Patent Publication Number: US-RE48587-E

Title: Ultrasonic probe apparatus and ultrasonic imaging apparatus using the same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2014-0190566, filed on Dec. 26, 2014 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     Examplary embodiments relate to an ultrasonic probe apparatus and an ultrasonic imaging apparatus. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     An imaging apparatus captures an image of an object using visible light, infrared light, radiation, ultrasonic waves, microwaves, or Free Induction Decay (FID) signals derived from a magnetic resonance phenomenon, and generates an internal or external image of the object. Examples of the imaging apparatus may include a camera, an infrared camera, a radiation imaging apparatus, an ultrasonic imaging apparatus, etc. 
     The ultrasonic imaging apparatus obtains images by capturing an internal image of the object using ultrasonic waves, and displays the obtained images for user recognition. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus directly irradiates ultrasonic waves to a target site contained in the object, collects the ultrasonic waves reflected from the target site, and thus generates an ultrasound image using the collected ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus may collect ultrasonic waves generated from a target site contained in the object using laser beams or the like, and may thus generate an ultrasound image using the collected ultrasonic waves. 
     The ultrasonic imaging apparatus may irradiate ultrasonic waves to the inside of the object using an ultrasonic probe or may receive ultrasonic waves from the inside of the object using the ultrasonic probe. There are various kinds of ultrasonic probes according to categories of objects and categories of the image-captured parts of the objects or according to categories of target sites contained in the objects. 
     SUMMARY 
     Therefore, it is an aspect of the present invention to so provide an ultrasonic probe apparatus and an ultrasonic imaging apparatus, which can efficiently absorb ultrasonic waves emitted in a direction opposite to an object using ultrasonic elements. 
     Additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. 
     In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an ultrasonic probe apparatus includes: an ultrasonic transducer configured to output an electrical signal upon receiving ultrasonic waves; a sound absorption unit, one surface of which is an installation surface of the ultrasonic transducer and is electrically connected to the ultrasonic transducer; a first electronic circuit electrically connected to the sound absorption unit; and a substrate connection unit disposed between the sound absorption unit and the first electronic circuit, configured to electrically interconnect the first electronic circuit and the sound absorption unit. 
     The substrate connection unit may include a second electronic circuit configured to electrically interconnect the first electronic circuit and the sound absorption unit. 
     The second electronic circuit may include a substrate connection unit electrically connected to the first electronic circuit. 
     The substrate connection unit may include a first substrate connection unit configured to electrically interconnect the sound absorption unit and the first electronic circuit. 
     The first substrate connection unit may be electrically connected to the ultrasonic transducer. 
     The sound absorption unit may include at least one first connection unit electrically connected to the ultrasonic transducer, wherein the first substrate connection unit contacts the first connection unit. 
     The second electronic circuit may include at least one output unit configured to output a signal processed by the first electronic circuit, wherein the substrate connection unit includes a second substrate connection unit configured to electrically interconnect the first electronic circuit and the at least one output unit. 
     The substrate connection unit may include: a first opening configured to pass through a range from one surface to the other surface of the second electronic circuit; and a conductor installed at an inner lateral surface of the first opening and electrically coupled to the first electronic circuit. 
     The conductor may be configured to shield the first opening. 
     The substrate connection unit may further include a second opening formed to pass through the conductor. 
     The substrate connection unit may further include a filling material configured to shield the second opening. 
     The conductor may be deposited on an inner lateral surface of the first opening. 
     The conductor may be installed at one surface of the second electronic circuit located in a vicinity of the first opening. 
     The second electronic circuit may include a rigid flexible printed circuit board (PCB). 
     The second electronic circuit may include at least one of a first region that is not curved and a second region that is flexibly curved. 
     The second electronic circuit may include a substrate connection unit that is electrically connected to the first electronic circuit and is formed in the first region. 
     A second connection unit (a bump) may be mounted to the first electronic circuit, wherein the second connection unit is attached to the substrate connection unit of the second electronic circuit. 
     The ultrasonic probe may further include: a separation unit disposed between the second electronic circuit and the first electronic circuit, and formed of a nonconductive material that prevents the second electronic circuit from directly contacting the first electronic circuit. 
     The second connection unit may be mounted to the first electronic circuit so as to pass through the separation unit. 
     The ultrasonic probe apparatus may further include: a heat conduction unit mounted to the other surface of the first electronic circuit, and to perform heat transmission of the first electronic circuit. 
     The sound absorption unit may include: a sound absorption material for absorbing sound; and a first connection unit configured to pass through the sound absorption material so as to electrically interconnect the ultrasonic transducer and the first electronic circuit. 
     At least one first connection unit may be mounted to a single ultrasonic transducer. 
     The ultrasonic probe may further include: an acoustic enhancer disposed between the ultrasonic transducer and the sound absorption unit, and configured to amplify the electrical signal generated from the ultrasonic transducer. 
     The sound absorption unit may be formed of a sound absorption material formed to absorb sound waves or ultrasonic waves. 
     A seating surface at which the ultrasonic transducer or an acoustic enhancer seated may be formed at one surface of the sound absorption unit, wherein the acoustic enhancer is coupled to the ultrasonic transducer so as to amplify the electrical signal generated from the ultrasonic transducer. 
     The first electronic circuit may include a processor configured to focus signals generated from the ultrasonic transducer. 
     The first electronic circuit may include at least one application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes: an ultrasonic probe configured to receive ultrasonic waves; and a main body configured to control operations of the ultrasonic probe, and to perform image processing of an ultrasound image corresponding to the received ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic probe includes: an ultrasonic transducer configured to output an electrical signal upon receiving the ultrasonic waves; a sound absorption unit, one surface of which is an installation surface of the ultrasonic transducer and is electrically connected to the ultrasonic transducer; a first electronic circuit electrically connected to the sound absorption unit; and a substrate connection unit disposed between the sound absorption unit and the first electronic circuit, configured to electrically interconnect the first electronic circuit and the sound absorption unit. 
     The substrate connection unit may include a second electronic circuit configured to electrically interconnect the first electronic circuit and the sound absorption unit. 
     The second electronic circuit may include a substrate connection unit electrically connected to the first electronic circuit. 
     The substrate connection unit may include a first substrate connection unit configured to electrically interconnect the sound absorption unit and the first electronic circuit. 
     The first substrate connection unit may be electrically connected to the ultrasonic transducer. 
     The sound absorption unit may include at least one first connection unit electrically connected to the ultrasonic transducer, wherein the first substrate connection unit contacts the first connection unit. 
     The second electronic circuit may include at least one output unit configured to output a signal processed by the first electronic circuit, wherein the substrate connection unit includes a second substrate connection unit configured to electrically interconnect the first electronic circuit and the at least one output unit. 
     The second electronic circuit may include a rigid flexible printed circuit board (PCB). 
     The second electronic circuit may include at least one of a first region that is not curved and a second region that is flexibly curved. 
     The second electronic circuit may include a substrate connection unit that is electrically connected to the first electronic circuit and is formed in the first region. 
     A second connection unit may be mounted to the first electronic circuit. The second connection unit may be attached to the substrate connection unit of the second electronic circuit. 
     The ultrasonic imaging apparatus may further include: a separation unit disposed between the second electronic circuit and the first electronic circuit, and formed of a nonconductive material that prevents the second electronic circuit from directly contacting the first electronic circuit. 
     The second connection unit may be mounted to the first electronic circuit so as to pass through the separation unit. 
     The ultrasonic imaging apparatus may further include: a heat conduction unit mounted to the other surface of the first electronic circuit, and to perform heat transmission of the first electronic circuit. 
     The sound absorption unit may include: a sound absorption material for absorbing sound; and a first connection unit configured to pass through the sound absorption material so as to electrically interconnect the ultrasonic transducer and the first electronic circuit. 
     At least one first connection unit may be mounted to a single ultrasonic transducer. 
     The ultrasonic imaging apparatus may further include: an acoustic enhancer disposed between the ultrasonic transducer and the sound absorption unit, and configured to amplify the electrical signal generated from the ultrasonic transducer. 
     The sound absorption unit may be formed of a sound absorption material configured to absorb sound waves or ultrasonic waves. 
