Method and system for constructing and displaying three-dimensional images

A system for convening two-dimensional images of a target volume represented by an array of pixels I(x,y,z) into a three-dimensional image represented by a volumetric image array V(x,y,z) comprising:

• means to transform said array of pixels I(x,y,z) into an image array R(x,y,z) so that each z-slice A(x,y) of image array R(x,y,z) provides sufficient image data to construct an image slice;
• means to extract each z-slice A(x,y) of image array R(x,y,z) and compute the position of each pixel of each z-slice A(x,y) in a volumetric image array;
• means to compute and store a gray-level or color for each of the pixels of each z-slice A(x,y);
• means to map the computed gray-levels or colors into corresponding pixels of said volumetric image array V(x,y,z);
• and
• means to compensate for at least one hardware offset affecting said array of pixels I(x,y,z) which occurred when said two-dimensional images were taken.

A three-dimensional imaging system for acquiring a succession of two-dimensional images of a target volume represented by an array of pixels I(x,y,z) into a three-dimensional image represented by a volumetric image array V(x,y,z) comprising:

• scanning means to scan said target volume and generate a succession of two-dimensional images thereof;
• and
• processing means in communication with said scanning means, said processing means including:
• means to convert the two-dimensional images of the target volume into an array of pixels I(x,y,z);
• means to transform said array of pixels I(x,y,z) into an image array R(x,y,z) so that each z-slice A(x,y) of image array R(x,y,z) provides sufficient image data to construct an image slice;
• means to extract each z-slice A(x,y) of image array R(x,y,z) and compute the position of each pixel of each z-slice A(x,y) in a volumetric image array;
• means to compute and store a gray level or color for each of the pixels of each z-slice A(x,y);
• means to map the computed gray-levels or colors into corresponding pixels of said volumetric image array V(x,y,z);
• and
• means to compensate for at least one hardware offset affecting said array of pixels associated with said scanning means.

A system for displaying and manipulating a displayed three-dimensional image represented by a volumetric image array V(x,y,z), said three-dimensional image having a plurality of surfaces, at least one of which is visible on a display at any given time, said system comprising:

• detection means to contextually interpret actuation of a user input device to detect a desired manipulation of said displayed image selected from a group of desired manipulations including (i) rotation of said displayed image about an arbitrary axis;
• (ii) translation of a selected visible surface of said image;
• and (iii) rotation of a selected visible surface of said image about an arbitrary axis;
• and
• processing means in communication with said detection means, said processing means acting on said volumetric image array in response to the user input device and updating said displayed image in accordance with the selected desired manipulated thereof.

A three-dimensional imaging system for generating a three-dimensional image of a target volume under examination, said system comprising:

• scanning means to transmit signals to said target volume, to scan said entire target volume;
• and
• a processor in communication with said scanning means and receiving output signals therefrom, said processor reconstructing a volumetric image array V(x,y,z) representing a three-dimensional image of said target volume from said output signals, said processor establishing a model in the form of a convex polyhedron having a plurality of planes which encompasses substantially said volumetric image array, said processor mapping said image array onto said model to form a displayed three-dimensional image having a plurality of surfaces, at least one of which is visible on said display at any given time, said processor including:
• detection means to contextually interpret actuation of a user input device to detect a desired manipulation of said displayed image selected from a group of desired manipulations including (i) rotation of said displayed image about an arbitrary axis;
• (ii) translation of a selected plane of said image;
• and (iii) rotation of a selected plane of said image about an arbitrary axis;
• and
• means in communication with said detection means, to act on said volumetric image array in response to the user input device and update said displayed image in accordance with the selected desired manipulated thereof.