Ultrasonic measurement system, user terminal, ultrasonic measurement method, and ultrasonic measurement program

Abstract

An ultrasonic measurement system 100 comprises a probe 1 that is attached to a subject and transmits an ultrasonic wave into the body of the subject to receive a reflected wave, and a user terminal 4 that is communicably connected to the probe 1 and transmits a measurement command for transmitting and receiving the ultrasonic wave to the probe 1. The user terminal 4 has a processor 41. The processor 41 causes the user terminal 4 to display a recommended orientation of the subject during transmission and reception of the ultrasonic wave by the probe 1, causes the user terminal 4 to display a measurement button 72d for transmitting and receiving the ultrasonic wave to the probe 1, and outputs the measurement command to the probe 1 when receiving an operation from the subject to the measurement button 72d.

Description

Ultrasonic measurement system, user terminal, ultrasonic measurement method, and ultrasonic measurement program

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to an ultrasonic measurement system, a user terminal, an ultrasonic measurement method, and an ultrasonic measurement program.

[0002] Conventionally, systems that transmit ultrasound waves into the body of a subject using a probe and receive reflected waves are known. For example, a system disclosed in Patent Document 1 transmits ultrasound waves into the body, receives reflected waves from the bladder, and estimates the amount of urine in the bladder based on the results.

[0003] JP 2016-43274 A

[0004] The aforementioned ultrasound transmission and reception technology acquires reflected waves from within the body for various purposes. Whatever the purpose, it is necessary to acquire the target reflected waves with high accuracy.

[0005] The technology disclosed herein has been made in consideration of the above points, and its purpose is to acquire the target reflected wave with high accuracy.

[0006] The ultrasound measurement system disclosed herein comprises a probe that is worn by a subject and transmits ultrasound waves into the subject's body and receives reflected waves, and a user terminal that is communicatively connected to the probe and transmits measurement commands to the probe to send and receive ultrasound waves, the user terminal having at least one processor that displays on the user terminal a recommended posture for the subject when the probe sends and receives ultrasound waves, displays on the user terminal a measurement button for causing the probe to send and receive ultrasound waves, and outputs the measurement command to the probe when the subject operates the measurement button.

[0007] The user terminal disclosed herein is a user terminal that is worn by a subject, is communicatively connected to a probe that transmits ultrasound waves into the subject's body and receives reflected waves, and transmits measurement commands to the probe to send and receive ultrasound waves, and has at least one processor, which displays on the user terminal a recommended posture for the subject when the probe sends and receives ultrasound waves, displays on the user terminal a measurement button for causing the probe to send and receive ultrasound waves, and upon receiving operation of the measurement button from the subject, transmits the measurement command from the user terminal to the probe.

[0008] The ultrasound measurement method disclosed herein includes displaying on a user terminal a recommended posture of the subject when transmitting and receiving ultrasound using a probe that is attached to the subject and transmits ultrasound into the subject's body and receives reflected waves; displaying on the user terminal a measurement button for causing the probe to transmit and receive ultrasound; and, upon receiving operation of the measurement button by the subject, sending a measurement command to the probe to transmit and receive ultrasound.

[0009] The ultrasound measurement program disclosed herein causes a computer to execute the following operations: displaying on a user terminal the recommended posture of the subject when transmitting and receiving ultrasound using a probe that is worn by the subject and transmits ultrasound into the subject's body and receives reflected waves; displaying on the user terminal a measurement button for causing the probe to transmit and receive ultrasound; and, upon receiving operation of the measurement button by the subject, transmitting a measurement command from the user terminal to the probe to transmit and receive ultrasound.

[0010] According to the ultrasonic measurement system, it is possible to acquire the target reflected wave with high accuracy.

[0011] The user terminal can acquire the target reflected wave with high accuracy.

[0012] According to the ultrasonic measurement method, the reflected wave of interest can be acquired with high accuracy.

[0013] According to the ultrasonic measurement program, the reflected waves of interest can be acquired with high accuracy.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an ultrasonic measurement system. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a probe. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the probe. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the attached state of the probe. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the interior of the casing with the lid removed. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the probe taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the probe taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 5. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lower abdomen of a human body with a probe attached. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a computing device. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a processor. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for estimating the shape of the bladder based on the detection results of a first ultrasonic sensor. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for estimating the shape of the bladder based on the detection results of a second ultrasonic sensor. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of basic processing by the control device. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the main processing of ultrasonic measurement on a user terminal. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a home screen. FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the first estimation subroutine. FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the second estimation subroutine. FIG. 18 is an example of a measurement guidance screen before urination. FIG. 19 is another example of a measurement guidance screen before urination. FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of a measurement screen. FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of an estimation result screen. FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of a urination instruction screen. FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of a measurement guidance screen after urination. FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram of an estimation result screen after urination. FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram of a urine volume screen. FIG. 26 is a flowchart of a second estimation subroutine according to a modified example. FIG. 27 is an example of a measurement guidance screen before urination. FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram of a second estimation result screen.

[0015] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an ultrasonic measurement system 100;

[0016] The ultrasound measurement system 100 includes a probe 1 that is worn by a subject and transmits ultrasound waves into the subject's body and receives reflected waves, and a user terminal 4 that is communicatively connected to the probe 1 and outputs measurement commands to the probe 1 to transmit and receive ultrasound. In this example, the acquired reflected waves are used to estimate the amount of urine in the subject's bladder. Specifically, the user terminal 4 receives measurement results from the probe 1 and estimates the amount of urine in the bladder based on the measurement results. The probe 1 and the user terminal 4 communicate wirelessly. For example, the subject may include not only healthy individuals, but also individuals requiring care, such as the elderly or physically disabled, or individuals who do not require care but who are physically disabled and take a long time to go to the toilet. However, the subject is not limited to these.

[0017] The ultrasound measurement system 100 may further include a posture sensor 14 that detects the posture of the subject. The user terminal 4 determines whether the posture of the subject is appropriate for transmitting and receiving ultrasound based on the detection result of the posture sensor 14. In this example, the posture sensor 14 is attached to the subject. More specifically, the probe 1 includes the posture sensor 14.

[0018] <Probe> Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the probe 1. Fig. 3 is a block diagram of the probe 1. The probe 1 includes an ultrasonic sensor 2 that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, and a control device 3 that controls the ultrasonic sensor 2. The probe 1 further includes a casing 10 that houses the ultrasonic sensor 2 and the control device 3. The casing 10 is formed in a flat shape. The casing 10 includes a contact surface 11 that comes into contact with the skin of the subject's abdomen when the probe 1 is attached to the subject. The casing 10 includes a main body 12 having an internal space, and a lid 13 attached to the main body 12. The main body 12 includes the contact surface 11. The probe 1 further includes an attitude sensor 14. The attitude sensor 14 is housed in the casing 10.

[0019] FIG. 4 shows the attached state of the probe 1. The probe 1 is always attached to the subject. The probe 1 is placed on the subject's abdominal skin in a region corresponding to the bladder (e.g., the lower abdomen). For example, the probe 1 is attached to the subject's abdomen via an adhesive sheet 18 with the contact surface 11 in contact with the subject's abdomen. The adhesive sheet 18 has an adhesive surface and is attached to the abdomen via the adhesive surface. The adhesive sheet 18 has a holder 19 that detachably holds the probe 1. The adhesive sheet 18 and the holder 19 have an opening that exposes the probe 1 to the body surface. The probe 1 held by the holder 19 contacts the body surface through the opening. A gel or the like may be applied between the contact surface 11 and the abdomen to improve the transmittance of ultrasound to the abdomen. The probe 1 may also be attached to the subject by a method other than the adhesive sheet 18, for example, via a belt.

[0020] The ultrasonic sensor 2 transmits and receives ultrasonic waves. Specifically, the ultrasonic sensor 2 includes a piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element vibrates in response to a drive voltage to generate ultrasonic waves, and upon receiving ultrasonic waves, generates an electrical signal in response to the vibrations. The ultrasonic sensor 2 transmits ultrasonic waves toward the subject, i.e., from the contact surface 11 of the casing 10.

[0021] The attitude sensor 14 detects acceleration. For example, the attitude sensor 14 is an acceleration sensor that detects acceleration along three orthogonal axes. An acceleration signal is output from the attitude sensor 14. The attitude sensor 14 is disposed on a substrate 15 (described later) inside the casing 10.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the inside of the casing 10 with the lid 13 removed. The ultrasonic sensor 2 includes a plurality of first ultrasonic sensors 21 whose ultrasonic transmission directions are shifted in a predetermined first direction X and a plurality of second ultrasonic sensors 22 whose ultrasonic transmission directions are shifted in a second direction Y different from the first direction. Hereinafter, the direction in which the ultrasonic transmission directions of the first ultrasonic sensors 21 and the second ultrasonic sensors 22 are shifted is referred to as the "shift direction." That is, the shift direction of the plurality of first ultrasonic sensors 21 is the first direction X, and the shift direction of the plurality of second ultrasonic sensors 22 is the second direction Y. In this example, the first direction X and the second direction Y are perpendicular to each other. The probe 1 is attached to the subject so that the first direction X is oriented in the vertical direction of the body and the second direction Y is oriented in the horizontal direction (i.e., left-right direction) of the body. That is, with respect to the subject, the first direction X is the vertical direction and the second direction Y is the horizontal direction.

[0023] In this example, the ultrasonic sensors 2 include four first ultrasonic sensors 21 and three second ultrasonic sensors 22. However, one first ultrasonic sensor 21 also serves as a second ultrasonic sensor 22. Therefore, the total number of ultrasonic sensors 2 is six. When there is no need to distinguish between the first ultrasonic sensors 21 and the second ultrasonic sensors 22, they will simply be referred to as "ultrasonic sensors 2."

[0024] The four first ultrasonic sensors 21 each transmit ultrasonic waves toward a different portion of the body of the object in the first direction X. Specifically, the four first ultrasonic sensors 21 are arranged side by side in the first direction X within the casing 10. That is, the positions of the four first ultrasonic sensors 21 in the first direction X are different. When distinguishing between the four first ultrasonic sensors 21, alphabets are added to the end of the reference numerals. The four first ultrasonic sensors 21 are referred to as first ultrasonic sensor 21a, first ultrasonic sensor 21b, first ultrasonic sensor 21c, and first ultrasonic sensor 21d, in order from bottom to top in the first direction X.

