JP2018042651A - Ultrasonic measurement apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonic measurement apparatus capable of outputting a reception signal of a reflection wave with excellent sensitivity by bringing an ultrasonic unit into close contact with a subject.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic measurement apparatus includes a plurality of ultrasonic units 14 in which ultrasonic elements for transmitting ultrasonic waves and receiving reflection waves are arranged, and a support part 9 for supporting the plurality of ultrasonic units 14. The support part 9 includes first rotation parts 15 installed in the ultrasonic units 14, a left side first support part 16 and a right side first support part 17 connected to a plurality of first rotation parts 15, second rotation parts 18 provided on the left side first support part 16 and the right side first support part 17, and a second support part 21 connected to a plurality of second rotation parts 18.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic measurement apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Ultrasonic measurement apparatuses that display ultrasonic images using reflected waves that irradiate a subject with ultrasonic waves and are reflected inside the subject are widely used. An organ located inside the subject can be observed using an ultrasonic measurement apparatus.

  The ultrasonic measurement apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe in which a plurality of ultrasonic elements that transmit and receive ultrasonic waves are arranged. An ultrasonic probe is pressed against the subject to irradiate ultrasonic waves inside the subject. The surface on which the ultrasonic probe contacts the subject is a substantially flat surface. A liquid gel is provided between the ultrasonic probe and the subject. The gel suppresses the reflection of ultrasonic waves at the interface between the ultrasonic probe and the subject.

  An ultrasonic measurement apparatus in which a plurality of ultrasonic units are installed on the surface of a subject is disclosed in Patent Document 1. According to this, ultrasonic elements are arranged in each ultrasonic unit. And the 2nd ultrasonic unit different from the 1st ultrasonic unit and the 1st ultrasonic unit received the ultrasonic wave which the 1st ultrasonic unit transmitted. Thereby, the range in which the ultrasonic element is arranged on the subject is widened. And the detection accuracy inside a subject was able to be made high by receiving the reflected wave reflected inside the subject with the ultrasonic element of a wide range.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-009817

  In the ultrasonic measurement apparatus in Patent Document 1, a plurality of ultrasonic units are installed in a subject. The ultrasonic unit and the arm are connected by a hinge. At this time, when the virtual curve passing through the hinge in the arm does not match the surface shape of the subject, some of the ultrasound units may be separated from the subject in the plurality of ultrasound units. Since the surface shape of the subject is diverse, it is difficult to prepare an arm that can handle all the subjects. Therefore, there has been a demand for an ultrasonic measurement apparatus that can output a reflected wave reception signal with high sensitivity by bringing an ultrasonic unit into close contact with a subject.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and can be realized as the following forms or application examples.

[Application Example 1]
An ultrasonic measurement apparatus according to this application example, comprising: a plurality of ultrasonic units in which ultrasonic elements that transmit ultrasonic waves and receive reflected waves are arranged; and a support unit that supports the ultrasonic units, The support section includes a first rotation section installed in the ultrasonic unit, a first support section connected to the plurality of first rotation sections, a second rotation section provided in the first support section, and a plurality of support sections. And a second support portion connected to the second rotating portion.

  According to this application example, the ultrasonic measurement apparatus includes the ultrasonic unit and the support unit. There are a plurality of ultrasonic units, and each ultrasonic unit is installed along the surface of the subject. In the ultrasonic unit, ultrasonic elements are arranged and installed, and each ultrasonic element transmits ultrasonic waves and receives reflected waves. The support unit includes a first rotation unit, a first support unit, a second rotation unit, and a second support unit.

  The first rotating unit is installed in each ultrasonic unit. The first support part is connected to the plurality of first rotating parts. A second rotating part is installed in the first supporting part, and the second supporting part is connected to a plurality of second rotating parts. The surface of the subject is not necessarily flat and sometimes has a curved surface. When the ultrasonic unit is installed on the surface of the subject, the direction in which the ultrasonic unit faces is different. Since the ultrasonic unit and the first support part are connected via the first rotating part, the plurality of ultrasonic units can face different directions.

  Moreover, since the 2nd support part and the 1st support part are connected via the 2nd rotation part, several 1st support parts can take a different attitude | position. Therefore, even when the subject has a curved surface, the support unit can install the ultrasonic unit along the surface of the subject.

  An ultrasonic unit is installed on the surface of the subject. When the surface of the subject is a curved surface and the ultrasonic unit is long, a part of the ultrasonic unit is separated from the subject. Since the ultrasonic wave is reflected on the surface of the ultrasonic unit at a location away from the subject and does not propagate to the subject, the intensity of the ultrasonic wave traveling inside the subject becomes weak. Since a plurality of ultrasonic units are installed in the ultrasonic measurement device, each ultrasonic unit can be set to a length that contacts the surface of the subject even when the measurement range is long. At this time, each ultrasonic unit can advance an ultrasonic wave having an appropriate intensity inside the subject. Ultrasound is reflected inside the subject and becomes a reflected wave. A part of the reflected wave irradiates the ultrasonic unit, and the ultrasonic unit receives the reflected wave. Since the ultrasonic unit advances ultrasonic waves of appropriate intensity inside the subject, the ultrasonic unit can receive ultrasonic waves with high sound pressure. As a result, the ultrasonic measurement apparatus can output the received signal of the reflected wave with high sensitivity.

[Application Example 2]
In the ultrasonic measurement apparatus according to the application example described above, the rotation axis of the first rotation unit and the rotation axis of the second rotation unit extend in the same direction.

  According to this application example, the rotation axis of the first rotation unit and the rotation axis of the second rotation unit are parallel to each other. At this time, the ultrasonic unit can be installed along the elliptical contour even when the contour of the cross section of the subject is similar to the elliptical shape.

[Application Example 3]
In the ultrasonic measurement apparatus according to the application example, the first support part is connected to the two ultrasonic units via the first rotating part.

  According to this application example, one first support unit is connected to two ultrasonic units via the first rotation unit. When three or more ultrasonic units are connected to one first support unit via the first rotating unit, a mechanism for finely adjusting the relative position of each ultrasonic unit is required. On the other hand, when one first support unit is connected to two ultrasonic units via the first rotating unit, each ultrasonic unit is attached to the subject without a mechanism for finely adjusting the relative position of each ultrasonic unit. It can be arranged along the surface. Therefore, the configuration of the support portion can be simplified.

[Application Example 4]
In the ultrasonic measurement apparatus according to the application example, the second support portion is connected to the two first support portions via the second rotating portion.

  According to this application example, one second support part is connected to two first support parts via the second rotating part. When three or more first support parts are connected to one second support part via the second rotating part, a mechanism for finely adjusting the relative position of each first support part is required. On the other hand, when one second support part is connected to the two first support parts via the second rotating part, each ultrasonic unit is covered without a mechanism for finely adjusting the relative position of each first support part. It can be arranged along the surface of the specimen. Therefore, the configuration of the support portion can be simplified.

[Application Example 5]
In the ultrasonic measurement apparatus according to the application example, the ultrasonic units are arranged in a line.

  According to this application example, the ultrasonic units are arranged in one row. At this time, the ultrasonic measurement device can transmit ultrasonic waves along one virtual plane. At this time, the reflected wave becomes an ultrasonic wave reflected in the virtual plane. Therefore, the ultrasonic measurement apparatus can acquire image data obtained by cutting the subject in a virtual plane. In addition, since the amount of data received by the ultrasonic unit can be reduced, the calculation of the ultrasonic image can be easily performed.

[Application Example 6]
In the ultrasonic measurement apparatus according to the application example, the ultrasonic units are arranged in a matrix.

  According to this application example, the ultrasonic units are arranged in a matrix. Therefore, the ultrasonic units are arranged in a plurality of rows. Data of an image obtained by cutting the subject in a single virtual plane can be acquired by the ultrasonic unit configured in one row. Therefore, the ultrasonic measurement apparatus can acquire data of an image cut into a plurality of virtual planes. As a result, the ultrasonic measurement apparatus can acquire a stereoscopic image of the subject.

[Application Example 7]
In the ultrasonic measurement apparatus according to the application example described above, the ultrasonic wave detection unit including a plurality of the ultrasonic units and the distribution of the reflected waves received by the plurality of ultrasonic units are reflected in the distribution of the reflected waves when received on a virtual plane. A conversion unit for conversion.

  According to this application example, the ultrasonic measurement device includes the ultrasonic detection unit and the conversion unit. The ultrasonic detection unit includes a plurality of ultrasonic units. Each ultrasonic unit is installed along the surface of the subject. In the ultrasonic unit, ultrasonic elements are arranged and installed, and each ultrasonic element transmits ultrasonic waves and receives reflected waves. The conversion unit converts the distribution of reflected waves received by a plurality of ultrasonic units into the distribution of reflected waves when received on a virtual plane.

  An ultrasonic unit is installed on the surface of the subject. When the surface of the subject is a curved surface and the ultrasound unit is long, a part of the ultrasound unit is separated from the subject. Since the ultrasonic wave is reflected on the surface of the ultrasonic unit at a location away from the subject and does not propagate to the subject, the intensity of the ultrasonic wave traveling inside the subject becomes weak. In this application example, since the ultrasonic detection unit is composed of a plurality of ultrasonic units, each ultrasonic unit can be set to a length in contact with the surface of the subject. At this time, each ultrasonic unit can advance an ultrasonic wave having an appropriate intensity inside the subject.

  Inside the subject, the ultrasonic waves are reflected and become reflected waves. A part of the reflected wave irradiates the ultrasonic unit, and the ultrasonic unit receives the reflected wave. Then, the conversion unit inputs the received signal of the reflected wave. The conversion unit sets a virtual plane. Then, the distribution of the reflected wave received by the plurality of ultrasonic units is converted into the distribution of the reflected wave when the reflected wave is received on the virtual plane. Therefore, the conversion unit can output the same reflected wave signal as when a large ultrasonic unit is positioned on the virtual plane and the reflected wave is received. The virtual plane is set in the direction in which the reflected wave travels with respect to the ultrasonic unit. At this time, the distance of the position where the signal on the virtual plane is received can be increased in the reflected wave signal output from the converter. And the same effect as when the opening of an ultrasonic unit is large is acquired. The opening of the ultrasonic unit indicates the length in which the ultrasonic elements that receive the reflected waves are arranged. Therefore, the ultrasonic measurement apparatus can detect the internal shape of the subject with high accuracy.

[Application Example 8]
The ultrasonic measurement apparatus according to the application example includes a transmission direction control unit that controls the traveling direction of the ultrasonic waves transmitted by the plurality of ultrasonic units in the same direction.

  According to this application example, the ultrasonic measurement apparatus includes the transmission direction control unit. A plurality of ultrasonic elements are installed in the ultrasonic unit. The transmission direction control unit adjusts the phase of the ultrasonic wave transmitted by each ultrasonic element, and transmits the ultrasonic wave in a predetermined direction. And a transmission direction control part controls the advancing direction of the ultrasonic wave which a some ultrasonic unit transmits to the same direction. Therefore, ultrasonic waves can be transmitted from one direction to a subject from a plurality of ultrasonic units. When ultrasonic waves are irradiated from a plurality of directions, the ultrasonic unit receives a signal of a virtual image of the subject. In this application example, since the reflected wave by the ultrasonic wave traveling in one direction is received, it is possible to suppress the ultrasonic element from receiving the virtual image signal.

[Application Example 9]
In the ultrasonic measurement apparatus according to the application example, the ultrasonic unit includes a first ultrasonic unit and a second ultrasonic unit, and the second ultrasonic unit receives an ultrasonic wave transmitted by the first ultrasonic unit. And a unit position calculator that calculates a relative position between the first ultrasonic unit and the second ultrasonic unit from the time of the ultrasonic wave passing between the first ultrasonic unit and the second ultrasonic unit. It is characterized by providing.

  According to this application example, the ultrasonic unit includes a first ultrasonic unit and a second ultrasonic unit, and includes a unit position calculation unit that calculates a relative position between the first ultrasonic unit and the second ultrasonic unit. Yes. The first ultrasonic unit transmits ultrasonic waves, and the second ultrasonic unit receives ultrasonic waves. The unit position calculation unit inputs time data of ultrasonic waves passing between the first ultrasonic unit and the second ultrasonic unit.

  An ultrasonic element is arranged in each of the first ultrasonic unit and the second ultrasonic unit. And the relative position of the ultrasonic element in each ultrasonic unit is known. The speed of the ultrasonic wave is also known. The unit position calculation unit measures the time of the ultrasonic wave passing between the first ultrasonic unit and the second ultrasonic unit. Thereby, the unit position calculation part can detect the distance between one ultrasonic element of the first ultrasonic unit and two ultrasonic elements of the second ultrasonic unit. And the relative position of a 1st ultrasonic unit and a 2nd ultrasonic unit can be detected using a triangulation method. As a result, the relative positions of the plurality of ultrasonic units installed along the surface of the subject can be detected.

[Application Example 10]
The ultrasonic measurement apparatus according to the application example includes a main body control unit that controls the operation of the ultrasonic unit, the ultrasonic unit includes a communication unit that communicates with the main body control unit, and the main body control unit and a plurality of The ultrasonic unit is daisy chain connected.

  According to this application example, the ultrasonic measurement apparatus includes the main body control unit, and the main body control unit controls the operation of the ultrasonic unit. The ultrasonic unit includes a communication unit. The communication unit communicates with the main body control unit.

  The main body control unit outputs an instruction signal to the ultrasonic unit. In the ultrasonic unit, the communication unit inputs an instruction signal. The ultrasonic unit transmits an ultrasonic wave based on the instruction signal and receives a reflected wave. And a communication part transmits a received signal to a main body control part. The main body control unit and the plurality of ultrasonic units are daisy chain connected. Then, the main body control unit and the plurality of ultrasonic units communicate sequentially to transmit the received data. When connecting the main body control unit and the plurality of ultrasonic units in a star shape, wiring that directly connects each ultrasonic unit and the main body control unit is required. On the other hand, when a plurality of ultrasonic units are daisy chain connected, wiring for connecting the ultrasonic units is required. The distance between the main body control unit and the ultrasonic unit is longer than the distance between the ultrasonic units. Therefore, even when the number of ultrasonic units is large, the length of the wiring can be made shorter than when the main body control unit and the plurality of ultrasonic units are connected in a star shape.

[Application Example 11]
The ultrasonic measurement apparatus according to the application example described above includes a display unit that displays a reflected wave signal converted by the conversion unit.

  According to this application example, the ultrasonic measurement apparatus includes the display unit that displays the reflected wave signal converted by the conversion unit. The reflected wave signal converted by the conversion unit is an image based on the reflected wave signals output by the plurality of ultrasonic units. Therefore, the display unit can display an ultrasound image of a wide range of subjects detected by a plurality of ultrasound units.

The schematic diagram for demonstrating the installation example of the ultrasonic measuring device in connection with 1st Embodiment. The schematic side view which shows the structure of an ultrasonic probe. The schematic plan view which shows the structure of an ultrasonic probe. The schematic bottom view which shows the structure of an ultrasonic probe. The electric block diagram of an ultrasonic unit. The electric block diagram which shows the connection of a control apparatus and an ultrasonic unit. The electric control block diagram of an ultrasonic measuring device. The flowchart of an ultrasonic measurement method. The schematic diagram for demonstrating an ultrasonic measurement method. The schematic diagram for demonstrating an ultrasonic measurement method. The schematic diagram for demonstrating an ultrasonic measurement method. The schematic diagram for demonstrating an ultrasonic measurement method. The schematic diagram for demonstrating an ultrasonic measurement method. The schematic diagram for demonstrating an ultrasonic measurement method. The schematic diagram for demonstrating an ultrasonic measurement method. The schematic diagram for demonstrating an ultrasonic measurement method. The schematic diagram for demonstrating an ultrasonic measurement method. The schematic diagram for demonstrating an ultrasonic measurement method. The schematic diagram for demonstrating an ultrasonic measurement method. The schematic diagram for demonstrating an ultrasonic measurement method. The schematic bottom view which shows the structure of the ultrasonic probe in connection with 2nd Embodiment. The schematic plan view which shows the structure of an ultrasonic probe. The schematic side view which shows the structure of an ultrasonic probe. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the example of installation of the ultrasonic measuring device in connection with 3rd Embodiment. The block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the ultrasonic unit in connection with 4th Embodiment. The block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the ultrasonic unit in connection with 5th Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, each member in each drawing is illustrated with a different scale for each member in order to make the size recognizable on each drawing.

(First embodiment)
In the present embodiment, characteristic examples of an ultrasonic measurement apparatus and an ultrasonic measurement method for performing ultrasonic measurement using the ultrasonic measurement apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings. An ultrasonic measurement apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining an installation example of an ultrasonic measurement apparatus. As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic measurement device 1 includes an ultrasonic probe 2 and a control device 3 as a main body control unit.

  The ultrasonic probe 2 is installed on a human body 4 as a subject. Although the installation location is not particularly limited, in this embodiment, for example, the ultrasonic probe 2 is installed around the abdomen of the human body 4. The ultrasonic probe 2 transmits ultrasonic waves toward the inside of the human body 4. The ultrasonic probe 2 receives the reflected wave reflected inside the human body 4 and converts it into an electrical signal. The ultrasonic probe 2 is installed on the abdomen of the human body 4. Therefore, the ultrasonic probe 2 transmits an ultrasonic wave to the abdomen of the human body 4 as a subject and receives a reflected wave reflected from the subject. The place where the ultrasonic probe 2 is installed is not limited to the abdomen of the human body 4 and can be installed at a place where ultrasonic measurement is desired.

  The ultrasonic probe 2 and the control device 3 are connected by a wiring 3a. The control device 3 is a device that controls the operation of the ultrasonic probe 2. The control device 3 includes an input device 5 and a display device 6 as a display unit. The input device 5 includes a keyboard, a mouse controller, a dedicated switch, a pointer such as a trackball, and the like. The display device 6 displays the measured ultrasonic image and measurement conditions. As the display device 6, a liquid crystal display device, an organic electroluminescence display, a plasma display, or a surface electric field display can be used. The operator operates the input device 5 to instruct the operation of the ultrasonic measurement device 1. The control device 3 inputs an electric signal of a reflected wave output from the ultrasonic probe 2 and calculates an ultrasonic image. Then, the control device 3 displays an ultrasonic image on the display device 6.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the ultrasonic probe. The abdomen of the human body 4 on which the ultrasonic probe 2 is installed is a cross-sectional view. As shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasonic probe 2 is used by being gripped by the hand of the operator 7. The ultrasonic probe 2 mainly includes an ultrasonic detection unit 8 and a support unit 9 that supports the ultrasonic detection unit 8. The ultrasonic detection unit 8 includes a plurality of ultrasonic units 14 including a first ultrasonic unit 10, a second ultrasonic unit 11, a third ultrasonic unit 12, and a fourth ultrasonic unit 13. In each ultrasonic unit 14, ultrasonic elements that transmit ultrasonic waves and receive reflected waves are arranged. Each ultrasonic unit 14 is installed along the surface of the human body 4. The support unit 9 supports each ultrasonic unit 14.

  Each ultrasonic unit 14 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in one direction. Each ultrasonic unit 14 is provided with a first rotating unit 15 on the side opposite to the side transmitting ultrasonic waves. The first rotating unit 15 is located at the center in the longitudinal direction of each ultrasonic unit 14. And the left side 1st support part 16 as a 1st support part is installed by connecting with the 1st rotation part 15 on the 1st ultrasonic unit 10, and the 1st rotation part 15 on the 2nd ultrasonic unit 11. . Further, a right first support portion 17 as a first support portion is installed in connection with the first rotation portion 15 on the third ultrasonic unit 12 and the first rotation portion 15 on the fourth ultrasonic unit 13. .

  The left first support portion 16 functions as a beam that bridges the pair of first rotating portions 15. The longitudinal direction of the left first support portion 16 is the same as the direction passing through the pair of first rotating portions 15. The left first support portion 16 is provided with a second rotating portion 18 on the side opposite to the side connected to the first rotating portion 15. The second rotating part 18 is located at the center of the left first supporting part 16 in the longitudinal direction.

  Similarly, the right first support portion 17 functions as a beam that bridges the pair of first rotating portions 15. The longitudinal direction of the right first support portion 17 is the same as the direction passing through the pair of first rotating portions 15. The right first support portion 17 is provided with a second rotating portion 18 on the side opposite to the side connected to the first rotating portion 15. The second rotating portion 18 is located at the center in the longitudinal direction of the right first support portion 17.

  A second support portion 21 is installed in connection with the second rotation portion 18 on the left first support portion 16 and the second rotation portion 18 on the right first support portion 17. The second support portion 21 functions as a beam that bridges the pair of second rotating portions 18. The longitudinal direction of the second support portion 21 is the same as the direction passing through the pair of second rotating portions 18. The second support portion 21 is provided with a handle 22 on the side opposite to the side connected to the second rotating portion 18. The handle 22 is located at the center in the longitudinal direction of the second support portion 21.

  The operator 7 holds the handle 22 and supports the ultrasonic probe 2. The left first support portion 16, the right first support portion 17, and the second support portion 21 function as leaf springs. When the operator 7 presses the handle 22 against the human body 4, the left first support portion 16, the right first support portion 17, and the second support portion 21 bend and elastically attach the ultrasonic detection unit 8 to the human body 4. Rush.

