS plastic is acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene plastic.

[0053] Several suspension screws 205 are evenly arranged around the perimeter on the upper panel 202. The threads of the suspension screws 205 are upward, which are used to connect the phantom to the suspension device, so that the phantom is suspended as a whole in the hemispherical ultrasound array imaging area.

[0054] The upper panel 202 and the acoustic window 203 are sealed together by adhesive to maintain the internal space. The adhesive joint is reinforced by a protective ring 208 to protect the joint and prevent the overall structure from falling off and being damaged.

[0055] Several T-shaped fixing posts 206 are fixed under the upper panel 202. The T-shaped posts are inverted T-shaped, with the head discs embedded in the background tissue material 204. The T-shaped fixing posts are used to achieve an integrated connection between the upper panel 202 and the background tissue material 204.

[0056] The acoustic window 203 is made of thermoplastic material or heat-cured polyurethane rubber (TPU) film with a thickness of 50μm-300μm. Its shape is a single hemispherical cylindrical shell. The acoustic window 203 surrounds the background tissue-like material 204, which plays a role in sealing and protection. At the same time, it serves as a window for ultrasonic waves to pass through. Its material and thickness simulate the acoustic characteristics of human epidermal tissue.

[0057] Background tissue-mimicking material 204 uses materials that mimic the acoustic parameters of human soft tissue. The materials include water-based polymer gel-based composite materials with a sound velocity parameter of (1540±10) m / s and an ultrasonic tissue-mimicking (TM) material with an acoustic attenuation coefficient slope of (0.70±0.05) dB / (cm·MHz) or (0.50±0.05) dB / (cm·MHz). All of the above parameters are values ​​measured under the condition of a temperature of [(23±3)℃].

[0058] For example, Figure 3 This is an internal perspective structural diagram of the tissue phantom provided in the embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 3 As shown, a maintenance hole 210 is provided at the edge of the upper panel 202, which serves as a channel for filling the background tissue material 204. The maintenance hole 210 is sealed by a highly elastic sealing rubber 207. The sealing rubber 207 serves as a sealing plug and an inlet for liquid injection and air extraction during the maintenance of the background tissue material 204.

[0059] The background tissue-like material 204 is the core component of the ultrasonic phantom, but variations in its composition, state, and acoustic properties can lead to functional failure. The liquid contained within may be lost through evaporation from the gaps in the phantom shell. After prolonged use, the background tissue-like material 204 may lose water and shrink. In cases of severe water loss, the phantom may become completely unusable and irrecoverable.

[0060] In view of this, in the tissue-simulating phantom 201 provided in the embodiments of this application, the background tissue-simulating material 204 is maintainable and can be maintained daily using an aqueous maintenance solution, the liquid composition of which is the same as that of the background tissue-simulating material.

[0061] In some possible implementations, the aqueous maintenance solution can be injected using an injection needle through the sealing rubber 207 at the bottom; the aqueous maintenance solution needs to be specially formulated to suit the background tissue-like material 204.

[0062] The frequency of routine maintenance depends on the temperature and humidity environment in which the mannequin is located. Regularly replenishing the maintenance solution can greatly extend the lifespan of the mannequin.

[0063] The target 209 is embedded within the background tissue-like material 204 and is oval-shaped. This structure has spatial asymmetry, allowing for analysis and imaging of the shape from multiple spatial cross-sections. For example, the axial length and rotational diameter of the oval can be quantitatively measured, and the volume of the oval can be measured. The geometric parameters of the oval are known and pre-calibrated.

[0064] In some possible implementations, the target 209 material is an aqueous polymer gel-based composite material, which is the same type of material as the background tissue-mimicking material 204.

[0065] Target 209 can be divided into reflective imaging targets and transmissive imaging targets according to their uses.

[0066] In the reflection mode, the target material and the background tissue-like material have the same sound velocity and sound attenuation parameters, but their scattering coefficients differ, resulting in different scattered echo brightness in B-mode ultrasound echo imaging. This allows for imaging contrast in the reflection mode.

