JPH09520A - Ultrasonic scanner - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide an ultrasonic scanner that can perform mechanical scans under a stable condition. CONSTITUTION: This ultrasonic scanner includes an ultrasonic vibration means 1 which achieves conversion between electric signals and ultrasonic vibrations in at least one direction and a flexible member 2 which is intimately contacted with the ultrasonic wave transfer surface of the ultrasonic vibration means 1 and which, by being made from a flexible material, makes the ultrasonic vibration means 1 movable with respect to the surface of contact ofa specimen.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ultrasonic scanner used in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly, to an improvement of an ultrasonic scanner suitable for a mechanical scan for performing scanning by mechanical operation.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A medical ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus contacts an ultrasonic probe (probe) with a body surface of a subject and sends an ultrasonic wave from an ultrasonic sensor (ultrasonic transducer) into the subject. Response of the subject to ultrasonic waves (reflection characteristics, attenuation characteristics,
Ultrasonic waves (echo signals) returning from the inside of the subject according to the scattering characteristics and the like) are converted into electric signals by an ultrasonic sensor and are taken into the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body. After this electrical signal is subjected to a predetermined process in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, a CRT (Cathode Ray) is displayed as an image showing the internal structure of the subject.
Tube) Displayed on the display device.

Since this ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus uses the difference in acoustic impedance inside the object in principle, if an air layer is present between the ultrasonic probe and the object, A strong reflected wave is generated at the interface with the air layer. Therefore, an accurate inspection cannot be performed by this reflected wave.

For this reason, when performing ultrasonic diagnosis of a portion of the subject whose surface has many irregularities, a liquid such as water or oil is put in a bag or the like to be in a deaerated state and ultrasonic probe is used as an ultrasonic transmission medium. It is arranged between the tentacle and the surface of the subject.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic structure of a conventional mechanical scanning type ultrasonic scanner using a liquid chamber. The mechanical scan is a scan in which the ultrasonic probe is mechanically driven to change the direction of the sound ray.

Here, the frame 20 constitutes the outer wall of the scanner, and the liquid 2 such as water or oil is placed inside the frame 20.
A bag 21 filled with 2 is placed. Then, the ultrasonic probe 23 is arranged inside the frame 20 in a state of being immersed in the liquid 22 so as to be rotatable by the rotational movement driving means.

Then, by rotating the ultrasonic probe 23, the direction of the sound ray is moved to realize scanning.

[0008]

In this case, there is a problem that the handling of the liquid 22 is very troublesome. That is, if the bag 21 is broken for some reason, the liquid 22 may leak out and hit the subject 4. Further, when the bag 21 is filled with the liquid 22, it is necessary to seal the bag 21 so as not to take air bubbles therein, which makes the work difficult.

Further, since the ultrasonic probe 23 and its driving mechanism are placed inside the liquid, there is a problem that the life of the mechanical system is short. The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to realize an ultrasonic scanner capable of performing mechanical scanning in a stable state.

[0010]

[Means for Solving the Problems] The inventor of the present application has conducted extensive studies to improve the problem around the liquid chamber of an ultrasonic scanner that performs conventional mechanical scanning, and as a result, has developed a new optimal configuration for mechanical scanning. The present invention has been completed based on the finding.

That is, the present invention, which is means for solving the problems, is as described in the following (1) to (4). (1) A first means for solving the above-mentioned problems is to closely contact an ultrasonic vibrating means for converting at least one direction between an electric signal and ultrasonic vibration and an ultrasonic wave transmitting surface of the ultrasonic vibrating means. A flexible member configured so that the ultrasonic vibrating means is movable with respect to the contact surface of the subject by being made of a flexible material. It is a sound wave scanner.

(2) A second means for solving the above-mentioned problems is an ultrasonic vibrating means for converting at least one direction between an electric signal and ultrasonic vibration, and ultrasonic transmission of the ultrasonic vibrating means. A flexible member configured to be brought into close contact with the surface and made of a flexible material so that the ultrasonic vibration means is movable with respect to the subject contact surface; and the flexible member. An ultrasonic scanner comprising: a drive unit that relatively moves the ultrasonic vibration unit with respect to a subject contact surface.

