KR101572898B1 - Ultrasonic module and helmet type stimulating apparatus using low intensity ultrasonic focused having the same - Google Patents

Abstract

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic module and a helmet type low-intensity ultrasound focusing and stimulating device having the same. More particularly, the ultrasonic module according to the present invention comprises a module supporting part; A rotating part rotatably fixed to the module supporting part; And at least one transducer disposed on the rotating part, wherein one of the transducers is arranged in an operating position capable of irradiating ultrasonic waves to the head of the patient or detecting ultrasonic waves reflected from the head of the patient , The transducers are circulated to the operating position as the rotating part rotates.
According to the present invention, since a plurality of transducers are provided with an ultrasonic module having a rotary-circulation interchangeable structure, it is easy to easily exchange between the transducers.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasound module and a helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing device having the same,

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic module and a helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing apparatus having the same, and more particularly, to an ultrasound module including a plurality of transducers for irradiating ultrasonic waves of various frequencies and sensing reflected ultrasonic waves, To a stimulation apparatus using focused ultrasound.

In order to control the brain function, there are a brain cell activation method through a drug, an electrical stimulation method using a probe, and a transcranial magnetic stimulation method.

However, in the case of a brain cell activation method using drugs, there is a problem that it is impossible to control only a desired specific site as a drug. In the case of electrical stimulation using a probe, an electrocardiogram or deep brain stimulation : DBS) can implant or insert a probe at a specific location in the brain to provide electrical stimulation to temporarily or permanently convert brain function, but the risk is invariably followed by an invasive approach. In addition, the transthoracic magnetic stimulation system is a non-humidifying system that controls the brain function. It generates a strong magnetic field outside the skull to induce an induced current in the brain cortex to adjust brain function. However, (2 ㎝ ~ 3 ㎝). In addition, it is possible to stimulate only the surface of the cortex and the brain cortex of 1 ㎝ ~ 2 ㎝ deep. In the region located in the deeper brain, the size of the magnetic field And it is difficult to precisely control it.

The present invention provides an ultrasonic module in which a plurality of transducers can be easily replaced, and a helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing and stimulating apparatus having the same.

The present invention also provides an ultrasonic module capable of improving the focusing accuracy of ultrasonic waves through a plurality of transducers and a helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing and stimulating apparatus having the same.

The ultrasonic module according to the present invention includes a module supporting part; A rotating part rotatably fixed to the module supporting part; And at least one transducer disposed on the rotating part, wherein one of the transducers is arranged in an operating position capable of irradiating ultrasonic waves to the head of the patient or detecting ultrasonic waves reflected from the head of the patient , The transducers are circulated to the operating position as the rotating part rotates.

Further, the transducers may be arranged so as to be positioned on the same path of the ultrasonic wave when the transducers are placed in the operating position.

The transducer may further include: a first transducer for irradiating high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU); A second transducer for acquiring an image of the head of the user; And a third transducer for illuminating low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU).

In addition, the end portions of the first transducer, the second transducer, and the third transducer may be provided with a transfer portion for storing an ultrasonic wave mediator inside and mediating ultrasonic waves to the head portion of the user.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a helmet-type low-intensity ultrasound focusing apparatus, comprising: a support unit mounted on a head of a user; An ultrasonic module including a module supporting part, a rotation part rotatably fixed to the module supporting part, and a transducer provided at least in the rotation part; And a position controller connected to the supporter and configured to move the position of the ultrasonic module, wherein one of the transducers irradiates ultrasonic waves to the head of the patient or detects ultrasonic waves reflected from the head of the patient And the transducers are arranged in a circulating manner in the operating position as the rotating part rotates.

The ultrasonic module may further include: a first transducer for irradiating high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU); A second transducer for acquiring an image of the head of the user; And a third transducer for illuminating low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU).

The first transducer controls the high-intensity focusing ultrasonic wave to irradiate a predetermined destination point of the user's head for a predetermined period of time. The second transducer controls the second transducer And position setting means for controlling the transducer to compare the data of the predetermined destination point with the image data acquired by the second transducer and reflecting the calculated error to the initial position setting of the transducer .

