JP2007185212A - Ultrasound bone density measuring equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasound bone density measuring equipment for which an ultrasound probe is formed so as to be moved three-dimensionally, and which can transmit ultrasound waves from multiple directions to a measurement part. <P>SOLUTION: The measuring instrument 1 is mainly provided with a measuring instrument body 7 and a computer for performing various kinds of processing. Then, the body 7 comprises: a medium tub 11 filled with water 10; a measurement part support part 20 for supporting a foot F near the almost center inside the tub in the state of projecting a heel 4 from a base end 18; a probe 3 for transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves 6 to/from the heel 4; a first moving mechanism part 23 for moving the probe 3 along a roughly circular arcuate first moving route; a second moving mechanism part for moving the probe 3 along a roughly circular arcuate second moving route orthogonal to the first moving route; and a third moving mechanism part 24 for moving the probe 3 along a linear third moving route C to be close to or separated from the heel 4. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic bone quality measuring device, and more particularly to an ultrasonic bone quality measuring device that can be used for early diagnosis of osteoporosis and the like.

  Osteoporosis is a systemic disease that causes deterioration of the mechanical structure of the bone by reducing the thickness of cortical bone and trabecular bone of cancellous bone, and is one of the diseases that is especially seen in many elderly women and older It is. In addition, there is a tendency for the affected population to increase due to the aging of society in recent years, and the number of affected people in the younger age group is also increasing due to diversification of diet and westernization. Therefore, it is important to prevent early diagnosis and early detection through health checkups and the like to improve eating habits. Therefore, in such health checkups, there is a demand for establishment of a diagnostic technique and development of a diagnostic apparatus that can easily and easily diagnose osteoporosis.

  Here, for diagnosing osteoporosis, those that mainly irradiate the affected area with X-rays or ultrasonic waves have been widely used. In particular, many diagnostic techniques and diagnostic devices have been developed using ultrasonic waves that are safer for the human body than X-ray irradiation. An example of such a diagnostic apparatus has already been developed that visualizes the bone structure of a living body using ultrasound and uses osteoporosis diagnosis and useful techniques (Patent Document 1).

  More specifically, according to Patent Document 1, data related to a temporally continuous ultrasonic waveform obtained by irradiating a measurement site (for example, “踵”) with ultrasonic waves is acquired, and the waveform is mathematically calculated. Are compared with each other and further processed and corrected to obtain a difference due to time change, and the color of the binarized image is determined depending on whether the difference is larger or smaller than a predetermined value between corresponding pixels. The overall shape can be visualized by color. Thereby, the bone structure (bone quality) can be visualized (visualized), and diagnosis and determination of osteoporosis by a doctor or the like can be easily performed.

  In addition to such a diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that is excellent in operability and capable of ultrasonic diagnosis with relatively high accuracy has been developed. For example, a measurement part fixing part that fixes a part to be measured (such as a rib) and an ultrasonic wave that transmits an ultrasonic wave so that it can be incident on the part and receives a reflected wave that bounces off the measurement part A probe and an ultrasonic probe holding unit that holds the ultrasonic probe at a predetermined position in order to irradiate the measurement site with ultrasonic waves. A means for acquiring an A-mode waveform data group at a scanning point, and pixels in a pixel row set along the ultrasonic transmission direction from which the A-mode waveform data group was obtained are binarized into trabecular pixels and bone marrow pixels. And a display means for displaying image information of a predetermined cross section based on the binarized data group (Patent Document 2). ).

JP 2001-95797 A JP 2005-95311 A

  However, the above-described diagnostic apparatus using ultrasound for diagnosing osteoporosis sometimes causes the following problems. That is, when diagnosing the bone quality of a subject using these diagnostic devices, in order to perform more accurate diagnosis and determination, ultrasound can be transmitted from multiple directions (multi-directional) to one measurement site. Had to do a wave. In other words, it was obtained by sending ultrasonic waves from multiple directions of the measurement site rather than sending ultrasonic waves to one place such as sputum and performing diagnosis etc. based on the image obtained by this It is expected that the accuracy of diagnosis will be remarkably improved by integrating a plurality of data related to the bone structure (bone quality) and performing multifaceted diagnosis. However, the conventional diagnostic apparatus in which the positional relationship of the ultrasonic probe does not change (fixed) relative to the measurement site cannot acquire such data. In addition, although the subject himself can transmit ultrasonic waves from multiple directions by changing the direction and angle of the foot, in order to comprehensively consider and diagnose the data obtained as described above, The range of motion was different and accurate results were not always obtained.

  Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, for example, a plurality of ultrasonic probes are arranged so as to surround the eyelid to be measured, and ultrasonic waves are transmitted from each direction to diagnose the bone structure from multiple directions. However, methods for measuring bone quality have also been conceived. However, these configurations require that a plurality of ultrasonic probes having a relatively high cost be prepared for a diagnostic apparatus having one ultrasonic probe, resulting in a significant increase in the manufacturing cost of the entire diagnostic apparatus.

  On the other hand, in Patent Document 2, one ultrasonic probe is slidably installed along a guide rail arranged in the outer peripheral direction of the measurement site, and ultrasonic waves are irradiated and measured at each position. A method for measuring bone structure from multiple directions is disclosed. As a result, it has become possible to solve the problem of an increase in manufacturing cost due to the installation of a plurality of ultrasonic probes.

  However, it is known that the measurement of bone quality by ultrasound greatly depends on the wavelength of the transmitted ultrasound, the intensity of the ultrasound, the distance from the irradiation surface of the ultrasound probe to the measurement site, or the surface shape of the measurement site. It was done. For this reason, in the configuration that allows movement around the measurement site along the guide rail, the distance to the measurement site is slightly different at locations where the surface shape is extremely uneven, so the intensity and reflectivity of the reflected wave reflected from the heel May not be constant, and there is a possibility that bone quality cannot be measured with high accuracy.

  In addition, although the ultrasonic probe described in Patent Document 2 is capable of moving the ultrasonic probe around the measurement site, the moving direction of the ultrasonic wave is substantially horizontal. In other words, ultrasonic waves could be transmitted only to the fixed surface, in other words, only to the side surface of the measurement site (踵). That is, in the ultrasonic measurement device described in Patent Document 2, ultrasonic waves can be transmitted from the bottom side (back side) of the measurement site or the measurement site from the diagonally upward direction (or diagonally downward direction). There wasn't.

  Further, in order to improve the propagation of the ultrasonic wave, these ultrasonic measurement devices interpose an ultrasonic wave propagation medium (for example, water) that easily propagates the ultrasonic wave between the measurement site and the ultrasonic probe. There was a need. For this reason, it is necessary to control the movement speed of the ultrasonic probe in the ultrasonic propagation medium so that the ultrasonic probe has a slow speed at which the ultrasonic propagation medium does not wave.