[0067] The targets in the transmission imaging mode include sound velocity targets. When the target is a sound velocity target, its ultrasonic longitudinal wave velocity ranges from 1400 m / s to 1620 m / s. When the target is an acoustic attenuation target, its ultrasonic longitudinal wave acoustic attenuation coefficient slope ranges from 0 dB / (cm·MHz) to 2.0 dB / (cm·MHz).

[0068] In some possible implementations, the number of targets 209 can be set to multiple as needed. The positional relationship between each target should be distributed as dispersedly as possible in the background tissue material 204 surrounding the acoustic window 203, and mutual occlusion should be avoided as much as possible.

[0069] In some possible implementations, the target 209 is used to calibrate the imaging capability of a three-dimensional ultrasound scanning imaging device in three-dimensional imaging mode, as well as the sound velocity or sound attenuation parameters at a certain size. The measurement and imaging results of the target 209 under the imaging device can serve as an indicator for quantitatively detecting the transmission imaging performance of the device. Typically, the axial length and rotation axis diameter of the target 209 should be between 0 mm and 50 mm.

[0070] The phantom provided in this application is applied to a hemispherical three-dimensional ultrasound array probe to test its tomographic imaging performance in either reflection or transmission mode.

[0071] In some possible implementations, the phantom provided in this application is applied to a probe device with a rotating scanning structure to detect and evaluate its three-dimensional ultrasound imaging performance in either reflection or transmission mode.

[0072] In the phantom provided in this application embodiment, the volume and major and minor axes of the target embedded in the background tissue-like material are used as the imaging target for transmission imaging. By setting the target distribution, the three-dimensional imaging performance can be detected.

[0073] The mold provided in this application has unique maintainability. Through regular maintenance and liquid injection, the service life of the mold can be greatly increased.

[0074] The phantom provided in this application has a transmissive shape design on the front, back, left, right and bottom sides. The phantom has an oval target of a specified size as a target and quantitative indicator for ultrasonic three-dimensional imaging. It can be used to test the three-dimensional imaging performance of hemispherical three-dimensional ultrasound equipment or similar equipment with rotating structures.

[0075] The mold provided in this application embodiment is maintainable. Maintenance liquid can be injected through the maintenance hole to maintain the stability of the composition of the internal materials of the mold, which can greatly increase the service life of the mold.

[0076] Example 1

[0077] Based on the above Figure 2 and Figure 3 The tissue phantom described in some or all of the embodiments of this application provides an example of applying the phantom to the three-dimensional ultrasound imaging performance testing of an imaging device.

[0078] For example, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of ultrasonic scanning section segmentation provided in Embodiment 1 of this application for an ultrasonic imaging device. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the ultrasonic probe is a hemispherical ultrasonic array probe 41, and its array elements 42 are distributed on the inner side of the hemisphere. The overall structure of the hemispherical space is a semi-enclosed water tank, and the water 43 in it usually needs to be degassed.

[0079] In some possible implementations, the ultrasonic array probe 41 employs a three-dimensional ultrasonic transducer.

[0080] In Embodiment 1 of this application, the ultrasonic field of the ultrasonic probe can be decomposed into coronal imaging detection and sagittal / transverse imaging detection. The distinction between the coronal plane 44 and the sagittal / transverse plane 45 is based on the direction of the human body lying prone in the hemispherical water tank. The coronal plane 44 is a plane perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the hemispherical array, and the sagittal / transverse plane 45 is a plane direction coplanar with the axis of symmetry of the hemispherical array. Since the sagittal plane and the transverse plane 45 have 90° rotational symmetry, the detection directions are equivalent, and therefore they can be combined into one.

[0081] Specifically, in Embodiment 1 of this application, the imaging device uses a hemispherically distributed three-dimensional ultrasonic transducer array to spontaneously receive acoustic reflection and acoustic scattering signals from the target, and performs three-dimensional scanning imaging of the target phantom in water. Its imaging modes include a reflection imaging mode that uses ultrasonic reflection waves for imaging, similar to conventional B-mode ultrasound, an imaging mode that uses transmitted wave signals for sound velocity measurement, and an acoustic attenuation mode.

