Ultrasonic control device and protection method for protection target area

Abstract

According to the present invention, an ultrasonic control device comprises: a plurality of ultrasonic elements; and a transmission control unit that controls the transmission of the plurality of ultrasonic elements. The transmission control unit performs transmission control so that a plurality of ultrasonic waves transmitted by a plurality of ultrasonic elements form a plurality of ultrasonic energy concentration points arranged in a predetermined manner and covering a protection target area.

Description

Ultrasonic control device and method for protecting a target area

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for suppressing the intrusion of fine particles and the like into a specific area.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an operating room in which air with an adjusted cleanliness level (clean air) is supplied locally to an operating table. In the operating room described in Patent Document 1, the clean air is supplied to the operating table using a blower or compressed air.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-206818

[0004] However, the configuration of Patent Document 1 requires the installation of a blower and a compressed air delivery unit in the operating room, which necessitates a large-scale air conditioning system to ensure the cleanliness of areas that require it, such as the operating table.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that can easily achieve cleanliness in areas that require cleanliness without requiring large-scale air conditioning equipment.

[0006] An ultrasonic control device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of ultrasonic elements and a transmission control unit that controls transmission of the plurality of ultrasonic elements. The transmission control unit controls transmission so that a plurality of ultrasonic waves transmitted by the plurality of ultrasonic elements form a plurality of ultrasonic energy concentration points in a predetermined arrangement that cover a protection target area.

[0007] In this configuration, a group of ultrasonic energy concentration points can be used to form a shield curtain in the air that removes particles, etc. Furthermore, the multiple ultrasonic elements and transmission control unit can be made compact and can be easily arranged.

[0008] According to the present invention, cleanliness can be easily achieved in areas where cleanliness is required, without requiring large-scale air conditioning equipment.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an ultrasonic control device and a configuration diagram of a particle shield curtain forming system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2(A) is a plan view showing an example of an arrangement of the particle shield curtain forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2(B) is a side view thereof. FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view of the vicinity of the shield curtain. FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B) are side views showing other examples of an arrangement of the particle shield curtain forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B) are side views showing other examples of an arrangement of the particle shield curtain forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 6(A), 6(B), and 6(C) are plan views of an ultrasonic transmitter of a particle shield curtain forming system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 7(A) is a plan view showing an example of an arrangement of the particle shield curtain forming system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 7(B) and 7(C) are side views thereof, and FIG. 7(D) is a perspective view of the shield curtain. FIGS. 8(A), 8(B), and 8(C) are plan views of an ultrasonic transmitter of a particle shield curtain forming system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9(A) is a plan view showing an example of an arrangement of a particle shield curtain forming system according to a third embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 9(B) and 9(C) are side views thereof, and FIG. 9(D) is a perspective view of the shield curtain. FIGS. 10(A) and 10(B) are plan views of an ultrasonic transmitter of a particle shield curtain forming system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11(A) is a plan view showing the top surface of an ultrasonic transmitter of a particle shield curtain forming system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11(B) is a plan view showing the bottom surface of the ultrasonic transmitter. FIG. 12(A) is a plan view showing an example of an arrangement of a particle shield curtain forming system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12(B) is a perspective view of the shield curtain. FIGS. 13(A) to 13(H) are perspective views showing examples of the shape of the shield curtain. Fig. 14 is a functional block diagram of an ultrasonic control device and a configuration diagram of a particle shield curtain forming system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of an ultrasonic control method (method of protecting a protection target area) according to the sixth embodiment.FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram of an ultrasonic control device and a configuration diagram of a particle shield curtain formation system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of an ultrasonic control method (method for protecting a protection target area) according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 18 is a functional block diagram of an ultrasonic control device and a configuration diagram of a particle shield curtain formation system according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 19(A), 19(B), 19(C), and 19(D) are diagrams showing a case where the vertical position of the shield curtain is changed. FIGS. 20(A), 20(B), 20(C), and 20(D) are diagrams showing a case where the size of the shield curtain is changed. FIGS. 21(A), 21(B), 21(C), and 21(D) are diagrams showing a case where the horizontal position of the shield curtain is changed. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of an ultrasonic control method (method for protecting a protection target area) according to the eighth embodiment. FIG. 23 is a functional block diagram of an ultrasonic control device and a configuration diagram of a particle shield curtain formation system according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 24(A) is a plan view showing an example of an arrangement of a particle shield curtain forming system according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 24(B) is a side view thereof. FIG. 24(C) is an enlarged view showing a portion of FIG. 24(B). FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of an ultrasound control method (method for protecting a protection target area) according to the ninth embodiment. FIG. 26 is a functional block diagram of an ultrasound control device and a configuration diagram of a particle shield curtain forming system according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 27(A) is a diagram showing an example of a default shield curtain shape, and FIG. 27(B) is a diagram showing an example of a shield curtain shape formed taking into account the surgeon's body part (hand, arm). FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing an example of an ultrasound control method (method for protecting a protection target area) according to the tenth embodiment. FIG. 29 is a functional block diagram of an ultrasound control device and a configuration diagram of a particle shield curtain forming system according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing an example of an ultrasound control method (method for protecting a protection target area) according to the eleventh embodiment. FIG. 31 is a functional block diagram of an ultrasound control device and a configuration diagram of a particle shield curtain forming system according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.Fig. 32 is a diagram showing an example of a display image by an ultrasound control device according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 33 is a functional block diagram of an ultrasound control device and a configuration diagram of a particle shield curtain forming system according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 34 is a diagram showing an example of a display image by an ultrasound control device according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] First Embodiment A particle shield curtain forming system including an ultrasonic control device and a method for protecting a protection target area according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] 1 is a functional block diagram of an ultrasonic control device and a configuration diagram of a particle shield curtain forming system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the particle shield curtain forming system 1 includes an ultrasonic control device 10 and a shield curtain 100.

[0012] The ultrasonic control device 10 includes an ultrasonic transmitter 20 and a transmission control unit 30. The ultrasonic transmitter 20 includes a plurality of ultrasonic elements 201-208. In this embodiment, the number of ultrasonic elements included in the ultrasonic transmitter 20 is eight, but this is not limited to eight, and the number can be set appropriately to two or more based on the shape, formation position, etc. of the shield curtain 100 described below.

[0013] The transmission control unit 30 is realized by an arithmetic processing unit, an electronic circuit, etc. The transmission control unit 30 controls the transmission of the multiple ultrasonic elements 201-208. More specifically, the transmission control unit 30 controls the transmission of the multiple ultrasonic elements 201-208 so that a shield curtain 100 that covers the area to be protected is formed by the multiple ultrasonic waves transmitted by the multiple ultrasonic elements 201-208.

[0014] It is desirable for the shield curtain to cover the entire area to be protected, but it may also cover a portion of the area to be protected. In other words, "covering the area to be protected" is defined as "covering at least a portion of the area to be protected." The shield curtain 100 is formed by a plurality of arranged ultrasonic energy concentration points 190. The ultrasonic energy concentration points 190 are realized by points where the phases of a plurality of ultrasonic waves transmitted by a predetermined number of ultrasonic elements among the plurality of ultrasonic elements 201-208 coincide.

[0015] As a transmission control method, the transmission control unit 30 preferably uses, for example, an amplitude modulation method or a space-time modulation method.

[0016] The amplitude modulation method is a method of modulating the amplitude of ultrasonic waves, which are carrier waves, and shaping a waveform such as a sine wave using the envelope of the carrier wave. The ultrasonic energy concentration point 190 can be formed by aligning the phases of the waveforms due to the envelopes of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from each of the multiple ultrasonic elements 201-208. In other words, the ultrasonic energy concentration point 190 can be formed by aligning the position of the maximum amplitude of the envelope. By using this method, the transmission control unit 30 can easily control the transmission of multiple ultrasonic waves. The amplitude modulation method updates the position of the ultrasonic energy concentration point 190 at an update rate of, for example, about 400 Hz.

[0017] The space-time modulation method is a method of temporally and spatially changing the points at which the phases of the ultrasonic waves transmitted by the multiple ultrasonic elements 201-208 coincide. It is called space-time modulation because it is also possible to change the amplitude of the ultrasonic waves over time. By using this method, the transmission control unit 30 can control multiple ultrasonic waves to form a planar focal movement region with a finer pitch of the ultrasonic energy concentration points compared to the amplitude modulation method. The space-time modulation method updates the position of the ultrasonic energy concentration points 190, for example, at an update rate of about 1 kHz. The update rate is not limited to this, but 1 kHz is preferable.

[0018] The ultrasonic elements 201-208 are arranged in a predetermined pattern. The ultrasonic elements 201-208 transmit ultrasonic waves under transmission control from the transmission control unit 30.

[0019] At this time, as described above, the transmission control unit 30 appropriately amplitude-modulates or spatiotemporally modulates the ultrasonic waves from the plurality of ultrasonic elements 201-208 so as to form a plurality of ultrasonic energy concentration points 190 in a predetermined pattern around the area to be protected. As a result, the plurality of ultrasonic energy concentration points 190 produced by the ultrasonic waves from the plurality of ultrasonic elements 201-208 are formed in a predetermined pattern around the area to be protected. Then, a shield curtain 100 having a desired shape is formed by the arrangement pattern of the plurality of ultrasonic energy concentration points 190.

[0020] In the shield curtain 100, the plurality of ultrasonic energy concentrated points 190 may be densely or closely spaced, or may be coarsely or coarsely spaced, as long as the effects of the shield curtain 100, which will be described later, can be obtained. Furthermore, the transmission control method for forming the plurality of ultrasonic energy concentrated points 190 does not need to be limited to the amplitude modulation method or the space-time modulation method, and it is sufficient that the plurality of ultrasonic energy concentrated points 190 are realized by points where the phases of the plurality of ultrasonic waves transmitted by a predetermined number of ultrasonic elements among the plurality of ultrasonic elements 201-208 coincide with each other.

