Three-dimensional ultrasound imaging method and apparatus using lateral distance correlation function

Abstract

Disclosed is a three-dimensional ultrasound image method and apparatus for reducing distortions of ultrasound images by precisely estimating a distance between consecutive two-dimensional frames obtained by a manual scanning. The apparatus comprises a transducer array for transmitting ultrasound signals to a target object and receiving echo signals reflected from the target object; a receive-focusing unit for receive-focusing the echo signals to generate a plurality of consecutive two-dimensional ultrasound image frames; a converter for converting the consecutive two-dimensional ultrasound image frames into a three-dimensional ultrasound image; and a display for displaying the three-dimensional ultrasound image. The method comprises the steps of, a) transmitting and receiving ultrasound signals; b) receive-focusing echo signals to generate a plurality of consecutive two-dimensional ultrasound image frames; c) converting the consecutive two-dimensional ultrasound image frames into a three-dimensional ultrasound image; and d) displaying the three-dimensional ultrasound image.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.