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US6083162A
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Method and system for producing interactive, three-dimensional renderings of selected body organs having hollow lumens to enable simulated movement through the lumen
Assignee: Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
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Filing: 1995-10-27
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Granted: 2000-07-04
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Expires: 2015-10-27
Abstract
Abstract A method and system are provided for effecting interactive, three-dimensional renderings of selected body organs for purposes of medical observation and diagnosis. A series of CT images of the selected body organs are acquired. The series of CT images is stacked to form a three-dimensional volume file. To facilitate interactive three-dimensional rendering, the three-dimensional volume file may be subjected to an optional dataset reduction procedure to reduce pixel resolution and/or to divide the three-dimensional volume file into selected subvolumes. From a selected volume or subvolume, the image of a selected body organ is segmented of isolated. A wireframe model of the segmented organ image is then generated to enable interactive, three-dimensional rendering of the selected organ.
Inventors
- 👤 David J. Vining
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 14:00
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06T; G06T7/00; G06T7/0002; G06T7/0012; G06T15/00; G06T15/08; G06T17/00; G06T17/20; G06T19/00; G06T19/003; G06T7/10; G06T7/11; G06T7/155; G09; G09B; G09B23/00; G09B23/28; G09B23/285; A; A61; A61B; A61B6/00; A61B6/02; A61B6/027; G06T2207/00; G06T2207/10; G06T2207/10072; G06T2207/10081; G06T2207/10132; G06T2207/10136; G06T2207/30; G06T2207/30004; G06T2207/30028; G06T2207/30032; G06T2207/30061; G06T2207/30064; G06T2210/00; G06T2210/08; G06T2210/41; H; H04; H04N; H04N9/00; H04N9/12; H04N9/31; H04N9/3141; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S128/00; Y10S128/92
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 146
Claim 1
Independent Claim
109 words
A method for interactively displaying three-dimensional structures comprising the steps of: A. forming a three-dimensional volume of data from a series of two-dimensional images representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body; B. segmenting a selected region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the selected region of interest; and C. rendering the segmented region of interest as a surface rendering in an interactive three-dimensional display, therein producing a virtual three-dimensional environment, wherein the step of rendering the segmented region of interest comprises a volume rendering step for rendering selected volumes adjacent the segmented region of interest.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
109 words
A method for interactively displaying three-dimensional structures comprising the steps of: A. forming a three-dimensional volume of data from a series of two-dimensional images representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body; B. segmenting a selected region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the selected region of interest; and C. rendering the segmented region of interest as a surface rendering in an interactive three-dimensional display, therein producing a virtual three-dimensional environment, wherein the step of rendering the segmented region of interest comprises a volume rendering step for rendering selected volumes adjacent the segmented region of interest.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method as recited in claim 1 comprising a reduction step of reducing the size of the volume of data before rendering the image of the segmented region of interest in the interactive three-dimensional display.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method as recited in claim 2 wherein the reduction step comprises reducing pixel resolution.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method as recited in claim 3 wherein the pixel resolution is reduced to 8 bits per pixel.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method as recited in claim 2 wherein the reduction step comprises reducing spatial resolution.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method as recited in claim 5 wherein the spatial resolution is reduced to 256 pixels by 256 pixels.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method as recited in claim 2 wherein the reduction step comprises creating a subvolume of data.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the series of two-dimensional images comprises images taken at regularly spaced grid locations within the body.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method as recited in claim 8 wherein the spacing between successive grid locations is selected to produce isocubic voxels for the three-dimensional display.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the physical property includes x-ray attenuation.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the series of two-dimensional images comprises images taken at 1 mm regularly spaced grid locations within the body.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the series of two-dimensional images comprises computed tomography images.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method as recited in claim 12 wherein the computed tomography images comprise helical computed tomography images.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the series of two-dimensional images comprises x-ray images.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the body comprises a human body.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the selected region of interest comprises an air column within a body organ.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as recited in claim 16 wherein the air column comprises a colon.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as recited in claim 16 wherein the air column comprises the bronchi.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as recited in claim 16 wherein the air column comprises a larynx.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as recited in claim 16 wherein the air column comprises a trachea.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the region of interest comprises an air-tissue interface at a body organ.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the step of segmenting the selected region of interest comprises a thresholding step for determining threshold values corresponding to the selected values of the physical property to isolate the selected region of interest.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method as recited in claim 22 including forming an isosurface wireframe model of the isolated selection region of interest.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method as recited in claim 23 wherein the step of rendering an image includes the step of rendering a three-dimensional display of the wireframe model.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
60 words
The method as recited in claim 22 wherein the thresholding step comprises: i. a threshold selection step for selecting a threshold range corresponding to the selected values of the physical property representing the selected region of interest; and ii. a threshold adjustment step for adjusting the threshold values to provide the threshold range for isolating the selected region of interest.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
60 words
The method as recited in claim 25 wherein the threshold adjustment step comprises: a. an orthoslice step of providing an orthoslice through the volume of data; and b. a display step for displaying the orthoslice and a corresponding thresholded image of the orthoslice, so that the threshold values can be adjusted while comparing the thresholded image to the corresponding orthoslice.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method as recited in claim 22 wherein the step of segmenting the selected region of interest comprises a morphological dilation step.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method as recited in claim 27 wherein the morphological dilation step comprises the steps of: i. undersegmenting the selected region of interest from the volume of data; and ii. adding a layer of voxels to the undersegmented region of interest to form a segmented region of interest.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method as recited in claim 27 including forming an isosurface wireframe model of the isolated selected region of interest.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method as recited in claim 29 wherein the step of rendering an image includes the step of rendering a three-dimensional display of the wireframe model.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the volume rendering step comprises an opacity adjusting step for adjusting opacity values.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method as recited in claim 31 wherein the opacity adjustment step comprises the step of adjusting the opacity values to the values determined along the inverse of a histogram curve representing the number of voxels of a given voxel value as a function of voxel value.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