[0082] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a scenario using a tissue phantom provided in Embodiment 1 of this application. Figure 5 As shown, the imaging device is filled with water in a hemispherical water tank. The tissue phantom 201 is placed in the water 43 and suspended by suspension screws. The tissue phantom is suspended in the imaging area of ​​the ultrasound array probe 41. The radiation surface of its array elements 42 is distributed on the inner side of the hemispherical surface to ensure that the symmetry axis of the phantom 201 coincides with the axis of the hemispherical array of the ultrasound device. Measures are taken to remove air bubbles attached to the acoustic window.

[0083] The structural features of the tissue phantom 201 can be referenced. Figure 2 and Figure 3 , Figure 4 Some or all of the implementation methods are not described here.

[0084] In the application scenario provided in Embodiment 1 of this application, the imaging device performs inversion measurement and imaging of the ultrasonic longitudinal wave velocity or acoustic attenuation value inside the simulated tissue phantom material, and displays the material sound velocity and acoustic attenuation distribution and quantitative value in real time.

[0085] Its imaging modes include B-mode imaging using ultrasound reflected wave signals and transmission mode using transmitted wave signals. The transmission mode includes sound velocity measurement imaging mode and sound attenuation mode.

[0086] The three-dimensional ultrasonic sound field is formed by the propagation and imaging of ultrasonic signals emitted by a hemispherical ultrasonic probe array between the background tissue-like material and the target.

[0087] In light of this scenario, Embodiment 1 of this application provides a method for testing the performance of three-dimensional ultrasonic imaging.

[0088] For example, Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the three-dimensional ultrasonic imaging performance testing method provided in Embodiment 1 of this application, as follows: Figure 6 As shown, it includes the following steps:

[0089] S61, turn on the imaging device 11, and set all array elements of the hemispherical ultrasonic array probe to transmit-receive mode; the radiation surface of the array elements is distributed on the inner side of the hemisphere.

[0090] S62, adjust the up and down position of the ultrasound probe 41 so that the radiation surface is aligned with the acoustic window of the phantom 21; in the phantom, the volume and major and minor axes of the target embedded in the background tissue material are used as the imaging target for transmission imaging. By scanning the distributed target, a three-dimensional image of the material and structure inside the phantom is obtained.

[0091] S63 uses display software to segment the ultrasonic transmission image of the scanning plane perpendicular to the target direction, and obtains a sound velocity measurement image or sound attenuation distribution image in three-dimensional mode.

[0092] In some possible implementations, the method further includes: decomposing the three-dimensional ultrasound field into coronal and sagittal / transverse planes based on the phantom; the three-dimensional ultrasound field is formed by the propagation of ultrasound signals emitted by a hemispherical ultrasound probe array in a background tissue-like material and a target; the coronal plane is a plane perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the hemispherical ultrasound probe array; the sagittal / transverse plane is a plane direction coplanar with the axis of symmetry of the hemispherical ultrasound probe array; the sagittal plane and the transverse plane have 90° rotational symmetry.

[0093] S65: The device's imaging processing algorithm is used to calculate the target's geometric dimensions to be measured, such as axis length, diameter, and volume. These dimensions are then compared with the calibrated target dimensions to calculate and evaluate the measurement deviation, thereby enabling the detection of three-dimensional imaging performance.

[0094] S64. After the test using the simulated tissue phantom 201 is completed, remove the simulated tissue phantom 1 from the water, wipe off the water on the surface with a soft towel or similar material, and store it properly.

[0095] Embodiment 1 of this application provides a method for testing the performance of three-dimensional ultrasound imaging. A quantitative oval target embedded in a background tissue-like material is used as the imaging target. A series of ultrasound tomography imaging techniques are employed to quantitatively detect and verify the three-dimensional imaging performance parameters of the three-dimensional ultrasound equipment. These three-dimensional imaging performance parameters include reflected sound velocity measurement parameters, reflected sound attenuation parameters, transmitted sound velocity measurement parameters, and transmitted sound attenuation parameters. The imaging capabilities of the equipment are then compared and evaluated horizontally using these three-dimensional imaging performance parameters, such as sound velocity measurement parameters or sound attenuation parameters.

[0096] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope thereof. Although the embodiments of this application have been described in detail with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions to the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A phantom for three-dimensional ultrasound imaging performance testing, characterized in that, The phantom includes: The outer shell is surrounded by a top panel (202) and an acoustic window (203); the sealed space inside the top panel (202) and the acoustic window (203) is filled with a background tissue-like material (204); a target (209) is embedded in the background tissue-like material (204). A fixing post (206) is fixed under the upper panel (202). The circular head of the fixing post (206) is embedded in the background tissue material (204). The fixing post (206) is used to make the upper panel (202) and the background tissue material (204) integrated. The acoustic window (203) is hemispherical and is used for the transmission and entry of ultrasonic waves. Its material and thickness simulate the acoustic characteristics of human epidermal tissue. The background tissue-simulating material (204) is used to simulate the acoustic parameters of human soft tissue; the acoustic parameters include sound velocity, sound attenuation coefficient, and scattering coefficient. The target (209) has an oval structure of a calibrated size; used to calibrate the imaging capability of the three-dimensional ultrasound scanning imaging device in three-dimensional imaging mode, the sound velocity and / or sound attenuation parameters of a certain size.

2. The phantom according to claim 1, characterized in that, The target (209) includes a reflection mode target, which has the same sound velocity and sound attenuation parameters as the background tissue-like material (204), but a different scattering coefficient. The reflection mode is a pulse-echo grayscale imaging mode.

3. The phantom according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The target (209) includes a transmission imaging mode target. When the transmission imaging mode target is a sound velocity target, the range of ultrasonic longitudinal wave sound velocity is 1400m / s-1620m / s. When the target in the transmission imaging mode is an acoustic attenuation target, the slope range of the ultrasonic longitudinal wave acoustic attenuation coefficient is 0 dB / (cm·MHz) - 2.0 dB / (cm·MHz).

4. The phantom according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The upper panel (202) has a maintenance hole (210) at its edge, which serves as a channel for filling the background tissue material (204); the maintenance hole (210) is sealed with a sealing rubber (207); The background tissue-like material (204) is maintainable, and the aqueous maintenance solution is injected through the sealing rubber (207) using an injection needle for daily maintenance.

5. The phantom according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The upper panel (202) is provided with suspension screws (205), which are used to connect the model to the suspension device; A protective ring (208) is provided at the joint between the upper panel (202) and the sound window (203).

6. A method for testing the performance of three-dimensional ultrasonic imaging, characterized in that, The phantom for three-dimensional ultrasonic imaging performance testing as described in any one of claims 1-5 is placed in water, suspending the phantom in the imaging area of ​​the ultrasonic probe; the ultrasonic probe is a hemispherical ultrasonic probe array disposed inside the imaging device; the method includes: The ultrasonic probe is set to transmit-receive mode; the radiating surface of the ultrasonic probe is distributed on the inner side of the hemisphere. Adjust the vertical position of the phantom so that the radiating surface is aligned with the acoustic window; Using the volume and major and minor axes of the target embedded in the background tissue-like material as the target for transmission imaging, the imaging device obtains a three-dimensional image of the material and structure of the target within the phantom by scanning and imaging the distributed targets. By segmenting the ultrasonic transmission image of the scanning plane perpendicular to the target direction using display software, a sound velocity measurement image or sound attenuation distribution image in three-dimensional mode is obtained, thereby realizing the detection of three-dimensional imaging performance.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: The three-dimensional ultrasound field is decomposed into coronal and sagittal / transverse planes; the three-dimensional ultrasound field is formed by the propagation of ultrasonic signals emitted by the hemispherical ultrasound probe array on the background tissue-like material and the target; The coronal plane is a plane perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the hemispherical ultrasound probe array; The sagittal / cross section is a plane direction that is coplanar with the axis of symmetry of the hemispherical ultrasound probe array; The sagittal plane and the transverse plane are rotate symmetrical by 90°.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The imaging device performs scanning imaging on distributed targets, including: The distributed targets were scanned and imaged using a B-mode ultrasound imaging system that uses ultrasound reflected wave signals.

9. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The imaging device performs scanning imaging on distributed targets, including: The distributed target is scanned and imaged using transmission modes of the transmitted wave signal, wherein the transmission modes include sound velocity measurement imaging mode and sound attenuation mode.

10. A computing device, comprising: At least one memory for storing programs; At least one processor for executing the program stored in the memory; At least one transducer is provided for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals; when the program stored in the memory is executed, the processor and the transducer are used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 5-9.

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