JPH11276497A - Ultrasonic curing device and ultrasonic curing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively crush calculus and gallstone in a body without damaging the other biotissue in an inexpensive, simple and small structure by generating a curing signal and supplying the same to an ultrasonic converting element, according to a function corresponding to the real number value obtained from the real number value establishing a specified expression concerning a search receive signal. SOLUTION: N×N pieces of search receive signals Smn (t) are Fourier transformed to N×N pieces of search receive signals Smn (ω) by a Fourier transform means (CPU) 18, and among real number values λ1 -λN establishing an equation of an expression concerning N×N pieces of search receive signals Smn (ω), single or a plurality of real number values λp (1<=p<=N) are obtained in the order of decreasing the absolute value, and single or a plurality of functions ψp (ω) corresponding to the real number value λp are calculated. The device includes a curing signal generating means (signal generators) for generating at least one curing signal according to the function ψp (ω) and supplying the same to at least one of ultrasonic converting elements (cell) 91 -964 . In the equation, ψ*m (ω) is a complex conjugate of ψm (ω).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ultrasonic treatment apparatus and an ultrasonic treatment method, and more particularly, to an ultrasonic treatment apparatus for crushing stones, gallstones and the like in a subject by irradiating them with convergence energy of ultrasonic waves. The present invention relates to an ultrasonic treatment apparatus and an ultrasonic treatment method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been an ultrasonic treatment apparatus disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 62-49843. This ultrasonic therapy apparatus irradiates a weak ultrasonic wave to the periphery of a calculus or the like in a subject's body from one ultrasonic transducer and displays a tomographic image of the calculus or the like based on an echo signal of the ultrasonic wave, so that an operator can perform the operation. The operator operates the apparatus while viewing the tomographic image, and irradiates the calculus or the like with strong ultrasonic waves from another ultrasonic transducer to crush the calculus or the like. However, in the ultrasonic treatment apparatus disclosed in the above publication, since the focal size of strong ultrasonic waves is fixed, when the size of a calculus or the like is larger than the right focal size, the ultra-sound which is strong against a calculus or the like many times is used. If the sound wave is not irradiated, it cannot be completely crushed and the treatment efficiency is low.On the other hand, if the size of the calculus is smaller than the right focal size, there is a disadvantage that the normal tissue around the calculus is damaged. Was.

Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-4707 discloses the following ultrasonic therapy apparatus. First, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
And computer tomography equipment (X-CT; X-ray Comput
The affected part and its vicinity are three-dimensionally imaged using an image diagnostic apparatus such as ed Tomography, and the obtained three-dimensional image is stored in a memory of the apparatus main body. Next, the ultrasonic therapy apparatus obtains the obtained three-dimensional image and physical characteristic values of tissues such as bones and organs input by the operator using the console (for example, temperature rise characteristics with respect to heating, acoustic impedance, and the like). Based on this data, a three-dimensional pseudo-biological model including a temporal change is created and displayed. This allows the operator to apply an ultrasonic applicator having a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators to a subject while observing the three-dimensional image so that the ultrasonic wave is irradiated onto the affected part without being obstructed by obstacles such as bones and organs. Installing. Next, in this state, the ultrasonic treatment apparatus calculates the refraction and reflection of the ultrasonic wave caused by the difference in the acoustic impedance between the tissues, and irradiates the ultrasonic irradiation path from the ultrasonic applicator to the affected part (the sound field). Simulate). At this time, if an obstacle such as a bone or an organ exists on the irradiation path, the ultrasonic transducer that generates an ultrasonic wave that will hit the obstacle is not driven, and the other ultrasonic transducers are not driven. When driven, conditions for controlling the power supply are determined so that constant energy is applied only to the affected part. Then, the operator determines the treatment protocol such as the treatment region and treatment order while viewing the three-dimensional image, and then irradiates the affected part with ultrasonic waves while sequentially moving the focal point of the ultrasonic transducer according to the right treatment protocol. I do. According to such a configuration, the deviation of the irradiation position of the ultrasonic wave and the irradiation path can be evaluated in advance, and accurate and safe treatment can be performed.

[0004]

In the conventional ultrasonic therapy apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-4707, an image diagnostic apparatus such as MRI or X-CT is used. There is a drawback that it is complicated, large, and expensive. In addition, the physical characteristic values of tissues such as bones and organs used when creating the pseudo biological model are:
Since the value is not a value actually measured for the subject's tissue but a statistical or average value input by the operator using the console, there is a problem that an optimal sound field for treatment of the subject cannot be simulated. Therefore, there is a drawback that stones and the like cannot be effectively crushed without damaging other living tissues of the subject.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has a low-cost, simple, and small configuration, can generate an optimal ultrasonic wave for treatment, and does not damage other living tissues of the subject. It is an object of the present invention to provide an ultrasonic treatment apparatus and an ultrasonic treatment method capable of effectively crushing stones, gallstones, and the like in a human body.

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an ultrasonic therapy apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is arbitrarily arranged two-dimensionally, and is provided with at least an affected part of the body of a subject to be supplied. Based on a search signal for searching for a position, a search ultrasonic wave is applied to the body of the subject based on a treatment signal for treating the supplied affected part, and at least from the affected part. N (N)
Is a natural number of 2 or more) and the n-th (n = 1, 2,...) Of the N ultrasonic conversion elements
A search signal within a predetermined frequency range is supplied to the N) ultrasonic conversion element, and at least an echo from the affected part based on the search signal is received by the m-th (m = 1, 2,..., N) ultrasonic conversion element. Search reception signal detection means for detecting (N × N) search reception signals S _mn (t) output from the N ultrasonic conversion elements by performing the process on the N ultrasonic conversion elements; , The (N × N) search reception signals S _mn (t) are converted to the (N × N) search reception signals S _mn (t).
_mn (ω), and real values λ ₁ , λ ₂ ,..., which satisfy the equation (9) for the (N × N) search reception signals S _mn (ω). λ
Of _N, counted from the larger absolute value, along with determining the one or more real-valued _{λ p (1 ≦ p ≦ N} ) , corresponding to said one or more real-valued _{λ p (1 ≦ p ≦ N} ) Calculating means for calculating one or more functions Ψ _p (1 ≦ p ≦ N) (ω), and the one or more functions Ψ _p (1 ≦ p ≦ N)
And a treatment signal generating means for generating at least one treatment signal based on (ω) and supplying the treatment signal to at least one ultrasonic conversion element.

(Equation 9) In equation (9), Ψ ^* _m (ω) is the complex conjugate of Ψ _m (ω).

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the ultrasonic therapy apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the search reception signal detecting means includes a frequency band of ultrasonic waves which can be irradiated from the N ultrasonic conversion elements. Generating a search signal of an arbitrary waveform in the above, and the N ultrasonic conversion elements irradiate the subject with ultrasonic waves for searching for an arbitrary waveform in its own frequency band based on the search signal. It is characterized by.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the ultrasonic treatment apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the treatment signal generating means is obtained by performing an inverse Fourier transform on the one or more functions Ψ _p. The converted signal 治療_p (t) is converted into an analog signal to be the at least one treatment signal.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the ultrasonic therapy apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the treatment signal generating means includes a function Ψ _p (ω) for each angular frequency. A signal obtained by inverse Fourier transform of the signal multiplied by the weighting function A _p (ω) is converted into an analog signal, and if necessary, the amplitude is amplified to obtain the at least one treatment signal. .

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the ultrasonic treatment apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the transmission / reception combined with the corresponding ultrasonic conversion element corresponds to the N ultrasonic conversion elements. The characteristic has a linear phase change characteristic, so that transmission and reception of a signal without loss of energy is performed between the corresponding ultrasonic conversion element and the search reception signal detection means and the treatment signal generation means. The medical signal generating means includes N matching circuits for performing matching, and the treatment signal generating means can perform arbitrary treatment based on a signal Ψ _p (t) obtained by performing an inverse Fourier transform on the one or more functions Ψ _p (ω). It is characterized in that at least one pulse-shaped treatment signal having an arbitrary amplitude is generated at a time.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the ultrasonic therapy apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein transmission / reception corresponding to the N ultrasonic conversion elements and the corresponding ultrasonic conversion elements is performed. The characteristic has a linear phase change characteristic, so that transmission and reception of a signal without loss of energy is performed between the corresponding ultrasonic conversion element and the search reception signal detection means and the treatment signal generation means. The treatment signal generating means includes N matching circuits for performing matching, and the one or more functions Ψ _p (ω) are added to the weighting function A _p (ω) for each angular frequency.
, And generates at least one pulse-shaped treatment signal having an arbitrary amplitude at an arbitrary time based on a signal obtained by performing an inverse Fourier transform on the multiplied signal.

The invention according to claim 7 relates to the ultrasonic treatment apparatus according to claim 4 or 6, wherein the weighting function A
_p (ω) is characterized in that it is a function that changes the peak voltage of the treatment signal in order to concentrate the energy of the treatment ultrasonic wave on the affected part.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the ultrasonic therapy apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the calculating means comprises the (N × N) search reception signals S
_mn (ω) is an (N × N) complex symmetric matrix, and is obtained from the scattering matrix S (ω) expressed by the equation (10) and (2N × 2N) expressed by the equation (11). Real symmetric matrix S '
(Ω) is obtained, and the eigenvalue problem of the real symmetric matrix S ′ (ω) is processed to obtain an eigenvalue and an eigenvector corresponding to the eigenvalue.
One or more eigenvalues are converted to one or more real values λ _p
And the singular or plural eigenvectors for the singular or plural eigenvalues are converted to the singular or plural real values λ
_One or more functions 単_p (ω) corresponding to _p are characterized.

(Equation 10) In the equation (10), S _mn (ω) represents at least an echo from the affected part when the search ultrasonic wave is emitted from the n-th ultrasonic conversion element (n = 1, 2,..., N). The m-th ultrasonic conversion element (m = 1, 2,..., N) corresponds to the search reception signal S _mn (t) as a function of time when receiving.

[Equation 11] In equation (11), Re (S (ω)) is the scattering matrix S
The real part of (ω), Im (S (ω)) is the imaginary part of the scattering matrix S (ω).

