Patent Description:
For example, there is an inspection device that uses an ultrasonic wave or the like. It is desirable to increase the detection sensitivity.

<CIT> discloses a system for monitoring tissue sample processing comprising a transmitter outputting an energy and a receiver detecting the transmitted energy. <CIT> and <CIT> disclose example systems of the prior art related to the technical field of inspection devices.

According to one embodiment, an inspection device includes a transmitter, a receiver, and a supporter. The transmitter is configured to transmit a first ultrasonic wave including a plurality of burst waves having a first period Tp. The receiver on which the first ultrasonic wave is incident is configured to output a signal corresponding to the incident first ultrasonic wave. The supporter is provided between the transmitter and the receiver. The supporter is configured to support an inspection object. The first period Tp (s), a distance Dx (m), and a velocity vx (m/s) satisfy <NUM>Dx/((n + <NUM>)·vx) < Tp < <NUM>Dx/(n·vx). n is <NUM> or <NUM>. The distance Dx is a shorter distance of a first distance and a second distance. The first distance is a distance along a first direction between the transmitter and the supporter. The first direction is from the transmitter toward the receiver. The second distance is a distance along the first direction between the supporter and the receiver. The velocity vx is a propagation velocity of the first ultrasonic wave in space between the transmitter and the receiver.

According to one embodiment, an inspection method can include transmitting, from a transmitter toward an inspection object. A first ultrasonic wave includes a plurality of burst waves having a first period Tp. The method can include inspecting the inspection object by using a receiver to receive the first ultrasonic wave after the first ultrasonic wave passes through the inspection object. The first period Tp (s), a distance Dx (m), and a velocity vx (m/s) satisfy 2Dx/((n + <NUM>)·vx) < Tp < <NUM>Dx/(n·vx). n is <NUM> or <NUM>. The distance Dx is a shorter distance of a first distance and a second distance. The first distance is a distance along a first direction between the inspection object and the transmitter. The first direction is from the transmitter toward the receiver. The second distance is a distance along the first direction between the inspection object and the receiver. The velocity vx is a propagation velocity of the first ultrasonic wave in space between the transmitter and the receiver.

Various embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The drawings are schematic and conceptual; and the relationships between the thickness and width of portions, the proportions of sizes among portions, etc., are not necessarily the same as the actual values. The dimensions and proportions may be illustrated differently among drawings, even for identical portions.

In the specification and drawings, components similar to those described previously or illustrated in an antecedent drawing are marked with like reference numerals, and a detailed description is omitted as appropriate.

<FIG> is a schematic side view illustrating an inspection device according to a first embodiment.

As shown in <FIG>, the inspection device <NUM> according to the embodiment includes a transmitter <NUM>, a receiver <NUM>, and a supporter <NUM>.

The transmitter <NUM> is configured to transmit a first ultrasonic wave 10w. The first ultrasonic wave 10w includes multiple burst waves having a first period Tp. Examples of the first ultrasonic wave 10w are described below.

The first ultrasonic wave 10w is incident on the receiver <NUM>. In addition to a direct wave of the first ultrasonic wave 10w that is emitted from the transmitter <NUM>, the first ultrasonic wave 10w that is incident on the receiver <NUM> may include reflected waves of the first ultrasonic wave 10w reflected by various members. The receiver <NUM> is configured to output a signal Sd that corresponds to the first ultrasonic wave 10w incident on the receiver <NUM>.

The supporter <NUM> is located between the transmitter <NUM> and the receiver <NUM>. The supporter <NUM> is configured to support an inspection object <NUM>.

In the example, the supporter <NUM> is fed by a first feeder <NUM> (e.g., a roller) and a second feeder <NUM> (e.g., a roller). The inspection object <NUM> is placed on the supporter <NUM>. The inspection object <NUM> is fed along a feed direction 60D as the supporter <NUM> is fed.

The inspection object <NUM> is, for example, a banknote, etc. The inspection object may be a document such as a security, etc. The material of the inspection object <NUM> is arbitrary.

