Heating system, heating method, scattering field data calibration method, and heating program

Abstract

This invention provides a heating system, heating method, calibration method, and heating program that enable non-contact heating of a designated heating area at the target site. [Solution] Radiation elements A1~A arranged in the dielectric matching layer 2 n A heating head having (2, A1~A n ) and radiating elements A1~A n The system includes a transmitting means 21 that emits inspection electromagnetic waves, a receiving means 12 that receives the inspection electromagnetic waves and detects them to obtain scattering field data, another transmitting means 21 that emits phase-adjusted heating electromagnetic waves from a radiating element, an electronic switch 25 that switches the electrical connection between the transmitting means 21 and the radiating element, and a central processing processor 13 that controls the transmitting means 21 and the radiating element to determine a heating region inside the target area 6 from the scattering field data and controls the phases of the heating electromagnetic waves emitted from the radiating element so that an electric field is combined in the heating region.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a non-contact heating technology using electromagnetic waves, and more particularly to a heating system that selectively heats a determined heating region inside a target area without contact, a heating method using this heating system, a method for calibrating scattering field data, and a heating program that commands a computer to execute a series of procedures from determining the heating region to heating. [Background technology]

[0002] The diagnostic rate of breast cancer using X-ray mammography is not high, ranging from 30% to 60%, and cancers embedded in dense breast tissue are difficult to detect (see Non-Patent Literature 1). Furthermore, to avoid the effects of X-rays on pregnancy and childbirth, opportunities for X-ray screening are being lost for younger women. As an alternative, ultrasound diagnostic devices do not provide continuous tomographic images, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) also have problems such as the large size of the equipment and the long examination time.

[0003] In light of these circumstances, an inspection device has been proposed that calculates the dielectric constant distribution of a target area from scattering field data acquired by a radiating element array, identifies strongly scattering regions by confocal imaging processing using the calculation results, and obtains a three-dimensional image of the dielectric constant distribution (see Patent Document 1). The invention described in Patent Document 1 proposes a method in which several electromagnetic phantoms equivalent to the target area, in which the mammary gland structure is modeled as a hemispheroid, are prepared and calibration coefficients are created in a database, and the major axis, minor axis and tilt of the hemispheroid are estimated based on the measurement of arrival times between opposing radiating elements, and calibration coefficients are selected from the database. However, the method described in Patent Document 1 is very complicated, and there are concerns about the effort required to create the database and the influence of measurement errors in arrival times. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-51235 [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] CD Lehman et al., "Cancer yield of mammography, MR, and US in high-risk women," Radiology, Vol. 224, No. 2, pp. 381-388, 2007. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a heating system capable of accurately and rapidly determining a heating region at the correct location inside a target part having dielectric properties, and accurately performing selective non-contact heating in the determined heating region; a heating method using this heating system; a method for calibrating scattering field data; and a heating program for driving the heating system as a computer system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, a first aspect of the present invention includes: (a) a dielectric matching layer having a dielectric constant close to that of the target part and recesses that fix the surface of the target part in close contact with the inner wall; a depressurization device that evacuates the space between the surface and the inner wall through through holes penetrating the dielectric matching layer; a heating head having a plurality of radiating elements arranged on the outer wall of the dielectric matching layer; (b) a transmitting means that supplies power to each of the plurality of radiating elements so that inspection electromagnetic waves are emitted sequentially from each of the plurality of radiating elements in inspection mode, and heating electromagnetic waves are emitted from each of the plurality of radiating elements so that their phases are linked and adjusted to each other in heating mode; and (c) a receiving means that detects scattering field data by sequentially receiving inspection electromagnetic waves from other radiating elements selected from the plurality of radiating elements so as to form an antenna pair with a specific radiating element among the plurality of radiating elements in inspection mode. The essence of this heating system is that it includes (d) an electronic switch that switches the electrical connection of each of the multiple radiating elements to the transmitting means and the receiving means, and (e) a central processing processor that controls the transmitting means, the receiving means and the electronic switch to determine a heating region inside the target area from scattering field data and to control the phase of each heating electromagnetic wave emitted from the multiple radiating elements so that an electric field is combined in this heating region.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention is a heating method comprising the steps of: (a) determining a heating region inside the target area by acquiring scattering field data from the target area using inspection electromagnetic waves emitted from a plurality of radiating elements surrounding the dielectric matching layer, with the surface of the target area fixed in close contact with the inner wall of a recess in the dielectric matching layer; (b) determining the phase of each heating electromagnetic wave emitted from the plurality of radiating elements so that an electric field is combined in the heating region; and (c) selectively heating the heating region by simultaneously emitting a plurality of heating electromagnetic waves with the surface of the target area fixed to the inner wall of the recess.

