Super-resolution contrast imaging method, user interface display method, and ultrasound imaging device

Abstract

The application discloses a super-resolution contrast imaging method, a user interface display method and an ultrasonic imaging device. The super-resolution contrast imaging method comprises the following steps: determining a region of interest on an ultrasonic image in a B mode or a contrast mode by the ultrasonic imaging device; positioning and tracking microbubbles of a contrast agent in the region of interest based on multiple frames of ultrasonic data to obtain blood flow velocity information, blood flow direction information and blood vessel density information of blood vessels in the region of interest in a super-resolution contrast imaging mode; processing the blood flow velocity information and the blood flow direction information to obtain one or more arrow information, wherein the length of each arrow information represents the size of the corresponding blood flow velocity, and the direction of the arrow in each arrow information indicates the corresponding blood flow direction; generating a super-resolution contrast image according to the blood vessel density information; and displaying the super-resolution contrast image and the one or more arrow information superimposed on the super-resolution contrast image.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to super-resolution contrast imaging methods, user interface display methods, and ultrasound imaging equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In the medical field, microcirculation refers to the blood circulation between arterioles and venules in a vascular network. It is both the peripheral part of the circulatory system and an important component of organs. In microcirculation, capillaries are located in the epidermis, with the smallest diameter, approximately 6–9 μm. Arterioles and venules are located in the dermis, connecting with arteries and veins in the subepithelial layer, and have a diameter of approximately 10–100 μm. Normally, the blood flow in microcirculation is adapted to the metabolic level of tissues and organs. However, when the metabolism and function of tissues and organs become abnormal, microcirculation will change to some extent. Therefore, microcirculation is closely related to the occurrence and development of diseases and has important physiological, pathological, pharmacological, and clinical significance. Blockage, obstruction, and lesions in microcirculation are precursors to many diseases, and observing changes in microvessels is beneficial for early diagnosis.

[0003] Conventional ultrasound imaging techniques face diffraction limits in the far field, limiting their ability to display details of microvascular structures. Super-Resolution Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (SR-CEUS), however, is an ultrasound imaging technique with ultra-high spatial resolution. By borrowing the principle of fluorescence microscopy positioning from optical super-resolution imaging, it locates and tracks the movement trajectory of isolated microbubbles to construct ultrasound images with a spatial scale at the micrometer level, solving the aforementioned problem of displaying details of microvascular structures. It is currently widely used in clinical research in areas such as tumors, microvascular perfusion of tissues and organs, and plaque angiogenesis.

[0004] Super-resolution angiography mainly includes three imaging modalities: density imaging, velocity imaging, and orientation imaging. Density imaging, by displaying the distribution of microbubbles within blood vessels, can reveal the morphology and structure of the vessels; velocity imaging can show the velocity of blood flow; and orientation imaging can show the direction of blood flow. However, in related technologies, these three imaging modes operate independently, requiring medical personnel to switch between them to comprehensively observe the blood perfusion characteristics within microvessels. This results in low information acquisition efficiency, thereby increasing the time cost of diagnosis and treatment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problem of low efficiency in acquiring information on microvascular blood flow perfusion characteristics using super-resolution angiography, this application provides a super-resolution angiography method, a user interface display method, and an ultrasound imaging device.

[0006] The technical solution of this application embodiment is implemented as follows:

[0007] This application provides a super-resolution contrast imaging method applied to an ultrasound imaging device, the method comprising:

[0008] In B mode or contrast mode, a first ultrasound wave is emitted toward the target tissue, and an ultrasound image is generated based on the first ultrasound echo of the first ultrasound wave returned by the target tissue.

[0009] The region of interest is determined on the ultrasound image;

[0010] In super-resolution contrast imaging mode, a second ultrasound wave is emitted toward the region of interest containing contrast agent microbubbles, and a second ultrasound echo of the second ultrasound wave reflected from the region of interest is received to obtain multiple frames of ultrasound data.

[0011] Based on the multi-frame ultrasound data, the contrast agent microbubbles in the region of interest are located and tracked to obtain the blood flow velocity, blood flow direction and vascular density information of the blood vessels in the region of interest.

[0012] The blood flow velocity information and the blood flow direction information are processed to obtain one or more arrow information, where the length of each arrow information represents the magnitude of the corresponding blood flow velocity, and the direction pointed to by the arrow in each arrow information represents the corresponding blood flow direction;

[0013] Generate super-resolution angiography images based on the aforementioned blood vessel density information;

[0014] Display the super-resolution imaging image and display one or more of the arrow information superimposed on the super-resolution imaging image.

[0015] This application also provides a super-resolution contrast imaging method applied to an ultrasound imaging device, the method comprising:

[0016] In B mode or contrast mode, a first ultrasound wave is emitted toward the target tissue, and an ultrasound image is generated based on the first ultrasound echo of the first ultrasound wave returned by the target tissue.

[0017] The region of interest is determined on the ultrasound image;

[0018] In super-resolution contrast imaging mode, a second ultrasound wave is emitted toward the region of interest containing contrast agent microbubbles, and a second ultrasound echo of the second ultrasound wave reflected from the region of interest is received to obtain multiple frames of ultrasound data.

[0019] Based on the multi-frame ultrasound data, the contrast agent microbubbles in the region of interest are located and tracked to obtain the blood flow velocity, blood flow direction and vascular density information of the blood vessels in the region of interest.

[0020] The blood flow velocity information and the blood flow direction information are processed to obtain one or more graphic information, each of the graphic information being used to represent the magnitude of the corresponding blood flow velocity and / or the corresponding blood flow direction;

[0021] Generate super-resolution angiography images based on the aforementioned blood vessel density information;

[0022] Display the super-resolution imaging image and display one or more of the graphic information superimposed on the super-resolution imaging image.

[0023] This application also provides a user interface display method applied to an ultrasound imaging device, the method comprising:

[0024] In B-mode or contrast-enhanced mode, an ultrasound image of the target tissue is displayed;

[0025] In super-resolution contrast imaging mode, a super-resolution contrast image of the region of interest in the ultrasound image is displayed, along with one or more graphic information superimposed on the super-resolution contrast image; wherein,

[0026] The super-resolution angiography image is generated based on the vascular density information of the blood vessels in the region of interest. The one or more image information are obtained by processing the blood flow velocity information and blood flow direction information of the blood vessels in the region of interest, and each of the graphic information is used to represent the magnitude of the corresponding blood flow velocity and / or the corresponding blood flow direction.

[0027] This application embodiment also provides an ultrasonic imaging device, which includes: an ultrasonic probe, a transmitting circuit, a receiving circuit, a display device, and a processor; wherein,

[0028] The transmitting circuit is used to transmit a first ultrasound wave to the target tissue in B mode or contrast imaging mode, and to transmit a second ultrasound wave to the region of interest containing contrast agent microbubbles in super-resolution contrast imaging mode.

[0029] The receiving circuit is configured to receive a first ultrasonic echo of the first ultrasonic wave returned by the target tissue, and a second ultrasonic echo of the second ultrasonic wave reflected by the region of interest.

[0030] The display device is used to display ultrasound images or super-resolution contrast images;

[0031] The processor is configured to execute the steps of any of the super-resolution contrast imaging methods described above, or to execute the steps of any of the user interface display methods described above.

[0032] The super-resolution contrast imaging method, user interface display method, and ultrasound imaging device provided in this application obtain an ultrasound image of the target tissue through B-mode or contrast imaging mode. Then, in super-resolution contrast imaging mode, multiple frames of ultrasound data about the region of interest (ROI) in the ultrasound image are obtained. Based on these multiple frames of ultrasound data, contrast agent microbubbles in the ROI can be located and tracked to obtain blood flow velocity, blood flow direction, and vascular density information of the vessels in the ROI. The super-resolution contrast imaging image is then displayed based on the vascular density information, and one or more arrows generated based on the blood flow velocity and blood flow direction information are superimposed on the super-resolution contrast imaging image. Based on the above scheme, vascular density information of microvessels, as well as blood flow velocity and blood flow direction information within the microvessels, can be displayed simultaneously on the super-resolution contrast imaging image. This allows medical personnel to obtain the blood perfusion characteristics of the patient's microcirculation without switching between density imaging, velocity imaging, and direction imaging, improving the efficiency of information acquisition during the diagnostic and treatment process. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ultrasound imaging device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the implementation process of a super-resolution contrast imaging method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of arrow information in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a simplified schematic diagram of a super-resolution imaging image according to an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a super-resolution contrast imaging image in a real clinical setting.

[0038] Figure 6 This is a simplified schematic diagram of superimposed arrow information on a super-resolution imaging image according to an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 7 This is a simplified schematic diagram of superimposed arrow information on a super-resolution imaging image, as described in another embodiment of this application.

[0040] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the implementation process of another super-resolution contrast imaging method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 9This is a schematic diagram of graphic information according to an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 10 This is another graphical representation of an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the implementation process of a user interface display method according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0045] It should be noted that many details in the following embodiments are provided to facilitate a better understanding of this application. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that some features may be omitted in different situations, or may be replaced by other elements, materials, or methods. In some cases, certain operations related to this application are not shown or described in the specific embodiments. This is to avoid overwhelming the core parts of this application with excessive description. For those skilled in the art, detailed description of these related operations is not necessary; they can fully understand the related operations based on the descriptions in the specific embodiments and general technical knowledge in the art.

[0046] Furthermore, the features, operations, or characteristics described in the specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner to form various embodiments. At the same time, the order of the steps or actions in the method description can be changed or adjusted in a manner obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the various orders in the specification and drawings are only for the clear description of a particular embodiment and do not imply a necessary order, unless otherwise stated that a particular order must be followed.

[0047] The serial numbers assigned to components in this article, such as "first" and "second", are used only to distinguish the objects being described and have no sequential or technical meaning.

[0048] Addressing the technical problem mentioned in the background section regarding the low efficiency of obtaining microvascular blood flow perfusion characteristics using super-resolution contrast imaging technology, this application, in its various embodiments, obtains an ultrasound image of the target tissue using either B-mode or contrast imaging mode. Then, in super-resolution contrast imaging mode, it obtains multiple frames of ultrasound data concerning the region of interest (ROI) within the ultrasound image. Based on these multiple frames of ultrasound data, contrast agent microbubbles within the ROI can be located and tracked to obtain blood flow velocity, blood flow direction, and vascular density information of the vessels within that ROI. The super-resolution contrast imaging image is then displayed based on the vascular density information, and one or more arrows generated based on the blood flow velocity and direction information are superimposed on the super-resolution contrast imaging image. Based on this scheme, vascular density information, as well as blood flow velocity and direction information within the microvessels, can be simultaneously displayed on the super-resolution contrast imaging image. This allows medical personnel to obtain the patient's microcirculation blood flow perfusion characteristics without switching between density imaging, velocity imaging, and direction imaging, improving the efficiency of information acquisition during the diagnostic and treatment process.

[0049] First, the ultrasonic imaging device provided in this application will be described. In the embodiments of this application, as... Figure 1 As shown, the ultrasound imaging device 100 includes: an ultrasound probe 101, a transmitting circuit 102, a receiving circuit 103, a display device 104, and a processor 105.

[0050] The transmitting circuit 102 is used to transmit a first ultrasound wave to the target tissue in B mode or contrast imaging mode, and to transmit a second ultrasound wave to the region of interest containing contrast agent microbubbles in super-resolution contrast imaging mode.

[0051] Here, B-mode, also known as B-mode ultrasound, uses the letter "B" for "brightness." B-mode displays the scanned tissue in a planar graphical form. During a scan in B-mode, the ultrasound imaging device converts the ultrasound echoes into light spots of varying intensity, which are then displayed on a fluorescent screen. Therefore, it's understandable that the echo or brightness of the scanned tissue depends on the intensity of the reflected signal.

[0052] Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) refers to the use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) technology, based on conventional ultrasound imaging techniques. This involves intravenously injecting an ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) to enhance the contrast of blood flow echo signals. It is an essential clinical examination method for evaluating blood circulation and perfusion. The contrast agent is a liquid containing microbubbles with a diameter of a few micrometers. By acquiring and imaging multiple consecutive frames of ultrasound data during the contrast process, medical personnel can observe the dynamic changes of these microbubbles within the microvessels, thereby obtaining detailed information about blood circulation.

[0053] Super-resolution contrast imaging mode is an imaging mode that combines ultrasound contrast imaging and super-resolution imaging technology. It captures the motion trajectory of individual microbubbles in the contrast agent through high frame rate imaging of thousands of frames per second, thereby breaking through the diffraction limit of traditional ultrasound. It has the ability to image microvessels in deep tissues in the body at the subwavelength scale, achieving micron-level management imaging and reaching a resolution close to that of a microscope. Therefore, it can display the structural details of microvessels more clearly.

[0054] The receiving circuit 103 is used to receive a first ultrasonic echo of a first ultrasonic wave returned by a target tissue, and to receive a second ultrasonic echo of a second ultrasonic wave reflected by a region of interest.

[0055] Display device 104 is used to display ultrasound images or super-resolution contrast images;

[0056] The processor 105 is used to execute the super-resolution contrast imaging method or user interface display method in the embodiments of this application.

[0057] Specifically, the ultrasonic probe 101 is equipped with multiple transducer array elements. These elements can be arranged in a row to form a linear array, or in a two-dimensional matrix to form a planar array. They can also form a convex array. The transducer array elements are used to emit ultrasonic waves according to an excitation electrical signal, or to convert received ultrasonic echoes into electrical signals. Therefore, each transducer array element can be used to realize the mutual conversion between electrical pulse signals and ultrasonic waves, thereby enabling the emission of ultrasonic waves towards the target structure to be scanned, and the reception of ultrasonic echoes reflected back from the target structure.

[0058] During ultrasound imaging, the transducer elements used to emit and receive ultrasound waves can be controlled via transmission and reception sequences. Alternatively, the transducer elements can be time-slotted to emit or receive echoes. Transducer elements involved in ultrasound emission can be simultaneously excited by electrical signals, thus emitting ultrasound waves concurrently; alternatively, transducer elements involved in ultrasound beam emission can be excited by several electrical signals at specific time intervals, thus continuously emitting ultrasound waves at specific time intervals.

[0059] During ultrasound imaging, the transmitting circuit 102 generates a transmission sequence under the control of the processor 105. This transmission sequence controls some or all of the multiple transducer elements to transmit ultrasonic waves toward the target structure. The transmission sequence parameters include the number and positions of the transducer elements and the ultrasonic beam transmission parameters, such as amplitude, frequency, number of transmissions, transmission interval, transmission angle, waveform, and focusing position. In some cases, the transmitting circuit 102 also performs phase delay on the transmitted beam, causing different transducer elements to transmit ultrasonic waves at different times, so that each transmitted ultrasonic beam can be focused in a predetermined region of interest. The transmission sequence parameters may differ for different imaging modes.