For example, the transmitter <NUM> includes a first membrane portion <NUM> that is deformable. The first membrane portion <NUM> emits the first ultrasonic wave 10w. A transmitting circuit 10D is connected to the transmitter <NUM>. The first membrane portion <NUM> is deformed by a drive signal Sv from the transmitting circuit 10D and emits the first ultrasonic wave 10w. For example, the deformation of the first membrane portion <NUM> is generated by a piezoelectric element, etc..

For example, the receiver <NUM> includes a second membrane portion <NUM> that is deformable. The second membrane portion <NUM> is deformed by the received first ultrasonic wave 10w. The signal Sd is obtained according to the deformation of the second membrane portion <NUM>. For example, the deformation of the second membrane portion <NUM> is converted into an electrical signal by a piezoelectric element, etc..

For example, a controller <NUM> may be provided. For example, the controller <NUM> supplies a control signal Sc to the transmitting circuit 10D. The transmitting circuit 10D causes the first membrane portion <NUM> to deform according to the control signal Sc. Thereby, the first ultrasonic wave 10w is emitted from the transmitter <NUM>. For example, the first ultrasonic wave 10w that is emitted from the transmitter <NUM> passes through the inspection object <NUM> and is incident on the receiver <NUM>. The first ultrasonic wave 10w that is incident on the receiver <NUM> changes according to the state of the inspection object <NUM>. The changed first ultrasonic wave 10w is received by the receiver <NUM>. The signal Sd that is output from the receiver <NUM> reflects the state of the inspection object <NUM>. For example, the signal Sd is supplied to the controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> processes the signal Sd and is configured to output an inspection signal S1. The inspection signal S1 includes information relating to the inspection result of the inspection object <NUM>.

The inspection device <NUM> may include the transmitting circuit 10D and a receiving circuit 20D. The inspection device <NUM> may include the controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may include an electrical circuit (e.g., a computer, etc.) such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), etc..

The first ultrasonic wave 10w that is emitted from the transmitter <NUM> is controlled by the drive signal Sv from the transmitting circuit 10D. For example, the first period Tp of the first ultrasonic wave 10w can be controlled by the drive signal Sv. For example, the duration of one of the multiple burst waves can be controlled by the drive signal Sv. The drive signal Sv from the transmitting circuit 10D may be controlled by the control signal Sc from the controller <NUM>. In such a case, for example, the first period Tp of the first ultrasonic wave 10w may be controlled by the controller <NUM>. For example, the duration of one of the multiple burst waves may be controlled by the controller <NUM>.

According to the embodiment, the first ultrasonic wave 10w is appropriately controlled. The detection sensitivity can be increased thereby.

As shown in <FIG>, the direction from the transmitter <NUM> toward the receiver <NUM> is taken as a first direction D1. The first direction D1 crosses the feed direction 60D. The first direction D1 may be oblique to the feed direction 60D.

The distance along the first direction D1 between the transmitter <NUM> and the supporter <NUM> is taken as a first distance L1. The distance along the first direction D1 between the supporter <NUM> and the receiver <NUM> is taken as a second distance L2. For example, the first distance L1 is the distance along the first direction D1 between the first membrane portion <NUM> and the supporter <NUM>. For example, the second distance L2 is the distance along the first direction D1 between the supporter <NUM> and the second membrane portion <NUM>.

When the thickness (the length along a direction perpendicular to the feed direction 60D) of the inspection object <NUM> is sufficiently thin, the first distance L1 can be considered to be the distance between the transmitter <NUM> and the inspection object <NUM>. The second distance L2 can be considered to be the distance between the inspection object <NUM> and the receiver <NUM>.

The second distance L2 may be equal to or different from the first distance L1. A distance Dx is taken to be the shorter distance of the first distance L1 and the second distance L2. When the second distance L2 is equal to the first distance L1, the distance Dx corresponds to the first distance L1 (or the second distance L2). When the second distance L2 is greater than the first distance L1, the distance Dx corresponds to the first distance L1. When the second distance L2 is less than the first distance L1, the distance Dx corresponds to the second distance L2.

According to the embodiment, the first period Tp (s), the distance Dx (m), and the velocity vx (m/s) satisfy Formula (<NUM>): <MAT>.

In Formula (<NUM>), n is <NUM> or <NUM>. As described below, the detection sensitivity can be increased thereby. To simplify the description hereinbelow, the second distance L2 is taken to be greater than the first distance L1.

<FIG> are schematic views illustrating the inspection device according to the first embodiment.

<FIG> correspond to when the pulse width (the pulse duration) of the multiple burst waves included in the first ultrasonic wave 10w is relatively short. In these drawings, the horizontal axis is a time tm. <FIG> illustrates the first ultrasonic wave 10w emitted from the transmitter <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the first ultrasonic wave 10w includes multiple burst waves 10b. The period of the multiple burst waves 10b is the first period Tp. The multiple burst waves 10b include, for example, a first pulse wave P1, a second pulse wave P2, a third pulse wave P3, etc..

<FIG> schematically illustrates an intensity Int of the first ultrasonic wave 10w emitted from the transmitter <NUM>. A high intensity Int that corresponds to the first pulse wave P1, the second pulse wave P2, and the third pulse wave P3 is generated.

<FIG> schematically illustrate the intensity Int of the first ultrasonic wave 10w received by the receiver <NUM>. The first pulse wave P1 and pulse waves that correspond to the first pulse wave P1 are extracted in <FIG>. The second pulse wave P2 and pulse waves that correspond to the second pulse wave P2 are extracted in <FIG>. The third pulse wave P3 and pulse waves that correspond to the third pulse wave P3 are extracted in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, pulse waves Ra1, Rb1, Rc1, etc., are observed at the receiver <NUM>. The intensity Int of the pulse wave Rb1 is less than the intensity Int of the pulse wave Ra1. The intensity Int of the pulse wave Rc1 is less than the intensity Int of the pulse wave Rb1. For example, the pulse wave Ra1 corresponds to the direct wave of the first pulse wave P1. For example, the pulse waves Rb1 and Rc1 correspond to reflected waves of the first pulse wave P1. For example, the pulse wave Rb1 corresponds to a first reflected wave of the first pulse wave P1. For example, the pulse wave Rc1 corresponds to a second reflected wave of the first pulse wave P1.

The direct wave is the signal component from the transmitter <NUM> that reaches the receiver <NUM> via supporter <NUM> in the least amount of time. The direct wave reaches the receiver <NUM> without detouring due to multiple reflections, etc. The direct wave includes accurate information of the transmittance of the inspection object <NUM>, etc. The detection sensitivity can be increased by receiving a direct wave in which the effects of noise are suppressed.

In the process of the reflected wave reaching the receiver <NUM> from the transmitter <NUM> via the supporter <NUM>, for example, the reflected wave reaches the receiver <NUM> after being reflected by the transmitter <NUM>, the supporter <NUM>, the receiver <NUM>, or other members. For example, after the first ultrasonic wave 10w reaches the supporter <NUM> from the transmitter <NUM>, a component of a portion of the first ultrasonic wave 10w that is reflected by the supporter <NUM> returns to the transmitter <NUM>. The first ultrasonic wave 10w that returns to the transmitter <NUM> is reflected by the transmitter <NUM>, reaches the supporter <NUM>, and subsequently reaches the receiver <NUM>. Such a first ultrasonic wave 10w corresponds to a reflected wave. The reflected wave is temporally delayed from the direct wave when reaching the receiver <NUM>.

The reflected wave includes transmission and reflection information other than the inspection object <NUM>. There are also cases where multiple reflected waves are superimposed. The reflected waves are noise components in the detection of the inspection object <NUM>. Accordingly, for example, it is desirable to suppress the temporal superimposition of the direct wave and the reflected waves. For example, it is desirable for the direct wave and the reflected waves not to be excessively superimposed.

When the second distance L2 is greater than the first distance L1, for example, it is considered that the pulse wave Rb1 corresponds to the result of one round trip reflection of the first ultrasonic wave 10w between the transmitter <NUM> and the supporter <NUM>. In such a case, the increase amount of the propagation distance of the first ultrasonic wave 10w is <NUM> times the distance Dx. For example, it is considered that the pulse wave Rc1 corresponds to the result of two round trip reflections of the first ultrasonic wave 10w between the transmitter <NUM> and the supporter <NUM>. In such a case, the increase amount of the propagation distance of the first ultrasonic wave 10w is <NUM> times the distance Dx.

As shown in <FIG>, a time Td between the pulse wave Ra1 and the pulse wave Rb1 corresponds to 2Dx/vx. The time Td between the pulse wave Rb1 and the pulse wave Rc1 corresponds to 2Dx/vx. When the time tm at the start of the pulse wave Ra1 is a reference "<NUM>", the time tm of the start of the pulse wave Rb1 is the time Td. The time tm of the start of the pulse wave Rc1 is <NUM> times the time Td.

As shown in <FIG>, pulse waves Ra2, Rb2, Rc2, etc., are observed at the receiver <NUM>. The intensity Int of the pulse wave Rb2 is less than the intensity Int of the pulse wave Ra2. The intensity Int of the pulse wave Rc2 is less than the intensity Int of the pulse wave Rb2. For example, the pulse wave Ra2 corresponds to the direct wave of the second pulse wave P2. For example, the pulse waves Rb2 and Rc2 correspond to reflected waves of the second pulse wave P2. For example, the pulse wave Rb2 corresponds to a first reflected wave of the second pulse wave P2. For example, the pulse wave Rc2 corresponds to the second reflected wave of a second pulse wave P2.

As shown in <FIG>, pulse waves Ra3, Rb3, etc., are observed at the receiver <NUM>. The intensity Int of the pulse wave Rb3 is less than the intensity Int of the pulse wave Ra3. For example, the pulse wave Ra3 corresponds to the direct wave of the third pulse wave P3. For example, the pulse wave Rb3 corresponds to a reflected wave of the third pulse wave P3. For example, the pulse wave Rb3 corresponds to a first reflected wave of the third pulse wave P3.

The pulse waves of <FIG> are overlaid in <FIG>. In the example as shown in <FIG>, the direct waves of the pulse waves Ra1, Ra2, Ra3, etc., do not overlap the other pulse waves (reflected waves). The effects of the reflected waves on the direct waves are suppressed thereby. When the reflected waves overlap the direct waves, there are cases where the reflected waves become noise; the signal strengths of the direct waves change; and the detection sensitivity decreases. According to the embodiment, the effects of the reflected waves on the direct waves can be suppressed. Thereby, an inspection device can be provided in which the detection sensitivity can be increased.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the pulse wave Rb1 is after the pulse wave Ra2 and before the pulse wave Ra3. The time tm of the start of the pulse wave Rb1 is the time Td. The time tm of the start of the pulse wave Ra2 corresponds to the time tm of the first period Tp when referenced to "<NUM>". The time tm of the start of the pulse wave Ra3 corresponds to the time tm of <NUM> times the first period Tp when referenced to "<NUM>".

For example, when Tp < Td, the pulse wave Rb1 is after the pulse wave Ra2. For example, when Td < <NUM>Tp, i.e., when Td/<NUM> < Tp, the pulse wave Rb1 is before the pulse wave Ra3. As described above, the time Td corresponds to 2Dx/vx. Accordingly, when "Dx/vx < Tp", the pulse wave Rb1 is before the pulse wave Ra3. When "Tp < 2Dx/vx", the pulse wave Rb1 is after the pulse wave Ra2. By such conditions, for example, the effects of the reflected waves on the direct waves can be suppressed. Thereby, an inspection device can be provided in which the detection sensitivity can be increased.

The pulse wave Rb1 may arrive after the pulse wave Ra3. In such a case, when Td < <NUM>Tp, the pulse wave Rb1 is before the other pulse waves; and when <NUM>Tp < Td, the pulse wave Rb1 is after the pulse wave Ra3. By generalizing, the condition of Formula (<NUM>) is obtained: <MAT>.

n is an integer not less than <NUM>. <FIG> correspond to when n is <NUM>.

