Transcranial child ultrasound stimulator

Abstract

This utility model discloses a transcranial pediatric ultrasound stimulator, which includes a housing and a microcontroller unit disposed within the housing. A front panel and a rear panel are respectively disposed on the front and rear side walls of the housing. The front panel has multiple operating components electrically connected to the microcontroller unit, and the rear panel has multiple interface components electrically connected to the microcontroller unit and used for connecting to external devices. The transcranial pediatric ultrasound stimulator provided by this application improves the user's ease of operation by integrating and rationally arranging multiple interfaces with different functions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of transcranial ultrasound stimulation, and more particularly to a transcranial ultrasound stimulator for children. Background Technology

[0002] Transcranial ultrasound stimulation (tUS) is an emerging non-invasive neuromodulation technique. Its basic principle is to use the energy of mechanical waves (ultrasound waves) to penetrate the skull and reversibly modulate neural activity in specific brain regions in a non-thermal manner. Due to its high spatial resolution and potential for modulating deep brain structures, tUS has attracted considerable attention in neuroscience research and clinical application exploration. However, current techniques for implementing tUS, including their equipment form, control methods, and application procedures, are mainly derived from traditional laboratory research environments or general-purpose medical ultrasound equipment, which presents many limitations when applied to the specific scenario of "children's language training."

[0003] The first type is a modular system based on general-purpose scientific instruments. This is currently the most common way to implement tUS in neuroscience laboratories. This system is not a single integrated device, but rather consists of multiple independent, general-purpose electronic testing instruments manually connected by cables. A typical system usually includes: a function / arbitrary waveform generator to generate an initial low-voltage radio frequency sine wave signal; a radio frequency power amplifier (RFPA) to amplify the signal output from the function generator to a power level sufficient to drive the ultrasonic transducer; an oscilloscope to monitor the output waveform and parameters of the power amplifier; and a power meter to measure the actual output acoustic power. These independent instruments are usually placed on a lab bench or standard instrument rack and connected to each other via BNC coaxial cables, etc. The ultrasonic transducer (probe) is connected to the output of the power amplifier via a dedicated cable.

[0004] In this modular system, the control of ultrasound stimulation parameters relies entirely on manual operation of each individual instrument or computer-programmed control. The operator (usually a professionally trained researcher) needs to set the ultrasound frequency, waveform (typically a sine wave), and pulse mode (such as pulse width, repetition frequency, and pulse train length) on the function generator, then adjust the gain on the power amplifier to control the output power, while simultaneously monitoring the output in real time on an oscilloscope and power meter to ensure it meets expectations. This operating mode demands a high level of professional knowledge and practical experience from the operator, requiring a deep understanding of radio frequency circuits, signal processing, and ultrasound physics.

[0005] The second type is transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TCS) devices not specifically designed for children's language development. With technological advancements, some TCS devices have emerged that integrate the aforementioned modular functions. These devices are typically designed for broader research purposes or clinical studies of neuropsychiatric disorders in adults (such as depression, Parkinson's disease, and disorders of consciousness). They usually take the form of a desktop or trolley-style medical device terminal equipped with a large touchscreen display as the primary human-computer interaction interface.

[0006] In these existing integrated devices, the structure and functional layout of their control terminals have the following characteristics: First, their physical form is usually that of standardized medical equipment, with a professional and calm design style. However, this can appear cold and distant to children, easily triggering tension and fear, which is not conducive to scenarios requiring a relaxed atmosphere, such as language training. Second, their human-computer interaction heavily relies on touchscreens. Operators need to configure all ultrasound parameters in a complex, highly information-dense graphical user interface by selecting multi-level menus, scrolling through parameter lists, and inputting numbers using a virtual keyboard. While powerful, this interaction method presents a steep learning curve for teachers or therapists without a neuroscience background, resulting in a cumbersome and inefficient process. Furthermore, these general-purpose devices completely lack structural optimization for specific application scenarios. They do not include any physical shortcuts designed for the specific task of "children's language training." For each intervention, the operator must manually configure all parameters from scratch or search for and load previously saved parameter files in a complex software file system. This is not only inefficient but also highly susceptible to human error leading to inconsistencies in the intervention plan.

