Ultrasonic measuring apparatus

Abstract

To provide an ultrasonic measuring apparatus capable of recording a proper ultrasonic signal without depending on a user's operation procedure.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic measuring apparatus for performing ultrasonic measurement for transmitting an ultrasonic wave to a measurement object and receiving an ultrasonic wave reflected in the inside of the measurement object, includes: an ultrasonic sensor for transmitting / receiving the ultrasonic wave and outputting an ultrasonic signal by the reception of the ultrasonic wave; an instruction part for outputting a measurement start request for giving instructions to start the ultrasonic measurement; and a signal acquisition part for recording the ultrasonic signal in a storage part. The signal acquisition part records the ultrasonic signals when and after a predetermine time elapses from the output of the measurement start request from the instruction part in the storage part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic measurement device. [Background technology]

[0002] In ultrasonic measurement, in which ultrasonic waves are transmitted to a measurement object and the ultrasonic waves reflected inside the measurement object are received, it is necessary to sandwich an acoustic matching material (gel, etc.) that has an acoustic impedance between the ultrasonic sensor that transmits and receives the ultrasonic waves and the measurement object. For example, the device described in Patent Document 1 is an ultrasonic diagnostic device in which an ultrasonic probe and a diagnostic device main body are connected by wireless communication, and an transducer array and an acoustic lens are provided on the ultrasonic probe. When measuring a subject (measurement target) with the ultrasonic probe, ultrasonic gel is applied to the acoustic lens, and the ultrasonic probe is brought into contact with the subject (measurement target). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-83445 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned ultrasonic diagnostic device, an application step of applying an acoustic matching material such as ultrasonic gel between the ultrasonic sensor (transducer array and acoustic lens) and the measurement object, and an operation step of instructing the start of ultrasonic measurement are required. In general, the diagnostic method using an ultrasonic probe differs depending on the user. For example, some users may abut the ultrasonic probe against the measurement object after the application step, and perform an operation step to start the measurement (first diagnostic procedure). Other users may perform the application step after the operation step, and then abut the ultrasonic probe against the measurement object (second diagnostic procedure). Here, in the case of the first diagnostic procedure, an ultrasonic signal based on ultrasonic waves reflected inside the measurement object can be obtained immediately after the start of ultrasonic measurement. However, in the second diagnostic procedure, ultrasonic waves reflected inside the measurement object cannot be received during the period from the start of ultrasonic measurement until the ultrasonic probe is brought into contact with the measurement object, and therefore a proper ultrasonic signal cannot be obtained. In particular, when ultrasonic measurements are performed continuously over a specified period of time and the measurement results are output based on the average of the ultrasonic signals obtained in each measurement, the second and third diagnostic procedures may result in reduced measurement accuracy because there are periods during which a correct ultrasonic signal cannot be obtained. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An ultrasonic measurement device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is an ultrasonic measurement device that performs ultrasonic measurement by transmitting ultrasonic waves to a measurement object and receiving ultrasonic waves reflected inside the measurement object, and is equipped with an ultrasonic sensor that transmits and receives the ultrasonic waves and outputs an ultrasonic signal upon receiving the ultrasonic waves, an instruction unit that outputs a measurement start request that instructs the start of the ultrasonic measurement, and a signal acquisition unit that records the ultrasonic signal in a memory unit, and the signal acquisition unit records the ultrasonic signal in the memory unit after a predetermined time has elapsed since the measurement start request was output from the instruction unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ultrasonic measurement device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 4 is a flowchart showing an ultrasonic measurement method in the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart showing an ultrasonic measurement method in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a top screen displayed on a display unit of an external device in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a standby time screen displayed on a display unit of an external device in the first embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ultrasonic measurement device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an ultrasonic measurement method according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ultrasonic measurement device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a B-mode image generated based on an ultrasonic signal in a state where no acoustic matching material is applied to the transmitting and receiving surface of the ultrasonic sensor. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a B-mode image generated based on an ultrasonic signal in a state where an acoustic matching material is applied to the transmitting and receiving surface of an ultrasonic sensor. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing a third ultrasonic measurement method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] [First embodiment] The ultrasonic measurement device of the first embodiment will be described below. In this embodiment, the measurement target is a human body (living body), an ultrasonic probe equipped with an ultrasonic sensor is fixed to the living body, and an apparatus that measures the state inside the living body using ultrasonic waves is exemplified. For example, by transmitting ultrasonic waves into the living body and receiving ultrasonic waves reflected by tissues (e.g., muscles, fat, internal organs, blood vessels, etc.), it is possible to measure the thickness of each tissue, measure the pulse rate based on the change in blood vessel position, etc.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ultrasonic measurement device 1 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, an ultrasonic measurement device 1 of this embodiment includes an ultrasonic probe 10 and an external device 20.

[0009] (Configuration of Ultrasound Probe 10) The ultrasonic probe 10 is configured to be attachable to a living body and performs ultrasonic measurements on the inside of the human body. The ultrasonic probe 10 includes an ultrasonic sensor 11, a sensor circuit unit 12, a sensor communication unit 13, and a housing 14. Although not shown, a battery is provided inside the housing 14 of the ultrasonic probe 10, and power is supplied from the battery to the sensor circuit unit 12 and the sensor communication unit 13. In this embodiment, power is supplied from the battery to the ultrasonic sensor 11 via the sensor circuit unit 12.

[0010] The ultrasonic sensor 11 transmits ultrasonic waves to a living body and receives ultrasonic waves reflected from the living body. The ultrasonic sensor 11 is not particularly limited as long as it is configured to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves. For example, a bulk ultrasonic element may be used in which a voltage is applied to a piezoelectric body to vibrate the piezoelectric body itself to transmit ultrasonic waves, and the reflected waves are detected by ultrasonic signals output by distortion of the piezoelectric body itself due to the reflected waves. Alternatively, a thin-film ultrasonic element may be used in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, each having a piezoelectric element arranged in a thin-film vibration part, are arranged in an array, and each vibration part is vibrated by applying a voltage to the piezoelectric element to transmit ultrasonic waves. In such a thin-film ultrasonic element, an ultrasonic signal is output from the piezoelectric element when the vibration membrane is vibrated by the reflected wave.

[0011] When arranging the ultrasonic sensor 11 in a narrow range, it is preferable to use a thin-film ultrasonic element in order to achieve a thinner and smaller size. In addition, for example, among ultrasonic transducers arranged in an array of N rows and M columns, it is possible to arrange independent channels in parallel in the column direction by driving one or more ultrasonic transducers arranged in the row direction as one channel. In this case, by controlling the delay timing of each channel, it is possible to swing the transmission direction of ultrasonic waves along the column direction and converge ultrasonic waves at any depth. It is also possible to drive multiple ultrasonic transducers independently, in which case the transmission direction of ultrasonic waves can be varied along the column and row directions, or ultrasonic waves can be focused at any position. Similarly, in the case of bulk type ultrasonic elements, by arranging multiple bulk type ultrasonic elements in one direction, it is possible to change the transmission direction of ultrasonic waves in any direction or to focus ultrasonic waves at a specified depth. However, the size of one bulk type ultrasonic element is larger than that of one ultrasonic transducer that constitutes a thin film type ultrasonic element. Therefore, ultrasonic waves are generally focused at a specified position using an acoustic lens.

