WO2021226955A1 - Transient elasticity measurement method, acoustic attenuation parameter measurement method, and ultrasound imaging system - Google Patents

Abstract

A transient elasticity measurement method, an acoustic attenuation parameter measurement method, and an ultrasound imaging system, the transient elasticity measurement method comprising: determining an elasticity measurement ultrasound frequency suitable for an object to be measured (S310); applying mechanical vibration to the object to be measured to produce a shear wave in a target area of the object to be measured (S320); by means of an ultrasound probe comprising a plurality of array elements, using the elasticity measurement ultrasound frequency to transmit to the target area an ultrasonic wave tracking the shear wave, and receiving an ultrasound echo of the target area to acquire ultrasound echo data (S330); and, on the basis of the ultrasound echo data, acquiring a transient elasticity measurement result of the target area (S340). Different elasticity measurement ultrasound frequencies or acoustic attenuation parameter measurement ultrasound frequencies can be selected on the basis of the actual requirements of the object to be measured without changing the probe, thereby meeting clinical detection requirements for different penetration powers and resolutions.

Description

Instantaneous elasticity measurement method, sound attenuation parameter measurement method and ultrasonic imaging system

manual

Technical field

This application relates to the technical field of ultrasound imaging, and more specifically to an instantaneous elasticity measurement method, a sound attenuation parameter measurement method, and an ultrasound imaging system.

Background technique

Ultrasound elastography is one of the hotspots of clinical research in recent years. It mainly reflects the elasticity or softness of tissues. It has been increasingly used in the auxiliary detection of tissue cancer lesions, the discrimination of benign and malignant, and the evaluation of prognosis recovery.

Ultrasound elastography mainly uses imaging of the elasticity-related parameters in the region of interest to reflect the softness and hardness of the tissue. In the past two decades, many different elastography methods have emerged, such as quasi-static elastography based on the strain caused by the probe pressing on the tissue, shear wave elastography or elastic measurement based on shear waves generated by acoustic radiation force, and based on external vibration Instantaneous elastography that produces shear waves, etc.

Among them, transient elastography mainly reflects the elasticity or softness of tissues through non-invasive ultrasound detection, and is widely welcomed by doctors in clinical liver disease detection, especially in the auxiliary diagnosis of liver fibrosis. Taking liver examination as an example, it generally controls a special probe to vibrate when it touches the surface of the body to generate shear waves that are transmitted to the depths of the tissue, and then transmit axial ultrasonic waves to the tissue and receive echo signals for a period of time to obtain shear waves. The propagation information of the shear wave, and finally the propagation velocity of the shear wave is calculated and the result of the quantitative elasticity of the tissue is obtained.

At present, conventional instantaneous elastography generally can only provide one-dimensional axial position tissue information, and for patients with different individual characteristics, the applicable measurement frequency or amplitude and other parameters are different, so it is necessary to prepare multiple probes to Respond to the need for switching frequency in the clinic. However, the configuration of the multi-probe is disadvantageous for the cost control of the machine and the convenience of operation.

Summary of the invention

A series of simplified concepts are introduced in the content of the invention, which will be explained in further detail in the specific implementation section. The inventive content part of the present invention does not mean an attempt to limit the key features and necessary technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor does it mean an attempt to determine the protection scope of the claimed technical solution.

The first aspect of the embodiments of the present application provides an instantaneous elasticity measurement method, the method includes:

Determine the elastic measurement ultrasonic frequency suitable for the measured object;

Applying mechanical vibration to the measured object to generate a shear wave in the target area of the measured object;

Using the elastic measuring ultrasonic frequency to transmit ultrasonic waves that track the shear wave to the target area by using an ultrasonic probe including a plurality of array elements, and receive ultrasonic echoes of the target area to obtain ultrasonic echo data;

Obtain the instantaneous elasticity measurement result of the target area according to the ultrasonic echo data.

A second aspect of the embodiments of the present application provides a method for measuring sound attenuation parameters, the method including:

Determine the sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency suitable for the measured object;

Using the acoustic attenuation parameter measurement frequency to transmit ultrasonic waves to the target area of the measured object by using an ultrasonic probe including a plurality of array elements, and receive ultrasonic echoes of the target area to obtain ultrasonic echo data;

Obtain the sound attenuation parameter measurement result of the target area according to the ultrasonic echo data.

The third aspect of the embodiments of the present application provides an elasticity measurement method, the method includes:

Based on an ultrasound probe that includes a plurality of array elements, at least two elasticity measurement ultrasound frequencies are used in sequence to transmit shear wave-tracking ultrasound to the target area of the object to be measured, and receive the ultrasound echoes of the target area to obtain at least two sets Ultrasonic echo data;

Obtaining an elasticity measurement result of the target area at each ultrasonic frequency according to the ultrasonic echo data;

At least two of the elasticity measurement results are combined to determine a comprehensive elasticity measurement result.

A fourth aspect of the embodiments of the present application provides a method for measuring sound attenuation parameters, the method including:

Based on an ultrasonic probe including multiple array elements, at least two acoustic attenuation parameter measurement frequencies are used to transmit ultrasonic waves to the target area of the object to be measured, and receive ultrasonic echoes of the target area to obtain at least two sets of ultrasonic echo data ；

Obtaining, according to the ultrasonic echo data, a measurement result of the sound attenuation parameter of the target area at each of the ultrasonic frequencies;

At least two of the sound attenuation parameter measurement results are combined to determine a comprehensive sound attenuation parameter measurement result.

A fifth aspect of the embodiments of the present application provides a method for measuring instantaneous elasticity, the method including:

Determine the mechanical vibration amplitude suitable for the measured object, and determine the driving strength of the mechanical vibration according to the mechanical vibration amplitude;

Applying the driving intensity to the measured object with the mechanical vibration of the mechanical vibration amplitude, so as to generate a shear wave in the target area of the measured object;

Transmitting ultrasonic waves that track the shear wave to the target area, and receiving ultrasonic echoes of the target area to obtain ultrasonic echo data;

Obtain the instantaneous elasticity measurement result of the target area according to the ultrasonic echo data.

A sixth aspect of the embodiments of the present application provides an ultrasound imaging system, the ultrasound imaging system includes:

An ultrasonic probe, the ultrasonic probe includes a plurality of array elements;

A vibrator for applying mechanical vibration to the measured object to generate a shear wave in the target area of the measured object;

The transmitting/receiving circuit is used to excite the ultrasonic probe to use the elastic measurement ultrasonic frequency suitable for the measured object to transmit the ultrasonic wave tracking the shear wave to the target area, and to receive the ultrasonic echo of the target area To obtain ultrasonic echo data;

Processor for:

Determining the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency; and

Processing the ultrasonic echo data to obtain the instantaneous elasticity measurement result of the target area;

The output device is used to output the instantaneous elasticity measurement result.

A seventh aspect of the embodiments of the present application provides an ultrasound imaging system, the ultrasound imaging system includes:

An ultrasonic probe, the ultrasonic probe includes a plurality of array elements;

The transmitting/receiving circuit is used to excite the ultrasonic probe to use at least two elasticity measuring ultrasonic frequencies to transmit ultrasonic waves tracking shear waves to the target area in turn, and receive ultrasonic echoes from the target area to obtain at least two sets Ultrasonic echo data;

Processor for:

Processing the at least two sets of ultrasonic echo data to obtain at least two sets of elastic measurement results of the target area;

The at least two sets of elasticity measurement results are synthesized to obtain a comprehensive elasticity measurement result.

An eighth aspect of the embodiments of the present application provides an ultrasound imaging system, the ultrasound imaging system includes:

An ultrasonic probe, the ultrasonic probe includes a plurality of array elements;

The transmitting/receiving circuit is used to excite the ultrasonic probe to use the sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency suitable for the measured object to transmit ultrasonic waves to the target area and receive the ultrasonic echo of the target area to obtain the ultrasonic echo data;

Processor for:

Determining the sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency; and

Processing the ultrasonic echo data to obtain a measurement result of the acoustic attenuation parameter of the target area;

The output device is used to output the measurement result of the sound attenuation parameter.

A ninth aspect of the embodiments of the present application provides an ultrasound imaging system, the ultrasound imaging system includes:

An ultrasonic probe, the ultrasonic probe includes a plurality of array elements;

A transmitting/receiving circuit for stimulating the ultrasonic probe to sequentially use at least two acoustic attenuation parameter frequencies to transmit ultrasonic waves to the target area and receive ultrasonic echoes of the target area to obtain at least two sets of ultrasonic echo data;

Processor for:

Processing the at least two sets of ultrasonic echo data to obtain at least two sets of sound attenuation parameter measurement results of the target area;

Synthesize the at least two sets of sound attenuation parameter measurement results to obtain a comprehensive sound attenuation parameter measurement result;

The output device outputs the measurement result of the comprehensive sound attenuation parameter.

