Twist replication method based on ultrasonic phased array and vortex acoustic beam
By using ultrasonic phased array and vortex beam techniques, and employing time-delay focusing and phase coding technologies, the problem of inaccurate acupoint stimulation in existing ultrasonic acupuncture techniques has been solved. This enables precise stimulation of acupoints and simulation of twisting techniques, thereby improving treatment efficacy and safety.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HEBEI UNIV OF TECH
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing ultrasonic acupuncture technology has difficulty achieving precise stimulation of acupoints, especially in mimicking the twisting technique used in acupuncture.
The method of using ultrasonic phased array and vortex beam is adopted. By modulating the ultrasonic signals of each element in the phased array, a vortex sound field is generated at the target acupoint. Precise focusing and vortex control are achieved by using time delay focusing and phase coding technology.
It achieves precise stimulation of acupoints, simulates the acupuncture twisting technique, and improves the therapeutic effect and safety of ultrasonic acupuncture.
Smart Images
Figure CN119701234B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application belongs to the field of ultrasonic acupuncture technology, and more specifically, relates to a twisting reproduction method based on ultrasonic phased array and vortex acoustic beam. Background Technology
[0002] Ultrasound waves with frequencies greater than 20 kHz possess strong penetrability and directionality. Their unique mechanical, thermal, and biological effects make them widely applicable in the medical field. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the combination of ultrasound technology and acupuncture has created an innovative application of traditional acupuncture—ultrasound "acupuncture." It utilizes the sound energy generated by ultrasound waves converging under the skin to stimulate specific acupoints, using sound and heat energy as stimulation methods to induce corresponding ultrasound biological effects in the body. Ultrasound acupuncture has the advantages of being painless and requiring no needle insertion, belonging to non-invasive acupoint therapy. It uses sound energy as a stimulation method to induce corresponding ultrasound biological effects in the body, and then achieves the purpose of treating diseases and regulating bodily functions through nerve reflexes, neurohumoral regulation, neuroendocrine-immune pathways, and direct action.
[0003] In existing research, ultrasound acupuncture mainly stimulates acupoints by generating high-intensity focused ultrasound through a single transducer. However, it is difficult to achieve precise control of the stimulation location and cannot achieve the stimulation of acupoints by the twisting technique in acupuncture. Summary of the Invention
[0004] In view of the above-mentioned defects or improvement needs of the existing technology, this application provides a twisting reproduction method based on ultrasonic phased array and vortex acoustic beam, which aims to solve the technical problem that the existing ultrasonic acupuncture technology cannot imitate the twisting technique in acupuncture to produce precise stimulation of acupoints.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, firstly, this application provides a twisting reproduction method based on ultrasonic phased array and vortex beam. Specifically:
[0006] Modulate the ultrasonic signals that each element in the phased array needs to emit.
[0007] Each element emits an ultrasonic signal with a different time delay, allowing the ultrasonic waves to reach the target acupoint simultaneously. Each element also emits an ultrasonic signal with a different phase difference, causing the ultrasonic waves to generate a vortex sound field at the target acupoint.
[0008] Preferably, the ultrasonic signals to be emitted by each array element are as follows:
[0009]
[0010] in, Indicates the first The ultrasonic signals emitted by each array element This serves as the reference sound pressure level for each array element. Let be the base of the natural logarithm. The signal angular frequency, It is the imaginary unit. Pi For time variables, For signal frequency, For the first The latency of each array element For the first The phase difference of each array element.
[0011] Preferably, the time delay required for each array element to transmit ultrasonic signals is... Specifically:
[0012]
[0013]
[0014] in, Indicates the first The time it takes for each element to emit an ultrasonic signal yes The maximum value in, It is the first The distance between each array element and the acupoint This represents the propagation speed of the ultrasonic signal.
[0015] Preferably, the phase difference of the ultrasonic signals to be emitted by each array element is... Specifically:
[0016]
[0017] in, It is the first The position of each array element in the phased array.
[0018] Preferably, the frequency of the ultrasonic signal to be emitted by each array element is between 0.8 and 1 MHz.
[0019] Preferably, the reference sound pressure of the ultrasonic signal to be emitted by each array element does not exceed the standard for medical sound intensity.
[0020] In a second aspect, this application provides a phased array control device, comprising: at least one memory for storing a program; and at least one processor for executing the program stored in the memory, wherein when the program stored in the memory is executed, the processor is configured to execute the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof.
[0021] Thirdly, this application provides an ultrasonic acupuncture device, comprising:
[0022] The phased array control section is used to generate ultrasonic signals by performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-6;
[0023] The phased array section is used to emit ultrasonic waves based on ultrasonic signals.
[0024] Preferably, the phased array portion is composed of The array elements form a rectangular planar phased array, in which .
[0025] Preferably, the spacing between the array elements in the phased array section is between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm.
[0026] Overall, the technical solutions conceived in this application have the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:
[0027] (1) This application uses the delayed focusing principle to make the sound wave signals emitted by each element in the phased array arrive at the focal point at the same time and superimpose them in phase at the focal point to achieve ultrasonic focusing; compared with conventional ultrasonic acupuncture technology, its focal point position and size are more precisely controlled.
[0028] (2) Based on phased array ultrasound focusing, this application generates vortices of the sound field by phase encoding. This scheme has more precise control over the position and size of the vortex focusing, and the phase change of the generated vortex is uniform and the sound intensity is appropriate. It can apply appropriate torque to human tissue and realize the simulation of acupuncture twisting. Attached Figure Description
[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of a twist reproduction method based on ultrasonic phased array and vortex beam provided in Embodiment 1 of this application.
[0030] Figure 2 This is a time delay diagram of each element in the ultrasonic phased array provided in Embodiment 2 of this application.
[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the ultrasonic phased array provided in Embodiment 2 of this application.
[0032] Figure 4 This is the sound intensity cloud map of the XZ section in the three-dimensional sound field model provided in Embodiment 2 of this application.
[0033] Figure 5 This is the phase cloud map of the XY section in the three-dimensional sound field model provided in Embodiment 3 of this application.
[0034] Figure 6 This is the sound intensity cloud map of the XZ section in the three-dimensional sound field model provided in Embodiment 4 of this application.
[0035] Figure 7 This is the phase cloud map of the XY section in the three-dimensional sound field model provided in Embodiment 4 of this application.
[0036] Figure 8 This is a sound intensity curve along the Z-axis in the three-dimensional sound field model provided in Embodiment 2 of this application.
[0037] Figure 9 This is a sound intensity curve along the Z-axis in the three-dimensional sound field model provided in Embodiment 3 of this application.
[0038] Figure 10 This is a sound intensity curve along the Z-axis in the three-dimensional sound field model provided in Embodiment 4 of this application.
[0039] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the phased array control device provided in Embodiment 7 of this application.
[0040] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the ultrasonic acupuncture device provided in Embodiment 8 of this application. Detailed Implementation
[0041] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.
[0042] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of the terms "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.
[0043] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more, for example, multiple array elements means two or more array elements, etc.
[0044] Example 1:
[0045] Example 1 is as follows Figure 1 The method shown is a twist reproduction method based on ultrasonic phased array and vortex beam, specifically as follows:
[0046] Modulate the ultrasonic signals that each element in the phased array needs to emit.
[0047] Each element emits an ultrasonic signal with a different time delay, allowing the ultrasonic waves to reach the target acupoint simultaneously. Each element also emits an ultrasonic signal with a different phase difference, causing the ultrasonic waves to generate a vortex sound field at the target acupoint.
[0048] The specific ultrasonic signals that each array element needs to transmit are as follows:
[0049]
[0050] in, Indicates the first The ultrasonic signals emitted by each array element This serves as the reference sound pressure level for each array element. Let be the base of the natural logarithm. The signal angular frequency, It is the imaginary unit. Pi For time variables, For signal frequency, For the first The latency of each array element For the first The phase difference of each array element.
[0051] To ensure the effectiveness and safety of ultrasonic acupuncture, the frequency of the ultrasonic signal is between 0.8 and 1 MHz, and the reference sound pressure does not exceed the standard for medical sound intensity.
[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, the time delay for each array element to emit ultrasonic signals is set by utilizing the distance between each array element and the acupoint. Specifically, the time delay for each array element to emit ultrasonic signals... Specifically:
[0053]
[0054]
[0055] in, Indicates the first The time it takes for each element to emit an ultrasonic signal yes The maximum value in, It is the first The distance between each array element and the acupoint This represents the propagation speed of the ultrasonic signal.
[0056] Phase difference of ultrasonic signals to be emitted by each array element Specifically:
[0057]
[0058] in, It is the first The position of each array element in the phased array.
[0059] Example 2:
[0060] Example 2 uses the pressure acoustic transient physics field in COMSOL for simulation. The specific process is as follows:
[0061] Step 1: As Figure 3 As shown, by The array elements form a rectangular planar phased array as the transmitting surface, with a single array element width of 2.15 mm and an array element gap of 0.35 mm.
[0062] Step 2: Establish a 3D sound field model, constructed as a cylinder. The cylinder has a ground radius of 15mm and a height of 40mm. The material can be water or skin. To ensure the accuracy of the simulated ultrasound, at least 20 grids are required within the shortest wavelength. Therefore, in the 2D focusing simulation, the grid size is 0.075mm. In the 3D vortex model, the computational load increases. Too small a size not only affects the calculation time but also places higher demands on the equipment. After debugging and optimization, a grid size of 0.5mm is selected. Set the location of the target acupoint, i.e., the focal point of the ultrasound signal, at point F in the 3D sound field model, F = (0, 0, 25).
[0063] Step 3: Determine the time delay of the sound wave signal emitted by each array element using the distance between the array element and point F. Array elements farther from point F emit sound waves first, and those closer to point F emit sound waves later, so that the sound wave signals emitted by all array elements arrive at point F simultaneously and superimpose at point F. The sound field amplitude reaches its maximum at point F, forming a focused sound field. Therefore, the ultrasonic signal of each array element is set as follows:
[0064]
[0065] in, The reference sound pressure level for each array element shall not exceed the standard for medical sound intensity. f For transmission frequency; The delay time for each array element:
[0066]
[0067]
[0068] in, Indicates the first The time it takes for each element to emit an ultrasonic signal yes The maximum value in, It is the first The distance between each array element and the acupoint The propagation speed of the ultrasonic signal is denoted as ; at this point, the midpoint of the phased array is set as the origin.
[0069] Step 4: After performing ultrasonic simulation, obtain its acoustic intensity cloud map, such as... Figure 4The image shows the sound intensity cloud map of the XZ section of the three-dimensional sound field model. It can be seen that the focus of the sound intensity is located at the target acupoint, and the focusing effect has met the requirements of the acupoint location.
[0070] like Figure 8 The image shows the sound intensity curve along the Z-axis of the three-dimensional sound field model. It can be seen that the sound intensity is maximum at Z=25mm, meaning the sound wave is focused at the target acupoint, resulting in a maximum sound intensity of 2.062 W / cm². 2 It meets the medical ultrasound safety standard of 3W / cm. 2 under.
[0071] In this embodiment, the phases of each array element are consistent, which makes it impossible to generate a vortex sound field and thus impossible to simulate acupuncture twisting.
[0072] Example 3:
[0073] The simulation was performed using the pressure acoustic transient physics field in COMSOL. The specific process is as follows:
[0074] Step 1: As Figure 3 As shown, by The array elements form a rectangular planar phased array as the transmitting surface, with a single array element width of 2.15 mm and an array element gap of 0.35 mm.
[0075] Step 2: Establish a 3D sound field model, constructed as a cylinder. The cylinder has a ground radius of 15mm and a height of 40mm. The material can be water or skin. To ensure the accuracy of the simulated ultrasound, at least 20 grids are required within the shortest wavelength. Therefore, in the 2D focusing simulation, the grid size is 0.075mm. In the 3D vortex model, the computational load increases. Too small a size not only affects the calculation time but also places higher demands on the equipment. After debugging and optimization, a grid size of 0.5mm is selected. Set the location of the target acupoint, i.e., the focal point of the ultrasound signal, at point F in the 3D sound field model, F = (0, 0, 25).
[0076] Step 3: Perform phase encoding and phase modulation on the transmitted sine wave. Therefore, the ultrasonic signal of each array element is set as follows:
[0077]
[0078] in, The reference sound pressure level for each array element shall not exceed the standard for medical sound intensity. f For transmission frequency; Phase difference of the array elements:
[0079]
[0080] in, It is the first The position of each array element in the phased array; at this time, the midpoint of the phased array is set as the origin.
[0081] Step 4: After performing ultrasonic simulation, obtain its phase diagram and compare and verify the effectiveness of its acoustic field vortex generation, such as... Figure 5 The four phase diagrams shown, from left to right, represent the XY sections at Z=0.5mm, Z=1mm, Z=1.5mm, and Z=2mm in the three-dimensional sound field model. It can be seen from the diagram that the part in the red box has been rotated, which indicates that a vortex sound field was generated through phase encoding.
[0082] like Figure 9 The image shows the sound intensity curve along the Z-axis in the three-dimensional sound field model after ultrasonic simulation. It can be seen that the intensity is limited to the emission segment. At Z=25mm, which is the target acupoint, the intensity drops significantly and cannot achieve the effect of acupuncture treatment.
[0083] Example 4:
[0084] The simulation was performed using the pressure acoustic transient physics field in COMSOL. The specific process is as follows:
[0085] Step 1: As Figure 3 As shown, by The array elements form a rectangular planar phased array as the transmitting surface, with a single array element width of 2.15 mm and an array element gap of 0.35 mm.
[0086] Step 2: Establish a 3D sound field model, constructed as a cylinder. The cylinder has a ground radius of 15mm and a height of 40mm. The material can be water or skin. To ensure the accuracy of the simulated ultrasound, at least 20 grids are required within the shortest wavelength. Therefore, in the 2D focusing simulation, the grid size is 0.075mm. In the 3D vortex model, the computational load increases. Too small a size not only affects the calculation time but also places higher demands on the equipment. After debugging and optimization, a grid size of 0.5mm is selected. Set the location of the target acupoint, i.e., the focal point of the ultrasound signal, at point F in the 3D sound field model, F = (0, 0, 25).
[0087] Step 3: Utilizing the distance difference between the array elements and the set focal point, determine the delay of the emitted sound wave signal from each element. Elements farther from the focal point emit sound waves first, and those closer to the focal point emit sound waves later, ensuring that the sound wave signals emitted by all elements arrive at the focal point simultaneously. At the focal point, they superimpose in phase, maximizing the sound field amplitude and forming a focused sound field. Therefore, the ultrasonic signal of each array element is set as follows:
[0088]
[0089] in, The reference sound pressure level for each array element shall not exceed the standard for medical sound intensity. fFor transmission frequency; The delay time for each array element:
[0090]
[0091]
[0092] in, Indicates the first The time it takes for each element to emit an ultrasonic signal yes The maximum value in, It is the first The distance between each array element and the acupoint The propagation speed of the ultrasonic signal is denoted as ; at this point, the midpoint of the phased array is set as the origin.
[0093] Step 4: Based on the phase encoding, the transmitted sine wave is phase-modulated, therefore the ultrasonic signal of each array element is set as follows:
[0094]
[0095] in, The reference sound pressure level for each array element shall not exceed the standard for medical sound intensity. f For transmission frequency; Phase difference of the array elements:
[0096]
[0097] in, It is the first The position of each array element in the phased array; at this time, the midpoint of the phased array is set as the origin.
[0098] Step 5: After performing ultrasonic simulation, obtain its acoustic intensity cloud map and phase map.
[0099] like Figure 6 The image shows the sound intensity cloud map of the XZ section of the three-dimensional sound field model. As can be seen in the image, at Z=25mm, which is the target acupoint, the sound intensity focuses to form two spindle-shaped focusing cloud maps. This is because the sound field vortex focuses at this point, and the vortex propagates in a circular forward direction, which has a phase singularity point. Therefore, the sound intensity at the center is 0, so the XZ section will have two spindle-shaped focusing cloud maps at Z=25mm.
[0100] like Figure 7 The diagram shown is the phase diagram of the XY section of the three-dimensional sound field model, from which a clear spiral phase change can be seen.
[0101] like Figure 10The image shows the sound intensity curve along the Z-axis in the three-dimensional sound field model. It can be seen that the maximum sound intensity of 1.504 W / cm² is achieved at Z=25mm, which is the acupoint location. 2 To meet the requirements for medical ultrasound, the W / cm² requirement is below 3 W / cm². 2 Safety standards.
[0102] In this embodiment 4, the ultrasonic signals emitted by each element in the phased array are simultaneously time-delayed and phase-coded, realizing the focusing and vortexing of the sound field at the target acupoint, thereby reproducing the twisting technique in acupuncture through ultrasound.
[0103] Example 5:
[0104] Example 5 uses the pressure acoustic transient physics field in COMSOL for simulation. The simulation process is basically the same as that in Example 4, except that in Example 5:
[0105] Based on phased array The array consists of several array elements forming a rectangular planar phased array with an element spacing of 0.3 mm. Each array element is required to transmit an ultrasonic signal at a frequency of 0.8 MHz.
[0106] Finally, ultrasound focusing simulation was performed to obtain its sound intensity cloud map and phase map. The images show that sound field focusing and sound field vortices were generated at the acupoints, thus allowing the reproduction of the twisting technique in acupuncture using ultrasound.
[0107] Example 6:
[0108] Example 6 uses the pressure acoustic transient physics field in COMSOL for simulation. The simulation process is basically the same as that in Example 4, except that in Example 5:
[0109] Based on phased array The array consists of several array elements forming a rectangular planar phased array with an element spacing of 0.5 mm. Each array element is required to transmit an ultrasonic signal at a frequency of 0.9 MHz.
[0110] Finally, ultrasound focusing simulation was performed to obtain its sound intensity cloud map and phase map. The images show that sound field focusing and sound field vortices were generated at the acupoints, thus allowing the reproduction of the twisting technique in acupuncture using ultrasound.
[0111] Example 7:
[0112] Embodiment 7 of this application provides a phased array control device, such as... Figure 11As shown, it may include: a processor, a communications interface, a memory, and a communication bus, wherein the processor, communications interface, and memory communicate with each other through the communication bus. The processor can call logical instructions in the memory to execute the method in Embodiment 1 above.
[0113] Example 8:
[0114] Embodiment 8 of this application provides an ultrasonic acupuncture device, such as... Figure 12 As shown, it includes:
[0115] The phased array control section is used to generate ultrasonic signals by performing the method described in Example 1.
[0116] The phased array section is used to emit ultrasonic waves based on ultrasonic signals.
[0117] It is understood that the detailed functional implementation of the phased array control part in the above-mentioned device can be found in the description of the aforementioned method embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here.
[0118] It should be understood that the above-described device is used to execute the method in Embodiment 1 above. The phased array control part of the device has a similar implementation principle and technical effect to the method described in Embodiment 1 above. The working process of this part can be referred to the corresponding process in the above method, and will not be repeated here.
[0119] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.
[0120] The method steps in Embodiment 1 of this application can be implemented in hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in Random Access Memory (RAM), flash memory, Read-only Memory (ROM), Programmable ROM (PROM), Erasable PROM (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and the storage medium can reside in an ASIC.
[0121] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted through the computer-readable storage medium. The computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., solid-state disk (SSD)).
[0122] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for the convenience of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application.
[0123] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.
Claims
1. A phased array control device, characterized in that, include: At least one memory for storing computer programs; At least one processor is configured to execute a program stored in the memory, wherein when the program stored in the memory is executed, the processor is configured to execute: Modulate the ultrasonic signals that each element in the phased array needs to emit. Each array element needs to transmit ultrasonic signals with different time delays. This allows the ultrasound waves to reach the target acupoint simultaneously, where they superimpose to form a focused sound field; each array element needs to emit ultrasound signals with different phase differences. This causes the ultrasound waves to generate a vortex sound field at the target acupoint. Individual elements The specific ultrasonic signal emitted at that moment is: ； in, As the reference sound pressure level, For signal frequency, Pi For the first The latency of each array element It is a natural constant. The signal angular frequency, It is the imaginary unit. For the first The phase difference of each array element.
2. An ultrasonic acupuncture device, characterized in that, include: The phased array control section is used to perform: Modulate the ultrasonic signals that each element in the phased array needs to emit. Each array element needs to transmit ultrasonic signals with different time delays. This allows the ultrasound waves to reach the target acupoint simultaneously, where they superimpose to form a focused sound field; each array element needs to emit ultrasound signals with different phase differences. This causes the ultrasound waves to generate a vortex sound field at the target acupoint. Individual elements The specific ultrasonic signal emitted at that moment is: ； in, As the reference sound pressure level, For signal frequency, Pi For the first The latency of each array element It is a natural constant. The signal angular frequency, It is the imaginary unit. For the first Phase difference of each array element; The phased array section is used to emit ultrasonic waves based on ultrasonic signals.
3. The ultrasonic acupuncture device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The phased array portion is composed of The array elements form a rectangular planar phased array, in which .
4. The ultrasonic acupuncture device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The spacing between the array elements in the phased array section is between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm.