Method and apparatus for forming ultrasonic three-dimensional images using cross array

An ultrasonic three-dimensional image formation apparatus forms ultrasonic three-dimensional images from ultrasonic echoes, using a cross array including two linear phased arrays. A cross array including a first linear phased array and a second linear phased array is formed by linearly aligning square transducer elements each having a predetermined size at a predetermined element spacing, and aligned to share the center transducer element, so that the first linear phased array crosses in perpendicular to the second linear phased array. A transmitter transmits ultrasonic waves via the first linear phased array so that transmission beam planes necessary for scanning a desired three-dimensional area are formed along elevation directions. A receiver receives ultrasonic echoes via the second linear phased array in which the ultrasonic echoes are obtained from each transmission beam plane formed by the transmitter, and converting the received ultrasonic echoes into digital form to then output the converted result. A beam former stores the digital ultrasonic signals output from the receiver, and performing a parallel beam forming with respect to the stored ultrasonic signals in order to generate an ultrasonic signal involving a three-dimensional image from scan lines which are formed by individually crossing of all the received beam planes necessary for scanning a desired three-dimensional area with the transmission beam planes. An image signal processor signal-processes the ultrasonic signal beam-formed in the beam former and generate three-dimensional image information. Thus, an ultrasonic three-dimensional image can be obtained using a small amount of data, to thereby enable a real-time three-dimensional image formation.