According to the instantaneous elasticity measurement method, the acoustic attenuation parameter measurement method, and the ultrasonic imaging system of the embodiments of the present application, by using an ultrasonic probe that includes multiple array elements, it is possible to select different options according to the actual needs of the measured object without switching the probe. The elasticity measures the ultrasonic frequency or the acoustic attenuation parameter to measure the ultrasonic frequency, so as to meet the detection requirements of different penetration and resolution in the clinic, improve the effectiveness of the elasticity measurement, and at the same time, it is easy to operate and is beneficial to cost saving.

Description of the drawings

In order to more clearly describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following will briefly introduce the drawings used in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative labor.

In the attached picture:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an ultrasound imaging system according to an embodiment of the present application;

Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the sensitivity of an ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 shows a schematic flowchart of a method for measuring instantaneous elasticity according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 shows a diagram of the relationship between the amplitude of ultrasonic waves and the depth of propagation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic flowchart of a method for measuring sound attenuation parameters according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6 shows a schematic block diagram of an ultrasound imaging system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows a schematic flowchart of a method for measuring elasticity according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows a schematic flowchart of a method for measuring sound attenuation parameters according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 9 shows a schematic flowchart of a method for measuring instantaneous elasticity according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed ways

In order to make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present application more obvious, the exemplary embodiments according to the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments of the present application, and it should be understood that the present application is not limited by the exemplary embodiments described herein. Based on the embodiments of this application described in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work should fall within the protection scope of this application.

In the following description, a lot of specific details are given in order to provide a more thorough understanding of this application. However, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that this application can be implemented without one or more of these details. In other examples, in order to avoid confusion with this application, some technical features known in the art are not described.

It should be understood that this application can be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments presented here. On the contrary, the provision of these embodiments will make the disclosure thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present application to those skilled in the art.

The purpose of the terms used here is only to describe specific embodiments and not as a limitation of the present application. When used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the/the" are also intended to include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms "composition" and/or "including", when used in this specification, determine the existence of the described features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not exclude one or more other The existence or addition of features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts, and/or groups. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of related listed items.

In order to thoroughly understand this application, a detailed structure will be proposed in the following description to explain the technical solution proposed by this application. The optional embodiments of the present application are described in detail as follows, however, in addition to these detailed descriptions, the present application may also have other implementation manners.

Hereinafter, first, an ultrasound imaging system according to an embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 shows a schematic structural block diagram of an ultrasound imaging system 100 according to an embodiment of the present application.

As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasound imaging system 100 includes an ultrasound probe 110, a vibrator 112, a transmitting/receiving circuit 114, a processor 116 and an output device 118. Further, the ultrasound imaging system may further include a beam combining circuit and a transmission/reception selection switch, and the transmission/reception circuit 114 may be connected to the ultrasound probe 110 through the transmission/reception selection switch.

Wherein, during the instantaneous elasticity detection, the vibrator 112 generates mechanical vibration under the control of the processor 116, thereby generating a shear wave propagating in the tissue in the target area of the object to be measured. The vibrator 112 may be a built-in vibrator installed inside the ultrasonic probe 110, or may be an external vibrator provided separately.

The ultrasonic probe 110 is provided with multiple transducers (also called multiple array elements or multiple transducer array elements, multiple including at least two), which are used to transmit ultrasonic waves according to electrical signals or return received ultrasonic waves to The wave is transformed into an electrical signal. In the embodiment of the present application, the ultrasonic probe 110 has multiple transducers, so that ultrasonic waves can be transmitted and received in a wider frequency band without the need to switch the probe. Multiple transducers can be arranged in a row to form a linear array, or arranged in a two-dimensional matrix to form an area array. Multiple transducers can also form a convex array, phased array, etc. There is no restriction on the arrangement of array elements. The transducer can transmit ultrasonic waves according to the excitation electrical signal, or convert the received ultrasonic waves into electrical signals. Therefore, each transducer can be used to transmit ultrasonic waves to the tissue in the target area, and can also be used to receive ultrasonic echoes returned through the tissue. When performing ultrasonic measurement, the transmitting/receiving circuit 114 can control which transducers are used to transmit ultrasonic waves and which transducers are used to receive ultrasonic waves, or control the transducers to be used to transmit ultrasonic waves or receive ultrasonic echoes in time slots. All the transducers participating in ultrasonic emission can be excited by electrical signals at the same time, so as to emit ultrasonic waves at the same time; or the transducers participating in ultrasonic emission can also be excited by several electrical signals with a certain time interval, so as to continuously emit ultrasonic waves with a certain time interval. .

FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the sensitivity spectrum distribution of an exemplary ultrasonic probe 110. As shown in Figure 2, the frequency point (ie, peak frequency) where the best sensitivity of the ultrasonic probe 110 is located is 3.30MHz, but it has better acoustic sensitivity in a wider frequency range, so it can operate in a wider frequency band. Transmit and receive ultrasound. Taking the bandwidth with a sensitivity above 6dB as an example, the frequency distribution range is from the lowest frequency (FL6) 2.52MHz to the highest frequency (FH6) 4.78MHz, and the center frequency (FC6) is 2.52MHz. In other words, if you choose to use any frequency point in the frequency range to transmit, you can get better results.

Optionally, the ultrasonic probe 110 may also include a pressure sensor for feeding back the strength of the ultrasonic probe 110 when it is in contact with the human body, so that the user can control the tightness of the pressing, so that the shear wave generated by the ultrasonic probe 110 can be better transmitted. organization.

The transmitting/receiving circuit 114 is used to excite the ultrasonic probe 110 to transmit the ultrasonic wave tracking the shear wave to the target area, and receive the ultrasonic echo corresponding to the ultrasonic wave returned from the target area, so as to obtain ultrasonic echo data. After that, the transmitting/receiving circuit 114 sends the ultrasonic echo electrical signal to the beam synthesis circuit, and the beam synthesis circuit performs processing such as focus delay, weighting and channel summation on the ultrasonic echo data, and then sends it to the processor 116.

Optionally, the processor 116 may be implemented by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof, and may use a circuit, a single or multiple application specific integrated circuits (Application Specific Integrated Circuit, ASIC), a single or multiple general integrated circuits, and a single Or multiple microprocessors, single or multiple programmable logic devices, or any combination of the foregoing circuits and/or devices, or other suitable circuits or devices. Also, the processor 116 may control other components in the ultrasound imaging system 100 to perform desired functions.

The processor 116 performs instantaneous elasticity processing on the received ultrasonic echo data to obtain instantaneous elasticity measurement data of the target area, and may store the obtained instantaneous elasticity measurement data in a memory. As an example, the processor may also perform different processing on the ultrasound echo data acquired by the transmitting/receiving circuit 114 according to the imaging mode required by the user to obtain ultrasound tissue images of different modes. In one embodiment, the processor can obtain instantaneous elasticity measurement data and ultrasound tissue images at the same time after processing the same ultrasound echo; in another embodiment, the ultrasound probe 110 can emit the first ultrasound and the second ultrasound successively or intersperse Transmit the first ultrasonic wave and the second ultrasonic wave in a manner, the processor 116 can process the first ultrasonic echo of the first ultrasonic wave to obtain instantaneous elasticity measurement data, and generate different modes after processing the second ultrasonic echo of the second ultrasonic wave. Ultrasound tissue image.

In the embodiment of the present application, the processor 116 may also select the applicable elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency or the acoustic attenuation parameter measurement frequency according to the individual characteristics of the target object, and automatically or manually switch the selected ultrasonic frequency for ultrasonic transmission and reception, thereby Different clinical application situations achieve a more optimized balance between ultrasound penetration and spatial resolution, and improve the accuracy of elastic measurement; the processor can also select the applicable mechanical vibration amplitude according to the individual characteristics of the target object, see below for details.

The output device 118 is connected to the processor 116 for outputting the instantaneous elasticity measurement result or the acoustic radiation force measurement result. In one embodiment, the output device 118 may be a display for displaying instantaneous elasticity measurement results on the display interface. As an example, the display can be a touch screen, a liquid crystal display, etc., or can also be an independent display device such as an independent liquid crystal display, a TV, etc.; or, the display can also be a display screen of an electronic device such as a smart phone, a tablet computer, etc. Wait. Wherein, the number of displays can be one or more.

In addition to displaying instantaneous elasticity measurement results, the display can also provide users with a graphical interface for human-computer interaction. One or more controlled objects can be set on the graphical interface and provided to the user to use human-computer interaction devices to input operating instructions to control these Controlled object, so as to perform corresponding control operations. For example, an icon is displayed on a graphical interface, and the icon can be operated using a human-computer interaction device to perform a specific function.

In addition, the output device 118 may also include a speaker, a printer, and so on. The output device 118 may also be any other suitable information output device.

Optionally, the ultrasound imaging system 100 may also include other human-computer interaction devices, which are connected to the processor 116. For example, the processor 116 may be connected to the human-computer interaction device through an external input/output port, and the external input/output port may be The wireless communication module can also be a wired communication module, or a combination of the two. The external input/output ports can also be implemented based on USB, bus protocols such as CAN, and/or wired network protocols.

Exemplarily, the human-computer interaction device may include an input device for detecting user input information. The input information may be, for example, a control instruction for the timing of ultrasonic transmission/reception, an operation input instruction for manually switching the ultrasonic frequency, or Including other instruction types. The input device may include one or a combination of a keyboard, a mouse, a scroll wheel, a trackball, a mobile input device (such as a mobile device with a touch display screen, a mobile phone, etc.), a multi-function knob, and so on.

The ultrasound imaging system 100 may also include a memory for storing instructions executed by the processor, storing instantaneous elastic measurements, ultrasound images, and so on. The memory may be a flash memory card, solid state memory, hard disk, etc. It can be a volatile memory and/or a non-volatile memory, a removable memory and/or a non-removable memory, etc.

It should be understood that the components included in the ultrasound imaging system 100 shown in FIG. 1 are only schematic, and it may include more or fewer components, which is not limited in the present application.

Hereinafter, the instantaneous elasticity measurement method according to an embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a schematic flowchart of a method 300 for measuring instantaneous elasticity according to an embodiment of the present application.

As shown in FIG. 3, the instantaneous elasticity measurement method 300 includes the following steps:

Step S310: Determine the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency suitable for the measured object.

Wherein, the measured object includes a human body, and the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency refers to the ultrasonic transmission and reception frequency used for instantaneous elasticity measurement. Further, the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency may be the center frequency of ultrasonic transmission and reception. The higher the ultrasonic frequency of elasticity measurement, the higher the resolution and the lower the penetrating power. Conversely, the lower the ultrasonic frequency of elasticity measurement, the lower the resolution and the higher the penetrating power. For some measured objects, higher resolution is required, but not too high penetrating power. For some other measured objects, the resolution requirements are not high, but the penetrating power requirements are not high. Increase. Therefore, determining the elastic measurement ultrasonic frequency suitable for the measured object is conducive to achieving a more optimized balance between ultrasonic penetration and spatial resolution, and improving the effectiveness and accuracy of instantaneous elastic measurement.

As a specific implementation manner, the data representing the individual characteristics of the measured object may be acquired first, and the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency suitable for the measured object can be determined according to the data representing the individual characteristics of the measured object. Among them, the data that characterizes the individual characteristics of the measured object may be data that characterizes the physical structure of the measured object. When determining the elastic measurement ultrasonic frequency applicable to the measured object according to the data characterizing the individual characteristics of the measured object, for different data, it can be directly matched to the elastic measurement ultrasonic frequency associated with the obtained data, or the obtained data Carry out the analysis, and select the applicable elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency according to the analysis result.

In an example, the data characterizing the individual characteristics of the measured object may include data characterizing the body shape of the measured object, such as weight, chest circumference, or waist circumference. Generally speaking, for large or obese subjects, the tissues and organs (such as the liver) are located deeper and require higher penetration, so they are suitable for lower elasticity measurement ultrasound frequencies; for normal body types For the measured object, the location depth of the tissues and organs is medium, so it is suitable for transmitting and receiving with medium ultrasound frequency; for the small-sized object to be measured, the location of the tissues and organs is shallower, so it is suitable for using higher ultrasound. Frequency for transmission and reception.

Similarly, the data characterizing the individual characteristics of the measured object may include age data of the measured object. The tissues and organs of the young test subject are shallower, and therefore require a higher ultrasonic frequency for elasticity measurement. In contrast, the tissues and organs of the adult test target are deeper in the location and therefore require a lower ultrasonic frequency for elasticity measurement. Alternatively, the data characterizing the individual characteristics of the measured object may include data characterizing the rib spacing of the measured object: compared with the measured object with a wider rib spacing, the measured object with a narrow rib spacing requires stronger penetration. Therefore, a lower elasticity is required to measure the ultrasonic frequency. In addition, the data characterizing the individual characteristics of the measured object may also include data characterizing the health status of the measured object. For example, a subject in poor health may require greater resolution. As an example, data characterizing the body shape, age, rib spacing, or health status of the tested object can be obtained by manual input, or the above data can also be automatically obtained from the information database or electronic medical record of the tested object.

When obtaining data that can be expressed in words or numbers, such as the body shape, age, rib spacing, or health status of the measured object as described above, the preset can be directly related to the acquired data that characterizes the individual characteristics of the measured object The frequency of the coupling is determined as the ultrasonic frequency required for elasticity measurement. For example, when the data that characterizes the individual characteristics of the measured object is the weight value that characterizes the body shape of the measured object, if the weight value of the measured object is greater than or equal to the preset first threshold value, a lower value can be selected for it. Elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency, such as the center frequency of 2.5MHz; when the weight of the measured object is lower than the first threshold but not lower than the second threshold, select a medium elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency, such as the center frequency of 3.5MHz; When the subject's weight is lower than the second threshold, a higher elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency can be selected for the subject, for example, the center frequency is 5.0 MHz.

In another embodiment, the data characterizing the individual characteristics of the measured object may include image data, for example, ultrasound image data of the target area of the instantaneous elasticity measurement of the measured object, including but not limited to B-mode ultrasound image data, M Conventional ultrasound image data such as type ultrasound image data or A type ultrasound image data. That is to say, before starting the instantaneous elasticity measurement, first collect or obtain the conventional ultrasound image data of the target area, and then further analyze the ultrasound image data, and determine the applicable elasticity according to the analysis results extracted from the image Measure the ultrasonic frequency.

As an implementation manner, a plurality of ultrasonic frequencies may be continuously used to transmit ultrasonic waves and receive echoes respectively, so as to collect ultrasonic image data of the target area of the measured object. Then, the ultrasound image data at the multiple ultrasound frequencies is analyzed, and according to the analysis result, the ultrasound frequency corresponding to the ultrasound image data that meets a predetermined standard is used as the elasticity measurement ultrasound frequency. Wherein, the ultrasound image that meets the predetermined standard may be ultrasound image data with the best resolution and/or signal-to-noise ratio among the multiple ultrasound image data.

In another implementation manner, it is also possible to measure the individual characteristic parameters of the measured object based on the obtained ultrasound image data, and determine the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency suitable for the measured object according to the measured individual characteristic parameters. Wherein, when the target area of the instantaneous elasticity measurement includes the liver area, the individual characteristic parameter includes the body surface-liver capsule distance (Skin Capsule Distance, SCD). On the one hand, the body surface-liver envelope distance is related to the body surface fat content and the body size of the measured object, and the optimal elasticity measurement ultrasound frequency can be selected according to the body surface-liver envelope distance. When the SCD is large (for example, SCD>3.5cm), it means that the liver of the current object may be deeper, and the need for penetrating power needs to be paid attention to. Therefore, it is recommended to use a lower elasticity to measure the ultrasonic frequency (for example, 2.5MHz) ) Perform instantaneous elasticity measurement. On the other hand, the general elasticity measurement area is recommended to be selected within a certain depth range below the liver capsule, so obtaining the body surface-liver capsule distance is also conducive to the corresponding optimal selection of the elasticity measurement area. The SCD measurement process can be performed manually by the user, or can be automatically measured by the system according to image processing algorithms, such as boundary recognition algorithms and image segmentation algorithms.

The foregoing describes several exemplary implementations of determining the ultrasonic frequency of the elasticity measurement of the measured object. In one embodiment, after determining the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency suitable for the measured object, the ultrasonic imaging system may directly switch the ultrasonic frequency of the instantaneous elasticity measurement to the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency determined in step S310. In another embodiment, the output device 118 shown in FIG. 1 may also be used to output prompt information suggesting that the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency be used for instantaneous elasticity measurement, for example, output visual prompt information on the display, and according to the received The user instruction of determines whether to switch the transmitting and receiving frequencies of the ultrasonic probe during the instantaneous elasticity measurement process to the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency.

When using different frequencies for ultrasonic transmission and reception, the best depth position of the echo signal used to calculate the elasticity result may also be different. The lower the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency, the deeper the depth of the region of interest. Therefore, in one embodiment, after the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency is determined, the depth range of the region of interest for obtaining the instantaneous elasticity measurement result can also be determined according to the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency. For example, when the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency is determined, the region of interest can be automatically determined within the preset depth range associated with the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency in the system. When the frequency is switched, the depth range of the region of interest is also Switch accordingly. The rule for setting the depth range of the region of interest generally not only satisfies the data originating from the inside of the region of interest (for example, inside the liver, but not inside the fat area on the body surface), and at the same time has a relatively high signal-to-noise ratio. As an example, when the target area is the liver area, when the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency is determined to be 3.0MHz, the region of interest can be determined within the depth range of 25mm～65mm, and when the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency is determined to be 2.5MHz, it can be within 30mm. Determine the region of interest within the depth of ~70mm.

In addition, as mentioned above, the region of interest for elasticity measurement is generally selected to be within a certain depth below the liver capsule. Therefore, if the distance between the body surface and liver capsule of the measured object is determined when the elasticity measurement ultrasound frequency is determined before, it is still The depth range of the region of interest for obtaining the instantaneous elasticity measurement result can be determined according to the body surface-liver envelope distance.

