Ultrasound contrast data analysis method and device, electronic equipment and storage medium

Abstract

This invention provides a method, apparatus, electronic device, and storage medium for analyzing ultrasound contrast imaging data. The method includes: acquiring four-dimensional contrast imaging data of a target tissue, wherein the four-dimensional contrast imaging data includes three-dimensional contrast imaging data at multiple time points; determining the tissue centerline of the target tissue based on the contour of the target tissue in the three-dimensional contrast imaging data; determining the time information of the contrast agent flowing through various positions on the tissue centerline based on the four-dimensional contrast imaging data and the tissue centerline; and generating chart information based on the time information corresponding to the contrast agent flowing through various positions on the tissue centerline, wherein the chart information includes data on the flow information of the contrast agent in the target tissue. This solution can more easily facilitate medical personnel in quantitatively analyzing ultrasound contrast imaging data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical data processing technology, specifically to a method for analyzing ultrasound contrast imaging data, an apparatus for analyzing ultrasound contrast imaging data, an electronic device, a storage medium, and a computer program product. Background Technology

[0002] Ultrasound imaging is widely used in clinical practice due to its unique advantages such as low cost, simplicity, non-invasiveness, no radiation, and real-time capability. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is one of the important technologies in the current development of ultrasound imaging, and it has gained clinical acceptance in recent years, effectively improving diagnostic accuracy. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound can analyze blood perfusion in organs and lesions, providing hemodynamically relevant diagnostic information for disease diagnosis.

[0003] In related technologies, temporal information can be incorporated into volumetric rendering. In the final volumetric rendering image, color coding is used to distinguish the timing of the contrast agent's arrival at different locations in the target tissue. For example, during hysterosalpingography (HSG), users can be provided with volumetric rendering images with different color distributions, representing the contrast agent's flow through different locations in the fallopian tubes at different times.

[0004] Using different color distributions to distinguish the timing of contrast agent arrival at various locations in the target tissue provides limited information and is not conducive to medical personnel analyzing and determining the specific condition of the target tissue. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention was proposed in view of the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for analyzing ultrasound contrast imaging data is provided, comprising: acquiring four-dimensional contrast imaging data of a target tissue, wherein the four-dimensional contrast imaging data includes three-dimensional contrast imaging data at multiple time points; determining a tissue centerline of the target tissue based on the contour of the target tissue in the three-dimensional contrast imaging data; determining time information of a contrast agent flowing through various positions on the tissue centerline based on the four-dimensional contrast imaging data and the tissue centerline; and generating chart information based on the time information corresponding to the contrast agent flowing through various positions on the tissue centerline, wherein the chart information includes data on the flow information of the contrast agent in the target tissue.

[0007] For example, the chart information includes a first curve, the flow information includes the distance the contrast agent flows, and the step of generating chart information based on the time information corresponding to each position of the contrast agent flowing through the center line of the tissue includes: determining the distance the contrast agent flows through at each position of the center line of the tissue based on the distance the contrast agent flows through; and generating the first curve representing the change of the distance with the time information based on the distance flowed and the time information.

[0008] For example, determining the distance traveled by the contrast agent at each position along the center line of the tissue, based on the contrast agent's flow through each position, includes: determining the starting position of the contrast agent on the center line of the tissue based on the four-dimensional contrast imaging data; and determining the distance between the starting position and each position along the center line of the tissue.

[0009] For example, determining the distance between each position along the center line of the tissue and the starting position of the contrast agent includes: calculating the Euclidean distance between each position along the center line of the tissue and the starting position based on the three-dimensional contrast data at the plurality of times, as the distance between each position and the starting position;

[0010] or,

[0011] Based on the three-dimensional contrast data at the multiple time points, the length of the tissue centerline between each position along the tissue centerline through which the contrast agent flows and the starting position is determined, and used as the distance between each position and the starting position.

[0012] For example, the chart information includes a second curve, the flow information includes the velocity and / or acceleration of the contrast agent flowing through various positions on the center line of the tissue, and the step of generating the chart information based on the time information corresponding to the flow of the contrast agent through various positions on the center line of the tissue further includes: determining the velocity and / or acceleration of the contrast agent flowing through each position based on the time information corresponding to the flow of the contrast agent through each position on the center line of the tissue; and generating a second curve characterizing the change of the velocity and / or acceleration with time information based on the velocity and / or acceleration of the contrast agent flowing through each position and the time information.

[0013] For example, the method further includes: generating and displaying a two-dimensional image of the target tissue based on the three-dimensional imaging data and the tissue centerline, wherein the tissue centerline is highlighted in the two-dimensional image, and flow information of the contrast agent flowing in the target tissue is identified on the tissue centerline in the two-dimensional image.

[0014] For example, the method further includes: determining the starting position of the contrast agent on the center line of the tissue based on the four-dimensional imaging data; and marking the starting position on the center line of the tissue in the two-dimensional image.

[0015] For example, the flow information includes the velocity or acceleration of the contrast agent flowing through various positions on the tissue centerline. The flow information identifying the flow of the contrast agent in the target tissue on the tissue centerline in the two-dimensional image includes: determining the identification parameters corresponding to the pixels at each position on the tissue centerline of the two-dimensional image based on the velocity or acceleration of the contrast agent flowing through various positions on the tissue centerline; and identifying the tissue centerline of the two-dimensional image based on the identification parameters.

[0016] For example, the flow information identifying the contrast agent flowing in the target tissue includes: in response to a user's first operation of selecting a first pixel on the tissue centerline of the two-dimensional image, determining the region of interest of the target tissue to which the first position belongs, the time information and / or flow information of the contrast agent flowing through the first position, wherein the first position is the position on the tissue centerline of the target tissue corresponding to the first pixel; and identifying the first pixel according to the name of the region of interest, the time information and / or flow information of the contrast agent flowing through the first position.

[0017] For example, the chart information includes a first data curve, and the method further includes: displaying the first data curve; responding to a second operation by a user to select a first point on the first data curve, determining the time information and / or flow information of the contrast agent flowing through a second position, wherein the second position is the position corresponding to a point on the first data curve on the tissue centerline of the target tissue; and marking the first point on the first data curve according to the time information and / or flow information of the contrast agent flowing through the second position.

[0018] For example, the chart information includes a second data curve, and the method further includes: displaying the second data curve; determining a target position on the tissue centerline of the target tissue based on the four-dimensional contrast data, wherein the target position corresponds to the region of interest of the target tissue; and marking a second point corresponding to the target position on the second data curve based on the time information of the contrast agent flowing through the target position and the name of the region of interest corresponding to the target position.

[0019] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for analyzing ultrasound contrast imaging data is also provided, comprising:

[0020] A data collection module is used to acquire four-dimensional contrast imaging data of the target tissue, wherein the four-dimensional contrast imaging data includes three-dimensional contrast imaging data at multiple time points;

[0021] The centerline extraction module is used to determine the centerline of the target tissue based on the contour of the target tissue in the three-dimensional imaging data.

[0022] The time determination module is used to determine the time information of the contrast agent flowing through each position on the tissue centerline based on the four-dimensional contrast imaging data and the tissue centerline;

[0023] The data generation module is used to generate chart information based on the time information corresponding to each position of the contrast agent flowing through the center line of the tissue. The chart information includes data on the flow information of the contrast agent in the target tissue.

[0024] According to a third aspect of the present invention, an electronic device is also provided, comprising: a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores computer program instructions, which, when executed by the processor, are used to perform the above-described method for analyzing ultrasound contrast imaging data.

[0025] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a storage medium is also provided, on which program instructions are stored, which, when executed, are used to perform the above-described method for analyzing ultrasound contrast imaging data.

[0026] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a computer program product is also provided, comprising computer program instructions that, when executed, perform the above-described method for analyzing ultrasound contrast imaging data.

[0027] In the above technical solution, the center line of the target tissue is determined based on the outline of the target tissue in the 3D contrast imaging data. Then, based on the 4D contrast imaging data and the center line, the time information of the contrast agent flowing through each position on the center line is determined. Finally, chart information is generated based on the time information corresponding to each position of the contrast agent flowing through the center line. The resulting chart information can more intuitively and specifically represent the flow of the contrast agent in the target tissue, which is more conducive to medical personnel quantitatively analyzing ultrasound contrast imaging data.

[0028] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solution of the present invention. In order to better understand the technical means of the present invention and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and in order to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention are described below. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the more detailed description of the embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are provided to further illustrate the embodiments of the invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of the invention to explain the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings, the same reference numerals generally represent the same parts or steps.

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic flowchart of a method for analyzing ultrasound contrast imaging data according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0031] Figure 2 A schematic flowchart illustrating the generation of chart information based on time information corresponding to various positions along the center line of a tissue according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0032] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a first curve according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0033] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the center line of a target tissue according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0034] Figure 5 A schematic flowchart illustrating the determination of the distance traveled by the contrast agent at each location according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0035] Figure 6 A schematic flowchart illustrating the generation of chart information based on time information corresponding to various positions along the center line of the tissue according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0036] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a second curve according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0037] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a second curve according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0038] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a two-dimensional image according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0039] Figure 10 A schematic flowchart of a method for analyzing ultrasound contrast imaging data according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0040] Figure 11 A schematic flowchart illustrating flow information of contrast agent flow in target tissue along the center line of a tissue in a two-dimensional image, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is shown.

[0041] Figure 12A schematic flowchart illustrating flow information of contrast agent flow in target tissue along the center line of a tissue in a two-dimensional image, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, is shown.

[0042] Figure 13 A schematic flowchart of a method for analyzing ultrasound contrast imaging data according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0043] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of a first data curve according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0044] Figure 15 A schematic flowchart of a method for analyzing ultrasound contrast imaging data according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0045] Figure 16 A schematic diagram of a second data curve according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0046] Figure 17 A schematic block diagram of an apparatus for analyzing ultrasound contrast imaging data according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; and

[0047] Figure 18 A schematic block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0048] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention more apparent, exemplary embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein. Based on the embodiments of the present invention described herein, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without inventive effort should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0049] As mentioned earlier, current ultrasound contrast imaging techniques only provide qualitative information about the time it takes for the contrast agent to reach different locations within the target tissue. This qualitative information can only roughly distinguish the order in which the contrast agent arrives at different locations, and cannot accurately obtain more intuitive data representing the flow of the contrast agent. To at least partially address this problem, a method for analyzing ultrasound contrast imaging data is proposed. This method determines the tissue centerline of the target tissue based on four-dimensional contrast imaging data and generates chart information based on the time information corresponding to each location of the contrast agent flowing along the tissue centerline. This allows for the acquisition of quantitative data that more intuitively represents the flow of the contrast agent within the target tissue.

[0050] Figure 1A schematic flowchart illustrating a method for analyzing ultrasound contrast imaging data according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 As shown, the method may include steps S110 to S140.

[0051] In step S110, four-dimensional contrast imaging data of the target tissue is acquired, wherein the four-dimensional contrast imaging data includes three-dimensional contrast imaging data at multiple time points.

[0052] The target tissue can be any biological tissue, such as blood vessels or fallopian tubes in the human body. After the contrast agent is injected into the target tissue, it can flow within the tissue. During this flow, ultrasound equipment can be used to acquire three-dimensional contrast data of the target tissue and the contrast agent, recording the corresponding acquisition time as the time for each three-dimensional contrast data point, thus obtaining four-dimensional contrast data composed of multiple three-dimensional contrast data points. The four-dimensional contrast data can be in the form of images, videos, numerical values, etc., without limitation here.

[0053] For example, 3D contrast data can be 3D images. 3D images can be 3D volumetric data, which may contain 3D structural information of the target tissue and positional information of the contrast agent flowing within the target tissue, with each 3D contrast data point corresponding to a specific time point. In other words, the tissue structure data and contrast data in the 3D images are acquired at the same time. In this example, 4D contrast data can include multiple frames of 3D volumetric data acquired over a continuous time period. These 3D images can also be obtained by 3D reconstruction of 2D images acquired using ultrasound equipment.

[0054] In step S120, the center line of the target tissue is determined based on the contour of the target tissue in the three-dimensional imaging data.

[0055] The 3D structural data of the target tissue in each 3D contrast imaging dataset can be identical. Therefore, the contour of the target tissue can be determined based on the 3D structural data of the target tissue from the 3D contrast imaging dataset at any given moment within the 4D contrast imaging dataset. Alternatively, since the target tissue may move over time, the 3D structural data of the target tissue in each 3D contrast imaging dataset may be different. Alternatively, the 3D structural data of the target tissue in each 3D contrast imaging dataset can be fitted to obtain a single 3D structural data set, and the contour of the target tissue can then be determined based on this fitted 3D structural data set. Understandably, because the target tissue is 3D, its contour is also 3D. For example, in a contrast ultrasound imaging procedure on the uterus and fallopian tubes, the contour of the target tissue is the contour of both fallopian tubes and the uterine cavity.

[0056] For example, segmentation algorithms, such as level set segmentation, cluster segmentation, random forest, K-nearest neighbors, and graph cut, can be used to segment 3D contrast data to determine the contour of the target tissue. Alternatively, the 3D contrast data can be input into a deep learning model for segmentation, such as FCN, U-Net, or DeepLab, to determine the contour of the target tissue.

[0057] For example, multiple cross-sectional images of the target tissue can be determined based on the three-dimensional structural data of the target tissue. Understandably, each cross-section contains a portion of the target tissue's contour, and the cross-sections can intersect or be parallel to each other. The partial contour of the target tissue in each cross-sectional image can be fitted to obtain the overall contour of the target tissue. The orientation of these multiple cross-sections can be determined based on the viewing direction of the target tissue. For example, multiple cross-sections can be perpendicular to the viewing direction of the target tissue.

[0058] For example, a suitable viewpoint can be selected to render the 3D structural data of the target tissue into a 2D image using volume rendering or surface rendering. Then, by drawing lines and cropping on the rendered image, the approximate outline of the target tissue can be delineated, and unwanted image areas can be filtered out. Furthermore, based on the approximate outline of the target tissue determined in the rendered image, the contour of the target tissue can be determined.

[0059] For example, after determining the outline of the target tissue, a thinning algorithm can be used to refine it based on the outline to determine the tissue's centerline. Thinning algorithms can include distance-transform-based thinning algorithms, thinning algorithms, morphology-based thinning algorithms, etc.