165 words
A method for interactively displaying three-dimensional structures comprising the steps of; A. forming a three-dimensional volume of data from a series of two-dimensional images representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body; B. segmenting a selected region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the selected region of interest, wherein the step of segmenting the selected region of interest comprises a thresholding step for determining threshold values corresponding to the selected values of the physical property to isolate the selected region of interest, wherein the thresholding step comprises: a. a threshold selection step for selecting a threshold range corresponding to the selected values of the physical property representing the selected region of interest; and b. a threshold adjustment step for adjusting the threshold values to provide the threshold range for isolating the selected region of interest; and c. rendering the segmented region of interest as a surface rendering in an interactive three-dimensional display.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
165 words
A method for interactively displaying three-dimensional structures comprising the steps of; A. forming a three-dimensional volume of data from a series of two-dimensional images representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body; B. segmenting a selected region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the selected region of interest, wherein the step of segmenting the selected region of interest comprises a thresholding step for determining threshold values corresponding to the selected values of the physical property to isolate the selected region of interest, wherein the thresholding step comprises: a. a threshold selection step for selecting a threshold range corresponding to the selected values of the physical property representing the selected region of interest; and b. a threshold adjustment step for adjusting the threshold values to provide the threshold range for isolating the selected region of interest; and c. rendering the segmented region of interest as a surface rendering in an interactive three-dimensional display.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
60 words
The method as recited in claim 33 wherein the threshold adjustment step comprises: a. an orthoslice step of providing an orthoslice through the volume of data; and b. a display step for displaying the orthoslice and a corresponding thresholded image of the orthoslice, so that the threshold values can be adjusted while comparing the thresholded image to the corresponding orthoslice.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
138 words
A method for interactively displaying a colon in three dimensions comprising: a. an image acquisition step wherein a series of two-dimensional images representing at least one physical property associated with the colon is acquired; b. a volume formation step wherein a three-dimensional volume of data is formed by stacking the series of two-dimensional images in computer memory; c. a segmentation step wherein a region of interest related to the colon is segmented from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest; and d. a rendering step wherein the segmented region of interest is rendered as a surface rendering in an interactive three-dimensional display, therein producing a virtual three-dimensional environment, and wherein the rendering step comprises a volume rendering step for rendering selected volumes adjacent the segmented region of interest.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
138 words
A method for interactively displaying a colon in three dimensions comprising: a. an image acquisition step wherein a series of two-dimensional images representing at least one physical property associated with the colon is acquired; b. a volume formation step wherein a three-dimensional volume of data is formed by stacking the series of two-dimensional images in computer memory; c. a segmentation step wherein a region of interest related to the colon is segmented from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest; and d. a rendering step wherein the segmented region of interest is rendered as a surface rendering in an interactive three-dimensional display, therein producing a virtual three-dimensional environment, and wherein the rendering step comprises a volume rendering step for rendering selected volumes adjacent the segmented region of interest.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method as recited in claim 35 comprising cleansing the colon before the image acquisition step.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method as recited in claim 35 comprising inflating the colon with gas before the image acquisition step.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method as recited in claim 35 wherein the series of two-dimensional images comprises images taken at regularly spaced grid locations within the body.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method as recited in claim 38 wherein the spacing between successive grid locations is selected to produce isocubic voxels for the three-dimensional display.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method as recited in claim 38 wherein the series of two-dimensional images comprises images taken at 1 mm regularly spaced grid locations within the body.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as recited in claim 35 wherein the physical property includes x-ray attenuation.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method as recited in claim 35 wherein the series of two-dimensional images comprises computed tomography images.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method as recited in claim 42 wherein the computed tomography images comprise helical computed tomography images.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method as recited in claim 35 wherein the region of interest comprises an air-tissue interface.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method as recited in claim 35 further comprising a data reduction step for reducing the size of the volume of data before rendering the segmented region of interest.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method as recited in claim 45 wherein the reduction step comprises reducing pixel resolution.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method as recited in claim 46 wherein the pixel resolution is reduced to 8 bits per pixel.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method as recited in claim 45 wherein the reduction step comprises reducing spatial resolution.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method as recited in claim 48 wherein the spatial resolution is reduced to 256 pixels by 256 pixels.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method as recited in claim 45 wherein the reduction step comprises creating a subvolume of data.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method as recited in claim 50 wherein the subvolume is a subvolume containing at least one of the rectum, the sigmoid colon, the descending colon, the splenic flexure, the transverse colon, the hepatic flexure, the ascending colon, and the cecum.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method as recited in claim 35 wherein the rendering step comprises simulating movement along a line which passes along the center of the lumen of the colon.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method as recited in claim 35 wherein the rendering step comprises splitting the colon open in lengthwise sections and displaying the split open colon so that inner surfaces of the split open colon are visible.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method as recited in claim 35 wherein the segmentation step comprises a step of determining colon wall thickness.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method as recited in claim 54 wherein the step of determining the colon wall thickness comprises displaying a cross-sectional image through the colon.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method as recited in claim 54 wherein the step of determining colon wall thickness comprises a step of identifying a thickened section of the colon by visually differentiating a thickened section on a displayed image from normal thickness of the colon wall.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method as recited in claim 35 wherein the volume rendering step comprises an opacity adjusting step for adjusting opacity values.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method as recited in claim 57 wherein the opacity adjustment step comprises the step of adjusting the opacity values to the values determined along the inverse of a histogram curve representing the number of voxels of a given voxel value as a function of voxel value.
