Image generation device and method using ultrasonic waves and laser

Abstract

The present invention relates to an image generation device and method using ultrasonic waves and laser. The image generation device using ultrasonic waves and laser, according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a light source that irradiates an object with light; an ultrasonic wave generation unit that forms an ultrasonic field by focusing an ultrasonic signal into the object irradiated with the light; a laser emission unit that focuses laser beams at the ultrasonic field to form air bubbles in the object; and an image generation unit that generates an image of the object in which the air bubbles are formed.

Description

Device and method for generating images using ultrasound and laser

[0001] The present invention relates to an image generation apparatus and method using ultrasound and a laser, and more specifically, to an image generation apparatus and method using ultrasound and a laser to generate images of deep tissues of a living organism.

[0002] An optical imaging system is equipment that images the internal structure and characteristics of an object (e.g., biological tissue) with high resolution by irradiating the object with light and detecting the light reflected, absorbed, or scattered by the object. For instance, a confocal microscope is an optical imaging device capable of acquiring microscopic cells and subcellular biological samples at high resolution.

[0003] However, generally, when light enters biological tissue, which is a complex scattering medium, it deviates significantly from its initial trajectory due to multiple scattering, and the depth of light penetration into an object is limited. In other words, multiple scattering imposes limitations on the depth at which an optical image can be obtained.

[0004] In this regard, conventional technology generated air bubbles by irradiating ultrasonic energy at a level that does not affect biological tissue. The generated air bubbles reduced the light scattering effect, allowing light to penetrate to deeper regions; this overcame the limitations of light penetration depth caused by multiple scattering, thereby obtaining optical images without degradation of resolution.

[0005] However, the generation area and thickness of air bubbles induced by ultrasonic energy are determined in a constant manner according to the ultrasonic irradiation conditions (e.g., frequency, intensity, pulse repetition period, etc.). Therefore, there was a problem in that multiple ultrasonic transducers had to be changed according to the situation in order to acquire optical images of different layers.

[0006] Furthermore, in the case of ultrasound-induced air bubbles, impurities and fine particles already present within the ultrasound focusing region can act as nuclei for bubble formation. Consequently, there was a problem in that it was difficult to accurately predict the location and timing of air bubble generation.

[0007] The present invention was devised to solve the problems described above, and the objective of the present invention is to provide an image generation apparatus and method using ultrasound and a laser to generate an image of the deep tissue of an object (e.g., biological tissue, etc.) by controlling the penetration depth of light into the object using ultrasound and a laser.

[0008] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an image generation apparatus and method using ultrasound and a laser, which generate an image of a desired area of ​​an object by generating air bubbles at a desired location and time within the object using ultrasound and a laser.

[0009] The objectives of the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other objectives and advantages of the present invention not mentioned may be understood from the following description and will be more clearly understood by the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be understood that the objectives and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0010] For the above purpose, an image generating device using ultrasound and a laser according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a light source that irradiates light onto an object; an ultrasound generating unit that focuses an ultrasound signal within the object upon which the light is irradiated to form an ultrasound field; a laser transmitting unit that focuses a laser into the ultrasound field to form an air bubble within the object; and an image generating unit that generates an image of the object in which the air bubble is formed.

[0011] Preferably, the image generating unit generates an image of a second region of the object while the ultrasonic generating unit maintains an air bubble formed in a first region of the object.

[0012] Preferably, the laser emitter controls the focusing position of the laser to form an air bubble in a first area of ​​the object.

[0013] Preferably, the ultrasonic generator is implemented in a ring shape so that the path of the light and the path of the laser are separated.

[0014] Preferably, the ultrasonic generator is implemented in the form of an array element including a plurality of ultrasonic elements, and controls the focusing position of the ultrasonic waves through the time delay of the ultrasonic signal applied to each ultrasonic element.

[0015] Preferably, the ultrasonic generator and the laser emitter irradiate ultrasonic waves and a laser from the same direction to form an air bubble in a second region of the object, and the image generator generates an image of the first region of the object.

[0016] Preferably, the laser emitter continuously moves the focal position of the laser to gradually increase the size of the air bubble area formed within the object.

[0017] Meanwhile, a method for generating an image using ultrasound and a laser according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a step of irradiating light onto an object through a light source; a step of forming an ultrasound field by focusing an ultrasound signal into the object upon which the light is irradiated through an ultrasound generating unit; a step of forming an air bubble within the object by focusing a laser into the ultrasound field through a laser transmitting unit; and a step of generating an image of the object in which the air bubble is formed through an image generating unit.

[0018] Preferably, the step of generating the image includes the step of generating an image of a second region of the object while the ultrasonic generator maintains an air bubble formed in a first region of the object.

[0019] Preferably, the step of forming the air bubble includes controlling the focusing position of the laser to form an air bubble in a first area of ​​the object.

[0020] Preferably, when the ultrasonic generator is implemented in a ring shape with a portion broken, the ultrasonic generator separates the paths of light generated from the light source and the laser, respectively.

[0021] Preferably, the ultrasonic generator is implemented in a ring shape so that the path of the light and the path of the laser are separated.

[0022] Preferably, the ultrasonic generator is implemented in the form of an array element including a plurality of ultrasonic elements, and the focusing position of the ultrasonic waves is controlled through the time delay of the ultrasonic signal applied to each ultrasonic element.

[0023] Preferably, the step of forming the air bubble includes the step of forming an air bubble in a second region of the object by irradiating ultrasound and a laser from the same direction by the ultrasonic generator and the laser emitter, and the step of generating the image includes the step of generating an image of the first region of the object through the image generating unit.

[0024] Preferably, the step of forming the air bubble includes the step of continuously moving the focal position of the laser to gradually increase the size of the air bubble area formed within the object.

[0025] According to the present invention, by generating air bubbles within an object using ultrasound and a laser at a level that does not affect the object (e.g., biological tissue, etc.), the limitation of light penetration depth within the object is overcome, thereby providing the effect of generating images of the deep tissues of the object.

[0026] In addition, according to the present invention, by focusing a laser at a location desired by the user and accurately controlling the location and timing of the creation of an air bubble within the object, it has the effect of easily generating an image of a desired area of ​​the object.

[0027] In addition, according to the present invention, the location of air bubble generation within an object can be controlled without changing the ultrasonic transducer, thereby having the effect of generating an image of a desired area of ​​the object.

[0028] In addition, according to the present invention, by focusing a laser at a location desired by the user and stacking air bubbles in one or more areas within the object, light can be transmitted to deeper areas within the object, thereby having the effect of generating an image of the deep tissue of the object.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an image generating device using ultrasound and a laser according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 2 is an example diagram of an image generation method using ultrasound and a laser according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 3 is an example diagram of an image generation method using ultrasound and a laser according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 4 is an example diagram of an image generation method using ultrasound and laser according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an image generation method using ultrasound and a laser according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an image generation method using ultrasound and a laser according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 7 is an example diagram of an image generation method using ultrasound and a laser according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 8 is an example diagram of an image generation method using ultrasound and a laser according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components regardless of drawing symbols are assigned the same reference number, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the ease of drafting the specification and do not inherently possess distinct meanings or roles. Furthermore, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art could obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, such detailed description will be omitted. Additionally, the attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification; the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings, and it should be understood that they include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the invention.

[0038] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0039] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0040]

[0041] First, the laser breaks down the molecules of the liquid to generate ionized high-temperature plasma near the laser focusing point. The generated plasma rapidly expands at a speed exceeding 100 m / s to create vapor bubbles.

[0042] In other words, the laser induces cavitation through plasma generation to create air bubbles of a constant size filled with gas or vapor. Therefore, it is possible to form air bubbles that reduce light scattering without considering the air concentration within the bubbles.

[0043] However, laser-induced cavitation can generally cause deformation of objects by inducing unstable movements near rigid walls in microenvironments. For example, bubbles near a rigid wall move toward the wall, and the unstable movement of the bubbles is located between the bubble and the wall. In other words, single-bubble induction using a laser can cause damage and deformation of objects.

[0044] Accordingly, the image generating device (10) according to the present invention first forms an ultrasonic field on an object, and then irradiates a low-intensity pulsed laser to form an air bubble. According to this, by using low-intensity pulsed ultrasound, a high-power ultrasonic transducer is not required, and by using a low-intensity pulsed laser to form an air bubble, the risk of tissue damage can be reduced.

[0045]

[0046] Hereinafter, an image generating apparatus and method using ultrasound and laser according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8.

[0047] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an image generation device using ultrasound and a laser according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an example diagram of an image generation method using ultrasound and a laser according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 1, an image generating device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a light source (100), an ultrasonic generating unit (200), a laser transmitting unit (300), an image generating unit (400), etc.

[0049] For example, the light source (100), the ultrasonic generator (200), and the laser emitter (300) irradiate light (110), a laser, and ultrasound onto an object (700) located on a glass plate (800). At this time, the object (700) may be implemented, for example, as a biological tissue, a biological tissue model (phantom), etc.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the light source (100), laser (300), and image generating unit (400) are located opposite the ultrasonic generating unit (200) with respect to the object (700).

[0051] That is, light (110), laser, and ultrasound are irradiated from different directions. For example, if light (110) and laser are irradiated toward the bottom surface of the object (700) (e.g., the part in contact with the glass plate (800)), ultrasound can be irradiated toward the top surface of the object (700).

[0052] The light source (100) irradiates light (110) onto the object (700). At this time, the light source (100) can be implemented, for example, as an LED.

[0053] For example, the light source (100) irradiates light in the visible range (e.g., wavelength of 400 to 700 nm) onto the object (700). Additionally, for example, the light source (100) can irradiate light so that it passes through the objective lens of the image generating unit (400) to focus the light (110) onto the first region (710) of the object (700).

[0054] The ultrasonic generating unit (200) forms an ultrasonic field by focusing ultrasonic waves onto an object (700) to which light (110) is irradiated.

[0055] For example, the ultrasonic generating unit (200) is equipped with an ultrasonic transducer so that it can convert electrical energy into mechanical vibration energy and focus ultrasonic waves on an object (700).

[0056] At this time, for example, the ultrasonic generating unit (200) can form an ultrasonic field by irradiating low-intensity pulsed ultrasonic waves onto the object (700).

[0057] That is, the ultrasonic generating unit (200) forms an ultrasonic field by focusing low-intensity pulsed ultrasound into the internal region of the object (700) where light (110) from the light source (100) is focused.

[0058] Additionally, for example, the ultrasonic generating unit (200) may be implemented in the form of a single element having a hole in the shape of a ring. However, the shape of the ultrasonic generating unit (200) is not limited thereto.

[0059] For example, referring to FIG. 3, the ultrasonic generator (200) may be implemented in the form of an array element including a plurality of ultrasonic elements. The ultrasonic generator (210) implemented in the form of an array element can freely change the focusing position of ultrasonic energy at a desired point by utilizing the time delay of the ultrasonic signal applied to each ultrasonic element. That is, the ultrasonic generator (210) implemented in the form of an array element can change the formation position of the ultrasonic field.

[0060] Meanwhile, for example, referring to FIG. 4, the ultrasonic generator (200) can be implemented in the shape of a ring with a hole in the center. By positioning a laser transmitter (300) on the ultrasonic generator (220) implemented in the shape of a ring, the path of light generated from the light source (100) and the path of the laser transmitted from the laser transmitter (300) can be separated.

[0061] The laser transmitter (300) focuses a laser into the ultrasonic field formed within the object (700) through the ultrasonic generator (200) to form an air bubble (500) within the object (700). Then, an air bubble cloud is created within the object (700), and an air bubble region is formed.

[0062] For example, the laser transmitter (300) can focus a low-intensity pulsed laser that has passed through a glass plate (800) onto an object (700). For example, the laser transmitter (300) can emit a low-intensity pulsed laser having an energy between 0.1 mJ and 1 mJ.

[0063] And, the focusing position of the low-intensity pulse laser becomes the nucleus (600) for bubble generation and forms an air bubble (500).

[0064] The image generation unit (400) generates an optical image of an object (700) using an air bubble (500) formed by an ultrasonic generator (200) and a laser transmitter (300).

[0065] For example, the image generation unit (400) can be implemented as a CCD (Change Coupled Device) camera equipped with an objective lens (e.g., a zoom imaging lens).

[0066] Additionally, the image generation unit (400) generates an optical image of the second region (720) while the ultrasonic generator (200) maintains the air bubble (500) formed in the first region (710) of the object.

[0067]

[0068] Hereinafter, an image generation method using ultrasound and a laser according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 and FIGS. 6.

[0069] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an image generation method using ultrasound and a laser according to an embodiment of the present invention. For reference, FIG. 5 is a method for generating images of first and second regions of an object.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 5, when a light source (100) irradiates light toward an object (700), reflection, absorption, scattering, etc. of the light occurs in a first region (710) of the object (700), and accordingly, an image generating unit (400) generates an image of the first region (710) of the object (700) (refer to step S510 of FIG. 5).

[0071] When an image of the first region (710) of the object is obtained, the ultrasound generating unit (200) focuses ultrasound onto the object (700) to form an ultrasound field (see step S520 of FIG. 5).

[0072] For example, the ultrasonic generator (200) forms an ultrasonic field by focusing low-intensity pulsed ultrasound with a maximum sound pressure of 1.87 MPa onto the object (700).

[0073] At this time, preferably, the ultrasonic generating unit (200) can form an ultrasonic field having maximum pressure by focusing low-intensity pulsed ultrasound at a point located at a predetermined distance (e.g., about 850 μm) away from the object (700) in the opposite direction relative to the glass plate (800).

[0074] Meanwhile, when an ultrasonic field is formed in the object (700), the laser transmitter (300) focuses a laser onto the ultrasonic field formed within the object (700) to form an air bubble (500) region in the first region (710) of the object (700) (see step S530 of FIG. 5).

[0075] For example, a laser transmitter (300) can form an air bubble (500) by focusing a low-intensity pulsed laser with energy between 0.1 mJ and 1 mJ into the first maximum pressure region of the ultrasonic field formed within the object (700).

[0076] Alternatively, the laser transmitter (300) may focus a low-intensity pulsed laser of 0.1 mJ to 1 mJ on the part (600) where the object (700) comes into contact with the glass plate (800) to form an air bubble (500) in the first region (710) of the object (700).

[0077] Meanwhile, in order to maintain the air bubble (500) formed within the object (700), the ultrasonic generator (200) transmits low-intensity continuous ultrasound, which is a pulse sequence that prevents bubble collapse, to the object (700). At this time, the low-intensity continuous ultrasound signal transmitted from the ultrasonic generator (200) may be transmitted at a lower sound pressure than the low-intensity pulsed ultrasound signal irradiated to form an ultrasonic field. For example, the maximum sound pressure of the low-intensity continuous ultrasound to maintain the air bubble (500) may be implemented as 0.75 MPa.

[0078] After that, when the light source (100) irradiates light toward the object (700), the light penetrates most of the first region (710) of the object (700) due to the air bubble (500), and reflection, absorption, scattering, etc. of the light occurs in the second region (720) of the object (700), and accordingly, the image generating unit (400) generates an image of the second region (720) of the object (700) (see step S540 of FIG. 5).

[0079] For example, while the ultrasonic generator (200) generates low-intensity continuous ultrasonic waves to maintain the air bubble (500) created in the first region (710) of the object (700), the image generator (400) generates an image of the second region (720) of the object (700).

[0080]

[0081] Meanwhile, the image generating device (10) according to the present invention can generate an image of a region deeper than the second region (720) of the object (700) (e.g., the third region (730) of the object) by additionally forming an air bubble (520) on the air bubble (510) in the first region (710) of the object (700), for example, in the second region (720) of the object (700).

[0082] In this regard, FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an image generation method using ultrasound and a laser according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is an example diagram of an image generation method using ultrasound and a laser according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, when a light source (100) irradiates light toward an object (700), reflection, absorption, scattering, etc. of the light occurs in a first region (710) of the object (700), and accordingly, an image generating unit (400) generates an image of the first region (710) of the object (700) (see step S610 of FIG. 6).

[0084] When an image of the first region (710) of the object is obtained, the ultrasonic generator (200) focuses ultrasonic waves onto the object (700) to form an ultrasonic field (see step S620 of FIG. 6).

[0085] For example, the ultrasonic generator (200) forms an ultrasonic field by focusing low-intensity pulsed ultrasound with a maximum sound pressure of 1.87 MPa onto the object (700).

[0086] At this time, preferably, the ultrasonic generating unit (200) can form an ultrasonic field having maximum pressure by focusing low-intensity pulsed ultrasound at a point located at a predetermined distance (e.g., about 850 μm) away from the object (700) in the opposite direction relative to the glass plate (800).

[0087] Meanwhile, when an ultrasonic field is formed in the object (700), the laser transmitter (300) focuses a laser onto the ultrasonic field formed within the object (700) to form a first air bubble (510) region in the first region (710) of the object (700) (see step S630 of FIG. 6).

[0088] For example, the laser transmitter (300) can form a first air bubble (510) in a first region (710) of the object (700) by focusing a low-intensity pulsed laser between 0.1 mJ and 1 mJ onto the part (610) where the object (700) comes into contact with the glass plate (800).

[0089] Meanwhile, in order to maintain the first air bubble (510) formed within the object (700), the ultrasonic generator (200) transmits low-intensity continuous ultrasound, which is a pulse sequence that prevents bubble collapse, to the object (700). At this time, the low-intensity continuous ultrasound signal transmitted from the ultrasonic generator (200) may be transmitted at a lower sound pressure than the low-intensity pulsed ultrasound signal irradiated to form an ultrasonic field. For example, the maximum sound pressure of the low-intensity continuous ultrasound to maintain the first air bubble (510) may be implemented as 0.75 MPa.

[0090] After that, when the light source (100) irradiates light toward the object (700), the light penetrates most of the first region (710) of the object (700) due to the first air bubble (510), and reflection, absorption, scattering, etc. of the light occurs in the second region (720) of the object (700), and accordingly, the image generating unit (400) generates an image of the second region (720) of the object (700) (see step S640 of FIG. 6).

[0091] For example, while the ultrasound generating unit (200) generates low-intensity continuous ultrasound to maintain the first air bubble (510) created in the first region (710) of the object (700), the image generating unit (400) generates an image of the second region (720) of the object (700).

[0092] Then, while the ultrasonic generator (200) generates low-intensity continuous ultrasonic waves to maintain the first air bubble (510) created in the first region (710) of the object (700), the laser transmitter (300) moves the laser focal position to focus the laser at the center (620) of the second region (720) of the object (700) to form a second air bubble (520) region in the second region (720) of the object (700) (see step S650 of FIG. 6).

[0093] And, accordingly, a second air bubble (520) is stacked on the first air bubble (510).

[0094] After that, when the light source (100) irradiates light toward the object (700), the light penetrates most of the first region (710) and second region (720) of the object (700) due to the first air bubble (510) and second air bubble (520), and reflection, absorption, scattering, etc. of the light occurs in the third region (730) of the object (700), and accordingly, the image generation unit (400) generates an image of the third region (730) of the object (700) (see step S660 of FIG. 6).

[0095] For example, while the ultrasound generating unit (200) generates low-intensity continuous ultrasound to maintain the first air bubble (510) and the second air bubble (520) created in the first region (710) and the second region (720) of the object (700), the image generating unit (400) generates an image of the third region (730) of the object (700).

[0096] In this way, in the present embodiment, the laser focus position of the laser transmitter (300) is moved to control the generation position of the air bubble, and accordingly, by stacking the second air bubble (520) on the first air bubble (510), light can penetrate most of the first air bubble (510) and the second air bubble (520) to obtain an image of the third region (730) of the object (700).

[0097] Meanwhile, alternatively, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the laser focus position of the laser transmitter (300) can be continuously moved so that the position of the air bubble generation is continuously moved, thereby enabling the size of the air bubble area to gradually increase, and accordingly, the area where light can penetrate can be expanded to generate an image of the deep tissue of the object.

[0098] That is, in the embodiment of FIG. 7, the laser focus position of the laser transmitter (300) is moved directly from the part (610) in contact with the glass plate (800) to the center (620) of the second region (720) so that the first air bubble (510) is formed in the first region (710) of the object (700) and the second air bubble (520) is stacked in the second region (720) of the object (700). However, in an alternative embodiment, the laser focus position of the laser transmitter (300) is moved sequentially from the part (610) in contact with the glass plate (800) to the center (620) of the second region (720) so that the size of the air bubble area initially formed is gradually increased and extended to the second region (720) of FIG. 7.

[0099]

[0100] Meanwhile, the method of generating an image of the second area (720) of the object (700) after generating an air bubble (510) in the first area (710) of the object (700) and the method of generating an image of the third area (730) of the object (700) after generating one or more air bubbles (510 and 520) in the first area (710) and the second area (720) of the object (700) have been described so far. Alternatively, it is also possible to generate an optical image of the first area (710) of the object (700) after generating a second air bubble (520) in the second area (720) of the object (700) by changing the positions of the ultrasonic generator (200) and the image generator (400).

[0101] In this regard, FIG. 8 is an example diagram of an image generation method using ultrasound and a laser according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 8, the light source (100), the ultrasonic generator (220), the laser emitter (300), and the image generator (400) are located on the same side with respect to the object (700). That is, light, ultrasound, and laser are irradiated from the same direction toward the object (700). For example, light, ultrasound, and laser can be irradiated toward the upper surface of the object (700).

[0103] In this case, the ultrasonic generator (220) focuses low-intensity pulsed ultrasound onto the object (700) to form an ultrasonic field.

[0104] Then, the laser transmitter (300) focuses a low-intensity pulsed laser onto a second region (720) of the object (700) to form an air bubble (520) in the second region (720).

[0105] And, the image generation unit (400) can generate an image of the first region (710) of the object (700).

[0106] For example, while maintaining the air bubble (520) created in the second region (720) of the object (700) in the ultrasonic generating unit (200), the image generating unit (400) generates an image of the first region (710) of the object (700).

[0107] Accordingly, the image generating device (10) according to the present invention can form an air bubble at a desired location without changing the ultrasonic transducer by moving the positions of the light source (100), the ultrasonic generator (200), the laser transmitter (300), and the image generating device (400). In addition, the image generating device (10) according to the present invention can generate an image of the deep tissue of an object by using the formed air bubble to reduce scattering of light (e.g., light irradiated from a light source) and expanding the area where light can penetrate.

[0108] In the specification of this disclosure (particularly in the claims), the use of the term "above" and similar descriptive terms may be in both singular and plural. Furthermore, where a range is described in this disclosure, it is to include an invention to which individual values ​​belonging to said range are applied (unless otherwise stated), as is equivalent to describing each individual value constituting said range in the detailed description of the invention.