  In addition, immersing the ultrasonic probe in the ultrasonic propagation medium immerses at least part of the mechanism related to the movement of the motor or gear for moving the ultrasonic probe in the ultrasonic propagation medium. In order to prevent the occurrence of problems such as short circuit due to the ultrasonic propagation medium coming into contact with electric parts such as a motor, it is necessary to take sufficient measures for waterproofing (liquid prevention). In addition, a mechanism part or the like that is always immersed in the ultrasonic wave propagation medium needs attention such as selecting a material that is excellent in rust prevention and the like.

  Furthermore, since these ultrasonic measurement devices perform measurement in a state in which a measurement site (for example, “踵”) of a subject is immersed in an ultrasonic propagation medium such as water, the ultrasonic propagation medium is measured after the measurement. It was necessary to wipe off the wet feet with a towel. For this reason, a lot of time is required for one measurement, and it is not suitable for use in situations such as a health check that is performed by a large number of people. Therefore, there has been a demand for an ultrasonic measurement apparatus that can easily perform measurement without requiring the subject to perform troublesome operations.

  Therefore, in view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides an ultrasonic bone quality measuring instrument that can form an ultrasonic probe so as to be three-dimensionally movable and can transmit ultrasonic waves from multiple directions to a measurement site. The second problem is to provide an ultrasonic bone quality measuring instrument that can perform bone quality measurement in a short time and reduce the burden on the subject.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the ultrasonic bone quality measuring instrument of the present invention is described as follows: “A medium tank in which a tank is filled with an ultrasonic propagation medium; a measurement tank to be measured; A measurement part support unit that supports a predetermined height while being immersed in a sound propagation medium, and transmits the ultrasonic wave to the supported measurement part and receives a reflected wave reflected from the measurement part. An ultrasonic probe immersed in the ultrasonic propagation medium, and a state in which the transmission / reception unit is opposed to the measurement site, and the circumference of the measurement site is substantially arc-shaped. The first movement mechanism unit that moves the ultrasonic probe along the first movement path and the state where the transmission / reception unit is opposed to the measurement part are held, and the ultrasonic wave is obliquely upward with respect to the measurement part. Vertically from the top oblique position to transmit and the bottom side of the measurement part A second moving mechanism that moves the ultrasonic probe along a substantially arc-shaped second movement path orthogonal to the first movement path between vertical positions at which the ultrasonic waves are transmitted in the direction; A third movement mechanism that moves the ultrasonic probe along a linear third movement path that is close to and away from the measurement site, and maintains the state where the unit faces the measurement site; and the first movement A mechanism control unit that controls the movement of the ultrasonic probe by interlocking the mechanism unit and the second movement mechanism unit, and controls the third movement mechanism unit according to the surface shape of the measurement site, and the measurement site and The distance control unit that makes a transmission / reception distance between the transmission / reception units of the ultrasonic probe constant, and the transmission / reception unit of the ultrasonic probe moved by at least one of the interlock control unit and the distance control unit from the transmission / reception unit Ultrasound And transmitting, are mainly composed of those further said to receives a reflected wave reflected from the measurement site comprises a "and bony measurement control section for measuring the bone quality of the measurement site.

  Therefore, according to the ultrasonic bone quality measuring instrument of the present invention, the ultrasonic probe moves along the arc-shaped first movement path and second movement path by the first movement mechanism and the second movement mechanism, respectively. Is possible. As a result, it is possible to move the ultrasonic probe to an arbitrary three-dimensional position around the measurement site. By simply using one ultrasonic probe for the measurement site, ultrasonic waves can be transmitted from multiple directions. Therefore, it becomes possible to measure the bone quality related to the measurement site of the subject.

  Further, the ultrasonic probe can be linearly moved forward and backward along the linear third movement path by the third movement mechanism unit that moves the ultrasonic probe close to and away from the measurement site. Here, a part that includes many curved surfaces, such as the ribs of the heel, that measure bone quality and is used for the diagnosis of osteoporosis, is the distance (transmission / reception from the measurement part that transmits and receives waves from the ultrasound probe). It is known that the reflectivity of reflected waves varies greatly depending on (wave distance). Therefore, the third moving mechanism can be adjusted so that the transmission / reception distance between the measurement site and the ultrasonic probe is constant, and the measurement conditions can be unified even for ultrasonic transmission from multiple directions. It becomes possible. Here, as a method of controlling the third moving mechanism unit to make the transmission / reception distance constant, an ultrasonic wave is transmitted preliminarily to the measurement site, and the reflected wave is received and detected by the transmission / reception unit. Measurement time (response time) is measured, and the ultrasonic probe is finely adjusted in the proximity or separation direction with respect to the measurement site by the third movement mechanism so that the time is within a predetermined range. It is done. Note that such a technique is a well-known technique such as an autofocus mechanism of a camera, for example. By using such a technique, the ultrasonic bone quality measuring instrument of the present invention can make the transmission / reception distance constant. It becomes possible.

  Moreover, generally well-known transmission mechanisms can be adopted for the configuration of each moving mechanism section. For example, a motor (for example, a servo motor) that generates a driving force for moving the ultrasonic probe and the rotational force of the motor are converted into an arc motion or a linear reciprocating motion of the ultrasonic probe within a predetermined movable range. This can be achieved by various gears and sliding members. Here, the movable range of the ultrasonic probe in each moving mechanism unit is not particularly limited. For example, in the case of the first moving mechanism unit, −90 ° ≦ α ≦ 90 ° (α : If the second moving mechanism unit is set to a movable range of 180 ° of the first movable angle), the ultrasonic wave is tilted upward by 30 ° from the horizontal direction, and the ultrasonic wave is transmitted from the upper oblique position where the ultrasonic wave is transmitted. Between the vertical position (corresponding to −90 ° with respect to the horizontal direction), ie, −90 ° ≦ β ≦ 30 ° (β: second movable angle) What is set in the movable range can be exemplified. Accordingly, the ultrasonic waves are blocked by other moving mechanisms or other body parts of the subject, and the ultrasonic waves can be transmitted from multiple directions to the measurement part without interference. Further, in order to move the ultrasonic probe along the linear third movement path as in the third movement mechanism, for example, an air cylinder or the like is used. The movement of the acoustic probe may be achieved. By adopting such a configuration, the moving mechanism can be made simpler than using a drive transmission mechanism such as a gear.

  Note that the moving speed of the ultrasonic probe in these movable ranges can be set to 180 ° / 5 sec, for example. Here, if the moving speed of the ultrasonic probe is too fast, the ultrasonic propagation medium (for example, water) in the tank undulates, so that stable ultrasonic wave transmission / reception becomes difficult, and measurement accuracy decreases. On the other hand, if the moving speed is too slow, it takes a lot of time for one measurement, and it is difficult for the subject to keep a measurement part (for example, a sputum) stationary while measuring, and the measurement accuracy similarly decreases. . Therefore, if it is between 20 degrees / sec-50 degrees / sec, possibility that the problem concerned occurs will become low.

  Furthermore, the movable range of the third movement mechanism unit can be set, for example, such that the proximity position in contact with the measurement site is set as a reference (0 cm) and the separation position that is the maximum distance from the measurement site is 10 cm. Thereby, movement can be performed in the range of 0 cm ≦ L ≦ 10 cm (L: transmission / reception distance). Here, when the separation position is set to be larger than 10 cm, it is difficult to detect the reflected wave because the reflected wave reflected from the measurement site is diffused, and even if it is detected, only a small reflectance can be obtained. Therefore, the measurement accuracy is remarkably deteriorated. Therefore, the detection efficiency of the reflected wave can be maintained at a constant level by setting the maximum separation position within 10 cm. In addition, since it is difficult to detect the reflected wave in a state where the transmitting / receiving unit of the ultrasonic probe is in contact with the measurement site, it is needless to say that at least about several centimeters needs to be separated from the measurement site. Note that, by setting the moving resolution of each moving mechanism unit to be, for example, 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less, it is possible to specify a position with high accuracy, and an improvement in measurement accuracy is expected.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above-described configuration, the ultrasonic bone quality measuring instrument according to the present invention may include “at least one of the first moving mechanism unit, the second moving mechanism unit, and the third moving mechanism unit is a whole or one. A part is installed in a state of being immersed in the ultrasonic propagation medium, and a drive motor that generates a driving force for moving the ultrasonic probe in the ultrasonic propagation medium is connected to the drive motor. A protective case that has a drive transmission mechanism that transmits the driving force to the ultrasonic probe, and an accommodation space that accommodates part of the drive motor and the drive transmission mechanism, and prevents contact with the ultrasonic propagation medium And an air supply means that communicates with the housing space of the protective case portion and supplies air to the housing space to make the internal pressure of the housing space higher than the external pressure associated with the ultrasonic wave propagation medium. Do There is no matter.

  Therefore, according to the ultrasonic bone quality measuring instrument of the present invention, in at least any one of the moving mechanism units, the driving motor for driving the ultrasonic probe to move to a desired position is the ultrasonic wave of the medium tank. In order to prevent the drive motor from coming into contact with the ultrasonic wave propagation medium, it is housed in the housing space of the protective case part. And the air is supplied to the accommodation space inside this protective case part by an air supply means. The air supply means includes, for example, an air pump that generates air, a tubular member that guides the air generated by the air pump to the inside of the protective case, a valve that adjusts the air supply amount, a pressure gauge, and the like Can be shown. And the pressure (internal pressure) in the housing space of the protective case part becomes higher than the external pressure outside the protective case part filled with the ultrasonic wave propagation medium, in other words, the medium pressure of the ultrasonic wave propagation medium. By adjusting the air supply amount as described above, a slight gap is formed between the protective case portion and the medium tank, or between the drive transmission mechanism portion and the protective case portion for transmitting the driving force to the ultrasonic probe. Even in the presence of the ultrasonic wave, the ultrasonic wave propagation medium is pushed out of the protective case part by the pressure difference from the gap and does not enter the housing space.

  As a result, a drive motor that is driven by electric power and needs to avoid contact with an ultrasonic propagation medium such as water does not come into contact with the ultrasonic propagation medium, so that problems such as a short circuit in the electrical system can be prevented. Can be prevented. It should be noted that the protective case portion and the joint portion of the medium tank or the like may of course use a normal liquid-proof (waterproof) member such as a seal member or packing that is used as a liquidproof (waterproof) measure. .

  That is, in order to move the ultrasonic probe three-dimensionally in the ultrasonic propagation medium, at least one of the drive motors that generate the driving force related to these movements is the downsizing of the device and the drive transmission mechanism unit. In order to simplify the above, it is preferable to install in an ultrasonic wave propagation medium. Accordingly, in addition to the usual liquid-proof (water-proof) measures, liquid-proof (water-proof) using the pressure difference is performed by supplying air to the housing space of the protective case part.

  Furthermore, the ultrasonic bone quality measuring instrument according to the present invention has, in addition to the above configuration, “the medium tank is provided on the side wall surface of the medium tank and is opposed to the measurement part and the measurement part supported by the measurement part support unit. You may comprise the visual observation window formed with the transparent member which can visually recognize the mutual positional relationship of the said transmission / reception part of the said ultrasonic probe.

  Therefore, according to the ultrasonic bone quality measuring instrument of the present invention, it becomes possible for a measuring person (for example, a doctor or a nurse) to visually recognize a measurement site for transmitting ultrasonic waves from an ultrasonic probe from the side. In other words, it is necessary to accurately adjust the position of the transmitting / receiving part of the ultrasonic probe so that the ultrasonic wave is transmitted correctly, such as when the part to be measured is small or the surface of the measurement part is severely uneven. is there. Therefore, by providing a visual window for visual confirmation using a transparent member such as glass on a part of the side wall surface of the medium tank, the measurer is supported by the measurement support unit while checking each other's position with the eyes. It is possible to grasp the positional relationship between the measurement site and the ultrasonic probe.

  On the other hand, the ultrasonic bone quality measuring instrument according to the present invention is described as follows: “A measurement part support unit that supports a measurement part to be measured at a predetermined height, and transmits ultrasonic waves from multiple directions toward the supported measurement part. A U-shaped ultrasonic probe having a transmission / reception unit for receiving a reflected wave reflected from the measurement site, and the ultrasonic wave propagating between the measurement site and the curved inner surface of the ultrasonic probe The inside of the bag-shaped medium bag portion that is filled and sealed with the ultrasonic propagation medium that holds the state where the transmission / reception unit is opposed to the measurement site is held, and the super The ultrasonic probe is moved along a substantially arc-shaped arc moving path between an upper oblique position where the sound wave is transmitted and a vertical position where the ultrasonic wave is transmitted vertically upward from the bottom surface side of the measurement site. Arc moving mechanism and the arc moving machine The ultrasonic wave is transmitted from the transmitting / receiving unit of the ultrasonic probe moved using the circular arc moving mechanism unit, and a movement control unit that controls the unit to move the ultrasonic probe around the measurement site And a bone quality measurement control unit that receives a reflected wave reflected from the measurement site and measures the bone quality of the measurement site.

