Ultrasonic acupuncture device

Abstract

This disclosure provides an ultrasonic acupuncture device, comprising: an ultrasonic source, a liquid lens, an ultrasonic source controller, a liquid lens controller, and a power supply. The ultrasonic source generates ultrasonic waves. The liquid lens focuses the ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic source controller generates multiple ultrasonic source voltage pulses to control the vibration frequency, vibration intensity, and pulse length of the ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic source. The liquid lens controller generates multiple liquid lens voltage pulses to control the focal length of the liquid lens, thereby focusing the ultrasonic waves at a specific location. The power supply provides voltage to the ultrasonic source controller and to the liquid lens controller. The multiple ultrasonic source voltage pulses generated by the ultrasonic source controller and the multiple liquid lens voltage pulses generated by the liquid lens controller are aligned with each other.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an ultrasonic acupuncture device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese treatment. By stimulating specific acupoints through acupuncture and moxibustion, some diseases can be treated effectively, such as motion sickness. Motion sickness is a disorder of the balance system. The balance system in the human body includes the eyes, the inner ear, etc. When riding a vehicle, the rotation or turning of the vehicle, the acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle, the rocking or heaving of the ship, etc. can cause confusion in the visual and inner ear balance mechanisms, and symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, such as car sickness, plane sickness, and ship sickness, etc. In addition, when using virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR), dizziness and other symptoms may occur.

[0003] According to statistics, about 25-30% of people in the world have suffered from motion sickness, among which children aged 2-12 are the most susceptible group. On the other hand, adult women are more likely to suffer from motion sickness than men, especially those between menstrual periods or during pregnancy. In addition, patients with migraine, inner ear nerves, and central nervous system disorders are at high risk of motion sickness. In addition, people with poor mental health, sleep deprivation, and hangovers are more likely to experience motion sickness.

[0004] Currently, the treatment methods for motion sickness can be roughly divided into chemical and physical methods. Chemical methods include taking medicine 30-60 minutes before riding a vehicle to reduce the sensitivity of the inner ear vestibule, while the central nervous system stops vomiting. However, the use of drugs may cause side effects, such as car sickness medicine, which is a blocker of the parasympathetic nervous system of the autonomic nervous system, which can cause a decrease in the transmission of acetylcholine. After taking car sickness medicine, there may be drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, difficulty urinating, constipation, and possibly palpitations. Physical methods include using anti-motion sickness patches 4 hours before departure, using traditional Chinese medicine pressure point methods, anti-motion sickness bracelets, etc. However, in general, motion sickness has not been effectively resolved.

[0005] Acupuncture of traditional Chinese medicine is considered an effective method for treating motion sickness. However, acupuncture also has some drawbacks. For example, acupuncture can cause strong stimulation and pain to the patient. Acupuncture can also cause infection due to the penetration of the skin. In addition, the technical difficulty of acupuncture techniques makes it difficult to replicate the effects of acupuncture. Furthermore, the smoke accompanying the moxibustion treatment process, and improper use, can leave scars on the skin and cause air pollution and permanent scarring for the patient. SUMMARY

[0006] The present application provides an ultrasonic acupuncture device, which adjusts the focusing depth of a liquid lens in the ultrasonic acupuncture device dynamically, stimulates an acupuncture point with ultrasonic pulses in a non-invasive manner, and achieves an effect similar to that of traditional Chinese acupuncture.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present application, an ultrasonic acupuncture device is provided, which includes an ultrasonic source for generating ultrasonic waves, a liquid lens for focusing the ultrasonic waves, an ultrasonic source controller electrically connected to the ultrasonic source for generating a plurality of ultrasonic source voltage pulses to control the vibration frequency, vibration intensity and pulse length of the ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic source, a liquid lens controller electrically connected to the liquid lens for generating a plurality of liquid lens voltage pulses to control the focal length of the liquid lens for focusing the ultrasonic waves at a specific location, and a power source electrically connected to the ultrasonic source controller and the liquid lens controller for providing voltage to the ultrasonic source controller to control the ultrasonic source and to the liquid lens controller to control the liquid lens, wherein the plurality of ultrasonic source voltage pulses generated by the ultrasonic source controller and the plurality of liquid lens voltage pulses generated by the liquid lens controller are aligned with each other.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, an ultrasonic acupuncture device is provided. The ultrasonic acupuncture device includes an infrared source configured to generate far infrared rays, an ultrasonic source configured to generate ultrasonic waves, the ultrasonic source having a hole configured to allow the far infrared rays to pass through, a liquid lens configured to focus the ultrasonic waves and the far infrared rays, an ultrasonic source controller electrically connected to the ultrasonic source and configured to generate a plurality of ultrasonic source voltage pulses to control a vibration frequency, a vibration intensity, and a pulse length of the ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic source, an infrared source controller electrically connected to the infrared source and configured to generate a plurality of infrared source voltage pulses to control an energy and a pulse length of the far infrared rays generated by the infrared source, a liquid lens controller electrically connected to the liquid lens and configured to generate a plurality of liquid lens voltage pulses to control a focal length of the liquid lens to focus the ultrasonic waves and the far infrared rays at a specific location, and a power source electrically connected to the infrared source controller, the ultrasonic source controller, and the liquid lens controller and configured to provide a voltage to the infrared source controller to control the infrared source, to provide a voltage to the ultrasonic source controller to control the ultrasonic source, and to provide a voltage to the liquid lens controller to control the liquid lens, wherein the infrared source does not emit the far infrared rays when the ultrasonic source emits the ultrasonic waves, and the ultrasonic source does not emit the ultrasonic waves when the infrared source emits the far infrared rays, wherein the plurality of ultrasonic source voltage pulses generated by the ultrasonic source controller and the plurality of liquid lens voltage pulses generated by the liquid lens controller are aligned with each other, and wherein the plurality of infrared source voltage pulses of the infrared source controller and the plurality of liquid lens voltage pulses generated by the liquid lens controller are aligned with each other.

[0009] Based on the above, the present disclosure provides an ultrasonic acupuncture device. The energy of ultrasonic pulses is focused on a point by using a liquid lens, and the liquid lens has the characteristic that the curvature of the liquid lens can be controlled arbitrarily, achieving the effect of different focusing positions. By continuously changing the focal length of the liquid lens, a continuous energy focusing point is generated, enabling the ultrasonic pulses to have a needle stimulation effect similar to acupuncture, and it is a non-invasive method without piercing the skin. The ultrasonic acupuncture device provided by the present disclosure can also use far infrared rays to stimulate specific acupoints through the liquid lens to achieve an effect similar to moxibustion (using burning moxa to heat and stimulate acupoints). Therefore, using such an ultrasonic acupuncture device can have a soothing effect on some symptoms, such as motion sickness, without the need for medication or injections to avoid car sickness. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1is a schematic diagram of an ultrasonic acupuncture device according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0011] Figures 2A-2D is a schematic diagram of a liquid lens according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0012] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a liquid lens according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0013] Figure 4A with Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of another liquid lens according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0014] Figure 5 is a timing diagram of liquid lens voltage and ultrasonic source voltage according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0015] Figure 6 is a timing diagram of liquid lens voltage and ultrasonic source voltage according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0016] Figure 7 is a timing diagram of liquid lens voltage and infrared source voltage according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0017] Figure 8 is a flowchart of operation of an ultrasonic acupuncture device according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0018] Symbol explanation

[0019] 100: ultrasonic acupuncture device

[0020] 110: ultrasonic source

[0021] 110S: surface

[0022] 112: hole

[0023] 120: infrared source

[0024] 130A: liquid lens

[0025] 130B: electrode

[0026] 132, 134: liquid lens

[0027] 132A, 132B: electrode

[0028] 132C: lens liquid

[0029] 132D: encapsulation liquid

[0030] 132E, 134G: insulation layer

[0031] 134A, 134B: window

[0032] 134C, 134D: electrodes

[0033] 134E: lens liquid

[0034] 134F: encapsulation liquid

[0035] 134H, 134I: electric field

[0036] 150: focal point

[0037] 160: controller

[0038] 162: ultrasound source controller

[0039] 164: infrared source controller

[0040] 166: liquid lens controller

[0041] 170: power supply

[0042] 500, 510, 600, 610, 700, 710: timing

[0043] 502, 504, 506, 512, 602, 604, 606, 612, 702, 712: pulse

[0044] f, f1, f2, f3: focal length

[0045] S2, S4, S6, S8, S10, S12: step

[0046] t1, t2, t3, t4: time length

[0047] V, V H , V L , V M , V US , V IR , voltage

[0048] Δf: perturbation focal length

[0049] ΔV: perturbation voltage DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Reference will now be made to the following embodiments and accompanying drawings in order to more fully understand the application. The application may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and fully convey the scope of the application to those skilled in the art.

[0051] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an ultrasound acupuncture device according to some embodiments of the application. As Figure 1As shown, the ultrasonic acupuncture device 100 includes an ultrasonic source 110, a liquid lens 130A and an electrode 130B. The ultrasonic acupuncture device 100 further includes a controller 160 and a power supply 170, wherein the controller 160 includes an ultrasonic source controller 162, an infrared source controller 164 and a liquid lens controller 166.

