AbstractOne method for constructing a distributed image processing environment for three‐dimensional digital images is examined. VISUAL, which is proposed here, is based on an extended client/server model. Specifically, an image processing system is constructed from one server that manages the images and clients that correspond to the processing units in a series of image processes. VISUAL offers a platform where multiple client processes cooperate and operate under a server. In this paper, the basic overview, design objectives, and implementation are explained. In addition, the effectiveness of more efficient development of image processing systems by distributed functions and program hiding is demonstrated.