[0025] Furthermore, the ultrasonic transmission angles of the four first ultrasonic sensors 21, specifically, the elevation and depression angles of the transmission directions, are different from one another. That is, the transmission directions of the four first ultrasonic sensors 21 are non-parallel to one another. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the probe 1 taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 5. The four first ultrasonic sensors 21 transmit ultrasonic waves radially in the vertical direction. Specifically, the transmission direction of the third first ultrasonic sensor 21c from the bottom is perpendicular to the contact surface 11. The transmission direction of the topmost first ultrasonic sensor 21d is more upward than the transmission direction of the first ultrasonic sensor 21c. The transmission direction of the second first ultrasonic sensor 21b from the bottom is more downward than the transmission direction of the first ultrasonic sensor 21c. The transmission direction of the bottommost first ultrasonic sensor 21a is more downward than the transmission direction of the first ultrasonic sensor 21b.

[0026] The four first ultrasonic sensors 21 transmit ultrasonic waves at approximately the same angle to the left and right. For example, in the left and right directions, i.e., the horizontal direction, the four first ultrasonic sensors 21 transmit ultrasonic waves toward the center of the subject, more specifically, toward the midline.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 5 , the three second ultrasonic sensors 22 each transmit ultrasonic waves toward a different portion of the subject's body in the second direction Y. In this example, the third-lowest first ultrasonic sensor 21c functions as the second ultrasonic sensor 22. Therefore, when describing the configuration of the third-lowest first ultrasonic sensor 21c as the second ultrasonic sensor 22, the first ultrasonic sensor 21c will be referred to as the second ultrasonic sensor 22. Specifically, the three second ultrasonic sensors 22 are arranged side by side in the second direction Y within the casing 10. That is, the positions of the three second ultrasonic sensors 22 in the second direction Y are different. Note that, when distinguishing between the three second ultrasonic sensors 22, letters will be added to the end of the reference numerals. The three second ultrasonic sensors 22 will be referred to as the second ultrasonic sensor 22a, the second ultrasonic sensor 22b, and the second ultrasonic sensor 22c, starting from the right side of the subject in the second direction Y. The second ultrasonic sensor 22b also functions as the first ultrasonic sensor 21c. The row of three second ultrasonic sensors 22 intersects with the row of four first ultrasonic sensors 21. At the intersection, a first ultrasonic sensor 21c, i.e., a second ultrasonic sensor 22b, is disposed.

[0028] Furthermore, the ultrasonic transmission angles of the three second ultrasonic sensors 22, specifically the left-right angles of the transmission directions, are different from one another. That is, the transmission directions of the three second ultrasonic sensors 22 are non-parallel to one another. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the probe 1 taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 5. The three second ultrasonic sensors 22 transmit ultrasonic waves radially in the left-right direction. Specifically, the transmission direction of the middle second ultrasonic sensor 22b is perpendicular to the contact surface 11. The transmission direction of the right-side second ultrasonic sensor 22a is more rightward than the transmission direction of the second ultrasonic sensor 22b. The transmission direction of the left-side second ultrasonic sensor 22c is more leftward than the transmission direction of the second ultrasonic sensor 22b.

[0029] The elevation and depression angles of the transmission directions of the three second ultrasonic sensors 22 are approximately the same.

[0030] 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lower abdomen of a human body fitted with the probe 1. The bladder 91 is located in the lower abdomen. The pubic bone 92 is located diagonally below and in front of the bladder 91.

[0031] The probe 1 is attached to the abdomen of the subject so that the ultrasonic waves emitted from the first ultrasonic sensor 21 spread in the up-down direction and the ultrasonic waves emitted from the second ultrasonic sensor 22 spread in the left-right direction. The first ultrasonic sensor 21 transmits ultrasonic waves toward different positions in the up-down direction within the body. The second ultrasonic sensor 22 transmits ultrasonic waves toward different positions in the left-right direction within the body. The bladder 91 expands three-dimensionally as the amount of urine increases. Therefore, different positions in the up-down direction and different positions in the left-right direction correspond to directions in which the bladder 91 expands. Note that the bladder 91 expands particularly significantly in the up-down direction. That is, the first ultrasonic sensor 21 is positioned to transmit ultrasonic waves toward different positions in directions in which the bladder 91 expands relatively significantly.

[0032] <Control Device> The control device 3 is disposed on a substrate 15. As shown in Fig. 6, the substrate 15 is housed in the casing 10 (see also Fig. 7). As shown in Fig. 3, the control device 3 has a transmitter 31 that outputs a drive voltage to the ultrasonic sensor 2, a receiver 32 that receives a reception signal from the ultrasonic sensor 2, a switch 33 that switches the ultrasonic sensor 2 connected to the transmitter 31 and the receiver 32, an alarm 35 that notifies the outside of various information, a communicator 36 that communicates with the outside, a memory 37 that stores various programs and data, a processor 38 that performs overall control of the control device 3, and a memory 39.

[0033] The transmitter 31 supplies a drive voltage to the ultrasonic sensor 2. The transmitter 31 has a pulse generator 31a and an amplifier 31b. The pulse generator 31a generates a pulse signal with a predetermined pulse width and voltage value. The pulse generator 31a may be configured to be able to change the pulse width, number of pulses, and frequency. The amplifier 31b amplifies the pulse signal from the pulse generator 31a and outputs it to the ultrasonic sensor 2 as a drive voltage.

[0034] The receiver 32 receives the electrical signal from the ultrasonic sensor 2. The receiver 32 has an amplifier 32a, a detector 32b, and an A / D converter 32c. The amplifier 32a amplifies the received signal from the ultrasonic sensor 2. The detector 32b performs envelope detection on the amplified received signal. The detector 32b may also amplify the detected received signal. The A / D converter 32c A / D converts the detected received signal.

[0035] The switch 33 selectively switches the ultrasonic sensor 2 connected to the transmitter 31 and the receiver 32 from among the plurality of ultrasonic sensors 2 .

[0036] The alarm 35 is, for example, an LED lamp. The LED lamp lights up and down to notify the subject of various information (for example, that the subject has urinated).

[0037] The communicator 36 is a communication module that communicates with an external communication device such as the user terminal 4. For example, the communicator 36 communicates according to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard. As shown in FIG. 1 , the communicator 36 may be connected to the Internet via a repeater 52 and communicate with a server 51 or the like.

[0038] The storage unit 37 is a computer-readable recording medium, and is configured, for example, by a flash memory. The storage unit 37 stores various programs and information required for executing the processes of the processor 38. Furthermore, the storage unit 37 stores the received signal received by the receiver 32, information acquired from the outside via the communication unit 36, and the like.

[0039] The processor 38 controls the transmitter 31, the receiver 32, the switch 33, the alarm 35, and the communication device 36 based on the programs stored in the storage device 37. The processor 38 is configured with a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 38 performs various processes by loading the programs stored in the storage device 37 or the like into a memory 39 and executing them. The processor 38 may be realized by hardware such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration) having the same functions as a processor.

[0040] Specifically, the processor 38 receives signals from an external device. For example, the processor 38 receives a signal from an external device such as the user terminal 4 via the communication device 36 and performs processing according to the signal (for example, activating the alarm 35). The processor 38 receives a measurement command from the user terminal 4. The processor 38 transmits and receives ultrasonic waves using the ultrasonic sensor 2. For example, the processor 38 controls the switch 33 to switch the ultrasonic sensor 2 connected to the transmitter 31 and the receiver 32. The processor 38 controls the transmitter 31 to output a drive voltage to the ultrasonic sensor 2. The processor 38 controls the receiver 32 to convert the received signal of the ultrasonic sensor 2 into a digital signal. The processor 38 controls the communication device 36 to transmit a signal to an external device such as the user terminal 4. For example, the processor 38 transmits the received signal of the ultrasonic sensor 2 and the detection signal of the attitude sensor 14 to the outside.

[0041] The memory 39 is a computer-readable recording medium, and is composed of, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), or a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0042] <User Terminal> The user terminal 4 is a portable smart device such as a smartphone or tablet terminal. The user terminal 4 can communicate with the probe 1 and causes the probe 1 to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves. The user terminal 4 receives and stores the received signals transmitted from the probe 1 (i.e., the received signals (received waves) of the ultrasonic sensor 2 received and processed by the receiver 32 and the detection signals of the posture sensor 14). Hereinafter, the received signals of the ultrasonic sensor 2 received from the probe 1 will also be simply referred to as the "received signals of the ultrasonic sensor 2." The user terminal 4 also analyzes the stored received signals of the ultrasonic sensor 2. Specifically, the user terminal 4 estimates the urine volume in the bladder based on the received signals of the ultrasonic sensor 2. The user terminal 4 stores programs, data, and the like for performing ultrasonic measurement.

[0043] The user terminal 4 can operate an application program (hereinafter simply referred to as a "dedicated app") dedicated to the ultrasonic measurement system 100. By using the dedicated app, the user terminal 4 transmits and receives signals to and from the probe 1, analyzes signals received by the ultrasonic sensor 2, and so on.

[0044] The user terminal 4 may store information about the subject. The information about the subject includes, for example, a user ID that identifies the subject, a device ID that identifies the probe 1, and information about the subject's urine collection and urination. The user ID and device ID are registered in advance by the user. The information about the subject's urine collection and urination is, for example, an allowable urine volume (an allowable urine level, which will be described later), and a common initial value is set in advance by default.

[0045] 9 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user terminal 4. The user terminal 4 has a processor 41, a memory 42, a communicator 43, a storage unit 44, and a display 45.

[0046] The processor 41 is configured with a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). That is, the user terminal 4 has at least one processor. The processor 41 executes various processes by loading programs stored in a storage device 44 or the like into the memory 42 and executing the programs. The processor 41 may also be realized by hardware such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration) having the same functions as a processor.

[0047] The memory 42 is a computer-readable recording medium, and is composed of, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), or a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0048] The communicator 43 is a communication module and communicates with the control device 3 of the probe 1. For example, the communicator 43 performs communication according to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard. Furthermore, the communicator 43 may communicate with external devices other than the probe 1, such as a server 51, by performing mobile communication and / or Wi-Fi communication.

[0049] The memory 44 is a computer-readable recording medium. The memory 44 stores various programs and various information necessary for the processor 41 to execute processing. For example, the memory 44 stores an ultrasound measurement program 81 and thresholds used for estimating urine volume. The ultrasound measurement program 81 causes the processor 41, which serves as a computer, to realize a function of transmitting ultrasound waves into the subject's body and continuously estimating the urine volume of the bladder based on the reflected waves from the bladder received by the ultrasound sensor 2 that receives the reflected waves. The memory 44 stores images and the like for generating various screens to be displayed on the user terminal 4.

