ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce side lobes and to simplify a configuration and control, with respect to a three-dimensional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus provided with a 2D array vibrator. SOLUTION: A sub array pattern set on the 2D array vibrator 16 includes a center sub-array A and sub-array groups B-E which surround it and are constituted of a plurality of sub-arrays closely packed with each other. The respective sub-array groups B-E include inscribed sub-arrays SAb1, SAc1, SAd1, and SAe1, and sub-arrays SAb2, SAc2, SAd2, and SAe2 adjacent through gap regions 100b-100e to the center sub-array A. Thus, intra-group irregularities are caused inside the sub-array groups B-E. When attention is paid to boundary lines x1, y1, x2, and y2 mutually between the adjacent ones of the four sub-array groups B-E, irregularities (inter-group irregularities) are caused on the respective boundary lines. By the four intra-group irregularities and four inter-group irregularities, the side lobes are reduced. COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT