Ultrasound Therapy System

Abstract

To provide a technology for performing treatment or examination of dermatosis without having a contact with an affected part.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic therapeutic system 1 for treating an affected part of dermatosis has a phased array 15 for radiating an ultrasonic wave, and control means for focusing, to a focal point near the affected part, the ultrasonic wave radiated from the phased array 15, by controlling the phased array 15.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ultrasound treatment system, an ultrasound inspection system, a treatment method, an inspection method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, skin diseases such as athlete's foot and atopic dermatitis have been treated by applying medication. However, when medications do not suit the patient's constitution or when medication is not effective enough, non-drug treatment methods are required. Patent Document 1 discloses a device for treating acne by applying vibrations to the acne-affected area with a brush head and irradiating the area with light of a specific wavelength. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-202403 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, treatment methods that involve direct contact with the affected area, such as the technology described in Patent Document 1, may actually worsen the disease. Also, when examining the affected area to obtain information beyond that which can be obtained visually, touching the affected area may worsen the disease.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology for treating or examining a skin disease without touching the affected area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An ultrasonic therapy system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an ultrasonic therapy system for treating an area affected by a skin disease, and includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers that emit ultrasonic waves, and a control means that controls the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to focus the ultrasonic waves emitted from the plurality of ultrasonic transducers at a focal point near the affected area. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an ultrasound treatment system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a phased array. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating focusing of ultrasonic waves emitted by a phased array. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a control device. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the control device. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of ultrasonic treatment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of focus control. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an ultrasound examination. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of focus control. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an ultrasound examination. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 shows an example of visualization of a focus. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of detecting a deviation in the radiation position. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of adjusting the radiation position. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of adjusting the radiation angle. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of adjusting the radial distance. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for holding a phased array. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for moving a phased array. [Figure 18]1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating examples of housings for an ultrasound therapy system. [Figure 19] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating examples of housings for an ultrasound therapy system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings for explaining the embodiment, the same components are generally designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0009] (1) Configuration of ultrasound treatment system The configuration of the ultrasound treatment system will be described below: Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ultrasound treatment system of this embodiment.

[0010] 1, the ultrasound therapy system 1 includes a control device 11, a database 12, an output device 13, a sensor 14, and a phased array 15. The database 12, the output device 13, the sensor 14, and the phased array 15 are each connected to the control device 11 by wire or wirelessly.

[0011] The control device 11 controls each device included in the ultrasound treatment system 1. The control device 11 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer.

[0012] The database 12 stores data input from the control device 11 and other devices, and outputs data to the control device 11 in response to a request from the control device 11. The database 12 is, for example, a web server.

[0013] The output device 13 outputs information based on information input from the control device 11. The information is output, for example, by image display or audio output. The output device 13 is, for example, a display, a speaker, or a combination thereof.

[0014] The sensor 14 measures the condition of the affected area 10 or the vicinity of the affected area 10, and outputs information indicating the measurement results to the control device 11. The sensor 14 is, for example, a camera, an ultrasonic microphone, a laser Doppler meter, or a range finder.

[0015] The phased array 15 has a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, and emits ultrasonic waves that converge at a specific focal point in accordance with the control of the control device 11. Details of the phased array 15 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

[0016] The ultrasound therapy system 1 treats an affected area 10 of a skin disease (e.g., athlete's foot or atopic dermatitis) by emitting ultrasound from a phased array 15 and focusing the ultrasound at a focal point near the affected area 10. Specifically, the focused ultrasound provides ultrasonic stimulation (fine vibrations) near the affected area 10, promoting the production of cell adhesion molecules (keratin and collagen) and improving the skin's barrier function. As a result, inflammation in the affected area 10 is suppressed. When performing treatment with the ultrasound therapy system 1, a drug 20 for suppressing inflammation of the skin disease may be applied to the affected area 10. Applying ultrasonic stimulation to the affected area 10 to which the drug 20 has been applied makes the drug creamy, improving blood circulation in the affected area 10. This promotes penetration of the drug 20 into the skin, further suppressing inflammation in the affected area 10.

