Focused ultrasound apparatus and non-interference method between ultrasound pulse signals

Abstract

Disclosed are a focused ultrasound apparatus and an interference-free method between ultrasound pulse signals. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a focused ultrasound apparatus prevents a treatment ultrasound pulse signal of a treatment module and a diagnosis ultrasound pulse signal of an image module from interfering with each other in a frequency domain and a time domain.

Description

Interference-free method between focused ultrasound device and ultrasound pulse signal

[0001] The present invention relates to a diagnostic and therapeutic technique using an ultrasound signal, and more particularly, to an image scanning and therapeutic technique using a focused ultrasound (FUS) signal for image-guided therapy.

[0002] Ultrasound can be used to treat biological tissues such as cancer, tumors, and lesions. Ultrasound therapy involves irradiating lesions in the body with ultrasound pulse signals to treat them. Compared to conventional surgery or chemotherapy, ultrasound therapy causes less trauma to the patient and offers non-invasive treatment. Its applications include a variety of conditions, including liver cancer, bone sarcoma, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, kidney cancer, soft tissue tumors, and pelvic tumors.

[0003] According to one embodiment, a focused ultrasound device and a method for preventing interference between ultrasound pulse signals are proposed so that a therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal of a therapeutic module and a diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal of an image module do not interfere with each other.

[0004] According to one embodiment, a focused ultrasound device includes a treatment module that receives parameter information of a therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal (hereinafter referred to as “therapeutic ultrasound parameter”) and generates a therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal according to the received therapeutic ultrasound parameter information, and an imaging module that receives parameter information of a therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal and parameter information of a diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal (hereinafter referred to as “diagnostic ultrasound parameter”), analyzes the received therapeutic ultrasound pulse parameter and diagnostic ultrasound parameter information in a frequency domain, adjusts the diagnostic ultrasound parameter information so that the therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal and the diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal do not interfere with each other, and then generates a diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal according to the adjusted diagnostic ultrasound parameter information.

[0005] The imaging module can shift the diagnostic ultrasound frequency so that the frequency of the therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal (hereinafter referred to as the “therapeutic ultrasound frequency”) and the frequency of the diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal (hereinafter referred to as the “diagnostic ultrasound frequency”) do not overlap each other in the frequency domain, and generate a new diagnostic ultrasound frequency whose frequency has been shifted.

[0006] The new shifted diagnostic ultrasound frequency may be greater than the sum of the therapeutic ultrasound frequency and the diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal bandwidth (hereinafter referred to as “diagnostic ultrasound bandwidth”).

[0007] The imaging module may include a diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal generator that receives diagnostic ultrasound parameter information including center frequency (hereinafter referred to as “diagnostic ultrasound center frequency”) (Fc_img) information of a diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal and diagnostic ultrasound bandwidth (Fc_img BW) information, and therapeutic ultrasound parameter information including center frequency (hereinafter referred to as “therapeutic ultrasound center frequency”) (Fc_fus) information of a therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal, and adjusts the therapeutic ultrasound parameter information to ensure non-interference between the therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal and the diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal using the diagnostic ultrasound parameter information and the therapeutic ultrasound parameter information.

[0008] The diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal generator can generate a new diagnostic ultrasound center frequency (Fc'_img) by shifting the diagnostic ultrasound center frequency (Fc_img) to be greater than the sum of the therapeutic ultrasound center frequency (Fc_fus) and the diagnostic ultrasound bandwidth (Fc_img BW) in the frequency domain.

[0009] The imaging module may include an image processing unit that receives an ultrasound echo signal in a section where the frequency of the therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal and the frequency of the therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal do not overlap to generate a diagnostic image.

[0010] The treatment module obtains timing information for a section in which a treatment ultrasound pulse signal actually occurs in the time domain, and the imaging module receives the timing information from the treatment module and can generate a diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal in a section in which a treatment ultrasound pulse signal does not occur.

[0011] The treatment module may include a signal extraction unit that extracts an activation section of a treatment ultrasound pulse signal generated from each channel of a treatment ultrasound transducer, and a summation unit that performs a logical OR operation on the activation section of the treatment ultrasound pulse signal of each channel to obtain the entire activation section of the treatment ultrasound pulse signal.

[0012] The signal extraction unit may include an attenuator that attenuates a therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal generated from each channel, and an envelope extractor that extracts an envelope of each attenuated therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal.

