JP2000300560A - Ultrasonic diagnostic device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonic diagnostic device in which a visual field is broadened. SOLUTION: This ultrasonic diagnostic device is provided with an ultrasonic probe 10, transmission/reception units 21, 23, 25, 31 and 33 for transmitting/ receiving ultrasonic waves to/from a subject via the ultrasonic probe 10, a scan controller 81 for controlling the transmitting/receiving units to execute hybrid scanning of plural kinds of scanning methods, a detection circuit 41 for generating an image of one frame based on a received signals obtained by the hybrid scanning, and a digital scan converter 51.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus used for medical ultrasonic diagnostic imaging.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is a very useful apparatus capable of acquiring a tomographic image of a subject, blood flow velocity information, and the like almost without invasion using ultrasonic waves. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment
It consists of an ultrasonic probe (ultrasonic transducer) that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, an ultrasonic transceiver, a signal processor, and a display. When a pulse excited by the ultrasonic transceiver is given to the ultrasonic probe, ultrasonic waves are generated. It is transmitted and the reflected wave is received by the same ultrasonic probe, and a received signal is obtained. The received signal is processed by a signal processing / display unit and displayed as an image.

[0003] In ultrasound diagnosis, the scanning method is as follows:
Linear scanning, convex scanning, and sector scanning are typical. First, in linear scanning, a predetermined number of transducers are driven in a symmetrical delay pattern so as to focus the ultrasonic beam, and the position of the drive transducer is moved little by little every one or several times of transmission and reception. It is done by going. Also,
A so-called convex scan is performed by performing a linear scan using an ultrasonic probe in which a large number of transducers are arranged in an arc shape. Further, by driving the vibrator with an asymmetrical delay pattern, and changing the delay pattern every one or several times of transmission and reception, sector scanning for scanning in a fan shape centering on the center of the transmission and reception surface is performed. Will be

[0004] By the way, ultrasonic imaging is less harmful to the human body and can be easily transported to the bedside. Therefore, compared with other modalities such as an X-ray computed tomography apparatus and a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, the ultrasonic imaging has a higher efficiency. The scope of application is very wide, and especially in the field of neonatal examination, it can be said that it is a state of the art.

For example, in a head examination of a newborn baby, as shown in FIG. 12, an ultrasonic probe 1 can be applied to an Oizumi gate opened in a skull of a newborn baby, and the inside can be looked into from there. In this case, the convex ultrasonic probe 1 having a wide near field and a long field is selected.

However, since the size of the Oizumi gate of a newborn varies greatly between individuals, as shown in FIG. 13, both sides (A, C) of the image may become invisible as a shadow of the skull. For this reason, the transmitting and receiving aperture of the ultrasonic probe is limited,
In some cases, a sufficient field of view cannot be secured.

In a cardiac examination, as shown in FIG. 14, for example, a linear ultrasonic probe 2 can be applied to the chest to look into the interior from between the ribs. However, in the case of a heart test of a newborn baby, the ribs are narrowly spaced from each other, which causes the ribs to be included in the field of view, resulting in shadows of the ribs and a part of the image (region d) being invisible as shown in FIG. There is.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of enlarging a visual field.

[0009]

(1) An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention comprises: an ultrasonic probe; transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving ultrasonic waves to / from a subject via the ultrasonic probe; And a control unit for controlling the transmission / reception unit to perform the hybrid scanning, and a unit for generating an image of one frame based on a reception signal obtained by the hybrid scanning.

(2) The present invention relates to the apparatus of (1),
The scanning range of each of the plurality of types of scanning methods can be individually set.

(3) The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for transmitting / receiving an ultrasonic wave to / from a subject via an ultrasonic probe and generating an image based on an obtained reception signal. The method is characterized in that an image of one frame is generated by combining a scanning method for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave in a perpendicular direction to a scanning method for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave in a direction oblique to the perpendicular line.