     A seating surface at which the ultrasonic transducer or an acoustic enhancer seated may be formed at one surface of the sound absorption unit, wherein the acoustic enhancer is coupled to the ultrasonic transducer so as to amplify the electrical signal generated from the ultrasonic transducer. 
     The first electronic circuit may include a processor configured to focus signals generated from the ultrasonic transducer. 
     The first electronic circuit may include at least one application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and/or other aspects of the invention will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating an ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2A  is a block diagram illustrating an ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2B  is a conceptual diagram illustrating a beamforming process according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates the internal structure of an ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view illustrating the internal structure of an ultrasonic probe according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5A  is a conceptual diagram illustrating arrangement of an ultrasonic element unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5B  is a conceptual diagram illustrating arrangement of an ultrasonic element unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a conceptual diagram illustrating functions of a sound absorption unit. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view illustrating a sound absorption unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a plan view illustrating a sound absorption unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a lateral perspective view illustrating a sound absorption unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view illustrating a sound absorption unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a plan view illustrating a sound absorption unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a lateral cross-sectional view illustrating a sound absorption unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a view illustrating a sound absorption unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a view illustrating a second electronic circuit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a curved structure of a second electronic circuit. 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a second electronic circuit. 
         FIG. 17A  is a plan view illustrating a second electronic circuit including a substrate connection unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17B  is an exploded side view illustrating a second electronic circuit including a substrate connection unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18A  is a plan view illustrating a second electronic circuit including a substrate connection unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18B  is an exploded side view illustrating a second electronic circuit including a substrate connection unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19A  is a plan view illustrating a second electronic circuit including a substrate connection unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19B  is an exploded side view illustrating a second electronic circuit including a substrate connection unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20A  is a plan view illustrating a second electronic circuit including a substrate connection unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20B  is a bottom view illustrating a second electronic circuit including a substrate connection unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20C  is an exploded side view illustrating a second electronic circuit including a substrate connection unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 21  is a view illustrating a second electronic circuit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 22A  is a perspective view illustrating a first electronic circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 22B  is a view illustrating a first electronic circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 22C  is a view illustrating a heat conduction unit installed at a back surface of the first electronic circuit. 
         FIG. 23A  is a conceptual diagram illustrating a process for transmitting a control signal to a first processor mounted to an ultrasonic probe. 
         FIG. 23B  is a conceptual diagram illustrating a process for transmitting a control signal to a first processor mounted to an ultrasonic probe. 
         FIG. 23C  is a conceptual diagram illustrating a process for transmitting a control signal to an ultrasonic element. 
         FIG. 24  is a conceptual diagram illustrating a process for irradiating ultrasonic waves using an ultrasonic element. 
         FIG. 25  is a conceptual diagram illustrating a process for receiving ultrasonic waves using an ultrasonic element. 
         FIG. 26  is a conceptual diagram illustrating a transmission process of an electrical signal corresponding to ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic element 
         FIG. 27  is a conceptual diagram illustrating a process for transmitting processed signals to a main body. 
         FIG. 28  is a conceptual diagram illustrating a process for transmitting processed signals to a main body. 
         FIG. 29  is a conceptual diagram illustrating a process for fabricating a sound absorption unit. 
         FIG. 30  is a conceptual diagram illustrating a process for fabricating a sound absorption unit. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating an ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2A  is a block diagram illustrating an ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2A , the ultrasonic imaging apparatus  1  may include an ultrasonic probe  100  and a main body  200 . 
     The ultrasonic probe  100  may collect ultrasonic waves, and may transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the collected ultrasonic waves to the main body  200 . In accordance with the embodiment, the ultrasonic probe  100  may perform beamforming of ultrasonic waves of the collected channels, and may also transmit the beamformed signals to the main body  200 . 
     The main body  200  may control overall operations of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus  1 . In addition, the main body  200  may generate an ultrasound image such as a B-mode image by performing either beamforming or image processing using electrical signals received from the ultrasonic probe  100 , and may display the generated ultrasound image on the display unit  280  for user recognition. In addition, various electronic components for controlling overall operations of either the ultrasonic probe  100  or the main body  200  may be contained in the main body  200 . The main body  200  may receive various commands from the user who uses an input unit  290 , generate a control signal corresponding to the user command, and thus control the ultrasonic imaging apparatus  1 . 
     The ultrasonic probe  100  may transmit/receive data to/from the main body  200  through a cable  93  or a wireless communication module. 
     In accordance with one embodiment, the ultrasonic probe  100  and the main body  200  may communicate with each other using the connection cable  93  shown in  FIG. 1 . The electrical signal generated from the ultrasonic probe  100  may be transmitted to the main body  200  through the connection cable  93 . In addition, a control command generated from the main body  200  may also be transmitted to the ultrasonic probe  100  through the connection cable  93 . 
     A connector  94  may be provided at one end of the connection cable  93 . The connector  94  may be detachably coupled to the port  95  provided at the external frame  201  of the main body  200 . If the connector  94  is coupled to the port  95 , the ultrasonic probe  100  and the main body  200  may be interconnected to communicate with each other. In the meantime, according to one embodiment, the ultrasonic probe  100  may be fixed to the other end of the connection cable  93 . That is, the ultrasonic probe  100  and the connection cable may be integrated. In accordance with another embodiment, the connector (not shown) capable of being coupled to or detached from the port contained in the ultrasonic probe  100  may also be provided at the other end of the connection cable  93 . 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the ultrasonic probe  100  and the main body  200  may transmit electrical signals generated from the ultrasonic probe  100  to the main body  200  over a wireless communication network or may also transmit the electrical signal generated from the main body  200  to the ultrasonic probe  100 . In this case, a wireless communication module including an antenna and a wireless communication chip may be installed in each of the ultrasonic probe and the main body  200 . The wireless communication module may be a short-range wireless communication module based on various short-range communication technologies, for example, Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, infrared data association (IrDA), Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Ultra Wideband (UWB), Near Field Communication (NFC), etc. Alternatively, the wireless communication module may be a mobile communication module supporting 3GPP, 3GPP2 or IEEE wireless communication networks defined by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). 
     The ultrasonic probe  100  will hereinafter be described in detail. 
     The ultrasonic probe  100  may receive ultrasonic waves generated from the object, and may convert the received ultrasonic waves into an electrical signal. For convenience of description and better understanding of the present invention, the electrical signal obtained by conversion of the received ultrasonic waves will hereinafter be referred to as an ultrasonic signal. 
     The ultrasonic probe  100  may include an ultrasonic element unit  110  for generating or receiving ultrasonic waves; and a first processor  130 . The first processor  130  may be electrically connected to the ultrasonic element unit  110 , may control operations of the ultrasonic element unit  110 , or may perform signal processing using the electrical signal generated from the ultrasonic element unit. 
     The ultrasonic element unit  110  may include an ultrasonic transducer for generating ultrasonic waves or generating an electrical signal corresponding to the ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic transducer may convert AC (Alternating Current) energy having a predetermined frequency into mechanical vibration having the same frequency, may generate ultrasonic waves, or may convert mechanical vibration having a predetermined frequency based on ultrasound into AC energy. Therefore, the ultrasonic transducer may generate ultrasonic waves or may output electrical signals corresponding to the received ultrasonic waves. In more detail, upon receiving AC power from a battery or the like, a piezoelectric vibrator or a thin film of the ultrasonic transducer vibrates according to the AC power, such that a plurality of ultrasonic waves is generated. 
     Here, the ultrasonic transducer may be one of, for example, a magnetostrictive ultrasonic transducer using the magnetostrictive effect of a magnetic body, a piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer using the piezoelectric effect of a piezoelectric material, and a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (cMUT) transmitting/receiving ultrasonic waves using vibration of hundreds or thousands of micromachined thin films. Further, the ultrasonic transducer may be one of other kinds of transducers which may generate ultrasonic waves according to an electrical signal or generate an electrical signal according to ultrasonic waves. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2A , the ultrasonic element unit  110  may include an ultrasonic transmission element  110 a and an ultrasonic reception element  110 b. The ultrasonic transmission element  110 a may generate ultrasonic waves having a frequency corresponding to a frequency of a pulse signal according to a pulse signal received from the first processor  130  or the second processor  220 . The generated ultrasonic waves may be irradiated to a target site  98  of the object  99 . The generated ultrasonic waves may be focused on at least one target site  98  contained in the object  99 . In this case, the irradiated ultrasonic waves may be focused on a single target site  98  (i.e., single focusing), and may also be focused on a plurality of target sites  98  (i.e., multi-focusing). 