[0009] A third aspect of the present invention is a method for calibrating scattering field data, in which, with the surface of the target area fixed in close contact with the inner wall of a recess in the dielectric matching layer, scattering field data is acquired from the target area by inspection electromagnetic waves emitted from a plurality of radiating elements surrounding the dielectric matching layer, and a heating region is determined inside the target area, and in this step, two types of uniformly structured electromagnetic phantoms, each having the same shape as the target area and each of the plurality of electrical constants being different from each other, are used.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a heating program used in a computer system that drives a heating system for selectively heating a heating region determined inside a target part. The heating program according to the third aspect is a heating program that operates a computer system by a series of commands including: (a) a command to fix the surface of the target part in close contact with the inner wall of a recess in the dielectric matching layer constituting the heating head; (b) a command to emit inspection electromagnetic waves from a plurality of radiating elements surrounding the dielectric matching layer while the surface of the target part is fixed to the inner wall of the recess, and to acquire scattering field data from the target part using these inspection electromagnetic waves to determine a heating region inside the target part; (c) a command to determine the phase of each heating electromagnetic wave emitted from the plurality of radiating elements so that an electric field is combined in the heating region determined inside the target part; and (d) a command to simultaneously emit a plurality of heating electromagnetic waves while the surface of the target part is fixed to the inner wall of the recess, thereby selectively heating the heating region. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a heating system capable of accurately and rapidly determining a heating region at the correct location inside a target part having dielectric properties, and accurately performing selective non-contact heating in the determined heating region, a heating method using this heating system, a method for calibrating scattering field data, and a heating program for driving the heating system as a computer system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1]This is a schematic block diagram illustrating the main components of a heating system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] This is a schematic bird's-eye view illustrating an example of the structure of a heating head (2, A1~An) used in the heating system according to the first embodiment, focusing on the arrangement of dielectric-loaded radiating horns. [Figure 2B] This is a schematic bird's-eye view illustrating an example of the internal structure of a dielectric-loaded radiating horn used in a heating system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2C] This is a schematic circuit block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a transmitting means used in a heating system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows the logical configuration of the central processing processor, which is part of the heating system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4A] This is a flowchart illustrating the heating method according to the first embodiment and the flow of commands for the corresponding heating program. [Figure 4B] This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the inverse problem analysis circuit of a central processing unit. [Figure 5A] This figure shows the electric field distribution in the XY cross-section of the target area in the heating mode of the heating method according to the first embodiment, at a position of Z = 2.5 mm. [Figure 5B] This figure shows the electric field distribution in the XY cross-section of the target area in the heating mode of the heating method according to the first embodiment, at a position of Z = 7.5 mm. [Figure 5C] This figure shows the electric field distribution in the XY cross-section of the target area in the heating mode of the heating method according to the first embodiment, at a position of Z = 12.5 mm. [Figure 5D] This figure shows the electric field distribution in the XY cross-section of the target area in the heating mode of the heating method according to the first embodiment, at a position of Z = 17.5 mm. [Figure 5E] This figure shows the electric field distribution in the XY cross-section of the target area in the heating mode of the heating method according to the first embodiment, at a position of Z = 22.5 mm. [Figure 5F]This figure shows the electric field distribution in the XY cross-section of the target area in the heating mode of the heating method according to the first embodiment, at a position of Z = 27.5 mm. [Figure 5G] This figure shows the electric field distribution in the XY cross-section of the target area in the heating mode of the heating method according to the first embodiment, at a position of Z = 32.5 mm. [Figure 5H] This figure shows the electric field distribution in the XY cross-section of the target area in the heating mode of the heating method according to the first embodiment, at a position of Z = 42.5 mm. [Figure 5I] This figure shows the electric field distribution in the XY cross-section of the target area in the heating mode of the heating method according to the first embodiment, at a position of Z = 47.5 mm. [Figure 6A] This figure shows the electric field distribution in the YZ longitudinal section of the target area in the heating mode of the heating method according to the first embodiment, at a position of X=5mm. [Figure 6B] This figure shows the electric field distribution in the YZ longitudinal section of the target area in the heating mode of the heating method according to the first embodiment, at the position X=10mm. [Figure 6C] This figure shows the electric field distribution in the YZ longitudinal section of the target area in the heating mode of the heating method according to the first embodiment, at a position of X=15mm. [Figure 6D] This figure shows the electric field distribution in the YZ longitudinal section of the target area in the heating mode of the heating method according to the first embodiment, at a position of X=20mm. [Figure 6E] This figure shows the electric field distribution in the YZ longitudinal section of the target area in the heating mode of the heating method according to the first embodiment, at a position of X=25mm. [Figure 6F] This figure shows the electric field distribution in the YZ longitudinal section of the target area in the heating mode of the heating method according to the first embodiment, at a position of X=30mm. [Figure 6G] This figure shows the electric field distribution in the YZ longitudinal section of the target area in the heating mode of the heating method according to the first embodiment, at the position X=35mm. [Figure 6H] This figure shows the electric field distribution in the YZ longitudinal section of the target area in the heating mode of the heating method according to the first embodiment, at the position X=40mm. [Figure 6I] This figure shows the electric field distribution in the YZ longitudinal section of the target area in the heating mode of the heating method according to the first embodiment, at a position of X=45mm. [Figure 6J] This figure shows the electric field distribution in the YZ longitudinal section of the target area in the heating mode of the heating method according to the first embodiment, at the position X=50mm. [Figure 6K] This figure shows the electric field distribution in the YZ longitudinal section of the target area in the heating mode of the heating method according to the first embodiment, at a position of X=55mm. [Figure 6L] This figure shows the electric field distribution in the YZ longitudinal section of the target area in the heating mode of the heating method according to the first embodiment, at a position of X=60mm. [Figure 6M] This figure shows the electric field distribution in the YZ longitudinal section of the target area in the heating mode of the heating method according to the first embodiment, at the position X=65mm. [Figure 6N] This figure shows the electric field distribution in the YZ longitudinal section of the target area in the heating mode of the heating method according to the first embodiment, at the position X=70mm. [Figure 6O] This figure shows the electric field distribution in the YZ longitudinal section of the target area in the heating mode of the heating method according to the first embodiment, at the position X=75mm. [Figure 6P] This figure shows the electric field distribution in the YZ longitudinal section of the target area in the heating mode of the heating method according to the first embodiment, at the position X=80mm. [Figure 6Q] This figure shows the electric field distribution in the YZ longitudinal section of the target area in the heating mode of the heating method according to the first embodiment, at a position of X=85mm. [Figure 6R] This figure shows the electric field distribution in the YZ longitudinal section of the target area in the heating mode of the heating method according to the first embodiment, at the position X=90mm. [Figure 6S] This figure shows the electric field distribution in the YZ longitudinal section of the target area in the heating mode of the heating method according to the first embodiment, at the position X=95mm. [Figure 7A]This figure shows the minimum electric field distribution in the XY cross-section of the target area at the initial position of Z=2.5mm when scanning the heating electromagnetic wave beam every Z=5mm. [Figure 7B] This figure shows the minimum electric field distribution in the XY cross-section of a target area when the heating electromagnetic wave beam is scanned in three dimensions in 5 mm steps in the X, Y, and Z directions, at the position Z=12.5 mm (although the beam is scanned every 5 mm Z, for simplicity, the illustration of the electric field distribution in the XY cross-section obtained by beam scanning at the position Z=7.5 mm is omitted). [Figure 7C] This figure shows the minimum electric field distribution in the XY cross-section of the target area at a position of Z=22.5mm when the heating electromagnetic wave beam is scanned in three dimensions in 5mm steps in the X, Y, and Z directions (for simplification, the illustration of the electric field distribution in the XY cross-section obtained by beam scanning at a position of Z=17.5mm is omitted). [Figure 7D] This figure shows the minimum electric field distribution in the XY cross-section of the target area at Z=32.5mm when the heating electromagnetic wave beam is scanned three-dimensionally in the X, Y, and Z directions in 5mm steps (for simplification, the illustration of the electric field distribution in the XY cross-section obtained by beam scanning at Z=27.5mm is omitted). [Figure 7E] This figure shows the minimum electric field distribution in the XY cross-section of the target area at Z=42.5mm when the heating electromagnetic wave beam is scanned three-dimensionally in the X, Y, and Z directions in 5mm steps (for simplification, the illustration of the electric field distribution in the XY cross-section obtained by beam scanning at Z=37.5mm is omitted). [Figure 8A] This figure shows the minimum electric field distribution in the YZ longitudinal section of the target area when the heating electromagnetic wave beam is scanned in three dimensions in 5 mm steps in the X, Y, and Z directions, at the initial position of X=5 mm. [Figure 8B] This figure shows the minimum electric field distribution in the YZ longitudinal section of the target area when the heating electromagnetic wave beam is scanned in three dimensions in 5 mm steps in the X, Y, and Z directions, at the position of X=15 mm (although the scanning is done every 5 mm, for simplicity, the illustration of the electric field distribution in the YZ longitudinal section obtained by beam scanning at the position of X=10 mm is omitted). [Figure 8C] This figure shows the minimum electric field distribution in the YZ longitudinal section of the target area when the heating electromagnetic wave beam is scanned in three dimensions in 5 mm steps in the X, Y, and Z directions, at the position of X=25 mm (for simplification, the illustration of the electric field distribution in the YZ longitudinal section obtained by beam scanning at the position of X=20 mm is omitted). [Figure 8D] This figure shows the minimum electric field distribution in the YZ longitudinal section of the target area when the heating electromagnetic wave beam is scanned in three dimensions in 5 mm steps in the X, Y, and Z directions, at the position X=35 mm (for simplification, the illustration of the electric field distribution in the YZ longitudinal section obtained by beam scanning at the position X=30 mm is omitted). [Figure 8E] This figure shows the minimum electric field distribution in the YZ longitudinal section of the target area when the heating electromagnetic wave beam is scanned in three dimensions in 5 mm steps in the X, Y, and Z directions, at the position X=45 mm (for simplification, the illustration of the electric field distribution in the YZ longitudinal section obtained by beam scanning at the position X=40 mm is omitted). [Figure 8F] This figure shows the minimum electric field distribution in the YZ longitudinal section of the target area when the heating electromagnetic wave beam is scanned in three dimensions in 5 mm steps in the X, Y, and Z directions, at the position X=55 mm (for simplification, the illustration of the electric field distribution in the YZ longitudinal section obtained by beam scanning at the position X=50 mm is omitted). [Figure 8G] This figure shows the minimum electric field distribution in the YZ longitudinal section of the target area when the heating electromagnetic wave beam is scanned in three dimensions in 5 mm steps in the X, Y, and Z directions, at the position X=65 mm (for simplification, the illustration of the electric field distribution in the YZ longitudinal section obtained by beam scanning at the position X=60 mm is omitted). [Figure 8H] This figure shows the minimum electric field distribution in the YZ longitudinal section of the target area when the heating electromagnetic wave beam is scanned in three dimensions in 5 mm steps in the X, Y, and Z directions, at the position X=75 mm (for simplification, the illustration of the electric field distribution in the YZ longitudinal section obtained by beam scanning at the position X=70 mm is omitted). [Figure 8I]This figure shows the minimum electric field distribution in the YZ longitudinal section of the target area when the heating electromagnetic wave beam is scanned in three dimensions in 5 mm steps in the X, Y, and Z directions, at the position X=85 mm (for simplification, the illustration of the electric field distribution in the YZ longitudinal section obtained by beam scanning at the position X=80 mm is omitted). [Figure 8J] This figure shows the minimum electric field distribution in the YZ longitudinal section of the target area when the heating electromagnetic wave beam is scanned in three dimensions in 5 mm steps in the X, Y, and Z directions, at the position X=95 mm (for simplification, the illustration of the electric field distribution in the YZ longitudinal section obtained by beam scanning at the position X=90 mm is omitted). [Figure 9] Figure 9(a) shows the external shape of a first electromagnetic phantom having a first dielectric constant and a first conductivity, and Figure 9(b) shows the external shape of a second electromagnetic phantom having the same shape as the first electromagnetic phantom but with a second dielectric constant different from the first dielectric constant and a second conductivity different from the first conductivity. [Figure 10A] This is a bird's-eye view illustrating the structure of a numerical phantom that simulates the internal structure of the target part, in order to verify the superiority of the heating system according to the first embodiment through computer simulation. [Figure 10B] This is a bird's-eye view showing an enlarged view of section A of the numerical phantom shown in Figure 10A. [Figure 10C] This is a bird's-eye view illustrating an example of the structure of a numerically constructed phantom used when verifying the superiority of the heating system according to the first embodiment through computer simulation. [Figure 10D] This is a bird's-eye view of a reconstructed model used to verify the superiority of the heating system according to the first embodiment through computer simulation. The model shows the target portion housed in the recess of the dielectric matching layer as a collection of hexahedral voxels (a group of voxels). [Figure 10E] This is a bird's-eye view illustrating the conventional numerical calibration phantom used in the invention described in Patent Document 1. [Figure 11] This figure shows the frequency characteristics of the correlation coefficient between the expected value Sij expc of the scattering parameter and the measured calibration value S(i,j) meas. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, identical or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the relationship between thickness and planar dimensions, the ratio of the thickness of each layer, etc., may differ from reality. Therefore, specific thicknesses and dimensions should be determined by referring to the following explanation. Furthermore, it goes without saying that there are parts where the relationships and ratios of dimensions differ between drawings.

[0014] Furthermore, the first embodiment described below illustrates an apparatus and method for embodying the technical concept of the present invention, and while the case where the target area is a human breast is described, the target area may be other parts such as the head. Also, the technical concept of the present invention does not limit the material, shape, structure, arrangement, etc. of the components to those described below. For example, the dielectric matching layer and the radio wave absorbing layer are not limited to rectangular parallelepipeds, but may be other polyhedral structures such as hexagonal prisms or octagonal prisms. However, considering the ease of analysis, it is preferable to have orthogonal faces. The technical concept of the present invention can be modified in various ways within the technical scope defined by the inventive features of the claims described in the patent claims.

[0015] (Heating system) As shown in Figure 1, the heating system according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of radiating elements A1 to A n Using this, a localized heating region is selected within the target area 6 which has dielectric properties using inspection electromagnetic waves, and the focus of the heating electromagnetic wave beam is set on the selected heating region, and a heating head (2,A1~A) is used to heat the area non-contact (non-invasive) using heating electromagnetic waves. n It is a computer system equipped with ). The frequencies of the electromagnetic waves for inspection and heating are selected considering the resolution, directivity and penetration depth into the target area 6, but microwaves are generally preferred. Multiple n radiating elements A1~A n These are arranged on the outer wall of the dielectric matching layer 2, which has hemispherical recesses 2x surrounding the target area 6. Heating head (2, A1~A nRadiating elements A1 to A that constitute n Each of them is attached so as to contact the outer wall of the dielectric matching layer 2.

[0016] The surface of the target site 6 is in close contact with the inner wall of the hemispherical recess 2x, and the position of the target site 6 is fixed. The dielectric matching layer is composed of a dielectric material having physical properties close to the electric constant of the target site 6 having dielectric properties. Here, "physical properties close to the electric constant of the target site" means, for example, the relative permittivity ε r Regarding, it means a value within the range of ±20% of the relative permittivity ε r of the target site 6.

[0017] In the expression of the cross-sectional view of FIG. 1, the radiating elements A1 to A n are attached so that their respective radiation apertures contact the outer wall of the dielectric matching layer 2, showing the structure of the heating head (2, A1 to A n ). When the radiating elements A1 to A j are provided in the dielectric-loaded radiation horns Q1 to Q n shown in FIG. 2A, the portions where each of the dielectric-loaded radiation horns Q1 to Q j contact the outer wall of the dielectric matching layer 2 in FIG. 1 correspond to the effective "radiation apertures" of the radiating elements A1 to A n . Note that the shape of the outer wall side of the dielectric matching layer 2 in FIG. 1 is merely an example. The outer wall side of the dielectric matching layer 2 that constitutes a part of the heating head (2, A1 to A n ) may have other three-dimensional shapes including the rectangular parallelepiped block shape shown in FIG. 2A. For example, when the outer wall side of the dielectric matching layer 2 has the rectangular parallelepiped block shape as shown in FIG. 2A, the radiating elements A! to A n can be exemplified by a topology three-dimensionally arranged on four side wall surfaces perpendicular to each other that constitute the outer wall side of the dielectric matching layer. The radiating elements A1 to A nThe number n is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2, and values ​​such as n=26 to 40 can be used, but are not limited to values ​​such as n=26 to 40. Furthermore, in the example structure of Figure 1, a local heating region is selected inside the target part 6 in inspection mode, and a transmitting means 21 for selective heating of the heating region is provided in heating mode. Furthermore, for inspection mode, a receiving means 12 is provided to receive and detect inspection electromagnetic waves (electrical signals). The transmitting means 21 transmits to radiating elements A1 to A in inspection mode. n The system sequentially selects and transmits one or more frequency test electromagnetic waves (electrical signals), while simultaneously transmitting heating electromagnetic waves to a specific area in heating mode. In heating mode, radiating elements A1~A n The feeding phases for each of the elements are adjusted in relation to each other, but in the inspection mode, the transmitting means 21 controls the radiating elements A1 to A n The feeding phases that supply power to each of them are all fixed to a constant value. The receiving means 12 has multiple radiating elements A1~A n Multiple frequencies of electromagnetic waves are sequentially selected to receive inspection waves and detect scattering field data.

[0018] The transmitting means 21 configures a heating beam system that concentrates the electric field of heating electromagnetic waves on a specific region in heating mode for selective heating, using radiating elements A1 to A n The feeding phases for each of these are linked and adjusted. For this purpose, the transmitting means 21, as shown in Figure 2C, consists of a high-frequency oscillator 41, a power distributor 42 connected to the high-frequency oscillator 41, and a plurality of phase generators FS1, FS2, FS3, ..., FS connected to the power distributor 42. n-1 FS n And the corresponding phase transformers FS1~FS n Amplifiers α1, α2, α3, ..., α are connected in order to each of them. n-1 ,α n It is equipped with. In heating mode, the transmitting means 21 emits radiating elements A1~A n Operate radiating elements A1~A simultaneously. n The feeding phase for each of them is determined by the phase shifters FS1~FS n The heating beam system is constructed by coordinating and adjusting each of these components. Meanwhile, the phase transformers FS1~FS nEach of these is a radiating element A1~A in inspection mode. n The supply phase for each of these is adjusted to a specific fixed value so that it becomes a constant value.

[0019] That is, the heating head (2,A1~A) as illustrated in Figure 1 n With the dielectric matching layer of the first embodiment in close contact with the surface of the target part 6, the heating system according to the first embodiment has a plurality of radiating elements A1 to A n The function is switched to continuously execute the operation of the inspection mode and the heating mode. For this reason, the heating system according to the first embodiment has a heating head (2, A1~A n Radiation elements A1~A are arranged in ) n In contrast, the transmitting means 21 and the receiving means 12 can be electrically switched via an electronic switch (switching means) 25.

[0020] In inspection mode, the transmitting means 21 and the receiving means 12 transmit multiple radiating elements A1 to A n It drives the heating element and determines the heating region which will be the target area for selective heating in heating mode. In inspection mode, the transmitting means 21 transmits multiple inspection electromagnetic waves (electrical signals) to multiple radiating elements A1~A n Each of these emits radiation individually. The multiple frequency electromagnetic waves emitted for testing pass through the dielectric matching layer 2 and then through the target area 6. The receiving means 12 receives multiple radiating elements A1~A n Select the appropriate option and receive multiple inspection electromagnetic waves that have passed through or been scattered from the target area 6 to determine the heating area as the target region for the heating mode.

[0021] On the other hand, in heating mode, the transmitting means 21 transmits radiating elements A1~A n By operating them simultaneously in a unified manner, multiple heating beam systems are emitted at the same time. In heating mode, radiating elements A1~A n The feeding phase for each of the radiating elements A1 to A n Phase transformers FS1~FS connected to each of them nThe heating beam system is configured by adjusting each of the following. That is, in heating mode, the electric field strength required to selectively heat (thermally destroy) a specific region determined in inspection mode is achieved by adjusting the radiating elements A1 to A n The feeding phase for each of them is adjusted in relation to each other. In the test mode, multiple radiating elements A1~A are transmitted from the transmitting means 21. n Connection of electrical signals to multiple radiating elements A1~A n The electrical signal connection from to the receiving means 12 is sequentially switched. On the other hand, in heating mode, the electronic switch 25 disconnects the receiving means 12. The electronic switch 25 then switches the radiating elements A1~A n Multiple radiating elements A1~A are used to simultaneously emit multiple heating electromagnetic waves. n The multiple radiating elements A1~A are operated together. In heating mode, the high-frequency oscillator 41 outputs and the power is distributed by the power distributor 42. n The feeding phase to each of them is the phase transformer FS1~FS of the transmitting means 21. n Multiple radiating elements A1~A are adjusted by each of them. n Heating electromagnetic waves are emitted from each of them.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, a central processing processor 13 that controls the processing of the transmitting means 21, receiving means 12, and electronic switch 25 is connected to the transmitting means 21, receiving means 12, and electronic switch 25, forming a computer system. Similar to a normal computer system, a data storage device 14 and a program storage device 15 are connected. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, a display unit 16 that displays the calculation results of the central processing processor 13 is also connected to the central processing processor 13.

[0023] The data storage device 14 stores the scattering field data detected by the receiving means 12. Furthermore, the data storage device 14 stores data necessary for calculations in the central processing processor 13, such as calibration coefficients collected in advance, as well as intermediate data required during the calculations of the central processing processor 13, and the calculation results of the central processing processor 13. The program storage device 15 stores a program that instructs the calculation procedures in the central processing processor 13.

[0024] The central processing processor 13 is represented virtually as having a logical hardware resource configuration as shown in Figure 3, but in reality, it is possible to use a microprocessor (MPU) or the like implemented as a microchip. Alternatively, the central processing processor 13 may be a digital signal processor (DSP) with enhanced arithmetic capabilities specialized for signal processing, or a microcontroller (MCU) equipped with memory and peripheral circuits for the purpose of controlling embedded devices.

[0025] Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the central processing processor 13 has a data reading circuit 131, an inverse problem analysis circuit 138, and a display instruction circuit 139 as the logical structure necessary for the inspection mode. In step S111 shown in Figure 4B, the inverse problem analysis circuit 138 reads the scattering field data from the data storage device 14. Meanwhile, in step S121 shown in Figure 4B, the inverse problem analysis circuit 138 provides an appropriate initial distribution of complex dielectric constants to the unknown image reconstruction region and performs electromagnetic field analysis in step S122. In step S123, the inverse problem analysis circuit 138 calculates the update amount of the complex dielectric constant distribution to be set in the image reconstruction region based on the difference between the electromagnetic field distribution of the image reconstruction region obtained by analysis in step S122 and the scattering field data acquired in step S111, and returns to step S122. In step S122, electromagnetic field analysis is performed based on the updated distribution. The inverse problem analysis circuit 138 repeats the loop of step S122 → step S123 → step S122 until the complex dielectric constant distribution of the image reconstruction region converges to the true distribution. If the real-world phenomenon is accurately modeled, the complex dielectric constant distribution of the image reconstruction region will converge to the true distribution.

[0026] In this inspection mode, the inverse problem analysis circuit 138 of the central processing processor 13 performs a series of inverse problem analysis processing steps shown in Figure 4B, thereby determining the relative permittivity ε r And the distribution image of conductivity σ is reconstructed. That is, the inverse problem analysis circuit 138 solves the matrix operation of the inverse problem for the initial distribution, reconstructs a 3D image of the processing area, and determines the heating area to be selectively heated in heating mode. Therefore, according to the inspection mode, as the data converges, the complex permittivity (relative permittivity ε) of the imaging area can be determined with high accuracy. r The conductivity (σ) distribution is obtained as a tomographic image, and the three-dimensional shape of the processing area can be reconstructed. Then, the display instruction circuit 139 of the central processing processor 13 displays the obtained target image, which is the three-dimensional image.

[0027] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the central processing processor 13 has a heating region determination circuit 140, a heating vector determination circuit 141, a phase and amplitude determination circuit 142, and a heating process instruction circuit 143 as logical structures necessary for the heating mode. In addition, the central processing processor 13 has multiple radiating elements A1~A n The system has a logical structure that includes a switching command circuit 144 that controls the processing of an electronic switch 25 that switches the connection between the transmitting means 21 and the receiving means 12.

[0028] In inspection mode, multiple radiating elements A1~A n The measurement results obtained using the electromagnetic waves emitted for testing are calibrated using reference objects with two electrical properties, and a 3D image is reconstructed using the calibrated measurement data.

[0029] The central processing processor 13 controls the radiating elements A1~A nBased on the response obtained, an inspection mode process is executed to reconstruct the image of the target region. As shown in Figure 3, the data reading circuit 131, inverse problem analysis circuit 138, display command circuit 139, heating region determination circuit 140, heating vector determination circuit 141, phase and amplitude determination circuit 142, heating process command circuit 143, and switching command circuit 144 are each able to exchange information via bus 149. Bus 149 may also be connected to the data storage device 14, program storage device 15, and display unit 16 shown in Figure 1 via an interface circuit as appropriate. The data reading circuit 131, inverse problem analysis circuit 138, display command circuit 139, heating region determination circuit 140, heating vector determination circuit 141, phase and amplitude determination circuit 142, heating process command circuit 143, and switching command circuit 144 illustrated in Figure 3 are logical hardware resources of the central processing processor 13 that constitutes the computer system.

[0030] Alternatively, the main CPU of a current general-purpose computer may be used as the central processing processor 13, and the data reading circuit 131, inverse problem analysis circuit 138, display instruction circuit 139, heating region determination circuit 140, heating vector determination circuit 141, phase and amplitude determination circuit 142, heating process instruction circuit 143, and switching instruction circuit 144 may be configured as logical hardware resources. Furthermore, some or all of the configurations of the data reading circuit 131, inverse problem analysis circuit 138, display instruction circuit 139, heating region determination circuit 140, heating vector determination circuit 141, phase and amplitude determination circuit 142, heating process instruction circuit 143, and switching instruction circuit 144 that constitute the central processing processor 13 may be configured as programmable logic devices (PLDs) such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0031] The data storage device 14 can be any combination appropriately selected from a group including multiple registers, multiple cache memories, main memory, and auxiliary storage. Furthermore, the cache memory may be a combination of primary and secondary cache memories, and may also have a hierarchy including tertiary cache memory. If the PLD constitutes part or all of the central processing processor 13, the data storage device 14 can be configured as a memory element such as a memory block included in a part of the logical blocks constituting the PLD. Moreover, the central processing processor 13 may have a structure in which a CPU core-like array and a PLD-like programmable core are mounted on the same chip. This CPU core-like array includes a hard macro CPU pre-installed inside the PLD and a soft macro CPU constructed using the logical blocks of the PLD. In other words, the PLD may have a configuration in which software processing and hardware processing are mixed.

