Image generating system based on hemispherical ultrasonic transducer

Abstract

An image generating system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: hemispherical transducers (100, 200) including a hemispherical shell; a light output device (240) for outputting light to a central region of the hemispherical shell; an ultrasonic device (511) for acquiring an ultrasonic image of a region to which the light is output; and a computing device (521) for receiving an input of the ultrasonic image and outputting an object image corresponding to the ultrasonic image.

Description

Image production system based on hemispherical ultrasound transducers

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image production system based on a hemispherical ultrasonic transducer.

[0002] Ultrasonic transducers are specialized devices that convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. Ultrasonic transducers are typically made of piezoelectric ceramics or other self-contracting materials.

[0003] Ultrasonic transducers are used to generate and detect ultrasound waves. They can also function as cameras in ultrasound imaging. When a charge is applied to the camera, the ultrasonic transducer converts it into vibrations.

[0004] Thus, ultrasound transducers are utilized not only in the medical field but also in various industrial fields, and are a core component of ultrasound imaging. Ultrasound transducers generate sound waves, which then pass through tissue and are reflected, converting the energy back into electrical energy. Ultrasound transducers use ultrasound gel to remove air between the skin and the transducer, facilitating the transmission of sound waves into the body.

[0005] Ultrasonic transducers require various settings, including acoustic impedance and focus adjustment, which affect spatial resolution and image quality. Ultrasonic transducers play a crucial role in ultrasound machines and medical ultrasound equipment.

[0006] In addition, conventional ultrasonic transducers are based on arc-type ultrasonic transducers, which have the disadvantage of lowering image quality during image production.

[0007] The present disclosure aims to provide small animal imaging based on a high-performance hemispherical ultrasound transducer to solve the problems of the prior art described above.

[0008] An image production system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a hemispherical transducer (100, 200) including a hemispherical shell; a light output device (240) for outputting light to a central region of the hemispherical shell; an ultrasonic device (511) for obtaining an ultrasonic image for a region to which the light is output; and a computing device (521) for receiving the ultrasonic image and outputting an object image corresponding to the ultrasonic image.

[0009] In addition, the computing device may be characterized in that it uses a low-resolution first ultrasound image acquired through a first number of elements of the ultrasonic device as input data, and uses a high-resolution second ultrasound image acquired through a second number of elements greater than the first number as output data to train an artificial neural network stored in the computing device, and inputs a low-resolution ultrasound image acquired through the ultrasonic device into the artificial neural network and acquires a high-resolution ultrasound image as an output corresponding thereto.

[0010] In addition, the hemispherical transducer may include a cylinder and an annular pedestal positioned at the top of the cylinder, the hemispherical shell may be positioned at the center of the pedestal, and the light output device may be characterized in that it outputs the light through a hole positioned at the center area of ​​the hemispherical shell.

[0011] In addition, the device further includes a water circulation device arranged at the bottom of the hemispherical transducer, and the water circulation device may include a water tank and a pump for supplying water to the base.

[0012] In addition, the water circulation device may further include a water heater for supplying hot water to the stand and a filter for filtering the hot water before supplying it to the stand.

[0013] Additionally, the apparatus further includes a worktable for supporting the object, and the worktable may include an attachment device for being attached to the image production system.

[0014] Additionally, the work table may include an anesthetic gas inlet assembly for introducing anesthetic gas and discharging the anesthetic gas in the direction where the object is located.

[0015] Additionally, the work table may include an attachment device assembly that is positioned between the anesthetic gas inlet assembly and the support of the hemispherical transducer, and includes the attachment device.

[0016] Additionally, the workbench may further include a plastic wrap for separating the anesthetic gas inlet assembly and the attachment assembly.

[0017] According to the present disclosure, even ordinary people without specialized knowledge can easily produce videos of small animals.

[0018] In addition, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to manufacture an image production device / system based on a hemispherical ultrasonic transducer having superior photoacoustic imaging performance to that of the prior art.

[0019] In addition, according to the present disclosure, usability and convenience of an ultrasonic transducer are improved, and based on this, high-resolution whole-body images of small animals can be acquired within seconds, so that physiological changes or the behavior of substances in the body can be tracked in units of seconds.

[0020] In addition, according to the present disclosure, it is expected that the life science and medical application value of the photoacoustic imaging field can be increased, and the scope of application will be greatly expanded by providing functional images such as oxygen saturation measurement and contrast agent tracking using multiple wavelengths.

[0021] In addition, according to the present disclosure, it can be easily and widely used by research teams or hospitals that require whole body imaging without expensive equipment such as MRI or CT.