The position control unit may include a first guide unit formed in an arc shape and provided and fixed to the support unit in the longitudinal direction; A second guide part formed in an arc shape and laterally connected to the support part so as to be perpendicular to the first guide part and supporting the ultrasonic module; One end of the second guide part is guided along the first guide part and rotates in the longitudinal direction, and the ultrasonic module is movable in the lateral direction along the second guide part.

Further, the ultrasonic module may include a distance adjusting unit for moving the transducer in the direction of travel of the ultrasonic wave or in the opposite direction.

And a transfer part for storing the ultrasonic wave mediating material inside and mediating ultrasound transmission interposed between the head of the user and the transducer.

In addition, the transfer unit may be provided separately on the end sides of the transducers.

The intermediate material may also be de-gas water.

According to the present invention, since a plurality of transducers are provided with an ultrasonic module having a rotary-circulation interchangeable structure, it is easy to easily exchange between the transducers.

Also, according to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently perform marking, image acquisition, and ultrasound focusing stimulation on a target while easily replacing a plurality of transducers.

1 is a perspective view showing a helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a front view showing a helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a side view showing a helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing an incision of a part of a helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing apparatus according to an embodiment.
5 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along the line AA in Fig.
6 is a longitudinal sectional view for explaining the ultrasonic module.
FIG. 7 is a side view showing the helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing apparatus of FIG. 6; FIG.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a longitudinal position control of the helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing apparatus according to the embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state of lateral position control of the helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing apparatus according to an embodiment.
10 is a schematic view showing a state of distance control of an ultrasonic module according to an embodiment.
11 is a perspective view showing a state of distance control of an ultrasonic module according to an embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing and stimulating apparatus having an ultrasonic module according to another embodiment.
13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an ultrasonic module according to the embodiment of FIG.
FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG.
15 and 16 are schematic views showing attachment positions of the first marker according to one embodiment.
17 is a schematic view showing a state of the goggles to which the third marker is attached.
18 is a schematic view showing a state in which a patient wears the goggles of Fig.
19 and 20 are schematic views showing a state in which the third marker on the front side and the side face are photographed.
Figs. 21 and 22 are schematic diagrams showing an example of a continuous frame photographed with the third marker. Fig.
23 and 24 are a perspective view and a side view showing a helmet type low-intensity ultrasound focusing apparatus having an ultrasonic module according to another embodiment.
25 is a schematic side view showing the ultrasonic module of Fig.
26 and 27 are a perspective view and a side view showing a helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing apparatus having an ultrasound module according to another embodiment of the present invention.
28 is a schematic side view showing the ultrasonic module of Fig. 26;
29 is a block diagram showing a helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing system according to another embodiment.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the absence of special definitions or references, the terms used in this description are based on the conditions indicated in the drawings. The same reference numerals denote the same members throughout the embodiments. For the sake of convenience, the thicknesses and dimensions of the structures shown in the drawings may be exaggerated, and they do not mean that the dimensions and the proportions of the structures should be actually set.

1 to 6, a helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing and stimulating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view showing a helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing apparatus according to an embodiment, 3 is a side view showing a state of a helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing apparatus according to an embodiment. 4 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a part of the helmet type low-intensity ultrasound focusing and stimulating apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view cut along the line AA in FIG. 1, Fig.

The helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a supporting unit 10, a transmitting unit 60, a first guide unit 20, a second guide unit 30, and an ultrasonic module 40 .

Referring to Figs. 1 to 3, the support portion 10 again includes a support body 11, a longitudinal extension arm 13, and a transverse extension arm 15. The support body 11 is formed in a circular band shape and mounted on the head of the human body. At this time, in order to secure an ultrasonic irradiation area of the back part of the human head part, the back side may be formed to be bent downward. On the front and rear surfaces of the support body 11, a longitudinal extension arm 13 extends radially. On both sides of the support body 11, a transverse extending arm 15 extends radially.

The first guide portion 20 includes a first guide portion body 21. The first guide body 21 is formed in an arc shape, and both ends thereof are fixed to the end side of the longitudinal extension arm 13 described above. On one side of the first guide body 21, a first incision 211 is formed along the longitudinal direction.