  Here, the U-shaped ultrasonic probe can be exemplified by a configuration in which a plurality of transmitting and receiving parts for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves are arranged in parallel so as to match the inner peripheral surface of the U-shaped probe. Thereby, ultrasonic waves can be transmitted from multiple directions by arranging the ultrasonic probe so as to surround the measurement site within the U-shape. Furthermore, the medium bag portion is, for example, a bag-like body formed of a PET film, a polypropylene film, or the like filled with an ultrasonic propagation medium (for example, water) that improves the propagation of ultrasonic waves and sealed. Can be illustrated. Therefore, the medium bag portion is interposed between the measurement site and the transmission / reception unit of the ultrasonic probe, and the bag surface of the medium bag unit is closely attached to the measurement site and the transmission / reception unit, so that the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the transmission / reception unit is transmitted. The sound wave reaches the measurement site through the ultrasonic propagation medium in the medium bag portion, and the reflected wave from the measurement site also returns to the transmission / reception unit through the medium bag portion.

  Here, the medium bag portion may be fixed to the inner surface of the probe of the ultrasonic probe, or may be formed independently of the ultrasonic probe. However, since the medium bag portion needs to move a little as the ultrasonic probe moves by the arc moving mechanism portion, the medium bag portion fixed to the ultrasonic probe like the former is suitable for measurement. On the other hand, it is preferable that the ultrasonic wave propagation medium in the medium bag portion is independent or formed so as to be removable. In addition, the structure which concerns on an arc moving mechanism part is as substantially the same as the 2nd moving mechanism part mentioned above, and shall omit detailed description here.

  Therefore, according to the ultrasonic bone quality measuring instrument of the present invention, the U-shaped ultrasonic probe is arranged so as to surround the measurement site, and the medium bag portion is interposed between the measurement site and the ultrasonic probe. As a result, ultrasonic waves can be transmitted from multiple directions, and the ultrasonic wave can be transmitted and received satisfactorily by the medium bag portion. That is, by using the ultrasonic probe and the medium bag portion, it is not necessary to move one ultrasonic probe in the outer peripheral direction of the measurement site, transmit ultrasonic waves at each position, and measure bone quality.

  In addition, a work such as wiping off the ultrasonic propagation medium from the measurement site after use is not required for the measurement site immersed in the medium tank and measuring the bone quality therein. As a result, in a health checkup where a large number of people measure bone quality at once, the time taken per person is reduced, and the measurement time can be greatly reduced as a whole. Note that the U-shaped ultrasonic probe does not include the above-described plurality of transmission / reception units. For example, one transmission / reception unit moves along the U-shape inside the U-shaped guide unit, and is multidirectional. It may be possible to transmit ultrasonic waves.

  Furthermore, the ultrasonic bone quality measuring instrument according to the present invention has the above-described configuration, “a linear linear movement path that maintains a state in which the transmission / reception unit is opposed to the measurement site and is close to and away from the measurement site. A linear movement mechanism unit that moves the ultrasonic probe along the line, and the linear movement mechanism unit according to the concavo-convex shape of the measurement site, so that transmission / reception between the measurement site and the transmission / reception unit of the ultrasonic probe is performed. And a distance control unit that makes the wave distance constant.

  Therefore, the ultrasonic bone quality measuring instrument of the present invention can keep the transmission / reception distance of the ultrasonic probe constant by the linear movement mechanism unit and the distance control unit. Since the specific configuration and operation are substantially the same as those of the third movement mechanism unit and the distance control unit described above, detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

  Furthermore, the ultrasonic bone quality measuring instrument of the present invention comprises, in addition to the above configuration, “the measurement part support part is a height adjusting means for adjusting the height of the measurement part relative to the transmission / reception part”. It does not matter.

  Therefore, according to the ultrasonic bone quality measuring instrument of the present invention, it has a height adjusting means for adjusting the height between the measurement site and the transmitting / receiving part. Such height adjusting means may be, for example, a means that uses a spacer member or the like that is stacked on the support surface of the support base and can change the thickness of the support base itself, or a support leg of the support base on which the measurement site is supported. A means or the like that is formed so as to be extensible and that is stepwise set to a predetermined height using a fixing means such as a bolt is shown. As a result, bone quality can be measured for a wide range of age groups from infants to adults to elderly people. In particular, when the ribs of the heel are selected as the measurement site, infants generally have a small foot size, so there is a risk of sending ultrasonic waves to the calf of the foot at the measurement position for adults, while the size of the foot For adults with a large size, it may be difficult to transmit ultrasound across the ribs. Therefore, by providing a height adjustment means such as a spacer member to the measurement site support part, it is possible to accurately make the positional relationship between the transmitting / receiving part of the ultrasonic probe and the heel and to improve the measurement accuracy. It becomes possible.

  As an effect of the present invention, one ultrasonic probe is moved three-dimensionally around the measurement site, ultrasonic waves are transmitted from multiple directions, and useful information related to bone quality diagnosis is accurately given to doctors and the like. It becomes possible to supply. In addition, the occurrence of electrical troubles in the moving mechanism can be suppressed by the air supply means. Furthermore, by applying a combination of a U-shaped ultrasonic probe and a medium bag, bone quality can be measured in a short time without the need for a medium tank filled with an ultrasonic propagation medium.

  Hereinafter, an ultrasonic bone quality measuring instrument 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as “measuring instrument 1”) according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 1 is a front view showing the configuration of the measuring instrument 1 of the first embodiment, FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of the measuring instrument 1, and FIG. 3 schematically shows the configuration of the measuring instrument 1. FIG. 4 is an XX sectional view showing the configuration of the measuring instrument 1, and FIG. 5 is an ultrasonic probe 3 (hereinafter simply referred to as "probe 3") by the second moving mechanism unit 14. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a movement of "it is called." Here, the measuring instrument 1 of the first embodiment transmits an ultrasonic wave 6 to the rib 5 of the rib 4 selected as the measurement site, measures the bone quality of the rib 5, and is useful for diagnosis of osteoporosis. An example of providing information to a doctor or the like will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the measuring instrument 1 of the first embodiment has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and is electrically connected to the measuring instrument body 7 having an open top surface and the measuring instrument body 7. 6 is a calculation signal for measuring the bone quality of the rib 5 (not shown), and a control signal for visualizing it as a bone image, or for controlling the movement of the probe 3 installed in the measuring instrument body 7 And an air pump 31 for supplying air 29 to the protective case portions 27 and 38 of the first moving mechanism portion 23 and the third moving mechanism portion 24. And is mainly configured.

  More specifically, the measuring instrument body 7 is divided into two large and small sections by a partition wall 9 that vertically divides the inside of the substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape into two. Here, the section (the lower side in the drawing in FIG. 2) that is largely partitioned is configured as a medium tank 11 in which the water 10 is filled up to the upper surface of the measuring instrument main body 7. On the other hand, a small partitioned section (the upper side in the drawing in FIG. 2) is a second moving mechanism unit 14 for moving the probe 3 in an arc shape between the upper oblique position 12 and the vertical position 13 (see FIG. 5). A second servo motor 15 having a partial configuration is provided. Here, a part of the motor shaft 16 of the second servomotor 15 penetrates the partition wall 9 and the tip protrudes into the medium tank 11.