Of course, the region of interest for instantaneous elasticity measurement can also be determined by the user based on the clarity and penetration depth of the displayed image. The ultrasound imaging system determines the depth range of the region of interest for obtaining the instantaneous elasticity measurement result according to user input. . Specifically, the ultrasound image can be displayed on the display, the user manually selects the region of interest on the ultrasound image, and the region of interest selected by the user is obtained according to the received user input. In other examples, the region of interest can also be obtained in a semi-automatic manner. For example, first an approximate depth range is automatically determined according to the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency, and then the user manually selects a more accurate region of interest within the depth range .

In step S320, mechanical vibration is applied to the measured object to generate a shear wave in the target area of the measured object.

In this embodiment, the vibrator is provided inside the ultrasonic probe as an example for description, but it should be understood that the vibrator can also be independent of the ultrasonic probe. When the ultrasonic probe itself includes a vibrator, a driving signal for driving the vibrator to vibrate can be output to the vibrator of the ultrasonic probe to implement instantaneous elasticity measurement. The ultrasonic probe in contact with the surface vibrates, and the shear wave generated by the vibration is transmitted to the tissue in the target area of the measured object through the ultrasonic probe to generate a shear wave inside the tissue in the target area. The shear wave travels through the selected sensory area. Area of interest.

In an embodiment, since different measured objects are suitable for different mechanical vibration amplitudes, the instantaneous elasticity measurement method 300 may further include: determining the mechanical vibration amplitudes suitable for the measured object, and according to the mechanical vibration The amplitude determines the driving intensity of the mechanical vibration, and the vibrator is driven with the determined driving intensity to generate a mechanical vibration amplitude that meets the requirements.

Among them, the determination of the mechanical vibration amplitude is related to the penetration force of the shear wave and the endurance of the measured object. Therefore, the mechanical vibration amplitude can be determined based on the body shape, age, rib spacing, and/or health status of the measured object. For example, a large-sized test object or a test object with a narrow rib spacing requires stronger penetrating power, so it is suitable for larger mechanical vibration amplitudes; young or poorly-healthy test objects have poor bearing capacity, so Suitable for small mechanical vibration amplitude.

In one embodiment, the determination of the mechanical vibration amplitude may also be associated with the determination of the elastic measurement ultrasonic frequency. For example, after selecting the elastic measurement ultrasonic frequency, the preset mechanical vibration amplitude associated with it is automatically determined.

In step S330, an ultrasonic probe including a plurality of array elements is used to transmit ultrasonic waves tracking the shear wave to the target area using the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency, and receive ultrasonic echoes of the target area to obtain ultrasonic waves. Echo data.

The processor 116 in the ultrasonic imaging system 100 shown in FIG. 1 may be used to control the transmitting/receiving circuit 114 to excite the ultrasonic probe 110 to transmit ultrasonic waves to the target area of the object to be measured at the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency determined in step S310 to track Shear waves propagated in the target area, and ultrasonic echoes of the ultrasonic waves returned from the target area are received to obtain ultrasonic echo data. Since the embodiment of this application adopts a multi-element ultrasonic probe with better sensitivity in a wider frequency band, it can switch the frequency as needed based on the same probe, which improves the measurement accuracy and does not need to switch the probe to avoid A tedious operation. Compared with the traditional ultrasonic probe for instantaneous elasticity measurement, the ultrasonic probe of the embodiment of the present application adopts multiple array elements, and the ultrasonic wave generated by it has a wider frequency range. Compared with the traditional ultrasonic probe for instantaneous elasticity measurement, the present application includes multiple arrays. Yuan's ultrasound probe can also be considered as a broadband probe.

In this step, after mechanical vibration is applied to the target area and shear waves are generated, ultrasonic waves are emitted as tracking pulses and received ultrasonic echoes, so as to obtain echo data of tracking pulses within a propagation range within a period of time in the target area . The transmission interval time for transmitting ultrasonic waves can be predetermined. The ultrasonic echo data records the tissue information at each position within the propagation range of the shear wave during the propagation process.

Step S340: Obtain an instantaneous elasticity measurement result of the target area according to the ultrasonic echo data.

Wherein, the instantaneous elasticity measurement result includes an elasticity parameter used to evaluate the elasticity of the tissue in the target area, which may be the propagation velocity of the shear wave or the elastic modulus.

Specifically, after receiving the ultrasonic echo data, the ultrasonic echo data can be processed, such as filtering, amplifying, and beam synthesis. After that, based on the processed ultrasonic echo data, relevant algorithms can be used to obtain the required instantaneous elasticity measurement parameters or images. In the embodiment of the present application, the deformation estimation operation can be performed based on the ultrasonic echo data to form a corresponding deformation-time curve at each detection position in the target area, which reflects the relationship between the tissue deformation value at that point and time. According to the corresponding time value of the peak value in the deformation-time curve and the physical distance value of the detection position, a fitting time-distance straight line can be made, and the reciprocal of the slope of the time-distance straight line can be obtained to obtain the shear wave velocity value. The shear wave velocity calculates the elastic modulus parameter that reflects the hardness of the tissue. It can be understood that the above calculation process is only exemplary, and other suitable algorithms may be used in the embodiment of the present application to obtain the instantaneous elasticity measurement result based on the ultrasonic echo data.

In some embodiments, after the instantaneous elasticity measurement result is calculated, the calculated instantaneous elasticity measurement result can be directly output through an output device (for example, the output device 118 shown in FIG. 1). Wherein, the output device may be a display device, such as a display screen or a display, etc. The instantaneous elasticity measurement result may be displayed on the display interface of the display device, for example, the shear wave velocity, elastic modulus, etc. may be displayed in text Parameters can also display tissue elasticity images.

Referring now to FIG. 1 again, an embodiment of the present application also provides an ultrasound imaging system 100, which can be used to implement the above-mentioned method 300. The ultrasound imaging system 100 may include components such as an ultrasound probe 110, a vibrator 112, a transmitting/receiving circuit 114, a processor 116, and an output device 118. Among them, the ultrasound probe 110 includes multiple array elements (ie, transducer array elements). It can transmit and receive ultrasonic waves in a wider frequency band; the vibrator 112 is used to apply mechanical vibration to the measured object to generate shear waves in the target area of the measured object; the transmitting/receiving circuit 114 is used to excite the The ultrasonic probe 110 uses an elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency suitable for the measured object to transmit an ultrasonic wave tracking the shear wave to the target area, and receives the ultrasonic echo of the target area to obtain ultrasonic echo data; processing; The device 116 is used to determine the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency and process the ultrasonic echo data to obtain the instantaneous elasticity measurement result of the target area; the output device 118 is used to output the instantaneous elasticity measurement result.

In one embodiment, the output device 118 is also used to output prompt information suggesting that the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency is used for instantaneous elasticity measurement, and the processor 116 is also used to determine whether to use the ultrasonic The transmitting and receiving frequencies of the probe 110 are switched to the elastic measurement ultrasonic frequency.

Only the main components of the ultrasound imaging system 100 and the main functions of each component are described above, and the details that have been described above are omitted. For other related descriptions of the various components, reference may be made to the detailed description of the ultrasound imaging system 100 and the instantaneous elasticity measurement method 300 above.

Based on the above description, according to the instantaneous elasticity measurement method and the ultrasonic imaging system of the embodiments of the present application, by using an ultrasonic probe including multiple array elements, different elasticities can be selected according to the actual needs of the measured object without switching the probe. The ultrasonic frequency is measured, so as to meet the needs of different penetrating power and resolution in the clinic, improve the effectiveness of elasticity measurement, and at the same time, it is easy to operate and is beneficial to cost saving.

In the instantaneous elastic imaging process, in addition to obtaining the elasticity-related results of the target tissue, imaging or measurement of acoustic attenuation parameters can also be performed. The sound attenuation parameter is used to reflect the attenuation degree of the sound intensity (or amplitude, energy) when the ultrasonic wave propagates in a certain depth range, and can be used to predict the degree of fatty liver in clinical practice. Generally speaking, the more serious the degree of fatty liver, the faster the sound attenuation. As shown in Fig. 4, for ultrasonic waves of the same frequency, the amplitude of the ultrasonic waves has a linear inverse relationship with the propagation depth, and the sound attenuation parameter usually corresponds to the slope of the above inverse relationship. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for measuring sound attenuation parameters. By using an ultrasonic probe that includes multiple array elements, a relatively appropriate sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency can be selected for different objects to be measured for sound attenuation parameter measurement. , Improve the accuracy of measurement.

FIG. 5 is a schematic flowchart of a method 500 for measuring sound attenuation parameters according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 5, the method 500 includes the following steps:

Step S510: Determine the sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency suitable for the measured object.

Wherein, determining the sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency suitable for the measured object is similar to the method 300 for determining the elastic measurement ultrasonic frequency of the measured object. As an implementation manner, the measurement process of the acoustic attenuation parameter can be performed synchronously with the instantaneous elasticity measurement process, that is, the echo data of the instantaneous elastography is multiplexed. Specifically, in the process of instantaneous elasticity measurement, after acquiring the ultrasonic echo data of the ultrasonic wave tracking the shear wave, the processor may further determine the acoustic attenuation parameter of the target area according to the echo data. In this implementation, the sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency is equivalent to the elastic measurement ultrasonic frequency described above. In other implementations, the sound attenuation parameter measurement can also be performed separately from the instantaneous elasticity measurement, and the sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency can be the same as the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency, or it can be different from the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency.