[0032] n radiating elements A1~A as illustrated in Figure 1 n In a structure comprising the above, the transmitting means 21 supplies the power supply current to the radiating elements A1~A n It has n output terminals that select and supply one of the antennas. Corresponding to the transmitting means 21, the receiving means 12 also has n radiating elements A1~A n It is equipped with n input terminals that receive signals from each of them. High-frequency switches such as electromagnetic relays can be used as elements that make up the electronic switch 25.

[0033] =Dielectric Loaded Radiation Horn= The heating head shown in Figure 1 (2, A1~A n The "dielectric-loaded radiating horn" used in ) is a dual-polarization horn antenna Q1, Q3, Q4, Q6, Q7, Q9, Q 10 Q 12 ~Q 16 And, single-polarization horn antennas Q2, Q5, Q8, Q 11 There are two types. Dual-polarization horn antennas Q1, Q3, Q4, Q6, Q7, Q9, Q 10 Q 12 ~Q 16and single-polarization horn antennas Q2, Q5, Q8, Q 11 In all cases, the relative permittivity of air is ε r Relative permittivity greater than =1 (≈ relative permittivity ε0 of vacuum) ε r The structure consists of a loading medium made of a dielectric material (dielectric) having a certain property, which fills the inside of a cylindrical horn. Figure 2B shows two monopole antennas A p and A p+1 However, a dual-polarization horn antenna Q is arranged orthogonally to each other inside a cylindrical horn filled with a loading medium made of dielectric material. k The structure is shown. Figure 2A illustrates the dual-polarization horn antennas Q1, Q3, Q4, Q6, Q7, Q9, Q 10 Q 12 ~Q 16 This can generate / detect electromagnetic waves with multiple polarization planes. On the other hand, the single-polarization horn antennas Q2, Q5, Q8, Q in Figure 2A 11 It can generate / detect electromagnetic waves having a single polarization plane.

[0034] However, as described in Patent Document 1, all dielectric-loaded radiation horns Q1~Q j This may be used as a dual-polarization horn antenna. As shown in Figure 2B, two antennas A are attached to the dielectric-loaded radiating horn. p and A p+1 Implement a dual-polarization horn antenna Q k This allows the function to be performed more effectively, but even a single-polarization horn antenna can perform its function effectively. In any case, the radiating elements A1 to A used in the heating system according to the first embodiment n This refers to dielectric-loaded radiating horns Q1~Q, which are cylindrical horns with a dielectric material loaded as a loading medium inside, as shown in Figure 2A. j It is implemented in a way that allows for both increased sensitivity and greater diversity in observational data.

[0035] Figure 1 shows an example of the heating head (2, A1~A) of the heating system according to the first embodiment. nThe dielectric matching layer 2 that houses the target site of [[ID=]] is composed of a dielectric material such as alumina (Al2O3) having physical properties (dielectric constant) close to the dielectric constant of the target site 6 that is the comprehensive imaging target. The loading medium made of a dielectric material loaded inside the cylindrical dielectric loading radiation horn shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B has physical properties (dielectric constant) close to the dielectric constant of the target site 6, similar to the dielectric matching layer 2 shown in FIG. 1.

[0036] For example, if the dielectric matching layer 2 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2A has a dielectric constant (relative permittivity ε r ) close to the target site 6, a dielectric loading radiation horn in which the loading medium having the same relative permittivity ε r as the dielectric matching layer 2 fills the inside of the cylindrical horn can be adopted. However, it is not necessarily required to have the same relative permittivity ε r as the dielectric matching layer 2. The size of the opening of the cylindrical horn is determined by the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave. By inserting a dielectric with a relative permittivity ε r as the loading medium, the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave in the horn is shortened, and as a result, the dielectric loading radiation horn can be miniaturized. For example, when alumina with a relative permittivity ε r = 9.4 is filled in a cylindrical horn with a diameter of 4 cm and a length of 7.5 cm operating at 5.8 GHz, its operating frequency becomes 1.6 GHz. From the perspective of impedance matching, the relative permittivity ε r of the loading medium is preferably a dielectric material having the same relative permittivity as the dielectric matching layer 2 or a relative permittivity ε r close to the relative permittivity ε r of the dielectric matching layer 2.

[0037] When attempting to perform three-dimensional sensing of the internal tissues of the target site 6 using a cylindrical radiation horn, the use of high-frequency inspection electromagnetic waves increases the resolution but also significantly increases the attenuation amount. As a result, it becomes difficult to detect the response of an object deep within the target site 6, which is the comprehensive target of the backscattering analysis process in the inspection mode. In the case of electromagnetic tomography for breast imaging in the human body, inspection electromagnetic waves with frequencies from 1 GHz to 2 GHz are used to improve the trade-off between resolution and attenuation amount. However, since the aperture length of the radiation horn in the 1 - 2 GHz frequency band is about 10 cm, the antenna size becomes large, and as a result, a heating head (2, A1 - A n ) composed of a large number of antennas arranged as an array cannot be constructed.

[0038] Therefore, in the heating head (2, A1 - A n ) of the heating system according to the first embodiment, in order to reduce the antenna size, a loading medium made of a dielectric material having the same dielectric constant as the dielectric matching layer 2 is filled inside each dielectric-loaded radiation horn Qi, shortening the aperture length of the radiation horn. For example, when the operating frequency is 5 GHz, filling a metal cylindrical radiation horn with an inner diameter of 39 mm and a length of 71 mm with alumina having a relative dielectric constant ε r = 9.4 and a dielectric loss tangent of 0.004 (10 MHz), the heating head (2, A1 - A n ) operates at about 1.6 GHz, and the aperture length of the radiation horn in the 1 - 2 GHz frequency band can be reduced to about 1 / 3. The relative dielectric constant ε r of the loading medium is preferably larger than the relative dielectric constant ε r = 1 of air in order to more effectively achieve the effect of reducing the aperture length of the dielectric-loaded radiation horn. That is, the relative dielectric constant ε r of the loading medium is preferably 4 or more, more preferably 9 or more, for miniaturization. Therefore, in addition to the above-mentioned alumina, as the loading medium, a silicon oxide film (SiO2 film) with a relative dielectric constant ε r = 3.8 - 4, a strontium oxide (SrO) film with ε r = 6, ε rSilicon nitride (Si3n4) films with a coefficient of 7 can be used to reduce the aperture length of dielectric-loaded radiation horns.

[0039] Furthermore, as a dielectric material used as a loading medium, ε r A magnesium oxide (MgO) film with =10, ε r Yttrium oxide (Y2O3) film with a value of 16-17, ε r Hafnium oxide (HfO2) film with a value of 22-23, ε r Zirconium oxide (ZrO2) film with a value of 22-23, ε r Tantalum oxide (Ta2O5) film with a value of 25-27, ε r Bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) films with a dielectric constant of ε = 40 can also be used. Furthermore, ternary compounds such as hafnium aluminate (HfAlO) may be used as the loading medium. That is, oxides containing at least one of the following elements—strontium (Sr), aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), yttrium (Y), hafnium (Hf), zirconium (Zr), tantalum (Ta), or bismuth (Bi)—or silicon nitrides containing these elements can be used as the loading medium. Note that ferroelectric materials such as strontium titanate (SrTiO3) and barium-strontium titanate (BaSrTiO3) can also be used to reduce the aperture length of the dielectric loading radiation horn; however, from the viewpoint of impedance matching with the dielectric matching layer 2, the dielectric matching layer 2's relative permittivity ε r A dielectric material that is similar to [the specified material] is preferable.

[0040] The dielectric-loaded radiation horn according to the first embodiment has high directivity and is shielded by metal except for the opening. Therefore, conventional heating heads using FQSCA etc. (2,A1~A n ) As the electromagnetic field of the antenna is formed outside the antenna, the problem of being easily affected by structures and target parts 6 surrounding the antenna is also solved. Therefore, the dielectric-loaded radiating horn according to the first embodiment provides a highly sensitive antenna that can efficiently capture changes in the observed electric field due to changes in the complex dielectric constant set in the voxel group of the inspection area.

[0041] =Heating Head= Heating heads (2, A1~A) constituting the heating system according to the first embodiment n For example, as shown in Figure 2A, the dielectric-loaded radiation horns Q1~Q are miniaturized dielectric-loaded radiating horns Q1~Q, which are approximately rectangular parallelepiped dielectric matching layers 2 and mounted on the outer wall of the dielectric matching layers 2, with dielectric-loaded structures. j The dielectric matching layer 2 is provided with recesses 2x that extend from the lower surface (target portion housing surface) to the upper surface.

[0042] Although not shown in Figure 1, the dielectric matching layer 2 has a structure similar to that described in Patent Document 1, and a part of it has through holes for vacuum suction opening into a part of the inner wall of the recess 2x of the dielectric matching layer 2. Heating head (2,A1~A) shown in Figure 1. n ) is a vacuum suction fixed type heating head (2,A1~A) equipped with a tubular exhaust pipe with one end connected to a through hole, and a vacuum pressure device such as an aspirator or vacuum pump connected to the other end of the exhaust pipe. n In other words, by using a decompression device to remove the air from the space between the surface of the target area 6 (for example, the skin surface of the breast) and the inner wall of the recess 2x of the dielectric matching layer 2, the surface of the target area 6 can be brought into close contact with the inner wall of the recess 2x of the dielectric matching layer 2 and fixed in place.

[0043] The dielectric matching layer 2 is composed of a dielectric material such as alumina that has physical properties (electrical constants) close to those of the target area 6 which is the subject of comprehensive imaging. By achieving impedance matching with the target area 6, electromagnetic waves can efficiently enter the target area 6. Heating head (2, A1~A) used in the heating system according to the first embodiment n As shown in Figure 2A, the dielectric matching layer 2 has four side walls and a rectangular upper surface continuous with the four side walls. Heating head (2,A1~A according to the first embodiment n ) has a total of 5 outer wall surfaces of dielectric matching layer 2 with j=16 dielectric-loaded radiation horns Q1~Q j These are arranged to form a radiating element array (antenna array).

[0044] In the structure illustrated in Figure 2A, there are j=16 dielectric-loaded radiation horns Q1~Q 16 Each of these consists of a metal cylinder filled with a loading medium made of a dielectric material having the same dielectric constant as the dielectric matching layer 2. The dielectric matching layer 2 is, for example, a roughly rectangular parallelepiped of about 135 mm × 135 mm × 55 mm. For example, if the target area 6 is a human breast, the relative permittivity ε of the breast adipose tissue such as alumina is used. r The dielectric is constructed from a dielectric material similar to that used to achieve impedance matching with the adipose tissue of the breast. The recesses 2x of the dielectric matching layer 2 are carved out from the bottom surface (target area housing surface) to the top surface of the roughly rectangular dielectric matching layer 2. When the target area 6 that is comprehensively targeted for inverse scattering analysis processing in inspection mode is the breast, the recesses 2x of the dielectric matching layer 2 can be designed as hemispherical depressions with a radius of approximately 4.8 cm.

[0045] By bringing the surface of the target area 6 into close contact with the inner wall of the recess 2x of the dielectric matching layer 2, impedance matching between the dielectric matching layer 2 and the target area 6 becomes easier, and electromagnetic waves efficiently penetrate into the interior of the target area 6. The heating system according to the first embodiment is, for example, a heating system that connects the target area 6 to a heating head (2,A1~A n It is equipped with a movable stand to house the heating head (2, A1~A n An example configuration can be provided where the vertical and horizontal positions of the elements can be automatically moved and set.

[0046] Then, on the outer wall surface which is the left side of the roughly rectangular dielectric matching layer 2, three cylindrical dielectric-loaded radiation horns Q1 to Q3 are fixed parallel to each other in a rightward orientation so that electromagnetic waves are irradiated onto the target area 6, and the heating head (2, A1 to A nAs shown in Figure 2A, a first dielectric-loaded radiating horn Q1, which is made of a metal cylinder similar to a circular waveguide, has a first radiating element A1 and a second radiating element A2 installed at two locations, tilted 90° from each other, to form an orthogonal double-polarized antenna. That is, the excitation directions of the currents flowing through the first radiating element A1 and the second radiating element A2 are different from each other. SMA connectors are connected to each of the first radiating element A1 and the second radiating element A2. As shown in Figure 2A, by tilting the first radiating element A1 and the second radiating element A2 90° from each other to form an orthogonal double-polarized antenna, it can be operated as a "dielectric-loaded double-polarized horn antenna" which has the characteristics of high gain and no electromagnetic field leakage other than the antenna aperture. As shown in Figure 2C, a first amplifier α1 and a first phase shifter FS1 are connected to the first radiating element A1. In heating mode, the amplitude and phase of the first heating electromagnetic wave emitted from the first radiating element A1 are set to desired values, and the other second radiating elements A2 to the nth radiating element A are set accordingly. n The adjustment process for multiple test electromagnetic waves emitted from the first radiator is interconnected and can be adjusted accordingly. Furthermore, the second amplifier α2 and the second phase shifter FS2 are connected to the second radiator A2, and the amplitude and phase of the second heating electromagnetic wave emitted from the second radiator A2 can be adjusted in conjunction with the adjustment process for multiple heating electromagnetic waves emitted from other radiator elements, such as the first heating electromagnetic wave, so that they reach desired values.

[0047] As shown in Figure 2A, the second dielectric-loaded radiating horn Q2 is equipped with one third radiating element A3 having the same polarization plane as the second radiating element A2, and is connected to an SMA connector to form a single-polarization antenna. As shown in Figure 2C, the third radiating element A3 is connected to a third amplifier α3 and a third phase shifter FS3. In heating mode, the amplitude and phase of the third heating electromagnetic wave emitted from the third radiating element A1 can be adjusted in conjunction with the adjustment processes of other heating electromagnetic waves such as the first and second waves so that they reach desired values. The third dielectric-loaded radiating horn Q3 is equipped with a fourth radiating element A4 having the same polarization plane as the third radiating element A3, and a fifth radiating element A5 tilted 90° from the fourth radiating element A4 to form a quadrature double-polarization antenna. That is, the excitation directions of the currents flowing through the fourth radiating element A4 and the fifth radiating element A5 are different from each other, and SMA connectors are connected to the fourth radiating element A4 and the fifth radiating element A5, respectively. As shown in Figure 2C, the fourth radiating element A4 is connected to the fourth amplifier α4 and the fourth phase shifter FS4. In heating mode, the amplitude and phase of the fourth heating electromagnetic wave emitted from the fourth radiating element A4 can be adjusted in conjunction with the adjustment processes of other heating electromagnetic waves such as the first to third heating electromagnetic waves so that they reach desired values. Furthermore, the fifth radiating element A5 is connected to the fifth amplifier α5 and the fifth phase shifter FS5, and the amplitude and phase of the fifth heating electromagnetic wave emitted from the fifth radiating element A5 can be adjusted in conjunction with the adjustment processes of other heating electromagnetic waves such as the first to fourth heating electromagnetic waves so that they reach desired values.

[0048] Furthermore, on the outer wall surface that forms the upper side of the dielectric matching layer 2, three cylindrical dielectric-loaded radiating horns Q4 to Q6 are provided parallel to each other and oriented downwards to irradiate multiple heating electromagnetic waves toward the target area 6. The fourth dielectric-loaded radiating horn Q4 has a sixth radiating element A6 and a seventh radiating element A7 installed at two locations, tilted 90° relative to each other, to form a quadrature double-polarization antenna. SMA connectors are connected to both the sixth radiating element A6 and the seventh radiating element A7. Although not shown in Figure 2B, the sixth radiating element is connected to a sixth amplifier and a sixth phase shifter in the same configuration as the first radiating element A1. In heating mode, the amplitude and phase of the sixth heating electromagnetic wave emitted from the sixth radiating element can be adjusted in conjunction with the adjustment processes of other heating electromagnetic waves such as the first to fifth heating electromagnetic waves so that they reach desired values. Furthermore, the seventh radiating element is connected to a seventh amplifier and a seventh phase shifter, and the amplitude and phase of the seventh heating electromagnetic wave emitted from the seventh radiating element can be adjusted in conjunction with the adjustment processes of other heating electromagnetic waves such as the first to sixth heating electromagnetic waves, so that they reach desired values.

[0049] As shown in Figure 2A, the fifth dielectric-loaded radiating horn Q5 is equipped with one eighth radiating element A8 having the same polarization plane as the seventh radiating element A7, and is connected to an SMA connector to form a single-polarization antenna. Although not shown in Figure 2C, the eighth radiating element is connected to an eighth amplifier and an eighth phase shifter in the same configuration as the first radiating element A1. In heating mode, the amplitude and phase of the eighth heating electromagnetic wave emitted from the eighth radiating element can be adjusted in conjunction with the adjustment processes of other heating electromagnetic waves such as the first to seventh heating electromagnetic waves so that they reach desired values. The sixth dielectric-loaded radiating horn Q6 is equipped with a ninth radiating element A9 having the same polarization plane as the eighth radiating element A8, and a tenth radiating element A tilted 90° from the ninth radiating element A9. 10 These are installed to form an orthogonal dual-polarization antenna. And the 9th radiating element A9 and the 10th radiating element A 10Each of these is connected to an SMA connector. Although not shown in Figure 2B, the ninth radiating element is connected to the ninth amplifier and the ninth phase shifter in a configuration similar to that of the first radiating element A1. In heating mode, the amplitude and phase of the ninth heating electromagnetic wave emitted from the ninth radiating element can be adjusted in conjunction with the adjustment processes of other heating electromagnetic waves such as the first to eighth heating electromagnetic waves so that they reach desired values. Furthermore, the tenth radiating element is connected to the tenth amplifier and the tenth phase shifter, and the amplitude and phase of the tenth heating electromagnetic wave emitted from the tenth radiating element can be adjusted in conjunction with the adjustment processes of other heating electromagnetic waves such as the first to ninth heating electromagnetic waves so that they reach desired values.

[0050] Furthermore, on the outer wall surface which is the right side of the dielectric matching layer 2, three cylindrical dielectric-loaded radiation horns Q7 to Q9 are fixed parallel to each other in a leftward orientation so that electromagnetic waves are irradiated onto the target area 6. The seventh dielectric-loaded radiation horn Q7 is connected to the eleventh radiation element A 11 and 12th radiating element A 12 These are installed in two locations, tilted 90° apart from each other, to form a quadrature double-polarization antenna. And the 11th radiating element A 11 and 12th radiating element A 12 Each of these is connected to an SMA connector. Although not shown in Figure 2B, the 11th radiating element is connected to an 11th amplifier and an 11th phase shifter in a configuration similar to that of the 1st radiating element A1. In heating mode, the amplitude and phase of the 11th heating electromagnetic wave emitted from the 11th radiating element can be adjusted in conjunction with the adjustment processes of other heating electromagnetic waves such as the 1st to 10th heating electromagnetic waves so that they reach desired values. Furthermore, the 12th radiating element is connected to a 12th amplifier and a 12th phase shifter, and the amplitude and phase of the 12th heating electromagnetic wave emitted from the 12th radiating element can be adjusted in conjunction with the adjustment processes of other heating electromagnetic waves such as the 1st to 11th heating electromagnetic waves so that they reach desired values.

[0051] As shown in Figure 2A, the eighth dielectric-loaded radiating horn Q8 has a twelfth radiating element A 12 Thirteenth radiating element A having the same polarization plane as the other element A 13One A is installed and connected to an SMA connector to form a single-polarization antenna. Although not shown in Figure 2C, the 13th radiating element is connected to the 13th amplifier and the 13th phase shifter in the same configuration as the 1st radiating element A1. In heating mode, the amplitude and phase of the 13th heating electromagnetic wave emitted from the 13th radiating element can be adjusted in conjunction with the adjustment processes of other heating electromagnetic waves such as the 1st to 12th heating electromagnetic waves so that they are the desired values. Furthermore, the 9th dielectric-loaded radiating horn Q9 has the 13th radiating element A 13 14th radiating element A having the same polarization plane as the other element A 14 , and 14th radiating element A 14 The 15th radiating element A is tilted 90° from the left. 15 It is installed to form an orthogonal dual-polarization antenna. And the 14th radiating element A 14 and 15 radiating element A 15 Each of these is connected to an SMA connector. Although not shown in Figure 2B, the 14th radiating element is connected to the 14th amplifier and the 14th phase shifter in a configuration similar to that of the 1st radiating element A1. In heating mode, the amplitude and phase of the 14th heating electromagnetic wave emitted from the 14th radiating element can be adjusted in conjunction with the adjustment processes of other heating electromagnetic waves such as the 1st to 13th heating electromagnetic waves so that they reach desired values. Furthermore, the 15th radiating element is connected to the 15th amplifier and the 15th phase shifter, and the amplitude and phase of the 15th heating electromagnetic wave emitted from the 15th radiating element can be adjusted in conjunction with the adjustment processes of other heating electromagnetic waves such as the 1st to 14th heating electromagnetic waves so that they reach desired values.

[0052] Furthermore, on the lower outer wall surface, there are three cylindrical dielectric-loaded radiation horns Q 10 ~Q 12 However, the heating heads (2, A1~A) are fixed parallel to each other in an upward orientation to irradiate the target area 6 with electromagnetic waves. n It constitutes the 10th dielectric-loaded radiation horn Q. 10 This includes the 16th radiating element A 16 and 17th radiating element A 17 These are installed in two locations, tilted 90° apart from each other, to form a quadrature double-polarization antenna. And the 16th radiating element A 16and 17th radiating element A 17 Each of these is connected to an SMA connector. Although not shown in Figure 2B, the 16th radiating element is connected to the 16th amplifier and the 16th phase shifter in the same configuration as the 1st radiating element A1. In heating mode, the amplitude and phase of the 16th heating electromagnetic wave emitted from the 16th radiating element can be adjusted in conjunction with the adjustment processes of other heating electromagnetic waves such as the 1st to 27th heating electromagnetic waves so that they reach desired values. Furthermore, the 17th radiating element is connected to the 17th amplifier and the 17th phase shifter, and the amplitude and phase of the 17th heating electromagnetic wave emitted from the 17th radiating element can be adjusted in conjunction with the adjustment processes of other heating electromagnetic waves such as the 1st to 16th heating electromagnetic waves so that they reach desired values.

[0053] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2A, the 11th dielectric-loaded radiation horn Q 11 Included is the 17th radiating element A 17 18th radiating element A having the same polarization plane as the other element A 18 One such element is installed and connected to an SMA connector to form a single-polarization antenna. Although not shown in Figure 2C, the 18th radiating element is connected to the 18th amplifier and the 18th phase shifter in a configuration similar to that of the 1st radiating element A1. In heating mode, the amplitude and phase of the 18th heating electromagnetic wave emitted from the 18th radiating element can be adjusted in conjunction with the adjustment processes of other heating electromagnetic waves such as the 1st to 17th heating electromagnetic waves so that they reach desired values. Furthermore, there is a 12th dielectric-loaded radiating horn Q. 12 , the 18th radiating element A 18 19th radiating element A having the same polarization plane as the other element. 19 , and 19 radiating element A 19 The 20th radiating element A is tilted 90° from the left. 20 The 19th radiating element A is installed to form a quadrature dual-polarization antenna. 19 and 20th radiating element A 20Each of these is connected to an SMA connector. Although not shown in Figure 2B, the 19th radiating element is connected to the 19th amplifier and the 19th phase shifter in the same configuration as the 1st radiating element A1. In heating mode, the amplitude and phase of the 19th heating electromagnetic wave emitted from the 19th radiating element can be adjusted in conjunction with the adjustment processes of other heating electromagnetic waves such as the 1st to 18th heating electromagnetic waves so that they reach desired values. Furthermore, the 20th radiating element is connected to the 20th amplifier and the 20th phase shifter, and the amplitude and phase of the 20th heating electromagnetic wave emitted from the 20th radiating element can be adjusted in conjunction with the adjustment processes of other heating electromagnetic waves such as the 1st to 19th heating electromagnetic waves so that they reach desired values.

[0054] Furthermore, in Figure 2A, the outer wall surface located on the front side as the upper surface of the roughly rectangular dielectric matching layer 2 has four cylindrical dielectric-loaded radiation horns Q. 13 ~Q 16 However, the heating heads (2, A1~A) are fixed parallel to each other in an orientation toward the back side of the paper, so as to irradiate the target area 6 with inspection electromagnetic waves, n It constitutes the 13th dielectric-loaded radiating horn Q. 13 This includes the 21st radiating element A 21 and 22nd radiating element A 22 These are installed at two locations, tilted 90° apart from each other, to form a quadrature double-polarization antenna. And the 21st radiating element A 21 and 22nd radiating element A 22 Each of these is connected to an SMA connector. Although not shown in Figure 2C, the 21st radiating element is connected to a 21st amplifier and a 21st phase shifter in a configuration similar to that of the 1st radiating element A1. In heating mode, the amplitude and phase of the 21st heating electromagnetic wave emitted from the 21st radiating element can be adjusted in conjunction with the adjustment processes of other heating electromagnetic waves such as the 1st to 20th heating electromagnetic waves so that they reach desired values. Furthermore, the 22nd radiating element is connected to a 22nd amplifier and a 22nd phase shifter, and the amplitude and phase of the 22nd heating electromagnetic wave emitted from the 22nd radiating element can be adjusted in conjunction with the adjustment processes of other heating electromagnetic waves such as the 1st to 21st heating electromagnetic waves so that they reach desired values.

[0055] Dielectric-loaded radiation horn Q (14th dielectric Q) 14 This includes the 22nd radiating element A 22 23rd radiating element A having the same polarization plane as the other element. 23 , and 23 radiating element A 23 24th radiating element A tilted 90° from 24 The 23rd radiating element A is installed to form a quadrature dual-polarization antenna. 23 and 24 radiating element A 24 Each of these is connected to an SMA connector. Although not shown in Figure 2B, the 23rd radiating element is connected to a 23rd amplifier and a 23rd phase shifter in a configuration similar to that of the 1st radiating element A1. In heating mode, the amplitude and phase of the 23rd heating electromagnetic wave emitted from the 23rd radiating element can be adjusted in conjunction with the adjustment processes of other heating electromagnetic waves such as the 1st to 22nd heating electromagnetic waves so that they reach desired values. Furthermore, the 24th radiating element is connected to a 24th amplifier and a 24th phase shifter, and the amplitude and phase of the 24th heating electromagnetic wave emitted from the 24th radiating element can be adjusted in conjunction with the adjustment processes of other heating electromagnetic waves such as the 1st to 23rd heating electromagnetic waves so that they reach desired values.

[0056] Dielectric-loaded radiation horn Q (No. 15) 15 This includes the 24th radiating element A 22 25th radiating element A having the same polarization plane as the other element. 23 , and 25 radiating element A 23 The 26th radiating element A, tilted 90° from the left. 24 The 25th radiating element A is installed to form a quadrature dual-polarization antenna. 23 and 26 radiating element A 24Each of these is connected to an SMA connector. Although not shown in Figure 2C, the 25th radiating element is connected to the 25th amplifier and the 25th phase shifter in a configuration similar to that of the 1st radiating element A1. In heating mode, the amplitude and phase of the 25th heating electromagnetic wave emitted from the 25th radiating element can be adjusted in conjunction with the adjustment processes of other heating electromagnetic waves such as the 1st to 24th heating electromagnetic waves so that they reach desired values. Furthermore, the 26th radiating element is connected to the 26th amplifier and the 26th phase shifter, and the amplitude and phase of the 26th heating electromagnetic wave emitted from the 26th radiating element can be adjusted in conjunction with the adjustment processes of other heating electromagnetic waves such as the 1st to 25th heating electromagnetic waves so that they reach desired values.

[0057] Dielectric-loaded radiation horn Q (No. 16) 16 This includes the 26th radiating element A 26 27th radiating element A having the same polarization plane as the other element. 27 , and 27 radiating element A 27 Radiating element A, tilted 90° from the left. 28 The 27th radiating element A is installed to form a quadrature dual-polarization antenna. 27 and 28th radiating element A 28 Each of these is connected to an SMA connector. If we consider the case where j=16 and n=28, corresponding to Figure 2A, then the 27th radiating element A 27 (n-1=27) is the 27th amplifier α as shown in Figure 2C. 27 and the 27th phase unit FS 27 It is connected. In heating mode, the 27th radiating element A 27 The amplitude and phase of the 27th heating electromagnetic wave emitted from it can be adjusted in conjunction with the adjustment processes of other heating electromagnetic waves such as the 1st to 26th heating electromagnetic waves so that they reach desired values. 28 (n=28) contains the 28th amplifier α 28 and the 28th phase unit FS 28 The 28th radiating element A is connected. 28 The amplitude and phase of the 28th heating electromagnetic wave emitted from the device can be adjusted in conjunction with the adjustment processes of other heating electromagnetic waves, such as the 1st to 27th heating electromagnetic waves, so that they reach desired values.

[0058] Heating head (2, A1~A n If we model the breasts, for example, as a collection of voxels made up of small hexahedrons, reducing the size of the hexahedrons (voxels) will improve the accuracy of the analysis, but the computational load will increase unrealistically. Also, the relative permittivity ε of the material r While conductivity is generally known, it is impossible to know its truly precise value. Because of these factors, accurately reproducing real-world phenomena on a computer is difficult, leading to modeling errors.

[0059] Generally, electromagnetic phantoms used to calibrate equipment, which mimic the target area, are desirable to have a structure similar to the target being imaged. For this reason, the heating system according to the first embodiment uses two types of uniform electromagnetic phantoms F1 and F2, which have the same shape as shown in Figures 9(a) and (b), but whose dielectric constant (first electrical constant) and conductivity (first electrical constant) are different from each other. Here, the dielectric loss tangent tanδ is the complex dielectric constant ε * =ε0(ε r '―jε r The real part of ") ε0ε r 'and imaginary part ε0ε r Since this is the ratio of ", using conductivity σ and each frequency ω, tanδ = ε r ” / ε r ' = σ / (ωε0ε r ") ……(1) This is expressed as follows: Figures 9(a) and (b) show the relative permittivity (real part) ε rFigure 9(a) shows two types of electromagnetic phantoms F1 and F2, each with different first electrical constants and dielectric loss tangents (tanδ). The first relative permittivity (real part) and first dielectric loss tangent of the first electromagnetic phantom F1 shown in Figure 9(a) are 4.6275 and 0.2775 (ω=1.9GHz), respectively. On the other hand, the second electromagnetic phantom F2 shown in Figure 9(b) has the same shape as the first electromagnetic phantom F1, but the second relative permittivity (real part) and second dielectric loss tangent of the second electromagnetic phantom F2 are 6.4835 and 0.4383 (ω=1.9GHz), respectively. The first electromagnetic phantom F1 and the second electromagnetic phantom F2 are molded by adding an ionic conductive agent, graphite, and conductive filler to urethane resin.