[0007] The application of existing transcranial ultrasound devices in children's language training has many limitations.

[0008] First, the operational process is extremely complex, with a high professional threshold, making it unsuitable for non-research professionals (such as therapists). Existing technologies, especially modular systems commonly found in laboratories or control systems based on general-purpose computer software, are designed for rigorously trained researchers. Operators need to understand and set multiple complex physical parameters, repeatedly clicking, scrolling, and inputting numbers through deep, nested software menus. This process is not only time-consuming but also highly error-prone. Even a minor error in any parameter can lead to deviations from the entire intervention plan or even safety hazards. For the frontline language training scenarios targeted by this project, operators are likely to be special education teachers, rehabilitation therapists, or even trained parents. Expecting them to master such complex equipment operation and parameter settings is unrealistic, which greatly limits the promotion and application of this technology.

[0009] Secondly, the current human-computer interaction structure is simplistic and inefficient, failing to meet the dynamic needs of intervention scenarios for children. Children's behavior and emotional states are changeable and unpredictable. During language training, operators need to devote most of their energy to observing the child's reactions, guiding them to complete tasks, and providing timely interaction and reassurance. However, the existing interaction mode, centered on "mouse + keyboard + on-screen menus," forces operators to focus their gaze and attention on the computer screen for extended periods, performing tedious clicking and input operations. This interaction method is not only inefficient but also severely distracts the operator from focusing on the child.

[0010] Third, the equipment is bulky and has limited interface options, making it difficult to adapt to the application needs of modern education, clinical practice, and scientific research. Existing equipment systems, whether research instrument combinations or large medical devices, are typically large and cumbersome, inconvenient to move, and difficult to deploy in space-constrained classrooms, rehabilitation rooms, or homes. Their designs are often industrial and medical-looking, which can easily cause children to feel resistant and fearful. Furthermore, their interface configurations are often limited. Research systems may only have a BNC interface, and medical devices may only have a power interface and a probe interface. They generally lack an integrated, multi-functional data and control interface module. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The main objective of this invention is to provide a transcranial pediatric ultrasound stimulator, which aims to solve the aforementioned technical problems.

[0012] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes a transcranial pediatric ultrasound stimulator, comprising a housing and a microcontroller unit disposed within the housing. A front panel and a rear panel are respectively disposed on the front and rear side walls of the housing. The front panel is provided with a plurality of operating components electrically connected to the microcontroller unit, and the rear panel is provided with a plurality of interface components electrically connected to the microcontroller unit and used for connecting to external devices.

[0013] In one embodiment, a liquid crystal touch screen is provided on the front panel, and a plurality of the operating components are disposed on the outside of the liquid crystal touch screen.

[0014] In one embodiment, the operating component includes a first operating area, which is disposed on the right side of the liquid crystal touch screen and has a plurality of first operating buttons arranged vertically.

[0015] In one embodiment, the operating component includes a second operating area, which is located below the liquid crystal touch screen and includes a plurality of second operating buttons arranged horizontally.

[0016] In one embodiment, the operating component further includes a third operating area, which includes a plurality of third operating buttons disposed on the right side of the first operating area.

[0017] In one embodiment, an output interface is provided on the left side of the liquid crystal touch screen.

[0018] In one embodiment, the interface components include a USB interface, a network interface, a test interface, and a power input port, all of which are electrically connected to the microcontroller unit.

[0019] In one embodiment, the outer shell is made of ABS engineering plastic.

[0020] In this invention, a transcranial pediatric ultrasound stimulator includes a housing and a microcontroller unit disposed within the housing. A front panel and a rear panel are respectively disposed on the front and rear side walls of the housing. The front panel has multiple operating components electrically connected to the microcontroller unit, and the rear panel has multiple interface components electrically connected to the microcontroller unit and used for connecting to external devices. This application improves user convenience by integrating and rationally arranging multiple interfaces with different functions. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the transcranial pediatric ultrasound stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a front view of the transcranial pediatric ultrasound stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a rear view of the transcranial pediatric ultrasound stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Reference numerals: 10, Outer shell; 20, Front panel; 30, Rear panel; 40, LCD touch screen; 50, First operation area; 51, First operation button; 60, Second operation area; 61, Second operation button; 70, Third operation area; 71, Third operation button; 80, Output interface; 90, USB interface; 100, Network interface; 110, Test interface; 120, Power input socket.