[0013] The summation unit transmits an image pulse activation signal to the imaging module in a section excluding the entire therapeutic ultrasound activation section, and the imaging module can generate a diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal in a section excluding the entire therapeutic ultrasound activation section according to the image pulse activation signal.

[0014] The focused ultrasound device may further include a comparator that receives a signal extracted through a signal extraction unit and a reference signal as inputs, compares them with each other, and outputs the extracted signal as a logic signal if it is a signal having a value greater than the reference signal, and a reference providing unit that provides the reference signal to the comparator.

[0015] The reference providing unit may be a digital-to-analog converter capable of varying the reference signal value.

[0016] According to another embodiment, a method for non-interference between ultrasound pulse signals using a focused ultrasound device includes a step of receiving, by an imaging module of the focused ultrasound device, therapeutic ultrasound parameter information and diagnostic ultrasound parameter information, a step of analyzing the received therapeutic ultrasound pulse parameter information and diagnostic ultrasound parameter information in a frequency domain to adjust the therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal and the diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal so that they do not interfere with each other, a step of generating a diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal according to the adjusted diagnostic ultrasound parameter information and transmitting the diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal to a tissue, and a step of generating a diagnostic image using an ultrasound echo signal returned from the tissue.

[0017] According to a method for non-interference between a focused ultrasound device and an ultrasound pulse signal according to one embodiment, the device is operated so that the therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal of the treatment module does not interfere with the diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal of the image module in the frequency domain and the time domain, and a diagnostic image can be obtained while performing a treatment operation using the therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal, thereby facilitating a treatment for the user.

[0018] For non-interference between two signals in the time domain, interleaving methods that schedule diagnostic ultrasound output times and therapeutic ultrasound output times require a separate timing controller and are difficult to control. However, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a focused ultrasound device and a method for non-interference between ultrasound pulse signals do not require a separate timing controller, making control simple and economical.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example in which artifacts occur in a diagnostic image due to interference between a diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal and a therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a focused ultrasound device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a focused ultrasonic device for non-interference between two ultrasonic pulse signals in the frequency domain according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example in which interference between a diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal and a therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal is removed by a diagnostic ultrasound frequency shift according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a focused ultrasonic device for interference-free ultrasonic pulse signals in the time domain according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an ultrasonic focusing device for explaining interference-free operation between ultrasonic pulse signals according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 7 is a drawing showing the configuration of a damper according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an envelope extractor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a comparator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating waveforms of signals generated over time by a focused ultrasound device comprising n channels according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating waveforms of signals generated for non-interference between ultrasonic pulse signals of a focused ultrasonic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a flow of a non-interference method between ultrasonic pulse signals in the frequency domain according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a flow of a non-interference method between ultrasonic pulse signals in the time domain according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided only to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the specification.

[0033] In describing embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a known function or configuration may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted. The terms described below are terms defined in consideration of functions in embodiments of the present invention, and these may vary depending on the intention or custom of the user or operator. Therefore, the definitions should be made based on the contents throughout this specification.

[0034] The combination of each block of the attached block diagram and each step of the flowchart may be performed by computer program instructions (execution engine), and these computer program instructions may be installed in a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device, so that the instructions, when executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device, create a means for performing the functions described in each block of the block diagram or each step of the flowchart.

[0035] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-available or computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to implement a function in a particular manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-available or computer-readable memory can also produce an article of manufacture that includes instruction means for performing the function described in each block of the block diagram or each step of the flowchart.

[0036] And since the computer program instructions can also be installed on a computer or other programmable data processing device, a series of operation steps are performed on the computer or other programmable data processing device to create a computer-executable process, so that the instructions that perform the computer or other programmable data processing device can also provide steps for executing the functions described in each block of the block diagram and each step of the flowchart.

[0037] Additionally, it should be noted that each block or step may represent a module, segment, or portion of code that includes one or more executable instructions for performing specific logical functions, and that in some alternative embodiments, the functions mentioned in the blocks or steps may occur out of order. For example, two blocks or steps depicted in succession may in fact be performed substantially concurrently, or the blocks or steps may be performed in the reverse order of their corresponding functions, as desired.

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments of the present invention exemplified below may be modified in various other forms, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. The embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example in which artifacts occur in a diagnostic image due to interference between a diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal and a therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] More specifically, (a) is a diagram illustrating an example in which interference occurs between a diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal and a therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal in the time domain, (b) is a diagram illustrating an example in which interference occurs between a diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal and a therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal in the frequency domain, and (c) is a diagram illustrating an example in which an artifact occurs in a diagnostic image when interference occurs between the two signals.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 1, as shown in (a) and (b), when a diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal (210a) and a therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal (220) are transmitted, interference (231) occurs between the two signals (210a, 220).

[0042] In the time domain of Fig. 1(a), the diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal (210a) is a short pulse signal with a center frequency (Fc_img) of 3.5 MHz (hereinafter referred to as the “diagnostic ultrasound center frequency”), a PRT of 250 us, and a Vpp of 150 V. The therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal (220) is a long pulse signal with a center frequency (Fc_fus) of 1 MHz (hereinafter referred to as the “therapeutic ultrasound center frequency”), a PRT of 1,000 us, a Vpp of 300 V, and an output time of 5 ms. When the diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal (210a) and the therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal (220) are transmitted, it can be confirmed that interference (231) occurs between the two signals (210a, 220) in the time domain.

[0043] Interference (232) also occurs between two signals (210a, 220) in the frequency domain of Fig. 1(b). The diagnostic ultrasound center frequency (Fc_img) is 3.5 MHz, and reference numeral 212 represents the bandwidth of the diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal (210a) (hereinafter referred to as “diagnostic ultrasound bandwidth”).

[0044] The therapeutic ultrasound pulse center frequency (Fc_fus) is 1.0 MHz, and the reference numeral 222 is the bandwidth of the therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal (220) (hereinafter referred to as “therapeutic ultrasound bandwidth”).

[0045] When a diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal (210a) and a therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal (220) are transmitted, it can be confirmed that interference (232) occurs between the two signals (210a, 220) in the frequency domain.

[0046] Due to the interference (231, 232) between the two signals in the time domain and frequency domain, a strong artifact (240) pattern is detected in the diagnostic image as shown in (c). The artifact is an unwanted noise.

[0047] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a focused ultrasound device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 2, the focused ultrasound device (1) includes a treatment module (10), an imaging module (12), an input unit (14), and a storage unit (16).

[0049] According to one embodiment, a focused ultrasound device (1) transmits a therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal to a tissue through a treatment module (10) for treatment. The therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal is a focused ultrasound (FUS) signal. The focused ultrasound device (1) transmits the diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal to the tissue to obtain a diagnostic image. At this time, the focused ultrasound device (1) can perform a treatment operation using the therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal and simultaneously obtain a diagnostic image using the diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal of the imaging module (12).

[0050] The treatment module (10) and the imaging module (12) include a processor. The processor controls the overall operation of each component of the focused ultrasound device (1). The processor can perform operations for at least one application or program for executing methods / operations according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0051] The input unit (14) receives parameters of a therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal (hereinafter referred to as “therapeutic ultrasound parameters”) and parameters of a clinical ultrasound pulse signal (hereinafter referred to as “clinical ultrasound parameters”) through a user manipulation signal. At this time, each parameter may be the output time, frequency, acoustic pressure, intensity, waveform, duty cycle, etc. of the corresponding signal. The frequency information may include center frequency (fc) and bandwidth information.

[0052] The storage unit (16) stores various data, commands, and / or information. The storage unit (16) can load one or more computer programs to execute methods / operations according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. When the computer program is loaded into the storage unit (16), the processor can perform methods / operations according to various embodiments of the present disclosure by executing one or more instructions.

[0053] A focused ultrasound device (1) according to one embodiment is a device for non-interference between a therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal and a diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal in the frequency domain or the time domain. Hereinafter, a configuration and an embodiment for non-interference between two signals in the frequency domain will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 4, and a configuration and an embodiment for non-interference between two signals in the time domain will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 11.

[0054] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a focused ultrasonic device for non-interference between two ultrasonic pulse signals in the frequency domain according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the focused ultrasound device (1) includes a treatment module (10), an imaging module (12), an input unit (14), and a storage unit (16).

[0056] The treatment module (10) includes a treatment ultrasound transducer (100) and a treatment ultrasound pulse generator (102).

[0057] The imaging module (12) includes an image transducer (120), a transmit receive switch (T / R switch) (122), an image ultrasound pulse generator (124), a signal processing unit (126), an image processing unit (128), and a display unit (129).

[0058] The therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal generator (102) receives therapeutic ultrasound parameter information including therapeutic ultrasound center frequency (Fc_fus) information and therapeutic ultrasound bandwidth (Fc_fus BW) from the input unit (14), generates a therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal having the received therapeutic ultrasound center frequency (Fc_fus) and therapeutic ultrasound bandwidth (Fc_fus BW), and transmits the generated therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal to the therapeutic ultrasound transducer (100).

[0059] The therapeutic ultrasound transducer (100) transmits a therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal received from a therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal generator (102) to the tissue. The therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal causes an increase in local tissue temperature through the transmission of ultrasound energy within the tissue. The therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal may be a focused ultrasound signal. The focused ultrasound signal may be high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU).

[0060] The diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal generator (124) receives diagnostic ultrasound parameter information, for example, diagnostic ultrasound center frequency (Fc_img) information and diagnostic ultrasound bandwidth (Fc_img BW) information, from the input unit (14), and receives therapeutic ultrasound parameter information, for example, therapeutic ultrasound center frequency (Fc_fus) information, from the therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal generator (102).

[0061] Next, the diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal generator (124) analyzes the diagnostic ultrasound parameter information and the therapeutic ultrasound parameter information to adjust the clinical ultrasound parameter information to ensure non-interference between the therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal and the diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal. For example, the diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal generator (124) shifts the diagnostic ultrasound center frequency (Fc_img) so that it is greater than the sum of the therapeutic ultrasound center frequency (Fc_fus) and the diagnostic ultrasound bandwidth (Fc_img BW) in the frequency domain, thereby generating a new diagnostic ultrasound center frequency (Fc'_img). That is, Fc'_img > Fc_fus + Fc_img BW.

[0062] The diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal generator (124) generates a diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal having a new diagnostic ultrasound center frequency (Fc'_img) and transmits it to the image transducer (120).

[0063] The image transducer (120) transmits a diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal having a new diagnostic ultrasound center frequency (Fc'_img) into the tissue and receives an ultrasound echo signal reflected from the tissue. The image transducer (120) receives the ultrasound echo signal and transmits it to the transceiver switch (122) until the next diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal is generated.

[0064] The transceiver (122) switches between the transmission mode and reception mode of the imaging module (12), and in the reception mode, it is electrically connected to the image transducer (120) to receive an ultrasonic echo signal.

[0065] The signal processing unit (126) processes the received ultrasonic echo signal. For example, the signal processing unit (126) may include a low noise amplifier (LNA) and an analog to digital converter (ADC). The low noise amplifier receives an ultrasonic echo signal from an image transducer (120) through a transceiver converter (122) and amplifies the received ultrasonic echo signal to a minimum noise level. The A / D converter converts the ultrasonic echo signal output from the low noise amplifier into a digital signal and transmits it to the image processing unit (128). The imaging module (12) outputs a diagnostic image through a display unit (129) after performing image processing through the image processing unit (128).

[0066] The image processing unit (128) can generate a diagnostic image by receiving ultrasound echo signals in a section where the therapeutic ultrasound frequencies do not overlap. To this end, the image processing unit (128) may include a high-pass filter (HPF). The high-pass filter is used to remove or suppress low-frequency components. The high-pass filter can be applied when sharpening the image, thereby preserving the detail of the boundary.

[0067] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example in which interference between a diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal and a therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal is removed by a diagnostic ultrasound frequency shift according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] More specifically, (a) is a diagram illustrating an example of shifting processing a diagnostic ultrasound frequency to eliminate interference between a diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal and a therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal in the time domain, and (b) is a diagram illustrating an example of shifting processing a diagnostic ultrasound frequency to eliminate interference between a diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal and a therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal in the frequency domain.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the signal processing unit (126) shifts the diagnostic ultrasound center frequency (Fc_img) (214a) to be greater than the sum of the therapeutic ultrasound center frequency (Fc_fus) (224) and the diagnostic ultrasound bandwidth (Fc_img BW) (212), thereby generating a new diagnostic ultrasound center frequency (Fc'_img) (214b).

[0070] For example, when the therapeutic ultrasound center frequency (Fc_fus) (224) of the therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal (220) is 1.0 MHz, the diagnostic ultrasound bandwidth (Fc_img BW) (212) is 4 MHz, and the diagnostic ultrasound center frequency (Fc_img) (214a) is 1 MHz, Fc'_img > Fc_fus (1 MHz) + Fc_img BW (4 MHz). Therefore, the new diagnostic ultrasound center frequency (Fc'_img) (214b) of the new diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal (220b) is greater than 5 MHz. For example, the new diagnostic ultrasound center frequency (Fc'_img) (214b) is 5.5 MHz.