The second guide portion 30 includes a second guide portion body 31. The second guide portion body 31 is formed in an arcuate shape, and both end portions are fixed so as to be pivotable on the end side of the above-described transverse extending arm 15. That is, the second guide portion 30 rotates about the pivot 151 in the longitudinal direction of the first guide portion 20. A guide groove 311 is formed on one side surface of the second guide body 31 along the longitudinal direction.

An extension part (33) is formed at the center of the upper surface of the second guide part (30). The extension portion 33 is formed to protrude upward from the upper surface of the second guide portion 30. The extension portion 33 is vertically guided in a state connected to the first guide portion 20, Lt; / RTI >

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, an inner space 23 is formed on the inner side of the first guide body 21. The inner space portion 23 is formed in an H-shape on the vertical cross-section. The lower side surfaces of the inner side space 23 are formed with guide rails 231 having lower steps than the middle portion and a guide gear 231 is provided at the center of the guide rail 231 with a gear 233.

The first rotary shaft 331 extending from the first motor is connected to the inner space portion (not shown) through the first cutout portion 211 23). The first rotary shaft 331 is connected to the first pinion gear 39. A cylindrical wheel 391 is formed on both sides of the first pinion gear 39 so as to be rotatable along the guide rail 231. The radius of the center of the wheel 391 is smaller than that of the wheel 391 And a gear portion 393 having a gear tooth formed on the outer circumferential surface thereof. The gear portion 393 is rotated while being engaged with the rack gear 233 of the inner space portion 23.

That is, when the first motor in the extended portion 33 rotates, the first pinion gear 39 rotates. When the first pinion gear 39 rotates, the first pinion gear 39 itself moves along the first rack gear 233 so that the extended portion 33 is moved in the longitudinal direction D1 of the first guide portion 20 Or D2.

The inner structure of the second guide portion 30 is also the same as the inner structure of the first guide portion 20. However, the second guide portion 30 is different in that the above-described guide groove 311 is further formed on the other side of the surface on which the cut portion is formed. The guide groove 311 functions to improve the structural stability so that the ultrasonic module 40 can be moved while being supported sufficiently.

Referring to FIG. 6, the second guide portion 30 is further provided with a second pinion gear 49 on the inner side. The second pinion gear 49 is connected to the second motor 432 provided in the fixed portion 43 by a rotation shaft 431 and rotates together with the second motor 432 as it rotates. The second pinion gear 49 is moved along the longitudinal direction of the second guide portion 30, that is, the lateral direction, in the same manner as the first pinion gear 39.

For convenience of explanation, the fixing unit 43, the distance adjusting unit 45, and the transducer 47 are collectively referred to as an ultrasonic module.

As described above, in the second guide portion 30, the guide groove 313 is formed on the other side surface of the fixing portion 43. And a third rack gear 433 formed to extend downward is formed at the lower end of the fixing portion 43. A fixed extension arm 435 extending from the upper portion of the third rack gear 433 toward the second guide portion 30 is formed and the fixed extension arm 435 is fixed to the lower portion of the second guide portion 30 A protrusion 4351 is formed to be received in the guide groove 313 described above. The structural stability of the fixing portion 43 can be improved by moving the protruding portion 4351 in a state accommodated in the guide groove 313. [

The distance adjusting unit 45 includes a third pinion gear 451 and a third motor (not shown) connected to the third pinion gear 451 via a rotation shaft. When the third motor rotates, the third pinion gear 451 rotates. As the third pinion gear 451 rotates, the distance adjusting portion 45 moves up and down along the third rack gear 433, that is, And moves in the inward or outward direction of the helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

The transducer 47 converts electricity into vibrational energy to generate ultrasonic waves. The transducer 47 advances the ultrasonic wave in the downward direction in the figure, that is, in the inward direction of the helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing apparatus according to this embodiment. Further, the transducer 47 is fixed to the above-described distance adjusting part 45 and moves together in the direction in which the distance adjusting part 45 moves.