[0021] (Example of arrangement of ultrasonic transmitter 20) An example of an application of the particle shield curtain forming system 1 including the ultrasonic control device 10 having the above-described configuration will be described. In this embodiment, an example in which the particle shield curtain forming system 1 is applied to an operating room will be described.

[0022] Fig. 2(A) is a plan view showing an example of an arrangement of the particle shield curtain forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2(B) is a side view thereof, and Fig. 3 is an enlarged side view of the vicinity of the shield curtain.

[0023] As shown in Figures 2(A) and 2(B), there is a patient 99 and a surgeon 80 in the operating room. The patient 99 is lying face up on the operating table with the surgical field 90 facing upward in the vertical direction (z-axis direction). The surgeon 80 is located next to the operating table and patient 99 (in a position adjacent to the operating table and patient 99 in the y-axis direction of the figure). The surgical field 90 corresponds to the "region to be protected" of the present invention.

[0024] The ultrasonic transmitter 20 includes a plurality of ultrasonic elements 201-208 and a circuit board 29. The plurality of ultrasonic elements 201-208 are linearly arranged on the circuit board 29 and mounted on the circuit board 29 (electrically and physically connected). This fixes the positional relationship between the plurality of ultrasonic elements 201-208. At this time, the plurality of ultrasonic elements 201-208 are arranged so that the main directivity direction of ultrasonic waves is perpendicular to the mounting surface of the circuit board 29. The main directivity direction of ultrasonic waves is, for example, the direction in which the central axis of a predetermined directional angle (solid angle) of ultrasonic waves transmitted (radiated) by the ultrasonic elements extends.

[0025] Although not shown in the figure, the circuit board 29 is connected to the transmission control unit 30 by a cable or the like. In this way, the transmission control unit 30 realizes transmission control of the multiple ultrasonic elements 201-208.

[0026] The ultrasonic transmitter 20 configured as described above is disposed at a position spaced apart in the x-axis direction from the patient 99 and the surgeon 80. The ultrasonic transmitter 20 is disposed so that the arrangement direction of the multiple ultrasonic elements 201-208 is parallel to the y-axis direction. In other words, the ultrasonic transmitter 20 is disposed so that the arrangement direction of the multiple ultrasonic elements 201-208 is parallel to the direction in which the surgical field 90 and the surgeon 80 are aligned.

[0027] Furthermore, the ultrasonic transmitter 20 is disposed at a position a predetermined distance from the surgical field 90 in the vertical direction (z-axis direction) and such that the main directivity direction of the ultrasonic waves is approximately perpendicular to the vertical direction (z-axis direction). In this case, approximately perpendicular includes completely perpendicular (horizontal) and also includes an error range that allows the shield curtain 100 to be formed above the surgical field 90.

[0028] In this configuration, the transmission control unit 30 controls the transmission of the multiple ultrasonic elements 201-208. As a result, the shield curtain 100 overlaps the surgical field 90 in a plan view (when viewed in the z-axis direction), and is formed and positioned in the vicinity of the surgical field 90 in a side view (when viewed in the x-axis and y-axis directions).

[0029] As described above, the shield curtain 100 is a group of multiple ultrasonic energy concentration points 190. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 3, fine particles (dust, bacteria, viruses, etc.) P falling from above are prevented from reaching the surgical field 90 side of the shield curtain 100. In other words, fine particles that may fall into the surgical field 90 are removed.

[0030] As a result, the particle shield curtain forming system 1 can suppress contamination of the surgical field 90 by particles and keep the surgical field 90 clean.

[0031] Furthermore, the ultrasonic transmitter 20 can be realized in a small form factor and is easy to install and position.

[0032] Therefore, the particle shield curtain forming system 1 including the ultrasonic control device 10 does not require large-scale equipment or its installation, and can easily achieve high cleanliness in the area to be protected that requires cleanliness.

[0033] (Another example of the placement of the ultrasonic transmitter 20) Figures 4(A), 4(B), 5(A), and 5(B) are side views showing different examples of the placement of the particle shield curtain forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] The arrangements shown in Figures 4(A), 4(B), 5(A), and 5(B) differ from the arrangements shown in Figures 2(A) and 2(B) in the position of the ultrasonic transmitter 20 in the vertical direction (z-axis direction) and the direction of the main directivity of the ultrasonic waves. Other parts of the arrangements shown in Figures 4(A) and 4(B) are similar to the arrangements shown in Figures 2(A) and 2(B), and a description of similar parts will be omitted.

[0035] 4A, the ultrasonic transmitter 20 is disposed in the vertical direction (z-axis direction) below the position where the shield curtain 100 is formed. Furthermore, the ultrasonic elements 201-208 of the ultrasonic transmitter 20 are disposed so that the main directivity of the ultrasonic waves is directed in the x-axis direction toward the surgical field 90 and the surgeon 80, and also obliquely upward.

[0036] 4(B), the ultrasonic transmitter 20 is disposed in the vertical direction (z-axis direction) above the position where the shield curtain 100 is formed. Furthermore, the ultrasonic elements 201-208 of the ultrasonic transmitter 20 are disposed so that the main directivity of the ultrasonic waves is directed in the x-axis direction toward the surgical field 90 and the surgeon 80, and obliquely downward.

[0037] 5A, the ultrasonic transmitter 20 is arranged closer to the surgical field 90 than the position where the shield curtain 100 is formed, in the direction in which the surgical field 90 and the surgeon 80 are aligned (y-axis direction). Furthermore, the multiple ultrasonic elements 201-208 of the ultrasonic transmitter 20 are arranged so as to form a predetermined angle with the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction, so that the main directivity direction of the ultrasonic waves is the direction from the surgical field 90 toward the surgeon 80 in the y-axis direction.

[0038] 5(B), the ultrasonic transmitter 20 is arranged closer to the surgeon 80 in the direction in which the surgical field 90 and the surgeon 80 are aligned (y-axis direction) than the position where the shield curtain 100 is formed. Furthermore, the multiple ultrasonic elements 201-208 of the ultrasonic transmitter 20 are arranged so as to form a predetermined angle with the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction so that the main directivity direction of the ultrasonic waves is the direction from the surgeon 80 toward the surgical field 90 in the y-axis direction.

[0039] Even in these positions, the ultrasonic transmitter 20 can form a shielding curtain 100 in a nearby position above the surgical field 90.

[0040] In particular, when ultrasonic waves are transmitted from a vertically downward position as shown in Fig. 4A, the direction of transmission of the ultrasonic waves is directed upward rather than horizontally, which improves the effect of bouncing particles falling from above upward.

[0041] Furthermore, when ultrasound is transmitted from the surgical field 90 toward the surgeon 80 as in Fig. 5(A), there is an effect of expelling particles that have fallen from above toward the surgeon 80. In particular, in the case of Fig. 5(A), it is also possible to arrange the surgeon 80, surgical field 90, and ultrasound transmitter 20 in order in the y-axis direction, which further prevents particles that have fallen from above or particles generated by the surgeon 80 from reaching the surgical field 90.

[0042] Second Embodiment A particle shield curtain forming system including an ultrasonic control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0043] The particle shield curtain forming system according to the second embodiment differs from the particle shield curtain forming system 1 according to the first embodiment in the configuration and arrangement of the ultrasonic transmitter and the shape of the shield curtain. Other configurations of the particle shield curtain forming system according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the particle shield curtain forming system 1 according to the first embodiment, and a description of similar parts will be omitted.

[0044] 6(A), 6(B), and 6(C) are plan views of an ultrasonic transmitter of a particle shield curtain forming system according to a second embodiment. In FIGS. 6(A), 6(B), and 6(C), the arrangement of multiple ultrasonic elements is different.

[0045] 6(A), 6(B), and 6(C), the ultrasonic transmitter 20A1, the ultrasonic transmitter 20A2, and the ultrasonic transmitter 20A3 each include a plurality of ultrasonic elements 200. The plurality of ultrasonic elements 200 are arranged two-dimensionally on a plane.

[0046] Specifically, in the case of FIG. 6A, the ultrasonic elements 200 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the x20 axis direction and at predetermined intervals in the y20 axis direction on a plane of two orthogonal axes defined by the x20 axis direction and the y20 axis direction.

[0047] In the case of FIG. 6(B), the ultrasonic elements 200 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction on a circle of radius r1 and a circle of radius r2 (≠r1) centered at a predetermined position in a plane of two orthogonal axes defined by the x20-axis direction and the y20-axis direction.

[0048] In the case of FIG. 6C, the ultrasonic elements 200 are arranged at predetermined intervals so that the arrangement pattern forms a triangle on a plane of two orthogonal axes defined by the x20 axis direction and the y20 axis direction.

[0049] These configurations enable a two-dimensional distribution of ultrasonic waves transmitted from the multiple ultrasonic elements 200. Therefore, it is possible to form a shield curtain with a more complex shape than when the multiple ultrasonic elements 200 are arranged in a straight line (one-dimensional arrangement). For example, the configuration of FIG. 6A can realize the following arrangement and shield curtain shape.

[0050] (Example of arrangement of ultrasonic transmitter 20A1) Figure 7(A) is a plan view showing an example of an arrangement mode of a particle shield curtain forming system relating to the second embodiment of the present invention, Figures 7(B) and 7(C) are side views thereof, and Figure 7(D) is a perspective view of the shield curtain.

[0051] 7(A), 7(B), and 7(C), the ultrasonic transmitter 20A1 is placed above the surgical field 90 and spaced apart from the surgical field 90. In this case, the ultrasonic transmitter 20A1 is placed in a position that does not physically affect the surgery performed by the surgeon 80 (for example, further above the top of the head of the surgeon 80).