[0050] The display 45 displays various screens. For example, the display 45 is a touch panel. The display 45 detects contact of the subject with the display 45.

[0051] As various functions of the dedicated app, the processor 41 displays an app screen used to operate the dedicated app on the user terminal 4 and outputs commands corresponding to operation inputs from the subject to the user terminal 4. The processor 41 causes the probe 1 to transmit and receive ultrasound waves in response to the subject's operation on the user terminal 4. For example, the processor 41 causes the user terminal 4 to display a recommended posture for the subject when transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves using the probe 1, and causes the user terminal 4 to display a measurement button 72d for causing the probe 1 to transmit and receive ultrasound waves. Upon receiving an operation on the measurement button 72d from the subject, the processor 41 outputs a measurement command to the probe 1. Furthermore, the processor 41 may also perform processing after the reflected waves are received by the probe 1. For example, the processor 41 may estimate the urine volume in the subject's bladder using the reflected waves received by the probe 1. The processor 41 may display the estimated urine volume on the user terminal 4.

[0052] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the processor 41. The processor 41 realizes the functions shown in FIG. 10 by loading an ultrasound measurement program 81 and the like into the memory 42 and executing it. The processor 41 has a generator 46 that generates a screen to be displayed on the user terminal 4 and an indicator 47 that outputs various commands. The processor 41 may further have a determiner 48 that determines the posture of the subject. The processor 41 may further have an acquirer 49 that acquires a signal from the probe 1 and an estimator 410 that estimates the urine volume. The generator 46, the indicator 47, the determiner 48, the acquirer 49, and the estimator 410 are realized by the processor 41 executing the ultrasound measurement program 81 stored in the memory 44.

[0053] The generator 46 generates various screens and displays them on the display 45 of the user terminal 4. The screens may include various images. For example, the generator 46 generates an operation screen, a result screen, etc. More specifically, the generator 46 generates a screen that supports ultrasound measurement, a screen that presents an estimated urine volume, etc.

[0054] The indicator 47 outputs commands to each part of the user terminal 4 or to the probe 1. The indicator 47 accepts operations to the user terminal 4, i.e., operation input. For example, the application screen displayed on the user terminal 4 includes various operation buttons, etc. When the subject touches an operation button, the indicator 47 accepts the operation input. Upon accepting the operation input, the indicator 47 outputs a command corresponding to the operation input. The command to the probe 1 is transmitted to the probe 1 via the communication device 43.

[0055] Specifically, the commands to each part of the user terminal 4 include a command to the generator 46 to generate an image, a command to the determiner 48 to determine the posture, and a command to the estimator 410 to estimate the amount of urine. The commands to the probe 1 include a measurement command to cause the probe 1 to transmit and receive ultrasound and a detection command to obtain a detection signal from the posture sensor 14.

[0056] The acquirer 49 receives, i.e., acquires, the received signal of the ultrasonic sensor 2 by communicating with the probe 1. The acquirer 49 stores the received signal together with the time when the signal was received (i.e., the acquisition time) in the memory 44. The user terminal 4 accumulates the received signal and the acquisition time. The acquirer 49 receives, i.e., acquires, the detection signal of the attitude sensor 14 by communicating with the probe 1. The acquirer 49 stores the detection signal together with the time when the detection signal was received (i.e., the acquisition time) in the memory 44.

[0057] The determiner 48 determines whether the posture of the subject is a recommended posture based on the detection result of the posture sensor 14. The determiner 48 determines the direction of gravity based on the three-axis acceleration included in the detection signal, and estimates the posture of the subject based on the direction in which gravity is acting. The determiner 48 then determines whether the estimated posture is a recommended posture.

[0058] The recommended posture is a posture of the subject that is appropriate for transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves using the probe 1. Specifically, the recommended posture is a seated posture that is leaning backward with a small tilt to the left and right. If the angle of rotation about the left-right axis (i.e., the angle of tilt in the front-to-back direction) is within a predetermined range and the angle of rotation about the front-to-back axis (i.e., the angle of tilt in the left-to-right direction) is also within a predetermined range, the determiner 48 determines that the posture of the subject is the recommended posture.

[0059] The estimator 410 estimates the urine volume in the bladder based on the received signal of the ultrasonic sensor 2, i.e., the detection result of the ultrasonic sensor 2. The estimator 410 continuously estimates the urine volume in the bladder. Specifically, the estimator 410 analyzes the received signal of the ultrasonic sensor 2 stored in the memory 44. The estimator 410 continuously estimates the urine volume in the bladder based on the reflected wave from the bladder received by the ultrasonic sensor 2, and stores the estimated urine volume in the memory 44.

[0060] The estimator 410 switches between a first estimation that estimates the urine volume of the bladder based on the detection result of the first ultrasonic sensor 21 and a second estimation that estimates the urine volume of the bladder based on the detection result of the second ultrasonic sensor 22. The estimation accuracy of the second estimation is higher than that of the first estimation. In other words, the first estimation is a rough estimation of the urine volume, and the second estimation is a more detailed estimation of the urine volume. In the first estimation, the urine volume of the bladder is estimated based on the detection result of the first ultrasonic sensor 21. In the first estimation, the detection result of the second ultrasonic sensor 22 is not used. In the second estimation, the urine volume of the bladder is estimated based on the detection result of the second ultrasonic sensor 22. In the second estimation, at least the detection result of the second ultrasonic sensor 22 is used. Furthermore, the estimation methods may be different between the first estimation and the second estimation.

[0061] In the first estimation, the estimator 410 estimates the amount of urine in the bladder based on the number of first ultrasonic sensors 21 that receive reflected waves from the bladder. Specifically, the estimator 410 checks whether a bladder is detected in each of the received signals of the four first ultrasonic sensors 21. The estimator 410 checks whether a reflected wave from the bladder is included in each of the received signals of the four first ultrasonic sensors 21. The reception time period during which the reflected wave from the bladder is expected to be returned is generally known. The estimator 410 determines whether a reflected wave is present in that reception time period. For example, in the first estimation, a reflected wave from the posterior wall of the bladder is used. The estimator 410 determines that the first ultrasonic sensor 21 has detected the bladder if the received signal contains a reflected wave from the bladder.

[0062] The estimator 410 then determines the urine level based on which first ultrasonic sensor 21 is detecting the bladder. While the bladder expands upward as the urine volume increases, the multiple first ultrasonic sensors 21 transmit ultrasonic waves toward different positions in the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. 8 . Therefore, the greater the urine volume, the greater the number of first ultrasonic sensors 21 detecting the bladder. The estimator 410 determines the urine level based on which first ultrasonic sensors 21 are detecting the bladder, starting from the bottom. When none of the first ultrasonic sensors 21 is detecting the bladder, the urine level is set to "0." When the uppermost sensor detecting the bladder is the first ultrasonic sensor 21a, the urine level is set to "2.5." When the uppermost sensor detecting the bladder is the first ultrasonic sensor 21b, the urine level is set to "5." When the uppermost sensor detecting the bladder is the first ultrasonic sensor 21c, the urine level is set to "7.5." When the uppermost sensor that detects the bladder is the first ultrasonic sensor 21d, the urine level is set to "10." In other words, the urine level is evaluated within the range of 0 to 10.

[0063] The estimator 410 calculates the final current urine level by averaging the urine levels of a predetermined number of most recent detections, including the current urine level. For example, the estimator 410 rounds off the average value of the multiple urine levels to express the current urine level as a number with one decimal place. The estimator 410 stores the current urine level together with the time of estimation in the memory 44. The generator 46 may display the current urine level on an application screen of the user terminal 4.

[0064] On the other hand, in the second estimation, the estimator 410 determines the extent of the bladder in the transmission direction of ultrasonic waves from each of the second ultrasonic sensors 22 from the detection results of the second ultrasonic sensors 22, and estimates the urine volume of the bladder based on the determined bladder extent. In this example, the estimator 410 performs the second estimation using the detection results of both the first ultrasonic sensors 21 and the second ultrasonic sensors 22. In detail, the estimator 410 determines the depth of the bladder based on the received signals of the four first ultrasonic sensors 21 and two (three if the dual-purpose first ultrasonic sensor 21 is included; the same applies below) second ultrasonic sensors 22, and estimates the bladder capacity based on the bladder depths corresponding to the four first ultrasonic sensors 21 and two second ultrasonic sensors 22. The estimator 410 determines the positions of the front wall and rear wall of the bladder in the transmission direction of ultrasonic waves from the four first ultrasonic sensors 21 and two second ultrasonic sensors 22 based on the reflected waves from the front wall and the rear wall of the bladder included in the received signals. The estimator 410 determines the positions of the anterior and posterior walls of the bladder based on the reception time of the reflected wave, the propagation time of the ultrasound, and the transmission direction of the ultrasound, thereby determining the positions of the anterior and posterior walls of the bladder in up to six directions, i.e., up to 12 wall positions of the bladder.

[0065] The estimator 410 estimates the bladder capacity based on the determined positions of multiple bladder walls. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for estimating the shape of the bladder based on the detection results of the first ultrasonic sensor 21. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for estimating the shape of the bladder based on the detection results of the second ultrasonic sensor 22. For example, the estimator 410 calculates a three-dimensional shape that approximates the bladder from the positions of multiple bladder walls. The approximate three-dimensional shape is, for example, an ellipsoid. Specifically, since the four first ultrasonic sensors 21 each transmit ultrasonic waves in the same left-right direction but in different up-down directions, as shown in FIG. 11 , the positions of multiple walls in a cross section extending in the up-down and front-back directions, i.e., a cross section perpendicular to the left-right direction, are determined from the received signals of the four first ultrasonic sensors 21. The estimator 410 calculates an ellipse E1 that approximates the bladder in the cross section perpendicular to the left-right direction from the positions of the multiple walls. On the other hand, since the three second ultrasonic sensors 22 each transmit ultrasonic waves in the same up-down direction but in different left-right directions, as shown in FIG. 12 , the positions of multiple walls in a cross section extending in the left-right and front-back directions, i.e., a cross section perpendicular to the up-down direction, can be determined from the received signals of the three second ultrasonic sensors 22. The estimator 410 determines an ellipse E2 that approximates the bladder in the cross section perpendicular to the up-down direction from the positions of the multiple walls. The estimator 410 determines an ellipsoid that approximates the bladder based on the approximate ellipses E1 and E2 of the bladder in the two orthogonal cross sections. The estimator 410 estimates the volume of the determined approximate ellipsoid as the bladder urine volume. The estimator 410 stores the estimated urine volume in the memory 44 together with the time of the estimation timing. The generator 46 may display the estimated urine volume on an app screen of the user terminal 4.

[0066] Thus, in this example, the first estimation estimates the bladder's urine volume based on the expansion of the bladder in one dimension, specifically, the vertical direction. In the first estimation, the urine volume is represented by an index called the urine level. Meanwhile, the second estimation estimates the bladder's urine volume based on the expansion of the bladder in three dimensions, specifically, the vertical, horizontal, and front-to-back directions. In the second estimation, the urine volume is represented by the bladder's capacity.

[0067] The estimator 410 normally performs a first estimation, and switches from the first estimation to the second estimation when a predetermined switching condition is met. For example, the switching condition is receipt of a command to execute the second estimation. For example, when the subject operates the user terminal 4, the indicator 47 outputs a command to execute the second estimation to the estimator 410. Upon receiving the command to execute the second estimation, the estimator 410 switches from the first estimation to the second estimation and executes the second estimation. In this example, when the second estimation is completed, the estimator 410 switches from the first estimation to the second estimation. In other words, the condition for switching from the second estimation to the first estimation is completion of the second estimation.

[0068] <Operation of Ultrasonic Measurement System> The processing of the ultrasonic measurement system 100 will be described in detail below. First, the operation of the probe 1 will be described. The probe 1 transmits and receives ultrasonic waves and detects its posture under the control of the control device 3. Fig. 13 is a flowchart of basic processing by the control device 3.

[0069] Specifically, in step S101, the processor 38 determines whether the measurement conditions are satisfied. The measurement conditions are conditions for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves. In this example, the measurement conditions include a first measurement condition and a second measurement condition. The first measurement condition is that a predetermined measurement timing arrives. The measurement timing is the timing for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves for the first estimation, and is repeated at a predetermined measurement period. The second measurement condition is that a measurement command is received from an external device (e.g., the user terminal 4).

[0070] The processor 38 determines whether either the first measurement condition or the second measurement condition is satisfied. The processor 38 measures time to monitor the arrival of measurement timing and monitors the reception of a measurement command. When the measurement timing arrives or a measurement command is received, the processor 38 determines that the measurement condition is satisfied. The processor 38 repeats step S101 until the measurement condition is satisfied. In other words, the processor 38 waits for the measurement condition to be satisfied.

[0071] If the measurement conditions are met, in step S102, the processor 38 switches the switch 33 to cause the four first ultrasonic sensors 21 and the two second ultrasonic sensors 22 to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves in sequence. For example, the processor 38 controls the switch 33 so that the first ultrasonic sensor 21a is connected to the transmitter 31 and the receiver 32. The processor 38 then outputs a pulse signal generation command to the transmitter 31, causing the transmitter 31 to supply a drive voltage to the first ultrasonic sensor 21a. The first ultrasonic sensor 21a transmits ultrasonic waves based on the drive voltage and receives reflected waves from within the body. The received signal from the first ultrasonic sensor 21a is amplified, detected, and A / D converted by the receiver 32. The processor 38 stores the A / D converted received signal in the memory 39. The processor 38 sequentially switches the switch 33 to perform similar control on the other ultrasonic sensors 2.

[0072] When transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves by all of the ultrasonic sensors 2 is completed, in step S103, the processor 38 transmits the reception signals of the first ultrasonic sensor 21 and the second ultrasonic sensor 22, which are stored in the memory 39, to the user terminal 4 via the communicator 36. Thereafter, the processor 38 returns to step S101 and repeats the process from step S101.

[0073] The processor 38 acquires the detection signal of the attitude sensor 14 in addition to transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic sensor 2. Basically, the processor 38 acquires the detection signal of the attitude sensor 14 when the measurement conditions are satisfied. As a result, the processor 38 repeatedly acquires the detection signal of the attitude sensor 14 at measurement intervals.

[0074] In this way, each time the measurement conditions are satisfied, the processor 38 causes all of the ultrasonic sensors 2 to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves, and transmits the received signals to the user terminal 4. The processor 38 periodically causes the ultrasonic sensors 2 to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves at the measurement timing, and also causes the ultrasonic sensors 2 to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves when a measurement command is received. The processor 38 also transmits the detection signal of the attitude sensor 14 to the user terminal 4.

[0075] Next, we will explain the processing of the user terminal 4. Fig. 14 is a flowchart of the main processing of ultrasonic measurement by the user terminal 4. The user terminal 4 executes the following processing by loading the ultrasonic measurement program 81 and the like into the memory 42 and executing it.

[0076] First, in step S201, the generator 46 generates a home screen 71 and displays the home screen 71 on the display 45. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of the home screen 71. For example, the home screen 71 includes a display area 71a for a urine level based on a first estimation, an execute button 71b for executing a second estimation, and a switch button 71c for switching the display to a urination record. The display area 71a displays the most recent urine level. The execute button 71b is a button that allows the subject to input an operation to execute the second estimation. For example, on the home screen 71, the execute button 71b is labeled "urine volume check." The switch button 71c is a button that allows the subject to switch to a urination record.

[0077] In step S202, the indicator 47 determines whether or not an execution input for the second estimation has been made. Specifically, the indicator 47 determines that an execution input has been made when the subject has performed a touch operation on the execution button 71b.

[0078] If there is no execution input, the indicator 47 performs a first estimation in step S203. On the other hand, if there is an execution input, the indicator 47 performs a second estimation in step S204.

[0079] When the subject touches the switching button 71c, the indicator 47 outputs a command to generate a urination record screen to the generator 46. Upon receiving the command, the generator 46 reads the urination record from the memory 44, generates a urination record screen, and displays it on the display 45. As will be described in detail later, the estimator 410 calculates the urination volume using the estimated urine volume by the second estimation. The estimator 410 stores the calculated urination volume together with the date and time of urination in the memory 44. In this way, the memory 44 accumulates a urination record, which is a set of the date and time of urination and the urination volume.

[0080] 16 is a flowchart of the first estimation subroutine. First, in step S301, the estimator 410 determines whether the estimation timing has arrived. The estimation timing is repeated at a predetermined estimation period. In this example, the estimation period is the same as the measurement period.

[0081] If the estimation timing has not arrived, the estimator 410 returns to the process of step S301, that is, the estimator 410 waits for the arrival of the estimation timing.

[0082] When the estimation timing arrives, the estimator 410 performs a first estimation in step S302. The estimator 410 calculates the urine level based on the most recent received signals from the four first ultrasonic sensors 21. Then, the estimator 410 calculates the final current urine level as the average of a predetermined number of most recent urine levels, including the urine levels of the most recent received signals from the four first ultrasonic sensors 21. The final current urine level can be output in various ways. For example, the estimator 410 may display the final current urine level on the display 45 of the user terminal 4. Specifically, the generator 46 updates the urine level in the display area 71a on the home screen with the new urine level. The estimator 410 may transmit the final current urine level to an external device such as the server 51. The estimator 410 may store the final current urine level in the memory 44.

[0083] When the first estimation is completed, the process of the processor 38 returns to the main flowchart. That is, the process of step S201 is repeated. That is, unless there is an input to execute the second estimation, the estimator 410 periodically executes the first estimation at the estimation timing.

[0084] 17 is a flowchart of the second estimation subroutine. First, in step S401, the indicator 47 outputs a detection command to the probe 1. The detection command is a command requesting the probe 1 to transmit a detection signal from the orientation sensor 14. Upon receiving the detection command, the probe 1 acquires the detection signal from the orientation sensor 14 at a predetermined cycle and transmits the detection signal to the user terminal 4. This cycle is shorter than the measurement cycle described above. The probe 1 periodically repeats the acquisition and transmission of the detection signal from the orientation sensor 14 until the second estimation is completed. The acquirer 49 acquires the detection signal from the orientation sensor 14 from the probe 1 and stores it in the memory 44.

[0085] Next, in step S402, the indicator 47 outputs a command to the generator 46 to generate a measurement guidance screen 72. The generator 46 generates the measurement guidance screen 72 and displays the measurement guidance screen 72 on the display 45. FIG. 18 is an example of the measurement guidance screen 72 before urination. FIG. 19 is another example of the measurement guidance screen 72 before urination. The measurement guidance screen 72 before urination displays a screen title "Urine volume measurement before toileting." The measurement guidance screen 72 includes a posture image 72a indicating a recommended posture, a measurement procedure display area 72b, a posture determination result display area 72c, and a measurement button 72d. The content of the measurement guidance screen 72 is changed depending on whether the subject's posture is the recommended posture. Step S402 corresponds to displaying on the user terminal the recommended posture of the subject when transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves by the probe, and displaying on the user terminal a measurement button for causing the probe to transmit and receive ultrasound waves.

[0086] The posture image 72a is a schematic diagram of the recommended posture of the subject that is suitable for ultrasound measurement. In this example, the recommended posture is a seated position with the subject leaning back slightly. The subject can learn the appropriate posture for measurement from the posture image 72a. The display area 72b displays messages urging the subject to adopt the recommended posture, a message urging the subject to press the probe 1 against the body surface, and a message urging the subject to operate the measurement button 72d. The subject can learn the measurement procedure from the contents of the display area 72b. The subject can start ultrasound measurement in the appropriate measurement posture and with the appropriate measurement procedure.

[0087] The display area 72c displays the determination result by the determiner 48, i.e., whether or not the posture of the subject is a recommended posture. If the posture of the subject is not a recommended posture, a message urging the subject to refer to the posture image 72a may be displayed in the display area 72c. If the posture of the subject is a recommended posture, a message urging the subject to operate the measurement button 72d may be displayed in the display area 72c. Specifically, if the posture of the subject is not a recommended posture, the display area 72c displays messages such as "Your posture is incorrect" and "Please assume the posture shown in the figure." If the posture of the subject is a recommended posture, the display area 72c displays messages such as "Your posture is now correct" and "Please press the measurement button."

[0088] The measurement button 72d is a button used by the subject to input an operation to cause the probe 1 to transmit and receive ultrasound. The measurement button 72d switches between an active state and an inactive state. When the measurement button 72d is in an inactive state, the indicator 47 does not accept the subject's operation input even if the subject touches the measurement button 72d. On the other hand, when the measurement button 72d is in an active state and the subject touches the measurement button 72d, the indicator 47 accepts the subject's operation input. The generator 46 activates the measurement button 72d when the subject's posture is the recommended posture, and deactivates the measurement button 72d when the subject's posture is not the recommended posture. The dashed line in FIG. 18 indicates that the measurement button 72d is in an inactive state. The solid line in FIG. 19 indicates that the measurement button 72d is in an active state.

[0089] Immediately after receiving the input to execute the second estimation, the generator 46 determines that the subject's posture is not the recommended posture, and generates a measurement guidance screen 72 for the case where the posture is not the recommended posture and displays it on the display 45.

[0090] Subsequently, in step S403, the determiner 48 determines whether or not the posture of the subject is the recommended posture based on the detection signal of the posture sensor 14. If the posture of the subject is not the recommended posture, the generator 46 returns to step S402 and continues to display the measurement guidance screen 72 for the case where the posture is not the recommended posture.

[0091] The subject is informed that the posture is not the recommended posture by the message "Position is incorrect" in the display area 72c. The subject can easily adopt an appropriate posture by the message "Please assume the posture shown in the figure" and the posture image 72a in the display area 72c. At this time, the measurement button 72d is in an inactive state, so the subject cannot operate the measurement button 72d.

[0092] When the posture of the subject becomes the recommended posture, in step S404, the indicator 47 outputs a command to the generator 46 to activate the measurement button 72d. The generator 46 activates the measurement button 72d on the measurement guidance screen 72. That is, the generator 46 generates the measurement guidance screen 72 for the recommended posture and displays it on the display 45. By activating the measurement button 72d, the subject can operate the measurement button 72d. In addition, the generator 46 changes the content of the display area 72c on the measurement guidance screen 72 to content corresponding to the recommended posture.

[0093] The subject is informed that the posture is the recommended posture by the message "Your posture is now correct" in the display area 72c. The subject is prompted to operate the measurement button 72d by the message "Press the measurement button" in the display area 72c.

[0094] Next, in step S405, the indicator 47 determines whether or not a measurement operation has been performed. Specifically, the indicator 47 determines that a measurement operation has been performed when the subject operates the measurement button 72d. If a measurement operation has not been performed, the indicator 47 repeats the process of step S405. In other words, the indicator 47 waits until a measurement operation is performed.

[0095] When the measurement operation is performed, in step S406, the indicator 47 outputs a measurement command to the probe 1. The measurement command is transmitted to the probe 1 via the communication device 43. As a result, the probe 1 transmits and receives ultrasound waves for the second estimation. The generator 46 generates a measurement screen 73 and displays the measurement screen 73 on the display 45. FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of the measurement screen 73. The measurement screen 73 includes a progress image 73a showing the progress of the ultrasound measurement. The measurement screen 73 is generally the same as the measurement guidance screen 72. The measurement screen 73 displays a posture image 72a and a measurement procedure display area 72b, and the progress image 73a is displayed instead of the measurement button 72d. Note that, in the measurement screen 73, an arrow indicating the pressure of the probe 1 against the body surface is added to the posture image 72a to maintain the pressure of the probe 1 against the body surface during measurement. The measurement screen 73 does not include a display area 72c for the posture determination result. Step S406 corresponds to transmitting a measurement command to the probe to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves when the subject operates the measurement button.

[0096] The subject can know the progress of the ultrasound measurement from the progress image 73a. The subject is encouraged to maintain the pressure on the probe 1 by the posture image 72a.

[0097] Thereafter, in step S407, the estimator 410 determines whether or not the reception signal of the ultrasonic sensor 2 has been received from the probe 1. Specifically, the estimator 410 determines whether or not the acquirer 49 has received the reception signal of the ultrasonic sensor 2. The estimator 410 repeats step S407 until the reception signal of the ultrasonic sensor 2 is received. In other words, the estimator 410 waits until the reception signal of the ultrasonic sensor 2 is returned.

[0098] If the received signals of the ultrasonic sensors 2 are received, in step S408, the indicator 47 outputs a command to the estimator 410 to execute the second estimation. The estimator 410 executes the second estimation. The estimator 410 calculates the urine volume based on the most recent received signals of the four first ultrasonic sensors 21 and the most recent received signals of the two second ultrasonic sensors 22. In the second estimation, the estimated urine volume is output as a volume, not as a urine level.

[0099] Thereafter, in step S409, the indicator 47 outputs a command to the generator 46 to generate an estimation result screen 74. The generator 46 generates the estimation result screen 74 and displays the estimation result screen 74 on the display 45. Fig. 21 is a schematic diagram of the estimation result screen 74. The estimation result screen 74 includes a display area 74a for the estimated urine volume based on the second estimation, a next process button 74b for proceeding to the next process, and a remeasurement button 74c for redoing the ultrasound measurement.

[0100] The display area 74a displays the estimated urine volume thus obtained. The display area 74a may also display the urine level based on the first estimation. The next process button 74b is a button that allows the subject to input an operation to proceed to the next process. The remeasurement button 74c is a button that allows the subject to input an operation to redo the ultrasound measurement.

[0101] The subject can know the approximate current amount of urine stored in the bladder from the estimated urine volume in the display area 74a. The subject can determine whether the second estimation is appropriate based on the estimated urine volume in the display area 74a. For example, if the estimated urine volume is clearly less than the sensation of the urge to urinate, the subject can determine that the second estimation was not performed appropriately. The subject can selectively operate the next process button 74b and the remeasurement button 74c. If the estimated urine volume is inappropriate, the subject can redo the second estimation using ultrasound measurement by operating the remeasurement button 74c. If the estimated urine volume is appropriate, the subject can proceed to the next process by operating the next process button 74b.

[0102] In step S410, the indicator 47 determines whether a re-measurement operation has been performed. Specifically, the indicator 47 determines that a measurement operation has been performed when the subject operates the re-measurement button 74c. If a re-measurement operation has been performed, the generator 46 returns to step S402 to generate the measurement guidance screen 72 and display it on the display 45. Note that if the transmission of the detection signal of the attitude sensor 14 from the probe 1 is not continued, the second estimation may be repeated from the processing of step S401.

[0103] If a remeasurement operation is not performed, in step S411, the indicator 47 waits for an operation to proceed to the next process. If the subject operates the next process button 74b, the indicator 47 determines whether the current second estimation is a second estimation after urination. Specifically, if this is the second second estimation (excluding redoing), the indicator 47 determines that this is a second estimation after urination. If this is the first second estimation, the indicator 47 determines that this is a second estimation before urination, and outputs a command to the generator 46 to generate a urination instruction screen 75.

[0104] In step S412, the generator 46 displays a urination instruction screen 75. FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of the urination instruction screen 75. The urination instruction screen 75 includes a display area 75a for instructing the subject to urinate, a transition button 75b for transitioning to the second estimation after urination, and an end button 75c for ending the second estimation. The transition button 75b is a button that the subject uses to input an operation to execute the second estimation after urination. For example, the transition button 75b is labeled "Measurement after urination."

[0105] The subject urinates according to the urination instructions in the display area 75a. When the subject has completed urination, the subject can proceed to the second estimation after urination by operating the transition button 75b. If the subject wishes to obtain only the amount of urine in the bladder before urination, the subject can completely terminate the second estimation by operating the end button 75c. In this case, the processing of the processor 38 returns to the main flowchart.

[0106] In step S413, the indicator 47 determines whether urination is complete. Specifically, the indicator 47 determines that urination is complete when the subject operates the transition button 75b. If it is determined that urination is complete, the generator 46 returns to step S402 and generates the measurement guidance screen 72 and displays it on the display 45. That is, the second estimation is performed again from the display of the measurement guidance screen 72.

[0107] The process from displaying the measurement guidance screen 72 in step S402 to determining whether to perform remeasurement in step S410 is the same as that for the second estimation before urination. However, the content of the screen differs slightly before and after urination. FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of the measurement guidance screen 72 after urination. FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram of the estimation result screen 74 after urination. In the second estimation after urination, the titles of each screen are different from those in the second estimation before urination. In the measurement guidance screen 72 after urination, the screen title is "Urine volume measurement after toilet." Other screen content is basically the same before and after urination. In the estimation result screen 74, since it is after urination, the estimated urine volume and urine level have decreased compared to before urination.

[0108] In the second estimation after urination, when an operation to proceed to the next process is performed on the estimation result screen 74, the indicator 47 determines in step S411 that this is the second estimation after urination.

[0109] If this is the second estimation after urination, in step S414, the estimator 410 subtracts the estimated urine volume after urination from the estimated urine volume before urination to obtain the urination volume. The estimator 410 stores the obtained urination volume together with the date and time of urination as a urination record in the memory 44. Furthermore, the indicator 47 outputs a command to the generator 46 to generate a urination volume screen 76. The generator 46 generates the urination volume screen 76 and displays the urination volume screen 76 on the display 45.

[0110] 25 is a schematic diagram of the urination volume screen 76. The urination volume screen 76 includes a urination volume display area 76a. In this example, the urination volume screen 76 is a screen in which the urination volume display area 76a is superimposed on the estimation result screen 74. In addition to the urination volume, the display area 76a displays the urination time, the estimated urination volume before urination, the estimated urination volume after urination, and a memo field. The subject can learn various information related to urination from the contents of the display area 76a. The subject can enter information in the memo field as necessary.

[0111] The urination volume screen 76 also includes an end button 76b. When the subject operates the end button 76b, the second estimation is completely terminated. When the second estimation is completed, the processing of the processor 38 returns to the main flowchart. In other words, it returns to the processing of step S201. Again, the estimator 410 periodically executes the first estimation at the estimation timing.

[0112] In this way, the user terminal 4 causes the probe 1 to perform ultrasound measurement in response to operation by the subject. By displaying the recommended posture of the subject during ultrasound measurement on the user terminal 4, the subject can check it on the user terminal 4 without having to carry a manual or memorize the recommended posture. As a result, ultrasound measurement is achieved in an appropriate posture. By performing ultrasound measurement in an appropriate posture, the accuracy of the urine volume estimated using reflected ultrasound waves is also improved. In this example, the second estimation is performed based on reflected waves acquired when the subject is in the recommended posture, so the accuracy of the urine volume estimation by the second estimation can be improved.

[0113] In addition, the user terminal 4 can determine whether the posture of the subject is a recommended posture by acquiring the detection result of the posture sensor 14 that detects the posture of the subject. This allows the user terminal 4 to notify the subject of the posture determination result. The subject can determine whether to correct or maintain their posture based on the determination result.

[0114] Furthermore, when it is determined that the posture of the subject is a recommended posture and the subject performs an operation to execute ultrasound measurement, the user terminal 4 causes the probe 1 to execute ultrasound measurement. When the posture of the subject is not a recommended posture, the user terminal 4 does not cause the probe 1 to execute ultrasound measurement even if the subject performs an operation to execute ultrasound measurement. This makes it possible to prevent ultrasound measurement from being executed when the posture is not a recommended posture.

[0115] Specifically, when it is determined from the detection result of the posture sensor 14 that the posture of the subject is the recommended posture, the user terminal 4 activates the measurement button 72d for executing ultrasonic measurement, i.e., makes it operable. By activating the measurement button 72d, the subject can know that the posture is the recommended posture and that ultrasonic measurement is possible.

[0116] While ultrasound measurement is being performed by the probe 1, the user terminal 4 displays a message that ultrasound measurement is being performed. Specifically, the user terminal 4 displays the progress of the ultrasound measurement on the display 45. This allows the subject to know the period for which the recommended posture should be maintained. As a result, the subject can be encouraged to maintain the recommended posture.

[0117] <Modifications> Next, a modification of the user terminal 4, that is, a modification of the ultrasound measurement system 100, will be described. The user terminal 4 according to the modification differs from the above-described user terminal 4 in the process of causing the probe 1 to perform ultrasound measurement during the second estimation. The process of transmitting and receiving ultrasound by the probe 1 (see FIG. 13 ), the main process of ultrasound measurement by the user terminal 4 (see FIG. 14 ), and the process of first estimation by the user terminal 4 are the same as those described above.

[0118] Fig. 26 is a flowchart of a second estimation subroutine according to a modified example, in which the same steps as those in the flowchart of Fig. 17 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in Fig. 17.

[0119] First, the indicator 47 outputs a detection command to the probe 1 in step S401.

[0120] Next, in step S502, the indicator 47 outputs a command to the generator 46 to generate a measurement guidance screen 272. The generator 46 generates the measurement guidance screen 272 and displays it on the display 45. FIG. 27 shows an example of the measurement guidance screen 272 before urination. The measurement guidance screen 272 includes a posture image 72a indicating a recommended posture, a measurement procedure display area 72b, and a measurement button 72d. The measurement guidance screen 272 does not include a posture determination result display area 72c. In other words, the measurement guidance screen 272 encourages the subject to adopt the recommended posture, but does not present a determination result as to whether or not the subject's posture is the recommended posture.

[0121] Furthermore, the measurement button 72d on the measurement guidance screen 272 is always active. After the measurement guidance screen 272 is displayed, the subject can operate the measurement button 72d at any time. In other words, after the measurement guidance screen 272 is displayed, whenever the subject operates the measurement button 72d, the user terminal 4 causes the probe 1 to perform ultrasound measurement. In other words, the subject is prompted by the posture image 72a and the measurement procedure display area 72b to adopt a recommended posture, and operates the measurement button 72d based on the subject's own judgment as to whether or not the recommended posture has been adopted.

[0122] Subsequently, in step S405, the indicator 47 determines whether or not a measurement operation has been performed. If a measurement operation has not been performed, the indicator 47 repeats the process of step S405 and waits for the measurement operation to be performed.

[0123] When the measurement operation is performed, in step S406, the indicator 47 outputs a measurement command to the probe 1. The generator 46 generates a measurement screen 73 and causes the display 45 to display the measurement screen 73.

[0124] Thereafter, in step S407, the estimator 410 determines whether or not the reception signal of the ultrasonic sensor 2 has been received from the probe 1. The estimator 410 repeats step S407 until the reception signal of the ultrasonic sensor 2 is received, and waits for a return of the reception signal of the ultrasonic sensor 2.

[0125] If the reception signal of the ultrasonic sensor 2 is received, in step S408, the indicator 47 outputs a command to execute the second estimation to the estimator 410. The estimator 410 executes the second estimation.

[0126] Next, in step S515, the determiner 48 determines whether the posture of the subject was maintained in the recommended posture during the ultrasonic measurement based on the detection signal of the posture sensor 14. That is, after the detection command is output in step S401, the detection signal of the posture sensor 14 is periodically transmitted from the probe 1 to the user terminal 4. During the ultrasonic measurement, the determiner 48 intermittently determines whether the posture of the subject is in the recommended posture based on the detection signal of the posture sensor 14.

[0127] If the recommended posture has been maintained throughout the ultrasonic measurement, in step S409, the indicator 47 outputs a command to the generator 46 to generate a first estimation result screen 74. The generator 46 generates the first estimation result screen 74 and displays the estimation result screen 74 on the display 45. Note that the first estimation result screen 74 is the same as the estimation result screen 74 in FIG. 21 , with the name changed for ease of explanation.

[0128] On the other hand, if the recommended posture was not maintained during the ultrasound measurement, in step S516, the indicator 47 outputs a command to the generator 46 to generate a second estimation result screen 274. The generator 46 generates the second estimation result screen 274 and displays the second estimation result screen 274 on the display 45.

[0129] 28 is a schematic diagram of the second estimation result screen 274. The second estimation result screen 274 is basically the same as the first estimation result screen 74. The second estimation result screen 274 includes a display area 74a for the estimated urine volume based on the second estimation, a next process button 74b for proceeding to the next process, and a remeasurement button 74c for redoing the ultrasound measurement, as well as a display area 274d for the posture determination result. The display area 274d displays the determination result by the determiner 48 during the ultrasound measurement, specifically, the fact that the posture was not maintained in the recommended posture. More specifically, the display area 274d displays the messages "Your posture is incorrect" and "Do you want to redo the measurement?"

[0130] Regardless of whether the first estimation result screen 74 or the second estimation result screen 274 is displayed, the indicator 47 determines whether a re-measurement operation has been performed in step S410. The processing from step S410 onward is the same as that in the flowchart of FIG.

[0131] In this way, if the user terminal 4 according to the modified example determines that the posture of the subject is not a recommended posture during transmission and reception of ultrasound by the probe 1, the user terminal 4 displays a message on the user terminal 4 urging the subject to redo the transmission and reception of ultrasound by the probe 1. The user terminal 4 presents the recommended posture to the subject before starting ultrasound measurement, but does not require the posture to be the recommended posture as a condition for performing ultrasound measurement. The user terminal 4 monitors the posture of the subject during ultrasound measurement. If the user terminal 4 determines that the posture is not a recommended posture during ultrasound measurement, the user terminal 4 notifies the subject that the posture is not a recommended posture after completion of ultrasound measurement, and urges the subject to redo the ultrasound measurement.

[0132] This allows ultrasound measurement to begin without performing posture determination, simplifying the procedure leading up to ultrasound measurement. This is particularly effective for subjects who are familiar with ultrasound measurement. It is also up to the subject to decide whether or not to accept the results of ultrasound measurement in a posture that is not recommended. If the subject does not require high accuracy in ultrasound measurement, the subject can also accept the results of ultrasound measurement in a posture that is not recommended. Naturally, the determination result of whether or not the posture was recommended is also presented, so if the posture is not recommended, the subject can redo the ultrasound measurement.

[0133] Alternatively, if the user terminal 4 determines that the subject's posture is not a recommended posture during transmission and reception of ultrasound waves by the probe 1, the user terminal 4 may interrupt the transmission and reception of ultrasound waves by the probe 1. For example, the determiner 48 may perform posture determination in step S403 of FIG. 17 between the output of the measurement command in step S406 and the determination of completion of reception of the reception signal in step S407. If the posture is a recommended posture, completion of reception of the reception signal is determined in step S407. On the other hand, if the posture is not a recommended posture, the indicator 47 outputs an interruption command to the estimator 410. In response, the estimator 410 interrupts the ultrasound measurement. In this case, the indicator 47 outputs an instruction to the generator 46 to generate an interruption screen. The generator 46 generates the interruption screen and displays the interruption screen on the display 45. For example, the interruption screen displays information indicating that the posture was not a recommended posture and that the ultrasound measurement will be repeated. The indicator 47 then restarts the process from step S402. When the ultrasonic measurement is interrupted, the user terminal 4 may display a measurement guidance screen 272 instead of the interruption screen, and the measurement guidance screen 272 may include a message to the effect that the ultrasonic measurement should be restarted.

[0134] Even in this case, ultrasonic measurement is started without performing posture determination, which simplifies the procedure up to ultrasonic measurement. Furthermore, ultrasonic measurement is interrupted if the posture is not the recommended posture, so ultrasonic measurement can be restarted even if the series of ultrasonic measurement processes is not completed. In other words, the time until ultrasonic measurement is restarted is shortened.

[0135] Other Embodiments As described above, the above-described embodiments have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made as appropriate. Furthermore, the components described in the above-described embodiments can be combined to create new embodiments. Furthermore, the components described in the accompanying drawings and detailed description may include not only components essential for solving the problem, but also components that are not essential for solving the problem in order to exemplify the technology. Therefore, the fact that these non-essential components are described in the accompanying drawings or detailed description should not be interpreted as immediately determining that these non-essential components are essential.

[0136] The above embodiment may be configured as follows.

[0137] The probe 1 can be placed anywhere on the body surface. The method of attaching the probe 1 is not limited to the above method. For example, the contact surface 11 may be formed of an adhesive surface and attached to the abdomen of the subject. Alternatively, tape may be attached to the body surface from above the probe 1.

[0138] The reflected waves from the target acquired by the probe 1 are not limited to those from the bladder. In other words, the reflected waves of ultrasound from within the body can be used for various purposes other than estimating the amount of urine in the bladder. The reflected waves acquired by the probe 1 can be reflected waves from various organs. Regardless of the target of the reflected waves, there is an appropriate posture during ultrasound measurement, i.e., a recommended posture, depending on the target. The user terminal 4 can display the recommended posture depending on the target of the reflected waves.

[0139] The number of the multiple ultrasonic sensors 2 is not limited to six. The number of first ultrasonic sensors 21 is not limited to four, and may be three or less, or five or more. The number of second ultrasonic sensors 22 is not limited to three, and may be two or less, or four or more. One of the first ultrasonic sensors 21 does not have to also serve as the second ultrasonic sensor 22.

[0140] The arrangement of the multiple ultrasonic sensors 2 is not limited to the arrangement described above. It is sufficient that the ultrasonic transmission directions of the multiple first ultrasonic sensors 21 are at least offset in the first direction X. For example, the ultrasonic transmission directions of the multiple first ultrasonic sensors 21 may be further offset in a direction different from the first direction X. That is, the multiple first ultrasonic sensors 21 may also be offset from each other in the second direction Y, i.e., arranged in a staggered pattern. As long as the arrangement of the multiple first ultrasonic sensors 21 is offset in the first direction X, the elevation and depression angles of the multiple first ultrasonic sensors 21 may be parallel to each other. The same applies to the second ultrasonic sensor 22. The first direction X and the second direction Y do not have to be perpendicular to each other.

[0141] Furthermore, the casing 10 is not limited to the above configuration. For example, a protrusion may be provided on the contact surface 11 of the casing 10. The ultrasonic sensor 2 may be built into the protrusion. In this case, the protrusion improves the adhesion of the part of the casing 10 where the ultrasonic sensor 2 is built into the skin (body surface), facilitating the incidence of ultrasonic waves into the human body. This improves the bladder detection capability. The casing 10 may be formed in a roughly disk shape.

[0142] The control device 3 is integrated with the probe 1, i.e., housed in the casing 10, but is not limited to this. The control device 3 may be formed separately from the probe 1. In this case, the control device 3 may be connected to the probe 1 by wire or wirelessly. The control device 3 may be divided, with a part of the control device 3 housed inside the probe 1 and the remaining part of the control device 3 located outside the probe 1.

[0143] The configuration of the control device 3 is not limited to the above-described configuration. For example, although the transmitter 31 inputs a pulse signal as a drive signal to the probe 1, the drive signal is not limited to a pulse signal. The drive signal may be a burst wave instead of a pulse wave. Furthermore, the alarm 35 is not limited to an LED lamp, but may be a display, an alarm, or a vibrator.

[0144] The measurement conditions for transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves in the probe 1 are not limited to the above-mentioned conditions. For example, the user terminal 4 may monitor periodic measurement timings, and when the measurement timing arrives, the user terminal 4 may transmit a measurement command to the probe 1. In this case, the measurement condition is that the control device 3 receives the measurement command. In other words, the user terminal 4 may manage the timing for transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves, and the control device 3 may passively transmit and receive ultrasound waves.

[0145] The measurement conditions of the probe 1 may include measurement conditions for the first estimation and measurement conditions for the second estimation. When the measurement conditions for the first estimation are satisfied, the probe 1 may cause only the ultrasonic sensor 2 used for the first estimation to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves. When the measurement conditions for the second estimation are satisfied, the probe 1 may cause only the ultrasonic sensor 2 used for the second estimation to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves. For example, when the measurement conditions for the first estimation are satisfied, the probe 1 may cause only the first ultrasonic sensor 21 to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves, but may not cause the second ultrasonic sensor 22 to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves. When the measurement conditions for the second estimation are satisfied, the probe 1 may cause both the first ultrasonic sensor 21 and the second ultrasonic sensor 22 to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves.

[0146] The communication between the user terminal 4 and the probe 1 may be wired rather than wireless. The communication between the user terminal 4 and an external device such as the server 51 is not essential.

[0147] The user terminal 4 acquires the received signal of the ultrasonic sensor 2 from the probe 1 and estimates the urine volume based on the received signal of the ultrasonic sensor 2, but these processes are not essential. The user terminal 4 may simply cause the probe 1 to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves. The received signal of the ultrasonic sensor 2 may be analyzed by another device such as a server.

[0148] When the user terminal 4 estimates the urine volume, the estimation method is not limited to the above-described method. For example, the estimation methods for the first estimation and the second estimation are not limited to the above-described method. The first estimation and the second estimation may evaluate the expansion of the bladder in different directions. In the second estimation, the urine volume may be estimated using the received signals of the second ultrasonic sensor 22, rather than the received signals of the first ultrasonic sensor 21. For example, in the second estimation, the urine level may be estimated based on the number of second ultrasonic sensors 22 that detect the bladder, as in the first estimation. In the second estimation, the bladder volume may be roughly calculated based on the positions of the bladder wall at multiple locations on a cross section extending in the ultrasonic transmission direction of the multiple second ultrasonic sensors 22 and the second direction Y, i.e., based on one cross-sectional shape of the bladder. When estimating the bladder volume from the cross section of the bladder, the cross section of the bladder may be approximated to a shape other than an ellipse. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the bladder may be obtained by spline interpolation of the positions of the bladder wall at multiple locations determined based on the received signals.

[0149] It is preferable that the second estimation employs an estimation method with higher estimation accuracy than the first estimation. For example, in the first estimation, the urine level may be estimated based on the number of first ultrasonic sensors 21 that detect the bladder, and in the second estimation, the urine level may be estimated based on the number of first ultrasonic sensors 21 and second ultrasonic sensors 22 that detect the bladder. Alternatively, in the first estimation, the shape of the bladder, i.e., the capacity, may be roughly calculated based on the transmission directions of ultrasonic waves from the multiple first ultrasonic sensors 21 and the positions of the bladder wall at multiple locations on a cross section extending in the first direction X. That is, in the first estimation, the bladder capacity may be calculated based on the ultrasonic transmission direction of the multiple first ultrasonic sensors 21 and the positions of the bladder wall at multiple locations on a cross section extending in the first direction X, and in the second estimation, the bladder capacity may be calculated based on the ultrasonic transmission direction of the multiple first ultrasonic sensors 21 and the positions of the bladder wall at multiple locations on a cross section extending in the first direction X, and the ultrasonic transmission direction of the multiple second ultrasonic sensors 22 and the positions of the bladder wall at multiple locations on a cross section extending in the second direction Y.

[0150] The user terminal 4 may perform only one of the first estimation and the second estimation.

[0151] The attitude sensor 14 is not limited to an acceleration sensor that detects acceleration in three orthogonal axes. The attitude sensor 14 may be a gyro sensor. The attitude sensor 14 may also have the function of the determiner 48. For example, the attitude sensor 14 may have an internal threshold value for determining the attitude and output a signal according to the result of the attitude determination. The attitude sensor 14 may be separate from the probe 1. For example, the attitude sensor 14 may be attached to the subject separately from the probe 1 and be capable of communicating with the user terminal 4.

[0152] The posture sensor 14 may be omitted. In that case, the processes related to determining the recommended posture in the flowcharts of Figures 17 and 26 are omitted. The processor 41 displays a posture image 72a indicating the recommended posture at the start of ultrasound measurement, but does not need to determine whether the posture actually becomes the recommended posture. Simply presenting the recommended posture to the subject via the user terminal 4 contributes to improving the accuracy of ultrasound measurement.

[0153] The conditions for executing the first estimation or the second estimation in the user terminal 4 may be set arbitrarily. For example, the first estimation may be executed when an input to execute the first estimation is received, rather than when the estimation timing arrives. For example, a button for executing the first estimation and a button for executing the second estimation may be displayed on the app screen of the user terminal 4. The user terminal 4 may execute the first estimation when the button for executing the first estimation is operated, and the user terminal 4 may execute the second estimation when the button for executing the second estimation is operated. The user terminal 4 may display a measurement guidance screen such as that shown in FIG. 18 even in the first estimation. That is, the processor 41 may display a posture image 72a indicating a recommended posture and a measurement button 72d on the user terminal 4 even in the first estimation. Even in the first estimation, when the subject operates the measurement button 72d, the processor 41 outputs a measurement command to the probe 1.

[0154] The screen displayed on the display 45 of the user terminal 4 described above is merely an example. For example, the posture image 72a and the measurement button 72d do not have to be displayed simultaneously on the same screen. For example, the posture image 72a may be presented on the measurement guidance screen 72, and the measurement button 72d may be presented on another screen. For example, the measurement guidance screen 72 may include a next process button for proceeding to the next process, and operating the next process button may switch the measurement guidance screen 72 to another screen. The subject can refer to the posture image 72a on the measurement guidance screen 72 to adopt a recommended posture, and then operate the next process button once they have determined that they have achieved the recommended posture. The measurement guidance screen 72 then switches to the next screen, and the measurement button 72d is displayed. The subject can operate the measurement button 72d to cause the probe 1 to perform ultrasound measurement. Alternatively, if the posture is determined to be the recommended posture based on the detection signal of the posture sensor 14 after the measurement guidance screen 72 is displayed, the processor 41 may switch the measurement guidance screen 72 to a screen including the measurement button 72d.

[0155] On the measurement guidance screen 72, the measurement button 72d can be switched between an active state and an inactive state, but is not limited to this. For example, the measurement button 72d may be switched between being displayed and not displayed on the measurement guidance screen 72. For example, if the posture is determined to be not the recommended posture, the measurement button 72d may be hidden, and if the posture is determined to be the recommended posture, the measurement button 72d may be displayed.

[0156] The measurement button 72d in an active state and the measurement button 72d in an inactive state may have the same appearance on the surface. When the measurement button 72d is in an active state, the processor 41 outputs a measurement command to the probe 1 when it receives an operation on the measurement button 72d from the subject. When the measurement button 72d is in an inactive state, the processor 41 does not output a measurement command to the probe 1 even when it receives an operation on the measurement button 72d from the subject. In this case, the processor 41 may cause the user terminal 4 to display a message that the posture is not a recommended posture or to encourage the subject to adopt a recommended posture.

[0157] The specific method of the second estimation is merely an example. For example, the basic second estimation of FIG. 17 and the modified second estimation of FIG. 26 may be combined. For example, steps S515 and S516 of FIG. 26 may be incorporated into the basic second estimation of FIG. 17. In other words, the processor 41 may not only enable output of a measurement command when the posture becomes the recommended posture, but also monitor whether the recommended posture is being maintained during ultrasound measurement. The processor 41 may then change the content of the estimation result screen depending on whether the recommended posture is being maintained.

[0158] The display manner of the posture determination result of the subject on the user terminal 4 is merely an example. For example, the generator 46 may omit the posture determination result display area 72c on the measurement guidance screen 72 and change the posture image 72a in accordance with the posture determination result. For example, the generator 46 may change the color of the posture image 72a in accordance with the posture determination result. Alternatively, the generator 46 may switch the measurement button 72d between an active state and an inactive state as a display of the posture determination result. In other words, the active state of the measurement button 72d means that the posture is a recommended posture.

[0159] The above-described flowcharts are merely examples. Steps in the flowcharts may be changed, replaced, added, omitted, etc. as appropriate. The order of steps in the flowcharts may also be changed, and serial processing may be performed in parallel.

[0160] The functions performed by the components described herein may be implemented in circuitry or processing circuitry, including general-purpose processors, application-specific processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), a Central Processing Unit (CPU), conventional circuits, and / or combinations thereof, programmed to perform the described functions. A processor includes transistors and other circuits and is considered a circuit or processing circuit. A processor may also be a programmable processor that executes a program stored in a memory.

[0161] In this specification, a circuit, unit, or means is hardware that is programmed to realize or performs the described functions, which may be any hardware disclosed herein or any hardware known to be programmed to realize or perform the described functions.

[0162] If the hardware is a processor considered to be a type of circuitry, the circuit, means, or unit is a combination of hardware and software used to configure the hardware and / or processor.

[0163] [Aspects] The above-described embodiments are specific examples of the following aspects.

[0164] (Aspect 1) An ultrasound measurement system 100 includes a probe 1 that is attached to a subject and transmits ultrasound waves into the subject's body and receives reflected waves, and a user terminal 4 that is communicatively connected to the probe 1 and transmits a measurement command to the probe 1 to transmit and receive ultrasound waves, the user terminal 4 having a processor 41 (at least one processor), the processor 41 displays on the user terminal 4 a recommended posture of the subject when the probe 1 transmits and receives ultrasound waves, displays on the user terminal 4 a measurement button 72d for causing the probe 1 to transmit and receive ultrasound waves, and outputs the measurement command to the probe 1 when an operation on the measurement button 72d by the subject is received.

[0165] According to this configuration, the measurement button 72d for transmitting and receiving ultrasound and the subject's recommended posture are displayed on the user terminal 4. In other words, the recommended posture is displayed on the user terminal 4, which is essential when making the probe 1 transmit and receive ultrasound. Therefore, the subject can easily check the recommended posture via the user terminal 4 without having to carry a manual containing the recommended posture or memorize the recommended posture. This allows the subject to easily adopt the recommended posture during ultrasound measurement. As a result, the target reflected wave can be acquired with high accuracy during ultrasound measurement.

[0166] (Aspect 2) The ultrasonic measurement system 100 described in aspect 1 further includes a posture sensor 14 that detects the posture of the subject, and the processor 41 determines whether the posture of the subject is the recommended posture based on the detection result of the posture sensor 14, and outputs the measurement command to the probe 1 when it is determined that the posture of the subject is the recommended posture and an operation from the subject on the measurement button 72d is received.

[0167] According to this configuration, one of the conditions for performing ultrasound measurement with the probe 1 is that the subject is in the recommended posture. This ensures that the subject is always in the recommended posture when the probe 1 starts ultrasound measurement.

[0168] (Aspect 3) In the ultrasound measurement system 100 described in Aspect 1 or Aspect 2, after it is determined that the posture of the subject has become the recommended posture, the processor 41 causes the user terminal 4 to display the measurement button 72d in an operable state.

[0169] With this configuration, the measurement button 72d on the user terminal 4 becomes operable, allowing the subject to easily know that their posture has become the recommended posture and that ultrasound measurement can begin.

[0170] (Aspect 4) In the ultrasonic measurement system 100 according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, the processor 41 causes the user terminal 4 to display a determination result of the posture of the subject based on the detection result of the posture sensor 14.

[0171] This configuration allows the subject to easily know the results of the posture determination, which means the subject can easily determine whether to maintain or correct the posture, making it easier to adjust the posture to the recommended posture.

[0172] (Aspect 5) In the ultrasound measurement system 100 described in any one of Aspects 1 to 4, if the processor 41 determines that the posture of the subject is not the recommended posture during transmission and reception of ultrasound by the probe 1, the processor 41 displays on the user terminal 4 a message urging the user to try transmitting and receiving ultrasound again using the probe 1, or interrupts the transmission and reception of ultrasound by the probe 1.

[0173] According to this configuration, posture is monitored during ultrasound measurement. If the posture during ultrasound measurement is not the recommended posture, a message prompting the user to repeat the ultrasound measurement is displayed on the user terminal 4, or the ultrasound measurement is interrupted. This allows the subject to easily know that the posture during ultrasound measurement was not the recommended posture.

[0174] (Aspect 6) In the ultrasonic measurement system 100 according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5, the processor 41 causes the user terminal 4 to display a message indicating that ultrasonic measurement is being performed while the probe 1 is transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves.

[0175] According to this configuration, the subject can easily know that ultrasound measurement is in progress via the user terminal 4. This allows the subject to easily determine how long to maintain the recommended posture.

[0176] (Aspect 7) A user terminal 4 is worn by a subject, is communicatively connected to a probe 1 that transmits ultrasound waves into the body of the subject and receives reflected waves, and transmits a measurement command to the probe 1 to transmit and receive ultrasound waves. The user terminal 4 has a processor 41 (at least one processor). The processor 41 displays on the user terminal 4 a recommended posture for the subject when the probe 1 transmits and receives ultrasound waves, displays on the user terminal 4 a measurement button 72d for causing the probe 1 to transmit and receive ultrasound waves, and transmits the measurement command to the probe 1 when an operation on the measurement button 72d by the subject is received.

[0177] According to this configuration, the measurement button 72d for transmitting and receiving ultrasound and the subject's recommended posture are displayed on the user terminal 4. In other words, the recommended posture is displayed on the user terminal 4, which is essential when making the probe 1 transmit and receive ultrasound. Therefore, the subject can easily check the recommended posture via the user terminal 4 without having to carry a manual containing the recommended posture or memorize the recommended posture. This allows the subject to easily adopt the recommended posture during ultrasound measurement. As a result, the target reflected wave can be acquired with high accuracy during ultrasound measurement.

[0178] (Aspect 8) An ultrasonic measurement method includes displaying on a user terminal 4 a recommended posture of the subject when transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves using a probe 1 that is worn by the subject and transmits ultrasonic waves into the subject's body and receives reflected waves, displaying on the user terminal 4 a measurement button 72d for causing the probe 1 to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves, and, upon receiving an operation on the measurement button 72d from the subject, transmitting a measurement command from the user terminal 4 to the probe 1 to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves.

[0179] According to this configuration, the measurement button 72d for transmitting and receiving ultrasound and the subject's recommended posture are displayed on the user terminal 4. In other words, the recommended posture is displayed on the user terminal 4, which is essential when making the probe 1 transmit and receive ultrasound. Therefore, the subject can easily check the recommended posture via the user terminal 4 without having to carry a manual containing the recommended posture or memorize the recommended posture. This allows the subject to easily adopt the recommended posture during ultrasound measurement. As a result, the target reflected wave can be acquired with high accuracy during ultrasound measurement.

[0180] (Aspect 9) The ultrasound measurement program 81 causes a computer to execute the following operations: displaying on the user terminal 4 a recommended posture of the subject when transmitting and receiving ultrasound using the probe 1, which is worn by the subject and transmits ultrasound into the subject's body and receives reflected waves; displaying on the user terminal 4 a measurement button 72d for causing the probe 1 to transmit and receive ultrasound; and, upon receiving an operation on the measurement button 72d from the subject, transmitting a measurement command from the user terminal 4 to the probe 1 to transmit and receive ultrasound.

[0181] According to this configuration, the measurement button 72d for transmitting and receiving ultrasound and the subject's recommended posture are displayed on the user terminal 4. In other words, the recommended posture is displayed on the user terminal 4, which is essential when making the probe 1 transmit and receive ultrasound. Therefore, the subject can easily check the recommended posture via the user terminal 4 without having to carry a manual containing the recommended posture or memorize the recommended posture. This allows the subject to easily adopt the recommended posture during ultrasound measurement. As a result, the target reflected wave can be acquired with high accuracy during ultrasound measurement.

[0182] 100 Ultrasonic measurement system 14 Attitude sensor 4 User terminal 41 Processor 72d Measurement button

Claims

1. An ultrasonic measurement system, comprising a probe that is worn by a subject and transmits ultrasonic waves into the subject's body to receive reflected waves, and a user terminal communicably connected to the probe and transmitting a measurement command for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to the probe, wherein the user terminal has at least one processor, and the at least one processor causes the user terminal to display a recommended posture of the subject when the probe transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, causes the user terminal to display a measurement button for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves by the probe, and outputs the measurement command to the probe when receiving an operation from the subject to the measurement button.

2. The ultrasonic measurement system according to claim 1, further comprising a posture sensor that detects the posture of the subject, wherein the at least one processor determines whether the posture of the subject is the recommended posture based on the detection result of the posture sensor, and outputs the measurement command to the probe when it is determined that the posture of the subject is the recommended posture and an operation from the subject to the measurement button is received.

3. The ultrasonic measurement system according to claim 2, wherein the at least one processor causes the user terminal to display the measurement button in an operable state after it is determined that the posture of the subject has become the recommended posture.

4. The ultrasonic measurement system according to claim 2, wherein the at least one processor causes the user terminal to display a determination result of the posture of the subject based on the detection result of the posture sensor.

5. The ultrasonic measurement system according to claim 2, wherein the at least one processor causes the user terminal to display a message prompting the subject to retransmit and receive ultrasonic waves by the probe or interrupts the transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves by the probe when it is determined that the posture of the subject is not the recommended posture during the transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves by the probe.

6. The ultrasonic measurement system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one processor causes the user terminal to display a message indicating that ultrasonic measurement is in progress during the transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves by the probe.

7. A user terminal communicably connected to a probe that is worn by a subject and transmits ultrasonic waves into the subject's body to receive reflected waves, and transmits a measurement command for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to the probe, the user terminal having at least one processor, the at least one processor causing the user terminal to display a recommended posture of the subject when the probe transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, causing the user terminal to display a measurement button for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to the probe, and, when receiving an operation from the subject to the measurement button, transmitting the measurement command from the user terminal to the probe.

8. An ultrasonic measurement method including causing a user terminal to display a recommended posture of a subject when a probe that is worn by the subject and transmits ultrasonic waves into the subject's body to receive reflected waves transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, causing the user terminal to display a measurement button for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to the probe, and, when receiving an operation from the subject to the measurement button, transmitting a measurement command for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to the probe.

9. An ultrasonic measurement program that causes a computer to cause a user terminal to display a recommended posture of a subject when a probe that is worn by the subject and transmits ultrasonic waves into the subject's body to receive reflected waves transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, cause the user terminal to display a measurement button for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to the probe, and, when receiving an operation from the subject to the measurement button, transmit a measurement command for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves from the user terminal to the probe.

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