The position control method of the transducer will be described with reference to Figs. 7 to 11. Fig. FIG. 7 is a side view showing a helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing apparatus of FIG. 6, FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a longitudinal position control of a helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing apparatus according to an embodiment, Is a perspective view showing a state of lateral position control of the helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a schematic view showing a distance control state of an ultrasonic module according to an embodiment, and FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state of distance control of an ultrasonic module according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in order to move the ultrasonic module 40 from a specific position, for example, a specific latitude, a specific hardness, and a specific distance from the center as described above, So as to move in the longitudinal direction along the guide portion 20. At this time, the ultrasonic module 40 also moves in the longitudinal direction while being fixed to the second guide portion 30, and is positioned on a specific latitude.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9, the ultrasonic module 40 is moved in the lateral direction along the second guide portion 30. In this case, the ultrasonic module 40 moves along the above-mentioned specific latitude and moves to a specific hardness position to be controlled. Thereafter, the ultrasonic module 40 is controlled in the above-described manner to adjust the height of the transducer 47, that is, the distance from the center.

10 and 11, the transducer 47 is lowered to come into contact with the transmitting portion 60. As shown in Fig. Since the ultrasonic wave has a characteristic of being reflected when it comes into contact with air, it is necessary to prevent the air from interfering with the path of the ultrasonic wave. For this reason, the transducer 47 is brought into close contact with the transmitting portion 60.

Ultrasonic waves generated from the transducer 47 are transmitted to the head of the human body through mediating substances inside the transmitting unit 60 and the transmitting unit 60, for example, degas water. The transfer portion 60 may be formed of a synthetic resin material such as polyethylene.

12 and 13, a helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing and stimulating apparatus according to another embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing apparatus with an ultrasonic module according to another embodiment, and FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing an ultrasonic module according to the embodiment of FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing apparatus of this embodiment differs from the above-described embodiment in the construction of the transmitting unit 60a. That is, in the case of the transmission unit described above, the transmission unit 60a according to the present embodiment is attached to the transducer 47 and moves together when the transmission unit is directly worn on the head of the human body.

Specifically, in the state in which the support portion 10 is worn on the head portion of the human body, the transmission portion in the above-described embodiment is not worn. However, the transmitting portion 60a according to the present embodiment is attached to the lower end of the transducer 47. [ The transmitting portion 60a may be fixed to the lower end of the transducer 47 using a coupler 471. [

The transmitting portion 60a moves along with the movement of the transducer 47, and then falls down when the transducer 47 is lowered to come into contact with the head of the human body. On the other hand, the transfer portion 60a stores mediating substances such as digass water on the inner side in the same manner as described above.

In addition, the ultrasonic waves generated from the transducer 47 in the same manner travel to the head of the human body through the intermediary material in the transmitting portion 60a and the transmitting portion 60a.

Referring to FIG. 14, a helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing stimulation system according to an embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG.

The database 700 includes a brain map database 710 and a sequence database 720.

The brain map database 710 stores the three-dimensional relative coordinate values of the part of the standard human head including the brain. For example, the brain map database 710 may store relative coordinate values for each part based on a specific position in a standard head shape of a human body.

The sequence database 720 includes relative coordinate values of a specific part of the brain to which the ultrasonic stimulation method and the ultrasonic stimulation method are to be applied. The ultrasound stimulation method may include intensity of ultrasound, time of ultrasound stimulation, recovery of ultrasound stimulation, and period of ultrasound stimulation. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the set of relative coordinate values for the ultrasonic stimulation method and the applied portion will be referred to as sequence data. On the other hand, the sequence data may correspond to a plurality of combinations of these sets as well as a relative coordinate value set for such ultrasonic stimulation method and application portion. The sequence data may also be stored in a format corresponding to a particular treatment, such as relief and treatment of a particular disease, palliation and treatment of a particular pain.

For example, sequence data stored in a sequence database is processed three times in a manner of irradiating a first-intensity ultrasound at a first position of the brain for about 3 seconds and putting a resting period of 1 second in order to treat a blush phenomenon, 2 < / RTI > sites of the second-intensity ultrasound for about 2 seconds and a 2 second pause for the second time can be stored as a series of treatment sequences.

The control unit 800 includes a matching unit 810, a sequence control unit 820, a position correction unit 830, and a position setting unit 840.

The matching unit 810 receives image data of a specific patient from medical imaging equipment such as CT, MRI, and fMRI and matches with the head relative coordinate value of the standard human body stored in the brain map database 710. At this time, the matching means 800 receives a patient image in a state in which a first marker, which can be detected by medical imaging equipment such as CT, MRI, and fMRI, is attached.