[0060] The receiving circuit 103 may include one or more amplifiers, analog-to-digital converters, etc. The amplifiers amplify the received ultrasonic echo signal after appropriate gain compensation. The analog-to-digital converter samples the analog echo signal at predetermined time intervals, converting it into a digitized signal. The digitized echo signal still retains amplitude, frequency, and phase information. The receiving circuit 103 receives the electrical signal generated by the ultrasonic probe 101 to obtain ultrasonic echoes. These ultrasonic echoes undergo focusing delay, weighting, and channel summation equation processing, followed by signal detection, signal enhancement, data conversion, and logarithmic compression steps to form an ultrasonic image.

[0061] The display device 104 includes, but is not limited to, display modules based on display technologies such as Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), Light-Emitting Diode (LED), and Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED). The display interface shown by the display device 104 can be understood as a graphical interface supporting human-computer interaction. One or more controls are provided on this graphical interface so that users can trigger these controls by inputting operation commands, thereby performing corresponding operations on the ultrasound imaging device 100. Furthermore, the display device 104 may have a touchscreen function, allowing users to trigger controls on the graphical interface through touchscreen operations.

[0062] In practical applications, the display device 104 is mainly used to display ultrasound images on the user interface of the ultrasound imaging device 100. This includes displaying single or multiple static ultrasound images in the user interface, or playing ultrasound movie files in the user interface. These ultrasound movie files can be understood as containing dynamic data of multiple frames of ultrasound images with continuous contrast time. Playing an ultrasound movie file means presenting the multiple frames of ultrasound images contained in the movie file sequentially with the contrast time as the time axis. Thus, during contrast imaging, the ultrasound movie file can show the dynamic changes of microbubbles within microvessels, allowing medical personnel to obtain the blood perfusion characteristics within microvessels. Furthermore, the display device 104 has a high resolution to support the display of super-resolution contrast images.

[0063] In addition, in practical applications, the ultrasound imaging device 100 may also be equipped with an operation panel for controlling the relevant functions of the ultrasound imaging device 100 through physical controls such as buttons and knobs.

[0064] Processor 105 is used to implement the various super-resolution contrast imaging methods or user interface display methods provided in the embodiments of this application below. In practical applications, processor 105 can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities, so that each step of the super-resolution contrast imaging method or user interface display method provided in the embodiments of this application can be completed by the integrated logic circuit in the hardware or by instructions in the form of software in processor 105. Processor 105 can be a general-purpose processor, DSP, or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc.

[0065] In practical applications, the ultrasound imaging device 100 may also include a storage device, which can be used to store instructions executed by the processor, receive ultrasound echoes, store ultrasound images, etc. The storage device can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or both. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), ferromagnetic random access memory (FRAM), flash memory, magnetic surface memory, optical disc, or read-only optical disc; magnetic surface memory can be disk storage or magnetic tape storage. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM) used as an external cache. The memories described in the embodiments of this application are intended to include, but are not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memories.

[0066] It should be understood that Figure 1 The components included in the ultrasound imaging device 100 shown are only schematic. In actual applications, more components may be included, which are not limited here.

[0067] based on Figure 1 The ultrasound imaging device 100 shown below provides a detailed description of a super-resolution contrast imaging method provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 This paper illustrates the implementation flow of a super-resolution contrast imaging method provided in an embodiment of this application, applied to an ultrasound imaging device. (Refer to...) Figure 2 The super-resolution imaging method includes:

[0068] Step 201: In B mode or contrast mode, a first ultrasound wave is emitted toward the target tissue, and an ultrasound image is generated based on the first ultrasound echo of the first ultrasound wave returned by the target tissue.

[0069] Here, the ultrasound imaging equipment operates in B mode or contrast mode. The transmitting circuit excites the ultrasound probe to emit a first ultrasound wave toward the target tissue of the object to be scanned. After a certain delay, the receiving circuit receives the first ultrasound echo reflected by the target tissue from the first ultrasound wave through the ultrasound probe.

[0070] The object to be scanned can be a human, an animal, a fetus in a human womb, a fetus in an animal womb, etc. In the scenario of super-resolution imaging in this application embodiment, the target tissue of the object to be scanned includes the tissues and organs of the object to be scanned.

[0071] In this embodiment of the application, the ultrasound image generated based on the first ultrasound echo can be displayed in the user interface of the ultrasound imaging device for medical personnel to view.

[0072] Step 202: Identify the region of interest on the ultrasound image.

[0073] In this embodiment, if the ultrasound image is obtained in B mode, it can be a grayscale image showing the anatomical structure, reflecting the morphology, anatomical layers, adjacent relationships, distribution of blood vessels and tubular structures, etc. of the target tissue. If the ultrasound image is obtained in contrast mode, the target tissue is perfused with a contrast agent, which is a liquid containing microbubbles with a diameter of a few micrometers. Since the microbubbles vibrate under the action of ultrasound, the contrast agent has the characteristic of strong scattering of ultrasound. Therefore, when blood vessels perfused with this contrast agent are subjected to ultrasound contrast imaging, the ultrasound Doppler signal of blood flow can be enhanced, thereby obtaining a high-contrast blood flow image and showing the microcirculation within the target tissue.

[0074] After the ultrasound image is displayed on the user interface, medical staff can observe it to identify areas within the target tissue that require further observation and define the region of interest (ROI) on the ultrasound image. For example, if medical staff observe a cyst or tumor within the target tissue that requires further observation based on the ultrasound image, they will define the region of interest where the cyst or tumor is located on the ultrasound image.

[0075] In practical applications, the region of interest can be selected within an ultrasound image. In one embodiment, determining the region of interest on an ultrasound image includes:

[0076] In response to the user's input selection operation, the region of interest is determined by the selection operation on the ultrasound image.

[0077] Here, medical staff can use the control panel, touch screen, or peripherals such as mouse and keyboard of the ultrasound imaging equipment to perform selection operations on the displayed ultrasound image. For example, they can select a cyst that needs further observation on the ultrasound image. The area selected by this selection operation on the ultrasound image is the region of interest.

[0078] Step 203: In super-resolution contrast imaging mode, a second ultrasound wave is emitted toward the region of interest containing contrast agent microbubbles, and the second ultrasound echo reflected from the region of interest is received to obtain multiple frames of ultrasound data.

[0079] Here, the ultrasound imaging device switches to super-resolution contrast imaging mode and needs to inject contrast agent into the target tissue so that the blood vessels in the region of interest are perfused with contrast agent. Then, the transmitting circuit excites the ultrasound probe to emit a second ultrasound wave toward the region of interest containing contrast agent microbubbles. After a certain delay, the receiving circuit receives the second ultrasound echo reflected from the region of interest with respect to the second ultrasound wave through the ultrasound probe, and obtains multiple frames of ultrasound data.

[0080] Step 204: Based on multi-frame ultrasound data, the contrast agent microbubbles in the region of interest are located and tracked to obtain the blood flow velocity, blood flow direction and vascular density information of the blood vessels in the region of interest.

[0081] Here, the ultrasound imaging equipment uses a super-resolution algorithm to locate and track contrast agent microbubbles in the region of interest based on these multiple frames of ultrasound data, thereby obtaining blood flow velocity information, blood flow direction information, and blood vessel density information of the blood vessels in the region of interest.

[0082] Among them, blood flow velocity information is used to characterize the speed of blood flow in blood vessels, blood flow direction information is used to characterize the direction of blood flow in blood vessels, and blood vessel density information is used to characterize the density of microbubbles in blood vessels. It can also be used by ultrasound imaging equipment to display the distribution of microbubbles or vascular morphology and vascular network in blood vessels.

[0083] Specifically, in super-resolution contrast imaging mode, when microbubbles in the contrast agent flow within blood vessels, single-molecule localization microscopy can be used to locate and track individual microbubble signals based on the aforementioned multi-frame ultrasound data. Motion correction algorithms are then employed to eliminate the influence of tissue or respiratory motion, ensuring the accuracy of microbubble localization and thus obtaining the trajectory of each individual microbubble. Subsequently, by superimposing the trajectories of multiple microbubbles, a vascular network exceeding the ultrasound diffraction limit can be reconstructed. Based on this, highly accurate information on blood flow velocity, blood flow direction, and vascular density can be further determined.

[0084] Step 205: Process the blood flow velocity information and blood flow direction information to obtain one or more arrow information. The length of each arrow information represents the magnitude of the corresponding blood flow velocity, and the direction pointed to by the arrow in each arrow information represents the corresponding blood flow direction.

[0085] Step 206: Generate super-resolution angiography images based on vascular density information.

[0086] After obtaining the blood flow velocity and direction information of the blood vessels in the region of interest, the blood flow velocity and direction information can be processed to obtain one or more arrow information, each of which is used to represent the corresponding blood flow velocity and direction. Figure 3 This diagram illustrates multiple arrows within a blood vessel. (Refer to...) Figure 3 Each arrow information consists of an arrowhead and a shaft, used to represent the blood flow velocity and direction information at the location of the arrow information within the blood vessel, respectively. Specifically, the length of the shaft, i.e., the length of the entire arrow information, characterizes the magnitude of the blood flow velocity at the corresponding location within the blood vessel, and the direction indicated by the arrowhead represents the blood flow direction at the corresponding location within the blood vessel.

[0087] In practical applications, the blood flow velocity and direction at different locations within the same blood vessel segment are different and have certain differences. Therefore, in the embodiments of this application, multiple arrow information can be obtained, which are used to represent the blood flow velocity and direction information at different locations within the blood vessel in the region of interest.

[0088] In practical applications, the blood flow velocity can be the average blood flow velocity within the area corresponding to the location of the arrow information, and the blood flow direction can be the average blood flow direction within the area corresponding to the location of the arrow information.

[0089] Vascular density information can be understood as the distribution density of microbubbles within blood vessels. As mentioned earlier, in super-resolution contrast imaging mode, the motion trajectory of individual microbubbles in the contrast agent can be captured through high frame rate imaging of thousands of frames per second. Therefore, when microbubbles flow within blood vessels, the signal of each microbubble can be precisely located. Thus, based on the location results of a single microbubble in each frame of ultrasound data across multiple frames, the flow path of that microbubble within the blood vessel can be superimposed. On this basis, by superimposing the flow paths of multiple microbubbles within blood vessels, the vascular network structure can be reconstructed, thereby generating a super-resolution contrast image that clearly displays the microvascular network structure.

[0090] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of super-resolution angiography images generated based on blood vessel density information is presented. Figure 4 As can be seen, a specific vascular network is displayed in this super-resolution angiography image. Of course, for ease of demonstration, Figure 4 This is only a simplified schematic diagram of the vascular network; for actual super-resolution angiography images obtained in clinical settings, please refer to [the diagram]. Figure 5 As can be seen, the microvascular network structure obtained by angiography in actual clinical settings is more intricate and complex.

[0091] In this application, the execution order of steps 205 and 206 is not limited. That is, step 205 can be executed first and then step 206, or step 206 can be executed first and then step 205, or steps 205 and 206 can be executed simultaneously. In other words, after obtaining the blood flow velocity and blood flow direction information of the blood vessels in the region of interest, step 205 can be executed, and after obtaining the blood vessel density information of the blood vessels in the region of interest, step 206 can be executed.

[0092] Step 207: Display the super-resolution imaging image and display one or more arrow messages superimposed on the super-resolution imaging image.

[0093] Combination Figure 6 As can be seen in this embodiment, a super-resolution angiography image generated based on vascular density information is displayed on the user interface. At the same time, one or more arrow information obtained in step 205 is superimposed on the super-resolution angiography image. That is, the user interface simultaneously outputs the vascular density information of microvessels, as well as the blood flow velocity information and blood flow direction information within the microvessels. Thus, in the super-resolution angiography imaging mode, medical staff do not need to switch between the three imaging modes of density imaging, velocity imaging, and direction imaging on the ultrasound imaging device. They can determine the blood perfusion characteristics of the patient's microcirculation from just one image, which improves the efficiency of information acquisition during the diagnosis and treatment process.

[0094] As mentioned above, blood flow velocity and direction can be calculated for blood vessels in the region of interest, to obtain arrow information corresponding to each region. Based on this, in one embodiment, one or more arrow information superimposed on the super-resolution angiography image are displayed, including:

[0095] The blood flow velocity and direction information of the blood vessels corresponding to each of the multiple sub-regions are processed to obtain the arrow information corresponding to each sub-region. The multiple sub-regions are obtained by segmenting the region of interest.

[0096] Correspondingly, one or more arrows are displayed superimposed on the super-resolution imaging image, including:

[0097] Display the superimposed arrow information corresponding to the sub-region on each of the multiple sub-regions.

[0098] Here, the segmentation method for the region of interest can be preset in the ultrasound imaging equipment or set by the user.

[0099] As one implementation method, these multiple sub-regions are distributed at a uniform density within the region of interest (ROI). In other words, the coverage area of ​​the ROI is divided into a uniform grid, ensuring that each sub-region is of similar or the same size. This segmentation method allows medical professionals to clearly observe the blood flow perfusion characteristics of vessels within the ROI. Furthermore, the number of segmented sub-regions is adjustable, allowing medical professionals to determine the granularity of the arrow information based on their observation and diagnostic needs. This allows for the display of arrow information tailored to individual observation habits, facilitating more efficient diagnostic conclusions.

[0100] As another implementation method, the distribution density of these multiple sub-regions in the region of interest is positively or negatively correlated with the blood vessel density information.

[0101] Here, vascular density information can be understood as the distribution density of microbubbles within blood vessels. Compared to the uniform grid division of the region of interest mentioned above, in this embodiment, the region of interest can be divided into sub-regions by a positive correlation between the distribution density of sub-regions and vascular density information. That is, the higher the microbubble distribution density, the more sub-regions are distributed within the region. Alternatively, the region of interest can be divided into sub-regions by a negative correlation between the distribution density of sub-regions and vascular density information. That is, the higher the microbubble distribution density, the fewer sub-regions are distributed within the region. For the former, higher vascular density information indicates higher microbubble distribution density within the region, which can also be understood as richer blood flow signals in the region, making it a key area for medical personnel to observe. Therefore, the granularity of sub-region division can be appropriately increased to provide medical personnel with richer blood perfusion characteristics for more detailed observation. For the latter, higher vascular density information indicates a higher density of microbubbles in the region, which can also be understood as the distribution of more capillaries in the region. Consequently, the diameter of the capillaries in the region is also smaller. In this case, appropriately reducing the granularity of the sub-region division of the region allows medical staff to more quickly observe the blood perfusion characteristics in the corresponding capillaries as a whole, thus improving the efficiency of information acquisition.

[0102] In practical applications, due to the numerous and complex structures of blood vessels in the body, the superimposed display of super-resolution angiography images and arrow information may cause visual confusion. Therefore, in one embodiment, displaying a super-resolution angiography image and displaying one or more arrow information superimposed on the super-resolution angiography image includes:

[0103] The super-resolution contrast image is displayed in a first display configuration, and one or more arrow information superimposed on the super-resolution contrast image is displayed in a second display configuration.

[0104] The visual effects of the second display configuration are significantly different from those of the first display configuration.

[0105] Here, a first display configuration is used for the super-resolution angiography image, and a second display configuration that is significantly different from the first display configuration is used for the arrow information. This allows the user interface to visually distinguish between the super-resolution angiography image and the arrow information when they are superimposed and displayed, so that medical staff can obtain vascular density information, blood flow velocity information and blood flow direction information more intuitively and quickly, thus improving the efficiency of information acquisition.

[0106] In one embodiment, the first display configuration includes a first color code, and the second display configuration includes a set color, wherein the color involved in the first color code does not include the set color.

[0107] As mentioned earlier, vascular density information can be understood as the distribution density of microbubbles within blood vessels. Super-resolution angiography images are generated based on vascular density information and are used to display the vascular network structure within the reconstructed region of interest. In practical applications, to better represent the distribution density of microbubbles within blood vessels, the display configuration of the super-resolution angiography image can be configured using a first color code. For example, the range of microbubble distribution density values ​​can be divided into several intervals, each interval corresponding to a color. This forms a color code corresponding to these intervals, and microbubbles within blood vessels whose distribution density falls within the corresponding interval are rendered with the corresponding color using this color code. Alternatively, refer to... Figure 5 The distribution density of microbubbles is continuously color-coded in the range of "0-8" using transitional colors, and the microbubbles in the blood vessels are rendered with the corresponding colors through this color coding.

[0108] In this embodiment of the application, in order to visually distinguish the super-resolution angiography image from the arrow information, the arrow information is rendered in a color other than the aforementioned color coding, so that medical staff can more intuitively and quickly obtain vascular density information, blood flow velocity information, and blood flow direction information, thereby improving information acquisition efficiency.

[0109] Furthermore, such as Figure 7 As shown, the second display configuration also includes visual effects of illumination and / or shadow, so that by displaying the arrow information overlaid on the super-resolution imaging image with illumination and / or shadow effects, the arrow information can be further distinguished from the super-resolution imaging image, achieving a better display effect.

[0110] In one embodiment, displaying a super-resolution contrast image and displaying one or more of the arrow information superimposed on the super-resolution contrast image includes:

[0111] Displays a super-resolution angiography image, and upon detecting an arrow information overlay command, displays one or more arrow messages overlaid on the super-resolution angiography image.

[0112] Furthermore, when arrow information is superimposed on the super-resolution contrast image, if an arrow information cancellation command is detected, the display of the super-resolution contrast image is maintained while the display of the arrow information is cancelled. In this way, medical staff can determine whether to superimpose arrow information on the super-resolution contrast image based on actual diagnostic needs during observation and diagnosis, thus helping them to obtain diagnostic results more efficiently.

[0113] based on Figure 1 The ultrasound imaging device 100 shown below provides a detailed description of another super-resolution contrast imaging method provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 8 This paper illustrates the implementation flow of another super-resolution contrast imaging method provided in an embodiment of this application, applied to an ultrasound imaging device. (Refer to...) Figure 8 The super-resolution imaging method includes:

[0114] Step 801: In B mode or contrast mode, a first ultrasound wave is emitted toward the target tissue, and an ultrasound image is generated based on the first ultrasound echo returned by the target tissue.

[0115] Here, the ultrasound imaging equipment operates in B mode or contrast mode. The transmitting circuit excites the ultrasound probe to emit a first ultrasound wave toward the target tissue of the object to be scanned. After a certain delay, the receiving circuit receives the first ultrasound echo reflected by the target tissue from the first ultrasound wave through the ultrasound probe.

[0116] The object to be scanned can be a human, an animal, a fetus in a human womb, a fetus in an animal womb, etc. In the scenario of super-resolution imaging in this application embodiment, the target tissue of the object to be scanned includes the tissues and organs of the object to be scanned.

[0117] In this embodiment of the application, the ultrasound image generated based on the first ultrasound echo can be displayed in the user interface of the ultrasound imaging device for medical personnel to view.

[0118] Step 802: Identify the region of interest on the ultrasound image.

[0119] In this embodiment, if the ultrasound image is obtained in B mode, it can be a grayscale image showing the anatomical structure, reflecting the morphology, anatomical layers, adjacent relationships, distribution of blood vessels and tubular structures, etc. of the target tissue. If the ultrasound image is obtained in contrast mode, the target tissue is perfused with a contrast agent, which is a liquid containing microbubbles with a diameter of a few micrometers. Since the microbubbles vibrate under the action of ultrasound, the contrast agent has the characteristic of strong scattering of ultrasound. Therefore, when blood vessels perfused with this contrast agent are subjected to ultrasound contrast imaging, the ultrasound Doppler signal of blood flow can be enhanced, thereby obtaining a high-contrast blood flow image and showing the microcirculation within the target tissue.

[0120] After the ultrasound image is displayed on the user interface, medical staff can observe it to identify areas within the target tissue that require further observation and define the region of interest (ROI) on the ultrasound image. For example, if medical staff observe a cyst or tumor within the target tissue that requires further observation based on the ultrasound image, they will define the region of interest where the cyst or tumor is located on the ultrasound image.

[0121] In practical applications, the region of interest can be selected within an ultrasound image. In one embodiment, determining the region of interest on an ultrasound image includes:

[0122] In response to the user's input selection operation, the region of interest is determined by the selection operation on the ultrasound image.

[0123] Here, medical staff can use the control panel, touch screen, or peripherals such as mouse and keyboard of the ultrasound imaging equipment to perform selection operations on the displayed ultrasound image. For example, they can select a cyst that needs further observation on the ultrasound image. The area selected by this selection operation on the ultrasound image is the region of interest.

[0124] Step 803: In super-resolution contrast imaging mode, a second ultrasound wave is emitted toward the region of interest containing contrast agent microbubbles, and the second ultrasound echo reflected from the region of interest is received to obtain multiple frames of ultrasound data.

[0125] Here, the ultrasound imaging device switches to super-resolution contrast imaging mode and needs to inject contrast agent into the target tissue so that the blood vessels in the region of interest are perfused with contrast agent. Then, the transmitting circuit excites the ultrasound probe to emit a second ultrasound wave toward the region of interest containing contrast agent microbubbles. After a certain delay, the receiving circuit receives the second ultrasound echo reflected from the region of interest with respect to the second ultrasound wave through the ultrasound probe, and obtains multiple frames of ultrasound data.

[0126] Step 804: Based on multi-frame ultrasound data, the contrast agent microbubbles in the region of interest are located and tracked to obtain the blood flow velocity, blood flow direction and vascular density information of the blood vessels in the region of interest.

[0127] Here, the ultrasound imaging equipment uses a super-resolution algorithm to locate and track contrast agent microbubbles in the region of interest based on these multiple frames of ultrasound data, thereby obtaining blood flow velocity information, blood flow direction information, and blood vessel density information of the blood vessels in the region of interest.

[0128] Among them, blood flow velocity information is used to characterize the speed of blood flow in blood vessels, blood flow direction information is used to characterize the direction of blood flow in blood vessels, and blood vessel density information is used to characterize the density of microbubbles in blood vessels. It can also be used by ultrasound imaging equipment to display the distribution of microbubbles or vascular morphology and vascular network in blood vessels.

[0129] Specifically, in super-resolution contrast imaging mode, when microbubbles in the contrast agent flow within blood vessels, single-molecule localization microscopy can be used to locate and track individual microbubble signals based on the aforementioned multi-frame ultrasound data. Motion correction algorithms are then employed to eliminate the influence of tissue or respiratory motion, ensuring the accuracy of microbubble localization and thus obtaining the trajectory of each individual microbubble. Subsequently, by superimposing the trajectories of multiple microbubbles, a vascular network exceeding the ultrasound diffraction limit can be reconstructed. Based on this, highly accurate information on blood flow velocity, blood flow direction, and vascular density can be further determined.

[0130] Step 805: Process the blood flow velocity information and blood flow direction information to obtain one or more graphic information, each graphic information being used to represent the magnitude of the corresponding blood flow velocity and / or the corresponding blood flow direction.

[0131] Step 806: Generate super-resolution angiography images based on vascular density information.

[0132] This embodiment is consistent with the present article. Figure 2 The difference in the embodiments is that, Figure 2 In this embodiment, arrow information is used to represent the blood flow velocity and direction information of blood vessels in the region of interest. However, in this embodiment, on the one hand, the way to represent the blood flow velocity and direction information of blood vessels in the region of interest is not limited to arrows. On the other hand, graphic information can represent blood flow velocity and direction information, or it can only represent blood flow velocity information or only represent blood flow direction information.

[0133] Specifically, scalar graphical information can be used to represent blood flow velocity information in blood vessels within a region of interest. For example, the graphical information can be represented as a line segment, the length of which can be used to distinguish different blood flow velocities. Alternatively, referencing... Figure 9For example, graphical information can be represented by a dot, the diameter of which can be used to distinguish different blood flow velocities. Vector graphical information can be used to represent the blood flow direction information of blood vessels in a region of interest. For example, graphical information can be represented by an arrow, the direction of which can be used to distinguish different blood flow directions; or graphical information can be represented by an isosceles triangle, the direction of which can be used to distinguish different blood flow directions. Furthermore, vector graphical information can be used to represent both blood flow velocity and blood flow direction information of blood vessels in a region of interest. For example, graphical information can be represented by an arrow, the direction of which can be used to distinguish different blood flow directions, and the length and width of the arrow shaft can be used to distinguish different blood flow velocities; or, refer to... Figure 10 For example, the graphic information is an isosceles triangle. The direction of the vertex of the isosceles triangle can be used to distinguish different blood flow directions, and the altitude corresponding to the base of the isosceles triangle can be used to distinguish different blood flow velocities.

[0134] Therefore, various graphical configurations can be used to display graphical information of different scalars to describe different blood flow velocity information. One or more graphical configurations may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following:

[0135] The length of the lines in the graphic;

[0136] The line width of the lines in the graphic;

[0137] The line shape in a graphic;

[0138] The shape of the graphic;

[0139] The color of the graphic;

[0140] The fill pattern of the graphic.

[0141] In practical applications, the blood flow velocity and direction at different locations within the same blood vessel segment are different and vary to some extent. Therefore, in the embodiments of this application, multiple graphic information can be obtained to represent the blood flow velocity and direction information at different locations within the blood vessel in the region of interest.

[0142] In practical applications, the blood flow velocity can be the average blood flow velocity within the area corresponding to the location of the graphic information, and the blood flow direction can be the average blood flow direction within the area corresponding to the location of the graphic information.

[0143] Vascular density information can be understood as the distribution density of microbubbles within blood vessels. As mentioned earlier, in super-resolution contrast imaging mode, the motion trajectory of individual microbubbles in the contrast agent can be captured through high frame rate imaging of thousands of frames per second. Therefore, when microbubbles flow within blood vessels, the signal of each microbubble can be precisely located. Thus, based on the location results of a single microbubble in each frame of ultrasound data across multiple frames, the flow path of that microbubble within the blood vessel can be superimposed. On this basis, by superimposing the flow paths of multiple microbubbles within blood vessels, the vascular network structure can be reconstructed, thereby generating a super-resolution contrast image that clearly displays the microvascular network structure.

[0144] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of super-resolution angiography images generated based on blood vessel density information is presented. Figure 4 As can be seen, a specific vascular network is displayed in this super-resolution angiography image. Of course, for ease of demonstration, Figure 4 This is only a simplified schematic diagram of the vascular network; for actual super-resolution angiography images obtained in clinical settings, please refer to [the diagram]. Figure 5 As can be seen, the microvascular network structure obtained by angiography in actual clinical settings is more intricate and complex.

[0145] In this application, the execution order of steps 805 and 806 is not limited. That is, step 805 can be executed first and then step 806, or step 806 can be executed first and then step 805, or steps 805 and 806 can be executed simultaneously. In other words, after obtaining the blood flow velocity and blood flow direction information of the blood vessels in the region of interest, step 805 can be executed, and after obtaining the blood vessel density information of the blood vessels in the region of interest, step 806 can be executed.

[0146] Step 807: Display the super-resolution imaging image and display one or more graphic information superimposed on the super-resolution imaging image.

[0147] In this embodiment, the user interface simultaneously outputs the vascular density information of microvessels, as well as the blood flow velocity and blood flow direction information within the microvessels. Thus, in the super-resolution contrast imaging mode, medical staff do not need to switch between the three imaging modes of density imaging, velocity imaging, and direction imaging on the ultrasound imaging device. They can determine the blood perfusion characteristics of the patient's microcirculation from just one image, thereby improving the efficiency of information acquisition during the diagnosis and treatment process.

[0148] As mentioned above, blood flow velocity and / or blood flow direction can be calculated for blood vessels in the region of interest to obtain graphic information corresponding to each region. Based on this, in one embodiment, one or more graphic information superimposed on the super-resolution angiography image are displayed, including:

[0149] The blood flow velocity and / or blood flow direction information of the blood vessels corresponding to each of the multiple sub-regions are processed to obtain the graphic information corresponding to each sub-region. The multiple sub-regions are obtained by segmenting the region of interest.

[0150] Correspondingly, one or more graphic information superimposed on the super-resolution imaging image is displayed, including:

[0151] Display the overlaid graphic information corresponding to the sub-region on each of the multiple sub-regions.

[0152] Here, the segmentation method for the region of interest can be preset in the ultrasound imaging equipment or set by the user.

[0153] As one implementation method, these multiple sub-regions are distributed at a uniform density within the region of interest (ROI). In other words, the coverage area of ​​the ROI is divided into a uniform grid, ensuring that each sub-region is of similar or the same size. This segmentation method allows medical professionals to clearly observe the blood flow perfusion characteristics of vessels within the ROI. Furthermore, the number of segmented sub-regions is adjustable, allowing medical professionals to determine the granularity of the graphical information based on their observation and diagnostic needs. This allows for the display of graphical information tailored to individual observation habits, facilitating more efficient diagnostic conclusions.