[0026] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0028] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in this utility model embodiment are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.

[0029] Furthermore, in this utility model, the use of terms such as "first," "second," etc., is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0030] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other, but only if they are based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0031] This invention provides a transcranial pediatric ultrasound stimulator.

[0032] like Figure 1-2 As shown, the transcranial pediatric ultrasound stimulator provided in this embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 10 and a microcontroller unit disposed within the housing 10. A front panel 20 and a rear panel 30 are respectively disposed on the front side wall and the rear side wall of the housing 10. The front panel 20 is provided with a plurality of operating components electrically connected to the microcontroller unit, and the rear panel 30 is provided with a plurality of interface components electrically connected to the microcontroller unit and used for connecting to external devices.

[0033] In this embodiment, the overall outer shell 10 is integrally injection molded from medical-grade high-strength ABS engineering plastic, with rounded corners and a matte, skin-friendly coating. This design aims to ensure maximum physical safety, durability, and ease of cleaning in child-friendly environments. It also improves the physical safety and user comfort of the device in child-friendly settings. Furthermore, the highly user-friendly interface layout divides functions into clearly defined and physically isolated areas. Combined with physical buttons and knobs, this reduces the risk of misoperation, allowing operators to complete various operations efficiently and accurately in complex clinical or educational settings.

[0034] The front panel 20 is the main interface for operator interaction with the device. It is divided into three functionally distinct and physically isolated operating areas to achieve an efficient and intuitive operating process.

[0035] Core parameter setting area (first operation area 50): Located on the right side of the LCD touch screen 40, it has six vertically arranged first operation buttons 51. This area is dedicated to the rapid selection and setting of the core physical parameters of ultrasound stimulation.

[0036] From top to bottom, they are defined as follows:

[0037] Frequency selection key: Used to activate the setting of the ultrasonic operating frequency. Adjustable range 0.5MHz~10MHz, in 0.1MHz steps.

[0038] Power Intensity Key: Used to activate the setting of ultrasonic output power or sound intensity. Adjustable range: 0~100W sine wave power, corresponding to an amplitude range of 0%~100%. Steps: 1%.

[0039] Pulse Duration Key: Used to activate the setting of the duration of a single ultrasound pulse. Adjustable range 0~10s, in 0.01s increments.

[0040] Pulse repetition frequency key: Used to activate the setting of the ultrasound pulse repetition frequency. Adjustable range 0.1~100Hz, in 0.1Hz steps.

[0041] Sequence Length Key: Used to activate the setting of the pulse sequence length. Adjustable range 0~60s, in 0.1s increments.

[0042] Sequence Period Key: Used to activate the setting of the pulse sequence period. Adjustable range 0~1000s, in 0.1s increments.

[0043] The physical arrangement of these six primary operation buttons 51 corresponds one-to-one with the parameter area displayed in real time on the LCD touch screen 40. When the operator presses any of the buttons, such as the "power intensity button," the corresponding power parameter display box on the screen will be highlighted.

[0044] Quick access area for intervention programs (second operation area 60): Located below the LCD touch screen 40, it has seven horizontally arranged second operation buttons 61. This area is specifically designed for the specific application scenario of children's language training, allowing the operator to access preset comprehensive intervention programs for different language training goals with one click.

[0045] These seven secondary operation buttons 61 are predefined to correspond to seven different, optimized language training scheme modes. From left to right, these seven secondary operation buttons 61 are as follows:

[0046] Option 1: Broca's area activation (speaking expression enhancement)

[0047] This program primarily targets Broca's area, which is responsible for language expression, grammatical processing, and spoken fluency. By applying a sequence of high-frequency, short ultrasound pulses, it aims to enhance the excitability of neurons in this area, promoting a rapid and precise response in the language motor network, thereby improving children's language organization skills, syntactic accuracy, and the clarity and fluency of their spoken output.