Since the human brain structure differs in size and shape from individual to individual, reliability is lowered when ultrasonic waves are irradiated using the relative coordinates of a standard human body as it is. Accordingly, the head relative image of the standard human body stored in the brain map database 710 is matched with the image of the head of a specific patient photographed from medical imaging equipment such as CT, MRI, and fMRI to calculate the relative coordinate value optimized for the individual do.

The sequence control means 820 selects any one of the sequence data to control the position of the transducer described above according to the relative coordinates and the stimulus method corresponding to the corresponding sequence data stored in the sequence database, . At this time, selection of any one of the sequence data may be performed in various ways. For example, when the identification number of a specific patient is inputted, it is possible to automatically select specific sequence data by inquiring the patient's medical record or directly select a specific sequence according to the operation of the manager.

The sequence control means 820 controls the position control unit 300 such as the first motor 332, the second motor 432 and the third motor 452 among the helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing and stimulating apparatus described above, The position of the ducer 47 is controlled. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the position control unit 300 includes only components that operate in conjunction with the position control of the transducer 47, such as the first motor 332, the second motor 432, and the third motor 452 But also the support portion 10, the first guide portion 20, and the second guide portion 30 for supporting these components.

The position correcting means 830 obtains the position change information of the helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing apparatus on the head of the patient based on the positional change of the third marker on the image photographed by the optical camera 900. [ At this time, the position change of the helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing stimulator to the head of the patient means that the helmet which the patient is wearing is twisted due to movement of the patient or external force. When the helmet is twisted, the initial position of the transducer 47 is changed, thereby causing a problem that accuracy is lowered. The method of acquiring the third marker and the position change information will be described in detail below with reference to related drawings.

The position setting means 840 sets the initial coordinates of the transducer 47. The coordinate system formed by the relative coordinates of the brain map database 710 should be associated with a coordinate system required for controlling the helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing and stimulating apparatus around a specific position. That is, if stimulation is required for a specific part of the patient's brain, the initial position of the transducer should be set with the patient wearing the helmet, so that the initial position is associated with the specific position in the patient's brain coordinate system.

The optical camera 900 photographs the second marker and the third marker attached to the head of the patient while being fixed to the helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing apparatus.

On the other hand, there is no limitation on the position where the data base 700 and the control unit 800 are formed. That is, the helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing stimulation system described above is only a name for distinguishing the helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing stimulation device corresponding to the mechanical configuration, but is not for distinguishing the physical configuration. The data base 700 and the control unit 800 may be formed integrally with the helmet type low-intensity ultrasound focusing and stimulating apparatus, or may be implemented in a separate apparatus.

15 to 22, a method for controlling the position of the transducer using markers and markers according to the present invention will be described in detail. FIGS. 15 and 16 are schematic views showing attachment positions of the first marker according to one embodiment, and FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing a state of the goggles to which the third marker is attached. 19 and 20 are schematic views showing a state in which a third marker on the front side and a side face are photographed, and Figs. 21 and 22 are schematic views showing a state in which the third marker FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a continuous frame photographed.

The second marker M2 may be formed of a light reflective material reflecting the light used by the corresponding optical camera. For example, the second marker M2 may be formed of a material reflecting infrared rays so that the infrared camera can detect the infrared ray reflected from the infrared camera. Generally, a marker used for motion capture or the like uses a spherical marker so that uniform reflection is possible in any direction. However, in this embodiment, since the positional change between the optical camera and the marker is not large, a uniform curved surface A marker having a shape protruding from the surface can be used.

The second marker M2 may be provided on the forehead of the patient as shown in Fig. 15, for example, and may be attached to the back of both ears, i.e., the occiput side adjacent to the ear, as shown in Fig.

On the other hand, the second marker M2 should be attached to the position of the first marker which was attached when capturing the head image of the patient by using medical equipment such as CT, MRI and fMRI described above. In the case of this embodiment, the first marker should also be attached at a position including the attachment position of the second marker M2 shown in Figs. 15 and 16. Since the first marker is preferably attached to the parietal region of the patient, the forehead, and the occiput adjacent to the ear, the second marker may also be attached to the position of the parietal region, the forehead, and the occipital region adjacent to the ear according to the position of the first marker, Since it is easy to take a picture by the optical camera according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that the top of the head is excluded.