[0012] When the ultrasonic sensor 11 receives a reflected wave from a living body, it outputs an ultrasonic signal having a signal value corresponding to the sound pressure of the received ultrasonic wave. When the ultrasonic sensor 11 has a plurality of independent channels, an ultrasonic signal is output from each channel. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic sensor 11 starts ultrasonic measurement in response to an input of an instruction to start measurement (a measurement start request), and outputs an ultrasonic signal. Note that, although details will be described later, the ultrasonic signal is actually captured as data after a preset, specific time has elapsed after the measurement start request is input.

[0013] The sensor circuit section 12 includes a transmitting circuit 121, a receiving circuit 122, a switching circuit 123, and a sensor control section 124. The transmission circuit 121 generates a drive voltage for transmitting ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic sensor 11 , and outputs the drive voltage to the ultrasonic sensor 11 via the switching circuit 123 . The receiving circuit 122 performs noise removal processing, signal amplification processing, and A / D conversion processing on the ultrasonic signal input from the ultrasonic sensor 11 via the switching circuit 123, and converts the ultrasonic signal into digital data. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic signal converted into digital data is directly transmitted from the sensor communication unit 13 to the external device 20. The switching circuit 123 switches between a transmission connection that connects the ultrasonic sensor 11 and the transmission circuit 121 and a reception connection that connects the ultrasonic sensor 11 and the reception circuit 122 .

[0014] The sensor control unit 124 controls the driving of the ultrasonic sensor 11 based on a measurement start request input from the external device 20, and performs ultrasonic measurement processing. Specifically, the sensor control unit 124 switches the connection state of the switching circuit 123 between a transmission connection and a reception connection alternately at a predetermined cycle. This makes it possible to receive ultrasonic signals that change over time. Then, the sensor control unit 124 transmits the ultrasonic signals that have been signal-processed by the reception circuit 122 to the external device 20 via the sensor communication unit 13.

[0015] The sensor communication unit 13 connects the ultrasonic probe 10 and the external device 20 so that they can communicate with each other. In this embodiment, the sensor communication unit 13 is connected to the external device 20 by wireless communication. The wireless communication is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include infrared communication, Bluetooth (registered trademark), and wireless LAN. In addition, the use of wireless communication eliminates the need for a wired connection between the ultrasonic probe 10 and the external device 20, and therefore, for example, inconveniences such as a cable getting in the way when using the ultrasonic probe 10 can be suppressed. In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the sensor communication unit 13 communicates with the external device 20 via wireless communication, but wired communication may also be used.

[0016] The housing 14 houses the ultrasonic sensor 11, the sensor circuit unit 12, and the sensor communication unit 13. The housing 14 is provided with a window 141 penetrating from the inside to the outside, and the ultrasonic transmission / reception surface of the ultrasonic sensor 11 is exposed from the window 141.

[0017] Such an ultrasonic probe 10 is brought into contact with a living body with an acoustic matching material, such as acoustic gel, interposed between the ultrasonic transmission / reception surface of the ultrasonic sensor 11 and the living body. The ultrasonic probe 10 may be held by the user and brought into contact with the measurement site of the living body, or may be fixed to the living body with a fixing device, such as a band. In either case, an acoustic matching material is applied to the transmission / reception surface of the ultrasonic sensor 11 or the measurement site of the living body where ultrasonic measurement is performed, and the ultrasonic sensor 11 is operated so that no air layer is interposed between the ultrasonic sensor 11 and the living body.

[0018] (External device 20 configuration) The external device 20 is a device that is communicatively connected to the ultrasonic probe 10, and in this embodiment, is provided separately from the ultrasonic probe 10 and is communicatively connected to the ultrasonic probe 10 via wireless communication as described above. The external device 20 is a device that controls the ultrasonic probe 10, and may be, for example, a general computer such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. Then, the external device 20 commands the ultrasonic probe 10 to start ultrasonic measurement, and acquires the ultrasonic signal transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 10 via wireless communication.

[0019] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the external device 20 is configured to include a display unit 21, an input operation unit 22, a device memory unit 23 that stores various information, one or more processors 24, and a device communication unit 25.

[0020] The display unit 21 displays various information under the control of the processor 24. The display unit 21 may have any configuration as long as it is a device that displays images, and examples of the display unit 21 include a liquid crystal display and an organic EL display. The input operation unit 22 accepts input operations by a user. The input operation unit 22 may be configured to include, for example, an operation button or an operation knob, may be an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse communicably connected to the external device 20, or may be a touch panel integrally configured with the display unit 21.

[0021] The device storage unit 23 is a recording medium for recording various programs including a measurement program related to ultrasonic measurement using the ultrasonic probe 10 and various data used in the various programs. In the present embodiment, the device storage unit 23 is a storage unit of the present disclosure, and sequentially records and accumulates ultrasonic signals transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 10 by ultrasonic measurement.

[0022] The processor 24 performs various calculation processes by reading and executing various programs stored in the device storage unit 23. The processor 24 reads and executes the measurement programs recorded in the device storage unit 23, thereby functioning as a start request receiving unit 241, a time display control unit 242, a signal acquisition unit 243, a signal calculation unit 244, and the like.

[0023] The start request receiving unit 241 receives an input operation to start ultrasonic measurement from the input operation unit 22. When an input operation to start ultrasonic measurement is received from the input operation unit 22, the start request receiving unit 241 outputs a measurement start request to start ultrasonic measurement to the ultrasonic probe 10. That is, in this embodiment, the start request receiving unit 241 functions as an instruction unit of the present disclosure. When a request to start measurement is output, the time display control unit 242 causes the display unit 21 to display the time until acquisition of ultrasonic signals begins (hereinafter referred to as the waiting time) and counts down the displayed time.

[0024] The signal acquiring unit 243 acquires the ultrasonic signal input from the ultrasonic probe 10 and records it in the device storage unit 23. More specifically, after the start request receiving unit 241 outputs a measurement start request, the signal acquiring unit 243 starts recording the input ultrasonic signal after a preset waiting time has elapsed. In other words, in this embodiment, when the start request receiving unit 241 outputs a measurement start request to the ultrasonic probe 10, the sensor circuit unit 12 starts ultrasonic transmission / reception processing (ultrasonic measurement), and an ultrasonic signal is transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 10 to the external device 20, but recording of the ultrasonic signal does not start until the standby time has elapsed. "Ultrasonic signal is not recorded" as used herein means that the ultrasonic signal is not recorded as measurement data of the ultrasonic measurement. In this embodiment, the signal acquiring unit 243 discards ultrasonic signals input before the standby time has elapsed, and records the ultrasonic signal after the standby time has elapsed in the device storage unit 23 as measurement data. The waiting time may be a predetermined fixed value, may be changeable by the user as appropriate, or may be a time set by machine learning the operation state of the ultrasonic probe 10 by the user.

