Three-dimensional ultrasound image-processing system

Abstract

A 3D ultrasound image processing system which realizes display of 3D ultrasound images on a viewing screen by the use of simple and inexpensive means, the 3D ultrasound images having a cut-out section opened in an region of particular interest to expose to view an internal organ or interior tissue structures in a three-dimensional perspective view. The 3D ultrasound image processing system includes: a two-dimensional ultrasound image capture means for capturing a series of two-dimensional tomographic ultrasound images in sequentially shifted scan positions in a direction perpendicular to planes of the two-dimensional ultrasound images; and a 3D processor including a 3D image generator for compiling picture signals of the sequentially captured two-dimensional ultrasound images directly into picture data of a series of unit picture images lined up in three-dimensionally correlated positions, a 3D image processor for producing an original 3D ultrasound image for display on a viewing screen in relation with a predetermined three-dimensional coordinate system on the basis of picture data of the unit picture images, and a 3D image view processor for opening a cut-out section in part of the original 3D ultrasound image.