[0154] As another implementation method, the distribution density of these multiple sub-regions in the region of interest is positively or negatively correlated with the blood vessel density information.

[0155] Here, vascular density information can be understood as the distribution density of microbubbles within blood vessels. Compared to the uniform grid division of the region of interest mentioned above, in this embodiment, the region of interest can be divided into sub-regions by a positive correlation between the distribution density of sub-regions and vascular density information. That is, the higher the microbubble distribution density, the more sub-regions are distributed within the region. Alternatively, the region of interest can be divided into sub-regions by a negative correlation between the distribution density of sub-regions and vascular density information. That is, the higher the microbubble distribution density, the fewer sub-regions are distributed within the region. For the former, higher vascular density information indicates higher microbubble distribution density within the region, which can also be understood as richer blood flow signals in the region, making it a key area for medical personnel to observe. Therefore, the granularity of sub-region division can be appropriately increased to provide medical personnel with richer blood perfusion characteristics for more detailed observation. For the latter, higher vascular density information indicates a higher density of microbubbles in the region, which can also be understood as the distribution of more capillaries in the region. Consequently, the diameter of the capillaries in the region is also smaller. In this case, appropriately reducing the granularity of the sub-region division of the region allows medical staff to more quickly observe the blood perfusion characteristics in the corresponding capillaries as a whole, thus improving the efficiency of information acquisition.

[0156] In practical applications, due to the numerous and complex structures of blood vessels in the body, the overlay of super-resolution contrast imaging images and graphic information may cause visual confusion. Therefore, in one embodiment, displaying a super-resolution contrast imaging image and displaying one or more graphic information superimposed on the super-resolution contrast imaging image includes:

[0157] The super-resolution imaging image is displayed in a first display configuration, and one or more graphic information superimposed on the super-resolution imaging image is displayed in a second display configuration.

[0158] The visual effects of the second display configuration are significantly different from those of the first display configuration.

[0159] Here, a first display configuration is used for the super-resolution angiography image, and a second display configuration that is significantly different from the first display configuration is used for the graphic information. This allows the user interface to visually distinguish between the super-resolution angiography image and the graphic information when they are superimposed and displayed, so that medical staff can obtain vascular density information, blood flow velocity information and blood flow direction information more intuitively and quickly, thus improving the efficiency of information acquisition.

[0160] In one embodiment, the first display configuration includes a first color code, and the second display configuration includes a set color, wherein the color involved in the first color code does not include the set color.

[0161] In this embodiment of the application, in order to visually distinguish between super-resolution angiography images and graphic information, the graphic information is rendered with colors other than the aforementioned color coding, so that medical staff can more intuitively and quickly obtain vascular density information, blood flow velocity information, and blood flow direction information, thereby improving information acquisition efficiency.

[0162] Furthermore, the second display configuration also includes visual effects of illumination and / or shadow, so that by displaying graphic information overlaid on the super-resolution imaging image with illumination and / or shadow effects, the graphic information can be further distinguished from the super-resolution imaging image, achieving a better display effect.

[0163] In one embodiment, displaying a super-resolution contrast image and displaying one or more of the graphic information superimposed on the super-resolution contrast image includes:

[0164] Displays a super-resolution imaging image, and upon detecting a graphic information overlay instruction, displays one or more graphic information overlaid on the super-resolution imaging image.

[0165] Furthermore, when graphic information is overlaid on a super-resolution contrast image, if a graphic information cancellation command is detected, the display of the super-resolution contrast image is maintained while the display of the graphic information is cancelled. In this way, medical staff can determine whether to overlay graphic information on the super-resolution contrast image based on actual diagnostic needs during observation and diagnosis, thus helping them to obtain diagnostic results more efficiently.

[0166] based on Figure 1 The ultrasonic imaging device 100 shown below provides a detailed description of a user interface display method provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 11 This illustration shows the implementation flow of a user interface display method provided in an embodiment of this application, applied to an ultrasound imaging device. (Refer to...) Figure 11 The user interface display method includes:

[0167] Step 1101: Display ultrasound images of the target tissue in B-mode or contrast-enhanced mode.

[0168] Step 1102: In super-resolution contrast imaging mode, display a super-resolution contrast image of the region of interest in the ultrasound image, and display one or more graphic information superimposed on the super-resolution contrast image.

[0169] Among them, the super-resolution angiography image is generated based on the vascular density information of the blood vessels in the region of interest, and one or more image information is obtained by processing the blood flow velocity information and blood flow direction information of the blood vessels in the region of interest, and each graphic information is used to represent the magnitude of the corresponding blood flow velocity and / or the corresponding blood flow direction.

[0170] In one embodiment, displaying one or more graphic information superimposed on a super-resolution imaging image includes:

[0171] Display the overlaid graphic information corresponding to the sub-region on each of the multiple sub-regions.

[0172] The multiple sub-regions are obtained by segmenting the region of interest; and the multiple sub-regions are distributed at equal density within the region of interest, or the distribution density of the multiple sub-regions within the region of interest is positively or negatively correlated with the blood vessel density information.

[0173] In one embodiment, displaying a super-resolution contrast image of a region of interest in an ultrasound image, and displaying one or more graphic information superimposed on the super-resolution contrast image, includes:

[0174] The super-resolution imaging image is displayed in a first display configuration, and one or more graphic information superimposed on the super-resolution imaging image is displayed in a second display configuration.

[0175] The visual effects of the second display configuration are significantly different from those of the first display configuration.

[0176] In one embodiment, displaying one or more graphic information superimposed on a super-resolution imaging image includes:

[0177] Display one or more graphic information superimposed on a super-resolution imaging image using one or more graphic configurations.

[0178] Each of the one or more graphic configurations is used to describe the magnitude of the corresponding blood flow velocity, and the one or more graphic configurations include one or more of the following:

[0179] The length of the lines in the graphic;

[0180] The line width of the lines in the graphic;

[0181] The line shape in a graphic;

[0182] The shape of the graphic;

[0183] The color of the graphic;

[0184] The fill pattern of the graphic.

[0185] The user interface display method provided in this application is a user interface display scheme related to the super-resolution contrast imaging method described above. Therefore, the implementation principles of the front-end and back-end of the ultrasound imaging equipment related to the scheme can be referred to the relevant descriptions of the super-resolution contrast imaging method embodiments described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0186] For example, embodiments of this application also provide a computer program product, including a computer program that can be executed by the processor of an ultrasound imaging device to perform the steps described in the aforementioned super-resolution contrast imaging method and / or user interface display method.

