Ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic system

Abstract

The present application relates to an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic system, and provides an ultrasonic probe capable of being installed on an object for a long time. The ultrasonic probe is attached to an object and performs ultrasonic measurement. The ultrasonic probe comprises: a first substrate including an ultrasonic element array in which a plurality of ultrasonic elements performing at least one of ultrasonic transmission and reception are arranged in an array, and the ultrasonic element array is arranged on a first surface; a second substrate arranged opposite to a second surface on the side of the first substrate opposite to the first surface; and a housing accommodating the first substrate and the second substrate inside, and provided with an opening for ultrasonic waves to pass through at a position corresponding to the ultrasonic element array, wherein the second substrate comprises a communication unit connected to the plurality of ultrasonic elements and capable of wirelessly communicating with other terminal devices, and the weight of the ultrasonic probe is less than or equal to 150 g.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to ultrasonic probes and ultrasonic systems. Background Technology

[0002] It has been known that an ultrasonic probe can perform medical operations such as imaging internal tomographic images of the human body and treating predetermined tissues by sending ultrasonic waves to a predetermined part of the human body (e.g., Patent Document 1).

[0003] The ultrasonic probe described in Patent Document 1 is connected to the device terminal via a cable. Furthermore, the ultrasonic probe has a housing that houses an ultrasonic transducer that outputs ultrasonic waves; the housing has a probe body and a probe head that is freely detachable from the probe body. In such an ultrasonic probe, the operator holds the probe body and operates the probe by bringing the probe head against the skin (surface) of the human body.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-211604

[0005] However, the operation of the ultrasonic probe described in Patent Document 1 requires a person with specialized knowledge to operate it properly. Furthermore, during various ultrasonic treatments, the operator must hold the probe body and maintain the position so that the probe tip is in contact with the subject's skin. Therefore, for example, in cases where it is desired to perform measurement treatments using an ultrasonic probe for an extended period, there is a technical problem that the operator must continuously hold the ultrasonic probe, making it difficult to utilize easily.

[0006] For this reason, there is a need for an ultrasonic probe that can be installed on an object for an extended period of time. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The ultrasonic probe of the first aspect of this disclosure is an ultrasonic probe that is attached to an object and performs ultrasonic measurement, comprising: a first substrate including an array of ultrasonic elements arranged in an array-like manner, comprising at least one of transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and the ultrasonic element array being disposed on a first surface; a second substrate disposed opposite to a second surface of the first substrate opposite to the first surface; and a housing that houses the first substrate and the second substrate inside, and having an opening at a position corresponding to the ultrasonic element array for the ultrasonic waves to pass through, the second substrate including a communication unit connected to the plurality of ultrasonic elements and capable of wireless communication with other terminal devices, and the ultrasonic probe weighing 150g or less.

[0008] In the ultrasonic probe of this aspect, preferably, the axis orthogonal to the first surface is designated as the first axis, and the dimension of the housing along the first axis is 10 mm or less.

[0009] In the ultrasonic probe of this aspect, preferably, the second substrate includes a control circuit for controlling a plurality of ultrasonic elements, the control circuit including: a driving unit for driving the plurality of ultrasonic elements to transmit ultrasonic waves; and a signal processing unit for processing the signals output by the plurality of ultrasonic elements when receiving the ultrasonic waves.

[0010] In the ultrasonic probe of this aspect, preferably, an acoustic lens is provided in the opening of the housing to focus the ultrasonic waves output from the ultrasonic element array to a predetermined depth.

[0011] The ultrasonic system of the second aspect of this disclosure includes: an ultrasonic probe as described above; and a terminal device that can be communicatively connected via the communication unit. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 A simplified perspective view is provided to illustrate an embodiment of the ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic system disclosed herein.

[0013] Figure 2 A perspective view showing the appearance of the ultrasonic probe of this embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 To pass Figure 2 A simplified cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic probe when the AA line is cut.

[0015] Figure 4 A top view showing a simplified configuration of the ultrasonic substrate of this embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 To pass Figure 4 A simplified cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic substrate when the BB line is cut.

[0017] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates an example of the configuration of each component when viewed from the -Z side of the second substrate of this embodiment.

[0018] Figure 7 The figure shows an example of installing the ultrasonic probe of this embodiment onto the human body.

[0019] Figure 8 A diagram illustrating an experimental example of measuring the tape strength of medical tape 102.