  The first rotating unit 15 is installed in each ultrasonic unit 14. The left first support portion 16 and the right first support portion 17 are connected to the two first rotating portions 15, respectively. A second rotating portion 18 is installed on each of the left first supporting portion 16 and the right first supporting portion 17, and the second supporting portion 21 is connected to the two second rotating portions 18. The surface of the human body 4 is not necessarily flat and sometimes has a curved surface. When the ultrasonic unit is installed on the surface of the human body 4, the direction in which the ultrasonic unit faces is different. Since the ultrasonic unit 14, the left first support part 16 and the right first support part 17 are connected via the first rotating part 15, the plurality of ultrasonic units can face different directions.

  Moreover, since the 2nd support part 21, the left side 1st support part 16, and the right side 1st support part 17 are connected via the 2nd rotation part 18, the left side 1st support part 16 and the right side 1st support part 17 are Different postures can be taken. Therefore, even when the surface of the human body 4 has a curved surface, the support unit 9 can install the ultrasonic unit 14 along the surface of the human body 4.

  The operator 7 installs the ultrasonic unit 14 on the surface of the human body 4. When the surface of the human body 4 is a curved surface and the ultrasonic unit 14 is long, a part of the ultrasonic unit 14 is separated from the human body 4. In a place away from the human body 4, the ultrasonic waves are reflected by the surface of the ultrasonic unit 14 and do not propagate to the human body 4, so that the intensity of the ultrasonic waves traveling inside the human body 4 becomes weak. Since four ultrasonic units 14 are installed in the ultrasonic measurement apparatus 1, the length is set such that each ultrasonic unit 14 contacts the surface of the human body 4 even when the measurement range is wide. At this time, each ultrasonic unit 14 can advance ultrasonic waves of appropriate intensity inside the human body 4. Ultrasonic waves are reflected inside the human body 4 to be reflected waves. A part of the reflected wave irradiates the ultrasonic unit 14, and the ultrasonic unit 14 receives the reflected wave. Since the ultrasonic unit 14 advances an ultrasonic wave having an appropriate intensity inside the human body 4, the ultrasonic unit 14 can receive an ultrasonic wave having a high sound pressure. As a result, the ultrasonic measurement apparatus 1 can output a reflected wave reception signal with high sensitivity.

  The left first support portion 16 is connected to the two ultrasonic units 14 of the first ultrasonic unit 10 and the second ultrasonic unit 11 through the first rotating unit 15. When three or more ultrasonic units 14 are connected to one left first support unit 16 via the first rotating unit 15, a mechanism for finely adjusting the relative position of each ultrasonic unit 14 is required. On the other hand, when one left first support portion 16 is connected to the two ultrasonic units 14 via the first rotating portion 15, each ultrasonic wave can be obtained without a mechanism for finely adjusting the relative position of each ultrasonic unit 14. The unit 14 can be arranged along the surface of the human body 4. Therefore, the structure of the support part 9 can be simplified. The same applies to the right first support portion 17.

  Even when three or more ultrasonic units 14 are connected to one left first support portion 16 via the first rotating portion 15, the left first support portion 16 is bent to allow each ultrasonic unit 14 to be bent. When it can be installed along the human body 4, a mechanism for finely adjusting the relative position of each ultrasonic unit 14 is unnecessary.

  The second support portion 21 is connected to the two first support portions of the left side first support portion 16 and the right side first support portion 17 via the second rotating portion 18. When three or more first support parts are connected to one second support part 21 via the second rotating part 18, a mechanism for finely adjusting the relative position of each first support part is required. On the other hand, when one second support portion 21 is connected to the two first support portions via the second rotating portion 18, each ultrasonic unit is provided without a mechanism for finely adjusting the relative position of each first support portion. 14 can be arranged along the surface of the human body 4. Therefore, the configuration of the support portion can be simplified.

  Even when three or more first support parts are connected to one second support part 21 via the second rotating part 18, the second support part 21 is bent to connect each ultrasonic unit 14 to the human body 4. If it can be installed along the, a mechanism for finely adjusting the relative position of each first support portion is unnecessary.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing the structure of the ultrasonic probe, and is a view of the ultrasonic probe 2 as seen from the handle 22 side. As shown in FIG. 3, the ultrasonic units 14 of the first ultrasonic unit 10 to the fourth ultrasonic unit 13 are arranged in a line. At this time, the ultrasonic measurement apparatus 1 can transmit ultrasonic waves along one virtual plane. The reflected wave becomes an ultrasonic wave reflected in the virtual plane. Therefore, the ultrasonic measurement apparatus 1 can acquire data of an image obtained by cutting the human body 4 in a virtual plane. In addition, since the amount of data received by the ultrasonic unit 14 can be reduced, the calculation of the ultrasonic image can be easily performed.

  The first rotating portion 15 rotates around a first rotating shaft 15a as a rotating shaft, and the second rotating portion 18 rotates around a second rotating shaft 18a as a rotating shaft. The first rotating shaft 15a and the second rotating shaft 18a extend in the same direction. At this time, the first rotating shaft 15a and the second rotating shaft 18a are parallel to each other. Even when the cross section of the human body 4 is similar to an ellipse, the first ultrasonic unit 10 to the fourth ultrasonic unit 13 can be installed along the ellipse.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic bottom view showing the structure of the ultrasonic probe, and is a view of the ultrasonic probe 2 viewed from the opposite side of the handle 22. As shown in FIG. 4, the ultrasonic units 14 of the first ultrasonic unit 10 to the fourth ultrasonic unit 13 are arranged in a line. In each ultrasonic unit 14, an acoustic lens 23 is installed on the ultrasonic wave transmitting side, and an ultrasonic element array 24 is installed on the handle 22 side of the acoustic lens 23. In the ultrasonic element array 24, ultrasonic elements are arranged in a matrix. The number of ultrasonic elements is not particularly limited, but in the present embodiment, for example, the arrangement is 16 rows and 120 columns.

  The acoustic lens 23 is a columnar lens extending in the longitudinal direction of the ultrasonic element array 24, and a cross section in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction is a convex lens. The acoustic lens 23 has a function of collecting ultrasonic waves in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the columnar lens.

  The control device 3 and the first ultrasonic unit 10 to the fourth ultrasonic unit 13 are daisy chain connected by a wiring 3a. Even when the number of the ultrasonic units 14 is large, the amount of the wiring 3a can be suppressed as compared with the case where the control device 3 and the plurality of ultrasonic units 14 are connected in a star shape.

  FIG. 5 is an electrical block diagram of the ultrasonic unit. As shown in FIG. 5, the ultrasonic unit 14 is provided with an ultrasonic element array 24 and a drive circuit 26 as a communication unit that drives the ultrasonic element array 24. The ultrasonic element array 24 is provided with a plurality of ultrasonic elements 24a. The drive circuit 26 is provided with a transmission control unit 27, a reception switching unit 28, and a setting register 29. The transmission control unit 27 performs control to transmit ultrasonic waves. The reception switching unit 28 switches which of the plurality of ultrasonic elements 24 a transmits the ultrasonic signal output by the ultrasonic element 24 a to the control device 3. The setting register 29 stores settings related to transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves.

  The setting register 29 receives the serial control signal 30 from the control device 3 via the wiring 3a and stores it. The serial control signal 30 includes various setting data, and the setting register 29 stores the setting data.

  The transmission control unit 27 includes a delay data storage unit 31, a timing generation unit 32, and a drive switch unit 33. The delay data storage unit 31 stores delay table data. Each ultrasonic element 24a transmits ultrasonic waves at a predetermined time interval. The data of the delay table includes time interval data for transmitting ultrasonic waves.

  The timing generation unit 32 inputs delay table data from the delay data storage unit 31. Further, the timing generation unit 32 inputs a timing signal 34 from the control device 3 via the wiring 3a. The timing generation unit 32 generates a drive pulse signal that drives the ultrasonic element 24 a using the data of the delay table and the timing signal 34. Further, an instruction signal for instructing which ultrasonic element 24a is driven is also generated.

  The drive switch unit 33 includes a first switch 33a that switches a voltage applied to each ultrasonic element 24a. The drive switch unit 33 switches the voltage applied to the predetermined ultrasonic element 24a according to the instruction signal and the drive pulse signal. The ultrasonic element 24a transmits an ultrasonic wave according to a change in voltage.

  The reception switching unit 28 includes a drive switch unit 33 and a reception switch unit 35. The drive switch unit 33 functions as a part of the transmission control unit 27 and functions as a part of the reception switching unit 28. In the reception switching unit 28, the drive switch unit 33 has a function of switching the distribution destination of the ultrasonic signal output from the ultrasonic element 24 a to the reception switch unit 35. After the ultrasonic element 24a transmits the ultrasonic wave, the ultrasonic element 24a receives the reflected wave of the ultrasonic wave. The ultrasonic element 24a converts the reflected wave into an electric signal. This converted electrical signal is referred to as an ultrasonic signal 36. The drive switch unit 33 switches the output destination of the ultrasonic signal output from the ultrasonic element 24 a to the reception switch unit 35.

  The first switch 33a of the drive switch unit 33 has a one-to-one correspondence with the ultrasonic element 24a. The reception switch unit 35 is provided with a second switch 35a connected to the first switch 33a. The second switch 35a is connected to the amplifying unit 35b, and the output of the amplifying unit 35b is connected to the control device 3 via the wiring 3a. The ultrasonic signal 36 output from the ultrasonic element 24a is output to the control device 3 through the first switch 33a, the second switch 35a, the amplifying unit 35b, and the wiring 3a.

  Next, the operation of the ultrasonic unit 14 will be described. First, the control device 3 outputs a serial control signal 30 to the setting register 29. The setting register 29 stores various setting data. Next, the setting register 29 outputs the data of the delay table to the delay data storage unit 31, and the delay data storage unit 31 stores the data of the delay table. Subsequently, the control device 3 outputs a timing signal 34 to the timing generation unit 32. The timing generation unit 32 generates an instruction signal and a drive pulse signal using the timing signal 34 and delay table data, and outputs them to the drive switch unit 33. The drive switch unit 33 outputs a drive pulse signal to the ultrasonic element 24a indicated by the instruction signal. The ultrasonic element 24 a to which the driving pulse signal is input transmits ultrasonic waves toward the human body 4.

  A part of the ultrasonic wave reflected inside the human body 4 reaches the ultrasonic element 24a as a reflected wave. The ultrasonic element 24a converts the reflected wave into an ultrasonic signal 36 and outputs it to the first switch 33a. The first switch 33a outputs the ultrasonic signal 36 to the second switch 35a. The second switch 35a outputs the ultrasonic signal 36 in the predetermined ultrasonic element 24a to the amplifying unit 35b. The amplifying unit 35 b amplifies the ultrasonic signal 36 and outputs it to the control device 3. Therefore, the control device 3 can acquire the ultrasonic signal 36 of the reflected wave that has reached a predetermined location among the reflected waves of the ultrasonic wave transmitted under the predetermined condition.