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the ultrasonic therapy apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the angular frequency range corresponding to the predetermined frequency range and the N ultrasonic conversions are provided. For the element, the singular or plural real values λ
_The sound field function φ _p (ω, x, y, z) is obtained from one or more functions Ψ _p (ω) corresponding to _p, and the sound field function φ
_{p (ω, x, y,} z) function which is obtained by inverse Fourier transform of _{φ p (t, x, y} , z) function of the sound field at time t = 0 from φ _p (x, y, z ) (= Φ _p (t, x, y, z) (t =
0)) and imaging means for imaging at least the affected part based on the function φ _p (x, y, z) of the sound field and the single or plural real values λ _p. And

The invention described in claim 10 is the same as the ninth invention.
The above-mentioned Fourier transform means
However, at the time of the therapeutic ultrasonic irradiation, at least from the affected area
The echoes are output from the N ultrasonic transducers
Fourier transform the received N received signals to calculate
The stage is based on the Fourier-transformed N treatment received signals.
Singular or plural real values λ_pAnd corresponding to them
One or more functions _p(Ω) and the above
The imaging means may include one or more real values λ_pAnd it
One or more functions corresponding to_pBased on (ω)
And imaging at least the affected area during treatment.
doing.

The invention according to claim 11 is the first invention.
According to the ultrasonic therapy apparatus according to any one of 1 to 10,
A gate function g (t) for extracting at least only a primary reflected wave signal from the affected part;
_mn (t) is multiplied by gate processing means.

The invention according to claim 12 is the first invention.
1. The gate function g according to claim 1, wherein
(T) is one of the search reception signals S _mn (t).
A function representing a rectangular window having an amplitude of approximately 1 in a portion estimated as a next reflected wave signal and an amplitude of approximately 0 in other portions, or a formula (1)
It is a normal function represented by 2).

(Equation 12)

The invention according to claim 13 is the first invention.
According to the ultrasonic therapy apparatus according to any one of 1 to 12,
The search reception signal detecting means is more than (1 / 8T) when the maximum time for the search ultrasonic wave radiated from the ultrasonic conversion element to propagate to the diseased part is T in the predetermined frequency range. The frequency of the search ultrasonic wave is changed at small frequency intervals, and the (N × N) search reception signals S _mn (t) for each frequency are detected.

The invention according to claim 14 is the first invention.
According to the ultrasonic therapy apparatus according to any one of to 13,
Said calculating means is multiplied by the one or more real value lambda _p from or the one or more predetermined proportional constant real value lambda _p, it is characterized by determining the reflectance of at least the affected area.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ultrasonic treatment method which is arbitrarily arranged two-dimensionally, and is searched based on a supplied search signal for searching at least the position of an affected part in the body of a subject. Ultrasonic waves for irradiation are applied to the body of the subject based on the supplied treatment signal for treating the affected part, and at least an echo from the affected part is received and at least a search reception signal is output. (N is a natural number of 2 or more) ultrasonic conversion elements, and among the N ultrasonic conversion elements, an n-th (n = 1, 2,..., N) ultrasonic conversion element , A search signal within a predetermined frequency range is supplied, and at least an echo from the affected part based on the search signal is m-th (m = 1, 2,..., N)
(N × N) search reception signals S _mn (t) output from the N ultrasonic conversion elements by performing the process of receiving by the ultrasonic conversion elements for the N ultrasonic conversion elements. A first process of detecting, and a second process of Fourier-transforming the (N × N) search reception signals S _mn (t) into (N × N) search reception signals S _mn (ω). Equation (1) for the (N × N) search reception signals S _mn (ω)
Real values λ ₁ , λ ₂ ,..., Λ _N that satisfy equation 3)
Of the absolute values, one or more real values λ _p (1 ≦ p ≦ N) are calculated, and one or more functions Ψ corresponding to the one or more real values λ _p are obtained.
a third process of calculating the _{p (ω),} based on the one or more functions Ψ _{p (ω),} the supply to the at least one ultrasonic transducer element to produce at least one therapeutic signal 4 is provided.

(Equation 13) In the formula _{^{(13), Ψ * m (}} ω) is the complex conjugate of Ψ _m (ω).

The invention according to claim 16 is the first invention.
According to the ultrasonic treatment method described in 5, in the first processing,
It is characterized in that a search signal of an arbitrary waveform in the frequency band of ultrasonic waves that can be irradiated is generated from the N ultrasonic conversion elements.

The invention according to claim 17 is based on claim 1.
According to the ultrasonic treatment method described in 5 or 16, in the fourth processing, a signal Ψ _p (t) obtained by performing an inverse Fourier transform on the one or more functions Ψ _p (ω) is converted into an analog signal. It is characterized in that said at least one treatment signal is used.

The invention according to claim 18 is the first invention.
According to the ultrasonic treatment method described in 5 or 16, in the fourth processing, the one or more functions も の_p (ω) multiplied by a weighting function A _p (ω) for each angular frequency are subjected to an inverse Fourier transform. Then, the amplitude of the obtained signal is amplified as necessary to obtain the at least one treatment signal.

The invention according to claim 19 is the invention according to claim 1.
According to the ultrasonic therapy method described in 5 or 16, the transmission / reception characteristics combined with the corresponding ultrasonic conversion elements have a linear phase change characteristic corresponding to the N ultrasonic conversion elements, and the corresponding ultrasonic conversion Impedance matching is performed between the element and the search signal detection means and the treatment signal generation means so that signals can be transmitted and received without loss of energy.
Number of matching circuits, and in the fourth processing, based on a signal Ψ _p (t) obtained by performing an inverse Fourier transform on the singular or plural functions Ψ _p (ω), an arbitrary time The method is characterized in that at least one treatment signal in the form of a pulse having an amplitude is generated.

Further, the invention described in claim 20 is the first invention.
According to the ultrasonic therapy method described in 5 or 16, the transmission / reception characteristics combined with the corresponding ultrasonic conversion elements have a linear phase change characteristic corresponding to the N ultrasonic conversion elements, and the corresponding ultrasonic conversion Impedance matching is performed between the element and the search signal detection means and the treatment signal generation means so that signals can be transmitted and received without loss of energy.
Number of matching circuits, and in the fourth process, a weighting function A is added to the one or more functions 複数_p (ω) for each angular frequency.
_At least one pulse-shaped treatment signal having an arbitrary amplitude at an arbitrary time is generated based on a signal obtained by performing an inverse Fourier transform on a product multiplied by _p (ω).

The invention according to claim 21 relates to the ultrasonic treatment method according to claim 18 or 20, wherein the weighting function A
_p (ω) is characterized in that it is a function that changes the peak voltage of the treatment signal in order to concentrate the energy of the treatment ultrasonic wave on the affected part.

The invention according to claim 22 relates to the ultrasonic treatment method according to any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein in the third processing, the (N × N) search reception signals S _{mn are used.}
This is an (N × N) complex symmetric matrix created from (ω). From the scattering matrix S (ω) expressed by equation (14), the actual value of (2N × 2N) expressed by equation (15) is obtained. Symmetric matrix S '
(Ω) is obtained, and the eigenvalue problem of the real symmetric matrix S ′ (ω) is processed to obtain an eigenvalue and an eigenvector corresponding to the eigenvalue.
One or more eigenvalues are converted to one or more real values λ _p
And the singular or plural eigenvectors for the singular or plural eigenvalues are converted to the singular or plural real values λ
_One or more functions 単_p (ω) corresponding to _p are characterized.

[Equation 14] In the equation (14), S _mn (ω) represents at least the echo from the affected part when the search ultrasonic wave is emitted from the n-th ultrasonic conversion element (n = 1, 2,..., N). The m-th ultrasonic conversion element (m = 1, 2,..., N) corresponds to the search reception signal S _mn (t) as a function of time when receiving.

(Equation 15) In equation (15), Re (S (ω)) is the scattering matrix S
The real part of (ω), Im (S (ω)) is the imaginary part of the scattering matrix S (ω).

Further, the invention according to claim 23 is the first invention.
5 to relates to ultrasonic treatment method according to any one of 22, for the angular frequency range corresponding to a predetermined frequency range and the N numbers of ultrasonic transducer elements, corresponding to the one or more real-valued lambda _p A sound field function φ _p (ω, x, y, z) is obtained from one or more functions Ψ _p (ω), and the sound field function φ _p (ω, x, y, z) is subjected to an inverse Fourier transform. From the obtained function φ _p (t, x, y, z), the function φ _p (x, y, z) of the sound field at time t = 0 (= φ _p (t, x, y, z)
(T = 0)), and a function φ _p (x, y, z) of the sound field is obtained.
And a fifth process for imaging at least the affected part based on the single or plural real values λ _p .

The invention according to claim 24 is the same as the invention according to claim 2.
According to the ultrasonic treatment method described in Item 3, in the second processing,
At the time of the treatment ultrasonic irradiation, the N treatment reception signals output from the N ultrasonic conversion elements that have received at least echoes from the affected part are Fourier-transformed, and the third processing is Fourier-transformed. The one or more real values λ _p and the corresponding one or more functions Ψ _p (ω) are calculated based on the N treatment reception signals, and in the fifth process, the singular or plural It is characterized in that at least the affected part under treatment is imaged based on the real value λ _p and one or more functions Ψ _p (ω) corresponding thereto.

The invention according to claim 25 is the first invention.
According to the ultrasonic treatment method described in any one of 5 to 24, a gate function g (t) for extracting at least only a primary reflected wave signal from an affected part before the second processing is performed.
And the search reception signal S _mn (t) is multiplied by a sixth process.

The invention according to claim 26 is the same as the claim 2
5. According to the ultrasonic treatment method described in item 5, the gate function g
(T) is one of the search reception signals S _mn (t).
A function representing a rectangular window having an amplitude of approximately 1 in a portion estimated as a next reflected wave signal and an amplitude of approximately 0 in other portions, or a formula (1)
It is a normal function represented by 6).

(Equation 16)

The invention according to claim 27 is the first invention.
In the ultrasonic treatment method according to any one of Items 5 to 26, in the first processing, within the predetermined frequency range, the search ultrasonic wave emitted from the ultrasonic conversion element is propagated to the affected part. (1)
/ 8T) is changed at a frequency interval sufficiently smaller than (/ 8T) to detect the (N × N) search reception signals S _mn (t) for each frequency.

The invention according to claim 28 is the first invention.
In the ultrasonic treatment method according to any one of Items 5 to 27, in the third processing, the singular or plural real values λ
It is characterized in that at least the reflectance of the affected part is obtained from _p or by multiplying the single or plural real values λ _p by a predetermined proportionality constant.

[0034]

According to the configuration of the present invention, it is possible to generate ultrasonic waves optimal for treatment with an inexpensive, simple, and compact configuration, and to prevent calculi and gallstones in the subject's body without damaging other living tissues of the subject. Etc. can be effectively crushed. Further, according to the configuration of the invention described in claims 11, 12, 25 and 26, noise related to the first reverberation of the ultrasonic conversion element and at least the multiple reflection between the affected part and the ultrasonic conversion element is removed, and at least Since only the primary reflected wave signal from the affected part is extracted, the exact position of the affected part can be searched.