[0020] Figure 9 A diagram illustrating the strength of medical tape 102.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a block diagram of the ultrasonic system of this embodiment.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0023] 1: Ultrasonic system; 2: Ultrasonic probe; 3: Housing; 4: Acoustic lens; 5: First substrate; 6: Second substrate; 10: Terminal device; 31: Opening; 51: Ultrasonic substrate; 52: Device substrate; 53: Flexible printed substrate; 61: IC chip; 62: Communication unit; 63: Battery mounting unit; 80: Control circuit; 81: MUX; 82: Transmitting circuit; 83: Delay circuit; 84: Receiving circuit; 85: Phase-combining and adding circuit; 86: Processor; 101: Gel; 102: Medical tape; Tr: Ultrasonic transducer. Detailed Implementation

[0024] An embodiment of this disclosure will now be described.

[0025] Figure 1 A simplified diagram illustrating the ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic system of this embodiment is provided.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, the ultrasonic system 1 includes an ultrasonic probe 2 and a terminal device 10 that can be communicatively connected to the ultrasonic probe 2.

[0027] The ultrasound system 1 transmits ultrasound waves from the ultrasound probe 2 into the body of the object (e.g., the human body in this embodiment) while the ultrasound probe 2 is in contact with the surface of the object. Additionally, the ultrasound probe 2 receives ultrasound waves reflected from organs within the body, and based on these received signals, it can, for example, acquire internal tomographic images of the body, determine the state of organs (e.g., blood flow), or perform treatment by focusing ultrasound waves onto a predetermined organ.

[0028] 1. Configuration of Terminal Device 10

[0029] like Figure 1As shown, the terminal device 10 includes, for example, an operation unit 11 including buttons and a touch panel, and a display unit 12. Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, the terminal device 10 includes a storage unit composed of a memory or the like, and an arithmetic unit composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The terminal device 10 controls the ultrasound system 1 by having the arithmetic unit execute various programs stored in the storage unit. For example, the terminal device 10 may output instructions for controlling the driving of the ultrasound probe 2, or form an image of the internal structure of a biological organism based on the ultrasound signals input from the ultrasound probe 2 and display it on the display unit 12, or measure biological information such as blood flow and display it on the display unit 12. Such a terminal device 10 can be, for example, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a personal computer, or a dedicated terminal device for operating the ultrasound probe 2.

[0030] 2. Composition of ultrasonic probe 2

[0031] Figure 2 A perspective view showing the appearance of the ultrasonic probe 2. Figure 3 To pass Figure 2 A simplified cross-sectional view of ultrasonic probe 2 when the AA line cuts through it.

[0032] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the ultrasonic probe 2 includes a housing 3, an acoustic lens 4 disposed in an opening 31 of the housing 3 and exposed to the outside, and a first substrate 5 and a second substrate 6 housed inside the housing 3.

[0033] 2-1. Structure of the first substrate 5

[0034] The first substrate 5 is a substrate disposed opposite to the opening 31 provided in the housing 3. The first substrate 5 includes an ultrasonic substrate 51 and a device substrate 52. The ultrasonic substrate 51 is disposed at a position closer to the opening 31 than the device substrate 52 and is bonded to the device substrate 52. That is, the ultrasonic substrate 51 forms a first surface in the first substrate 5 opposite to the opening 31.

[0035] 2-1-1. Composition of the ultrasonic substrate 51

[0036] Figure 4 This is a top view showing a simplified configuration of the ultrasonic substrate 51 in this embodiment. Additionally, Figure 5 To pass Figure 4 A simplified cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic substrate 51 cut by the BB line.

[0037] like Figure 4As shown, in the ultrasonic substrate 51, a plurality of ultrasonic elements (ultrasonic transducers Tr) are arranged in a two-dimensional array along the X and Y directions. Here, the direction orthogonal to the X and Y directions is defined as the Z direction, and the Z-axis parallel to the Z direction corresponds to the first axis of this disclosure.

[0038] In this embodiment, multiple ultrasonic transducers Tr arranged in the Y direction constitute a transceiver array Ch (oscillator) of 1CH (channel). Furthermore, by arranging multiple transceiver arrays Ch of this 1CH along the Y direction, a one-dimensional array structure of ultrasonic element array Ar is formed.

[0039] It should be noted that, in Figure 4 In this paper, the number of ultrasonic transducers Tr has been reduced for ease of explanation, but in practice, more ultrasonic transducers Tr can be configured.