  The ultrasonic signal 36 is amplified and output by the amplifying unit 35b. The amplifier 35b performs impedance matching to reduce loss due to the capacitance of the wiring 3a. Further, the serial control signal 30 is transmitted before the ultrasonic element array 24 is driven. Thereby, it is possible to drive many ultrasonic elements 24a even with a small number of wirings 3a.

  FIG. 6 is an electric block diagram showing the connection between the control device and the ultrasonic unit. As shown in FIG. 6, the ultrasonic measurement device 1 includes a control device 3 that controls the operation of the ultrasonic units 14 of the first ultrasonic unit 10 to the fourth ultrasonic unit 13. Each ultrasonic unit 14 includes a drive circuit 26 that communicates with the control device 3. And the control apparatus 3 and the 1st ultrasonic unit 10 are connected by the wiring 3a, and the 1st ultrasonic unit 10 and the 2nd ultrasonic unit 11 are connected by the wiring 3a. Further, the second ultrasonic unit 11 and the third ultrasonic unit 12 are connected by the wiring 3a, and the third ultrasonic unit 12 and the fourth ultrasonic unit 13 are connected by the wiring 3a. That is, the control device 3 and the plurality of ultrasonic units 14 are daisy chain connected.

  The control device 3 that controls the operation of the ultrasonic unit 14 communicates with a drive circuit 26 installed in the ultrasonic unit 14. First, the control device 3 outputs an instruction signal to the ultrasonic unit 14. In the ultrasonic unit 14, the drive circuit 26 inputs an instruction signal. The ultrasonic unit 14 transmits an ultrasonic wave based on the instruction signal and receives a reflected wave. Then, the drive circuit 26 transmits a reception signal to the control device 3. The control device 3 and the plurality of ultrasonic units 14 are daisy chain connected. And the control apparatus 3 and the some ultrasonic unit 14 communicate sequentially, and each ultrasonic unit 14 transmits reception data.

  When the control device 3 and the plurality of ultrasonic units 14 are connected in a star shape, wiring connecting each ultrasonic unit 14 and the control device 3 is required. On the other hand, when the plurality of ultrasonic units 14 are daisy chain connected, wiring connecting the ultrasonic units 14 is required. The distance between the control device 3 and the ultrasonic unit 14 is longer than the distance between the ultrasonic units 14. Therefore, even when the number of ultrasonic units 14 is large, the length of the wiring can be shortened compared to the case where the control device 3 and the plurality of ultrasonic units 14 are connected in a star shape.

  FIG. 7 is an electric control block diagram of the ultrasonic measurement apparatus. In FIG. 7, the ultrasonic measurement device 1 includes a control device 3 that controls the operation of the ultrasonic measurement device 1. The control device 3 includes a CPU 37 (central processing unit) that performs various arithmetic processes as a processor, and a memory 38 that stores various types of information. The probe drive circuit 41 is connected to the CPU 37 via the input / output interface 42 and the data bus 43.

  The probe drive circuit 41 is connected to the first ultrasonic unit 10 to the fourth ultrasonic unit 13. The probe drive circuit 41 sends a serial control signal 30 and a timing signal 34 to the ultrasonic unit 14 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 37. The ultrasonic unit 14 starts driving the ultrasonic element array 24 according to the timing signal 34. The ultrasonic unit 14 receives the ultrasonic signal 36, converts it into digital data, and outputs it to the CPU 37.

  Each of the first ultrasonic unit 10 to the fourth ultrasonic unit 13 includes an ultrasonic element 24a and a drive circuit 26 that drives the ultrasonic element 24a. The ultrasonic element 24a transmits an ultrasonic wave toward the inside of the human body 4, receives a reflected wave reflected inside the human body 4, and outputs an electric signal. Then, the drive circuit 26 outputs an ultrasonic signal 36 corresponding to the reflected wave to the probe drive circuit 41.

  Various data are input to the CPU 37 and the memory 38 by the input device 5. The operator operates the input device 5 to input measurement start instructions and measurement conditions. The display device 6 displays measurement conditions, measurement results, and ultrasonic images.

  The memory 38 is a concept including a semiconductor memory such as a RAM and a ROM, and an external storage device such as a hard disk and a DVD-ROM. Functionally, a storage area for storing program software 44 in which a procedure for controlling the operation of the ultrasonic measurement apparatus 1 is described, and a waveform for driving the ultrasonic element 24a and ultrasonic drive data 45 indicating the drive procedure are stored. A storage area is set. In addition, a storage area for storing the ultrasonic reception data 46 received and output by the ultrasonic element 24a is set.

  In addition, a storage area for storing unit position data 47 indicating the relative positions of the ultrasonic units 14 of the first ultrasonic unit 10 to the fourth ultrasonic unit 13 is set in the memory 38. In addition, a storage area for storing conversion coefficient data 48, which is data of coefficients used when converting the ultrasonic reception data 46 into a signal when received on a virtual plane, is set. In addition, a storage area for storing ultrasonic image data 49, which is ultrasonic image data created by data conversion based on the ultrasonic reception data 46, is set. In addition, a work area for the CPU 37, a storage area that functions as a temporary file, and other various storage areas are set.

  The CPU 37 performs control for detecting reflected waves by sequentially transmitting ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic element 24 a according to the program software 44 stored in the memory 38. The CPU 37 includes an ultrasonic unit control unit 50 as a specific function realizing unit. The ultrasonic unit controller 50 controls the drive circuit 26 of each ultrasonic unit 14 to drive the ultrasonic element 24a and acquire ultrasonic data. The ultrasonic unit controller 50 selects some of the first ultrasonic unit 10 to the fourth ultrasonic unit 13 and drives the selected ultrasonic unit 14.

  In addition, the CPU 37 has a unit position calculation unit 51. The unit position calculation unit 51 transmits an ultrasonic wave from each ultrasonic unit 14 and calculates the relative position of each ultrasonic unit 14 based on ultrasonic reception data. In addition, the CPU 37 includes a transmission direction control unit 52. The transmission direction control unit 52 controls the direction in which ultrasonic waves are transmitted from each ultrasonic unit 14. Specifically, in the ultrasonic unit 14, the timing interval at which each ultrasonic element 24 a transmits ultrasonic waves is controlled. In addition, the CPU 37 includes a conversion unit 53. The conversion unit 53 inputs digital data of reflected waves output from the first ultrasonic unit 10 to the fourth ultrasonic unit 13. Then, the conversion unit 53 assumes that the distribution of the reflected wave received by each ultrasonic unit 14 is received on the virtual plane, and performs an operation of converting the distribution to the distribution of the reflected wave when received on the virtual plane.

  In addition, the CPU 37 includes an image forming unit 54. The image forming unit 54 receives the digital data of the reflected wave output from the conversion unit 53. Then, the image forming unit 54 forms an ultrasonic image from the converted data of the reflected wave on the virtual surface. In addition, the CPU 37 includes a display image calculation unit 55. The display image calculation unit 55 converts the ultrasonic image into a format for display on the display device 6. Then, the converted ultrasonic image is output to the display device 6. In the present embodiment, the above functions are realized by program software using the CPU 37. However, when the above functions can be realized by hardware such as a single electronic circuit that does not use the CPU 37, It is also possible to use such an electronic circuit.

  Next, an ultrasonic measurement method for performing ultrasonic measurement using the ultrasonic measurement apparatus 1 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the ultrasonic measurement method, and FIGS. 9 to 20 are schematic diagrams for explaining the ultrasonic measurement method. In FIG. 8, step S1 is a probe installation process. This step is a step of installing the ultrasonic probe 2 on the human body 4. Next, the process proceeds to step S2. Step S2 is a unit position detection step. This step is a step of detecting the relative positions of the ultrasonic units 14 of the first ultrasonic unit 10 to the fourth ultrasonic unit 13. Next, the process proceeds to step S3.

  Step S3 is a conversion coefficient calculation step. This step is a step of calculating a conversion coefficient for converting the distribution of the location where the reflected wave reaches the ultrasonic unit 14 to the distribution of the location where the reflected wave reaches the virtual plane. Next, the process proceeds to step S4. Step S4 is a measurement process. In this step, the ultrasonic unit 14 transmits ultrasonic waves and receives reflected waves. And it is the process of converting the distribution of the reflected wave in the ultrasonic unit 14 into the distribution of the reflected wave in the virtual plane. Next, the process proceeds to step S5. Step S5 is an image forming process. This step is a step of forming an ultrasonic image based on ultrasonic data on a virtual plane. Next, the process proceeds to step S6. Step S6 is an image display process. This step is a step of displaying an ultrasonic image on the display device 6. Next, the process proceeds to step S7. Step S7 is an end determination step. This step is a step of determining whether or not to end the ultrasonic measurement. When it is determined that the process is not finished, the process proceeds to step S2. The ultrasonic measurement is completed through the above steps. The ultrasonic measurement is completed through the above steps.

  Next, the ultrasonic measurement method will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 9 to 20 in association with the steps shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram corresponding to the probe installation step of step S1. As shown in FIG. 9, the operator 7 applies a gel 56 on the human body 4. Then, the ultrasonic probe 2 is placed on the gel 56. The operator 7 holds the handle 22 of the support portion 9 and supports the ultrasonic probe 2. The operator 7 brings the first ultrasonic unit 10 to the fourth ultrasonic unit 13 into contact with the surface of the human body 4. Since the first ultrasonic unit 10 to the fourth ultrasonic unit 13 are rotatable with respect to the support portion 9, the first ultrasonic unit 10 to the fourth ultrasonic unit 13 are installed along the surface of the human body 4. . At this time, the gel 56 is disposed between the first ultrasonic unit 10 to the fourth ultrasonic unit 13 and the human body 4. Next, the operator 7 operates the input device 5 to start measurement control by the control device 3.

  10 to 13 are diagrams corresponding to the unit position detecting step of step S2. As shown in FIG. 10, in step S2, the relative position of each ultrasonic unit 14 is detected. In this step, the relative positions of the ultrasonic units 14 of the first ultrasonic unit 10 to the fourth ultrasonic unit 13 are detected. The relative position between the first ultrasonic unit 10 and the second ultrasonic unit 11, the relative position between the first ultrasonic unit 10 and the third ultrasonic unit 12, the first ultrasonic unit 10 and the fourth ultrasonic unit 13, The relative position detection method is the same method. In the present embodiment, a method for detecting the relative position between the first ultrasonic unit 10 and the second ultrasonic unit 11 will be described. The relative position between the first ultrasonic unit 10 and the third ultrasonic unit 12, the first ultrasonic unit The description of the method for detecting the relative position between the sound wave unit 10 and the fourth ultrasonic unit 13 is omitted. In addition, the support part 9 is abbreviate | omitted in the figure.

  An ultrasonic element array 24 is installed on the ultrasonic unit 14 on the side facing the human body 4. In the ultrasonic element array 24 of the first ultrasonic unit 10, the leftmost ultrasonic element 24 a in the figure is a first element 57, and the rightmost ultrasonic element 24 a in the figure is a second element 58. In the ultrasonic element array 24 of the second ultrasonic unit 11, the leftmost ultrasonic element 24 a in the figure is a third element 61, and the rightmost ultrasonic element 24 a in the figure is a fourth element 62. The distance between the first element 57 and the second element 58 is known, and the distance between the third element 61 and the fourth element 62 is known.