[0052] The ultrasonic transmitter 20A1 is arranged so that the main directivity direction of the ultrasonic waves transmitted by the multiple ultrasonic elements 200 is directed vertically downward.

[0053] In this configuration, the transmission control unit 30 controls the transmission of the multiple ultrasonic elements 200. As a result, the shield curtain 100A is formed into a circular shape that overlaps the surgical field 90 in a plan view (when viewed in the z-axis direction) and into a conical shape that is a triangle with an apex at the top in a side view (when viewed in the x-axis and y-axis directions). The conical bottom of the shield curtain 100A is formed and positioned near the top of the surgical field 90. In other words, the shield curtain 100A is formed so as to three-dimensionally cover the upper side of the surgical field 90. Note that the shield curtain 100A does not have to be a perfect cone shape, and may be an approximately cone shape.

[0054] As a result, the shield curtain 100A can more reliably prevent contamination of the surgical field 90 by fine particles not only from above but also from the sides, thereby keeping the surgical field 90 clean.

[0055] Third Embodiment A particle shield curtain forming system including an ultrasonic control device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0056] The particle shield curtain forming system according to the third embodiment differs from the particle shield curtain forming system according to the second embodiment in that it has a cavity or a notch in the circuit board 29. Other configurations of the particle shield curtain forming system according to the third embodiment are the same as those of the particle shield curtain forming system according to the second embodiment, and a description of similar parts will be omitted.

[0057] 8(A), 8(B), and 8(C) are plan views of an ultrasonic transmitter of a particle shield curtain forming system according to a third embodiment. The arrangement patterns of the ultrasonic elements and the arrangement of the cavities or cutouts are different in Fig. 8(A), 8(B), and 8(C).

[0058] 8(A), 8(B), and 8(C), the ultrasonic transmitter 20B1, the ultrasonic transmitter 20B2, and the ultrasonic transmitter 20B3 each include a plurality of ultrasonic elements 200. The plurality of ultrasonic elements 200 are arranged two-dimensionally on a plane.

[0059] 8(A), the multiple ultrasonic elements 200 are arranged at predetermined intervals so that the arrangement pattern forms a rectangle on a plane of two orthogonal axes defined by the x20-axis direction and the y20-axis direction. The circuit board 29 has a cavity 2901 inside the rectangle in which the multiple ultrasonic elements 200 are arranged on the circuit board 29. The cavity 2901 penetrates the circuit board 29 in the thickness direction.

[0060] 8(B), the ultrasonic elements 200 are arranged in a predetermined pattern on a plane of two orthogonal axes defined by the x20-axis direction and the y20-axis direction. The circuit board 29 has a notch 2902 recessed from one side surface. The notch 2902 penetrates the circuit board 29 in the thickness direction.

[0061] 8(C), the multiple ultrasonic elements 200 are arranged at predetermined intervals so that the arrangement pattern forms a circle on a plane of two orthogonal axes defined by the x20-axis direction and the y20-axis direction. The circuit board 29 has a cavity 2903 inside the circle on the circuit board 29 in which the multiple ultrasonic elements 200 are arranged. The cavity 2903 penetrates the circuit board 29 in the thickness direction.

[0062] As described above, the hollow portion 2901, the notch portion 2902, and the hollow portion 2903 improve the degree of freedom in arranging the circuit board 29. For example, other circuit components can be arranged in the hollow portion 2901, the notch portion 2902, and the hollow portion 2903, and the surgical field 90 can be arranged as shown below.

[0063] (Example of arrangement of ultrasonic transmitter 20B1) Figure 9(A) is a plan view showing an example of an arrangement mode of a particle shield curtain forming system relating to the third embodiment of the present invention, Figures 9(B) and 9(C) are side views thereof, and Figure 9(D) is a perspective view of the shield curtain.

[0064] 9(A), 9(B), and 9(C), the ultrasonic transmitter 20B1 is arranged such that, in a plan view, the multiple ultrasonic elements 200 surround the surgical field 90. The ultrasonic transmitter 20B1 is arranged such that the main directivity direction of the ultrasonic waves transmitted by the multiple ultrasonic elements 200 is oriented vertically upward.

[0065] In this configuration, the transmission control unit 30 controls the transmission of the multiple ultrasonic elements 200. As a result, the shield curtain 100B is formed into a hemispherical shape that is a circle overlapping the surgical field 90 in a plan view (when viewed in the z-axis direction) and a semicircle above the surgical field 90 in a side view (when viewed in the x-axis and y-axis directions). The bottom surface of the hemisphere of the shield curtain 100B is formed and positioned near the top of the surgical field 90. In other words, the shield curtain 100B is formed so as to three-dimensionally cover the upper side of the surgical field 90. Note that the shield curtain 100B does not have to be a perfect hemisphere, and may be approximately hemispherical.

[0066] As a result, the shield curtain 100B can more reliably suppress contamination of the surgical field 90 by fine particles, and can keep the surgical field 90 clean.

[0067] Furthermore, the ultrasonic waves forming the shield curtain 100B are transmitted upward from the lower side close to the surgical field 90. Therefore, the effect of bouncing particles falling from above back upward is improved.

[0068] Fourth Embodiment A particle shield curtain forming system including an ultrasonic control device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0069] The particle shield curtain forming system according to the fourth embodiment differs from the above-described embodiments in that it uses a plurality of circuit boards. The other configurations of the particle shield curtain forming system according to the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the above-described embodiments, and therefore a description of the same parts will be omitted.

[0070] 10A and 10B are plan views of an ultrasonic transmitter of a particle shield curtain forming system according to a fourth embodiment, in which the positional relationship between a plurality of circuit boards is different.

[0071] 10A, the ultrasonic transmitter 20C includes a plurality of circuit boards 291 to 293. Each of the plurality of circuit boards 291 to 293 is a long flat plate, and a plurality of ultrasonic elements 200 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of each of the circuit boards 291 to 293.

[0072] The circuit board 291 and the circuit board 292 are connected by a connection cable 281 , and the circuit board 291 and the circuit board 293 are connected by a connection cable 282 .

[0073] The circuit board 291 is arranged parallel to the x20 axis direction, and the circuit board 292 and the circuit board 293 are arranged parallel to the y20 axis direction. This allows the ultrasonic transmitter 20C to realize a configuration in which a plurality of ultrasonic elements 200 are two-dimensionally arranged.

[0074] In this way, the arrangement pattern of the plurality of ultrasonic elements 200 can also be realized by a plurality of circuit boards.

[0075] 10B, if a plurality of circuit boards are used, the attitudes of the plurality of circuit boards can be adjusted, and the relationship between the attitudes of the plurality of ultrasonic elements 200 can be adjusted. This makes it possible to easily realize shield curtains with a wider variety of shapes.

[0076] Although the present embodiment illustrates the use of three circuit boards, the number is not limited to this. Furthermore, the shape of each circuit board is not limited to a long shape. By appropriately combining the number and shape of the circuit boards, shield curtains of a wider variety of shapes can be more easily realized.

[0077] Fifth Embodiment A particle shield curtain forming system including an ultrasonic control device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0078] The particle shield curtain forming system according to the fifth embodiment differs from the particle shield curtain forming system according to the third embodiment in that a plurality of ultrasonic elements 200u, 200d are mounted (arranged) on both sides of a circuit board 29, and in the arrangement position of an ultrasonic transmitter 20D. The other configuration of the particle shield curtain forming system according to the fifth embodiment is the same as that of the particle shield curtain forming system according to the third embodiment, and a description of similar parts will be omitted.

[0079] Figure 11(A) is a plan view of the top surface of an ultrasonic transmitter of a particle shield curtain forming system relating to the fifth embodiment, and Figure 11(B) is a plan view of the bottom surface of this ultrasonic transmitter.

[0080] 11(A) and 11(B), the circuit board 29 has an upper surface 29u and a lower surface 29d that are parallel to each other. The upper surface 29u corresponds to the "first surface" of the present invention, and the lower surface 29d corresponds to the "second surface" of the present invention. The ultrasonic transmitter 20D includes a plurality of ultrasonic elements 200u on the upper surface 29u of the circuit board 29, and a plurality of ultrasonic elements 200d on the lower surface 29d.

[0081] The ultrasonic transmission characteristics of the multiple ultrasonic elements 200u are different from the ultrasonic transmission characteristics of the multiple ultrasonic elements 200d. The arrangement pattern (e.g., arrangement interval) of the multiple ultrasonic elements 200u is different from the arrangement pattern (e.g., arrangement interval) of the multiple ultrasonic elements 200d.

[0082] The ultrasonic elements 200u transmit ultrasonic waves to the upper surface 29u side of the circuit board 29. The ultrasonic elements 200d transmit ultrasonic waves to the lower surface 29d side of the circuit board 29.

[0083] (Example of arrangement of ultrasonic transmitter 20D) Figure 12 (A) is a plan view showing an example of an arrangement mode of a particle shield curtain forming system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 12 (B) is a perspective view of the shield curtain.

[0084] 12A, the ultrasonic transmitter 20D is arranged such that, in a plan view, the multiple ultrasonic elements 200u, 200d surround the surgical field 90. In this case, the lower surface 29d of the circuit board 29 faces the surgical field 90 (vertically downward), and the upper surface 29u of the circuit board 29 faces vertically upward. As a result, the main directivity direction of the ultrasonic waves of the multiple ultrasonic elements 200d is the vertically downward direction, and the main directivity direction of the ultrasonic waves of the multiple ultrasonic elements 200u is the vertically upward direction.

[0085] The ultrasonic transmitter 20D is placed at a predetermined distance above the surface of the patient 99 (the surface having the surgical field 90).

[0086] In this configuration, the transmission control unit 30 individually controls the transmission of the plurality of ultrasonic elements 200u and the plurality of ultrasonic elements 200d, thereby forming a shield curtain 100D that is a combination of an upper shield curtain 100Du and a lower shield curtain 100Dd.

[0087] As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the upper shield curtain 100Du has a conical shape, and the lower shield curtain 100Dd has a generally cylindrical shape (a skirt shape with a flared bottom) with a radius that increases downward.

[0088] With this configuration, the upper shield curtain 100Du can prevent fine particles from above from reaching the surgical field 90, and the lower shield curtain 100Dd can prevent fine particles from below from reaching the surgical field 90.

[0089] As a result, the shield curtain 100D can more reliably suppress contamination of the surgical field 90 by fine particles, and can keep the surgical field 90 in an even cleaner state.

[0090] [Various Shapes of Shield Curtain] In the above-described embodiments, some examples of the arrangement patterns of a plurality of ultrasonic elements and the shapes of the shield curtain formed thereby have been shown, but the shape of the shield curtain can adopt various shapes, for example, as shown below. Figures 13(A) to 13(H) are perspective views showing example shapes of the shield curtain.

[0091] The shield curtain 100X1 shown in Fig. 13(A) is a circular flat membrane. The shield curtain 100X2 shown in Fig. 13(B) has a circular opening 180X2 in the center of the circular flat membrane. Note that the circle is not limited to a perfect circle, and may be an approximately circle, an ellipse, an oval, or the like.

[0092] The shield curtain 100X3 shown in Fig. 13(C) is a rectangular flat membrane. The shield curtain 100X4 shown in Fig. 13(D) has a rectangular opening 180X4 in the center of the rectangular flat membrane. Note that the rectangle is not limited to a perfect rectangle, and may be a rectangle without corners, or may be another polygonal shape.

[0093] The shield curtain 100X5 shown in Fig. 13(E) is cylindrical. Note that the cylindrical shape is not limited to a perfect cylindrical shape, and may be an approximately cylindrical shape (for example, the radii of the upper and lower bases are different, or the upper and lower bases are elliptical, etc.).

[0094] The shield curtain 100X6 shown in Fig. 13(F) has a hemispherical shape with a portion missing. In this case, by placing the missing side facing the surgeon 80, the effect of the surgeon 80's presence on the shape of the shield curtain 100X6 can be reduced. That is, with the conventional method of blowing compressed air from the top of the operating room, peripheral equipment and medical personnel around the operating table become obstacles, making it difficult to ensure the cleanliness of the operating table and surgical site. However, with the method shown in Fig. 13(F) using ultrasound, it is possible to form a shield curtain that avoids obstacles, and the cleanliness of the protected areas, such as the operating table and surgical site, can be more reliably ensured.

[0095] The shield curtain 100X7 shown in Fig. 13(G) is formed into a cylindrical shape by spiral lines. The shield curtain 100X8 shown in Fig. 13(H) is formed into a substantially conical shape by spiral lines. As shown in these figures, it is also possible to form a shield curtain by lines of a predetermined pattern.

[0096] These shield curtains 100X1-100X8 of various shapes can be realized by appropriately setting the arrangement and transmission control of a plurality of ultrasonic elements.

[0097] [Sixth embodiment] A particle shield curtain forming system including an ultrasonic control device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that in the sixth embodiment and subsequent embodiments including this embodiment, the number of ultrasonic elements constituting the ultrasonic transmitter, the arrangement of the ultrasonic elements, and the shape of the shield curtain formed by ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic elements are merely examples, and are not limited to those described below.

[0098] FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram of an ultrasonic control device and a configuration diagram of a particle shield curtain forming system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] The particle shield curtain forming system 1E according to the sixth embodiment differs from the particle shield curtain forming system 1 according to the first embodiment in the configuration of an ultrasonic control device 10E.

[0100] The ultrasound control device 10E differs from the ultrasound control device 10 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a transmission control unit 30E, a non-contact operation acceptance unit 40, and a display unit 50. The non-contact operation acceptance unit 40 and the display unit 50 are connected to the transmission control unit 30E.

[0101] The non-contact operation acceptance unit 40 includes, for example, a microphone, an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, a distance measurement laser, or a camera, and an operation determination unit that is an electronic circuit or a computing device.

[0102] The non-contact operation acceptance unit 40 accepts an operation to turn on / off the ultrasonic wave transmission control in the transmission control unit 30E in a non-contact manner, and outputs the operation to the transmission control unit 30E. The transmission control unit 30E performs transmission control based on the content accepted by the non-contact operation acceptance unit 40. Specifically, for example, the following process is performed.

[0103] (When a microphone is used) The microphone inputs voice from the surgeon 80 or the like and outputs it to the operation determination unit. The operation determination unit determines the operation content from the input voice.

[0104] (When forming (turning on) a shield curtain) The operation determination unit pre-stores a word (for example, "shield on") related to forming (turning on) a shield curtain, and when it detects this word (a trigger to activate the shield curtain), it outputs an instruction to start transmitting ultrasonic waves to the transmission control unit 30E. When the transmission control unit 30E receives the instruction to start transmitting ultrasonic waves, it controls the start of transmission of the multiple ultrasonic elements 201-208 so as to form a predetermined shield curtain.

[0105] (When canceling (turning off) the shield curtain) The operation determination unit pre-stores a word (for example, "shield off") related to canceling (turning off) the shield curtain, and when it detects this word (a trigger to cancel the shield curtain), it outputs an instruction to stop transmitting ultrasonic waves to the transmission control unit 30E. When the transmission control unit 30E receives the instruction to stop transmitting ultrasonic waves, it controls the multiple ultrasonic elements 201-208 to stop transmission so as to cancel the shield curtain that is being formed.

[0106] (When an ultrasonic sensor is used) The ultrasonic sensor for operation determination is provided separately from the ultrasonic element for forming the shield curtain (for transmitting ultrasonic waves). Specifically, the non-contact operation reception unit 40 includes an ultrasonic element that transmits ultrasonic waves for object detection and receives the reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves reflected by the object, separate from the ultrasonic element for forming the shield curtain. The ultrasonic sensor for operation determination faces a predetermined direction, such as the direction of the surgeon 80, and detects the actions of the surgeon 80 related to transmission control.

[0107] The ultrasonic sensor for operation determination detects a gesture (for example, the presence or absence of the surgeon's 80's hand) and outputs the result to the operation determination unit, which determines the operation content from the detection result.

[0108] (When forming (turning on) a shield curtain) The operation determination unit stores in advance a detection pattern related to forming (turning on) a shield curtain (for example, a pattern in which "a state in which a hand is not in a predetermined position and a state in which a hand is in the predetermined position are changed a predetermined number of times"), and when it detects this detection pattern (a trigger to activate the shield curtain), it outputs an instruction to start transmitting ultrasonic waves to the transmission control unit 30E. When the transmission control unit 30E receives the instruction to start transmitting ultrasonic waves, it controls the start of transmission of the multiple ultrasonic elements 201-208 so as to form a predetermined shield curtain.

[0109] (When canceling (turning off) the shield curtain) The operation determination unit stores in advance a detection pattern for canceling (turning off) the shield curtain (for example, "a pattern in which a change between a state in which the hand is not in a predetermined position and a state in which the hand is in the predetermined position is repeated a predetermined number of times, which is different from the detection pattern for on"), and when it detects this detection pattern (a trigger to cancel the shield curtain), it outputs an instruction to stop transmitting ultrasonic waves to the transmission control unit 30E. When the transmission control unit 30E receives the instruction to stop transmitting ultrasonic waves, it controls the multiple ultrasonic elements 201-208 to stop transmitting so as to cancel the shield curtain that is being formed.

[0110] The same detection pattern may be used when the shield curtain is formed and when it is released. For example, when the non-contact operation acceptance unit 40 and the transmission control unit 30E determine this detection pattern when the shield curtain is not formed, they form the shield curtain. On the other hand, when the non-contact operation acceptance unit 40 and the transmission control unit 30E determine this detection pattern when the shield curtain is formed, they release the shield curtain.

[0111] Furthermore, when an infrared sensor or a distance measuring laser is used, the same processing as when an ultrasonic sensor for determining operation is used can be performed, and when a camera is used, the detection pattern can be determined by performing image processing.

[0112] With this configuration, the ultrasonic control device 10E can control the on / off of the shield curtain, and does not need to be constantly on. Therefore, the amount of heat generated by the ultrasonic control device 10E can be reduced, the life of the ultrasonic elements can be extended, and energy savings can be achieved for the ultrasonic control device 10E.

[0113] Furthermore, since the operation can be detected without contact, the ultrasound control device 10E can prevent the hands of the operator such as the surgeon 80 from becoming contaminated, and can realize proper operation input in a clean environment.

[0114] The display unit 50 is configured by, for example, an LED, etc. The display unit 50 receives an input from the transmission control unit 30E indicating whether the shield curtain is in a formed state or a non-formed state (released state).

[0115] The display unit 50 displays the state of the shield curtain (plurality of ultrasonic energy concentration points). For example, the display unit 50 displays differently depending on whether the shield curtain is in a formed state or not. For example, the display unit 50 lights up when the shield curtain is in a formed state and turns off when the shield curtain is not in a formed state.

[0116] By providing such a display unit 50, the surgeon 80 or the like can easily visually check the state of the shield curtain, which cannot be directly checked visually.

[0117] The ultrasound control device 10E may be provided with a speaker or the like that provides auditory notification instead of the display unit 50 that provides visual notification. The display unit 50 is not limited to a simple on / off device, and may also display text data such as "Shield curtain forming" or "Shield curtain released."

[0118] (Operation Control Method) FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of an ultrasound control method (method for protecting a protection target area) according to the sixth embodiment.

[0119] When the main power supply of the ultrasound control device 10E is turned on (S101), the non-contact operation acceptance unit 40 is activated (S102).