[0025] The signal calculation unit 244 calculates information about the living body, such as the thickness of tissue (muscle, fat, internal organs, etc.) and pulse rate, based on the ultrasound signal recorded in the device storage unit 23. The ultrasonic signal input from the ultrasonic probe 10 is raw data obtained by converting an analog signal into a digital signal, and includes an ultrasonic signal whose signal value corresponds to the sound pressure of the received ultrasonic wave, and the reception timing of the ultrasonic wave (the time elapsed from the start of transmission of the ultrasonic wave). By analyzing these ultrasonic signals, the signal calculation unit 244 can identify multiple depths at which the ultrasonic wave is reflected, and can calculate the tissue thickness by identifying the boundary position of a specific tissue (e.g., muscle, fat, etc.) from the depth position. It is also possible to measure the pulse by identifying the blood vessel position and detecting the amount of fluctuation of the blood vessel position per unit time.

[0026] (Ultrasonic measurement method) Next, the ultrasonic measurement method according to this embodiment will be described. 2 and 3 are flowcharts showing the ultrasonic measurement method in this embodiment. When performing ultrasonic measurement on a living body using the ultrasonic measurement device 1, as described above, there are two cases: the user makes an input operation to start ultrasonic measurement after bringing the ultrasonic probe 10 into contact with or fixing it to the living body (Pattern A), and the user makes an input operation to start ultrasonic measurement after bringing the ultrasonic probe 10 into contact with or fixing it to the living body (Pattern B). Fig. 2 is a flowchart for Pattern A, and Fig. 3 is a flowchart for Pattern B.

[0027] In pattern A, the user first applies an acoustic matching material such as acoustic gel to the transmitting / receiving surface of the ultrasonic sensor 11 of the ultrasonic probe 10 or to the measurement site of the living body (step S11). Thereafter, the user keeps the ultrasonic probe 10 in contact with the measurement site of the living body, or fixes the ultrasonic probe 10 to the measurement site of the living body (step S12). Thereafter, the user inputs an instruction to execute a predetermined measurement program in the external device 20 (step S13).

[0028] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display unit 21 of the external device 20. As shown in FIG. When the measurement program is executed, the start request receiving unit 241 of the external device 20 displays a top screen 91 as shown in Fig. 4 (step S21). The top screen 91 includes, for example, a measurement start image 92 (for example, an icon image or the like) that prompts the user to start ultrasonic measurement. When the user operates the input operation unit 22 to select the measurement start image 92 (step S14), the start request receiving unit 241 outputs a measurement start request to the ultrasound probe 10 (step S22). When the sensor circuit unit 12 of the ultrasonic probe 10 receives the measurement start request via the sensor communication unit 13, it starts ultrasonic measurement by controlling the ultrasonic sensor 11. At the same time, the signal acquisition unit 243 counts the elapsed time from the output of the measurement start request, and the time display control unit 242 controls the display unit 21 to display the waiting time (step S23). Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a waiting time screen displayed on the display unit 21. The time display control unit 242 causes the display unit 21 to display a waiting time screen 93, as shown in Fig. 5. On the waiting time screen 93, a time image 94 indicating the waiting time is displayed, and the waiting time indicated by the time image 94 is decreased (counted down) as time passes.

[0029] Then, the signal acquiring unit 243 judges whether or not the waiting time has elapsed since the output of the measurement start request (step S24). If it is judged No in step S24, the waiting time displayed on the display unit 21 is counting down. During the waiting time, an ultrasonic signal is transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 10 to the external device 20 via the sensor communication unit 13, but the signal acquiring unit 243 does not adopt the ultrasonic signal as measurement data (does not record it in the device storage unit 23) and continues to count the waiting time.

[0030] If the answer is YES in step S24, that is, if the waiting time has elapsed since the output of the measurement start request and the waiting time displayed on the display unit 21 becomes "0", the signal acquisition unit 243 adopts the ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic probe 10 via the sensor communication unit 13 as measurement data and records it sequentially in the device memory unit 23 (step S25). The ultrasonic signals recorded as measurement data in the device storage unit 23 are signals generated by ultrasonic measurement performed with an acoustic matching material applied to the transmitting / receiving surface of the ultrasonic probe 10 or the measurement site of the living body, and the ultrasonic probe 10 in contact with or fixed to the measurement site of the living body. Therefore, in the case of pattern A, ultrasonic signals that are the ultrasonic measurement results for the living body are properly recorded in the device storage unit 23.

[0031] Thereafter, the signal acquiring unit 243 judges whether or not to end the ultrasonic measurement (step S26). The signal acquiring unit 243 judges to end the ultrasonic measurement when, for example, a termination request requesting termination of the measurement is input by the user. Alternatively, the ultrasonic measurement may be set to end at a predetermined measurement time that is set in advance. In this case, the signal acquiring unit 243 may judge whether or not the measurement time has elapsed since the start of recording of the ultrasonic signal in step S25. If NO is judged in step S26, the ultrasonic measurement continues, and recording of the ultrasonic signal in step S25 continues. If the result of the determination in step S26 is YES, the signal acquiring unit 243 outputs a measurement stop request to the ultrasonic probe 10 to stop the ultrasonic measurement (step S27). As a result, the ultrasonic probe 10 stops driving the ultrasonic sensor 11.

[0032] Thereafter, the signal calculation unit 244 calculates information about the living body (for example, calculation of tissue thickness, measurement of pulse rate, etc.) based on the ultrasound signals stored in the device storage unit 23 (step S28).

[0033] Next, pattern B will be described. In pattern B, the user first inputs an instruction to execute a measurement program in the external device 20 (step S31). As a result, similarly to pattern A, the external device 20 executes step S21, and causes the start request receiving unit 241 to display on the display unit 21 the top screen 91 that prompts the user to start ultrasonic measurement. When the user operates the input operation unit 22 to select a measurement start image 92 requesting the start of ultrasonic measurement (step S32), the start request receiving unit 241 outputs a measurement start request to the ultrasonic probe 10, similar to step S22. As a result, similar to step S23, ultrasonic measurement is started by the ultrasonic sensor 11, the signal acquiring unit 243 counts the elapsed time from the output of the measurement start request, and the time display control unit 242 causes the display unit 21 to display a waiting time screen 93 as shown in FIG. 5, and starts counting down the time on the time image 94.