[0017] The ultrasound therapy system 1 shown in FIG. 1 can also examine the affected area 10 by emitting ultrasound from the phased array 15, focusing the ultrasound at a focal point near the affected area 10, and measuring the characteristic quantities of the reflected waves generated when the ultrasound is reflected from the affected area 10 using the sensor 14. That is, the ultrasound therapy system 1 of this embodiment also functions as an ultrasound examination system. Specifically, since the characteristic quantities (e.g., amplitude or phase) of the reflected waves change depending on the hardness of the skin in the affected area 10, the degree of inflammation and dryness of the affected area 10 can be determined based on the measurement results of the characteristic quantities of the reflected waves. Since the condition of the affected area 10 can be quantitatively measured, even a doctor with specialized knowledge can examine the skin disease. This reduces the burden on patients who would otherwise have to check the condition of their skin disease on a daily (high frequency) basis.

[0018] (1-1) Control device configuration The configuration of the control device will now be described with reference to Fig. 4, which is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device of this embodiment.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 4, the control device 11 includes a storage device 111, a processor 112, an input / output interface 113, and a communication interface 114.

[0020] The storage device 111 is configured to store programs and data, and is, for example, a combination of a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and a storage (for example, a flash memory or a hard disk).

[0021] The programs include, for example, the following programs: OS (Operating System) programs Applications that process information (e.g., web browsers)

[0022] The data includes, for example, the following data: Databases referenced in information processing Data obtained by performing information processing (i.e., the results of performing information processing)

[0023] The processor 112 is a computer that implements the functions of the control device 11 by running a program stored in the storage device 111. The processor 112 is, for example, at least one of the following: ·CPU(Central Processing Unit) ·GPU(Graphic Processing Unit) ·ASIC(Application Specific Integrated Circuit) ·FPGA(Field Programmable Array)

[0024] The input / output interface 113 is configured to acquire user instructions from an input device connected to the control device 11, and to output information to an output device 13 connected to the control device 11. The input device is, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, a touch panel, or a combination thereof.

[0025] The communication interface 114 is configured to control communication between the control device 11 and other devices included in the ultrasound therapy system 1.

[0026] (1-2) Phased Array 15 Configuration The configuration of the phased array 15 will be described below. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the phased array 15. 2, the phased array 15 has a transducer board 16 and a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15a. The plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15a are arranged on the transducer board 16 along a horizontal plane that is aligned with the XY plane, for example, in an array. The plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15a are configured to be driven (i.e., vibrate) under the control of the control device 11.

[0027] The transducer board 16 has, for example, a rectangular shape in the XY plane (i.e., in a plan view seen from the Z direction (hereinafter simply referred to as "plan view")). The transducer board 16 forms the radiation surface of the phased array 15. The multiple ultrasonic transducers 15a are arranged on the transducer board 16 so as to form a hexagonal shape in a plan view. Note that the shape of the transducer board 16 and the arrangement of the ultrasonic transducers 15a are not limited to the example of FIG. 2.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating how ultrasonic waves emitted from the phased array 15 shown in FIG. 2 are focused at multiple focal points FP1 to FP3. The control device 11 drives each of the multiple ultrasonic transducers 15a at an individual timing. The ultrasonic waves emitted from each ultrasonic transducer 15a have the same sound pressure. The ultrasonic waves emitted from the phased array 15 have a phase difference corresponding to the time difference between the vibrations of each ultrasonic transducer 15a. As shown in FIG. 3, the ultrasonic waves emitted from each of the multiple ultrasonic transducers 15a are focused at focal points FP1 to FP3 located a predetermined distance (hereinafter referred to as "focal length") away from the transducer board 16. That is, the phased array 15 in this embodiment is configured to generate focused ultrasonic waves.

[0029] The control device 11 can arbitrarily change the position of the focal point as illustrated in FIG. 3 by controlling the timing of driving each ultrasonic transducer 15a. Here, the focal length is expressed as the distance from the origin in a three-dimensional coordinate system with the reference point of the phased array 15 as the origin. For example, the focal length L1 of the focal point FP1 is the distance between the origin (0,0,0) and FP1 (x1, y1, z1). The focal length L2 of the focal point FP2 is the distance between the origin (0,0,0) and FP2 (x2, y2, z2). The focal length L3 of the focal point FP3 is the distance between the origin (0,0,0) and FP3 (x3, y3, z3). In this way, the control device 11 can three-dimensionally change the position of the focal point of the focused ultrasonic waves emitted from the multiple ultrasonic transducers 15a. The position of the origin shown in FIG. 3 can be arbitrarily changed.

[0030] (2) Control processing The control process of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control device 11 of this embodiment. The process of Fig. 5 is started when the power of the control device 11 is turned on and the initial setting of the ultrasound treatment system 1 is completed. However, the start timing of the process of Fig. 5 is not limited to this.