[0120] When the non-contact operation accepting unit 40 detects an activation trigger for the shield curtain (S103: YES), the transmission control unit 30E forms the shield curtain (S104). Note that, if the non-contact operation accepting unit 40 has not detected an activation trigger for the shield curtain (S103: NO), the transmission control unit 30E waits for the detection of the activation trigger.

[0121] When the shield curtain is formed, the display unit 50 displays "Shield Curtain On" (S105).

[0122] When the non-contact operation accepting unit 40 detects a release trigger for the shield curtain while the shield curtain is formed (S106: YES), the transmission control unit 30E releases the shield curtain (S107). If the non-contact operation accepting unit 40 has not detected a release trigger for the shield curtain (S106: NO), the transmission control unit 30E waits for the detection of an activation trigger, and maintains the formation of the shield curtain.

[0123] When the shield curtain is released, the display unit 50 displays that the shield curtain is off (S108).

[0124] The ultrasound control device 10E continues the above process until an off trigger for the main power supply is detected (S109: NO). When the off trigger for the main power supply is detected, the ultrasound control device 10E turns off the main power supply (S110).

[0125] [Seventh embodiment] A particle shield curtain forming system including an ultrasonic control device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 16 is a functional block diagram of an ultrasonic control device and a configuration diagram of a particle shield curtain forming system according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0126] The particle shield curtain forming system 1F according to the seventh embodiment differs from the particle shield curtain forming system 1 according to the first embodiment in the configuration of an ultrasonic control device 10F.

[0127] The ultrasound control device 10F differs from the ultrasound control device 10 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a display unit 50, a sensor 60, and an obstacle detection unit 61. The sensor 60 is connected to the obstacle detection unit 61, and the obstacle detection unit 61 is connected to the transmission control unit 30 and the display unit 50.

[0128] The sensor 60 detects obstacles within a predetermined detection range that includes the area where the shield curtain is formed. The sensor 60 is, for example, an ultrasonic sensor for obstacle detection, an infrared camera, a ranging laser, a camera, etc. The detection range of the sensor 60 includes the area where the shield curtain is formed and the area between the area where the shield curtain is formed and the ultrasonic transmitter 20. The sensor 60 outputs detection data to the obstacle detection unit 61.

[0129] The obstacle detection unit 61 detects obstacles that hinder the formation of a shield curtain (plural ultrasonic energy concentration points) based on the detection data of the sensor 60 .

[0130] Specifically, the obstacle detection unit 61 acquires the position coordinates of the shield curtain in three-dimensional coordinates based on the ultrasonic transmitter 20 from the transmission control unit 30. The obstacle detection unit 61 also detects an object from the detection data of the sensor 60. At this time, the obstacle detection unit 61 detects the position coordinates of the object in three-dimensional coordinates based on the ultrasonic transmitter 20.

[0131] If an object is within the area where the shield curtain is formed, or within the area between the area where the shield curtain is formed and the ultrasonic transmitter 20, the obstacle detection unit 61 detects the object as an obstacle.

[0132] When the obstacle detection unit 61 detects an obstacle, it outputs the detection result to the display unit 50. The display unit 50 notifies the user of the presence or absence of an obstacle. In this case, the display unit 50 can also be used as the display unit that displays the state of the shield curtain described above. In this case, the display of the detected obstacle can be made different from the display of the state of the shield curtain.

[0133] This allows the ultrasound control device 10F to alert the surgeon 80 or the like to the possibility of an area where a shield curtain cannot be formed. Therefore, the ultrasound control device 10F can minimize contamination of the clean area by encouraging the surgeon 80 or the like to take action such as removing the obstacle.

[0134] 17 is a flowchart showing an example of an ultrasonic wave control method (method for protecting a protection target area) according to the seventh embodiment. Note that the on / off of the main power supply is the same as in the above-described embodiments, and will not be described here.

[0135] The ultrasonic control device 10F forms a shield curtain (S201).

[0136] The ultrasonic control device 10F detects an object using the sensor 60 and the obstacle detection unit 61 (S202: YES), and if the detected object is an obstacle to the shield curtain (S203: YES), notifies the presence of the obstacle using the display unit 50 (S204). If the ultrasonic control device 10F has not detected an object (S202: NO) or if the detected object is not an obstacle (S203: NO), it continues detecting objects and obstacles.

[0137] [Eighth embodiment] A particle shield curtain forming system including an ultrasonic control device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 18 is a functional block diagram of an ultrasonic control device and a configuration diagram of a particle shield curtain forming system according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0138] The particle shield curtain forming system 1G according to the eighth embodiment differs from the particle shield curtain forming system 1F according to the seventh embodiment in a transmission control unit 30G of an ultrasonic control device 10G.

[0139] The transmission control unit 30G receives the position coordinates of the obstacle from the obstacle detection unit 61. The transmission control unit 30G performs transmission control so that the shield curtain (plural ultrasonic energy concentration points) is positioned to avoid the obstacle. More specifically, the transmission control unit 30G performs transmission control such as changing the position, shape, and size of the shield curtain.

[0140] (Vertical Shift) Figures 19(A), 19(B), 19(C), and 19(D) are diagrams showing a case where the vertical position of the shield curtain is changed. Figures 19(A) and 19(B) show the state before the change, and Figures 19(C) and 19(D) show the state after the change. Figures 19(A) and 19(C) are plan views, and Figures 19(B) and 19(D) are side views corresponding to Figures 19(A) and 19(C), respectively.

[0141] 19(A) and 19(B), when the obstacle detection unit 61 determines that an obstacle overlaps the formation area of ​​the shield curtain 100, the transmission control unit 30G shifts the vertical position of the shield curtain 100 upward by a predetermined amount. For example, when the obstacle detection unit 61 detects the upper end position of the obstacle, the transmission control unit 30G can form the shield curtain 100 at a position higher than this upper end. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 19(C) and 19(D), the formation area of ​​the shield curtain 100 does not overlap with the obstacle, and the ultrasonic control device 10G can stably form the shield curtain 100 in a predetermined shape.

[0142] (Shape change (size change)) Figures 20(A), 20(B), 20(C), and 20(D) are diagrams showing a case where the size of the shield curtain is changed. Figures 20(A) and 20(B) show the state before the change, and Figures 20(C) and 20(D) show the state after the change. Figures 20(A) and 20(C) are plan views, and Figures 20(B) and 20(D) are side views corresponding to Figures 20(A) and 20(C), respectively.

[0143] 20(A) and 20(B), when the obstacle detection unit 61 determines that an obstacle overlaps the formation area of ​​the shield curtain 100, the transmission control unit 30G changes the size of the shield curtain 100. For example, when the obstacle detection unit 61 detects the position of the obstacle, the transmission control unit 30G can form the shield curtain 100 so as to not include this position and to overlap the surgical field 90 in a planar view. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 20(C) and 20(D), the formation area of ​​the shield curtain 100 does not overlap the obstacle, and the ultrasound control device 10G can stably form the shield curtain 100 in a predetermined shape.

[0144] Although Figures 20(A), 20(B), 20(C), and 20(D) show cases where the outer shapes before and after the change are similar, the shapes before and after the change may be different.

[0145] (Horizontal Shift) Figures 21(A), 21(B), 21(C), and 21(D) are diagrams showing a case where the horizontal position of the shield curtain is changed. Figures 21(A) and 21(B) show the state before the change, and Figures 21(C) and 21(D) show the state after the change. Figures 21(A) and 21(C) are plan views, and Figures 21(B) and 21(D) are side views corresponding to Figures 21(A) and 21(C), respectively.

[0146] 21(A) and 21(B), when the obstacle detection unit 61 determines that an obstacle overlaps the formation area of ​​the shield curtain 100, the transmission control unit 30G shifts the horizontal position of the shield curtain 100 by a predetermined amount. For example, when the obstacle detection unit 61 detects the position of the obstacle, the transmission control unit 30G can form the shield curtain 100 so as not to include this position. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 21(C) and 21(D), the formation area of ​​the shield curtain 100 and the obstacle do not overlap, and the ultrasonic control device 10G can stably form the shield curtain 100 in a predetermined shape.

[0147] (Method for changing the shield curtain based on an obstacle) Fig. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of an ultrasonic wave control method (method for protecting the protection target area) according to the eighth embodiment. Note that the on / off of the main power supply is the same as in the above-described embodiments, and will not be described here.

[0148] The ultrasonic control device 10G forms a shield curtain (S301).

[0149] The ultrasonic control device 10G detects an object using the sensor 60 and the obstacle detection unit 61 (S302: YES), and if the detected object is an obstacle to the shield curtain (S303: YES), notifies the presence of the obstacle using the display unit 50 (S304). If the ultrasonic control device 10F has not detected an object (S302: NO) or if the detected object is not an obstacle (S303: NO), it continues detecting objects and obstacles.

[0150] When the transmission control unit 30G receives information about the presence of an obstacle from the obstacle detection unit 61, it performs transmission control by optimizing the position and shape of the shield curtain so that the shield curtain is positioned to avoid the obstacle (S305).

[0151] [Ninth embodiment] A particle shield curtain forming system including an ultrasonic control device according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 23 is a functional block diagram of an ultrasonic control device and a configuration diagram of a particle shield curtain forming system according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 24(A) is a plan view showing an example of an arrangement of a particle shield curtain forming system according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 24(B) is a side view thereof. Fig. 24(C) is an enlarged view showing a part of Fig. 24(B).

[0152] The particle shield curtain forming system 1H according to the ninth embodiment differs from the particle shield curtain forming system 1 according to the first embodiment in an ultrasonic control device 10H.

[0153] The ultrasonic control device 10H differs from the ultrasonic control device 10 in that it includes an ultrasonic transmitter 20HA1, a transmission control unit 30H, a camera 63, a protection target area detection unit 64, and a shield curtain setting unit 65.

