Ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device

Abstract

To provide an ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device capable of easily setting an ultrasonic wave irradiation direction for the inside of the body of an object person to a desired direction and suppressing reception of unnecessary reflected waves.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device 10 includes an ultrasonic wave generation element 20 that transmits an ultrasonic wave into the body of a user 100 and receives a reflected wave of the ultrasonic wave, and a transmission body 50 that is disposed in a transmission path of the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic wave generation element 20. The transmission body 50 has a contact surface 52 that comes into contact with the user 100 directly or via another member. A transmitting and receiving surface 22 of the ultrasonic wave generation element 20 is disposed facing the contact surface 52 side and is inclined with respect to the contact surface 52. The transmission body 50 has an attenuation part 70 for attenuating the ultrasonic wave reflected by the contact surface 52 and deviated from a region between the transmitting and receiving surface 22 and the contact surface 52.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, an echo probe used in diagnostic imaging, which is a typical ultrasound transmitting and receiving device, is configured so that the skin contact surface of the probe and the ultrasound elements are arranged parallel to each other. In this configuration, for organs or tissues that cannot be observed by holding the probe perpendicular to the skin surface, a technique is required to hold the probe so that it indents the subject's skin. For example, if there is tissue (pubic bone) between the skin and the probe, such as the bottom of the bladder, which blocks the transmission of ultrasound, the probe must be angled more than usual to avoid this.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device used as a wearable device, which is configured such that an angle is formed between the skin contact surface of the probe and the ultrasonic element. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-168712 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the configuration of Patent Document 1, when it is necessary to irradiate ultrasound at an angle greater than normal, such as at the bottom of the bladder, the ultrasound signal (transmitted signal or received echo signal) is reflected within the acoustic transmission path, preventing observation of the target signal.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to easily determine the direction of ultrasound irradiation inside the body of a subject in a desired direction and to suppress the reception of unnecessary reflected waves. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device of the present disclosure includes: An ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device comprising: a transmitting / receiving unit that transmits ultrasonic waves into a body of a subject and receives reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves reflected within the body of the subject; and a transmitting body that is arranged in a transmission path of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transmitting / receiving unit, the transmitter has a contact surface that comes into contact with the subject directly or via another member, a transmitting / receiving surface of the transmitting / receiving unit that irradiates the ultrasonic waves and receives the reflected waves is disposed facing the contact surface and inclined relative to the contact surface, The transmitting body has an attenuation portion that attenuates the ultrasonic waves that are reflected by the contact surface and move away from the region between the transmitting / receiving surface and the contact surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The technology disclosed herein can provide an ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device that can easily determine the direction of ultrasonic radiation inside a subject's body in a desired direction and can suppress the reception of unnecessary reflected waves. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic example of the electrical configuration of an ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device included in the monitoring system of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device shown in FIG. 1 is worn by a user. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating how the ultrasound transmitting and receiving device shown in FIG. 1 irradiates the bladder with ultrasound. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the transmitter and the ultrasonic generating element are assembled into the housing. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the transmitting body and its surroundings in the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which a transmitter and an ultrasonic generating element are assembled into a housing in the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the transmitter and its surroundings in the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device of the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which a transmitter and an ultrasonic generating element are assembled into a housing in the third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a transmitter and its periphery in an ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a transmitter and an ultrasonic generating element are assembled to a housing in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a transmitter and its surroundings in an ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a state in which a transmitter and an ultrasonic generating element are assembled to a housing in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a transmitter and its surroundings in an ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device according to the fifth embodiment.

[0010] [1] An ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device comprising: a transmitting / receiving unit that transmits ultrasonic waves into a subject's body and receives reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves reflected within the subject's body; and a transmitting body that is arranged in a transmission path of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transmitting / receiving unit, the transmitter has a contact surface that comes into contact with the subject directly or via another member, a transmitting / receiving surface of the transmitting / receiving unit that irradiates the ultrasonic waves and receives the reflected waves is disposed facing the contact surface and inclined relative to the contact surface, The transmitting body has an attenuation portion that attenuates the ultrasonic waves reflected by the contact surface and that are outside the region between the transmitting / receiving surface and the contact surface. Ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device.

[0011] When receiving reflected waves of ultrasound irradiated to a predetermined location within the body of a subject, it is expected that the predetermined location will deviate from the direction of the contact surface of the ultrasound transmitting / receiving device. Therefore, in the configuration [1] above, the transmitting / receiving surface of the transmitting / receiving unit is arranged at an angle relative to the contact surface, allowing the angle of the ultrasound irradiated into the body relative to the contact surface to be set at a desired magnitude. This makes it easier to determine the desired direction (the direction in which the ultrasound is to be irradiated) of the ultrasound into the body of the subject. However, in such a configuration in which the transmitting / receiving surface of the transmitting / receiving unit is arranged at an angle relative to the contact surface, ultrasound is likely to be reflected within the transmitting body, making it easier for the transmitting / receiving unit to receive unwanted reflected waves (ultrasound reflected by the contact surface and falling outside the area between the transmitting / receiving surface and the contact surface). Therefore, in the configuration [1] above, the transmitting body arranged in the ultrasound transmission path has an attenuation unit that attenuates ultrasound reflected by the contact surface and falling outside the area between the transmitting / receiving surface and the contact surface. This prevents the transmitting / receiving unit from receiving unwanted reflected waves, allowing for better measurement based on reflected waves reflected from a predetermined location within the body of the subject.

[0012] [2] The ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device according to [1], wherein the attenuation section has a configuration in which a plurality of protrusions are arranged or dispersed.

[0013] In the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device [2], unwanted reflected waves (ultrasonic waves that are reflected at the contact surface and move outside the area between the transmitting / receiving surface and the contact surface) can be scattered by the convex part of the attenuation part, thereby effectively attenuating the unwanted reflected waves.

[0014] [3] The ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device according to [1], wherein the attenuation section has a configuration in which a plurality of recesses are arranged or dispersed.

[0015] In the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device [3], unwanted reflected waves (ultrasonic waves that are reflected at the contact surface and move outside the area between the transmitting / receiving surface and the contact surface) can be scattered in the recesses of the attenuation section, thereby effectively attenuating the unwanted reflected waves.

[0016] [4] The ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device according to [1], wherein the attenuation section includes a curved surface.

[0017] In the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device [4], unwanted reflected waves (ultrasonic waves that are reflected at the contact surface and move outside the area between the transmitting / receiving surface and the contact surface) can be scattered by the curved surface of the attenuation section, thereby effectively attenuating the unwanted reflected waves.

[0018] [5] An ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device according to any one of [1] to [4], comprising a backing material that contacts the attenuation portion.

[0019] In the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device [5], the backing material in contact with the attenuation section reduces the reflectivity at the attenuation section, and unwanted reflected waves (ultrasonic waves that are reflected by the contact surface and move outside the area between the transmitting / receiving surface and the contact surface) can be dissipated from the transmitting body to the outside.

[0020] [6] In a predetermined cross section passing through the transmitting / receiving surface and the contact surface and perpendicular to the transmitting / receiving surface, the attenuation section has an uneven shape having a plurality of protrusions. [1] The ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device according to [1].

[0021] In the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device [6], unwanted reflected waves (ultrasonic waves that are reflected at the contact surface and move outside the area between the transmitting / receiving surface and the contact surface) can be scattered by the uneven shape of the attenuation section, making it possible to attenuate unwanted reflected waves more effectively.

[0022] [7] The ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device according to [6], which has a configuration in which a plurality of protrusions extending in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined cross section are arranged.

[0023] The ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device in [7] has a simple shape consisting of multiple protrusions, which makes it easy to manufacture. This allows for both easy manufacturing and efficient attenuation of unwanted reflected waves. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] 1. First embodiment 1-1. Basic configuration of ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device 10, etc. Fig. 1 illustrates an ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device 10 according to the first embodiment. The ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device 10 illustrated in Fig. 1 is, for example, a wearable device worn on the body of a user (subject) 100 as shown in Fig. 2, and monitors the inside of the body of the user 100. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device 10 functions as a bladder fundus monitoring device that irradiates ultrasonic waves into the body of the user 100 and monitors the movement of the bladder fundus 112 of the user 100 by ultrasonic waves.

[0025] 1, the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device 10 includes an ultrasonic generating element 20, a control unit 30, a transmitting and receiving circuit 40, a communication unit 32, and an alarm unit 34. The ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device 10 is capable of communicating with an external device 190. In the example of FIG. 1, a monitoring system 1 is configured including the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device 10 and the external device 190.

[0026] The ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device 10 of the first embodiment includes a housing 14, components (such as the ultrasonic generating element 20, control unit 30, transmission / reception circuit 40, communication unit 32, and notification unit 34 shown in FIG. 1 ) that are provided integrally with the housing 14, and an attachment unit (not shown) that attaches the housing 14 to a user 100. The components (such as the ultrasonic generating element 20, control unit 30, transmission / reception circuit 40, communication unit 32, and notification unit 34) are housed inside the housing 14. In the example of FIG. 3 , the housing 14 forms a wearable body 12. Note that, in the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device 10 of the present embodiment, the housing 14 and the components (such as the ultrasonic generating element 20, control unit 30, transmission / reception circuit 40, communication unit 32, and notification unit 34) are provided integrally with each other, but this is not limiting, and the components such as the control unit 30, transmission / reception circuit 40, communication unit 32, and notification unit 34 may be provided separately from the housing 14.

[0027] 2 and 3, the attachment part is not shown. The attachment part is a fixture (such as a clip, belt, tape, or clothing with a special structure) that secures the housing 14 to the body of the user 100 or to something worn by the user 100 (such as clothing). The attachment part may be configured to attach the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device 10 to the user 100 in a predetermined position. The predetermined position is, for example, a position in which ultrasonic waves emitted from the ultrasonic generating element 20 strike the bladder bottom 112 (FIG. 3). The bladder bottom 112 is a part that is configured by a predetermined site (bladder bottom position) that constitutes the inner wall of the bladder 110 inside the body of the user 100 and a group of tissues consisting of pelvic floor muscles.

[0028] The ultrasonic wave generating element 20 is an element that functions as both a wave transmitting ultrasonic element and a wave receiving ultrasonic element, and corresponds to an example of a "transmitting / receiving unit." The ultrasonic wave generating element 20 transmits ultrasonic waves into the body of the user 100, and receives reflected waves (ultrasound waves) that are reflected back by an object inside the body of the user 100.

