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WO2021215511A1 - Sac de matériau d'adaptation et ensemble de sac de matériau d'adaptation - Google Patents

Sac de matériau d'adaptation et ensemble de sac de matériau d'adaptation Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021215511A1
WO2021215511A1 PCT/JP2021/016344 JP2021016344W WO2021215511A1 WO 2021215511 A1 WO2021215511 A1 WO 2021215511A1 JP 2021016344 W JP2021016344 W JP 2021016344W WO 2021215511 A1 WO2021215511 A1 WO 2021215511A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
matching material
bag
material bag
acoustic
region
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/JP2021/016344
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English (en)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
彩 吉川
八木　隆行
由井　敬清
浅尾　恭史
貴暁 中林
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Luxonus
Luxonus Inc
Original Assignee
Luxonus
Luxonus Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Luxonus, Luxonus Inc filed Critical Luxonus
Priority to JP2022517099A priority Critical patent/JP7668029B2/ja
Publication of WO2021215511A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021215511A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/13—Tomography

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a matching material bag and a matching material bag set.
  • a matching material bag also referred to as a water bag
  • an acoustic matching material may be interposed between the subject and the receiving element (for example, Patent Document 1).
  • An object of the present invention is to achieve both suppressing a load applied to a subject and suppressing a decrease in measurement accuracy of an acoustic wave due to air bubbles while ensuring appropriate acoustic matching.
  • a bag body having a storage space for storing a liquid or gel-like acoustic matching material, A partition provided in the storage space of the bag body and partitioning the storage space, With The partition portion includes a main region capable of propagating an acoustic wave used for measurement in a state of accommodating the acoustic matching material, and a bubble formed so that bubbles in the acoustic matching material can be evacuated from the main region.
  • a matching material bag for partitioning the storage space is provided in the evacuation area.
  • a bag body that can accommodate liquid or gel acoustic matching materials, A bubble permeable membrane provided on at least a part of the bag body and allowing air to pass through without passing through the acoustic matching material.
  • a matching material bag provided on the upper surface of the bag body when placed on a flat plate is provided.
  • a flow tube inserted into the injection port of the matching material bag and configured so that the acoustic matching material can flow between the accommodation space and the outside.
  • a leak suppressing portion that suppresses leakage of the acoustic matching material from between the inner circumference of the injection port and the outer circumference of the flow pipe.
  • a matching material bag set is provided.
  • the present invention it is possible to suppress the load applied to the subject and to suppress the decrease in the measurement accuracy of the acoustic wave due to the bubbles while ensuring the appropriate acoustic matching.
  • the measurement accuracy of the acoustic wave due to the intervention of air is reduced. It is suppressed.
  • air hereinafter, also referred to as air bubbles
  • the acoustic impedance of bubbles (air) and the acoustic impedance of the acoustic matching material are different, if bubbles enter the matching material bag, the acoustic waves are reflected by the bubbles and it is difficult for the acoustic waves to propagate toward the receiving element. Become. Therefore, there is a possibility that the measurement accuracy of the acoustic wave may be lowered due to the bubbles.
  • the present invention is based on the above findings found by the inventor and the like.
  • FIGS. 1A and 1B are a schematic plan view showing a matching material bag according to the present embodiment and a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line AA', respectively.
  • the matching material bag 500 of the present embodiment is, for example, a bag that houses the acoustic matching material 510.
  • the matching material bag 500 is arranged between the subject and the receiving element, for example, when measuring an acoustic wave from the subject.
  • the "subject (subject)” referred to here is, for example, a living body (human body), and the predetermined "test site (test site)" of the subject measures (detects) an acoustic wave. It means a part, for example, hands, feet, face, trunk, breast, and the like.
  • the matching material bag 500 of the present embodiment has, for example, a bag main body 520, an injection port 540, and a partition portion (partition portion) 560.
  • the bag body 520 has, for example, an accommodation space (accommodation area) 530 for accommodating the acoustic matching material 510.
  • the acoustic matching material 510 is, for example, liquid or gel-like, and has an acoustic impedance that matches the subject 100.
  • the term "matching with the acoustic impedance of the subject 100" in the present embodiment means not only when it completely matches the acoustic impedance of the subject 100 but also when it is approximated by a predetermined error to the acoustic impedance of the subject 100. Also includes.
  • the "acoustic impedance consistent with the subject 100" is, for example, in the range of 0.5 times or more and 2 times or less the acoustic impedance of the subject 100.
  • Specific examples of the acoustic matching material 510 include water, oil, and the like.
  • the bag body 520 has flexibility, for example. As a result, the bag body 520 can be made to follow the shape of the test site. As a result, it is possible to stably suppress the intervention of air between the test site and the surface of the matching material bag 500.
  • the bag body 520 is made of, for example, a bag-shaped film that forms a storage space 530.
  • the film constituting the bag body 520 is configured so as not to allow the acoustic matching material 510 to permeate (leak), for example. Further, the film is configured to transmit light emitted to the test site when measuring a photoacoustic wave, which will be described later, for example. Further, the film has an acoustic impedance consistent with the subject 100 so that, for example, the acoustic wave from the test site 110 can be propagated.
  • examples of the material constituting the film satisfying the above requirements include polyethylene, polyurethane, polyethylene terephthalate, nylon, and laminates thereof.
  • the thickness of the film constituting the bag body 520 is determined based on the frequency band of the acoustic wave used for the measurement and the longitudinal wave sound velocity in the film constituting the bag body 520.
  • the longitudinal wave sound velocity in the film constituting the bag body 520 is, for example, about the same as that of the subject 100 as a typical living body.
  • the longitudinal wave sound velocity in the film constituting the bag body 520 is, for example, 1000 m / s or more and 2500 m / s or less.
  • the thickness of the film is preferably 1 mm or less, for example.
  • the thickness of the film is preferably 0.15 mm or less, for example.
  • the thickness of the film is preferably 0.03 mm or less, for example. If the thickness of the film constituting the bag body 520 is out of the above range, a significant decrease in signal strength may occur at a specific frequency or a specific angle.
  • the measurement accuracy can be improved by setting the film thickness to a predetermined thickness or less according to the frequency band of the acoustic wave used for the measurement. For example, when the characteristic information distribution is obtained based on the acoustic wave, the required resolution can be obtained by setting the thickness of the film made of polyurethane or polyethylene to 25 ⁇ m or less.
  • the bag body 520 has, for example, a fixing allowance (fixing margin, edge, frame, ear) 522 and a notch 524 in the outer peripheral portion surrounding the accommodation space 530.
  • a fixing allowance fixing margin, edge, frame, ear
  • the fixing allowance 522 is provided so as to surround the accommodation space 530, for example, and is configured to be fixed to the support base by a predetermined fixing member as described later.
  • the fixing allowance 522 is configured by, for example, stacking a pair of films constituting the bag body 520 and heat-sealing them in a frame shape so as to define the accommodation space 530.
  • the fixed allowance 522 may have higher strength than the portion constituting the accommodation space 530, for example. Specifically, the entire fixing allowance 522 may be heat-sealed. As a result, tearing of the film constituting the bag body 520 can be suppressed.
  • the cut portion 524 is cut from the outer edge of the fixing allowance 522 toward the accommodation space 530, for example. By tearing the notch 524 when the matching material bag 500 is replaced, the acoustic matching material 510 in the accommodation space 530 can be easily discharged from the matching material bag 500.
  • the injection port 540 communicates from the outer edge of the bag body 520 toward the inside (accommodation space 530), and is configured to allow the acoustic matching material 510 to be injected into the accommodation space 530 of the matching material bag 500. As a result, leakage of the acoustic matching material 510 can be suppressed by injecting the acoustic matching material 510 through the injection port 540.
  • the injection port 540 is preferably configured as, for example, a check valve capable of irreversibly injecting the acoustic matching material 510 into the matching material bag 500. As a result, leakage of the acoustic matching material 510 from the injection port 540 can be suppressed.
  • the injection port 540 has flexibility, for example.
  • the injection port 540 is made of a film like the bag body 520, for example.
  • the material and thickness of the film constituting the injection port 540 may be the same as or different from the material and thickness of the film constituting the bag body 520.
  • the inlet 540 is made of film as described above, and is not made of a hard instrument such as a spout or connector. As a result, it is possible to suppress the concentration of stress due to the load of the subject at the injection port 540.
  • the partition portion 560 is provided in, for example, the storage space 530 of the bag main body 520, and partitions the storage space 530.
  • the partition portion 560 divides the accommodation space 530 into, for example, a main region 532 and a bubble evacuation region (air holding region) 534.
  • the main region 532 and the bubble evacuation region 534 communicate with each other through the communication port 538.
  • the main region 532 is configured to be capable of propagating an acoustic wave used for measurement, for example, in a state of accommodating an acoustic matching material 510.
  • the main region 532 is, for example, a region in which the acoustic wave from the test site propagates, a measurement region in which the acoustic wave from the test site is measured in order to obtain characteristic information in the test site, or a measurement region. , Includes at least a portion of the imaging region where acoustic waves from the test site are measured to generate image data as a characteristic information distribution within the test site.
  • the main region 532 is placed in, for example, a region in the recess 440 of the mounting portion 400 of the acoustic wave measuring device 10 described later (the recess region RA (broken line region), also referred to as a region inside the peripheral edge of the recess 440). Will be done. That is, the main region 532 corresponds to the concave region RA in a plan view.
  • the bubble evacuation region 534 is configured so that, for example, air bubbles in the acoustic matching material 510 can be evacuated from the main region 532.
  • the bubble evacuation region 534 is configured to move the bubbles in the acoustic matching material 510 from the main region 532 and temporarily retain the bubbles, for example.
  • the bubbles that have moved into the bubble evacuation region 534 are suppressed from returning to the main region 532 by the partition portion 560. By retracting the bubbles from the main region 532 to the bubble evacuation region 534 in this way, it is possible to suppress a decrease in measurement accuracy due to the bubbles in the main region 532.
  • the bubble evacuation region 534 is configured so as not to protrude from the main region 532, for example, when placed on a flat plate in a state of accommodating the acoustic matching material 510. Thereby, in the bubble evacuation region 534, the concentration of stress due to the load of the subject can be suppressed.
  • the bubble evacuation region 534 is placed on the outside of the recessed region RA, that is, on the support surface 210 of the support base 200 or the upper surface of the frame body 480.
  • the bubble evacuation region 534 may have a volume capable of holding bubbles in the acoustic matching material 510, and is preferably narrower than the main region 532. As a result, it is possible to make it difficult to apply the load of the subject 100 to the bubble evacuation region 534. As a result, the probability that the bubbles will return to the main region 532 can be reduced as compared with the case where the bubble evacuation region 534 is wider than the main region 532. Further, in the present embodiment, since the bubble evacuation region 534 is placed on the support surface 210 of the support base 200, the decrease in the area of the mattress placed on the support surface 210 due to the area of the bubble evacuation region 534 is suppressed. be able to.
