Abstract: According to one embodiment, a schema storage unit stores a reference schema that schematically expresses the internal structure of a diagnosis target blood vessel concerning the reference section of the diagnosis target blood vessel. A schema processing unit automatically generates a schema concerning a section crossing the reference section of the diagnosis target blood vessel by image processing based on the reference schema.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a schema storage unit stores a reference schema that schematically expresses the internal structure of a diagnosis target blood vessel concerning the reference section of the diagnosis target blood vessel. A schema processing unit automatically generates a schema concerning a section crossing the reference section of the diagnosis target blood vessel by image processing based on the reference schema.

Abstract: Preparation of a detailed report schema is enabled speedily and easily by deforming a schema prototype registered in advance. In the case of using a single-layered prototype, a drag and drop operation or the like is made for the prototype while pointing a cursor, for example, to a desired position, thereby deforming the prototype and preparing the report schema. In addition, in the case of using a multi-layered prototype having laminated graphics in which different colors or the like are assigned to layers, the respective layers are associated with characterizing portions of diagnostic sites, and the prototypes in the respective layers are deformed to be associated with the corresponding portions. In this manner, the prototypes are deformed, and the report schema is prepared.

Abstract: The interior of a subject to be examined is scanned with an ultrasonic wave through an ultrasonic probe. Original image data is created based on a signal obtained. The original image data is image-processed. The image-processed image data is displayed. In the image processing, the original image data is compared at each pixel with a predetermined threshold value. If being higher than a threshold value, the original data is selected at each pixel. If, on the other hand, the original image data is lower than the threshold value, image data image-processed previous to one frame or a few frames is selected at each pixel. The image data selected for each pixel is displayed as newly image-processed image data. If the original image data is thus lower than the threshold value, the image data image-processed previous to one frame or a few frames is selected and, when an object is in given motion, a residual image is displayed on a motion locus.