[0060] The first electromagnetic phantom F1 is heated by the heating head (2, A1~A n ) into radiating element A i ,A j First scattering data S measured between (1≦i, j≦n) ij exp1 Furthermore, the first scattering data S is obtained. ij exp1 Corresponding to this, the scattering parameters of the first electromagnetic phantom F1 simulated with an electromagnetic field analysis simulator are given as the first simulated value S. ij cal1 Obtained as follows. Similarly, the second electromagnetic phantom F2 is heated by the heating head (2, A1~A n ) into radiating element A i ,A j Second scattering data S measured between ij exp2 We obtain the second scattering data S. ij exp2 Corresponding to this, the scattering parameters of the second electromagnetic phantom F2 simulated with an electromagnetic field analysis simulator are given as the second simulated value S. ij cal2 This is obtained as follows. Then, the first scattering data S ij exp1 , second scattering data S ij exp2 and the first simulated value S ij cal1 , second simulated value S ij cal2Using the scattering parameter calibration value S (i,j) And the measurement calibration value S of the target part 6. ij meas The relationship between them is calculated based on equation (2) below. S (i,j) =[(S ij cal1 -S ij cal2 ) / (S ij exp1 -S ij exp2 ) ](S ij meas -S ij exp2 ) ...(2)

[0061] The advantages of the heating system according to the first embodiment will be confirmed by computer simulation using a numerical phantom that simulates the internal structure of the target part shown in Figure 10A, and verifying the calibration accuracy in inspection mode. Figure 10B is an enlarged view of part A of the numerical phantom that simulates the internal structure of the target part shown in Figure 10A. Using the numerical phantom shown in Figure 10A and the numerical calibration phantom shown in Figure 10C, the measured calibration value S of the target part will be verified. ij meas , First scattering data S ij exp1 , First scattering data S ij exp2 The result was obtained. Figure 10C is a numerical calibration phantom modeled as a collection of hexahedrons (voxel groups) with sides of 4 mm, where the target portion 6 housed in the recess (depression) of the dielectric matching layer 2 is located. Two types of reconstruction models are prepared, corresponding to the first electromagnetic phantom F1 and the second electromagnetic phantom F2, as shown in Figure 10C.

[0062] Next, using the reconstruction model (image reconstruction model) shown in Figure 10D, we obtain the first simulated value S. ij cal1 , second simulated value S ij cal2The following was calculated. Two types of reconstruction models are also provided, corresponding to the first electromagnetic phantom F1 and the second electromagnetic phantom F2, as shown in Figure 10D. Furthermore, given the complex dielectric constant distribution of a numerical phantom simulating the target area shown in Figure 10A, the expected value S of the scattering parameter expected in the reconstruction model shown in Figure 10D is calculated. ij expc S was calculated. ij expc =S (i,j) meas Therefore, it can be considered that it has been accurately calibrated. Figure 10E is a semi-ellipsoidal mammary gland model used in the invention described in Patent Document 1. This is inserted into the phantom in Figure 10C, and the dielectric constant and conductivity of the mammary gland are given to the semi-ellipsoidal part, and the dielectric constant and conductivity of the fat are given to the other part, creating a numerical phantom for calibration, and the scattering parameters are calculated. The same structure is given to the reconstructed model in Figure 10D, and the scattering parameters are calculated. The ratio of the scattering parameters of the two is obtained as the calibration coefficient. When using the phantom in Figure 10E, the calibration accuracy deteriorates if the shape of the mammary gland is different. In the prior art described in Patent Document 1, calibration coefficients for ellipsoidal models of various shapes are prepared, and the calibration coefficient of the ellipsoidal model with the closest shape is selected after estimating the shape of the mammary gland.

[0063] The solid curve in Figure 11 shows an example where the breast is the target area 6, using two types of electromagnetic phantoms, each with different electrical constants, and the expected value S ij expc and measured calibration value S (i,j) meas This shows the frequency characteristics of the correlation coefficient. The closer the correlation coefficient shown on the vertical axis of Figure 11 is to 1, the more accurate the correlation is between radiating elements A1 and A1. nThe calibration accuracy of the equipment, such as the transmitting means 21, receiving means 12, and electronic switch 25, is high. For comparison, the results of Patent Document 1 for a numerical calibration phantom using the mammary gland model shown in Figure 10E are shown as the dashed curve in Figure 11. As can be seen from the comparison of the dashed and solid curves in Figure 11, according to the heating system of the first embodiment, the equipment used in the inspection mode can be accurately calibrated in a simple procedure by using two types of electromagnetic phantoms. That is, according to the heating system of the first embodiment, an inspection mode can be realized in a simple procedure that accurately determines the area of ​​the heating target localized inside the target part 6.

[0064] Heating head according to the first embodiment (2, A1~A n ) uses a highly directional dielectric-loaded radiation horn, so the electromagnetic field of the antenna is less likely to be formed outside the antenna, and it is less susceptible to influence from structures and target parts 6 around the antenna. Therefore, the heating head (2,A1~A) according to the first embodiment n The inspection mode of the heating mode allows for accurate measurement. Furthermore, by performing the heating mode immediately following the inspection mode while the surface of the target part 6 remains in close contact with the inner wall of the recess 2x of the dielectric matching layer 2, the accuracy of the position of the target part 6 and the heating region located inside the target part 6 can be maintained. In the heating mode, the heating region can be precisely and selectively heated in place without contact and without invasiveness, while maintaining the accuracy of the position of the heating region. That is, according to the heating method of the first embodiment, radiating elements A1~A n By combining multiple heating electromagnetic wave beams using this method, it is possible to selectively heat a precisely located heating region within the target part 6 in a short time without heating and damaging areas other than the heating region of the target part 6.

[0065] (Heating method) The heating method according to the first embodiment will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 4A. First, in step S111 of Figure 4, the heating head (2,A1~A) illustrated in Figure 2A is used. nThrough a through-hole for vacuum suction provided in the ), the depressurization device vacuum-suctions the surface of the target part 6 to the inner wall of the recess 2x of the dielectric matching layer 2, and tightly fixes the surface of the target part 6. Then, in step S111, power is supplied from the transmitting means 21 to the radiating elements A1~A n The inspection electromagnetic waves emitted from are irradiated onto the target area 6 which is vacuum-suctioned to the inner wall of the recess 2x. The inspection electromagnetic waves scattered by the target area 6 are then irradiated by the radiating elements A1~A in step S111. n The scattering field data from the target area 6 is received by the receiving means 12 via the receiving means and acquired. Then, in step S131, the relative permittivity ε as the initial distribution is obtained in the procedure shown in Figure 4B. r Using conductivity σ, the inverse problem analysis circuit 138 performs inverse scattering analysis in examination mode on the entire area of ​​the target site (breast) 6, not just the strongly scattering region (e.g., mammary gland) and the processing target region (e.g., cancerous region), and reconstructs the overall image.

[0066] The vacuum device is a heating head (2,A1~A) as illustrated in Figure 2A. n The surface of the target area 6 is vacuum-suctioned through a through-hole for vacuum suction provided in the dielectric matching layer 2, and while maintaining a state of close contact and fixation to the inner wall of the recess 2x of the dielectric matching layer 2, the process proceeds to the heating mode in step S132. In step S132, the heating region determination circuit 140 of the central processing processor 13 determines a heating region inside the target area 6 with respect to the image reconstructed in step S131. In step S133, the heating vector determination circuit 141 of the central processing processor 13 sets a focus on the heating region determined inside the target area 6. In step S133, the heating vector determination circuit 141 further combines multiple heating electromagnetic wave beams (heating vectors) that are combined at the focus set inside the target area 6 into multiple radiating elements A1~A n Make a decision for each of them.

[0067] In step S134, the phase and amplitude determination circuit 142 of the central processing processor 13 combines multiple heating electromagnetic wave beams around a focal point set in the heating region using multiple radiating elements A1~A nFrom there, the phase and amplitude of each independently emitted heating electromagnetic wave beam (heating vector) are determined. That is, the phase and amplitude determination circuit 142 determines the phase and amplitude of each of the multiple heating electromagnetic wave beams (heating vectors) that are decomposed and set up inside the target part 6, so as to increase the electric field strength of the heating region, using multiple radiating elements A1~A n The heating instruction circuit 143 of the central processing processor 13 determines the respective supply phase and supply amplitude for supplying power to the phase transformers FS1, FS2, FS3, ..., FS shown in Figure 2B in step S135. n-1 FS n and amplifiers α1, α2, α3, ..., α n-1 ,α n Each of these is set to the value determined in step S134, and the electronic switch 25 is switched to command heating treatment by multiple heating electromagnetic wave beams. In step S135, with the surface of the target part 6 fixed by vacuum suction through the recess 2x of the dielectric matching layer 2 via a through hole for vacuum suction, multiple heating electromagnetic wave beams with adjusted phases are emitted from radiating elements A1~A 28 Irradiated from (n=28), radiating elements A1~A 28 Multiple heating vectors corresponding to each of these are combined, and the heating region is overheated.

[0068] Figures 5A to 5I show the radiating elements A1 to A 28 The coordinate dependence of the electric field distribution within the breast, which is the target area 6 on the XY cross-section, is shown for the breast, in a state where the feeding phase and feeding amplitude of each supplying power to (n=28) are adjusted in relation to one another. Specifically, Figures 5A to 5I show the electric field distribution on the XY cross-section when the value on the Z axis defined in the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system shown in Figure 2A is moved by 5 mm increments. The focus is set at the coordinate (75, 50, 22.5) mm in the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system, and radiating elements A1 to A 28 This is the electric field distribution on the XY cross-section of the target area 6 when heating electromagnetic wave beams with a frequency of 1.9 GHz are transmitted from each of the three sources at a power of 1W and superimposed.

[0069] Furthermore, Figures 6A to 6S show the radiating elements A1 to A 28The electric field distribution inside the breast, designated as the target area 6, is shown on the YZ longitudinal section, measured by moving the value on the X-axis every 5 mm, with the respective supplying phases and supplying amplitudes for power supplying to each element adjusted in relation to one another. It can be seen that the electric field in a spherical local region with a diameter of approximately 2 cm centered on the set focal point selectively reaches 1500 V / m. The target focal point for heating is set for each radiating element A1~A 28 The transmission phase is determined by phase shifters FS1~FS 28 By adjusting it appropriately, it can be arbitrarily set for all areas within the target area 6.

[0070] Figures 7A to 7E show the dependence of the Z-axis value on the distribution of the minimum electric field of the target area 6 on the XY cross-section within the breast when the heating electromagnetic wave beam is scanned three-dimensionally every 5 mm in the X, Y, and Z axes. Specifically, Figures 7A to 7E show the minimum electric field distribution within the target area 6 on the XY cross-section, measured by moving the Z-axis value every 10 mm. Furthermore, Figures 8A to 8J show the electric field distribution within the breast, the target area 6, when the heating electromagnetic wave beam is scanned three-dimensionally every 5 mm in the X, Y, and Z axes. The electric field strength drops to 1000 V / m at the edge of the target area 6 where X = ±45 mm, but the electric field strength is maintained at 1500 V / m in most areas. The size of the irradiation range can be changed by changing the transmission frequency, and the temperature rise can be controlled by radiating elements A1 to A 28 The output can also be adjusted by varying it.