  • the communication port 538 that communicates the bubble evacuation region 534 and the main region 532 is preferably narrower than, for example, at least a part of the bubble evacuation region 534. That is, the opening area of the communication port 538 is preferably smaller than, for example, the cross-sectional area of at least a part of the bubble evacuation region 534. As a result, it is possible to suppress the return of bubbles from the bubble evacuation region 534 to the main region 532.
  • the partition portion 560 for partitioning the accommodation space 530 is configured so that air bubbles do not permeate through itself, for example.
  • the partition portion 560 is composed of, for example, a joint portion in which a pair of facing inner surfaces (upper and lower inner surfaces) of the bag main body 520 are joined. Thereby, the partition portion 560 capable of suppressing the permeation of bubbles can be easily formed.
  • the joint portion as the partition portion 560 is composed of, for example, a heat seal (heat welding).
  • a heat seal heat welding
  • the partition portion 560 is arranged so as to make it difficult for bubbles to return from the bubble evacuation region 534 to the main region 532, for example.
  • the partition portion 560 is provided linearly along one side of the quadrangle formed by the accommodation space 530, for example, in a plan view.
  • the bubble evacuation region 534 can be lengthened in a plan view.
  • the partition portion 560 is shown so as to be provided along the short side of the accommodation space 530 in a plan view, but the partition portion 560 is, for example, along the long side of the accommodation space 530 in a plan view. It may be provided.
  • the above-mentioned injection port 540 is preferably connected to, for example, a bubble evacuation region 534.
  • the partition portion 560 can prevent the air bubbles from infiltrating into the main region 532 as they are.
  • the injection port 540 is preferably located near one end on the communication port 538 side and the other end on the opposite side in the bubble evacuation region 534. As a result, the direct infiltration of air bubbles into the main region 532 can be stably suppressed.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing an acoustic wave measuring device according to the present embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of FIG.
  • parts other than the test site 110 of the subject 100 are omitted.
  • the acoustic wave measuring device 10 of the present embodiment is configured as, for example, a photoacoustic tomography (PAT) device (photoacoustic imaging device).
  • PAT photoacoustic tomography
  • a predetermined test site of the subject is irradiated with light.
  • acoustic waves coarse and dense waves
  • This phenomenon is called "photoacoustic effect”
  • the acoustic wave generated by the photoacoustic effect is also called “photoacoustic wave”.
  • optical ultrasound By receiving the photoacoustic wave generated by the photoacoustic effect, characteristic information in the subject and its distribution can be obtained.
  • the acoustic wave measuring device 10 of the present embodiment includes, for example, a support base (base) 200, a receiving unit (detection unit) 300, a light source 620, an optical system 640, and an imaging unit 690.
  • a scanning mechanism (moving mechanism) 380, a mounting unit 400, a matching material bag 500, a supply unit 800, and a processing unit 700 are provided.
  • the support base 200 is configured as, for example, a base on which the subject 100 is placed. Specifically, the support base 200 has, for example, a support surface 210 and an opening 220.
  • the support surface 210 supports, for example, a portion of the subject 100 other than the test site 110.
  • a space is provided under the support surface 210 of the support base 200, and a receiving unit 300 or the like, which will be described later, is provided.
  • the opening 220 is provided on the support surface 210, for example, in order to measure a predetermined test site 110 of the subject 100.
  • the opening 220 is wider than the test site 110 in order to measure the acoustic wave from the predetermined test site 110.
  • the planar shape of the opening 220 is, for example, a quadrangle.
  • the support base 200 is configured so that, for example, the separation film 420 and the matching material bag 500 can be installed. This point will be described in detail later.
  • the receiving unit 300 is configured to receive, for example, an acoustic wave from a predetermined test site 110 of the subject 100.
  • the receiving unit 300 of the present embodiment includes, for example, a container 320, a receiving element (probe, conversion element) 340, and an element holding unit 360.
  • the container 320 is provided, for example, vertically below the support surface 210.
  • the container 320 is configured to be capable of accommodating (storing) the acoustic matching material 310, for example.
  • the acoustic matching material 310 is, for example, liquid or gel-like, and has an acoustic impedance that matches the subject 100.
  • Specific examples of the acoustic matching material 310 include water, oil, and the like.
  • the container 320 houses, for example, the acoustic matching material 310 in a state where the acoustic matching material 310 can be changed into an irregular shape without being fixed, that is, the acoustic matching material 310 has fluidity. Containing material 310.
  • the acoustic matching material 310 is filled in the container 320 up to a position in contact with the separation film 420 described later. As a result, it is possible to suppress the intervention of air in the propagation path of the acoustic wave from the test site 110 to the receiving element 340.
  • the receiving element 340 is provided, for example, vertically below the support surface 210.
  • the receiving element 340 is configured to receive, for example, an acoustic wave generated from the test portion 110.
  • the receiving element 340 is configured to convert the received acoustic wave into an electric signal, for example.
  • the electric signal obtained by converting the acoustic wave is referred to as an "acoustic signal".
  • the receiving element 340 is configured to be able to receive, for example, an acoustic wave having a frequency of 100 kHz or more and 1000 MHz or less. More preferably, the receiving element 340 is configured to be able to receive, for example, an acoustic wave having a frequency of 100 kHz or more and 50 MHz or less.
  • the receiving element 340 include a piezoelectric element made of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) and the like, a polymer piezoelectric film material such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), a capacitive micromachine ultrasonic transducer (CMUT), and a Fabry. Examples include a perot interferometer.
  • a plurality of receiving elements 340 are provided.
  • the measurement accuracy can be improved. For example, it is possible to improve the measurement position accuracy of the characteristic information in the test site 110.
  • the element holding unit 360 holds, for example, a plurality of receiving elements 340.
  • the element holding portion 360 is formed, for example, in a hemispherical shape (bowl shape) recessed toward the vertically downward side.
  • hemispherical as used herein means the shape of a perfect sphere divided by a flat cross section, the shape of an ellipsoid divided by a flat cross section, or a shape approximated by a predetermined error. doing.
  • the central angle of the spherical surface formed by the element holding portion 360 is, for example, 140 ° or more and 180 ° or less.
  • the element holding unit 360 holds a plurality of receiving elements 340 in an array along the hemisphere so that the directional axes of the plurality of receiving elements 340 are concentrated near the center of curvature of the hemisphere. As a result, high resolution can be obtained near the center of curvature of the hemisphere.
  • the center of curvature of the hemisphere of the element holding portion 360 is set to be located in the test portion 110 when the test site 110 is placed on the matching material bag 500, which will be described later, for example. ing.
  • high-resolution measurement can be performed within the predetermined test site 110.
  • the element holding portion 360 is provided at the bottom of the container 320, for example, and is integrally fixed to the container 320.
  • the above-mentioned acoustic matching material 310 is housed in the element holding portion 360.
  • the receiving element 340 receives the acoustic wave via the acoustic matching material 310.
  • the container 320 accommodates the acoustic matching material 310 in a state of having fluidity, so that the element holding portion 360 holds the element even if it has a complicated shape.
  • the acoustic matching material 310 can be densely filled in the portion 360 without interposing air.
  • the light source 620 is configured to irradiate, for example, a predetermined test site 110 with light.
  • the light source 620 is configured to be capable of emitting pulsed light, for example.
  • the light source 620 is, for example, a laser, a light emitting diode, or a flash lamp.
  • the laser include a gas laser, a solid-state laser, a dye laser, and a semiconductor laser.
  • the light source 620 is configured to emit light, for example, under conditions where a photoacoustic effect can be obtained.
  • the wavelength of the light emitted from the light source 620 is, for example, a wavelength that is absorbed by a predetermined absorber that constitutes the tissue of the test site 110 and is a wavelength that can propagate to the inside of the test site 110.
  • the wavelength of light is, for example, 500 nm or more and 1200 nm or less.
  • the light source 620 may be configured to emit light of different wavelengths, for example. By irradiating the test site 110 with light having different wavelengths, it is possible to obtain a distribution of characteristic information based on the difference in absorption coefficient at different wavelengths. For example, an oxygen saturation distribution can be obtained.
  • the pulse width of the light emitted from the light source 620 satisfies the so-called thermal stress confinement condition. That is, the pulse width is the time width at which the light irradiation is completed before the heat propagates from the predetermined absorber in the test site 110 and escapes, and the light irradiation is performed before the acoustic wave passes through the absorber body.
  • the time width to finish. Specifically, the pulse width is, for example, 1 ns or more and 100 ns or less.
  • the optical system 640 is configured to transmit light from, for example, the light source 620.
  • the optical system 640 is composed of, for example, an optical component such as a lens and a mirror, an optical fiber, and the like.
  • the light emission port 660 at the end of the optical system 640 is configured to emit the light transmitted from the light source 620 toward the test site 110.
  • the light emission port 660 is provided, for example, at the bottom of the element holding portion 360. Since the light emitting port 660 is provided in the element holding portion 360 together with the receiving element 340, it is possible to measure the photoacoustic wave in a wide range in the test portion 110.
  • the imaging unit 690 is provided, for example, vertically below the support surface 210, and is configured to image at least the test site 110 from the vertically below side.
  • the imaging unit 690 is provided, for example, at the bottom of the element holding unit 360.
  • the imaging unit 690 has, for example, a light 695 that irradiates the test site 110 with light.
  • the light 695 is, for example, formed in a ring shape and is provided along the outer edge of the hemispherical element holding portion 360 (so as to surround the outer edge).
  • a blackout curtain (not shown) is placed on the test site 110 in order to suppress leakage of light used for the measurement. Therefore, by irradiating the test site 110 with light by the light 695 and imaging the test site 110 from the vertically lower side by the image pickup unit 690, the test site 110 can be covered with a dark curtain. It is possible to adjust the position.
  • the imaging unit 690 has, for example, a cut filter that cuts the light from the light source 620. As a result, damage to the imaging unit 690 caused by the light from the light source 620 can be suppressed.
  • the imaging unit 690 may be configured to image the matching material bag 500 from the vertically lower side, for example. Thereby, the position and state of the matching material bag 500, the presence or absence of air bubbles between the matching material bag 500 and the separation film 420, and the like can be confirmed.
  • the scanning mechanism 380 is configured to scan (move) the receiving element 340 relative to the subject 100 placed on the support base 200, for example.
  • the scanning mechanism 380 is configured to, for example, scan the receiving unit 300 having the container 320 and the receiving element 340 as a unit.
  • the scanning mechanism 380 is configured to scan the receiving element 340 in at least one predetermined direction.
  • the direction in which the scanning mechanism 380 scans the receiving element 340 may be, for example, a two-dimensional direction (XY direction) or a three-dimensional direction (XYZ direction).
  • the scanning mechanism 380 is configured to scan the receiving element 340 in the XY directions on a horizontal plane parallel to the support surface 210, for example.
  • the container 320 accommodates the acoustic matching material 310 in a state of having fluidity as described above, the receiving element 340 acoustically matches even if the receiving unit 300 is scanned by the scanning mechanism 380.