[0022] In addition, according to the present disclosure, conventional ultrasonic devices and lasers can be easily integrated, thereby greatly improving usability.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the structure of a hemispherical transducer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the structure of a hemispherical transducer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates an artificial neural network structure for producing a three-dimensional photoacoustic image according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates input data and output data of an artificial neural network for producing a three-dimensional photoacoustic image according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a video production system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 6 illustrates a water circulation structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 7 illustrates a hot water circulation structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a workbench according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a structure in which a work table and an image production system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are combined.

[0032] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of a separated worktable according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 11 illustrates a plastic wrap according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a workbench with a plastic wrap inserted therein according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating an anesthetic gas inlet assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] [Definition of terms in this specification]

[0037] All embodiments described below are provided as examples to aid understanding of the present disclosure, and may be implemented in various embodiments with modifications different from the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, in describing the present disclosure, if a detailed description of a related known function or known component is determined to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0038] The attached drawings are not drawn to scale to help understand the disclosure, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated. When giving reference numbers to each component, identical components are indicated with the same symbols as much as possible even if they are shown in different drawings.

[0039] Additionally, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used to describe components of embodiments of the present disclosure. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the components are not limited by the terms. When it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected, coupled, or connected to the other component, but another component may also be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" between the component and the other component.

[0040] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present disclosure, so there may be various modified embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] In addition, the terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that conform to the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term to explain his or her own disclosure in the best way.

[0042] Additionally, singular expressions used in this application include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0043] [Hemispherical transducer: Fig. 1, Fig. 2]

[0044] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the structure of a hemispherical transducer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a hemispherical transducer (100) may include a hemispherical shell (110), a pedestal (120), and a cylinder (130).

[0046] Here, the hemispherical shell (110) may be configured in a concave shape in the shape of a hemisphere. A first hole (111) may be provided in the central portion of the hemispherical shell (110) for outputting light emitted from an optical system connected to a hemispherical transducer.

[0047] An annular support (120) is provided around the hemispherical shell (110). A plurality of second holes (121) may be provided on the edge of the support (120).

[0048] The hemispherical shell (110), the pedestal (120) and the cylinder (130) may be made of metal or plastic material.

[0049] When a small animal is located on the upper part of the hemispherical shell (110), the ultrasound acquisition area of ​​the hemispherical transducer and the light output area where the above-mentioned light is output may overlap.

[0050] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the structure of a hemispherical transducer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] As illustrated in Fig. 2, the hemispherical transducer (200) may be provided with a first hole (211) for emitting light output from the light output unit (240). A support (220) as described above may be provided around the first hole (211), and the support (220) may be provided with a plurality of second holes (221).

[0052] The optical output unit (240) may be located at the lower portion of the hemispherical transducer (200). For example, the optical output unit (240) may be located at the center of the lower portion of the hemispherical shell (hemispherical shell (111) of FIG. 1).

[0053] The optical output unit (240) may be composed of an optical fiber or a fixed optical system, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0054] [Artificial Neural Network Structure and Function: Figures 3 and 4]

[0055] FIG. 3 illustrates an artificial neural network structure for producing a three-dimensional photoacoustic image according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates input data and output data of an artificial neural network for producing a three-dimensional photoacoustic image according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] As illustrated in FIG. 3, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a 3D photoacoustic image production artificial neural network can be trained using a 3D photoacoustic image acquired using only 256 elements of the hemispherical transducer as input data, and a 3D photoacoustic image acquired using all 1024 elements of the hemispherical transducer as output data values.

[0058] As illustrated in FIG. 4, if 3D photoacoustic image data (410) composed of 256 elements is input as input to the image production system of the present disclosure, a 3D photoacoustic image (430) composed of 1024 elements and having a quality (420) can be produced as output data therefor.

[0059] Specifically, the 3D photoacoustic image production artificial neural network of the present disclosure may include a plurality of 3D Convolution BN-ReLU layers (330), 3D Transposed Convolution-BN-Relu layers (320), 3D Max-pooling layers (340), and 3D 1X1 Convolution (350) layers.

[0060] Additionally, in the artificial neural network for producing a 3D photoacoustic image according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a channel-direction connection (310) can be configured from a 3D Max-pooling layer (340) to a 3D Transposed Convolution-BN-Relu layer (320).

[0061] Additionally, in the artificial neural network for producing a 3D photoacoustic image according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a pixel-wise skip connection (360) may be configured from a 3D Transposed Convolution-BN-Relu layer (320) to a 3D Max-pooling layer (340).