  Here, the medium tank 11 will be described in more detail. The inside of the medium tank 11 is installed on the support frame 17 projecting from the partition wall portion 9 in the horizontal direction, and the support frame 17. A measurement site support section 20 having a support base 19 for placing the foot F of a subject (not shown) in the vicinity of the center in the tank and supporting the heel 4 in a state of protruding from the base end 18, and the measurement Installed behind the part supporter 20 (corresponding to the right side of the paper in FIG. 2 or the right side of the paper in FIG. 4), the ultrasonic wave 6 is transmitted to the supported saddle 4 and the reflected wave 45 is received. The probe 3 having the probe support frame 22 that supports the transmission / reception unit 21 for facing the surface of the flange 4 and the state in which the transmission / reception unit 21 is opposed to the flange 4 (or the rib 5) are retained. 4 around the side of the first moving path A ( 2), a first moving mechanism portion 23 for moving the probe 3 along the upper-lower oblique position 12 (see FIG. 5) for transmitting the ultrasonic wave 6 from obliquely upward to obliquely downward with respect to the flange 4. 4 along the substantially circular arc-shaped second movement path B (see FIG. 5) perpendicular to the first movement path A between the vertical positions 13 where the ultrasonic waves 6 are transmitted vertically upward from the back surface side of the probe 3. The second moving mechanism section 14 that moves the wing 4 and the transmission / reception section 21 are kept facing the ridge 4, and along a linear third movement path C (see FIG. 4) that approaches and separates from the ridge 4. The third moving mechanism 24 for moving the probe 3 is mainly included.

  Here, the configuration of each of the moving mechanism units 14, 23, and 24 will be described in detail. The first moving mechanism unit 23 is, as shown mainly in FIG. 2, the center of the subject's foot F, that is, the toe. A range connecting the ridges 4 and 4 is set as a virtual center line Y, and a movable range is set so that the probe 3 can be moved by 90 ° to the left and right. That is, the movable range of the probe 3 is 180 ° (−90 ° ≦ first movable angle α ≦ 90 °). Here, the first moving mechanism unit 23 includes a substantially circular turntable 25 on which the third moving mechanism unit 24 connected to the probe support frame 22 of the probe 3 is placed and fixed, and the rotation center of the turntable 25. And a first servo motor 26 to which a motor shaft (not shown) is connected, and a first protective case portion 28 having a first housing space 27 in which the entire first servo motor 26 can be housed. It is configured. Here, when the motor shaft of the first servomotor 26 is connected to the turntable 25, the first protective case portion 28 is a drilled hole (not shown) that is drilled to match the shaft diameter of the motor shaft. Except for the above, no gap is formed for the water 10 to enter. Further, the first moving mechanism portion 23 is provided so that a supply tube 30 for supplying air 29 to the first accommodating space 27 of the first protective case portion 28 communicates with the first accommodating space 27. . One end of the supply tube 30 extending to the outside of the measuring instrument main body 7 is connected to an air pump 31 for supplying air 29. Here, the turntable 25 corresponds to the drive transmission mechanism of the present invention, and the air pump 31 and the supply tube 30 correspond to the air supply means of the present invention.

  Further, a control signal for controlling the rotation direction and movable range of the first servo motor 26 and rotating (moving) the probe 3 to a predetermined position is connected to the computer 8 via an interface (not shown). The cable 46 is sent to the first servo motor 26. Thereby, drive control related to the rotation of the first servo motor 26 is performed based on the control signal sent from the computer 8, and the drive force generated by the first servo motor 26 is turned through the motor shaft (not shown). 25, the third moving mechanism 24 and the probe 3 placed on the table surface 25a of the turntable move. As a result, the probe 3 moves along the substantially arc-shaped first movement path A (see FIG. 2).

  On the other hand, the second moving mechanism unit 14 is connected so as to support the first protective case unit 28 of the first moving mechanism unit 23 described above from below, and the entire first moving mechanism unit 23 is placed in the bottom of the tank in the water 10. The L-shaped L frame 32 that is supported at a height spaced from the L-shaped frame 32, and the second servo motor 15 to which one end of the L-shaped frame 32 and the motor shaft 16 are connected are mainly configured. . As a result, the second movement of the first moving mechanism 23, the third moving mechanism 24, and the probe 3 supported by the L-shaped frame 32 in the water 10 by the rotation of the second servo motor 15 is substantially arc-shaped. It moves along the route B. In other words, the L-shaped frame 32 moves like a pendulum around the motor shaft 16 of the second servomotor 15 as an axis.

  As a result, the probe 3 can be displaced between the upper oblique position 12 and the vertical position 13 with respect to the rod 4. In addition, in order to support the operation like the pendulum movement of the probe 3, the other end of the L-shaped frame 32 is provided with a bowl-shaped convex portion 35. On the other hand, the inner surface of the medium tank 11 facing the convex portion 35 is provided with a concave portion 34 that substantially coincides with the shape of the flange of the convex portion 35, and the operation related to the movement of the probe 3 by the second servo motor 15. A guide rail 33 is provided to support the motor. Here, the guide rail 33 has a semicircular arc shape. Thereby, the movement in the 2nd moving mechanism part 14 of the probe 3 can be performed easily. Note that the signal cable 46 extended from the computer 8 is connected to the second servo motor 15 in the same manner as the first servo motor 26 of the first moving mechanism section 23 described above, and various kinds of signals are transmitted based on the control signal transmitted. Control is performed. Here, the movable range of the probe 3 by the second moving mechanism section 14 can be changed from the upper oblique position 12 (see FIG. 5) located 30 ° obliquely upward to the vertical position 13 in the first embodiment. The upper oblique position 12 corresponds to a position that is located slightly above the ridge 4 of the measurement site and that is further inclined 30 ° downward for the transmitter / receiver 21 that transmits the ultrasonic wave 6. On the other hand, the vertical position 13 corresponds to a position where the transmitting / receiving unit 21 of the probe 3 is directed vertically upward and the ultrasonic wave 6 is transmitted. With the upper oblique position 12, it is possible to transmit the ultrasonic wave 6 over a range from the obliquely upper side of the ridge 4 to the back surface of the ridge 4. For this reason, the entire movable range is set to 120 ° (−90 ° ≦ second movable angle β ≦ 30 °).