[0154] The ultrasonic transmitter 20HA1 has a configuration similar to that of the ultrasonic transmitter 20A1 (see FIG. 6A) shown in the first embodiment. The ultrasonic transmitter 20HA1 is disposed in a position where it can form a shield curtain 100 in the direction of the surgical field 90.

[0155] The camera 63 is placed at a position a predetermined distance away from the surgical field 90 in the horizontal direction, and captures an image of a range including the surgical field 90. The camera 63 outputs the captured image to the protection target area detection unit 64.

[0156] The protection target area detection unit 64 is configured by a processing unit capable of realizing image processing, etc. The protection target area detection unit 64 performs image analysis on the captured image to detect the protection target area.

[0157] More specifically, the protection target area detection unit 64 extracts a two-dimensional image from a three-dimensional image. In other words, the protection target area detection unit 64 removes depth information from the three-dimensional image to form a planar image.

[0158] The protection target area detection unit 64 detects feature points in the two-dimensional image and determines the surgical field 90. Specifically, the protection target area detection unit 64 determines the surgical field 90 by using a segmentation method such as U-Net on the two-dimensional image. An object detection method such as YOLO can also be used as a determination method.

[0159] The protection target area detection unit 64 compares the planar coordinates of the surgical field 90 with the three-dimensional image and acquires depth information of the surgical field 90. The protection target area detection unit 64 calculates the imaging angle θ (see FIG. 24C ) from the depth information and the installation position of the camera 63.

[0160] The protection target area detection unit 64 outputs the planar coordinates of the surgical field 90 and the imaging angle θ to the shield curtain setting unit 65 .

[0161] The shield curtain setting unit 65 sets the arrangement of the shield curtain 100 (plural ultrasonic energy concentration points) based on the surgical field 90 (protection target area) detected by the protection target area detection unit 64. The shield curtain setting unit 65 corresponds to the "ultrasonic energy concentration point setting unit" of the present invention.

[0162] More specifically, the shield curtain setting unit 65 stores a conversion formula for converting each position coordinate in the coordinate system based on the camera 63 from a coordinate system based on the ultrasonic transmitter 20HA1 and a coordinate system based on the camera 63 to a coordinate system based on the ultrasonic transmitter 20HA1.

[0163] The shield curtain setting unit 65 sets the shape and position of the shield curtain 100 that covers the surgical field 90 based on the planar coordinates of the surgical field 90 from the protection target area detection unit 64 and the imaging angle θ of the camera 63. The shield curtain setting unit 65 outputs the set shape and position of the shield curtain 100 to the transmission control unit 30H.

[0164] The transmission control unit 30H controls transmission of the multiple ultrasonic elements 200 of the ultrasonic transmitter 20HA1 based on the arrangement (shape and position) of the shield curtain set by the shield curtain setting unit 65.

[0165] With this configuration, the ultrasonic control device 10H can reduce the effort required to create the shield curtain 100. The ultrasonic control device 10H can avoid setting errors made by humans when creating the shield curtain 100. When the optimal shape of the shield curtain 100 is updated, the ultrasonic control device 10H can realize the formation of the shield curtain 100 based on the latest research results by setting the device, rather than by educating humans.

[0166] In the above-described embodiment, the ultrasonic elements 200 and the camera 63 are arranged at completely different spatial positions. However, the positional relationship between the ultrasonic elements 200 and the camera 63 is not limited to this, and the following embodiment may also be used, for example.

[0167] 8A is used, the camera 63 is placed in the cavity 2901. The geometric center position of the multiple ultrasonic elements 200 of the ultrasonic transmitter 20B1 and the imaging axis of the camera 63 are aligned.

[0168] With this configuration, the reference point of the coordinate system based on the camera 63 coincides with the reference point of the coordinate system based on the geometric center of the arrangement of the multiple ultrasonic elements 200. Therefore, setting of the shield curtain becomes easy.

[0169] (Method for automatically detecting the surgical field and automatically forming a shield curtain) Fig. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of an ultrasound control method (method for protecting the area to be protected) according to the ninth embodiment. Note that the on / off of the main power supply is the same as in the above-described embodiments, and will not be described here.

[0170] The camera 63 captures an image of an area including the surgical field 90 (S401). The protection target area detection unit 64 performs image analysis of the captured image (S402) and detects the surgical field 90 (protection target area) (S403). The protection target area detection unit 64 repeats the image analysis until the surgical field 90 (protection target area) is detected (S403: NO).

[0171] When the protection target area detection unit 64 detects the operative field 90 (protection target area) (S403: YES), it sets the coordinates of the operative field 90 (protection target area) (S404).

[0172] The shield curtain setting unit 65 sets the shape and position of the shield curtain 100 based on the coordinates of the set surgical field 90 (region to be protected) (S405).

[0173] The transmission control unit 30H performs transmission control so as to form the shield curtain 100 based on the shape and position of the shield curtain 100 set by the shield curtain setting unit 65 (S406).

[0174] [Tenth embodiment] A particle shield curtain forming system including an ultrasonic control device according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 26 is a functional block diagram of an ultrasonic control device and a configuration diagram of a particle shield curtain forming system according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0175] The particle shield curtain forming system 1I according to the tenth embodiment differs from the particle shield curtain forming system 1 according to the first embodiment in an ultrasonic control device 10I.

[0176] The ultrasound control device 10I differs from the ultrasound control device 10 in that it includes an ultrasound transmitter 20IA1, a transmission control unit 30I, a camera 63, a shield curtain setting unit 65, and a worker's body part detection unit 66.

[0177] The ultrasonic transmitter 20IA1 has a configuration similar to that of the ultrasonic transmitter 20A1 (see FIG. 6A) shown in the first embodiment. The ultrasonic transmitter 20IA1 is disposed at a position where it can form a shield curtain 100 in the direction of the surgical field 90.

[0178] The camera 63 is placed at a predetermined distance horizontally from the surgical field 90 and the surgeon 80 (operator), and captures an image of the surgical field 90 and an area including at least a portion of the surgical field 90 side of the surgeon 80. The camera 63 outputs the captured image to the operator part detection unit 66.

[0179] The worker part detection unit 66 is configured with a processing device capable of performing image processing, etc. The worker part detection unit 66 performs image analysis on the captured image to detect the area to be protected. The method for detecting the operative field 90 by the worker part detection unit 66 is the same as that of the protection target area detection unit 64 described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0180] Furthermore, the operator part detection unit 66 performs image analysis on the captured image to detect the presence or absence of the part of the surgeon 80 (operator) within the shield curtain 100 (a shape formed by a plurality of ultrasonic energy concentration points). More specifically, the operator part detection unit 66 performs the same processing as the above-described protection target area detection unit 64, and in addition, detects the part of the surgeon 80 by using, for example, a skeletal estimation method such as HRNet that acquires posture information of the surgeon 80.

[0181] The operator's part detection unit 66 outputs the detected surgical field 90 and the presence or absence of the surgeon's 80 part to the shield curtain setting unit 65 .

[0182] It is also possible for one of the ultrasonic elements 200 constituting the ultrasonic transmitter 20IA1 to serve as the operator's body part detection unit 66. In this case, the ultrasonic element 200 constituting the operator's body part detection unit 66 transmits ultrasonic waves for detecting the operator's body part at predetermined intervals and receives the reflected waves. If the operator's body part detection unit 66 receives reflected waves, it can detect the presence of the surgeon's 80's body part (operator's body part), and if it does not receive reflected waves, it can detect the absence of the surgeon's 80's body part (operator's body part).

[0183] The shield curtain setting unit 65 sets the placement of the shield curtain 100 (plural ultrasonic energy concentration points) based on the operative field 90 (area to be protected) detected by the operator part detection unit 66 and the presence or absence of the part of the surgeon 80. More specifically, the shield curtain setting unit 65 sets the shape and position of the shield curtain 100 using the area of ​​the operative field 90 and the position of the part of the surgeon 80 so that the part of the surgeon 80 does not enter the shield curtain 100. The shield curtain setting unit 65 outputs the set shape and position of the shield curtain 100 to the transmission control unit 30I.

[0184] The transmission control unit 30I controls transmission from the multiple ultrasonic elements 200 of the ultrasonic transmitter 20HA1 based on the arrangement (shape and position) of the shield curtain set by the shield curtain setting unit 65.

[0185] With this configuration, the ultrasound control device 10I can properly adjust the shield curtain 100 so that the ultrasound forming the shield curtain 100 does not strike a part (hand, etc.) of the surgeon 80 and the shield curtain 100 covers the surgical field 90. As a result, the ultrasound control device 10I can form the shield curtain 100 so as to protect the surgical field 90 and to prevent the ultrasonic vibrations from adversely affecting (causing discomfort) the hands of the surgeon 80 performing precise surgical work.

[0186] Note that such adjustment of the shape of the shield curtain 100 is not limited to one time. That is, the ultrasound control device 10I continuously detects movement of the surgeon 80's body part, and when the ultrasound control device 10I detects the surgeon 80's body part in the default shield curtain 100 (a state in which the surgeon 80's body part is not taken into consideration, and only the protection of the surgical field 90 is taken into consideration), it adjusts the shield curtain 100 so as to avoid the surgeon 80's body part. Thereafter, when the surgeon 80's body part moves and is no longer detected, the ultrasound control device 10I may return the shield curtain 100 to the default shape.

[0187] For example, the shape of the shield curtain changes as shown in Figures 27(A) and 27(B) , where Figure 27(A) is a diagram showing an example of the default shield curtain shape, and Figure 27(B) is a diagram showing an example of the shape of the shield curtain formed in consideration of the surgeon's body parts (hands, arms).

[0188] As shown in Fig. 27(A), the default shield curtain 100B is hemispherical and covers the surgical field 90. On the other hand, when the region of the surgeon 80 is detected, the shape becomes like a shield curtain 100X6, in which a part of the hemispherical shield curtain 100B on the surgeon 80 side is missing so as not to include the region of the surgeon 80, as shown in Fig. 27(B).