[0035]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The description will be specifically made using an embodiment. A. First Embodiment First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG.
1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an ultrasonic therapy apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an external view of the apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a use state of the device. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the ultrasonic therapy apparatus of this example is schematically constituted by an applicator 1, an apparatus main body 2, and a cable 3 connecting the applicator 1 and the apparatus main body 2.
The applicator 1 converts a search signal having a small amplitude supplied from the apparatus main body 2 via the cable 3, for example, for searching for the position of a calculus formed in the kidney 5 of the subject 4 into an ultrasonic search wave. In addition, a treatment signal having a large amplitude for crushing a calculus, a gallstone, or the like is converted into a therapeutic ultrasonic wave to irradiate the calculus or the like, and an echo from the calculus or the like is converted into a search reception signal and a treatment reception signal. The apparatus main body 2 supplies a search signal to the applicator 1 via the cable 3 to perform a digital analysis process on the search reception signal supplied from the applicator 1, and the optimal treatment signal for crushing a calculus or the like. Is generated and supplied to the applicator 1 via the cable 3, and an image of a calculus or the like is displayed. Further, the apparatus main body 2 performs digital analysis processing on the treatment reception signal supplied from the applicator 1 via the cable 3, and displays an image of a calculus or the like being crushed.

As shown in FIG. 4, the applicator 1 is generally constituted by an ultrasonic transducer unit 6, an ultrasonic delay spacer 7, and a water bag 8.
As shown in FIG. 5, the ultrasonic transducer unit 6 includes ultrasonic transducer cells (hereinafter simply referred to as cells) 9 _{1 to} 9 which are ultrasonic conversion elements (elements).
₆₄ are arranged on the support disk 10 at a pitch of about 40 mm, eight in a row and eight in a row, a total of 64 pieces. Each cell 91 _to 93 _64, lead zirconate titanate (PZ
An electrode layer is formed on both sides of a thickness vibration type piezoelectric element of about 36 mm square made of T) or the like. The ultrasonic delay spacer 7 is made of an acrylic bulk or the like, is fixed to the transmitting / receiving surface 6a of the ultrasonic transducer unit 6, removes the influence of reverberation or the like due to the ultrasonic irradiation, and reduces the ultrasonic wave irradiated from the transmitting / receiving surface 6a. It has a predetermined focal length for focusing. In the ultrasonic delay spacer 7, the end surface which faces the surface of each cell 9 _to 93 ₆₄ is fixed, as shown in FIG. 4, and forms a concavely curved shape. As shown in FIG. 4, the water bag 8 is filled with water 8b in a rubber bag-like container 8a and is freely deformable. The water bag 8 is located under the opening edge of the bag-like container 8a and under the ultrasonic delay spacer 7. It is attached to the ultrasonic delay spacer 7 in a state where the edge of the end face 7a is joined.

In FIG. 1, an apparatus main body 2 includes a signal generator.
11₁~ 11₆₄And the matching circuit 12 ₁~ 12₆₄And amplifier 1
3₁~ 13₆₄And the waveform shaper 14₁~ 14₆₄And A / D change
Exchanger 15₁~ 15₆₄ROM16, RAM17,
CPU (Central Processing Unit) 18 and Display 19
It is composed of Signal generator 11₁~ 11₆₄Is it
Each cell 9₁~ 9₆₄Frequency band of ultrasonic wave emitted from
The search signal of the arbitrary waveform in is generated. In this example,
Signal generator 11₁~ 11₆₄Respectively have a frequency range of 0.
A pulse-like search signal of 54 to 1.62 MHz is applied to a predetermined frequency.
Period (for example, 1 ms), do not step by 360 Hz.
Generate repeatedly. Also, the signal generator 11₁~ 11
₆₄Has a D / A converter and is supplied from the CPU 18.
Digital therapy signal is converted to analog
And generate an optimal treatment signal for crushing stones and the like.
Matching circuit 12₁~ 12₆₄Is a cell via the cable 3
9₁~ 9₆₄And the signal generator 11₁~ 11
₆₄Search signal and therapy signal from the cell 9₁~ 9₆₄Supply to
And cell 9₁~ 9₆₄Search and receive signals from
Amplifier 13₁~ 13₆₄To supply. Alignment times
Road 12₁~ 12₆₄Is cell 9₁~ 9₆₄Between the device body 2
So that signals can be exchanged without loss of energy.
Next, impedance matching is performed. Amplifier 13₁~ 13
₆₄Is a matching circuit 12₁~ 12₆₄Search powered via
Received signal and therapy received signal were amplified with a predetermined amplification
Later, the waveform shaper 14₁~ 14₆₄To supply. Waveform shaper
14₁~ 14₆₄From the bandpass filter of LC configuration
And amplifier 13₁~ 13₆₄Search amplified by
After linearly shaping the communication signal and the treatment reception signal, A /
D converter 15₁~ 15₆₄To supply. A / D converter 15₁
~ 15₆₄Is a sample and hold circuit (not shown)
A sampling memory for the CPU 18 is provided.
According to the initial request, the waveform shaper 14₁~ 14₆₄Supplied by
Waveform shaped analog search and receive signals
Signal at a predetermined frequency (for example, 12 MHz).
Ring for digital search reception signal and digital therapy reception
Converted to a signal and stored in the high-speed sampling memory
After that, it is supplied to the CPU 18.

The ROM 16 stores a processing program for causing the CPU 18 to execute a treatment such as a calculus. This processing program includes a digital search received signal detection processing subprogram, a gate processing subprogram, a Fourier transform processing subprogram, an eigenvalue problem processing subprogram, an imaging processing subprogram, a digital treatment signal generation processing subprogram, , A digital therapy reception signal detection processing subprogram and the like. The details of the various processes will be described later in the description of the operation. The RAM 17 has a working area in which a work area of the CPU 18 is set, and a data area for temporarily storing various data. For example, a digital search reception signal, a digital treatment reception signal, and the like are also temporarily stored in the data area. The CPU 18 executes the above-described processing program stored in the ROM 16 by using the RAM 17 to control various parts of the apparatus such as the signal generators 11 _{1 to} 11 ₆₄ and the A / D converters 15 ₁ to 15 ₆₄ , Performs search reception signal detection processing, gate processing, Fourier transform processing, eigenvalue problem processing, three-dimensional imaging processing of shapes such as stones before and during crushing, digital therapy signal generation processing, digital therapy reception signal detection processing, etc. . The details of the various processes will be described later in the description of the operation. The display 19 is composed of a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, or the like, and displays a three-dimensional image of a calculus or the like before and during crushing under the control of the CPU 18. Although not shown, the apparatus main body 2 includes a power switch, a search start switch for instructing the start of a search for a calculus in the body of the subject, a treatment start switch for instructing a start of a treatment for a right calculus, etc., and a treatment end for a right calculus, etc. And a switch for setting various treatment conditions.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 1, 3 and 6, an operation (flow of processing) of the ultrasonic therapy apparatus for crushing a calculus formed in the kidney 5 of the subject 4 will be described. First, when the power switch of the ultrasonic therapy apparatus main body 2 is pressed, the CPU 18 performs presetting of each section of the apparatus, initial setting of a counter, various registers, and various flags.
Then, it is determined whether or not the search start switch has been pressed. The result of this determination is “N
In the case of "O", the same judgment is repeated. Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the operator places the applicator 1 on the abdomen of the subject 4 lying on the back of the treatment table 20 on which the ultrasonic gel has been applied, and supports the applicator 1 with his / her hand. When the start switch is pressed, the judgment result of step SP1 becomes "Y
ES ”, and the CPU 18 proceeds to step SP2.

At the step SP2, the CPU 18
Processing for irradiating a search ultrasonic wave to the object and detecting its position
Execute The CPU 18 first receives the digital search reception signal.
Signal detection processing subprogram, one cell 9
Of ultrasonic waves for searching from the ground and calculus by 64 cells
The echo frequency from the search ultrasonic wave.
Data for all 64 cells 9
A digital search received signal detection process is executed. That is,
nth cell 9_n(N = 1, 2,..., N; N = 64)
From 0.54 to 1.62 MHz
Waves are waved at a predetermined period (for example, 1 ms) every 360 Hz.
By repeatedly irradiating while stepping, all
Cell 9₁~ 9 ₆₄Echoes from the calculus
Each amplifier 13₁~ 13₆₄, Waveform shaper
14₁~ 14₆₄And A / D converter 15₁~ 15₆₄Entered
Then, it is taken into the CPU 18. Thus, the n-th
Th cell 9_nIrradiates a search ultrasonic wave from the
The echo from the calculus is the mth cell 9_m(M = 1, 2,
..., N; N = 64) is a function of the time t when receiving
Digital search reception signal S_mnDetecting (t)
First cell 9₁To the 64th cell 9 from₆₄About row
Will be Note that the frequency change step is set to 360 Hz.
The reason specified will be described later.

Next, the CPU 18 controls the obtained digital search and reception signal S under the control of the gate processing subprogram.
_A gate process of applying _mn (t) to the gate is performed. In other words, the CPU 18 removes noise relating to the first reverberation of the cell 9 and multiple reflections between the calculus of the echo from the calculus and the cell 9 and extracts only the primary reflected wave signal from the calculus. Digital search reception signal S
Apply _mn (t) to the gate. More specifically, a portion having the maximum amplitude in the digital search reception signal S _mn (t) is estimated as a primary reflected wave signal from a calculus, and a gate function g (t) for extracting only the signal is used for the digital search. Received signal S
_mn (t) and the digital search reception signal S
_gmn (t) is calculated. As the gate function g (t),
In the portion estimated as the primary reflected wave signal, the amplitude is substantially 1, and
In other parts, a function indicating a rectangular window having an amplitude of about 0 or a normal function represented by Expression (17) can be considered.

[0042]

[Equation 17]

In the equation (17), t ₀ is the time when the digital search reception signal S _mn (t) has the maximum amplitude, and τ is 350
μs.

Next, under the control of the Fourier transform processing subprogram, the CPU 18 performs a Fourier transform of the digital search received signal S _gmn (t) obtained by the gate processing into a digital search received signal S _gmn (ω), A Fourier transform process for creating a scattering matrix S (ω) that is a × N complex symmetric matrix is executed. The scattering matrix S (ω) is represented by Expression (18). In the equation (18), S _mn (ω) is an echo from a calculus when a search ultrasonic wave is irradiated from the n-th cell 9 _n (n = 1, 2,..., N; N = 64). When the m-th cell 9 _m (m = 1, 2,..., N; N = 64) receives the digital search reception signal S as a function of the time t.
_mn (t).