[0062] Meanwhile, in this drawing 4, 256 is used as an example of the number of input elements, but it is not necessarily limited to this. For example, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the number of input elements that can be used as input data can be 128 or less.

[0063] [Video production system: Fig. 5]

[0064] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a video production system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] As illustrated in FIG. 5, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the image production system may include an ultrasonic device (511), a PC (521), a water circulation device (530), and a laser (optical output unit) (541).

[0066] The image production system can be largely composed of two layers. Among the two layers of the image production system, the upper layer can be equipped with an ultrasound device (511) and a PC (521).

[0067] The ultrasonic device (511) may be placed within the left partition (510) among the upper floors. According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the ultrasonic device (511) may be a hemispherical transducer, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0068] The PC (521) may be placed within the right partition (520) among the upper floors. The PC (521) may include a processor programmed with the artificial neural network described with reference to FIG. 3. The PC (521) may include an input interface for receiving input data for training the artificial neural network. The PC (521) may include a display device for outputting output data of the artificial neural network.

[0069] The water circulation device (530) may be placed at the lower part of the ultrasonic device (511) among the lower layers of the image production system. A hemispherical transducer described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 may be placed at the upper part of the water circulation device (530) and the front part of the ultrasonic device (511).

[0070] The laser (541) may be placed inside the right partition (540) among the lower layers of the image production system. The laser may provide light to the light output unit described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0071] [Water circulation structure: Fig. 6, Fig. 7]

[0072] Figure 6 illustrates a water circulation structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] As illustrated in FIG. 6, in the video production system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the water circulation device (water circulation device (530) of FIG. 5) may include a pump (630) and a water tank (620).

[0074] The pump (630) can send water from the water tank (620) toward the base of the hemispherical transducer (610). Specifically, water output from the pump (630) can flow into the water inlet (632) located at the lower part of the base of the hemispherical transducer (610) through the inlet pipe (631).

[0075] Additionally, a hose-shaped outlet hose (644) from the hemispherical transducer (610) can drain water. The water that has drained through the outlet hose (644) can flow into the pump (630) through the first outlet pipe (633). Additionally, the water flows into the pump (630) through the water outlet (622) and the second outlet pipe (621) located at the lower portion of the support of the hemispherical transducer (610).

[0076] Figure 7 illustrates a hot water circulation structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] The warm water circulated in Fig. 7 can maintain the body temperature of the small animal within a certain temperature range, thereby enabling ultrasound imaging of the small animal to proceed smoothly.

[0078] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the hot water circulation path may be different from the water circulation path of FIG. 6. For example, the water circulation device may include a water heater (730), a pump (710), and a filter (720).

[0079] When hot water is generated through the water heater (730), the pump (710) filters the water through the filter (720), and the filtered water flows into the hot water inlet (722) at the bottom of the support of the hemispherical transducer (740) through the hot water inlet pipe (721).

[0080] Hot water flowing into the hot water inlet (722) can move from the left area (741) to the right area (742) of the hemispherical transducer (740).

[0081] Hot water can again flow into the water heater (730) through the hot water outlet (731) and hot water outlet pipe (732) located at the lower part of the right area (742) of the hemispherical transducer.

[0082] Here, the hot water supply and inlet can be controlled / managed by the user via a PC.

[0083] In addition, although not illustrated in FIG. 7, the water circulation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a water condition monitoring system / device that monitors the temperature of the circulated water in addition to the water heater, pump, and filter. For example, the water condition monitoring system / device may include a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the water moving from the left region (741) to the right region (742) of the hemispherical transducer illustrated in FIG. 7. Here, the temperature sensor may also detect the temperature of the water passing through the hot water outlet (731), the hot water outlet pipe (732), the hot water inlet pipe (721), and the hot water inlet (722).

[0084] [Animal Holder Structure: Figures 8-13]

[0085] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a workbench according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a structure in which a work table and an image production system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are combined.

[0087] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the workbench (800) according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can serve as an animal holder.

[0088] The work table (800) may include an anesthetic gas inlet (820) for introducing anesthetic gas, an anesthetic gas passage (830), and an anesthetic gas injection port (840).

[0089] The worktable (800) may include an animal support (850) for supporting the animal.

[0090] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the workbench (910) may include an attachment device (911) (810 of FIG. 8) for attachment to an image production system (920). The attachment device (911) may be formed of a magnet having magnetism, and may be attached by magnetic force to another magnet (921) having magnetism attached to the image production system (920).