[0071] When the feeding phase and feeding amplitude are adjusted in relation to each other, the local electric field in the spherical region with a diameter of 20 mm, where 65 ≤ X ≤ 85, 60 ≤ Y ≤ 80, and 12.5 ≤ Z ≤ 32.5, as shown in Figures 5C to G, reaches 1500 V / m or more. If there is a cancer with a diameter of 15 mm in this region, the temperature will rise by 30°C in 30 seconds to reach 70°C, and the cancer can be heated and destroyed. Note that as shown in Figures 5A and 5I, the radiating elements A1 to A 28The electric field at the edge of target area 6, which is closest to the cancer, is approximately 200 V / m. Assuming there is skin at the edge of target area 6, and assuming the conductivity of the skin is half that of the cancer, the Joule heat generated at the skin surface is calculated to be less than 1 / 100 of that in the focal region, resulting in a small temperature rise of about 0.3°C on the skin surface, and no side effects such as burns will occur.

[0072] According to the heating method of the first embodiment, radiating elements A1 to A n By combining multiple heating electromagnetic wave beams using this method, it is possible to selectively heat a heating region at any location within the target part 6 in a short time without heating and damaging areas other than the heating region of the target part 6. In inspection mode, the surface of the target part 6 is vacuum-suctioned to the inner wall of the recess 2x of the dielectric matching layer 2, and the surface of the target part 6 is fixed in close contact. Then, in the heating mode which is performed immediately after the inspection mode, the surface of the target part 6 is continued to be vacuum-suctioned to the inner wall of the recess 2x and remains fixed in close contact, so the target part 6 does not move. The heating region can be determined from the results of the inspection mode with the target part 6 fixed, and changes inside the target part 6 before and after heating can also be observed, so the heating region can be accurately and selectively heated non-contact and non-invasively.

[0073] (Heating program) A series of heating programs, including instructions to execute steps S111 to S135 of the flowchart in Figure 4, are stored in the program storage device 15 shown in Figure 1. That is, the series of operations from the inspection mode to the heating mode shown in Figure 4 can be executed by controlling the central processing processor 13 shown in Figure 3 using a heating program with an algorithm equivalent to that in Figure 4. This heating program can be stored in the program storage device 15 shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, this heating program can be saved on a computer-readable recording medium, and by loading this recording medium into the program storage device 15 of the heating system, the series of processes from the inspection mode to the heating mode can be executed. Here, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a medium capable of recording heating programs, such as an external memory device of a computer, semiconductor memory, magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or magnetic tape.

[0074] Specifically, flexible disks, CD-ROMs, MO disks, cassette tapes, and open reel tapes are included in "computer-readable recording media." For example, the hardware configuration of the heating system can be configured to include a flexible disk drive and an optical disk drive, either internally or externally. By inserting a flexible disk into the flexible disk drive's slot and a CD-ROM into the optical disk drive's slot, and performing a predetermined read operation, the heating program stored on these recording media can be installed into the program storage device 15. Furthermore, by connecting a predetermined drive device, for example, a ROM or magnetic tape drive can also be used. In addition, it is possible to store this heating program in the program storage device 15 via an information processing network such as the Internet.

[0075] In the inspection mode of step S111, the central processing processor 13 drives a vacuum device (not shown) to vacuum-suction the surface of the target part 6 to the inner wall of the recess 2x of the dielectric matching layer 2. Then, in step S111, power is supplied from the transmitting means 21 to the radiating elements A1~A n The inspection electromagnetic waves emitted from are directed onto the target area 6, which is vacuum-suctioned to the inner wall of the recess 2x. The inspection electromagnetic waves scattered by the target area 6 are then directed to the radiating elements A1~A in step S111. n The receiving means 12 acquires scattering field data from the target part 6 via this means.

[0076] In the heating program according to the first embodiment, even in the heating mode which is performed immediately following the inspection mode, a heating electromagnetic wave beam is irradiated while the depressurization device is driven to continue to vacuum-suction the surface of the target part 6 to the inner wall of the recess 2x. That is, in the heating program according to the first embodiment, the computer system is driven so that the surface of the target part 6 remains in close contact with the inner wall of the recess 2x throughout the series of processes from the inspection mode to the heating mode, so the target part 6 does not move.

[0077] According to the heating program of the first embodiment, the heating region can be determined from the results of an inspection mode with the target part 6 fixed, and the central processing processor 13 can be driven and controlled to observe the changes inside the target part 6 before and after heating, enabling precise and selective heating of the set heating region in the target part 6 in a non-contact and non-invasive manner. Thus, according to the heating program of the first embodiment, by combining multiple heating electromagnetic wave beams, the central processing processor 13 can be driven and controlled to selectively heat a heating region at any position inside the target part 6 in a short time without heating and destroying areas other than the heating region of the target part 6.

[0078] (Other embodiments) Although the present invention has been described by the first embodiment above, the descriptions and drawings that constitute part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting the invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operational techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0079] For example, in the description of the first embodiment and its modified examples, the case using the cylindrical horn illustrated in Figure 2A was described, but this is merely an example for convenience. The heating head of the present invention (2,A1~A n The dielectric-loaded radiation horn used in this device may be a tapered dielectric-loaded radiation horn. Furthermore, it is not limited to radiation elements with a circular cross-section; a dielectric-loaded radiation horn with a rectangular cross-section may also be used.

[0080] Furthermore, the target area 6 for the inspection mode and heating mode of the present invention is not limited to parts of the human body such as the breasts. Considering medical applications, the target area 6 may be the head, and inspection and heating modes are possible in which the internal structure, such as the position, shape, size, and electrical constant distribution of scattered objects and heterogeneous objects inside the head, is detected by inverse problem analysis and then subjected to heat treatment. Moreover, the present invention can also be applied to inspection and heating modes where the target area 6 is a fracture site in the limbs.

[0081] Furthermore, in Figure 2A, etc., multiple n dielectric-loaded radiation horns Q1~Q are located on the four side walls and top (ceiling) of the dielectric matching layer 2. n The arrangement described is merely illustrative. For example, some of the dielectric-loaded radiating horns may not be arranged on the top surface (ceiling surface), but only on the four side wall surfaces. Thus, the present invention naturally includes various embodiments not described herein. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is determined solely by the inventive features relating to the claims that are reasonable based on the above description. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] 2…Dielectric matching layer, 2x…Recess, 6…Target area, 12…Receiving means, 13…Central processing processor, 14…Data storage device, 15…Program storage device, 16…Display unit, 21…Transmitting means, 25…Electronic switch, 41…High-frequency oscillator, 42…Power distributor, 131…Data readout circuit, 138…Inverse problem analysis circuit, 139…Display command circuit, 140…Heating region determination circuit, 141…Heating vector determination circuit, 142…Amplitude determination circuit, 143…Heating process command circuit, 144…Command circuit, 149…Bus

Claims

1. A dielectric matching layer having a dielectric constant close to that of the target part and recesses that fix the surface of the target part in close contact with the inner wall; a depressurization device that evacuates the space between the surface and the inner wall through through holes penetrating the dielectric matching layer; a heating head having a plurality of radiating elements arranged on the outer wall of the dielectric matching layer; In inspection mode, a transmitting means powers each of the plurality of radiating elements so that inspection electromagnetic waves with a constant phase are emitted sequentially from each of the plurality of radiating elements, and in heating mode, heating electromagnetic waves whose phases are coordinated and adjusted with each other are emitted sequentially from each of the plurality of radiating elements. In the inspection mode, a receiving means for obtaining scattering field data by sequentially receiving the inspection electromagnetic waves from other radiating elements selected from the plurality of radiating elements so as to form an antenna pair with a specific radiating element among the plurality of radiating elements, An electronic switch that switches the electrical connection of each of the plurality of radiating elements to the transmitting means and the receiving means, A central processing processor controls the transmitting means, the receiving means and the electronic switch to determine a heating region within the target area from the scattering field data, and controls the phase of each of the heating electromagnetic waves emitted from the plurality of radiating elements so that an electric field is combined in the heating region. A heating system characterized by comprising the following:

2. The aforementioned transmission means is High-frequency oscillator and, A power distributor connected to the high-frequency oscillator, A plurality of phase radiators, the same number as the plurality of radiating elements connected to the power distributor, Multiple amplifiers, the same number as the multiple radiating elements, are connected sequentially to each of the corresponding phase transformers. The heating system according to claim 1, characterized by having the following features.

3. With the surface of the target area fixed in close contact with the inner wall of the recess of the dielectric matching layer, the scattering field data from the target area is acquired by inspection electromagnetic waves emitted from a plurality of radiating elements surrounding the dielectric matching layer, and a heating region is determined inside the target area. The steps include determining the phase of each heating electromagnetic wave emitted from the plurality of radiating elements so that an electric field is combined in the heating region, The steps include: selectively heating the heating region by simultaneously emitting multiple heating electromagnetic waves while the surface of the target portion is fixed to the inner wall of the recess; A heating method characterized by including the following.

4. In a step in which the surface of the target area is fixed in close contact with the inner wall of a recess in the dielectric matching layer, and scattering field data from the target area is acquired by inspection electromagnetic waves emitted from a plurality of radiating elements surrounding the dielectric matching layer to determine a heating region inside the target area, A method for calibrating scattering field data, characterized by using two types of uniformly structured electromagnetic phantoms, each having the same shape as the target part and each having different electrical constants.

5. A heating program for a computer system that drives a heating system that selectively heats a determined heating region within a target part, A command to fix the surface of the target part in close contact with the inner wall of the recess of the dielectric matching layer constituting the heating head, With the surface of the target portion fixed to the inner wall of the recess, a command is given to emit inspection electromagnetic waves from a plurality of radiating elements surrounding the dielectric matching layer, acquire scattering field data from the target portion using the inspection electromagnetic waves, and determine a heating region inside the target portion. A command to determine the phase of each heating electromagnetic wave emitted from the plurality of radiating elements so that an electric field is combined in the heating region determined to be inside the target part, With the surface of the target part fixed to the inner wall of the recess, a command is given to simultaneously emit multiple heating electromagnetic waves and selectively heat the heating area. A heating program characterized by operating the computer system by a series of instructions including the above.

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