Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing remote expert feedback to an operator of an ultrasound imaging machine. The remote feedback consists of graphical icons that are dragged and dropped onto a video stream of the patient being scanned or the ultrasound image being captured and shared in real-time with the local operator to help improve their scanning technique.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging scan head includes a fluid chamber including a gearless voice-coil motor therein. The voice-coil motor mechanism includes a rigid mechanical assembly, capable of moving with the fluid chamber, having one or more transducer elements and motor windings. Within the fluid chamber are motor magnets physically separated from the rigid mechanical assembly. The ultrasound imaging scan head further includes an inductive position sensor and internal bladder wherein the one or more transducer elements are capable of moving within the fluid chamber when a current is passed through the motor windings in a presence of a magnetic field generated by the one or more motor magnets.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an ultrasonic probe assembly and a method using the same. The ultrasonic probe assembly includes: a handle and a probe body separable from the handle; wherein the handle is configured to control movement of the probe body in a body of an examinee; the probe body includes an ultrasonic component for emitting ultrasonic waves to the body of the examinee and receiving reflected ultrasonic waves to generate examination information, and a driving component for driving the ultrasonic component to move to change a direction of the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic component.

Abstract: A method for operating a medical diagnostic system that is configured to use a system component of the diagnostic system to generate examination data of a person under examination during an examination procedure is provided. The examination procedure with control of the system component is controlled by a piece of control software, and a component driver exchanges control commands of the control software with the system component in order to control the system component. The method includes providing an event driver that communicates with the control software via an interface of the control software. Via the event driver, a first event is detected in the examination procedure and reported to the event driver. When the first event is detected in the examination procedure, the use of the system component in the examination procedure is modified to a first type defined by the event driver.

Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn to, among other things, a method of managing a memory device. In some aspects, the method includes receiving data to be stored in a storage memory, wherein the storage memory is coupled to the memory device, wherein the memory device includes a first memory type and a second memory type different from the first memory type; storing a first copy of the received data in the first memory type; storing a second copy of the received data in the second memory type; receiving indication of a power loss to the memory device; in response to receiving indication of the power loss, copying the second copy from the second memory type to the storage memory; detecting for power restoration to the memory device after the power loss; and in response to detecting power restoration to the memory device, restoring data to the first memory type by copying data from the second memory type to the first memory type.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe includes a tip part, an operation part and a middle part. A motor is disposed in a cantilever system in a front portion in the middle part. The motor extends in a direction of a central axis of a shaft-like part. A driving force generated by the motor is transferred to a scanning mechanism. A vibrator part vibrates by the scanning mechanism.

Abstract: A transoral ultrasound probe for imaging a temporomandibular joint and a method of imaging a temporomandibular joint using a transoral probe.

Abstract: An acoustical lens (20) for an ultrasound probe (14) is disclosed. The acoustical lens comprises an inner surface (26) for facing an emission surface (46) of an ultrasound transducer (40) and for receiving ultrasound waves from the ultrasound transducer. The acoustical lens further comprises an outer surface (24) for emitting the ultrasound waves received at the inner surface, wherein the inner surface is formed as a convexly curved surface and wherein at least one recess (34) is associated to an edge of the inner surface for capturing mold material.

Abstract: An apparatus in accordance with the invention for the recording of distance images each having a plurality of distance image points comprises a plurality of transmitters arranged in an array respectively for the transmission of electromagnetic radiation into a recording region and at least one reception unit for the detection of radiation reflected from the recording region, an evaluation unit for determining distances of objects at which the transmitted radiation is reflected, with the distances each forming a distance image point, a deflection unit which repeatedly deflects the transmitted radiation within a scanning angle region into a scanning direction in order to consecutively generate a plurality of scanning patterns of distance image points per distance image, and a displacement unit that displaces consecutive scanning patterns against one another in a displacement direction by way of relative movements of optical elements, wherein each distance image comprises a plurality of scanning patterns of dist

Abstract: The ultrasonic probe according to the present embodiment includes a first transducer set, a second transducer set and a transducer set supporter. The first transducer set arranges transducers in a direction parallel with an axis of the ultrasonic probe. The second transducer set arranges transducers on a plane substantially orthogonal to the axis. The transducer set supporter supports the first transducer set and the second transducer set, and is configured to pivot around the axis.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging probe (101) includes a communications interface (107), including one or more ports (200-205), corresponding to one or more different communication protocols, for communication with ultrasound consoles. The probe (101) also includes a controller (106) that configures the probe (101) for communication with an ultrasound console (102) over a port (200-205) based on a communication between the communications interface (107) and a communications interface (110) of the console (102).

Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate generally to an elastography method and system for obtaining ultrasound images of an excited tissue over a certain time period, then computationally determining one or more mechanical properties of the tissue within a real time refresh rate. This method can perform elastography in real time as only a thin volume of the excited tissue is imaged and processed. The thin volume includes a desired cross-sectional plane of the tissue and at least two adjacent planes that are adjacent to the desired cross-sectional plane. A maximum number of adjacent planes is selected so that a computer system is capable of computationally determining mechanical properties within a real time refresh rate.

Abstract: A steerable catheter control handle and method are provided for bi-directional control of a steerable catheter, the catheter including at least two control wires, a distal end of each of the control wires being coupled to the catheter at a distal region thereof. The control system comprises a housing. A wire actuation mechanism is disposed within the housing and is operably coupled to at least two control wires for enabling actuation of the at least two control wires. The steerable catheter control handle additionally comprises a proximal control knob that is operably coupled to the wire actuation mechanism to enable actuation of the at least two control wires. The control knob is positioned proximal to the wire actuation mechanism to enhance ease of use of the steerable catheter control handle. The rotation of the proximal knob causes movement of the wire actuation mechanism within the housing for tensioning one of the at least two control wires for causing a distal end deflection of the steerable catheter.

Abstract: There is provided a technique for obtaining a high-quality image by extracting only a nonlinear component with high accuracy in ultrasonic imaging using an amplitude modulation method of THI. By removing a fundamental wave component with high accuracy by making the influence of electrical distortion due to analog amplification on the echo signals of ultrasonic waves having different sound pressure levels approximately the same, only the nonlinear component is extracted with high accuracy. For example, the above influence is made to be the same by controlling the amplification factor of an amplification section. In addition, the above influence is made to be the same by restoring the digital data with a filter.

Abstract: An optical obturator apparatus includes an obturator sleeve defining a longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal bore for receiving surgical instrumentation and a transparent window mounted to the obturator sleeve and being dimensioned and configured to pass through tissue. The transparent window is mounted for movement between a first position in general alignment with the longitudinal axis of the obturator sleeve and a second position radially displaced from the longitudinal axis to thereby expose the longitudinal bore of the obturator sleeve to permit passage of the surgical instrumentation. The transparent window may include a cutting blade, or alternatively two cutting blades, adapted to penetrate tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to remotely perform automated piping and piping attachment weld inspections. The apparatus has two spaced positioning arms that rotate out from one side of a frame structure and a kicker arm that rotates out from an opposite side of the frame structure at a location between the two positioning arms. The positioning arms and the kicker arm wedge the frame structure between an object to be scanned and an opposing structure. A scanning subassembly supported on the frame structure is configured to pivot and move in an appropriate direction and to pilot a transducer around the surface of the object to be scanned.

Abstract: A dual modality probe is disclosed having both a positron emission tomography sensor and a ultrasound sensor. A dual imaging system is provided having the probe and at least one external positron emission tomography detector and a data acquisition computer system for collecting data simultaneously from the positron emission sensor and the ultrasound sensor of the probe and the positron emission tomography detector. A method for evaluating a target organ of a patient utilizing the probe and imaging system, and performing a biopsy of the organ is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a handheld portable ultrasound device comprising a transducer further comprising piezoelectric elements that emit ultrasonic waves and capture echoes from tissues inside of a patient; a processing unit Field Programmable Gate Array comprising a General Control Device module, a Pulse Emission Control module, a Wave Conformation module, and an Image Processing module; Pulse Generation and Front-End Unit having a pulse generator, a plurality of switches transmission/reception, and a Front-End circuit generating digitized signals; an Imaging and Transmission Unit; and a Visualization Device. The General Control Device module coordinates operations of the Pulse Emission Control modules of Beamforming and Image Processing; the Pulse Emission Control module drives the Pulse Generator; the Beamforming module receives digitized signals or samples stream from the Front-End Circuit delivers a coherent summation of digitized signals by applying selective delays to digitized signals.