     The ultrasonic reception element  110 b may receive ultrasonic waves reflected from the target site  98  or may receive ultrasonic waves generated from the target site  98  according to laser or the like, and may convert the received signals into an ultrasonic signal. The ultrasonic reception element  110 b may include a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, each of which outputs an ultrasonic signal, so that the ultrasonic reception element  110 b may output ultrasonic signals of a plurality of channels. 
     In accordance with the embodiment, the ultrasonic element unit  110  may include ultrasonic transmission/reception (Tx/Rx) elements (not shown) capable of generating and receiving ultrasonic waves. In this case, the ultrasonic transmission element  110 a and the ultrasonic reception element  110 b may be omitted as necessary. 
     The ultrasonic element unit  110  may be mounted to one surface of the sound absorption unit  120 . A first connection unit  121  corresponding to each ultrasonic element unit  110  may be mounted to the sound absorption unit  120 . In accordance with one embodiment, the first connection unit  121  may be mounted to the sound absorption unit  120  after passing through the sound absorption unit  120 . In this case, the first connection unit  121  may be installed to pass through the range from one surface to the other surface of the sound absorption unit  120 . In this case, one surface may indicate a surface to which the ultrasonic element unit  110  is mounted, and the other surface may indicate a surface to which the substrate connection unit (e.g., a second electronic circuit) is mounted. A detailed description of the sound absorption unit  120  and the first connection unit  121  will be given below. 
     The first processor  130  may generate and output the electrical signal for controlling the ultrasonic element unit  110 , or may perform various kinds of signal processing using an ultrasonic signal received from the ultrasonic element unit  110 . 
     The electrical signal generated from the first processor  130  may be transferred to the ultrasonic element unit  110  (e.g., the ultrasonic transmission element  110 a) through the first connection unit  121 . The ultrasonic transmission element  110 a may be driven in response to the received electrical signal. In addition, the first processor  130  may receive the electrical signal corresponding to ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic element unit  110  (e.g., the ultrasonic reception element  110 b) through the first connection unit  121 . 
     The first processor  130  may be implemented by at least one semiconductor chip and associated electronic components. In accordance with the embodiment, the first processor  130  may also be implemented by at least one Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). 
     In accordance with the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2A , the first processor  130  may include at least one of a pulser  131 , an amplifier  132 , an analog-to-digital converter (ADC)  133 , and a beamformer  134 . 
     The pulser  131  may generate a voltage having a predetermined frequency for driving the ultrasonic element unit  110 , and may transmit the generated voltage to the ultrasonic element unit  110 . The ultrasonic element unit  110  may be vibrated according to an amplitude and frequency of the output voltage of the pulser  131 , and thus generate ultrasonic waves. The frequency and intensity of ultrasonic waves generated from the ultrasonic element unit  110  may be determined according to the amplitude and frequency of the voltage generated from the pulser  131 . The output voltage of the pulser  131  may be applied to the ultrasonic element unit  110  at intervals of a predetermined time, so that ultrasonic waves generated from the ultrasonic element unit  110  may be focused on the target site  98  or may be steered in a specific direction. 
     In accordance with the embodiment, the pulser  131  may be mounted to the second processor  221 . In this case, the first processor  130  may not include the pulser  131 . 
     The amplifier (AMP)  132  may amplify ultrasonic signals generated from the ultrasonic reception element  110 b of the ultrasonic element unit  110 . A gain of the amplifier  132  may be arbitrarily determined by a system designer or a user. The amplifier  132  may differently amplify multi-channel ultrasonic signals generated from the plurality of ultrasonic element units  110  according to the embodiment, so that a difference in intensity between multi-channel ultrasonic signals can be compensated for. 
     If the amplified ultrasonic signals are analog signals, the ADC  132  may convert the analog signals into digital signals. The ADC  132  may perform sampling of ultrasonic signals acting as analog signals according to a predetermined sampling rate, so that it may output a digital signal. 
     A beamformer (B.F)  134  may focus ultrasonic signals input to a plurality of channels. The beamformer  134  may focus signals received from the ultrasonic element unit  110 , the amplifier  132  or the ADC  133 , and thus generate the beamformed signal. The beamformer  134  may perform various functions of multi-channel signals, for example, electronic beam scanning-, steering-, focusing-, apodizing-, and aperture-functions of multi-channel signals. 
       FIG. 2B  is a conceptual diagram illustrating a beamforming process according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     In accordance with the embodiment, the beamformer  134  may include a time-difference correction unit  135  and a receiver focusing unit  136  as shown in  FIG. 2B . 
     The time-difference correction unit  135  may correct a time difference between multi-channel ultrasonic signals. There may arise a time difference between multi-channel ultrasonic signals generated from several ultrasonic element units  110  according to a distance from the target  98  to each ultrasonic element unit  110  or characteristics of the ultrasonic element unit  110 . The time-difference correction unit  135  may delay transmission of some parts of multi-channel signals, so that it may correct a time difference between multi-channel signals. The time-difference correction unit  135  may be mounted to each channel of ultrasonic signals generated from the ultrasonic element unit  110 . 
     The receiver focusing unit  136  may synthesize multi-channel ultrasonic signals, a time difference of which is corrected by the time-difference correction unit  135 . The receiver focusing unit  136  may synthesize multi-channel ultrasonic signals by applying a predetermined weight to ultrasonic signals of respective channels. The predetermined weight may be determined irrespective of the ultrasonic signals, and may also be determined according to the ultrasonic signals. According to the synthesizing result of multi-channel ultrasonic signals, the receiver focusing unit  136  may output the beamformed signal. The beamformed signal may be transferred to the main body  200 . 
     If the beamformer  134  is mounted to the first processor  130 , it is necessary for the ultrasonic probe  100  to transmit only the beamformed signal to the main body  200 . Accordingly, since the ultrasonic probe  100  need not transmit ultrasonic signals of all channels to the main body  200 , system complexity can be reduced whereas system reliability can be increased. 
     The pulser  131 , the amplifier  132 , the ADC  133 , and the beamformer  134  of the first processor  130  may be logically separated from each other. In this case, the first processor  130  may be implemented by one semiconductor chip and associated electronic components. In accordance with another embodiment, the pulser  131 , the amplifier  132 , and the ADC  133 , and the beamformer  134  of the first processor  130  may also be physically separated from each other. If the pulser  131 , the amplifier  132 , and the ADC  133 , and the beamformer  134  of the first processor  130  are physically separated from each other, each thereof may be implemented by one or at least two semiconductor chips and associated electronic components. 
     In accordance with the embodiment, at least one of the amplifier  132 , the ADC  134 , and the beamformer  134  of the first processor  130  may also be mounted to the main body  200 . In this case, at least one of the amplifier  132 , the ADC  134 , and the beamformer  134  may be implemented by a Central Processing Unit (CPU) mounted to the main body  200  or a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). If the amplifier  132 , the ADC  134 , and the beamformer  134  are mounted to the main body  200 , signals generated from the ultrasonic element unit  110  may also be transferred to the main body  200  without conversion. 
     For example, the ultrasonic probe  100  may be a linear array probe, a convex array probe, or a sector phased array probe. In addition, the ultrasonic probe  100  may be a mechanical sector array probe. 
     A detailed internal structure of the ultrasonic probe  100  will hereinafter be described in detail. 
     The main body  200  will hereinafter be described with reference to  FIG. 2A . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2A , the main body  200  may include a signal processing unit  210 , an image processing unit  211 , a volume data generation unit  212 , a storage unit  213 , and a controller  220 . 
     The signal processing unit  210  may perform signal processing of the beamformed signal in various ways. For example, the signal processor  210  may perform at least one of a filtering process, a detection process, and a compression process. The filtering process includes applying a filter to the beamformed signal so as to remove signals other than signals of a specific bandwidth. The filtering process may include a harmonic imaging process for removing a basic frequency component and passing harmonic signals. A detection process may convert a radio frequency (RF) format of a voltage of an ultrasonic signal into a video signal format. The compression process may reduce a difference in amplitude between ultrasonic signals. The signal processing unit  210  may be omitted as necessary. 
