Multi-focus ultrasonic imaging method and ultrasonic device

Abstract

A multi-focus ultrasonic imaging method and an ultrasonic device. The method comprises: within a period of forming one frame of ultrasonic image, transmitting, by an ultrasonic probe, ultrasonic waves at M transmission positions, respectively, each transmission position having one transmission focus, and at least two of the M transmission positions having different transmission focuses; for at least one transmission position, receiving, by the ultrasonic probe, at a plurality of receiving positions, echoes of the ultrasonic wave transmitted at the transmission position, and forming echo beams of the plurality of receiving positions; and on the basis of the echo beams of the same receiving positions, acquiring ultrasonic data of a region of interest so as to form one frame of ultrasonic image. Within the period of forming one frame of ultrasonic image, each of the M transmission positions transmits an ultrasonic wave only once on the basis of a corresponding transmission focus, and the transmission focuses corresponding to the M transmission positions are different, such that multi-focus ultrasonic imaging is achieved without losing the frame rate, meeting the requirements for simultaneously improving the spatial resolution and the frame rate of the ultrasonic image.

Description

A multi-focus ultrasonic imaging method and an ultrasonic device TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of ultrasonic imaging, and in particular to a multi-focus ultrasonic imaging method and an ultrasonic device. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the process of lesion diagnosis by using ultrasonic images collected by a medical ultrasonic device, in order to analyze the lesion more clearly, it is often required that multiple depth points of the ultrasonic image have good resolution characteristics. In order to meet this requirement, the ultrasonic device often uses a multi-focus imaging technology, that is, the ultrasonic probe transmits ultrasonic waves multiple times at the same transmission position, the transmitted ultrasonic waves each time are focused at different focal points, and then the echo data of the multiple transmitted ultrasonic waves at the same transmission position are spliced in a certain manner to form a complete ultrasonic image, so that the ultrasonic image has good resolution characteristics at each depth point.

[0003] However, transmitting ultrasonic waves multiple times at the same transmission position reduces the frame rate of the ultrasonic image, and the more the number of focal points, the more serious the loss of the frame rate. Therefore, the current multi-focus imaging method sacrifices the frame rate of the ultrasonic image. SUMMARY

[0004] The present application mainly provides a multi-focus ultrasonic imaging method, which can satisfy the spatial resolution of the ultrasonic image while not losing the frame rate.

[0005] According to a first aspect, in an embodiment, a multi-focus ultrasonic imaging method is provided, comprising:

[0006] ultrasonic imaging is performed on a region of interest, and in a period for forming a frame of ultrasonic image of the region of interest:

[0007] the ultrasonic probe transmits corresponding ultrasonic waves at M transmission positions respectively, wherein each transmission position has a corresponding transmission focal point, the ultrasonic probe transmits corresponding ultrasonic waves based on the transmission focal point of each transmission position, and the transmission focal points of at least two transmission positions in the M transmission positions are different, and M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2;

[0008] for the ultrasonic wave transmitted by at least one transmission position in the M transmission positions, the ultrasonic probe simultaneously receives the echo of the ultrasonic wave transmitted by the transmission position at multiple receiving positions and forms multiple receiving position echo beams, and the multiple receiving position echo beams form an echo beam group of the transmission position;

[0009] in the period, based on the echo beams of the same receiving position in different echo beam groups corresponding to the M transmission positions, ultrasonic data of the region of interest is obtained;

[0010] The ultrasound data of the region of interest is processed to form an ultrasound image.

[0011] According to a second aspect, one embodiment provides a multifocal ultrasound imaging method, comprising:

[0012] The method involves acquiring ultrasound data required to form a frame of ultrasound image of a region of interest (ROI) in multifocal imaging mode. The ultrasound data is generated by an ultrasound probe emitting corresponding ultrasound waves from M emission positions towards the ROI. For an ultrasound wave emitted from at least one of the M emission positions, the ultrasound probe simultaneously receives the echoes from the emitted ultrasound wave at multiple receiving positions, forming multiple echo beams at these receiving positions. These echo beams form an echo beam group for the emission position. Within a given period, echo beams from the same receiving position within different echo beam groups corresponding to the M emission positions are acquired. Each emission position has a corresponding emission focus, and the ultrasound probe emits corresponding ultrasound waves based on the emission focus of each emission position. At least two of the M emission positions have different emission focuses, and M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0013] The ultrasound data is processed to form a frame of ultrasound image of the region of interest.

[0014] According to a third aspect, one embodiment provides a multifocal ultrasound imaging method, comprising:

[0015] Ultrasound imaging is performed on the region of interest, within the period during which one frame of the ultrasound image of the region of interest is formed:

[0016] An ultrasonic probe emits corresponding ultrasonic waves at M emission positions, each of which has a corresponding emission focus. The ultrasonic probe emits corresponding ultrasonic waves based on the emission focus of each of the M emission positions. At least two of the M emission positions have different emission focuses, and M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0017] For any two of the M emission positions, the ultrasonic waves emitted are:

[0018] For an ultrasonic wave emitted from a certain transmitting position, the ultrasonic probe receives the ultrasonic wave emitted from the transmitting position at a receiving position and forms an echo beam at the receiving position. The echo beam at the receiving position forms an echo beam group at the transmitting position.

[0019] For the ultrasound wave emitted by another of the transmission positions, the ultrasound probe simultaneously receives the ultrasound wave emitted by the transmission position at a plurality of reception positions and forms a plurality of reception position echo beams, the plurality of reception position echo beams forming a set of echo beams of the transmission position;

[0020] Within the period, based on the echo beams of the same reception position in different sets of echo beams corresponding to the M transmission positions, ultrasound data of the region of interest is obtained;

[0021] The ultrasound data of the region of interest is processed to form a frame of the ultrasound image.

[0022] According to a fourth aspect, in an embodiment, a multi-focus ultrasound imaging method is provided, comprising:

[0023] Ultrasound imaging of a region of interest is performed, within a period in which a frame of ultrasound image of the region of interest is formed:

[0024] The ultrasound probe transmits corresponding ultrasound waves at M transmission positions, wherein each of the transmission positions has a corresponding transmission focal point, the ultrasound probe transmits corresponding ultrasound waves based on the transmission focal point of each of the transmission positions, and the transmission focal points of at least two of the M transmission positions are different, M being a positive integer greater than or equal to 2;

[0025] For the ultrasound wave emitted by any one of the M transmission positions, the ultrasound probe receives the echo of the ultrasound wave emitted by the transmission position at a reception position to obtain ultrasound data of the region of interest;

[0026] The ultrasound data of the region of interest is processed to form a frame of the ultrasound image.

[0027] According to a fifth aspect, in an embodiment, an ultrasound device is provided, comprising:

[0028] An ultrasound probe configured to transmit ultrasound waves to a region of interest and receive echoes of the ultrasound waves to obtain echo signals;

[0029] Transmission and reception control circuitry configured to control the ultrasound probe to transmit the ultrasound waves and receive the echo signals of the ultrasound waves;

[0030] A processor configured to:

[0031] Ultrasound imaging of a region of interest is performed, within a period in which a frame of ultrasound image of the region of interest is formed:

[0032] The ultrasound probe transmits corresponding ultrasound waves at M transmission positions respectively, wherein each of the transmission positions has a corresponding transmission focal point, the ultrasound probe transmits corresponding ultrasound waves based on the transmission focal point of each of the transmission positions, the transmission focal points of at least two of the M transmission positions are different, and M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2;

[0033] For the ultrasound waves transmitted by at least one of the M transmission positions, the ultrasound probe simultaneously receives echoes of the ultrasound waves transmitted by the at least one of the transmission positions at multiple reception positions and forms multiple reception position echo beams, and the multiple reception position echo beams form an echo beam group of the at least one of the transmission positions;

[0034] In the period, based on the echo beams of the same reception position in different echo beam groups corresponding to the M transmission positions, ultrasound data of the region of interest is obtained;

[0035] The ultrasound data of the region of interest is processed to form an ultrasound image.

[0036] According to a sixth aspect, an embodiment provides an ultrasound device, comprising:

[0037] An ultrasound probe configured to transmit ultrasound waves to a region of interest and receive echoes of the ultrasound waves to obtain echo signals;

[0038] A transmission and reception control circuit configured to control the ultrasound probe to transmit the ultrasound waves and receive the echo signals of the ultrasound waves;

[0039] A processor configured to:

[0040] An ultrasound probe configured to transmit ultrasound waves to a region of interest and receive echoes of the ultrasound waves to obtain echo signals;

[0041] A transmission and reception control circuit configured to control the ultrasound probe to transmit the ultrasound waves and receive the echo signals of the ultrasound waves;

[0042] A processor configured to:

[0043] acquiring ultrasound data needed for forming a frame of ultrasound image of a region of interest in a multi-focal imaging mode; wherein the ultrasound data is acquired by an ultrasound probe transmitting respective ultrasound waves to the region of interest at M transmit locations, for ultrasound waves transmitted at at least one of the M transmit locations, the ultrasound probe simultaneously receives echoes of the ultrasound waves transmitted at the at least one of the M transmit locations at multiple receive locations and forms a plurality of receive beams of the echoes at the multiple receive locations, the plurality of receive beams of the echoes at the multiple receive locations form a receive beam group of the at least one of the M transmit locations; during the period, the ultrasound data is acquired based on receive beams of the same receive location in different receive beam groups corresponding to the M transmit locations; wherein each of the transmit locations has a respective transmit focal point, the ultrasound probe transmits respective ultrasound waves based on the transmit focal point of each of the transmit locations, transmit focal points of at least two of the M transmit locations are different, M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2;

[0044] processing the ultrasound data to form a frame of ultrasound image of the region of interest.