[0031] The control device 11 executes acquisition of input information (S130). Specifically, the control device 11 acquires the input information by receiving an operation by a user or an input from the database 12. The input information includes information for controlling the emission of ultrasound waves by the phased array 15. For example, the input information includes information indicating at least one of the intensity, phase, timing, focal position, and frequency of the ultrasound waves to be emitted.

[0032] The control device 11 executes the emission of ultrasonic waves (S131). Specifically, the control device 11 transmits a control instruction based on the acquired input information to the phased array 15, thereby causing the phased array 15 to emit focused ultrasonic waves according to the input information.

[0033] The control device 11 executes acquisition of sensor information (S132). Specifically, the control device 11 acquires sensor information obtained by the sensor 14 measuring the state of the affected area 10 or its vicinity from the sensor 14. The sensor information includes, for example, at least one of an image of the affected area 10, information indicating a change in the distance between the sensor 14 and the affected area 10 due to ultrasonic vibration, and information indicating a feature amount of a reflected wave generated by reflection of ultrasonic waves from the affected area 10.

[0034] The control device 11 executes a determination (S133) as to whether or not to terminate the control. Specifically, when an instruction to terminate the ultrasonic irradiation is input to the control device, or when a specific condition is satisfied, the control device 11 determines to terminate the control and terminates the processing of Fig. 5. The specific condition includes, for example, that the ultrasonic irradiation time has reached a predetermined time, or that the affected area 10 is no longer present at the target of the ultrasonic irradiation.

[0035] On the other hand, if it is determined not to end the control, the control device 11 returns to S131 and emits ultrasonic waves. At this time, the control device 11 may update the input information acquired in S130 based on the sensor information acquired in S132. That is, the control device 11 may control the phased array 15 based on the sensor information acquired from the sensor 14.

[0036] (3) Explanation of ultrasound therapy An example of ultrasonic therapy will be described using Figure 6. The phased array 15 emits ultrasonic pulses from each ultrasonic transducer under the control of the control device 11, and focuses the ultrasonic waves at a focal point near the affected area 10 on the skin of a patient with a skin disease. The minute vibrations caused by the focused ultrasonic waves in the affected area 10 improve the barrier function of the skin and reduce inflammation. With this configuration, skin diseases can be treated in a non-contact and minimally invasive manner.

[0037] Furthermore, the sensor 14 measures the state of the affected area 10 when ultrasound is emitted. For example, a camera or a laser Doppler meter is used as the sensor 14 to measure the displacement of the skin at the affected area 10, and the control device 11 determines how much the affected area 10 is vibrating (i.e., how strong the ultrasonic stimulation is being applied to the affected area 10). The control device 11 then adjusts the intensity of the ultrasound emitted from the phased array 15 based on the sensor information. This allows an ultrasonic stimulation of appropriate intensity to be applied to the affected area.

[0038] Furthermore, the sensor 14 is not limited to measuring the condition of the affected area 10. For example, the sensor 14 may measure environmental information such as the temperature and humidity in the space where the patient is present. The hardness of the skin of the affected area 10 (i.e., the ease with which it vibrates due to ultrasonic waves) may change depending on the temperature and humidity. Therefore, the control device 11 may adjust the intensity of the ultrasonic waves according to the environmental information acquired from the sensor 14. This allows ultrasonic stimulation of a more appropriate intensity to be applied to the affected area.

[0039] Furthermore, the control device 11 may determine whether or not an affected area 10 is present at the destination of the ultrasound (i.e., the position facing the phased array 15) based on the measurement results from a sensor 14 such as a camera or a rangefinder. The control device 11 may then control the phased array 15 to stop emitting ultrasound when the affected area 10 is not present. This prevents objects other than the affected area 10 from being exposed to ultrasound. The control device 11 may control not only whether or not to emit ultrasound, but also the intensity of the radiation. For example, the radiation intensity may be weakened when the affected area 10 and the focus of the ultrasound are misaligned, and increased when the affected area 10 and the focus of the ultrasound are aligned.

[0040] Note that, when the affected area 10 is wide, it is desirable to apply ultrasonic stimulation to a wide area. Therefore, the control device 11 controls the focal position where the ultrasonic waves emitted from the phased array 15 are focused. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of focus control. For example, as shown in FIG. 7(a), the phased array 15 is supported by a support unit 71, and the support unit 71 is configured to be movable by an actuator. The control device 11 controls the actuator to move the support unit 71, thereby controlling the tilt of the phased array 15. When the tilt of the phased array 15 changes, the focal position where the ultrasonic waves are focused moves accordingly. By continuously moving the focal position in this way, ultrasonic stimulation can be applied to the entire irradiation area 70.