     The image processing unit  211  may convert the beamformed signal or signals processed by the signal processing unit  210  into an ultrasound image based on a still image or an ultrasound image based on a moving image. In addition, the image processing unit  211  may perform predetermined image processing of a still image or moving image. 
     The image processing unit  211  may generate an ultrasound image using scan conversion. The generated ultrasound image may include an A-mode ultrasound image, a B-mode ultrasound image, or an M-mode ultrasound image. The A-mode ultrasound image may indicate an ultrasound image obtained when reflection intensity is amplitude-imaged on the basis of the distance or time from the target site  98  to the ultrasonic probe  100 . The B-mode ultrasound image may indicate an ultrasound image obtained when the ultrasonic intensity is represented using brightness. The M-mode ultrasound image may indicate an ultrasound image obtained when a variation of the operations of the object is imaged. The ultrasound image may include a Doppler image based on the Doppler effect. 
     The image processing unit  211  may correct the generated ultrasound image. For example, the image processing unit  211  may correct brightness, luminance, sharpness, contrast, or color of all or some regions of the ultrasound image in such a manner that a user can definitely view tissues contained in the ultrasound image. The image processing unit  211  may remove noise from the ultrasound image or may perform pixel interpolation of the ultrasound image. 
     The image processing unit  211  may transmit the generated or corrected ultrasound image to the storage unit  213  or may display the generated or corrected ultrasound image on the display unit  280 . In addition, the image processing unit  211  may transmit the generated or corrected ultrasound image to the volume data generation unit  212 , so that it can obtain ultrasonic volume data. 
     The volume data generation unit  212  may obtain ultrasonic volume data that indicates a three-dimensional (3D) volume using a two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound image generated or corrected by the image processing unit  211 . 
     The signal processing unit  210 , the image processing unit  211 , or the volume data generation unit  212  may be implemented by a CPU or GPU. The CPU or GPU may be implemented by one or at least two semiconductor chips and associated electronic components. 
     The storage unit  213  may store various programs associated with functions of the controller  200 , data, ultrasound images, and various kinds of information associated with the ultrasound images. The storage unit  213  may be implemented using a semiconductor storage unit, a magnetic disc storage unit, a magnetic tape storage unit, or the like. 
     The controller  220  may control overall operations of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus  1  according to a user command or a predefined configuration. For example, after the controller  220  generates a predetermined control command according to a frequency of ultrasonic waves to be irradiated, the controller  220  may transmit the generated control command to the pulser  131  of the first processor  130 . The pulser  131  may apply a voltage having a predetermined frequency to the ultrasonic element unit  110  according to a control command. Accordingly, the ultrasonic element unit  110  may generate ultrasonic waves having a predetermined frequency, and thus apply the ultrasonic waves to the target site  98  of the object  99 . 
     The controller  220  may include a second processor  221 ; and a storage unit  222 , such as ROM or RAM, to assist the operations of the second processor  221 . The second processor  221  may be implemented by a CPU. The CPU may be implemented by one or at least two semiconductor chips and associated electronic elements. 
     The display unit  280  may display an ultrasound image for user recognition. The display unit  280  may use a plasma display panel (PDP), a light emitting diode (LED), a liquid crystal display (LCD), or the like. The LED may include an organic light emitting diode (OLED). In addition, the display unit  280  may use a 3D display configured to represent a 3D image. 
     The input unit  290  may receive various commands related to control of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus  1  from the user. The input unit  290  may output an electrical signal in response to user manipulation, and may transmit the electrical signal to the second processor  220 . 
     The input unit  290  may include a manipulation panel  291  to which various input devices are installed. For example, the input devices may include at least one of a keyboard, a mouse, a track ball, a knob, a touchpad, a paddle, various levers, a handle, a joystick, and various input devices. 
     The input unit  290  may include a touchscreen unit  292 . The user may input various commands by touching a touch panel using a touch tool, such as a finger or a touch pen, of the touchscreen unit  292 . 
     The touchscreen unit  292  may be implemented by a resistive touchscreen panel or a capacitive touchscreen panel. In addition, the touchscreen unit  292  may also use ultrasonic waves or infrared light. 
     The internal structure of the ultrasonic probe  100  will hereinafter be described in detail. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the internal structure of an ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view illustrating the internal structure of an ultrasonic probe according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the ultrasonic probe  100  may include an acoustic lens  109  installed at one end of the probe housing  107 ; an ultrasonic element unit  110  located close to the acoustic lens  109 ; a sound absorption unit  120 , one surface of which contacts the ultrasonic element unit  110  seated therein; a second electronic circuit acting as a substrate connection unit installed at the other surface of the sound absorption unit  120 ; a first electrical circuit  150  electrically connected to the second electronic circuit and disposed at the other surface of the second electronic circuit  140 ; a heat conduction unit  160  configured to absorb heat generated from the first electronic circuit  150 ; and a conductive line (or a conductive wire)  108  configured to transmit the electrical signal generated from the first electronic circuit  150  to the main body  200 . 
     The ultrasonic element unit  110 , the sound absorption unit  120 , the second electronic circuit  140 , the first electronic circuit  150 , the heat conduction unit  160 , and the conductive line  180  may be installed in the probe housing  107 . A cable  93  may be fixed to the other end of the probe housing  107  or may be detached from the other end of the probe housing  107 . 
     The housing  107  may allow various electronic components of the ultrasonic probe  100  to be stably fixed, or may protect the electronic components from external impact. The housing  107  may be implemented by various metals or synthetic resins, and may be formed in various shapes according to a use purpose of the ultrasonic probe  100  or according to categories of objects or target sites. 
     The acoustic lens  109  may focus or emit sound waves or ultrasonic waves. The acoustic lens  109  may focus ultrasonic waves generated from the ultrasonic element unit  110  on the target site  98 . The acoustic lens  109  may be formed of glass or synthetic fibers. 
     The ultrasonic element unit  110  may be mounted to one surface of the sound absorption unit  120 . The ultrasonic element unit  110  may contact the acoustic lens  109  or may be disposed close to the acoustic lens  109 . 
       FIG. 5A  is a conceptual diagram illustrating arrangement of an ultrasonic element unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5A , the ultrasonic element unit  110  may include a matching layer  111  capable of being implemented as one or at least two layers, an ultrasonic transducer  113 , and an acoustic enhancer  114 . 
     The matching layer  111  may maintain straightness or intensity of the ultrasonic waves generated from the ultrasonic transducer  113 , or may minimize the problem in that the emitted ultrasonic waves do not reach the target site  98  and are reflected from a surface of the object  99  (e.g., the skin of a human being). 
     The matching layer  111  may include a plurality of matching layers, i.e., a first matching layer  111 a and a second matching layer  111 b. Each of the first matching layer  111 a and the second matching layer  111 b may be formed of a material having medium impedance between impedance of each transducer  113  and tissue impedance. If the matching layer  111  includes a plurality of matching layers ( 111 a,  111 b), the respective matching layers ( 111 a,  111 b) may contact each other. 
     One surface of the first matching layer  111 a may contact the acoustic lens  109  or may be disposed close to the acoustic lens  109 . The other surface of the first matching layer  111 a may be attached to one surface of the second matching layer  111 b. The ultrasonic transducer  113  may be attached to the other surface of the second matching layer  111 b. In this case, one ultrasonic element unit  110  may also be attached to the other surface of the second matching layer  111 b, and a plurality of ultrasonic element units may also be attached thereto. 
     In accordance with the embodiment, the acoustic matching layer  111  may include only one matching layer or may also include three or more matching layers. 
     As described above, the ultrasonic transducer  113  may convert the ultrasonic waves into electrical signals or vice versa. One surface of the ultrasonic transducer  113  may be attached to the second matching layer  111 b. 