[0045] According to a seventh aspect, one embodiment provides an ultrasound device, comprising:

[0046] an ultrasound probe configured to transmit ultrasound waves to a region of interest and receive echoes of the ultrasound waves to obtain echo signals;

[0047] transmit and receive control circuitry configured to control the ultrasound probe to transmit the ultrasound waves and receive the echo signals of the ultrasound waves;

[0048] a processor configured to:

[0049] ultrasound imaging a region of interest, during a period of forming a frame of ultrasound image of the region of interest:

[0050] the ultrasound probe transmits respective ultrasound waves at M transmit locations, wherein each of the transmit locations has a respective transmit focal point, the ultrasound probe transmits respective ultrasound waves based on the transmit focal point of each of the transmit locations, transmit focal points of at least two of the M transmit locations are different, M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2;

[0051] for ultrasound waves transmitted at any two of the M transmit locations, wherein:

[0052] for ultrasound waves transmitted at one of the transmit locations, the ultrasound probe receives the ultrasound waves transmitted at the one of the transmit locations at one receive location and forms a receive beam of the one receive location, the receive beam of the one receive location forms a receive beam group of the one of the transmit locations;

[0053] For the ultrasound wave emitted by another of the transmission positions, the ultrasound probe simultaneously receives the ultrasound wave emitted by the transmission position at a plurality of reception positions and forms a plurality of reception position echo beams, the plurality of reception position echo beams forming a set of echo beams of the transmission position;

[0054] Within the period, based on the echo beams of the same reception position in different sets of echo beams corresponding to the M transmission positions, ultrasound data of the region of interest is obtained;

[0055] The ultrasound data of the region of interest is processed to form a frame of the ultrasound image.

[0056] According to an eighth aspect, an embodiment provides an ultrasound device, comprising:

[0057] An ultrasound probe configured to emit ultrasound waves to a region of interest and receive echoes of the ultrasound waves to obtain echo signals;

[0058] A transmission and reception control circuit configured to control the ultrasound probe to emit the ultrasound waves and receive the echo signals of the ultrasound waves;

[0059] A processor configured to:

[0060] For ultrasound imaging of the region of interest, within a period of forming a frame of the ultrasound image of the region of interest:

[0061] The ultrasound probe emits corresponding ultrasound waves at M transmission positions respectively, wherein each of the transmission positions has a corresponding transmission focal point, the ultrasound probe emits corresponding ultrasound waves based on the transmission focal point of each of the transmission positions, and the transmission focal points of at least two of the M transmission positions are different, M being a positive integer greater than or equal to 2;

[0062] For the ultrasound wave emitted by any one of the M transmission positions, the ultrasound probe receives echoes of the ultrasound wave emitted by the transmission position at a reception position to obtain ultrasound data of the region of interest;

[0063] The ultrasound data of the region of interest is processed to form a frame of the ultrasound image.

[0064] According to a ninth aspect, an embodiment provides a computer readable storage medium, the medium storing a computer program, the computer program being executable by a processor to implement the method of any of the above embodiments.

[0065] According to the multi-focus ultrasonic imaging method and the ultrasonic device in the above embodiment, in a period of forming a frame of ultrasonic image of the region of interest, the ultrasonic probe transmits corresponding ultrasonic waves at M transmission positions respectively, each transmission position has a corresponding transmission focus, the transmission focuses of at least two transmission positions in the M transmission positions are different, for at least one transmission position, the ultrasonic probe receives echoes of the ultrasonic waves transmitted by the transmission position at multiple receiving positions and forms multiple receiving position echo beams, and based on the same receiving position echo beams, the ultrasonic data of the region of interest is acquired to form a frame of ultrasonic image; since in the period of forming a frame of ultrasonic image, each transmission position in the M transmission positions transmits ultrasonic waves only once based on the corresponding transmission focus, and the corresponding transmission focuses of the M transmission positions are different, the multi-focus ultrasonic imaging is realized while the frame rate is not lost, and the requirements of simultaneously improving the spatial resolution and the frame rate of the ultrasonic image are met. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0066] FIG. 1 is a structural schematic diagram of an ultrasonic device according to an embodiment;

[0067] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of transmission and reception of an ultrasonic probe at a transmission position;

[0068] FIG. 3 is a scanning schematic diagram of an ultrasonic probe for forming a frame of ultrasonic image;

[0069] FIG. 4 is a scanning schematic diagram of conventional multi-focus ultrasonic imaging according to an embodiment;

[0070] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a multi-focus ultrasonic imaging method according to an embodiment;

[0071] FIG. 6 is a multi-beam receiving schematic diagram according to an embodiment;

[0072] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of eight-beam line compounding according to an embodiment;

[0073] FIG. 8 is a scanning schematic diagram of conventional multi-focus ultrasonic imaging according to another embodiment;

[0074] FIG. 9 is a scanning schematic diagram of multi-focus ultrasonic imaging according to an embodiment;

[0075] FIG. 10 is a scanning schematic diagram of multi-focus ultrasonic imaging according to another embodiment;

[0076] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a multi-focus ultrasonic imaging method according to another embodiment;

[0077] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a multi-focus ultrasonic imaging method according to another embodiment;

[0078] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a multi-focus ultrasonic imaging method according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0079] The application will be further described below in connection with the drawings. Like numbers in different figures represent similar elements. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present application. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present application can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present application. Embodiments of the present application are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0080] In addition, features, operations, or steps described in the specification can be combined in any suitable manner without departing from the scope of the present application. Similarly, steps in the methods described herein can be performed in an order different from the order described, and / or various steps can be combined, omitted, or augmented without departing from the scope of the present application. Thus, the procedures described in the specification and the attached drawings are illustrative only and should not be considered limiting in any way.

[0081] The serial numbers of the components in the present application, such as "first", "second", etc., are used only to distinguish the described objects, and do not have any sequential or technical meaning. The present application includes direct and indirect connection (coupling) unless otherwise specified.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 1, the ultrasound device provided by the present application includes an ultrasound probe 10, a transmitting and receiving control circuit 20, and a processor 40. Some embodiments can further include an echo processing module 30 and / or a display component 50, which are described below.

[0083] The ultrasound probe 10 is configured to transmit ultrasound waves to the region of interest and receive corresponding ultrasound echoes, and obtain ultrasound data, such as two-dimensional ultrasound data or three-dimensional ultrasound data, based on the ultrasound echoes. In some embodiments, the ultrasound probe 10 includes a plurality of array elements configured to convert electrical signals and ultrasound waves to each other, so as to transmit ultrasound waves to the region of interest and receive corresponding ultrasound echoes. Each array element can be configured to transmit ultrasound waves to biological tissues in the region of interest and receive ultrasound echoes returned from the tissues. In ultrasound detection, the array elements can be controlled to transmit ultrasound waves or receive ultrasound echoes by a transmission sequence and a reception sequence, or by time slots. All the array elements participating in ultrasound wave transmission can be excited by electrical signals at the same time, so as to transmit ultrasound waves at the same time. Alternatively, the array elements participating in ultrasound wave transmission can be excited by electrical signals with time intervals, so as to transmit ultrasound waves with time intervals.

[0084] The transmission and reception control circuit 20 is configured to control the ultrasound probe 10 to transmit ultrasound waves and receive ultrasound echoes. For example, the transmission and reception control circuit 20 is configured to control the ultrasound probe 10 to transmit ultrasound waves to the region of interest, and control the ultrasound probe 10 to receive ultrasound echoes reflected by the region of interest. In some embodiments, the transmission and reception control circuit 20 is configured to generate a transmission sequence and a reception sequence, and output the transmission sequence and the reception sequence to the ultrasound probe 10. The transmission sequence is configured to control part or all of the array elements in the ultrasound probe 10 to transmit ultrasound waves to the biological tissues 60, and parameters of the transmission sequence include the number of array elements for transmission and transmission parameters of the ultrasound waves (such as amplitude, frequency, number of transmissions, transmission interval, transmission angle, wave type, and / or focus position, etc.). The reception sequence is configured to control part or all of the array elements to receive echoes of the ultrasound waves after passing through the tissues, and parameters of the reception sequence include the number of array elements for reception and reception parameters of the echoes (such as reception angle, depth, etc.). The parameters of the ultrasound waves in the transmission sequence and the parameters of the echoes in the reception sequence can be different according to different uses of the ultrasound echoes or different images generated based on the ultrasound echoes.

