Abstract: An all-solid, single-body unit for calibrating a pulse oximeter that uses probe light beams is provided. A bulk of the unit is substantially composed of a mixture of materials comprising one or more polymer materials that form a flexible solid medium for the bulk of the unit, one or more scattering materials for scattering the probe light beams, and one or more dye materials for attenuating the probe light beams. The flexible solid medium enables a pulsatile rhythmic train of action force received by the unit to be transmitted in the unit during calibrating the pulse oximeter for substantially emulating change of absorbance characteristics of the probe light beams due to pulsing arterial blood. The scattering materials and the dye materials are localized in the flexible solid medium, enabling the unit to be used in calibrating the pulse oximeter without a need for an additional device for further emulation.

Abstract: A calibrator, for calibrating a sensor, has a calibration chamber for containing a calibration liquid. The liquid comprises water or an aqueous solution of an analyte to be sensed. A hydrogen peroxide-quenching material is provided exposed to the interior of the calibration chamber. The hydrogen peroxide-quenching material contacts the calibration liquid. After the calibration chamber containing the calibration liquid is sterilized by irradiation with gamma radiation, the hydrogen peroxide-quenching material decomposes any hydrogen peroxide formed in the calibration liquid to avoid adverse effects on a sensor placed in contact with the calibration liquid.

Abstract: A tissue profile wellness monitor measures a physiological parameter, generates a tissue profile, defines limits and indicates when the tissue profile exceeds the defined limits. The physiological parameter is responsive to multiple wavelengths of optical radiation after attenuation by constituents of pulsatile blood flowing within a tissue site. The tissue profile is responsive to the physiological parameter. The limits are defined for at least a portion of the tissue profile.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a non-invasive biosensor device configured to measure physiological parameters of a subject. In one aspect, a method of determining a training threshold of a subject is provided. The method includes the step of detecting an oxygenation parameter of a tissue of the subject using Near InfraRed Spectroscopy (NIRS). The method further includes the step of processing the oxygenation parameter. Additionally, the method includes the step of determining the training threshold of the subject using the result of the processing. In another aspect, a biosensor device for determining a lactate threshold of a subject during exercise is provided. In a further aspect, a biosensor device for measuring parameters of a subject during exercise is provided.

Abstract: A oximetry device includes a controlled switch configured to transmit and resist a current flow. The oximetry device also includes an energy storage element configured to store energy in response to the current flow being transmitted and discharge the stored energy to a diode as a diode current in response to the controlled switch resisting the current flow. The oximetry device further comprises a sense resistor configured to receive diode current and generate a sensed voltage based on the diode current. The oximetry device additionally comprises and a comparator configured to activate the controlled switch to transmit the current flow and deactivate the controlled switch to resist the current flow based upon the sensed voltage.

Abstract: A non-invasive living body measurement device includes: a platform for placement of a finger of a subject that is a measurement target; a light emitting apparatus equipped with light emitting blocks arranged in a column along the lengthwise direction of the finger placed on the platform; a light amount adjustment unit that adjusts the light amounts of the light emitting blocks such that the light amounts of the transmitted light that passed through the finger placed on the platform are uniform with respect to the lengthwise direction of the finger; an imaging unit that obtains an image of the finger placed on the platform by receiving transmitted light that passed through the finger when light was emitted from the light emitting blocks; and an information processing unit that detects biological information regarding the subject by processing the image obtained by the imaging unit.

Abstract: The sensors of a smartphone, tablet, laptop or other device is used to record user actions during attempts to unlock the device. The touch-sensitive surface of a smartphone or other touchscreen, accelerometer, magnetometer, inclinometer, gyro, GPS, camera, and microphone may amongst other sensors be used to record user responses to a login challenge. This challenge may consist of a requirement to give a correct password or numerical code; a puzzle (such as a methamatical or textual riddle), identification of digits, objects, or faces; and other challenges or actions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to cognitive performance and/or psychological assessment of a subject. Measurement of behavioral status and cognitive efficiency is based upon batteries of tests that include a combination of cognitive and/or psychological tests. A module is provided with a processing unit in communication with memory to administer the cognitive and/or psychological tests and to compute an assessment. Results of the assessment are conveyed on a visual display of the module. In some cases, additional sensor data may be added to the assessment.