[0060] For example, after determining multiple cross-sections of the target tissue based on its 3D structural data, tissue center points or tissue center lines can be plotted on one or more cross-sections. These center points or center lines from multiple cross-sections can then be fitted to form the target tissue's tissue center line. Understandably, the positions of the tissue center points or center lines plotted on different cross-sections may differ in the 3D structural data; therefore, the fitted tissue center line can be a 3D curve. For instance, the position coordinates of the tissue center lines plotted on different cross-sections in the 3D structural data can be determined, and based on the most frequently occurring position coordinates, the position coordinates of each point on the target tissue's tissue center line can be determined, thus determining the target tissue's tissue center line. Alternatively, the median of the position coordinates of the tissue center lines plotted on different cross-sections in the 3D structural data can be used to determine the position coordinates of each point on the target tissue's tissue center line, thus determining the target tissue's tissue center line. Furthermore, the cross-sections from which the tissue center lines are plotted can be input into a model used for curve fitting to obtain the target tissue's tissue center line. The center line of the tissue determined in this way is basically located in the center of the target tissue. The position of the contrast agent flowing through the center line of the tissue can be used to accurately reflect the position of the contrast agent in the target tissue.

[0061] For example, before determining the organizational centerline of the target organization, the outline of the target organization can be fine-tuned to make it fit the edge of the real target organization better.

[0062] In step S130, based on the four-dimensional imaging data and the tissue centerline, the time information of the contrast agent flowing through each position on the tissue centerline is determined.

[0063] Although the centerline of the target tissue is three-dimensional, it can be considered as a line composed of many points. The centerline, relative to the target tissue itself, is more helpful in determining the time information of the contrast agent flowing through various locations along it.

[0064] Understandably, each 3D contrast-enhanced image in a 4D imaging dataset has its own temporal information, corresponding to the acquisition time of that 3D imaging data. In each 3D imaging dataset, the contrast agent flows to a specific location within the target tissue. Therefore, based on each 3D imaging dataset and its corresponding temporal information, the time information of the contrast agent flowing through various points along the tissue's central axis can be determined. For example, a 3D index table can be constructed based on the 4D imaging data, such as a timetable of the contrast agent arriving at each location, or a timetable of the contrast agent's continuous appearance at each location. Based on the 3D index table, the time information of the contrast agent flowing through various locations in the target tissue can be determined, and consequently, the time information of the contrast agent flowing through various locations along the tissue's central axis can be determined.

[0065] In step S140, based on the time information corresponding to each position of the contrast agent flowing through the center line of the tissue, chart information is generated. The chart information includes data on the flow information of the contrast agent in the target tissue.

[0066] Chart information can be presented in the form of tables, images, etc. The data in the chart information can include specific values ​​of relevant parameters, which is more conducive to the analysis of ultrasound contrast data.

[0067] The flow information of the contrast agent in the target tissue can include motion information such as the position, velocity, and acceleration of the contrast agent in the target tissue.

[0068] For example, a tabular chart can be generated based on the various positions of the contrast agent along the center line of the tissue and their corresponding time information. For instance, the data in the first column of the table can be determined based on the various positions of the contrast agent along the center line of the tissue, and the data in the second column can be determined based on the time information corresponding to each position of the contrast agent along the center line of the tissue; furthermore, there is a correspondence between the data in the same row of the table, meaning that each row of data represents the position of the contrast agent along the center line of the tissue in the first column at that time in the second column.

[0069] For example, graphical information can be generated based on the various positions of the contrast agent flowing along the center line of the tissue and their corresponding time information. For instance, the graphical information can be represented as a curve based on coordinate axes, where the vertical axis represents the various positions of the contrast agent flowing along the center line of the tissue, and the horizontal axis represents the time information corresponding to each position of the contrast agent flowing along the center line of the tissue.

[0070] For example, information such as the velocity and acceleration of the contrast agent at various locations along the tissue's center line can be further determined based on the corresponding time information. In some embodiments, the graph information may include this flow information.

[0071] In the above technical solution, the center line of the target tissue is determined based on the outline of the target tissue in the 3D contrast imaging data. Then, based on the 4D contrast imaging data and the center line, the time information of the contrast agent flowing through each position on the center line is determined. Finally, chart information is generated based on the time information corresponding to each position of the contrast agent flowing through the center line. The resulting chart information can more intuitively and specifically represent the flow of the contrast agent in the target tissue, which is more conducive to medical personnel quantitatively analyzing ultrasound contrast imaging data.

[0072] For example, the chart information includes a first curve, and the flow information includes the distance the contrast agent has flowed. Figure 2A schematic flowchart illustrating the generation of chart information based on time information corresponding to various positions along the centerline of a tissue flow, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is shown. Figure 2 As shown, step S140 may include steps S210 to S220.

[0073] In step S210, the distance the contrast agent travels at each position along the center line of the tissue is determined.

[0074] Understandably, after the contrast agent is injected into the target tissue, it flows within the tissue. Within the target tissue, the contrast agent flows along the tissue's centerline from one end to the other. The distance traveled by the contrast agent at each location can be determined based on the initial position of the contrast agent's inflow into the target tissue and the positional differences between these locations along the tissue's centerline. The distance traveled by the contrast agent at each location along the tissue's centerline quantitatively characterizes the position of the contrast agent within the target tissue.

[0075] In step S220, a first curve representing the change of distance with time information is generated based on the distance and time information of the flow.

[0076] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a first curve according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 3 As shown, the horizontal axis of the first curve represents the time information (contrast agent arrival time) of the contrast agent flowing through various positions on the center line of the tissue, and the vertical axis represents the distance the contrast agent has traveled, characterizing the spatial position of the contrast agent within the target tissue.

[0077] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the center line of a target tissue according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. When the contrast agent flows in the target tissue, after passing through a certain location, the contrast agent may flow in multiple different directions within the target tissue. For example, in hysterosalpingography (HSG), after flowing through the uterine cavity, the contrast agent may continue to flow in the directions of each of the two fallopian tubes. Figure 4 As shown, at this point, the tissue centerline at the uterine cavity (S1) will split into two tissue centerlines along the direction of the two fallopian tubes: curve S0S1S2 and curve S0S1S3. The time information of the contrast agent flowing through various positions on curve S0S1S2 may differ from that on curve S0S1S3. Therefore, curves S0S1S2 and S0S1S3 can be used as tissue centerlines respectively, and the above method can be used to generate two first curves. That is, when the tissue centerline branches, multiple first curves can be generated based on the branches.

[0078] In the above technical solution, the distance traveled by the contrast agent at each position along the center line of the tissue is determined. Based on the distance traveled and the time information, a first curve representing the change of distance over time is generated. This first curve can quantitatively characterize the relationship between the contrast agent's flow through each position of the target tissue and the time information, making it easier for medical personnel to analyze the ultrasound contrast data of the target tissue to determine the flow of the contrast agent within the target tissue.

[0079] Figure 5 A schematic flowchart illustrating the determination of the distance traveled by the contrast agent at various locations according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 5 As shown, step S210 may include steps S310 to S320.

