Ultrasonic probe comprising ultrasonic transducer capable of curved movement, and driving method therefor

Abstract

The present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe comprising an ultrasonic transducer capable of curved movement. The ultrasonic probe comprising an ultrasonic transducer capable of curved movement may comprise: a housing which is provided in a curved shape and which includes a contact surface in contact with a target area of a user; a transducer which is provided inside the housing and which outputs an ultrasonic signal; and a movement module for curvedly moving the transducer along the curved shape.

Description

Ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic transducer capable of curved movement and a driving method thereof

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic transducer capable of curved movement.

[0002] Ultrasound generally refers to sound waves with a frequency exceeding 20 kHz, which is beyond the audible range of the human ear. These ultrasounds are widely used in ultrasound imaging devices to obtain images of the inside of a target object. Such ultrasound imaging devices have the advantages of being compact, inexpensive, displaying images in real time, and being highly stable because they do not expose the user to radiation such as X-rays, and are therefore widely used along with other imaging diagnostic devices such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear medicine devices.

[0003] Along with ultrasound imaging devices, ultrasound therapy systems are also a rapidly developing field. Most ultrasound therapy systems utilize ultrasound waves with a frequency of several megahertz (MHz), typically used for medical purposes, to generate vibrations or heat within tissues, resulting in therapeutic effects. A representative example of this type of ultrasound therapy system is the High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) system. HIFU systems typically incorporate a built-in ultrasound transducer. These focused ultrasound waves are focused on a focal point, generating heat and rapidly increasing the temperature of the treatment area. This thermal function allows the targeted medical treatment to be performed without adverse effects on the affected area.

[0004] Meanwhile, with the recent rise in interest in beauty, various medical and technological approaches are being explored to break down subcutaneous fat. One such approach, using therapeutic ultrasound to break down the subcutaneous fat layer, is being explored. However, further technological development is needed to achieve even better therapeutic results.

[0005] Additionally, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) generators have proven effective in improving wrinkles and other skin conditions, and are gaining recognition as an alternative to invasive facial contouring procedures. The human skin structure is composed of the epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous fat, muscle, and bone, in that order. The dermis is composed primarily of collagen, which plays a role in maintaining skin elasticity.

[0006] High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) does not affect the epidermis, but rather the superficial musculo-aponeurotic system (SMAS), a layer of muscle, inducing coagulation and delivering heat deep into the dermis. This promotes collagen regeneration, eliminating wrinkles and improving skin elasticity.

[0007] When the position of the transducer is moved, the ultrasound signal changes its position on the skin, but when the ultrasound probe comes into contact with the skin, the depth at which the ultrasound signal is focused on the tissue layer of the skin may differ depending on the focus position as the skin is pressed depending on the shape of the contact area.

[0008] The technology underlying this application is disclosed in Korean Patent No. 10-1750444.

[0009] The present invention is intended to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, and to provide an ultrasound probe including an ultrasound transducer capable of curved movement, which includes a surface that comes into contact with a user's target area formed in a curved shape and a transducer capable of curved movement along the curved shape, thereby allowing an ultrasound signal to reach a tissue layer at the same depth.

[0010] However, the technical tasks to be achieved by the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the technical tasks described above, and other technical tasks may exist.

[0011] As a technical means for achieving the above-described technical task, an ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic transducer capable of curved movement according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a housing having a curved shape and including a contact surface that comes into contact with a target part of a user, a transducer provided inside the housing and outputting an ultrasonic signal, and a movement module that curve-moves the transducer according to the curved shape.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the moving module may include a first rail portion provided in a straight shape on the upper side of the housing, and a sliding portion having one end connected to the first rail portion and the transducer connected to the lower end.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sliding portion may extend and shorten in the longitudinal direction when the transducer is moved laterally through the first rail portion.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sliding part may include a first coupling part that is coupled to the first rail part and moves horizontally along a straight line of the first rail part, a guiding part that is connected to a lower end of the first coupling part and includes at least one sliding groove, a pillar part that includes at least one protruding member that fits into the at least one sliding groove, and a second coupling part that is connected to a lower end of the pillar part and to which the transducer is connected.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the moving module may further include a driving motor that drives extension and shortening of the sliding part so that the transducer is raised and lowered according to the curved shape when the transducer is moved in the lateral direction.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the moving module further includes a second rail portion provided in a curved shape corresponding to the curved shape on the lower side of the housing, and the other end of the sliding portion may be coupled to the second rail portion.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the transducer may be raised and lowered along a curve formed by the second rail portion by extension and shortening of the sliding portion.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second coupling portion may be coupled to the second rail portion and move in a curved manner along the curved shape of the second rail portion.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the pillar portion and the second connecting portion may be moved vertically and curvedly, respectively, in conjunction with the movement of the first connecting portion.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sliding portion may be extended and shortened through vertical movement of the column portion including the at least one protruding member fitted into the at least one sliding groove.