[0071] The image processing unit (128) can generate a diagnostic image by receiving an ultrasound echo signal in a frequency domain in which the therapeutic ultrasound frequency and the therapeutic ultrasound frequency do not overlap (234). To this end, the image processing unit (128) can include a high pass filter (HPF).

[0072] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a focused ultrasonic device for interference-free ultrasonic pulse signals in the time domain according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, a focused ultrasound device (1) according to one embodiment analyzes therapeutic ultrasound parameters to prevent a therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal from interfering with a diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal, and at this time, a separate timing controller is unnecessary. To this end, the focused ultrasound device (1) obtains timing information in real time about a section in which a therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal actually occurs through a treatment module (10) and transmits the timing information to an imaging module (12), and the imaging module (12) receives the timing information from the treatment module (10) and generates a diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal sequence in a section in which a therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal does not occur. Accordingly, a separate timing controller is not required, and control is simplified.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 5, the treatment module (10) may include a treatment ultrasound transducer (100), a treatment ultrasound pulse signal generator (102), a signal extraction unit (104), a comparator (108), a reference provision unit (109), and a summation unit (110). The signal extraction unit (104) may include an attenuator (105) and an envelope detector (106).

[0075] The imaging module (12) may include an image transducer (120), a transceiver switch (122), a diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal generator (124), a signal processing unit (126), an image processing unit (128), and a display unit (129).

[0076] The therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal generator (102) generates a therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal using therapeutic ultrasound parameter information and then transmits it to the therapeutic ultrasound transducer (100).

[0077] The therapeutic ultrasound transducer (100) transmits a therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal received from a therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal generator (102) to the tissue, thereby causing an increase in local tissue temperature through ultrasound energy transmission within the tissue. The therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal may be high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU).

[0078] The image transducer (120) transmits a diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal received from a diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal generator (124) into the tissue and receives an ultrasound echo signal reflected from the tissue. The image transducer (120) receives the ultrasound echo signal and transmits it to a transmission / reception converter (122) until the next diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal is generated.

[0079] The focused ultrasound device (1) may have a structure in which an image transducer (120) is positioned in the center and therapeutic ultrasound transducers (100) are arranged in the periphery. However, the structures of the image transducer (120) and the therapeutic ultrasound transducer (100) are not limited to this and can be modified in various ways.

[0080] The signal extraction unit (104) extracts the activation section of the therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal generated from each channel of the therapeutic ultrasound transducer (100). The signal extraction unit (104) may include an attenuator (105) and an envelope extractor (106). The attenuator (105) attenuates the therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal generated from each channel without changing the impedance, and the envelope extractor (106) extracts the envelope of the therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal attenuated through the attenuator (105). The signal extraction unit (104) may be replaced with a low pass filter (LPF).

[0081] The summing unit (110) performs a logical OR operation on the activation sections of the therapeutic ultrasound pulse signals of each channel to obtain the activation section of the entire therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal. The summing unit (110) transmits the image pulse activation signal to the imaging module (12) in a section excluding the entire therapeutic ultrasound activation section, and the imaging module (12) can generate a diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal in a section excluding the entire therapeutic ultrasound activation section according to the image pulse activation signal by the diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal generator (124).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the treatment module (10) may further include a comparator (108) and a reference providing unit (109). The treatment module (10) attenuates a signal without changing impedance using an attenuator (105) in each channel, obtains an activation section of each channel using an envelope extractor (106) and a comparator (108), and obtains an entire therapeutic ultrasound activation section by performing a logical OR operation on the activation sections of all channels through a summing unit (110), and then transmits timing information of the activation section to the imaging module (12). The imaging module (12) generates an image pulse sequence during a section in which the therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal is not activated.

[0083] The comparator (108) receives as input the signal extracted through the signal extraction unit (104) and the reference signal, compares them with each other, and outputs the extracted signal as a logic signal if it is a signal having a value greater than or equal to the reference signal. The reference providing unit (109) provides the reference signal to the comparator (108). For example, a reference value of 0.4 V is provided to the comparator (108), and the comparator (108) outputs a logic signal 1 if the signal extracted through the signal extraction unit (104) is greater than or equal to 0.4 V. The reference providing unit (109) may be a digital-to-analog converter capable of varying the reference signal value.

