Ultrasonic measuring device, method, program, recording medium

Abstract

To automatically adjust a focus of an acoustic lens.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic measurement device 1 includes: a lens 10c for receiving an ultrasonic wave P2 output from a measurement object 2; an ultrasonic measurement unit 12 for measuring the ultrasonic waves P2 received by the lens 10c in association with time; an ultrasonic determination unit 12 for determining whether or not the ultrasonic wave P2 is included in measurement results of the ultrasonic measurement unit 12 at the time when time required for the ultrasonic wave P2 to travel a focal distance fd of the lens 10c has elapsed after being output from the measurement object 2: a lens movement unit 16 for moving the lens 10c so that the measurement results by the ultrasonic movement unit 12 include the ultrasonic wave P2; and a measurement head 10 for outputting an ultrasonic pulse P1. The ultrasonic wave P2 is reflection of the ultrasonic pulse P1 by the measurement object 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to ultrasonic measurement.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique of applying ultrasonic waves to a measurement object and measuring its reflected wave (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 3) and a technique of applying pulsed light to a measurement object and measuring the photoacoustic wave generated thereby (see, for example, Patent Document 2) are known.

[0003] Also, a technique of measuring a photoacoustic wave with an acoustic lens and displaying the position of the focus of the acoustic lens is known (see, for example, Patent Document 4).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, even when the position of the focus of the acoustic lens is displayed, aligning the focus of the acoustic lens with the measurement object requires the user to manually do so, which is troublesome.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to automatically align the focus of an acoustic lens.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The ultrasonic measuring device according to the present invention is configured to include: a lens that receives ultrasonic waves output from a target to be measured; an ultrasonic measuring unit that measures the ultrasonic waves received by the lens in correspondence with time; an ultrasonic determination unit that determines whether or not the ultrasonic waves are included in the measurement result of the ultrasonic measuring unit at a time elapsed since the ultrasonic waves were output from the target to be measured for the focal length of the lens to advance; and a lens moving unit that moves the lens so that it is determined that the ultrasonic waves are included in the measurement result of the ultrasonic measuring unit.

[0008] In the ultrasonic measuring device configured as described above, the lens receives ultrasonic waves emitted from the object to be measured. The ultrasonic measuring unit measures the ultrasonic waves received by the lens in correspondence with time. The ultrasonic determination unit determines whether or not the ultrasonic waves are included in the measurement result of the ultrasonic measuring unit at the time elapsed since the ultrasonic waves were emitted from the object to be measured for the focal length of the lens to advance. The lens moving unit moves the lens so that it is determined that the ultrasonic waves are included in the measurement result of the ultrasonic measuring unit.

[0009] Furthermore, the ultrasonic measuring device according to the present invention includes an ultrasonic pulse output unit that outputs ultrasonic pulses, and the ultrasonic waves may be such that the ultrasonic pulses are reflected by the object to be measured.

[0010] Furthermore, in the ultrasonic measuring device according to the present invention, the elapsed time may be considered to be a time within a predetermined range starting from the point in time when the ultrasonic pulse output unit outputs the ultrasonic pulse, plus a value obtained by adding twice the focal length divided by the speed of sound.

[0011] Furthermore, the ultrasonic measuring device according to the present invention may include a pulsed light output unit that outputs pulsed light, and the ultrasonic waves may be photoacoustic waves generated at the object to be measured by the pulsed light.

[0012] Furthermore, in the ultrasonic measuring device according to the present invention, the elapsed time may be considered to be a time within a predetermined range from the point in time when the pulse light output unit outputs the pulse light, plus the value obtained by dividing the focal length by the speed of sound.

[0013] Furthermore, in the ultrasonic measuring device according to the present invention, the lens moving part may be configured to move the lens closer to the object to be measured.

[0014] Furthermore, in the ultrasonic measuring device according to the present invention, the lens moving part may be configured to move the lens away from the object to be measured.

[0015] Furthermore, in the ultrasonic measuring device according to the present invention, after it is determined that the measurement result of the ultrasonic measuring unit contains ultrasonic waves at the aforementioned time point, the lens moving unit may move the lens even closer to the object to be measured.