(4) The present invention relates to an ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving an ultrasonic wave to / from a subject via an ultrasonic probe having a curved ultrasonic transmitting / receiving surface, and generating an image based on the obtained received signal. The diagnostic apparatus is characterized in that a scanning surface having a shape different from a substantially concentric shape according to the curvature of the ultrasonic transmission / reception surface and the transmission / reception aperture is formed by hybrid scanning of a plurality of types of scanning methods.

(5) The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for transmitting / receiving an ultrasonic wave to / from a subject via an ultrasonic probe and generating an image based on an obtained reception signal. Scanning a central portion of the scanning surface according to a first scanning method of transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves in a direction perpendicular to the transmitting and receiving surface,
It is characterized in that both sides of the central portion are scanned according to a second scanning method for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves in a direction oblique to the perpendicular.

(6) The present invention provides the apparatus according to (5),
It is characterized in that both side portions scanned by the second scanning method can be set asymmetrically.

(7) An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention is based on an ultrasonic probe, transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving ultrasonic waves to / from a subject via the ultrasonic probe, and a reception signal obtained by the transmission / reception. Means for generating an image, and control means for controlling the transmitting and receiving means so that a plurality of ultrasonic scanning lines are evenly arranged at regular intervals within a scanning range scanned by the ultrasonic waves, I have.

(8) An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention includes an ultrasonic probe, transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving ultrasonic waves to / from the subject via the ultrasonic probe, a convex or linear scanning method, and a sector scanning method. Control means for controlling the transmission / reception means for performing the hybrid scanning, means for generating a one-frame image based on a reception signal obtained by the hybrid scanning, and the convex or linear scanning method according to an instruction of an operator. A function to set the scanning range with
A function of automatically setting the center point of the sector scanning near the end of the range scanned by the convex or linear scanning method, and setting a scanning angle of the sector scanning around the center point according to an instruction of an operator. And an operation panel having a function to perform the operation.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. The multi-channel ultrasonic probe 10 has a plurality of transducers 14. The vibrator 14 includes the piezoelectric element 11,
It comprises an individual electrode 12 arranged on the front surface of the piezoelectric element 11 and a common electrode 13 arranged on the back surface of the piezoelectric element 11.
One channel is composed of one or a plurality of neighboring vibrators. For convenience of explanation, one channel will be described as being composed of one vibrator. The ultrasonic probe 10 is compatible with convex scanning in which a plurality of transducers 14 are arranged in a convex shape (convex), or is compatible with linear scanning in which a plurality of transducers 14 are linearly arranged. .

A pulser 25 is individually connected to the transducer 14 of the ultrasonic probe 10. The pulsar 25 is generated by the pulse generator 21 at a constant period (reciprocal of the rate frequency) and is delayed by the transmission delay circuit 23 for each channel as a trigger. A drive signal (high-frequency voltage signal) is applied.

The ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic probe 10 are:
The light propagates through the inside of the subject, is reflected on a discontinuous surface of the acoustic impedance in the middle, and returns to the probe 10 as an echo. This echo is transmitted to the piezoelectric element 14 of the probe 10.
Vibrates mechanically. The weak electric signal generated by this is amplified by the preamplifier 31 for each channel via the individual electrode 12, delayed by the reception delay circuit 33 for each channel, and added (phasing addition processing). As a result, a reception signal having directivity is generated.

The reception signal generated by the reception delay circuit 33 is detected by a detection circuit 41. The detected signals are mapped by a digital scan converter (DSC) 51. Thereby, ultrasonic image data (B-mode image data) representing the tissue structure is generated. The image data is read out by the digital scan converter 51 according to the video scanning method and displayed on the TV monitor 61.

The scan controller 81 finally determines
The transmission delay circuit 23 and the reception delay circuit 33 are controlled in order to perform hybrid scanning in which a plurality of types of scanning methods are mixed spatially and temporally in order to obtain a frame image. Further, the scan controller 81 controls the digital scan converter 51 in order to combine a plurality of image data of different scanning methods obtained by the hybrid scanning of the plural kinds of scanning methods into one frame.

The operation panel 71 is provided with operation switches and the like necessary for setting the scanning range for scanning by one type of scanning method and the scanning range for scanning by another type of scanning method. It has an operation support function for supporting the setting operation on an operation procedure on a screen.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. As the hybrid scanning, it is considered that a hybrid scanning of the convex scanning system and the sector scanning system and a hybrid scanning of the linear scanning system and the sector scanning system are frequently used. Accordingly, the two types of hybrid scanning will be described below in order.

First, the hybrid scanning of the convex scanning method and the sector scanning method will be described. At this time, as the ultrasonic probe 10, a probe compatible with convex scanning is used. As a procedure for setting a scanning range, generally, a convex scanning range is first set, and then a sector scanning range is set. FIG. 2A shows the convex scanning range (maximum range) before setting the range. The convex scanning range, as shown in FIG. 2 (b), is set by specifying the position of the most end (ultrasonic scanning line) the R _R R _L, respectively. At this time, T
Since a line cursor indicating the endmost ultrasonic scanning line R _R R _L is displayed on the image of the V monitor 61, the operator operates the track ball or the like on the operation panel 71 while watching the image. The scanning range can be set to a preferable size by moving the line cursor to avoid a shadowed portion such as a bone.

Next, a sector scanning range is set. The sector scanning range is, as shown in FIG. 2C, a center position (center channel of the driving vibrator) P for oscillating the ultrasonic beam.
It is set by _c and the range (scan angle) in which the ultrasonic beam swings. Further, the scanning angle is such that a plus scanning angle α and a minus scanning angle β with respect to a perpendicular to the transmitting / receiving surface of the ultrasonic probe 10 can be individually set. At this time, since a line cursor indicating the ultrasonic scanning line at the end of the scanning range is displayed on the image of the TV monitor 61, the operator watches the image on the operation panel 71 while watching the image. Is operated to move the line cursor, so that the scanning range can be set in a preferable position and at a preferable size so as to be easily understood so as to cover a shadow portion such as a bone in the convex scanning.

As described above, the operator operates the right end _RR of the convex scanning range and the left end _{RL of the} convex scanning range.
, The center position _Pc of the sector scan, the plus scan angle α of the sector scan, and the minus scan angle β of the sector scan can be individually adjusted. By avoiding this, it is possible to optimally set the respective scanning ranges so as to cover a portion that becomes a shadow such as a bone in the convex scanning, that is, a portion that cannot be seen in the convex scanning is supplemented by the sector scanning.

As described above, when there are many setting items, the degree of freedom is increased, and various situations can be flexibly dealt with, which is preferable. However, in a certain situation, it is troublesome and workability is increased. On the other hand, there is also the property of decreasing. Therefore, here, a simple setting method for simplifying the setting operation in a specific situation is also provided.

This particular situation is, for example, a diagnosis of the head of a newborn. As described above, the diagnosis of the head of a newborn baby is performed by applying the ultrasonic probe 10 to the Oizumi gate opened in the skull of the newborn baby and looking into the inside from there. The portions are portions at both ends of the scanning range. Therefore, under such circumstances, the portions at both ends of the convex scanning range may be replaced with sector scanning.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a simple setting operation panel in the operation panel 71. This panel is provided with left and right selection keys (LEFT, RIGHT), a dial for adjusting the convex scanning range, and a dial for adjusting the sector scanning angle. First, LE
Press the FT key, select the left side, and turn the dial to adjust the convex scanning range.
As shown in FIG. 4A, the line marker superimposed on the image, that is, the line marker of the scanning line _RL corresponding to the left end of the convex scanning range is moved by the program code in the scan controller 81 or the operation panel 71. Therefore, stop it at an appropriate position to avoid bones and the like. At this time, the center position P _C1 of the sector scan is automatically set at the left end position of the set convex scanning range by a program code in the scan controller 81 or the operation panel 71.

