<p>An ultrasonic probe has an elongated form with an end. A transducer element array is disposed in the probe for emitting ultrasonic wave frontward with respect to the end of the probe and receiving echo ultrasonic waves. The transducer element array converts the received echo ultrasonic waves into corresponding electric echo signals. The electric echo signals are processed according to a predetermined aperture synthesis technique, and thereby an image signal is generated on the basis of the electric echo signals. An image of a region in front of the end of the probe is reproduced in response to the image signal. <IMAGE></p>