Abstract: The invention provides a medical image playing system for playing a continuous image corresponding to a particular region of the human body. The system includes: a main display module for displaying the continuous image, a sub display system for displaying at least one information of image sections of the continuous image, and an instruction receiving module for receiving at least an external instruction. The instruction receiving module is arranged in the sub display module and combined with the at least one information, such that when the instruction receiving module receives the at least one external instruction, the at least one information corresponding to the external instruction is transmitted to the main display module to display the image corresponding to the at least one information.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for a data storage device, an adapter, an array controller, a data storage device, and a relevant method. The apparatus for the data storage device comprises: a power management module configured to detect power-off of a power supply and to switch to a backup battery unit in the data storage device in response to detecting the power supply. The apparatus is configured to cause the backup battery unit to supply power only to the volatile memory in the data storage device. By using a solution according to the present disclosure, for example, preserving time for data may be prolonged in the case of power-off.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for electrically addressing multiple ultrasonic transducers that are connected to a common electrical channel and housed within an imaging probe. An imaging probe may comprise an imaging ultrasonic transducer and a moveable element for controlling the direction of an emitted imaging beam, and an angle sensing ultrasonic transducer, where the angle sensing ultrasonic transducer is configured for determining the direction of an ultrasonic imaging beam. The angle-sensing transducer may be configured to direct an angle sensing ultrasonic beam towards an acoustically reflective substrate and provide a signal by detecting a reflected ultrasonic beam reflected from the acoustically reflective substrate, where the acoustically reflective substrate is positioned relative to the movable element such that motion of the movable element produces a change in the signal.

Abstract: There are disclosed embodiments of devices and methods for ultrasound imaging, for example of the inside of a body part such as a blood vessel. In particular embodiments, a catheter has a tip chamber, within which is an ultrasound transducer mounted on a pivot mechanism, a motor for turning the transducer, and an implement for pivoting the transducer. Examples of such an implement are a second motor operating a shaft or a filament, and the pivot mechanism may be biased to return to a base position when the implement is not pivoting the transducer. In other embodiments, a mirror reflecting ultrasound signals from the transducer may be rotated and/or pivoted, using similar mechanisms.

Abstract: A micro display apparatus reduces weight and volume of a head-mounted display (HMD) terminal and simplify components used in the HMD terminal by embedding HMD terminal devices such as a differential signal receiver, a light source control unit on a driving substrate (backplane) for HMD display in the form of a head-mounted display. The apparatus includes a terminal control unit for receiving a video signal from outside, converting the video signal into a video data and a video control signal for displaying an image, storing the video data and the video control signal, converting the converted video data and video control signal into differential signals and outputting the differential signals; and a HMD terminal unit worn by a user, for receiving the differential signals from the terminal control unit, converting the video data and the video control signal into TTL or LVCMOS signals and displaying the video data.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system comprising a multi-use electronic display device and an ultrasound imaging device. The multi-use electronic display device is capable of communicating with one or more ultrasound imaging devices and selecting which to connect with based on at least one of previously store information, user input, and information gathered from the ultrasound imaging devices. The multi-use electronic display device may communicate with the ultrasound imaging devices while they are in a low power standby state. This approach reduces the complexity of the pairing process and provides a means for quickly and easily selecting between multiple ultrasound imaging devices.

Abstract: A non-invasive variable depth ultrasound treatment method and system comprises a variable depth transducer system configured for providing ultrasound treatment to a patient. An exemplary variable depth transducer system can comprise a transducer configured to provide treatment to more than one region of interest, such as between a deep treatment region of interest and a superficial region of interest, and/or a subcutaneous region of interest. The variable depth transducer can comprise a transduction element having a piezoelectrically active layer, matching layers and/or other materials for generating radiation or acoustical energy. The variable depth transducer may be configured to operate at moderate frequencies within the range from approximately 750 kHz to 20 MHz or more. In addition, the transduction element may be configured with a variable depth device comprising one or more materials configured to allow for control and focusing/defocusing of the acoustic energy to more than one region of interest.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe includes: a first arm that swings along with rotation of a motor and includes a protrusion; a second arm that rotates along with rotation of a second gear engaged with a first gear attached to a first rotational shaft; a third arm attached to the second arm such that the third arm is rotatable with respect to the second arm; and an ultrasound device connected with the third arm. The protrusion of the first arm is connected with the third arm such that the protrusion is slidable on the third arm along the longitudinal direction of the third arm.