[0021] As a technical means for achieving the above-mentioned technical task, a method for driving an ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic transducer capable of curved movement according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a step of curvedly moving the transducer according to a curved shape of a contact surface that comes into contact with a target part of a user, and a step of outputting an ultrasonic signal from the transducer.

[0022] As a technical means for achieving the above-mentioned technical task, an ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic transducer capable of curved movement according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cartridge including a transducer that outputs an ultrasonic signal and a movement module that curvedly moves the transducer according to the curved shape of a contact surface that comes into contact with a target part of a user, and a handpiece from which the cartridge is detached.

[0023] The above-described problem-solving methods are merely exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. In addition to the exemplary embodiments described above, additional embodiments may be included in the drawings and detailed description of the invention.

[0024] According to the aforementioned means for solving the problem of the present invention, one side that comes into contact with the user's target area is formed into a curved shape, and a transducer that can move in a curve along the curved shape is included, thereby enabling the ultrasound signal to reach the tissue layer at the same depth.

[0025] However, the effects that can be obtained from this center are not limited to the effects described above, and other effects may exist.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a drive system for an ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic transducer capable of curved movement according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic transducer capable of curved movement according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a structural diagram of an ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic transducer capable of curved movement according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of an ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic transducer capable of curved movement according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a structural diagram of an ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic transducer capable of curved movement according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a structural diagram showing an example of the raising and lowering of an ultrasonic transducer of an ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic transducer capable of curved movement according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for driving an ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic transducer capable of curved movement according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail to facilitate easy implementation by those skilled in the art. However, the present invention can be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In the drawings, irrelevant parts have been omitted for clarity, and similar reference numerals have been used throughout the specification to indicate similar elements.

[0034] Throughout this specification, when a part is said to be "connected" to another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly connected," but also the case where it is "electrically connected" or "indirectly connected" with another element in between.

[0035] Throughout this specification, when it is said that a member is located “on,” “above,” “upper,” “lower,” “lower” or “lower” another member, this includes not only cases where the member is in contact with the other member, but also cases where another member exists between the two members.

[0036] Throughout this specification, whenever a part is said to "include" a component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but rather that it may include other components, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0037] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, terms related to direction or location (upper side, upper surface, lower side, etc.) are set based on the arrangement of each component shown in the drawing.

[0038] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic transducer capable of curved movement and a method for driving the same.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a drive system for an ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic transducer capable of curved movement according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 1, a drive system (1000) for an ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic transducer capable of curved movement (hereinafter referred to as a “drive system (1000)”) may include an ultrasonic probe (100) including an ultrasonic transducer capable of curved movement (hereinafter referred to as an “ultrasonic probe (100)”) and a control device (200).

[0041] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasound probe (100) can irradiate an ultrasound signal toward a focus inside the target area of ​​the user (1). In general, an ultrasound signal can be converted into thermal energy while being transmitted and absorbed within the tissue. In particular, an ultrasound with sufficient energy can cause a rapid temperature increase within the tissue, which is called the thermal effect of ultrasound. Accordingly, the ultrasound probe (100) can perform a treatment using the thermal effect of ultrasound by irradiating an ultrasound signal to the target area of ​​the user (1). In particular, high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) can be a form in which ultrasound generated from an ultrasound transducer is focused at a certain focus to enhance the intensity.

[0042] In general, high-intensity focused ultrasound does not directly affect the epidermal layer of the skin, but induces coagulation in the Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System (SMAS), which is a part of the muscle layer, and transmits heat to the deep part of the dermis layer, thereby removing wrinkles and improving skin elasticity. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasound signal irradiated from the ultrasound probe (100) may be such high-intensity direct ultrasound.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 1, the ultrasonic probe (100) may include a cartridge (101) and a handpiece (102). Here, the cartridge (101) may be replaceable by being detachably attached to the handpiece (102) to output ultrasonic signals according to the user's (1) preferences and needs, and may include a plurality of cartridges having different characteristics of outputtable ultrasonic signals. In addition, the handpiece (102) may be held by the user (1).

