Patent ID: 6640633
Filing Date: 2003-11-04
Classification: G01S

Abstract:
An ultrasonic imaging method of obtaining image information in such a manner that a predetermined area contained in an object to be inspected is divided into at least a first area located most shallowly and a second area located deeper than the first area so as to scan the first and second areas by employing ultrasonic waves, said ultrasonic imaging method comprising the steps of:(a) transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves focused in one focus direction within the first area by using a plurality of ultrasonic transducers included in an ultrasonic probe to take samples of an ultrasonic image at a plurality of points in the focus direction, and changing the focus direction to scan the first area; (b) sequentially transmitting ultrasonic waves focused in respective focus directions within the second area by using said plurality of ultrasonic transducers in a predetermined time period, thereafter receiving ultrasonic waves reflected from the respective focus directions by using said plurality of ultrasonic transducers to take samples of the ultrasonic image at a plurality of points in the respective focus directions; (c) obtaining image information as to the plural points within the first area on the basis of detection signals obtained from said plurality of ultrasonic transducers at step (a); and (d) obtaining image information as to the plural points within the second area on the basis of detection signals obtained from said plurality of ultrasonic transducers at step (b).