  First, the ultrasonic unit controller 50 transmits the ultrasonic wave 63 from the first element 57. And the 3rd element 61 and the 4th element 62 acquire the ultrasonic signal 36 which receives the ultrasonic wave 63. FIG. That is, the second ultrasonic unit 11 receives the ultrasonic wave 63 transmitted by the first ultrasonic unit 10. The unit position calculation unit 51 calculates the distance between the first element 57 and the third element 61 by multiplying the time required for the ultrasonic wave 63 to move from the first element 57 to the third element 61 by the speed of the ultrasonic wave 63. Similarly, the unit position calculation unit 51 calculates the distance between the first element 57 and the fourth element 62 by multiplying the time required for the ultrasonic wave 63 to move from the first element 57 to the fourth element 62 by the speed of the ultrasonic wave 63. To do.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 11, the ultrasonic unit controller 50 transmits an ultrasonic wave 63 from the second element 58. And the 3rd element 61 and the 4th element 62 acquire the ultrasonic signal 36 which receives the ultrasonic wave 63. FIG. The unit position calculation unit 51 calculates the distance between the second element 58 and the third element 61 by multiplying the time required for the ultrasonic wave 63 to move from the second element 58 to the third element 61 by the velocity of the ultrasonic wave 63. Similarly, the unit position calculation unit 51 calculates the distance between the second element 58 and the fourth element 62 by multiplying the time required for the ultrasonic wave 63 to move from the second element 58 to the fourth element 62 by the speed of the ultrasonic wave 63. To do.

  The unit position calculation unit 51 calculates the relative position between the first ultrasonic unit 10 and the second ultrasonic unit 11 from the distance between the four points of the first element 57 to the fourth element 62. In other words, the unit position calculation unit 51 determines the time between the first ultrasonic unit 10 and the second ultrasonic unit 11 from the time of the ultrasonic wave 63 that passes between the first ultrasonic unit 10 and the second ultrasonic unit 11. Calculate the relative position.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the ultrasonic unit controller 50 then transmits an ultrasonic wave 63 from the third element 61. Then, the first element 57 and the second element 58 acquire the ultrasonic signal 36 for receiving the ultrasonic wave 63. The unit position calculation unit 51 calculates the distance between the first element 57 and the third element 61 by multiplying the time required for the ultrasonic wave 63 to move from the third element 61 to the first element 57 by the speed of the ultrasonic wave 63. Similarly, the unit position calculation unit 51 calculates the distance between the second element 58 and the third element 61 by multiplying the time required for the ultrasonic wave 63 to move from the third element 61 to the second element 58 by the speed of the ultrasonic wave 63. To do.

  As shown in FIG. 13, next, the ultrasonic unit controller 50 transmits an ultrasonic wave 63 from the fourth element 62. Then, the first element 57 and the second element 58 acquire the ultrasonic signal 36 for receiving the ultrasonic wave 63. The unit position calculation unit 51 calculates the distance between the first element 57 and the fourth element 62 by multiplying the time required for the ultrasonic wave 63 to move from the fourth element 62 to the first element 57 by the speed of the ultrasonic wave 63. Similarly, the unit position calculation unit 51 calculates the distance between the second element 58 and the fourth element 62 by multiplying the time required for the ultrasonic wave 63 to move from the fourth element 62 to the second element 58 by the speed of the ultrasonic wave 63. To do.

  The unit position calculation unit 51 calculates the relative position between the first ultrasonic unit 10 and the second ultrasonic unit 11 from the distance between the four points of the first element 57 to the fourth element 62. The unit position calculation unit 51 calculates the relative position between the first ultrasonic unit 10 and the second ultrasonic unit 11 twice, and calculates the average of the calculation results. Thereby, the unit position calculating part 51 can calculate the relative position between the first ultrasonic unit 10 and the second ultrasonic unit 11 with high accuracy. The unit position calculation unit 51 stores data indicating the calculated positions of the first ultrasonic unit 10 to the fourth ultrasonic unit 13 in the memory 38 as unit position data 47.

  As described above, the ultrasonic unit 14 includes the first ultrasonic unit 10 and the second ultrasonic unit 11. Then, the second ultrasonic unit 11 receives the ultrasonic wave 63 transmitted by the first ultrasonic unit 10. Next, the unit position calculation unit 51 determines whether the first ultrasonic unit 10 and the second ultrasonic unit 11 have the time from the time of the ultrasonic wave 63 that passes between the first ultrasonic unit 10 and the second ultrasonic unit 11. Calculate the relative position.

  An ultrasonic element 24 a is arranged in each of the first ultrasonic unit 10 and the second ultrasonic unit 11. And the relative position of the ultrasonic element 24a in each ultrasonic unit 14 is known. The sound speed of the ultrasonic wave 63 is also known. The time of the ultrasonic wave 63 passing between the first ultrasonic unit 10 and the second ultrasonic unit 11 is measured. Accordingly, the unit position calculation unit 51 can detect the distance between one ultrasonic element 24 a of the first ultrasonic unit 10 and the two ultrasonic elements 24 a of the second ultrasonic unit 11. And the relative position of the 1st ultrasonic unit 10 and the 2nd ultrasonic unit 11 is detectable using a triangulation method. As a result, the unit position calculation unit 51 can detect the relative positions of the plurality of ultrasonic units 14 installed along the surface of the human body 4.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram corresponding to the conversion coefficient calculation step of step S3. In step S3, a conversion coefficient is calculated. This conversion coefficient is a coefficient used for calculation for projecting the measurement data received by the ultrasonic element array 24 on the virtual plane in the measurement process of step S4. As shown in FIG. 14, the first element 57 at the end of the ultrasonic element array 24 of the first ultrasonic unit 10 is the ultrasonic element 24 a at the left end of the ultrasonic detection unit 8 in the drawing. The rightmost ultrasonic element 24 a in the ultrasonic element array 24 of the fourth ultrasonic unit 13 is a fifth element 64. The first element 57 and the fifth element 64 are the ultrasonic elements 24 a at both ends of the ultrasonic detection unit 8.

  The converter 53 receives the unit position data 47 from the memory 38 and acquires the position data of the first element 57 and the fifth element 64. Then, the converter 53 calculates the slope of the straight line passing through the first element 57 and the fifth element 64. Next, the conversion unit 53 sets a virtual surface 65. The imaginary surface 65 passes through a place away from the first element 57 toward the support portion 9 by a first distance 66. The virtual surface 65 is located on the side where the reflected wave travels with respect to the ultrasonic unit 14. The virtual surface 65 is parallel to a straight line passing through the first element 57 and the fifth element 64 and parallel to a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction in the planar direction of the ultrasonic element array 24. At this time, the virtual surface 65 is parallel to the first rotation shaft 15a. The conversion coefficient is a coefficient of an expression indicating the virtual surface 65.

  15 to 19 are diagrams corresponding to the measurement process of step S4. In step S <b> 4, the transmission direction control unit 52 selects a direction in which the ultrasonic wave 63 is transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 2. Although the selection method is not particularly limited, in this embodiment, for example, the direction is switched one by one from 45 degrees to 135 degrees with respect to the surface on which the ultrasonic elements 24 a are arranged in the ultrasonic element array 24 of the first ultrasonic unit 10. To send. Note that the direction in which transmission is switched is only the longitudinal direction of the ultrasonic element array 24, and is not changed to a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the first ultrasonic unit 10 to the fourth ultrasonic unit 13 transmit ultrasonic waves 63 in the same direction. The transmission direction of the ultrasonic wave 63 is controlled by the transmission direction control unit 52, and the transmission direction control unit 52 controls the traveling direction of the ultrasonic wave 63 transmitted by the plurality of ultrasonic units 14 in the same direction.

  The ultrasonic unit 14 is provided with a plurality of ultrasonic elements 24a. The ultrasonic wave 63 can be transmitted in a predetermined direction by the transmission direction control unit 52 adjusting the phase of the ultrasonic wave 63 transmitted by each ultrasonic element 24a. The transmission direction control unit 52 controls the traveling direction of the ultrasonic waves 63 transmitted by the plurality of ultrasonic units 14 in the same direction. Therefore, the ultrasonic waves 63 can be transmitted from one direction to the human body 4 from the plurality of ultrasonic units 14. When the ultrasonic wave 63 is irradiated from a plurality of directions, a virtual image signal inside the human body 4 is received. In this embodiment, since the reflected wave by the ultrasonic wave 63 traveling in one direction is received, it is possible to suppress reception of a virtual image signal.

  As shown in FIG. 16, when the internal organs 4 a are present inside the human body 4, the ultrasonic waves 63 are reflected by the internal organs 4 a of the human body 4 and become reflected waves 67. The direction in which the reflected wave 67 travels varies depending on the incident angle at which the ultrasonic wave 63 enters the surface of the internal organs 4a. Position information of the surface of the internal organs 4a is obtained at a place where the reflected wave 67 travels to the ultrasonic detection unit 8. Further, since the position information of the surface of the internal organs 4a cannot be obtained at a place where the reflected wave 67 does not travel to the ultrasonic detector 8, the surface shape of the internal organs 4a becomes difficult to understand.

  The intensity distribution of the reflected wave 67 is measured by changing the transmission direction of the ultrasonic wave 63 from the ultrasonic wave detection unit 8. A clear ultrasonic image can be obtained by measuring and synthesizing the intensity distribution of the reflected wave 67 in a plurality of transmission directions.

  FIG. 17 shows conversion of the received signal when the reflection point 70 is imaged. Next, the conversion unit 53 calculates the sixth element virtual point 71 where the reflected wave 67 reaches the virtual surface 65. A direction in which the virtual surface 65 extends is a virtual surface first direction 65a, and a direction orthogonal to the virtual surface first direction 65a is a virtual surface second direction 65b. Using the calculated position information of the reflection point 70 and the sixth element 68, the conversion unit 53 calculates a second distance 72a that is the distance between the reflection point 70 and the sixth element 68. Then, the conversion unit 53 calculates a third distance 72 b that is a distance between the sixth element 68 and the sixth element virtual point 71 using information on the relative position between the ultrasonic detection unit 8 and the virtual surface 65. The conversion unit 53 calculates the distance between the reflection point 70 and the sixth element 68 in the virtual plane second direction 65b. Furthermore, the conversion unit 53 calculates the distance between the sixth element 68 and the virtual surface 65 in the virtual surface second direction 65b. Then, the third distance 72b is calculated using the ratio of the distance between the reflection point 70 and the sixth element 68 to the distance between the sixth element 68 and the virtual surface 65 in the second direction 65b and the second distance 72a. .