[0080] In step S310, the starting position of the contrast agent on the center line of the tissue is determined based on the four-dimensional imaging data.

[0081] In 4D contrast imaging data, the earliest frame of 3D contrast imaging data can be determined. Then, the position of the contrast agent flowing along the center line of the tissue in that 3D contrast imaging data can be determined as the starting position of the contrast agent on the center line of the tissue.

[0082] Alternatively, the starting position of the contrast agent flowing along the center line of the tissue can be determined based on the user's selection of a specified position as the starting position.

[0083] For example, in the above Figure 4 In this context, S0 can be used as the starting point for the contrast agent on the center line of the tissue.

[0084] In step S320, the distance between each position and the starting position along the center line of the tissue flow of the contrast agent is determined.

[0085] Each point in the 3D contrast imaging data has corresponding coordinate information. Based on the 3D contrast imaging data at multiple time points, the difference between the coordinate information of each position along the center line of the tissue flow and the coordinate information of the starting position can be determined, so as to determine the distance between each position along the center line of the tissue flow and the starting position.

[0086] For example, based on three-dimensional contrast data at multiple time points, the Euclidean distance between each position along the tissue centerline and the starting position can be calculated and used as the distance between each position and the starting position. Euclidean distance is a straight-line distance, which is easy to calculate and can reduce the computational workload.

[0087] For example, the length of the tissue centerline between each location along the tissue centerline and the starting position can be determined based on three-dimensional imaging data at multiple time points, serving as the distance between each location and the starting position. The distance between each location and the starting position can be determined based on the coordinates of points on the tissue centerline between each location and the starting position. This distance can more accurately characterize the flow of the contrast agent in the target tissue.

[0088] In the above technical solution, based on four-dimensional imaging data, the starting position of the contrast agent on the tissue centerline is determined, and the distance between the starting position and each position along the tissue centerline through which the contrast agent flows is determined. This distance can quantitatively characterize the spatial position of the contrast agent in the target tissue.

[0089] For example, the graph information includes a second curve, and the flow information includes the velocity and / or acceleration of the contrast agent flowing through various locations along the centerline of the tissue. Figure 6 A schematic flowchart illustrating the generation of chart information based on time information corresponding to various positions along the centerline of a tissue flow of contrast agent, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, is shown. Figure 6 As shown, step S140 may include steps S410 to S420.

[0090] In step S410, the velocity and / or acceleration of the contrast agent at each location along the center line of the tissue are determined based on the time information corresponding to each location.

[0091] The velocity v = Δs / Δt of the contrast agent at each position along the tissue's central axis can be determined based on the distance difference Δs between these positions and the corresponding time difference Δt. For example, when time is T and the position of the contrast agent along the tissue's central axis is S, the positions S-Δs / 2 at T-Δt / 2 and S+Δs / 2 at T+Δt / 2 can be determined. Then, the velocity v = Δs / Δt at position S along the tissue's central axis can be determined.

[0092] After determining the velocity, the velocity a = Δv / Δt at each position along the tissue's central axis can be determined based on the difference Δv between the velocities of the contrast agent at different locations along the central axis and the corresponding time difference Δt. For example, when time is T and the velocity of the contrast agent at position S along the tissue's central axis is v, the velocities v-Δv / 2 at T-Δt / 2 and v+Δv / 2 at T+Δt / 2 can be determined. Then, the acceleration of the contrast agent at position S along the tissue's central axis can be determined as a = Δv / Δt.

[0093] For example, the Doppler effect can also be used to collect and calculate the velocity and acceleration of the contrast agent at various positions along the center line of the tissue.

[0094] In step S420, a second curve characterizing the change of velocity and / or acceleration over time is generated based on the velocity and / or acceleration of the contrast agent flowing through each location and the time information.

[0095] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a second curve according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 7 As shown, the horizontal axis of the first curve represents the time information of the contrast agent flowing through various positions on the center line of the tissue (contrast agent arrival time), and the vertical axis represents the velocity of the contrast agent flowing through various positions (contrast agent flow rate).

[0096] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a second curve according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 8 As shown, the horizontal axis of the first curve represents the time information (contrast agent arrival time) of the contrast agent flowing through various positions along the center line of the tissue, and the vertical axis represents the acceleration (contrast agent acceleration) of the contrast agent flowing through each position. According to Newton's second law, force is proportional to acceleration. Therefore, when the injection pressure of the contrast agent is constant, the second curve of contrast agent acceleration versus contrast agent arrival time can approximately reflect the change in resistance encountered by the contrast agent in the target tissue. This can help doctors determine whether to increase the injection pressure, judge whether there is blockage at that position, and quantitatively evaluate the degree of blockage.

[0097] When it is necessary to determine the velocity and acceleration of the contrast agent at each location, a second curve can be generated based on the velocity and acceleration of the contrast agent at each location.

[0098] For example, similar to the first curve, when there are branches along the centerline of the tissue, multiple second curves can be generated based on the branches to represent the velocity and acceleration of the contrast agent flowing through each location.

[0099] In the above technical solution, based on the time information corresponding to each position of the contrast agent flowing through the center line of the tissue, the velocity and / or acceleration of the contrast agent at each position are determined. Based on the velocity and / or acceleration of the contrast agent at each position, and the time information, a second curve representing the change of velocity and / or acceleration over time is generated. The first curve can quantitatively characterize the relationship between the flow of the contrast agent (velocity and / or acceleration) and time information at each position of the target tissue, making it easier for medical personnel to analyze the ultrasound contrast data of the target tissue to accurately determine the flow of the contrast agent in the target tissue at each moment.

[0100] Figure 9A schematic diagram of a two-dimensional image according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Exemplarily, the method further includes step S150: generating and displaying a two-dimensional image of the target tissue based on three-dimensional contrast data and the tissue centerline, wherein the tissue centerline is highlighted in the two-dimensional image, and flow information of the contrast agent flowing in the target tissue is identified on the tissue centerline in the two-dimensional image.

[0101] A suitable viewing angle can be selected to project each 3D imaging data and its corresponding tissue centerline, thereby obtaining a 2D image containing the projected tissue centerline, as shown above. Figure 4 In the display as shown Figure 2 When rendering 2D images, the tissue centerline can be rendered so that its color differs from the target tissue, thus highlighting the centerline. Arrows, text, or other methods can be used to indicate the flow information of the contrast agent within the target tissue (e.g., P1, P2, P3, and P4), such as position, distance traveled, velocity, and acceleration. Alternatively, the flow information of the contrast agent can be indicated by rendering the pixels of the tissue centerline in the 2D image (e.g., the pixels indicated by the arrows for P1, P2, P3, and P4). This allows for the acquisition of... Figure 9 The image shown is a two-dimensional image. When identifying flow information, the corresponding time information can also be identified. The identified flow information can be of one or more types.

[0102] The contrast agent's flow information can be identified in real time as it flows along the tissue's centerline. For example, when the contrast agent flows through the position indicated by P1 (position information, distance traveled, velocity information, acceleration information, time information, etc.) on the tissue's centerline, only P1, its corresponding arrow, and the pixel indicated by that arrow can be identified. When the contrast agent flows through the position indicated by P2 (position information, distance traveled, velocity information, acceleration information, time information, etc.) on the tissue's centerline, only P2, its corresponding arrow, and the pixel indicated by that arrow can be identified. When the contrast agent flows through the position indicated by P3 (position information, distance traveled, velocity information, acceleration information, time information, etc.) on the tissue's centerline, only P3, its corresponding arrow, and the pixel indicated by that arrow can be identified. In other words, the identified flow information can be updated as the contrast agent flows through each position along the tissue's centerline.