[0048] Option 2: Wernicke's area adjustment (enhanced language comprehension)

[0049] This program primarily targets Wernicke's area, which is responsible for language comprehension and lexical semantic processing. It employs low-intensity, rhythmic ultrasound pulse stimulation to gently modulate neural oscillations in this area, optimizing the processing of auditory and visual language information input. This enhances children's ability to receive and decode verbal instructions and written text, deepening their semantic understanding.

[0050] Option 3: Corner-to-back integration promotion (reading-writing connection promotion)

[0051] This approach primarily targets the angular gyrus, a key brain region responsible for integrating visual glyphs, auditory phonemes, and semantic information during reading. By applying patterned mid-frequency pulse sequences through a structured, non-monotonic stimulation pattern, it aims to promote neural pathways that facilitate cross-modal information connections, particularly strengthening the rapid conversion between glyphs and phonology. This enhances children's decoding abilities, reading accuracy, and reduces reading difficulties caused by difficulties in glyph-phonology association.

[0052] Option 4: Enhanced executive function in the middle frontal gyrus (focused memory support)

[0053] This program primarily targets the middle frontal gyrus, an area closely related to core executive functions such as working memory, attention, and cognitive control, which are essential for advanced reading comprehension. It employs long-duration, low-frequency rhythmic ultrasound stimulation to stabilize and strengthen prefrontal-parietal network activity that supports these executive functions. This helps children better maintain attention, store and process information online, reason, and integrate content when reading long or complex texts, thereby deepening their reading comprehension.

[0054] Option 5: Custom A, Option 6: Custom B, Option 7: Custom C

[0055] The blank user-defined protocol slot allows therapists or researchers to fully customize and save all ultrasound parameter combinations based on the assessment results of a specific child or specific research needs, in order to achieve the highest degree of personalized intervention.

[0056] Main control and fine-tuning area (third operation area 70): Located to the right of the first operation area 50, it contains the most frequently used and most frequently operated controls. Specifically, the third operation button 71 includes a high-precision infinite-position rotary encoder (knob), a "start / pause" button, and a "confirm" button.

[0057] The rotary encoder in the main control and fine-tuning areas is immediately locked to fine-tuning the power value. The operator can then turn the knob to visually see the power value on the screen increase or decrease in specific steps. After adjustment, pressing the "Confirm" button completes the parameter setting. This closed-loop operation structure of "button selection - knob fine-tuning - button confirmation" perfectly combines the speed of parameter selection with the precision of numerical adjustment, greatly simplifying the traditional operation process that requires multi-level menu selection and numerical input. It significantly improves the efficiency and intuitiveness of parameter setting, effectively avoiding potential errors caused by cumbersome operation when dealing with children.

[0058] On the front panel 20 of the control terminal, there is an ultrasonic transducer output interface 80, with an output enable button next to it. This layout concentrates the connection of the probe cable and the operator's key actions on the same side, which is in line with operating habits.

[0059] This physical partitioning structure makes the operation logic extremely clear. When the operator wants to adjust physical parameters, their eyes and hands will naturally move to the first already operated area; when they want to call up the overall scheme, they will focus on the second operating area 60; and all fine adjustments and start / stop controls are concentrated in the third operating area 70. This design conforms to human cognitive habits and avoids the tedious process of repeatedly jumping through complex multi-level menus found in traditional equipment.

[0060] Please refer to Figure 3 The rear panel layout integrates a multi-functional data and control interface module. This module includes: a USB interface 90, a standard RJ45 network interface 100, a BNC synchronous trigger interface, a test interface 110 for factory calibration, and a three-pin 220V AC power input socket 120 that meets safety standards. This highly integrated interface design provides unprecedented convenience and scalability for device data management, networked collaboration, scientific research synchronization, and maintenance and upgrades.

[0061] The USB interface 90 is designed to allow for firmware upgrades via USB flash drive insertion, as well as to enable users to import / export customized training plans and intervention log data. This design greatly facilitates data exchange and device management in non-networked environments, addressing the basic data import / export needs in such environments.