[0045]

(Equation 18)

Next, under the control of the eigenvalue problem processing subprogram, the CPU 18 calculates the expression (1) from the scattering matrix S (ω).
9), a (2N × 2N) real symmetric matrix S ′ (ω) is obtained, an eigenvalue problem of the real symmetric matrix S ′ (ω) is processed, and an eigenvalue problem process for obtaining an eigenvalue and an eigenvector corresponding thereto is executed. I do. Hereinafter, the eigenvalue problem processing will be described with reference to FIG.

[0047]

[Equation 19]

In equation (19), Re (S (ω)) is the real part of the scattering matrix S (ω), and Im (S (ω)) is the imaginary part of the scattering matrix S (ω).

Now, as shown in FIG. 7, an observation surface Γ ₀ is provided on a closed curved surface surrounding the reflector Π. Innumerable cells are arranged on this observation plane # ₀ , and an arbitrary wave (searching ultrasonic wave) can be irradiated toward the reflector Π. Now, at t <0, a wave is irradiated from the observation plane Γ ₀ , and t = −
0, and to form a wavefront along the surface gamma _r of the reflector [pi. Assuming that the vertical reflectance λ of the reflector Π is constant (real number) regardless of the angular frequency ω, and that there is no attenuation of the wave in the medium Ω between the reflector Π and the observation surface 観 測₀ , Within Ω, the relational expression shown in Expression (20) holds.

[0050]

(Equation 20)

In equation (20), φ _in is the wave function of the search ultrasonic wave (incident wave) directed to the reflector Π, φ _SC is the wave function of the echo (scattered wave) returning from the reflector Π, and x is the position coordinates on the observation surface gamma _0.

Exp (-jωt) is added to both sides of the equation (20).
(J is an imaginary unit, the same applies hereinafter) and multiplied by time (t = −∞
~ ∞)

[0053]

(Equation 21)

[0054]

(Equation 22)

In the equation (22), * means the complex conjugate of a function without it. The same applies hereinafter. Next, equation (23) is obtained from equation (21) and equation (22).

[0056]

(Equation 23)

In general, a relational expression as shown in Expression (24) is established between the scattered wave and the incident wave.

[0058]

(Equation 24)

In equation (24), σ (ω, x, x ′)
Is a sound field created on the position coordinate x by the wave (searching ultrasonic wave) emitted from the wave source (cell) on the position coordinate x ′ being scattered by the surface Γ _r of the reflector Π, and the scattering parameter It is called. From equations (23) and (24), equation (25)
Is led.

[0060]

(Equation 25)

Next, in order to perform the discretization processing of the equation (25),
The observation plane Γ ₀ is divided into small meshes Δ _i , Δ _j (i = 1, 2,
.., N; j = 1, 2,..., N). Here, the meshes Δ _i and Δ _j are the respective spreads (areas) of the minute cells.
Is equivalent to Mesh delta _i, in the delta _j, when the change of the incident wave phi _in and scattered waves phi _sc is negligible, the equation (25)
Is expressed in the form of Expression (26).

[0062]

(Equation 26)

√Δ _i (i = 1, 2, 2)
.., N) to obtain Expression (27).

[0064]

[Equation 27]

Equation (27) is expressed as equation (31) using equations (28) to (30).

[0066]

[Equation 28]

[0067]

(Equation 29)

[0068]

[Equation 30]

[0069]

(Equation 31)

In these equations, S (ω, i, j) is
Discretized scattering parameters, j-th mesh
ΔΔ_jWave (searching ultrasonic wave) emitted from
ΓSurfaceΓ_rAnd the i-th mesh Δ_iBut that
Means digital search reception signal when receiving scattered waves
You. Also, Ψ_SC(Ω, i) is all N meshes
The unit wave (searching ultrasonic wave) emitted from the (cell)
Reflector surface _rAnd the i-th mesh
Digital search and reception when (cell) receives the scattered wave
It means a communication signal.

When Expression (31) is expressed in a matrix format, Expressions (32) to (34) are obtained.

[0072]

(Equation 32)

[0073]

[Equation 33]

[0074]

(Equation 34)

The scattering matrix S (ω) shown in the equation (32) is an N × N complex symmetric matrix like the scattering matrix S (ω) shown in the equation (18), and is obtained by measurement. Expression (34) is divided into a real part and an imaginary part.
5) and equation (36) are obtained.

[0076]

(Equation 35)

[0077]

[Equation 36]

When both sides of Expression (36) are multiplied by −1, and Expression (35) is collectively expressed in a matrix form, Expression (3)
7) is obtained, and Expression (37) can be expressed as Expression (38).

[0079]

(37)

[0080]

(38)

Here, since the scattering matrix S (ω) is an N × N complex symmetric matrix, equations (37) and (38) are
By dealing with the eigenvalue problem of the (2N × 2N) real symmetric matrix S ′ (ω), that is, determining the eigenvalues of the real symmetric matrix S ′ (ω) and the eigenvectors corresponding thereto, the vertical reflection of the reflector Π Rate λ is determined as an eigenvalue,
This shows that the wave function of the search ultrasonic wave (incident wave) directed to the reflector Π is obtained as an eigenvector. Therefore, λ is always a real number.

[0082]

[Equation 39]

[0083]

(Equation 40)

[0084]

[Equation 41]

Therefore, the eigenvalues of the real symmetric matrix S ′ (ω) are N (N = 64) positive eigenvalues λ _p (p = 1,
2,..., N) and N negative eigenvalues −λ _p (p = 1,
2,..., N). In this case, the subscript p of each eigenvalue λ is added in the order of the absolute value of the eigenvalue.

In the above description, the observation surface Γ ₀ is provided on the closed curved surface surrounding the reflector に shown in FIG. 7, and an arbitrary number of cells are arranged on the observation surface Γ ₀ and arbitrary waves are directed toward the reflector Π. It is a case of irradiating a search ultrasonic wave from a plurality of cells provided at a position facing the calculus to the calculus as shown in FIG.
The basic idea can be applied. By the way, in practice, the eigenvalue λ is obtained as being proportional to the reflectance of the calculus due to the frequency characteristics of the cell. Therefore, in this example, the above-described digital search reception signal detection processing, gate processing, Fourier transform processing, and eigenvalue problem processing are performed on an object whose reflectance is known, and an eigenvalue and an eigenvector corresponding thereto are calculated. We will divide the corresponding eigenvalue λ to get the proportionality constant.

[0087] Next, CPU 18, from the eigenvectors for positive eigenvalues lambda _p, obtaining the formula (42) complex vector VΨ _p (ω) represented by.

[0088]

[Number 42] _{VΨ p (ω) = Re (} VΨ p (ω)) + jIm (VΨ p (ω)) ...... (42)

At step SP3, the CPU 18 controls the display 19 under the control of the imaging sub-program.
Of the calculus is displayed as a three-dimensional image (see FIG. 2) on the screen of FIG. In this process, first,
Complex vector VΨ _p (ω) for the p-th eigenvalue λ _p
Sound field function _{φ p (ω, x, y} , z) for all the angular frequency and all of the cells 91 _to 93 ₆₄ processing to obtain the perform from. Next, the obtained sound field function φ _p (ω, x, y,
z) is a function φ _p (t, x,
y, z) to the sound field function φ _p (x, y,
z) (= φ _p (t, x, y, z) (t = 0)). Thus, the sound field function φ _p (x, y, z) forms a wavefront along the surface of the calculus, so that the wavefront corresponds to the surface of the calculus, and the eigenvalue λ _p corresponds to the reflectance of the calculus. By doing so, an image is formed. In this case, if there is an area having a different reflectance, an image is formed for each reflectance.

[0090] First, as a premise, the sign of the eigenvalues lambda is assumed to be known, for example, the p-th eigenvalue lambda _p is assumed to take the code. In many cases, this can be assumed since the acoustic impedance of the calculus is greater than the acoustic impedance of the soft tissue of the living body. Further, the complex vector VΨ _p (ω) with respect to the eigenvalue lambda _p is assumed to be normalized.
That is, the magnitude of the complex vector VΨ _p (ω) is one. Here, the magnitude of the complex vector VΨ _p (ω) is 1, the complex vector VΨ _p (ω) has the formula (4
3) is satisfied.

[0091]

[Equation 43] In equation (43), Ψ _pn (ω) is a complex vector VΨ
_This is the n-th component of _p (ω).

Complex vector VΨ_p(Ω) is the fixed
Calculated for each angular frequency ω in valuation problem processing
However, as shown in FIG.
And the directions differ by 180 °
Eigenvalue λ_pIs the eigenvalue (-λ _p) And eigenvalue
(-Λ_p) Is the eigenvalue λ_pAgainst
The elementary vector and the phase correspond to those rotated by 90 °. You
That is, the absolute value is | λ_p| Eigenvalues (± λ_pAgainst)
Complex vectors exist for the same angular frequency ω
I do. Therefore, the eigenvalue λ_pComplex vector V for
Ψ_pWhen tracking (ω) according to the change in angular frequency,
If the angle θ between the tangent complex vectors is larger than 45 °,
Complex vectors cannot be tracked correctly. FIG.
In the example of (b), the eigenvalue λ_pAngular frequency ω₀Complex
Complex vector of angular frequency (ω + Δω) adjacent to vector
When tracking θ, if θ is greater than 45 °,
Value (-λ_p) To the angular frequency (ω₀+ Δω) complex vector
To choose a toll. This allows the wrong image to be
It will be displayed on the spray 19.

Therefore, in the above-described digital search reception signal detection processing, a search ultrasonic wave is irradiated while being stepped by 360 Hz, and in this imaging processing, the direction of the complex vector V で_p (ω) is made continuous at a frequency. First, the reason why the frequency change step is set to 360 Hz will be described. As described above, the product (ΔωT) of the angle θ between adjacent complex vectors, that is, the product of the angular frequency interval Δω and the maximum time T during which the search ultrasonic wave emitted from the cell propagates to the calculus is (π / 4). ) Must be smaller. That is,

[0094]

ΔωT ≦ π / 4 (44)

Since the angular frequency ω is expressed as 2πf, equation (44) becomes equation (45).

[0096]

Δf ≦ １ ／ T (45)

In this example, assuming that the distance from the ultrasonic transducer unit 6 to the calculus is 70 mm, the longest propagation time T is 46.6 μs. Therefore, according to the equation (48), Δf may be about 2.68 kHz or less. . Therefore,
In this example, considering the margin, the frequency change step is set to 36.
It was set to 0 Hz.

Next, a description will be given of a process for continuous frequency direction of the complex vector VΨ _p (ω). Within the angular frequency range in which the complex vector VΨ _p (ω) is to be calculated (minimum angular frequency ω ₀ to maximum angular frequency ω _(Q-1) ), the q-th angular frequency from the minimum angular frequency ω ₀ is defined as ω _q (q = 0,1, ...,
If (Q-1)) and to, when q is 1 or more, according to the following algorithm to determine sequence complex vector Vpusai _p the (omega _q).

[0099]

[Equation 46]

With the above processing, the complex vector VΨ
The sign of _p (ω) is unified and its direction is complex vector V
It changes continuously from Ψ _p (ω ₀ ) to the complex vector VΨ _p (ω _Q-1 ).

Next, based on equation (47), the p-th
(P = 1, 2,..., N) eigenvalue λ _pComplex
Kuturu VΨ_p(Ω) to the sound field function φ_p(Ω, x, y,
z) for all angular frequencies (ω₀~ Ω_Q-1)
And all cells 9_n(N = 1, 2,..., N; N = 6
Perform 4).

[0102]

[Equation 47]

In equation (47), G _n (ω, x, y,
z) is radiated from the cell 9 _n when a search signal having an angular frequency ω and an amplitude of 1 is applied to the n-th cell 9 _n whose center coordinate is the coordinates (x _n , y _n , z _n ). It is a function of the complex sound field formed at the coordinates (x, y, z) by the search ultrasound. [1] If the cell 9 _n can be regarded as a point sound source, the function G _n
(Ω, x, y, z) is given by equation (48).

[0104]

[Equation 48]

In equation (48), A _P is a frequency-dependent proportional constant, k = ω / c, and c is the sound speed in the medium, which is assumed to be known. For example, in the case of soft tissue, 1500 m /
Good as s. R is given by equation (49).

[0106]

[Equation 49]

[2] If the cell 9 _n can be regarded as a circular piston vibration sound source surrounded by a plane rigid wall, the function G _n
(Ω, x, y, z) is represented by equation (50).

[0108]

[Equation 50]

In the equation (50), A _R is a proportional constant and J ₁
Is the first-order Bessel function, and a _R is the radius of the sound source. Also, sin θ is represented by equation (51).

[0110]

(Equation 51)

In equation (51), (nx, ny, n
z) indicates a normal vector having a size of 1 of the sound source, and x indicates a vector product. The meanings of the other symbols in Expression (51) are substantially the same as those of the point sound source of [1].

[3] If the cell 9 _n can be regarded as a rectangular sound source surrounded by a rigid wall, the function G _n (ω, x, y, z)
Is given by equation (52).

[0113]

(Equation 52)

In equation (52), 2a _S is the length of the rectangle in the x-axis direction, 2b _S is the length of the rectangle in the y-axis direction, α and β
Is the angle of each vector _{(x-x n, y-} y n, z-z n) and the x-axis and y-axis. Also, sinc (D)
Means the expression (53) for D. Note that the expression (5)
2) The meanings of the other symbols are substantially the same as in the case of the point sound source [1].

[0115]

(Equation 53)

For details of [2] and [3], refer to “Ultrasonic Basic Engineering” (Miaki Yamamoto, published by Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, pages 56 to 58).

Next, the obtained sound field function φ _p (ω, x,
y, z) is a function φ _p (t,
x, y, z) to the sound field function φ _p (x,
y, z) (= φ _p (t, x, y, z) (t = 0)). Thus, the sound field function φ _p (x, y, z) is
Since a wavefront is formed along the surface of the calculus, the wavefront is made to correspond to the surface of the calculus, and the eigenvalue λ _p is made to correspond to the reflectance of the calculus to form an image. As shown in FIG. I do. In this case, if there is a region having a different reflectance, an image is formed for each reflectance. Also, instead of imaging all the sound field functions φ _p (x, y, z), shading is applied only to places where the size of the sound field is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and the eigenvalue λ _p The position information of the reflectance, which is the result of multiplying by the previously obtained proportionality constant, may be associated with the density.

At step SP4, the CPU 18 determines again whether the search start switch has been pressed. If this determination result is “YES”, that is, the operator looks at the image of the calculus displayed on the display 19, and
Since the focal position of the ultrasonic wave and the position of the calculus do not match, after moving the position of the applicator 1 placed on the abdomen of the subject 4 so that the focal position of the ultrasonic wave matches the position of the calculus, When the search start switch is pressed, C
The PU 18 returns to step SP2 and again executes step SP2.
2 and the imaging process of step SP3. On the other hand, if the determination result in step SP4 is "NO", that is, if the focal position of the ultrasonic wave matches the position of the calculus, or if the operator has not yet pressed the search start switch, the CPU 18 Step S
Proceed to P5. In step SP5, the CPU 18 determines whether or not the treatment start switch has been pressed. If the determination is "NO", the flow returns to step SP4. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step SP5 is “YES”, that is, if the focal position of the ultrasonic wave matches the position of the calculus and the operator presses the treatment start switch to start crushing the calculus, , The CPU 18 proceeds to step SP
Proceed to 6.

At step SP6, the CPU 18 executes digital treatment signal generation treatment processing for irradiating treatment ultrasonic waves to the calculus to crush it. The CPU 18 first controls the digital therapy signal generation processing subprogram,
Based on equation (54), the p-th (p = 1, 2,...,
From the complex vector VΨ _p (ω) with respect to the eigenvalue lambda _p of N), the n-th (n = 1,2, ......, N ; the N = 64 treatment signal basis generation to be applied to the cell 9 _n) of The digital therapy signal generation processing for obtaining the digital therapy signal B _pn (t) is performed for all angular frequencies (ω _{0 to} ω _Q-1 ) and all cells 9.
_n (n = 1, 2,..., N; N = 64).

[0120]

(Equation 54)

That is, the digital therapy signal B _pn (t)
Is a complex vector VΨ, as shown in equation (54).
_p the inverse Fourier transform multiplied by the appropriate weighting function A _p (omega) for each angular frequency (omega), i.e., exp (j [omega]
t) and integrated by the angular frequency (ω = −∞ to ∞). The weighting function A _p (ω) is a function that plays a role in changing the peak voltage of the digital treatment signal B _np (t) so that the energy of the therapeutic ultrasound is concentrated on the calculus in order to efficiently crush the calculus. is there. The integral is
In principle, this is performed for angular frequencies in the range (−∞ to ∞), but in practice, it is sufficient to integrate within the angular frequency band of the cell 9. Further, for the negative angular frequency domain, instead of performing the integration, only the positive angular frequency domain may be integrated, and the real part of the calculation result may be used as the integration for the negative angular frequency domain. The integration is naturally obtained as a digital sum.

Then, the CPU 18 controls the signal generator 11 ₁
Digital therapy signal B _p1 (t) corresponding to ~ 11 ₆₄
.About.B _p64 supplies (t), and instructs the production of therapeutic signal to be applied to the cells 91 _to 93 _64. Accordingly, each of the signal generators 11 _{1 to} 11 ₆₄ transmits the supplied digital therapy signal B.
_p1 (t) to _Bp64 (t) are converted to analog, and the amplitude is amplified as it is, or as necessary, to obtain the energy required for crushing the calculus. Matching circuits 12 _{1 to} 12 ₆₄ and cables 3
Supplied to the cell 91 _to 93 ₆₄ through. Therefore, therapeutic ultrasonic waves emitted from the respective cells 9 _to 93 ₆₄ by ultrasonic delay spacers 7 are converged at the focal point, crushed stone at the focus position is started.

In step SP7, the CPU 18 executes an imaging process for displaying the shape of the crushed stone as a three-dimensional image on the screen of the display 19. This imaging processing includes a digital therapy reception signal detection processing subprogram,
It is executed under the control of a gate processing subprogram, a Fourier transform processing subprogram, an eigenvalue problem processing subprogram, and an imaging processing subprogram. Step SP
In the search processing 2 and the imaging processing in step SP3, (N × N) search reception signals S _mn (t) obtained by irradiating the search ultrasonic waves from one cell 9 while stepping the frequency. ), The above-mentioned various processes were performed.
While that for N treatment received signal obtained by simultaneously irradiating the number of cells 91 _to 93 ₆₄ The above various processes are performed are different, the process otherwise at step SP2 and step SP3 described above substantially The description is omitted because it is similar. Through such processing, the calculus being crushed is imaged and displayed on the display 19.

In step SP8, the CPU 18 determines whether or not the treatment end switch has been pressed. When the determination result is “NO”, that is, when the operator looks at the image of the calculus displayed on the display 19, determines that the calculus is not completely crushed, and does not press the treatment end switch. The CPU 18 determines in step SP4
Then, it is determined whether the search is resumed or the treatment is resumed. On the other hand, when the determination result of step SP8 is “YES”, that is, when the operator looks at the image of the calculus displayed on the display 19, determines that the calculus is completely crushed, and presses the treatment end switch. Is CPU1
8 ends a series of operations.

As described above, according to the configuration of this example, the search ultrasonic wave for searching for a calculus and the like and the treatment ultrasonic wave for crushing a calculus and the like are emitted from the same cell 9, so that the conventional ultrasonic wave is used. As described above, there is no need to separately provide an ultrasonic transducer that irradiates only weak ultrasonic waves for search or to provide a large-sized image diagnostic apparatus such as MRI or X-CT. Therefore, the device can be configured inexpensively, simply, and compactly. Further, according to the configuration of this example, instead of the statistical or average physical property values of the tissues such as bones and organs input by the operator, the echo from the calculus for the search ultrasonic waves is used in the cell 9 as in the related art. By performing digital analysis processing on the digital search reception signal obtained by receiving the above, a treatment signal optimal for crushing a calculus is generated. Therefore, it is possible to effectively crush stones, gallstones, and the like in the body of the subject without damaging other living tissues of the subject.

B. Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an ultrasonic therapy apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, parts corresponding to the respective parts in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. In the ultrasonic treatment apparatus shown in this figure, an applicator 21 and an apparatus main body 22 are newly provided instead of the applicator 1 and the apparatus main body 2 shown in FIG. That the applicator 21 is different from the applicator 1 shown in Figure 1, between the cell 91 _to 93 _{6 4} and the cable 3, the matching circuit 23 ₁ to 23 _{6 4} corresponding to the cell 9 _to 93 ₆₄ This is a new point. The matching circuit 23 _1-23
64, between the cells 91 _to 93 ₆₄ and the apparatus main body 2, so that the signal exchange without loss of energy is made, carry out the impedance matching. Each matching circuit 23 ₁ to 23 _64, transmission and reception characteristics of the circuit combined with the cells 91 _to 93 ₆₄ corresponding uses things like a linear phase variation characteristic. here,
The linear phase characteristic means that the phase characteristic of the circuit is represented by a straight line. That is, in this embodiment, the circuit has linear phase characteristics when the impulse-shaped electric signal shown in FIG. 10 is input to the circuit including the matching circuit 23 and the cell 9 from the cell 9 as shown in FIG. ) Or an ultrasonic wave having a point-symmetric waveform shown in FIG. 12 (1) is output, and these waveforms are subjected to Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to obtain an amplitude. The characteristics are as shown in FIG. 11 (2) or FIG. 12 (2), respectively.
And the phase characteristics are shown in FIG.
As shown in (3) or FIG. 12 (3), it is indicated by a straight line.