An example when the pulse widths (the pulse durations) of the multiple burst waves 10b are relatively long will now be described.

In <FIG>, the horizontal axis is the time tm. <FIG> illustrates the first ultrasonic wave 10w emitted from the transmitter <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the first ultrasonic wave 10w includes the multiple burst waves 10b. The period of the multiple burst waves 10b is the first period Tp. One (each) of the multiple burst waves 10b has a first duration Tw. In such a case as well, the multiple burst waves 10b include, for example, the first pulse wave P1, the second pulse wave P2, the third pulse wave P3, etc..

For example, it is favorable for the time Td of the start of the pulse wave Rb1 illustrated in <FIG> to be after the time of the peak (Tp + Tw/<NUM>) of the pulse wave Ra2 illustrated in <FIG>. For example, it is favorable for "(Tp + Tw/<NUM>) < Td". This condition corresponds to "Tw < (Td - Tp)×<NUM>", and corresponds to "Tw < (2Dx/vx - Tp)×<NUM>".

In other words, according to the embodiment, it is favorable for the first period Tp (s), the distance Dx (m), the velocity vx (m/s), and the first duration Tw (s) to satisfy Formula (<NUM>): <MAT>.

The effects of the reflected waves on the direct waves can be further suppressed thereby.

For example, it is favorable for the time "Td + Tw" of the end of the pulse wave Rb1 illustrated in <FIG> to be before the time of the peak (<NUM>×Tp + Tw/<NUM>) of the pulse wave Ra3 illustrated in <FIG>. For example, it is favorable for "(Td + Tw) < (<NUM>Tp + Tw/<NUM>)". This condition corresponds to "Tw < (2Tp - Td)×<NUM>", and corresponds to "Tw < (2Tp - <NUM>Dx/vx)×<NUM>".

For example, it is favorable for the time Td of the start of the pulse wave Rb1 illustrated in <FIG> to be after the time of the midpoint between the time of the peak (Tp + Tw/<NUM>) and the time of the end (Tp + Tw) of the pulse wave Ra2 illustrated in <FIG>. The time of the midpoint corresponds to (Tp + 3Tw/<NUM>). For example, it is favorable for "(Tp + 3Tw/<NUM>) < Td". This condition corresponds to "Tw < (Td - Tp)×<NUM>/<NUM>", and corresponds to "Tw < (2Dx/vx - Tp)×<NUM>/<NUM>".

For example, it is favorable for the time "Td + Tw" of the end of the pulse wave Rb1 illustrated in <FIG> to be before the time of the midpoint between the time of the start and the time of the peak (<NUM>×Tp + Tw/<NUM>) of the pulse wave Ra3 illustrated in <FIG>. The time of the midpoint corresponds to (<NUM>Tp + Tw/<NUM>). For example, it is favorable for "(Td + Tw) < (<NUM>Tp + Tw/<NUM>)". This condition corresponds to "Tw < (2Tp - Td)×<NUM>/<NUM>", and corresponds to "Tw < (2Tp - <NUM>Dx/vx)×<NUM>/<NUM>".

For example, it is favorable for the time Td of the start of the pulse wave Rb1 illustrated in <FIG> to be after the time (Tp + Tw) of the pulse wave Ra2 illustrated in <FIG>. For example, it is favorable for "(Tp + Tw) < Td". This condition corresponds to "Tw < (Td - Tp)", and corresponds to "Tw < (2Dx/vx - Tp)".

For example, it is favorable for the time "Td + Tw" of the end of the pulse wave Rb1 illustrated in <FIG> to be before the time of the start (<NUM>×Tp) of the pulse wave Ra3 illustrated in <FIG>. For example, it is favorable for "(Tp + Tw) < 2Tp". This condition corresponds to "Tw < (2Tp - Td)", and corresponds to "Tw < (2Tp - 2Dx/vx)".