[0034] In pattern B, a countdown of the waiting time is displayed on the display unit 21, so that the user can visually check the waiting time and recognize that it is sufficient to complete contact or fixation of the ultrasound probe 10 to the living body before the end of the countdown. Therefore, the user applies an acoustic matching material such as an acoustic gel to the transmitting / receiving surface of the ultrasonic sensor 11 of the ultrasonic probe 10 or the measurement site of the living body during the waiting time while checking the waiting time displayed on the display unit 21 (step S33). Furthermore, the user keeps the ultrasonic probe 10 in contact with the measurement site of the living body during the waiting time, or fixes the ultrasonic probe 10 to the measurement site of the living body (step S34).

[0035] Thereafter, the signal acquiring unit 243 performs step S24 to determine whether or not the waiting time has elapsed since the output of the measurement start request. If the result of step S24 is No, the signal acquiring unit 243 does not adopt the ultrasonic signal transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 10 as measurement data (does not record the data in the device storage unit 23) and continues to count the waiting time. If the result of step S24 is Yes, step S25 is performed, and the signal acquiring unit 243 adopts the ultrasonic signal input from the ultrasonic probe 10 as measurement data and records the data in the device storage unit 23 sequentially.

[0036] In pattern B, before the ultrasonic sensor 11 is coated with an acoustic matching material or before the ultrasonic probe 10 is brought into contact with a living body, ultrasonic measurement by the ultrasonic sensor 11 is started, but ultrasonic signals are not recorded in the device storage unit 23 during the standby time. Then, during the standby time, the user performs the operations of steps S33 and S34, so that an acoustic matching material is applied to the transmitting / receiving surface of the ultrasonic probe 10 or the measurement site of the living body, as in pattern A, and ultrasonic signals can be obtained by ultrasonic measurement performed with the ultrasonic probe 10 in contact with or fixed to the measurement site of the living body. Therefore, in this embodiment, even in the case of pattern B, ultrasonic signals that are ultrasonic measurement results for the living body are properly recorded in the device storage unit 23.

[0037] Thereafter, steps S26 to S28 are performed. That is, the signal acquisition unit 243 determines whether or not to end the ultrasonic measurement, and when it determines that the ultrasonic measurement has ended, transmits a measurement stop request to the ultrasonic probe 10 to end the ultrasonic measurement. In addition, the signal calculation unit 244 calculates information about the living body (for example, calculation of tissue thickness, measurement of pulse rate, etc.) based on the ultrasonic signals accumulated in the device storage unit 23.

[0038] Here, when the signal calculation unit 244 calculates information about a living body, as described above, the boundary position of the target tissue is specified based on the ultrasonic signal. Since the boundary position may contain errors only in data from one transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves, the boundary position is specified based on the average value of measurement data from multiple transmissions and receptions of ultrasonic waves. In this case, if the ultrasonic signal immediately after the output of a measurement start request is taken in as measurement data, as in pattern B, if the user inputs an input operation to start ultrasonic measurement and then brings the ultrasonic probe 10 into contact with the living body, the ultrasonic signal obtained until the ultrasonic probe 10 is brought into contact with the living body is not data for the living body but an inappropriate signal. Therefore, if such an inappropriate ultrasonic signal is used as part of the measurement data to specify the boundary position of the tissue, the measurement error increases. It is possible to use an algorithm that discards ultrasonic signals whose signal values ​​are significantly different from others as unnecessary noise data, but this algorithm needs to be introduced separately, and if the threshold value for determining unnecessary data is not set appropriately, there is a risk that measurement data that should not be discarded will also be discarded. In contrast, in this embodiment, after an input operation to start ultrasonic measurement is input and a measurement start request is output, ultrasonic signals are recorded in the device storage unit 23 after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed. Therefore, if the user applies an acoustic matching material to the ultrasonic transmission / reception surface of the ultrasonic probe 10 or the measurement site of the living body during the waiting time and brings the ultrasonic probe 10 into contact with the living body, it is possible to suppress the capture of erroneous ultrasonic signals. Therefore, the signal calculation unit 244 can properly calculate information about the living body from the obtained ultrasonic signal. In this case, an algorithm for removing noise data is not required, so there is no cost associated with introducing the algorithm.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, whether the user operates the ultrasonic measurement device 1 in the procedure of steps S11 to S13 as in pattern A or in the procedure of steps S31 to S34 as in pattern B, the operation performed by the ultrasonic measurement device 1 is common to the processing of steps S21 to S26. That is, there is no need to change the operation of the ultrasonic measurement device 1 in the case of pattern A and the case of pattern B. Also, as described above, since the ultrasonic signal is acquired after the measurement start request is output and the waiting time has elapsed, the ultrasonic signal stored in the device storage unit 23 does not contain noise data, and it becomes possible for the signal calculation unit 244 to calculate information related to the living body with high accuracy.

[0040] [Effects of this embodiment] The ultrasonic measurement device 1 of this embodiment performs ultrasonic measurement by transmitting ultrasonic waves to a living body that is a measurement target, and receiving ultrasonic waves reflected inside the living body. The ultrasonic measurement device 1 includes an ultrasonic sensor 11 and a processor 24 that functions as a start request receiving unit 241 and a signal acquiring unit 243. The ultrasonic sensor 11 transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, and outputs an ultrasonic signal when the ultrasonic waves are received. The start request receiving unit 241 outputs a measurement start request that instructs the start of ultrasonic measurement. The signal acquiring unit 243 records the ultrasonic signal in the device storage unit 23. The signal acquiring unit 243 records the ultrasonic signal in the device storage unit 23 after a predetermined time (standby time) has elapsed since the measurement start request was output from the start request receiving unit 241.

[0041] As a result, in this embodiment, the ultrasonic signals input before the waiting time has elapsed are not adopted as measurement data. Therefore, even if the user inputs an instruction to start ultrasonic measurement before contacting the ultrasonic probe 10 with the living body, if the ultrasonic probe 10 is contacted with the living body during the waiting time, the inconvenience of ultrasonic signals that are not measurement data for the living body being taken in as measurement data can be suppressed. Therefore, even when information about the living body is calculated by the signal calculation unit 244, it is possible to calculate highly accurate measurement results based on the ultrasonic signals recorded in the device storage unit 23.

[0042] In this embodiment, the external device 20 includes a display unit 21 that displays information. The processor 24 also includes a time display control unit that functions as a time display control unit 242 and causes the display unit to display the time from when a measurement start request is output from the start request receiving unit 241 to when the signal acquiring unit starts recording the ultrasound signal.

[0043] This allows the user to easily visually confirm the waiting time until the ultrasonic signal is recorded as measurement data in the device storage unit 23. Therefore, the user can carry out the work of applying an acoustic matching material to the ultrasonic sensor 11 and the work of bringing the ultrasonic sensor 11 into contact with a living body while checking the waiting time, which makes it possible to further suppress the inconvenience of an ultrasonic signal being captured before the ultrasonic sensor 11 is brought into contact with a living body.