[0084] An attenuator (105), an envelope extractor (106), a comparator (108), a reference providing unit (109), and a summing unit (110) are formed in the feedback path.

[0085] The transceiver (122) of the imaging module (12) switches between the transmission mode and reception mode of the imaging module (12), and in the reception mode, is electrically connected to the image transducer (120) to receive an ultrasonic echo signal.

[0086] The signal processing unit (126) processes the received ultrasonic echo signal. For example, the signal processing unit (126) may include a low noise amplifier (LNA) and an analog to digital converter (ADC). The low noise amplifier receives the ultrasonic echo signal from the image transducer (120) through the transceiver converter (122) and amplifies the received signal to a minimum noise level. The A / D converter converts the ultrasonic echo signal output from the low noise amplifier into a digital signal and transmits it to the image processing unit (128). The imaging module (12) outputs a diagnostic image through the display unit (129) after performing image processing through the image processing unit (128).

[0087] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an ultrasonic focusing device for explaining interference-free operation between ultrasonic pulse signals according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, when the treatment module (10) has n channels (CH), the signal is attenuated without a change in impedance using attenuators (105-1, 105-2, …, 105-n) in each individual channel (1, 2, …, n), and the activation section of each channel is obtained using envelope extractors (106-1, 106-2, …, 106-n) and comparators (108-1, 108-2, …, 108-n), respectively.

[0089] In Fig. 6, n reference providing units (109-1, 109-2, …, 109-n) are illustrated, but when the reference signal values ​​in each channel are the same, only a single reference providing unit (109) can be used.

[0090] Next, the treatment module (10) performs a logical OR operation on the activation section of the entire channel through the summation unit (110), and then transmits the calculated logical OR value to the imaging module (12). The imaging module (12) executes an image pulse sequence during the section in which the therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal is not activated.

[0091] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing the configuration of a damper according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, since the treatment module (10) constitutes a feedback path for a high voltage signal, an attenuator (105) must be configured to attenuate the level of the signal without affecting the output impedance matching.

[0093] The attenuator (105) can be configured in a T shape as shown in Fig. 7 and has resistance values ​​(R1, R2) that satisfy the formula below.

[0094]

[0095]

[0096] Here, K is 10 α / 20 , and α is the attenuation (dB).

[0097] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an envelope extractor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 8, the envelope extractor (106) includes a detector diode, a capacitor (C), and a resistor (R).

[0099] The envelope extractor (106) is usually used as an input to a communication AM (Amplitude Modulation) demodulator, but here it is used to generate an activation section of a pulse output by inputting an attenuated therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal.

[0100] When passing through the extractor diode, the negative region of the signal is removed, the positive region of the signal is charged to the capacitor (C), and an envelope signal appears on the resistor (R).

[0101] The RC time constant value must be long enough to maintain the envelope signal and satisfy the following equation:

[0102] 1 / Fc << RC << 1 / W

[0103] Here, Fc: carrier frequency, W: maximum modulation frequency (maximum FUS PRF).

[0104] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a comparator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 9, the signal passing through the envelope extractor (106) is an attenuated analog signal of a high voltage pulse, so in order to input the signal for the logical OR operation of the summation unit (110), the analog signal must be converted into a logic signal (TTL, CMOS). When a voltage (Vi) higher than a certain reference voltage (Vref) is input through the comparator (108), a logic 1 (HIGH) signal can be output.

[0106] The comparator (108) can be configured as an OP amp that can output logic 1 when a value greater than the reference voltage (Vref) is input, as shown in FIG. 9, and the reference providing unit (109) can be a DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) so that the reference voltage (Vref) value can be varied.

[0107] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating waveforms of signals generated over time by a focused ultrasound device comprising n channels according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 10, the treatment module (10) extracts an envelope signal from each channel (CH1, CH2, …, CH N) of the treatment ultrasound comprising n channels.

[0109] Next, the treatment module (10) calculates the entire therapeutic ultrasound activation section by performing a logical OR operation on each envelope signal through the summation unit (110), and transmits an image pulse activation signal to the imaging module (12) to generate a diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal in a section excluding the entire therapeutic ultrasound activation section. At this time, the imaging module (12) receives the image pulse activation signal and processes the diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal only in a section where the therapeutic ultrasound does not operate.

