RU2800255C2 - Control unit for ultrasonic examinations - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: medicine.

SUBSTANCE: ultrasound control unit (ultrasound) for configuring the visualization of ultrasound data using the display unit during the operation. The control unit is configured to acquire ultrasound image data and automatically control the display of the most relevant portions and types of data based on current levels of a number of different monitored physiological parameters. Specifically, according to entering or leaving a predetermined range of values (e.g., representing an alarm or normal condition related to the patient) of one of the physiological parameters, the control unit determines the most suitable anatomical region in the image data to represent the changed physiological parameter and the most an effective rendering mode (eg, view) to represent or demonstrate that anatomical region in the image data. One or more display frames that show the anatomical region rendered in accordance with the selected imaging mode are generated. To control the display panel, a control output signal is generated to display one or more display frames.

EFFECT: use of this group of inventions will allow to extract clinically more relevant information related to the current state of the patient from ultrasound images.

15 cl, 5 dwg, 1 tbl

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY TO WHICH THE INVENTION RELATES

The present invention relates to an ultrasound control unit (US) for configuring the visualization of ultrasound data.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ultrasonic imaging is a widely used technique. One application of particular interest is the use of ultrasound to monitor and diagnose various cardiac conditions.

Recent advances in image processing algorithms and transducer development have made continuous monitoring possible. Continuous monitoring provides many new clinical findings compared to a single scan. It also offers advantages over other monitoring methods due to its non-invasiveness, no risk of infection, and the absence of any ionizing radiation.

The acquisition of ultrasound can be associated, for example, with intelligent image analysis and signal processing algorithms. Such systems are becoming a valuable tool for monitoring patients at the point of care.

One particularly important application of continuous ultrasound monitoring may be monitoring of cardiac hemodynamics, as it provides real-time and non-invasive monitoring of cardiac dynamics. It offers a viable alternative to the use of a pulmonary artery catheter, an invasive device that provides intermittent cardiac output measurements and ventricular pressure measurements. The latter is becoming increasingly unpopular with physicians due to its invasive nature.

Monitoring makes it possible, for example, to monitor certain physiological or anatomical parameters associated with, for example, hemodynamics, such as cardiac output, ventricular size or volume, or other blood flow parameters.

The interpretation of ultrasound images is a more difficult task than with other medical imaging modalities. In particular, novice ultrasound users may be overwhelmed by the amount of additional information that ultrasound can provide. In particular, the direct relationship between captured ultrasound image data (eg, heart) and the resulting or relevant physiological parameter (eg, cardiac output) is determined by complex image processing algorithms. This can make it difficult for the clinician to quickly obtain additional information from the ultrasound data. This can result in missing critical opportunities for preventive action. This can have detrimental medical consequences.

Therefore, a means is required to intelligently process the received image data to extract clinically more relevant information related to the current state of the patient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is defined by the claims.

According to examples, in accordance with one aspect of the invention, an ultrasound control unit is provided for configuring the imaging of ultrasound data, the ultrasound control unit being operably coupled to a display unit, said control unit comprising:

a data acquisition module, configured to acquire ultrasound image data for a given subject from an ultrasound image data source;

a measurement data acquisition module, configured to obtain one or more measurement results of the subject's physiological parameters;

a visualization module configured, in response to the occurrence of at least one predetermined alarm condition, determined by at least entering or leaving a predetermined threshold range of at least one of the physiological parameters:

identify a relevant anatomical region in the acquired ultrasound image data related to at least one physiological parameter;

determine an imaging mode for visualizing the identified anatomical region on the display panel of the display unit based on at least one physiological parameter under consideration and the specific alarm condition that has occurred;

process at least a subset of the received ultrasound image data to generate one or more output display frames representing the specified relevant anatomical region, wherein the specified region is rendered in accordance with the specified imaging mode, and generate a control output signal to control the display unit to display the specified one or more output display frames.

Embodiments of the invention allow more relevant image data information to be presented by identifying the anatomical region and imaging mode most relevant to the particular physiological parameter being observed.

Thus, embodiments of the invention essentially associate or harmonize traceable clinical measurements with presentation of ultrasound image data so that the image data can be processed in the most appropriate way to visually reproduce or present traceable measurements.

In addition, the display of a specific parameter is directly triggered by the entry of the monitored physiological parameter into or out of a specific range of values. Entering or leaving the range of values characterizes one or more alarm conditions for the patient, ensuring that the image data information displayed to the user is the most clinically relevant or urgent information at the time.

For example, when one of the variations of a parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold value or is outside the normal range of threshold values, the control unit may provide a zone selection on the display panel of the display unit, and the reconstructed anatomical image most relevant to this parameter under a given alarm condition that has occurred will be displayed in this zone.

A predetermined alarm condition can be determined either by entering a certain threshold range of values, or by going outside the threshold range of values. For example, an alarm threshold range can be defined, entry into which indicates a dangerous level of the parameter. Additionally or alternatively, a normal range of values may be defined, beyond which a dangerous parameter level is indicated.

In some examples, the ultrasound control unit may be configured to implement the step of identifying and/or highlighting an area or zone of the display space on the display panel of the display unit to display output frame(s) of the display. In some examples, this may be based at least in part on determining or identifying the current allocation of the display panel's display space (to other currently rendered objects or information). In some examples, the control unit may be configured to re-evaluate and/or re-allocate display space for currently rendered information or objects to make room for rendering (new) output display frames to be displayed.

In some examples, the ultrasound control unit may be configured to stop displaying a particular previously rendered and displayed output display frame when a relevant physiological parameter corresponding to the ultrasound data displayed by the display frame falls outside a specified predetermined range of values. This further ensures that only the most relevant information is displayed on the display panel at any given time.

It should be noted that although the data acquisition module, the measurement acquisition module, and the visualization module are specified as separate entities, their respective functionality may be distributed differently among one or more components. In some examples, the functionality of various modules may be combined and executed by a single element, such as a single controller or processor, or their functionality may otherwise be distributed among one or more elements or components. Alternatively, the functionality of each module may be implemented by a separate controller or processor in the ultrasound control unit.

Measurements of physiological parameters may be clinical measurements. They may include, for example, vital signs. These may include hemodynamic measurements, particularly in the region of the heart.

Obtaining physiological parameter measurements may include obtaining one or more physiological parameter measurements, for example, from ultrasound image data or based on signals received from other sources, such as one or more physiological parameter sensors. The measurement results may be obtained from the output signals of one or more physiological parameters sensors, with which the control unit may be communicatively associated in operation.

The ultrasound image data may be obtained directly from an ultrasound imaging unit, such as an ultrasound transducer unit, such as an ultrasound probe. Alternatively, the ultrasound image data may be obtained from another source, such as indirectly via a patient monitor or surveillance system, or a network to which one or more ultrasound transducer units are directly connected. In some examples, ultrasound image data may be obtained from a data store.

The various possible imaging modes may include one or more of the following:

a specific view of the relevant anatomical region in the ultrasound image data,

superimposing one or more measurements of physiological parameters on the ultrasound image data,

overlaying the segmentation information obtained for the ultrasound image data.

"View" in the present context may mean, for example, a spatial view or a spatial viewpoint. The rendering unit, for example, generates or constructs an image or visual representation representing the anatomical region as (or as if) being observed, for example, from a particular viewpoint.

A view may be characterized by a particular viewing angle or orientation and/or zoom level of the view. The view can be characterized by the position of the point (for example, virtual) of the view relative to the anatomical region from which this region is observed in the constructed image.

The superimposition of the measurement results of physiological parameters may be the superposition of said measurement results on an image constructed from, for example, ultrasound image data. The physiological measurement overlay may comprise any form of visual overlay representing one or more physiological parameter measurements. The overlay may be a distribution of one or more physiological parameter measurements over at least a portion of the identified anatomical region. In some examples, the overlay may represent one or more physiological parameter measurements in text form or, for example, in graphical form, such as using colors, color gradients, or outlines.