(3) A third means for solving the above-mentioned problems is an ultrasonic vibrating means for converting at least one direction between an electric signal and ultrasonic vibration, and ultrasonic transmission of the ultrasonic vibrating means. A flexible member made of a flexible material that is brought into close contact with the surface, and is placed on the surface of the flexible member facing the ultrasonic wave transmitting surface, and is in close contact with the surface of the flexible member. And an ultrasonic wave reflecting member configured to be capable of changing its direction with respect to the subject contact surface in this state.

(4) A fourth means for solving the above-mentioned problems is an ultrasonic vibrating means for converting at least one direction between an electric signal and ultrasonic vibration, and ultrasonic transmission of the ultrasonic vibrating means. A flexible member made of a flexible material that is brought into close contact with the surface, and is placed on the surface of the flexible member facing the ultrasonic wave transmitting surface, and is in close contact with the surface of the flexible member. An ultrasonic reflecting member configured to be capable of changing direction with respect to the subject contact surface in a state, and drive means for changing the direction of the ultrasonic reflecting member with respect to the subject contact surface of the flexible member. Is an ultrasonic scanner.

In each of the ultrasonic scanners described in (1) to (4) above, an existing ultrasonic probe is used as the ultrasonic vibrating means, and the ultrasonic probe is a flexible member. It is possible to form an ultrasonic scanner by bringing them into close contact with each other.

Similarly, in each of the ultrasonic scanners described in (1) to (4) above, an ultrasonic vibrator is used as the ultrasonic vibrating means, and a flexible member is attached to the ultrasonic vibrator. It is also possible to form an ultrasonic probe as a whole by bringing them into close contact with each other and configure an ultrasonic scanner with this ultrasonic probe.

[0017]

In the ultrasonic scanner as the first means for solving the problem, since the flexible member is brought into close contact with the ultrasonic wave transmitting surface of the ultrasonic vibrating means, the ultrasonic vibrating means is covered by the flexible member. It can be movable relative to the specimen contact surface. This makes it possible to perform mechanical scanning in a stable state.

In the ultrasonic scanner which is the second means for solving the problem, the flexible member is brought into close contact with the ultrasonic wave transmitting surface of the ultrasonic vibrating means, and the ultrasonic vibrating means is brought into contact with the subject surface of the flexible member. Since the driving means for moving with respect to is provided, it is possible to move stably. This makes it possible to perform mechanical scanning in a stable state.

In the ultrasonic scanner as the third means for solving the problems, a flexible member is brought into close contact with the ultrasonic wave transmitting surface of the ultrasonic vibrating means, and the flexible member is provided on the surface facing the ultrasonic wave emitting surface. The ultrasonic reflecting member is closely attached to the flexible member so that the direction of the flexible member can be changed with respect to the contact surface of the subject. This makes it possible to perform mechanical scanning in a stable state by changing the direction in which the ultrasonic wave is reflected by the ultrasonic wave reflecting member.

In the ultrasonic scanner as the fourth means for solving the problem, a flexible member is brought into close contact with the ultrasonic wave transmitting surface of the ultrasonic vibrating means, and the flexible member is provided on the surface facing the ultrasonic wave emitting surface. Since the ultrasonic reflecting member is closely attached and the driving means for changing the direction of the ultrasonic reflecting member is provided, it is possible to stably change the direction of the sound ray. This makes it possible to perform mechanical scanning in a stable state.

[0021]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2 are configuration diagrams showing the principle configuration of the ultrasonic scanner of the present invention, and FIGS. 3 to 5 are configuration diagrams showing a state in which the direction of the sound ray is changed.

First, the principle configuration of the ultrasonic scanner of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1, then another example of the principle configuration of FIG. 2 will be described, and thereafter, reference will be made to FIG. 3 and subsequent figures. The operation will be described.

In FIG. 1, in an ultrasonic probe 1 which constitutes an ultrasonic vibration means for converting at least one direction between an electric signal and ultrasonic vibration, at least one direction of transmission or reception is detected. A flexible couplant 2 forming a flexible member is brought into close contact with an ultrasonic wave transmission surface (hereinafter referred to as an acoustic radiation surface) 1a to be performed.

