Multi-frequency ultrasound imaging system

Abstract

This application provides a multi-frequency ultrasound imaging system, comprising: an ultrasound sensing unit including at least one ultrasound sensor, wherein each ultrasound sensor uses ultrasound of a different frequency to detect the area to be tested of the subject; a data processing unit communicatively connected to the ultrasound sensing unit, for receiving and processing detection signals from each ultrasound sensor, thereby generating corresponding ultrasound images; and an image processing unit communicatively connected to the data processing unit, comprising an image analysis module, an image synthesis module, and an image display module connected in sequence. The image processing unit can perform an interpretation process on each ultrasound image and simultaneously synthesize the ultrasound analysis images to generate a composite ultrasound image of the area to be tested.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to an ultrasound imaging system, and more particularly to a multi-frequency ultrasound imaging system capable of instantly employing ultrasound waves of different frequencies and synthesizing ultrasound images. Background Technology

[0002] Ultrasound imaging is a medical diagnostic tool that uses high-frequency sound waves to generate images of internal structures. Due to its non-invasive and radiation-free characteristics, ultrasound imaging is widely used in various clinical diagnostic applications, such as:

[0003] 1. Obstetric ultrasound: Ultrasound is the preferred tool for prenatal examinations, used to monitor fetal growth and development, detect fetal malformations, and assess amniotic fluid volume.

[0004] 2. Echocardiography: Echocardiography is used to examine the function of the heart, observe the condition of the heart valves and myocardium, and measure the size of the heart chambers and blood flow velocity.

[0005] 3. Abdominal ultrasound: mainly used to examine organs in the abdominal cavity, such as the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, pancreas, etc., and to diagnose lesions such as cysts, tumors, and stones.

[0006] 4. Musculoskeletal ultrasound: Used to examine injuries to tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints, it is a commonly used diagnostic tool in sports medicine.

[0007] Ultrasound imaging works on the principle of sound wave reflection and refraction. Ultrasound waves are sound waves with frequencies higher than the range of human hearing (20,000 Hz). An ultrasound probe emits high-frequency sound waves, which are partially reflected when they encounter tissues or organs of different densities, returning to the probe. The probe receives these reflected waves and calculates the time it takes for the sound wave to travel from emission to reception, as well as the intensity of the reflected waves, to generate a specific image. Because human tissues have varying densities and acoustic impedances, the degree of sound wave reflection differs, allowing for the differentiation of tissue properties.

[0008] In the future, with continuous technological advancements, the resolution and application scope of ultrasound imaging will further expand. For example, the introduction of artificial intelligence can aid in automated diagnosis and image recognition, further improving diagnostic accuracy. The miniaturization of ultrasound technology will also broaden its applications, potentially even entering the field of home medical devices.

[0009] Ultrasonic imaging technology has the following advantages:

[0010] 1. Safety: Ultrasound imaging technology does not use ionizing radiation (such as X-rays), so it is relatively safe for patients and medical staff, and is especially suitable for examinations of pregnant women and fetuses.

[0011] 2. Immediacy: Ultrasound imaging can generate images instantly, making it very practical in scenarios requiring rapid diagnosis, such as emergency rooms and operating rooms.

[0012] 3. Portability: Ultrasound equipment is small and easy to carry, and can be used at the bedside or as mobile medical equipment, making it highly adaptable.

[0013] 4. Multifunctionality: In addition to observing anatomical structures, ultrasound can also be used for dynamic monitoring, such as the movement of heart valves, fetal activity, and assessment of blood flow.

[0014] However, despite its many advantages, ultrasound imaging still has some limitations. First, ultrasound is not very effective at imaging bones and air-containing structures (such as the lungs or intestines) because sound waves have difficulty penetrating gas or bone. Furthermore, due to the varying composition, density, and depth of different tissues within a living organism, ultrasound transmission varies. Therefore, ultrasound at specific frequency ranges can only detect tissues and organs at specific depths. Consequently, it often cannot fully visualize ultrasound images of the same area at different depths, requiring probe replacement or frequency adjustments based on the tissue's depth. This is not only time-consuming but also increases the likelihood of inaccurate interpretation.

[0015] Therefore, how to provide a new ultrasound imaging system to solve the problems caused by existing technologies is one of the urgent issues that industry professionals and researchers in related fields need to address. Utility Model Content

[0016] The technical problem to be solved by this application is to provide a multi-frequency ultrasound imaging system, which includes real-time acquisition of two or more sets of ultrasound images of different frequencies, and simultaneous synthesis of the clearest or most effective image portion at each frequency set to obtain a real-time full image of the patient's tested area.

[0017] Specifically, this application provides a multi-frequency ultrasound imaging system, comprising: an ultrasound sensing unit, which includes at least one ultrasound sensor, wherein each ultrasound sensor uses ultrasound at frequencies from a first frequency to an Nth frequency to detect the region to be tested of the subject, thereby obtaining a first detection signal to an Nth detection signal of the region to be tested of the subject; a data processing unit, which is communicatively connected to the ultrasound sensing unit, for receiving and processing the first detection signal to an Nth detection signal of the region to be tested of the subject to generate corresponding first ultrasound images to Nth ultrasound images; and an image processing unit, which is communicatively connected to the data processing unit, comprising an image analysis module, an image synthesis module, and an image display module connected in sequence.

[0018] In one embodiment of this application, the image analysis module is used to perform image analysis and interpretation procedures on the first ultrasound image to the Nth ultrasound image to obtain M ultrasound analysis images of the region to be tested from the first analysis image to the Mth analysis image to be combined; the image synthesis module synchronously synthesizes the first analysis image to the Mth analysis image to obtain X ultrasound composite images of the region to be tested from the first composite image to the Xth composite image; the image display module includes a display capable of displaying the first ultrasound image to the Nth ultrasound image, the first analysis image to the Mth analysis image, and the first composite image to the Xth composite image.

[0019] In one embodiment of this application, N, M, and X are all positive integers.

[0020] In one embodiment of this application, each ultrasonic sensor is configured to simultaneously or alternately detect the area to be detected in order to receive the first detection signal to the Nth detection signal in real time.

[0021] In one embodiment of this application, the first frequency to the Nth frequency are different frequencies from each other, and are respectively suitable for detecting tissues or organs at different depths in the region to be tested.

[0022] In one embodiment of this application, the multi-frequency ultrasound imaging system further includes a data storage unit electrically connected to the image processing unit for storing at least the first ultrasound image to the Nth ultrasound image, the first analysis image to the Mth analysis image, and the first composite image to the Xth composite image corresponding to the region to be tested.

[0023] In one embodiment of this application, the first ultrasound image to the Nth ultrasound image are all two-dimensional images of the test area of ​​the subject.

[0024] In one embodiment of this application, the image synthesis module uses any one of the first ultrasound images to the Nth ultrasound images as the base image of the area to be tested, and then synthesizes the first analysis image to the Mth analysis image into the corresponding position of the base image to generate the first composite image to the Xth composite image.

[0025] In one embodiment of this application, N is equal to 2, and in this case, the frequency used by each ultrasonic sensor is between 1MHz and 20MHz.

[0026] In one embodiment of this application, the ultrasonic sensors are used to detect the tissue depth of the test area of ​​the subject, which is between 1 mm and 200 mm.

[0027] The other effects and embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a system architecture diagram of the multi-frequency ultrasound imaging system according to the first embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a system architecture diagram of a multi-frequency ultrasound imaging system according to a second embodiment of this application.