Next, turn the dial for adjusting the sector scan angle, scan accordingly, as shown in FIG. 4 (b), around the center position P _C1 of the sector scan, line cursor in a fan shape Since the movement is performed by the controller 81 or the program code in the operation panel 71, the movement is stopped at an appropriate position to cover the site of interest.

Then, press the RIGHT key,
When the right side is selected and the dial for adjusting the convex scanning range is turned, the scanning line R corresponding to the right end of the convex scanning range is correspondingly displayed as shown in FIG.
_{Since the R} line marker moves by the program code in the scan controller 81 or the operation panel 71,
Stop it at the appropriate position. At this time, the center position P _C2 of the sector scanning is automatically set at the right end position of the set convex scanning range by the program code in the scan controller 81 or the operation panel 71.

Next, turn the dial for adjusting the sector scan angle, scan accordingly, as shown in FIG. 4 (d), around the center position P _C2 of the sector scan, line cursor in a fan shape Since the movement is performed by the controller 81 or the program code in the operation panel 71, the movement is stopped at an appropriate position to cover the site of interest.

FIG. 5 schematically shows a hybrid scan of a convex and a sector set by the above-mentioned simple operation. FIG. 6 shows a convex image of the area b and areas a and c obtained by the hybrid scan. 2 shows a composite image with the sector image of FIG. The image synthesizing process is performed by the digital scan converter 51 in accordance with information on the convex scanning range and the sector scanning range from the scan controller 81.

As an actual scanning procedure, as shown in FIG. 7, the area a is scanned by a sector, the area b is scanned by a convex, and the area b is scanned by a sector. Thus, scanning for one frame (one cycle) is completed. This cycle is repeated one after another. However, the scanning procedure is not limited to this. For example, the area a is scanned by a sector, the area b is scanned by a sector, and the area b is scanned by a convex. Is also good.

The above will be specifically described assuming a practical situation. The tip curvature of the ultrasonic probe 10 is 20 mm,
Element pitch (channel spacing) is 0.24mm,
When the number of channels is 96, the maximum viewing angle is 62 degrees. The element width effective for scanning is about 22 mm, and the visual field width at a 50 mm depth of interest is about 80 mm. Here, when the diameter of the window (Oizumimon) of the subject (newborn) is 22 mm or less, a strong reflector (skull) is placed at the end of the image.
Is displayed. In this case, in addition to the inability to see the image of the region of interest, the burden on the subject increases due to artifacts on the image. The ultrasonic scan line R _R of the left end in order to prevent the occurrence of artifacts due skull moves towards the center, reducing the effective aperture asymmetrically in the image center direction, obtaining a free image artifacts. At this time, the transmission / reception channels forming the ultrasonic scanning line at the end of the image are left and right asymmetrical only at the center with respect to the ultrasonic scanning line. Further, in order to see a site of interest immediately below the skull, the display is given an angle to the left and right objects starting from the end of the effective aperture. At this time, a linear scan is performed perpendicular to the element array from the viewpoint of resolution and side lobes for the range up to the effective aperture, and the center scan and the end scan sector scans at an angle from the effective aperture to the element array. Is performed with the border of as a fulcrum. In the case of FIG. 5, a desired ultrasonic image can be obtained by giving a scanning angle (deflection angle) of 11 ° to the left and 15 ° to the right. When the number of ultrasonic scanning lines required to display the edge image increases with each increase in the angle and the number of images displayed per second (frame rate) decreases and the real-time property is lost, it is used for convex scanning. The frame rate may be maintained by appropriately reducing the number of scanning lines (scanning line density).

As described above, a portion which cannot be seen by the convex due to the interference of the bone or the like can be covered by the sector scan.