As shown in <FIG>, the pulse waves Rc1, Rc2, etc., that are reflected waves may overlap pulse waves Ra4 and Ra5 that are direct waves. The intensities Int of the pulse waves Rc1 and Rc2 are sufficiently low compared to the intensities Int of the pulse waves Ra4 and Ra5. Therefore, even when such reflected waves overlap the direct waves, the effects on the direct waves are small.

For example, the receiving circuit 20D, the controller <NUM>, etc., may include a peak hold circuit. The signal strengths of the direct waves that have high intensities Int can be efficiently detected thereby.

The conditions described above can be generalized similarly according to the position of the pulse wave Rb1 by using n that is an integer not less than <NUM>.

In other words, according to the embodiment, it is favorable for the first period Tp (s), the distance Dx (m), the velocity vx (m/s), and the first duration Tw (s) to satisfy <MAT>.

According to the embodiment, it is favorable for the first period Tp (s), the distance Dx (m), the velocity vx (m/s), and the first duration Tw (s) to satisfy <MAT>.

According to the embodiment, it is favorable for the first period Tp (s), the distance Dx (m), the velocity vx (m/s), and the first duration Tw (ds) to satisfy <MAT>.

According to the embodiment, it is desirable for the first period Tp (s), the distance Dx (m), the velocity vx (m/s), and the first duration Tw (s) to satisfy <MAT>.

According to the embodiment, it is favorable for n to be <NUM> or <NUM>. When n is not less than <NUM>, the distance L1 and the distance L2 are excessively long. Therefore, the inspection device <NUM> becomes large. When the distance is long, the ultrasonic waves are attenuated, and it is difficult to obtain the desired sensitivity. According to the embodiment, because n is <NUM> or <NUM>, a small and practical inspection device <NUM> can be provided. Because n is <NUM> or <NUM>, high sensitivity can be maintained. Thereby, an inspection device can be provided in which the detection sensitivity can be increased. The distance is shorter when n is <NUM> than when n is <NUM>. The attenuation can be further reduced.

<FIG> is a schematic side view illustrating an inspection device according to the first embodiment.

As shown in <FIG>, the inspection device <NUM> according to the embodiment includes a first waveguide <NUM> and a second waveguide <NUM> in addition to the transmitter <NUM>, the receiver <NUM>, and the supporter <NUM>. Otherwise, the configuration of the inspection device <NUM> may be similar to the configuration of the inspection device <NUM>.

The first waveguide <NUM> is located between the transmitter <NUM> and the supporter <NUM>. The first ultrasonic wave 10w passes through the first waveguide <NUM>. For example, the first waveguide <NUM> guides the first ultrasonic wave 10w. The second waveguide <NUM> is located between the supporter <NUM> and the receiver <NUM>. The first ultrasonic wave 10w passes through the second waveguide <NUM>. For example, the second waveguide <NUM> guides the first ultrasonic wave 10w. The first ultrasonic wave 10w that passes through the second waveguide <NUM> is incident on the receiver <NUM>.

For example, the first waveguide <NUM> is separated from the supporter <NUM>. The second waveguide <NUM> is separated from the supporter <NUM>. The supporter <NUM> can move between the first waveguide <NUM> and the second waveguide <NUM>.

By providing the waveguides, the spreading of the first ultrasonic wave 10w can be suppressed. The detection sensitivity can be further increased.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an inspection method according to the second embodiment.

As shown in <FIG>, the inspection method according to the embodiment includes transmitting, from the transmitter <NUM> (referring to <FIG>, etc.) toward the inspection object <NUM>, the first ultrasonic wave 10w that includes the multiple burst waves 10b having the first period Tp (step S110). The inspection method includes inspecting the inspection object <NUM> by using the receiver <NUM> (referring to <FIG>, etc.) to receive the first ultrasonic wave 10w that passes through the inspection object <NUM> (step S120).