  Here, the configuration related to the L-shaped frame 32, the guide frame 33, and the like corresponds to the drive transmission mechanism in the present invention. Note that the second servomotor 15 in the second moving mechanism unit 14 is arranged in a partition different from the medium tank 11 by the partition wall 9 as shown in FIG. For this reason, the second servo motor 15 has a low possibility of directly touching the water 10 and therefore does not take a strong waterproof measure like the first moving mechanism portion 23. However, a seal member or the like is provided at a location where the motor shaft 16 of the second servomotor 15 penetrates the partition wall portion 9 so that the water 10 from the medium tank 11 does not leak into the compartment on the second servomotor 15 side. The waterproof process is performed.

  The third moving mechanism 24 is mounted on the table surface 25a of the turntable 25 of the first moving mechanism 23 described above, and connected to the extension portion 36 in a state orthogonal to one end of the probe support frame 22 of the probe 3. And a third servo motor 37 that linearly moves in the front-rear direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 3) of the extension 36 and generates a driving force for moving the transmitter / receiver 21 of the probe 3 closer to or away from the flange 4. And a third protective case portion 38 that surrounds the third servo motor 37 and prevents contact with the water 10. Note that, similarly to the first movement mechanism 23 described above, the supply tube 30 that communicates with the third accommodation space is also attached to the third protective case portion 38, and the probe 3 is linearly moved to a proximity position or a separation position. A signal cable 46 for receiving from the computer 8 a control signal for controlling the movement of the computer. Here, the extending portion 36 corresponds to the drive transmission mechanism portion of the present invention. Here, unlike the first movement mechanism part 23 and the second movement mechanism part 14 described above, the third movement mechanism part 24 moves the probe 3 linearly rather than in a substantially arc shape. Therefore, in order to convert the rotational force by the third servomotor 37 into a linear motion, for example, a rack and pinion type drive transmission mechanism can be employed.

  Further, as mainly shown in FIG. 1, the measuring instrument 1 of the first embodiment makes the inside of the medium tank 11 visible on the side wall 40 of the medium tank 11, and the support 19, the probe 3, and the rod 4 are mutually connected. It has the structure which concerns on the viewing window 41 in which the glass G of the transparent member for seeing the position of this was fitted.

  And the measuring device 1 of 1st embodiment is supported in order to adjust height in order to match | combine the position of the transmission / reception part 21 of the probe 3, and the rib 5 according to the size of the test subject's collar 4 used as measurement object. The base 19 further includes a spacer member 49 that can be stacked in multiple stages. That is, by using the plate-like spacer member 49 for increasing the thickness of the support 19 in accordance with the size of the heel 4, the measuring instrument 1 can be used for subjects of all generations from infants to elderly people. Can respond. Here, the spacer member 49 corresponds to the height adjusting means of the present invention. Note that the stacked spacer members 49 may be firmly fixed using a known fixing means (for example, a fixing mechanism using bolts and nuts) so that the stacked state does not easily collapse. Good. Alternatively, by providing a plurality of protrusions (not shown) on the surface of the spacer member 49 and further providing a position and a number of depressions corresponding to the protrusions on the back surface of the spacer member 49, the protrusions are stacked when stacked on the support base 19. Further, the positions of the depressions may be matched to suppress the shift in the horizontal direction.

  In addition, the computer 8 connected to the measuring instrument main body 7 and controls each moving mechanism 23 and the like and performs various controls for moving the probe 3 in the water 10 has a first moving mechanism as its functional configuration. The control unit 42 that controls the unit 23 and the second moving mechanism unit 14 in conjunction with each other, and the third moving mechanism unit 24 is controlled in accordance with the concavo-convex shape of the rod 4, and The distance control unit 43 that keeps the transmission / reception wave distance L between and the probe 3 controlled, the ultrasonic wave 6 is transmitted from the transmission / reception unit 21, and the reflected wave 45 reflected from the 踵 4 is received, And a bone quality measurement control unit 44 that performs control for measuring the bone quality of the 4 ribs 5. Here, various calculation processes related to bone quality measurement using the ultrasonic wave 6 and processes such as imaging of the rib 5 can use the technology related to the existing ultrasonic measurement and diagnosis apparatus, and are detailed. The description is omitted here. These measurement results are displayed as images on the liquid crystal display 48 connected to the computer 8.

  Next, the usage method of the measuring instrument 1 of 1st embodiment is demonstrated mainly based on FIG.4 and FIG.5. First, the subject immerses one foot F (for example, the right foot) in the medium tank 11 filled with water 10 and places the foot F on the support base 19 provided near the center of the medium tank 11. At this time, at least a part of the flange 4 (rib 5) is protruded from the base end 18 of the support base 19. Thus, even when the probe 3 is moved from the upper oblique position 12 to the vertical position 13 by the second moving mechanism section 14 described above, the ultrasonic wave 6 is transmitted from the vertical position 13 to the back surface of the ridge 4. It becomes possible to wave.

  In addition, in order to confirm the mutual positional relationship between the basket 4 and the transmission / reception unit 21 of the probe 3, the measuring person (physician or the like) enters the bowl 4 in the water 10 from the viewing window 41 provided on the side wall 40 of the medium tank 11. The position of can also be confirmed from the side. Therefore, even in the case of the heel 4 of the foot F of a person with a large foot F size or a small person such as an infant, the transmission / reception unit 21 can be opposed to the correct position of the heel 4.

  And the state which protruded the underwater 4 to the support stand 19 is maintained, the computer 8 is operated, and the three-dimensional movement of the probe 3 and the transmission / reception control of the ultrasonic wave 6 from the transmission / reception part 21 of the probe 3 are performed. . More specifically, first, the probe 3 is moved to a predetermined initial position (for example, the first movable angle α = 0 °, the second movable angle β = 30 °, and the transmission / reception distance L = 3 cm). The second moving mechanism unit 14 and the third moving mechanism unit 24 are controlled to move. Such control is performed such that each control unit 42 provided in the computer 8 sends a control signal through the signal cable 46 and the probe 3 is set to the initial position based on each control signal.

  Then, a control signal for controlling the first moving mechanism unit 23 and the second moving mechanism unit 14 in conjunction with each other is transmitted from the interlock control unit 42 through the signal cable 46, and a plurality of predetermined three-dimensional positions (for example, , Α = 0 °, β = −90 °, or α = −90 °, β = 0 °, etc.). Further, along the third movement path C with respect to the kite 4, the transmission / reception distance L at each position is set to a value (for example, transmission / reception distance L = 3 cm) defined in advance by the third movement mechanism 24. Control for moving the probe 3 in the front-rear direction is performed based on the distance control unit 43. Here, the adjustment of the transmission / reception distance L by the distance control unit 43 is performed by transmitting a preliminary ultrasonic wave 6 for distance measurement from the transmission / reception unit 21 of the probe 3, and the reflected wave 45 reflected from the ridge 4. It measures the time until it reaches the transmission / reception unit 21 and performs adjustment based on this response time.