[0052] The ultrasonic source 110 is electrically connected to the ultrasonic source controller 162. The ultrasonic source 110 generates ultrasonic waves by rapid vibration and emits the ultrasonic waves in pulse form. The ultrasonic source controller 162 generates a plurality of ultrasonic source voltage pulses to control the vibration frequency, vibration intensity and pulse length of the ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic source 110, and causes the ultrasonic source 110 to emit the ultrasonic waves in pulse form to produce an acupuncture-like effect on a specific acupoint. According to the selected mode, the ultrasonic source controller 162 inputs a pulse voltage of a specific intensity to the ultrasonic source 110 to cause the ultrasonic source 110 to generate ultrasonic waves of a specific vibration frequency and intensity, and causes the ultrasonic source 110 to emit the ultrasonic waves in pulse form. According to some embodiments, the ultrasonic source 110 can be a piezoelectric sheet, wherein the material of the piezoelectric sheet includes piezoelectric ceramic materials containing barium titanate (BaTiO3), lead titanate (PbTiO3) and lead zirconate titanate (Pb(ZrTi)O3, PZT), or other materials with similar properties, without being limited thereto. According to some embodiments, the ultrasonic source 110 can generate ultrasonic waves with a vibration frequency of 1-3 MHz and a power range of 100-300 mW, but is not limited thereto. According to some embodiments, the output power of the ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic source 110 is preferably 230 mW. According to some embodiments, the pulse length of the ultrasonic wave pulses generated by the ultrasonic source 110 ranges from 0.5 to 10 seconds, and the pulse interval ranges from 1 to 30 seconds, but is not limited thereto. According to some embodiments, the surface 110S of the ultrasonic source 110 facing the liquid lens 130A can be planar or curved, without being limited thereto. When the surface 110S is planar, the ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic source 110 are focused by the liquid lens 130A to produce an acupuncture-like stimulation on a specific acupoint. When the surface 110S is curved, it can be used to focus the ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic source 110. According to some embodiments, the ultrasonic waves focused by the liquid lens 130A have a focused light spot diameter of less than 0.5 mm, thereby producing an acupuncture-like stimulation on a specific acupoint.

[0053] The ultrasound waves generated by the ultrasound source 110 are focused onto the focal point 150 by the liquid lens 130A. In this embodiment, the liquid lens 130A is a convex lens. A convex lens is a lens that is thicker in the center and thinner at the edges, and it comes in various forms such as biconvex, plano-convex, and concave-convex. Convex lenses have the function of converging light rays (energy), and are therefore also called converging lenses. In this embodiment, the liquid lens 130A is a plano-convex lens. According to some other embodiments, the liquid lens 130A may also be a biconvex lens, and this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0054] The liquid lens controller 166 is electrically connected to the liquid lens 130A. The liquid lens controller 166 generates multiple liquid lens voltage pulses and inputs them to the liquid lens 130A via electrodes 130B to change the shape of the liquid lens 130A and control its focal length, thereby focusing ultrasound waves at a specific location to produce an effect similar to inserting or lifting a needle. According to some embodiments, the multiple ultrasound source voltage pulses generated by the ultrasound source controller 162 and the multiple liquid lens voltage pulses generated by the liquid lens controller 166 are aligned (to...) Figure 5 , Figure 6 (See description below). According to some embodiments, the liquid lens 130A is one or more liquid lenses, or other lenses with variable focal lengths, and this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0055] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the ultrasonic acupuncture device 100 further includes an infrared source 120 and an infrared source controller 164. The infrared source 120 and the infrared source controller 164 are electrically connected. The infrared source 120 is located on the side of the ultrasonic source 110 facing away from the liquid lens 130A. To allow the far-infrared rays generated by the infrared source 120 to penetrate the ultrasonic source 110, the ultrasonic source 110 has a hole 112 to allow the far-infrared rays emitted by the infrared source 120 to pass through. According to some other embodiments, the infrared source 120 may also be located between the ultrasonic source 110 and the liquid lens 130A. When the infrared source 120 is located between the ultrasonic source 110 and the liquid lens 130A, the infrared source 120 will block part of the ultrasound waves generated by the ultrasonic source 110. Therefore, the ultrasonic source 110 needs to adjust its ultrasonic emission power so that specific acupoints can receive sufficient ultrasonic energy.

[0056] The infrared source controller 164 generates a plurality of infrared source voltage pulses to control the energy and pulse length of the far infrared generated by the infrared source 120. The far infrared generated by the infrared source 120 is focused by the liquid lens 130A to heat a specific acupoint to generate a moxa-like stimulation. According to some embodiments, the plurality of infrared source voltage pulses of the infrared source controller 164 are aligned with the plurality of liquid lens voltage pulses generated by the liquid lens controller 166. According to some embodiments, the infrared source 120 can be a light emitting diode or other component capable of generating far infrared, without limitation. According to some embodiments, the far infrared generated by the infrared source 120 has a wavelength range of 8-14 μιη, without limitation.

[0057] The power supply 170 is electrically connected to the ultrasonic source controller 162, the infrared source controller 164, and the liquid lens controller 166, respectively, to provide control voltages to the ultrasonic source controller 162, the infrared source controller 164, and the liquid lens controller 166, respectively, to control the ultrasonic source 110, the infrared source 120, and the liquid lens 130A, respectively.

[0058] Figures 2A-2D is a schematic diagram of a liquid lens according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1 , the liquid lens 130A can change the focal length of the lens by forming an electric field through the voltage applied to the electrodes 130B to focus the ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic source 110 or the far infrared generated by the infrared source 120. In Figures 2A-2C , as the voltage applied to the electrodes 130B changes, the liquid lens 130A can change shape to have different focal lengths. For example, in Figure 2A , the voltage applied to the electrodes 130B through the liquid lens 130A is small, so the liquid lens 130A has a small thickness, and the liquid lens 130A has a long focal length fl. As the voltage applied to the electrodes 130B gradually increases, the thickness of the liquid lens 130A gradually increases, and the focal length of the liquid lens 130A gradually decreases, as shown by the focal length f2 of Figure 2B and the focal length f3 of Figure 2C . Thus, as shown in Figure 2D , by applying different voltages to the liquid lens 130A, the focal length f of the liquid lens 130A can be changed, and the focal length f changes along a straight line (the black dots on the figure are the focal points), so that the ultrasonic waves or far infrared that pass through the liquid lens 130A can be focused at a specific location and can be focused along a straight line.