[0040] like Figure 5 As shown, the ultrasonic substrate 51 is configured to include an element substrate 511, a vibrating plate 512 disposed on the element substrate 511, and a piezoelectric element 513 disposed on the vibrating plate 512.

[0041] The component substrate 511 is made of a semiconductor substrate such as Si. The component substrate 511 is provided with a substrate opening 511A corresponding to each ultrasonic transducer Tr. In this embodiment, each substrate opening 511A is a through hole that penetrates the substrate thickness direction (Z direction) of the component substrate 511, and the vibrating plate 512 is provided on the -Z side (device substrate 52 side) of the through hole.

[0042] Furthermore, an acoustic layer 515 having an acoustic impedance close to that of a living organism is filled on the side (+Z) of the substrate opening 511A where the vibrating plate 512 is not located. For example, a resin material such as silicon can be used as the acoustic layer 515.

[0043] Furthermore, an acoustic lens 4 is provided on the +Z side of the component substrate 511. The acoustic lens 4 can be disposed in contact with the component substrate 511, or the acoustic layer 515 can be disposed between it and the component substrate 511. As described above, the acoustic lens 4 is the part that protrudes from the opening 31 of the housing 3 and comes into contact with the human body when performing ultrasonic measurement. Similar to the acoustic layer 515, the acoustic lens 4 is made of a material having acoustic impedance close to that of a living organism, such as silicon, and is formed into a cylindrical shape with the X-direction as the axis.

[0044] The vibrating plate 512 is constructed, for example, from a laminate of SiO2 and ZrO2, and is configured to cover the entire element substrate 511 on one side of the device substrate 52. That is, the vibrating plate 512 is supported by a partition wall 511B that forms the substrate opening 511A, and blocks the -Z side of the substrate opening 511A. The thickness of the vibrating plate 512 is very small relative to the element substrate 511.

[0045] Piezoelectric elements 513 are respectively disposed on the vibrating plate 512 that blocks the openings 511A of each substrate. The piezoelectric element 513 is, for example, a laminate obtained by stacking a lower electrode 513A, a piezoelectric film 513B and an upper electrode 513C from the vibrating plate 512 toward the -Z side.

[0046] Here, the portion of the blockage substrate opening 511A in the vibrating plate 512 constitutes the vibrating part 512A, and the vibrating part 512A and the piezoelectric element 513 constitute an ultrasonic transducer Tr.

[0047] In this ultrasonic transducer Tr, by applying a rectangular wave voltage (drive signal) of a predetermined frequency between the lower electrode 513A and the upper electrode 513C, the piezoelectric film 513B flexes, and the vibrating part 512A vibrates to transmit ultrasonic waves toward the +Z side. Furthermore, when the vibrating part 512A vibrates due to ultrasonic waves (reflected waves) reflected from a biological body, a potential difference is generated between the upper and lower parts of the piezoelectric film 513B. Therefore, by detecting the potential difference occurring between the lower electrode 513A and the upper electrode 513C, the received ultrasonic waves can be detected.

[0048] In this embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the lower electrode 513A is formed in a straight line along the Y direction and is connected to multiple ultrasonic transducers Tr that constitute the transceiver array Ch of 1CH. The drive terminal 513D is, for example, via a flexible printed circuit board 53 (see reference). Figure 3 It is electrically connected to the wiring circuit of the second substrate 6.

[0049] Furthermore, the upper electrode 513C is formed in a straight line along the X direction and is connected to the ultrasonic transducers Tr arranged in the X direction. The ±X side ends of the upper electrode 513C are connected to a common electrode line 514. This common electrode line 514 connects the plurality of upper electrodes 513C arranged along the Y direction to each other, and has a common terminal 514A at its end that is electrically connected to the wiring circuit of the second substrate 6. This common terminal 514A is, for example, connected via a flexible printed circuit board 53 (see reference). Figure 3 It is electrically connected to the second substrate 6.

[0050] It should be noted that, in Figure 3An example is shown where the drive terminal 513D and the common terminal 514A are connected to the second substrate 6 via the flexible printed circuit board 53. For example, the connection can be made by means of leads or by means of through electrodes disposed on the device substrate 52.

[0051] In addition, in this embodiment, an example of an ultrasonic element array Ar constituting a one-dimensional array structure in the ultrasonic substrate 51 is shown. However, as a configuration that separately drives the ultrasonic transducers Tr arranged in the X direction and the ultrasonic transducers Tr arranged in the Y direction, a two-dimensional array structure of ultrasonic element arrays can also be constituted.