In the inspection method according to the embodiment, the first period Tp (s), the distance Dx (m), and the velocity vx (m/s) satisfy Formula (<NUM>) recited above. The distance Dx is the shorter distance of the first distance L1 and the second distance L2. The first distance L1 is the distance along the first direction D1 between the inspection object <NUM> and the transmitter <NUM>; and the first direction D1 is from the transmitter <NUM> toward the receiver <NUM>. The second distance L2 is the distance along the first direction D1 between the inspection object <NUM> and the receiver <NUM>. The velocity vx is the propagation velocity of the first ultrasonic wave 10w in space between the transmitter <NUM> and the receiver <NUM>. By such conditions, the effects of the reflected waves on the direct waves can be further suppressed. An inspection method can be provided in which the detection sensitivity can be increased.

According to the embodiment, it is more favorable for at least one of Formula (<NUM>) to Formula (<NUM>) recited above to be satisfied. The effects of the reflected waves on the direct waves can be further suppressed. An inspection method can be provided in which the detection sensitivity can be increased.

For example, in the inspection method according to the embodiment, an ultrasonic burst wave is transmitted at a prescribed period from an ultrasonic wave transmitter (the transmitter <NUM>) to a receiver (the receiver <NUM>). The inspection object <NUM> is inspected by detecting the output signal of the receiver. The period is less than the difference between the time of the direct wave directly reaching the receiver from the transmitter via the inspection object <NUM> and the time of the reflected wave initially reaching the receiver after the direct wave arrives from the transmitter. The period is greater than the pulse length of the burst wave. The reflected waves are in the temporal gaps between the multiple direct waves that directly reach the receiver.

According to embodiments, an inspection device and an inspection method can be provided in which the detection sensitivity can be increased.

Hereinabove, exemplary embodiments of the invention are described with reference to specific examples. However, the embodiments of the invention are not limited to these specific examples. For example, one skilled in the art may similarly practice the invention by appropriately selecting specific configurations of components included in inspection devices such as transmitters, receivers, supporters, transmitting circuits, receiving circuits, controllers, etc., from known art. Such practice is included in the scope of the invention to the extent that similar effects thereto are obtained.

Further, any two or more components of the specific examples may be combined within the extent of technical feasibility and are included in the scope of the invention to the extent that the purport of the invention is included.

Moreover, all inspection devices, and inspection methods practicable by an appropriate design modification by one skilled in the art based on the inspection devices, and the inspection methods described above as embodiments of the invention also are within the scope of the invention to the extent that the purport of the invention is included.

Claim 1:
An inspection device (<NUM>, <NUM>), comprising:
a transmitter (<NUM>) configured to transmit a first ultrasonic wave (10w), the first ultrasonic wave (10w) including a plurality of burst waves (10b) having a first period Tp;
a receiver (<NUM>) on which the first ultrasonic wave (10w) is incident, the receiver (<NUM>) being configured to output a signal corresponding to the incident first ultrasonic wave (10w);
a supporter (<NUM>) provided between the transmitter (<NUM>) and the receiver (<NUM>);
a transmitting circuit (10B) causing the transmitter (<NUM>) to emit a first ultrasonic wave (10w);
a receiving circuit (20B) outputting a signal corresponding to the incident first ultrasonic wave (10w); and
a controller (<NUM>) supplying a control signal to the transmitting circuit (10B), controlling the first period Tp and outputting an inspection signal,
the supporter (<NUM>) being configured to support an inspection object (<NUM>),
the first period Tp (s), a distance Dx (m), and a velocity vx (m/s) satisfying <MAT>
n being <NUM> or <NUM>,
the distance Dx being a shorter distance of a first distance (L1) and a second distance (L2),
the first distance (L1) being a distance along a first direction (D1) between the transmitter (<NUM>) and the supporter (<NUM>),
the first direction (D1) being from the transmitter (<NUM>) toward the receiver (<NUM>),
the second distance (L2) being a distance along the first direction (D1) between the supporter (<NUM>) and the receiver (<NUM>),
the velocity vx being a propagation velocity of the first ultrasonic wave (10w) in space between the transmitter (<NUM>) and the receiver (<NUM>),
and wherein:
one of the plurality of burst waves (10b) has a first duration Tw, and
the first period Tp (s), the distance Dx (m), the velocity vx (m/s), and the first duration Tw (s) satisfy <MAT>