[0041] 7(b), for example, the control device 11 moves the focal position by controlling the phase of ultrasound emitted by multiple ultrasound transducers included in the phased array 15. Also, as shown in FIG. 7(c), for example, the control device 11 focuses ultrasound at multiple focal points 72 by controlling the phase of ultrasound emitted by multiple ultrasound transducers included in the phased array 15. Because ultrasound vibrations are also transmitted to the vicinity of the focal points, focusing ultrasound at multiple focal points 72 can provide ultrasound stimulation over a wide range. Here, the control device 11 may control the ultrasound to be focused at multiple focal points 72 simultaneously, or may control the ultrasound to be focused at multiple focal points 72 sequentially.

[0042] (3) Explanation of ultrasound examination An example of ultrasound examination will be described using FIG. 8. The phased array 15 emits ultrasound pulses from each ultrasound transducer under the control of the control device 11, and focuses the ultrasound at a focal point near the affected area 10 on the skin of a patient with a skin disease. The sensor 14 is composed of an ultrasound microphone and receives a reflected wave 80 generated when the ultrasound emitted from the phased array 15 is reflected by the affected area 10. The sensor 14 then measures the feature quantities (e.g., phase and amplitude) of the reflected wave 80 based on the waveform of the received reflected wave 80. The elasticity of the affected area 10 changes depending on the skin condition of the affected area 10 (e.g., the degree of inflammation or dryness), and the feature quantities of the reflected wave change depending on the elasticity of the affected area 10. Therefore, by acquiring sensor information from the sensor 14, the control device 11 can examine the condition of the affected area 10 in a non-contact and minimally invasive manner.

[0043] Furthermore, the control device 11 may determine whether or not an affected area 10 is present at the destination of the ultrasound (i.e., the position facing the phased array 15) based on the measurement results of the reflected wave 80 by the sensor 14. The control device 11 may then control the phased array 15 to stop emitting ultrasound when the affected area 10 is not present. This makes it possible to prevent objects other than the affected area 10 from being exposed to ultrasound. The control device 11 may control not only whether or not to emit ultrasound, but also the radiation intensity. For example, the radiation intensity may be weakened when the affected area 10 and the focus of the ultrasound are misaligned, and the radiation intensity may be strengthened when the affected area 10 and the focus of the ultrasound are aligned.

[0044] Furthermore, when the ultrasonic therapy system 1 performs both the ultrasonic therapy and the ultrasonic examination described above, the control device 11 may control the ultrasonic radiation from the phased array 15 during the ultrasonic therapy based on the sensor information acquired from the sensor 14. This enables appropriate treatment according to the examination results of the condition of the affected area 10.

[0045] The method for measuring the hardness of the affected area is not limited to measurements based on the feature quantities of the reflected waves. For example, in a configuration using a camera as the sensor 14 as shown in Fig. 6, the control device 11 acquires a photographed image of the affected area 10 from the sensor 14 and determines the amount of displacement of the affected area due to ultrasonic vibrations. The harder the skin of the affected area 10, the smaller the displacement when the same sound pressure is applied, so the control device 11 can measure the hardness of the affected area based on the amount of displacement.

[0046] Furthermore, the sensor 14 is not limited to measuring the condition of the affected area 10. For example, the sensor 14 may measure environmental information such as the temperature and humidity in the space where the patient is present. The hardness of the skin of the affected area 10 may change depending on the temperature and humidity, even if the degree of inflammation is the same. Therefore, the control device 11 may determine the degree of inflammation of the affected area 10 based on the environmental information acquired from the sensor 14 and the measurement results of the reflected waves. This can improve the accuracy of the examination of the degree of inflammation.

[0047] In order to determine the severity of a skin disease, it is desirable to examine the condition of the skin over a wide area. Therefore, the control device 11 controls the focal position at which the ultrasonic waves emitted from the phased array 15 are focused. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of focal control. For example, as shown in Figure 7(a), the control device 11 moves the focal position by controlling the phase of the ultrasonic waves emitted from the multiple ultrasonic transducers included in the phased array 15. By continuously moving the focal position in this way, the condition of the skin over a wide area can be examined.