Any of the above exemplary rendering mode options may be combined. For example, the imaging mode may be in the form of an overlay of segmentation information, such as with a grid showing or describing the structure of an anatomical region, wherein the segmentation information is enhanced by presenting one or more measurements of physiological parameters.

Thus, as one example, a grid showing the anatomical structure of at least a portion of an anatomical region can be enhanced or combined with an overlay representing the distribution of mechanical strain over said region. For example, the superimposed structural mesh may be combined or combined with a color gradient or contour representation of mechanical deformation in the structural region (eg, walls) represented by the mesh.

The specific view may, for example, include a view representing a particular two-dimensional plane or slice through the acquired ultrasound image data, the plane having associated plane coordinates and an orientation angle.

The specific appearance can be determined, for example, based on the relative orientation of the anatomical region to which the measured physiological parameter relates. This may be based on the orientation of the region (eg, the inner walls of the region) relative to the direction of blood flow through the region.

The specific view may comprise a 3D representation of at least a portion of the anatomical region, optionally based on meshing of acquired ultrasound image data.

As noted above, according to one or more examples, the control unit may be configured to generate a control output to control the display unit to stop displaying said display output frame(s) when said predetermined alarm condition is no longer met.

According to one or more examples, the imaging module may be configured to access an imaging database containing for each of a plurality of different physiological parameters: at least one relevant anatomical region and at least one relevant imaging mode for each of one or more alarm conditions for the parameter. The relevant anatomical region may be identified and/or the imaging mode may be selected based on access to the imaging database.

Alternatively, in some examples, the identification of a relevant anatomical region and/or imaging mode selection may be based on the use of an anatomical region determination algorithm and/or imaging mode.

In some examples, the measurement acquisition module may be configured to determine one or more physiological parameter measurements based on the acquired ultrasound image data. The control unit may contain one or more algorithms or modules for processing ultrasound image data to determine the results of measurements of physiological parameters. In this case, obtaining measurements of physiological parameters includes determining the measurement results.

As a non-limiting example, measurements of physiological parameters may include one or more of: stroke volume, cardiac output, ventricular ejection fraction synchrony, general or local strain, local wall motion.

Additionally or alternatively, the control unit may be operatively associated with one or more physiological parameters sensors to obtain at least a subset of said measurements of the subject's physiological parameters.

As a non-limiting example, physiological sensors may include one or more of the following: an ECG (electrocardiogram) sensor device, a PPG (photoplethysmogram) sensor, a blood pressure sensor (eg, a blood pressure cuff).

The data acquisition module may be configured to recurrently acquire ultrasound image data. For example, the acquisition module may acquire ultrasound image data continuously or may acquire image data recurrently, such as at regular intervals. The ultrasound image data may be acquired on an ongoing or continuous basis, such as during a monitoring session.

The measurement data collection unit may be configured to continuously or recurrently acquire physiological parameter measurements for one or more physiological parameters.

The ultrasound control unit may be configured to continuously or recurrently monitor the received measurements of physiological parameters. The rendering module may in operation be able to continuously or recurrently reassess which previously generated and displayed output display frames remain displayed on the display unit's display panel.

The ultrasound control unit may further be operatively connected to the ultrasound transducer unit, wherein the data acquisition module is configured to acquire ultrasound image data using the transducer unit. For example, the control unit may be configured to control the transducer unit receiving the data.

Alternatively, data collection may be controlled by a separate control element, with the control unit in accordance with the present invention receiving data by simultaneously communicating with the output signal of the transducer block or said control element.

In one preferred group of embodiments, the control unit may be a control unit for controlling the visualization of ultrasound data representing a region of the heart and/or representing a respiratory region (ie, an area containing or part of the lungs).

In specific examples, the control unit may be designed to control the visualization of ultrasound cardiac data. Here, the field of application is cardiac ultrasound imaging and cardiac or cardiac-related physiological parameters, such as hemodynamic parameters.

The imaging module may be configured to extract from the acquired ultrasound image data a subset of data representative of the identified anatomical region.

Examples in accordance with another aspect of the invention provide a method for controlling the imaging of ultrasound data, comprising:

obtaining ultrasound image data for a given object from an ultrasound image data source;

obtaining one or more measurements of physiological parameters for the subject; And

in response to the occurrence of at least one predetermined alarm condition, determined by at least the entry into or exit from a predetermined threshold range of at least one of the physiological parameters:

identifying a relevant anatomical region in the acquired ultrasound image data related to at least one of the physiological parameters;

selecting an imaging mode for visualizing the identified anatomical region on the display panel of the display unit based on at least one physiological parameter of interest and the specific alarm condition that has occurred;

processing at least a subset of the acquired ultrasound image data to generate one or more output display frames representing the relevant anatomical region, said region being rendered in accordance with the specified imaging mode, and generating a control output signal to control the display unit to display the output display frames.

The implementations and details of each of the above steps may be understood and interpreted in accordance with the explanations and descriptions given above for the hardware aspect of the present invention (ie, the control unit aspect).

Any of the examples, variations, or features of an embodiment or details disclosed above with respect to the hardware aspect of the present invention (i.e., in relation to the control unit) may be appropriately applied to, or combined or combined with, this aspect of the method of the invention.

In specific examples, the various possible rendering modes may include one or more of the following:

a specific view of the relevant anatomical region in the ultrasound image data;

superimposing one or more measurements of physiological parameters on the ultrasound image data;

overlaying the segmentation information obtained for the ultrasound image data.

In the examples, according to another aspect of the invention, an ultrasonic system is provided, comprising: an ultrasonic transducer unit; and a control unit according to any example or embodiment above or disclosed below, or according to any claim in this application, operatively associated with the ultrasonic transducer unit, wherein the data acquisition module of the control unit is configured to acquire ultrasound image data using the ultrasonic transducer unit.

The ultrasonic transducer block may comprise one or more ultrasonic transducers, such as one or more transducer arrays. The transducer block may be any device, block, or element containing at least one ultrasonic transducer.

Optionally, the ultrasound system may further comprise a display unit, the display unit comprising a display panel, the control unit being configured to send the generated control output signals to the display unit.

If a display unit is provided, it may be a display unit already contained in the ultrasound system itself (ie, to display acquired ultrasound image data while performing an examination). Alternatively, the display unit may be an additional display unit provided in addition to the display unit already included in the ultrasound system.

According to one or more examples, the control unit may include a connection lead for connection to an external display unit in some examples. In some examples, the control unit may include a connection terminal for connection to, for example, a patient monitoring unit or system. The patient monitoring unit or system may receive the generated control output signals and use the control output signals to present a visualization of the received ultrasound data, for example, using a display unit contained in the patient monitoring unit or system. Alternatively, the imaging may be displayed using a separate display unit that is separate from, for example, any existing display unit, or patient monitoring unit or system, or ultrasound system.

In the examples, according to another aspect of the invention, a patient monitoring system is provided, comprising: a display unit comprising a display panel; patient monitoring unit; and a control unit according to any example or embodiment set forth above or disclosed below, or according to any claim in this application, operatively associated with the patient monitoring unit and the display unit and configured to provide the generated control output signals to the display unit.

For example, the patient monitoring unit may be configured to connect to or connected to one or more devices for measuring or monitoring physiological parameters (eg, vital signs). The display unit may be part of the patient monitoring unit or may be a display unit separate from the patient monitoring unit. If a separate display is provided, it may be in addition to the display already included in the patient monitoring unit or system in some examples, for example, to specifically display received ultrasound data and generated imaging results.