[0052] 2-1-2. Structure of Device Substrate 52

[0053] The device substrate 52 and the ultrasonic substrate 51 together constitute the first substrate 5 and are bonded to the -Z side surface of the ultrasonic substrate 51 opposite to the opening 31. That is, the -Z side surface of the device substrate 52 constitutes a second surface in the first substrate 5 that is opposite to the first surface.

[0054] The device substrate 52 is joined to the position where it overlaps with the partition wall 511B on the vibrating plate 512 side of the ultrasonic substrate 51 and when viewed from the substrate thickness direction, for example by a fixing component such as resin, to enhance the ultrasonic substrate 51.

[0055] 2-2. Structure of the second substrate 6

[0056] The second substrate 6 is disposed on the -Z side of the first substrate 5. As described above, the second substrate 6 is connected to the drive terminal 513D and the common terminal 514A via the flexible printed circuit board 53.

[0057] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates an example of the configuration of each component when viewed from the -Z side of the second substrate 6.

[0058] In the second substrate 6, such as Figure 6 As shown, an IC chip 61, a communication unit 62, and a battery mounting unit 63 are disposed on the surface on the -Z side. Figure 6 For simplicity, an example of using one IC chip 61 is shown, but multiple IC chips 61 can also be used. The control circuit 80 is constructed using one or more IC chips 61 (see reference). Figure 10 ).

[0059] In the connection between IC chip 61 and second substrate 6, for example, the terminals of IC chip 61 can be bonded to the printed circuit (wiring circuit) formed on the second substrate 6 by soldering or the like.

[0060] Alternatively, a bare chip can be used as IC chip 61. In this case, the bare chip and the printed circuit (wiring circuit) formed on the second substrate 6 can be connected by wire bonding or the like. When using a bare chip, since there is no need for a packaging shell for the IC chip, it is possible to further achieve a thinner design.

[0061] The communication unit 62 is connected to the IC chip 61 and the driver terminal 513D via wiring circuitry, and communicates with the terminal device 10 wirelessly. There are no particular limitations on the communication method of the communication unit 62; for example, it can use Bluetooth (registered trademark), infrared, wireless LAN, etc.

[0062] A battery is provided in the battery setting section 63. For example, a rechargeable battery can be used as the battery.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the IC chip 61, communication unit 62, and battery mounting unit 63 are arranged in the same plane on the -Z side surface of the second substrate 6 and do not overlap in the Z direction.

[0064] 3. The construction of the housing 3 and the attachment of the ultrasonic probe 2 to the human body

[0065] The housing 3 has an opening 31 on the +Z side and an acoustic lens 4 protruding from the opening 31. Furthermore, a first substrate 5 and a second substrate 6 are disposed inside the housing 3, and the first substrate 5 and the second substrate 6 are stacked from the +Z side toward the -Z side.

[0066] In this housing 3 configuration, the dimension in the thickness direction (Z direction) can be minimized, and the ultrasonic probe 2 can be miniaturized. Specifically, the thickness of the housing 3 in the Z direction is formed to be less than 10 mm.

[0067] Thus, by keeping the thickness of the housing 3 below 10mm, when the ultrasonic probe 2 is attached to the human body, it can be retracted into the gap between the skin surface and clothing without causing discomfort to the user.

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the housing 3 is generally rectangular in shape when viewed from the Z direction. It should be noted that a rectangular housing 3 with a minor axis and a major axis is exemplified, but it could also be elliptical, polygonal, or even square. Preferably, the length of the housing 3 in the major axis direction (or the long side if it is rectangular) when viewed from above in the Z direction is 50 mm or less, and the length in the minor axis direction is 15 mm or more.

[0069] The human body has many curved surfaces, and when the size exceeds 50mm, it is difficult to ensure that the ultrasonic waves, including the acoustic lens 4 exposed from the opening 31, pass through the surface and fit evenly against the human body. By setting the length in the long axis direction to less than 50mm, it is possible to fit evenly against the surface of the human body. For example, in the case of taking internal tomographic images of the human body, the ultrasonic waves can be properly delivered to the required range.

[0070] Furthermore, when the length of the housing 3 in the minor axis direction is less than 15 mm, the area of ​​the ultrasonic element array Ar housed in the housing 3 also becomes smaller. In this case, the measurable range and depth, as well as the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves, also decrease. In contrast, by setting the length of the housing 3 in the minor axis direction to 15 mm or more, it is possible to expose the ultrasonic element array Ar, which is the size required to perform appropriate measurements, from the opening 31 of the housing 3.