  Next, the conversion unit 53 calculates a fourth distance 73a that is the distance between the reflection point 70 and the sixth element 68 in the virtual plane first direction 65a. Then, using the ratio between the second distance 72a and the third distance 72b and the fourth distance 73a, the conversion unit 53 is the distance between the sixth element 68 and the sixth element virtual point 71 in the virtual plane first direction 65a. A certain fifth distance 73b is calculated. Then, the conversion unit 53 adds the delay time for propagating the third distance to the reception time received by the sixth element 68, so that the reception signal is received from the reflection point 70 at the sixth element virtual point 71 on the virtual surface 65. Generate.

  In this way, the conversion unit 53 sets the virtual surface 65. The conversion unit 53 converts the distribution of the reflected wave 67 received by the plurality of ultrasonic units 14 into the distribution of the reflected wave 67 when received by the virtual plane 65. Accordingly, the conversion unit 53 can output the distribution of the reflected wave 67 similar to that when the large ultrasonic unit 14 is positioned on the virtual plane 65 and receives the reflected wave 67. In the distribution of the reflected wave 67 output from the conversion unit 53, the reception of the plurality of ultrasonic units 14 causes the virtual surface 65 to widen the virtual element width for receiving the reflected wave 67. The same effect as when it is large can be obtained. Therefore, the ultrasonic measurement apparatus 1 can detect the internal shape of the human body 4 with high accuracy.

  In the ultrasonic measurement method of the present embodiment, the ultrasonic unit 14 transmits the ultrasonic wave 63 to the human body 4, and the plural ultrasonic units 14 receive the reflected waves 67 reflected by the human body 4. Then, the converter 53 converts the distribution of the reflected wave 67 into the distribution of the reflected wave 67 when the virtual surface 65 receives the distribution. At this time, the distribution of the reflected wave 67 received by the plurality of ultrasonic units 14 is converted into the distribution of the reflected wave 67 when the conversion unit 53 receives the reflected wave 67 on the virtual plane 65. Therefore, the distribution of the reflected wave 67 similar to that when the large ultrasonic unit 14 is positioned on the virtual plane 65 and the reflected wave 67 is received can be output. By receiving with a plurality of ultrasonic units, the virtual element 65 for receiving the reflected wave 67 has a larger width, so that the distribution of the reflected wave 67 to be output has the same effect as when the aperture is large. Therefore, the ultrasonic measurement method of the present embodiment can detect the shape of the human body 4 with high accuracy.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the first ultrasonic unit 10 to the fourth ultrasonic unit 13 change the direction and transmit the ultrasonic wave 63 in the same direction. The transmission direction of the ultrasonic wave 63 is controlled by the transmission direction control unit 52, and the transmission direction control unit 52 controls the traveling direction of the ultrasonic wave 63 transmitted by the plurality of ultrasonic units 14 in the same direction.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the traveling direction of the reflected wave 67 is changed by changing the traveling direction of the ultrasonic wave 63. And since the distribution which receives the reflected wave 67 changes in the ultrasonic detection part 8, the place which is easy to observe among the surfaces of the internal organs 4a switches.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram corresponding to the image forming process in step S5 and the image display process in step S6. In step S <b> 5, the image forming unit 54 forms an ultrasonic image using the ultrasonic wave reception data 46 on the virtual surface 65 and stores the ultrasonic image data 49 in the memory 38. Further, the display image calculation unit 55 converts the ultrasonic image data 49 into data to be displayed on the display device 6. In step S6, the data is output to the display device 6. As shown in FIG. 20, the display device 6 includes an ultrasonic image 74 formed after converting the reflected wave 67 received by the first ultrasonic unit 10 to the fourth ultrasonic unit 13 into data received on the virtual plane 65. Is displayed. The ultrasonic image 74 is a panoramic image. The internal organs 4a exist inside the human body 4, and the ultrasonic image 74 is a series of organ images 74a indicating the internal organs 4a received by the ultrasonic units of the first ultrasonic unit 10 to the fourth ultrasonic unit 13. It is an image.

  Thus, the display device 6 displays the signal of the reflected wave 67 converted by the conversion unit 53. The signal of the reflected wave 67 converted by the conversion unit 53 is an image based on the signal of the reflected wave 67 output by the plurality of ultrasonic units 14. Accordingly, the display device 6 can display an ultrasonic image 74 of the human body 4 in a wide range detected by the plurality of ultrasonic units 14. Then, in the end determination step of step S7, it is determined whether or not the ultrasonic measurement is to be ended. When it is determined not to end, the process proceeds to step S2, and when it is determined to end, the ultrasonic measurement is ended.

As described above, this embodiment has the following effects.
(1) According to the present embodiment, the ultrasonic measurement apparatus 1 includes the ultrasonic unit 14 and the support unit 9. There are a plurality of ultrasonic units 14, and each ultrasonic unit 14 is installed along the surface of the human body 4. The ultrasonic units 24 a are arranged and installed in the ultrasonic unit 14, and each ultrasonic element 24 a transmits an ultrasonic wave 63 and receives a reflected wave 67. The support unit 9 includes a first rotating unit 15, a left first supporting unit 16 and a right first supporting unit 17, a second rotating unit 18 and a second supporting unit 21.

  The first rotating unit 15 is installed in each ultrasonic unit 14. The left first support portion 16 and the right first support portion 17 are connected to the plurality of first rotating portions 15. A second rotating part 18 is installed on the left first supporting part 16 and the right first supporting part 17, and the second supporting part 21 is connected to a plurality of second rotating parts 18. The surface of the human body 4 is not necessarily flat and sometimes has a curved surface. When the ultrasonic unit 14 is installed on the surface of the human body 4, the direction in which the ultrasonic unit 14 faces is different. Since the ultrasonic unit 14 and the left first support part 16 and the right first support part 17 are connected via the first rotating part 15, the plurality of ultrasonic units 14 can face different directions.

  Further, since the second support portion 21, the left side first support portion 16, and the right side first support portion 17 are connected via the second rotating portion 18, a plurality of left side first support portions 16 and right side first support portions are connected. The part 17 can take different postures. Therefore, even when the surface of the human body 4 has a curved surface, the support unit 9 can install the ultrasonic unit 14 along the surface of the human body 4.

  An ultrasonic unit 14 is installed on the surface of the human body 4. When the surface of the human body 4 is a curved surface and the ultrasonic unit 14 is long, a part of the ultrasonic unit 14 is separated from the human body 4. In a place away from the human body 4, the ultrasonic wave 63 is reflected by the surface of the ultrasonic unit 14 and does not propagate to the human body 4, so that the intensity of the ultrasonic wave 63 traveling inside the human body 4 is weakened. Since a plurality of ultrasonic units 14 are installed in the ultrasonic measurement apparatus 1, each ultrasonic unit 14 can be set to a length in contact with the surface of the human body 4 even when the measurement range is wide. At this time, each ultrasonic unit 14 can advance an ultrasonic wave 63 having an appropriate intensity inside the human body 4. The ultrasonic wave 63 is reflected inside the human body 4 to become a reflected wave 67. A part of the reflected wave 67 irradiates the ultrasonic unit 14, and the ultrasonic unit 14 receives the reflected wave 67. Since the ultrasonic unit 14 advances the ultrasonic wave 63 having an appropriate intensity inside the human body 4, the ultrasonic unit 14 can receive the ultrasonic wave 63 having a high sound pressure. As a result, the ultrasonic measurement apparatus 1 can output the received signal of the reflected wave 67 with high sensitivity.

  (2) According to the present embodiment, the first rotation shaft 15 a of the first rotation unit 15 and the second rotation shaft 18 a of the second rotation unit 18 are parallel to each other. At this time, even when the cross section of the human body 4 is similar to an ellipse, the ultrasonic unit 14 can be installed along the ellipse.

  (3) According to the present embodiment, the left first support portion 16 is connected to the two ultrasonic units 14 via the first rotating portion 15. When one left first support portion 16 is connected to three or more ultrasonic units 14 via the first rotating portion 15, a mechanism for finely adjusting the relative positions of the ultrasonic units 14 is required. On the other hand, when the left first support portion 16 is connected to the two ultrasonic units 14 via the first rotating portion 15, each ultrasonic unit 14 is not required even if there is no mechanism for finely adjusting the relative position of each ultrasonic unit 14. Can be arranged along the surface of the human body 4. Therefore, the structure of the support part 9 can be simplified.

  (4) According to the present embodiment, one second support portion 21 is connected to the two first support portions of the left first support portion 16 and the right first support portion 17 via the second rotating portion 18. When three or more first support parts are connected to one second support part 21 via the second rotating part 18, a mechanism for finely adjusting the relative position of each first support part is required. On the other hand, when one second support portion 21 is connected to the left first support portion 16 and the right first support portion 17 via the second rotating portion 18, a mechanism for finely adjusting the relative position of each first support portion is provided. Each ultrasonic unit 14 can be arranged along the surface of the human body 4 without the need. Therefore, the structure of the support part 9 can be simplified.

  (5) According to this embodiment, the ultrasonic units 14 are arranged in one row. At this time, the ultrasonic measurement apparatus 1 can transmit the ultrasonic wave 63 along one virtual plane. At this time, the reflected wave 67 becomes the ultrasonic wave 63 reflected in the virtual plane. Therefore, the ultrasonic measurement apparatus 1 can acquire image data obtained by cutting the human body 4 in a virtual plane. In addition, since the amount of data received by the ultrasonic unit 14 can be reduced, the calculation of the ultrasonic image 74 can be easily performed.

  (6) According to the present embodiment, the ultrasonic measurement device 1 includes the ultrasonic detection unit 8 and the conversion unit 53. The ultrasonic detection unit 8 includes a plurality of ultrasonic units 14, and each ultrasonic unit 14 is installed along the surface of the human body 4. The ultrasonic units 24 a are arranged and installed in the ultrasonic unit 14, and each ultrasonic element 24 a transmits an ultrasonic wave 63 and receives a reflected wave 67. The converter 53 converts the distribution of the reflected wave 67 received by the plurality of ultrasonic units 14 into the distribution of the reflected wave 67 when received by the virtual plane 65.

  An ultrasonic unit 14 is installed on the surface of the human body 4. When the surface of the human body 4 is a curved surface and the ultrasonic unit 14 is long, a part of the ultrasonic unit 14 is separated from the human body 4. In a place away from the human body 4, the ultrasonic wave 63 is reflected by the surface of the ultrasonic unit 14 and does not propagate to the human body 4, so that the intensity of the ultrasonic wave 63 traveling inside the human body 4 is weakened. In the present embodiment, since the ultrasonic detection unit 8 includes a plurality of ultrasonic units 14, each ultrasonic unit 14 can be set to a length in contact with the surface of the human body 4. At this time, each ultrasonic unit 14 can advance an ultrasonic wave 63 having an appropriate intensity inside the human body 4.