As described above, the coordinates of the patient's brain and the coordinate system for controlling the transducer should be linked to each other based on a specific point. At this time, the first marker and the second marker function as specific points connecting the two coordinate systems.

On the other hand, the third marker is used for position correction. As the third marker, the second marker described above can be used. In addition, the third marker may be a separate marker attached to the patient, and the marker M3-1, M3-2 attached on the goggles 80 that can be worn by the patient, as shown in FIG. 17, May be used.

Also, as shown in FIG. 18, the third markers M3-1 and M3-2 newly attached together with the second marker M2 may be used together for the purpose of position correction.

On the other hand, the optical cameras 900-1 and 900-2 can be attached to the front surface and both side surfaces of the support portion 10 as shown in Figs. 19 and 20. The optical camera 900-1 on the front side can take a third marker M3 attached on the goggles 80 or a second marker attached to the forehead of the patient. Further, the optical camera 900-2 on both sides can take a second marker attached to the occiput adjacent to the ear of the patient.

At least two markers shall be used as the third marker. One of the third markers M3-1 is used as a reference marker for calculating the movement distance of a specific point and the remaining third markers M3-2 are used for calculating the rotation angle about the reference marker .

As described above, the position correcting unit continuously measures the third marker and detects the movement of the third marker, thereby correcting the error caused by the twisting of the helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing apparatus. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the third marker determines whether there is a change in the position of the third marker between consecutively photographed frames. If there is a change, the third marker has the reference marker M3-1 (A1, a2) of the third marker M3-2 and the angle q of the third marker M3-2 rotated about the reference marker are calculated to calculate an error caused by the motion of the helmet have.

In general, when the motion of the markers is large based on the camera, the swapping of the markers may occur. That is, if the position of the marker is reversed between consecutive frames, identification of the two markers may be difficult. However, in the case of this embodiment, since the positional change in the state of wearing the helmet type low-intensity ultrasound focusing apparatus is not so severe as to change the positions of the markers, it is also possible to use only two markers, Is not required.

The position correcting means may be configured so that the movement distance of the calculated reference marker and the rotation angle around the reference marker are transmitted to the position setting means to reset the initial coordinates of the transducer, Can be transmitted to the sequence control means so as to reflect the error calculated during the position control of the transducer.

23 to 25, an ultrasonic module according to another embodiment will be described. FIGS. 23 and 24 are a perspective view and a side view showing a helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing apparatus with an ultrasonic module according to another embodiment, and FIG. 25 is a schematic side view showing the ultrasonic module of FIG.

The helmet type low-intensity ultrasound focusing apparatus of this embodiment differs from the above-described embodiment in the configuration of the ultrasonic module 40a.

Specifically, the ultrasonic module 40a according to the present embodiment is fixed to the second guide portion 30 as shown in FIGS. The ultrasonic module 40a is rotated in the longitudinal direction while being connected to the first guide unit 20 as described above and the ultrasonic wave module 40a is rotated in the longitudinal direction by the second guide unit 20, Thereby moving to the position of the specific coordinate. The ultrasonic module 40a irradiates the ultrasonic waves to the head of the human body through the transmitting part 60. [ The configuration related to the position control of the ultrasonic module 40a is the same as the above-described embodiment.

25, the ultrasonic module 40a according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of transducers 47a, that is, a first transducer 47a-1, a second transducer 47a-2, And a transducer 47a-3. However, the number of transducers is not limited thereto, and it is possible to provide the number of transducers differently depending on the purpose or necessity.

The first transducer 47a-1 irradiates a high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), the second transducer 47a-2 acquires an image of the head of the patient, and the third transducer 47a -3) is irradiated with low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU).

At this time, the first transducer 47a-1 irradiates a high-intensity focused ultrasonic wave on a position for irradiating the ultrasonic wave or a zero point position for setting the initial position of the ultrasonic wave. Generally, high-intensity focused ultrasound therapy is a procedure to burn out tissue by using high heat of 65 ~ 100? Which occurs in focus when high intensity ultrasound energy is gathered in one place. When an ultrasound stronger about 100,000 times stronger than the intensity of ultrasonic waves used for diagnosis is focused on one spot, the heat generated from the focus spot is used for treatment. The ultrasound itself is harmless to the human body and generates heat only at the focus where ultrasound is concentrated. Therefore, it is possible to treat the lesion in the body without using a knife or a needle and without general anesthesia. However, the first transducer 47a-1 in this embodiment is used not only to burn one tissue in the human body, but to simply raise the temperature of a desired part. That is, the first transducer 47a-1 increases the temperature of the tissue by adjusting the intensity and irradiation time of the ultrasonic waves to be generated.

The second transducer 47a-2 acquires a head image of a human body whose temperature has been raised by the first transducer 47a-1. The second transducer 47a-2 irradiates the ultrasonic wave to the head of the human body and receives reflected ultrasonic waves to acquire image information of the inside of the head of the human body.

A method of displaying image information using ultrasound is classified into A mode, B mode, M mode, and D mode. The A mode is the most basic form of displaying the intensity of the reflected wave by the magnitude of the amplitude, and there is a limit to providing all the information of the reflected wave with one beam. The B mode is a method of converting the brightness of the point into brightness, that is, brightness, in comparison with the echo intensity in the A mode. The brightness of each point is proportional to the amplitude of the reflected signal, and the difference from a small reflection to a large reflection is divided into 256 different luminances Level. B mode is currently used in most ultrasonic equipment. The M mode is a modified form of the A mode, which displays the distance of the moving reflector in terms of time and shows the reflected wave from the moving organs together with the B mode. However, it is used to record the motion of the aorta and the heart sound of the fetus during the heart valve or abdominal scan, and is not suitable for acquiring image data of the human head that does not move the internal tissues. The D mode is used to measure the velocity and direction of blood flow using the Doppler effect. That is, the D mode is used to diagnose the backflow of the blood flow in the heart valve, the stenosis of the valve, and the heart disease. In this embodiment, a variety of image display methods can be used, but it is preferable to use the B mode.

The third transducer 47a-3 irradiates a low intensity focused ultrasonic wave in the same manner as the transducer in the above-described embodiment.

The ultrasonic module 40a includes a module support portion 475a and a rotation portion 473a.

The module supporting portion 475a is fixed to the lower portion of the distance adjusting portion 45 to support the following rotating portion 473a and the transducers 47a. The rotation part 473a is rotatably fixed to the module supporting part 475a. Further, transducers 47a are fixed to the lower portion of the rotation part 473a. The transducers 47a are provided so that the longitudinal direction thereof is directed downward and radially from the rotation portion 473a.

As shown in Fig. 25, the third transducer 47a-3 of the transducers 47a is located at a so-called operating position, i.e., a position to generate ultrasonic waves or to acquire an image. The first transducer 47a-1 and the second transducer 47a-2 are positioned at the operating position where the third transducer 47a-3 is located. The first transducer 47a-1, the second transducer 47a-2, and the third transducer 47a-3 are positioned in the operating position in a circulating arrangement in accordance with the rotation of the rotary part 473a, Intensity, or high intensity focused ultrasound, or to acquire images.

Meanwhile, the rotation unit 473a may be manually rotated or may be automatically rotated by providing a separate motor in the module support unit 475a.

On the other hand, the first transducer 47a-1, the second transducer 47a-2, and the third transducer 47a-3 are arranged so as to be located on the same ultrasonic propagation path when they are disposed in this operating position .

26 to 28, an ultrasonic module according to another embodiment will be described. FIGS. 26 and 27 are a perspective view and a side view showing a helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing apparatus with an ultrasonic module according to another embodiment, and FIG. 28 is a schematic side view showing the ultrasonic module of FIG.

The ultrasonic module 40b according to the present embodiment differs from the ultrasonic module 40a shown in Fig. 23 in the configuration of the transducers and the transmitting portion. That is, the helmet type low-intensity ultrasound focusing apparatus according to the present embodiment has no transmitting portion to be worn on the head of the patient, and individual transmitting portions 60a are provided at the ends of the respective transducers 47b as shown in FIG. do. When the ultrasonic module 40b is lowered toward the head of the patient, the transducers 47b are interposed between the transducers 47b and the head of the patient to transmit ultrasound waves.