[0044] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the control device (200) is for controlling the ultrasonic probe (100), and may control power on / off of the ultrasonic probe (100), output of an ultrasonic signal, and movement of the transducer (20), etc.

[0045] These ultrasonic probes (100) and control devices (200) may be interconnected by a network for data sharing between each other, and examples of such networks include, but are not limited to, a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, a 5G network, a World Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX) network, a wireless Internet, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wireless Local Area Network (Wireless LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Personal Area Network (PAN), a Bluetooth network, a Wifi network, an NFC (Near Field Communication) network, a satellite broadcasting network, an analog broadcasting network, a DMB (Digital Multimedia Broadcasting) network, etc.

[0046] In addition, the control device (200) may be further linked with a terminal (300) that can display various monitoring information that requires monitoring, such as the control status of the ultrasonic probe (100), the skin condition of the user (1) that is expected to be improved through the use of the ultrasonic probe (100), and recorded data on the skin condition of the user (1). The terminal (300) may be, for example, a smartphone, a smart pad, a tablet PC, a wearable device, all kinds of wireless communication devices such as a PCS (Personal Communication System), a GSM (Global System for Mobile communication), a PDC (Personal Digital Cellular), a PHS (Personal Handyphone System), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), an IMT (International Mobile Telecommunication)-2000, a CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access)-2000, a W-CDMA (W-Code Division Multiple Access), a Wibro (Wireless Broadband Internet) terminal, and a desktop computer, a smart TV, and a stationary terminal.

[0047] Below, the internal structure of the ultrasonic probe (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0048] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic transducer capable of curved movement according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 2, the ultrasonic probe (100) includes a cartridge (101) and a handpiece (102), and the cartridge (101) may include a housing (10), a transducer (20), and a moving module (30). In addition, the moving module (30) may include a first rail portion (31), a second rail portion (32), and a sliding portion (33).

[0050] FIG. 3 is a structural diagram of an ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic transducer capable of curved movement according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 3, the housing (10) forms the outer shape of the cartridge (101) and may include a contact surface (11) that comes into contact with the target area of ​​the user (1). At this time, the contact surface (11) may be provided in a curved shape so that it can be stably attached to the target area of ​​the user (1).

[0052] In addition, referring to FIG. 3, a transducer (20) and a movement module (30) may be provided inside the housing (10). The transducer (20) may be for outputting an ultrasonic signal. In addition, the movement module (30) may move the transducer (20) in a curved manner according to the curved shape of the contact surface (11).

[0053] In this regard, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the moving module (30) may include a first rail portion (31), a second rail portion (32), and a sliding portion (33).

[0054] Referring to Fig. 3, the first rail portion (31) may be fixedly arranged on the upper side of the housing (10) and may be provided in a straight shape. In this case, the upper side may mean a side relatively far from the contact surface (11) within the housing (10).

[0055] In addition, referring to FIG. 3, the second rail portion (32) may be fixedly arranged on the lower side of the housing (10) and may be provided in a curved shape corresponding to the curved shape of the contact surface (11). That is, the curvature of the curved shape of the contact surface (11) and the curvature of the curved shape of the second rail portion (32) may be at the same level. In this case, the lower side may mean a side relatively close to the contact surface (11) within the housing (10).

[0056] In addition, referring to FIG. 3, the sliding part (33) may be connected at one end to the first rail part (31) and at the other end to the second rail part (32). At this time, the one end may be the upper side of the sliding part (33) and the other end may be the lower side of the sliding part (33).

[0057] Specifically, the sliding part (33) may include a first coupling part (331), a guiding part (332), a pillar part (333), and a second coupling part (334).

[0058] Referring to Fig. 3, the first coupling portion (331) may be coupled with the first rail portion (31) and may move horizontally along the straight line of the first rail portion (31). In this regard, the ultrasonic probe (100) may further include a driving portion (not shown) that drives the horizontal movement of the first coupling portion (331) based on user settings.

[0059] Specifically, the driving unit (not shown) may be provided in the cartridge (101) or the handpiece (102), and may be, for example, a linear motor, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the user settings may be transmitted through the control device (200), and may be set based on user input through at least one button (not shown) provided in the handpiece (102).