Various materials can be used for the flexible couplant 2 as long as the acoustic coupling member is made of a material having flexibility. For example, materials such as konjac, gelatin, agar, etc. that have a certain shape but that deform when a force is applied and return to their original shape when the applied force is released (flexibility) It can be used. Alternatively, a resin bag or the like in which a liquid is sealed, that is, a water bag or the like can be used.

Further, it is also possible to construct a water bag or the like which has flexibility and has a certain shape by wrapping a certain amount of water in a film-like or sheet-like water-absorbing / water-soluble resin. is there. Moreover, if a resin that absorbs liquids other than water is present, it is possible to form a flexible member in the same manner for other types of liquids.

The frame structure 3 holds the vicinity of the end of the flexible couplant 2 opposite to the acoustic radiation surface 1a. Further, the upper portion of the frame structure 3 is provided with a sufficient opening so that the ultrasonic probe 1 can be moved.

That is, inside the frame structure 3, the acoustic radiation surface 1a side of the flexible couplant 2 is constructed so as to be able to move freely while maintaining a close contact with the ultrasonic probe 1.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the existing ultrasonic probe 1 can be used as it is, and the flexible couplant 2 and the frame structure 3 are added to the existing ultrasonic probe 1. It can be configured to be coupled.

In addition to this, as shown in FIG. 2, the flexible couplant 2, which is a flexible member, is in close contact with the acoustic radiation surface 11a of the ultrasonic transducer 11 constituting the ultrasonic vibrating means. It is installed in. Then, the ultrasonic probe is configured to include the frame structure that holds the ultrasonic transducer 11 and the flexible couplant 2. in this way,
It is also possible to use an ultrasonic scanner that constitutes the ultrasonic probe as a whole.

In such a structure, the ultrasonic probe 1 can be moved manually or by using a mechanical driving means as described later, whereby the direction and position of the ultrasonic beam can be changed. As a result, the mechanical scan can be stably performed.

That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the flexible couplant 2 is deformed by translating the ultrasonic probe 1 in the lateral direction. As a result, the sound ray of the ultrasonic wave moves in parallel, and the linear scan can be executed.

In this case, the surface where the ultrasonic probe 1 and the flexible couplant 2 are in close contact should be kept in close contact. Therefore, in addition to the fixed state, the ultrasonic probe 1 and the flexible couplant 2 may be configured to move while sliding to maintain a close contact state.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the flexible couplant 2 is deformed by moving the ultrasonic probe 1 so that the vicinity of the contact surface of the subject is the center of rotation, and the sector scan is executed. It will be possible.

Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the ultrasonic probe 1 is placed with its center of rotation positioned above the ultrasonic scanner.
Even if you move, the flexible couplant 2 deforms,
It becomes possible to perform a convex scan.

In each of FIGS. 3 to 5, description has been made using the case where the existing ultrasonic probe 1 shown in FIG. 1 is used, but as a whole as shown in FIG. The same operation can be performed even when the ultrasonic probe is constructed.

In the case of making the movements shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, three-dimensional scanning can be realized by using an array probe provided with a plurality of sensors in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface. In this case, a linear probe, a phased array probe, or the like can be used as the array probe.

In each of the above cases, even if the flexible couplant 2 is deformed to its limit, the acoustic impedance and the speed of sound hardly change before and after the deformation. Therefore, the ultrasonic beam travels in the direction radiated from the ultrasonic radiation surface of the ultrasonic probe 1, and the sound ray does not bend when passing through the inside of the flexible couplant 2.

Further, since it is possible to realize a scan of several reciprocations per second due to the allowable speed of the ultrasonic probe 1 when moving while changing the flexible couplant 2, it is suitable for a low speed scan. Preference is given to using. Therefore, it is suitable to be used for the above-described three-dimensional scan.