[0029] In the example of FIG. 1, the ultrasonic generating element 20 is composed of a piezoelectric element. When a transmission signal (drive signal) of a predetermined resonance frequency is applied, the element emits ultrasonic waves based on the bending vibration of the vibrator. The ultrasonic generating element 20 emits ultrasonic waves corresponding to the transmission signal in a predetermined direction. When the ultrasonic waves emitted in a predetermined direction from the ultrasonic generating element 20 are reflected by an object present in the predetermined direction, the reflected waves generated by the reflection are received by the ultrasonic generating element 20. The ultrasonic generating element 20 converts the reflected waves (ultrasound waves) received by itself into electrical signals. The control unit 30 calculates the distance to the object reflecting the ultrasonic waves based on the received waveform.

[0030] The transmitting and receiving circuit 40 includes a signal generating circuit 42 and a receiving circuit 44. In the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device 10, the ultrasonic generating element 20 and the transmitting and receiving circuit 40 function as an ultrasonic sensor.

[0031] The signal generating circuit 42 includes an electric circuit that drives the ultrasonic generating element 20 to generate ultrasonic waves. The signal generating circuit 42 includes, for example, an oscillation circuit that generates an AC signal, and an amplification circuit that amplifies the AC signal generated by the oscillation circuit and supplies the amplified signal to the ultrasonic generating element 20. The signal generating circuit 42 drives the ultrasonic generating element 20 in response to instructions from the control unit 30.

[0032] The receiving circuit 44 includes, for example, an amplifier circuit, a low-pass filter circuit, an AD conversion circuit, etc. The amplifier circuit generates an amplified signal by amplifying a reception signal generated by the ultrasonic generating element 20 when the ultrasonic generating element 20 receives an ultrasonic wave (for example, a reflected wave). For example, the receiving circuit 44 may be configured to convert the amplified signal generated by the amplifier circuit into digital data and provide the digital data to the control unit 30.

[0033] The control unit 30 functions as a control means for controlling the overall operation of the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device 10. The control unit 30 is an information processing device having various information processing functions such as a calculation function, a storage function, an input / output function, and a read function. The control unit 30 is configured to include a control device such as an MCU (Micro Controller Unit). The control unit 30 may also include a memory, a timer, etc.

[0034] The communication unit 32 is a device that communicates with an external device using a known wireless communication method or a wired communication method. For example, the communication unit 32 can communicate wirelessly with the external device 190 using a known wireless communication method. The communication unit 32 cooperates with the control unit 30 to transmit various types of information to the external device 190. The communication unit 32 also cooperates with the control unit 30 to receive various types of information from the external device 190.

[0035] The external device 190 is an information processing device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, etc. The external device 190 has a display device (such as an image display), an audio output device (such as a speaker), a storage device, a communication device, etc. The external device 190 communicates with the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device 10, and has a function of receiving information from the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device 10 and a function of transmitting information to the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device 10.

[0036] The notification unit 34 has a display device that displays information such as numbers and symbols. Furthermore, the notification unit 34 has an audio output device such as a speaker. The notification unit 34 may be provided in the external device 190.

[0037] 1-2. Detailed configuration of the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device 10 4 and 5, the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device 10 further includes a transmitter 50 and a backing material 60. The transmitter 50 and the backing material 60 are mostly disposed within the housing 14, for example, in an integrated state.

[0038] The transmitter 50 is disposed in the transmission path of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic generating element 20. The transmitter 50 has a shape similar to a triangular prism. The transmitter 50 is made of a resin material such as ABS or PPS. The transmitter 50 is attached to the bottom wall 16 of the housing 14, for example. Specifically, the bottom of the transmitter 50 (the portion on the side of a contact surface 52, which will be described later) is fitted into a rectangular opening 18 in the bottom wall 16.

[0039] The transmitter 50 has a contact surface 52, an irradiation surface 54, and an attenuation section 70. The contact surface 52 comes into contact with the user 100 directly or via another member. For example, the contact surface 52 may come into contact with the user 100 via a member such as gel for ultrasound testing (a member having relatively high ultrasonic conductivity). The contact surface 52 has, for example, a rectangular shape. The contact surface 52 is exposed to the outside through an opening 18 in the housing 14. The contact surface 52 is flush with the outer surface of the bottom wall portion 16 of the housing 14.

[0040] The irradiation surface 54 is a surface that comes into contact with the ultrasonic generating element 20. The irradiation surface 54 has, for example, a rectangular shape. The irradiation surface 54 is disposed inside the housing 14. The irradiation surface 54 is disposed on the opposite side to the contact surface 52. The irradiation surface 54 is disposed at an inclination with respect to the contact surface 52. The inclination angle θ1 of the irradiation surface 54 with respect to the contact surface 52 is preferably greater than 40°, and is, for example, 50°.

[0041] The transmitting / receiving surface 22 of the ultrasonic generating element 20 is in contact with the irradiation surface 54. The transmitting / receiving surface 22 is, for example, rectangular. The transmitting / receiving surface 22 is a surface onto which ultrasonic waves are emitted and onto which reflected waves are received. For example, ultrasonic waves are emitted in a direction perpendicular to the transmitting / receiving surface 22. The transmitting / receiving surface 22 is disposed at an inclination with respect to the contact surface 52. The inclination angle of the transmitting / receiving surface 22 with respect to the contact surface 52 is the same as the inclination angle θ1 of the irradiation surface 54 with respect to the contact surface 52.

[0042] The attenuation unit 70 attenuates ultrasonic waves that are reflected by the contact surface 52 and move outside the area between the transmitting / receiving surface 22 and the contact surface 52. The area between the transmitting / receiving surface 22 and the contact surface 52 is the area through which plane waves irradiated from the ultrasonic generating element 20 to the contact surface 52 within the transmission body 50 pass. It is preferable that only reflected waves within the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device 10 are attenuated by the attenuation unit 70. The attenuation unit 70 is arranged inside the housing 14. The attenuation unit 70 is located on the opposite side to the contact surface 52. The attenuation unit 70 is arranged adjacent to the contact surface 52 and the irradiation surface 54. The attenuation unit 70, together with the contact surface 52 and the irradiation surface 54, constitutes the outer circumferential surface of the transmission body 50.

[0043] The attenuation section 70 has a pair of side surfaces 72 and a plurality of (five in this embodiment) protrusions 74. The side surfaces 72 are flat. One side surface 72 is continuous with the contact surface 52. The other side surface 72 is continuous with the irradiation surface 54. The pair of side surfaces 72 are on the same plane.

[0044] The plurality of protrusions 74 are arranged between the pair of side surfaces 72. The plurality of protrusions 74 are arranged side by side. Specifically, the plurality of protrusions 74 are arranged regularly (at equal intervals) along the direction in which the pair of side surfaces 72 are arranged. The protrusions 74 protrude outward so as to be convex. For example, the protrusions 74 protrude so as to be convex in the direction along the irradiation surface 54 in the cross section shown in FIG. 5.

[0045] 5 shows a predetermined cross section passing through the transmitting / receiving surface 22 and the contact surface 52 and perpendicular to the transmitting / receiving surface 22. In other words, the cross section shown in Fig. 5 is a plane perpendicular to a direction parallel to the contact surface 52 and the irradiation surface 54 (the direction along arrow D shown in Fig. 4).

[0046] The convex portion 74 has a shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases toward the tip. The convex portion 74 is triangular (e.g., equilateral triangle) when viewed in the direction along arrow D shown in FIG. 4. The protruding height of the convex portion 74 from the pair of side surfaces 72 is preferably determined, for example, by the sound speed of the ultrasonic waves and the resonance frequency of the ultrasonic generating element 20. For example, the protruding height of the convex portion 74 from the pair of side surfaces 72 is preferably a height corresponding to a length of 25% or more of the wavelength of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic generating element 20. The protruding height of the convex portion 74 from the pair of side surfaces 72 is, for example, 1 mm. The angle θ2 formed between the surface of the convex portion 74 opposite the irradiation surface 54 and the contact surface 52 is, for example, 85° or more and 95° or less.

[0047] The damping section 70 has an uneven shape with multiple protrusions 74 in the cross section shown in FIG. 5. For example, all of the protrusions 74 have the same shape. The concave portions in the uneven shape of the damping section 70 are rounded. The bottoms of the concave portions in the uneven shape of the damping section 70 are located on the same plane as the pair of side surfaces 72.

[0048] The convex portion 74 has a shape that extends in a direction perpendicular to the cross section shown in Fig. 5 (the direction along the arrow D in Fig. 4). The attenuation portion 70 has a shape that shows the same uneven shape in any cross section taken in the direction along the arrow D in Fig. 4.

[0049] The transmitting body 50 further has a pair of outer surfaces 56. The pair of outer surfaces 56 are surfaces that face each other in the direction along the arrow D in Fig. 4. The pair of outer surfaces 56 are continuous with the contact surface 52, the irradiation surface 54, and the attenuation portion 70.

[0050] The backing material 60 is in contact with the damping section 70. The backing material 60 includes a member having spring properties (elasticity). The backing material 60 is, for example, an elastic body or a rubber-like substance containing a powder of a relatively large mass, such as ferrite or ceramics. The material of the backing material 60 is, for example, different from the material of the transmitter 50. The elastic modulus of the backing material 60 is preferably smaller than the elastic modulus of the transmitter 50. The material of the backing material 60 is selected based on, for example, acoustic impedance, elastic modulus, density, etc. The backing material 60 can be formed, for example, by potting.

[0051] The backing material 60 is attached to the transmitter 50, the ultrasonic generating element 20, and the edge of the bottom wall 16 of the housing 14 around the opening 18. The backing material 60 is in contact with the entire surface of most of the attenuation section 70 (except for one side surface 72). Specifically, the backing material 60 fits between the convex portions 74 and is in contact with the entire uneven portion of the attenuation section 70. The backing material 60 is also in contact with a portion of the irradiation surface 54 that is not in contact with the ultrasonic generating element 20 and a portion of the ultrasonic generating element 20 that is not in contact with the irradiation surface 54. The backing material 60 may also be in contact with a pair of outer side surfaces 56. The height of the backing material 60 from the bottom wall 16 of the housing 14 is selected based on, for example, the attenuation coefficient, etc.

[0052] 1-3. Mounting of ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device 10 When receiving reflected waves of ultrasound irradiated to a predetermined location inside the body of the user 100, it is expected that the predetermined location will deviate from the direction in which the contact surface 52 of the ultrasound transmitting and receiving device 10 faces. In such a case, a technique is required to grasp the ultrasound transmitting and receiving device 10 so as to indent the skin of the user 100. For example, if there is tissue (pubic bone) between the skin and the ultrasound transmitting and receiving device 10 that blocks transmission, such as the bladder bottom 112, it is necessary to indent the skin at an angle greater than normal to avoid this.

[0053] Therefore, in the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device 10 of the first embodiment, the transmitting and receiving surface 22 of the ultrasonic generating element 20 is configured to be inclined with respect to the contact surface 52. Therefore, the angle of the ultrasonic waves irradiated into the body of the user 100 with respect to the contact surface 52 can be set to a desired size (for example, an angle toward the bladder bottom 112 avoiding the pubic bone) without indenting the skin of the user 100. This makes it easier to determine the direction of irradiation of the ultrasonic waves into the body of the user 100 in a desired direction (the direction in which the ultrasonic waves are to be irradiated, for example, the direction toward the bladder bottom 112). Therefore, a procedure for changing the angle of the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device 10 is not required, and further, there is no need to indent the device into the skin of the user 100. In particular, when the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device 10 is a wearable device, it can be used with only light contact.

[0054] 1-4. Operation of the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device 10 3, when an ultrasonic wave Wa is emitted from the ultrasonic generating element 20 to the bottom 112 of the bladder of the user 100, the ultrasonic generating element 20 (receiving unit) receives a reflected wave Wb (ultrasound) from the bottom 112 of the bladder based on the ultrasonic wave Wa from the ultrasonic generating element 20. The ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device 10 can non-invasively detect the distance from the ultrasonic generating element 20 to the bottom 112 of the bladder based on the received reflected wave Wb (ultrasound).

[0055] Ultrasonic waves irradiated from the transmitting / receiving surface of the ultrasonic generating element 20 enter the transmitter 50 from the irradiation surface 54, pass through the transmitter 50, and are irradiated into the body of the user 100 from the contact surface 52. Reflected waves of ultrasonic waves Wa generated inside the transmitter 50 may circulate in an area outside the area between the irradiation surface 54 and the contact surface 52 and return to the transmitting / receiving surface 22 via the irradiation surface 54. In particular, in the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device 10 of the first embodiment, the transmitting / receiving surface 22 of the ultrasonic generating element 20 is disposed at an angle with respect to the contact surface 52, so that ultrasonic waves are easily reflected within the transmitter 50, and unwanted reflected waves (ultrasonic waves reflected by the contact surface 52 and outside the area between the transmitting / receiving surface 22 and the contact surface 52) are easily received by the ultrasonic generating element 20.

[0056] Therefore, in the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device 10 of the first embodiment, the transmitter 50 arranged in the transmission path of the ultrasonic waves has an attenuation section 70 that attenuates ultrasonic waves that are reflected by the contact surface 52 and move outside the area between the transmitting / receiving surface 22 and the contact surface 52. This makes it possible to suppress reception of unnecessary reflected waves by the ultrasonic generating element 20 (transmitting / receiving section), and to perform good measurements based on reflected waves reflected from a predetermined location inside the body of the user 100 (for example, the bottom of the bladder 112).

[0057] In particular, the convex portions 74 of the attenuation section 70 scatter the reflected ultrasonic waves generated in the attenuation section 70, dispersing the concentrated noise and reducing the noise level. Furthermore, the convex portions 74 cause the acoustic impedance of the attenuation section 70 to change stepwise, thereby reducing the reflectivity and dissipating unnecessary reflected waves outside the transmission path (transmitter 50), thereby reducing the noise level.

[0058] The backing material 60 in contact with the attenuation section 70 reduces the reflectivity at the attenuation section 70, and can dissipate unwanted reflected waves (ultrasonic waves that are reflected by the contact surface 52 and deviate from the region between the transmitting / receiving surface 22 and the contact surface 52) to the outside from the transmitting body 50. Furthermore, the backing material 60 can convert unwanted reflected waves into thermal energy, which can prevent them from re-entering the transmission path (transmitting body 50) and reduce the noise level.

[0059] 1-5.Examples of effects In the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device 10 according to this embodiment, the transmitting and receiving surface 22 of the ultrasonic generating element 20 (transmitting and receiving unit) is disposed at an angle relative to the contact surface 52, so that the angle of the ultrasonic waves irradiated into the body of the user 100 (subject) relative to the contact surface 52 can be set to a desired value. This makes it easier to determine the desired direction (direction in which the ultrasonic waves are to be irradiated) of the ultrasonic waves into the body of the user 100. Furthermore, in the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device 10, the transmitter 50 disposed in the ultrasonic transmission path has an attenuation unit 70 that attenuates ultrasonic waves reflected by the contact surface 52 and falling outside the region between the ultrasonic generating element 20 (transmitting and receiving unit) and the contact surface 52. This makes it possible to suppress reception of unnecessary reflected waves by the ultrasonic generating element 20 (transmitting and receiving unit), enabling good measurement to be performed based on reflected waves reflected from predetermined locations inside the body of the user 100.

[0060] Furthermore, in the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device 10 according to this embodiment, the attenuation section 70 has a configuration in which a plurality of convex portions 74 are arranged. With such a configuration, unwanted reflected waves (ultrasonic waves that are reflected by the contact surface 52 and deviate from the region between the transmitting / receiving surface 22 and the contact surface 52) can be scattered by the convex portions 74 of the attenuation section 70, and the unwanted reflected waves can be effectively attenuated.

[0061] Furthermore, the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device 10 according to this embodiment includes a backing material 60 in contact with the attenuation section 70. With this configuration, the backing material 60 in contact with the attenuation section 70 reduces the reflectivity at the attenuation section 70, and unwanted reflected waves (ultrasonic waves that are reflected by the contact surface 52 and deviate from the region between the transmitting / receiving surface 22 and the contact surface 52) can be dissipated from the transmitting body 50 to the outside.

[0062] Furthermore, in the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device 10 according to this embodiment, the attenuation section 70 has an uneven shape with multiple convex portions 74 on a predetermined cross section that passes through the transmitting / receiving surface 22 and the contact surface 52 and is perpendicular to the transmitting / receiving surface 22. With this configuration, unwanted reflected waves (ultrasonic waves that are reflected by the contact surface 52 and deviate from the region between the transmitting / receiving surface 22 and the contact surface 52) can be scattered by the uneven shape of the attenuation section 70, and unwanted reflected waves can be attenuated even more effectively.

[0063] Furthermore, the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device 10 according to this embodiment has a configuration in which a plurality of protrusions 74 are arranged side by side, extending in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined cross section (the direction along the arrow D in FIG. 4). With this configuration, the shape formed by the plurality of protrusions 74 is simple, making manufacturing easy. This makes it possible to achieve both easy manufacturing and efficient attenuation of unnecessary reflected waves.

[0064] 2. Second embodiment A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 6 and 7. The ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device 10 of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the shape of the attenuation section, but is otherwise the same as the first embodiment. Note that the same components as the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0065] 2-1. Shape of the attenuation section 270 As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device 10 of the second embodiment includes a transmitter 250. The transmitter 250 has an attenuation section 270. The attenuation section 270 includes a pair of side surfaces 72 and a curved surface 274. The curved surface 274 is disposed between the pair of side surfaces 72. The curved surface 274 is non-planar (a surface that is not flat). The curved surface 274 is curved so as to be convex outward. For example, the curved surface 274 is curved so as to be convex in a direction along the irradiation surface 54 in the cross section shown in FIG. 7.

[0066] 7 shows a predetermined cross section passing through the transmitting / receiving surface 22 and the contact surface 52 and perpendicular to the transmitting / receiving surface 22. That is, the cross section shown in Fig. 7 is a plane perpendicular to a direction parallel to the contact surface 52 and the irradiation surface 54 (the direction along arrow D shown in Fig. 6).

[0067] Curved surface 274 is arcuate when viewed in the direction of arrow D shown in Fig. 6. The radius of curvature of curved surface 274 is preferably shorter than the length of the transmission path (the length of the line segment within transmitting body 50 in Fig. 7).

[0068] Attenuation section 270 has a shape that extends in a direction perpendicular to the cross section shown in Fig. 7 (the direction along arrow D in Fig. 6). Attenuation section 270 has a shape such that the same arch shape appears in any cross section taken at any position in the direction along arrow D in Fig. 6.

[0069] The backing material 60 is in contact with the entire surface of most of the attenuation portion 270 (except for a portion of one side surface 72). Specifically, the backing material 60 is in contact with the entire surface of the curved surface 274, etc.

[0070] 2-2.Examples of effects In the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device 10 according to this embodiment, the attenuation section 270 includes a curved surface 274. With this configuration, unwanted reflected waves (ultrasonic waves that are reflected by the contact surface 52 and deviate from the region between the transmitting / receiving surface 22 and the contact surface 52) can be scattered by the curved surface 274 of the attenuation section 270, and the unwanted reflected waves can be effectively attenuated.

[0071] 3. Third embodiment A third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 8 and 9. The ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device 10 of the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the shape of the attenuation section, but is otherwise the same as the first embodiment. Note that the same components as the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0072] 3-1. Shape of the attenuation section 370 As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device 10 of the third embodiment includes a transmitter 350. The transmitter 350 has an attenuation section 370. The attenuation section 370 includes a pair of side surfaces 72 and a curved surface 374. The curved surface 374 is disposed between the pair of side surfaces 72. The curved surface 374 is non-planar (a surface that is not flat). The curved surface 374 is curved so as to be concave inward. For example, the curved surface 374 is curved so as to be concave in a direction along the irradiation surface 54 in the cross section shown in FIG. 9.

[0073] 9 shows a predetermined cross section passing through the transmitting / receiving surface 22 and the contact surface 52 and perpendicular to the transmitting / receiving surface 22. In other words, the cross section shown in Fig. 9 is a plane perpendicular to a direction parallel to the contact surface 52 and the irradiation surface 54 (the direction along arrow D shown in Fig. 8).

[0074] Curved surface 374 has an arc-shaped recess when viewed in the direction of arrow D shown in Fig. 8. The radius of curvature of curved surface 374 is preferably shorter than the length of the transmission path (the length of the line segment within transmitting body 50 in Fig. 9).

[0075] Attenuation section 370 has a shape that extends in a direction perpendicular to the cross section shown in Fig. 9 (the direction along arrow D in Fig. 8). Attenuation section 370 has a shape that appears as a circular arc recess in any cross section taken along arrow D in Fig. 8.

[0076] The backing material 60 is in contact with the entire surface of most of the attenuation portion 370 (except for a portion of one side surface 72). Specifically, the backing material 60 is in contact with the entire surface of the curved surface 374 and the like.

[0077] 3-2.Examples of effects In the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device 10 according to this embodiment, the attenuation section 370 includes a curved surface 374. With this configuration, unwanted reflected waves (ultrasonic waves that are reflected by the contact surface 52 and deviate from the region between the transmitting / receiving surface 22 and the contact surface 52) can be scattered by the curved surface 374 of the attenuation section 370, and the unwanted reflected waves can be effectively attenuated.

[0078] 4. Fourth embodiment A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 10 and 11. The ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device 10 of the fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the shape of the attenuation section, but is otherwise the same as the first embodiment. Note that the same components as the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0079] 4-1. Shape of the attenuation part 470 10 and 11, the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device 10 of the fourth embodiment includes a transmitter 450. The transmitter 450 has an attenuation section 470. The attenuation section 470 includes a side surface 472, a plurality of recesses 474A, and a plurality of recesses 474B.