[0060] Referring to Fig. 3, the guiding portion (332) may include at least one sliding groove and be connected to the lower end of the first connecting portion (331). At this time, the at least one sliding groove may be provided in a hollow shape with the inner side of the guiding portion (332) empty, as exemplarily illustrated in Fig. 3. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be provided in the form of various grooves that can be connected to the protruding member described below.

[0061] In addition, referring to FIG. 3, the pillar portion (333) may include at least one protruding member that fits into at least one sliding groove. At this time, as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 3, when the sliding groove is provided in a hollow shape, the pillar portion (333) may perform the role of the protruding member with the pillar portion (333) itself, without additionally providing a separate protruding member.

[0062] However, it is not limited thereto, and may be provided in various forms that can be engaged with the sliding groove. For example, if the sliding groove is a straight groove extending in the longitudinal direction, the protruding member may be provided in the form of a ring that can be engaged with the sliding groove, a rod that fits appropriately into the sliding groove, etc.

[0063] In this regard, the sliding portion (33) may be extended and shortened in the longitudinal direction, and may be extended and shortened through vertical movement of a column portion (333) including at least one protruding member fitted into at least one sliding groove.

[0064] In addition, referring to FIG. 3, the second coupling portion (334) may be connected to the lower end of the pillar portion (333) by being coupled with the second rail portion (32) and moving along the curved shape of the second rail portion (32). Specifically, the second coupling portion (334) may include a roller member that allows for easy movement along the second rail portion (32). In addition, the second coupling portion (334) may be linked with the first coupling portion (331) driven by a driving portion (not shown) and moved along the second rail portion (32).

[0065] Specifically, (a) of FIG. 3 illustrates a state in which the first coupling part (331) is located at one end of the first rail part (31) (the right end in (a) of FIG. 3), and the transducer (20) is relatively lowered, and (b) of FIG. 3 illustrates a state in which the first coupling part (331) is located at the center of the first rail part (31), that is, the second coupling part (334) is located at the curved point of the second rail part (32), and the transducer (20) is relatively raised.

[0066] Referring to (a) and (b) of FIG. 3, when the first coupling part (331) is moved (from (a) of FIG. 3 to (b) of FIG. 3, i.e., moved to the left) from the right end ((a) of FIG. 3) to the center ((b) of FIG. 3) by a driving part (not shown), the guiding part (332) connected to the first coupling part (331) also moves to the left together with the first coupling part (331), and accordingly, the second coupling part (334) including the roller member can be moved along the second rail part (32) to the bending point of the second rail part (32). At this time, as the second connecting portion (334) moves to the curved point of the second rail portion (32), not only is the position of the second connecting portion (334) moved to the center, but the height can also be increased to a level corresponding to the curvature of the curved shape of the second rail portion (32).

[0067] Here, the pillar part (333) can rise to a level corresponding to the curvature of the curved shape of the second rail part (32) along the sliding groove of the guiding part (332) in order to move the position of the second connecting part (334).

[0068] That is, when the first coupling part (331) is moved horizontally in the transverse direction by a driving part (not shown), the guiding part (332) connected to the first coupling part (331) is also moved horizontally in the transverse direction together with the first coupling part (331), and accordingly, the pillar part (333) is moved vertically by a height corresponding to the distance by which the first coupling part (331) is moved and the curvature of the second rail part (32), and the second coupling part (334) can also be moved in a curved manner along the second rail part (32) corresponding to the distance by which the first coupling part (331) is moved.

[0069] In other words, the first coupling part (331), the guiding part (332), the pillar part (333) and the second coupling part (334) are interlocked with each other, so that even if the driving part (not shown) drives only the movement of the first coupling part (331), the guiding part (332), the pillar part (333) and the second coupling part (334) can also move horizontally, vertically and curvedly, respectively, according to the movement of the first coupling part (331).

[0070] However, it is not limited thereto, and the driving unit (not shown) may drive not only the first coupling unit (331), but also at least one of the guiding unit (332), the pillar unit (333), and the second coupling unit (334), or may drive only the second coupling unit (334) instead of the first coupling unit (331).

[0071] In other words, the sliding portion (33) may be extended and shortened in the longitudinal direction when the transducer (20) is moved laterally through the first rail portion (31) and the second rail portion (32). In addition, the transducer (20) may be raised and lowered along the curve formed by the second rail portion (32) by the extension and shortening of the sliding portion (33).