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent and explained with reference to the embodiments disclosed below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention and a clearer idea of how it can be put into practice, we will now consider, by way of example only, the attached drawings, in which:

in fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an exemplary ultrasound control unit in accordance with one or more embodiments, with the control unit shown in operation operatively connected to an ultrasound transducer unit and a display unit;

in fig. 2 shows the occurrence of an exemplary alarm condition when an exemplary threshold range of physiological parameter values is exceeded;

in fig. 3 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method in accordance with one or more embodiments;

in fig. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary ultrasound system in accordance with one or more embodiments; And

in fig. 5 shows an exemplary ultrasonic system in more detail.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF IMPLEMENTATION OPTIONS

The invention is disclosed with consideration of the drawings.

It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while showing exemplary embodiments of devices, systems and methods, are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, systems, and methods of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are schematic and not to scale. It is also to be understood that throughout the drawings, the same reference numbers are used to refer to the same or like parts.

The invention provides an ultrasound control unit for adjusting the visualization of ultrasound data using a display unit. The control unit is configured to collect ultrasound image data and to automatically control the display of the most relevant parts and types of data based on current levels of a number of different monitored physiological parameters. Specifically, in response to one of the physiological parameters entering or leaving a predetermined range of values (e.g., respectively representing an alarming or normal condition for the patient), the control unit determines in the image data the most suitable anatomical region for representing the changed physiological parameter and the most efficient imaging mode (e.g., view) for representing or demonstrating this anatomical region in the image data. One or more display frames are generated that show the anatomical region rendered in accordance with the selected imaging mode. A control output signal is generated to drive the display panel to display one or more display frames.

Thus, embodiments of the invention provide assistance to assist the clinician in assessing a patient's physiological condition and making medical decisions. The control unit is particularly useful in continuous ultrasound monitoring applications where it can be difficult to identify the most appropriate piece of collected ultrasound data to view and the most useful view from that portion in a short amount of time. Embodiments of the invention automatically display relevant ultrasound image data to the clinician in an efficient imaging mode based on the most recent physiological measurements reflecting the patient's current condition.

Thus, embodiments may provide for the automatic initiation of certain ultrasound imaging modes that are initiated, for example, when the patient's physiological state changes.

An exemplary control unit 12 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention is shown as a schematic block diagram in FIG. 1. The control unit 12, shown in operation, is operatively connected to an external display panel 24, an ultrasonic transducer unit 26, and one or more auxiliary sensors 28 of physiological parameters. According to one aspect, the control unit is provided separately and can be operatively linked to said external units or devices. According to another aspect, the control unit may be provided in combination with one or more of these external devices: in this case, the arrangement may be an ultrasonic system. Now consider the control unit itself.

The ultrasound control unit 12 is designed to configure the visualization of ultrasound data. The control unit may be operatively linked to the display unit 24 .

The ultrasound control unit 12 includes a data acquisition module 12 configured to acquire ultrasound image data for a given subject from an ultrasound image data source in the form (in this example) of an ultrasound transducer unit 26 . A data acquisition module for this purpose may be operatively linked to the ultrasonic transducer unit 26 . In FIG. 1 transducer block is shown with such a functional relationship.

The ultrasound control unit further comprises a data acquisition module 18 configured to obtain one or more measurements of the patient's physiological parameters. The results of measurements of physiological parameters can be obtained in different ways.

In some examples, one or more measurements of physiological parameters may be determined based on the ultrasound image data acquired by the data acquisition module 16 . For example, when ultrasound cardiac data is obtained, one or more hemodynamic parameters can be determined from the image data. For ultrasound-determined measurements, the calculation of the parameters, for example, can be based on segmentation and/or other image analysis performed on the obtained three-dimensional volume.

Additionally or alternatively, at least a subset of physiological parameter measurements may be obtained using one or more functionally related physiological parameter sensors. The data acquisition module 18 is shown operatively associated with an arrangement of one or more auxiliary sensors 28 of physiological parameters. Physiological parameter sensors may include, as a non-limiting example, one or more of: a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, an ECG sensor, a heart rate sensor, and a blood pressure sensor.

The ultrasound control unit 12 further comprises an imaging module 20 . The imaging module is configured to take a number of steps to visualize the ultrasound data received in response to the occurrence of at least one predetermined alarm condition. The alarm condition is determined by at least the entry into or exit from a predetermined threshold range of at least one of the physiological parameters whose measurements are collected.

The ultrasound control unit 12 (for example, a measurement acquisition module or a control unit visualization module) can monitor the values of physiological parameters on an ongoing or continuous basis and determine when the level of each parameter enters or leaves a predetermined range for that parameter.

A predetermined alarm condition can be determined either by entering or leaving a certain threshold range of values. For example, you can define an alarm threshold value, the passage of which indicates a dangerous level of the parameter. Additionally or alternatively, a normal range of values may be defined, the exit from which indicates a dangerous level of the parameter.

Preferably, for each physiological parameter, there is a predetermined alarm condition defined by at least a predetermined range of values of the parameter under investigation.

In response to the occurrence of said at least one predetermined alarm condition, determined by at least entering or leaving a predetermined threshold range of at least one of the physiological parameters, the measurement results of which are collected, the imaging module 20 first ensures the identification of a relevant anatomical region in the received ultrasound image data related to at least one of the physiological parameters. In some examples, this may be based on the use of a database or lookup table that lists the relevant anatomical regions for each physiological parameter. This option will be described in more detail below. In other examples, this may be based on the use of an algorithm to determine the appropriate anatomical region.

Thereafter, the imaging module 20 determines an imaging mode for rendering the identified anatomical region on the display panel of the display unit based on the at least one physiological parameter being examined and the specific alarm condition that has occurred.

The imaging mode refers to a specific method or mode of presenting or rendering an identified anatomical region captured in the ultrasound image data. It may include a specific view of the anatomical region captured in the ultrasound image data, such as a specific angle or viewpoint position from which the region is viewed. For example, this may include a particular slicing plane through the acquired ultrasound image volume having appropriate plane coordinates and orientation. It may include a three-dimensional rendering of at least a portion of the anatomical region, optionally based on meshing of acquired ultrasound image data. Other examples of rendering modes will be discussed below.

The imaging mode is selected based on at least one physiological parameter under consideration and the specific alarm condition that has occurred. In some examples, you can select one rendering mode when a value falls within one range, and select a different rendering mode when a value falls within a different range. In some examples, a database or lookup table can be used to select a rendering mode.

Once an imaging mode has been selected, the imaging module 20 is capable of processing at least a subset of the acquired ultrasound image data to generate one or more output display frames representing the relevant anatomical region, the region being rendered in accordance with the imaging mode.

The rendering module 20 is then configured to generate a control output signal to control the display unit 24 to display one or more output display frames.

Generating display frames representing an anatomical region may include extracting from the acquired ultrasound image data a subset of data representing the identified anatomical region. For example, this can be done, for example, based on the segmentation of the received ultrasound image data, for example, segmentation based on the anatomical model.

It should be noted that although in the above example of FIG. 1 data acquisition module, measurement acquisition module and imaging module are shown as separate components in the ultrasound control unit 12, this is not essential. Their respective functionality may be differently distributed among one or more components. For example, in some examples, the functionality of various modules may be combined and executed by a single element, such as a single controller or processor, or their functionality may otherwise be distributed among one or more elements or components. Alternatively, the functionality of each module can be implemented using a separate controller or processor in the ultrasound control unit.

One example of a procedure implemented by the control unit is illustrated in FIG. 2. The graph shows an example of the obtained measurement signal for the ejection fraction (y-axis) versus time (x-axis) obtained by the data acquisition module 18 . The ejection fraction can be determined, for example, based on the acquired ultrasound image data representing the heart, in one example obtained by the data acquisition module 16.

In the exemplary graph in Fig. 2 shows an example of a predetermined threshold range 46 values. The specified alarm condition in this example is determined by going out of this range of values. The range of 46 values is the normal ejection fraction range. The predetermined value range 46 extends between the upper threshold 42 (80% in this example) and the lower threshold 44 (45% in this example). These specific numbers are only indicative and in no way limit the concept as a whole or the physiological parameter of the ejection fraction.