[0080] The side surface 472 is a flat surface. The side surface 472 is continuous with the contact surface 52 and the irradiation surface 54. The recesses 474A and 474B are recessed inward from the side surface 472. The multiple recesses 474A are arranged on the opposite side from the irradiation surface 54. The multiple recesses 474B are arranged on the irradiation surface 54 side. The recesses 474A and 474B are recessed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with rounded corners.

[0081] 11 shows a predetermined cross section passing through the transmitting / receiving surface 22 and the contact surface 52 and perpendicular to the transmitting / receiving surface 22. That is, the cross section shown in Fig. 11 is a plane perpendicular to a direction parallel to the contact surface 52 and the irradiation surface 54 (the direction along arrow D shown in Fig. 10).

[0082] The recesses 474A are aligned in the direction of the arrow D shown in Fig. 10. Specifically, the recesses 474A are aligned regularly (at equal intervals) in the direction of the arrow D.

[0083] The plurality of recesses 474B are arranged in a dispersed manner on the side surface 472. Specifically, the plurality of recesses 474B are arranged in an irregular pattern on the side surface 472.

[0084] The backing material 60 is in contact with the entire surface of most of the damping portion 470 (excluding part of the side surface 472). Specifically, the backing material 60 enters the recesses 474A and 474B and is in contact with the entire inner wall surfaces of the recesses 474A and 474B.

[0085] 4-2.Examples of effects In the ultrasonic transmission / reception device 10 of this embodiment, unwanted reflected waves (ultrasonic waves that are reflected by the contact surface 52 and move outside the area between the transmission / reception surface 22 and the contact surface 52) can be scattered by the recesses 474A, 474B of the attenuation section 470, thereby effectively attenuating the unwanted reflected waves.

[0086] 5. Fifth embodiment A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 12 and 13. The ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device 10 of the fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the shape of the attenuation section, but is otherwise the same as the first embodiment. Note that the same components as the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0087] 5-1. Shape of the attenuation section 570 12 and 13, the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device 10 of the fifth embodiment includes a transmitting body 550. The transmitting body 550 has an attenuation portion 570. The attenuation portion 570 has a side surface 572 and a plurality of protrusions 574.

[0088] The side surface 572 is a flat surface. The side surface 572 is continuous with the contact surface 52 and the irradiation surface 54. The plurality of protrusions 574 protrude outward from the side surface 572. The protrusions 574 protrude, for example, in a direction along the irradiation surface 54 in the cross section shown in FIG. 13 .

[0089] The plurality of protrusions 574 are arranged in a line. Specifically, the plurality of protrusions 574 are arranged regularly (at equal intervals) in a direction parallel to the contact surface 52 and the irradiation surface 54 (the direction along the arrow D shown in FIG. 12).

[0090] 13 shows a predetermined cross section passing through the transmitting / receiving surface 22 and the contact surface 52 and perpendicular to the transmitting / receiving surface 22. That is, the cross section shown in Fig. 13 is a plane perpendicular to a direction parallel to the contact surface 52 and the irradiation surface 54 (the direction along arrow D shown in Fig. 12).

[0091] The convex portion 574 has a shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases toward the tip. The convex portion 574 is triangular (e.g., equilateral triangle) when viewed in a direction parallel to the side surface 572 and perpendicular to the arrow D in Fig. 12 (the direction along the arrow R in Figs. 12 and 13). The protrusion height of the convex portion 574 from the side surface 572 is preferably a height corresponding to 25% or more of the wavelength of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic generating element 20. The protrusion height of the convex portion 574 from the side surface 572 is, for example, 1 mm.

[0092] The attenuation section 570 has an uneven shape with a plurality of protrusions 574 when viewed in a direction parallel to the side surface 572 and perpendicular to the arrow D in FIG. 12 (the direction along the arrow R in FIGS. 12 and 13). For example, all of the protrusions 574 have the same shape. The concave portions in the uneven shape of the attenuation section 570 are, for example, rounded. The bottoms of the concave portions in the uneven shape of the attenuation section 570 are located on the same plane as the side surface 572.

[0093] Convex portion 574 has a shape that extends in the direction along arrow R in Fig. 12. Attenuation portion 570 has a shape in which the same uneven shape appears in any cross section taken at any position in the direction along arrow R in Fig. 12.

[0094] The backing material 60 is in contact with the entire surface of most of the damping section 570 (excluding part of the side surface 572). Specifically, the backing material 60 enters between the protrusions 574 and is in contact with the entire uneven portion of the damping section 570.

[0095] 5-2.Examples of effects In the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device 10 according to this embodiment, the attenuation section 570 has a configuration in which a plurality of convex sections 574 are arranged side by side. In such a configuration, unwanted reflected waves (ultrasonic waves that are reflected by the contact surface 52 and deviate from the region between the transmitting / receiving surface 22 and the contact surface 52) can be scattered by the convex sections 574 of the attenuation section 570, and the unwanted reflected waves can be effectively attenuated.

[0096] Furthermore, in the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device 10 according to this embodiment, when viewed in a direction parallel to the side surface 572 and perpendicular to the arrow D in Fig. 12 (the direction along the arrow R in Fig. 12), the attenuation section 570 has an uneven shape with multiple convex portions 574. With this configuration, unwanted reflected waves (ultrasonic waves that are reflected by the contact surface 52 and deviate from the area between the transmitting / receiving surface 22 and the contact surface 52) can be scattered by the uneven shape of the attenuation section 570, and the unwanted reflected waves can be attenuated even more effectively.