[0110] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating waveforms of signals generated for non-interference between ultrasonic pulse signals of a focused ultrasonic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 11, when the treatment module (10) generates a treatment ultrasound pulse signal having a predetermined PRF, for example, 1,000 ms, the envelope signals of the treatment ultrasound pulse signal 1 and the treatment ultrasound pulse signal 2 are respectively obtained through the envelope extractor (106), and then the envelope signal of the treatment ultrasound pulse signal 1 and the envelope signal of the treatment ultrasound pulse signal 2 are OR-ed through the summation unit (110). Then, the treatment module (10) generates an image pulse activation signal in a section excluding the entire treatment ultrasound pulse signal activation section subject to the OR-ed operation and transmits the signal to the imaging module (12). The imaging module (12) generates an image pulse sequence in a section excluding the entire treatment ultrasound pulse signal activation section according to the image pulse activation signal.

[0112] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a flow of a non-interference method between ultrasonic pulse signals in the frequency domain according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 12, the imaging module (12) receives therapeutic ultrasound parameter information and diagnostic ultrasound parameter information (1210). At this time, the imaging module (12) can receive diagnostic ultrasound parameter information including diagnostic ultrasound center frequency (Fc_img) information and diagnostic ultrasound bandwidth (Fc_img BW) information, and therapeutic ultrasound parameter information including therapeutic ultrasound center frequency (Fc_fus) information.

[0114] Next, the imaging module (12) analyzes the received therapeutic ultrasound pulse parameter and diagnostic ultrasound parameter information in the frequency domain to adjust the therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal and the diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal so that they do not interfere with each other (1220). For example, the imaging module (12) shifts the diagnostic ultrasound center frequency (Fc_img) so that it is greater than the sum of the therapeutic ultrasound center frequency (Fc_fus) and the diagnostic ultrasound bandwidth (Fc_img BW) in the frequency domain, thereby generating a new diagnostic ultrasound center frequency (Fc'_img).

[0115] Next, the imaging module (12) generates a diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal according to the adjusted diagnostic ultrasound parameter information and transmits it to the tissue (1230).

[0116] Next, the imaging module (12) generates a diagnostic image using the ultrasound echo signal returning from the tissue (1240).

[0117] While the imaging module (12) transmits a new diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal having a new diagnostic ultrasound center frequency (Fc'_img), the treatment module (10) transmits a therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal having a therapeutic ultrasound center frequency. At this time, the new diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal and the therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal do not interfere with each other.

[0118] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a flow of a non-interference method between ultrasonic pulse signals in the time domain according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 13, the treatment module (10) extracts the activation section of the treatment ultrasound pulse generated from each channel of the treatment ultrasound transducer (100) (1310).

[0120] Next, the treatment module (10) performs a logical OR operation on the treatment ultrasound pulse activation interval of each channel to obtain the entire treatment ultrasound pulse activation interval (1320).

[0121] Next, the imaging module (12) generates an image ultrasound pulse in a section excluding the entire therapeutic ultrasound pulse activation section (1330).

[0122] In the step (1310) of extracting the activation section of the therapeutic ultrasound pulse, the treatment module (10) can attenuate the therapeutic ultrasound pulse generated from each channel and then extract the envelope of each attenuated therapeutic ultrasound pulse. Furthermore, the treatment module (10) can receive each extracted envelope signal and a reference signal as inputs to a comparator, compare them with each other, and output the extracted signal as a logic signal if it is a signal having a value greater than or equal to the reference signal.

[0123] Furthermore, the treatment module (10) further includes a step of transmitting an image pulse activation signal to the imaging module (12) in a section excluding the entire treatment ultrasound activation section, and in the step (1330) of generating an image ultrasound pulse, the imaging module (12) can generate an image ultrasound pulse in a section excluding the entire treatment ultrasound activation section according to the image pulse activation signal.

[0124] The present invention has been described above, focusing on specific embodiments thereof. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in modified forms without departing from its essential characteristics. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered illustrative rather than limiting. The scope of the present invention is set forth in the claims, not the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being encompassed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A treatment module that receives parameter information of a therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal (hereinafter referred to as “therapeutic ultrasound parameter”) and generates a therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal according to the received therapeutic ultrasound parameter information; and An imaging module which receives therapeutic ultrasound parameter information and parameter information of a diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal (hereinafter referred to as “diagnostic ultrasound parameter”), analyzes the received therapeutic ultrasound pulse parameter and diagnostic ultrasound parameter information in the frequency domain, adjusts the therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal and the diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal so that they do not interfere with each other, and then generates a diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal according to the adjusted diagnostic ultrasound parameter information; A focused ultrasound device characterized by including a .