Abstract: Methods and devices for both imaging and treating uterine fibroid tumors in one real-time system are provided. One minimally invasive method comprises introducing a sheath into a uterus and determining a location of a fibroid using a visualization element within or on the sheath. Upon identification, a portion of the sheath is steered to position at least one treatment needle at the determined location. The needle is then anchored in uterine tissue and the fibroid treated with the needle.

Abstract: A probe for connecting an electrode terminal of an electric circuit or an electric component includes a first spring; a second spring covering the first spring; a cover covering the second spring; a first terminal that is connected to the second spring and is provided at one end of the probe; and a second terminal that is connected to the cover and is provided at another end of the probe.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system comprising a multi-use electronic display device and an ultrasound imaging device. The multi-use electronic display device is capable of communicating with one or more ultrasound imaging devices and selecting which to connect with based on at least one of previously store information, user input, and information gathered from the ultrasound imaging devices. The multi-use electronic display device may communicate with the ultrasound imaging devices while they are in a low power standby state. This approach reduces the complexity of the pairing process and provides a means for quickly and easily selecting between multiple ultrasound imaging devices.

Abstract: There are disclosed embodiments of devices and methods for imaging the inside of a body part, particularly a blood vessel. In particular embodiments, a catheter has a tip chamber, within which is an ultrasound transducer mounted on a pivot mechanism, a motor for turning the transducer, and an implement for pivoting the transducer. Examples of such an implement are a linear motor, a shaft or filament, and the pivot mechanism may be biased to return to a base position when the implement is not pivoting the transducer. In other embodiments, a mirror reflecting ultrasound signals from the transducer may be rotated and/or pivoted, using similar mechanisms.

Abstract: A method for generating a composite image using an intravascular imaging device includes receiving reflected echo signals from at least one transducer along a first of a plurality of radial scan lines. The received echo signals are passed through a plurality of signal processing channels to form a plurality of filtered signals. The filtered signals include a high-resolution tissue structure signal and at least one first pre-blood-flow-mask signal. High-resolution tissue structure signals are processed to form a high-resolution tissue structural image. First pre-blood-flow-mask signals are cross-correlated with second pre-blood-flow-mask signals from an adjacent radial scan line to form blood-flow-mask signals. Blood-flow-mask signals are processed to form a blood-flow mask.

Abstract: A subject information obtaining apparatus includes a plurality of conversion elements configured to receive an elastic wave that has propagated from a subject and convert the elastic wave into a plurality of electrical signals, a frequency-domain interferometry adaptive processing unit configured to execute a frequency-domain interferometry method and adaptive signal processing using the plurality of electrical signals and obtain power intensity distribution by calculating power intensity at each position on a plurality of scan lines, and a correction unit configured to execute a correction process by which variation in power intensity between adjacent scan lines in a direction that intersects with the scan lines is reduced.

Abstract: An applicator for providing HIFU therapy to a patient includes a HIFU transducer that is rotatably coupled to a frame. In one embodiment, the rotatable coupling is configured such that the HIFU transducer can be mechanically oriented to position a focal zone of the HIFU transducer at any desired location in a treatment volume radially outward from a longitudinal axis of the applicator while the HIFU transducer remains within a housing that is not more than a defined percentage (e.g., 50%) larger than the maximum diameter of the HIFU transducer. In one embodiment, the HIFU transducer is rotatably coupled to the frame with a ball and socket joint. In another embodiment, the HIFU transducer is rotatably coupled to the frame with an offset gimble assembly. A pair of linear actuators and drive shafts engage the HIFU transducer to orient HIFU transducer in a desired direction.

Abstract: Method for supporting an operator in measuring a part of an object, comprising the steps of equipping the operator with an electronic device and with a dimension measuring apparatus. The device comprises a see-though head mounted display, a camera, and a digital processor. An image of the object is captured with the camera so that the processor recognizes or identifies the part of the object in the image. The method further comprises the steps of obtaining a model of said part and displaying on the display an indication of the dimension that is intended to be measured. A value of the dimension measured by the dimension measuring apparatus is acquired in the processor that will process it according to the model.