[0071] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates an example of mounting the ultrasonic probe 2 of this embodiment onto the human body.

[0072] like Figure 7 As shown, in the ultrasonic probe 2 of this embodiment, in addition to placing the acoustic impedance matching gel 101 between the ultrasonic probe 2 and the human body O, the ultrasonic probe 2 is also tightly attached to the human body O, and the ultrasonic probe 2 is attached to the human body using medical tape 102.

[0073] The medical tape 102 used is generally designed to have such adhesive strength that it can be applied and removed without causing damage to the skin.

[0074] When using medical tape 102 to fix the ultrasonic probe 2 to the human body, the peel strength of the tape depends on the adhesive length H pulled outward from the ultrasonic probe 2 and the width L of the medical tape 102 (refer to...). Figure 7 And change.

[0075] Furthermore, in fixing the ultrasonic probe 2 using medical tape 102, it is preferable to minimize the adhesion area on the human body and shorten the tape length. This reduces skin irritation from the medical tape 102 and also reduces tape costs. To shorten the tape length, the width direction of the medical tape 102 is aligned with the long axis of the housing 3, and the medical tape 102 is pulled out along the short axis of the housing 3 for adhesion.

[0076] In this embodiment, the length of the housing 3 of the ultrasonic probe 2 in the major axis direction is 50 mm or less, while its length in the minor axis direction is 15 mm or more. Therefore, as the medical tape 102, it is preferable to set the tape width L to 50 mm or more corresponding to the major axis of the housing 3.

[0077] Figure 8 A diagram illustrating an experimental example of measuring the tape strength of medical tape 102, Figure 9 The result is shown in a graph, which represents the strength of the medical tape 102.

[0078] In other words, when using medical tape 102 to attach a hammer 9 having the same shape as the ultrasonic probe 2 of this embodiment to the human body O, the adhesion length H in the minor axis direction of the medical tape was varied, and the adhesion length H of the hammer 9 falling was measured. The weight (load) of the hammer 9 was varied and multiple experiments were conducted, thereby obtaining... Figure 9 The relationship diagram shown is as follows.

[0079] In this embodiment, the ultrasonic probe 2 is configured such that its total weight is less than 150g. In this case, as... Figure 9 As shown, even if the adhesive length H of the medical tape 102 is 5mm, it can still prevent the ultrasonic probe 2 from falling off.

[0080] In other words, since the total weight of the ultrasonic probe 2 in this embodiment is less than 150g, the adhesion area of ​​the medical tape 102 in the human body O can be reduced, and the impact on the human skin can be suppressed. Furthermore, even when the adhesion length H of the medical tape is set to a short size of 5mm to 10mm, the detachment of the ultrasonic probe 2 can be suppressed, and the cost can be reduced accordingly by shortening the adhesion length H.

[0081] 4. System Composition of Ultrasonic System 1

[0082] Next, the system configuration of the ultrasonic system 1 in this embodiment will be described.

[0083] Figure 10 This is a block diagram of the ultrasonic system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0084] In this embodiment, as described above, a control circuit 80 is formed by a plurality of IC chips 61 on the second substrate 6. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the control circuit 80 includes a multiplexer (MUX81), a transmitting circuit 82, a delay circuit 83, a receiving circuit 84, a phase-integrating circuit 85, a processor 86, etc.

[0085] MUX81 is connected to each ultrasonic transducer Tr, transmitting circuit 82, and receiving circuit 84 of the ultrasonic element array Ar. Based on the drive switching signal from processor 86, MUX81 controls the switching of the transmitting connection between ultrasonic transducer Tr and transmitting circuit 82 and the receiving connection between ultrasonic transducer Tr and receiving circuit 84.

[0086] When the transmission connection is established, the transmitting circuit 82 outputs a drive signal with a predetermined drive voltage to each ultrasonic transducer Tr and transmits ultrasonic waves from each ultrasonic transducer Tr.

[0087] The delay circuit 83 is controlled by the processor 86, which sets the output timing of the drive signal output from the transmitting circuit 82 to each ultrasonic transducer Tr. In this embodiment, a transceiver train Ch is formed by multiple ultrasonic transducers Tr, and the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transceiver train Ch of the 1CH are focused to a predetermined depth by the acoustic lens 4. By delaying the drive of the multiple transceiver train Ch by the delay circuit 83, the ultrasonic beam can be oscillated in the X direction, and ultrasonic measurement can be performed to measure the in-plane internal tomographic images along the XZ plane.

[0088] It should be noted that the driving unit of this disclosure is constituted by the transmitting circuit 82 and the delay circuit 83.

[0089] Under the control of the processor 86, the receiving circuit 84 processes the received signals output from each channel during the receiving connection. For example, it performs AD conversion processing based on amplifying the signal strength of the received signal.

[0090] Under the control of the processor 86, the phase-adding circuit 85 performs phase-adding processing on the received signal output from the receiving circuit 84 and outputs an ultrasonic signal.

[0091] It should be noted that the signal processing unit of this disclosure is constituted by the receiving circuit 84 and the phase-combining circuit 85.

[0092] While controlling the operation of each circuit, the processor 86 controls the communication unit 62 to communicate with the terminal device 10 and to send and receive various information.

[0093] Specifically, the processor 86 receives a measurement command from the terminal device 10, which means to perform ultrasonic measurement, and controls the transmitting circuit 82, the delay circuit 83, the receiving circuit 84, and the phase-compressing and adding circuit 85 to perform ultrasonic measurement using the ultrasonic probe 2. Furthermore, the processor 86 transmits the ultrasonic signal output from the phase-compressing and adding circuit 85 from the communication unit 62 to the terminal device 10.

[0094] For example, such as Figure 10 As shown, the terminal device 10 functions as a wireless transceiver unit 111, an image processing unit 112, and an image display unit 113 by executing various programs stored in the storage unit through the arithmetic unit.

[0095] The wireless transceiver unit 111 sends measurement command signals to the ultrasonic probe 2 based on user operations, and receives ultrasonic signals from the ultrasonic probe 2.

[0096] The image processing unit 112 generates an internal tomographic image of the object (human body) based on the obtained ultrasonic signal.

[0097] The image display unit 113 displays the generated internal tomographic image on the display unit 12.

[0098] 5. Effects of this implementation method

[0099] The ultrasonic probe 2 of this embodiment includes: a first substrate 5 comprising an ultrasonic element array Ar, which is an array of multiple ultrasonic transducers Tr that transmit and receive ultrasonic waves, and the ultrasonic element array Ar is disposed on a first surface (the surface on the +Z side); a second substrate 6 disposed opposite to a second surface (the surface on the -Z side) of the first substrate 5 opposite to the first surface; and a housing 3 that houses the first substrate 5 and the second substrate 6, and has an opening 31 at a position corresponding to the ultrasonic element array Ar for ultrasonic waves to pass through. The second substrate 6 includes a communication unit 62 that is connected to the multiple ultrasonic transducers Tr and is capable of wireless communication with a terminal device 10. Furthermore, the ultrasonic probe 2 weighs less than 150g.

[0100] With such an ultrasonic probe 2, when medical tape 102 is applied to the human body, the medical tape 102 can be prevented from peeling off due to the weight of the ultrasonic probe 2.

[0101] In particular, when attaching the ultrasonic probe 2 to the human body, to ensure that the ultrasonic transmitting part fits snugly against the body, it is preferable that the length of the housing 3 in the long axis direction be 50 mm or less. Furthermore, to perform proper ultrasonic measurement, it is preferable to use a sufficient number of ultrasonic transducers Tr for beamforming, and it is preferable that the length in the short axis direction be 15 mm or more. When installing such an ultrasonic probe 2 onto the human body, to minimize the amount of medical tape 102 applied, the medical tape 102 is pulled out along the short axis direction to attach the housing 3 to the body. In this embodiment, since the ultrasonic probe 2 weighs 150 g or less, it is possible to prevent the ultrasonic probe 2 from detaching simply by extending the medical tape 102 5 mm outward from the housing 3 to adhere it to the body.

[0102] Furthermore, since the ultrasonic probe 2 communicates with the terminal device 10 wirelessly via the communication unit 62, there is no wired connection to the ultrasonic probe 2. Therefore, even if the ultrasonic probe 2 is installed for a long period of time, there will be no inconvenience caused by wires, and there will be no problem of the therapeutic tape 102 peeling off due to wire pulling.

[0103] In the ultrasonic probe 2 of this embodiment, the dimension (thickness) of the housing 3 along the Z direction is 10 mm or less.

[0104] Therefore, even when the ultrasonic probe 2 is attached to the human body, it can be fully embedded between the body and clothing. Thus, even when the ultrasonic probe 2 is attached to the body for an extended period, it can minimize inconvenience to daily life.

[0105] In the ultrasonic probe 2 of this embodiment, the second substrate 6 includes a control circuit 80 for controlling a plurality of ultrasonic transducers Tr. The control circuit 80 includes a transmitting circuit 82 for driving a plurality of ultrasonic elements to transmit ultrasonic waves and a delay circuit 83. In addition, the control circuit 80 includes a receiving circuit 84 for processing the signals output by the plurality of ultrasonic transducers Tr when receiving ultrasonic waves and a phase-correcting and adding circuit 85.

[0106] Therefore, the terminal device 10, which can be communicatively connected to the ultrasonic probe 2, can output a measurement command to the ultrasonic probe 2, meaning to perform ultrasonic measurement, and receive the ultrasonic signal obtained from the ultrasonic probe 2 and form an image. In other words, as the terminal device 10, there is no need for circuits for focusing the ultrasonic beam, circuits for rectifying and adding the received signal, etc., and the ultrasonic system 1 can be constructed using a general-purpose computer such as a smartphone or tablet.

[0107] In the ultrasonic probe 2 of this embodiment, an acoustic lens 4 is provided in the opening 31 of the housing 3 to focus the ultrasonic waves output from the ultrasonic element array Ar to a predetermined depth.

[0108] Therefore, it is possible to easily form an ultrasonic beam focused at a predetermined depth from the transceiver train Ch of 1Ch.

[0109] In the ultrasonic system 1 of this embodiment, there is an ultrasonic probe 2 and a terminal device 10 that can be communicatively connected to the ultrasonic probe 2 via a communication unit 62.

[0110] Therefore, the ultrasonic probe 2 and the terminal device 10 can communicate wirelessly, and the user can confirm the measurement results through the terminal device 10 during ultrasonic measurement. At this time, since the ultrasonic probe 2 and the terminal device 10 are not connected by a wire, it can prevent problems such as the ultrasonic probe 2 falling off due to wire pulling or the wire getting in the way when installing the ultrasonic probe 2.

[0111] Variations

[0112] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and variations. The configurations obtained by variations, improvements, and suitable combinations of embodiments within the scope of achieving the purpose of the present invention are included in the present invention.

[0113] In the above embodiment, although the ultrasonic element array Ar is configured as a one-dimensional array structure with multiple transceiver columns Ch arranged in the X direction, a two-dimensional ultrasonic element array structure can also be constructed by arranging multiple independently driveable ultrasonic transducers Tr in the X and Y directions. In this case, the acoustic lens 4 is not required.

[0114] In the above embodiment, the control circuit 80 provided on the ultrasonic probe 2 is configured to include a transmitting circuit 82, a delay circuit 83, a receiving circuit 84, and a phase-correcting and adding circuit 85, and transmits the ultrasonic signal to the terminal device 10. Alternatively, the processor 86 may form an image based on the ultrasonic signal and transmit the generated image to the terminal device 10.

[0115] In the above embodiments, each ultrasonic transducer Tr is configured as a component for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves; for example, it may only transmit ultrasonic waves. That is, in the ultrasonic system 1 described above, although an internal tomographic image of the human body is obtained by ultrasonic measurement performed using the ultrasonic probe 2, it can also function as an ultrasonic therapy device for treating a predetermined part (period) of the human body by transmitting ultrasonic waves. In this case, ultrasonic wave receiving processing is not required, and the receiving circuit 84 and the phase-combining and adding circuit 85 may not be necessary.

[0116] In the above embodiment, an example of attaching the ultrasonic probe 2 to a human body is shown, but it can also be attached to other objects. Examples of objects to which the ultrasonic probe 2 can be attached include living organisms such as pets, and inorganic materials such as concrete structures.

[0117] This is a summary of the disclosure.

[0118] The ultrasonic probe of the first aspect of this disclosure is an ultrasonic probe that is attached to an object and performs ultrasonic measurement, comprising: a first substrate including an array of ultrasonic elements arranged in an array-like manner, comprising at least one of transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and the ultrasonic element array being disposed on a first surface; a second substrate disposed opposite to a second surface of the first substrate opposite to the first surface; and a housing that houses the first substrate and the second substrate inside, and having an opening at a position corresponding to the ultrasonic element array for the ultrasonic waves to pass through, the second substrate including a communication unit connected to the plurality of ultrasonic elements and capable of wireless communication with other terminal devices, and the ultrasonic probe weighing 150g or less.