     The acoustic enhancer  114  may be attached to the other surface of the ultrasonic transducer  113 . The acoustic enhancer  114  may amplify signals received from the first connection unit  121  so that the ultrasonic transducer  113  may generate the amplified ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic transducer  113  may be attached to one surface of the acoustic enhancer  114 . The other surface facing one surface of the acoustic enhancer  114  may contact the sound absorption unit  120  and the first connection unit  121 . The acoustic enhancer  114  may be formed of a conductive material through which electricity flows. 
       FIG. 5B  is a conceptual diagram illustrating arrangement of an ultrasonic element unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5B , the acoustic enhancer  114  may be omitted, and only the matching layer  111  and the ultrasonic transducer  113  may be installed. In this case, the sound absorption unit  120  and the first connection unit  121  may be directly mounted to the ultrasonic transducer  113 . The matching layer  111  and the ultrasonic transducer  113  are identical to those of  FIG. 5A , and as such a detailed description thereof will herein be omitted for convenience of description. 
     Embodiments of the sound absorption unit  120  in which the ultrasonic element unit  110  is seated will hereinafter be described in detail. 
       FIG. 6  is a conceptual diagram illustrating functions of the sound absorption unit.  FIG. 7  is a perspective view illustrating the sound absorption unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 8  is a plan view illustrating the sound absorption unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 9  is a lateral perspective view illustrating the sound absorption unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the ultrasonic element unit  110  may be attached to one surface of the sound absorption unit  120  according to the first embodiment, and the second electronic circuit  140  acting as the substrate connection unit may be attached to the other surface facing one surface. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , if the ultrasonic transducer  113  of the ultrasonic element unit  110  generates ultrasonic waves in response to a reception voltage, the generated ultrasonic waves may be emitted in the direction (u 1 ) of the object, and may also be emitted in the direction (u 2 ) of the sound absorption unit. As described above, the ultrasonic waves (u 2 ) emitted in the direction of the sound absorption unit may cause noise in the ultrasound image. In order to prevent the occurrence of noise, the sound absorption unit  120  may be formed of a sound absorption material  122 . The sound absorption material  122  may be a material capable of absorbing sound waves or ultrasonic waves. The sound absorption material  112  may absorb ultrasonic waves emitted in the direction from the ultrasonic transducer  113  to the sound absorption unit, and may reduce intensity of ultrasonic waves proceeding in an undesired direction. As a result, noise capable of being generated in the ultrasound image can be reduced. 
     The sound absorption material  122  of the sound absorption unit  120  may be formed of epoxy resin or a hafnium oxide material such as hafnium oxide metal powder. In addition, the sound absorption material  122  may be a mixture of epoxy resins, metals, and various synthetic resins. In addition, various materials capable of providing a function of absorbing sound waves or ultrasonic waves may be used as the sound absorption material  122 . 
     In accordance with one embodiment, the sound absorption material  122  may be formed in a hexahedral shape as shown in  FIGS. 7 to 9 . The sound absorption material  122  may be formed in any of various columns or spheres. The external appearance of the sound absorption material  122  may be arbitrarily determined according to selection of a system designer. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 to 9 , at least one first connection unit  121  configured to pass through the range from one surface  122 a to the other surface of the sound absorption material  122  may be mounted to the sound absorption material  122 . Here, the other surface may be a surface facing one surface  122 a of the sound absorption material  120 . The first connection unit  121  may be provided to pass through the sound absorption material  122 , so that the first connection unit  121  may be exposed to the outside at both of one surface  122 a and the other surface of the sound absorption material  122 . 
     The first connection unit  121  may be formed of a conductive material through which electricity flows. In this case, the conductive material may be any one of various metals through which electricity flows, for example, copper (Cu), gold (Au), or the like. Therefore, the first connection unit  121  may transmit an electrical signal generated from the ultrasonic element unit  110  to either the first electronic circuit  150  or the second electronic circuit  140 , or may transmit an electrical signal generated from the first electronic circuit  150  or the second electronic circuit  140  to the ultrasonic element unit  110 . 
     The first connection unit  121  may be formed in a hexahedral shape as shown in  FIGS. 7 to 9 . However, the shape of the first connection unit  121  is not limited thereto. In accordance with the embodiment, the first connection unit  121  may be formed in a cylindrical shape or various polygonal shapes. The shape of the first connection unit  121  may also be arbitrarily determined according to selection of a system designer. 
     The ultrasonic element unit  110  may be mounted to one surface  122 a of the sound absorption material  122 . In this case, one surface  122 a of the sound absorption material  122  may also be formed in a planar shape. In addition, one surface  122 a of the sound absorption material  122  may be formed as a curved surface having a predetermined curvature. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , one or at least two seating units  125  in which the ultrasonic element unit  110  is seated may be mounted to one surface  122 a of the sound absorption material  122 . The seating unit  125  may include a seating surface  124  and a groove  123  formed in the vicinity of the seating surface  124 . The ultrasonic element unit  110  may be disposed on the seating surface  124 . In accordance with the embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer  113  may be disposed on the seating surface  124 , or the acoustic enhancer  124  may be disposed thereon. The groove  123  may separate the seating surface  124  and other parts of one surface  122 a from each other. 
     One end of the first connection unit  121  may be exposed on the seating surface  124 . As described above, the first connection unit  121  may be formed to pass through the range from one surface  122 a to the other surface of the sound absorption material  120 . In this case, one first connection unit  121  may be exposed on the single seating surface  124 . The first connection unit  121  may be exposed to the outside either at the center part of the seating surface  124  or in the vicinity of the center part of the seating surface  124 . If the ultrasonic element unit  110  is seated on the seating surface  124 , the first connection unit  121  may contact one end of the ultrasonic element unit  110 . Therefore, the first connection unit  121  may be electrically coupled to the ultrasonic element unit  110 . 
     The second electronic circuit  140  may be mounted to the other surface of the sound absorption material  122 . 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view illustrating the sound absorption unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 11  is a plan view illustrating the sound absorption unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 12  is a lateral cross-sectional view illustrating the sound absorption unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 13  is a view illustrating the sound absorption unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10 to 12 , the sound absorption unit  120 a of the second embodiment may include a sound absorption material  122 , one surface  122 a of which contacts the ultrasonic element unit  110  in the same manner as in the sound absorption unit  120  of the first embodiment. The first connection unit  121  may be configured to pass through the range from one surface  122 a to the other surface of the sound absorption material  122 . 
     One or at least two seating units  125  may be provided at one surface  122 a of the sound absorption unit  120 a of the second embodiment. The seating unit  125  may include a seating surface  124  and a groove  124  formed in the vicinity of the seating surface  124 . 
     A plurality of first connection units ( 121 a to  121 d) may be exposed on the seating surface  124 . As can be seen from  FIGS. 10 to 13 , each of the first connection units ( 121 a to  121 d) may be exposed to the outside at the corners of the seating surface  124 . As can be seen from  FIG. 13 , if the ultrasonic element unit  110  is seated on the seating surface  124 , the first connection units ( 121 a to  121 d) may contact one end of the ultrasonic element unit  110 , and may contact, for example, one surface of the acoustic enhancer  114 . In other words, the first connection units ( 121 a to  121 d) may support one ultrasonic element unit  110 . Therefore, the first connection units ( 121 a to  121 d) may be electrically connected to the ultrasonic element unit  110 . 
     The first connection units ( 121 a to  121 d) may have various shapes according to embodiments. For example, each of the first connection units ( 121 a to  121 d) may be formed in a prismatic or cylindrical shape. Besides, the first connection units ( 121 a to  121 d) may be selected by the system designer. An exposed surface of each first connection unit ( 121 a to  121 d) of the sound absorption unit  120 a of the second embodiment may be identical in width to or be smaller or larger in width than the first connection unit  121  of the sound absorption unit  120  of the first embodiment. 
     The second electronic circuit  140  will hereinafter be described as an example of the substrate connection unit. 
     In accordance with the embodiment, the substrate connection unit may include the second electronic circuit  140 . 
       FIG. 14  is a view illustrating the second electronic circuit according to a first embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 15  illustrates a curved structure of the second electronic circuit.  FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the second electronic circuit. 