Abstract: A method and system are presented to address quantitative assessment of verbal memory of a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene to the subject on a display, the scene comprising a plurality of symbols and a background; (2) moving the plurality of symbols relative to the scene, the movement being tracked by the subject via at least one input device; (3) adjusting the saliency of the plurality of symbols relative to the tracked movement; (4) increasing the number of said plurality of symbols; (5) receiving feedback from the subject via said input device; (6) quantitatively refining the received feedback; (7) modulating the movement of the plurality of symbols relative to the accuracy of the quantitatively refined feedback; (8) calculating a critical threshold parameter; and (9) recording a critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium.

Abstract: An emotion identification device includes: a first detection unit which detects a central nervous system reaction of a user; a second detection unit which detects an autonomic nervous system reaction of the user; and an identification unit which identifies aggressiveness in anger of the user based on the central nervous system reaction and the autonomic nervous system reaction.

Abstract: A system for detecting and alleviating pilot hypoxia is provided. The system comprises an oxygen generator adapted to be powered by a power supply. The oxygen generator is in communication an oxygen delivery device where the oxygen delivery device is adapted to deliver supplemental oxygen to a pilot. A control module is in communication with the oxygen generator and the power supply. A hypoxia detection device is in communication with the control module wherein the control module causes one or both of the oxygen generator and the oxygen delivery device to increase an amount of oxygen being delivered to the pilot upon detection of pilot hypoxia. The hypoxia detection device may be comprised of a pupillometer and a luminometer and/or a flash generator.

Abstract: A method for identifying changes in an epilepsy patient's disease state, comprising: receiving at least one body data stream; determining at least one body index from the at least one body data stream; detecting a plurality of seizure events from the at least one body index; determining at least one seizure metric value for each seizure event; performing a first classification analysis of the plurality of seizure events from the at least one seizure metric value; detecting at least one additional seizure event from the at least one determined index; determining at least one seizure metric value for each additional seizure event, performing a second classification analysis of the plurality of seizure events and the at least one additional seizure event based upon the at least one seizure metric value; comparing the results of the first classification analysis and the second classification analysis; and performing a further action.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system device and method for monitoring infant oral motor kinetics (OMK), which can be used to assess the functional significance of the different sucking components, i.e., the plasticity of infant sucking skills in relation to their oral feeding performance, at a particular time, during the developmental period and/or during preventive or therapeutic intervention programs. It is a unique system and apparatus that provides a means to study the nonnutritive and/or nutritive sucking skills, i.e., the Suction and/or Expression components of sucking, of infants in the natural setting, i.e., during a normal feeding session.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of determining energy balance in individuals such as exercising individuals, individuals consuming a 13C-enriched test composition and individuals consuming a fixed diet with a known ?13C. The ?13C pre- and post-exercise, or pre- and post-consumption of the test beverage or fixed diet indicate whether the individual is in neutral or positive energy balance, or in energy deficit. The methods are particularly useful for individuals participating in weight management programs, and individuals under the care of health care professionals.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions comprising anesthesia-reversing agents which facilitate or increase the time of awakening or reverse the effects of general anesthesia-induced unconsciousness. In some embodiments, the anesthesia reversing agent can be selected from any or a combination of methylphenidate (MPH), amphetamine, modafinil, amantadine, caffeine, or analogues or derivatives thereof. In some embodiments, compositions comprising at least one or more anesthesia-reversing agents can be used to facilitate awakening from anesthesia without or decreasing occurrence of delirium, and can be used in methods to treat or prevent the symptoms associated with emergence delirium, as well as treat a subject oversedated with general an esthesia. The invention also relates to methods for administering these compositions comprising anesthesia-reversing agents to subjects and for use.

Abstract: The invention provides co-registration systems and methods for detecting endoleaks associated with aneurysm repair. The system includes an imaging device having expanded imaging capabilities and configured to capture and provide image data and flow visualization of a vessel based on the image data. The system further includes one or more sensors for capturing functional parameters of the vessel, such as flow or pressure. The system further includes an external imaging modality for capturing external image data of the vessel, such as, for example, a radiological image. The co-registration system is configured to co-register sets of data captured by a plurality of intra- and extraluminal modalities and provide a composite map (3- or multi-dimensional) of the vessel including automatically detected areas of interest, particularly during an EVAR or TEVAR procedure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining and reporting water loss by a subject through expiration and perspiration. The reported water loss can be for a particular period of exercise or activity performance. The temperature and humidity of ambient air, e.g., as inhaled into the subject's lungs, and other factors including the temperature and humidity of the air exhaled, breath volume, and respiration rate, each of which may be measured, though some can be estimated on the basis of heart rate, exertion level, or recognized activities. Perspiration rate can also be measured and included. Monitoring for pulmonary hemorrhage or hemoptysis can also be incorporated.