[0016] Furthermore, in the ultrasonic measuring device according to the present invention, after it is determined that the measurement result of the ultrasonic measuring unit contains ultrasonic waves at the aforementioned time point, the lens moving unit may further move the lens away from the object to be measured.

[0017] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic measurement method using an ultrasonic measuring device having a lens that receives ultrasonic waves output from a target to be measured and a lens moving unit that moves the lens, comprising: an ultrasonic measurement step of measuring the ultrasonic waves received by the lens in correspondence with time; and an ultrasonic determination step of determining whether or not the ultrasonic waves are included in the measurement result of the ultrasonic measurement step at a time elapsed since the ultrasonic waves were output from the target to be measured for the focal length of the lens to advance, wherein the lens moving unit moves the lens so that it is determined that the ultrasonic waves are included in the measurement result of the ultrasonic measurement step.

[0018] A program for causing a computer to execute ultrasonic measurement processing using an ultrasonic measurement apparatus having a lens that receives ultrasonic waves output from a measurement target and a lens moving unit that moves the lens, wherein the ultrasonic measurement processing includes: an ultrasonic measurement step of measuring the ultrasonic waves received by the lens in association with time; and an ultrasonic determination step of determining whether or not the ultrasonic waves are included in the measurement result of the ultrasonic measurement step at a point in time when the time required for the focal length of the lens to progress after the ultrasonic waves are output from the measurement target has elapsed, and the lens moving unit moves the lens so that it is determined that the ultrasonic waves are included in the measurement result of the ultrasonic measurement unit.

[0019] A computer-readable recording medium recording a program for causing a computer to execute ultrasonic measurement processing using an ultrasonic measurement apparatus having a lens that receives ultrasonic waves output from a measurement target and a lens moving unit that moves the lens, wherein the ultrasonic measurement processing includes: an ultrasonic measurement step of measuring the ultrasonic waves received by the lens in association with time; and an ultrasonic determination step of determining whether or not the ultrasonic waves are included in the measurement result of the ultrasonic measurement step at a point in time when the time required for the focal length of the lens to progress after the ultrasonic waves are output from the measurement target has elapsed, and the lens moving unit moves the lens so that it is determined that the ultrasonic waves are included in the measurement result of the ultrasonic measurement unit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic measurement apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view of a measurement head 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic measurement apparatus 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view of a measurement head 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic measurement device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a measurement head 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] The ultrasonic measurement device 1 according to the first embodiment includes a measurement head (ultrasonic pulse output unit) 10, an ultrasonic measurement unit 12, an ultrasonic determination unit 14, and a lens movement unit 16.

[0024] The measurement head (ultrasonic pulse output unit) 10 outputs an ultrasonic pulse P1. The measurement head 10 is in contact with the measurement object 2. The measurement object 2 is, for example, the skin and is curved convex upward. The measurement head 10 has a spacer 10a, a sensor 10b, a lens 10c, and water 10d.

[0025] The spacer 10a has a thin film (not shown) at its bottom, and the thin film is curved along the surface of the measurement object 2. Water 10d is accommodated in the spacer 10a. In FIG. 1, the focal point fp of the lens 10c coincides with the surface of the measurement object 2. In such a case, the tip of the sensor 10b and the lens 10c are accommodated in the water 10d.

[0026] The lens 10c receives the ultrasonic wave P2 (see FIG. 1) output from the measurement object 2. Note that the ultrasonic wave P2 is the one obtained by reflecting the ultrasonic pulse P1 by the measurement object 2. Also, the focal length of the lens 10c is denoted as fd.

[0027] Sensor 10b is an ultrasonic sensor that receives ultrasonic waves P2 received by lens 10c, converts them into electrical signals, and provides them to ultrasonic measuring unit 12. In the first embodiment, sensor 10b and lens 10c are separate components, but sensor 10b itself may be curved to form the lens. Also, in the first embodiment, sensor 10b and lens 10c are in contact, but sensor 10b may be flat and separated from lens 10c.

