Biplane ultrasonic imaging obtained by using time-cross data

Abstract

An ultrasonic apparatus and method are described in which a volumetric region of the body is imaged by biplane images. One biplane image has a fixed planar orientation to the transducer, and the plane of the other biplane image can be varied in relation to the fixed reference image. In a preferred embodiment one image can be rotated relative to the other, and can be tilted relative to the other. An image orientation icon is shown on the display screen together with the two biplane images depicting the relative orientation of the two planar images.

Description

[0001] related application [0002] This is a continuation-in-part of US Patent Application Serial No. 09 / 641,306, filed August 17, 2000 (now US Patent 6,443,896). technical field [0003] The present invention relates generally to ultrasound imaging, and more particularly to creating multiple planar ultrasound images of volumetric regions of the body in real time. Background technique [0004] The main advantage of 3D ultrasound imaging is that it provides the ability to obtain a unique image plane through the mention of an object (like a body for example), which is not available through conventional 2D scanning. For example, with 3D imaging, one can simultaneously see several different cross-sections of a tissue region, thereby viewing features from different angles or viewpoints. Alternatively, in some cases one may wish to view an image plane at a constant depth below the surface of an object (such as the skin); such an image plane cannot be obtained with normal 2D sca...

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