  • the state of contact with the material 310 can be maintained.
  • the supply unit 800 is configured to supply the acoustic matching material 310 into the container 320 via the supply pipe 820, for example.
  • the supply pipe 820 is connected to, for example, a part of the element holding portion 360.
  • the processing unit 700 is configured to control each unit of the acoustic wave measuring device 10, for example, and process the characteristic information in the test portion 110.
  • the processing unit 700 is configured as, for example, a computer. Specifically, the processing unit 700 has, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a storage device, and an I / O port.
  • the RAM, storage device, and I / O port are configured so that data can be exchanged with the CPU.
  • the I / O port is connected to each of the receiving elements 340 via a signal processing unit (not shown) such as a predetermined amplifier, AD converter, and arithmetic circuit, and the light source 620, the imaging unit 690, the scanning mechanism 380, and the I / O port are connected to each of the receiving elements 340. It is connected to the display unit 720.
  • the storage device is configured to store a program related to acoustic wave measurement, characteristic information in the test site 110, and the like.
  • the storage device is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash memory, or the like.
  • the RAM is configured to temporarily hold information, programs, and the like read from the storage device by the CPU.
  • the CPU is configured to control each part of the acoustic wave measuring device 10 and process the characteristic information in the test site 110 by executing a predetermined program stored in the storage device.
  • the display unit 720 is configured to display characteristic information in the test site 110 obtained by executing a predetermined program, or to display an image of the test site 110 or the like captured by the image pickup unit 690. ..
  • the acoustic wave measuring device 10 of the present embodiment has a separation structure of "subject / matching material bag / separation film / acoustic matching material / receiving element" as a configuration related to acoustic matching.
  • the acoustic wave measuring device 10 of the present embodiment does not allow the acoustic matching material 310 to permeate between the acoustic matching material 310 housed in the container 320 and the test site 110, for example.
  • the separation film 420 and the matching material bag 500 containing the liquid or gel-like acoustic matching material 510 can be installed in this order.
  • installable here means that the separation film 420 and the matching material bag 500 can be replaceably (removably) installed (attached) to the acoustic wave measuring device 10.
  • the acoustic wave measuring device 10 has an attachment portion (not shown) to which the separation film 420 and the matching material bag 500 can be attached.
  • the mounting portion 400 is configured to mount, for example, the matching material bag 500. Further, in the present embodiment, the mounting unit 400 is configured to separate, for example, the subject 100 side and the receiving unit 300 side.
  • the separation film 420 constituting the mounting portion 400 is configured so as not to penetrate the acoustic matching material 310, for example. Further, the separation film 420 is configured to transmit light from, for example, the light source 620. Further, the separation film 420 has an acoustic impedance consistent with the subject 100 so that the acoustic wave from the test site 110 can be propagated, for example.
  • the material of the separation film 420 satisfying the above requirements include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene (PE).
  • the thickness of the separation film 420 is the same as the thickness of the film constituting the bag main body 520 of the matching material bag 500, the frequency band of the acoustic wave used for acquiring the characteristic information of the test site 110, and the vertical length in the separation film 420. Determined based on the speed of sound.
  • the longitudinal wave sound velocity in the separation film 420 is, for example, about the same as that of the subject 100 as a typical living body, similar to the film constituting the bag body 520 described above.
  • the longitudinal wave sound velocity in the separation film 420 is, for example, 1000 m / s or more and 2500 m / s or less.
  • the thickness of the separation film 420 can be within the same range as, for example, the thickness of the fill constituting the bag body 520 described above, depending on the frequency band of the acoustic wave used for acquiring the characteristic information. Thereby, the measurement accuracy can be improved.
  • At least the separation film 420 of the mounting portion 400 is configured to be replaceable (disposable), for example. By exchanging the separation film 420 when the subject 100 is replaced, cross-infection between the subjects 100 can be suppressed.
  • the mounting portion 400 is provided so as to close (cover) the opening 220 of the support base 200, for example. Specifically, the mounting portion 400 is wider than, for example, the opening 220.
  • the mounting portion 400 is fixed to the support surface 210 of the support base 200 by a predetermined mounting portion (not shown), for example, around the opening 220. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the subject 100 from coming into contact with the acoustic matching material 310 in the container 320.
  • the mounting portion 400 is, for example, configured in a tray shape and has a recess 440 that is recessed toward the vertically downward side.
  • the separation film 420 described above constitutes at least the bottom (bottom) of the recess 440 within the opening 220.
  • the separation film 420 is molded by, for example, compressed air molding using the above-mentioned materials.
  • the separation film 420 constituting the mounting portion 400 is in contact with the acoustic matching material 310 housed in the container 320. As a result, it is possible to prevent air from interposing between the separation film 420 and the acoustic matching material 310.
  • the mounting portion 400 has the recess 440, the mounting portion 400 is configured so that, for example, the matching material bag 500 can be accommodated in the recess 440. As a result, the matching material bag 500 can be stably stored (placed).
  • the mounting portion 400 is configured to accommodate the main region 532 of the matching material bag 500 in the recess 440, for example, as described above.
  • the separation film 420 constituting the mounting portion 400 has the recess 440, the separation film 420 of the mounting portion 400 can accommodate, for example, the matching liquid (acoustic matching liquid) 410 in the recess 440. It is configured in.
  • the recess 440 can prevent the matching liquid 410 from flowing out onto the support base 200.
  • the matching liquid 410 is in the form of a liquid or gel, like the acoustic matching material 310, and has an acoustic impedance that matches the subject 100.
  • Examples of the matching liquid 410 include water and oil.
  • the recess 440 of the mounting portion 400 is removably fitted to the opening 220 of the support base 200.
  • the area of the recess 440 of the mounting portion 400 is, for example, substantially the same as or slightly smaller than the area of the opening 220 of the support base 200. As a result, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the recess 440 of the mounting portion 400 in the opening 220 of the support base 200.
  • the depth of the recess 440 of the mounting portion 400 is determined based on the position of the upper surface of the matching material bag 500 housed in the recess 440, and is, for example, 30 mm or less, preferably 20 mm or less. In the present embodiment, the depth of the recess 440 is, for example, 10 mm.
  • the matching material bag 500 is arranged (mounted) on, for example, the mounting portion 400, and is interposed between the mounting portion 400 and the subject 100. With the acoustic matching material 510 enclosed in the matching material bag 500, the matching material bag 500 is interposed between the mounting portion 400 and the subject 100, thereby suppressing the intervention of air between them. At the same time, it is possible to prevent the subject 100 from coming into direct contact with the acoustic matching material 510.
  • the acoustic matching material in this portion is, for example, liquid or gel-like, and has an acoustic impedance that matches the subject 100.
  • the acoustic matching material include water, oil, and a hydrophilic solution.
  • the intervention method include spraying and coating with a spray. Since the amount of the acoustic matching material interposed between the matching material bag 500 and the test site 110 is small, the load on the subject 100 is reduced.
  • the main region 532 of the matching material bag 500 is housed in the recess 440 of the mounting portion 400, while the bubble evacuation region 534 of the matching material bag 500 is the supporting surface of the support base 200. It is placed on the upper surface of 210 or the frame 480. As a result, it is possible to prevent the bubble evacuation region 534 from interfering with the measurement or imaging of the acoustic wave.
  • the matching material bag 500 is separated from, for example, the separation film 420, and is configured to be replaceable (disposable) together with the acoustic matching material 510.
  • the test site 110 can be placed on the matching material bag 500 that is always in a clean state.
  • the matching material is placed on the support surface 210 of the support base 200 (that is, the test site 110 is placed on the matching material bag 500).
  • the matching material bag 500 can be installed so that at least a part of the upper surface of the bag 500 is located at the same height as the support surface 210 or vertically above the support surface 210. As a result, it is possible to suppress the concentration of stress due to the load of the subject 100 at the step at the peripheral end of the opening 220 of the support surface 210.
  • the matching material bag is not placed on the support surface 210 of the support base 200 (that is, the state before the test site 110 is placed on the matching material bag 500). It is preferable that the matching material bag 500 can be installed so that at least a part of the upper surface of the 500 is located at the same height as the support surface 210 or vertically above the support surface 210. .. As a result, the concentration of stress due to the load of the subject 100 can be reliably suppressed at the step at the peripheral end of the opening 220 of the support surface 210.
  • the matching material bag 500 can be fixed to the support base 200 by a predetermined fixing member 280.
  • the fixing member 280 is provided on the support surface 210 of the support base 200, for example, and is configured as a binder (clip) that elastically sandwiches the fixing allowance 522 of the matching material bag 500.
  • the matching material bag 500 can be stably fixed to the support surface 210.
  • the four fixing members 280 are provided.
  • the four fixing members 280 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the matching material bag 500 in a plan view, for example, around the opening 220 of the support base 200.
  • the matching material bag 500 can be fixed in a well-balanced manner.
  • the bubble evacuation region 534 is placed on the support surface 210 of the support base 200 or the upper surface of the frame body 480, the four fixing members 280 are asymmetrical with respect to the center of the opening 220 in a plan view.
  • the four fixing members 280 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the opening 220 in a plan view.
  • the acoustic wave measuring method of the present embodiment includes, for example, a preparation step S100, a bubble evacuation step S180, a placement step S200, a measurement step S300, and an end determination step S400 in this order.
  • the acoustic matching material 310 is housed in the container 320 in a state of having fluidity.
  • the acoustic matching material 310 is filled in the container 320 until the position where the acoustic matching material 310 comes into contact with the separation film 420.
  • the separation film 420 and the matching material bag 500 containing the acoustic matching material 510 are placed between the acoustic matching material 310 housed in the container 320 and the test site 110. , Are installed in this order.
  • the mounting portion 400 is arranged so as to close the opening 220 of the support base 200.
  • the frame portion of the mounting portion 400 is fixed to the support surface 210 of the support base 200 by a predetermined mounting portion.
  • the matching liquid 410 is housed in the recess 440 of the mounting portion 400. In this embodiment, since the matching material bag 500 is used, a small amount of the matching liquid 410 is sufficient.
  • the acoustic matching material 510 is injected into the accommodation space of the matching material bag 500 through the injection port 540.
  • the matching material bag 500 in which the acoustic matching material 510 is injected is placed in the recess 440 of the mounting portion 400.
  • the matching material bag 500 is installed so as to be located vertically above the support surface 210.
  • at least a part of the upper surface of the matching material bag 500 is the support surface 210 in a state where the subject 100 is not placed on the support surface 210 of the support base 200 (that is, the stage of the preparation step S100). It is preferable to install the matching material bag 500 so as to be located at the same height as or vertically above the support surface 210.
  • the depth of the recess 440 of the mounting portion 400 and the height of the matching material bag 500 in the state where the acoustic matching material 510 is housed. To set.
  • the depth of the recess 440 of the mounting portion 400 is fixed at a predetermined depth so as to satisfy the above-mentioned requirements for the upper surface of the matching material bag 500, while the acoustic injection into the matching material bag 500 is performed.