[0028] The ultrasonic measuring unit 12 measures the ultrasonic waves P2 received by the lens 10c in correspondence with time.

[0029] The ultrasonic determination unit 14 determines whether or not the ultrasonic waves P2 are included in the measurement result of the ultrasonic measurement unit 12 at a time elapsed after the ultrasonic waves P2 are output (reflected) from the object to be measured 2 and travel through the focal length fd of the lens 10c (fd / Vs, where Vs is the speed of sound). Whether or not ultrasonic waves P2 are included can be determined, for example, by whether or not the power of the measurement result (or a component of a specific frequency thereof) exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0030] However, the elapsed time is considered to be within a predetermined range (±Δt) from the time t0 when the ultrasonic pulse output unit (measurement head 10) outputs an ultrasonic pulse, plus the value obtained by dividing twice the focal length fd by the speed of sound Vs. That is, any time between t0+2fd / Vs-Δt and t0+2fd / Vs+Δt is considered to be an elapsed time.

[0031] When the focal point fp of lens 10c is aligned with the surface of the object to be measured 2, the ultrasonic pulse P1 reaches the object to be measured 2 and ultrasonic pulse P2 is emitted (reflected) from the object to be measured 2 at the time t0 when the ultrasonic pulse output unit (measuring head 10) emits an ultrasonic pulse, plus the value obtained by dividing the focal length fd by the speed of sound Vs (t0 + fd / Vs). Furthermore, at the time when ultrasonic pulse P2 is emitted (reflected) from the object to be measured 2 (t0 + fd / Vs), plus the value obtained by dividing the focal length fd by the speed of sound Vs (t0 + 2fd / Vs), ultrasonic pulse P2 reaches lens 10c. However, considering fluctuations in the speed of sound Vs due to the water temperature of water 10d, etc., if the focal point fp of lens 10c is within a predetermined range (±Δt) from t0 + 2fd / Vs, it can be considered that the focal point fp of lens 10c is aligned with the surface of the object to be measured 2.

[0032] The lens movement unit 16 moves the lens 10c so that the measurement result of the ultrasonic measurement unit 12 is determined to include ultrasonic waves P2. This allows the focal point fp of the lens 10c to be aligned with the surface of the object to be measured 2.

[0033] For example, the lens 10c is moved sufficiently far away from the object to be measured 2 (the focal point fp is above the surface of the object to be measured 2), and then the lens movement unit 16 moves the lens 10c in the Z direction (height direction) to bring it closer to the object to be measured 2. Alternatively, the lens 10c is moved sufficiently close to the object to be measured 2 (the focal point fp is below the surface of the object to be measured 2), and then the lens movement unit 16 moves the lens 10c in the Z direction (height direction) to move it away from the object to be measured 2.

[0034] Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described.

[0035] First, the lens 10c of the measuring head 10 should be moved sufficiently far away from the object to be measured 2. At a minimum, the focal point fp should be above the surface of the object to be measured 2.

[0036] Next, an ultrasonic pulse P1 is emitted from the lens 10c of the ultrasonic pulse output unit (measuring head 10) toward the object to be measured 2 (emission time t0). The ultrasonic pulse P1 is reflected by the surface of the object to be measured 2 (ultrasonic pulse P2) and heads toward the lens 10c. The time when ultrasonic pulse P2 reaches the lens 10c is after t0 + 2fd / Vs.

[0037] The ultrasonic waves P2 received by the lens 10c are converted into an electrical signal by the sensor 10b and supplied to the ultrasonic measurement unit 12. The measurement results from the ultrasonic measurement unit 12 are supplied to the ultrasonic determination unit 14, which determines that at the elapsed time (t0 + 2fd / Vs), the ultrasonic waves P2 are not included in the measurement results from the ultrasonic measurement unit 12.

[0038] Upon receiving this determination, the lens movement unit 16 moves the lens 10c in the Z direction (height direction) so that it approaches the object to be measured 2.

[0039] Eventually, the focal point fp aligns with the surface of object 2 being measured (see Figure 1).

[0040] An ultrasonic pulse P1 is emitted from the lens 10c of the ultrasonic pulse output unit (measuring head 10) toward the object to be measured 2 (emission time t0). The ultrasonic pulse P1 is reflected by the surface of the object to be measured 2 (ultrasonic pulse P2) and heads toward the lens 10c. The time when ultrasonic pulse P2 reaches the lens 10c is after t0 + 2fd / Vs - Δt and before t0 + 2fd / Vs + Δt, even considering fluctuations in the speed of sound Vs.

[0041] The ultrasonic waves P2 received by the lens 10c are converted into an electrical signal by the sensor 10b and supplied to the ultrasonic measurement unit 12. The measurement results from the ultrasonic measurement unit 12 are supplied to the ultrasonic determination unit 14, which determines that ultrasonic waves P2 are included in the measurement results from the ultrasonic measurement unit 12 at the elapsed time (after t0+2fd / Vs-Δt and before t0+2fd / Vs+Δt).

[0042] Upon receiving this determination, the lens 10c stops with the focus point fp still aligned with the surface of the object being measured 2.

[0043] Furthermore, if the lens 10c of the measuring head 10 is brought sufficiently close to the object to be measured 2 (at least so that the focal point fp is below the surface of the object to be measured 2), and the lens moving unit 16 is used to move the lens 10c away from the object to be measured 2 in the Z direction (height direction), the lens 10c will stop with the focal point fp still aligned with the surface of the object to be measured 2.

[0044] According to the first embodiment, the focal point fp of the lens 10c can be automatically aligned with the surface of the object to be measured 2.

[0045] Furthermore, various modifications of the first embodiment are possible, as shown below.

[0046] Variation 1 The process is the same as in the first embodiment until the focal point fp aligns with the surface of the object to be measured 2, and the ultrasonic determination unit 14 determines that the measurement result of the ultrasonic measurement unit 12 includes ultrasonic waves P2 at the elapsed time.

[0047] In the modified example 1, the lens moving unit 16 then moves the lens 10c even closer to the object to be measured 2.

[0048] According to Modification 1, the focal point (fp) can be focused on the surface of the object to be measured 2, and then further focused on the interior of the object to be measured 2 (for example, the subcutaneous tissue (especially subcutaneous fat)).

[0049] The skin consists of the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. Ultrasound is greatly attenuated in the subcutaneous tissue (especially subcutaneous fat). Therefore, in order to measure the subcutaneous tissue with ultrasound, it is preferable to focus the fp on the deeper part of the dermis or the subcutaneous tissue. Thus, as described above, it is preferable to focus the fp on the inside of the measurement target 2 (for example, the subcutaneous tissue (especially subcutaneous fat)) when measuring the subcutaneous tissue.

[0050] Variation 2 The process is the same as in the first embodiment until the focal point fp aligns with the surface of the object to be measured 2, and the ultrasonic determination unit 14 determines that the measurement result of the ultrasonic measurement unit 12 includes ultrasonic waves P2 at the elapsed time.

[0051] In the modified example 2, the lens movement unit 16 then moves the lens 10c away from the object to be measured 2.

[0052] According to Modification 2, the entire object to be measured 2 is located below the focal point fp. If the object to be measured 2 has both a part above and a part below the focal point fp, image processing of the object to be measured 2 becomes difficult. However, since the entire object to be measured 2 is located below the focal point fp, image processing of the object to be measured 2 can be made easier.

[0053] Second Embodiment The ultrasonic measuring device 1 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it receives photoacoustic waves AW from the object to be measured 2, in that it receives ultrasonic waves P2 from the object to be measured 2.

[0054] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic measuring device 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a measuring head 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, parts the same as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted.

[0055] The ultrasonic measuring device 1 according to the second embodiment comprises a measuring head 10, an ultrasonic measuring unit 12, an ultrasonic determination unit 14, and a lens moving unit 16.

[0056] The measuring head 10 outputs pulsed light P. The measuring head 10 is in contact with the object to be measured 2. The object to be measured 2 is the same as in the first embodiment and will not be described. The measuring head 10 has a spacer 10a, a lens 10c, water 10d, an optical fiber (pulsed light output section) 10e, an optical fiber holder 10f, and an output terminal 10g.

[0057] The spacer 10a and water 10d are the same as in the first embodiment, and their description is omitted.

[0058] The optical fiber (pulsed light output section) 10e outputs pulsed light P from its output end 10g. The output direction of the pulsed light P is the Z direction. When the object to be measured 2 receives the pulsed light P, it generates an optical acoustic wave AW. The optical fiber holder section 10f is arranged around the optical fiber 10e and holds the optical fiber 10e.

[0059] In Figure 4, the focal point fp of lens 10c is aligned with the surface of the object to be measured 2. In this case, the tip of the optical fiber holder 10f and lens 10c are housed in water 10d.

[0060] Lens 10c receives ultrasonic waves (photoacoustic waves AW) (see Figures 3 and 4) output from the object to be measured 2. The photoacoustic waves AW are generated in the object to be measured 2 by pulsed light P. The focal length of lens 10c is denoted as fd, as in the first embodiment.

[0061] Sensor 10b is the same as in the first embodiment, except that it receives ultrasonic waves (photoacoustic waves AW) received by lens 10c, so its description is omitted.

[0062] The ultrasonic measurement unit 12 measures the ultrasonic waves (photoacoustic waves AW) received by the lens 10c in correspondence with time.

[0063] The ultrasonic determination unit 14 determines whether or not the ultrasonic wave P2 is included in the measurement result of the ultrasonic measurement unit 12 at a time elapsed after the ultrasonic wave (photoacoustic wave AW) is output from the measurement target 2 and travels through the focal length fd of the lens 10c (fd / Vs). Whether or not the ultrasonic wave (photoacoustic wave AW) is included can be determined, for example, by whether or not the power of the measurement result (or a component of a specific frequency thereof) exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0064] However, the elapsed time is considered to be within a predetermined range (±Δt) from the time t0 when the optical fiber (pulsed light output section) 10e outputs pulsed light P, plus the value obtained by dividing the focal length fd by the speed of sound Vs. That is, any time after t0 + fd / Vs - Δt and before t0 + fd / Vs + Δt is considered to be an elapsed time.

[0065] When the focal point fp of lens 10c is aligned with the surface of the object to be measured 2, the pulsed light P reaches the object to be measured 2 and the ultrasonic waves (photoacoustic waves AW) are emitted from the object to be measured 2 at approximately the same time t0 as the optical fiber (pulsed light output unit) 10e outputs the pulsed light P. Furthermore, the ultrasonic waves (photoacoustic waves AW) reach lens 10c at the time when the focal length fd is divided by the speed of sound Vs (t0 + fd / Vs) added to the time when the ultrasonic waves (photoacoustic waves AW) are emitted from the object to be measured 2 (t0). However, considering fluctuations in the speed of sound Vs due to the water temperature of water 10d, etc., if the focal point fp of lens 10c is within a predetermined range (±Δt) from t0 + fd / Vs, it can be considered that the focal point fp of lens 10c is aligned with the surface of the object to be measured 2.

[0066] The lens movement unit 16 moves the lens 10c so that the measurement result of the ultrasonic measurement unit 12 is determined to include ultrasound (photoacoustic wave AW). This allows the focal point fp of the lens 10c to be aligned with the surface of the object to be measured 2.

[0067] For example, the lens 10c is moved sufficiently far away from the object to be measured 2 (the focal point fp is above the surface of the object to be measured 2), and then the lens movement unit 16 moves the lens 10c in the Z direction (height direction) to bring it closer to the object to be measured 2. Alternatively, the lens 10c is moved sufficiently close to the object to be measured 2 (the focal point fp is below the surface of the object to be measured 2), and then the lens movement unit 16 moves the lens 10c in the Z direction (height direction) to move it away from the object to be measured 2.