[0031] Symbol Explanation

[0032] P: Multi-frequency ultrasound imaging system; 10: Ultrasonic sensing unit

[0033] 11: Ultrasonic sensor 12: Ultrasonic sensor

[0034] 1N: Ultrasonic sensor; 20: Data processing unit

[0035] 30: Image Processing Unit; 31: Image Analysis Module

[0036] 32: Image Compositing Module; 33: Image Display Module

[0037] 40: Data storage unit M1: First analysis image

[0038] M2: Second Analysis Image Detailed Implementation

[0039] The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" used herein include multiple forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that, when used in this specification, the terms "comprising" and / or "including" specify the presence of the stated features, components, and / or units, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, components, and / or units, as stated prior. Moreover, as will be clearly demonstrated in the following detailed descriptions of the various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, directional terms such as "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," and "back" mentioned in the following embodiments are merely for reference to the directions in the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are for illustrative purposes and not for limiting this application.

[0040] Furthermore, those skilled in the art should understand that the listed embodiments and accompanying drawings are for reference and illustration only and are not intended to limit this application; any creations that can be easily implemented based on the descriptions are also considered to be within the spirit and intent of this application, and of course, all such creations are included in the claims of this application.

[0041] First, please refer to Figure 1 The diagram shows the system architecture of the multi-frequency ultrasound imaging system of this application. The multi-frequency ultrasound imaging system P includes an ultrasound sensing unit 10, a data processing unit 20, and an image processing unit 30.

[0042] The ultrasound sensing unit 10 is used to detect a test area (not shown) of a subject in order to obtain ultrasound images of the tissues and organs within the test area. Figure 1 As shown, the ultrasound sensing unit 10 includes ultrasound sensors 11 to Nth ultrasound sensors 1N, where N is a positive integer. Each ultrasound sensor uses ultrasound waves of different frequencies for detection. Medical ultrasound waves at high frequencies provide relatively clear sensing of superficial tissues but are blurry in sensing of deep tissues, making them suitable for detecting relatively superficial organs such as the skin, thyroid gland, and surface soft tissues. Conversely, low-frequency ultrasound waves provide blurry sensing of superficial tissues but are clearer in sensing of deep tissues, making them suitable for detecting deeper organs such as the abdomen, pelvis, and gynecological organs.

[0043] Furthermore, in this application, ultrasound sensors 11 to the Nth ultrasound sensor 1N respectively emit ultrasound waves of a first frequency to a Nth frequency to detect tissues or organs at different depths in the area to be measured. For example, the first to Nth frequencies can be frequencies between 2MHz and 20MHz; using ultrasound waves of the first to Nth frequencies, tissue depths between 1 mm and 200 mm can be detected. Also, the first to Nth frequencies can be the same frequency or different frequencies.

[0044] Next, the data processing unit 20 is communicatively connected to the ultrasound sensing unit 10 to receive and process the first detection signal to the Nth detection signal from the ultrasound sensor 11 to the Nth ultrasound sensor 1N, thereby generating corresponding first ultrasound images to the Nth ultrasound images. The first ultrasound images to the Nth ultrasound images are all two-dimensional images of the test area of ​​the subject.

[0045] Furthermore, the image processing unit 30 is communicatively connected to the data processing unit 20 and includes an image analysis module 31, an image synthesis module 32, and an image display module 33 connected in sequence.

[0046] In actual operation, the multi-frequency ultrasound imaging system P of this application is configured such that the first ultrasound sensor 11 to the Nth ultrasound sensor 1N are configured to simultaneously or alternately detect the area to be measured, so as to receive the first detection signal to the Nth detection signal in real time and transmit it to the data processing unit 20; the data processing unit 20 converts the first detection signal to the Nth detection signal into corresponding first ultrasound images to Nth ultrasound images, and then transmits the first ultrasound images to the Nth ultrasound images to the image processing unit 30.