[0062] The integration of network interface 100 allows this control terminal to connect to a local area network (LAN) or the Internet. After connecting the network cable, this control terminal will establish an HTTP server, allowing external devices to access and manage the device via the HTTP protocol. This includes remote software upgrades, remote program settings, and automatic synchronization of intervention data to a cloud server. This enables remote control, cloud data synchronization, and large-scale multi-center research, allowing intervention programs to be updated uniformly and intervention data to be analyzed centrally.

[0063] The integration of the synchronous trigger interface is a key structural element that allows this invention to expand from a simple therapeutic device into a high-precision scientific research tool. Through this BNC standard interface, the control terminal can output a TTL-level signal precisely synchronized with each ultrasound pulse, used to trigger external research equipment such as transcranial electrical stimulation (TCS), electroencephalography (EEG), and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (FIR). This enables complex experiments studying the immediate neural effects of ultrasound stimulation. Conversely, it can also receive trigger signals from external devices to initiate stimulation, achieving event-related neural modulation. This allows the device to be precisely synchronized with other equipment such as EEG, FIR, and TCS, transforming it from a simple therapeutic tool into a powerful multimodal neuroscience research platform, providing unprecedented convenience for exploring the neural mechanisms of children's language development.

[0064] The setup of test interface 110 provides a standardized physical access point for equipment production quality control and subsequent maintenance and calibration, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the equipment throughout its entire lifecycle.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the output enable button located on the front panel 20 plays a crucial physical interlocking role in the safety design. After all parameters are set, the operator must press this button to illuminate its indicator light before starting the ultrasound output via the "Start / Pause" button. This "dual confirmation" physical operation process effectively prevents accidental stimulation caused by accidentally pressing the "Start" button, providing an extra layer of physical protection for children's safety.

[0066] The microcontroller unit (MCU) within the terminal integrates a direct digital frequency synthesizer (DDS) controller. Upon initiation of ultrasonic output, the MCU sends commands to the DDS chip via a high-speed serial interface to precisely set the frequency and phase of the output sine wave. The DDS output signal serves as the excitation source, fed into a digitally programmable gain amplifier, the gain of which is controlled by the MCU according to user-defined acoustic power parameters. Finally, the signal is amplified by a radio frequency power amplifier (RFPA) to drive the ultrasonic transducer connected to output interface 80. The entire signal chain is fully digitally controlled, ensuring high accuracy and stability of the ultrasonic parameters.

[0067] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. All equivalent structural transformations made under the concept of the present utility model and using the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included in the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A transcranial pediatric ultrasound stimulator, characterized in that, The transcranial pediatric ultrasound stimulator includes a housing (10) and a microcontroller unit disposed within the housing (10). A front panel (20) and a rear panel (30) are respectively disposed on the front and rear side walls of the housing (10). The front panel (20) is provided with a plurality of operating components electrically connected to the microcontroller unit, and the rear panel (30) is provided with a plurality of interface components electrically connected to the microcontroller unit and used for connecting to external devices.

2. The transcranial pediatric ultrasound stimulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front panel (20) is provided with a liquid crystal touch screen (40), and a plurality of the operating components are disposed on the outside of the liquid crystal touch screen (40).

3. The transcranial pediatric ultrasound stimulator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The operating component includes a first operating area (50), which is located on the right side of the liquid crystal touch screen (40) and has a plurality of first operating buttons (51) arranged vertically.

4. The transcranial pediatric ultrasound stimulator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The operating component includes a second operating area (60), which is located below the liquid crystal touch screen (40) and has a plurality of second operating buttons (61) arranged horizontally.

5. The transcranial pediatric ultrasound stimulator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The operating component also includes a third operating area (70), which includes a plurality of third operating buttons (71) disposed on the right side of the first operating area (50).

6. The transcranial pediatric ultrasound stimulator according to claim 2, characterized in that, An output interface (80) is provided on the left side of the liquid crystal touch screen (40).

7. The transcranial pediatric ultrasound stimulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interface components include a USB interface (90), a network interface (100), a test interface (110), and a power input socket (120), all of which are electrically connected to the microcontroller unit.

8. The transcranial pediatric ultrasound stimulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer shell (10) is made of ABS engineering plastic.

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