The ejection fraction parameter is monitored, for example, continuously in time. As shown, at a certain point in time, the parameter goes beyond the predetermined normal range of values, fulfilling the predetermined alarm condition for the patient. The imaging module in this example is able to respond to this occurrence of an alarm condition by performing a set of steps to visualize the above acquired ultrasound data.

In particular, first, in the acquired ultrasound data, a relevant anatomical region related to the ejection fraction parameter is identified. For example, in this case, the relevant anatomical region could be both the left and right ventricle, as well as the mitral valve. An imaging mode is then determined to visualize the ventricles and the mitral valve region in the best way to illustrate the ejection fraction parameter for that particular alarm condition that has occurred (in this case low ejection fraction). In this example, for example, based on browsing a database or a lookup table, or applying a processing logic or algorithm, an imaging mode can be determined according to (by way of example) a representation of a two-dimensional plane passing through the region of the heart, representing the ventricles and the mitral valve, and with the coordinates of the plane and the angle oriented to display a two-chamber view along the long axis of this anatomical region.

The imaging module then processes the ultrasound image data to generate one or more output display frames representing that view of that anatomical region, and generates an output control signal to control the display unit 24 to display the one or more output display frames.

The physiological parameters obtained by the data acquisition module 18 may include parameters obtained from the ultrasound image data (and/or images or other information derived from them) and/or may be based on other measurements of physiological parameters obtained without the use of ultrasound, for example, obtained using one or more connected external sensors 28.

Ultrasound-derived parameters may include, by way of non-limiting example, one or more cardiac-related parameters, such as hemodynamic parameters such as cardiac output, stroke volume, left ventricular volume, left ventricular pressure, or any other heart-related parameter or other parameter. Other parameters that can be obtained include, for example, mechanical strain in or around the anatomical region represented in the ultrasound image data, such as mechanical strain in different sections of the ventricle and/or valve.

Measurements of physiological parameters obtained without the aid of ultrasound may include, as a non-limiting example, one or more of: photoplethysmographic (PPG) measurements, ECG sensor measurements, heart rate, and blood pressure.

As noted above, the imaging module 20 is configured to determine an imaging mode for rendering the identified anatomical region on the display panel of the display unit. Different imaging modes may correspond to different characterizing attributes of the way the ultrasound image data is presented or displayed.

As noted above, the imaging mode may, in some examples, correspond to a specific view of a relevant anatomical region in the ultrasound image data, where it may be a particular selected 2D plane or slice of a 3D volume captured in the ultrasound data, or it may be a particular angular and/or spatial viewpoint to view a particular 3D portion of the data corresponding to the anatomical region of interest. This three-dimensional portion can be extracted or identified for visualization, for example, using a segmentation procedure applied to the data, and capable of allowing the identification of various anatomically relevant features and regions.

Additionally or alternatively, the imaging mode may include overlaying the ultrasound image data (eg, one or more images imaged from said data) representing the identified anatomical region with one or more measurements of physiological parameters. By this is meant an overlay of textual or graphical content representing the values or levels of one or more of the obtained results of measurements of physiological parameters.

For example, if the relevant parameter above the alarm threshold was cardiac output, then the relevant anatomical region could be identified as the mitral valve and left ventricular apex. The view of this part of the heart can be selected and visualized from the acquired image data, and furthermore, a real-time cardiac output value can be superimposed on the image(s) representing the identified region of the heart. Further, the output image frame will contain a specific view of the anatomical region and a specific value of the physiological parameter superimposed on it.

Additional parameters other than the parameter directly related to the anatomical region may be superimposed for additional information. For example, in some examples, mechanical strain values may be superimposed at different sites or in different zones of the anatomical region.

As noted above, information about physiological parameters can be superimposed either in textual form or in another, for example, graphical or visual form. For example, mechanical stress may be represented by a polar diagram, or a bull's-eye diagram, or other graph.

The imaging mode may additionally or alternatively include overlaying segmentation information obtained from the ultrasound image data. For example, relevant anatomical regions or features in the rendered area of the ultrasound image data may be labeled or highlighted (eg, with block color or highlighted edges).

In some examples, the imaging mode may include overlaying a derived structural mesh corresponding to an anatomical structure in the ultrasound image data. This can be obtained, for example, again using segmentation. For example, the contour of the ventricle corresponding to the outer boundary wall of the left or right ventricle may be superimposed on the image of the relevant ventricle, as represented in the ultrasound image data.

As discussed above, determining the imaging mode for imaging the relevant anatomical region is based at least in part on the particular alarm condition that has occurred. In some examples, it may be based, at least in part, on a particular range of values within which the relevant parameter falls.

In some examples, the control unit may be configured to select one imaging mode for the first range of the physiological parameter under consideration and a second, different imaging mode for the second range of the physiological parameter.

In some examples, the control unit may be configured to continuously display ultrasound image data representing a given anatomical region. However, the control unit may be configured to render this in accordance with a normal or standard imaging mode when the physiological parameter is within some predetermined normal or standard range of values. The control unit may be further configured to render said image data in a different manner, such as with a different spatial viewpoint or with certain features highlighted or magnified, in case the value exceeds or falls below some predetermined critical threshold value.

Thus, the procedure performed by the imaging module is based on determining an adapted rendering (eg, view) of acquired ultrasound image data based on a subset of one or more acquired or monitored physiological measurements. The choice of a particular imaging mode may be based in part on knowledge of the full set of physiological parameters that are recorded by the measurement acquisition unit.

The rendering steps performed by the renderer may be in two parts. First, defining a specific imaging mode for visualizing an anatomical region in the ultrasound image data, such as a specific adaptation applied to the relevant part of the ultrasound image data (e.g., selecting an image plane, overlaying parameter or segmentation information, overlaying additional ultrasound information such as strain or color). The second part may be the means by which this rendering mode is achieved, such as the tool used to implement it. The tools may include segmentation (eg, to extract a relevant area of an ultrasound image data volume) and/or imaging tools or processors (to construct a particular view of the anatomical region, eg, a 2D plane or 3D perspective).

As one example, one derived physiological parameter may be cardiac output. If cardiac output falls below a certain threshold, this means that the left ventricle is not pumping enough blood. In this case, for example, the left ventricle can be defined as the relevant anatomical region. For example, you can select the imaging mode as a two-chamber view of this area along the long axis, with the focus on the left ventricle. To do this, the mitral valve and the apex of the left ventricle can be automatically segmented from the obtained 3D ultrasound volume, and the view of the anatomical region in this volume can be selected as a section plane (2D image plane) that contains these two features.

By way of example, Table 1 below lists a set of exemplary physiological parameters, one or more of which may be received and monitored by measurement acquisition module 18 of one or more exemplary embodiments. For each physiological parameter, the corresponding predetermined "normal" range of parameter values is indicated. Thus, in this exemplary table, the predetermined alarm condition for each physiological parameter is out of the specified predetermined range of normal values. The table also lists the specific alarm condition for each parameter. Also, for each parameter, the relevant anatomical region related to this physiological parameter is indicated. Also, for each parameter, one or more possible suitable imaging modes are indicated for imaging the identified anatomical region. These may include a corresponding 2D plane view and a corresponding 3D view.

The list presented in Table 1 is not exhaustive and is provided for illustrative purposes only. In addition, Table 1 lists only the cardio parameters associated with a particular cardiac ultrasound performance for illustration purposes. However, the concept of the invention is not limited to cardio imaging, and when imaging other areas of the body, other parameters can be monitored and analyzed.

In the table above, ventricular synchrony may refer to the timing difference or lack of synchrony of beats in different ventricles of the heart (ventricular dyssynchrony) or may refer, for example, to synchronization of activations and contractions of different segments of the LV wall (intraventricular dyssynchrony). The exemplary TsMax parameter in Table 1 refers to the maximum difference in time to peak systolic myocardial contraction (Ts-max) between any two segments of the left ventricle.

Table 1 discusses the difference parameter between right ventricular (RV) and left ventricular (LV) cardiac output. Here, the imaging mode may depend on which of the ventricles shows failure, and this is determined based on which ventricle shows a change over time in the corresponding cardiac output. Whichever ventricle shows changing cardiac output over time (while the other remains, for example, static), the imaging mode can include a view of that (changing) ventricle and can show the ventricle at two different time points, corresponding to different values of cardiac output for that ventricle.

Table 1 discusses pulmonary edema. On a lung ultrasound, line A is a horizontal artifact indicating a normal lung surface. Line B is a comet tail artifact and signifies subpleural interstitial edema. The more B-lines present on an ultrasound image of the lung, the more serious the condition. For example, the normal range for B-lines may be less than one area of the lung showing the presence of B-lines.

For ventricular septal displacement discussed in Table 1 above, the normal range of displacement is typically context dependent and may vary depending on the patient and clinical context. In some examples, a clinician may determine a range (e.g., by entering a normal range into the system using user interface tools) for each patient, or a normal range may be determined or calculated based on clinical contextual information about the patient, such as a range of measured values of one or more other physiological parameters of the patient.

The parameter of regional wall motion is considered above. The normal range for this parameter (in quantitative terms) usually depends on patient-specific factors as well as context. In some examples, the normal range for a patient may be specified by a physician. As one example, the normal range may be specified by the user based on a user-defined deformation function, such as an integrated off-axis control point deviation.

The various possible views through the region of the heart have been mentioned above. Reference to a long axis view may refer to, for example, a parasternal long axis view. The long axis of the heart connects the apex and the mitral valve. The reference to the long axis bicameral view simply refers to the well-known apical bicameral view (which naturally includes said long axis).

It should be understood that in the context of this application, the term "physiological parameters" includes parameters related to the state of health of the patient, which are used by medical practitioners to assess the state of health of the patient and its change over time.

There are many ways to determine which rendering mode to use.

According to one group of examples, the imaging module may be configured to access an imaging database that, for each of a plurality of different physiological parameters, lists at least one relevant anatomical region and at least one corresponding imaging mode for each of one or more parameter alarm conditions. Then, based on access to the imaging database, the relevant anatomical region can be determined and the imaging mode selected.

The database may be stored locally, such as in local memory, or may be stored remotely, such as in an external data store such as an external or remote computer or server. The control unit may include a means of communication with the specified external or remote data storage, such as a means of network communication. This can be done over an Internet connection or directly over a network connection, either wired or wireless, such as Wi-Fi.

The database may include data, for example, similar to those shown in Table 1 above, wherein for each set of physiological parameters, at least one relevant anatomical region and a suitable imaging mode are given for each of one or more different alarm conditions (defined as entering or leaving some predetermined range of values).

The database can take many forms. For example, in some simple cases, a simple lookup table may be provided. Alternatively, a more complex data structure may be used, such as one containing multiple tables and/or related fields. Various means of structuring data are known and obvious to those skilled in the art.

In alternative examples, an algorithm may be used to determine which rendering mode to use.

In some examples, one algorithm may be used to generate or derive a measurement of a physiological parameter, while a separate algorithm is used to derive or generate the corresponding imaging mode from the full volume of the 3D image. The relation of the result of the first algorithm to the second algorithm may be performed using a look-up table or, alternatively, may be performed using an additional algorithm, the additional algorithm determining, for example, a linear or non-linear relationship between them.

In one or more examples, the determination of which imaging mode to apply may be based on additionally obtained or stored medical data or information about the patient. For example, in some cases, a patient may have a pre-diagnosed or recognized abnormality in one anatomical region (eg, in a specific region of the heart). In accordance with one or more examples, the imaging module may be configured to access an additional source of information about the patient and, based on the abnormality in the specified given area, determine a view for visualizing the received ultrasound image data that covers or overlaps with the area having abnormalities. This is just one example.

Although in the examples described above, each alarm condition is determined by the entry or exit of one physiological parameter in the range of values, in additional examples, the alarm condition may be determined taking into account different ranges for several parameters. For example, an alarm condition can only be met after leaving the normal range of one parameter and entering some dangerous range of another parameter.

In one or more examples, different alarm conditions may be defined considering different ranges of values for the same physiological parameter, such as a warning-alarm range and a critical alarm range, with different imaging modes being more appropriate in each case.

In some examples, the control unit may be configured to generate a control output signal to control the display unit to stop displaying the specified display output frame(s) as soon as the specified predetermined alarm condition is no longer supported.

Alternatively, the control unit may be configured to generate a control output to control the display unit to change the imaging mode of the anatomical region being rendered as soon as said at least one of the physiological parameters is outside of said predetermined range of values. For example, a special imaging mode for the case when the patient is in a critical condition can be changed after the patient leaves this critical condition to return to the standard or normal imaging mode.

In some examples, the ultrasound control unit may be configured to implement the step of identifying and/or allocating an area or zone of the display space on the display panel of the display unit to display output frame(s) of the display. In some examples, this may be based, at least in part, on determining or identifying the current allocation of the display panel's display space (to other currently rendered objects or information). In some examples, the control unit may be configured to re-evaluate and/or reallocate display space for currently rendered information or objects to make room for rendering (new) output display frames to be displayed.

In some examples, the ultrasound control unit may be configured to stop displaying a particular previously rendered and displayed output display frame when a relevant physiological parameter corresponding to the ultrasound data displayed on the display falls outside a specified predetermined range of values. This further ensures that only the most relevant information is displayed on the display panel at any given time.

According to one or more embodiments, for each set of physiological parameters, there may be a predetermined "standard" or "normal" imaging mode for imaging ultrasound data corresponding to that parameter when the parameter is within some normal range of values, and one or more signal modes or abnormal imaging modes for an implementation option when the parameter is not in the normal range of values (or is in the signal range of values).

In some examples, the "standard" imaging mode may be determined by the user (eg, physician) using user interface tools. In some examples, the standard imaging mode may correspond to a specific type of ultrasound image data representing a relevant anatomical region. The standard view may, as a non-limiting example, include: 4-chamber long-axis view, 2-chamber long-axis view, short-axis view, LV-only view, or any other relevant view.

As noted above, according to one or more embodiments, the control unit may be configured to switch between a standard imaging mode for imaging ultrasound image data of a relevant anatomical region for each physiological parameter and one or more modified or custom alarm or abnormal imaging modes. The switching may be based on the fulfillment of the relevant alarm conditions for the different signaling modes.

However, the original "standard" imaging mode can often be beneficial to the clinician. Therefore, according to one or more embodiments, the control unit may be configured to implement the simultaneous presentation of ultrasound data in two or more imaging modes (for example, in two or more views), where one view is changed based on the results of measurements obtained using ultrasound ("custom" imaging mode), and the other view (s) are saved in accordance with the given standard view settings.

In accordance with any embodiment of the present invention, the control unit may be configured to control the visualization of cardiac ultrasound data. Here, the field of application is cardiac ultrasound imaging and cardiac or cardiac-related physiological parameters, such as hemodynamic parameters.

For example, in the case where an imaging database is used to select an imaging mode, said imaging database may contain relevant anatomical regions and/or imaging modes for at least a variety of different physiological parameters related to cardiology. Similarly, in the case where an algorithm is used to select an imaging mode, the algorithm may be an algorithm that provides a relevant imaging mode for the ultrasound data representing the region of the heart.

According to a preferred set of embodiments, the data acquisition module may be configured to continuously acquire ultrasound image data.

The measurement acquisition unit may be configured to continuously acquire physiological parameter measurements for one or more physiological parameters.

The ultrasound control unit 12 (for example, the measurement data acquisition module 18 of the control unit) can be configured to continuously monitor the resulting measurements of physiological parameters.

The imaging module 20 may be configured to continuously update the output display frames in accordance with freshly acquired ultrasound image data to allow the updated images to be presented on the display unit 24.

In some examples, rendering module 20 may be configured to continuously re-evaluate which previously generated and displayed display output frames to leave displayed on the display panel of the display unit during operation.

Examples in accordance with yet another aspect of the invention provide a method for controlling the visualization of ultrasound data. An exemplary method 50 in accordance with one or more embodiments of this aspect of the invention is shown in block diagram form in FIG. 3.

Method 50 includes obtaining 52 ultrasound image data for a given subject from an ultrasound image data source.

The method 50 further includes obtaining 54 measurements of one or more physiological parameters of the subject.

The method 50 further includes: in response to the occurrence 56 of at least one predetermined alarm condition, determined by at least entering or leaving a predetermined threshold range of at least one of the physiological parameters:

identifying (58) a relevant anatomical region in the acquired ultrasound image data related to at least one physiological parameter;

selecting (60) an imaging mode for visualizing the identified anatomical region on the display panel of the display unit based on at least one physiological parameter under consideration and the specific alarm condition that has occurred; And

processing (62) at least a subset of the received ultrasound image data to generate one or more output display frames representing the relevant anatomical region, wherein the specified region is rendered in accordance with the specified imaging mode, and generating a control output signal to control the display unit to display one or more output display frames.

The embodiments and details of each of the above steps can be understood and interpreted in accordance with the explanations and descriptions given above with respect to the hardware aspect of the present invention (control unit 12 aspect).

Any of the examples, variations or features of an embodiment or any of the details disclosed above with respect to the hardware aspect of the present invention (in relation to the control unit 12) may be applied, combined or incorporated mutatis mutandis into this aspect of the method of the invention.

The occurrence of an alarm condition 56 may, according to examples, comprise the step of checking whether an alarm condition has been met or occurred, or may comprise an ongoing process of monitoring the occurrence of any of a set of predetermined alarm conditions. If no alarm condition occurs when such a test step is performed, then in the examples, the test step may be repeated cyclically, or in some examples, the method may return to the initial step 52 of obtaining ultrasound image data and start again from the specified initial step.

Examples in accordance with yet another aspect of the invention provide a patient monitoring system comprising:

a display unit 24, the display unit comprising a display panel; patient monitoring unit; And

a control unit 12 in accordance with any example or embodiment disclosed above or set forth below, or in accordance with any claim in the present application, wherein the control unit is operatively connected to the patient monitoring unit and the display unit, and is configured to transmit the generated control output signals to the display unit.

In some examples, the patient monitoring unit may comprise a display unit, for example, the display unit may be a component of the patient monitoring unit. The patient monitoring unit may include a controller configured to receive input signals from one or more patient monitoring sensors for one or more patients and to present information corresponding to the received signals on a display panel of the display unit. In other examples, the display unit may be separate from the patient monitoring unit. In some examples, the display unit may be a separate display unit, such as provided in addition to a display unit already included in the patient monitoring unit or system.

In some examples, the patient monitoring unit may be configured to communicate with or associated with one or more devices for measuring or monitoring physiological parameters (eg, vital signs).

Examples in accordance with yet another aspect of the invention provide an ultrasonic system. An exemplary ultrasound system 70 in accordance with one or more embodiments of this aspect of the invention is shown in FIG.

The ultrasonic system 70 includes an ultrasonic transducer unit 26 .

The ultrasound system 70 further comprises a control unit 12, the control unit corresponding to any example or embodiment disclosed above or set forth below, or any claim herein.

The control unit 12 is operatively connected to the ultrasonic transducer unit 26 . The data acquisition module 16 (not shown) of the control unit 12 is configured to acquire ultrasound image data using the ultrasonic transducer unit 26 .

In the present example, the system further comprises a display unit 24 operatively associated with a control unit 12. The control unit is configured to transmit each generated control output signal for controlling the display unit to its associated display unit.

The ultrasonic transducer unit 26 may comprise one or more ultrasonic transducers, such as one or more transducer arrays. The transducer block may be any device, block, or element containing at least one ultrasonic transducer. In examples, the ultrasonic transducer assembly may comprise an ultrasonic probe.

Embodiments and details of each of the features of the above system can be understood and interpreted in accordance with the explanations and descriptions given above in relation to the aspect of the control unit 12 according to the present invention.

Any of the examples, variations, or features of an embodiment, or any of the details disclosed above with respect to control unit 12, may be applied, or combined, or incorporated, mutatis mutandis, into the present system aspect of the invention.

As an additional, more detailed explanation, now with reference to figure 5, will be a more detailed description of the entire operation of an exemplary ultrasonic system.

The system includes a transducer array 104 which has a transducer array 106 for transmitting ultrasonic waves and receiving echo information. Transducer array 106 may include CMUT (capacitive micromechanical ultrasonic transducers) transducers; piezoelectric transducers made from materials such as PZT (lead zirconate titanate) or PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride); or converters in any other suitable technology. In this example, the transducer array 106 is a two-dimensional array of transducers 108 capable of scanning either a two-dimensional plane or a three-dimensional volume of the region of interest. In another example, the matrix of transducers may be an ID (identification) matrix.

The transducer array 106 is coupled to a microbeam former 112 which controls the signal reception of the transducer elements. Microbeamers are capable, at least in part, of forming a beam of signals received by sub-arrays, commonly referred to as "groups" or "patches" of transducers, as disclosed in US Pat.

It should be noted that a microbeam former is generally optional. In addition, the system includes a transmit/receive (T/R) switch 116 to which the microbeamformer 112 can be coupled and which switches the array between transmit and receive modes and protects the main beamformer 120 from high energy transmitted signals when the microbeamformer is not used and the transducer array is controlled directly by the main beamformer of the system. The transmission of ultrasonic beams from the transducer array 106 is directed by a transducer controller 118 coupled to the microbeamformer via a T/R switch 116 as well as to a main transmit beamformer (not shown) that can receive inputs from user interactions with the user interface or control panel 138. The controller 118 may include a transmission circuit for controlling the transducer elements of the array 106 (either directly or through the microbeamformer) during transmission time.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the control panel 138 may be omitted, and the controller 118 may be directly connected to the control unit 12 so that the controller receives input instructions from the control unit 12. Thus, the operation of the control panel 138 in this exemplary system can be simplified due to the ultrasound control unit according to one embodiment of the invention.

In a typical line-by-line imaging sequence, the beamforming system in the probe may operate as follows. During transmission, the beamformer (which, depending on the implementation, may be a micro beamformer or the main beamformer of the system) activates the transducer array or transducer array sub-aperture. A sub-aperture can be a one-dimensional line of transducers or a two-dimensional region of transducers in a larger array. In the transmit mode, focusing and pointing of the ultrasonic beam generated by the array or sub-aperture of the array is controlled as described below.

After receiving the backscattered echoes from the subject, the received signals are subjected to receive beamforming (as described below) to align the received signals and, if a sub-aperture is used, said sub-aperture is then shifted, for example, by one transducer element. The shifted sub-aperture is then activated and the process is repeated until all transducer elements of the transducer array are activated.

For each line (or sub-aperture), the total received signal used to form the corresponding line of the final ultrasound image will be the sum of the voltage signals measured by the transducer elements of that sub-aperture during the acquisition period. The resulting line signals after the beamforming process discussed below are commonly referred to as radio frequency (RF) data. Each line signal (RF dataset) generated by different sub-apertures is then further processed to generate lines of the final ultrasound image. The change in amplitude of the linear signal with time will contribute to the change in brightness of the ultrasound image with depth, with a high amplitude peak corresponding to a bright pixel (or pixel array) in the final image. A peak appearing near the start of the line signal will represent an echo from a shallow structure, while peaks appearing gradually later in the line signal will represent an echo from structures at increasing depth within the subject.