[0044] The ultrasonic measurement device 1 of this embodiment includes an ultrasonic probe 10 having an ultrasonic sensor 11 and an external device 20 communicatively connected thereto. In such a configuration, information about a living body based on an ultrasonic signal can be implemented in the external device 20, and the configuration of the ultrasonic probe 10 in which the ultrasonic sensor 11 is provided can be simplified.

[0045] In the ultrasonic measurement device 1 of this embodiment, the start request receiving unit 241 is provided in the external device 20. That is, the processor 24 of the external device 20 functions as the start request receiving unit 241. This simplifies the configuration of the ultrasonic probe 10 in which the ultrasonic sensor 11 is provided. Furthermore, since the ultrasonic probe 10 may be maintained in contact with the living body or fixed to the living body using a band or the like, providing an operating means on the ultrasonic probe 10 may lead to cumbersome operations. In contrast, in this embodiment, ultrasonic measurement can be easily started by operating the external device 20.

[0046] In the ultrasonic measurement device 1 of this embodiment, the external device 20 is provided with a device storage unit 23, and the ultrasonic signal is recorded in the device storage unit 23. In a configuration in which a storage unit is provided in the ultrasonic probe 10, the configuration of the ultrasonic probe 10 becomes complicated and the unit price of the ultrasonic probe 10 becomes high. In contrast, by using a device storage unit 23 provided in the external device 20, the configuration of the ultrasonic probe 10 can be simplified. In particular, when a computer such as a general smartphone or tablet terminal is used as the external device 20, a storage medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory mounted on the computer can be used.

[0047] [Second embodiment] In the above-described first embodiment, when ultrasonic measurement is performed by the ultrasonic sensor 11 of the ultrasonic probe 10, the ultrasonic signal is directly transmitted from the sensor communication unit 13 to the external device 20. In this case, the signal acquisition unit 243 of the external device 20 counts the time elapsed from the measurement start request, and records the ultrasonic signal transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 10 after the standby time has elapsed. Alternatively, a buffer memory (sensor storage unit) that temporarily stores the ultrasonic signal may be provided in the ultrasonic probe 10, and the sensor circuit unit 12 may record the ultrasonic signal in the sensor storage unit after the standby time has elapsed after receiving the measurement start request. In the following description, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to items that have already been described, and description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

[0048] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ultrasonic measurement device 1A according to the second embodiment. An ultrasonic measurement device 1A of this embodiment includes an ultrasonic probe 10A and an external device 20, similar to the first embodiment. The ultrasonic probe 10A of this embodiment includes an ultrasonic sensor 11, a sensor circuit unit 12A, a sensor communication unit 13, and a housing . In addition to the transmitting circuit 121, the receiving circuit 122, the switching circuit 123, and the sensor control unit 124, the sensor circuit unit 12A of this embodiment further includes a sensor storage unit 125 that temporarily stores the ultrasonic signal output from the ultrasonic sensor 11.

[0049] Similar to the first embodiment, the sensor control unit 124 of this embodiment controls the ultrasonic sensor 11 to perform ultrasonic measurement by receiving a measurement start request from the external device 20. As a result, an ultrasonic signal is input from the ultrasonic sensor 11 to the receiving circuit 122, and the receiving circuit 122 outputs an ultrasonic signal that has been subjected to signal processing. Here, in this embodiment, the sensor control unit 124 temporarily stores the ultrasonic signal that has been subjected to the signal processing in the sensor storage unit 125, and transmits it to the external device 20 at a predetermined timing (for example, after the ultrasonic measurement processing is completed). At this time, the sensor control unit 124 discards the ultrasonic signal without recording it in the sensor storage unit 125 during the standby time from the measurement start request. Then, after the standby time has elapsed, the sensor control unit 124 records the ultrasonic signal that has been subjected to the signal processing by the receiving circuit 122 in the sensor storage unit 125.

[0050] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasonic measurement device 1A in this embodiment. In this embodiment, when the user operates the external device 20 to input a request to run a measurement program, the start request receiving unit 241 of the external device 20 causes the display unit 21 to display a top screen 91 prompting the user to start ultrasonic measurement, as in step S21. Furthermore, when the user operates the input operation unit 22 to select the measurement start image 92, the start request receiving unit 241 performs the process of step S22 and outputs a measurement start request to the ultrasonic probe 10. As a result, as in step S23, ultrasonic measurement is started by the ultrasonic sensor 11, and at the same time, the signal acquiring unit 243 counts the elapsed time from the output of the measurement start request, and the time display control unit 242 causes the display unit 21 to display a waiting time screen 93 as shown in FIG.

[0051] Then, in this embodiment, the sensor control unit 124 of the ultrasound probe 10 performs the same process as step S24, that is, determines whether or not a standby time has elapsed since receiving the measurement start request (step S41). If the determination in step S41 is NO, the sensor control unit 124 discards the ultrasonic signal output from the ultrasonic sensor 11 via the receiving circuit 122, and continues counting the standby time. If the determination in step S41 is YES, the sensor control unit 124 sequentially stores the ultrasonic signals output from the ultrasonic sensor 11 via the receiving circuit 122 in the sensor storage unit 125 (step S42).

[0052] After that, the signal acquiring unit 243 executes steps S26 and S27. That is, the signal acquiring unit 243 determines whether or not to end the ultrasonic measurement, and when it determines that the ultrasonic measurement has ended, transmits a measurement stop request to the ultrasonic probe 10 to end the ultrasonic measurement. After step S27, the signal acquiring unit 243 transmits a request to transmit an ultrasonic signal to the ultrasonic probe 10 (step S43). As a result, the sensor control unit 124 of the ultrasonic probe 10 transmits the ultrasonic signal recorded in the sensor storage unit 125 to the external device 20, and the signal acquiring unit 243 acquires the ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic probe 10 (step S44). The acquired ultrasonic signal is recorded in the device storage unit 23.

[0053] Thereafter, the signal calculation unit 244 performs step S28, and calculates information about the living body (for example, calculation of tissue thickness, measurement of pulse rate, etc.) based on the ultrasound signal recorded in the device storage unit 23. The ultrasonic signal acquired in step S44 is an ultrasonic signal after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed since the measurement start request was output. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, even if the user inputs a message to execute a measurement program in the external device 20 before contacting the ultrasonic probe 10 with the living body as in the procedure of pattern B, and a measurement start request is output, if the user applies an acoustic matching material and contacts the ultrasonic probe 10 with the living body during the waiting time, a proper ultrasonic signal can be acquired.