(Hybrid Scan of Linear Scan System and Sector Scan System) Next, a hybrid scan of the linear scan system and the sector scan system will be described. At this time, the ultrasonic probe 1
A value corresponding to linear scanning in which channels are linearly arranged is used as 0. The procedure for setting the scanning range is almost the same as that in the hybrid scanning of the convex scanning method and the sector scanning method. From the linear scanning range (maximum range) before setting the range shown in FIG. in the range, as shown in FIG. 8 (b), it is set by specifying the position of the most end (ultrasonic scanning line) the R _R R _L respectively, and, as shown in FIG. 8 (c), sector scan The center position _Pc for oscillating the ultrasonic beam (the center channel of the driving vibrator) _Pc and the range for oscillating the ultrasonic beam (positive scanning angle α and negative scanning angle β) are set. .

[0038] As described above, the operator, and the right end R _R of the linear scanning range, and left R _L of the linear scanning range, and the center position P _c of the sector scan, the plus side of the scan angle of the sector scan α
And the scan angle β on the minus side of the sector scan can be individually adjusted, avoiding shadows such as bones,
In order to cover shadows such as bones with linear scanning,
That is, each scanning range can be optimally set so that a portion that cannot be seen by linear scanning is supplemented by sector scanning.

FIG. 9 shows a specific example of the hybrid scanning of the linear scanning method and the sector scanning method. As shown in FIG. 9, avoiding the ribs, linear scanning is performed in two regions f.
1 and f2, and the sector scanning range e can be set so as to cover the portion that becomes the shadow of the rib.
Then, two areas f in which linear scanning is performed in the scan converter 51 in accordance with information on the linear scanning range and the sector scanning range from the scan controller 81.
By applying an image obtained by sector scanning to a portion between 1 and f2, a suitable image without a shadow portion can be generated as shown in FIG.

As an actual scanning procedure, as shown in FIG. 11, the areas f1 and f2 are linearly scanned in one line, and then the area e is scanned in one sector. Is completed. This cycle is repeated one after another. However, the scanning procedure is not limited to this. For example, the area f1 may be linearly scanned, the area e may be linearly scanned by the sector, and the area f2 may be linearly scanned by the linear scanning. Is also good.

The above is a practical situation (heart diagnosis of a newborn)
Specifically, assuming that the element pitch of the ultrasonic probe 10 corresponding to linear scanning is 0.2 mm and the number of channels is 192, the display range is about 38 mm.
Here, the distance between the ribs is about 20 mm for a newborn baby and a child, and there is an artifact immediately below the ribs, making it difficult to obtain an image. The image (regions f1 and f2) is divided into right and left from the rib where the artifact appears, and two divided images without the artifact are obtained. At this time,
The transmission / reception channels forming the ultrasonic scanning line at the end of the image are asymmetrical only on the side surface of the ultrasonic scanning line.
Further, in order to obtain an image immediately below the ribs, a sector scan is performed using, for example, the end of the right image as a fulcrum so as to avoid the ribs. Left and right 2
By combining the two images, a desired ultrasonic image can be obtained. Here, in a portion where the linear scanning and the sector scanning overlap, an image obtained by the linear scanning is preferentially displayed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the field of view can be expanded. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented with various modifications.

[0043]