  • the amount of matching material 510 may be adjusted.
  • the height of the upper surface of the matching material bag 500 is changed by adjusting the amount of the acoustic matching material 510 injected into the matching material bag 500 according to the subject 100 and the test site 110. May be good.
  • the fixing allowance 522 of the matching material bag 500 is fixed to the support base 200 by the fixing member 280.
  • the acoustic matching material is applied to at least one of the matching material bag 500 and the test site 110 by spraying or applying. After applying the acoustic matching material, the test site 110 is placed on the matching material bag 500.
  • the measurement step S300 is performed in which the acoustic wave generated from the predetermined test site 110 of the subject 100 is received by the receiving element 340.
  • the acoustic wave propagating in the main region 532 is measured with the acoustic matching material 510 accommodated in the accommodation space 530 of the matching material bag 500.
  • the characteristic information in the subject 100 and its distribution are acquired by receiving the photoacoustic wave generated by the photoacoustic effect by the following procedure.
  • the control of each part of the acoustic wave measuring device 10 and the processing of the characteristic information are performed by the processing unit 700.
  • the irradiated light is absorbed by a predetermined absorber of the tissue in the test site 110, the light-absorbing absorber releases heat and generates an acoustic wave by volume expansion. In this way, the acoustic wave generated from the test portion 110 is received by the receiving element 340.
  • the receiving element 340 receives the acoustic wave, the receiving element 340 converts the received acoustic wave into an acoustic signal as an electric signal.
  • the processing unit 700 acquires the characteristic information in the test site 110 based on the acoustic signal obtained from the receiving element 340.
  • Specific characteristic information includes, for example, the position of the source of the acoustic wave, the initial sound pressure in the test site 110, the energy absorption density and absorption coefficient obtained based on the initial sound pressure, and the structure of the test site 110. Examples include the concentration of constituent substances.
  • a two-dimensional or three-dimensional characteristic information distribution is acquired, and image data is generated as the characteristic information distribution.
  • Specific characteristic information distributions include, for example, initial sound pressure distribution, energy absorption density distribution, absorption coefficient distribution, oxygen saturation distribution, and the like.
  • Examples of the image reconstruction method for generating image data include UBP (Universal Back Projection), FBP (Filtered Back Projection), and Phase Alignment Addition (Delay and Sum). Predetermined image processing may be performed on the generated image data.
  • the image data is displayed on the display unit 720.
  • the scanning mechanism 380 moves the receiving unit 300 having the plurality of receiving elements 340 relative to the subject 100, while the plurality of receiving elements 340 move the receiving unit 300 from each position of the test site 110.
  • the matching material bag 500 and the separation film 420 used in the previous measurement are discarded, and the matching material bag 500 and the separation film 420 are newly cleaned. Replace with a product.
  • the above-mentioned mounting step S200 and measuring step S300 are performed on the new subject 100.
  • the partition portion 560 has a main region 532 configured to be capable of propagating an acoustic wave used for measurement in a state of accommodating the acoustic matching material 510, and the inside of the acoustic matching material 510.
  • the accommodation space 530 is partitioned between the bubble evacuation area 534 and the air bubble evacuation area 534 so that the air bubbles can be evacuated from the main area 532.
  • the air bubbles in the acoustic matching material 510 are moved from the main area 532 to the air bubble evacuation area 534, and the air bubbles are temporarily held in the air bubble evacuation area 534. be able to.
  • the bubble evacuation area 534 is partitioned in the accommodation space 530, so that the bubble evacuation area 534 is placed on the flat plate in a state where the acoustic matching material 510 is accommodated. It is configured so that it does not protrude beyond the main area 532 when it is evacuated. Thereby, in the bubble evacuation region 534, the concentration of stress due to the load of the subject can be suppressed. Further, it is not necessary to attach an instrument such as a spout or a connector for removing air bubbles mixed in the matching material bag 500 to the matching material bag 500.
  • the contact of the subject with the instrument or the like can be suppressed, and the concentration of stress due to the load of the subject can be suppressed. can.
  • the stress concentration as described above the load on the subject can be reduced, and the subject as the subject can be suppressed from feeling pain. As a result, the measurement of the acoustic wave can be continued stably.
  • the partition portion 560 is composed of a joint portion in which a pair of facing inner surfaces (upper and lower inner surfaces) of the bag main body 520 are joined. Thereby, the partition portion 560 can be easily formed. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the matching material bag 500 can be reduced.
  • the partition portion 560 is composed of the joint portion inside the bag body 520, the partition portion 560 does not protrude to the outside of the bag body 520. As a result, in the partition portion 560, the concentration of stress due to the load of the subject can be suppressed. As a result, the load on the subject can be reduced.
  • the joint portion as the partition portion 560 is formed by a heat seal.
  • the partition portion 560 can be formed more easily without the need for a separate member.
  • the partition portion 560 can be formed only by sandwiching the bag body 520 from the outside of the bag body 520 with a predetermined heating device. As a result, the manufacturing process of the matching material bag 500 can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be further reduced.
  • the partition portion 560 is configured by the heat seal, it is possible to prevent the partition portion 560 from becoming thicker than the other portions of the bag body 520. As a result, in the partition portion 560, the concentration of stress due to the load of the subject can be suppressed. As a result, the load on the subject can be stably reduced.
  • the partition portion 560 is configured by the heat seal, the outer shape of the bag main body 520 in the state where the acoustic matching material 510 is housed can be recessed at the position of the partition portion 560.
  • the position of the partition portion 560 can be easily visually recognized, that is, the positional relationship between the main region 532 and the bubble evacuation region 534 can be easily visually recognized.
  • the step of retracting the bubbles can be easily performed, and the bubbles can be reliably retracted to the bubble retracting region 534.
  • the opening area of the communication port 538 that communicates the bubble evacuation region 534 and the main region 532 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of at least a part of the bubble evacuation region 534.
  • the acoustic wave measuring device 10 of the present embodiment has a separation structure of "subject / matching material bag / separation film / acoustic matching material / receiving element" as a configuration related to acoustic matching. That is, the acoustic wave measuring device 10 of the present embodiment has a matching material bag 500 containing a separation film 420 and an acoustic matching material 510 between the acoustic matching material 310 housed in the container 320 and the test site 110. And are configured to be installable in this order.
  • the matching material bag 500 is interposed between the mounting portion 400 and the subject 100, thereby suppressing the intervention of air between them. At the same time, it is possible to prevent the subject 100 from coming into direct contact with the acoustic matching material 510. Thereby, for example, it is possible to prevent the test site 110 from getting wet by the acoustic matching material 510. Further, for example, wetting of inspection clothes and blackout curtains can be suppressed, and deterioration of the measurement environment can be suppressed. As a result, the load on the subject 100 can be reduced.
  • the matching material bag 500 and the separation film 420 used in the previous measurement are immediately discarded. Then, the matching material bag 500 and the separation film 420 can be easily replaced with new clean products.
  • the test site 110 can be placed on the matching material bag 500 in a clean state at all times, and the test site 110 can be placed between the subjects 100. Cross-infection can be suppressed.
  • the subject 100 is placed on the support surface 210 of the support base 200 (that is, the test site 110 is placed on the matching material bag 500).
  • the matching material bag 500 can be installed so that at least a part of the upper surface of the material bag 500 is located at the same height as the support surface 210 or vertically above the support surface 210.
  • By suppressing the contact of the subject 100 with the step it is possible to suppress the concentration of stress due to the load of the subject 100.
  • the stress concentration the load on the subject 100 can be stably reduced, and the subject 100 can be suppressed from feeling pain. As a result, the measurement of the acoustic wave can be continued stably.
  • the mounting portion 400 has a recess 440 that is recessed toward the vertically downward side.
  • the separation film 420 constitutes at least the bottom of the recess 440.
  • the separation film 420 constituting the mounting portion 400 can be easily brought into contact with the acoustic matching material 310 housed in the container 320. As a result, it is possible to prevent air from interposing between the separation film 420 and the acoustic matching material 310.
  • the matching material bag 500 can be stably housed (mounted) in the recess 440 of the mounting portion 400. Thereby, the deviation of the matching material bag 500 can be suppressed.
  • the matching liquid 410 can be accommodated in the recess 440 of the mounting portion 400.
  • the matching liquid 410 can be densely interposed between the separation film 420 and the matching material bag 500, and the intervention of air between them can be suppressed.
  • the matching material bag 500 can be fixed to the support base 200 by a predetermined fixing member 280. By fixing the matching material bag 500 to the support base 200, even if the subject 100 moves, the deviation of the matching material bag 500 can be suppressed. By suppressing the displacement of the matching material bag 500, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of wrinkles in the matching material bag 500. By suppressing the wrinkles of the matching material bag 500, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of air intervention caused by the wrinkles of the matching material bag 500 and the fluctuation of the thickness of the matching material bag 500. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the measurement accuracy of the acoustic wave.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing the matching material bag according to the modified example 1-1 of the present embodiment.
  • the arrangement of the partition portion 560 and the bubble evacuation region 534 is different from that of the first embodiment described above.
  • the bubble evacuation region 534 is gradually narrowed toward, for example, the communication port 538.
  • the bubble evacuation region 534 is provided so as to include, for example, the corners of the quadrangle formed by the accommodation space 530 in a plan view.
  • the partition portion 560 is provided, for example, at an angle to one side of the quadrangle of the accommodation space 530 in a plan view, and is provided so as to approach one side along the extending direction as the distance from the corner portion increases.
  • the bubble evacuation regions 534 are provided, for example, at four locations so as to include each of the four corners of the accommodation space 530 in a plan view.
  • the bubbles can be reliably evacuated from the main region 532 to at least one of the four bubble evacuating regions 534 while making the main region 532 as wide as possible.
  • a part of the main region 532 shown in FIG. 4 is in the region (recess region RA (broken line region)) in the recess 440 of the mounting portion 400 of the acoustic wave measuring device 10. It will be placed.
  • the entire accommodation space 530 may be placed in the recessed region RA.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view showing the matching material bag according to the modified example 1-2 of the present embodiment.
  • the matching material bag 500 of the modified example 1-2 is different from the above-described first embodiment in that an auxiliary partition portion 562 is provided.
  • an auxiliary partition portion 562 is further provided in the bubble evacuation region 534.
  • the auxiliary partition portion 562 is provided, for example, so that bubbles that have entered the bubble evacuation region 534 from the main region 532 do not easily return to the main region 532.
  • the auxiliary partition portion 562 is provided so as to lengthen the propagation path of the bubbles that have entered the bubble evacuation region 534 from the main region 532 or narrow a part of the propagation path, for example.
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing the matching material bag according to the modified example 1-3 of the present embodiment.
  • the aspect of the auxiliary partition portion 562 is different from the above-described first embodiment and the modified example 1-2.
  • the auxiliary partition portion 562 further divides, for example, the bubble evacuation region 534 into a plurality of regions.
  • auxiliary partition portion 562 forms an auxiliary region 536 in the bubble evacuation region 534, for example.
  • auxiliary area 536 here means an area in which the auxiliary partition portion 562 is a part of the outer edge.
  • the communication port 539 that communicates the auxiliary area 536 with the other area in the bubble evacuation area 534 may be opened toward, for example, one end of the bubble evacuation area 534 on the communication port 538 side and the other end on the opposite side. preferable.
  • the communication port 539 that communicates the auxiliary region 536 with another region in the bubble evacuation region 534 sandwiches the auxiliary partition portion 562 with respect to the communication port 538 that communicates the bubble evacuation region 534 and the main region 532, for example. It is preferably located on the opposite side. This makes it difficult for bubbles to return from the auxiliary region 536 to the main region 532.
  • the communication port 539 opens facing the injection port 540, for example.
  • the air bubbles that have entered when the acoustic matching material 510 is injected from the injection port 540 can be guided to the auxiliary region 536, and the auxiliary partition portion 562 can prevent the air bubbles from entering the main region 532 as they are. can.
  • the direct infiltration of air bubbles into the main region 532 can be stably suppressed.
  • the auxiliary partition portion 562 further divides the bubble evacuation region 534 into a plurality of regions, so that the bubbles in the acoustic matching material 510 are separated from the main region 532 to the auxiliary region 536 in the bubble evacuation region 534. Can be moved to and the air bubbles can be temporarily retained in the auxiliary region 536. By retracting the bubbles to the auxiliary region 536 in the bubble evacuation region 534 in this way, the return of the bubbles from the bubble evacuation region 534 to the main region 532 can be suppressed more stably.
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view showing the matching material bag according to the modified example 1-4 of the present embodiment.
  • the aspect of the auxiliary partition portion 562 is different from the above-described first embodiment, the modified example 1-2 and the modified example 1-3.
  • the auxiliary partition portion 562 forms, for example, an auxiliary region 536 in the bubble evacuation region 534.
  • the communication port 539 that communicates the auxiliary region 536 with another region in the bubble evacuation region 534 is, for example, narrower than at least a part of the auxiliary region 536. That is, the opening area of the communication port 539 is smaller than, for example, the cross-sectional area of at least a part of the auxiliary region 536.
  • the opening area of the communication port 539 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of at least a part of the auxiliary region 536, so that the return of bubbles from the bubble evacuation region 534 to the main region 532 is suppressed more stably. can do.
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view showing the matching material bag according to the modified example 1-5 of the present embodiment.
  • the matching material bag 500 of the modified example 1-5 is different from the above-described first embodiment in that it can be gripped.
  • the bag body 520 is configured to be grippable by, for example, a predetermined gripping member 590 so as to close the communication port 538.
  • the gripping member 590 is configured as, for example, a clip or a magnet.
  • at least the portion gripped by the gripping member 590 has a strength to withstand the gripping of the gripping member 590, for example.
  • FIGS. 9A and 9B are a schematic plan view showing the matching material bag according to the modified example 1-6 of the present embodiment, and a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line AA', respectively.
  • the mode of the partition portion 560 is different from that of the first embodiment described above.
  • the bag body 520 has, for example, a first inner surface 520a and a second inner surface 520b facing each other.
  • the first inner surface 520a becomes the upper inner surface
  • the second inner surface 520b becomes the lower inner surface.
  • the partition portion 560 extends from the first inner surface 520a to the second inner surface 520b, and forms a communication port 538 between the second inner surface 520b and itself.
  • the partition portion 560 of this modification is made of, for example, a film.
  • the film constituting the partition portion 560 is made of, for example, the same material as the film constituting the bag body 520.
  • the partition portion 560 extends from one side of the quadrangle formed by the accommodation space 530 to the other side, for example, in a plan view.
  • the communication port 538 is in contact only with the second inner surface 520b as the lower inner surface and not with the first inner surface 520a as the upper inner surface.
  • the partition portion 560 extends from the first inner surface 520a to the second inner surface 520b, and the communication port 538 is not in contact with the first inner surface 520a as the upper inner surface, so that the matching material bag 500 Can be easily and reliably retained on the first inner surface 520a side as the upper inner surface of the bubble evacuation region 534 when the bubble is placed on the flat plate.
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic enlarged view showing a part of the acoustic wave measuring device according to the modified example 2-1 of the present embodiment.
  • the mounting portion 400 is composed of the separation film 420 has been described, but as in the following modification 2-1 the mounting portion 400 includes the holding mesh 460 and the frame body 480. And may further have. As a result, the matching material bag 500 and the test site 110 can be held more stably.
  • the configuration of the mounting portion 400 is different from that of the first embodiment described above.
  • the holding mesh 460 is arranged (contacting) vertically below the separation film 420, for example, so as to hold the matching material bag 500 and the predetermined test site 110 of the subject 100. It is configured. Specifically, the holding mesh 460 is configured to withstand, for example, the total weight of the test site 110, the matching material bag 500, and the separation film 420.
  • the retention mesh 460 is, for example, configured to be mesh-like and is configured to transmit at least a portion of the light from the light source 620. Further, the subject holding portion is configured to be capable of propagating (transmitting) at least a part of the acoustic wave from the test site 110, for example. Examples of the material constituting the holding mesh 460 include polyester and the like.
  • the frame body 480 is configured as, for example, a plate-shaped frame member that holds the holding mesh 460 so as to surround the holding mesh 460.
  • the frame body 480 of the present embodiment has, for example, a frame lower portion 482, a frame upper portion 484, and a cushion material 488.
  • the lower part 482 of the frame is, for example, formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view, and constitutes a side portion of the recess 440 described above.
  • the lower part 482 of the frame is made of a lightweight metal such as aluminum.
  • a holding mesh 460 is fixed to the lower surface of the frame lower portion 482. For example, the holding mesh 460 is adhered to the lower surface of the frame lower portion 482 with an adhesive.
  • the lower frame 482 has, for example, a groove 482a on the upper surface.
  • the frame lower portion 482 is arranged so as to lock the holding mesh 460 to the support base 200, for example.
  • the support base 200 has, for example, a locking portion (locking claw) 222 in the opening 220.
  • the frame lower portion 482 is detachably fitted in the opening 220 while holding the holding mesh 460, and is locked to the locking portion 222 of the support base 200, for example.
  • the frame upper part 484 is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view like the frame lower part 482, and is fixed on the frame lower part 482.
  • the frame upper portion 484 and the frame lower portion 482 are configured to sandwich the separation film 420, for example.
  • the separation film 420 is folded so as to surround the frame upper portion 484 from the opening of the frame upper portion 484 through the upper surface, the outer surface, and the lower surface in this order.
  • the portion where the separation film 420 is folded and in contact with the lower surface of the frame upper portion 484 is sandwiched between the frame upper portion 484 and the frame lower portion 482.
  • the cushion material 488 is attached to, for example, the lower surface of the frame upper portion 484.
  • the cushion material 488 attached to the frame upper portion 484 is fitted into the groove 482a of the frame lower portion 482.
  • the acoustic matching material 310 in the container 320 undulates when the receiving unit 300 is scanned by the scanning mechanism 380, and the separation film 420 and the frame It is possible to prevent the acoustic matching material 310 in the container 320 from rising from the gap with the lower portion 482 and leaking to the outside.
  • the holding mesh 460 and the frame body 480 are in contact with the acoustic matching material 310 in the container 320, the bearing capacity of the holding mesh 460 may decrease due to long-term use. Therefore, the holding mesh 460 and the frame body 480 are configured to be replaceable at a predetermined regular maintenance timing.
  • FIG. 11 is a schematic enlarged view showing a part of the acoustic wave measuring device according to the modified example 2-2 of the present embodiment.
  • the configurations of the container 320 and the mounting portion 400 are different from those of the above-described first embodiment.
  • the container 320 of this modified example has, for example, a container bottom portion 322 and a rubber side portion 324.
  • the container bottom portion 322 has, for example, an element holding portion 360, and a portion other than the element holding portion 360 is provided in a flat plate shape.
  • the rubber side portion 324 is made of, for example, rubber that does not allow the acoustic matching material 310 to penetrate, and is provided so as to surround the periphery of the container bottom portion 322.
  • the rubber side portion 324 is provided in duplicate, for example.
  • the discharge pipe 840 is connected between the double rubber side portions 324, and the supply unit 800 is connected via the discharge pipe 840.
  • the supply unit 800 is configured to, for example, fill the container 320 with the acoustic matching material 310 up to the upper limit that does not leak from the inner rubber side portion 324.
  • the supply unit 800 is configured to, for example, return the acoustic matching material 310 overflowing from the inner rubber side portion 324 via the discharge pipe 840.
  • the acoustic matching material 310 returned via the discharge pipe 840 is reused for supplying the acoustic matching material 310 into the container 320.
  • the mounting portion 400 of this modified example has, for example, a separation film 420, a holding mesh 460, and a frame body 480.
  • the separation film 420 is configured so as not to allow the acoustic matching material 310 to permeate, and constitutes a recess 440 that is recessed vertically downward in the opening 220, as in the first embodiment described above.
  • the separation film 420 is made of, for example, the same material as that of the above-described embodiment, and is molded by compressed air molding.
  • the holding mesh 460 is arranged, for example, on the vertically lower side (contacting) of the separation film 420, and is configured to hold the matching material bag 500 and the predetermined test site 110 of the subject 100. Specifically, the holding mesh 460 is configured to withstand, for example, the total weight of the test site 110, the matching material bag 500, and the separation film 420.
  • the retention mesh 460 is, for example, configured to be mesh-like and is configured to transmit at least a portion of the light from the light source 620. Further, the subject holding portion is configured to be capable of propagating (transmitting) at least a part of the acoustic wave from the test site 110, for example. Examples of the material constituting the holding mesh 460 include polyester and the like.
  • the frame body 480 is configured as, for example, a plate-shaped frame member that holds the holding mesh 460 so as to surround the holding mesh 460.
  • the frame body 480 is made of a lightweight metal such as aluminum.
  • a holding mesh 460 is fixed to the lower surface of the frame body 480.
  • the holding mesh 460 is adhered to the lower surface of the frame body 480 with an adhesive.
  • the frame body 480 is arranged so as to lock the holding mesh 460 to the support base 200, for example.
  • the support base 200 has, for example, a locking portion (locking claw) 222 in the opening 220.
  • the frame body 480 is detachably fitted in the opening 220 while holding the holding mesh 460, and is locked to the locking portion 222 of the support base 200.
  • the holding mesh 460 and the frame body 480 are in contact with the acoustic matching material 310 in the container 320, the bearing capacity of the holding mesh 460 may decrease due to long-term use. Therefore, the holding mesh 460 and the frame body 480 are configured to be replaceable at a predetermined regular maintenance timing.
  • the matching material bag 500 is placed on the separation film 420, for example, in the same manner as in the first embodiment described above.
  • the matching material bag 500 is fixed to the frame body 480 by, for example, the fixing member 280, and is fixed to the support base 200 via the frame body 480.