[0054] [Effects of this embodiment] In the ultrasonic measurement device 1A of this embodiment, the ultrasonic probe 10A is provided with a sensor storage unit 125, and after a measurement start request is output, the sensor storage unit 125 records ultrasonic signals after a waiting time has elapsed. This makes it possible to obtain the same effect as in the first embodiment, and even if the user inputs an instruction to start ultrasound measurement before contacting the ultrasound probe 10 with the living body, by contacting the ultrasound probe 10 with the living body during the waiting time, the inconvenience of ultrasound signals that are not measurement data for the living body being captured as measurement data can be suppressed.

[0055] [Third embodiment] In the above first embodiment, a user performs an operation on the external device 20 to start ultrasonic measurement, and the start request receiving unit 241 outputs a measurement start request. However, the measurement start request is not limited to one based on a user's input operation. In the third embodiment, an example will be described in which an ultrasonic measurement device automatically detects that an acoustic matching material has been applied to an ultrasonic transmission / reception surface of an ultrasonic sensor, and outputs a measurement start request.

[0056] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ultrasonic measurement device 1B according to the third embodiment. In this embodiment, an ultrasonic measurement apparatus 1B includes an ultrasonic probe 10B and an external device 20B. In the first embodiment, the ultrasonic probe 10B includes an ultrasonic sensor 11, a sensor circuit unit 12, a sensor communication unit 13, and a housing 14. The ultrasonic probe 10B of the present embodiment also has a power switch 15 for driving the ultrasonic sensor 11, and when the user operates the power switch 15 to switch from off to on, power is supplied from a battery provided in the housing 14 to the sensor circuit unit 12 and the sensor communication unit 13, and the ultrasonic sensor 11 starts ultrasonic measurement. In other words, the power switch 15 is a switch of the present disclosure, and switches between supplying and not supplying power to the ultrasonic sensor 11.

[0057] Similarly to the first embodiment, the external device 20B of this embodiment includes a display unit 21, an input operation unit 22, a device storage unit 23, and one or more processors 24. The processor 24 of this embodiment reads and executes various programs stored in the device storage unit 23, and thereby functions as a time display control unit 242, a signal acquisition unit 243, a signal calculation unit 244, and an application detection unit 245.

[0058] In this embodiment, the start request receiving unit 241 is not provided, and ultrasonic measurement is performed by operating the power switch 15 of the ultrasonic probe 10B as described above. As a result, the external device 20B receives the ultrasonic signal from the timing when the power switch 15 is switched on.

[0059] The processor 24 of this embodiment functions as an application detection unit 245, and the application detection unit 245 determines whether or not the acoustic matching material has been applied based on a change in the ultrasonic signal transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 10. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a B-mode image generated based on an ultrasonic signal in a state where no acoustic matching material is applied to the transmitting / receiving surface of the ultrasonic sensor 11. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a B-mode image generated based on an ultrasonic signal in a state where an acoustic matching material is applied to the transmitting / receiving surface of the ultrasonic sensor 11. If an acoustic matching material is not applied to the transmitting / receiving surface of the ultrasonic sensor 11, the ultrasonic signal due to the reflected ultrasonic wave will be very small because the ultrasonic wave will not be reflected from the ultrasonic sensor 11. Therefore, if a B-mode image is generated based on the ultrasonic signal, an image in which no boundary lines are detected will be obtained, as shown in FIG. On the other hand, when an acoustic matching material is applied to the transmitting / receiving surface of the ultrasonic sensor 11, multiple reflections of ultrasonic waves occur at the boundary between the acoustic matching material and the air layer and at the boundary between the acoustic matching material and the transmitting / receiving surface. Therefore, ultrasonic sensor 11 receives ultrasonic waves due to the multiple reflections. In other words, ultrasonic sensor 11 outputs ultrasonic signals with large signal values ​​at a period corresponding to the thickness of the applied acoustic matching material. When a B-mode image is generated based on ultrasonic signals due to such multiple reflections, the image shown in FIG. 10 is obtained. In this way, a change occurs in the ultrasonic signal before and after the acoustic matching material is applied to the ultrasonic sensor 11. Therefore, the application detection unit 245 can determine that the acoustic matching material has been applied to the ultrasonic sensor 11 based on the timing at which the ultrasonic signal changes from an extremely small signal value to an ultrasonic signal with a periodic strong signal value corresponding to multiple reflections.

[0060] Then, the application detection unit 245 outputs a measurement start request at the timing when the acoustic matching material is applied to the ultrasonic sensor 11. In this embodiment, in the ultrasonic probe 10, the power switch 15 is switched on to perform ultrasonic measurement in the ultrasonic sensor 11, so that it is not necessarily necessary to send a measurement start request to the ultrasonic probe 10. For example, if the conditions for the ultrasound to detect the application of acoustic matching material and the ultrasound to measure a living body are the same, the application detection unit 245 can output a request to start measurement as a trigger for starting counting the waiting time and displaying the time image 94. However, in the case where the frequency and the transmission / reception switching cycle are different between the ultrasonic waves for detecting an acoustic matching material and the ultrasonic waves for performing ultrasonic measurement on a living body, a measurement start request may be transmitted from the external device 20 to the ultrasonic probe 10. In this case, in the ultrasonic probe 10, when the power switch is switched from off to on, the sensor control unit 124 outputs ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic sensor 11, in which the sound pressure, frequency, and ultrasonic transmission / reception switching cycle for detecting an acoustic matching material are set. Then, when a measurement start request is input from the external device 20, the sensor control unit 124 outputs ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic sensor 11, in which the sound pressure, frequency, and ultrasonic transmission / reception switching cycle for ultrasonic measurement on a living body are set.

[0061] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an ultrasonic measurement method in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the power switch 15 of the ultrasonic probe 10 is switched from off to on by the user (step S51). As a result, the sensor control unit 124 controls the ultrasonic sensor 11 to start ultrasonic measurement (step S52). As a result, similarly to the first embodiment, the ultrasonic signal output from the ultrasonic sensor 11 is processed by the receiving circuit 122, and the processed ultrasonic signal is transmitted from the sensor communication unit 13 to the external device 20B. Note that the ultrasonic wave transmitted to the external device 20B is not stored in the device storage unit 23.

[0062] Next, the application detection unit 245 monitors the ultrasonic signal transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 10B in step S52, and determines whether or not an acoustic matching material has been applied to the transmitting / receiving surface of the ultrasonic sensor 11 based on a change in the ultrasonic signal (step S53). If the determination in step S53 is NO, that is, if an ultrasonic signal with a large signal value based on reception of a reflected wave is not received as an ultrasonic signal, monitoring of the ultrasonic signal continues.

[0063] When an ultrasonic signal having a large signal value is obtained at a period corresponding to the thickness of the acoustic matching material, the application detection unit 245 judges YES in step S53, that is, judges that the acoustic matching material has been applied. In this case, the application detection unit 245 outputs a measurement start request that triggers the start of counting the waiting time and the display of the time image 94 (step S54). As described above, when the ultrasonic conditions for detecting the acoustic matching material are different from the ultrasonic conditions for ultrasonic measurement of a living body, a measurement start request may be output to the ultrasonic probe 10, and the sensor control unit 124 may receive the measurement start request and operate to output ultrasonic waves for ultrasonic measurement of a living body from the ultrasonic sensor 11.