[0085] The echo processing module 30 is configured to process the ultrasound echo signals received by the ultrasound probe 10, for example, to filter, amplify, and beamform the ultrasound echo signals, to obtain ultrasound echo data. In some embodiments, the echo processing module 30 can output the ultrasound echo data to the processor 40, or can first store the ultrasound echo data in a memory, and the processor 40 reads the ultrasound echo data from the memory when needed to perform operations based on the ultrasound echo data. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that in some embodiments, the echo processing module 30 can be omitted when the ultrasound echo signals do not need to be filtered, amplified, and beamformed.

[0086] The processor 40 is configured to obtain the ultrasound echo data or echo signals, and to obtain the required parameters or images using a correlation algorithm. The processor 40 in some embodiments of the present application includes, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), a micro controller unit (MCU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), and other devices for interpreting computer instructions and processing data in computer software.

[0087] The display component 50 can be configured to display information, for example, to display the parameters and images calculated by the processor 40. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that in some embodiments, the ultrasound imaging system itself can not integrate a display module, but can be connected to a computer device (for example, a computer), and the information can be displayed through the display module (for example, a display screen) of the computer device.

[0088] The above is a description of some of the ultrasound devices.

[0089] The workflow of the ultrasound device for performing ultrasound scanning on a region of interest to form an ultrasound image of the region of interest is described below.

[0090] The user holds the ultrasound probe 10 to perform scanning, and processes the echoes obtained by scanning in real time to obtain a plurality of ultrasound images, wherein in a period for forming an ultrasound image of the region of interest: the ultrasound probe 10 has a plurality of transmission positions, the plurality of transmission positions transmit corresponding ultrasound waves one by one in a predetermined order, for example, in an order from the transmission positions on one side of the ultrasound probe 10 to the transmission positions on the other side of the ultrasound probe 10, and for each transmission position, the corresponding echo is obtained by receiving and processing the ultrasound wave transmitted by the transmission position. After processing the echo corresponding to each transmission position, an ultrasound image is formed. The above workflow in the period for forming an ultrasound image of the region of interest is processed in a loop, and real-time ultrasound images can be obtained.

[0091] In this embodiment, the process of transmitting ultrasound waves by one transmitting position of the ultrasound probe 10 and receiving corresponding echoes is taken as one transmitting-receiving cycle. Please refer to FIG. 2, which shows the workflow of one transmitting-receiving cycle of the ultrasound probe 10, including the following steps:

[0092] Step 21: Start the ultrasound scan in response to the instruction of starting the ultrasound scan.

[0093] Step 22: Determine the transmitting position of the current transmitting ultrasound wave, and obtain the transmitting focal point and other related transmitting parameters corresponding to the transmitting position.

[0094] Step 23: Transmit corresponding ultrasound waves by the transmitting position according to the related transmitting focusing parameters, and receive echoes of the ultrasound waves for imaging processing.

[0095] Step 24: After the reception and processing of the echoes of the current transmitting ultrasound wave are completed, determine the scan state; if the scan state is end, stop the scan, otherwise, enter the next transmitting-receiving cycle.

[0096] It should be noted that the transmitting position of the next transmitting ultrasound wave may deviate from the transmitting position of the previous transmitting, or may be the same as the transmitting position of the previous transmitting, but the related transmitting parameters may be different from the parameters of the transmitting position of the previous transmitting.

[0097] Based on the above workflow of one transmitting-receiving cycle of the ultrasound probe 10, please refer to FIG. 3, which provides a transmitting-receiving schematic diagram of the ultrasound probe 10 for forming one frame of ultrasound image, wherein the probe element 11 is each probe element in the ultrasound probe 10. In the cycle of forming one frame of ultrasound image: the probe element 11 first transmits corresponding ultrasound wave 301, receives and processes to obtain echo beam 311, then transmits corresponding ultrasound wave 302 again, receives and processes to obtain echo beam 312, …, until the last time of transmitting corresponding ultrasound wave 30M, receives and processes to obtain echo beam 31M, and finally processes the echo beam 311, the echo beam 312, …, the echo beam 31M to obtain a complete frame of ultrasound image. It should be noted that the probe element for transmitting ultrasound wave can be one or more, and the number and position of the probe element required for transmitting one ultrasound wave need to be determined according to the transmitting parameters and the transmitting position.

[0098] The above is the scanning process of one frame of ultrasound image of the conventional single-focus ultrasound imaging, and the scanning process of one frame of ultrasound image of the multi-focus ultrasound imaging will be described below. In order to facilitate the subsequent description of the frame rate change of the multi-focus ultrasound imaging, it is assumed that the frame rate of the above single-focus ultrasound imaging is FR.

[0099] Please refer to Fig. 4, which is a schematic diagram of an example of a scan of multi-focus ultrasound imaging, taking 3 foci as an example. In the period of forming a frame of ultrasound image, each probe element 11 in the ultrasound probe 10 transmits ultrasound wave 401 once:

[0100] For the first transmitting position of the ultrasound probe 10, the probe element 11 first transmits corresponding ultrasound wave 401 once, the transmitting parameter of which makes the transmitted ultrasound wave focus on the first transmitting focus selected by the user, then the echo beam 411 is obtained by receiving and processing the ultrasound wave 401, then the ultrasound wave 401 is transmitted again at the same transmitting position, the transmitting parameter of which makes the transmitted ultrasound wave focus on the second transmitting focus selected by the user, then the echo beam 421 is obtained by receiving and processing the second transmitted ultrasound wave 401, then the ultrasound wave 401 is transmitted again at the same transmitting position, focusing on the third transmitting focus, and the echo beam 431 is obtained by receiving and processing the transmitted ultrasound wave 401, then the echo beam data corresponding to the echo beam 411, the echo beam 421 and the echo beam 431 are processed respectively, finally the ultrasound data corresponding to the first transmitting position is obtained by merging and processing the echo beam data corresponding to the echo beam 411, the echo beam 421 and the echo beam 431 according to certain weight. The echo beam data can be digital echo signal obtained by digital-analog conversion of the corresponding echo beam 421, can be ultrasound data obtained by down-sampling, or can be ultrasound data obtained by beam synthesis processing of the echo beam. Beam synthesis mainly refers to converting the channel data received by the probe from channel domain to beam domain. In summary, the ultrasound data here can refer to the data at any processing link before forming an ultrasound image.

[0101] For other multiple emission positions of the ultrasound probe 10 except the first emission position, similar to the first emission position, the corresponding ultrasound wave is continuously emitted three times at each emission position, and the ultrasound wave emitted each time corresponds to a different emission focus, and finally the echo beam corresponding to each emission position is obtained. For example, for the second emission position, the probe element 11 continuously emits the corresponding ultrasound wave 402 three times, and the echo beam 412, the echo beam 422 and the echo beam 432 are obtained by receiving the ultrasound wave 402 emitted each time respectively, and then the echo beam 412, the echo beam 422 and the echo beam 432 are processed into the corresponding echo beam data respectively, and the echo beam data corresponding to the echo beam 412, the echo beam data corresponding to the echo beam 422 and the echo beam data corresponding to the echo beam 432 are combined and processed according to a certain weight, and the echo signal corresponding to the second emission position is obtained. For example, for the Mth emission position, the probe element 11 continuously emits the corresponding ultrasound wave 40M three times, and the echo beam 41M, the echo beam 42M and the echo beam 43M are obtained by receiving the ultrasound wave 40M emitted each time respectively, and then the echo beam 41M, the echo beam 42M and the echo beam 43M are processed into the corresponding echo beam data respectively, and the echo beam data corresponding to the echo beam 41M, the echo beam data corresponding to the echo beam 42M and the echo beam data corresponding to the echo beam 43M are combined and processed according to a certain weight, and the ultrasound data corresponding to the Mth emission position is obtained.

[0102] Finally, the ultrasound data corresponding to each emission position is processed, and a complete ultrasound image is obtained.

[0103] As can be seen from the above, in the process of forming an ultrasound image, Q times of ultrasound waves are continuously emitted at each emission position of the ultrasound probe 10 (Q is the number of emission foci), and therefore the frame rate of the multi-focus ultrasound imaging is FR / Q, FR is the frame rate of the single-focus ultrasound image. Compared with the single-focus ultrasound imaging, the scanning mode of the multi-focus ultrasound imaging shown in FIG. 4 reduces the frame rate of the ultrasound imaging, and the more the number of emission foci, the more serious the loss of the frame rate.

[0104] To solve the problem of the loss of the frame rate in the multi-focus ultrasound imaging, an embodiment of the present application provides a multi-focus ultrasound imaging method without loss of the frame rate. For multiple emission positions on the ultrasound probe 10, the corresponding ultrasound wave is emitted only once at each emission position, and the corresponding ultrasound wave emitted at each emission position is focused on a different emission focus, so that the multi-focus imaging requirement is met while the frame rate is improved.