Abstract: A device degasses fluid in a circulation loop. The device includes a degassing chamber coupled inline with the circulation loop, where a vacuum within the degassing chamber draws out dissolved gas and water vapor from the fluid. The degassing chamber has an opening enabling gas and water vapor drawn out from the fluid, and condensation formed from the water vapor, to flow out as a result of gravitational pull. The device further includes a cooler coupled to the opening in the degassing chamber and a water trap coupled to the cooler. The cooler includes a heat exchanger configured to condense a remaining portion of the water vapor into liquid, where the condensation and liquid accumulate in the water trap. The degassing chamber, water trap and cooler are maintained under vacuum, where the degassing chamber is maintained under vacuum through the opening via the cooler and the water trap.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and probe for examining tissue for the presence of target cells, particularly cancerous cells, by subjecting the tissue to be examined to a contrast agent containing small particles of a physical element conjugated with a biological carrier selectively bindable to the target cells. Energy pulses are applied to the examined tissue. The changes in impedance and/or optical characteristics of the examined tissue produced by the applied energy pulses are detected and utilized for determining the presence of the target cells in the examined tissue. In a described preferred embodiment, the applied energy pulses include laser pulses, and the physical element conjugated with a biological carrier is a light-sensitive semiconductor having an impedance which substantially decreases in the presence of light. The same probe used for detecting the targeted cells may also be used for destroying the cells so targeted.

Abstract: A biometric authentication system includes: an image acquisition unit for acquiring an image of a living body; a light source with a predetermined wavelength band; an authentication information storage unit for, if light is emitted by the light source, setting a predetermined distance for a first distance to a first image acquired by the image acquisition unit in a depth direction so that quality of the first image is improved, extracting a first feature to be used to perform biometric authentication from the first image whose quality has been improved, and storing authentication information regarding the first feature; a feature extraction unit for, if light is emitted by the light source when performing authentication, setting the predetermined distance for a second distance to a second image acquired by the image acquisition unit in the depth direction so that quality of the second image is improved, and extracting a second feature for biometric authentication from the second image whose quality has been i

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus provided with: an ultrasonic probe which transmits/receives ultrasonic waves to/from an object while being in contact with the object; a transmission/reception unit which, in a process in which pressing force applied to the object by the ultrasonic probe is changed and the tomographic position at which the ultrasonic waves are transmitted/received to/from the object is moved in a short axis direction, periodically transmits/receives the ultrasonic waves to/from the object, performs reception processing on a reflection echo signal from the object, and measures RF signal frame data at the tomographic position; a displacement measurement unit which, on the basis of two pieces of RF signal frame data, between which the difference in measurement time falls within a set range, selected from among multiple pieces of RF signal frame data sequentially measured by the transmission/reception unit, finds the displacement of a living tissue at the tomographic position and se

Abstract: An electric machine includes a magnetic pole piece array including a plurality of magnetic pole pieces spaced along a permanent magnet array. The permanent magnet array is in immovable relation with winding portions. The pitch of a plurality of permanent magnets and the pitch of a plurality of magnetic pole pieces are determined such that magnetic flux flows through two of the permanent magnets magnetized in the same direction and located in the permanent magnet array with one permanent magnet interposed between the two permanent magnets, and also flows through one or two of the magnetic pole pieces facing the one permanent magnet interposed between the two permanent magnets and magnetized in a direction of magnetization different from the direction of magnetization of the two permanent magnets.

Abstract: Operation of a patient's heart or lungs may be analyzed by transmitting ultrasound energy into the patient's lung, and detecting Doppler shifts of reflected ultrasound induced by moving borders between blood vessels in the lung and air filled alveoli that surround the blood vessels. Movement of the border is caused by pressure waves in the blood vessels that result in changes in diameter of those blood vessels. The detected Doppler shifts are used to obtain power and velocity data at each of a plurality of different air pressure levels, and the pulmonary blood pressure of the patient is then estimated based on the obtained data.

Abstract: An external ultrasound probe assembly capable of scanning a three-dimensional volume is provided. The ultrasound probe assembly contains a plurality of ultrasonic transducers disposed along a longitudinal axis of the probe assembly. The plurality of ultrasonic transducers is disposed on a mechanism operable to reciprocally pivot the plurality of ultrasonic transducers enabling the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to scan the entire three-dimensional volume. A helically disposed electrical interconnection member may be disposed about a pivot axis of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers and may electrically interconnect the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to an ultrasound imaging system. The ultrasound probe assembly may be fluid filled and contain bubble position control and fluid expansion compensation features.