[0064] As a result, similar to step S23, ultrasonic measurement continues by the ultrasonic sensor 11, the signal acquisition unit 243 counts the elapsed time from the output of the measurement start request, and the time display control unit 242 causes the display unit 21 to display a waiting time screen 93 as shown in FIG. 5 and starts counting down the time in the time image 94. The subsequent processing is the same as in the first embodiment, and the processing from step S24 to step S28 is carried out.

[0065] [Effects of this embodiment] In the ultrasonic measurement device 1B of this embodiment, the ultrasonic probe 10B is provided with a power switch 15 that switches between supplying and not supplying power to the ultrasonic sensor 11. When the power switch 15 is switched from off to on, the ultrasonic sensor 11 is supplied with power and starts transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves (ultrasonic measurement). The processor 24 of the external device 20B also functions as an application detection unit 245, which functions as an instruction unit of the present disclosure and outputs a measurement start request based on a change in the ultrasonic signal output from the ultrasonic sensor 11. This makes it possible to determine based on the ultrasonic signal that the acoustic matching material has been applied to the ultrasonic sensor 11, and the application of the acoustic matching material can be used as a trigger to output a measurement start request. This eliminates the need for the user to perform an input operation to start ultrasonic measurement, reducing the workload of the user.

[0066] [Variations] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the present invention includes configurations obtained by modifying, improving, and appropriately combining the embodiments within the scope that can achieve the object of the present invention.

[0067] (Variation 1) In the third embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, when ultrasonic measurement is performed by the ultrasonic sensor 11, the ultrasonic signal is transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 10B to the external device 20B, and the application detection unit 245 of the external device 20B detects the application of the acoustic matching material based on the received ultrasonic signal. In contrast, in the second embodiment, when the ultrasonic probe is provided with a sensor memory unit 125 and transmits an ultrasonic signal after ultrasonic measurement is completed, the sensor control unit 124 of the ultrasonic probe may function as an application detection unit.

[0068] In this case, the sensor control unit 124 determines, based on the ultrasonic signal, whether or not an acoustic matching material has been applied to the transmitting / receiving surface of the ultrasonic sensor 11. Then, when the sensor control unit 124 determines that an acoustic matching material has been applied, it transmits a measurement start request to the external device. When the external device receives the measurement start request, it performs processing of step S23, the signal acquisition unit 243 counts the elapsed time from the output of the measurement start request, and the time display control unit 242 displays a waiting time screen 93 as shown in FIG. 5 on the display unit 21 and starts counting down the time on the time image 94. The sensor control unit 124 also performs the processes from step S41 to step S42 of the second embodiment, starts counting the waiting time when the measurement start request is output, and starts recording the ultrasonic signal after the waiting time has elapsed. After that, the same processes as those of the second embodiment are performed.

[0069] (Variation 2) In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the ultrasonic probes 10, 10A, and 10B are connected to the external devices 20 and 20B by wireless communication, but a configuration in which they are connected by wires may also be used.

[0070] (Variation 3) In the above first embodiment, the ultrasonic probe 10 and the external device 20 are provided separately, a measurement program is executed in the external device 20, and when a user performs an input operation to start ultrasonic measurement, the start request receiving unit 241 outputs a measurement start request to the ultrasonic probe 10. In contrast, as in the third embodiment, a power switch 15 may be provided in the ultrasonic probe 10, and the sensor control unit 124 may output a measurement start request by switching the power switch 15 from off to on. In this case, when the external device 20 receives the measurement start request, it performs the process of step S23, the signal acquisition unit 243 counts the elapsed time from the output of the measurement start request, and the time display control unit 242 causes the display unit 21 to display a waiting time screen 93 as shown in Fig. 5 and starts counting down the time of the time image 94. The subsequent processes are similar to those in the first embodiment.

[0071] The same applies to the second embodiment. The ultrasonic probe 10A of the second embodiment may be configured to include a power switch 15 as described in the third embodiment, and the sensor control unit 124 may output a measurement start request to the external device 20 by switching the power switch 15 from off to on. In this case, the power switch 15 functions as the instruction unit of the present disclosure. In this case, the sensor control unit 124 starts counting the waiting time, triggered by the output of the measurement start request. Also, the external device performs the process of step S23 by receiving the measurement start request, the signal acquisition unit 243 counts the elapsed time from the output of the measurement start request, and the time display control unit 242 displays a waiting time screen 93 as shown in FIG. 5 on the display unit 21, and starts counting down the time on the time image 94. The subsequent processing is similar to that in the second embodiment.

[0072] (Variation 4) Furthermore, the ultrasonic probe may have the functions of the external device 20. That is, the ultrasonic probe 10A of the second embodiment may have a display unit, and the sensor control unit 124 may function as a start request receiving unit 241, a time display control unit 242, a signal acquisition unit 243, a signal calculation unit 244, etc. In this case, the sensor control unit 124 may further function as an application detection unit 245.

[0073] (Variation 5) In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the external device 20, 20B is provided with a display unit 21, a time image 94 indicating the waiting time is displayed on the display unit 21, and the waiting time is counted down, but a configuration in which the display unit 21 is not provided is also possible. For example, instead of the display unit 21, an audio output unit may be provided to notify the user of the countdown of the standby time by audio. Alternatively, the display unit 21 and the audio output unit may not be provided, and the standby time may not be left unattended. Even in this case, if the user is aware that the standby time has been set in advance, the user can work to bring the ultrasonic probe 10 into contact with the living body during the standby time.

[0074] (Variation 6) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which a preset time is used as the waiting time, or the waiting time may be set appropriately by the user. However, it is also possible to automatically set the waiting time for each user. For example, in the first embodiment, the measurement start request is output, so that the ultrasonic sensor 11 starts ultrasonic measurement and transmits an ultrasonic signal to the external device 20. In the first embodiment, the ultrasonic signal is discarded instead of being used as measurement data, but it may be recorded in the device storage unit 23 as teacher data instead of measurement data. For example, when the measurement start request is output before applying an acoustic matching material to the ultrasonic sensor 11 or before the ultrasonic probe 10 is brought into contact with a living body, the ultrasonic signal changes at the timing when the acoustic matching material is applied to the ultrasonic sensor 11 and the timing when the ultrasonic sensor 11 is brought into contact with the living body. By detecting these timings, it is possible to calculate the time from when the measurement start request is output until the acoustic matching material is applied to the ultrasonic sensor 11 and the time until the ultrasonic sensor 11 is brought into contact with the living body. Therefore, the processor 24 may record the time from when the measurement start request is output until the ultrasonic sensor 11 is brought into contact with the living body in the device storage unit 23, and set the time obtained by adding a predetermined margin time to the average value or maximum value of the recorded time as the waiting time. In this case, even if there are individual differences between users in the work time required to apply the acoustic matching material or the work time required to attach the ultrasonic probe 10 to the living body, the ultrasonic measurement device 1 can be personalized for each user.

