B-mode image contrast improvement and 2-D strain estimation using satellite-view imaging method

Ultrasound scanners are widely used in the medical field. However, the contrast of B-mode images is poorer than that of CT/MRI images, and only a 1-D blood-flow image or strain image is obtained. Therefore, we improved the contrast of B-mode images by measuring an object from many viewpoints using two or more probes (satellite-view imaging) and by transmitter dynamic focusing with a virtual-point sound source. We also measured 2-D strain with sufficient accuracy using this satellite-view imaging method and quantitatively evaluated tissue elasticity.