[0105] In some embodiments, the processor 40 is configured to perform one step, multiple steps or all steps of the multi-focus ultrasound imaging method.

[0106] In some embodiments, the display interface and / or the control panel of the ultrasound device is provided with an option of the multi-focus imaging mode, and the multi-focus imaging mode is entered in response to a selection of the option of the multi-focus imaging mode by a user.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 5, in some embodiments, a multi-focus ultrasound imaging method is provided for ultrasound imaging of a region of interest, which can be a thyroid tissue region, an abdominal region, etc. In a period for forming an ultrasound image of the region of interest, the method includes the following steps:

[0108] In step 51, the ultrasound probe 10 emits corresponding ultrasound waves at M emission positions, respectively, wherein each emission position has a corresponding emission focus, the ultrasound probe 10 emits corresponding ultrasound waves based on the emission focus of each emission position, and the emission foci of at least two emission positions of the M emission positions are different, and M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0109] In some embodiments, the emission foci of two adjacent emission positions of the M emission positions are different. For example, when the emission foci are two, i.e., a first emission focus and a second emission focus, the ultrasound probe 10 alternately emits ultrasound waves with the first emission focus and the second emission focus at the M emission positions. For another example, when the emission foci are three, i.e., a first emission focus, a second emission focus, and a third emission focus, the M emission positions can be as follows: the first emission position corresponds to the first emission focus, the second emission position corresponds to the second emission focus, and the third emission position corresponds to the third emission focus. The number of emission foci and the corresponding manner of the emission foci in the M emission positions in the present embodiment can be various, which is not limited in the present embodiment.

[0110] In some embodiments, the M emitting positions include a plurality of emitting position groups, each of the emitting position groups includes a predetermined number of emitting positions, the emitting positions in each of the emitting position groups have the same emitting focal point, and adjacent emitting position groups correspond to different emitting focal points, wherein the predetermined number is a positive integer greater than 1. For example, in 100 emitting positions, every 10 emitting positions form an emitting position group, i.e., 10 emitting position groups are formed, the 10 emitting positions in one emitting position group have the same emitting focal point, and when the emitting focal points are two, i.e., a first emitting focal point and a second emitting focal point, the 10 emitting position groups alternately emit ultrasonic waves with the first emitting focal point and the second emitting focal point, i.e., the 10 emitting positions in the first emitting position group emit ultrasonic waves with the first emitting focal point, the 10 emitting positions in the second emitting position group emit ultrasonic waves with the second emitting focal point, and so on until the 10 emitting positions in the second emitting position group emit ultrasonic waves with the second emitting focal point. It should be noted that the number of emitting positions in each emitting position group can be the same or different, for example, in 100 emitting positions, the number of emitting positions in one emitting position group can be 5, the number of emitting positions in another emitting position group can be 15, and the number of emitting positions in other emitting position groups can be the same as the first two or other numbers, which are not limited in the present embodiment.

[0111] In some embodiments, the emitting focal point corresponding to each of the M emitting positions can be adjusted, for example, a user adjusts the emitting focal point through a mouse, a keyboard, or other input devices, and the processor 40 adjusts the emitting focal point of one or more emitting positions corresponding to the adjustment operation in response to the adjustment operation of the user.

[0112] Step 52: For the ultrasonic waves emitted by at least one of the M emitting positions, the ultrasonic probe 10 simultaneously receives the echoes of the ultrasonic waves emitted by the at least one emitting position at a plurality of receiving positions and forms a plurality of receiving position echo beams, and the plurality of receiving position echo beams form an echo beam group of the at least one emitting position. The M emitting positions form M echo beam groups. It should be noted that the emitting position of the ultrasonic probe 10 in the present embodiment refers to a position for emitting corresponding ultrasonic waves, and one emitting position can include one or more probes. The receiving position refers to a position for receiving the echoes of ultrasonic waves, and one receiving position can also include one or more probes.

[0113] In some embodiments, for the ultrasonic waves emitted by each of the M emitting positions, the ultrasonic probe 10 simultaneously receives the echoes of the ultrasonic waves emitted by each of the M emitting positions at a plurality of receiving positions, and each of the M echo beam groups formed by the plurality of receiving positions includes a plurality of receiving position echo beams.

[0114] In some embodiments, for the ultrasound waves emitted by some (at least one) of the M transmit locations, the ultrasound probe 10 receives the echoes of the ultrasound waves emitted by each of the transmit locations simultaneously at multiple receive locations; for the ultrasound waves emitted by another some of the M transmit locations, the ultrasound probe 10 receives the echoes of the ultrasound waves emitted by each of the transmit locations at one receive location. At this time, in the M groups of echo beams formed, each of the some groups of echo beams includes multiple echo beams received at multiple receive locations, and each of the another some groups of echo beams includes an echo beam received at one receive location.

[0115] In an embodiment, for the ultrasound waves emitted by one transmit location, the ultrasound probe 10 can receive the echoes of the corresponding ultrasound waves emitted by the transmit location at one receive location corresponding to the transmit location, i.e., in a single-beam receiving manner. The corresponding ultrasound waves emitted by one transmit location in the ultrasound probe 10 are received by one receive location corresponding to the transmit location to obtain one group of echo beams, and at this time, each group of echo beams includes only one echo beam.

[0116] In another embodiment, for the ultrasound waves emitted by one transmit location, the ultrasound probe 10 can receive the echoes of the corresponding ultrasound waves emitted by the transmit location at multiple receive locations corresponding to the transmit location simultaneously, i.e., in a multi-beam receiving manner. Please refer to FIG. 6. In the multi-beam receiving manner, the probe element 11 in the ultrasound probe 10 emits corresponding ultrasound waves 601 at one transmit location, and the ultrasound waves 601 form multiple echo beams 602, e.g., 8 echo beams, after returning from the region of interest. For the multiple echo beams 602, the ultrasound probe 10 needs to receive at corresponding multiple receive locations. The multiple echo beams 602 form one group of echo beams. If the number of transmit locations is M, then M groups of echo beams are obtained. The multi-beam receiving manner can improve the frame rate of ultrasound imaging. In an embodiment, for the multiple receive locations corresponding to one transmit location, the multiple receive locations are symmetrically distributed along the corresponding one transmit location, so that the received beam energy is balanced.

[0117] In the case of multi-beam receiving, in some embodiments, for different transmit locations of the M transmit locations, at least two numbers of receive locations can be used for receiving, i.e., for the ultrasound waves emitted by any two transmit locations of the M transmit locations, the following conditions are met:

[0118] For the ultrasound waves emitted by one transmit location, the ultrasound probe 10 receives the ultrasound waves emitted by the transmit location simultaneously at N receive locations to obtain one group of echo beams, and each of the groups of echo beams includes N echo beams received at the N receive locations; N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0119] For the ultrasound wave emitted by another emission position, the ultrasound probe 10 simultaneously receives the ultrasound wave emitted by the emission position at P receiving positions, to obtain a set of echo beams, each set of echo beams including echo beams received at the P receiving positions; N is not equal to P, and P is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0120] In some embodiments, for any two adjacent emission positions in the M emission positions, at least one receiving position in the N receiving positions corresponding to one emission position and the P receiving positions corresponding to the other emission position is the same.

[0121] Step 53: In a period of forming a frame of ultrasound images of the region of interest, ultrasound data of the region of interest is obtained based on echo beams at the same receiving positions in different sets of echo beams corresponding to the M emission positions.

[0122] In some embodiments, the obtaining of the ultrasound data of the region of interest based on the echo beams at the same receiving positions in different sets of echo beams corresponding to the M emission positions in step 53 includes:

[0123] Step 531: Each echo beam in each set of echo beams is processed to obtain corresponding echo beam data. The echo beam data can be digital echo signals obtained by analog-to-digital conversion of the corresponding echo beams, or can be ultrasound data such as data obtained by beamforming of the echo beams to form ultrasound images.

[0124] Step 532: Ultrasound data of the region of interest is obtained based on the echo beam data at the same receiving positions in different sets of echo beams corresponding to the M emission positions.

[0125] When multi-beam reception is used, the multiple receiving positions of the ultrasound probe 10 simultaneously receive echoes of the corresponding ultrasound waves of each emission position, and there can be some receiving positions that receive more echo beams and some receiving positions that receive fewer echo beams, i.e., the energy of the received beams is inconsistent. To solve this problem, the embodiment can use a merging processing method to process the echo beam data at the same receiving positions in different sets of echo beams corresponding to the M emission positions, where the merging processing method can be a line complex processing method, a splicing processing method, a combination processing method through line complex and splicing, or a direct weighting processing method for the echo beam data at the same receiving positions.