     In accordance with the embodiment, the second electronic circuit  140  may include a substrate, various circuits formed on the substrate, and a semiconductor chip or other electronic components connected to the various circuits. In accordance with the embodiment, at least one of the substrate, the various circuits formed on the substrate, the semiconductor chip or other electronic components connected to the various circuits may be omitted as necessary. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , the substrate of the second electrical circuit  140  may be a rigid flexible PCB. The rigid flexible PCB may be a multi-layered substrate composed of a flexible PCB  144  and a rigid PCB  145 . In more detail, the rigid flexible PCB may be implemented by overlapping the rigid substrate  145  with some parts of the flexible substrate  144 . 
     The flexible substrate  144  may be easily bent, and the rigid substrate  145  may not be easily bent. Therefore, as shown in  144 a and  144 b of  FIG. 15 , one region (e.g., a first region) of the second electronic circuit  140  may be flexibly curved in various directions. The other region, for example, the second region, may not be curved. In this case, the statement that the above region is not curved does not indicate that the above region is not curved at all, but indicates that the above region is not generally used as a curved form. 
     An output unit  146  for communicating with the external part and its associated various circuits and electronic components may be mounted to the flexible substrate  144 . A port coupled to the connector provided at the end of the external conductive line  147  may be included in the output unit  146 . 
     For example, the flexible substrate  144  may have a multi-layered structure as shown in  FIG. 16 . In more detail, the flexible substrate  144  may include a plurality of polyimide cover layers ( 1441 ,  1447 ), a plurality of polyimide substrate layers ( 1443 ,  1445 ), and an adhesive layer to which the polyimide cover layers and the polyimide substrate layers are adhered. 
     Various electronic components related to control of the ultrasonic probe  100  may be mounted to the rigid substrate  145 . The rigid substrate  145  may be formed of a rigid material  1451 . The rigid material  1451  may be attached to the polyimide cover layers ( 1441 ,  1447 ) of the flexible substrate  144  through an adhesive. The substrate connection unit  141  may be formed on the rigid substrate  145 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 16 , the substrate connection unit  141  may pass through the second electronic circuit  140 . In this case, the substrate connection unit  141  may pass through the flexible substrate  144  and the rigid substrate  145 . The substrate connection unit  141  may be electrically coupled to the first electronic circuit  150 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the substrate connection unit  141  may include a first substrate connection unit  142  configured to electrically interconnect the first connection unit  121  and the first electronic circuit  150 ; and a second substrate connection unit  143  configured to electrically interconnect the output unit  146  of the second electronic circuit  140  and the first electronic circuit  150 . 
     One end of the first substrate connection unit  142  may contact a third connection unit  153  of the first electronic circuit  150 , and the other end thereof may contact the first connection unit  121  of the sound absorption unit  120 . Therefore, the first substrate connection unit  142  may be electrically coupled to the third connection unit  153  and the first connection unit  121 . Therefore, the first substrate connection unit  142  may transmit the electrical signal generated from the third connection unit  153  of the first electronic circuit  150  to the first connection unit  121  of the sound absorption unit  120 . The first substrate connection unit  142  may be provided at a specific part to which the flexible substrate  144  and the rigid substrate  145  are attached. In this case, the first substrate connection unit  142  may pass through both substrates ( 144 ,  145 ). The first substrate connection unit  142  may be concentrated at a specific position (see ‘A’ of  FIG. 4 ) in such a manner that the first substrate connection unit  142  can contact the first connection unit  121  of the sound absorption unit  120 . 
     One end of the second substrate connection unit  143  may be coupled to a fourth connection unit  154  of the first electronic circuit  150 , and the other end or the center part of the second substrate connection unit  143  may be electrically coupled to the output unit  146 . In this case, the second substrate connection unit  143  may be electrically connected to the output unit  146  through the second electronic circuit  140  (e.g., a circuit provided at a flexible substrate  144 ). The electrical signal generated from the fourth connection unit  154  of the first electronic circuit  150  may be applied to the output unit  146  through the second substrate connection unit  143 . The second substrate connection unit  143  may pass through both substrates ( 144 ,  145 ) at a specific part to which the flexible substrate  144  and the rigid substrate  145  are attached. The second substrate connection unit  143  may be provided at a specific position (see ‘B’ of  FIG. 4 ) at which the second substrate connection unit  143  does not contact the first connection unit  121  of the sound absorption unit  120 . For example, the second substrate connection unit  143  may be installed at a specific position of the rigid substrate  145 , where the specific position corresponds to the outer wall of the sound absorption unit  120 . 
     Although only the mutual connection parts of the first substrate connection unit  142  and the second substrate connection unit  143  are different from each other, the first substrate connection unit  142  and the second substrate connection unit  143  may be identical in shape. Of course, according to some embodiments, the first substrate connection unit  142  may be different in shape from the second substrate connection unit  143  may be different from each other. 
     Various embodiments of the substrate connection unit  141  will hereinafter be described in detail. 
       FIG. 17A  is a plan view illustrating the second electronic circuit including the substrate connection unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 17B  is an exploded side view illustrating the second electronic circuit including the substrate connection unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
     The substrate connection unit  141  may include a via hole. As shown in  FIGS. 17A and 17B , the substrate connection unit  1420  of the first embodiment may include a via hole. The via hole may include a first opening (also called a first aperture)  1421  that passes through the range from one surface to the other surface of the second electronic circuit  140 , and a conductive material  1422  mounted to the inner lateral surface of the first opening  1421 . 
     The first opening  1421  may have a circular shape from the viewpoint of a vertical upward direction of the second electronic circuit  140 . In accordance with the embodiment, the first opening  1421  may have a polygonal shape such as a triangular or rectangular shape. In addition, the first opening  1421  may also have an elliptical shape. The first opening  1421  may be formed in the second electronic circuit  140  by puncturing the second electronic circuit  140  using a puncturing machine such as an electric drill. 
     The conductor  1422  may be provided at an inner lateral surface of the first opening  1421 . In more detail, a conductive material such as metal is deposited on the inner lateral surface of the first opening  1421 , so that the conductor  1422  may be provided at the inner lateral surface of the first opening  1421 . A second opening  1423  may further be formed at the center part of the conductor  1422 . The second opening  1423  may have a circular or polygonal shape. In addition, the conductor  1422  may protrude in the opposite direction from the center part of the second opening  1423  at both surfaces of the second electronic circuit  140 , and some parts of both surfaces of the second electronic circuit  140  may be deposited as shown in  1422 a and  1422 b. 
       FIG. 18A  is a plan view illustrating the second electronic circuit including the substrate connection unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 18B  is an exploded side view illustrating the second electronic circuit including the substrate connection unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 18A and 18B , the substrate connection unit  1430  of the second embodiment may include a first opening  1431  configured to pass through the range from one surface to the other surface of the second electronic circuit  140 ; a conductor  1432  formed at the inner lateral surface of the first opening  1431  and including a second opening  1433  formed at an inner surface; and a filter  1434  configured to shield the second opening  1433 . 
     In the same manner as described above, the first opening  1431  may have a polygonal shape such as a circular, triangular, or rectangular shape or other shapes such as an elliptical shape from the viewpoint of a vertical upward direction of the second electronic circuit  140 . The first opening  1431  may be formed in the second electronic circuit  140  by puncturing the second electronic circuit  140 . 
     The conductor  1432  may be provided at the inner lateral surface of the first opening  1431  by depositing a conductive material on the inner lateral surface of the first opening  1431 . The second opening  1433  provided at the conductor  1432  may have a circular or polygonal shape. 
     The filling material  1434  is inserted into the second opening  1433  so as to shield the second opening  1433 . The filling material  1434  may be formed of a material having no conductivity. The filling material  1434  may also be formed of any of various synthetic resins. 
     In the case of the substrate connection unit  1430  of the second embodiment, the conductor  1432  protrudes in the opposite direction from the center part of the second opening  1433  at both surfaces of the second electronic circuit  140 , and some parts of both surfaces of the second electronic circuit  140  may be deposited as shown in  1432 a and  1432 b. 
       FIG. 19A  is a plan view illustrating the second electronic circuit including the substrate connection unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 19B  is an exploded side view illustrating the second electronic circuit including the substrate connection unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 19A and 19B , the substrate connection unit  1440  of the third embodiment may include a first opening  1441  configured to pass through the range from one surface to the other surface of the second electronic circuit  140 ; and a conductor  1442  provided at the inner surface of the first opening  1441 . The conductor  1442  may completely shield the first opening  1441 . In other words, the conductor  1442  may not form the second openings ( 1423 ,  1433 ) as described above. 
     In the same manner as described above. the first opening  1441  may have various shapes, and may be formed in the second electronic circuit  140  using a puncturing machine. 
       FIG. 20A  is a plan view illustrating the second electronic circuit including the substrate connection unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 20B  is a bottom view illustrating the second electronic circuit including the substrate connection unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 20C  is an exploded side view illustrating the second electronic circuit including the substrate connection unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 20A to 20C , the substrate connection unit  1450  of the fourth embodiment may include a first opening  1451  configured to pass through the range from one surface to the other surface of the second electronic circuit  140 ; and a conductor  1452  installed at the inner lateral surface of the first opening unit  1451 . 
     In the same manner as described above, the first opening  1451  may have various shapes, and may be formed in the second electronic circuit  140  using the puncturing machine. 
     The conductor  1452  may be provided at the inner lateral surface of the first opening  1451  by depositing a metal material or the like on the inner lateral surface of the first opening  1451 . The second openings ( 1423 ,  1433 ) may be formed at a center part of the conductor  1452 , or may not be formed at the center part of the conductor  1452 . 
     Meanwhile, the conductor  1452  may protrude in the opposite direction form the center part of the second opening  1423  at only one surface of the second electronic circuit  140  (see  1452 b). In other words, the conductor  1452  may not be deposited on any one surface of the second electronic circuit  140 , or may be deposited only on the other surface of the second electronic circuit  140 . 
       FIG. 21  is a view illustrating a second electronic circuit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 21 , the second electronic circuit  140  may include a plurality of output units ( 146 ,  148 ). The output units ( 146 ,  148 ) may be provided at the flexible substrate  145 . The output units ( 146 ,  148 ) may output different electrical signals, and may transmit the different electrical signals to the main body  200 . The respective output units ( 146 ,  148 ) may be connected to different second substrate connection units  143 . The different second substrate connection units  143  may transmit the electrical signals generated from the first electronic circuit  150  to the respective output units ( 146 ,  148 ). 
     The first electronic circuit will hereinafter be described in detail. 
       FIG. 22A  is a perspective view illustrating a first electronic circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 22B  is a view illustrating the first electronic circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     In accordance with the embodiment, the first electronic circuit  150  may include a substrate, various circuits formed on the substrate, and a semiconductor chip and various electronic components connected to the various circuits. For example, the first electronic circuit  150  may include at least one Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). In accordance with the embodiment, at least one of the substrate of the first electronic circuit  150 , various circuits formed on the substrate, and a semiconductor chip and various electronic components connected to the various circuits may be omitted for convenience of description. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4, 22A and 22B , one surface of the first electronic circuit  150  may contact one surface of the second electronic circuit  140 . In more detail, the first electronic circuit  150  may be mounted to a surface at which a support  120  of the second electronic circuit  140  is not installed. 
     One or at least two second connection units  152  may be provided at the first electronic circuit  150 . The second connection unit  152  may be formed of a conductive metal material such as gold (Au) or lead (Pb). The second connection unit  152  may be implemented as a bump. The second connection unit  152  implemented as a bump may be, for example, a solder ball. A thin electrode may also be provided at one end of the second connection unit  152 . 
     The second connection unit  152  may electrically contact the substrate connection unit  141  of the second electronic circuit  140 . In this case, the thin electrode may also contact the substrate connection unit  141 . Since the second connection unit  152  contacts the substrate connection unit  141  of the second electronic circuit  140 , the first electronic circuit  150  and the second electronic circuit  140  may be electrically interconnected by the substrate connection unit  141  and the second connection unit  152 . The second connection unit  152  contained in the first electronic circuit  150  may have a position corresponding to the substrate connection unit  141  of the second electronic circuit  140 , and the number of second connection units  152  contained in the first electronic circuit  150  may correspond to the number of the substrate connection units  141  of the second electronic circuit  140 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 22B , the first electronic circuit  150  and the second electronic circuit  140  may be adjacent to each other on the basis of a predetermined gap. A separation unit  151  may be disposed between the first electronic circuit  150  and the second electronic circuit  140 . The separation unit  151  may prevent the first electronic circuit  150  from directly contacting the second electronic circuit  140 . The separation unit  151  may be formed of a nonconductive material. For example, the separation unit  151  may also be formed of epoxy resin. The epoxy resin may provide an adhesive function, and the second electronic circuit  140  and the first electronic circuit  150  may be adhered to each other using the separation unit  151  formed of epoxy resin. 
     Referring to  FIG. 22B , the second connection unit  152  may pass through the separation unit  151  so that it may protrude toward the outside of the separation unit  151 . In other words, the first electronic circuit  150  and various electronic components mounted to the first electronic circuit  150  may be shielded by the separation unit  151  formed of epoxy resin, so that they are not exposed to the outside. However, only the second connection unit  152  may be exposed to the outside of the separation unit  151 . The second connection unit  152  protruding toward the outside may contact the substrate connection unit  141 . 
     The separation unit  151  may be disposed between the first electronic circuit  150  and the second electronic circuit  140  using various methods. 
     For example, the first electronic circuit  150  and the second electronic circuit are located close to each other in such a manner that the second connection unit  152  contacts the substrate connection unit  141 , and a gap formed between the first electronic circuit  150  and the second electronic circuit is filled with epoxy resin, so that the separation unit  151  may be disposed between the first electronic circuit  150  and the second electronic circuit. 
     In another example, after the epoxy resin is deposited on the first electronic circuit  150  having the second connection unit  152  in such a manner that some parts of the second connection unit  152  are exposed to the outside, the second electronic circuit  140  is installed on the epoxy resin, so that the separation unit  151  may be disposed between the first electronic circuit  150  and the second electronic circuit. 
     The second connection unit  152  may include a third connection unit  153  contacting a first substrate connection unit  142  and a fourth connection unit  154  contacting a second substrate connection unit  143 . The second connection unit  153  may be provided at a specific position at which the second connection unit  153  can contact the first substrate connection unit  142 . The second connection unit  154  may be provided at a specific position at which the second connection unit  154  can contact the second substrate connection unit  143 . 
     The first electronic circuit  150  may include a semiconductor chip acting as the first processor  130  and electronic components associated with the semiconductor chip. The first processor  130  may be installed at a substrate of the first electronic circuit  150 . The second connection unit  152  may be provided at the first electronic circuit  150 , and may be disposed on the circuit electrically connected to the first processor  130 , so that the second connection unit  152  may be electrically connected to the first processor  130 . The electrical signals generated from not only the semiconductor chip acting as the first processor  130  but also the associated components may be applied to the substrate connection unit  141  or the output unit  146  through the second connection unit  152 . For example, the electrical signals (e.g., ultrasonic signals) transferred through the substrate connection unit  141  may be applied to the first processor  130  through the second connection unit  152 . 
       FIG. 22C  is a view illustrating a heat conduction unit installed at a back surface of the first electronic circuit. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the second electronic circuit  140  may be attached to one surface of the first electronic circuit  150 , and the heat conduction unit  160  may be installed at the other surface of the first electronic circuit  150 . The heat conduction unit  160  may be attached to the other surface of the first electronic circuit  150  using an adhesive or the like. Referring to  FIG. 22C , if the first processor  130  or the like installed at the first electronic circuit  150  performs data calculation processing, heat may occur in the first electronic circuit  150 . The generated heat may cause malfunction of the first electronic circuit  150  or may cause malfunction of other electronic components (e.g., the second electronic circuit  140 ) disposed in the vicinity of the first electronic circuit  150 . 
     The heat conduction unit  160  may emit the heat generated from the first electronic circuit  150  to the outside. In more detail, after heat generated from the first electronic circuit  150  is transferred to the heat conduction unit  160 , the heat may emit in the air along the heat conduction unit  160 . 
     The heat conduction unit  160  may be implemented using various heat conductive materials. For example, the heat conduction unit  160  may be formed of graphite, tungsten, tungsten oxide, silicon, aluminum oxide, glass microballoon filling material, or the like. 