The ultrasonic scanner shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 has the flexible couplant 2 and the acoustic radiation surface 1a of the ultrasonic probe 1 in close contact with each other. The surface opposite to the acoustic radiation surface 1a (contact surface of the test object) was configured to be in close contact with the surface of the test object 4. Other than this, as shown in FIG. 6, it is also possible to cover the frame structure 3 with the surface of the frame structure 3 so as to be in close contact with the surface of the flexible couplant 2 opposite to the acoustic radiation surface 1a. Also in this case, the flexible couplant 2 is deformed along with the movement of the ultrasonic probe 1 in the same manner as in the case of FIGS. 3 to 5 described above, and the position and direction of the ultrasonic beam can be changed. it can.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the drive mechanism of an ultrasonic scanner which drives the ultrasonic probe 1 in the parallel direction to realize linear scanning, and corresponds to the ultrasonic scanner of FIG. is there.

In this case, the ultrasonic probe 1 is attached to the shaft 7a.
And shafts 7a and 7b.
It is possible to move the ultrasonic probe 1 in parallel by moving the ultrasonic probe 1 with the drive units 8a and 8b attached to the frame structure 3. In this case, a voice coil motor, a linear motor, etc. are provided inside the drive units 8a and 8b,
By driving the shafts 7a and 7b by these, a linear scan can be realized by the ultrasonic probe 1.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the drive mechanism of an ultrasonic scanner that drives the ultrasonic probe 1 so that the vicinity of the contact surface of the subject is the center of rotation and realizes a sector scan. It corresponds to the ultrasonic scanner of No. 4.

In this case, the guide rail 5 is prepared in accordance with the position and direction in which the ultrasonic probe 1 is moved, and rollers 6a to 6c are provided on the ultrasonic probe 1 side so that a belt or a gear is provided. By rotating the rollers 6a to 6c by using various driving mechanisms such as the above, the ultrasonic probe 1 can be caused to perform a desired moving operation. The bending of the guide rail 5 shown in FIG. 8 is for realizing the movement of the sector scan shown in FIG. 4 described above.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the drive mechanism of an ultrasonic scanner which drives the ultrasonic probe 1 so that the upper part of the ultrasonic scanner is the center of rotation and realizes a convex scan. 5 is compatible with the ultrasonic scanner of No. 5.

In this case, the guide rail 15 is prepared in accordance with the moving position and direction of the ultrasonic probe 1, and the rollers 16a to 16c are provided on the ultrasonic probe 1 side.
Roller 16a using various drive mechanisms such as belts and gears
By rotationally driving ~ 16c, it is possible to realize a desired movement operation of the ultrasonic probe 1. The bending of the guide rail 5 shown in FIG. 9 is for realizing the movement of the convex scan shown in FIG. 5 described above.

FIG. 10 is a structural diagram showing the structure of another embodiment of the ultrasonic scanner. In this configuration, the ultrasonic probe 11 such as a sensor array is brought into close contact with the flexible couplant 2 and is in a fixed state without moving. Then, the ultrasonic wave reflecting member 12 is brought into close contact with the surface facing the surface (ultrasonic wave emitting surface) with which the ultrasonic probe 11 is in close contact. In this case, the initial value of the angle of the ultrasonic reflecting member 12 is adjusted in advance so that the ultrasonic beam from the ultrasonic probe 11 is reflected by the ultrasonic reflecting member 12 to change its direction and reach the subject 4. I'll do it.
Then, similarly to the above-described embodiment, the ultrasonic reflection member 12 is moved manually or by the movement of the driving means. In the case of manual operation, an opening is provided near the ultrasonic reflecting member 12 of the frame structure 13 so that the operator can perform the ultrasonic reflecting member 1 operation.
You can move 2 directly. It is also possible to rotationally drive the ultrasonic reflection member 12 using various drive mechanisms such as a belt and a gear.

For example, as indicated by an arrow near the ultrasonic wave reflecting member 12 in FIG. 10, the ultrasonic wave reflecting member 12 is driven to rotate about the axis perpendicular to the paper surface. This makes it possible to change the direction of the ultrasonic beam.