[0059] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a liquid lens according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3 , the liquid lens 132 is Figure 1An embodiment of the liquid lens 130A and electrode 130B. The liquid lens 132 includes electrodes 132A and 132B, wherein ultrasonic or far-infrared radiation enters the liquid lens 132 through electrode 132B.

[0060] The liquid lens 132 further includes a lens fluid 132C and an encapsulating fluid 132D. The lens fluid 132C and the encapsulating fluid 132D are two immiscible liquids. According to some embodiments, the lens fluid 132C may be oil, and the encapsulating fluid 132D may be water. The lens fluid 132C and the encapsulating fluid 132D are located between electrodes 132A and 132B, with the encapsulating fluid surrounding and covering the lens fluid 132C. The liquid lens 132 further includes an insulating layer 132E for insulating the lens fluid 132C from the electrode 132A.

[0061] When electrodes 132A and 132B are energized, the resulting electric field changes the thickness of the lens liquid 132C, thereby changing the focal length of the liquid lens 132, so that ultrasound or far-infrared rays can be focused on a specific position as needed.

[0062] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a schematic diagram of another liquid lens according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 4A As shown, the liquid lens 134 is Figure 1 One embodiment of the liquid lens 130A and electrode 130B. The liquid lens 134 includes windows 134A and 134B. According to some embodiments, windows 134A and 134B are glass sheets or other transparent materials that allow ultrasound or far-infrared light to pass through, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. The liquid lens 134 further includes a lens liquid 134E and an encapsulating liquid 134F. The lens liquid 134E and the encapsulating liquid 134F are located between windows 134A and 134B. The lens liquid 134E and the encapsulating liquid 134F are two immiscible liquids. According to some embodiments, the lens liquid 134E may be oil and the encapsulating liquid 134F may be water, but this is not limited thereto. Electrodes 134C and 134D are located between the lens liquid 134E / encapsulating liquid 134F and window 134A, and are covered with an insulating layer 134G for insulation from the lens liquid 134E / encapsulating liquid 134F.

[0063] When electrodes 134C and 134D are energized, the resulting electric field 134H (as shown in the image) is generated. Figure 4A (as shown) or electric field 134I (as shown) Figure 4B (As shown) It will change the thickness of the lens liquid 134E, thereby changing the focal length of the liquid lens 134, so that ultrasound or far-infrared rays can be focused on a specific position as needed.

[0064] Figure 5is a timing diagram of liquid lens voltage and ultrasound source voltage according to some embodiments of the present invention. As shown, the ultrasound source voltage is applied to the ultrasound transducer 104 to generate ultrasound waves. The liquid lens voltage is applied to the liquid lens 102 to generate a liquid lens focal point. The ultrasound waves are focused by the liquid lens focal point to form a focal point of the ultrasound waves. The focal point of the ultrasound waves is located at the focal point of the liquid lens. The focal point of the ultrasound waves is located at the focal point of the liquid lens. Figure 1 The ultrasound acupuncture device 100 is used to simulate the effect of acupuncture using ultrasound, so the method of acupuncture is introduced first.

[0065] Generally, the acupuncturist performs acupuncture by vertically inserting a steel needle from the skin surface into the acupoint above the acupoint, and performing needle insertion, needle retention, needle withdrawal, etc. to stimulate the acupoint. During acupuncture, the needle is inserted from the shallow layer of the acupoint to the deep layer, which is called needle insertion; the needle is withdrawn from the deep layer of the acupoint to the shallow layer, which is called needle withdrawal. This longitudinal needle insertion technique is called the lifting and insertion method. The insertion and withdrawal of the needle are equal in amplitude and speed, and the force is uniform and repeated alternately. The amplitude and frequency of lifting and insertion can also be determined according to the treatment requirements, but should not be too large or too fast.

[0066] For different diseases, a method combining various acupuncture techniques is a common way to improve treatment effect. The following two common acupuncture techniques, "burning mountain fire" and "transheaven cooling", are used as examples for illustration.

[0067] The method of "burning mountain fire" is to divide the acupoint into three layers according to the depth of the acupoint. After obtaining qi by acupuncture, the needle is lifted to the shallow layer, and the reinforcing method is performed 3-9 times in the shallow layer, then the needle is inserted into the middle layer to perform the reinforcing method 3-9 times, and then the needle is inserted into the deep layer to perform the reinforcing method 3-9 times, and finally the needle is withdrawn to the shallow layer, which is called one degree. The reinforcing method is a needle method to restore the function of the body to normal, and is used to supplement the material of the body. Repeat the operation several times until the needle produces a warm feeling or the patient's body produces a fever. It is suitable for cold and deficiency syndromes.