  The ultrasonic wave 63 is reflected inside the human body 4 to become a reflected wave 67. A part of the reflected wave 67 irradiates the ultrasonic unit 14, and the ultrasonic unit 14 receives the reflected wave 67. Then, the conversion unit 53 inputs the received signal of the reflected wave 67. The conversion unit 53 sets the virtual surface 65. Then, the distribution of the reflected wave 67 received by the plurality of ultrasonic units 14 is converted into the distribution of the reflected wave 67 when the reflected wave 67 is received by the virtual plane 65. Therefore, the conversion unit 53 can output the same reflected wave 67 signal as when the large ultrasonic unit 14 is positioned on the virtual plane 65 and the reflected wave 67 is received. The reflected wave 67 signal output from the converter 53 is received by a plurality of ultrasonic units 14, so that the virtual element 65 for receiving the reflected wave 67 is widened by the virtual surface 65. The same effect as when it is large can be obtained. Therefore, the ultrasonic measurement apparatus 1 can detect the internal shape of the human body 4 with high accuracy.

  (7) According to the present embodiment, the ultrasonic measurement apparatus 1 includes the transmission direction control unit 52. A plurality of ultrasonic elements 24a are installed in the ultrasonic unit 14, and the ultrasonic waves 63 can be transmitted in a predetermined direction by adjusting the phase of the ultrasonic waves 63 transmitted by each ultrasonic element 24a. The transmission direction control unit 52 controls the traveling direction of the ultrasonic waves 63 transmitted by the plurality of ultrasonic units 14 in the same direction. Therefore, the ultrasonic waves 63 can be transmitted from one direction to the human body 4 from the plurality of ultrasonic units 14. When the ultrasonic wave 63 is irradiated from a plurality of directions, a virtual image signal of the human body 4 is received. In this embodiment, since the reflected wave 67 by the ultrasonic wave traveling in one direction is received, it is possible to suppress reception of a virtual image signal.

  (8) According to this embodiment, the ultrasonic unit 14 includes the first ultrasonic unit 10 and the second ultrasonic unit 11, and calculates the relative position between the first ultrasonic unit 10 and the second ultrasonic unit 11. A unit position calculation unit 51 is provided. The first ultrasonic unit 10 transmits the ultrasonic wave 63 and the second ultrasonic unit 11 receives the ultrasonic wave 63. Then, the unit position calculation unit 51 calculates time data of the ultrasonic wave 63 that passes between the first ultrasonic unit 10 and the second ultrasonic unit 11.

  An ultrasonic element 24 a is arranged in each of the first ultrasonic unit 10 and the second ultrasonic unit 11. And the relative position of the ultrasonic element 24a in each ultrasonic unit 14 is known. The speed of the ultrasonic wave 63 is also known. The time of the ultrasonic wave 63 passing between the first ultrasonic unit 10 and the second ultrasonic unit 11 is measured. Accordingly, the unit position calculation unit 51 can detect the distance between one ultrasonic element 24 a of the first ultrasonic unit 10 and the two ultrasonic elements 24 a of the second ultrasonic unit 11. And the relative position of the 1st ultrasonic unit 10 and the 2nd ultrasonic unit 11 is detectable using a triangulation method. As a result, the relative position of each of the plurality of ultrasonic units 14 installed along the surface of the human body 4 can be detected.

  (9) According to the present embodiment, the ultrasonic measurement device 1 includes the control device 3, and the control device 3 controls the operation of the ultrasonic unit 14. The ultrasonic unit 14 includes a drive circuit 26. The drive circuit 26 communicates with the control device 3.

  The control device 3 outputs an instruction signal to the ultrasonic unit 14. In the ultrasonic unit 14, the drive circuit 26 inputs an instruction signal. The ultrasonic unit transmits the ultrasonic wave 63 and receives the reflected wave 67 based on the instruction signal. Then, the drive circuit 26 transmits a reception signal to the control device 3. The control device 3 and the plurality of ultrasonic units 14 are daisy chain connected. And the control apparatus 3 and the some ultrasonic unit 14 communicate sequentially, and transmit reception data. When the control device 3 and the plurality of ultrasonic units 14 are connected in a star shape, a wiring 3 a that connects each ultrasonic unit 14 and the control device 3 is required. On the other hand, when the plurality of ultrasonic units 14 are daisy chain connected, the wiring 3a that connects the ultrasonic units 14 is required. The distance between the control device 3 and the ultrasonic unit 14 is longer than the distance between the ultrasonic units 14. Accordingly, even when the number of ultrasonic units 14 is large, the length of the wiring 3a can be suppressed as compared with the case where the control device 3 and the plurality of ultrasonic units 14 are connected in a star shape.

  (10) According to the present embodiment, the ultrasonic measurement device 1 includes the display device 6 that displays the signal of the reflected wave 67 converted by the conversion unit 53. The signal of the reflected wave 67 converted by the conversion unit 53 is an image based on the signal of the reflected wave 67 output by the plurality of ultrasonic units 14. Accordingly, the display device 6 can display an ultrasonic image 74 of the human body 4 in a wide range detected by the plurality of ultrasonic units 14.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, an embodiment of an ultrasonic measurement apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the ultrasonic units are arranged in a matrix. Note that description of the same points as in the first embodiment is omitted.

  FIG. 21 is a schematic bottom view showing the structure of the ultrasonic probe. That is, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21, the ultrasonic probe 78 included in the ultrasonic measurement device 77 includes 16 ultrasonic units 79. The ultrasonic units 79 are arranged in a matrix of 4 rows and 4 columns. Each ultrasonic unit 79 is provided with ultrasonic elements 80 in 12 rows and 12 columns.

  The ultrasonic measurement device 77 includes a control device 81 as a main body control unit that controls the ultrasonic unit 79. The control device 81 and the 16 ultrasonic units 79 are daisy chain connected by the wiring 3a. Therefore, even when the number of ultrasonic units is large, the length of the wiring 3a can be suppressed as compared with the case where the control device 81 and the 16 ultrasonic units 79 are connected in a star shape.

  The acoustic lens 23 is not installed in the ultrasonic unit 79. The horizontal direction in the figure where the ultrasonic units 79 are arranged is the X direction, and the vertical direction in the figure is the Y direction. A direction perpendicular to the surface on which the ultrasonic element 80 is arranged in the ultrasonic unit 79 is defined as a Z direction. The control device 81 can transmit the ultrasonic waves 63 obliquely with respect to the Z direction by adjusting the phase at which each ultrasonic element 80 transmits the ultrasonic waves 63. At this time, the control device 81 can tilt the transmission direction of the ultrasonic wave 63 in the X direction. Further, the control device 81 can tilt the transmission direction of the ultrasonic wave 63 in the Y direction. Furthermore, the control device 81 can collect the transmission direction of the ultrasonic wave 63 on a predetermined straight line orthogonal to the Z direction.

  FIG. 22 is a schematic plan view showing the structure of the ultrasonic probe. FIG. 23 is a schematic side view showing the structure of the ultrasonic probe. As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, two ultrasonic units 79 arranged in the X direction are connected and supported by a first support portion 82. Since there are 16 ultrasonic units 79, eight first support portions 82 are installed. The ultrasonic unit 79 and the first support portion 82 are joined by a pivot bearing 83. For this reason, the ultrasonic unit 79 can be tilted with the X direction and the Y direction as rotation centers. A rotation restricting rod 84 is installed between the first support portion 82 and the ultrasonic unit 79. The rotation restricting rod 84 restricts the ultrasonic unit 79 from rotating around the Z direction.

  Further, two first support portions 82 arranged in the X direction are connected and supported by a second support portion 85. Since there are eight first support portions 82, four second support portions 85 are installed. The first support portion 82 and the second support portion 85 are joined by a pivot bearing 83. For this reason, the 1st support part 82 can incline centering on the X direction and the Y direction. A rotation restricting rod 84 is also installed between the first support portion 82 and the second support portion 85. The rotation restricting rod 84 restricts the first support portion 82 from rotating about the Z direction as a rotation center.

  Further, two second support portions 85 arranged in the Y direction are connected and supported by a third support portion 86. Since there are four second support portions 85, two third support portions 86 are installed. The second support portion 85 and the third support portion 86 are joined by a pivot bearing 83. For this reason, the 2nd support part 85 can incline centering on the X direction and the Y direction. A rotation regulating rod 84 (not shown) is also installed between the second support portion 85 and the third support portion 86. The rotation restricting rod 84 restricts the second support portion 85 from rotating about the Z direction as a rotation center.

  Further, two third support portions 86 arranged in the Y direction are connected and supported by a fourth support portion 87. Since there are two third support portions 86, one fourth support portion 87 is installed. The third support part 86 and the fourth support part 87 are joined by a pivot bearing 83. For this reason, the 3rd support part 86 can incline centering on the X direction and the Y direction. A rotation regulating rod 84 (not shown) is also installed between the third support portion 86 and the fourth support portion 87. The rotation restricting rod 84 restricts the third support portion 86 from rotating about the Z direction as a rotation center.

  A handle 22 is installed on the fourth support portion 87. The operator 7 holds the handle 22 and installs the ultrasonic probe 78 on the surface of the human body 4. Since the ultrasonic unit 79, the first support part 82, the second support part 85, the third support part 86, and the fourth support part 87 are connected by the pivot bearing 83, the ultrasonic unit 79 is attached to the surface of the human body 4. It can be installed according to the unevenness.

As described above, this embodiment has the following effects.
(1) According to this embodiment, the ultrasonic units 79 are arranged in a matrix. Therefore, the ultrasonic units 79 are arranged in a plurality of rows. Data of an image obtained by cutting the human body 4 in a single virtual plane can be acquired by the ultrasonic unit 79 configured in one row. Therefore, the ultrasonic measurement apparatus can acquire data of an image cut into a plurality of virtual planes. As a result, the ultrasonic measurement device 77 can acquire a stereoscopic image of the human body 4.

(Third embodiment)
Next, an embodiment of the ultrasonic measurement apparatus will be described with reference to a schematic diagram for explaining an installation example of the ultrasonic measurement apparatus in FIG. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the robot supports the ultrasonic unit 14. Note that description of the same points as in the first embodiment is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 24, the ultrasonic measurement device 90 includes four robots 91. The ultrasonic measurement device 90 includes a robot control device 92 that controls the robot 91. Each robot 91 supports the first ultrasonic unit 10 to the fourth ultrasonic unit 13 and is installed on the abdomen of the human body 4. The robot 91 is a part of a support portion 93 that supports the ultrasonic unit 14. In other words, the ultrasonic measurement device 90 includes a support portion 93 that supports the ultrasonic unit 14, and the support portion 93 includes the robot 91.