[0126] In some embodiments, the echo beam data of the same receiving position in different echo beam groups corresponding to the M transmitting positions can be processed by a method of first line compounding and then splicing, that is, the echo beam data of the ultrasound waves with the same transmitting focal point in the echo beam data of the same receiving position in different echo beam groups corresponding to the M transmitting positions is processed by line compounding to obtain first beam data corresponding to each transmitting focal point; the first beam data corresponding to each focal point is spliced to obtain the ultrasound data of the region of interest.

[0127] In other embodiments, the echo beam data of the same receiving position in different echo beam groups corresponding to the M transmitting positions can be processed by a method of first splicing and then line compounding, that is, the echo beam data of the ultrasound waves with different transmitting focal points in the echo beam data of the same receiving position in different echo beam groups corresponding to the M transmitting positions is processed by splicing to obtain a plurality of second beam data; the plurality of second beam data is processed by line compounding to obtain the ultrasound data of the region of interest.

[0128] In still other embodiments, the echo beam data of the same receiving position in different echo beam groups corresponding to the M transmitting positions can be processed by a direct weighting method, that is, the echo beam data of the same receiving position in different echo beam groups corresponding to the M transmitting positions is processed by weighting to obtain the ultrasound data of the region of interest.

[0129] It should be noted that the above methods of line compounding, splicing and weighting of the echo beam data of the same receiving position are all methods of multiplying the echo beam data to be processed by a weighting coefficient and then adding them, the difference is the processing method and the weighting coefficient, therefore, the present embodiment takes the line compounding method as an example to explain the processing of the echo beam data of the same receiving position.

[0130] Please refer to FIG. 7, which shows a schematic diagram of eight-beam line compounding. For a corresponding ultrasound wave 701 emitted by a first emission position, a corresponding received echo beam group 711 is obtained. Similarly, for a corresponding ultrasound wave 702 emitted by a second emission position, a corresponding received echo beam group 712 is obtained. For a corresponding ultrasound wave 703 emitted by a third emission position, a corresponding received echo beam group 713 is obtained. For a corresponding ultrasound wave 704 emitted by a fourth emission position, a corresponding received echo beam group 714 is obtained. The echo beam group 711, the echo beam group 712, the echo beam group 713, and the echo beam group 714 each include eight echo beams. In the above four echo beam groups, the echo beam 707 in the echo beam group 711, the echo beam 705 in the echo beam group 712, the echo beam 703 in the echo beam group 713, and the echo beam 701 in the echo beam group 714 correspond to the same receiving position. The echo beam data corresponding to the echo beam 701, the echo beam data corresponding to the echo beam 703, the echo beam data corresponding to the echo beam 705, and the echo beam data corresponding to the echo beam 707 are subjected to line compounding processing, and first beam data 721 after line compounding is obtained. 721 (k) = L 701 (k) * W c1 (k) + L 703 (k) * W c2 (k) + L 705 (k) * W c3 (k) + L 707 (k) * W c4 (k) + L

[0131] wherein L 721 (k) is the first beam data 721 after line compounding, L 701 (k), L 703 (k), L 705 (k), and L 707 (k) are the echo beam data corresponding to the echo beam 701, the echo beam data corresponding to the echo beam 703, the echo beam data corresponding to the echo beam 705, and the echo beam data corresponding to the echo beam 707, respectively, W c1 (k), W c2 (k), W c3 (k), and W c4 (k) are weighting coefficients for line compounding processing, k = 1, 2, 3, …, K, and K is the number of data points corresponding to each echo beam data.

[0132] Similarly, in the manner described above, the echo beam data corresponding to the echo beam 702, the echo beam data corresponding to the echo beam 704, the echo beam data corresponding to the echo beam 706, and the echo beam data corresponding to the echo beam 708 are linearly compounded to obtain the first beam data 722. The specific linear compounding manner can be referred to the above description.

[0133] After the first beam data 721 and the first beam data 722 are spliced, the ultrasound data of the region of interest can be obtained.

[0134] Step 54: The ultrasound data of the region of interest is processed to form an ultrasound image.

[0135] Based on the multi-focus ultrasound imaging manner provided in the above embodiment, since each transmission position transmits corresponding ultrasound waves only once, and at least two transmission positions in the M transmission positions correspond to different transmission focal points, the frame rate is not affected while meeting the multi-focus ultrasound imaging. In addition, the echoes of the corresponding ultrasound waves transmitted by one transmission position can be received simultaneously by using multiple receiving positions, which further improves the frame rate.

[0136] In the following, some examples are used to compare the frame rate of the multi-focus ultrasound imaging manner provided in the embodiment with that of the conventional multi-focus ultrasound imaging manner.

[0137] Please refer to FIG. 8, which is a schematic diagram of a scan of the ultrasonic probe 10 under conventional multi-focus imaging, receiving echoes of ultrasonic waves emitted by each transmitting position at multiple receiving positions simultaneously, the number of transmitting focuses is 2, and the number of receiving positions corresponding to each transmitting position is 8. The specific working process can be divided into a transmitting and receiving stage and a beam combining processing stage. As shown in (a) of FIG. 8, the transmitting and receiving stage is: the first transmitting position first transmits ultrasonic waves 801 focused on the first focus once, and the 8 receiving positions are received to obtain echo beam groups 811; the first transmitting position transmits ultrasonic waves 802 focused on the second focus again, and the 8 receiving positions are received to obtain echo beam groups 821; similarly, ultrasonic waves 802 correspond to echo beam groups 812 and echo beam groups 822, ultrasonic waves 803 correspond to echo beam groups 813 and echo beam groups 823, and ultrasonic waves 804 correspond to echo beam groups 814 and echo beam groups 824. As shown in (b) of FIG. 8, the beam combining processing stage is: the above echo beam groups 811 and echo beam groups 821, echo beam groups 812 and echo beam groups 822, echo beam groups 813 and echo beam groups 823, and echo beam groups 814 and echo beam groups 824 are respectively subjected to multi-focus splicing to obtain echo beam groups 831, echo beam groups 832, echo beam groups 833 and echo beam groups 834, respectively. Then, the line compounding can be performed according to the process shown in FIG. 7, so as to obtain the ultrasonic data after splicing and line compounding.

[0138] Under the above conventional multi-focus ultrasonic imaging, after multi-beam and line compounding processing, the frame rate of multi-focus imaging is FR*[N / (R*Q)], wherein FR is the frame rate of single-focus ultrasonic imaging (in the case of single-beam reception), Q is the number of transmitting focuses, N is the number of receiving positions corresponding to one transmitting position, i.e. the number of multi-beams, and R is the number of line compounding. In FIG. 8, the number of transmitting focuses Q is 2, the number of multi-beams N is 8, and the number of line compounding R is 4, and the frame rate is FR*2 / Q.

[0139] Please refer to FIG. 9, which is a schematic diagram of the scanning of the multi-focus imaging under the ultrasound probe 10 of the embodiment of the present application receiving the echoes of the ultrasound waves emitted by each transmitting position at multiple receiving positions, the number of transmitting focuses is 2, and the number of receiving positions corresponding to each transmitting position is 8. The specific working process can be divided into a transmitting and receiving stage and a beam combining processing stage. As shown in (a) of FIG. 9, the transmitting and receiving stage is: the first transmitting position transmits the ultrasound waves 901 focused on the first focus once, and the 8 receiving positions are received to obtain the echo beam group 911; the second transmitting position transmits the ultrasound waves 902 focused on the second focus once, and the 8 receiving positions are received to obtain the echo beam group 921; the third transmitting position transmits the ultrasound waves 903 focused on the first focus once, and the 8 receiving positions are received to obtain the echo beam group 912; and the fourth transmitting position transmits the ultrasound waves 904 focused on the second focus once, and the 8 receiving positions are received to obtain the echo beam group 922. The beam combining processing stage is: as shown in (b) of FIG. 9, first, the echo beam data corresponding to the echo beams with the same transmitting focus and the same receiving position in the four echo beam groups are processed by line compounding, that is, on the first focus, the echo beam data corresponding to the echo beam 913 and the echo beam data corresponding to the echo beam 915 are line compounded to obtain the first beam data 917, and the echo beam data corresponding to the echo beam 914 and the echo beam data corresponding to the echo beam 916 are line compounded to obtain the first beam data 918; on the second focus, the echo beam data corresponding to the echo beam 923 and the echo beam data corresponding to the echo beam 925 are line compounded to obtain the first beam data 927, and the echo beam data corresponding to the echo beam 924 and the echo beam data corresponding to the echo beam 926 are line compounded to obtain the first beam data 928; as shown in (c) of FIG. 9, the first beam data 927 and the first beam data 917 on the different focuses at the same receiving position are spliced to obtain the beam data 937, and the first beam data 918 and the first beam data 928 on the different focuses at the same receiving position are spliced to obtain the beam data 938, and the beam data 937 and the beam data 938 are the final ultrasound data used for processing the ultrasound image.

