Method and processor for visualization of 3D vectorial quantities with color-coded direction information

An apparatus for visualization of three-dimensional vectorial quantities at a data processor, comprising:

• a data processor having an image output at which said data processor automatically causes said vectorial quantities to be represented in respectively different colors in a multi-dimensionally projected color-coded representation;
• and
• said data processor, together with said multi-dimensionally projected representation at said image output, automatically visually representing at least one reference element indicating an orientation of said representation and at least one explanatory specification for said color coding, said at least one reference element specifying said orientation of said representation in color as a three-dimensional element that is automatically generated by a program stored in said data processor, said color design of said reference element clarifying the color coding of said representation and thereby combining, in said reference element, said specification of said orientation and a three-dimensional explanation of said color coding in a single reference element.

A magnetic resonance system comprising:

• a magnetic resonance scanner adapted to interact with an examination subject to obtain image data therefrom;
• and
• a data processor supplied with said image data for visualization of three-dimensional vectorial quantities, embodied in said image data, at an image output associated with said data processor, said data processor automatically causing said vectorial quantities to be represented in respectively different colors in a multi-dimensionally projected color-coded representation, and, together with said multi-dimensionally projected representation at said image output, said data processor automatically visually representing at least one reference element indicating an orientation of said representation and at least one explanatory specification for said color coding, said at least one reference element specifying said orientation of said representation in color as a three-dimensional element that is automatically generated by a program stored in said data processor, said color design of said reference element clarifying the color coding of said representation and thereby combining, in said reference element, said specification of said orientation and a three-dimensional explanation of said color coding in a single reference element.