[0103] In the above technical solution, a two-dimensional image of the target tissue is generated and displayed based on the three-dimensional contrast imaging data and the tissue centerline, highlighting the tissue centerline and the flow information of the contrast agent within the target tissue. This allows for a direct and quantitative reflection of the contrast agent's flow at various locations along the tissue centerline, aiding medical personnel in the quantitative analysis of ultrasound contrast imaging data.

[0104] Figure 10 A schematic flowchart illustrating a method for analyzing ultrasound contrast imaging data according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 10 As shown, the above method may further include steps S160 to S170.

[0105] In step S160, the starting position of the contrast agent on the center line of the tissue is determined based on the four-dimensional imaging data.

[0106] Step S160 is similar to step S310 above, and will not be described in detail here.

[0107] In step S170, the starting position is marked on the center line of the tissue in the two-dimensional image.

[0108] When projecting 3D contrast data to obtain a 2D image, the starting position in the 3D contrast data can be determined as the starting position projected into the 2D image. This can be achieved in scenarios such as... Figure 9 The starting position in the two-dimensional image is marked by arrows, text, rendering, etc. (e.g., label P4, and the pixel indicated by the arrow that renders P4).

[0109] In the above technical solution, the starting position of the contrast agent on the tissue centerline is determined based on the four-dimensional contrast imaging data, and the starting position is marked on the tissue centerline in the two-dimensional image. This provides intuitive information about the starting position of the contrast agent as it flows across the tissue centerline, which is beneficial for medical staff to better analyze ultrasound contrast imaging data.

[0110] For example, flow information includes the velocity or acceleration of the contrast agent flowing through various locations along the centerline of the tissue. Figure 11 A schematic flowchart illustrating the flow information of contrast agent in a target tissue along the center line of a tissue in a two-dimensional image, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is shown. Figure 11 As shown, step 150 may include steps S610 to S620.

[0111] In step S610, the identification parameters corresponding to the pixels at each position on the tissue centerline of the two-dimensional image are determined based on the velocity or acceleration of the contrast agent flowing through each position on the tissue centerline.

[0112] In step S620, the tissue center line of the two-dimensional image is identified according to the identification parameters.

[0113] The identification parameters can be color values. For example, when the velocity or acceleration of the contrast agent flowing through a certain location on the center line of the tissue is high, the corresponding pixel in the 2D image can be rendered in yellow or orange; when the velocity or acceleration of the contrast agent flowing through a certain location on the center line of the tissue is low, the corresponding pixel in the 2D image can be rendered in red. Each velocity or acceleration value can correspond to a separate color value.

[0114] The identifier parameter can be a grayscale value. For example, when the velocity or acceleration of the contrast agent flowing through a certain position on the center line of the tissue is high, a higher grayscale value can be used to render the pixel corresponding to that position in the 2D image; when the velocity or acceleration of the contrast agent flowing through a certain position on the center line of the tissue is low, a lower grayscale value can be used to render the pixel corresponding to that position in the 2D image. Each velocity or acceleration value can correspond to a separate grayscale value.

[0115] The labeling parameter can be the size of the label. For example, when the velocity or acceleration of the contrast agent flowing through a certain position on the center line of the tissue is high, a larger arrow can be used to label the pixel corresponding to that position in the 2D image; when the velocity or acceleration of the contrast agent flowing through a certain position on the center line of the tissue is low, a smaller arrow can be used to label the pixel corresponding to that position in the 2D image. Each velocity or acceleration value can correspond to a separate label size.

[0116] The labeling parameter can be the density of the labels. For example, when the velocity or acceleration of the contrast agent flowing through a certain position on the center line of the tissue is high, denser arrows can be used to label the corresponding pixel in the 2D image; when the velocity or acceleration of the contrast agent flowing through a certain position on the center line of the tissue is low, sparser arrows can be used to label the corresponding pixel in the 2D image. Each value of velocity or acceleration can correspond to a label size.

[0117] The labeling parameter can be the direction of the label. For example, when the velocity or acceleration of the contrast agent flowing through a certain position on the center line of the tissue is high, an upward arrow can be used to label the pixel corresponding to that position in the 2D image; when the velocity or acceleration of the contrast agent flowing through a certain position on the center line of the tissue is low, a downward arrow can be used to label the pixel corresponding to that position in the 2D image. Each velocity or acceleration value can correspond to a specific labeling direction.

[0118] In the above technical solution, the color parameters corresponding to the pixels at each position on the tissue centerline of the two-dimensional image are determined based on the velocity or acceleration of the contrast agent flowing through each position along the tissue centerline. The tissue centerline of the two-dimensional image is then rendered based on these color parameters. This allows the flow velocity or acceleration information at each position along the tissue centerline of the two-dimensional image to be visually reflected, helping medical personnel to better analyze ultrasound contrast imaging data.

[0119] Figure 12 A schematic flowchart illustrating the flow information of contrast agent in a target tissue along the center line of a tissue in a two-dimensional image, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, is shown. Figure 12 As shown, step 150 may include steps S710 to S720.

[0120] In step S710, in response to the user's first operation of selecting the first pixel on the tissue centerline of the two-dimensional image, the region of interest of the target tissue to which the first position belongs, the time information and / or flow information of the contrast agent flowing through the first position, and the first position is the position on the tissue centerline of the target tissue corresponding to the first pixel.

[0121] Two-dimensional images can be displayed through a user-friendly interface, allowing users to manipulate them. These images can be projected from three-dimensional contrast data; therefore, each position along the tissue centerline in the three-dimensional contrast data corresponds to a position along the tissue centerline in the two-dimensional image. Thus, when a user selects the first pixel on the tissue centerline of the two-dimensional image (e.g.,...)... Figure 9 When referring to the pixel indicated by the arrow in P1, the corresponding position on the tissue centerline of the three-dimensional imaging data can be determined as the first position based on the first pixel of the two-dimensional image. For example, the first operation can be moving the mouse to the first pixel, clicking the first pixel, etc.

[0122] The region of interest (ROI) can be pre-defined or input by the user during the analysis of ultrasound imaging data. For example, in hysterosalpingography (HSG), the ROI can be set to the isthmus, fallopian tube, fimbriae, etc. Each ROI corresponds to one or more points on the center line of the target tissue and, in turn, one or more points on the center line of the tissue in the two-dimensional image. The ROI of the target tissue to which the first location belongs can be determined based on the position of the first location on the center line of the target tissue.

[0123] In step S720, the first pixel is identified based on the name of the region of interest, the time information of the contrast agent flowing through the first position, and / or the flow information.

[0124] The first pixel can be identified using arrows, text, rendering, etc. For example, when the first pixel is... Figure 9 When the arrow in P1 points to the pixel, it can be... Figure 9 In this image, the name of the region of interest, the time information and / or flow information of the contrast agent through the first location are designated as P1, indicated by an arrow, and the first pixel is rendered. Alternatively, when identifying the first pixel with P1, the name of the region of interest corresponding to P1 (isthmus of the fallopian tube), the time information and / or flow information of the contrast agent through the first location are also marked on the two-dimensional image. Similarly, the names of the regions of interest corresponding to P2 and P3, the time information and / or flow information of the contrast agent through the first location are also marked on the two-dimensional image. Figure 9 Since there is no region of interest at the location corresponding to P4, the name of the region of interest corresponding to P4 does not need to be marked.

[0125] For example, when the above-mentioned chart information includes a curve of data on the flow information of the contrast agent in the target tissue, the first operation may also include the user's operation of selecting a point on the curve.

[0126] In the above technical solution, in response to the user's first operation of selecting a first pixel on the center line of the tissue in a two-dimensional image, the time information and / or flow information of the contrast agent flowing through the first pixel are determined, and the first pixel is identified based on the time information and / or flow information of the contrast agent flowing through the first position. This allows for selective identification of the first pixel in the two-dimensional image according to the user's instructions, providing the user with quantitative ultrasound contrast imaging data of the contrast agent flowing through the first position, which is beneficial for better analysis of ultrasound contrast imaging data.

[0127] For example, the chart information includes a first data curve. Figure 13 A schematic flowchart illustrating a method for analyzing ultrasound contrast imaging data according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 13 As shown, the above method may further include steps S810 to S830.

[0128] In step S810, the first data curve is displayed.

[0129] There can be one or more first data curves, for example, the first data curve can be the first curve and / or the second curve mentioned above. The first data curve can be displayed in the human-interactive interface, and the user can operate the first data curve through the human-interactive interface.

[0130] In step S820, in response to the user's second operation of selecting a first point on the first data curve, the time information and / or flow information of the contrast agent flowing through the second position are determined, where the second position is the position corresponding to the point on the first data curve on the tissue centerline of the target tissue.

[0131] There is corresponding time information at each location along the tissue's center line as the contrast agent flows. This time information can be used to determine the position of the contrast agent along the tissue's center line and its flow information at that position. Therefore, when the user performs a second operation, the time information corresponding to the first point can be determined, and then, based on this time information, the second position of the contrast agent along the tissue's center line and its flow information at that second position can be determined. The flow information of the contrast agent at the second position can include position information, distance traveled, velocity information, acceleration information, and time information.

[0132] In step S830, a first point is marked on the first data curve based on the time information and / or flow information of the contrast agent flowing through the second position.

[0133] The first point can be marked using arrows, text, rendering, etc., thereby quantitatively identifying the time information and / or flow information of the contrast agent flowing through the second position. Figure 14 A schematic diagram of a first data curve according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. For example, the first data curve may include a first curve and a second curve. When the first point is... Figure 14 When the arrow in P1 points to the pixel, it can be... Figure 14 In one or more first data curves, the time information and / or flow information of the contrast agent flowing through the first location is used as P1, indicated by an arrow and rendered as the first point. The first points indicated by the arrows of P2 and P3 are rendered similarly.

[0134] For example, the above can be displayed simultaneously. Figure 9 The two-dimensional image shown above and the above Figure 14 The first data curve is shown. In response to the user's second action, it can also be... Figure 9 The two-dimensional image shown identifies the pixels corresponding to the second position (e.g., P1, the arrow pointing to P1, and the pixel it indicates). In response to the user's first action, it can also... Figure 14 The first data curve shown identifies the pixel corresponding to the first position (e.g., P1, the arrow indicating P1 and the pixel it points to). This allows... Figure 9 The two-dimensional image shown above and the above Figure 14 The first data curve shown also indicates the time information and / or flow information of the contrast agent flowing through the pixel selected by the user, providing more forms of ultrasound contrast data and helping users to better analyze ultrasound contrast data.

[0135] In the above technical solution, a first data curve is displayed, and in response to a user's second operation of selecting a first point on the first data curve, the time information and / or flow information of the contrast agent flowing through the second position corresponding to the first point are determined. Based on the time information and / or flow information of the contrast agent flowing through the second position, the first point is marked on the first data curve. This allows for selective marking of the first point on the first data curve according to the user's instructions, providing the user with quantitative ultrasound contrast imaging data of the contrast agent flowing through the second position, which is beneficial for better analysis of ultrasound contrast imaging data.

[0136] For example, the chart information includes a second data curve. Figure 15 A schematic flowchart illustrating a method for analyzing ultrasound contrast imaging data according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 15 As shown, the above method may further include steps S910 to S930.

[0137] In step S910, the second data curve is displayed.

[0138] There can be one or more second data curves; for example, the second data curve can be the first curve and / or the second curve mentioned above. The second data curve can be displayed in a user-friendly interface, and users can interact with it through the interface.

[0139] In step S920, based on the four-dimensional imaging data, the target location is determined on the tissue centerline of the target tissue, wherein the target location corresponds to the region of interest of the target tissue.

[0140] The region of interest (ROI) can be a pre-defined region of interest or information entered by the user when analyzing ultrasound imaging data. For example, in hysterosalpingography (HSG), the ROI can be set to the isthmus of the fallopian tube, the fallopian tube itself, or the fimbriae of the fallopian tube. Each ROI corresponds to a target location on the center line of the target tissue.

[0141] For example, a user can select a point on the center line of the tissue in a two-dimensional image and / or a point on a second data curve. The target location of that point on the center line of the target tissue can then be determined based on the user-selected point.

[0142] In step S930, based on the time information of the contrast agent flowing through the target location and the name of the region of interest corresponding to the target location, a second point corresponding to the target location is marked on the second data curve.

[0143] Based on the time information of the contrast agent flowing through the target location, a second point corresponding to that time information can be determined on the second data curve. The first point can be marked using arrows, text, rendering, etc., thereby identifying the region of interest corresponding to the first point. Figure 16A schematic diagram of a second data curve according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. For example, the second data curve may include a first curve and a second curve. When the second point is... Figure 16 When the arrow in P1 points to the pixel, it can be... Figure 16 In one or more first data curves, P1 indicates the region of interest (isthmus of the fallopian tube) corresponding to the second point, indicated and rendered by an arrow. The arrows of P2 (indicating the fallopian tube) and P3 (indicating the fimbriae of the fallopian tube) indicate the second point in the same way.

[0144] For example, the above can be displayed simultaneously. Figure 9 The two-dimensional image shown above and the above Figure 16 The second data curve shown. (It is possible...) Figure 9 The two-dimensional image shown identifies the pixels corresponding to the target location (e.g., P1, the arrow of P1, and the pixel it points to), and in Figure 16 The second data curve shown identifies the pixels corresponding to the target location (e.g., P1, the arrow indicating P1, and the pixel it points to). This allows... Figure 9 The two-dimensional image shown above and the above Figure 16 The second data curve shown also indicates the time information, flow information and corresponding name of the contrast agent flowing through the target location, in order to provide more forms of ultrasound contrast data and help users better analyze ultrasound contrast data.

[0145] In the above technical solution, a second data curve is displayed. Based on the four-dimensional contrast imaging data, the target position is determined on the center line of the tissue. The target position corresponds to the region of interest in the target tissue. Based on the time information of the contrast agent flowing through the target position, a second point corresponding to the target position is marked on the second data curve. This can remind the user of the flow information of the contrast agent when it flows through the target position, which is beneficial for better analysis of ultrasound contrast imaging data.

[0146] Figure 17 A schematic block diagram of an apparatus for analyzing ultrasound contrast imaging data according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 17 As shown, the ultrasound contrast imaging data analysis device includes a data collection module 1010, a centerline extraction module 1020, a time determination module 1030, and a data generation module 1040.

[0147] The data collection module 1010 is used to acquire four-dimensional contrast imaging data of the target tissue, wherein the four-dimensional contrast imaging data includes three-dimensional contrast imaging data at multiple time points;

[0148] The centerline extraction module 1020 is used to determine the centerline of the target tissue based on the contour of the target tissue in the 3D imaging data;

[0149] The timing determination module 1030 is used to determine the timing information of the contrast agent flowing through various positions on the tissue centerline based on the four-dimensional contrast imaging data and the tissue centerline.

[0150] The data generation module 1040 is used to generate chart information based on the time information corresponding to each position of the contrast agent flowing through the center line of the tissue. The chart information includes data on the flow information of the contrast agent in the target tissue.

[0151] For example, the chart information includes a first curve, the flow information includes the distance the contrast agent travels, and the data generation module 1040 includes a first data submodule and a second data submodule. The first data submodule is used to determine the distance the contrast agent travels at each position along the center line of the tissue. The second data submodule is used to generate a first curve representing the change of distance over time based on the distance traveled and time information.

[0152] For example, the first data submodule includes a first determining submodule and a second determining submodule. The first determining submodule is used to determine the starting position of the contrast agent on the tissue centerline based on the four-dimensional imaging data. The second determining submodule is used to determine the distance between the starting position and each position along the tissue centerline through which the contrast agent flows.

[0153] For example, the second determining submodule includes a distance calculation submodule. The distance calculation submodule is used to calculate the Euclidean distance between each position on the center line of the tissue through which the contrast agent flows and the starting position, based on the three-dimensional contrast data at multiple time points, as the distance between each position and the starting position;

[0154] or,

[0155] The distance calculation submodule is used to determine the length of the tissue centerline between each position and the starting position along the tissue centerline of the contrast agent flow based on the three-dimensional contrast data at multiple time points, so as to serve as the distance between each position and the starting position.

[0156] For example, the graph information includes a second curve, and the flow information includes the velocity and / or acceleration of the contrast agent flowing through various positions along the center line of the tissue. The data generation module 1040 includes a third data submodule and a fourth data submodule. The third data submodule determines the velocity and / or acceleration of the contrast agent flowing through each position along the center line of the tissue based on the time information corresponding to those positions. The fourth data submodule is used to generate a second curve representing the change of velocity and / or acceleration over time based on the velocity and / or acceleration of the contrast agent flowing through each position and the time information.

[0157] For example, the ultrasound contrast imaging data analysis apparatus further includes an identification module. The identification module is used to generate and display a two-dimensional image of the target tissue based on the three-dimensional contrast imaging data and the tissue centerline, wherein the tissue centerline is highlighted in the two-dimensional image, and flow information of the contrast agent flowing in the target tissue is identified on the tissue centerline in the two-dimensional image.

[0158] For example, the ultrasound contrast imaging data analysis device further includes a position determination module and a position marking module. The position determination module is used to determine the starting position of the contrast agent on the tissue centerline based on the four-dimensional contrast imaging data. The position marking module is used to mark the starting position on the tissue centerline in the two-dimensional image.

[0159] For example, the flow information includes the velocity or acceleration of the contrast agent flowing through various positions along the tissue centerline, and the labeling module includes a first labeling submodule and a second labeling submodule. The first labeling submodule is used to determine the labeling parameters corresponding to the pixels at various positions along the tissue centerline of the two-dimensional image based on the velocity or acceleration of the contrast agent flowing through various positions along the tissue centerline. The second labeling submodule is used to label the tissue centerline of the two-dimensional image based on the labeling parameters.

[0160] For example, the identification module includes a third identification submodule and a fourth identification submodule. The third identification submodule is used to respond to a user's first operation of selecting a first pixel on the tissue centerline of a two-dimensional image, and to determine the region of interest (ROI) of the target tissue to which the first position belongs, the time information and / or flow information of the contrast agent passing through the first position, where the first position is the position corresponding to the first pixel on the tissue centerline of the target tissue. The fourth identification submodule is used to identify the first pixel based on the name of the ROI, the time information and / or flow information of the contrast agent passing through the first position.

[0161] For example, the chart information includes a first data curve, and the ultrasound contrast imaging data analysis device further includes a first display module, a first receiving module, and a first pixel representation module. The first display module is used to display the first data curve. The first receiving module is used to respond to a user's second operation of selecting a first point on the first data curve, determining the time information and / or flow information of the contrast agent flowing through a second position, where the second position is the position corresponding to a point on the first data curve on the tissue centerline of the target tissue. The first pixel representation module is used to mark the first point on the first data curve based on the time information and / or flow information of the contrast agent flowing through the second position.

[0162] For example, the chart information includes a second data curve. The ultrasound contrast imaging data analysis device further includes a second display module, an identification module, and a second pixel representation module. The second display module is used to display the second data curve. The identification module is used to determine the target location on the tissue centerline of the target tissue based on the four-dimensional contrast imaging data, wherein the target location corresponds to the region of interest of the target tissue. The second pixel representation module is used to mark a second point corresponding to the target location on the second data curve based on the time information of the contrast agent flowing through the target location and the name of the region of interest corresponding to the target location.

[0163] According to another aspect of the present invention, an electronic device is also provided. Figure 18 A schematic block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 18 As shown, the electronic device includes a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores computer program instructions, which are executed by the processor to perform the ultrasound contrast data analysis method described above.

[0164] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present invention, a storage medium is provided, on which program instructions are stored. When the program instructions are executed by a computer or processor, the computer or processor performs corresponding steps of the ultrasound contrast imaging data analysis method described above in the embodiments of the present invention, and is used to implement corresponding modules in the ultrasound contrast imaging data analysis apparatus described above in the embodiments of the present invention. The storage medium may, for example, include a storage component of a tablet computer, a hard disk of a personal computer, a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a USB memory, or any combination of the above storage media. The computer-readable storage medium may be any combination of one or more computer-readable storage media.

[0165] According to another aspect of the present invention, a computer program product is also provided, including computer program instructions, which, when executed, are used to perform the above-described method for analyzing ultrasound contrast imaging data.

[0166] Those skilled in the art will be able to understand the specific implementation and beneficial effects of the above-described ultrasound contrast imaging data analysis device, electronic equipment, storage medium, and computer program product by reading the detailed description of the analysis method for ultrasound contrast imaging data. For the sake of brevity, these details will not be repeated here.

[0167] Although exemplary embodiments have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the above exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. All such changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as claimed in the appended claims.

[0168] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this invention.

[0169] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another device, or some features may be ignored or not executed.

[0170] Numerous specific details are set forth in the specification provided herein. However, it will be understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known methods, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this specification.

[0171] Similarly, it should be understood that, in order to streamline the invention and aid in understanding one or more of the various aspects of the invention, features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof in the description of exemplary embodiments of the invention. However, this approach should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the corresponding claims, its inventive point lies in solving the corresponding technical problem with fewer features than all of those in a single disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into that detailed description, wherein each claim itself is a separate embodiment of the invention.

[0172] Those skilled in the art will understand that, apart from the mutual exclusion of features, all features disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) and all processes or units of any method or apparatus so disclosed can be combined in any combination. Unless otherwise expressly stated, each feature disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by an alternative feature that serves the same, equivalent, or similar purpose.

[0173] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that although some embodiments described herein include certain features but not others included in other embodiments, combinations of features from different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention and form different embodiments. For example, in the claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0174] The various component embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in hardware, or as software modules running on one or more processors, or a combination thereof. Those skilled in the art will understand that microprocessors or digital signal processors (DSPs) can be used in practice to implement some or all of the functions of some modules in the ultrasound contrast imaging data analysis apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention. The present invention can also be implemented as an apparatus program (e.g., a computer program and computer program product) for performing part or all of the methods described herein. Such programs implementing the present invention can be stored on a computer-readable medium or can be in the form of one or more signals. Such signals can be downloaded from an Internet website, provided on a carrier signal, or provided in any other form.

[0175] It should be noted that the above embodiments are illustrative of the invention and not restrictive, and that those skilled in the art can devise alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses should not be construed as limiting the claims. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps not listed in the claims. The word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention can be implemented by means of hardware comprising several different elements and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In the unit claims enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by the same item of hardware. The use of the words first, second, and third, etc., does not indicate any order. These words can be interpreted as names.

[0176] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention or an explanation of that embodiment. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for analyzing ultrasound contrast imaging data, characterized in that, The method includes: Acquire four-dimensional contrast imaging data of the target tissue, wherein the four-dimensional contrast imaging data includes three-dimensional contrast imaging data at multiple time points; Based on the outline of the target tissue in the three-dimensional imaging data, determine the tissue centerline of the target tissue; Based on the four-dimensional imaging data and the tissue centerline, determine the time information of the contrast agent flowing through each position on the tissue centerline; Based on the time information corresponding to each position of the contrast agent flowing through the center line of the tissue, chart information is generated, which includes data on the flow information of the contrast agent in the target tissue.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The chart information includes a first curve, and the flow information includes the distance the contrast agent has traveled. The step of generating chart information based on the time information corresponding to each position of the contrast agent flowing along the center line of the tissue includes: Based on the positions along the center line of the tissue through which the contrast agent flows, determine the distance the contrast agent travels at each position. Based on the distance traveled and the time information, a first curve representing the change of the distance with the time information is generated.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of determining the distance traveled by the contrast agent at each position along the center line of the tissue includes: Based on the four-dimensional imaging data, determine the starting position of the contrast agent on the center line of the tissue; Determine the distance between each location along the center line of the tissue through which the contrast agent flows and the starting location.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, Determining the distance between each position along the center line of the tissue and the starting position of the contrast agent includes: Based on the three-dimensional contrast data at multiple time points, the Euclidean distance between each position of the contrast agent flowing through the center line of the tissue and the starting position is calculated, and used as the distance between each position and the starting position; or, Based on the three-dimensional contrast data at the multiple time points, the length of the tissue centerline between each position along the tissue centerline through which the contrast agent flows and the starting position is determined, and used as the distance between each position and the starting position.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The chart information includes a second curve, and the flow information includes the velocity and / or acceleration of the contrast agent flowing through various locations along the center line of the tissue. The step of generating chart information based on the time information corresponding to each position of the contrast agent flowing along the center line of the tissue further includes: Based on the time information corresponding to each position of the contrast agent flowing through the center line of the tissue, determine the velocity and / or acceleration of the contrast agent flowing through each position; Based on the velocity and / or acceleration of the contrast agent flowing through the various locations and the time information, a second curve is generated that characterizes the change of the velocity and / or acceleration with the time information.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the three-dimensional imaging data and the tissue centerline, a two-dimensional image of the target tissue is generated and displayed, wherein the tissue centerline is highlighted in the two-dimensional image, and the flow information of the contrast agent flowing in the target tissue is marked on the tissue centerline in the two-dimensional image.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the four-dimensional imaging data, determine the starting position of the contrast agent on the center line of the tissue; The starting position is marked on the center line of the tissue in the two-dimensional image.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The flow information includes the velocity or acceleration of the contrast agent flowing through various locations along the centerline of the tissue. The flow information of the contrast agent in the target tissue, as indicated by the tissue centerline in the two-dimensional image, includes: Based on the velocity or acceleration of the contrast agent flowing through each position on the tissue centerline, the identification parameters corresponding to the pixels at each position on the tissue centerline of the two-dimensional image are determined. The tissue centerline of the two-dimensional image is identified according to the identification parameters.

9. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The flow information identifying the contrast agent's flow in the target tissue includes: In response to the user's first operation of selecting the first pixel on the tissue centerline of the two-dimensional image, the region of interest of the target tissue to which the first position belongs, the time information and / or flow information of the contrast agent flowing through the first position, wherein the first position is the position corresponding to the first pixel on the tissue centerline of the target tissue; The first pixel is identified based on the name of the region of interest, the time information and / or flow information of the contrast agent flowing through the first location.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The chart information includes a first data curve, and the method further includes: Display the first data curve; In response to the user's second operation of selecting a first point on the first data curve, the time information and / or flow information of the contrast agent flowing through the second position are determined, where the second position is the position corresponding to the point on the first data curve on the tissue centerline of the target tissue; The first point is marked on the first data curve based on the time information and / or flow information of the contrast agent flowing through the second position.

11. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The chart information includes a second data curve, and the method further includes: Display the second data curve; Based on the four-dimensional imaging data, the target location is determined on the tissue centerline of the target tissue, wherein the target location corresponds to the region of interest of the target tissue; Based on the time information of the contrast agent flowing through the target location and the name of the region of interest corresponding to the target location, a second point corresponding to the target location is marked on the second data curve.

12. An analysis device for ultrasound contrast imaging data, characterized in that, include: A data collection module is used to acquire four-dimensional contrast imaging data of the target tissue, wherein the four-dimensional contrast imaging data includes three-dimensional contrast imaging data at multiple time points; The centerline extraction module is used to determine the centerline of the target tissue based on the contour of the target tissue in the three-dimensional imaging data. The time determination module is used to determine the time information of the contrast agent flowing through each position on the tissue centerline based on the four-dimensional contrast imaging data and the tissue centerline; The data generation module is used to generate chart information based on the time information corresponding to each position of the contrast agent flowing through the center line of the tissue. The chart information includes data on the flow information of the contrast agent in the target tissue.

13. An electronic device comprising a processor and a memory, characterized in that, The memory stores computer program instructions, which, when executed by the processor, are used to perform the method for analyzing ultrasound contrast data as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

14. A storage medium on which program instructions are stored, characterized in that, The program instructions, when executed, are used to perform the method for analyzing ultrasound contrast data as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

15. A computer program product comprising computer program instructions, characterized in that, The computer program instructions, when executed, are used to perform the method for analyzing ultrasound contrast data as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

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