     A process of radiating ultrasonic waves using the above-mentioned ultrasonic probe  100 , a process for receiving ultrasonic waves and converting the received ultrasonic waves into an electrical signal, and a process for transferring the electrical signal to the main body  200  will hereinafter be described in detail. 
       FIG. 23A  is a conceptual diagram illustrating a process for transmitting a control signal to the first processor mounted to the ultrasonic probe.  FIG. 23B  is a conceptual diagram illustrating the process for transmitting a control signal to the first processor mounted to the ultrasonic probe.  FIG. 23C  is a conceptual diagram illustrating a process for transmitting a control signal to the ultrasonic element.  FIG. 24  is a conceptual diagram illustrating a process of radiating ultrasonic waves using the ultrasonic element. 
     Referring to  FIG. 23A , if the controller  220  of the main body  200  outputs a control signal, the control signal may be applied to the circuit  149  contained in the second electronic circuit  140  through the cable  93  and the conductive line  147  (S 1 ). Referring to  FIG. 23B , the control signal received through the conductive line  147  may be applied to the first processor  130  contained in the first electronic circuit  150  through not only the second substrate connection unit  143  connected to the circuit  149  but also the fourth connection unit electrically connected to the second substrate connection unit  143  (S 2 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 23C , the first processor  130  contained in the first electronic circuit  150  may output a control command related to ultrasonic irradiation as an electrical signal format. The electrical signal may be a pulse having a predetermined frequency. The output control command may be applied to one or at least two third connection units  153  through the circuit of the first electronic circuit  150 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 23C , the electrical signals received by the third connection unit  153  may pass through the second electronic circuit  140  through the substrate connection unit  141  attached to the third connection unit  153 , for example, through the first substrate connection unit  142 . After the electrical signal passes through the second electronic circuit  140 , the electrical signal may be applied to the first connection unit  121  provided at the sound absorption unit  120 . The electrical signal applied to the first connection unit  121  may be transmitted to the ultrasonic element unit  110  along the first connection unit  121  (S 3 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 24 , if the electrical signal is applied to the ultrasonic element unit  110 , the ultrasonic transducer  113  (e.g., a piezoelectric element) of the ultrasonic element unit  110  may be vibrated according to the received electrical signal so as to generate ultrasonic waves (S 4 ). The generated ultrasonic waves are emitted to the outside. The generated ultrasonic waves may be emitted in the direction of the object  99 . Meanwhile, the generated ultrasonic waves may also be emitted in the direction of the sound absorption unit  120 . In this case, the sound absorption unit  120  may absorb ultrasonic waves emitted in the direction of the sound absorption unit  120 . 
       FIGS. 25 and 26  are conceptual diagrams illustrating a process for receiving ultrasonic waves using the ultrasonic element. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 25 and 26 , the ultrasonic element unit  110  may receive ultrasonic waves from the external part (S 5 ). The ultrasonic waves received from the external part may be obtained when ultrasonic waves generated from the ultrasonic element unit  110  are reflected from the target site  98  contained in the object  99 . In accordance with the embodiment, the ultrasonic waves received from the external part may be generated from the target site  98  by irradiating laser or the like to the target site  98 . 
     The ultrasonic transducer  113  of the ultrasonic element unit  110  may be vibrated with a frequency corresponding to a frequency of the received ultrasonic waves. so as to output the alternating current (AC) electrical signal. The electrical signal may be transmitted to the processor  130  along an opposite path of the ultrasonic irradiation case (S 6 ). In more detail, the electrical signal generated from the ultrasonic element unit  110  may be applied to the first processor  130  through the first connector  121  provided at the sound absorption unit  120 , the first substrate connection unit  142 , the third connection unit  153 , and a circuit contained in the first electronic circuit  150 . 
     The first processor  130  may amplify the received electrical signal, perform analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) of the amplified signal, and perform beamforming for focusing multi-channel electric signals generated from the respective ultrasonic element units  110 . The beamformed signals may be temporarily stored in a storage unit (e.g., RAM) for assisting the first processor  130 . 
       FIGS. 27 and 28  are conceptual diagrams illustrating a process for transmitting processed signals to the main body. 
     The first processor  130  may output the beamformed signal, and the beamformed signal may be applied to the fourth connection unit  143  along the circuit provided in the first electronic circuit  150 . The beamformed signal applied to the fourth connection unit  143  may be transmitted to the second substrate connection unit  143  contacting the fourth connection unit  143  (S 7 ). The beamformed signal may be applied to the output unit  146  through the circuit  149  coupled to the second substrate connection unit  143 . 
     The beamformed signal is output through the output unit  146 , and may be applied to the main body  200  through the conductive line  147  and the cable  93  connected to the output unit  146  (S 8 ). The main body  200  may perform signal processing and image processing of the received beamformed signal, may generate an ultrasound image corresponding to the beamformed signal, and may display the ultrasound image on the display unit  280  for user recognition. 
     A process for fabricating the sound absorption unit will hereinafter be described with reference to  FIGS. 29 and 30 . 
       FIGS. 29 and 30  are conceptual diagrams illustrating the process for fabricating the sound absorption unit.  FIG. 29  is a plan view illustrating the sound absorption material  10  in which the conductor  11  is inserted.  FIG. 30  is a lateral cross-sectional view illustrating the sound absorption material  10  in which the conductor  11  is inserted. For convenience of description and better understanding of the present invention, an upper part of  FIG. 30  will hereinafter be referred to as an upward direction, and a direction from the upper part to the lower part of  FIG. 30  will hereinafter be referred to as a vertical direction. In addition, a specific direction orthogonal to the vertical direction will hereinafter be referred to as a horizontal direction. 
     As can be seen from  FIG. 29 , the conductor  11  may be inserted into the sound absorption material  10 , and the conductor  11  may be diced as necessary. The inserted conductor  11  may be used as the above-mentioned support connection unit  121 . 
     From the viewpoint of the upward direction, the conductor  12  may be diced to have a square shape. The width (w 1 ) or the height (h 1 ) of the conductor  11  may be designed in various ways according to selection of the system designer. For example, the width (w 1 ) of the conductor  11  may be 50 micrometers (μm), and the height (h 1 ) of the conductor  11  may be 50 micrometers (μm). In addition, the conductor  13  may be diced to have a rectangular shape. In this case, the conductor  13  may have various widths (w 2 ) and heights (h 2 ) according to selection of the system designer. For example, the width (w 2 ) of the conductor  12  may be 60 micrometers (μm), and the height (h 2 ) of the conductor  12  may be 50 micrometers (μm). 
     If the conductor  11  is inserted into the sound absorption material  10 , the sound absorption material  10  is severed in a horizontal direction so that both ends of the conductor  11  are exposed to the outside, as shown in  FIG. 30 . In more detail, the sound absorption material  10  is cut along the first sectional surface (c 1 ) and the second sectional surface (c 2 ) shown in  FIG. 30 . As a result, the sound absorption material  10  formed when the conductor  11  is exposed at the upper and lower parts can be obtained. The obtained sound absorption material  10  may be used as the above-mentioned sound absorption unit  120 . 
     As is apparent from the above description, the ultrasonic probe apparatus and the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the embodiments can efficiently absorb ultrasonic waves emitted in the direction from the ultrasonic elements to the ultrasonic probe, resulting in implementation of improved acoustic throughput. 
     According to the ultrasonic probe apparatus and the ultrasonic imaging apparatus, a processor of the ultrasonic probe apparatus can be connected to a main body thereof without exposing the conductive lines to the outside, so that product durability, such as mechanical stability, electrical deterioration, corrosiveness, and heat-resistance, can be improved, resulting in increased product reliability. 
     According to the ultrasonic probe apparatus and the ultrasonic imaging apparatus, the accuracy of impedance matching of signal lines of a low volume dissemination system of semiconductors and a time error between two signals needed for constructing one pair of patterns, resulting in reduction of signal loss. 
     According to the ultrasonic probe apparatus and the ultrasonic imaging apparatus, heat generated from the processor contained in the ultrasonic probe and a substrate on which the processor is disposed can be easily and quickly emitted to the outside. 
     According to the ultrasonic probe apparatus and the ultrasonic imaging apparatus, the ultrasonic probe is reduced in weight, resulting in greater convenience. 
     Although a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.