Specifically, the sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency refers to the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving frequencies used for sound attenuation parameter measurement. Further, the sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency may be the center frequency of ultrasonic transmitting and receiving. The higher the sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency, the higher the resolution and the lower the penetration power. Conversely, the lower the sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency, the lower the resolution and the higher the penetration power. Therefore, determining the sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency suitable for the measured object is conducive to achieving a more optimized balance between ultrasonic penetration and spatial resolution, and improving the effectiveness and accuracy of sound attenuation parameter measurement.

As a specific implementation manner, the data characterizing the individual characteristics of the measured object may be acquired first, and the sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency suitable for the measured object can be determined according to the data characterizing the individual characteristics of the measured object. Among them, the data that characterizes the individual characteristics of the measured object may be data that characterizes the physical structure of the measured object. When determining the sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency applicable to the measured object according to the data that characterizes the individual characteristics of the measured object, for different data, it can be directly matched to the sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency associated with the obtained data, or the obtained sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency can be directly matched. Analyze the data, and select the applicable sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency according to the analysis result.

In an example, the data characterizing the individual characteristics of the measured object may include data characterizing the body type of the measured object, such as weight, chest circumference, or waist circumference. The larger the body size, the higher the penetration force required, and the lower the sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency. Similarly, the data characterizing the individual characteristics of the measured object may include data on the age, rib spacing, or health status of the measured object. When obtaining data that can be expressed in words or numbers, such as the body shape, age, rib spacing, or health status of the measured object as described above, the preset can be directly related to the acquired data that characterizes the individual characteristics of the measured object The frequency of the connection is determined as the measurement frequency of the required sound attenuation parameter.

In another embodiment, the data characterizing the individual characteristics of the measured object may include image data, for example, ultrasound image data of the target area of the measurement of the acoustic attenuation parameter of the measured object. When the ultrasonic image data is used to determine the sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency, it is necessary to further analyze the ultrasonic image data, and determine the applicable sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency according to the analysis result extracted from the image. As an implementation manner, a plurality of ultrasonic frequencies may be continuously used to transmit ultrasonic waves and receive echoes respectively, so as to collect ultrasonic image data of the target area of the measured object. Then, the ultrasound image data at the multiple ultrasound frequencies is analyzed, and according to the analysis result, the ultrasound frequency corresponding to the ultrasound image data meeting a predetermined standard is used as the sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency. Wherein, the ultrasound image that meets the predetermined standard may be ultrasound image data with the best resolution and/or signal-to-noise ratio among the multiple ultrasound image data.

In another implementation manner, it is also possible to measure the individual characteristic parameters of the measured object based on the obtained ultrasound image data, and determine the sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency suitable for the measured object according to the measured individual characteristic parameters. Wherein, when the target area of the sound attenuation parameter measurement includes the liver area, the individual characteristic parameter includes the body surface-liver capsule distance (Skin Capsule Distance, SCD).

The foregoing describes several exemplary implementations of determining the measurement frequency of the sound attenuation parameter of the measured object. In one embodiment, after determining the sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency suitable for the measured object, the ultrasound imaging system may directly switch the sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency to the sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency determined in step S510. In another embodiment, a prompt message suggesting that the sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency should be used for sound attenuation parameter measurement can also be output, and according to the received user instruction, it is determined whether to change the sound attenuation parameter measurement process of the ultrasonic probe. The transmitting and receiving frequencies are switched to the sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency.

Step S520, using the acoustic attenuation parameter measurement frequency to transmit ultrasonic waves to the target area of the measured object through an ultrasonic probe including a plurality of array elements, and receive ultrasonic echoes of the target area to obtain ultrasonic echo data .

Wherein, the processor of the ultrasound imaging system may be used to control the transmitting/receiving circuit to excite the ultrasonic probe to transmit ultrasonic waves to the target area of the measured object at the sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency determined in step S510, and to receive the ultrasonic waves returned from the target area. Ultrasound echo to obtain ultrasonic echo data. Since the embodiment of this application adopts a multi-element ultrasonic probe with better sensitivity in a wider frequency band, it can switch the frequency as needed based on the same probe, which improves the measurement accuracy and does not need to switch the probe to avoid A tedious operation.

Step S530: Obtain the sound attenuation parameter measurement result of the target area according to the ultrasonic echo data.

Among them, the acoustic attenuation parameter of the target area can be determined according to the amplitude of the ultrasonic echo signal corresponding to the target area at each depth. Generally, the amplitudes of the ultrasonic echo signals returned from different depths are different. The depth refers to the distance between the tissue in the target area and the probe. The deeper the tissue, the lower the amplitude of the ultrasonic echo signals, see Figure 4. Since the amplitude of the ultrasonic echo signal decreases with the increase of depth, when the amplitude is converted into dB (decibel) as a unit, it can be determined that the amplitude will decrease with the increase of depth. The slope of the energy attenuation of ultrasonic echo It can be understood as a sound attenuation parameter.

Finally, the sound attenuation parameter measurement result can also be output through the output device, for example, the sound attenuation parameter measurement result is displayed on the display device. The measurement result can include the value and curve of the sound attenuation parameter. In addition, the pixel value of each pixel can be determined according to the sound attenuation parameter to obtain the sound attenuation image; the sound attenuation image can be superimposed and displayed with the basic ultrasound image or elastic image .

Referring to FIG. 6, an embodiment of the present application also provides an ultrasound imaging system 600, and the ultrasound imaging system 600 may be used to implement the above method 500. The ultrasound imaging system 600 may include components such as an ultrasound probe 610, a transmitting/receiving circuit 612, a processor 614, and an output device 618. Among them, the specific details of the ultrasonic probe 610, the transmitting/receiving circuit 612, the processor 614, and the output device 618 can refer to the ultrasonic probe 110, the transmitting/receiving circuit 114, the processor 116, and the output device in the ultrasonic imaging system 100 shown in FIG. For the device 118, only the main components of the ultrasound imaging system 600 and the main functions of each component are described below, and the details that have been described above are omitted. For other related descriptions of the various components, reference may be made to the detailed description of the ultrasound imaging system 100 and the sound attenuation parameter measurement method 600 above.

In this embodiment, the ultrasound imaging system 600 may be implemented as a transient elastic ultrasound imaging system, and the ultrasound imaging system 600 may include a vibrator for applying mechanical vibration to the target area of the measured object to generate shear waves, thereby starting For the instantaneous elasticity measurement, refer to the vibrator 112 in the ultrasound imaging system 100 for details. Alternatively, the ultrasound imaging system 600 can also be implemented as an acoustic radiation force elastic imaging system. The ultrasound imaging system 600 may not include a vibrator. The ultrasound probe 610 applies acoustic radiation force pulses to the target area of the object to be measured to generate shear waves. This starts the elastic measurement of acoustic radiation force.

In the ultrasound imaging system 600, the ultrasound probe 110 includes multiple array elements (ie, transducer array elements), so that it can transmit and receive ultrasound in a wider frequency band; the transmitting/receiving circuit 612 is used to excite the ultrasound probe 610 to use The acoustic attenuation parameter frequency applicable to the measured object transmits ultrasonic waves to the target area of the measured object, and receives the ultrasonic echo of the target area to obtain ultrasonic echo data; the processor 614 is used to determine the acoustic attenuation Parameter measurement frequency, and processing the ultrasonic echo data to obtain the sound attenuation parameter measurement result of the target area; the output device 618 is used to output the sound attenuation parameter measurement result.

Based on the above description, according to the sound attenuation parameter measurement method and ultrasonic imaging system of the embodiments of the present application, by using an ultrasonic probe including multiple array elements, different probes can be selected according to the actual needs of the measured object without switching the probe. The sound attenuation parameter measures the ultrasonic frequency, so as to meet the detection requirements of different penetration and resolution in the clinic, improve the effectiveness of the sound attenuation parameter measurement, and at the same time, it is easy to operate and is beneficial to cost saving.

Another embodiment of the present application also provides an elasticity measurement method, which is based on an ultrasonic probe including multiple array elements, uses multiple elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequencies to perform elasticity measurement, and integrates the results of multiple measurements to obtain a more accurate synthesis. Measurement results. Hereinafter, the elasticity measurement method according to an embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a schematic flowchart of an elasticity measurement method 700 according to an embodiment of the present application.

As shown in FIG. 7, the elasticity measurement method 700 includes the following steps:

In step S710, based on the ultrasonic probe including a plurality of array elements, at least two elastic measuring ultrasonic frequencies are successively used to transmit ultrasonic waves that track shear waves to the target area of the object to be measured, and receive ultrasonic echoes of the target area to Obtain at least two sets of ultrasonic echo data;

In step S720, obtain the elasticity measurement result of the target area at each ultrasonic frequency according to the ultrasonic echo data;

In step S730, at least two of the elasticity measurement results are integrated to determine a comprehensive elasticity measurement result.