[0068] Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described.

[0069] First, the lens 10c of the measuring head 10 should be moved sufficiently far away from the object to be measured 2. At a minimum, the focal point fp should be above the surface of the object to be measured 2.

[0070] Next, pulsed light P is emitted from the optical fiber (pulsed light output section) 10e towards the object to be measured 2 (emission time t0). When the pulsed light P reaches the surface of the object to be measured 2, ultrasonic waves (photoacoustic waves AW) are generated and directed towards the lens 10c. The time when the ultrasonic waves (photoacoustic waves AW) reach the lens 10c is after t0 + fd / Vs.

[0071] The ultrasonic waves (photoacoustic waves AW) received by the lens 10c are converted into electrical signals by the sensor 10b and supplied to the ultrasonic measurement unit 12. The measurement results from the ultrasonic measurement unit 12 are supplied to the ultrasonic determination unit 14, which determines that at the elapsed time (t0 + fd / Vs), the measurement results from the ultrasonic measurement unit 12 do not contain ultrasonic waves (photoacoustic waves AW).

[0072] Upon receiving this determination, the lens movement unit 16 moves the lens 10c in the Z direction (height direction) so that it approaches the object to be measured 2.

[0073] Eventually, the focal point fp aligns with the surface of object 2 being measured (see Figure 1).

[0074] A pulsed light P is emitted from the optical fiber (pulsed light output section) 10e toward the object to be measured 2 (emission time t0). When the pulsed light P reaches the surface of the object to be measured 2, ultrasonic waves (photoacoustic waves AW) are generated and directed toward the lens 10c. The time when the ultrasonic waves (photoacoustic waves AW) reach the lens 10c is after t0 + fd / Vs - Δt and before t0 + fd / Vs + Δt, even considering fluctuations in the speed of sound Vs.

[0075] The ultrasonic waves (photoacoustic waves AW) received by the lens 10c are converted into electrical signals by the sensor 10b and supplied to the ultrasonic measurement unit 12. The measurement results from the ultrasonic measurement unit 12 are supplied to the ultrasonic determination unit 14, which determines that ultrasonic waves (photoacoustic waves AW) are included in the measurement results from the ultrasonic measurement unit 12 at an elapsed time (after t0+fd / Vs-Δt and before t0+fd / Vs+Δt).

[0076] Upon receiving this determination, the lens 10c stops with the focus point fp still aligned with the surface of the object being measured 2.

[0077] Furthermore, if the lens 10c of the measuring head 10 is brought sufficiently close to the object to be measured 2 (at least so that the focal point fp is below the surface of the object to be measured 2), and the lens moving unit 16 is used to move the lens 10c away from the object to be measured 2 in the Z direction (height direction), the lens 10c will stop with the focal point fp still aligned with the surface of the object to be measured 2.

[0078] According to the second embodiment, even when receiving photoacoustic waves AW from the object to be measured 2, the lens 10c can be automatically focused.

[0079] In the second embodiment, as with the first embodiment's modified examples 1 and 2, after the focal point fp aligns with the surface of the object to be measured 2 and the ultrasonic determination unit 14 determines that the measurement result of the ultrasonic measurement unit 12 includes ultrasound (photoacoustic wave AW) at a given time, the lens moving unit 16 may further move the lens 10c closer to or further away from the object to be measured 2.

[0080] Furthermore, the above embodiment can be realized as follows: A computer equipped with a CPU, a hard disk, and a media (USB memory, CD-ROM, etc.) reader is made to read a media containing a program that implements each of the above parts, for example, the ultrasonic measurement unit 12 and the ultrasonic judgment unit 14, and install it on the hard disk. The above functions can also be realized by this method. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0081] 1. Ultrasonic measuring device 10. Measurement head (ultrasonic pulse output unit) 10a Spacer 10b Sensor 10c lens 10d water 10e optical fiber (pulsed light output section) 10f Optical Fiber Holding Section 10g output end 12 Ultrasonic Measurement Unit 14 Ultrasonic determination section 16 Lens movement section P1 Ultrasonic pulse P2 ultrasound P pulsed light AW (Photoacoustic waves / ultrasound) fp focus fd focal length Vs sound speed

Claims

1. A lens that receives ultrasound waves emitted from the object being measured, An ultrasonic measuring unit that measures the ultrasonic waves received by the lens in correspondence with time, An ultrasonic determination unit determines whether or not the measurement result of the ultrasonic measurement unit includes the ultrasonic waves at a time elapsed since the ultrasonic waves were emitted from the object to be measured and the focal length of the lens had progressed, A lens moving unit moves the lens so that it is determined that the measurement result of the ultrasonic measuring unit contains the ultrasonic waves, Equipped with, An ultrasonic measuring device in which, after it is determined that the measurement result of the ultrasonic measuring unit contains ultrasonic waves at the aforementioned time point, the lens moving unit further brings the lens closer to the object to be measured.

2. A lens that receives ultrasound waves emitted from the object being measured, An ultrasonic measuring unit that measures the ultrasonic waves received by the lens in correspondence with time, An ultrasonic determination unit determines whether or not the measurement result of the ultrasonic measurement unit includes the ultrasonic waves at a time elapsed since the ultrasonic waves were emitted from the object to be measured and the focal length of the lens had progressed, A lens moving unit moves the lens so that it is determined that the measurement result of the ultrasonic measuring unit contains the ultrasonic waves, Equipped with, An ultrasonic measuring device in which, after it is determined that the measurement result of the ultrasonic measuring unit contains ultrasonic waves at the aforementioned time point, the lens moving unit further moves the lens away from the object to be measured.

3. An ultrasonic measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, It is equipped with an ultrasonic pulse output unit that outputs ultrasonic pulses, The ultrasonic wave is an ultrasonic measuring device in which the ultrasonic pulse is reflected by the object to be measured.

4. An ultrasonic measuring device according to claim 3, An ultrasonic measuring device in which the time elapsed is considered to be a time within a predetermined range obtained by adding a value obtained by dividing twice the focal length by the speed of sound at the time the ultrasonic pulse output unit outputs the ultrasonic pulse.

5. An ultrasonic measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, It is equipped with a pulsed light output section that outputs pulsed light, The ultrasonic wave is a photoacoustic wave generated at the object to be measured by the pulsed light in an ultrasonic measuring device.

6. An ultrasonic measuring device according to claim 5, An ultrasonic measuring device in which the elapsed time is considered to be a time within a predetermined range obtained by adding the value obtained by dividing the focal length by the speed of sound at the time when the pulse light output unit outputs the pulse light.

7. An ultrasonic measuring apparatus according to either claim 1 or 2, An ultrasonic measuring device in which the lens moving unit moves the lens closer to the object to be measured.

8. An ultrasonic measuring apparatus according to either claim 1 or 2, An ultrasonic measuring device in which the lens moving part moves the lens away from the object to be measured.

9. An ultrasonic measurement method using an ultrasonic measuring device having a lens that receives ultrasonic waves emitted from a target to be measured, and a lens moving part that moves the lens, An ultrasonic measurement step of measuring the ultrasonic waves received by the lens in correspondence with time, An ultrasonic determination step, which determines whether or not the measurement result of the ultrasonic measurement step includes the ultrasonic waves at a time elapsed since the ultrasonic waves were emitted from the object to be measured for the focal length of the lens to advance, Equipped with, The lens moving unit moves the lens so that the measurement result of the ultrasonic measuring unit is determined to include the ultrasonic waves. An ultrasonic measuring device in which, after it is determined at the aforementioned time point that the measurement result of the ultrasonic measuring process includes ultrasonic waves, the lens moving unit further brings the lens closer to the object to be measured.

10. An ultrasonic measurement method using an ultrasonic measuring device having a lens that receives ultrasonic waves emitted from a target to be measured, and a lens moving part that moves the lens, An ultrasonic measurement step of measuring the ultrasonic waves received by the lens in correspondence with time, An ultrasonic determination step, which determines whether or not the measurement result of the ultrasonic measurement step includes the ultrasonic waves at a time elapsed since the ultrasonic waves were emitted from the object to be measured for the focal length of the lens to advance, Equipped with, The lens moving unit moves the lens so that the measurement result of the ultrasonic measuring unit is determined to include the ultrasonic waves. An ultrasonic measuring device in which, after it is determined at the aforementioned time point that the measurement result of the ultrasonic measuring process contains ultrasonic waves, the lens moving unit further moves the lens away from the object to be measured.

11. A program for causing a computer to perform ultrasonic measurement processing using an ultrasonic measuring device having a lens that receives ultrasonic waves emitted from a target to be measured, and a lens moving unit that moves the lens, The aforementioned ultrasonic measurement process, An ultrasonic measurement step of measuring the ultrasonic waves received by the lens in correspondence with time, An ultrasonic determination step, which determines whether or not the measurement result of the ultrasonic measurement step includes the ultrasonic waves at a time elapsed since the ultrasonic waves were emitted from the object to be measured for the focal length of the lens to advance, Equipped with, The lens moving unit moves the lens so that the measurement result of the ultrasonic measuring unit is determined to include the ultrasonic waves. A program that, after it is determined at the aforementioned time point that the measurement result of the ultrasonic measurement process includes the ultrasonic waves, moves the lens moving unit further closer to the object to be measured.

12. A program for causing a computer to perform ultrasonic measurement processing using an ultrasonic measuring device having a lens that receives ultrasonic waves emitted from a target to be measured, and a lens moving unit that moves the lens, The aforementioned ultrasonic measurement process, An ultrasonic measurement step of measuring the ultrasonic waves received by the lens in correspondence with time, An ultrasonic determination step, which determines whether or not the measurement result of the ultrasonic measurement step includes the ultrasonic waves at a time elapsed since the ultrasonic waves were emitted from the object to be measured for the focal length of the lens to advance, Equipped with, The lens moving unit moves the lens so that the measurement result of the ultrasonic measuring unit is determined to include the ultrasonic waves. A program that, after it is determined at the aforementioned time point that the measurement result of the ultrasonic measurement process includes the ultrasonic waves, moves the lens moving unit further away from the object to be measured.

13. A computer-readable recording medium containing a program for causing a computer to perform ultrasonic measurement processing using an ultrasonic measuring device having a lens that receives ultrasonic waves emitted from a target to be measured, and a lens moving part that moves the lens, The aforementioned ultrasonic measurement process, An ultrasonic measurement step of measuring the ultrasonic waves received by the lens in correspondence with time, An ultrasonic determination step, which determines whether or not the measurement result of the ultrasonic measurement step includes the ultrasonic waves at a time elapsed since the ultrasonic waves were emitted from the object to be measured for the focal length of the lens to advance, Equipped with, The lens moving unit moves the lens so that the measurement result of the ultrasonic measuring unit is determined to include the ultrasonic waves. A recording medium in which, after it is determined at the aforementioned time point that the measurement result of the ultrasonic measurement process includes the ultrasonic waves, the lens moving unit further brings the lens closer to the object to be measured.

14. A computer-readable recording medium containing a program for causing a computer to perform ultrasonic measurement processing using an ultrasonic measuring device having a lens that receives ultrasonic waves emitted from a target to be measured, and a lens moving part that moves the lens, The aforementioned ultrasonic measurement process, An ultrasonic measurement step of measuring the ultrasonic waves received by the lens in correspondence with time, An ultrasonic determination step, which determines whether or not the measurement result of the ultrasonic measurement step includes the ultrasonic waves at a time elapsed since the ultrasonic waves were emitted from the object to be measured for the focal length of the lens to advance, Equipped with, The lens moving unit moves the lens so that the measurement result of the ultrasonic measuring unit is determined to include the ultrasonic waves. A recording medium which, after it is determined at the aforementioned time point that the measurement result of the ultrasonic measurement process includes the ultrasonic waves, the lens moving unit further moves the lens away from the object to be measured.

Images