[0119] With this configuration, the ultrasonic probe can prevent the medical tape from peeling off due to its weight when applied to the human body or other objects using standard medical tape, allowing the probe to remain attached for extended periods. Furthermore, because no wire is used for connection to the terminal device, it prevents the ultrasonic probe from detaching due to wire tension.

[0120] In the ultrasonic probe of this aspect, preferably, the axis orthogonal to the first surface is designated as the first axis, and the dimension of the housing along the first axis is 10 mm or less.

[0121] Therefore, even when the ultrasonic probe is attached to the human body, it can be embedded between the body and clothing. Thus, even when the ultrasonic probe is attached to the body for an extended period, it can minimize disruption to daily life.

[0122] In the ultrasonic probe of this aspect, preferably, the second substrate includes a control circuit for controlling a plurality of ultrasonic elements, the control circuit including: a driving unit for driving the plurality of ultrasonic elements to transmit ultrasonic waves; and a signal processing unit for processing the signals output by the plurality of ultrasonic elements when they receive the ultrasonic waves.

[0123] Therefore, ultrasonic measurement can be performed using a single ultrasonic probe. Furthermore, as a terminal device, it eliminates the need for various circuits related to ultrasonic measurement and allows the use of a general-purpose computer as the terminal device.

[0124] In the ultrasonic probe of this aspect, preferably, an acoustic lens is provided at the opening of the housing to focus the ultrasonic waves output from the ultrasonic element array to a predetermined depth.

[0125] Therefore, the ultrasonic waves output from the ultrasonic element can be focused at a predetermined focal point using an acoustic lens. Consequently, a delay drive for focusing the ultrasonic waves is eliminated, simplifying the circuit configuration related to driving the ultrasonic probe.

[0126] The ultrasonic system of the second aspect of this disclosure includes an ultrasonic probe as described above and a terminal device that can be communicatively connected via the communication unit.

[0127] Therefore, the ultrasonic probe and the terminal device can communicate wirelessly, allowing the user to control the ultrasonic probe using the terminal device while it is installed on the object. Since the ultrasonic probe and the terminal device are not connected by a wire, problems such as the ultrasonic probe falling off due to wires or wires obstructing the installation of the ultrasonic probe are prevented.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic probe, characterized in that, Attach it to the object and perform ultrasonic testing. The ultrasonic probe has the following features: The first substrate includes an ultrasonic substrate and a device substrate. The ultrasonic substrate forms a first surface, and the ultrasonic element array is disposed on the first surface. The ultrasonic element array is composed of a plurality of ultrasonic elements arranged in an array-like manner, which are used to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves. The second substrate is disposed opposite to the second surface, which is the side of the first substrate opposite to the first surface; as well as The housing encloses the first substrate and the second substrate, and has openings at positions corresponding to the ultrasonic element array for the passage of ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic substrate is positioned closer to the opening side than the device substrate. The ultrasonic substrate is configured to include an element substrate, a vibrating plate disposed on the element substrate, and piezoelectric elements disposed on the vibrating plate. The element substrate has substrate openings corresponding to each of the ultrasonic elements. The vibrating plate is supported by partition walls forming the substrate openings and blocks the substrate openings. The device substrate is bonded to the side of the ultrasonic substrate opposite to the first surface, and is joined by a fixing component at the position where it overlaps with the partition wall. The second substrate is provided with a communication unit and a battery mounting unit. The communication unit is connected to a plurality of ultrasonic elements and is capable of wireless communication with other terminal devices. The communication unit and the battery mounting unit are configured on the same plane. The ultrasonic probe weighs less than 150g.

2. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein, The axis orthogonal to the first surface is designated as the first axis, and the dimension of the housing along the first axis is less than 10 mm.

3. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein, The second substrate includes a control circuit for controlling the plurality of ultrasonic elements. The control circuit includes: a driving unit for driving the plurality of ultrasonic elements to transmit ultrasonic waves; and a signal processing unit for processing the signals output by the plurality of ultrasonic elements when they receive the ultrasonic waves.

4. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein, An acoustic lens is provided at the opening of the housing, which focuses the ultrasonic waves output from the ultrasonic element array to a predetermined depth.

5. An ultrasonic system, characterized in that, The ultrasonic system includes: The ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 1 to 4; and The terminal device is communicatively connected via the communication unit.

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