In an embodiment, the elasticity measurement method 700 may be an instantaneous elasticity measurement method, that is, the shear wave is first generated in the target area of the measured object based on mechanical vibration. In another embodiment, the elasticity measurement method 700 may also be an acoustic radiation force elasticity measurement method, that is, the shear wave is generated in the target area of the measured object based on the acoustic radiation force.

In this embodiment, the ultrasonic probe emits ultrasonic waves to the target area of the object to be measured with at least two elasticity measuring ultrasonic frequencies in order to track the shear waves propagating in the target area, and to receive all the returning from the target area. The ultrasonic echo of the ultrasonic wave is used to obtain ultrasonic echo data. As an example, the generation of shear waves and the transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves alternate. Since the embodiment of this application adopts a multi-element ultrasonic probe with better sensitivity in a wider frequency band, it can switch the frequency as needed based on the same probe, which improves the measurement accuracy and does not need to switch the probe to avoid A tedious operation.

After that, based on each group of ultrasonic echo data, an elasticity measurement result is obtained. Wherein, the elasticity measurement result includes an elasticity parameter used to evaluate the degree of elasticity of the tissue in the target area, which may be the propagation velocity of the shear wave or the elastic modulus. Specifically, after receiving the ultrasonic echo data, the ultrasonic echo data can be processed, such as filtering, amplifying, and beam synthesis. After that, based on the processed ultrasonic echo data, relevant algorithms can be used to obtain the required elastic measurement parameters.

After obtaining at least two elasticity measurement results, statistical operations are performed on the obtained elasticity measurement results to obtain a comprehensive elasticity measurement result, thereby more accurately and completely reflecting the organization's elasticity information. Wherein, the statistical operation includes one or more of the following: average value, median value, variance, standard deviation, quartile value, etc. of at least two elasticity measurement results.

In some embodiments, after the comprehensive elasticity measurement result is calculated, the calculated comprehensive elasticity measurement result can be directly output through the output device. Wherein, the output device may be a display device, such as a display screen or a display, etc., and the comprehensive elasticity measurement result may be displayed on the display interface of the display device.

Referring again to FIG. 6, an embodiment of the present application also provides an ultrasound imaging system 600, and the ultrasound imaging system 600 may be used to implement the above method 700. The ultrasound imaging system 600 may include components such as an ultrasound probe 610, a transmitting/receiving circuit 612, a processor 614, and an output device 618. Among them, the specific details of the ultrasonic probe 610, the transmitting/receiving circuit 612, the processor 614, and the output device 618 can refer to the ultrasonic probe 110, the transmitting/receiving circuit 114, the processor 116, and the output device in the ultrasonic imaging system 100 shown in FIG. For the device 118, only the main components of the ultrasound imaging system 600 and the main functions of each component are described below, and the details that have been described above are omitted. For other related descriptions of the various components, reference may be made to the detailed description of the ultrasound imaging system 100 and the sound attenuation parameter measurement method 600 above.

In this embodiment, the ultrasound imaging system 600 may be implemented as a transient elastic ultrasound imaging system, and the ultrasound imaging system 600 may include a vibrator for applying mechanical vibration to the target area of the measured object to generate shear waves, thereby starting For the instantaneous elasticity measurement, refer to the vibrator 112 in the ultrasound imaging system 100 for details. Alternatively, the ultrasound imaging system 600 can also be implemented as an acoustic radiation force elastic imaging system. The ultrasound imaging system 600 may not include a vibrator. The ultrasound probe 610 applies acoustic radiation force pulses to the target area of the object to be measured to generate shear waves. This starts the elastic measurement of acoustic radiation force.

In the ultrasound imaging system 600, the ultrasound probe 110 includes multiple array elements (ie, transducer array elements), so that it can transmit and receive ultrasound in a wider frequency band; the transmitting/receiving circuit 612 is used to excite the ultrasound probe 610 in turn At least two elastic measurement ultrasonic frequencies are used to transmit ultrasonic waves tracking shear waves to the target area of the measured object, and receive ultrasonic echoes of the target area to obtain at least two sets of ultrasonic echo data; the processor 614 is configured to The ultrasonic echo data obtains the elasticity measurement result of the target area at each of the ultrasonic frequencies, and synthesizes at least two of the elasticity measurement results to determine the comprehensive elasticity measurement result; the output device 618 is used to output the elasticity measurement result. Comprehensive resilience measurement results.

Based on the above description, according to the elasticity measurement method and ultrasonic imaging system of the embodiments of the present application, by using an ultrasonic probe including multiple array elements, multiple elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequencies can be used for elasticity measurement without switching the probe, and Integrate the results of multiple measurements to obtain a more accurate comprehensive elasticity measurement result.

Another embodiment of the present application also provides a sound attenuation parameter measurement method, which is based on an ultrasonic probe including multiple array elements, uses multiple sound attenuation parameter measurement frequencies to perform sound attenuation parameter measurement, and integrates the results of multiple measurements to obtain More accurate comprehensive measurement results. Hereinafter, a method for measuring sound attenuation parameters according to an embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a schematic flowchart of a method 800 for measuring sound attenuation parameters according to an embodiment of the present application.

As shown in FIG. 8, the sound attenuation parameter measurement method 800 includes the following steps:

In step S810, based on the ultrasonic probe including a plurality of array elements, at least two acoustic attenuation parameter measurement frequencies are used in sequence to transmit ultrasonic waves to the target area of the object to be measured, and receive ultrasonic echoes of the target area to obtain at least two sets Ultrasonic echo data;

In step S820, obtain a sound attenuation parameter measurement result of the target area at each ultrasonic frequency according to the ultrasonic echo data;

In step S830, at least two of the sound attenuation parameter measurement results are integrated to determine a comprehensive sound attenuation parameter measurement result.

In this embodiment, the ultrasonic probe sequentially transmits ultrasonic waves to the target area of the measured object at at least two sound attenuation parameter measurement frequencies, and receives ultrasonic echoes of the ultrasonic waves returned from the target area to obtain ultrasonic echo data. Since the embodiment of this application uses a multi-element ultrasonic probe, it has better sensitivity in a wider frequency band, so it is possible to switch multiple sound attenuation parameter measurement frequencies based on the same probe as needed, which improves measurement accuracy while improving measurement accuracy. , No need to switch probes, avoiding tedious operations.

After that, based on each group of ultrasonic echo data, a measurement result of acoustic attenuation parameters is obtained. Wherein, the measurement result of the sound attenuation parameter attenuation parameter is used to reflect the attenuation degree of the sound intensity (or amplitude, energy) when the ultrasonic wave propagates in a certain depth range, and can be used to predict the degree of fatty liver in clinical practice.

After obtaining at least two sound attenuation parameter measurement results, statistical calculations are performed on the acquired sound attenuation parameter measurement results to obtain a comprehensive sound attenuation parameter measurement result, so as to more accurately and completely reflect the elasticity information of the tissue. Wherein, the statistical operation includes one or more of the following: average value, median value, variance, standard deviation, quartile value, etc. of at least two sound attenuation parameter measurement results.

In some embodiments, after the comprehensive sound attenuation parameter measurement result is calculated, the calculated comprehensive sound attenuation parameter measurement result can be directly output through the output device. Wherein, the output device may be a display device, such as a display screen or a display, etc., and the measurement result of the comprehensive sound attenuation parameter may be displayed on the display interface of the display device.

6 again, an embodiment of the present application also provides an ultrasound imaging system 600, which can be used to implement the above method 800. The ultrasound imaging system 600 may include components such as an ultrasound probe 610, a transmitting/receiving circuit 612, a processor 614, and an output device 618. Among them, the specific details of the ultrasonic probe 610, the transmitting/receiving circuit 612, the processor 614, and the output device 618 can refer to the ultrasonic probe 110, the transmitting/receiving circuit 114, the processor 116, and the output device in the ultrasonic imaging system 100 shown in FIG. For the device 118, only the main components of the ultrasound imaging system 600 and the main functions of each component are described below, and the details that have been described above are omitted. For other related descriptions of the various components, reference may be made to the detailed description of the ultrasound imaging system 100 and the sound attenuation parameter measurement method 600 above.

In the ultrasound imaging system 600, the ultrasound probe 110 includes multiple array elements (ie, transducer array elements), so that it can transmit and receive ultrasound in a wider frequency band; the transmitting/receiving circuit 612 is used to excite the ultrasound probe 610 in turn At least two sound attenuation parameter measurement frequencies are used to transmit ultrasonic waves to the target area of the object to be measured, and receive ultrasonic echoes of the target area to obtain at least two sets of ultrasonic echo data; the processor 614 is configured to according to the ultrasonic echo The wave data obtains the sound attenuation parameter measurement result of the target area at each of the ultrasonic frequencies, and integrates at least two of the sound attenuation parameter measurement results to determine the comprehensive sound attenuation parameter measurement result; the output device 618 is used to output The comprehensive sound attenuation parameter measurement result.