[0068] The method of "burning mountain fire" is to divide the acupoint into three layers according to the depth of the acupoint. After obtaining qi by acupuncture, the needle is lifted to the shallow layer, and the reinforcing method is performed 3-9 times in the shallow layer, then the needle is inserted into the middle layer to perform the reinforcing method 3-9 times, and then the needle is inserted into the deep layer to perform the reinforcing method 3-9 times, and finally the needle is withdrawn to the shallow layer, which is called one degree. The reinforcing method is a needle method to restore the function of the body to normal, and is used to supplement the material of the body. Repeat the operation several times until the needle produces a warm feeling or the patient's body produces a fever. It is suitable for cold and deficiency syndromes.

[0069] Since acupuncture requires the use of stainless steel needles to puncture the skin, potential problems include strong stimulation, pain, skin puncture, and easy cross infection. In addition, the risk of acupuncture, technical difficulty, and the difficulty of replication make the repetition and accuracy of acupuncture another problem.

[0070] Figure 5The timing diagrams of the liquid lens voltage and the ultrasonic source voltage allow the ultrasonic acupuncture device 100 to produce an acupuncture method similar to the aforementioned "burning mountain fire" technique. Timing 500 is the timing diagram of the applied voltage of the liquid lens 130A. Timing 510 is the timing diagram of the applied voltage of the ultrasonic source 110. Depending on the applied voltage of the liquid lens 130A, the focal length of the liquid lens 130A can be changed. A larger applied voltage results in a smaller focal length of the liquid lens 130A, allowing the ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic source 110 to be focused at a shallower location.

[0071] like Figure 5 As shown, in timing sequence 500, the liquid lens controller 162 outputs a plurality of liquid lens voltage pulses 502, 504, and 506 to the liquid lens 130A at fixed intervals. Pulses 502, 504, and 506 have different voltages to change the focal length of the liquid lens 130A. The pulse duration of pulses 502, 504, and 506 is t1, and the interval duration between pulses is t2, where the interval duration t2 is greater than the pulse duration t1. In other embodiments, the interval duration t2 can be equal to or less than the pulse duration t1, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. In this embodiment, one "degree," or one liquid lens voltage cycle, includes five pulses 502, five pulses 504, and five pulses 506. Pulses 502, 504, and 506 each have different voltages to change the focal length of the liquid lens 130A. Figure 1 The focal length of the liquid lens 130A.

[0072] On the other hand, timing sequence 510 has multiple pulses 512. Pulses 512 have the same pulse duration t1 as pulses 502, 504, and 506, and the same interval duration t2 between pulses. Furthermore, the pulses 512 of timing sequence 510 are synchronized with the pulses 502, 504, and 506 of timing sequence 500; that is, the pulses of timing sequence 500 of the liquid lens 130A and the pulses of timing sequence 510 of the ultrasonic source 110 are aligned with each other. The voltage of pulse 512 is used to... Figure 1 The ultrasonic source 110 in the middle generates ultrasonic waves of a specific frequency and intensity.

[0073] like Figure 5 As shown, pulse 502 has a voltage V L (First voltage intensity), and repeated five times (first plurality of liquid lens voltage pulses). This means that at pulse 502, Figure 1 The liquid lens 130A is affected by the applied voltage V. L It has a focal length f1. In timing 510, pulse 512 has a voltage V. US And it appears synchronously at the corresponding pulse 502. This means that at pulse 512, the ultrasonic source 110 is affected by the applied voltage V.US This generates ultrasound waves of corresponding intensity. When the ultrasound waves generated by the ultrasound source 110 pass through the liquid lens 130A, they are focused at focal length f1 (the first focal length), equivalent to a needle piercing at focal length f1. When pulses 502 and 512 disappear, it is equivalent to withdrawing the needle. For example... Figures 2A-2C As shown, the smaller the applied voltage to the liquid lens, the larger the focal length of the liquid lens; conversely, the larger the applied voltage to the liquid lens, the smaller the focal length of the liquid lens. Therefore, in Figure 5 During this process, pulse 502 is performed 5 times, which is equivalent to performing the step of "lifting the needle to the deep layer and performing the supplementary method 5 times in the deep layer".

[0074] Next, in timing 500, pulse 504 has a voltage V M (Second voltage intensity), and repeated five times (second multiple liquid lens voltage pulses). This indicates that at pulse 504, the liquid lens 130A is affected by the applied voltage V. M It has a focal length of f2 (second focal length). For example... Figures 2A-2C As shown, the smaller the applied voltage of the liquid lens, the larger the focal length of the liquid lens; conversely, the larger the applied voltage of the liquid lens, the smaller the focal length of the liquid lens. This is because the applied voltage V... M Greater than V L Therefore, the focal length f2 is less than the focal length f1. However, in timing 510, it still has a voltage V. US Pulse 512 occurs at the time corresponding to pulse 504. This indicates that at pulse 504, the ultrasonic source 110 is affected by the applied voltage V. US When an ultrasonic pulse of corresponding intensity passes through the liquid lens 130A, it will be focused at a focal length f2, equivalent to a needle piercing a focal length f2. Therefore, in Figure 5 In the middle, pulse 504 is performed 5 times, which is equivalent to performing the step of "inserting the needle into the middle layer of the supplementary method 5 times".

[0075] Next, in timing 500, pulse 506 has a voltage V H (Third voltage intensity), and repeated five times (third multiple liquid lens voltage pulses). This indicates that at pulse 506, the liquid lens 130A is affected by the applied voltage V. H It has a focal length of f3 (the third focal length). For example... Figures 2A-2C As shown, the smaller the applied voltage of the liquid lens, the larger the focal length of the liquid lens; conversely, the larger the applied voltage of the liquid lens, the smaller the focal length of the liquid lens. This is because the applied voltage V... H Greater than V M Therefore, the focal length f3 is less than the focal length f2. However, in timing 510, it still has a voltage V. US Pulse 512 occurs at the time corresponding to pulse 506. This indicates that at pulse 506, the ultrasonic source 110 is affected by the applied voltage V.US When an ultrasonic pulse of corresponding intensity passes through the liquid lens 130A, it will be focused at a focal length f3, equivalent to a needle piercing a focal length f3. Therefore, in Figure 5 In the process, pulse 506 is performed 5 times, which is equivalent to performing the step of "re-inserting shallow interpolation 5 times".

[0076] After pulse 506 is executed five times, timing 500 returns to pulse 502. This is equivalent to inserting the needle to the deepest layer, which is the position of the focal length f1 of the liquid lens 130A. Such a cycle, including 5 pulses 502, 5 pulses 504, and 5 pulses 506, is called one degree. According to some embodiments, one degree may include multiple different liquid lens voltages, and each liquid lens voltage may occur more than once, depending on the requirements. This disclosure does not impose any limitations.

[0077] exist Figure 5 It is worth noting that in timing sequences 500 and 510, only the voltage of the liquid lens changes, which means the focal length of the liquid lens 130A is altered. However, the voltage 512 of the ultrasound source 110 remains constant. Therefore, it is equivalent to the ultrasound source 110 continuously generating ultrasound waves of the same power, and by changing the focal length of the liquid lens 130A, the ultrasound waves can be focused at different depths of specific acupoints.

[0078] Figure 6 This is a timing diagram of the liquid lens voltage and the ultrasonic source voltage according to other embodiments of the present invention. Figure 6 As shown, timing diagram 600 is the applied voltage timing diagram for the liquid lens 130A. Timing diagram 610 is the applied voltage timing diagram for the ultrasonic source 110. Figure 6 and Figure 5 The corresponding labels have similar properties, so they will not be elaborated further. Figure 6 and Figure 5 The differences are as follows. In timing 600, pulse 602, in addition to having voltage V, also has... L In addition, it also exhibits a periodic change within a small perturbation voltage ΔV, meaning the voltage varies within V. L With V L The periodic variation between +ΔV (the first perturbation voltage range) means that the perturbation voltage ΔV is less than or much less than the voltage V. L According to other embodiments, the voltage variation range can be in the range of V. L With V L Periodic changes between -ΔV, or in V L -ΔV and V L The periodic variation between +ΔV is not limited to this disclosure. This indicates that the liquid lens 130A changes periodically due to the applied voltage V. L And has a focal length f1, applied voltage V LAt a voltage of +ΔV (first perturbation voltage), the focal length is f1 - Δf (first perturbation focal length), where the perturbation focal length Δf is less than or much less than the focal length f1. In other words, the focal length f1 of the liquid lens 130A varies with the voltage at voltage V. L The changes in the vicinity correspond to the changes in the surrounding area. In timing 610, pulse 612 has a voltage V. US And it appears at the corresponding pulse 602, with each pulse 602 synchronized with and aligned with pulse 612. This means that at pulse 612, the ultrasonic source 110 is affected by the applied voltage V. US This generates an ultrasonic pulse of corresponding intensity. When this ultrasonic pulse passes through the liquid lens 130A, it is focused at a focal length f1, equivalent to a needle piercing at focal length f1. Furthermore, as the voltage of pulse 602 changes, it sequentially focuses at f1 and f1-Δf. This combination of pulses 602 and 612 is equivalent to performing a small-amplitude insertion and withdrawal of the needle at f1, i.e., creating a disturbance at f1. Similarly, the voltages at pulses 604 and 606 are also V... M +ΔV (second perturbation voltage) and V H +ΔV (third perturbation voltage), respectively at V M With V M Transformation between +ΔV (second perturbation voltage range); at V H With V H Transform between +ΔV (third perturbation voltage range) to respectively at V M With V H Perturbations are generated at the corresponding focal lengths f2 and f3, resulting in f2-Δf (the second perturbation focal length) and f3-Δf (the third perturbation focal length), respectively. According to some embodiments, the voltage perturbation ΔV provided to the liquid lens 130A can cause a change in focal length of 0.5-10mm, but this is not a limitation. In practical applications, the amount of change in focal length depends on the location of the acupoint and the required treatment method.

[0079] Figure 7 This is a timing diagram of the liquid lens voltage and the infrared source voltage according to other embodiments of the present invention. Timing 700 is the timing diagram of the applied voltage of the liquid lens 130A. Timing 710 is the timing diagram of the applied voltage of the infrared source 120. (The last sentence appears to be incomplete and possibly refers to a different context.) Figure 5 and Figure 6 The acupuncture mode shown, when using moxibustion mode (i.e., irradiating acupoints with far-infrared rays), controls the focal length of the liquid lens 130A to a fixed value and focuses the far-infrared rays onto the acupoints. When using moxibustion mode, the ultrasound source 110 is off.

[0080] like Figure 7As shown, in timing 700, the liquid lens controller 162 outputs a plurality of liquid lens voltage pulses 702 to the liquid lens 130A at fixed intervals to change the focal length of the liquid lens 130A. The pulse duration of pulse 702 is t3, and the interval duration between pulses is t4. Pulse 702 is used to change... Figure 1 The focal length of the liquid lens 130A.

[0081] On the other hand, timing 710 has pulse 712. Pulse 712 has the same pulse duration t3 and the same pulse interval duration t4 as pulse 702, but pulse duration t3 is greater than pulse interval duration t4, and pulse 712 of timing 710 is synchronized with pulse 702 of timing 700. In other embodiments, the pulse interval duration t4 may be equal to or greater than pulse duration t3, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. The voltage of pulse 712 is used to... Figure 1 The infrared source 120 generates infrared rays of a specific intensity. Using infrared irradiation is equivalent to "moxibustion" in traditional Chinese medicine, which heats and stimulates acupoints.

[0082] In timing 700 of the liquid lens 130A, pulse 702 has a voltage V, which means that at pulse 702, the liquid lens 130A has a focal length f due to the applied voltage V. In timing 710 of the infrared source 120, pulse 712 has a voltage V. IR And it appears at the corresponding pulse 702. This means that at pulse 712, the infrared source 120 is affected by the applied voltage V. IR This generates infrared light of corresponding intensity. When the infrared light generated by the infrared source 120 passes through the liquid lens 130A, it is focused at a focal length f, which is equivalent to heating the area at focal length f. According to some embodiments, the pulse length is 30 seconds, with a 10-second interval between two pulses, which is equivalent to irradiating for 30 seconds and resting for 10 seconds, but it is not limited to this.

[0083] Figure 8 This is an operation flowchart of an ultrasonic acupuncture device according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 8 As shown, in step S02, the indication operating mode is selected to determine the timing sequence of the applied voltage between the liquid lens and the ultrasound source, such as... Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the timing sequence of the applied voltage between the liquid lens and the infrared light source may be determined, such as... Figure 7 As shown, this determines the focusing position of the liquid lens and the intensity of the ultrasound generated by the ultrasound source. For example, the acupuncture technique can be chosen as "Burning Mountain Fire" or "Cooling Heaven," or as "tonifying Qi" or "draining Qi," but this is not a limitation.

[0084] In step S04, the combination of acupoints to be treated is selected, such as Hegu acupoint or a combination of other acupoints, but not limited to this. The focal length range of the liquid lens can be determined based on the selected combination of acupoints.

[0085] In step S06, the acupuncture treatment is selected, for example, by selecting "needle" mode or "moxibustion" mode, to determine whether to use an ultrasonic source to generate ultrasound or an infrared source to generate far-infrared rays.

[0086] In step S08, parameter settings are performed. If the "needle" mode is selected, parameters such as pulse length, pulse frequency, speed, and degree need to be set, but are not limited to these. If the "moxibustion" mode is selected, parameters such as pulse length need to be set, but are not limited to these.

[0087] In step S10, the operation begins according to the parameters set in steps S02 to S08. At this time, the ultrasonic source controller 162, the infrared source controller 164, and the liquid lens controller 166 respectively send control signals to control the ultrasonic source 110, the infrared source 120, and the liquid lens 130A to focus the generated ultrasonic waves or far-infrared rays on a specific position.

[0088] In step S12, the treatment ends after the acupuncture procedure is completed.

[0089] In summary, this invention utilizes a liquid lens to focus ultrasound or far-infrared light, and by changing the focal length of the liquid lens, it achieves an effect similar to the insertion or withdrawal of needles in acupuncture, thereby achieving the efficacy of non-invasive treatment.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic acupuncture device, characterized by comprising: The application comprises: an ultrasonic source for generating ultrasonic waves; a liquid lens for focusing the ultrasonic waves; an ultrasonic source controller electrically connected to the ultrasonic source for generating a plurality of ultrasonic source voltage pulses to control the vibration frequency, vibration intensity and pulse length of the ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic source; a liquid lens controller electrically connected to the liquid lens for generating a plurality of liquid lens voltage pulses to control the focal length of the liquid lens for focusing the ultrasonic waves at a specific location; and a power source electrically connected to the ultrasonic source controller and the liquid lens controller for providing voltage to the ultrasonic source controller to control the ultrasonic source and to the liquid lens controller to control the liquid lens, wherein the plurality of ultrasonic source voltage pulses generated by the ultrasonic source controller and the plurality of liquid lens voltage pulses generated by the liquid lens controller are aligned with each other. The liquid lens controller outputs the plurality of liquid lens voltage pulses at fixed intervals to the liquid lens, the plurality of liquid lens voltage pulses having different voltages to change the focal length of the liquid lens.

