| 摘要 |
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a load on a user by automatically performing appropriate STC (Sensitivity Time Control). SOLUTION: A control unit 14 determines the luminance distribution of an image which is based on an echo signal amplified by an amplifier 8 in a determination period, and when the luminance distribution is similar to the luminance distribution expressed by luminance distribution information described in an STC table, the control unit corrects the reference gain of each STC area by the correction amount of each STC area expressed by correction amount information which is related in the STC table with the luminance distribution information expressing the similar luminance distribution, thereby deciding the application gain of each STC area. When the luminance distribution information on the luminance distribution similar to the determined luminance distribution does not exist in the STC table, the control unit 14 determines the reference gain of each STC area as the application gain of each STC area. In the determination period, the control units 7, 13, 14 cause the amplifier 8 to amplify the echo signal by the reference gain with respect to the STC area where reflection waves during reception are reflected, and on and after a change timing after the termination of the determination period, the control units cause the amplifier to amplify the echo signal by the determined application gain with respect to the STC area where the reflection waves during reception are reflected. COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT
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