2. In paragraph 1, the imaging module A focused ultrasound device characterized in that it shifts the diagnostic ultrasound frequency so that the frequency of a therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal (hereinafter referred to as the 'therapeutic ultrasound frequency') and the frequency of a diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal (hereinafter referred to as the 'diagnostic ultrasound frequency') do not overlap each other in the frequency domain, and generates a new diagnostic ultrasound frequency whose frequency is shifted.

3. In the second paragraph, the new diagnostic ultrasound frequency that has been shifted is: A focused ultrasound device characterized by having a value greater than the sum of a therapeutic ultrasound frequency and a diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal bandwidth (hereinafter referred to as “diagnostic ultrasound bandwidth”).

4. In paragraph 1, the imaging module A diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal generator which receives diagnostic ultrasound parameter information including center frequency (hereinafter referred to as 'diagnostic ultrasound center frequency') (Fc_img) information of a diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal and diagnostic ultrasound bandwidth (Fc_img BW) information, and therapeutic ultrasound parameter information including center frequency (hereinafter referred to as 'therapeutic ultrasound center frequency') (Fc_fus) information of a therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal, and adjusts the therapeutic ultrasound parameter information to ensure non-interference between the therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal and the diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal by using the diagnostic ultrasound parameter information and the therapeutic ultrasound parameter information; A focused ultrasound device characterized by including a .

5. In paragraph 4, the diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal generator A focused ultrasound device characterized in that, in the frequency domain, a diagnostic ultrasound center frequency (Fc_img) is shifted to be greater than the sum of the therapeutic ultrasound center frequency (Fc_fus) and the diagnostic ultrasound bandwidth (Fc_img BW) to generate a new diagnostic ultrasound center frequency (Fc'_img).

6. In paragraph 1, the imaging module An image processing unit that receives an ultrasound echo signal in a section where the frequency of the therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal and the frequency of the therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal do not overlap and generates a diagnostic image; A focused ultrasound device characterized by including a .

7. In paragraph 1, the treatment module Obtain timing information about the interval during which the therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal actually occurs in the time domain, The imaging module is A focused ultrasound device characterized by receiving timing information from a treatment module and generating a diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal in a section where a therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal is not generated.

8. In paragraph 7, the treatment module A signal extraction unit for extracting the activation section of a therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal generated from each channel of a therapeutic ultrasound transducer; and A summing unit that calculates the entire therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal activation period by performing a logical sum operation on the therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal activation period of each channel; A focused ultrasound device characterized by including a .

9. In paragraph 8, the signal extraction unit An attenuator for attenuating the therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal generated from each channel; and An envelope extractor for extracting the envelope of each attenuated therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal; A focused ultrasound device characterized by including a .

10. In paragraph 8, the summation part Transmit the image pulse activation signal to the imaging module in the section excluding the entire therapeutic ultrasound activation section, The imaging module is A focused ultrasound device characterized in that it generates a diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal in a section excluding the entire therapeutic ultrasound activation section according to an image pulse activation signal.

11. In paragraph 8, the focused ultrasound device A comparator that receives the signal extracted through the signal extraction unit and the reference signal as inputs, compares them with each other, and outputs the extracted signal as a logic signal if it is a signal that is greater than the reference signal value; and A reference providing unit providing a reference signal to the comparator; A focused ultrasound device characterized by further including:

12. In paragraph 11, the standard providing department A focused ultrasound device characterized by a digital-to-analog converter capable of varying a reference signal value.

13. In a method for non-interference between ultrasonic pulse signals using a focused ultrasonic device, the imaging module of the focused ultrasonic device A step of receiving therapeutic ultrasound parameter information and diagnostic ultrasound parameter information; A step of analyzing received therapeutic ultrasound pulse parameter and diagnostic ultrasound parameter information in the frequency domain to adjust the therapeutic ultrasound pulse signal and the diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal so that they do not interfere with each other; A step of generating a diagnostic ultrasound pulse signal and transmitting it to a tissue according to the adjusted diagnostic ultrasound parameter information; and A step of generating a diagnostic image using ultrasound echo signals returned from an organization; A method for non-interference between ultrasonic pulse signals, characterized by including a.

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