2. The ultrasonic acupuncture device according to claim 1, wherein The voltage value of each of the plurality of liquid lens voltage pulses periodically varies within a perturbation voltage range.

3. The ultrasonic acupuncture device according to claim 2, wherein The liquid lens controller generates a plurality of liquid lens voltage cycles, each of the plurality of liquid lens voltage cycles comprising generating a first plurality of liquid lens voltage pulses at a first voltage intensity at fixed intervals to cause the liquid lens to generate a first focal length corresponding to the first voltage intensity; then generating a second plurality of liquid lens voltage pulses at a second voltage intensity at the fixed intervals to cause the liquid lens to generate a second focal length corresponding to the second voltage intensity; and then generating a third plurality of liquid lens voltage pulses at a third voltage intensity at the fixed intervals to cause the liquid lens to generate a third focal length corresponding to the third voltage intensity.

4. The ultrasonic acupuncture device according to claim 1, wherein The first voltage intensity varies within a first perturbation voltage range to cause the liquid lens to vary within the first focal length and a first perturbation focal length corresponding to the first perturbation voltage; the second voltage intensity varies within a second perturbation voltage range to cause the liquid lens to vary within the second focal length and a second perturbation focal length corresponding to the second perturbation voltage; and the third voltage intensity varies within a third perturbation voltage range to cause the liquid lens to vary within the third focal length and a third perturbation focal length corresponding to the third perturbation voltage.

5. The ultrasonic acupuncture device according to claim 4, wherein The diameter of the focused spot of the ultrasonic waves is less than 0.5 mm.

6. The ultrasonic acupuncture device according to claim 1, wherein The frequency of the ultrasonic waves is 1-3 MHz.

7. The ultrasonic acupuncture device according to claim 1, wherein The power of the ultrasonic waves is 100-300 mW.

8. The ultrasonic acupuncture device according to claim 1, wherein, The side of the ultrasonic source facing the liquid lens is planar.

9. The ultrasonic acupuncture device according to claim 1, wherein The ultrasonic source is a piezoelectric sheet.

10. The ultrasonic acupuncture device according to claim 1, wherein The material of the piezoelectric sheet is piezoelectric ceramic.

11. The ultrasonic acupuncture device according to claim 10, wherein The liquid lens is a plano-convex lens.

12. The ultrasonic acupuncture device according to claim 1, wherein, The focal length of the liquid lens varies along a straight line.

13. The ultrasonic acupuncture device according to claim 1, wherein The application further comprises:

14. The ultrasonic acupuncture device according to claim 1, wherein, an infrared source located on the side of the ultrasonic source opposite to the liquid lens for generating far infrared rays. ​ An infrared source controller electrically connected to the infrared source generates a plurality of infrared source voltage pulses to control the energy and pulse length of the far infrared generated by the infrared source; wherein the ultrasonic source has a hole to allow the far infrared to pass through, wherein the power source is electrically connected to the infrared source controller to provide voltage to the infrared source controller to control the infrared source, wherein the plurality of infrared source voltage pulses of the infrared source controller are aligned with the plurality of liquid lens voltage pulses generated by the liquid lens controller.

15. The ultrasonic acupuncture device according to claim 14, wherein The liquid lens controller outputs a plurality of liquid lens voltage pulses to the liquid lens at fixed intervals, each of the plurality of liquid lens voltage pulses having a pulse length greater than the pulse interval.

16. The ultrasonic acupuncture device according to claim 14, wherein The infrared source is a light emitting diode.

17. The ultrasonic acupuncture device of claim 14, wherein, The far infrared has a wavelength range of 8-14 μm.

18. An ultrasonic acupuncture device, characterized in that, Comprising: an infrared source to generate far infrared; an ultrasonic source to generate ultrasonic waves, the ultrasonic source having a hole to allow the far infrared to pass through; a liquid lens to focus the ultrasonic waves and the far infrared; an ultrasonic source controller electrically connected to the ultrasonic source generates a plurality of ultrasonic source voltage pulses to control the vibration frequency, vibration intensity and pulse length of the ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic source; an infrared source controller electrically connected to the infrared source generates a plurality of infrared source voltage pulses to control the energy and pulse length of the far infrared generated by the infrared source; a liquid lens controller electrically connected to the liquid lens generates a plurality of liquid lens voltage pulses to control the focal length of the liquid lens to focus the ultrasonic waves and the infrared at a specific location; and a power source electrically connected to the infrared source controller, the ultrasonic source controller and the liquid lens controller to provide voltage to the infrared source controller to control the infrared source, to the ultrasonic source controller to control the ultrasonic source and to the liquid lens controller to control the liquid lens, wherein the infrared source turns off the infrared when the ultrasonic source emits the ultrasonic waves and the ultrasonic source turns off the ultrasonic waves when the infrared source emits the infrared, wherein the plurality of ultrasonic source voltage pulses generated by the ultrasonic source controller are aligned with the plurality of liquid lens voltage pulses generated by the liquid lens controller, wherein the plurality of infrared source voltage pulses of the infrared source controller are aligned with the plurality of liquid lens voltage pulses generated by the liquid lens controller.

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