PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accurately determine a sound velocity (local sound velocity) in a desired region in a subject.SOLUTION: Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment includes: an ultrasonic probe which includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers transmitting ultrasonic waves to a subject according to a plurality of drive signals and outputting a plurality of reception signals by receiving an ultrasonic echo propagated from the subject an acoustic coupler which is a member interposed between the ultrasonic probe and the subject and which propagates the ultrasonic waves at a predetermined sound velocity and a sound velocity value calculation means for determining an average sound velocity of the subject. The sound velocity value calculation means performs calculation on the basis of a sound velocity of the acoustic coupler, when determining the average sound velocity of a surface layer of the subject.COPYRIGHT: (C)2014,JPO&INPIT【課題】被検体内の所望の領域における音速(局所音速)を正確に求める。【解決手段】この超音波診断装置は、複数の駆動信号に従って超音波を被検体に送信すると共に、被検体から伝搬する超音波エコーを受信することにより複数の受信信号を出力する複数の超音波トランスデューサを含む超音波プローブと、超音波プローブと被検体の間に介在される部材であって、所定の音速で超音波を伝播する音響カプラと、被検体の平均音速を求める音速値計算手段と、を備え、音速値計算手段は、被検体の表層における平均音速を求める際に、前記音響カプラの音速に基づいて行う。【選択図】図1