[0048] 7(b), the control device 11 may control the phased array 15 so that the focal point moves within an inspection range 90 that is wider than the affected area 10. The control device 11 may then perform predetermined statistical processing on the sensor information acquired while moving the focal point, thereby acquiring feature quantities of the reflected wave at the time when the focal point was located near the affected area 10. With this configuration, the control device 11 can inspect the condition of the affected area 10 even if the user does not precisely align the phased array 15 with respect to the affected area.

[0049] (4) Explanation of alternative ultrasound examination methods An ultrasound examination using a method other than measuring reflected waves will be described using Figure 10. The phased array 15 emits ultrasound pulses from each ultrasound transducer under the control of the control device 11, and focuses the ultrasound at a focal point near the affected area 10 on the skin of a patient with a skin disease. Here, the control device 11 causes the phased array 15 to emit ultrasound multiple times while changing the ultrasound intensity. At the timing when the ultrasound is emitted, the patient inputs to the control device 11 whether or not they perceived an ultrasound stimulus at the affected area 10.

[0050] For example, when inflammation is severe as shown in Figure 10(a), the patient is sensitive to stimulation of the affected area 10 and therefore perceives the ultrasonic stimulation even when the ultrasonic intensity is weak. On the other hand, when inflammation is mild as shown in Figure 10(b), the patient is insensitive to stimulation of the affected area 10 and therefore does not perceive the ultrasonic stimulation unless the ultrasonic intensity is strong.

[0051] Therefore, the control device 11 determines the ultrasonic intensity at which the patient can perceive the ultrasonic stimulus based on the patient's input of whether or not they perceive the stimulus and the ultrasonic intensity at that time. The control device 11 then determines that the lower the threshold ultrasonic intensity, the more severe the inflammation in the affected area 10. In this way, the control device 11 can examine the degree of inflammation in the affected area 10.

[0052] (5) Alignment of focused ultrasound The ultrasonic waves emitted from the phased array 15 are focused at a focal point. When the focal point is located near the affected area 10, a large ultrasonic stimulus can be applied to the affected area 10. Therefore, the ultrasonic therapy system 1 has a configuration that facilitates the alignment of the focused ultrasonic waves (adjustment so that the ultrasonic waves are focused at a focal point near the affected area 10).

[0053] An example of a method for visualizing the focal point will be described with reference to FIG. 11. For example, as shown in FIG. 11(a), the ultrasound therapy system 1 has a plurality of light-emitting units 61 that emit laser light. The laser light beams emitted from the plurality of light-emitting units 61 intersect at the focal position of the ultrasound waves emitted from the phased array 15. With this configuration, the user can determine whether the ultrasound waves are focused at the affected area 10 by checking whether the laser light beams intersect at the affected area 10. If the focal position is deviated from the affected area 10, the user can adjust it by moving the affected area 10 or the phased array 15.

[0054] 11(b), the ultrasound therapy system 1 includes a light-emitting unit 62 having an LED and a lens. The light emitted from the light-emitting unit 62 is focused at the focal position of the ultrasound emitted from the phased array 15. With this configuration, the user can determine whether the ultrasound is focused at the affected area 10 by observing whether the irradiated light is focused at the affected area 10. If the focal position is deviated from the affected area 10, the user can adjust it by moving the affected area 10 or the phased array 15.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 11 , by emitting light according to the radiation direction of the ultrasound, it is possible to indicate to the user the direction in which the ultrasound is being radiated. Furthermore, the radiation direction of the ultrasound reflected by the patient's skin can also be indicated by the direction of the light reflected by the patient's skin. This allows the user to recognize the direction in which the ultrasound is leaking, thereby preventing unintended exposure to ultrasound. The control device 11 may control whether or not the light-emitting unit 61 or the light-emitting unit 62 emits light, depending on whether or not ultrasound is being radiated from the phased array 15.

[0056] An example of detecting deviation in the emission position will be described with reference to FIG. 12. For example, as shown in FIG. 12(a), a sensor 14 configured as a camera captures an image of the position of the destination of ultrasound emitted by a phased array 15. Then, based on the captured image acquired from the sensor 14, the control device 11 determines whether the affected area 10 is located at the destination of the ultrasound, and outputs the determination result to the output device 13. This allows the user to recognize whether the focal position is deviated from the affected area 10 by looking at the display on the output device 13. Note that the control device 11 may output to the output device 13 information indicating in which direction the phased array 15 or the affected area should be moved to achieve successful alignment. This further improves user convenience.

[0057] 12(b), for example, a sensor 14 configured as an ultrasonic microphone measures the feature amount of the reflected ultrasonic wave reflected by the patient's skin. Then, based on the feature amount acquired from the sensor 14, the control device 11 determines whether the affected area 10 is located at the destination of the ultrasonic wave, and outputs the determination result to the output device 13. In this case, by using multiple ultrasonic microphones as the sensors 14 and comparing the reflected waves received by each microphone, it is possible to detect the positional deviation between the focal point and the affected area 10 with higher accuracy.

[0058] Furthermore, when performing the above-described ultrasound examination, it is desirable not only to align the focal point with the affected area 10 but also to position the focal point at the same position on the affected area 10 during multiple examinations, since this allows for comparison of changes in the measurement results of the skin condition at the same position. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13 , the control device 11 may compare the captured image acquired from the sensor 14 with the captured image acquired from the sensor 14 during a previous ultrasound examination to determine the deviation between the focal point position 52 during the previous examination and the current focal point position 51. The comparison of the two captured images can be performed using, for example, feature point extraction or pattern matching. Based on the deviation determination result, the control device 11 may then output to the output device 13 instructions to the user to align the previous and current focal positions. Alternatively, the control device 11 may control the actuator to move the phased array 15 to move the current focal point position 51 closer to the previous focal point position 52. This configuration allows the condition of the patient's skin at the same position to be measured when performing ultrasound examinations at multiple different times. Note that, when performing the above-described ultrasound treatment, a similar method can be used to apply ultrasonic stimulation to the same position during multiple treatments.

[0059] Adjustment of the ultrasonic wave emission angle will be described using Figure 14. When performing the above-mentioned ultrasonic treatment, ultrasonic stimulation can be most efficiently applied to the affected area 10 when the line connecting the center of the phased array 15 and the ultrasonic focus is perpendicular to the affected area 10. Furthermore, when performing the above-mentioned ultrasonic examination, the feature amount of the reflected wave received by the sensor 14 changes depending on the tilt of the phased array 15, so it is desirable to maintain the same tilt each time (for example, an angle at which the line connecting the center of the phased array 15 and the ultrasonic focus is perpendicular to the affected area 10).

[0060] For example, in the state shown in FIG. 14(a), the reflected waves of ultrasound emitted from the phased array 15 reach both the sensors 14-1 and 14-2 with approximately the same intensity. On the other hand, in the state shown in FIG. 14(b), the intensity of the ultrasound received by the sensor 14-1 is stronger than the intensity of the ultrasound received by the sensor 14-2. The control device 11 acquires and compares sensor information from the multiple sensors 14 to determine the tilt of the phased array 15 with respect to the affected area 10. If the control device 11 determines that the phased array 15 is tilted, it outputs, to the output device 13, information indicating the tilt or a notification urging the user to adjust the tilt.

[0061] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 14(b), the control device 11 controls the phase of the ultrasound waves emitted from the phased array 15, thereby adjusting the line connecting the center of the phased array 15 and the focus of the ultrasound waves to be perpendicular to the affected area 10. Specifically, the control device 11 controls the phased array 15 based on the difference between the sensor information acquired from the multiple sensors 14. This makes it possible to efficiently perform ultrasound therapy or ultrasound examination. Note that the control device 11 may correct the tilt of the phased array 15 by controlling an actuator that moves the phased array 15, instead of controlling the phase.

[0062] Adjustment of the ultrasonic radiation distance will be described using FIG. 15 . Whether performing the aforementioned ultrasonic therapy or ultrasonic examination, focusing ultrasonic waves at a focal point near the affected area 10 enables efficient treatment or examination. However, if the distance from the radiation surface of the phased array 15 to the affected area 10 differs from the distance from the phased array 15 to the focal point, sufficient ultrasonic vibrations cannot be applied to the affected area 10. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15( a), the control device 11 measures the propagation time from when the ultrasonic waves emitted from the phased array 15 are reflected by the affected area 10 until they are received by the sensor 14, and calculates the distance from the radiation surface of the phased array 15 to the affected area 10 based on the propagation time and the speed of sound. While FIG. 15( a) illustrates an example in which an ultrasonic transducer included in the phased array 15 is used as the sensor 14, a sensor 14 having an ultrasonic microphone may be provided separately from the phased array 15. Alternatively, a rangefinder that measures distance using a method other than the propagation time of ultrasonic waves may be used as the sensor 14.