Abstract: In an aspect, an accessory for an activity is provided, and includes an accessory housing, an impact detection device and a secondary module. The impact detection device includes at least one impact sensor selected from the group of sensors comprising an accelerometer and a gyroscope. The secondary module includes at least a battery configured for powering both the impact detection device and the secondary module. The impact detection device and secondary module together further include a microcontroller and a memory. The impact detection device is removably connectable to the secondary module and is connectable to another secondary module in another protective accessory.

Abstract: For fixedly implanting a device for material or signal delivery or acquisition or a part of such a device in a human or animal body, an opening is provided in hard tissue of the body, the opening reaching through a hard tissue layer, e.g. through a cortical bone layer into cancellous bone underneath. The device includes a plug portion and/or a cover portion which includes a ring of a material having thermoplastic properties extending around the plug portion or on a tissue facing surface of the cover portion. The opening provided in the hard tissue has a cross section at least in the area of its mouth that is adapted to the plug or cover portion such that the plug portion can be introduced through the mouth of the opening or the cover portion can be positioned over the mouth of the opening such that the ring extends around the opening, along its wall and/or on the hard tissue surface around its mouth.

Abstract: A glucometer guide is provided to address the difficulty that blind or visually impaired diabetic patients have when attempting to independently use a glucometer. The guide provides haptic cues for the effective transfer of blood onto a test strip.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging system configured for generating a three-dimensional representation of at least one breast of a patient includes: a device configured for generating a homogeneous magnetic field; a system of active gradient coils configured for generating at least one magnetic field gradient within a measurement volume; at least one breast holder having an internal space configured for positioning the at least one breast during an MRI scan within the measurement volume; at least one local coil system that includes at least one individual coil, the at least one individual coil configured to act as an antenna for receiving magnetic resonance signals; and at least one cushion configured for stabilizing the at least one breast by filling the internal space between the at least one breast and an external boundary of the internal space.

Abstract: A biometric monitoring device is used to determine a user's heart rate by using a heartbeat waveform sensor and a motion detecting sensor. In some embodiments, the device collects collecting concurrent output data from the heartbeat waveform sensor and output data from the motion detecting sensor, detects a periodic component of the output data from the motion detecting sensor, and uses the periodic component of the output data from the motion detecting sensor to remove a corresponding periodic component from the output data from the heartbeat waveform sensor. From this result, the device may determine and present the user's heart rate.

Abstract: A system and method for signal processing to remove unwanted noise components including: (i) wavelength-independent motion artifacts such as tissue, bone and skin effects, and (ii) wavelength-dependent motion artifact/noise components such as venous blood pulsation and movement due to various sources including muscle pump, respiratory pump and physical perturbation. Disclosed are methods, analytics, and their uses for reliable perfusion monitoring, arterial oxygen saturation monitoring, heart rate monitoring during daily activities and in hospital settings and for extraction of physiological parameters such as respiration information, hemodynamic parameters, venous capacity, and fluid responsiveness. The system and methods disclosed are extendable to include monitoring platforms for perfusion, hypoxia, arrhythmia detection, airway obstruction detection and sleep disorders including apnea.

Abstract: A method performed by a medical device for transmitting data packets includes: removing select data fields from a data packet defined in accordance with IEEE standard 11073 to form a modified data packet; determining a length of the modified data packet; determining whether the length of the modified data packet is greater than a predetermined maximum length of data packets under the Bluetooth low energy protocol, as defined in Bluetooth Core Specification version 4.0 or higher; when the length of the modified data packet is greater than the predetermined maximum length of data packets defined under the Bluetooth low energy protocol, partitioning the modified data packet into a plurality of individual data packets, wherein each of the individual data packets includes a portion of the modified data packet; and transmitting the individual data packets via an antenna in accordance with the Bluetooth low energy protocol.

Abstract: An accessory mounting device and system for the same, particularly involving radiographic systems, includes a feature to securely recognize a fixing condition of an accessory. In mounting a platform to a table, a fixing member is oscillated or moved so that the platform moves to an engagement position. A pin installed at a tip of the fixing member engages a fixing element formed in the table. Then, a movement restriction member is oscillated so that it can move to a restriction position. An oscillating movement of the movement restriction member is restricted by moving a lock-pin. Alternatively, a fixing member in a movable non-lock-state allows a display region recognizable from a display position.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus is provided. The X-ray imaging apparatus includes an overlapping unit configured to overlap a 2-Dimensional (2D) blood vessel image with a 2D fluoroscopy image to acquire a 2D roadmap image corresponding to a first position, a detector configured to detect a location of a surgical tool from the 2D roadmap image corresponding to the first position, and detect a blood vessel corresponding to the location of the surgical tool from a 3-Dimensional (3D) blood vessel image, and a User Interface (UI) processor configured to mark the 2D roadmap image with the location of the surgical tool with an identifier in the detected blood vessel.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for medical imaging comprising rotating two X-ray source-detector pairs around an axis of rotation simultaneously to quickly acquire image data and form a computed tomography (CT) dataset. The sources can be configured to emit radiation from a plurality of discrete locations. The CT dataset can be utilized as a prior to reconstruct a three-dimensional image from subsequent bi-planar imaging with these source-detector pairs.

Abstract: Applicant has disclosed an x-ray fluoroscopy machine made substantially of non- magnetic parts. By making the machine out of non-magnetic parts, the x-ray machine can be placed in the same room as an MRI machine without the fluoroscope affecting the magnetic field of the MRI machine. In the preferred embodiment, Applicant has disclosed making a mobile C-arm device, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,300,205, substantially out of non-magnetic materials.

Abstract: An imaging system comprising: a scanner for scanning an object and creating an image of the same; and a transport mechanism mounted to the scanner for moving the scanner, wherein the transport mechanism comprises: a gross movement mechanism for transporting the scanner between scanning locations; and a fine movement mechanism for moving the scanner precisely, relative to the object being scanned, during scanning of the object; wherein the gross movement mechanism comprises at least one motorized wheel.

Abstract: A method and system for quantitatively evaluating bone fracture risk in a living being are provided that generate a value for an index indicative of a degree of bone fracture risk. In one embodiment, the method includes the step of acquiring values for a height H, a weight W, and a bone mineral density BMD of the living being. The method further includes the step of calculating a quantitative bone fracture risk index QI associated with the living being in accordance with the formula QI=H?*W?/BMD? where ?, ?, and ? are constants selected based on previously obtained data indicative of bone fracture risk.

Abstract: A method and system for converting low-dose mammographic images with much noise into higher quality, less noise, higher-dose-like mammographic images, using of a trainable nonlinear regression (TNR) model with a patch-input-pixel-output scheme, which can be called a call pixel-based TNR (PTNR). An image patch is extracted from an input mammogram acquired at a reduced x-ray radiation dose (lower-dose), and pixel values in the patch are entered into the PTNR as input. The output of the PTNR is a single pixel that corresponds to a center pixel of the input image patch. The PTNR is trained with matched pairs of mammograms, inputting low-dose mammograms together with corresponding desired standard x-ray radiation dose mammograms (higher-dose), which are ideal images for the output images. Through the training, the PTNR learns to convert low-dose mammograms to high-dose-like mammograms. Once trained, the trained PTNR does not require the higher-dose mammograms anymore.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for carrying out a positron emission tomography of an examination object in a hybrid system. In N consecutive time intervals, the following is carried out. For n=1 to n=N?1, nth magnetic resonance data and nth positron emission data is acquired in the nth time interval and as a function of this data, nth provisional attenuation correction values and nth provisional positron emission tomographies are determined during the (n+1)th time interval. In the Nth time interval Nth magnetic resonance data and Nth positron emission data is acquired and overall attenuation correction values are determined as a function of the Nth magnetic resonance data and the first to (N?1)th attenuation correction values and also a positron emission tomography is determined as a function of the overall attenuation correction values, the Nth positron emission data and the first to (N?1)th provisional positron emission tomographies.