As an intermediate material provided inside the transfer portion 60a, a degassing water may be used as described above.

A helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing system according to another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing a helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing system according to another embodiment.

The control unit 800 according to the present embodiment differs from the control unit 800 described above in terms of the function of the position setting unit 840.

The position setting means 840 sets the initial coordinates of the transducers 47a and 47b as described above. The coordinate system formed by the relative coordinates of the brain map database 710 should be associated with a coordinate system required for controlling the helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing and stimulating apparatus around a specific position. That is, if stimulation is required for a specific part of the patient's brain, the initial position of the transducer should be set with the patient wearing the helmet, so that the initial position is associated with the specific position in the patient's brain coordinate system.

In this case, in the embodiment described above, the image data of a specific patient is received from medical imaging equipment such as CT, MRI, and fMRI, and matched with the head relative coordinate value of the standard human body stored in the brain map database 710 In the case of this embodiment, it is possible to replace image data transmitted from such an external device using image information acquired by the second transducers 47a-2 and 47b-2, or to perform parallel processing.

That is, the image information acquired through the second transducers 47a-2 and 47b-2 may be used to match the head relative coordinates of the standard human body stored in the brain map database 710, And the like.

The position setting means 840 controls the first transducer 47a-1 and 47b-1 to irradiate a high intensity focused ultrasonic wave to a predetermined destination point of the user's head for a predetermined time, .

The position setting means 840 controls the second transducer so as to acquire an image of the target point whose body temperature has been raised by the ultrasonic wave irradiation of the first transducers 47a-1 and 47b-1, And the image data obtained by the second transducer are compared with each other to reflect the calculated error in the initial position setting of the third transducer 47a-3, 47b-3.

The circulation arrangement of the first transducers 47a-1 and 47b-1, the second transducers 47a-2 and 47b-2 and the third transducers 47a-3 and 47b- It is possible to perform automatic control by using a motor or the like under the control of the position setting means 84. [

While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. have.

10: Support
20: first guide portion
30: second guide portion
40, 40a: ultrasonic module
47, 47a, 47b: transducer
100: helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing stimulator
1000: helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing stimulus system

Claims (12)

delete delete delete delete A support portion worn on the head portion of the user;
An ultrasonic module including a module supporting part, a rotation part rotatably fixed to the module supporting part, and a transducer provided at least in the rotation part; And
And a position control unit connected to the support unit and configured to move the position of the ultrasonic module,
Wherein one of the transducers is arranged in an operating position capable of irradiating ultrasonic waves to the head of the patient or detecting ultrasonic waves reflected from the head of the patient,
The transducers are circulated in the operating position as the rotating part rotates,
The position control unit,
A first guide portion formed in an arc shape and provided and fixed to the support portion in the longitudinal direction;
A second guide part formed in an arc shape and laterally connected to the support part so as to be perpendicular to the first guide part and supporting the ultrasonic module;
The second guide portion is guided along the first guide portion at one point and rotates in the longitudinal direction,
And the ultrasonic module is movable in the lateral direction along the second guide unit. 6. The method of claim 5,
The ultrasonic module includes:
A first transducer for irradiating high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU);
A second transducer for acquiring an image of the head of the user; And
And a third transducer for illuminating low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU). The method according to claim 6,
Wherein the first transducer controls the high intensity focused ultrasonic wave to irradiate a predetermined destination point of the user's head for a predetermined period of time and controls the second transducer to acquire an image of the target point whose body temperature has been raised by the ultrasonic irradiation of the first transducer, And a position setting means for controlling the ducer and comparing the calculated data with the image data obtained by the second transducer and reflecting the calculated error to the initial position setting of the transducer. Strength Ultrasonic Focusing Stimulation Device. delete 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the ultrasonic module includes a distance adjusting unit for moving the transducer in the direction of travel of the ultrasonic wave or in a direction opposite to that of the ultrasonic wave. 6. The method of claim 5,
And a transmission part interposed between the head part of the user and the transducer for mediating ultrasonic wave transmission. 11. The method of claim 10,
Wherein the transducer is separately provided on an end side of the transducers. 11. The method of claim 10,
The helmet type low intensity ultrasound focusing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mediator is de-gas water.

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