  Then, after the position and the transmission / reception distance L with respect to the heel 4 are adjusted to be constant, the ultrasonic wave 6 is transmitted to the heel 4 to measure the bone quality. At this time, the structure of the bone is measured based on the reflectance and reflection time (response time) of the reflected wave 45 generated from the ultrasonic wave 6 that has reached the rib 5 of the rib 4. Note that the technique related to the measurement of bone quality (such as bone density) is the same as that of a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and detailed description thereof is omitted here. Then, by carrying out such measurement from a plurality of positions around the ridge 4, the measurement instrument 1 of the first embodiment stores measurement data (not shown) related to the measurement in a storage device such as a hard disk drive of the computer 8. Will be accumulated. The measurement data is transmitted using the signal cable 46 described above.

  Here, the movable range of the probe 3 is set to −90 ° ≦ α ≦ 90 ° and −90 ° ≦ β ≦ 30 °. That is, the back of the ridge 4 can be moved in the range of 180 ° left and right and 120 ° up and down. Therefore, most of the periphery of the rib 5 of the collar 4 can be covered with the movable range.

  Thereby, with respect to the heel 4 (measurement site), the ultrasonic waves 6 can be transmitted from multiple directions, and the bone quality from each direction can be measured. Therefore, compared with the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that transmits the ultrasonic wave 6 from one direction, the amount of information of measurement data obtained for one measurement site is dramatically increased, and diagnosis by a doctor or the like becomes easy. In addition, the probability of overlooking problematic parts is reduced. As a result, it becomes possible to efficiently diagnose osteoporosis in a short time.

  In the measuring instrument 1 of the first embodiment, the moving speed of the probe 3 is set to 36 ° / sec in each of the first moving mechanism unit 23 and the second moving mechanism unit 24. That is, the first movement mechanism unit 23 can move the 180 ° movable range in about 5 seconds, and the second movement mechanism unit 24 can move the 120 ° movable range in about 3.3 seconds. Here, since the probe 3 is immersed in the water 10 of the medium tank 11, there is a possibility that the water 10 may wave as the probe 3 moves. However, by setting the moving speed described above, the influence on the water 10 can be reduced, and the ultrasonic wave 6 can be transmitted and the reflected wave 45 can be received well. In addition, the subject F is not forced to move the foot F placed on the support base 19 for a long time, and high-precision measurement can be performed in a short time.

  Next, the measuring instrument 60 of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described mainly based on FIG. Here, FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram seen from above schematically showing the schematic configuration of the measuring instrument 60 of the second embodiment, and FIG. 6B schematically shows the schematic configuration of the measuring instrument 60. It is explanatory drawing seen from the side shown. In addition, in the measuring device 60 of 2nd embodiment, about the structure substantially the same as the measuring device 1 of 1st embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and detailed description shall be abbreviate | omitted. In addition, in order to simplify the description, in FIGS. 6A and 6B, those having the same functions and configurations as the measuring instrument 1 of the first embodiment are not shown, and the second embodiment is omitted. Only the characteristic configuration of the measuring instrument 60 is extracted and shown.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the measuring instrument 60 of the second embodiment is U-shaped, and is arranged so as to surround the periphery of the collar 4 (rib 5), which is a measurement site, by a U-shaped inner surface 61. A U-shaped probe 62 (corresponding to an ultrasonic probe), and between the U-shaped probe 62 and the flange 4, and filled with water 10 as an ultrasonic propagation medium and sealed, made of a resin film The medium bag portion 63 is mainly configured.

  Furthermore, the measuring instrument 60 of the second embodiment moves the U-shaped probe 62 along the arcuate arc movement path D between the upper oblique position 64 and the vertical position 65 obliquely above the saddle 4. It has a mechanism part. Such a configuration is the same as the second movement mechanism unit 14 (see FIG. 5 and the like) in the measuring instrument 1 of the first embodiment described above, and the second movement path B corresponds to the circular arc movement path D. Detailed description is omitted here. The movable range of the U-shaped probe 62 by the arc moving mechanism is set to −90 ° ≦ arc moving angle γ ≦ 30 ° as in the second moving mechanism 14 described above.

  The measuring instrument 60 has a linear movement mechanism that moves the U-shaped probe 62 along a linear linear movement path E that is close to or away from the flange 4. This configuration is the same as that of the third movement mechanism unit 24 (see FIG. 4 and the like) in the measuring instrument 1 of the first embodiment, and the third movement path C corresponds to the linear movement path E. Detailed description is omitted.

  Further, the configuration of the U-shaped probe 62 will be described. A plurality of transmission / reception portions 66 are provided so as to match the shape of the U-shaped inner surface 61. The transmission / reception unit 66 transmits an ultrasonic wave (not shown) that propagates the water 10 in the medium bag 63 to the flange 4 (rib 5), and further reflects a reflected wave (not shown) that propagates the water 10. ). Then, a control signal for controlling the transmission of the ultrasonic wave and the reception of the reflected wave by the transmission / reception unit 66 is transmitted via the signal cable 46, and the result of the reception of the reflected wave is similarly transmitted through the signal cable 46. Via the computer 8 (see FIG. 1 and the like). That is, since the U-shaped probe 62 includes the plurality of transmission / reception units 66, the configuration of the first moving mechanism unit 23 in the measuring instrument 1 of the first embodiment can be omitted. In addition, as compared with the measuring instrument 1 of the first embodiment, the configuration of the medium tank 11 filled with water 10 is not required, and the configuration relating to the medium bag portion 63 filled with water 10 is provided as an alternative. ing. Therefore, since the foot F of the subject does not get wet with the water 10, an operation of wiping the water 10 attached to the foot F with a towel after measurement is unnecessary. Therefore, measurement work can be easily performed.

  Furthermore, unlike the measuring instrument 1, unlike the first moving mechanism unit 23 and the third moving mechanism unit 24, it is not necessary to take measures related to liquid prevention (waterproofing). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the size of the entire measuring instrument from being increased, and it is possible to manufacture a measuring instrument having a size that can be easily carried.

  As mentioned above, although preferred 1st embodiment and 2nd embodiment were mentioned and demonstrated about this invention, this invention is not limited to these embodiment, As shown below, it deviates from the summary of this invention. Various improvements and design changes are possible without departing from the scope.

