Abstract: A computer 12 of an image processing apparatus 11 acquires a moving image including a minor axis cross section of a carotid artery and a cross section of surrounding tissues around the carotid artery and estimates, from images of two temporally different frames of the acquired moving image, an optical flow of each point included in an area corresponding to a carotid artery wall and an optical flow of each point included in an area corresponding to the surrounding tissues. Based on the estimated optical flow of each point, the computer 12 calculates an amount of displacement of the carotid artery and the surrounding tissues with respect to a radial direction of the carotid artery depending on a change in internal pressure of the carotid artery.

Abstract: A computer 12 of an image processing apparatus 11 acquires ultrasound B-mode images of consecutive frames to estimate a carotid artery wall at a carotid artery minor axis cross section included in an ultrasound B-mode image of a predetermined frame. The computer 12 also uses, as a template image, the ultrasound B-mode image, which includes the estimated carotid artery wall and surrounding tissues of the carotid artery wall and estimates the size of the diameter of the carotid artery wall so as to minimize a margin of error between a transformed template image, which is created by transforming the template image, and the acquired ultrasound B-mode image of each frame, thereby acquiring the time change of the carotid artery wall.

Abstract: A computer 12 of an image processing apparatus 11 acquires ultrasound B-mode images of consecutive frames to estimate a carotid artery wall at a carotid artery minor axis cross section included in an ultrasound B-mode image of a predetermined frame. The computer 12 also uses, as a template image, the ultrasound B-mode image, which includes the estimated carotid artery wall and surrounding tissues of the carotid artery wall and estimates the size of the diameter of the carotid artery wall so as to minimize a margin of error between a transformed template image, which is created by transforming the template image, and the acquired ultrasound B-mode image of each frame, thereby acquiring the time change of the carotid artery wall.

Abstract: A computer 12 of an image processing apparatus 11 acquires a moving image including a minor axis cross section of a carotid artery and a cross section of surrounding tissues around the carotid artery and estimates, from images of two temporally different frames of the acquired moving image, an optical flow of each point included in an area corresponding to a carotid artery wall and an optical flow of each point included in an area corresponding to the surrounding tissues. Based on the estimated optical flow of each point, the computer 12 calculates an amount of displacement of the carotid artery and the surrounding tissues with respect to a radial direction of the carotid artery depending on a change in internal pressure of the carotid artery.

Abstract: An image processing device acquires an ultrasound B-mode image sequence and creates an evaluation function of a mode of the longitudinal sectional shape of the carotid artery rendered in a frame following the frame that has already been modeled, thereby optimizing the evaluation function. The image processing device estimates and models the position and shape of the longitudinal sectional shape of the carotid artery for the following frame based on the optimization result, and performs the same for the subsequent frames. The image processing device outputs a variation of the carotid artery diameter in response to heartbeats based on the modeling result.

Abstract: The blood vessel imaging system includes a carriage for moving in a row direction an ultrasonic probe having a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged along a column direction and along the row direction. A computer repeats intermittent movement control for the carriage in shorter distance than a row pitch of the ultrasonic transducers along the row direction for each of a plurality of predetermined periods. Three-dimensional image processing or four-dimensional image processing is performed on the basis of a two-dimensional image and position information, the two-dimensional image being generated by making original image information, which is obtained by the ultrasonic transducers, two-dimensional in an ultrasonograph. The computer generates the images of a maximum diameter, a minimum diameter, and the difference between the maximum diameter and the minimum diameter for each measurement site in a carotid artery on the basis of the image processing result.

Abstract: The auscultation training device enables a trainee to experience and learn various case studies without feeling the difference from the actual auscultatory action using the actual stethoscope in order to obtain the auscultatory technique.

Abstract: An ultrasonic signal is transmitted to a heel bone or patella of a person being examined to obtain data of velocity of transmission propagation. The data which is obtained is computerized through calculation to compute a two-dimensional ratio of a compact bone to a bone structure (Au) from a one-dimensional ratio of a compact bone to a bone structure (Eu). Then, a chart is drawn to suffice an Au for which a fractal geometry is utilized to compare the chart with an image of an Au of a healthy person who is under the same condition in sex and age. The portions different from each other are then sorted by color for evaluating the progress of osteoporosis.