[0097] Furthermore, the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device 10 according to this embodiment is configured with a plurality of protrusions 574 arranged in parallel to the side surface 572 and extending in a direction perpendicular to the arrow D in FIG. 12 (the direction along the arrow R in FIGS. 12 and 13). With this configuration, the shape formed by the plurality of protrusions 574 is simple, making manufacturing easier. This allows for both easy manufacturing and efficient attenuation of unwanted reflected waves.

[0098] <Other embodiments> The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and in the drawings. For example, any combination of features of the above-described or following embodiments is possible within a range that does not contradict. Furthermore, any feature of the above-described or following embodiments may be omitted unless explicitly stated as essential. Furthermore, the above-described embodiment may be modified as follows.

[0099] In the first embodiment, the plurality of protrusions 74 are arranged side by side, but they may be arranged in a dispersed manner. Specifically, the plurality of protrusions 74 may be arranged irregularly.

[0100] In the first embodiment, the convex portion 74 protrudes in a direction along the irradiation surface 54, but may protrude in a direction tilted from the direction along the irradiation surface 54.

[0101] In the first embodiment, the convex portion 74 is triangular when viewed in the direction of the arrow D, but it may be trapezoidal or have other shapes.

[0102] In the first embodiment, the recessed portions (bottoms of the recessed portions) in the concave and convex shape of the attenuation section 70 are rounded, but they may be pointed or trapezoidal.

[0103] In the first embodiment, all of the plurality of protrusions 74 have the same shape, but some of the protrusions 74 may have the same shape, or all of the protrusions 74 may have different shapes.

[0104] In the fourth embodiment, the recesses 474A and 474B are recessed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, but may be recessed in the shape of a cone.

[0105] In the fifth embodiment, the convex portion 574 is triangular when viewed in the direction of the arrow D, but may be trapezoidal or have other shapes.

[0106] In the first embodiment described above, the convex portion 74 had a shape (a shape similar to a triangular prism) that extended in a direction perpendicular to the cut surface (a direction along arrow D in Figure 4), but it may also have a protruding convex shape (such as a triangular pyramid) that protrudes outward.

[0107] In the first to fifth embodiments, the material of the backing material 60 is different from the material of the transmitter 50, but they may be the same.

[0108] In the first to fifth embodiments, the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device 10 is a wearable device, but is not limited to a wearable device such as a handheld type.

[0109] In the first to fifth embodiments, the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device 10 is configured to include one ultrasonic generating element 20, but may include a plurality (for example, 100 or more) of ultrasonic generating elements 20. It is sufficient that the transmitting / receiving surface 22 of at least one of the plurality of ultrasonic generating elements 20 is disposed at an angle with respect to the contact surface 52. It is preferable that attenuation sections are disposed in areas outside the ultrasonic transmission paths of all of the plurality of ultrasonic generating elements 20.

[0110] In the first to fifth embodiments, the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device 10 may include a battery. For example, the battery may have a low capacity of 1000 mAh or less. For example, if the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device 10 is a handheld type, a battery of about 3000 mAh may be used.

[0111] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1: Monitoring System 10: Ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device 12: Wearable body 14: Housing 16: Bottom wall 18: Aperture 20: Ultrasonic generating element (transmitter / receiver) 22: Transmitting and receiving surface 30: Control section 32: Communications Department 34: Information Department 40: Transmitting and receiving circuit 42: Signal generation circuit 44: Receiver circuit 50: Communication Body 52: Contact surface 54: Irradiation surface 56: External surface 60: Backing material 70: Attenuation section 72: Side 74: Convex 100: User (target person) 110: Bladder 112: Bladder base 190: External device 250: Transmission Body 270: Attenuation section 274: Curved Surface 350: Transmission Body 370: Damping section 374: Curved Surface 450: Transmission Body 470: Attenuation section 472: Side 474A, 474B: Recess 550: Transmission Body 570: Attenuation section 572: Side 574: Convex

Claims

1. An ultrasonic transmitting / receiving device comprising: a transmitting / receiving unit that transmits ultrasonic waves into a body of a subject and receives reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves reflected within the body of the subject; and a transmitting body that is arranged in a transmission path of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transmitting / receiving unit, the transmitter has a contact surface that comes into contact with the subject directly or via another member, a transmitting / receiving surface of the transmitting / receiving unit that irradiates the ultrasonic waves and receives the reflected waves is disposed facing the contact surface and inclined relative to the contact surface, The transmitting body has an attenuation portion that attenuates the ultrasonic waves reflected by the contact surface and that are outside the region between the transmitting / receiving surface and the contact surface. Ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device.

2. The attenuation portion has a configuration in which a plurality of protrusions are arranged or dispersed. The ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device according to claim 1 .

3. The attenuation portion has a configuration in which a plurality of recesses are arranged side by side or dispersed. The ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device according to claim 1 .

4. The attenuation portion includes a curved surface. The ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device according to claim 1 .

5. A backing material is provided in contact with the attenuation portion. The ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. In a predetermined cross section passing through the transmitting / receiving surface and the contact surface and perpendicular to the transmitting / receiving surface, the attenuation section has an uneven shape having a plurality of protrusions. The ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device according to claim 1 .

7. A configuration in which a plurality of protrusions extending in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined cutting surface are arranged The ultrasonic transmitting and receiving device according to claim 6 .

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