  In other words, the ultrasonic wave propagation medium that fills the medium tank 11 with water 10 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and any ultrasonic wave propagation medium may be used as long as the ultrasonic wave 6 can be propagated more stably than in the air. . Furthermore, in the measuring instrument 60 of the second embodiment, the medium bag portion 63 is shown fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the U-shaped probe 51, but is not limited thereto, and is configured independently of each other. You may make it pinch | interpose between the collar 4 and the U-shaped probe 61 at the time of measurement. Moreover, although what used the 3rd servomotor 37 was shown as a structure which concerns on the 3rd moving mechanism part 24, it is not limited to this, For example, it comprises structures, such as an air cylinder which a cylinder axis | shaft can expand | extend. It doesn't matter.

It is a front view which shows the structure of the measuring device of 1st embodiment. It is a top view which shows the structure of a measuring device. It is explanatory drawing seen from the side which shows the structure of a measuring device typically. It is XX sectional drawing which shows the structure of a measuring device. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically an example of the movement of the ultrasonic probe by a 2nd moving mechanism part. It is explanatory drawing seen from (a) upper direction which shows schematic structure of the measuring device of 2nd embodiment typically, and explanatory drawing seen from the (b) side.

Explanation of symbols

1,60 measuring instrument (ultrasonic bone quality measuring instrument)
3 Probe (Ultrasonic probe)
4 踵 (measurement part)
5 ribs (measurement site)
6 Ultrasonic 10 Water (Ultrasonic propagation medium)
11 Medium tank 12, 64 Upper oblique position 13, 65 Vertical position 14 Second movement mechanism 16 Motor shaft (drive transmission mechanism)
20 measurement part support part 21, 66 transmission / reception part 23 first movement mechanism part 24 third movement mechanism part 25 turntable (drive transmission mechanism part)
27 First storage space 28 First protective case 29 Air 30 Supply tube (air supply means)
31 Air pump (air supply means)
32 L-shaped frame (drive transmission mechanism)
33 Guide rail (drive transmission mechanism)
38 Third protective case section 39 Third accommodation space 41 Viewing window 42 Interlocking control section 43 Distance control section 44 Bone quality measurement control section 45 Reflected wave 48 Liquid crystal display 49 Spacer member 50 Signal cable 61 U-shaped inner surface 62 U-shaped probe Acoustic probe)
63 Medium bag part A 1st movement path B 2nd movement path C 3rd movement path D Circular movement path E Linear movement path L Transmission / reception wave distance

Claims (6)

A medium tank filled with an ultrasonic wave propagation medium;
A measurement site support section that is attached to the tank and supports the measurement site to be measured at a predetermined height while being immersed in the ultrasonic wave propagation medium,
An ultrasonic wave immersed in the ultrasonic wave propagation medium, having a transmission / reception unit for transmitting the ultrasonic wave to the supported measurement site and receiving a reflected wave reflected from the measurement site; An acoustic probe,
A first moving mechanism that moves the ultrasonic probe along a substantially arc-shaped first movement path while maintaining a state in which the transmission / reception unit is opposed to the measurement site;
The ultrasonic wave is maintained in a state in which the transmission / reception unit is opposed to the measurement site, and the ultrasonic wave is transmitted vertically from the bottom side of the measurement site to the upper oblique position where the ultrasonic wave is transmitted obliquely from above the measurement site. A second movement mechanism unit that moves the ultrasonic probe along a substantially arc-shaped second movement path orthogonal to the first movement path between vertical positions for transmitting
A third movement mechanism that moves the ultrasonic probe along a linear third movement path that is in proximity to and away from the measurement site while maintaining the state where the transmission / reception unit is opposed to the measurement site;
An interlock controller that controls the movement of the ultrasonic probe by interlocking the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism;
A distance control unit that controls the third moving mechanism unit according to the surface shape of the measurement part, and makes a transmission / reception distance between the measurement part and the transmission / reception part of the ultrasonic probe constant,
Transmitting the ultrasonic wave from the transmitting / receiving unit of the ultrasonic probe moved by at least one of the interlock control unit and the distance control unit, and further receiving a reflected wave reflected from the measurement site, An ultrasonic bone quality measuring device comprising: a bone quality measurement control unit for measuring bone quality of a measurement site. At least one of the first moving mechanism unit, the second moving mechanism unit, and the third moving mechanism unit is installed in a state where the whole or a part is immersed in the ultrasonic propagation medium,
A driving motor for generating a driving force for moving the ultrasonic probe in the ultrasonic wave propagation medium;
A drive transmission mechanism connected to the drive motor and transmitting the generated driving force to the ultrasonic probe;
A protective case portion having an accommodating space for accommodating a part of the drive motor and the drive transmission mechanism, and preventing contact with the ultrasonic propagation medium;
And further comprising air supply means that communicates with the accommodation space of the protective case portion and supplies air to the accommodation space so that the internal pressure of the accommodation space is higher than the external pressure of the ultrasonic wave propagation medium. The ultrasonic bone quality measuring instrument according to claim 1. The medium tank is
It is provided on a medium tank side wall surface, and is formed of a transparent member that allows visual observation of the positional relationship between the measurement part supported by the measurement part support part and the transmission / reception part of the ultrasonic probe facing the measurement part. The ultrasonic bone quality measuring instrument according to claim 1, further comprising a viewing window. A measurement part support part for supporting a measurement part to be measured at a predetermined height;
A U-shaped ultrasonic probe having a transmission / reception unit for transmitting ultrasonic waves from multiple directions toward the supported measurement site and receiving reflected waves reflected from the measurement site;
A bag-shaped medium bag portion interposed between the measurement site and the curved inner surface of the ultrasonic probe, filled with an ultrasonic propagation medium that propagates the ultrasonic waves, and sealed;
The ultrasonic wave is maintained in a state in which the transmission / reception unit is opposed to the measurement site, and the ultrasonic wave is transmitted vertically from the bottom side of the measurement site to the upper oblique position where the ultrasonic wave is transmitted obliquely from above the measurement site. An arc moving mechanism for moving the ultrasonic probe along a substantially arc-shaped arc moving path between vertical positions for transmitting
A movement control unit for controlling the arc movement mechanism unit and moving the ultrasonic probe around the measurement site;
Bone quality for transmitting the ultrasonic wave from the transmission / reception unit of the ultrasonic probe moved by the arc movement mechanism unit, receiving a reflected wave reflected from the measurement site, and measuring the bone quality of the measurement site An ultrasonic bone quality measuring device comprising a measurement control unit. A linear moving mechanism that moves the ultrasonic probe along a linear linear movement path that is close to and away from the measurement site while maintaining the state where the transmission / reception unit faces the measurement site;
A distance control unit that controls the linear movement mechanism unit in accordance with the surface shape of the measurement site and makes a transmission / reception distance between the measurement site and the transmission / reception unit of the ultrasonic probe constant. The ultrasonic bone quality measuring instrument according to claim 4, wherein The measurement site support part is
The ultrasonic bone quality measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a height adjusting means for adjusting a height of the measurement site with respect to the transmission / reception unit.

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