The apparatus main body 22 is the same as the apparatus main body shown in FIG.
2 is that the signal generator 11₁~ 11₆₄Instead of
Pulse generator 24₁~ 24₆₄Is newly provided
It is. Pulse generator 24₁~ 24₆₄Is the signal shown in FIG.
Signal generator 11₁~ 11 ₆₄Unlike D / A converter
I haven't. Pulse generator 24₁~ 24₆₄Respectively
Pulse-like search in the frequency range of 0.54 to 1.62 MHz
The signal is generated at predetermined intervals (for example, 1 ms) at 360 Hz.
Regarding the point of repeatedly generating while stepping,
Signal generator 11₁~ 11₆₄Is the same as In addition, pulse
Greige 24₁~ 24₆₄Is a digital signal supplied from the CPU 18.
Any amplitude at any time based on the
To generate a pulsed treatment signal.

Next, referring to FIG. 9, FIG. 3 and FIG.
The operation (flow of processing) of the ultrasonic therapy apparatus for crushing a calculus formed in the kidney 5 of the subject 4 will be described.
In the processing of steps SP11 to SP18 described below (see FIG. 9), the above-described steps SP1 to SP18 are performed.
8 (see FIG. 6),
No detailed description is given. First, when the power switch of the ultrasound therapy apparatus main body 22 is pressed, the CPU 18 performs initialization, proceeds to the process of step SP11 shown in FIG. 13, and determines whether the search start switch has been pressed. .
If the result of this determination is "NO", the same determination is repeated. Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the operator places the applicator 1 on the abdomen of the subject 4 lying on the back of the treatment table 20 on which the ultrasonic gel has been applied, and supports the applicator 1 with his / her hand. When the start switch is pressed, step S
The judgment result of P11 becomes “YES”, and the CPU 18
Proceed to step SP12.

At step SP12, the CPU 18
Search processing to detect the position of stone by irradiating ultrasonic waves for search
Execute the process. The CPU 18 first receives digital search data
Under the control of the signal detection processing subprogram, the first
Cell 9₁To the 64th cell 9 from₆₄About digital exploration
Search signal S_mnAfter detecting (t), the gate processing sub
Digital search reception signal obtained by program control
S_mn(T) is gated and the digital search reception signal S
_gmn(T) is obtained. Next, the CPU 18 performs the Fourier transform
Digital search obtained by controlling the processing subprogram
Search signal S_gmn(T) is the digital search reception signal S
_gmnAfter Fourier transform to (ω), N × N complex symmetric rows
A scattering matrix S (ω) as a column is created. In this example
The matching circuit 23₁~ 23₆₄And the corresponding cell 9₁~ 9
₆₄The transmission and reception characteristics of the circuit with
Frequency dependence on the reflection characteristics of the search ultrasound
When there is no, the characteristics of the obtained scattering matrix S (ω) are also directly
It is considered to have a linear phase change characteristic. But hot
In most cases, the reflection characteristics of the
I think it is. Next, the CPU 18 performs eigenvalue problem processing.
Under the control of the subprogram, the equation is calculated from the scattering matrix S (ω).
(2N × 2N) real symmetric matrix S ′ (ω) shown in (19)
And solves the eigenvalue problem of this real symmetric matrix S ′ (ω)
And N (N = 64) positive eigenvalues λ_p(P = 1,
2, ..., N) and N eigenvectors for each
Ask. Next, the CPU 18 calculates the positive eigenvalue λ_pAgainst
From the eigenvector, the complex vector represented by equation (42)
VΨ_pFind (ω).

At step SP13, the CPU 18 controls the display 1 under the control of the imaging sub-program.
9 is displayed as a three-dimensional image (see FIG. 2). In this process, first, the p-th eigenvalue λ
_From the complex vector VΨ _p (ω) for _p, the function of the sound field φ _p
(Ω, x, y, z ) for all the angular frequency and all of the cells 91 _to 93 ₆₄ processing to obtain the perform. Next, at the time t = from the function φ _p (t, x, y, z) obtained by performing an inverse Fourier transform on the obtained function φ _p (ω, x, y, z) of the sound field.
The function of the sound field at 0, φ _p (x, y, z) (= φ _p (t, x,
y, z) (t = 0)). Thus, the sound field function φ _p (x, y, z) forms a wavefront along the surface of the calculus, so that the wavefront corresponds to the surface of the calculus, and the eigenvalue λ _p corresponds to the reflectance of the calculus. By doing so, an image is formed. In this case, if there is an area having a different reflectance, an image is formed for each reflectance.

In step SP14, the CPU 18 determines again whether the search start switch has been pressed. If this determination result is “YES”, that is, the operator looks at the image of the calculus displayed on the display 19, and
Since the focal position of the ultrasonic wave and the position of the calculus do not match, after moving the position of the applicator 1 placed on the abdomen of the subject 4 so that the focal position of the ultrasonic wave matches the position of the calculus, When the search start switch is pressed, C
The PU 18 returns to Step SP12, and returns to Step S12.
The search process of P12 and the imaging process of step SP13 are executed. On the other hand, if the determination result of step SP14 is “N
In the case of "O", that is, if the focal position of the ultrasonic wave matches the position of the calculus, or if the operator has not yet pressed the search start switch, the CPU 18 proceeds to step SP15. In step SP15, the CPU
18 judges whether or not the treatment start switch has been pressed. If the result of this determination is "NO", the process proceeds to step SP
Return to 14. On the other hand, if the determination result of step SP15 is “Y
In the case of "ES", that is, when the focal position of the ultrasonic wave matches the position of the calculus, and the operator presses the treatment start switch to start crushing of the calculus, the CPU 18
Proceeds to step SP16.

At step SP16, the CPU 18
Digital healing that irradiates stones with therapeutic ultrasound and crushes them
The treatment signal generation treatment process is executed. First, the CPU 18
Under the control of the digital therapy signal generation subprogram
And the p-th (p = 1, 2,...)
.., N)_pComplex vector VΨ for_p(Ω)
From the n-th (n = 1, 2,..., N; N = 64)
Cell 9_nAs a basis for generating a therapeutic signal to be applied to the patient
Treatment signal B_pn(T) for all angular frequencies
(Ω₀~ Ω_Q-1) And all cells 9 _n(N = 1, 2, ...
.., N; N = 64). In this embodiment
Is a matching circuit 23₁~ 23₆₄And the corresponding cell 9₁~ 9₆₄When
The transmission / reception characteristics of the combined circuit have linear phase change characteristics.
Therefore, there is no frequency dependence in the reflection characteristics of the search ultrasound.
In this case, as described above, the characteristic of the scattering matrix S (ω) is also
Digital therapy signal
Issue B_pn(T) also has a linear phase change characteristic, ie,
It is considered to have a symmetric or point symmetric waveform. Mo
In most cases, the frequency
No dependency is expected. Then, the CPU 18
Loose generator 24₁~ 24₆₄Digital cure for
Medical signal B_p1(T) -B_p64(T) to provide the cell 9₁~
9₆₄Instruct the generation of a therapy signal to be applied. This
Each pulse generator 24₁~ 24₆₄Is the supplied digital
Tal treatment signal B_p1(T) -B_p64When there is a waveform of (t)
Digital treatment signal B at every moment (for example, rising time)
_p1(T) -B_p64Large amplitude proportional to the amplitude of (t)
Having the pulse therapy signal (see FIG. 10)
Circuit 12₁~ 12_{6 Four}, Cable 3 and matching circuit 23₁~ 2
3₆₄Through cell 9₁~ 9₆₄To supply. Therefore,
Each cell 9₁~ 9₆₄The therapeutic ultrasound emitted from the
The focus is converged to the focal position by the delay spacer 7,
Crushing of the calculus in is started. Because the above
So, the digital therapy signal B_p1(T) -B_p64(T)
With linear phase change characteristics, when radiating therapeutic ultrasound
By simply specifying the time and amplitude, each cell 9₁~ 9₆₄From de
Digital treatment signal B_p1(T) -B_p64Left proportional to (t)
Therapeutic ultrasound having a right-symmetric or point-symmetric waveform (FIG. 11)
(A) and FIG. 12 (a)).
You.

In step SP17, the CPU 18 executes an imaging process for displaying the shape of the crushed stone as a three-dimensional image on the screen of the display 19. Step S
In P18, the CPU 18 determines whether or not the treatment end switch has been pressed. When the determination result is “NO”, that is, when the operator looks at the image of the calculus displayed on the display 19, determines that the calculus is not completely crushed, and does not press the treatment end switch. Returns to step SP14, and determines whether the search is to be resumed or the treatment is to be resumed. On the other hand, if the determination result in step SP18 is “YES”, that is,
When the operator sees the image of the calculus displayed on the display 19 and determines that the calculus has been completely crushed, and presses the treatment end switch, the CPU 18 ends a series of operations.

As described above, according to the configuration of this example, the transmission / reception characteristics of the circuit combined with the cells 9 _{1 to} 9 ₆₄ corresponding to the respective matching circuits 23 ₁ to 23 ₆₄ become linear phase change characteristics. Therefore, it is not necessary to use an expensive D / A converter to generate a treatment signal as in the first embodiment described above. Therefore, in addition to the effects obtained in the above-described first embodiment, the apparatus can be constructed relatively inexpensively.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and the design can be changed without departing from the scope of the present invention. Even if there is, it is included in the present invention. For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, an example in which only a calculus is displayed as an image has been described for the sake of simplicity, but the present invention is not limited to this. According to each of the above-described embodiments, since images can be formed for each reflectance, not only stones but also bones and organs can be image-displayed. Conventionally, this is a display of the reflected energy (reflectance × size). However, in this configuration, the reflectance itself can be displayed, so that the minute “lumps” that have been buried in the noise in the past. However, it is displayed. Therefore, when an image such as a bone or an organ is displayed together with a calculus in the imaging processing of the above-described steps SP3 and SP13, if an obstacle such as a bone or an organ is present on the irradiation path of the therapeutic ultrasonic wave, the method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H07-27095 will be described. As disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 4707, a treatment signal is not supplied to a cell 9 that generates an ultrasonic wave that will hit an obstacle, but a treatment signal is supplied to the other cells 9 so that only a calculus is applied. The operator may be instructed by various buttons provided on the apparatus main body 2 to irradiate the therapeutic ultrasonic waves, or the CPU 18 may be configured to control based on the obtained reflectance. good.