[0047] The image analysis module 31 is used to perform image analysis and interpretation procedures on the ultrasound images up to the Nth ultrasound image to obtain M ultrasound analysis images of the region to be tested from the first analysis image to the Mth analysis image, where M is a positive integer; the image synthesis module 32 synchronously synthesizes the first analysis image to the Mth analysis image to obtain X ultrasound composite images of the region to be tested from the first composite image to the Xth composite image, where X is a positive integer; the image display module 33 includes a display screen capable of displaying the first ultrasound image to the Nth ultrasound image, the first analysis image to the Mth analysis image, and the first composite image to the Xth composite image.

[0048] More specifically, the image synthesis module 32 uses any one of the first ultrasound images to the Nth ultrasound images as the base image of the area to be tested, and then synthesizes the first analysis image to the Mth analysis image into the corresponding position of the base image to generate the first composite image to the Xth composite image.

[0049] Continuing on the above, the image synthesis module 32 can use algorithms to identify, as markers, structures such as bones and blood vessels, and other tissue features present in both superficial and deep layers of the target area. Then, it uses image registration technology to ensure spatial alignment of the first analysis image to the Mth analysis image, so that the structures in each image correspond to the correct anatomical locations in the first composite image to the Xth composite image. The first composite image to the Xth composite image combine visual data from the first analysis image to the Mth analysis image (different tissue depths), providing a comprehensive view including superficial and deep tissue details. This overlay allows the operator to simultaneously visualize superficial structures, such as blood vessels and trachea, and deep structures, such as cervical nerves. Furthermore, according to the technical concept of this application, the first composite image to the Xth composite image can employ different display methods, such as transparent overlay, color coding, or mixing images of different frequencies, thereby distinguishing superficial and deep anatomical features.

[0050] Furthermore, the first composite image to the Xth composite image displayed by the image display module 33 can be continuously updated as the ultrasound sensing unit 10 moves, providing the operator with real-time feedback on important anatomical structures and probe positions. The operator can simultaneously monitor the positions of superficial and deep structures, avoiding damage to important structures such as the carotid artery or esophagus during surgery. In addition, the user interface of the image display module 33 may also include options for adjusting the view, such as adjusting the transparency of images at different frequencies or highlighting specific structures to improve clarity.

[0051] In one embodiment of this application, the image analysis module 31 in the image processing unit 30 can also utilize AI calculation mechanisms to assist in identifying key structures such as the carotid artery, esophagus, and cervical nerves, thereby making the subsequent image synthesis module 32 perform image overlay more accurately, and automatically suggesting the safest probe path during surgery based on image fusion and depth information; the image synthesis module 32 can further combine the first analysis image to the Mth analysis image into a three-dimensional model in conjunction with the subject's test area, which can more clearly understand the relationship between the esophagus, carotid artery, and cervical nerves, and further improve the accuracy of probe guidance.

[0052] Additionally, please refer to Figure 1 The multi-frequency ultrasound imaging system P of this application further includes a data storage unit 40, which is communicatively connected to the image processing unit 30, for storing at least the first to the Nth ultrasound images, the first to the Mth analytical images, and the first to the Xth composite images corresponding to the area to be tested. In addition, the data storage unit 40 can also store the subject's medical record data.

[0053] In embodiments of this application, the data processing unit 20, the image processing unit 30, and the data storage unit 40 can be housed in a computer device and communicate with the ultrasound sensing unit 10 via wired or wireless transmission. The computer device may include a central processing unit, an image processor, a microprocessor, or a multi-core processing unit, such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or a tablet computer, and its functions can be achieved using software or firmware. Furthermore, the data storage unit 40 can also be independently located in a cloud database, allowing users to download files from the first ultrasound image to the Nth ultrasound image, the first analyzed image to the Mth analyzed image, and the first composite image to the Xth composite image via different computer devices for subsequent applications.

[0054] Next, please refer to Figure 2This is a schematic diagram illustrating the architecture of a multi-frequency ultrasound imaging system according to another embodiment of this application. In this embodiment, the number of ultrasound sensors is two (i.e., N equals 2), and the frequency range used by ultrasound sensors 11 and 12 is between 1MHz and 20MHz, used to detect the tissue depth of the test area of ​​the subject between 1 mm and 200 mm.

[0055] The multi-frequency ultrasound imaging system of this application enables technicians to directly obtain complete tissue and organ images of the subject's target area from ultrasound composite images, saving interpretation time and providing subjects with more comprehensive medical advice. Furthermore, during surgery, doctors can use ultrasound composite images to determine safe paths for inserting probes, needles, or other medical instruments, thereby reducing the risk of damage to important anatomical structures. The multi-frequency ultrasound imaging system of this application provides real-time feedback, ensuring that doctors can adjust the position and trajectory of medical instruments based on ultrasound composite images, thereby accurately and safely performing medical procedures involving drug injection, biopsies, nerve blocks, or other treatments requiring precise navigation of anatomical structures.

[0056] The embodiments and / or implementation methods described above are merely preferred embodiments and / or implementation methods for implementing the technology of this application, and are not intended to limit the implementation methods of the technology of this application in any way. Any person skilled in the art may make some modifications or alterations to other equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the technical means disclosed in this application, but these should still be regarded as the technology or embodiments that are substantially the same as those of this application.

Claims

1. A multi-frequency ultrasound imaging system, characterized in that, The multi-frequency ultrasound imaging system includes: An ultrasound sensing unit includes at least one ultrasound sensor, and each ultrasound sensor uses ultrasound at a first frequency to an Nth frequency to detect the test area of ​​the subject, so as to obtain a first detection signal to an Nth detection signal of the test area of ​​the subject. A data processing unit, which is communicatively connected to the ultrasound sensing unit, is used to receive and process the first detection signal to the Nth detection signal of the test area of ​​the subject, and thereby generate corresponding first ultrasound images to the Nth ultrasound images. An image processing unit, communicatively connected to the data processing unit, includes an image analysis module, an image compositing module, and an image display module connected in sequence; wherein... The image analysis module is used to perform image analysis and interpretation procedures on the first ultrasound image to the Nth ultrasound image to obtain M ultrasound analysis images of the region to be tested from the first analysis image to the Mth analysis image that need to be combined. The image synthesis module synchronously synthesizes the first analysis image to the Mth analysis image to obtain X ultrasonic composite images of the region to be tested, from the first composite image to the Xth composite image. The image display module includes a display capable of displaying the first ultrasound image to the Nth ultrasound image, the first analytical image to the Mth analytical image, and the first composite image to the Xth composite image; and N, M, and X mentioned above are all positive integers.

2. The multi-frequency ultrasound imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each ultrasonic sensor is configured to simultaneously or alternately detect the area to be detected, so as to receive the first detection signal to the Nth detection signal in real time.

3. The multi-frequency ultrasound imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first frequency to the Nth frequency are different from each other, and are respectively suitable for detecting tissues or organs at different depths in the area to be tested.

4. The multi-frequency ultrasound imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a data storage unit electrically connected to the image processing unit for storing at least the first ultrasound image to the Nth ultrasound image, the first analysis image to the Mth analysis image, and the first composite image to the Xth composite image corresponding to the area to be tested.

5. The multi-frequency ultrasound imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first ultrasound image to the Nth ultrasound image are all two-dimensional images of the area to be tested of the subject.

6. The multi-frequency ultrasound imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The image synthesis module uses any one of the first to Nth ultrasound images as the base image of the area to be tested, and then synthesizes the first to Mth analysis images into the corresponding positions of the base image to generate the first to Xth composite images.

7. The multi-frequency ultrasound imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, N is equal to 2, and in this case, the frequencies used for the first and second ultrasonic sensing frequencies are both between 1MHz and 20MHz.

8. The multi-frequency ultrasound imaging system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first ultrasonic sensor is used to detect the tissue depth of the test area of ​​the subject, which is between 1 mm and 200 mm.

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