[0072] According to this, the ultrasonic probe (100) has a surface formed in a curved shape that comes into contact with the user's target area, and includes a transducer that can move in a curve along the curved shape, so that when focusing an ultrasonic signal on the target area of ​​the user (1) that is pressed into a curved shape along the contact area (11) provided in a curved shape and is in close contact with the contact area (11), the height of the transducer (20) can be adjusted along the second rail portion (32) that has a curvature corresponding to the curved shape of the contact area (11), thereby enabling the ultrasonic signal to reach the tissue layer at the same depth.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 3, when the transducer (20) is positioned at the right end inside the housing (10) in (a) of FIG. 3, it can be confirmed that the distance (d1) from the skin surface of the target area of ​​the user (1) to the focus where the ultrasound signal is focused is the same as when the transducer (20) is positioned at the center inside the housing (10) in (b) of FIG. 3, the distance (d2) from the skin surface of the target area of ​​the user (1) to the focus where the ultrasound signal is focused is the same.

[0074] That is, the ultrasonic probe (100) moves the position of the transducer (20) and focuses the ultrasonic signal on the focus of the tissue layer of the target area of ​​the user (1), but can focus the ultrasonic signal on the focus of a constant focus depth even when the position of the transducer (20) changes.

[0075] Below, the internal structure of an ultrasonic probe (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0076] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of an ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic transducer capable of curved movement according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 4, the ultrasonic probe (100) includes a cartridge (101) and a handpiece (102), and the cartridge (101) may include a housing (10), a transducer (20), and a moving module (30). In addition, the moving module (30) may include a first rail portion (31), a sliding portion (33), and a driving motor (34).

[0078] Hereinafter, the cartridge (101), handpiece (102), housing (10), transducer (20), and first rail portion (31) of the moving module (30) have the same configuration as the embodiment of the present invention described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, so redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0079] FIG. 5 is a structural diagram of an ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic transducer capable of curved movement according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the moving module (30) may include a driving motor (34). The driving motor (34) may drive the extension and shortening of the sliding portion (33) so that the transducer (20) is raised and lowered according to the curved shape of the housing (10) when the transducer (20) is moved laterally. For example, the driving motor (34) may be provided on one side of the second coupling portion (334) to linearly move the transducer (20) connected to the second coupling portion (334) in a vertical direction (up and down direction). Accordingly, the driving motor (34) may be, for example, a high-speed linear motor, but is not limited thereto.

[0081] Specifically, the driving motor (34) may control the extension and shortening of the sliding portion (33) based on a control signal according to user settings transmitted through the control device (200). At this time, the control signal may include a signal for a horizontal movement distance (h_d) by which the first coupling portion (331) is horizontally moved by being coupled with the first rail portion (31) and a vertical movement distance (v_d) by which the sliding portion (33) is extended and shortened according to the horizontal movement direction.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 5, even if the second rail portion (32) according to one embodiment is absent, the driving motor (34) can drive the extension and shortening of the sliding portion (33) by a preset vertical movement distance (v_d) in conjunction with the horizontal movement distance (h_d) and horizontal movement direction of the first coupling portion (331) when the first coupling portion (331) moves, thereby raising and lowering the transducer (20) according to the curved shape of the contact surface (11).

[0083] At this time, unlike the above-described embodiment, the second coupling portion (334) may not be coupled to the second rail portion (32), but may only have the transducer (20) connected to the lower portion, thereby supporting the transducer (20). In addition, the guiding portion (332) and the pillar portion (333) may be provided in the same or similar form as the above-described embodiment, but specifically, the vertical movement of the pillar portion (333) may be performed by the driving motor (34).

[0084] According to this, the ultrasonic probe (100) has a surface that comes into contact with the user's target area formed in a curved shape and includes a transducer that can move in a curve along the curved shape, so that when focusing an ultrasonic signal on the target area of ​​the user (1) that is pressed into a curved shape along the contact area (11) provided in a curved shape and is in close contact with the contact area (11), the ultrasonic signal can be effectively enabled to reach the tissue layer at the same depth (Depth) by adjusting the horizontal movement distance (h_d) of the transducer (20) and the vertical movement distance (v_d) of the transducer (20) according to the horizontal movement direction using a driving motor (34) so ​​as to correspond to the curved shape of the contact area (11).