[0063] If the measured distance from the phased array 15 to the affected area 10 differs from the distance from the phased array 15 to the focus, the control device 11 outputs to the output device 13 information indicating that the distance is off or a notification urging the user to adjust the distance.

[0064] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 15(b), the control device 11 controls the phase of the ultrasound waves emitted from the phased array 15, thereby matching the distance from the phased array 15 to the affected area 10 with the distance from the phased array 15 to the focal point. Specifically, the control device 11 controls the phased array 15 based on the difference in sensor information acquired from the sensor 14. This makes it possible to efficiently perform ultrasound therapy or ultrasound examination. Note that the control device 11 may correct the distance between the phased array 15 and the affected area 10 by controlling an actuator that moves the phased array 15, instead of controlling the phase.

[0065] In the above description, a configuration has been described in which, when at least one of the ultrasonic wave emission position, emission angle, and emission distance is deviated, these are corrected. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the above-described deviation is detected during ultrasonic testing, the control device 11 may correct the sensor information by processing the sensor information acquired from the sensor 14 based on the information on the detected deviation.

[0066] (6) Phased array mounting method As described above, in order to efficiently perform ultrasonic therapy or ultrasonic examination, it is necessary to maintain a predetermined positional relationship between the affected area 10 and the phased array 15. An example of a hardware configuration for this purpose will be described below.

[0067] 16(a) shows an example in which a user-held grip portion 161 is provided on the phased array 15. The user can irradiate any affected area 10 with focused ultrasound by gripping the grip portion 161 and moving the phased array 15.

[0068] FIG. 16(b) shows an example in which the phased array 15 is provided with a support section 162 that supports the phased array 15, and the support section 162 is fixed to the vicinity of the affected area 10 of the patient's body via a fixing section 163. With this configuration, the positional relationship between the affected area 10 and the phased array 15 is maintained even when the patient moves. Furthermore, since the user does not need to grasp the phased array 15, the burden on the user can be reduced. The support section 162 and the fixing section 163 may be configured to have an optimal shape for each part of the patient's body. In this case, by configuring the support section 162 and the fixing section 163 to be detachable from the phased array 15, it can be applied to various parts of the body.

[0069] 16(c) shows an example in which the phased array 15 is provided with a support 164 that supports the phased array 15, and the support 164 is fixed to an object 165. The object 165 is, for example, furniture such as a desk or chair. With this configuration, the phased array 15 can be fixed to a specific position without any parts coming into contact with the patient's body.

[0070] 17(a) shows an example in which the phased array 15 is provided with a support part 171 that supports the phased array 15. The support part 171 is not fixed to the patient's body, but is slidable along the body. With this configuration, it is possible to change the target area to be irradiated with focused ultrasound while maintaining the distance between the phased array 15 and the patient's skin.

[0071] 17(b) shows an example in which the phased array 15 is provided with a support section 171 that supports the phased array 15 and a damper member 172 that applies a force to the phased array 15 in a predetermined direction (downward in FIG. 17(b)), and the damper member 172 is connected to a sliding member 173. The sliding member 173 is slidable in a predetermined direction (left and right in FIG. 17(b)). With this configuration, even when the phased array 15 and the support section 171 are moved along the curved surface of the patient's body, it is possible to maintain a constant distance between the phased array 15 and the patient's skin and to maintain a constant orientation of the phased array 15 with respect to the patient's skin.

[0072] Fig. 18(a) shows an example in which a phased array 15 is provided on the inner surface of a semi-cylindrical housing 181. A patient 180 enters a predetermined position inside the housing 181, and a predetermined positional relationship is maintained between the patient and the phased array 15. Also, as shown in Fig. 18(b), multiple phased arrays 15 may be provided on the inner surface of the housing 181. With such a configuration, focused ultrasound can be irradiated simultaneously to multiple parts of the patient's body, enabling treatment and examination of the entire body.

[0073] 19 shows an example in which the phased array 15 is provided on the inner surface of a cylindrical housing 191 having an opening. When a patient 190 places the affected area at a predetermined position inside the housing 191, a predetermined positional relationship is maintained between the affected area and the phased array 15. Note that the diameter of the opening of the housing 191 may be made smaller than the diameter of a human head, so that a human head cannot be placed inside the housing 191. This makes it possible to prevent focused ultrasound from being unintentionally emitted to sensitive areas such as the eyes and ears.