[0140] The multi-focus ultrasound imaging provided by the embodiment of the present application has the following advantages: since each transmitting position only transmits once, compared with the conventional multi-focus ultrasound imaging shown in FIG. 8, in which each transmitting position transmits twice, the frame rate of the multi-focus ultrasound imaging is twice that of the conventional multi-focus ultrasound imaging shown in FIG. 8, that is, the frame rate is FR*2*[N / (R*Q)], that is, the frame rate is FR*4 / Q. Compared with the single-focus ultrasound imaging, the frame rate is improved under the premise of no loss of frame rate.

[0141] The embodiment of the present application also provides a scanning schematic diagram of multi-focus ultrasonic imaging with 4 receiving positions corresponding to each transmitting position and 2 transmitting focus points. Please refer to FIG. 10, and the specific working process is as follows: the first transmitting position transmits ultrasonic waves focused on the first focus point once 1001, and 4 receiving positions receive to obtain echo beam groups 1011; the second transmitting position transmits ultrasonic waves focused on the second focus point once 1002, and 4 receiving positions receive to obtain echo beam groups 1021; the third transmitting position transmits ultrasonic waves focused on the first focus point once 1003, and 4 receiving positions receive to obtain echo beam groups 1012; the fourth transmitting position transmits ultrasonic waves focused on the second focus point once 1004, and 4 receiving positions receive to obtain echo beam groups 1022; first, the echo beam data corresponding to the echo beams with the same transmitting focus point and the same receiving position in the 4 echo beam groups is processed by line compounding, that is, on the first focus point, the echo beam data corresponding to the echo beam 1013 is line compounded with the echo beam data corresponding to the echo beam 1014, and on the second focus point, the echo beam data corresponding to the echo beam 1023 is line compounded with the echo beam data corresponding to the echo beam 1024; then, the line compounded data of different focus points is spliced, that is, the line compounded data of the echo beam data corresponding to the echo beam 1013 and the echo beam data corresponding to the echo beam 1014 is spliced with the line compounded data of the echo beam data corresponding to the echo beam 1023 and the echo beam data corresponding to the echo beam 1024, to obtain beam data 1031; the scanning is sequentially performed in this way, and thus the ultrasonic data of an ultrasonic image can be obtained, so that a complete ultrasonic image is obtained.

[0142] In the above case, the frame rate of ultrasonic imaging is FR*2 / Q, Q is the number of transmitting focus points is 2, and compared with the conventional multi-focus ultrasonic imaging, the frame rate is also improved without loss.

[0143] Please refer to FIG. 11, the embodiment of the present application also provides a multi-focus ultrasonic imaging method, including the following steps:

[0144] Step 1101: obtaining ultrasonic data required for forming an ultrasonic image of a region of interest in a multi-focus imaging mode. In some embodiments, the ultrasonic data can be pre-stored data based on a storage medium, or the ultrasonic data can be real-time ultrasonic data obtained based on echo signals by controlling the ultrasonic probe 10 to transmit ultrasonic waves to the region of interest and receive corresponding echo signals.

[0145] Step 1102: processing the ultrasonic data to form an ultrasonic image of the region of interest.

[0146] In some embodiments, the ultrasound data needed for forming a frame of ultrasound image can be acquired in the manner of steps 51 to 54 of the above embodiments, the specific implementation of which has been described in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0147] Referring to FIG. 12, the present application also provides a multi-focus ultrasound imaging method, which comprises the following steps in a period of forming a frame of ultrasound image of a region of interest:

[0148] Step 1201: The ultrasound probe transmits corresponding ultrasound waves at M transmission positions, wherein each transmission position has a corresponding transmission focus, the ultrasound probe transmits corresponding ultrasound waves based on the transmission focus of each transmission position, and the transmission foci of at least two transmission positions of the M transmission positions are different, and M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0149] Step 1202: For the ultrasound waves transmitted at any two transmission positions of the M transmission positions, wherein:

[0150] For the ultrasound waves transmitted at one transmission position, the ultrasound probe 10 receives the ultrasound waves transmitted at the transmission position at one reception position and forms an echo beam of the reception position, and the echo beam of the reception position forms an echo beam group of the transmission position, i.e., each echo beam group comprises an echo beam received at one reception position; for the ultrasound waves transmitted at another transmission position, the ultrasound probe 10 receives the ultrasound waves transmitted at the transmission position at multiple reception positions and forms echo beams of the multiple reception positions, and the echo beams of the multiple reception positions form an echo beam group of the transmission position, i.e., each echo beam group comprises echo beams received at multiple reception positions. That is, for the M transmission positions, the echo of the ultrasound waves transmitted at part of the transmission positions is received in the form of single-beam reception, and the echo of the ultrasound waves transmitted at another part of the transmission positions is received in the form of multi-beam reception. At this time, of the M echo beam groups formed by the M transmission positions, each echo beam group in part of the echo beam groups comprises echo beams received at multiple reception positions, and each echo beam group in another part of the echo beam groups comprises an echo beam received at one reception position.

[0151] Step 1203: In a period of forming a frame of ultrasound image, ultrasound data of the region of interest is acquired based on the echo beams of the same reception position in the different echo beam groups corresponding to the M transmission positions.

[0152] Step 1204: The ultrasound data of the region of interest is processed to form a frame of ultrasound image.

[0153] The specific implementation of the above steps can refer to the related description in the above embodiments.

[0154] Please refer to FIG. 13, the embodiment of the present application further provides a multi-focus ultrasonic imaging method, in a period of forming an ultrasonic image of a region of interest, comprising the following steps:

[0155] Step 1301: the ultrasonic probe transmits corresponding ultrasonic waves at M transmission positions respectively, wherein each transmission position has a corresponding transmission focus, the ultrasonic probe transmits corresponding ultrasonic waves based on the transmission focus of each transmission position, the transmission focus of at least two transmission positions in the M transmission positions is different, and M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0156] Step 1302: for the ultrasonic wave transmitted by any one of the M transmission positions, the ultrasonic probe 10 receives the echo of the ultrasonic wave transmitted by the transmission position at a receiving position, to obtain ultrasonic data of the region of interest.

[0157] Each of the M transmission positions corresponds to a receiving position, the ultrasonic wave transmitted by each transmission position is received by a corresponding receiving position in a single-beam receiving mode, to obtain an echo beam group, at this time, only one echo beam is included in the echo beam group. In this way, the M echo beam groups formed by the M transmission positions perform analog-to-digital conversion and other processing on the echo beams corresponding to the M transmission positions to obtain M beam data, i.e., the ultrasonic data of the region of interest.

[0158] Step 1303: processing the ultrasonic data of the region of interest to form an ultrasonic image.

[0159] The specific implementation of the above steps can refer to the related description in the above embodiment.

[0160] This document has been described with reference to various exemplary embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes and modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope hereof. For example, various operational steps and components for carrying out the operational steps can be implemented in different manners depending on a particular application or any number of cost functions associated with the operation of the system (e.g., one or more steps can be deleted, modified, or combined with other steps).

[0161] In the above-described embodiments, all or part can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. In addition, as understood by those skilled in the art, the principles herein can be reflected in a computer program product on a computer readable storage medium preloaded with computer readable program code. Any tangible, non-transitory computer readable storage medium can be used, including magnetic storage devices (hard disk, floppy disk, etc.), optical storage devices (CD-ROM, DVD, Blu Ray disc, etc.), flash memory, and / or the like. These computer program instructions can be loaded onto a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus create means for implementing the functions specified. These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable memory can form an article of manufacture including an implementation to implement the specified functions. The computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process so that the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the specified functions.

[0162] While the principles herein have been illustrated in various embodiments, many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, elements, materials, and components which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operational requirements can be employed without departing from the principles and scope of the disclosure. These modifications and other changes or modifications will be included within the scope of the principles herein.

[0163] The foregoing detailed description has been described with reference to various embodiments. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the disclosure, with all changes and modifications that can come within the scope being included herein. Likewise, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that can cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features of the disclosure. The terms "include" and variations thereof, as used in the specification and throughout the claims, are intended to be non-exclusive, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but can include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, the terms "coupled" and variations thereof, as used in the specification and throughout the claims, are intended to be interpreted broadly to encompass a physical connection, an electrical connection, a magnetic connection, an optical connection, a communicative connection, a functional connection, and / or any other connection.

[0164] One skilled in the art will recognize that the foregoing preferred embodiments can be readily adapted for numerous alterations without departing from the central teachings of the present application. Accordingly, the scope of the present application should be determined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A method of multi-focal ultrasound imaging, characterized by, The method comprises: ultrasound imaging of a region of interest, in a period for forming a frame of ultrasound images of the region of interest: an ultrasound probe emits corresponding ultrasound waves at M emission positions respectively, wherein each of the emission positions has a corresponding emission focus, the ultrasound probe emits corresponding ultrasound waves based on the emission focus of each of the emission positions, the emission foci of at least two of the M emission positions are different, M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2; for ultrasound waves emitted by at least one of the M emission positions, the ultrasound probe simultaneously receives echoes of the ultrasound waves emitted by the at least one of the emission positions at multiple receiving positions and forms echo beams of the multiple receiving positions, the echo beams of the multiple receiving positions form an echo beam group of the at least one of the emission positions; in the period, based on echo beams of the same receiving position in different echo beam groups corresponding to the M emission positions, ultrasound data of the region of interest is obtained; the ultrasound data of the region of interest is processed to form a frame of the ultrasound images.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The emission foci of adjacent two of the M emission positions are different.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The emission foci include a first emission focus and a second emission focus; the ultrasound probe alternately emits ultrasound waves with the first emission focus and the second emission focus at the M emission positions.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The M emission positions include multiple emission position groups, each of the emission position groups includes a predetermined number of multiple emission positions, the multiple emission positions in each of the emission position groups have the same emission focus, adjacent emission position groups correspond to different emission foci; The predetermined number is a positive integer greater than 1.

5. The method of any one of claims 1-4, wherein, For ultrasound waves emitted by at least one of the M emission positions, the ultrasound probe simultaneously receives echoes of the ultrasound waves emitted by the at least one of the emission positions at multiple receiving positions and forms echo beams of the multiple receiving positions, the echo beams of the multiple receiving positions form an echo beam group of the at least one of the emission positions; including: For ultrasound waves emitted by at least two of the M emission positions, wherein: For ultrasound waves emitted by at least one of the emission positions, the ultrasound probe simultaneously receives the ultrasound waves emitted by the at least one of the emission positions at N receiving positions and forms echo beams of the N receiving positions, the echo beams of the N receiving positions form an echo beam group of the at least one of the emission positions; N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1; For ultrasound waves emitted by another of the emission positions, the ultrasound probe simultaneously receives the ultrasound waves emitted by the another of the emission positions at P receiving positions and forms echo beams of the P receiving positions, the echo beams of the P receiving positions form an echo beam group of the another of the emission positions; P is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, For adjacent two of the M emission positions, at least one of the N receiving positions corresponding to at least one of the emission positions and at least one of the P receiving positions corresponding to at least one of the emission positions are the same.

7. The method of any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The ultrasound data of the region of interest is obtained based on echo beams of the same receiving position in different echo beam groups corresponding to the M emission positions, comprising: processing each echo beam in each of the different echo beam groups to obtain corresponding echo beam data; obtaining ultrasound data of the region of interest based on the echo beam data of the same receiving position in the different echo beam groups corresponding to the M transmitting positions.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The obtaining of the ultrasound data of the region of interest based on the echo beam data of the same receiving position in the different echo beam groups corresponding to the M transmitting positions comprises: performing merging processing on the echo beam data of the same receiving position in the different echo beam groups corresponding to the M transmitting positions to obtain the ultrasound data of the region of interest.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The merging processing on the echo beam data of the same receiving position in the different echo beam groups corresponding to the M transmitting positions to obtain the ultrasound data of the region of interest comprises: performing line complex processing on the echo beam data of the ultrasound waves with the same transmitting focal point in the echo beam data of the same receiving position in the different echo beam groups corresponding to the M transmitting positions to obtain first beam data corresponding to each transmitting focal point; performing splicing processing on the first beam data corresponding to each focal point to obtain the ultrasound data of the region of interest. The merging processing on the echo beam data of the same receiving position in the different echo beam groups corresponding to the M transmitting positions to obtain the ultrasound data of the region of interest comprises:

10. The method of claim 8, wherein, performing splicing processing on the echo beam data of the ultrasound waves with different transmitting focal points in the echo beam data of the same receiving position in the different echo beam groups corresponding to the M transmitting positions to obtain a plurality of second beam data; performing line complex processing on the plurality of second beam data to obtain the ultrasound data of the region of interest. The merging processing on the echo beam data of the same receiving position in the different echo beam groups corresponding to the M transmitting positions to obtain the ultrasound data of the region of interest comprises:

11. The method of claim 8, wherein, performing weighting processing on the echo beam data of the same receiving position in the different echo beam groups corresponding to the M transmitting positions to obtain the ultrasound data of the region of interest. Before the ultrasound imaging of the region of interest, the method further comprises:

12. The method of any one of claims 1-11, wherein, in response to a command of performing multi-focal point imaging, entering a multi-focal point imaging mode. The method further comprises:

13. The method of any one of claims 1-12, wherein, in response to an adjustment operation of a user, adjusting a transmitting focal point corresponding to at least one of the M transmitting positions. In a case where the ultrasound probe simultaneously receives echoes of the ultrasound waves transmitted by at least one of the transmitting positions at a plurality of receiving positions, the plurality of receiving positions are symmetrically distributed along the at least one transmitting position.

14. The method of any one of claims 1-13, wherein, The method further comprises:

15. A method of multi-focal ultrasound imaging, characterized by, ​ acquiring ultrasound data needed for forming an ultrasound image of a region of interest in a multi-focus imaging mode; wherein the ultrasound data is acquired by an ultrasound probe transmitting corresponding ultrasound waves to the region of interest at M transmitting positions respectively, for ultrasound waves transmitted at at least one of the M transmitting positions, the ultrasound probe simultaneously receives echoes of the ultrasound waves transmitted at the at least one of the M transmitting positions at multiple receiving positions and forms echo beams of the multiple receiving positions, the echo beams of the multiple receiving positions form an echo beam group of the at least one of the M transmitting positions; in the period, the ultrasound data of the region of interest is acquired based on echo beams of the same receiving position in different echo beam groups corresponding to the M transmitting positions; wherein each of the transmitting positions has a corresponding transmitting focus, the ultrasound probe transmits corresponding ultrasound waves based on the transmitting focus of each of the transmitting positions, the transmitting foci of at least two of the M transmitting positions are different, and M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2; processing the ultrasound data to form an ultrasound image of the region of interest.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The acquiring of the ultrasound data needed for forming an ultrasound image of a region of interest in a multi-focus imaging mode comprises: acquiring based on a storage medium; and / or, controlling the ultrasound probe to transmit ultrasound waves to the region of interest and receive corresponding echo signals, and acquiring the ultrasound data based on the echo signals.

17. A method of multi-focal ultrasound imaging, characterized by, Comprise: ultrasound imaging of a region of interest, in a period for forming an ultrasound image of the region of interest: the ultrasound probe transmits corresponding ultrasound waves at M transmitting positions respectively, wherein each of the transmitting positions has a corresponding transmitting focus, the ultrasound probe transmits corresponding ultrasound waves based on the transmitting focus of each of the transmitting positions, the transmitting foci of at least two of the M transmitting positions are different, and M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2; for ultrasound waves transmitted at any two of the M transmitting positions, wherein: for ultrasound waves transmitted at one of the transmitting positions, the ultrasound probe receives the ultrasound waves transmitted at the one of the transmitting positions at one receiving position and forms an echo beam of the one receiving position, the echo beam of the one receiving position forms an echo beam group of the one of the transmitting positions; for ultrasound waves transmitted at another of the transmitting positions, the ultrasound probe simultaneously receives the ultrasound waves transmitted at the another of the transmitting positions at multiple receiving positions and forms echo beams of the multiple receiving positions, the echo beams of the multiple receiving positions form an echo beam group of the another of the transmitting positions; in the period, the ultrasound data of the region of interest is acquired based on echo beams of the same receiving position in different echo beam groups corresponding to the M transmitting positions; processing the ultrasound data of the region of interest to form an ultrasound image.

18. A method of multi-focal ultrasound imaging, characterized by, Comprise: ultrasound imaging of a region of interest, in a period for forming an ultrasound image of the region of interest: The ultrasound probe transmits corresponding ultrasound waves at M transmission positions respectively, each of the transmission positions has a corresponding transmission focus, the ultrasound probe transmits corresponding ultrasound waves based on the transmission focus of each of the transmission positions, the transmission foci of at least two of the M transmission positions are different, and M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2; For the ultrasound wave transmitted by any one of the M transmission positions, the ultrasound probe receives the echo of the ultrasound wave transmitted by the transmission position at a receiving position, to obtain the ultrasound data of the region of interest; The ultrasound data of the region of interest is processed to form a frame of the ultrasound image.

19. An ultrasound apparatus, characterized by Comprise: An ultrasound probe for transmitting ultrasound waves to a region of interest and receiving echoes of the ultrasound waves to obtain echo signals; Transmission and reception control circuitry for controlling the ultrasound probe to transmit the ultrasound waves and receive the echo signals of the ultrasound waves; A processor for: Ultrasound imaging of a region of interest, in a period for forming a frame of the ultrasound image of the region of interest: The ultrasound probe transmits corresponding ultrasound waves at M transmission positions respectively, each of the transmission positions has a corresponding transmission focus, the ultrasound probe transmits corresponding ultrasound waves based on the transmission focus of each of the transmission positions, the transmission foci of at least two of the M transmission positions are different, and M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2; For the ultrasound wave transmitted by at least one of the M transmission positions, the ultrasound probe simultaneously receives the echo of the ultrasound wave transmitted by the transmission position at multiple receiving positions and forms multiple receiving position echo beams, and the multiple receiving position echo beams form an echo beam group of the transmission position; In the period, the ultrasound data of the region of interest is obtained based on the echo beams of the same receiving position in different echo beam groups corresponding to the M transmission positions; The ultrasound data of the region of interest is processed to form a frame of the ultrasound image.

20. The ultrasonic device of claim 19, wherein, The transmission foci of adjacent two of the M transmission positions are different.

21. The ultrasonic device of claim 20, wherein, The transmission foci include a first transmission focus and a second transmission focus; the ultrasound probe alternately transmits ultrasound waves with the first transmission focus and the second transmission focus at the M transmission positions.

22. The ultrasonic device of claim 19, wherein, The M transmission positions include multiple transmission position groups, each transmission position group includes a predetermined number of multiple transmission positions, the multiple transmission positions in each of the transmission position groups have the same transmission focus, and adjacent transmission position groups correspond to different transmission foci; The predetermined number is a positive integer greater than 1.

23. The ultrasound device of any of claims 19-22, wherein, The ultrasound probe simultaneously receives the echo of the ultrasound wave transmitted by the transmission position at multiple receiving positions and forms multiple receiving position echo beams for the ultrasound wave transmitted by at least one of the M transmission positions, and the multiple receiving position echo beams form an echo beam group of the transmission position; comprising: For the ultrasound waves transmitted by at least two of the M transmission positions, wherein: The ultrasound probe receives the ultrasound wave transmitted by at least one of the transmission positions at N receiving positions simultaneously and forms N receiving position echo beams, and the N receiving position echo beams form an echo beam group of the transmission position; N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1; The ultrasound probe receives the ultrasound wave transmitted by another transmission position at P receiving positions simultaneously and forms P receiving position echo beams, and the P receiving position echo beams form an echo beam group of the transmission position; P is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

24. The ultrasonic device of claim 23, wherein, For two adjacent transmission positions in the M transmission positions, at least one of the N receiving positions corresponding to at least one transmission position and at least one of the P receiving positions corresponding to at least one transmission position are the same.

25. The ultrasound device of any of claims 19-24, wherein, The method for obtaining the ultrasound data of the region of interest based on the echo beams of the same receiving position in the different echo beam groups corresponding to the M transmission positions comprises: processing each echo beam in each echo beam group to obtain corresponding echo beam data; obtaining the ultrasound data of the region of interest based on the echo beam data of the same receiving position in the different echo beam groups corresponding to the M transmission positions.

26. The ultrasonic device of claim 25, wherein, The method for obtaining the ultrasound data of the region of interest based on the echo beams of the same receiving position in the different echo beam groups corresponding to the M transmission positions comprises: performing merging processing on the echo beam data of the same receiving position in the different echo beam groups corresponding to the M transmission positions to obtain the ultrasound data of the region of interest.

27. The ultrasonic device of claim 26, wherein, The method for obtaining the ultrasound data of the region of interest based on the echo beams of the same receiving position in the different echo beam groups corresponding to the M transmission positions comprises: performing line complex processing on the echo beam data of the ultrasound wave with the same transmission focal point in the echo beam data of the same receiving position in the different echo beam groups corresponding to the M transmission positions to obtain first beam data corresponding to each transmission focal point; performing splicing processing on the first beam data corresponding to each focal point to obtain the ultrasound data of the region of interest.

28. The ultrasonic device of claim 26, wherein, The method for obtaining the ultrasound data of the region of interest based on the echo beams of the same receiving position in the different echo beam groups corresponding to the M transmission positions comprises: performing splicing processing on the echo beam data of the ultrasound wave with different transmission focal points in the echo beam data of the same receiving position in the different echo beam groups corresponding to the M transmission positions to obtain a plurality of second beam data; performing line complex processing on the plurality of second beam data to obtain the ultrasound data of the region of interest.

29. The ultrasonic device of claim 26, wherein, The method for obtaining the ultrasound data of the region of interest based on the echo beams of the same receiving position in the different echo beam groups corresponding to the M transmission positions comprises: performing weighting processing on the echo beam data of the same receiving position in the different echo beam groups corresponding to the M transmission positions to obtain the ultrasound data of the region of interest.

30. The ultrasound device of any of claims 19-29, wherein, The processor is further configured to: In response to the adjustment operation of the user, the emission focus corresponding to at least one of the M emission positions is adjusted.

31. The ultrasound device of any of claims 19-30, wherein, In the case where the ultrasound probe receives echoes of the ultrasound waves emitted by at least one of the emission positions at multiple receiving positions simultaneously, the multiple receiving positions are symmetrically distributed along the at least one emission position.

32. The ultrasound device of any of claims 19-31, wherein, The display interface and / or the control panel of the ultrasound device are provided with an option of the multi-focus imaging mode, and the multi-focus imaging mode is entered based on the selection of the option by the user.

33. An ultrasound device, characterized by The method comprises: an ultrasound probe configured to emit ultrasound waves to a region of interest and receive echoes of the ultrasound waves to obtain echo signals; transmission and reception control circuitry configured to control the ultrasound probe to emit the ultrasound waves and receive the echo signals of the ultrasound waves; a processor configured to: acquire ultrasound data required for forming an ultrasound image of the region of interest in a multi-focus imaging mode, wherein the ultrasound data is acquired by the ultrasound probe emitting corresponding ultrasound waves to the region of interest at M emission positions, and for ultrasound waves emitted by at least one of the M emission positions, the ultrasound probe receives echoes of the ultrasound waves emitted by the at least one emission position at multiple receiving positions simultaneously to form echo beams of the multiple receiving positions, and the echo beams of the multiple receiving positions form an echo beam group of the at least one emission position; and the ultrasound data is acquired based on echo beams of the same receiving position in different echo beam groups corresponding to the M emission positions in the period; wherein each of the emission positions has a corresponding emission focus, the ultrasound probe emits corresponding ultrasound waves based on the emission focus of each of the emission positions, and the emission foci of at least two of the M emission positions are different, and M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2; process the ultrasound data to form an ultrasound image of the region of interest.

34. The ultrasonic device of claim 33, wherein, The acquisition of the ultrasound data required for forming an ultrasound image of the region of interest in a multi-focus imaging mode comprises: acquisition based on a storage medium; and / or controlling the ultrasound probe to emit ultrasound waves to the region of interest and receive corresponding echo signals, and acquiring the ultrasound data based on the echo signals.

35. An ultrasound device, characterized by The method comprises: an ultrasound probe configured to emit ultrasound waves to a region of interest and receive echoes of the ultrasound waves to obtain echo signals; transmission and reception control circuitry configured to control the ultrasound probe to emit the ultrasound waves and receive the echo signals of the ultrasound waves; a processor configured to: perform ultrasound imaging of the region of interest, and in a period for forming an ultrasound image of the region of interest: the ultrasound probe emits corresponding ultrasound waves at M emission positions, wherein each of the emission positions has a corresponding emission focus, the ultrasound probe emits corresponding ultrasound waves based on the emission focus of each of the emission positions, and the emission foci of at least two of the M emission positions are different, and M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2; for ultrasound waves emitted by any two of the M emission positions, wherein: For the ultrasound wave emitted by one of the transmission positions, the ultrasound probe receives the ultrasound wave emitted by the transmission position at one reception position and forms a reception position echo beam, the reception position echo beam forming a transmission position echo beam group; For the ultrasound wave emitted by another of the transmission positions, the ultrasound probe receives the ultrasound wave emitted by the transmission position at multiple reception positions simultaneously and forms multiple reception position echo beams, the multiple reception position echo beams forming a transmission position echo beam group; In the period, based on the echo beams of the same reception position in the different echo beam groups corresponding to the M transmission positions, the ultrasound data of the region of interest is obtained; The ultrasound data of the region of interest is processed to form a frame of the ultrasound image.

36. An ultrasound device, characterized by Comprise: An ultrasound probe for transmitting ultrasound waves to a region of interest and receiving echoes of the ultrasound waves to obtain echo signals; Transmission and reception control circuitry for controlling the ultrasound probe to transmit the ultrasound waves and receive the echo signals of the ultrasound waves; A processor for: Ultrasound imaging of a region of interest, in a period for forming a frame of the ultrasound image of the region of interest: The ultrasound probe transmits corresponding ultrasound waves at M transmission positions, wherein each transmission position has a corresponding transmission focal point, the ultrasound probe transmits corresponding ultrasound waves based on the transmission focal point of each transmission position, and the transmission focal points of at least two of the M transmission positions are different, M being a positive integer greater than or equal to 2; For the ultrasound wave emitted by any one of the M transmission positions, the ultrasound probe receives the echo of the ultrasound wave emitted by the transmission position at one reception position to obtain ultrasound data of the region of interest; The ultrasound data of the region of interest is processed to form a frame of the ultrasound image.

37. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The medium has stored thereon a computer program, which can be executed by a processor to implement the method of any one of claims 1-18. The medium has stored thereon a computer program, which can be executed by a processor to implement the method of any one of claims 1-18.

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