Abstract: An exposure dose management system according to an embodiment includes an image storage device, a first recording device, a misalignment correction device, and a second recording device. The image storage device stores a human body three-dimensional image. The first recording device records an exposure dose and an exposure area of a subject in a first irradiation step on the human body three-dimensional image. The misalignment correction device corrects misalignment between a position of the subject in a second irradiation step, which follows the first irradiation step, and a position of the human body three-dimensional image. The second recording device further records an exposure dose and an exposure area in the second irradiation step on the human body three-dimensional image in which the misalignment was corrected.

Abstract: Cross-calibration is provided for functional imaging. In PET or SPECT, the inaccuracies from the dose and detector sensitivity may be reduced or removed in both activity concentration and uptake. By using measures from both the radiotracer for the patient and factory calibrated sources, the variability due to dose may be removed. In SPECT, a measurement of system specific sensitivity to a factory calibrated point source is used to improve the accuracy of uptake values, not just activity concentration.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a system and method for determining whether a patient has an acute respiratory infection. In one embodiment, the present method involves using a handheld device to acquire an audio signal of a sound made by a patient coughing. The audio signal is then communicated, by the handheld device, to a remote computing device. Upon receiving the audio signals, signal are repeatedly retrieved from a database of signals associated with different severities of various acute respiratory conditions. A comparison is made between the received audio signal and the retrieved signals. As a result of the comparison, a determination is made whether the patient has an acute respiratory infection. An audio playback device may be employed for playing the audio signal so that a medical professional can listen to that audio signal and facilitate the determination. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An acoustic sensor is configured to provide accurate and robust measurement of bodily sounds under a variety of conditions, such as in noisy environments or in situations in which stress, strain, or movement may be imparted onto a sensor with respect to a patient. Embodiments of the sensor provide a conformable electrical shielding, as well as improved acoustic and mechanical coupling between the sensor and the measurement site.

Abstract: The invention is a system comprising an intravascular imaging probe having expanded imaging capabilities and a processor for processing the image data and causing relevant information, such as flow, to be displayed. The system is configured to cause image data to be processed and reconfigured in a user friendly format, e.g., color-coded, to provide details of flow, including the automated, or semi-automated, detection of endoleaks at or near a placement site of a stent graft within a lumen associated with an EVAR or TEVAR procedure. The system is further configured to provide identification of the type of endoleak present.

Abstract: Systems and methods of optimal pulse compression are described. A method of determining an optimal pulse takes as an input a function of the impulse response of a transducer and produces a pulse optimized for transmission through that transducer. Images then produced with that transducer will have both superior range and spatial resolution.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ultrasound inspection device, an ultrasound image data generation method, and a computer-readable recording medium in which is stored a program, which determine for each of data calculation points whether or not the distance to a transmission focal point is with a predetermined range, and when the distance from the data calculation point to the transmission focal point is outside the predetermined range, superimposition of a plurality of first element data is carried out assuming an ultrasonic beam to be a convergent wave, and when the distance from the data calculation point to the transmission focal point is within the predetermined range, the superimposition of the plurality of first element data is carried out assuming an ultrasonic beam to be a planar wave to thereby generate second element data corresponding to the data calculation points.

Abstract: An ultrasound inspection apparatus of the present invention includes: a probe provided with a plurality of elements; a transmitter configured to transmit the ultrasonic beam to an inspection object using the probe; a receiver configured to receive an ultrasonic echo signal from the inspection object; a sound velocity determiner configured to determine a sound velocity value inside the inspection object; and an element data processing section configured to generate a piece of second element data from at least two pieces of first element data using the sound velocity value, the piece of second element data corresponding to any of the at least two pieces of first element data, the sound velocity determiner being configured to obtain an optimum sound velocity value by optimizing the sound velocity value which is used when the piece of second element data is created in the element data processing section.

Abstract: An ultrasound measurement device and related method for ultrasonic measurement are provided. In one embodiment the device includes a first a first ultrasound transducer and a second ultrasound transducer spaced from the first ultrasound transducer and configured to receive a plurality of ultrasound signals transmitted from the first ultrasound transducer through a fixed object. The device further includes means for moving the first and second ultrasound transducers together relative to the object over an area of the object in a first direction, the first ultrasound transducer generating an ultrasound signal of the plurality of ultrasound signals at each of a plurality of locations within the area. In this manner, the device achieves the functionality of array transducers with transducers having fewer transducer elements.