[0074] In addition, rubber protective members may be provided on the corners and protrusions of the phased array 15 and its housing in each of the above-mentioned examples, thereby reducing injury when the patient drops or bumps into the phased array 15.

[0075] Furthermore, the control device 11 may perform control so that ultrasonic waves are not emitted from the phased array 15 when a predetermined key is not inserted in the phased array 15 or its housing. Alternatively, the control device 11 may perform control so that ultrasonic waves are not emitted from the phased array 15 when the phased array 15 or its housing is not in a predetermined orientation. Alternatively, the control device 11 may perform control so that ultrasonic waves are not emitted from the phased array 15 when the phased array 15 or its housing is not grounded. This makes it possible to suppress unintended exposure to ultrasonic waves.

[0076] (7) User Interface The control device 11 controls the ultrasound therapy system 1 in response to a user operation, and can output information acquired by the ultrasound therapy system 1 to the output device 13. The information input to the control device 11 by a user operation can include, for example, any of the following: Patient age Affected body part Patient's temperature Patient's medical history Patient perception information Space temperature Humidity of the space

[0077] The control performed by the control device 11 in accordance with the information input to the control device 11 may include, for example, any of the following. Ultrasonic emission ON / OFF Emergency system shutdown -Changing the ultrasonic output value - Switch between treatment mode and examination mode Switching between ultrasound focusing modes (e.g., single-point focusing mode, multi-point focusing mode, and moving focus mode) -Ultrasonic emission time setting

[0078] The information that the control device 11 outputs to the output device 13 may include, for example, any of the following: ·Whether ultrasound is being emitted Ultrasonic radiation intensity Ultrasonic wave emission duration - remaining radiation time until completion of treatment or examination Ultrasound measurement results (e.g., skin firmness, dryness, inflammation, or epithelial coverage) Information for aligning the phased array 15 (e.g., tilt, amount of deviation, degree of agreement between comparison images) ·How to deal with inflammatory conditions

[0079] Furthermore, the control device 11 may output information acquired by the ultrasound therapeutic system 1 to the database 12. The database 12 stores the information input from the control device 11. By using the information stored in the database 12 during treatment or examination, the control device 11 can efficiently perform treatment or examination based on past treatment history or examination history. Furthermore, a doctor examining a patient can also use the information stored in the database 12 during the examination.

[0080] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be improved or modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments and modifications can be combined. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1. Ultrasound Therapy System 10 Affected area 11 Control device 12 Databases 13 Output Devices 14 Sensors 15 Phased Array

Claims

1. An ultrasound treatment system for treating an affected area of ​​a skin disease, comprising: An ultrasonic transducer that emits ultrasonic waves; a control means for controlling the ultrasonic transducer to apply ultrasonic stimulation to the vicinity of the affected area by ultrasonic waves emitted from the ultrasonic transducer; An ultrasound treatment system having

2. A support part for supporting the ultrasonic transducer, the support part having a predetermined positional relationship between the ultrasonic transducer and the affected area when fixed around the affected area. The ultrasound therapy system of claim 1 .

3. The support part is configured to be detachable from the ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasound therapy system according to claim 2 .

4. A method for detecting ultrasonic vibrations comprising the steps of: The control means controls the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to focus ultrasonic waves emitted from the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to a focal point near the affected area. The ultrasound therapy system according to claim 1 .

5. An ultrasound therapeutic system as described in claim 4, having a light-emitting unit that emits light indicating the position of the focal point.

6. The control means controls to move the position of the focus. The ultrasonic therapy system according to claim 4.

7. Having an acquisition means for acquiring sensor information indicating a state of the affected area, The control means controls the ultrasonic transducer based on the sensor information acquired by the acquisition means. The ultrasound therapy system according to claim 1 .

8. An acquisition means for acquiring sensor information indicating a distance between the ultrasonic transducer and the affected area, The control means controls the ultrasonic transducer based on the sensor information acquired by the acquisition means. The ultrasound therapy system of claim 1 .

9. Having an acquisition means for acquiring information regarding at least one of a patient's age, a patient's body part, a patient's temperature, a patient's medical history, and a patient's sensory information, The control means controls the ultrasonic transducer based on the information acquired by the acquisition means. The ultrasound therapy system of claim 1 .

10. An acquisition means for acquiring information indicating at least one of a state of the affected area and a state of the ultrasonic treatment system; and an output means for outputting the information acquired by the acquisition means by image display or audio output. The ultrasound therapy system according to claim 1 .

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