In the case of such a configuration, the ultrasonic probe 1
Since 1 is fixed to the frame structure 13, the cable 11b does not need to move inside the ultrasonic scanner, and it is not necessary to consider deterioration of the movable portion of the cable. Further, since the ultrasonic wave reflecting member 12 is a simple reflecting member, it is light in weight, and the driving force is small.

As the ultrasonic wave reflecting member 12, for example, a plate-shaped member such as heavy metal or glass can be used. Then, it is preferable to smooth and clean the surface of the ultrasonic wave reflecting member 12 before use.

As described in detail above, the flexible member is brought into close contact with the acoustic radiation surface (ultrasonic wave transmission surface) of the ultrasonic vibrating means, and the ultrasonic probe is tested on the flexible member. According to the ultrasonic scanner configured to be movable with respect to the contact surface, the ultrasonic vibration means can be movable with respect to the object contact surface of the flexible member, so that the mechanical scanning can be performed in a stable state. It will be possible to do.

Further, a flexible member is brought into close contact with the acoustic radiation surface (ultrasonic wave transmission surface) of the ultrasonic vibrating means, and the ultrasonic probe is moved with respect to the subject contact surface of the flexible member. According to the ultrasonic scanner provided with the driving means, since the ultrasonic vibrating means can be moved by the driving means with respect to the subject contact surface of the flexible member, the mechanical scanning can be performed in a stable state. Will be possible.

Further, a flexible member is brought into close contact with the acoustic radiation surface (ultrasonic transmission surface) of the ultrasonic vibration means, and an ultrasonic reflection member is brought into close contact with the surface of the flexible member facing the acoustic radiation surface. According to the ultrasonic scanner in which the direction of the ultrasonic reflecting member can be changed with respect to the subject contact surface of the flexible member, the ultrasonic probe and the ultrasonic reflecting member are in close contact with the flexible member. The ultrasonic reflecting member is configured to be capable of changing its direction with respect to the subject contact surface of the flexible member, so that the direction in which ultrasonic waves are reflected by the ultrasonic reflecting member is changed. Thus, it becomes possible to perform mechanical scanning in a stable state. By moving the ultrasonic reflection member, the ultrasonic probe can be fixed and the driving becomes easy.

Further, a flexible member is brought into close contact with the acoustic radiation surface (ultrasonic wave transmission surface) of the ultrasonic vibration means, and an ultrasonic reflection member is brought into close contact with the surface of the flexible member facing the acoustic radiation surface. According to the ultrasonic scanner provided with the drive means for changing the direction of the ultrasonic reflecting member with respect to the subject contact surface of the flexible member, the flexible member includes the ultrasonic probe and the ultrasonic reflecting member. Since the ultrasonic reflection member is configured to be capable of changing its direction with respect to the subject contact surface of the flexible member by using the driving means, the ultrasonic reflection member reflects ultrasonic waves. By changing the direction of movement, it becomes possible to perform mechanical scanning in a stable state. still,
By moving the ultrasonic wave reflecting member, the ultrasonic wave probe can be fixed and driving becomes easy.

[0054]

As described above in detail, the flexible member is brought into close contact with the ultrasonic wave transmitting surface of the ultrasonic vibrating means, and the ultrasonic probe is attached to the contact surface of the flexible member with respect to the subject. According to the ultrasonic scanner configured to be movable, it is possible to move the ultrasonic vibration means with respect to the subject contact surface of the flexible member, so that mechanical scanning can be performed in a stable state. become.

Further, a drive means is provided for bringing a flexible member into close contact with the ultrasonic wave transmission surface of the ultrasonic vibration means and for moving the ultrasonic probe with respect to the subject contact surface of the flexible member. According to the ultrasonic scanner, since the ultrasonic vibrating means can be moved by the driving means with respect to the subject contact surface of the flexible member, the mechanical scanning can be performed in a stable state.