One of the functions controlled by the transducer controller 118 is the direction in which the beams are directed and focused. The beams can be aimed straight ahead (perpendicular) to the transducer array, or at different angles for a wider field of view. Pointing and focusing of the transmitting beam can be controlled depending on the response time of the transducer element.

In the general collection of ultrasound data, two methods can be distinguished: plane wave imaging and "beam-guided" imaging. The two methods are distinguished by having beamforming in transmit (beam-guided imaging) and/or receive (plane-wave imaging and beam-assisted imaging) modes.

Consider first the focusing function: by activating all the transducer elements simultaneously, the transducer matrix generates a plane wave that diverges as it passes through the subject. In this case, the beam of ultrasonic waves remains unfocused. By introducing a position-dependent time delay to activate the transducers, the beam wavefront can be made to converge at a desired point, called the focal zone. The focal zone is defined as the point where the transverse beam width is less than half the width of the transmitted beam. This improves the transverse resolution of the final ultrasound image.

For example, if a time delay causes sequential activation of the transducer elements, starting from the outermost elements and ending with the central element(s) of the transducer array, a focal zone will be formed at a given distance from the sensor in accordance with the central element(s). The distance from the focal zone to the probe will vary depending on the time delay between each subsequent cycle of operation of the transducer element. After the beam has passed the focal zone, it will begin to diverge, forming a far-field imaging region. It should be noted that for focal zones located close to the transducer array, the ultrasonic beam will quickly diverge in the far field, which will lead to beam width artifacts in the final image. As a rule, the near field, located between the transducer array and the focal zone, shows little detail due to the large overlap of the ultrasonic beams. Thus, changing the location of the focal zone can lead to significant changes in the quality of the final image.

It should be noted that only one focus can be detected in transmit mode unless the ultrasound image is divided into multiple focal zones (each of which can have a different transmit focus).

In addition, after receiving echoes from inside the subject, the reverse process to the above described process can be performed to effect reception focusing. In other words, incoming signals may be received by the transducer elements and subjected to an electronic time delay before being passed on to the signal processing system. The simplest example of this is called delay-and-sum beamforming. You can dynamically adjust the receive focus of the transducer array over time.

Let us now consider the beam guidance function: by correctly applying time delays to the transducer elements, it is possible to give the required angle to the ultrasonic beam as it exits the transducer array. For example, by activating a transducer on the first side of the transducer array followed by the rest of the transducers in sequence ending on the opposite side of the array, the beam wavefront will be tilted towards the second side. The value of the pointing angle relative to the normal of the transducer matrix depends on the value of the time delay between subsequent activations of the transducer element.

In addition, the induced beam can be focused, with the total time delay applied to each transducer element being the sum of the focusing and pointing time delays. In this case, the matrix of transducers is called phased array.

In the case of CMUTs that require a DC bias voltage to activate them, a converter controller 118 can be connected to control the converter matrix DC bias regulator 145 . The DC bias controller 145 sets the DC bias voltage(s) applied to the CMUT elements.

For each transducer element in the array of transducers, analog ultrasonic signals, commonly referred to as channel data, enter the system on a receive channel. In the receive channel, partially beamformed signals are obtained from the channel data by microbeamformer 112 and then transmitted to the main receive beamformer 120, where the partially beamformed signals from the individual transducer patches are combined into a fully beamformed signal called radio frequency (RF) data. The beamforming performed in each step may be as described above or may include additional features. For example, the main beamformer 120 may have 128 channels, each of which receives a partially beamformed signal from a patch of tens or hundreds of transducer transducer elements. Thus, signals received by thousands of transducer array transducers can effectively affect a single beamformed signal.

The beamed receive signals are fed to signal processor 122. Signal processor 122 may process the received echoes in various ways, such as: band pass filtering; decimation; Separation of I and Q components; and harmonic signal separation, which acts to separate linear and non-linear signals, which allows identification of non-linear (higher harmonics of the fundamental frequency) echoes returned by tissue and microbubbles. The signal processor can also perform additional signal enhancement such as speckle reduction, signal combining, and noise removal. The bandpass filter in the signal processor may be a tracking filter whose bandwidth slides from a higher frequency band to a lower frequency band as echoes are received from increasing depth, thereby suppressing noise at higher frequencies from greater depths, i.e. usually devoid of anatomical information.

Beamformers for transmission and reception are implemented on different equipment and may have different functions. Of course, the receiver beamformer is designed to take into account the characteristics of the transmit beamformer. In FIG. 5, only receiver beamformers 112, 120 are shown for simplicity. The complete system will also have a transmission circuit with a micro transmission beamformer and a main transmission beamformer.

The function of the microbeam former 112 is to provide an initial combination of signals to reduce the number of analog signal paths. This is usually done in the analog domain.

The final beamforming is performed in the main beamformer 120 and typically after digitization.

The transmit and receive channels use the same transducer matrix 106, which has a fixed bandwidth. However, the bandwidth occupied by the transmission pulses may vary depending on the transmission beamforming used. The receive channel can capture the entire transducer bandwidth (which is the classic approach) or, using bandpass processing, it can extract only the bandwidth that contains the desired information (eg fundamental harmonics).

The RF signals may then be applied to B-mode (i.e., brightness mode or 2D) processor 126 and Doppler processor 128. B-mode processor 126 determines the amplitude of the received ultrasound signal to image body structures, such as organ tissues and blood vessels. In the case of line-by-line imaging, each line (beam) is represented by a corresponding RF signal whose amplitude is used to generate a brightness value to be assigned to a pixel in the B-mode image. The exact location of a pixel in an image is determined by the location of the corresponding amplitude measurement along the RF signal and the line (beam) number of the RF signal. B-mode images of such structures can be generated in harmonic or fundamental imaging mode, or a combination of both, as disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,283,919 (Roundhill et al.) and US Pat. No. 6,458,083 (Jago et al.). Doppler processor 128 typically includes a wall filter with parameters set to pass or reject echoes returned from selected types of materials in the body.

The structure and motion signals generated by the B-mode and Doppler processors are fed to a scan converter 132 and an omniplanar reformatter 144. The scan converter 132 arranges the echoes in the spatial relationship at which they were received into the desired image format. In other words, the scan converter operates to convert RF data from a cylindrical coordinate system to a Cartesian coordinate system suitable for displaying an ultrasound image on the image display 140 . In the case of B-mode imaging, the brightness of a pixel at a given coordinate is proportional to the amplitude of the RF signal received from that location. For example, the scan converter can convert the echo into a two-dimensional (2D) sector format or a pyramidal three-dimensional (3D) image. The scan converter can superimpose a B-mode structural image with colors corresponding to movement at points in the image field, where a given color is obtained from velocities measured from the Doppler effect. The combined B-mode structural image and color Doppler image show tissue movement and blood flow in the structural image field. A multi-plane reformatter will convert echoes from points in a common plane in a body volume region into an ultrasound image of that plane, as disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,443,896 (Detmer). Volumetric renderer 142 converts the echoes of the 3D dataset into a projected 3D image viewed from a given reference point, as disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,530,885 (Entrekin et al.).

The 2D or 3D images are transferred from the scan converter 132, the omnidirectional reformatter 144 and the volumetric renderer 142 to the image processor 130 for further enhancement, buffering and temporary storage for optional display on the image display 140. The imaging processor may be configured to remove certain image artifacts from the final ultrasound image, such as: acoustic shadowing, such as due to strong attenuator or refraction; later amplification, for example, due to a weak attenuator; reverberation artifacts, for example, when highly reflective tissue boundary surfaces are located in close proximity; and so on. In addition, the image processor may be configured to process certain speckle reduction functions to improve the contrast of the final ultrasound image.

