Graphic navigational guides for accurate image orientation and navigation
AssigneeMayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
InventorsRichard A. Robb, Bruce M. Cameron, James B. Seward
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Image data is acquired and a spatial coordinate system is attached to the image data set. A navigational guide employs the attached coordinate system to indicate to the viewer the orientation of the imaged object and the location of the viewer with respect to the imaged object. This indication is made in a number of ways, including the display of an icon which depicts the orientation of the object being viewed.
Claims16
In an imaging system for viewing a three-dimensional image data set acquired with a medical imaging system, the method comprising:
- attaching a spatial coordinate system to the acquired three-dimensional image data set which indicates a reference orientation and location of an object being imaged;
- displaying an image of the object that is reconstructed from data in the acquired three-dimensional image date set;
- and
- displaying a navigational guide which employs the attached spatial coordinate system to indicate the position or orientation of the viewer with respect to the object being displayed.
In a system for displaying a stored three-dimensional image of an object, the method comprising:
- attaching a spatial coordinate system to the stored three-dimensional image;
- inputting from a viewer data which indicates the orientation of the viewer with respect to the stored three-dimensional image of the object;
- displaying the stored three-dimensional image at an orientation indicated by the data input from the viewer;
- displaying an icon representative of the object being imaged;
- and
- orienting the icon on the display using the attached spatial coordinate system to indicate to the viewer the direction from which the displayed object is being viewed.
An imaging system for viewing a three-dimensional image data set acquired with a medical imaging system, which comprises:
- means for attaching a coordinate system to the acquired three-dimensional image data set which indicates a reference orientation and location of an object being imaged;
- means for selecting a viewing location and viewing orientation within the three-dimensional image data set;
- means for displaying an image of the object at the viewing location and viewing orientation that is constructed from data in the acquired three-dimensional image data set;
- and
- means for displaying a navigational guide which employs the attached spatial coordinate system to indicate the viewing position or viewing orientation of the viewer with respect to the object being displayed.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.