  • the acoustic wave measuring device 10 of the present modification has the holding mesh 460, the lower surface of the frame 480, and the acoustic matching material 310 in the container 320 so as to close the holes of the holding mesh 460 by the acoustic matching material 310 in the container 320. It is configured so that it can be brought close to the upper surface of the.
  • the separation film 420 does not protrude vertically below the lower surface of the frame 480, and is not sunk in the acoustic matching material 310 in the container 320.
  • the acoustic matching material 310 in the container 320 closes the hole of the holding mesh 460 and is in contact with (sticks to) the separation film 420.
  • the hole size of the holding mesh 460 when the hole size of the holding mesh 460 is small, the upper surface of the acoustic matching material 310 in the container 320 rises due to the capillary phenomenon, so that the acoustic matching material 310 closes the holes of the holding mesh 460 and the separation film 420. Contact.
  • the hole size of the holding mesh 460 when the hole size of the holding mesh 460 is large, the above-mentioned capillary phenomenon does not occur, but the acoustic matching material 310 is always supplied from the supply unit 800 into the container 320, so that the acoustic matching material 310 Closes the holes of the holding mesh 460 and is maintained in contact with the separation film 420.
  • the present invention is not limited to this case. As in the present embodiment below, it may have a configuration for actively removing air bubbles.
  • the bubble permeable membrane 570 is different from the above-described first embodiment.
  • FIGS. 12A and 12B are a schematic plan view showing a matching material bag according to the present embodiment and a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line AA', respectively.
  • the matching material bag 500 of the present embodiment has, for example, a bubble permeable membrane 570 in at least a part of the bag body 520.
  • the bubble permeable membrane 570 is configured as, for example, a membrane that does not permeate the acoustic matching material 510 but permeates air.
  • the bubble permeable membrane 570 is made of, for example, a non-woven fabric of resin fibers. Examples of the material constituting the fibers of the non-woven fabric include high-density polyethylene and the like. The thickness of the fibers constituting the non-woven fabric is, for example, 0.5 ⁇ m or more and 10 ⁇ m or less.
  • Tyvek registered trademark manufactured by DuPont is preferably used as the bubble permeable membrane 570 satisfying the above requirements.
  • the bubble permeable membrane 570 is provided on, for example, the upper surface (vertically upper side) of the bag body 520 when the matching material bag 500 is placed on a flat plate. Thereby, bubbles can be easily removed from the bubble permeable membrane 570.
  • the bubble permeable membrane 570 is provided, for example, at a position on the upper surface of the bag body 520 that does not overlap with the main region 532.
  • the "main region 532" referred to here is configured to be capable of propagating an acoustic wave used for measurement in a state of accommodating an acoustic matching material 510, for example.
  • the region including the main region 532 and not including the bubble permeable membrane 570 is within the region (recess region RA (broken line region)) in the recess 440 of the mounting portion 400 of the acoustic wave measuring device 10. It is preferable to be placed in. That is, the main region 532 corresponds to the concave region RA in a plan view.
  • the bubbles in the acoustic matching material 510 are removed from the bubble permeable membrane 570. Specifically, by pressing the main region 532, the bubbles in the acoustic matching material 510 are moved from the main region 532 to the bubble permeable membrane 570 and gradually removed from the bubble permeable membrane 570.
  • the bubble permeable film 570 is provided on the upper surface (vertically upper side) of the bag body 520 when the matching material bag 500 is placed on the flat plate, so that the sound is acoustic. Bubbles floating vertically upward due to buoyancy in the matching material 510 can be easily brought into contact with the bubble permeable membrane 570. Thereby, the bubbles in the acoustic matching material 510 can be easily removed from the bubble permeable membrane 570. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in measurement accuracy due to air bubbles in the matching material bag 500.
  • the bubble permeable membrane 570 is provided in a part of the bag body 520 so that the matching material bag 500 does not protrude when placed on a flat plate. ..
  • the concentration of stress due to the load of the subject can be suppressed.
  • the load on the subject can be reduced, and the subject can be suppressed from feeling pain.
  • the measurement of the acoustic wave can be continued stably.
  • the matching material bag 500 can be easily manufactured only by attaching the bubble permeable membrane 570 to the bag body 520. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the matching material bag 500 can be reduced.
  • the bubble permeable membrane 570 is provided at a position on the upper surface of the bag body 520 that does not overlap with the main region 532. Since the bubble permeable membrane 570 is provided at a position where it does not overlap with the main region 532, it is possible to suppress the interference of the bubble permeable membrane 570 with the acoustic wave propagating in the main region 532. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in measurement accuracy of the acoustic wave caused by the bubble permeable membrane 570.
  • FIG. 22 is a diagram when the test site is placed on the matching material bag in the acoustic wave measuring device according to the reference example.
  • the angle of the upper corner of the recess 440 is, for example, a right angle.
  • the test site 110 depends on the weight of the test site 110, the amount of the acoustic matching material 510 in the matching material bag 500, and the like. May abut on the upper corner of the recess 440. Therefore, the subject 100 may feel pain.
  • (Ii) Rising of the end of the matching material bag As shown in FIG. 22, as a reference example, when the test site 110 is placed on the matching material bag 500, the weight of the test site 110 and the matching material bag Depending on the amount of the acoustic matching material 510 in the matching material 500 and the like, the test site 110 may be greatly sunk in the matching material bag 500. In this case, the acoustic matching material 510 in the matching material bag 500 moves to the outside of the inspection site 110, and the end portion of the matching material bag 500 stands up. When the end of the matching material bag 500 rises, the end of the matching material bag 500 separates from the matching liquid 410 in the recess 440, and a gap is formed between them. If such a gap is generated, the acoustic impedance does not match the subject 100, and it may be difficult to stably measure the acoustic wave.
  • the matching material bag 500 is replaced every time the subject 100 (subject) is replaced, so that the measurement of a large number of subjects can be performed. Therefore, it is necessary to stock a large amount of unused matching material bags 500. At this time, if a large number of matching material bags 500 are stacked and stored with their surfaces exposed, the surface of the matching material bags 500 may be contaminated or damaged. In that case, in the measurement using the matching material bag 500, the cleanliness and rigidity (shape stability) of the matching material bag 500 may be impaired.
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic enlarged view showing a part of the acoustic wave measuring device according to the present embodiment.
  • 14A and 14B are schematic plan views showing a part of the acoustic wave measuring device according to the present embodiment.
  • the recess 440 of the mounting portion 400 is configured to be narrowed toward the vertically downward side, for example.
  • the mounting portion 400 has, for example, an inner side surface 440s inclined with respect to the support surface 210 so that the recess 440 narrows toward the vertically downward side.
  • the inner side surface 440s of the frame lower portion 482 is inclined with respect to the support surface 210, and the angle of the upper corner portion of the frame lower portion 482 is obtuse. Thereby, the load on the subject 100 can be reduced.
  • the acoustic matching material 510 in the matching material bag 500 covers the entire recess 440 (so that it extends to the outside of the peripheral edge of the recess 440).
  • the matching material bag 500 can be installed. Specifically, the acoustic matching material 510 in the matching material bag 500 extends to, for example, the upper surface of the frame body 480 outside the peripheral edge of the recess 440.
  • the fixing member 280 fixes the matching material bag 500 on the support base 200, for example, at a position where a gap corresponding to the extending portion of the acoustic matching material 510 is provided from the peripheral edge of the recess 440 of the frame body 480.
  • the mounting portion 400 has, for example, an overflow suppressing portion 490 that suppresses the overflow of the matching liquid 410 from the inside to the outside of the recess 440.
  • the overflow suppressing portion 490 is configured as, for example, a groove provided so as to be recessed vertically downward from the upper surface of the frame body 480.
  • the overflow suppressing portion 490 as a groove is preferably provided so as to be hidden under the matching material bag 500, outside the outer edge of the recess 440 in a plan view, for example.
  • the overflow suppressing portion 490 as a groove is provided so as to surround the recess 440 in a plan view, for example. With such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the contact of the test site 110 with the overflowing matching liquid 410.
  • the frame body 480 has a holding portion 483 that holds the holding mesh 460 between the frame body 480 and the frame lower portion 482.
  • the sandwiching portion 483 is provided, for example, on the lower side of the frame lower portion 482, and is fixed to the frame lower portion 482 while sandwiching the holding mesh 460.
  • the sandwiching portion 483 is fastened to the lower part 482 of the frame by, for example, a bolt (not shown).
  • the holding mesh 460 can be firmly locked to the support base 200 by the frame lower portion 482 and the holding portion 483.
  • the acoustic wave measuring device 10 further includes, for example, a flow tube 592, a leakage suppressing unit 594, and an opening / closing unit 596.
  • the flow pipe 592 is configured such that the acoustic matching material 510 can flow between the matching material bag 500 and the outside, for example, with the matching material bag 500 installed.
  • the flow pipe 592 is inserted into, for example, the injection port 540 of the matching material bag 500.
  • the leakage suppression unit 594 is configured to suppress leakage of the acoustic matching material 510 from, for example, between the inner circumference of the injection port 540 and the outer circumference of the flow pipe 592.
  • the leak suppressing portion 594 is configured as, for example, a tightening portion that tightens the injection port 540 with respect to the flow pipe 592.
  • the opening / closing unit 596 is configured to be able to open / close the flow pipe 592, for example. By opening and closing the opening / closing unit 596, the amount of the acoustic matching material 510 in the matching material bag 500 can be adjusted.
  • the flow tube 592, the leakage suppression section 594, and the opening / closing section 596 are used not only as members constituting the acoustic wave measuring device 10 but also together with the matching material bag 500 described above. It can also be considered as a member. Therefore, it may be considered that the "matching material bag set 50" is composed of the matching material bag 500, the flow pipe 592, the leak suppressing part 594, and the opening / closing part 596.
  • the fixing member 280 is configured to firmly fix the matching material bag 500.
  • the fixing member 280 is configured so that the matching material bag 500 can be fixed to the support base 200 over the entire side of the matching material bag 500, for example. Is preferable.
  • a plurality of fixing members 280 may be provided, for example, at a plurality of locations on one side of the matching material bag 500 so as to fix the matching material bag 500 to the support base 200. preferable.
  • FIG. 8A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a matching material bag.
  • the main region 532 of the matching material bag 500 has a size that covers the entire region where the acoustic wave propagates (imaging region IA), for example.
  • imaging region IA the entire region where the acoustic wave propagates.
  • the bubble evacuation region 534 of the matching material bag 500 is arranged on the upper surface of the frame body 480 outside the peripheral edge of the recess 440, for example. As a result, it is possible to prevent the bubbles from returning toward the main region 532 located in the recess 440, which is lower than the bubble evacuation region 534.
  • the matching material bag 500 before use has, for example, a protective film 580.
  • the protective film 580 covers, for example, the outer circumference of the bag body 520 and protects the bag body 520 so as to be removable from the bag body 520.
  • the protective film 580 is preferably provided on both the front and back surfaces of the bag body 520, for example. With such a configuration, the bag body 520 before use can be stably protected.
