PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasound probe for performing both of B mode image generation and highly accurate sound speed measurement.SOLUTION: The ultrasound probe includes multiple channel vibrators arrayed in an azimuth direction each of which has first ultrasound transducer 4 centrally located in an elevation direction and second transducers 5 located on both sides. An ultrasound beam for B mode image is transmitted/received through a simultaneous aperture C1 for B mode image, which is formed by the first ultrasound transducer 4 over prescribed N1 channels. An ultrasound beam for sound speed measurement is transmitted/received through a first simultaneous aperture C2 for sound speed measurement, which is formed in the azimuth direction to be longer than the simultaneous aperture C1 for B mode image, and a second simultaneous aperture C3 for sound speed measurement, which is formed in the elevation direction to be broader than the first simultaneous aperture C2 for sound speed measurement.COPYRIGHT: (C)2012,JPO&INPIT【課題】Bモード画像の生成と高精度の音速計測の双方を行うことができる超音波プローブを提供する。【解決手段】アジマス方向に配列された複数チャンネルの振動子がそれぞれエレベーション方向の中央部に位置する第1の超音波トランスデューサ4と両側部に位置する第2の超音波トランスデューサ5を有し、所定のN1チャンネルにわたる第1の超音波トランスデューサ4により形成されたBモード画像用同時開口C1を用いてBモード画像用超音波ビームが送受信され、Bモード画像用同時開口C1よりもアジマス方向に長く形成された第1の音速計測用同時開口C2とこの第1の音速計測用同時開口C2よりもエレベーション方向に幅広く形成された第2の音速計測用同時開口C3を用いて音速計測用超音波ビームが送受信される。【選択図】 図4
