Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing ultrasonic echo signals employ intermediate storage and representation of the echo signals in the form of image vectors, such storage and representation proceeding independently of the scanning technique utilized to generate the image vectors, such that switching among various scanning techniques is permitted. The full length of each image vector is written into an image memory in column fashion, the stored vectors being read out as image signals in a format suitable for specific types of representation, such as on a television monitor, the format instructions being contained in a memory or generated by an arithmetic unit. Upon read out from the image memory, the geometric form of the ultrasonic scan is reconstructed in a position and form corresponding to the actual scan, and the ultrasonic echo signals are similarly represented at their true positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for representing ultrasonic echo signals arriving in polar coordinates which are obtained by means of a sector scan technique and which are intermediately stored for the purpose of subsequent display conforming to television standards alternately supply the echo signals to one of at least two complete image memories having respective two-dimensional matrix memory formats. The image memories operate an alternating buffer memories and eliminate the need for conventionally employed vector memories and horizontal memories while nonetheless permitting complete representation of the ultrasonic scans in the form of television images.

Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, an ultrasonic receiver supplies the echo signals with a given dynamic range to an image recording device which manifests a non-linear luminance/control characteristic. An imaging apparatus with a signal transmission chain of such a type is to be produced with which, by simple means, the echo dynamic range can be adapted to the luminance range detectable by the eye. This is achieved in that there is connected between the ultrasonic receiver and the image recording device, a distortion member, particularly a linearization member, which distorts, in particular, linearizes, in accordance with a specifiable pattern, the non-linear luminance/actuating characteristic of the recording device, in dependence upon a predetermined optimum dynamic range of the echo signals.