  • the protective film 580 has, for example, a gripping allowance 582 to be gripped when the protective film 580 is peeled off.
  • the gripping allowance 582 extends outward from the peripheral edge of the protective film 580, for example.
  • the gripping allowance 582 may be made of the same material as the main body of the protective film 580, or may be made of a material different from that of the main body of the protective film 580. With such a configuration, the protective film 580 can be easily peeled off.
  • FIG. 15B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a matching material bag when the protective film is peeled off.
  • FIG. 20 is a schematic view showing a case where the matching material bag is placed in the recess of the mounting portion.
  • the matching material bag 500 is prepared. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15B, the protective film 580 is peeled off from the bag body 520 by pulling the protective film 580 while gripping the gripping allowance 582.
  • the matching material bag 500 is fixed to the support base 200 by the fixing member 280, and the matching material bag 500 is formed in the recess 440 of the mounting portion 400 so as not to wrinkle. Place the 500 while pulling it.
  • the flow pipe 592 is inserted into the injection port 540 of the matching material bag 500, and the injection port 540 is tightened with respect to the flow pipe 592 (outer peripheral surface) by the leakage suppressing portion 594.
  • the flow tube 592 may be inserted and fixed in the injection port 540 of the matching material bag 500, and then the matching material bag 500 may be placed in the recess 440 of the mounting portion 400.
  • the opening / closing part 596 is opened, and the acoustic matching material 510 is injected into the accommodation space of the matching material bag 500 through the injection port 540.
  • the lower surface of the bag main body 520 is in a tense state and wrinkles are not generated, but the upper surface of the bag main body 520 is not in a tense state, so wrinkles are generated. Therefore, the acoustic matching material 510 is filled in the matching material bag 500 so that the wrinkles on the upper surface of the bag main body 520 disappear. In that state, the opening / closing part 596 is closed.
  • the matching material bag 500 is folded back on the side opposite to the recess 440 of the mounting portion 400 with one side of the matching material bag 500 sandwiched between them.
  • the air bubbles are evacuated from the main area 532 to the air bubble evacuation area 534.
  • the matching material bag 500 is folded back and the bubbles are evacuated to the bubble evacuating region 534, a small amount of the matching liquid 410 is injected into the recess 440 of the mounting portion 400. At this time, it is preferable to inject the matching liquid 410 into the recess 440 so that one side of the matching material bag 500 used as the reference for folding back and the matching liquid 410 are parallel to each other.
  • the side opposite to one side of the matching material bag 500 used as the reference for folding back is grasped, and the matching material bag 500 is pulled and lifted.
  • the matching material bag 500 is gradually lowered from the end of the recess 440 on the folded side of the matching material bag 500, and the matching material bag 500 is placed in the recess 440 so that air bubbles do not enter between the matching material bag 500 and the separation film 420. Place it inside.
  • the fixing allowance 522 of the bag body 520 is pulled to eliminate the wrinkles from the upper surface and the lower surface of the bag body 520.
  • the fixing allowance 522 of the bag body 520 is loosened on the side opposite to one side of the matching material bag 500 used as the reference for folding back, and the fixing allowance 522 is used as the support base 200 by the fixing member 280. Fix it. By loosening the fixing allowance 522 of the bag body 520, it is possible to absorb the displacement of the matching material bag 500 when the test site 110 is placed on the matching material bag 500.
  • test site 110 is placed on the matching material bag 500.
  • the amount of the acoustic matching material 510 in the matching material bag 500 is adjusted by opening and closing the opening / closing unit 596 while checking the image acquired by the imaging unit 690.
  • the test site 110 can be brought closer to the receiving unit 300. That is, the test site 110 can be arranged within the field of view (Field of view, FOV) of the receiving unit 300, and a high-quality image can be obtained. Further, by submerging the test site 110 in the matching material bag 500, the movement (body movement) of the test site 110 can be suppressed. Further, it is possible to suppress the rising edge of the matching material bag 500.
  • the measurement steps S300 and the like after the mounting step S200 are the same as those in the first embodiment described above.
  • the recess 440 of the mounting portion 400 is configured to be narrowed toward the vertically downward side.
  • the upper corner portion of the recess 440 can be formed obliquely with respect to the support surface 210.
  • the acoustic wave measuring device 10 is configured so that the matching material bag 500 can be installed so that the acoustic matching material 510 in the matching material bag 500 covers the entire recess 440. Even if the test site 110 is greatly sunk in the matching material bag 500 and the end portion of the matching material bag 500 rises, the end portion can be separated from the imaging region, and the influence on the imaging can be suppressed. be able to. That is, the acoustic matching material 510 in the matching material bag 500 can be maintained in a state of being in close contact with the matching liquid 410 up to the end of the recess 440. As a result, the acoustic impedance can be matched with the subject 100 over a wide range, and the acoustic wave can be measured stably.
  • the main region 532 of the matching material bag 500 has a size that covers the entire region (imaging region IA) through which the acoustic wave propagates.
  • the matching material bag 500 can be easily configured so that the acoustic matching material 510 in the matching material bag 500 covers the entire recess 440. As a result, it is possible to achieve both the above-mentioned effect of suppressing air bubbles over a wide range and the effect of separating the end portion of the matching material bag 500 from the imaging region.
  • the mounting portion 400 has an overflow suppressing portion 490 that suppresses the overflow of the matching liquid 410 from the inside to the outside of the recess 440. Even if the matching material bag 500 is densely placed in the recess 440 and the matching liquid 410 is about to overflow from the inside of the recess 440 to the outside, the overflowing matching liquid 410 is retained in the overflow suppressing portion 490, and further. The spread of the matching liquid 410 can be suppressed. As a result, contact of the test site 110 with the overflowing matching liquid 410 can be suppressed.
  • the injection port 540 communicates inward from the outer edge of the bag body 520 so that the acoustic matching material 510 can be injected into the accommodation space of the matching material bag 500. As a result, the acoustic matching material 510 can be stably injected through the injection port 540.
  • the flow pipe 592 is configured so that the acoustic matching material 510 can flow between the matching material bag 500 and the outside in a state where the matching material bag 500 is installed.
  • the opening / closing unit 596 is configured to be able to open / close the flow pipe 592. By opening and closing the opening / closing unit 596, the amount of the acoustic matching material 510 in the matching material bag 500 can be adjusted.
  • the acoustic matching material 510 can be removed from the matching material bag 500. It can be drained and the amount of acoustic matching material 510 in the matching material bag 500 can be reduced. As a result, even if the end portion of the matching material bag 500 rises, the end portion can be separated from the imaging region, and the influence on the imaging can be suppressed.
  • the leakage suppression unit 594 is configured to suppress leakage of the acoustic matching material 510 from between the inner circumference of the injection port 540 and the outer circumference of the flow pipe 592. As a result, it is possible to stably perform the inflow and outflow of the acoustic matching material 510 through the injection port 540 while suppressing the leakage of the acoustic matching material 510. In addition, it is possible to prevent the test site 110 from getting wet by the acoustic matching material 510.
  • the matching material bag 500 has a protective film 580.
  • the protective film 580 covers the outer circumference of the bag body 520 and protects the bag body 520 detachably from the bag body 520.
  • the bag body 520 before use can be stably protected.
  • contamination and damage on the surface of the matching material bag 500 can be suppressed.
  • the cleanliness and rigidity (shape stability) of the matching material bag 500 can be stably ensured.
  • FIG. 17 is a schematic enlarged view showing a part of the acoustic wave measuring device according to the modified example 3-1 of the present embodiment.
  • the configuration of the frame body 480 is different from the above-described embodiment.
  • the recess 440 of the mounting portion 400 is configured to be narrowed toward the vertically downward side, for example, as in the above-described embodiment.
  • the frame upper portion 484 of the frame body 480 is provided, for example, from the upper end to the lower end of the recess 440, following the shape of the inner side surface 440s inclined with respect to the support surface 210. Further, the frame upper portion 484 sandwiches the separation film 420 between the frame upper portion 484 and the frame lower portion 482, for example.
  • the sandwiching range of the separation film 420 between the lower frame 482 and the upper frame 484 can be widened.
  • the separation film 420 can be stably held by the frame body 480.
  • the frame body 480 that can be used repeatedly and sandwiching the separation film 420 between the frame lower portion 482 and the frame upper portion 484 the three-dimensional shape of the separation film 420 can be easily formed. That is, it is possible to omit the manual molding step of the separation film 420.
  • FIG. 18 is a schematic enlarged view showing a part of the acoustic wave measuring device according to the modified example 3-2 of the present embodiment.
  • the configuration of the overflow suppressing unit 490 is different from the above-described embodiment.
  • the overflow suppressing portion 490 is configured as, for example, a bank (embankment, bank) that regulates the spread of the matching liquid 410 from the inside of the recess 440 to the outside.
  • the overflow suppressing portion 490 as a bank projects from the upper surface of the frame body 480, for example, in an obliquely upward direction on the center side of the recess 440.
  • the overflow suppressing portion 490 is provided so as to surround the recess 440 in a plan view, for example.
  • FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the acoustic wave measuring device according to the modified example 3-3 of the present embodiment.
  • the configuration of the support base 200 is different from that of the above-described embodiment.
  • the support base 200 is configured such that the flow pipe 592 can be arranged vertically below the support surface 210, for example.
  • the support base 200 has, for example, a groove 290 that is recessed vertically downward from the support surface 210 and accommodates the flow pipe 592.
  • FIGS. 20A to 20C are schematic cross-sectional views showing a part of the acoustic wave measuring apparatus according to the modified examples 3-4 to 3-6 of the present embodiment, respectively.
  • the main region 532 of the matching material bag 500 has a size that covers the entire imaging region IA, as in the above-described embodiment.
  • the bubble evacuation region 534 of the matching material bag 500 is arranged in the recess 440 of the frame body 480.
  • the side of the matching material bag 500 opposite to the bubble evacuation region 534 extends to the upper surface of the frame body 480 outside the peripheral edge of the recess 440.
  • the bubble evacuation region 534 in the recess 440, when the subject 100 is placed on the support surface 210 of the support base 200, the bubble evacuation region 534 by the subject 100 Can be suppressed from being crushed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the bubbles from returning from the bubble evacuation region 534 to the main region 532.
  • the bubble evacuation region 534 by arranging the bubble evacuation region 534 in the recess 440, it is possible to prevent the bubble evacuation region 534 from being crushed by the subject 100 as in the modified example 3-4. ..
  • the handleability of the matching material bag 500 can be improved by arranging both the bubble evacuation region 534 and the main region 532 in the recess 440. Specifically, since there is no step in the portion on which the matching material bag 500 is placed, wrinkles can be less likely to occur in the matching material bag 500 as compared with the case where there is a step. Further, when the matching material bag 500 is made of a non-slip material, the matching liquid 410 in the recess 440 wets the entire matching material bag 500 to improve the sliding of the matching material bag 500, and the matching material bag 500 is improved. The work of smoothing out the wrinkles generated in the can be easily performed.