[0075] (Variation 7) In the above embodiment, a living body is exemplified as a measurement target, but the measurement target is not limited to this. The measurement target may be, for example, a structure such as concrete, piping, etc. In particular, the present invention can be effectively applied to the case where ultrasonic measurement is continuously performed for a predetermined time and the measurement result is calculated based on the average of ultrasonic signals obtained at a predetermined sampling period.

[0076] [Summary of this disclosure] An ultrasonic measurement device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is an ultrasonic measurement device that performs ultrasonic measurement by transmitting ultrasonic waves to a measurement object and receiving ultrasonic waves reflected inside the measurement object, and is equipped with an ultrasonic sensor that transmits and receives the ultrasonic waves and outputs an ultrasonic signal upon receiving the ultrasonic waves, an instruction unit that outputs a measurement start request that instructs the start of the ultrasonic measurement, and a signal acquisition unit that records the ultrasonic signal in a memory unit, and the signal acquisition unit records the ultrasonic signal in the memory unit after a predetermined time has elapsed since the measurement start request was output from the instruction unit.

[0077] This allows the user to bring the ultrasonic sensor into contact with the measurement object before the specified time has elapsed, and prevents the inconvenience of recording ultrasonic signals in the memory unit when the ultrasonic sensor is not in contact with the measurement object. Therefore, it is possible to calculate highly accurate measurement results based on the ultrasonic signals recorded in the memory unit.

[0078] In the ultrasonic measurement device of this aspect, it is preferable to include a display unit that displays information, and a time display control unit that causes the display unit to display the time from when the instruction unit outputs the measurement start request to when the signal acquisition unit starts recording the ultrasonic signal.

[0079] This allows the user to easily visually confirm the time until the ultrasonic signal is recorded in the memory as measurement data by checking the display unit, and thus allows the user to apply the acoustic matching material to the ultrasonic sensor and to contact the ultrasonic sensor with a living body while checking the time.

[0080] In the ultrasonic measurement device of this aspect, it is preferable to further include an external device communicatively connected to the ultrasonic sensor. This simplifies the configuration of the ultrasonic sensor. In other words, a computer such as a general smartphone or tablet terminal can be used as the external device, and by installing an application to control the ultrasonic sensor, there is no need to equip the ultrasonic sensor with a high-performance arithmetic circuit that executes a program to process the measurement data, simplifying the configuration.

[0081] In the ultrasonic measurement device of the above aspect, it is preferable that the instruction unit is provided in the external device. The ultrasonic sensor may be kept in contact with the object to be measured or may be fixed to the object to be measured. Therefore, if an operation unit for instructing the start of ultrasonic measurement is provided on the ultrasonic sensor side, it may be cumbersome to perform ultrasonic measurement. In contrast, by providing an instruction unit on the external device, the user can easily operate the external device to start ultrasonic measurement.

[0082] In the ultrasonic measurement device of the above aspect, it is preferable that the storage unit is provided in the external device. If a memory unit is provided in the ultrasonic sensor, the cost of the ultrasonic sensor will be high. In contrast, the cost of the ultrasonic sensor can be reduced by providing a memory unit in an external device. In particular, if a computer such as a general smartphone or tablet terminal is used as the external device, a storage medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory installed in the computer can be used.

[0083] In the ultrasonic measurement device of this aspect, the storage unit may be configured to be provided in the ultrasonic sensor. In this case, when a measurement start request is output, the ultrasonic sensor records the ultrasonic wave after a predetermined time has elapsed in a memory unit provided in the ultrasonic sensor. When transmitting an ultrasonic signal to an external device, the ultrasonic signal recorded in the memory unit provided in the ultrasonic sensor may be transmitted.

[0084] In the ultrasonic measurement device of this aspect, a switch may be provided for switching between supplying and not supplying power to the ultrasonic sensor, and the ultrasonic sensor may start transmitting and receiving the ultrasonic waves when power is supplied by the switch, and the instruction unit may be configured to output the measurement start request based on a change in the ultrasonic signal output from the ultrasonic sensor. This makes it possible to determine whether the acoustic matching material has been applied to the ultrasonic sensor based on the ultrasonic signal, and the application of the acoustic matching material can be used as a trigger to output a measurement start request. In this case, the user does not need to perform an input operation to start ultrasonic measurement, which reduces the workload of the user. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1, 1A, 1B... ultrasonic measuring device, 10, 10A, 10B... ultrasonic probe, 11... ultrasonic sensor, 12, 12A... sensor circuit section, 13... sensor communication section (communication section), 14... housing, 15... power switch (instruction section), 20, 20B... external device, 21... display section, 22... input operation section, 23... device memory section, 24... processor, 25... device communication section, 121... transmitting circuit, 122... receiving circuit, 123... switching circuit, 124... sensor control section, 125... sensor memory section, 141... window section, 241... start request receiving section (instruction section), 242... time display control section, 243... signal acquisition section, 244... signal calculation section, 245... application detection section.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic measurement device that performs ultrasonic measurement by transmitting ultrasonic waves to a measurement object and receiving ultrasonic waves reflected inside the measurement object, an ultrasonic sensor that transmits and receives the ultrasonic waves and outputs an ultrasonic signal in response to receiving the ultrasonic waves; an instruction unit that outputs a measurement start request that instructs the start of the ultrasonic measurement; A signal acquisition unit that records the ultrasonic signal in a storage unit, The signal acquisition unit records the ultrasound signal in the storage unit after a predetermined time has elapsed since the measurement start request was output from the instruction unit. Ultrasonic measuring device.

2. A display unit for displaying information; and a time display control unit that causes the display unit to display a time from when the instruction unit outputs the measurement start request to when the signal acquisition unit starts recording the ultrasound signal. The ultrasonic measurement device according to claim 1 .

3. An external device communicatively connected to the ultrasonic sensor, The ultrasonic measurement device according to claim 1 .

4. The instruction unit is provided in the external device. The ultrasonic measuring device according to claim 3 .

5. The storage unit is provided in the external device. The ultrasonic measuring device according to claim 3 .

6. The storage unit is provided in the ultrasonic sensor. The ultrasonic measurement device according to claim 1 .

7. A switch for switching between supplying and not supplying power to the ultrasonic sensor is provided. When power is supplied to the ultrasonic sensor by the switch, the ultrasonic sensor starts transmitting and receiving the ultrasonic waves. The instruction unit outputs the measurement start request based on a change in the ultrasonic signal output from the ultrasonic sensor. The ultrasonic measurement device according to claim 1 .

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