[0109] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the steps constituting the method according to the present disclosure may be performed in a suitable order. The present disclosure is not necessarily limited by the order in which the steps are described. The use of all examples or exemplary terms (e.g., etc.) in the present disclosure is merely for the purpose of describing the present disclosure in detail, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by such examples or exemplary terms unless limited by the claims. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art will understand that various modifications, combinations, and changes may be made according to design conditions and factors within the scope of the claims or equivalents to which they are added.

[0110] Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to the embodiments described above, and all scopes equivalent to or equivalently modified from the claims set forth below, as well as the claims set forth below, shall be considered to fall within the scope of the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. As an image generating device using ultrasound and laser, A light source that illuminates an object; An ultrasonic generating unit that forms an ultrasonic field by focusing an ultrasonic signal within the object into which the light is irradiated; A laser transmitting unit that focuses a laser into the ultrasonic field to form an air bubble within the object; and A video generation unit comprising a video generation unit that generates an image of the object on which the air bubble is formed. Image generation device using ultrasound and laser.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above image generation unit is, The above ultrasonic generator generates an image of the second region of the object while maintaining an air bubble formed in the first region of the object. Image generation device using ultrasound and laser.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above laser transmitting unit is, Controlling the focusing position of the above laser to form an air bubble in the first area of ​​the object, Image generation device using ultrasound and laser.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned ultrasonic generator is implemented in a ring shape, so that the path of the light and the path of the laser are separated. Image generation device using ultrasound and laser.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above-described ultrasonic generator is implemented in the form of an array element including a plurality of ultrasonic elements, and controls the focusing position of the ultrasonic waves through the time delay of the ultrasonic signal applied to each ultrasonic element. Image generation device using ultrasound and laser.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned ultrasonic generating unit and the above-mentioned laser transmitting unit irradiate ultrasonic waves and lasers from the same direction to form air bubbles in a second region of the object, and the above-mentioned image generating unit generates an image of the first region of the object. Image generation device using ultrasound and laser.

7. In Paragraph 1, The laser transmitting unit continuously moves the focal position of the laser to gradually increase the size of the air bubble area formed within the object. Image generation device using ultrasound and laser.

8. As a method for generating images using ultrasound and laser, A step of illuminating an object with light through a light source; A step of forming an ultrasonic field by focusing an ultrasonic signal within the object into which the light is irradiated through an ultrasonic generating unit; A step of forming an air bubble within the object by focusing a laser into the ultrasonic field through a laser emitter; and A step comprising generating an image of the object on which the air bubble is formed through an image generation unit, Image generation method using ultrasound and laser.

9. In Paragraph 8, The step of generating the above image is, The above ultrasonic generator includes the step of generating an image of a second region of the object while maintaining an air bubble formed in a first region of the object. Image generation method using ultrasound and laser.

10. In Paragraph 8, The step of forming the above air bubble is, A step comprising controlling the focusing position of the laser to form an air bubble in a first area of ​​the object. Image generation method using ultrasound and laser.

11. In Paragraph 8, The above-mentioned ultrasonic generator is implemented in a ring shape, so that the path of the light and the path of the laser are separated. Image generation method using ultrasound and laser.

12. In Paragraph 8, The above-described ultrasonic generator is implemented in the form of an array element including a plurality of ultrasonic elements, wherein the focusing position of the ultrasonic waves is controlled through the time delay of the ultrasonic signal applied to each ultrasonic element. Image generation method using ultrasound and laser.

13. In Paragraph 8, The step of forming the above air bubble is, The method includes the step of forming an air bubble in a second region of the object by irradiating ultrasound and a laser from the same direction by the ultrasound generating unit and the laser transmitting unit. The step of generating the above image is, A step comprising generating an image of a first region of the object through the image generation unit, Image generation method using ultrasound and laser.

14. In Paragraph 8, The step of forming the above air bubble is, A step comprising continuously moving the focal position of the laser to gradually increase the size of the air bubble area formed within the object. Image generation method using ultrasound and laser.

Images