In addition to being used for imaging, blood flow values provided by Doppler processor 128 and tissue structure information provided by B-mode processor 126 are transmitted to quantification processor 134 . The quantification processor provides measurements of various flow conditions such as volumetric flow rate in addition to structural measurements such as organ sizes and gestational age. The scoring processor may receive input from the user control panel 138, for example, as a point in the anatomy of the image where a measurement is to be taken.

The output from the quantification processor is passed to the graphics processor 136 for displaying measurement graphs and values displayed on the display 140, as well as for audio output from the display device 140. The graphics processor 136 may also generate graphic overlays for display with the ultrasound images. These graphic overlays may contain standard identifying information such as the patient's name, image date and time, imaging parameters, and the like. For these purposes, the graphics processor may receive input from the user interface 138 or from the control unit 12 according to the embodiment. A user interface may also be associated with the transmission controller 118 to control the generation of ultrasound signals from the transducer array 106 and hence the images produced by the transducer array and the ultrasound system. The transmission control function of the controller 118 is only one of the functions performed. The controller 118 also takes into account the mode of operation (eg, as directed by the current associated control unit 12) and the corresponding desired transmitter configuration and bandwidth configuration in the receiver analog-to-digital converter. Controller 118 may be a latched state machine.

A user interface may also be associated with the multi-plane reformatter 144 for selecting planes and managing the planes of a plurality of multi-plane reformatted (MPR) images that can be used to make quantitative measurements in the image field of MPR images.

As discussed above, in the embodiments, a control unit 12 is used. The control unit may include a controller or may be a controller. In various other embodiments and examples discussed above, a controller is used.

The controller can be implemented in a variety of ways, with software and/or hardware, to perform various desired functions. A processor is one example of a controller that uses one or more microprocessors that can be programmed using software (eg, microcode) to perform the required functions. However, the controller may be implemented with or without a processor, and may also be implemented as a combination of specialized hardware to perform some functions and a processor (eg, one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry) to perform other functions.

Examples of controller components that may be used in various embodiments of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, conventional microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

In various implementations, a processor or controller may be associated with one or more storage media such as volatile and non-volatile computer memory such as RAM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM. The storage media may be encoded with one or more programs that, when executed on one or more processors and/or controllers, perform the desired functions. Various storage media may be affixed to the processor or controller, or may be portable such that one or more programs stored thereon can be downloaded to the processor or controller.

Modifications to the disclosed embodiments may be understood and made by those skilled in the art in the practice of the claimed invention based on a study of the drawings, description, and appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the use of the feature in the singular (the indefinite article "a" or "an" in the original English application) does not exclude plurality. One processor or other block can perform the functions of several elements specified in the claims. The mere fact that certain features are disclosed in mutually distinct dependent claims does not mean that a combination of these features cannot be effectively used. The computer program may be stored/distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or solid state media provided with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other ways, such as over the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems. Any reference designations in the claims should not be construed as limiting its scope.

Claims (39)

1. An ultrasound control unit (12) for configuring the visualization of ultrasound data, the ultrasound control unit being operably connected to the display unit (24), the control unit comprising: a data acquisition module (16) configured to acquire ultrasound image data for a given subject from an ultrasound image data source; a module (18) for collecting measurement results, configured to obtain one or more measurement results of physiological parameters of the subject; a visualization module (20) configured, in response to the occurrence of at least one predetermined alarm condition, determined by at least entering or leaving the predetermined threshold range, at least one of the physiological parameters: identify a relevant anatomical region in the acquired ultrasound image data related to at least one physiological parameter; determine an imaging mode for visualizing the identified anatomical region on a display panel of the display unit based on at least one physiological parameter under consideration and an alarm condition that has occurred; process at least a subset of the received ultrasound image data to generate one or more output display frames representing the specified relevant anatomical region, wherein the specified region is rendered in accordance with the specified imaging mode, and generate a control output signal to control the display unit to display the specified one or more output display frames. 2. An ultrasound control unit (12) according to claim 1, wherein the various possible imaging modes include one or more of the following: view of the relevant anatomical region in the ultrasound image data; superimposing one or more measurements of physiological parameters on the ultrasound image data; overlaying the segmentation information obtained for the ultrasound image data. 3. The ultrasound control unit (12) according to claim 2, wherein said view includes a view representing a certain two-dimensional plane through the acquired ultrasound image data, the plane having associated plane coordinates and an orientation angle. 4. Ultrasound control unit (12) according to claim 2, wherein said view contains a three-dimensional representation of at least a part of the anatomical region, optionally based on meshing the obtained ultrasound image data. 5. Block (12) control ultrasound according to any one of paragraphs. 1-4, in which the control unit is configured to generate a control output signal for controlling the display unit (24) to stop displaying the specified output display frame or output display frames after the specified alarm condition ceases to be met. 6. Block (12) control ultrasound according to any one of paragraphs. 1-5, wherein the imaging module is configured to access an imaging database containing for each of a plurality of different physiological parameters: at least one relevant anatomical region and at least one relevant imaging mode for each of one or more alarm conditions for said parameter, while providing the ability to identify the relevant anatomical region and select the imaging mode based on access to the specified imaging database. 7. Block (12) control ultrasound according to any one of paragraphs. 1-6, wherein the measurement acquisition module (18) is configured to obtain one or more physiological parameter measurements based on the acquired ultrasound image data. 8. Block (12) control ultrasound according to any one of paragraphs. 1-7, wherein the control unit is configured to operably communicate with one or more physiological parameters sensors (28) to obtain at least a subset of said measurements of the subject's physiological parameters. 9. Block (12) control ultrasound according to any one of paragraphs. 1-8, in which the data acquisition module (16) is configured to recurrently acquire ultrasound image data. 10. Block (12) control ultrasound according to any one of paragraphs. 1-9, wherein the ultrasound control unit is further configured to be operatively coupled to the ultrasound transducer unit (26), wherein the data acquisition module (16) is configured to acquire ultrasound image data using said transducer unit. 11. Block (12) control ultrasound according to any one of paragraphs. 1-10, in which the control unit is designed to control the visualization of ultrasound data representing the region of the heart and/or the region containing the lungs or part thereof. 12. A method (50) for controlling the visualization of ultrasound data representing a region of the heart and/or a region containing the lungs or a part thereof, comprising: obtaining (52) ultrasound image data for a given subject from an ultrasound image data source; obtaining (54) one or more results of measurements of physiological parameters of the subject; And in response to the occurrence (56) of at least one predetermined alarm condition, determined by at least entering or leaving the predetermined threshold range of at least one of the physiological parameters: identifying (58) a relevant anatomical region in the acquired ultrasound image data related to at least one of the physiological parameters; selecting (60) an imaging mode for visualizing the identified anatomical region on the display panel of the display unit based on at least one physiological parameter under consideration and an alarm condition occurring; processing (62) at least a subset of the received ultrasound image data to generate one or more output display frames representing the specified relevant anatomical region, wherein the specified region is rendered in accordance with the specified imaging mode, and generating a control output signal to control the display unit to display the specified one or more output display frames. 13. The method (50) of claim 12, wherein the various possible imaging modes include one or more of the following: view of the relevant anatomical region in the ultrasound image data; superimposing one or more measurements of physiological parameters on the ultrasound image data; overlaying the segmentation information obtained for the ultrasound image data. 14. Ultrasound system (70) for examining the region of the heart and / or the region containing the lungs or part thereof, containing: block (26) ultrasonic transducer; And control unit (12) according to any one of paragraphs. 1-11, operatively associated with the ultrasonic transducer unit, and a data acquisition module (16) of the control unit, configured to acquire ultrasound image data using the ultrasonic transducer unit. 15. System for monitoring the area of the heart of the patient and / or the area containing the lungs or part thereof, containing: a display unit (24), the display unit comprising a display panel; patient monitoring unit; And control unit (12) according to any one of paragraphs. 1-11 operatively associated with the patient monitoring unit and the display unit and configured to provide generated control output signals to the display unit.

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