[0085] Referring to FIG. 5, when the transducer (20) is positioned at the right end inside the housing (10) in (a) of FIG. 5, it can be confirmed that the distance (d1) from the skin surface of the target area of ​​the user (1) to the focal point where the ultrasound signal is focused is the same as when the transducer (20) is positioned at the center inside the housing (10) in (b) of FIG. 5, the distance (d2) from the skin surface of the target area of ​​the user (1) to the focal point where the ultrasound signal is focused is the same.

[0086] That is, the ultrasonic probe (100) moves the position of the transducer (20) and focuses the ultrasonic signal on the focus of the tissue layer of the target area of ​​the user (1), but can focus the ultrasonic signal on the focus of a constant focus depth even when the position of the transducer (20) changes.

[0087] However, it is not limited thereto, and when the second rail portion (32) is absent as shown in FIG. 5, the ultrasonic probe (100) can further increase the range of elevation and descent of the transducer (20) so that a focus is formed at various depths other than the depth (Depth) according to the curved movement according to the curved shape corresponding to the contact surface (11) through extension and shortening of the sliding portion (33) according to the control signal.

[0088] FIG. 6 is a structural diagram showing an example of the raising and lowering of an ultrasonic transducer of an ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic transducer capable of curved movement according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 6, the driving motor (34) can adjust the vertical movement of the transducer (20) according to a control signal according to user settings transmitted through the control device (200), thereby adjusting the distance from the skin surface of the target area of ​​the user (1) to the focal point where the ultrasonic signal is focused.

[0090] Accordingly, the driving motor (34) can adjust the vertical position of the transducer (20) so that the depth of focus varies up to a distance (d3) from the skin surface of the target area of ​​the user (1) as shown in (a) of FIG. 6 to the focus where the ultrasonic signal is focused, which is a longer distance than the distance (d2) from the skin surface of the target area of ​​the user (1) as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 as shown in (b) of FIG. 6 to the focus where the ultrasonic signal is focused.

[0091] Therefore, the ultrasonic probe (100) can also adjust the depth of the ultrasonic focus without being mechanically limited to the curved shape of the contact portion of the target area according to the user settings transmitted through the control device (200).

[0092] Below, we will briefly review the operating flow of the present invention based on the detailed description above.

[0093] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for driving an ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic transducer capable of curved movement according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] The driving method of an ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic transducer capable of curved movement, as illustrated in FIG. 7, can be performed by an ultrasonic probe (100) including an ultrasonic transducer capable of curved movement, as described above. Therefore, even if the content is omitted below, the content described for an ultrasonic probe (100) including an ultrasonic transducer capable of curved movement can be equally applied to the description of a driving method of an ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic transducer capable of curved movement.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 7, in step S110, the transducer (20) is included in the housing (10) and can be curved according to the curved shape of the contact surface (11) that comes into contact with the target area of ​​the user (1). At this time, the transducer (20) may be provided inside the housing (10).

[0096] Meanwhile, a moving module (30) may be provided inside the housing (10), and the moving module (30) may move the transducer (20) in a curved manner according to the curved shape of the contact surface (11).

[0097] In this regard, the moving module (30) may include a first rail portion (31), a second rail portion (32), and a sliding portion (33). The first rail portion (31) may be provided in a straight shape on the upper side of the housing (10). The second rail portion (32) may be provided in a curved shape corresponding to the curved shape of the contact surface (11) on the lower side of the housing (10). The sliding portion (33) may have one end coupled to the first rail portion (31) and the other end coupled to the second rail portion (32).

[0098] Additionally, the sliding portion (33) may be extended and shortened in the longitudinal direction when the transducer (20) is moved laterally through the first rail portion (31) and the second rail portion (32).

[0099] Specifically, the sliding part (33) may include a first coupling part (331), a guiding part (332), a pillar part (333), and a second coupling part (334).

[0100] The first coupling portion (331) may be coupled with the first rail portion (31) and may move horizontally along the straight shape of the first rail portion (31). The guiding portion (332) may be connected to the lower end of the first coupling portion (331) and may include at least one sliding groove. The pillar portion (333) may include at least one protruding member that fits into at least one sliding groove. In addition, the second coupling portion (334) may be connected to the lower end of the pillar portion (333) and may be coupled with the second rail portion (32) and may move in a curved shape along the curved shape of the second rail portion (32).