Based on the above description, according to the sound attenuation parameter measurement method and ultrasonic imaging system of the embodiments of the present application, by using an ultrasonic probe including multiple array elements, multiple sound attenuation parameter measurement frequencies can be used to perform sound without switching the probe. The attenuation parameter is measured, and the results of multiple measurements are integrated to obtain a more accurate comprehensive elasticity measurement result.

The embodiment of the present application also provides a method for measuring instantaneous elasticity, refer to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a schematic flowchart of an instantaneous elasticity measurement method 900 according to an embodiment of the present application.

As shown in FIG. 9, the instantaneous elasticity measurement method 900 includes the following steps:

Step S910, determining the mechanical vibration amplitude applicable to the measured object, and determining the driving intensity of the mechanical vibration according to the mechanical vibration amplitude;

Step S920, applying the driving intensity to the measured object with the mechanical vibration of the mechanical vibration amplitude, so as to generate a shear wave in the target area of the measured object;

Step S930, transmitting ultrasonic waves tracking the shear wave to the target area, and receiving ultrasonic echoes of the target area to obtain ultrasonic echo data;

Step S940: Obtain an instantaneous elasticity measurement result of the target area according to the ultrasonic echo data.

In this embodiment, the vibrator is provided inside the ultrasonic probe as an example for description, but it should be understood that the vibrator can also be independent of the ultrasonic probe. When the ultrasonic probe itself includes a vibrator, a driving signal for driving the vibrator to vibrate can be output to the vibrator of the ultrasonic probe to implement instantaneous elasticity measurement. The ultrasonic probe in contact with the surface vibrates, and the shear wave generated by the vibration is transmitted to the tissue in the target area of the measured object through the ultrasonic probe to generate a shear wave inside the tissue in the target area. The shear wave travels through the selected sensory area. Area of interest.

In this embodiment, because different measured objects are suitable for different mechanical vibration amplitudes, in step S910, determine the mechanical vibration amplitude suitable for the measured object, and determine the mechanical vibration amplitude according to the mechanical vibration amplitude. The driving intensity of the mechanical vibration is to drive the vibrator with the determined driving intensity to generate the mechanical vibration amplitude that meets the requirements.

Among them, the determination of the mechanical vibration amplitude needs to consider the penetration force of the shear wave and the endurance of the measured object. Therefore, the mechanical vibration amplitude can be determined based on the body shape, age, rib spacing, and/or health status of the measured object. For example, a large-sized test object or a test object with a narrow rib spacing requires stronger penetrating power, so it is suitable for larger mechanical vibration amplitudes; young or poorly-healthy test objects have poor bearing capacity, so Suitable for small mechanical vibration amplitude.

In one embodiment, the determination of the mechanical vibration amplitude may also be associated with the determination of the elastic measurement ultrasonic frequency. For example, after selecting the elastic measurement ultrasonic frequency, the preset mechanical vibration amplitude associated with it is automatically determined.

After determining the mechanical vibration amplitude applicable to the measured object, it can be automatically correlated to the preset driving intensity of the vibrator used to generate the mechanical vibration amplitude, and the vibrator is driven with the driving intensity to generate the mechanical vibration amplitude The mechanical vibration of the measured object generates a shear wave in the target area of the measured object. After that, the above steps S930 and S940 are executed, the ultrasonic wave tracking the shear wave is transmitted to the target area, and the ultrasonic echo of the target area is received to obtain ultrasonic echo data, and according to the ultrasonic echo The data obtains the instantaneous elasticity measurement result of the target area. For other specific details of step S920 to step S940, refer to the relevant description in the instantaneous elasticity measurement method 300, which will not be repeated here.

Based on the above description, according to the instantaneous elasticity measurement method of this embodiment, mechanical vibrations with different mechanical vibration amplitudes are selected according to the actual needs of the measured object, so as to meet the clinical needs for different intensities of mechanical vibration, which is beneficial to improve the accuracy of instantaneous elasticity measurement. And effectiveness, and enhance the user experience.

Although the exemplary embodiments have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the above-described exemplary embodiments are merely exemplary, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present application thereto. Those of ordinary skill in the art can make various changes and modifications therein without departing from the scope and spirit of the present application. All these changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present application as required by the appended claims.

A person of ordinary skill in the art may realize that the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in combination with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented by electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are executed by hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraint conditions of the technical solution. Professionals and technicians can use different methods for each specific application to implement the described functions, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed device and method may be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only illustrative. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division, and there may be other divisions in actual implementation, for example, multiple units or components may be combined or It can be integrated into another device, or some features can be ignored or not implemented.

In the instructions provided here, a lot of specific details are explained. However, it can be understood that the embodiments of the present application can be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known methods, structures, and technologies are not shown in detail, so as not to obscure the understanding of this specification.

Similarly, it should be understood that, in order to simplify this application and help understand one or more of the various aspects of the invention, in the description of the exemplary embodiments of this application, the various features of this application are sometimes grouped together into a single embodiment or figure. , Or in its description. However, the method of this application should not be interpreted as reflecting the intention that the claimed application requires more features than the features explicitly recorded in each claim. More precisely, as reflected in the corresponding claims, the point of the invention is that the corresponding technical problems can be solved with features that are less than all the features of a single disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the claims following the specific embodiment are thus explicitly incorporated into the specific embodiment, wherein each claim itself serves as a separate embodiment of the application.

Those skilled in the art can understand that in addition to mutual exclusion between the features, any combination of all features disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) and any method or device disclosed in this manner can be used. Processes or units are combined. Unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by an alternative feature providing the same, equivalent or similar purpose.

In addition, those skilled in the art can understand that although some embodiments described herein include certain features included in other embodiments but not other features, the combination of features of different embodiments means that they are within the scope of the present application. Within and form different embodiments. For example, in the claims, any one of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

The various component embodiments of the present application may be implemented by hardware, or by software modules running on one or more processors, or by a combination of them. Those skilled in the art should understand that a microprocessor or a digital signal processor (DSP) may be used in practice to implement some or all of the functions of some modules according to the embodiments of the present application. This application can also be implemented as a device program (for example, a computer program and a computer program product) for executing part or all of the methods described herein. Such a program for implementing the present application may be stored on a computer-readable medium, or may have the form of one or more signals. Such a signal can be downloaded from an Internet website, or provided on a carrier signal, or provided in any other form.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the application, and those skilled in the art can design alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses should not be constructed as a limitation to the claims. The application can be realized by means of hardware including several different elements and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In the unit claims listing several devices, several of these devices may be embodied in the same hardware item. The use of the words first, second, and third, etc. do not indicate any order. These words can be interpreted as names.

The above are only specific implementations of this application or descriptions of specific implementations. The scope of protection of this application is not limited to this. Anyone familiar with the technical field within the technical scope disclosed in this application can easily Any change or replacement should be covered within the scope of protection of this application. The protection scope of this application shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims (40)

1. A method for measuring instantaneous elasticity, characterized in that the method comprises:

   Determine the elastic measurement ultrasonic frequency suitable for the measured object;

   Applying mechanical vibration to the measured object to generate a shear wave in the target area of the measured object;

   Using the elastic measuring ultrasonic frequency to transmit ultrasonic waves that track the shear wave to the target area by using an ultrasonic probe including a plurality of array elements, and receive ultrasonic echoes of the target area to obtain ultrasonic echo data;

   Obtain the instantaneous elasticity measurement result of the target area according to the ultrasonic echo data.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the determining the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency suitable for the measured object comprises:

   Acquiring data characterizing the individual characteristics of the measured object;

   The elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency is determined according to the data characterizing the individual characteristics of the measured object.
3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the determining the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency according to the data characterizing the individual characteristics of the measured object comprises:

   The pre-set frequency associated with the data characterizing the individual characteristics of the measured object is determined as the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency.
4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the data characterizing the individual characteristics of the measured object includes data characterizing the body shape, age, rib spacing, and/or health status of the measured object.
5. The method according to claim 2, wherein the data characterizing the individual characteristics of the measured object comprises ultrasound image data of the target area of the measured object.
6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the acquiring data characterizing the individual characteristics of the measured object comprises: separately acquiring ultrasound image data of the target area of the measured object using a plurality of ultrasound frequencies ,

   The determining the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency according to the data characterizing the individual characteristics of the measured object includes:

   The ultrasound image data at the multiple ultrasound frequencies is analyzed, and the ultrasound frequency corresponding to the ultrasound image data meeting a predetermined standard is used as the elasticity measurement ultrasound frequency.
7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the ultrasound image data that meets a predetermined standard comprises a plurality of ultrasound image data with the best resolution and/or signal-to-noise ratio among the ultrasound image data.
8. The method according to claim 5, wherein the determining the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency according to the data characterizing the individual characteristics of the measured object comprises:

   Measuring the individual characteristic parameters of the measured object based on the ultrasound image data;

   The elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency suitable for the measured object is determined according to the individual characteristic parameter.
9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the individual characteristic parameter includes a body surface-liver envelope distance.
10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the greater the distance between the body surface and the liver capsule, the lower the elasticity measurement ultrasound frequency.
11. The method according to claim 8, wherein the measuring the individual characteristic parameters of the measured object based on the ultrasound image data comprises automatic measurement or manual measurement by a user.
12. The method according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the method further comprises:

    Outputting a prompt message suggesting that the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency is used for instantaneous elasticity measurement;

    It is determined whether to switch the transmitting and receiving frequencies of the ultrasonic probe to the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency according to the received user instruction.
13. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

    The depth range of the region of interest for obtaining the instantaneous elasticity measurement result is determined according to the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency.
14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the determining the depth range of the region of interest for obtaining the instantaneous elasticity measurement result according to the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency comprises:

    When the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency is determined, the depth range of the region of interest is automatically determined within the preset depth range associated with the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency.
15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the lower the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency, the deeper the depth of the region of interest.
16. The method according to claim 9, further comprising:

    The depth range of the region of interest for obtaining the instantaneous elasticity measurement result is determined according to the body surface-liver envelope distance of the measured object.
17. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

    The depth range of the region of interest used to obtain the instantaneous elasticity measurement result is determined according to the user input.
18. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

    Determine the sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency suitable for the measured object;

    Using the ultrasonic probe to use the sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency to transmit ultrasonic waves to a target area of the measured object, and receive ultrasonic echoes of the target area to obtain ultrasonic echo data;

    Obtain the sound attenuation parameter measurement result of the target area according to the ultrasonic echo data.
19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the determining the sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency applicable to the measured object comprises:

    The sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency is determined according to the body shape, rib spacing and/or health condition of the measured object.
20. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

    Determine the mechanical vibration amplitude applicable to the measured object; and

    The driving intensity of the mechanical vibration is determined according to the amplitude of the mechanical vibration.
21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the determining the mechanical vibration amplitude applicable to the measured object comprises:

    The mechanical vibration amplitude is determined based on the body shape, age, rib spacing, and/or health status of the measured object.
22. A method for measuring sound attenuation parameters, characterized in that the method includes:

    Determine the sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency suitable for the measured object;

    Using the acoustic attenuation parameter measurement frequency to transmit ultrasonic waves to the target area of the measured object by using an ultrasonic probe including a plurality of array elements, and receive ultrasonic echoes of the target area to obtain ultrasonic echo data;

    Obtain the sound attenuation parameter measurement result of the target area according to the ultrasonic echo data.
23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the determining the sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency suitable for the measured object comprises:

    Acquiring data characterizing the individual characteristics of the measured object;

    The measurement frequency of the sound attenuation parameter is determined according to the data characterizing the individual characteristics of the measured object.
24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the determining the sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency according to the data characterizing the individual characteristics of the measured object comprises:

    The preset frequency associated with the data characterizing the individual characteristics of the measured object is determined as the sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency.
25. The method according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the data characterizing the individual characteristics of the measured object includes data characterizing the body shape, age, rib spacing, and/or health status of the measured object.
26. The method according to claim 23, wherein the data characterizing the individual characteristics of the measured object comprises ultrasound image data of the target area of the measured object.
27. The method according to claim 26, wherein said acquiring data characterizing the individual characteristics of the measured object comprises: separately acquiring ultrasound image data of the target area of the measured object using a plurality of ultrasound frequencies ,

    The determining the sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency according to the data characterizing the individual characteristics of the measured object includes:

    The ultrasound image data at the multiple ultrasound frequencies are compared, and the ultrasound frequency corresponding to the ultrasound image data meeting a predetermined standard is used as the sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency.
28. The method according to claim 26, wherein the determining the sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency according to the data characterizing the individual characteristics of the measured object comprises:

    Measuring the individual characteristic parameters of the measured object based on the ultrasound image data;

    The measurement frequency of the sound attenuation parameter suitable for the measured object is determined according to the individual characteristic parameter.
29. The method according to claim 28, wherein the individual characteristic parameter comprises a body surface-liver envelope distance.
30. An elasticity measurement method, characterized in that the method includes:

    Based on an ultrasound probe that includes a plurality of array elements, at least two elasticity measurement ultrasound frequencies are used in sequence to transmit shear wave-tracking ultrasound to the target area of the object to be measured, and receive the ultrasound echoes of the target area to obtain at least two sets Ultrasonic echo data;

    Obtaining an elasticity measurement result of the target area at each ultrasonic frequency according to the ultrasonic echo data;

    At least two of the elasticity measurement results are combined to determine a comprehensive elasticity measurement result.
31. The method according to claim 30, further comprising:

    Generating the shear wave in the target area of the measured object based on mechanical vibration; or

    The shear wave is generated in the target area of the measured object based on the acoustic radiation force.
32. A method for measuring sound attenuation parameters, characterized in that the method includes:

    Based on an ultrasonic probe including multiple array elements, at least two acoustic attenuation parameter measurement frequencies are used to transmit ultrasonic waves to the target area of the object to be measured, and receive ultrasonic echoes of the target area to obtain at least two sets of ultrasonic echo data ；

    Obtaining, according to the ultrasonic echo data, a measurement result of the sound attenuation parameter of the target area at each of the ultrasonic frequencies;

    At least two of the sound attenuation parameter measurement results are combined to determine a comprehensive sound attenuation parameter measurement result.
33. A method for measuring instantaneous elasticity, characterized in that the method comprises:

    Determine the mechanical vibration amplitude suitable for the measured object, and determine the driving strength of the mechanical vibration according to the mechanical vibration amplitude;

    Applying the driving intensity to the measured object with the mechanical vibration of the mechanical vibration amplitude, so as to generate a shear wave in the target area of the measured object;

    Transmitting ultrasonic waves that track the shear wave to the target area, and receiving ultrasonic echoes of the target area to obtain ultrasonic echo data;

    Obtain the instantaneous elasticity measurement result of the target area according to the ultrasonic echo data.
34. An ultrasound imaging system, characterized in that it comprises:

    An ultrasonic probe, the ultrasonic probe includes a plurality of array elements;

    A vibrator for applying mechanical vibration to the measured object to generate a shear wave in the target area of the measured object;

    The transmitting/receiving circuit is used to excite the ultrasonic probe to use the elastic measurement ultrasonic frequency suitable for the measured object to transmit the ultrasonic wave tracking the shear wave to the target area, and to receive the ultrasonic echo of the target area To obtain ultrasonic echo data;

    Processor for:

    Determining the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency; and

    Processing the ultrasonic echo data to obtain the instantaneous elasticity measurement result of the target area;

    The output device is used to output the instantaneous elasticity measurement result.
35. The ultrasonic imaging system according to claim 34, wherein the output device is further configured to output a prompt message suggesting that the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency is used for instantaneous elasticity measurement;

    The processor is further configured to determine whether to switch the transmitting and receiving frequencies of the ultrasonic probe to the elasticity measurement ultrasonic frequency according to the received user instruction.
36. An ultrasound imaging system, characterized in that it comprises:

    An ultrasonic probe, the ultrasonic probe includes a plurality of array elements;

    The transmitting/receiving circuit is used to excite the ultrasonic probe to use at least two elasticity measuring ultrasonic frequencies to transmit ultrasonic waves tracking shear waves to the target area in turn, and receive ultrasonic echoes from the target area to obtain at least two sets Ultrasonic echo data;

    Processor for:

    Processing the at least two sets of ultrasonic echo data to obtain at least two sets of elastic measurement results of the target area;

    The at least two sets of elasticity measurement results are synthesized to obtain a comprehensive elasticity measurement result.
37. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 36, further comprising:

    The vibrator is used to apply mechanical vibration to the measured object to generate the shear wave in the target area of the measured object.
38. The ultrasound imaging system according to claim 36, wherein the ultrasound probe is further configured to generate the shear wave in a target area of the measured object based on acoustic radiation force.
39. An ultrasound imaging system, characterized in that it comprises:

    An ultrasonic probe, the ultrasonic probe includes a plurality of array elements;

    The transmitting/receiving circuit is used to excite the ultrasonic probe to use the sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency suitable for the measured object to transmit ultrasonic waves to the target area and receive the ultrasonic echo of the target area to obtain the ultrasonic echo data;

    Processor for:

    Determining the sound attenuation parameter measurement frequency; and

    Processing the ultrasonic echo data to obtain a measurement result of the acoustic attenuation parameter of the target area;

    The output device is used to output the measurement result of the sound attenuation parameter.
40. An ultrasound imaging system, characterized in that it comprises:

    An ultrasonic probe, the ultrasonic probe includes a plurality of array elements;

    A transmitting/receiving circuit for stimulating the ultrasonic probe to sequentially use at least two acoustic attenuation parameter frequencies to transmit ultrasonic waves to the target area and receive ultrasonic echoes of the target area to obtain at least two sets of ultrasonic echo data;

    Processor for:

    Processing the at least two sets of ultrasonic echo data to obtain at least two sets of sound attenuation parameter measurement results of the target area;

    Synthesize the at least two sets of sound attenuation parameter measurement results to obtain a comprehensive sound attenuation parameter measurement result;

    The output device is used to output the measurement result of the comprehensive sound attenuation parameter.

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