[0189] (Method for automatically detecting the surgical field, detecting the presence or absence of the operator's body part, and automatically forming a shield curtain) Fig. 28 is a flowchart showing an example of an ultrasound control method (method for protecting the protection target area) according to the tenth embodiment. Note that the on / off of the main power supply is the same as in the above-described embodiments, and will not be described here.

[0190] The transmission control unit 30I forms the shield curtain 100 in the above-described default state (S501).

[0191] If the camera 63 and the worker part detection unit 66 detect the worker's part (such as the surgeon's 80's hand) (S502: YES) and detect that the worker's part is inside the shield curtain 100 (S503: YES), the shield curtain setting unit 65 adjusts the shield curtain 100 so that the worker's part does not enter the shield curtain 100 (S504).

[0192] If the worker's body part is not detected (S502: NO) and the worker's body part is not inside the shield curtain 100, the transmission control unit 30I maintains the shape of the shield curtain 100 at that time.

[0193] [Eleventh embodiment] A particle shield curtain forming system including an ultrasonic control device according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 29 is a functional block diagram of an ultrasonic control device and a configuration diagram of a particle shield curtain forming system according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0194] The particle shield curtain forming system 1J according to the eleventh embodiment differs from the particle shield curtain forming system 1 according to the first embodiment in an ultrasonic control device 10J.

[0195] The ultrasound control device 10J differs from the ultrasound control device 10 in that it includes a transmission control unit 30J and a surrounding environment detection unit 67.

[0196] The surrounding environment detection unit 67 detects the cleanliness of the surroundings of the surgical field 90, which is the area to be protected. The surrounding environment detection unit 67 is, for example, a particle counter or the like placed around the surgical field 90. The surrounding environment detection unit 67 outputs the detected cleanliness to the transmission control unit 30J.

[0197] The transmission control unit 30J controls transmission based on the cleanliness level. More specifically, if the cleanliness level is low, the transmission control unit 30J sets the ultrasonic energy to a higher level. If the cleanliness level increases from a low level, the transmission control unit 30J sets the ultrasonic energy to return to a low level.

[0198] This allows the ultrasound control device 10J to adjust the strength of the shield curtain 100 depending on the cleanliness of the surrounding area of ​​the surgical field 90 (area to be protected). Specifically, if the cleanliness of the surrounding area is low, the ultrasound control device 10J increases the particle shielding ability of the shield curtain 100, and if the cleanliness of the surrounding area is high, the ultrasound control device 10J can prevent the particle shielding concentration of the shield curtain 100 from becoming higher than necessary. Therefore, when the cleanliness of the surrounding area is low, the ultrasound control device 10J can more effectively prevent the intrusion of particles into the surgical field 90, and when the cleanliness of the surrounding area is high, the ultrasound control device 10J can reduce the load on the ultrasonic element 200 that generates the shield curtain 100, leading to an extension of its lifespan.

[0199] In the above-described configuration, the surrounding environment detection unit 67 directly detects the cleanliness of the surroundings. However, the surrounding environment detection unit 67 may detect parameters of the surrounding environment and estimate the cleanliness. In this case, the surrounding environment detection unit 67 detects, for example, the movement of objects around the surgical field 90 (protection target area) and estimates the cleanliness based on the speed at which the objects move, the number of moving objects, etc. Specifically, the surrounding environment detection unit 67 estimates the cleanliness to be low when objects moving around the periphery are fast or when there are many moving objects, and estimates the cleanliness to be high when there are no moving objects around.

[0200] (Method for automatically adjusting a shield curtain based on the cleanliness of the periphery of the surgical field) Fig. 30 is a flowchart showing an example of an ultrasound control method (method for protecting a protection target area) according to the 11th embodiment. Note that the on / off of the main power supply is the same as in the above-described embodiments, and will not be described here.

[0201] The transmission control unit 30J forms the shield curtain 100 in the above-described default state (S601).

[0202] If the surrounding environment detection unit 67 detects a decrease in the cleanliness level (S602: YES), the transmission control unit 30J increases the strength of the shield curtain 100 (S603). If the surrounding environment detection unit 67 does not detect a decrease in the cleanliness level (S602: NO), the transmission control unit 30J maintains the default state of the shield curtain 100.

[0203] If the surrounding environment detection unit 67 detects an improvement in the cleanliness level after the deterioration of the cleanliness level (YES in S604), the transmission control unit 30J returns the shield curtain 100 to the default state. However, if the surrounding environment detection unit 67 does not detect an improvement in the cleanliness level (NO in S604), the transmission control unit 30J maintains the shield curtain 100 in a state where the strength is increased.

[0204] [Twelfth embodiment] A particle shield curtain forming system including an ultrasonic control device according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 31 is a functional block diagram of an ultrasonic control device according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention and a configuration diagram of a particle shield curtain forming system. Fig. 32 is a diagram showing an example of a display image by the ultrasonic control device according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

[0205] The particle shield curtain forming system 1K according to the twelfth embodiment differs from the particle shield curtain forming system 1 according to the first embodiment in an ultrasonic control device 10K.

[0206] The ultrasound control device 10K differs from the ultrasound control device 10 in that it includes a transmission control unit 30K, a camera 63, a display image forming unit 51, and a display unit 50K.

[0207] The camera 63 captures an image of a range including the surgical field 90 (region to be protected) and outputs the captured image to the display image forming unit 51 .

[0208] The display image forming unit 51 acquires from the transmission control unit 30K the shape and position of the shield curtain 100. The display image forming unit 51 forms a display image by superimposing the shape of the shield curtain 100 on the captured image.

[0209] More specifically, the display image forming unit 51 stores in advance the relationship between the coordinate system of the image of the camera 63 and the coordinate system that forms the shield curtain 100. The display image forming unit 51 calibrates these coordinate systems to superimpose the shape of the shield curtain 100 on the captured image.

[0210] The display image forming unit 51 outputs a display image to the display unit 50K.

[0211] The display unit 50K is a device capable of displaying an image, such as an LCD. The display unit 50K outputs (displays) a display image. As a result, the display unit 50K provides a display screen 500 such as that shown in FIG. 32 to the surgeon 80 or the like.

[0212] With this configuration, the ultrasonic control device 10K can visually recognize the shield curtain 100, which is not directly visible, through the display screen 500.

[0213] [Thirteenth embodiment] A particle shield curtain forming system including an ultrasonic control device according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 33 is a functional block diagram of an ultrasonic control device according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention and a configuration diagram of a particle shield curtain forming system. Fig. 34 is a diagram showing an example of a display image by the ultrasonic control device according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0214] The particle shield curtain forming system 1L according to the thirteenth embodiment differs from the particle shield curtain forming system 1K according to the twelfth embodiment in an ultrasonic control device 10L.

[0215] The ultrasound control device 10L differs from the ultrasound control device 10K in that it includes a transmission control unit 30L, an operation reception unit 40L, a camera 63, a display image formation unit 51L, and a display unit 50L.

[0216] The camera 63 captures an image of an area including the surgical field 90 (region to be protected) and outputs the captured image to the display image forming unit 51L. The display image forming unit 51L forms a display image by superimposing the shape of the shield curtain 100 on the captured image using processing similar to that of the display image forming unit 51 in the above-described embodiment, and outputs the display image to the display unit 50L.

[0217] The display unit 50L displays a display screen 500L, similar to the display unit 50K. At this time, the display unit 50L displays setting support information 501 and 502 on the display screen 500L.

[0218] The setting support information 501 and 502 is information that supports setting the position and shape of the shield curtain 100. For example, in the case of Fig. 34 , the setting support information 501 is information that supports setting the position of the shield curtain 100. The setting support information 502 is information that supports setting the shape of the shield curtain 100.

[0219] The operation reception unit 40L receives an adjustment operation for the shield curtain 100 (the shape and position formed by a plurality of ultrasonic energy concentration points) in a non-contact manner using a microphone or the like, and outputs the operation to the transmission control unit 30L.

[0220] The transmission control unit 30L performs transmission control so as to realize the shield curtain 100 set by the operation reception unit 40L.

[0221] Furthermore, the transmission control unit 30L outputs the set shape and position of the shield curtain 100 to the display image forming unit 51L. The display image forming unit 51L superimposes the newly set shape of the shield curtain 100 (the adjusted shape of the shield curtain 100) on the captured image to update the display image. The display unit 50L displays the updated display image.

[0222] With this configuration, the surgeon 80 can visually confirm the shield curtain 100 that has been set, and further, even if an adjustment is made, the surgeon 80 can visually confirm the shield curtain 100 after the adjustment.

[0223] Furthermore, the display of setting support information allows the surgeon 80 to easily adjust the shield curtain 100 .

[0224] In this embodiment, the operation input is performed without contact. However, in a situation where high cleanliness management is not required, such as before surgery, the ultrasound control device 10L may have the display unit 50L configured as a touch panel, and settings may be accepted by touching the setting support information 501 and 502.

[0225] The configurations of the above-described embodiments can be combined as appropriate, and effects according to each combination can be achieved.

[0226] <1> An ultrasonic control device comprising: a plurality of ultrasonic elements; and a transmission control unit that controls transmission of the plurality of ultrasonic elements, wherein the transmission control unit controls the transmission so that a plurality of ultrasonic waves transmitted by the plurality of ultrasonic elements form a plurality of ultrasonic energy concentration points in a predetermined arrangement that cover a region to be protected.

[0227] <2> The ultrasonic control device of <1>, wherein the plurality of ultrasonic elements are arranged linearly or two-dimensionally.

[0228] <3> The ultrasonic control device according to <1> or <2>, wherein the plurality of ultrasonic elements are mounted on one or more circuit boards.

[0229] <4> The ultrasonic control device according to <3>, wherein the circuit board has a cavity or a notch penetrating therethrough in a thickness direction.