  • the bubble evacuation region 534 and the main region 532 of the matching material bag 500 are arranged in the recess 440 of the frame body 480. NS.
  • the acoustic wave measuring device 10 of the modified example 3-6 has, for example, a guard portion 489 that protects the bubble evacuation region 534 of the matching material bag 500 from the load of the subject 100.
  • the guard portion 489 is configured to, for example, restrict the protrusion of the bubble evacuation region 534 of the matching material bag 500 vertically upward from the support surface 210.
  • the acoustic wave measuring device 10 since the acoustic wave measuring device 10 has the guard portion 489 that protects the bubble evacuation region 534, it is possible to suppress the load of the subject 100 from being applied to the bubble evacuation region 534. As a result, it is possible to stably suppress the bubble evacuation region 534 from being crushed by the subject 100.
  • FIG. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the acoustic wave measuring device according to the modified example 3-7 of the present embodiment.
  • the modified example 3-7 is different from the above-described embodiment in that the separation film 420 is not provided.
  • the opening 220 of the support base 200 is configured to narrow toward the vertically downward side.
  • the acoustic wave measuring device 10 is configured so that the matching material bag 500 or the matching gel can be directly installed on the holding mesh 460 so as to cover the entire opening 220 without installing the separation film 420. Therefore, not only the separation film 420 but also the frame upper portion 484 that holds the separation film 420 is unnecessary.
  • the matching material bag 500 or the matching gel can also serve as the separation film 420. That is, even if the separation film 420 is not provided, the acoustic matching material 310 does not penetrate into the inspection site 110 side, and the overflow of the acoustic matching material 310 to the outside of the opening 220 can be suppressed. In addition, deterioration of image quality caused by the separation film 420 can be suppressed.
  • the matching material bag 500 it is preferable to use the matching material bag 500.
  • the matching gel may enter the stitches of the holding mesh 460, but the matching material bag 500 does not have such a risk, so it is preferable to use the matching material bag 500.
  • the joint portion as the partition portion 560 joins a pair of facing inner surfaces of the bag body 520. If so, it may be configured by other than the heat seal.
  • the joint portion as the partition portion 560 may be made of an adhesive.
  • the joint portion as the partition portion 560 may be composed of a film that joins a pair of facing inner surfaces of the bag body 520.
  • the bubble evacuation region 534 is It may be provided so as to include one, two or three corners, respectively.
  • the bubble permeable membrane 570 is provided at a position on the upper surface of the bag body 520 that does not overlap with the main region 532 .
  • the matching material bag 500 is used in the bubble permeable membrane 570. It may be provided at the apex of the bag body 520 when placed on a flat plate. As a result, bubbles floating vertically above the acoustic matching material 510 due to buoyancy can be collected at the apex of the bag body 520 and easily brought into contact with the bubble permeable membrane 570. As a result, the efficiency of removing bubbles from the bubble permeable membrane 570 can be improved.
  • the injection port 540 of the matching material bag 500 is made of a film
  • the injection port 540 may be made of a spout or a connector.
  • it is preferable that the injection port 540 is made of a film as in the above-described embodiment because the subject as the subject 100 does not feel pain.
  • the acoustic wave measuring device 10 is configured as a PAT device, but the acoustic wave measuring device 10 is configured as a device other than the PAT device if the acoustic wave can be measured. You may.
  • the acoustic wave measuring device 10 irradiates a predetermined test site 110 of the subject 100 with an acoustic wave (ultrasonic wave), and receives a sound wave (reflected wave) reflected or scattered from the irradiated portion. It may be configured as an ultrasonic echo device.
  • the element holding portion 360 is formed in a hemispherical shape has been described, but the element holding portion 360 may be formed in a shape other than the hemispherical shape.
  • the element holding portion 360 may be, for example, flat.
  • the light emission port 660 emits the light transmitted from the light source 620 toward the test portion 110. If possible, it may be provided at a position other than the bottom of the element holding portion 360.
  • the light outlet 660 may be provided on the side of the container 320, for example.
  • the scanning mechanism 380 is configured to scan the receiving element 340 relative to the subject 100 placed on the support base 200 , but the subject 100 has been described. This is not the case as long as the receiver element 340 and the receiver element 340 can be relatively moved.
  • the scanning mechanism 380 may be configured to scan the subject 100 (that is, the support base 200) with respect to the fixed receiving element 340, for example.
  • the scanning mechanism 380 may be configured to relatively scan both the receiving element 340 and the subject 100, for example.
  • the scanning mechanism 380 is configured to scan the receiving unit 300 having the container 320 and the receiving element 340 as a unit has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this case.
  • the scanning mechanism 380 may be configured to scan the element holding unit 360 having a plurality of receiving elements 340 in the fixed container 320, for example.
  • the mounting portion 400 has the holding mesh 460. You don't have to.
  • the separation film 420 itself is molded so as to be recessed in the mounting portion 400
  • the separation film 420 constitutes at least the bottom of the recess 440 of the mounting portion 400.
  • the mounting portion 400 may have, for example, a frame body 480 that is recessed toward the vertically downward side, and a flat separation film 420 provided along the lower surface of the frame body. According to this case, even when the separation film 420 is thin, the recess 440 of the mounting portion 400 can be easily formed.
  • the fixing member 280 may be a separate member separated from the support base 200.
  • the fixing member 280 may be, for example, an adhesive tape.
  • the fixing member 280 may be configured as, for example, a magnet sandwiched by a magnetic force.
  • the acoustic matching material 510 is injected into the matching material bag 500 in the preparation step S100, but in the mounting step S200, the matching material bag 500 is placed on the mounting portion 400. Then, the acoustic matching material 510 may be injected into the matching material bag 500.
  • the opening / closing part 596 is configured to open / close the flow pipe 592
  • the opening / closing part 596 may be configured to open / close the injection port 540.
  • a bag body having a storage space for storing a liquid or gel-like acoustic matching material, A partition provided in the storage space of the bag body and partitioning the storage space, With The partition portion includes a main region capable of propagating an acoustic wave used for measurement in a state of accommodating the acoustic matching material, and a bubble formed so that bubbles in the acoustic matching material can be evacuated from the main region.
  • a matching material bag that partitions the storage space into the evacuation area.
  • Appendix 2 The matching material bag according to Appendix 1, wherein the bubble evacuation region is configured so as not to protrude from the main region when placed on a flat plate in a state of accommodating the acoustic matching material.
  • Appendix 3 The matching material bag according to Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, wherein the partition portion is composed of a joint portion formed by joining a pair of facing inner surfaces of the bag body.
  • Appendix 4 The matching material bag according to Appendix 3, wherein the joint is formed of a heat seal.
  • the matching material bag according to any one of Supplementary note 1 to Supplementary note 4, wherein the opening area of the communication port is smaller than the cross-sectional area of at least a part of the bubble evacuation region.
  • the matching material bag according to any one of Supplementary note 1 to Supplementary note 6, wherein the bag body is configured to be gripped by a predetermined gripping member so as to close the communication port.
  • the bag body has a first inner surface and a second inner surface facing each other.
  • the matching material bag according to Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, wherein the partition portion extends from the first inner surface toward the second inner surface and forms a communication port between the second inner surface and itself.
  • a bag body that can accommodate liquid or gel acoustic matching materials, A bubble permeable membrane provided on at least a part of the bag body and allowing air to pass through without passing through the acoustic matching material.
  • the bubble permeable membrane is a matching material bag provided on the upper surface of the bag body when placed on a flat plate.
  • the bag body has a main region configured to be capable of propagating acoustic waves used for measurement in a state of accommodating the acoustic matching material.
  • the matching material bag according to Appendix 10 wherein the bubble permeable membrane is provided at a position on the upper surface of the bag body that does not overlap with the main region.
  • Appendix 12 The matching material bag according to Appendix 10, wherein the bubble permeable membrane is provided at a position overlapping the apex of the bag body when placed on a flat plate.
  • Appendix 14 The matching material bag according to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 13, which communicates from the outside to the inside of the bag body and includes an injection port configured to allow the acoustic matching material to be injected into the bag body.
  • a step of preparing a matching material bag including a bag body having a predetermined storage space and a partition portion provided in the storage space of the bag body and partitioning the storage space into a main area and a bubble evacuation area.
  • a step of injecting a liquid or gel-like acoustic matching material into the accommodation space of the matching material bag and A step of measuring an acoustic wave propagating in the main region with the acoustic matching material accommodated in the accommodating space of the matching material bag, and a step of measuring the acoustic wave propagating in the main region.
  • the matching material bag As the matching material bag, a bag provided on the upper surface of the bag body when the bubble permeable membrane is placed on a flat plate is prepared. Before the step of measuring the acoustic wave, An acoustic wave measuring method for removing bubbles in the acoustic matching material from the bubble permeable membrane.

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Abstract

La présente invention concerne un sac qui comprend un corps de sac ayant un espace de stockage pour recevoir un matériau d'adaptation acoustique de type liquide ou gel, et une partie de séparation disposée dans l'espace de stockage du corps de sac et divisant l'espace de stockage, la partie de séparation divisant l'espace de stockage en une région principale configurée de sorte que des ondes acoustiques utilisées pour une mesure peuvent se propager dans un état dans lequel le matériau d'adaptation acoustique est reçu, et une région d'évacuation de bulles configurée de sorte que les bulles dans le matériau d'adaptation acoustique peuvent être évacuées de la région principale.
PCT/JP2021/016344 2020-04-24 2021-04-22 Sac de matériau d'adaptation et ensemble de sac de matériau d'adaptation Ceased WO2021215511A1 (fr)

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS6124006U (ja) * 1984-07-20 1986-02-13 東レ株式会社 超音波探触子用ウオ−タ−バツグ
JPH06343630A (ja) * 1993-06-07 1994-12-20 Toomee:Kk 超音波プローブ
JP2008018247A (ja) * 2006-07-12 2008-01-31 Medison Co Ltd 気泡除去手段を備えた超音波プローブ
JP2009183511A (ja) * 2008-02-07 2009-08-20 Fujinon Corp 超音波プローブ用バルーン
WO2017187608A1 (fr) * 2016-04-28 2017-11-02 株式会社日立製作所 Dispositif d'imagerie ultrasonore, et procédé d'émission/réception d'ultrasons

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS6124006U (ja) * 1984-07-20 1986-02-13 東レ株式会社 超音波探触子用ウオ−タ−バツグ
JPH06343630A (ja) * 1993-06-07 1994-12-20 Toomee:Kk 超音波プローブ
JP2008018247A (ja) * 2006-07-12 2008-01-31 Medison Co Ltd 気泡除去手段を備えた超音波プローブ
JP2009183511A (ja) * 2008-02-07 2009-08-20 Fujinon Corp 超音波プローブ用バルーン
WO2017187608A1 (fr) * 2016-04-28 2017-11-02 株式会社日立製作所 Dispositif d'imagerie ultrasonore, et procédé d'émission/réception d'ultrasons

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