Abstract: Provided are an ultrasonic probe and a method of manufacturing the same. The ultrasonic probe includes a body in which grooves are formed, and ultrasonic transducers disposed respectively in the grooves to perform transduction between an ultrasonic signal and an electrical signal.

Abstract: An information providing method which is implementable by using an ultrasound apparatus includes obtaining ultrasound image data which relates to an object; displaying, on a first area of a screen, a gain setup window for setting a gain of the obtained ultrasound image data; receiving a gain which is set by a user on the gain setup window; and displaying, on a second area of the screen, an ultrasound image of the object to which the set gain is applied.

Abstract: Disclosed are an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasound image producing method capable of producing a spatial compound image with reduced artifacts. Reception data of frame images is repeatedly acquired in a data acquisition cycle of four frames such that, of three frame images for use in producing a spatial compound image, the angle difference in steering angle between two frames for which the acquisition of reception data is most temporally separated is smaller than a maximum value among the angle differences in steering angle between two frame images among three frame images having different steering angles, and each time reception data of two frame images or reception data of another two frame images is acquired, three frame images sequentially produced based on reception data for three frames sequentially acquired hitherto are synthesized to produce a spatial compound image.

Abstract: A method to increase the image formation speed in an annular-array digital ultrasound system consisting of N elements with a plurality of transmit and receive channels. Selectively dropping one or more transmit or receive channels during image formation reduces the amount of data needed to form an image, thus increasing the image formation frame rate through faster scan speeds or reducing the amount of digitized data required to process an image. The improved frame rate does result in some reduction in resolution, SNR and potentially DOF, but these drawbacks can be mitigated by synthetically recovering missing transmit-to-receive data pairs.

Abstract: There are provided an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasound image generating method, and a recording medium having stored therein a program capable of generating an ultrasound image with a precision close to that of multi-focus even with a moving image. In the case of a motion picture photographing mode, transmission/reception is performed with single focus, and multi-line processing is performed based on received element data. Thereafter, image processing is performed, and a moving image of an ultrasonic image is displayed or a sound velocity value is calculated. In the case of a still picture photographing mode, transmission/reception is performed with multi-focus, and phasing addition processing and the like are performed on received element data. Thereafter, image processing is performed, and a still image of an ultrasonic image is displayed or a sound velocity value is calculated.

Abstract: A medical data processing device classifies a tumor type by using a first numerical sequence indicating a time series variation of a feature value of a tumor region including a tumor. The first numerical sequence is obtained from echo signals obtained from a living organism after administration of a contrast agent. The medical data processing device includes a first classifier that extracts, from the first numerical sequence, a first numerical sequence portion of a classification interval having a predefined time period shorter than the entire time of the first numerical sequence and classifies the tumor type by using the first numerical sequence portion.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes acquisition units, calculation units, and a matching unit. The acquisition units acquire a position of a first reference point as a reference point, and a position of a first surface point as a point, on a surface of a target object in a first body posture. The acquisition units acquire a position of a second reference point as the reference point, and a position of a second surface point, on the surface of the target object in a second body posture. A distance between the first reference point position and the first surface point position is calculated as a first distance. A distance between the second reference point position and the second surface point position is calculated as a second distance. The matching unit matches the first and second surface points based on a relationship between the first and second distances.

Abstract: In the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, the method of determining the sound velocity, and the program recorded in a recording medium, a probe is made transmit an ultrasonic beam a plurality of times so as to form a predetermined transmission focus point, an analog element signal output by the probe is A/D converted into the first element data, the second element data corresponding to any one of a plurality of the first element data is generated, and the second element data is used to determine the sound velocity in an inspection object, whereby the sound velocity of the ultrasonic waves in the inspection object can be accurately determined without decreasing the frame rate.

Abstract: In the ultrasound diagnosis, a probe performs transmission of an ultrasonic beam a plurality of times so as to form predetermined transmission focus points, the analog reception data output by the probe is A/D converted to turn into a first element data, a plurality of first element data is used to generate a second element data corresponding to any one of the plurality of first element data, and a sound velocity is determined using the first element data in a case where the position for determining the sound velocity is in a vicinity of the transmission focus point and using the second element data in a case where the position is not in a vicinity of the transmission focus point. In this manner, the sound velocity of the ultrasound waves in an inspection object can be accurately determined without decreasing the frame rate.