As described above, this embodiment has the following effects.
(1) According to this embodiment, the ultrasonic measurement device 90 includes the support portion 93 that supports the ultrasonic unit 14. The support part 93 includes a robot 91. The robot 91 can hold the ultrasonic unit 14 and install the ultrasonic unit 14 in a predetermined direction at a predetermined position. Accordingly, the support unit 93 can install the ultrasonic unit 14 along the surface of the human body 4.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, an embodiment of the ultrasonic measurement apparatus will be described with reference to a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the ultrasonic unit in FIG. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the ultrasonic unit is daisy chain connected. Daisy chain connection is also called rosary connection. Note that description of the same points as in the first embodiment is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 25, the ultrasonic probe 97 provided in the ultrasonic measurement device 96 includes four ultrasonic units, a first ultrasonic unit 98, a second ultrasonic unit 99, a third ultrasonic unit 100, and a fourth ultrasonic unit 101. A sound wave unit 102 is included.

  The first ultrasonic unit 98 is connected to the second ultrasonic unit 99 through the signal wiring 103 and the control wiring 104, and the second ultrasonic unit 99 is connected to the third ultrasonic unit 100 through the signal wiring 103 and the control wiring 104. Has been. The third ultrasonic unit 100 is connected to the fourth ultrasonic unit 101 by the signal wiring 103 and the control wiring 104. Further, the fourth ultrasonic unit 101 is connected to the control device 105, the signal wiring 103 and the control wiring 104 as a main body control unit. Connected by. In this way, the first ultrasonic unit 98 to the fourth ultrasonic unit 101 and the control device 105 are connected in a daisy chain. And the control apparatus 105 and the some ultrasonic unit are daisy chain-connected.

  The control device 105 controls the operation of the ultrasonic unit 102. A communication unit 106 is installed in the control device 105, and the communication unit 106 communicates with the ultrasonic unit 102. The signal wiring 103 and the control wiring 104 are connected to the communication unit 106.

  Each ultrasonic unit 102 is provided with a plurality of ultrasonic elements 107. A switching unit 108 is connected to each ultrasonic element 107. The switching unit 108 includes a changeover switch 108a and a switch control unit 108b that controls the changeover switch 108a. The changeover switch 108 a is connected to the signal wiring 103. When the changeover switch 108 a connects the signal wiring 103 to the ultrasonic element 107, a reception signal is output from the ultrasonic element 107 through the signal wiring 103. When the ultrasonic element 107 is an ultrasonic element having a digital conversion and data holding function, the communication unit 106 sequentially reads out received signals that are simultaneously acquired.

  The switch control unit 108b is connected to the control wiring 104. The switch control unit 108 b receives an address signal from the control device 105 via the control wiring 104. Each switch control unit 108b is set with a unique number, and this number is called an address number. Then, the switch control unit 108b whose address number matches the number indicated by the address signal sent from the control device 105 switches the changeover switch 108a to selectively output the reception signal of the ultrasonic element 107. In this way, the control device 105 controls the ultrasonic element 107 that receives the reflected wave 67.

  In this embodiment, the ultrasonic unit 102 is daisy chain connected. At this time, even when the number of ultrasonic units 102 is large, the length of the wiring can be shortened as compared with the case where the control device 105 and the plurality of ultrasonic units 102 are connected in a star shape. And it can make it easy to install wiring.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, an embodiment of the ultrasonic measurement apparatus will be described with reference to a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the ultrasonic unit in FIG. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the ultrasonic units are daisy chain connected in a data bus format. Note that description of the same points as in the first embodiment is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 26, the ultrasonic probe 112 included in the ultrasonic measurement device 111 includes four ultrasonic units, a first ultrasonic unit 113, a second ultrasonic unit 114, a third ultrasonic unit 115, and a fourth ultrasonic unit 116. A sound wave unit 117 is included.

  The first ultrasonic unit 113 is connected to the second ultrasonic unit 114 by the signal wiring 118 and the bus wiring 119, and the second ultrasonic unit 114 is connected to the third ultrasonic unit 115 by the signal wiring 118 and the bus wiring 119. Has been. The third ultrasonic unit 115 is connected to the fourth ultrasonic unit 116 by the signal wiring 118 and the bus wiring 119, and the fourth ultrasonic unit 116 is further connected to the control device 120, the signal wiring 118 and the bus wiring 119 as a main body control unit. Connected by. The bus wiring 119 is connected in each ultrasonic unit 117. As described above, the first ultrasonic unit 113 to the fourth ultrasonic unit 116 and the control device 120 are connected in a daisy chain. And the control apparatus 120 and the some ultrasonic unit are daisy chain-connected.

  The control device 120 controls the operation of the ultrasonic unit 117. A communication unit 121 is installed in the control device 120, and the communication unit 121 communicates with the ultrasonic unit 117. The signal wiring 118 and the bus wiring 119 are connected to the communication unit 121.

  Each ultrasonic unit 117 is provided with a plurality of ultrasonic elements 107. A switching unit 122 is connected to each ultrasonic element 107. The switch unit 122 includes a switch 122a and a switch control unit 122b that controls the switch 122a. The change-over switch 122a is connected to the signal wiring 118. When the changeover switch 122 a connects the signal wiring 118 to the ultrasonic element 107, a driving waveform is input to the ultrasonic element 107 through the signal wiring 118. Then, the ultrasonic element 107 transmits an ultrasonic wave 63.

  The switch control unit 122b is connected to the bus wiring 119. An address signal is input from the control device 120 to the switch control unit 122b via the bus wiring 119. Each switch control unit 122b has a unique address number. Then, the switch control unit 122 b whose address number matches the number indicated by the address signal sent from the control device 120 switches the changeover switch 122 a corresponding to the address number and inputs the drive waveform to the ultrasonic element 107. In this way, the control device 120 controls the ultrasonic element 107 that transmits the ultrasonic wave 63.

  In this embodiment, the ultrasonic unit 117 is daisy chain connected. At this time, even when the number of ultrasonic units 117 is large, the length of the wiring can be shortened as compared with the case where the control device 120 and the plurality of ultrasonic units 117 are connected in a star shape. And it can make it easy to install wiring.

Note that the present embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes and improvements can be added by those having ordinary knowledge in the art within the technical idea of the present invention. A modification will be described below.
(Modification 1)
In the first embodiment, the transmission direction control unit 52 switches the direction in which the ultrasonic waves 63 are transmitted. The direction in which the ultrasonic wave 63 is transmitted may be fixed. Since the transmission direction can be easily controlled, the ultrasonic measurement apparatus 1 can be simplified.

(Modification 2)
In the first embodiment, the relative position of the ultrasonic unit 14 is detected by transmitting and receiving the ultrasonic wave 63. Other methods may be used as a method for detecting the relative position of the ultrasonic unit 14. For example, an imaging device and an image processing device may be combined. In addition, a displacement sensor may detect the inclination of each ultrasonic unit 14. An inertial sensor that detects angular velocity or acceleration may be used as the displacement sensor. The relative position can be detected with good resolution.

(Modification 3)
In the first embodiment, the left first support portion 16, the right first support portion 17, and the second support portion 21 themselves have elasticity. The structure may be divided into a portion having rigidity and a portion for energizing the ultrasonic unit 14. It is possible to easily set the urging force.

(Modification 4)
In the fourth embodiment, the wiring is daisy chain connected for each ultrasonic unit 102. The wiring may be daisy chain connected for each switching unit 108. The number of ultrasonic elements 107 can be easily changed. This content can also be applied to the fifth embodiment.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,77,90,96,111 ... Ultrasonic measurement apparatus, 3,81,105,120 ... Control apparatus as main body control part, 4 ... Human body as subject, 6 ... Display apparatus as display part, 8 ... Ultrasonic wave detection unit, 9, 93 ... support unit, 10, 113 ... first ultrasonic unit as ultrasonic unit, 11, 114 ... second ultrasonic unit as ultrasonic unit, 12, 115 ... ultrasonic unit 3rd ultrasonic unit, 13, 116 ... 4th ultrasonic unit as an ultrasonic unit, 14, 117 ... Ultrasonic unit, 15 ... 1st rotating part, 15a ... 1st rotating shaft as a rotating shaft, 16 ... Left side first support part as first support part, 17 ... Right side first support part as first support part, 18 ... Second rotation part, 18a ... Second rotation axis as rotation axis, 21 ... Second support part , 24a, 80, 107 ... Sonic element, 26 ... driving circuit as communication unit, 51 ... unit position calculation unit, 52 ... transmission direction control unit, 53 ... conversion unit, 63 ... ultrasonic wave, 65 ... virtual surface, 67 ... reflected wave, 91 ... robot, 112: Ultrasonic probe.

Claims (11)

A plurality of ultrasonic units in which ultrasonic elements that transmit ultrasonic waves and receive reflected waves are arranged; and
A support portion for supporting the ultrasonic unit,
The support part is a first rotating part installed in the ultrasonic unit;
A first support part connected to the plurality of first rotating parts;
A second rotating part provided in the first support part;
An ultrasonic measurement apparatus comprising: a second support unit connected to the plurality of second rotating units. The ultrasonic measurement apparatus according to claim 1,
The ultrasonic measurement apparatus, wherein a rotation axis of the first rotation unit and a rotation axis of the second rotation unit extend in the same direction. The ultrasonic measurement apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
The ultrasonic measurement apparatus, wherein the first support part is connected to the two ultrasonic units via the first rotating part. The ultrasonic measurement device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein
The ultrasonic measurement apparatus, wherein the second support part is connected to the two first support parts via the second rotating part. The ultrasonic measurement apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The ultrasonic measurement apparatus, wherein the ultrasonic units are arranged in a line. The ultrasonic measurement apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The ultrasonic measurement apparatus, wherein the ultrasonic units are arranged in a matrix. The ultrasonic measurement device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
An ultrasonic detector comprising a plurality of the ultrasonic units;
An ultrasonic measurement apparatus comprising: a conversion unit that converts a distribution of reflected waves received by the plurality of ultrasonic units into a distribution of reflected waves when received on a virtual plane. The ultrasonic measurement apparatus according to claim 7,
An ultrasonic measurement apparatus comprising: a transmission direction control unit configured to control the traveling direction of ultrasonic waves transmitted by the plurality of ultrasonic units in the same direction. The ultrasonic measurement apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein
The ultrasonic unit includes a first ultrasonic unit and a second ultrasonic unit;
The second ultrasonic unit receives the ultrasonic wave transmitted by the first ultrasonic unit;
A unit position calculation unit for calculating a relative position between the first ultrasonic unit and the second ultrasonic unit from a time of ultrasonic waves passing between the first ultrasonic unit and the second ultrasonic unit; An ultrasonic measurement device characterized by that. The ultrasonic measurement device according to any one of claims 7 to 9,
A main body control unit for controlling the operation of the ultrasonic unit;
The ultrasonic unit includes a communication unit that communicates with the main body control unit,
The ultrasonic measurement apparatus, wherein the main body control unit and the plurality of ultrasonic units are daisy chain connected. It is an ultrasonic measuring device according to any one of claims 7 to 10,
An ultrasonic measurement apparatus comprising: a display unit that displays a reflected wave signal converted by the conversion unit.

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