Further, a flexible member is brought into close contact with the ultrasonic wave transmitting surface of the ultrasonic vibrating means, and an ultrasonic wave reflecting member is brought into close contact with the surface of the flexible member facing the ultrasonic wave transmitting surface, and the ultrasonic wave is reflected. According to the ultrasonic scanner configured to change the direction of the member with respect to the subject contact surface of the flexible member, the ultrasonic probe and the ultrasonic reflecting member are brought into close contact with the flexible member. Since the ultrasonic reflecting member is configured to be capable of changing its direction with respect to the subject contact surface of the flexible member, it is possible to stabilize the ultrasonic reflecting member by changing the direction in which ultrasonic waves are reflected. It becomes possible to perform a mechanical scan in the state. By moving the ultrasonic reflection member, the ultrasonic probe can be fixed and the driving becomes easy.

Further, a flexible member is brought into close contact with the ultrasonic wave transmitting surface of the ultrasonic vibrating means, and an ultrasonic wave reflecting member is brought into close contact with the surface of the flexible member facing the ultrasonic wave transmitting surface, and the ultrasonic wave is reflected. According to the ultrasonic scanner provided with the driving means for changing the direction of the member with respect to the subject contact surface of the flexible member, the ultrasonic probe and the ultrasonic reflecting member are closely attached to the flexible member. Since the ultrasonic reflecting member is configured to be capable of changing its direction with respect to the subject contact surface of the flexible member by using the driving means, the direction when the ultrasonic wave is reflected by the ultrasonic reflecting member. By changing the, it becomes possible to perform mechanical scanning in a stable state. By moving the ultrasonic reflection member, the ultrasonic probe can be fixed and the driving becomes easy.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a principle configuration of an ultrasonic scanner of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a principle configuration of an ultrasonic scanner of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing a state of linear scanning in the principle configuration of the ultrasonic scanner of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing a state in which a sector scan is performed in the principle configuration of the ultrasonic scanner of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing a state in which a convex scan is performed in the principle configuration of the ultrasonic scanner of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing another example of the principle configuration of the ultrasonic scanner of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a configuration when performing a linear scan in the principle configuration of the ultrasonic scanner of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a configuration when executing a sector scan in the principle configuration of the ultrasonic scanner of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a configuration when performing a convex scan in the principle configuration of the ultrasonic scanner of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing another embodiment of the ultrasonic scanner of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a conventional ultrasonic scanner.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Ultrasonic probe 2 Flexible couplant 3 Frame structure 4 Subject

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An ultrasonic vibrating means for converting at least one direction between an electric signal and ultrasonic vibration; and a flexible material which is brought into close contact with an ultrasonic wave transmitting surface of the ultrasonic vibrating means. An ultrasonic scanner comprising: a flexible member configured so that the ultrasonic vibrating unit is movable with respect to a subject contact surface. 2. An ultrasonic vibrating means for converting electric signals and ultrasonic vibrations in at least one direction, and a flexible material which is brought into close contact with an ultrasonic wave transmitting surface of the ultrasonic vibrating means. By being configured, the ultrasonic vibration means is a flexible member configured to be movable with respect to the subject contact surface, and the ultrasonic vibration means with respect to the subject contact surface of the flexible member. An ultrasonic scanner comprising: a driving unit that relatively moves. 3. An ultrasonic vibrating means for converting electric signals and ultrasonic vibrations in at least one direction, and a flexible material which is brought into close contact with an ultrasonic wave transmitting surface of the ultrasonic vibrating means. A flexible member configured and arranged on the surface of the flexible member facing the ultrasonic wave transmitting surface, and capable of changing direction with respect to the subject contact surface in a state of being in close contact with the surface of the flexible member. An ultrasonic scanner comprising: the configured ultrasonic reflecting member. 4. Ultrasonic vibrating means for converting at least one direction between an electric signal and ultrasonic vibration; and a flexible material that is brought into close contact with the ultrasonic wave transmitting surface of the ultrasonic vibrating means. A flexible member configured and arranged on the surface of the flexible member facing the ultrasonic wave transmitting surface, and capable of changing direction with respect to the subject contact surface in a state of being in close contact with the surface of the flexible member. An ultrasonic scanner comprising: a configured ultrasonic wave reflecting member; and driving means for changing the direction of the ultrasonic wave reflecting member with respect to a subject contact surface of the flexible member.