Abstract: An ultrasonic blood vessel inspecting apparatus provided with a longitudinal cross sectional blood vessel image generating portion configured to generate a longitudinal cross sectional image of a blood vessel located below a skin of a live body, on the basis of reflected wave signals of an ultrasonic wave by using an ultrasonic probe placed on the skin of said live body, includes: an index value calculating portion configured to calculate an index value indicative of a degree of clarity of an image which represents an intima-media complex of said blood vessel and which exists within said longitudinal cross sectional image of the blood vessel.

Abstract: An ultrasonograph of the present invention comprises a probe (1), a controller (3) connected to the probe (1), and a display (4) connected to the controller (3). The controller (4) causes the display (4) to display a detected image of a target object detected by the probe (1) and an angular position relationship image showing a relative angular position of the probe to the detected image of the target object. This enables even a non-expert to take accurate measurements.

Abstract: A handheld ultrasound device is provided, having a transducer assembly for emitting and receiving sonic signals, a configurable signal processing unit, and a data processor configured to provide configuration data to the signal processing unit. The configuration data defines a beamforming configuration, filtering configuration and envelope detection configuration for an operational mode. The operational mode may be selected by the user or may be determined based on a detected type of the transducer assembly.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging apparatus including a processing unit configured to produce an ultrasound image of the target region by applying position/orientation data representative of the position and/or orientation of an ultrasound transducer on the first side of a surface during each collection cycle to echo data representative of reflected ultrasound energy received by the ultrasound transducer during each collection cycle so as to coherently focus the echo data at a plurality of points distributed within the target region.

Abstract: A nuclear probe and ultrasound transducer are interconnected, such as being in a same hand-held housing. The interconnection aligns the coordinate systems in a known spatial relationship. The ultrasound data is used to detect transducer offset or change in position without a tracking sensor. The radiation detected by the nuclear probe may be reconstructed into an image based on the detected transducer position since the nuclear probe moves with the ultrasound transducer. Both anatomical and functional imaging may be provided together without the complications of calibration and tracking. Where a therapeutic transducer is included, therapy may also be provided. The anatomical and functional information identifies the regions for treatment. The same device, already positioned correctly based on the functional and anatomical imaging, is then used for treatment with high intensity focused ultrasound.

Abstract: A system for producing an ultrasound image comprises a scan head having a transducer capable of generating ultrasound energy at a frequency of at least 20 megahertz (MHz), and a processor for receiving ultrasound energy and for generating an ultrasound image at a frame rate of at least 15 frames per second (fps).

Abstract: A modular, flexible architecture for offering full-field breast ultrasound (FFBU) functionality and general-purpose ultrasound functionality in a single system is described. A conventional, general-purpose ultrasound system is modified with an FFBU toolkit to create a dual-capability ultrasound system, the dual-capability ultrasound system being able to accommodate both general-purpose ultrasound functionality and FFBU functionality, using a single ultrasound engine. Among other advantages, real-world clinical environments may enjoy cost savings for initial system procurement, space savings on clinic floors, easier and less expensive system upgrades, and the ability to use a single system and user interface for both FFBU screening and for follow-up diagnosis, biopsy, etc.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic scanning unit configured to repeatedly scan an interior of an subject with an ultrasonic wave via the ultrasonic probe and repeatedly acquire echo signals. An image generation unit generates data of blood flow images based on the echo signals. An interpolation processing unit identifies at least one pixel in which clutter components occupy the majority of the pixel value, and to interpolate a pixel value of the identified pixel based on pixel values of at least two other blood flow images corresponding to a substantially same cardiac phase as that of the blood flow image including the identified pixel.

Abstract: The invention provides an ultrasonic probe having a frame to constitute a part of a cubicle, a motor fixed on the frame, a first arm with one end fixed on a rotating shaft of the motor, and a second arm with one end rotatably coupled with the other end of the first arm via a coupling shaft and with the other end having an ultrasonic element mounted thereon. The second arm has a lengthwise long groove and is slidably engaged with the fixed shaft of the frame in the direction of length. The length from an end of the second arm where the ultrasonic element is mounted on the coupling shaft is designed to be longer than the length from the rotating shaft to the coupling shaft, and further, to be longer than the length from the rotating shaft to the fixed shaft.