[0230] <5> The ultrasound control device according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein the transmission control unit performs the transmission control by an amplitude modulation method or a space-time modulation method.

[0231] <6> The ultrasonic control device according to any one of <1> to <5>, wherein the main direction of the plurality of ultrasonic waves transmitted by each of the plurality of ultrasonic elements is perpendicular to the vertical direction, substantially vertically upward, or substantially vertically downward.

[0232] <7> The ultrasonic control device according to any one of <1> to <6>, wherein the shape formed by the plurality of ultrasonic energy concentration points is a substantially rectangular plane, a substantially circular plane, a substantially elliptical plane, a substantially hemispherical shape, a substantially cylindrical shape, or a substantially conical shape.

[0233] <8> The ultrasonic control device of <3>, wherein the circuit board has a first surface and a second surface parallel to each other, the plurality of ultrasonic elements includes a first plurality of ultrasonic elements and a second plurality of ultrasonic elements, the first plurality of ultrasonic elements are mounted on the first surface, and the second plurality of ultrasonic elements are mounted on the second surface, and an ultrasonic wave transmission area of ​​the first plurality of ultrasonic elements is on the first surface side, and a transmission area of ​​the second plurality of ultrasonic elements is on the second surface side.

[0234] <9> The ultrasound control device according to any one of <1> to <8>, further comprising a non-contact operation receiving unit that receives an operation to turn on / off the transmission control in the transmission control unit in a non-contact manner.

[0235] <10> The ultrasonic control device according to any one of <1> to <9>, further comprising a display unit that displays the state of the plurality of ultrasonic energy concentration points.

[0236] <11> The ultrasonic control device according to any one of <1> to <10>, comprising: an obstacle detection unit that detects an obstacle that hinders the formation of the plurality of ultrasonic energy concentration points; and a notification unit that notifies the presence or absence of the obstacle.

[0237] <12> The ultrasonic control device according to <11>, wherein the transmission control unit performs the transmission control so that the plurality of ultrasonic energy concentration points are arranged to avoid the obstacle.

[0238] <13> An ultrasonic control device according to any one of <1> to <12>, comprising: a protection target area detection unit that detects the protection target area; and an ultrasonic energy concentration point setting unit that sets the arrangement of the plurality of ultrasonic energy concentration points based on the protection target area detected by the protection target area detection unit, wherein the transmission control unit performs the transmission control based on the arrangement of the plurality of ultrasonic energy concentration points set by the ultrasonic energy concentration point setting unit.

[0239] <14> An ultrasonic control device according to any one of <1> to <13>, comprising: a worker part detection unit that detects whether or not there is a part of a worker within a shape formed by the plurality of ultrasonic energy concentration points; and an ultrasonic energy concentration point setting unit that sets the arrangement of the plurality of ultrasonic energy concentration points based on the presence or absence of a part of a worker within the shape formed by the plurality of ultrasonic energy concentration points, wherein the transmission control unit performs the transmission control based on the arrangement of the plurality of ultrasonic energy concentration points set by the ultrasonic energy concentration point setting unit.

[0240] <15> The ultrasonic control device according to any one of <1> to <14>, further comprising a surrounding environment detection unit that detects a cleanliness level of the surroundings of the protection target area, wherein the transmission control unit performs the transmission control based on the cleanliness level.

[0241] <16> The ultrasound control device of any one of <1> to <15>, comprising: a camera that images the protection target area; a display image forming unit that forms a display image by superimposing shapes formed by the plurality of ultrasound energy concentration points on the captured image based on the shapes and positions formed by the plurality of ultrasound energy concentration points; and a display unit that displays the display image.

[0242] <17> The ultrasound control device of <16>, further comprising an operation receiving unit that receives an adjustment operation for a shape and a position formed by the plurality of ultrasound energy concentration points, wherein the display image forming unit superimposes the adjusted shape formed by the plurality of ultrasound energy concentration points on the image.

[0243] <18> A method for protecting a target area, comprising forming a plurality of ultrasonic energy concentration points in a predetermined arrangement covering the target area by a plurality of ultrasonic waves transmitted from a plurality of ultrasonic elements.

[0244] 1, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1I, 1J, 1K, 1L: particle shield curtain forming system 10, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H, 10I, 10J, 10K, 10L: ultrasonic control device 20, 20A1, 20A2, 20A3, 20B1, 20B2, 20B3, 20C, 20D, 20HA1, 20IA1: ultrasonic transmitter 29: circuit board 29d: bottom surface 29u: top surface 30, 30E, 30G, 30H, 30I, 30J, 30K, 30L: transmission control unit 40: non-contact operation reception unit 40L: operation reception unit 50, 50K, 50L: display unit 51, 51L: display image formation unit 60: sensor 61: obstacle detection unit 63: camera 64: Protection target area detection unit 65: Shield curtain setting unit 66: Operator part detection unit 67: Surrounding environment detection unit 80: Surgeon 90: Surgical field 99: Patient 100, 100A, 100B, 100D, 100X1, 100X2, 100X3, 100X4, 100X5, 100X6, 100X7, 100X8: Shield curtain 100Dd: Lower shield curtain 100Du: Upper shield curtain 180X2, 180X4: Opening 190: Ultrasonic energy concentration point 200, 200d, 200u, 201-208: Ultrasonic elements 281, 282: Connection cable 291, 292, 293: Circuit board 500, 500L: Display screen 501, 502: Setting support information 2901, 2903: Cavity part

Claims

1. A plurality of ultrasonic elements; A transmission control unit that controls transmission of the plurality of ultrasonic elements; Equipped with The transmission control unit The transmission control is performed so that a plurality of ultrasonic energy concentration points are formed in a predetermined arrangement covering a protection target area by a plurality of ultrasonic waves transmitted from the plurality of ultrasonic elements. Ultrasonic control device.

2. The ultrasonic elements are arranged linearly or two-dimensionally. The ultrasonic control device according to claim 1 .

3. The ultrasonic elements are mounted on one or more circuit boards. The ultrasonic control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The circuit board has a hollow portion or a notch portion penetrating in a thickness direction. The ultrasonic control device according to claim 3 .

5. The transmission control unit The transmission control is performed by an amplitude modulation method or a space-time modulation method. The ultrasonic control device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The main directivity direction of the plurality of ultrasonic waves transmitted by each of the plurality of ultrasonic elements is perpendicular to the vertical direction, approximately vertically upward, or approximately vertically downward. The ultrasonic control device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The shape formed by the plurality of ultrasonic energy concentration points is a substantially rectangular plane, a substantially circular plane, a substantially elliptical plane, a substantially hemispherical shape, a substantially cylindrical shape, or a substantially conical shape. The ultrasonic control device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. the circuit board has a first surface and a second surface parallel to each other; The plurality of ultrasonic elements includes a first plurality of ultrasonic elements and a second plurality of ultrasonic elements, the first plurality of ultrasonic elements are mounted on the first surface; the second plurality of ultrasonic elements are mounted on the second surface; The ultrasonic transmission region of the first plurality of ultrasonic elements is on the first surface side, The transmission region of the second plurality of ultrasonic elements is on the second surface side. The ultrasonic control device according to claim 3 .

9. a non-contact operation receiving unit that receives an operation of turning on / off the transmission control in the transmission control unit in a non-contact manner; The ultrasonic control device according to claim 1 or 2.

10. A display unit is provided that displays the state of the plurality of ultrasonic energy focus points. The ultrasonic control device according to claim 1 or 2.

11. an obstacle detection unit that detects an obstacle that impedes the formation of the plurality of ultrasonic energy concentration points; A notification unit that notifies the presence or absence of the obstacle; Equipped with The ultrasonic control device according to claim 1 or 2.

12. The transmission control unit performs the transmission control so that the plurality of ultrasonic energy concentration points are arranged to avoid the obstacle. The ultrasonic control device according to claim 11.

13. a protection target area detection unit that detects the protection target area; an ultrasonic energy concentration point setting unit that sets an arrangement of the plurality of ultrasonic energy concentration points based on the protection target area detected by the protection target area detection unit, The transmission control unit performs the transmission control based on the arrangement of the plurality of ultrasonic energy concentration points set by the ultrasonic energy concentration point setting unit. The ultrasonic control device according to claim 1 or 2.

14. a worker part detection unit that detects the presence or absence of a part of a worker within a shape formed by the plurality of ultrasonic energy concentration points; an ultrasonic energy concentration point setting unit that sets an arrangement of the plurality of ultrasonic energy concentration points based on the presence or absence of a part of the worker within a shape formed by the plurality of ultrasonic energy concentration points; The transmission control unit performs the transmission control based on the arrangement of the plurality of ultrasonic energy concentration points set by the ultrasonic energy concentration point setting unit. The ultrasonic control device according to claim 1 or 2.

15. a surrounding environment detection unit that detects the cleanliness of the surroundings of the area to be protected; The transmission control unit performs the transmission control based on the cleanliness. The ultrasonic control device according to claim 1 or 2.

16. A camera for capturing an image of the area to be protected; a display image forming unit that forms a display image by superimposing the shapes formed by the plurality of ultrasonic energy concentration points on the captured image based on the shapes and positions formed by the plurality of ultrasonic energy concentration points; A display unit that displays the display image; Equipped with The ultrasonic control device according to claim 1 or 2.

17. an operation receiving unit that receives an adjustment operation for adjusting a shape and a position formed by the plurality of ultrasonic energy concentration points; The display image forming unit superimposes a shape formed by the adjusted plurality of ultrasonic energy concentration points on the image. The ultrasonic control device according to claim 16.

18. A method for protecting a target area, comprising: forming a plurality of ultrasonic energy focus points in a predetermined arrangement covering the target area by a plurality of ultrasonic waves transmitted from a plurality of ultrasonic elements.