[0187] The super-resolution contrast imaging method, user interface display method, and ultrasound imaging device provided in this application obtain an ultrasound image of the target tissue through B-mode or contrast imaging mode. Then, in super-resolution contrast imaging mode, multiple frames of ultrasound data about the region of interest (ROI) in the ultrasound image are obtained. Based on these multiple frames of ultrasound data, contrast agent microbubbles in the ROI can be located and tracked to obtain blood flow velocity, blood flow direction, and vascular density information of the vessels in the ROI. The super-resolution contrast imaging image is then displayed based on the vascular density information, and one or more arrows generated based on the blood flow velocity and blood flow direction information are superimposed on the super-resolution contrast imaging image. Based on the above scheme, vascular density information of microvessels, as well as blood flow velocity and blood flow direction information within the microvessels, can be displayed simultaneously on the super-resolution contrast imaging image. This allows medical personnel to obtain the blood perfusion characteristics of the patient's microcirculation without switching between density imaging, velocity imaging, and direction imaging, improving the efficiency of information acquisition during the diagnostic and treatment process. Furthermore, the super-resolution angiography image simultaneously displays the vascular density information of microvessels, as well as the blood flow velocity and direction information within the microvessels. This means that the three types of information—vascular density, blood flow velocity, and blood flow direction—are no longer isolated. Medical staff can intuitively observe the interrelationships between these three types of information from the user interface, thereby quickly and accurately determining the blood perfusion characteristics of the patient's microcirculation.

[0188] The technical solutions described in the embodiments of this application can be combined arbitrarily without conflict.

[0189] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A super-resolution contrast imaging method, characterized in that, Applied to ultrasound imaging equipment, the method includes: In B mode or contrast mode, a first ultrasound wave is emitted toward the target tissue, and an ultrasound image is generated based on the first ultrasound echo of the first ultrasound wave returned by the target tissue. The region of interest is determined on the ultrasound image; In super-resolution contrast imaging mode, a second ultrasound wave is emitted toward the region of interest containing contrast agent microbubbles, and a second ultrasound echo of the second ultrasound wave reflected from the region of interest is received to obtain multiple frames of ultrasound data. Based on the multi-frame ultrasound data, the contrast agent microbubbles in the region of interest are located and tracked to obtain the blood flow velocity, blood flow direction and vascular density information of the blood vessels in the region of interest. The blood flow velocity information and the blood flow direction information are processed to obtain one or more arrow information, where the length of each arrow information represents the magnitude of the corresponding blood flow velocity, and the direction pointed to by the arrow in each arrow information represents the corresponding blood flow direction; Generate super-resolution angiography images based on the aforementioned blood vessel density information; Display the super-resolution imaging image and display one or more of the arrow information superimposed on the super-resolution imaging image.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display of one or more arrows superimposed on the super-resolution imaging image includes: The blood flow velocity and direction information of the blood vessels corresponding to each of the multiple sub-regions are processed to obtain the arrow information corresponding to each sub-region. The multiple sub-regions are obtained by segmenting the region of interest. The display of one or more arrows superimposed on the super-resolution imaging image includes: Overlay arrow information corresponding to the sub-region is displayed on each of the plurality of sub-regions.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The multiple sub-regions are distributed at equal density in the region of interest.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The distribution density of the multiple sub-regions in the region of interest is positively or negatively correlated with the blood vessel density information.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The display of the super-resolution imaging image and the display of one or more arrows superimposed on the super-resolution imaging image include: The super-resolution contrast image is displayed in a first display configuration, and one or more of the arrow information superimposed on the super-resolution contrast image are displayed in a second display configuration; wherein, The visual effects of the second display configuration are significantly different from those of the first display configuration.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first display configuration includes a first color code, and the second display configuration includes a set color, wherein the colors involved in the first color code do not include the set color.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second display configuration also includes visual effects of glow and / or shadow.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The step of displaying the super-resolution contrast image and displaying the arrow information superimposed on the super-resolution contrast image includes: displaying the super-resolution contrast image, and, upon detecting an arrow information superimposition command, displaying one or more of the arrow information superimposed on the super-resolution contrast image.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Determining the region of interest on the ultrasound image includes: In response to a user-input bounding box operation, the region of interest corresponding to the bounding box operation on the ultrasound image is determined.

10. A super-resolution contrast imaging method, characterized in that, Applied to ultrasound imaging equipment, the method includes: In B mode or contrast mode, a first ultrasound wave is emitted toward the target tissue, and an ultrasound image is generated based on the first ultrasound echo of the first ultrasound wave returned by the target tissue. The region of interest is determined on the ultrasound image; In super-resolution contrast imaging mode, a second ultrasound wave is emitted toward the region of interest containing contrast agent microbubbles, and a second ultrasound echo of the second ultrasound wave reflected from the region of interest is received to obtain multiple frames of ultrasound data. Based on the multi-frame ultrasound data, the contrast agent microbubbles in the region of interest are located and tracked to obtain the blood flow velocity, blood flow direction and vascular density information of the blood vessels in the region of interest. The blood flow velocity information and the blood flow direction information are processed to obtain one or more graphic information, each of the graphic information being used to represent the magnitude of the corresponding blood flow velocity and / or the corresponding blood flow direction; Generate super-resolution angiography images based on the aforementioned blood vessel density information; Display the super-resolution imaging image and display one or more of the graphic information superimposed on the super-resolution imaging image.

11. A user interface display method, characterized in that, Applied to ultrasound imaging equipment, the method includes: In B-mode or contrast-enhanced mode, an ultrasound image of the target tissue is displayed; In super-resolution contrast imaging mode, a super-resolution contrast image of the region of interest in the ultrasound image is displayed, along with one or more graphic information superimposed on the super-resolution contrast image; wherein, The super-resolution angiography image is generated based on the vascular density information of the blood vessels in the region of interest. The one or more image information are obtained by processing the blood flow velocity information and blood flow direction information of the blood vessels in the region of interest, and each of the graphic information is used to represent the magnitude of the corresponding blood flow velocity and / or the corresponding blood flow direction.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The display of one or more graphic information superimposed on the super-resolution imaging image includes: Display the overlaid graphic information corresponding to each of the multiple sub-regions; where, The plurality of sub-regions are obtained by segmenting the region of interest; and the plurality of sub-regions are distributed at equal density in the region of interest, or the distribution density of the plurality of sub-regions in the region of interest is positively or negatively correlated with the blood vessel density information.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The display of a super-resolution contrast image of the region of interest in the ultrasound image, and the display of one or more graphic information superimposed on the super-resolution contrast image, include: The super-resolution contrast image is displayed in a first display configuration, and one or more pieces of graphic information superimposed on the super-resolution contrast image are displayed in a second display configuration; wherein, The visual effects of the second display configuration are significantly different from those of the first display configuration.

14. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The display of one or more graphic information superimposed on the super-resolution imaging image includes: One or more graphic information superimposed on the super-resolution imaging image are displayed using one or more graphic configurations; wherein... Each of the one or more graphic configurations is used to describe the magnitude of the corresponding blood flow velocity, and the one or more graphic configurations include one or more of the following: The length of the lines in the graphic; The line width of the lines in the graphic; The line shape in a graphic; The shape of the graphic; The color of the graphic; The fill pattern of the graphic.

15. An ultrasonic imaging device, characterized in that, The ultrasonic imaging device includes: an ultrasonic probe, a transmitting circuit, a receiving circuit, a display device, and a processor; wherein, The transmitting circuit is used to transmit a first ultrasound wave to the target tissue in B mode or contrast imaging mode, and to transmit a second ultrasound wave to the region of interest containing contrast agent microbubbles in super-resolution contrast imaging mode. The receiving circuit is configured to receive a first ultrasonic echo of the first ultrasonic wave returned by the target tissue, and a second ultrasonic echo of the second ultrasonic wave reflected by the region of interest. The display device is used to display ultrasound images or super-resolution contrast images; The processor is configured to perform the steps of the super-resolution contrast imaging method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, or to perform the steps of the user interface display method according to any one of claims 11 to 14.

Images