[0091] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of a separated worktable according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the work table can be separated into an anesthetic gas inlet assembly (1010) including an anesthetic gas inlet for introducing anesthetic gas, an anesthetic gas passage, and an anesthetic gas inlet, and an attachment device assembly (1020) including an attachment device.

[0093] The attachment assembly (1020) may include an attachment device (1021) and an attachment device support (1022) that supports the attachment device.

[0094] The attachment assembly (1020) and the anesthetic gas inlet assembly (1010) are of the same size and can be easily superimposed on each other.

[0095] FIG. 11 illustrates a plastic wrap according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] As illustrated in FIG. 11, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a plastic wrap (1130) may be provided to physically separate the anesthetic gas inlet assembly (1110) and the attachment assembly (1120) described with reference to FIG. 10.

[0097] The plastic wrap (1130) can physically separate the animal support (1111) provided in the anesthesia gas inlet assembly (1110) and the attachment support (1121) on which the water circulation structure of the hemispherical transducer is arranged at the lower end.

[0098] FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a workbench with a plastic wrap inserted therein according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] As illustrated in FIG. 12, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the work table may be composed of an anesthetic gas inlet assembly (1210), an attachment assembly (1220) overlapping the anesthetic gas inlet assembly (1210), and a plastic wrap (1230) for physically separating / isolating the anesthetic gas inlet assembly (1210) and the attachment assembly (1220).

[0100] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating an anesthetic gas inlet assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0101] As illustrated in Fig. 13, when anesthetic gas is introduced into the anesthetic gas inlet (1311, 1312) of the anesthetic gas introduction assembly (1300), the anesthetic gas is moved through the anesthetic gas movement path (1313) of the anesthetic gas introduction assembly.

[0102] The anesthetic gas can be moved through the anesthetic gas passage (1313) and finally released through the anesthetic gas inlet (1321, 1322, 1323).

[0103] By installing multiple anesthesia gas inlets (1321, 1322, 1323) in one workbench, it is possible to anesthetize more animals simultaneously than in the prior art, thereby providing the advantage of being able to produce images of more animals simultaneously.

[0104] [Method of Interpreting This Specification]

[0105] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to these embodiments, and various modifications may be made within a scope that does not depart from the technical spirit of the present disclosure.

[0106] Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in this disclosure are intended to illustrate, rather than limit, the technical concepts of this disclosure, and the scope of the technical concepts of this disclosure is not limited by these embodiments. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of protection of this disclosure should be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical concepts within the scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the rights of this disclosure.

Claims

1. Hemispherical transducer (100, 200) including a hemispherical shell; A light output device (240) for outputting light to the central area of the above hemispherical shell; An ultrasonic device (511) for obtaining an ultrasonic image of an area where the above light is output; and A computing device (521) that receives the ultrasound image and outputs an object image corresponding to the ultrasound image, Video production system.

2. In paragraph 1, The above computing device, A low-resolution first ultrasound image obtained through a first number of elements of the ultrasonic device is used as input data, and a high-resolution second ultrasound image obtained through a second number of elements greater than the first number is used as output data to train an artificial neural network stored in the computing device. A low-resolution ultrasound image obtained through the above ultrasonic device is input into the artificial neural network, and a high-resolution ultrasound image is obtained as a corresponding output. Video production system.

3. In paragraph 1, The above hemispherical transducer comprises a cylinder and an annular support positioned at the top of the cylinder, The above hemispherical shell is located in the central part of the above pedestal, The above light output device is characterized in that it outputs the light through a hole located in the central area of the hemispherical shell. Video production system.

4. In paragraph 3, It further includes a water circulation device placed at the bottom of the above hemispherical transducer, The above water circulation device includes a water tank and a pump for supplying water to the pedestal. Video production system.

5. In paragraph 4, The above water circulation device, Further comprising a water heater for supplying hot water to the pedestal and a filter for filtering the hot water before supplying it to the pedestal. Video production system.

6. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a workbench for supporting the above object, The above work table includes an attachment device for attachment to the above video production system, Video production system.

7. In paragraph 6, The above workbench, Including an anesthetic gas inlet assembly for introducing anesthetic gas and discharging the anesthetic gas in the direction where the object is located. Video production system.

8. In paragraph 7, The above workbench, An attachment device assembly is disposed between the anesthetic gas inlet assembly and the support of the hemispherical transducer, and includes the attachment device. Video production system.

9. In paragraph 8, The above workbench, Further comprising a plastic wrap for separating the anesthetic gas inlet assembly and the attachment assembly. Video production system.

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