In each of the above-described embodiments, in the digital search reception signal detection processing, three search ultrasonic waves having a frequency range of 0.54 to 1.62 MHz are output from one cell 9.
The example in which the irradiation is repeatedly performed while stepping by 60 Hz is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this.
You may make it repeat, stepping by 360 Hz about 4 to 1.62 MHz. Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, an example has been shown in which the sound field function φ _p (x, y, z) is obtained for all N eigenvalues λ _p in the imaging processing in steps SP3 and SP13. However, the sound field function φ _p (x, y, z) may be obtained for less than N eigenvalues λ _p effective for imaging. In this case, the calculation processing time can be shortened accordingly. Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, in the Fourier transform process, after the digital search reception signal S _gmn (t) obtained by the gate process is Fourier transformed,
Although the example in which the scattering matrix S (ω) is created has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. Of course, after creating the scattering matrix S (ω), it may be Fourier transformed.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, in order to calculate the reflectance, the digital search and reception signal detection processing, the gate processing, the Fourier transform processing, and the eigenvalue problem processing are performed on an object whose reflectance is known, and the eigenvalue is determined. Although an example has been shown in which an eigenvector is calculated and a corresponding eigenvalue λ is divided by the obtained eigenvalue to obtain a proportional constant, the present invention is not limited to this. In short, the digital search reception signal S _gmn
The amount proportional to the eigenvalue λ obtained by processing the eigenvalue problem of the real symmetric matrix S ′ (ω) with respect to (ω) may be used as the absolute value of the reflectance. In each of the above-described embodiments, an example has been shown in which the eigenvalue problem processing is performed to obtain the reflectance, and the eigenvalue problem of the real symmetric matrix S ′ (ω) is processed to obtain the eigenvalue and the eigenvector. It is not limited to. In short, N or less real values λ _p and a function Ψ _p (ω) (1 ≦ p ≦ N) whose absolute value is large enough to satisfy the expression (55) are obtained, and the amount proportional to the real value λ _p is calculated as the reflectance. Should be the absolute value of.

[0138]

[Equation 55]

In equation (55), S_mn(Ω) is a scattering line
The components of the sequence S (ω), Ψ_n(Ω) is illuminated from the nth cell
Searching ultrasonic waves emitted, Ψ^* _m(Ω) Ψ_mComplex of (ω)
Conjugate. In each of the above embodiments, the signal
An example in which 64 creatures 11 or 64 pulse generators 24 are provided is shown.
However, the present invention is not limited to this.
Is provided with a switch, and its output is controlled by the CPU 18.
To the matching circuit 12₁~ 12 ₆₄And / or matching circuit 23₁
~ 23₆₄Through cell 9₁~ 9₆₄To supply
Is also good. The cell 9 is not limited to the thickness vibration type, but may be a flexural vibration type.
It may be a dynamic type. The number of cells 9 is also limited to 64
Instead, it can be increased or decreased as needed. Further, in FIG.
It is not necessary to arrange the cells 9 at a predetermined pitch as shown.
Arbitrarily good.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the focal position adjusting mechanism for causing the applicator 1 to extend and contract the water bag 8 in the vertical direction so that the focal positions of the searching ultrasonic waves and the therapeutic ultrasonic waves match the positions of the calculi. And the transmitting / receiving surface 6a of the ultrasonic transducer unit 6
Calculates the distance from the concave surface 7a of the ultrasonic delay spacer 7 to the surface of the calculus based on the echo arrival time until the echo from the calculus returns to the transmitting / receiving surface 6a after the search ultrasonic wave is emitted from. , The focal position adjusting mechanism may be controlled so that the right distance matches the focal length of the ultrasonic delay spacer 7. According to such a configuration, since the therapeutic ultrasonic waves can be concentrated on the calculus, the calculus can be crushed more accurately and more efficiently.

[0141]

As described above, according to the ultrasonic treatment apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to generate an ultrasonic wave most suitable for treatment with an inexpensive, simple, and compact configuration. Therefore, it is possible to effectively crush stones, gallstones, and the like in the body of the subject without damaging other living tissues of the subject. Further, according to the configuration of the invention described in claims 11, 12, 25 and 26, noise related to the first reverberation of the ultrasonic conversion element and at least the multiple reflection between the affected part and the ultrasonic conversion element is removed, and at least Since only the primary reflected wave signal from the affected part is extracted, the exact position of the affected part can be searched.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an ultrasonic therapy apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external view of the treatment apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a use state of the treatment apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an applicator used in the treatment apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an ultrasonic transducer unit used in the treatment apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation processing procedure of the treatment apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an eigenvalue problem process which is one of the operation processes of the treatment apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing an imaging process which is one of the operation processes of the treatment apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an ultrasonic therapy apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a waveform of an impulse signal.

11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining a linear phase characteristic of a circuit, where FIG. 11A shows an example of an output signal of the circuit, and FIG. 11B shows an amplitude characteristic when the signal shown in FIG. (C) shows an example of a phase characteristic when the signal shown in (a) is subjected to fast Fourier transform.

12A and 12B are diagrams for explaining a linear phase characteristic of a circuit, where FIG. 12A shows an example of an output signal of the circuit, and FIG. 12B shows an amplitude characteristic when the signal shown in FIG. (C) shows an example of a phase characteristic when the signal shown in (a) is subjected to fast Fourier transform.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation processing procedure of the treatment apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

6 Ultrasonic transducer unit 9 _{1 to} 9 ₆₄ cells (ultrasonic conversion element) 11 _{1 to} 11 ₆₄ signal generator (search and reception signal detecting means,
13 _{1 to} 13 ₆₄ amplifier (search received signal detecting means) 14 _{1 to} 14 ₆₄ waveform shaper (search received signal detecting means) 15 ₁ to 15 ₆₄ A / D converter (search received signal detecting means) 16 ROM 17 RAM 18 CPU (search reception signal detection means, gate processing means, Fourier transform means, imaging processing means, treatment signal generation means) 19 display 23 ₁ to 23 ₆₄ matching circuit (matching means) 24 _{1 to} 24 ₆₄ pulses Generator (search received signal detection means, treatment signal generation means)

Claims (28)

[Claims] The present invention relates to a method for treating an affected part to be supplied with ultrasonic waves for search based on a search signal for searching at least a position of an affected part in a body of a subject to be supplied which is arbitrarily arranged two-dimensionally. N (where N is a natural number of 2 or more) ultrasonic waves for irradiating a therapeutic ultrasonic wave into the body of the subject based on the therapeutic signal, and receiving at least an echo from the affected part and outputting at least a search reception signal A conversion element and an nth (n) of the N ultrasonic conversion elements.
= 1, 2,..., N), a search signal within a predetermined frequency range is supplied, and at least an echo from the affected part based on the search signal is m-th (m = 1, 2,..., N). (N × N) search reception signals S _mn output from the N ultrasonic conversion elements by performing the process of receiving by the ultrasonic conversion elements of the N ultrasonic conversion elements.
A search reception signal detecting means for detecting (t); and (N × N) search reception signals S _mn (t) as (N × N)
And Fourier transform means for Fourier transform N) number of the search received signal S _mn (omega), the (N × N) real value to establish the equation of Equation (1) regarding number of search received signal S _mn (omega) lambda ₁ , λ ₂ , ……, λ
Of _N, counted from the larger absolute value, along with determining the one or more real-valued _{λ p (1 ≦ p ≦ N} ), said one or more one or more functions corresponding to the real value lambda _p [psi _p
(Ω) calculating means, and a therapeutic signal generating means for generating at least one therapeutic signal based on the one or more functions Ψ _p (ω) and supplying it to at least one ultrasonic conversion element An ultrasonic therapy apparatus comprising: (Equation 1) In the formula _{^{(1), Ψ * m (}} ω) is the complex conjugate of Ψ _m (ω). 2. The search reception signal detection means generates a search signal of an arbitrary waveform in a frequency band of ultrasonic waves that can be irradiated from the N ultrasonic conversion elements, and the N ultrasonic conversion elements are 2. The ultrasonic treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an ultrasonic wave for searching for an arbitrary waveform within its own frequency band is radiated into the body of the subject based on the search signal. 3. The at least one treatment signal generating unit performs an analog conversion of a signal Ψ _p (t) obtained by performing an inverse Fourier transform on the one or more functions Ψ _p (ω). The ultrasonic treatment apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ultrasonic treatment apparatus is a treatment signal. 4. The treatment signal generating means adds a weight function A _p (ω) to the one or more functions Ψ _p (ω) for each angular frequency.
3. A signal obtained by inverse Fourier transform of the signal multiplied by (1) and (2), and if necessary, amplify the amplitude to obtain the at least one treatment signal. Ultrasound therapy device. 5. Corresponding to said N ultrasonic conversion elements,
The transmission / reception characteristic combined with the corresponding ultrasonic conversion element has a linear phase change characteristic, between the corresponding ultrasonic conversion element and the search reception signal detection means and the treatment signal generation means,
The treatment signal generating means includes N matching circuits for matching impedances so that signals can be transmitted and received without energy loss, and the one or more functions Ψ _p
At least one pulse-shaped therapeutic signal having an arbitrary amplitude at an arbitrary time is generated based on a signal Ψ _p (t) obtained by performing an inverse Fourier transform on (ω). 3. The ultrasonic treatment apparatus according to 1 or 2. 6. A method according to claim 1, wherein said N ultrasonic conversion elements are:
The transmission / reception characteristic combined with the corresponding ultrasonic conversion element has a linear phase change characteristic, between the corresponding ultrasonic conversion element and the search reception signal detection means and the treatment signal generation means,
The treatment signal generating means includes N matching circuits for matching impedances so that signals can be transmitted and received without energy loss, and the one or more functions Ψ _p
(Ω) multiplied by a weighting function A _p (ω) for each angular frequency, based on a signal obtained by performing an inverse Fourier transform, at least one pulse-shaped treatment having an arbitrary amplitude at an arbitrary time. The ultrasonic therapy apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus generates a signal. 7. The function according to claim 4, wherein the weighting function A _p (ω) is a function for changing a peak voltage of the treatment signal so as to concentrate energy of the treatment ultrasonic wave to an affected part. An ultrasonic therapy apparatus according to claim 1. 8. The calculation means is an (N × N) complex symmetric matrix created from the (N × N) search reception signals S _mn (ω), and is represented by equation (2). Scattering matrix S (ω)
, A (2N × 2N) real symmetric matrix S ′ (ω) expressed by the equation (3) is obtained, and the eigenvalue problem of the real symmetric matrix S ′ (ω) is processed to obtain an eigenvalue and an eigenvector corresponding thereto. , Of the eigenvalues, counting from the largest absolute value,
The one or more eigenvalues are converted to the one or more real values λ _p
And the singular or plural eigenvectors for the singular or plural eigenvalues are converted to the singular or plural real values λ.
_The ultrasonic treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a single function or a plurality of functions Ψ _p (ω) corresponding to _p is set. (Equation 2) In the equation (2), S _mn (ω) represents at least the echo from the affected part when the search ultrasonic wave is emitted from the n-th ultrasonic conversion element (n = 1, 2,..., N). The m-th ultrasonic conversion element (m = 1, 2,..., N) corresponds to the search reception signal S _mn (t) as a function of time when receiving. (Equation 3) In equation (3), Re (S (ω)) is the scattering matrix S
The real part of (ω), Im (S (ω)) is the imaginary part of the scattering matrix S (ω). 9. One or more functions Ψ _p corresponding to the one or more real values λ _p for the angular frequency range corresponding to the predetermined frequency range and the N ultrasonic conversion elements.
The sound field function φ _p (ω, x, y, z) is obtained from (ω),
A time t is calculated from a function φ _p (t, x, y, z) obtained by performing an inverse Fourier transform on the function φ _p (ω, x, y, z) of the sound field.
= Function of the sound field in the _{0 φ p (x, y,} z) (= φ p (t,
x, y, z) (t = 0)) and the function φ of the sound field
9. An image processing means for imaging at least an affected part based on _p (x, y, z) and the single or plural real values λ _p.
The ultrasonic treatment apparatus according to claim 1. 10. The Fourier transform means performs Fourier transform on N treatment reception signals output from the N ultrasound transformation elements that have received at least echoes from the affected part during the treatment ultrasonic irradiation, The calculating means calculates the one or more real values λ _p and the corresponding one or more functions Ψ _p (ω) based on the Fourier-transformed N treatment reception signals,
And, the imaging means is configured to image at least an affected part under treatment based on the one or more real values λ _p and the corresponding one or more functions Ψ _p (ω). The ultrasonic therapy device according to claim 9. 11. A gate processing means for multiplying at least a gate function g (t) for extracting only a primary reflected wave signal from an affected part by the search reception signal S _mn (t). 11. The method according to claim 1, wherein:
The ultrasonic treatment apparatus according to claim 1. 12. The gate function g (t) has an amplitude of approximately 1 in a portion of the search reception signal S _mn (t) estimated as the primary reflected wave signal, and has an amplitude in other portions. Almost 0
12. The ultrasonic treatment apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the function is a rectangular window or a normal function represented by equation (4). (Equation 4) 13. The search reception signal detection unit according to claim 1, wherein T is a maximum time when the search ultrasonic wave emitted from the ultrasonic conversion element propagates to the affected part in the predetermined frequency range. / 8T), wherein the frequency of the search ultrasonic wave is changed at a frequency interval sufficiently smaller than (/ 8T) to detect the (N × N) search reception signals S _mn (t) for each frequency. 13. The ultrasonic treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 12. 14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the calculating means multiplies the singular or plural real values λ _p or the singular or plural real values λ _p by a predetermined proportionality constant to obtain at least the reflectance of the affected part. The ultrasonic therapy apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13. 15. A treatment device for treating an affected part to be supplied with ultrasonic waves for search based on a search signal for arbitrarily arranging two-dimensionally and supplied at least a position of the affected part in a body of a subject to be supplied. N (where N is a natural number of 2 or more) ultrasonic waves for irradiating a therapeutic ultrasonic wave into the body of the subject based on the therapeutic signal, and receiving at least an echo from the affected part and outputting at least a search reception signal A conversion element, and among the N ultrasonic conversion elements, an nth (n = 1, n = 1)
A search signal within a predetermined frequency range is supplied to the (2,..., N) ultrasonic conversion elements, and at least echoes from the affected part based on the search signals are converted into m-th (m = 1, 2,..., N) ultrasonic waves. By performing processing to be received by the conversion elements for the N ultrasonic conversion elements, (N × N) search reception signals S _mn (t) output from the N ultrasonic conversion elements.
And (N × N) search reception signals S _mn (t) are converted to (N × N)
A second process of _{performing a} Fourier transform on the N) search reception signals S _mn (ω), and real values that satisfy the equation (5) regarding the (N × N) search reception signals S _mn (ω) λ ₁ , λ ₂ , ……, λ
Of _N, counted from the larger absolute value, along with determining the one or more real-valued _{λ p (1 ≦ p ≦ N} ), said one or more one or more functions corresponding to the real value lambda _p [psi _p
A third process for calculating (ω), and a fourth process for generating at least one treatment signal based on the one or more functions Ψ _p (ω) and supplying the treatment signal to at least one ultrasonic conversion element An ultrasonic treatment method, comprising: (Equation 5) In the formula _{^{(5), Ψ * m (}} ω) is the complex conjugate of Ψ _m (ω). 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein in the first processing, a search signal of an arbitrary waveform in a frequency band of ultrasonic waves that can be irradiated is generated from the N ultrasonic conversion elements.
The ultrasonic treatment method according to the above. 17. In the fourth processing, a signal Ψ _p (t) obtained by performing an inverse Fourier transform on the one or more functions Ψ _p (ω) is converted into an analog signal, and the at least one treatment is performed. 17. The method according to claim 15, wherein the signal is a signal. 18. In the fourth processing, a product obtained by multiplying the singular or plural functions Ψ _p (ω) by a weighting function A _p (ω) for each angular frequency is subjected to an inverse Fourier transform, and a signal obtained is obtained. 17. The ultrasonic treatment method according to claim 15, wherein an amplitude is amplified as necessary to obtain the at least one treatment signal. 19. A transmission / reception characteristic combined with a corresponding ultrasonic conversion element corresponding to the N ultrasonic conversion elements has a linear phase change characteristic, and the corresponding ultrasonic conversion element and the search reception signal detection are detected. The apparatus further comprises N matching circuits that perform impedance matching between the means and the treatment signal generating means so that signals are transmitted and received without energy loss. In the fourth process, the singular or plural Function Ψ
_At least one pulse-shaped treatment signal having an arbitrary amplitude at an arbitrary time is generated based on a signal Ψ _p (t) obtained by performing an inverse Fourier transform of _p (ω). Item 17. The ultrasonic treatment method according to Item 15 or 16. 20. A transmission / reception characteristic combined with a corresponding ultrasonic conversion element has a linear phase change characteristic corresponding to the N ultrasonic conversion elements, and the corresponding ultrasonic conversion element and the search reception signal detection are detected. The apparatus further comprises N matching circuits that perform impedance matching between the means and the treatment signal generating means so that signals are transmitted and received without energy loss. In the fourth process, the singular or plural Function Ψ
_p (omega) in a multiplied by the weighting function A _{p (ω)} for each angular frequency based on an inverse Fourier transform to the resultant signal, at least one pulsed with any amplitude at any time The method according to claim 15, wherein the treatment signal is generated.
7. The ultrasonic treatment method according to 6. 21. The function according to claim 18, wherein the weighting function A _p (ω) is a function for changing a peak voltage of the treatment signal so as to concentrate energy of the treatment ultrasonic wave to an affected part. The ultrasonic treatment method according to the above. 22. In the third processing, the (N × N)
Search reception signals S _mn(N) created from (ω)
And a scattering matrix S represented by equation (6).
From (ω), the actual pair of (2N × 2N) expressed by equation (7)
Of the real symmetric matrix S ′ (ω)
Eigenvalues and eigenvectors for eigenvalue problem
From the eigenvalues with the largest absolute value.
And the singular or plural eigenvalues are converted to the singular or plural real numbers.
Value λ_pAnd the one or more eigenvalues
Singular or plural eigenvectors
Number λ_pOne or more functions corresponding to_p(Ω)
The method according to any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein
Ultrasound treatment method. (Equation 6)In equation (6), S_mn(Ω) is the nth ultrasonic variation
The search ultrasonic waves are illuminated from the replacement elements (n = 1, 2,..., N).
At least echo from the affected area when shot
When the sound wave conversion element (m = 1, 2,..., N) receives
Search signal S as a function of time_mn(T)
You. (Equation 7)In equation (7), Re (S (ω)) is the scattering matrix S
The real part of (ω), Im (S (ω)) is the scattering matrix S (ω)
The imaginary part. 23. For an angular frequency range corresponding to the predetermined frequency range and the N ultrasonic conversion elements, a sound from one or more functions Ψ _p (ω) corresponding to the one or more real values λ _p is provided. A field function φ _p (ω, x, y, z) is obtained, and a function φ _p (t, x, z) obtained by performing an inverse Fourier transform on the sound field function φ _p (ω, x, y, z) is obtained. y, z) to the sound field function φ _p (x, y, z) (= φ
_p (t, x, y, z) (t = 0)), and the function φ _p (x, y, z) of the sound field and the single or plural real values λ _p
The ultrasonic treatment method according to any one of claims 15 to 22, further comprising a fifth process for imaging at least the affected part on the basis of (i). 24. In the second processing, at the time of irradiation of the therapeutic ultrasonic wave, Fourier transform is performed on N treatment reception signals output from the N ultrasonic transformation elements that have received at least echoes from the affected part. , In the third process, the one or more real values λ _p and the corresponding one or more functions Ψ _p (ω) are calculated based on the Fourier-transformed N treatment reception signals, In the fifth process, at least an affected part under treatment is imaged based on the one or more real values λ _p and the corresponding one or more functions Ψ _p (ω). Item 24. The ultrasonic treatment method according to item 23. 25. Before the second processing, a gate function g (t) for extracting at least only a primary reflected wave signal from an affected part is multiplied by the search reception signal S _mn (t). A sixth process is performed.
4. The ultrasonic treatment method according to any one of 4. 26. The gate function g (t) has an amplitude of approximately 1 in a portion of the search reception signal S _mn (t) estimated to be the primary reflected wave signal, and has an amplitude in other portions. Almost 0
26. The ultrasonic treatment method according to claim 25, wherein the function is a function indicating a rectangular window represented by: or a normal function indicated by Expression (8). (Equation 8) 27. In the first processing, when the maximum time during which the search ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic conversion element propagates to the affected part within the predetermined frequency range is T, (1/1) 8T), the frequency of the search ultrasonic wave is changed at a frequency interval sufficiently smaller than 8T), and the (N ×
The ultrasonic treatment method according to any one of claims 15 to 26, wherein N) search reception signals S _mn (t) are detected. 28. In the third processing, at least the reflectance of the diseased part is obtained by multiplying the singular or plural real values λ _p or the singular or plural real values λ _p by a predetermined proportionality constant. Any one of claims 15 to 27
8. The ultrasonic treatment method according to 1.