US 7,339,585 B2 · Method and apparatus for visualization of biological structures with use of 3D position information from segmentation results

Abstract

A data processing methodology and corresponding apparatus for visualizing the characteristics of a particular object volume in an overall medical/biological environment receives a source image data set pertaining to the overall environment. First and second contour surfaces within the environment are established which collectively define a target object volume. By way of segmenting, all information pertaining to structures outside the target object volume are excluded from the image data. A visual representation of the target object based on nonexcluded information is displayed. In particular, the method establishes i) the second contour surface through combining both voxel intensities and relative positions among voxel subsets, and ii) a target volume by excluding all data outside the outer surface and inside the inner surface (which allows non-uniform spacing between the first and second contour surfaces). The second contour surface is used as a discriminative for the segmenting.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A method for visualizing a particular surface of an object volume in an overall medical/biological environment, said method comprising the following computer operated steps:

receiving a source image data set as pertaining to said overall environment;
establishing a first contour surface within said environment, and through using said first contour surface as seed data, establishing a second contour surface within said environment, said first and second contour surfaces collectively defining a target object volume;
by way of segmenting, excluding from said image data set all information pertaining to structures outside said target object volume;
and
displaying a visual representation of said target object based on nonexcluded information;
wherein said method includes establishing said second contour surface through combining both voxel intensities and relative positions among voxel subsets, thereby allowing non-uniform spacing between said first and second contour surfaces, and at least said second contour surface is used as a discriminative for said segmenting.

3 more elements

An apparatus being for visualizing an object volume in an overall medical/biological environment, said apparatus comprising data processing means that includes:

receiving means for receiving a source image data set as pertaining to said overall environment;
contour surface establishing means for establishing at least a first and a second contour surface within said environment, said first and second contour surfaces collectively defining a target object volume that is associated to a target object;
segmenting means for by way of segmenting, excluding from said image data set all information pertaining to structures out of said target object volume;
and
visualizing means for displaying a visual representation of said target object volume based on information not so excluded;
wherein said contour surface establishing means establishes said first and second contour surfaces in mutually separate procedures, whilst at least one of said first and second contours is determined through combining both voxel intensities and relative positions among voxel subsets and by using said second contour surface as being discriminative for said segmenting and visualizing.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method and apparatus for visualization of biological structures with use of 3D position information from segmentation results

Life of this patent

Method and apparatus for visualization of biological structures with use of 3D position information from segmentation results

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15