According to the present invention, since hybrid scanning can be performed by a plurality of types of scanning methods, a field of view secured by a certain type of scanning method can be added to a field of view secured by another type of scanning method. In addition, the entire field of view can be enlarged by compensating a field of view narrowed by a certain type of scanning with a field of view secured by another type of scanning.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams showing setting items related to hybrid scanning of convex scanning and sector scanning in the present embodiment, wherein FIG. 2A shows an original convex scanning surface, and FIG. 2B shows a convex scanning range. (C) is a diagram showing a center point and a scanning angle of sector scanning.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a simple setting operation panel in the embodiment.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing a simple setting procedure in the embodiment, wherein FIG. 4A shows setting of a left end scanning line of a convex scanning range, FIG. 4B shows a left scanning angle of sector scanning,
(C) shows the setting of the right end scanning line of the convex scanning range, and (d) shows the right scanning angle of sector scanning.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an application example regarding simple setting of hybrid scanning of convex scanning and sector scanning in the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a view showing a display image corresponding to the application example of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a scanning operation corresponding to the application example of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing setting items related to hybrid scanning of linear scanning and sector scanning in the embodiment;
7A is a diagram illustrating an original linear scanning surface, FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a linear scanning range, and FIG. 7C is a diagram illustrating a center point and a scanning angle of sector scanning.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an application example of a hybrid scan of a linear scan and a sector scan in the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a view showing a display screen corresponding to the application example of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a view showing a scanning operation corresponding to the application example of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a problem of conventional convex scanning.

FIG. 13 is a view showing a display screen corresponding to FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a problem of the conventional linear scanning.

FIG. 15 is a view showing a display screen corresponding to FIG. 14;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Ultrasonic probe, 11 ... Piezoelectric element, 12 ... Individual electrode, 13 ... Common electrode, 14 ... Vibrator, 21 ... Pulse generator, 23 ... Transmission delay circuit, 25 ... Pulser, 31 ... Preamplifier, 33 ... Reception delay Circuit 41: Detection circuit 51: Digital scan converter (DSC) 61: TV monitor 71: Operation panel 81: Scan controller

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An ultrasonic probe, transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving ultrasonic waves to / from a subject via the ultrasonic probe, and control means for controlling the transmitting / receiving means for performing hybrid scanning using a plurality of types of scanning methods. Means for generating an image of one frame based on a reception signal obtained by the hybrid scanning. 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a scanning range of each of the plurality of types of scanning methods can be individually set. 3. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave to and from a subject via an ultrasonic probe and generating an image based on an obtained reception signal. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, wherein an image of one frame is generated by combining a scanning method for transmitting and receiving a sound wave and a scanning method for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave in a direction oblique to the perpendicular. 4. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which transmits / receives ultrasonic waves to / from a subject via an ultrasonic probe whose ultrasonic transmitting / receiving surface is curved, and generates an image based on an obtained reception signal, An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized in that a scanning surface having a shape different from a substantially concentric shape according to a curvature of an ultrasonic transmitting / receiving surface and a transmitting / receiving aperture is formed by hybrid scanning of a plurality of types of scanning methods. 5. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which transmits / receives ultrasonic waves to / from a subject via an ultrasonic probe and generates an image based on an obtained reception signal, wherein a perpendicular direction of an ultrasonic transmitting / receiving surface of the ultrasonic probe is provided. Scanning a central portion of a scanning surface according to a first scanning method for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and scanning both side portions of the central portion according to a second scanning method for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves in a direction oblique to the perpendicular. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. 6. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein both side portions to be scanned by the second scanning method can be set asymmetrically. 7. An ultrasonic probe, transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving ultrasonic waves to / from a subject via the ultrasonic probe, means for generating an image based on a received signal obtained by the transmission / reception, An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls the transmission / reception unit so that a plurality of ultrasonic scan lines are evenly arranged at a constant interval within a scan range scanned by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. 8. An ultrasonic probe, transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving ultrasonic waves to / from the subject via the ultrasonic probe, and transmitting / receiving means for performing a hybrid scan of a convex or linear scanning method and a sector scanning method. Control means for controlling, a means for generating an image of one frame based on a received signal obtained by the hybrid scanning, and a function of setting a range to be scanned by the convex or linear scanning method according to an instruction of an operator, A function of automatically setting the center point of the sector scanning near the end of the range scanned by the convex or linear scanning method, and setting a scanning angle of the sector scanning around the center point according to an instruction of an operator. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: an operation panel having a function of performing an operation.