[0101] At this time, the first coupling part (331) may be moved horizontally along the first rail part (31) by a driving part (not shown) driven based on user settings, and the pillar part (333) and the second coupling part (334) may be moved vertically and curvedly, respectively, in conjunction with the movement of the first coupling part (331).

[0102] In other words, the sliding portion (33) may be extended and shortened through vertical movement of a column portion (333) including at least one protruding member fitted into at least one sliding groove. In addition, by extending and shortening the sliding portion (33), the transducer (20) may be raised and lowered along the curve formed by the second rail portion (32).

[0103] Next, in step S120, an ultrasonic signal can be output from the transducer (20).

[0104] In the above description, steps S110 and S120 may be further divided into additional steps or combined into fewer steps, depending on the implementation example of the present invention. Furthermore, some steps may be omitted as needed, and the order of the steps may be changed.

[0105] A method for driving an ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic transducer capable of curved movement according to an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented in the form of program commands that can be executed by various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program commands, data files, data structures, etc., either singly or in combination. The program commands recorded on the medium may be those specially designed and configured for the present invention or may be those known and usable by those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices specially configured to store and execute program commands such as ROMs, RAMs, and flash memories. Examples of program commands include not only machine language codes generated by a compiler, but also high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc. The above hardware devices may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operations of the present invention, and vice versa.

[0106] Additionally, the method for driving an ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic transducer capable of curved movement as described above can also be implemented in the form of a computer program or application executed by a computer stored in a recording medium.

[0107] The above description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention can be readily modified into other specific forms without altering the technical spirit or essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. For example, each component described as a single entity may be implemented in a distributed manner, and similarly, components described as distributed may be implemented in a combined manner.

[0108] The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims described below rather than the detailed description above, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalent concepts should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. In an ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic transducer capable of curved movement, A housing having a curved shape and including a contact surface that comes into contact with a user's target area; A transducer provided inside the housing and outputting an ultrasonic signal; and A movement module that moves the above transducer along the curved shape; An ultrasound probe including:

2. In paragraph 1, The above moving module, A first rail portion provided in a straight shape on the upper side of the housing; and A sliding part which is connected to the first rail part at the first end and to which the transducer is connected at the bottom, An ultrasonic probe comprising:

3. In paragraph 2, The above sliding part, An ultrasonic probe that extends and shortens in the longitudinal direction when the transducer is moved laterally through the first rail portion.

4. In paragraph 3, The above sliding part, A first coupling part that is coupled to the first rail part and moves horizontally along the straight line of the first rail part; A guiding portion connected to the lower end of the first connecting portion and including at least one sliding groove; A column portion including at least one protruding member fitted into at least one sliding groove; and A second connecting part connected to the lower end of the above pillar part and to which the transducer is connected at the lower end; An ultrasonic probe comprising:

5. In paragraph 4, The above moving module, A driving motor that drives the extension and shortening of the sliding part so that the transducer is raised and lowered according to the curved shape when the transducer is moved laterally; An ultrasonic probe further comprising:

6. In paragraph 4, The above moving module, A second rail portion provided in a curved shape corresponding to the curved shape on the lower side of the housing; Including more, The above sliding part, An ultrasonic probe, wherein the other end is connected to the second rail section.

7. In paragraph 6, The above transducer, An ultrasonic probe that is raised and lowered along a curve formed by the second rail section by extending and shortening the sliding section.

8. In paragraph 6, The above second connecting part is, An ultrasonic probe that is coupled to the second rail portion and moves in a curved manner along the curved shape of the second rail portion.

9. In paragraph 8, The above pillar portion and the second connecting portion, An ultrasonic probe that moves vertically and curvedly in conjunction with the movement of the first connecting portion.

10. In paragraph 4, The above sliding part, An ultrasonic probe that extends and shortens through vertical movement of the column portion, the column portion including at least one protruding member fitted into at least one sliding groove.

11. A method for driving an ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic transducer capable of curved movement, A step in which the transducer is moved in a curve according to the curved shape of the contact surface that comes into contact with the user's target area; and A step in which an ultrasonic signal is output from the above transducer, A driving method including:

12. In an ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic transducer capable of curved movement, A cartridge including a transducer that outputs an ultrasonic signal and a moving module that moves the transducer in a curved manner according to the curved shape of a contact surface that comes into contact with a user's target area; and A handpiece from which the above cartridge is detached, An ultrasound probe including:

13. A computer-readable recording medium recording a program for executing the method of Article 11 on a computer.

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