Claim 62
Independent Claim
144 words
A method for interactively displayiny a colon in three dimensions comprising: a. an image acquisition step wherein a series of two-dimensional images representing at least one physical property associated with the colon is acquired; b. a volume formation step wherein a three-dimensional volume of data is formed by stacking the series of two-dimensional images in computer memory; c. a data reduction step for reducing the size of the volume of data, wherein the size of the volume of data is reduced to less than about 10 megabytes; d. a segmentation step wherein a region of interest related to the colon is segmented from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical properly representing the region of interest; and e. a rendering step wherein the segmented region of interest is rendered in an interactive three-dimensional display, therein producing a virtual three-dimensional environment.
Claim 63
Independent Claim
144 words
A method for interactively displayiny a colon in three dimensions comprising: a. an image acquisition step wherein a series of two-dimensional images representing at least one physical property associated with the colon is acquired; b. a volume formation step wherein a three-dimensional volume of data is formed by stacking the series of two-dimensional images in computer memory; c. a data reduction step for reducing the size of the volume of data, wherein the size of the volume of data is reduced to less than about 10 megabytes; d. a segmentation step wherein a region of interest related to the colon is segmented from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical properly representing the region of interest; and e. a rendering step wherein the segmented region of interest is rendered in an interactive three-dimensional display, therein producing a virtual three-dimensional environment.
Claim 64
Independent Claim
126 words
A method for interactively displaying a tracheobronchial airway in three dimensions comprising: a. an image acquisition step wherein a series of two-dimensional images representing at least one physical property associated with the tracheobronchial tree is acquired; b. a volume formation step wherein a three-dimensional volume of data is formed by stacking the series of two-dimensional images in computer memory; c. a segmentation step wherein a region of interest is segmented from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest; and d. a rendering step wherein the segmented region of interest is rendered as a surface rendering in an interactive three-dimensional display, therein producing a virtual three-dimensional environment, and wherein the rendering step comprises a volume rendering step.
Claim 65
Independent Claim
126 words
A method for interactively displaying a tracheobronchial airway in three dimensions comprising: a. an image acquisition step wherein a series of two-dimensional images representing at least one physical property associated with the tracheobronchial tree is acquired; b. a volume formation step wherein a three-dimensional volume of data is formed by stacking the series of two-dimensional images in computer memory; c. a segmentation step wherein a region of interest is segmented from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest; and d. a rendering step wherein the segmented region of interest is rendered as a surface rendering in an interactive three-dimensional display, therein producing a virtual three-dimensional environment, and wherein the rendering step comprises a volume rendering step.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method as recited in claim 60 wherein the image acquisition step comprises a patient preparation step wherein a patient is administered a nonionic intravenous iodinated contrast bolus.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method as recited in claim 60 wherein the series of two-dimensional images comprises images taken at regularly spaced grid locations within the body.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method as recited in claim 62 wherein the spacing between successive grid locations is selected to produce isocubic voxels for three-dimensional display.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method as recited in claim 62 wherein the series of two-dimensional images comprises images taken at 1 mm regularly spaced grid locations within the body.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as recited in claim 62 wherein the physical property includes x-ray attenuation.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method as recited in claim 62 wherein the series of two-dimensional images comprises computed tomography images.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method as recited in claim 66 wherein the computed tomography images comprise helical computed tomography images.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method as recited in claim 60 wherein the region of interest comprises an air column.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method as recited in claim 60 comprising a data reduction step for reducing the size of the volume of data before rendering the segmented region of interest.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method as recited in claim 69 wherein the reduction step comprises reducing pixel resolution.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method as recited in claim 70 wherein the pixel resolution is reduced to 8 bits per pixel.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method as recited in claim 69 wherein the reduction step comprises reducing spatial resolution.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method as recited in claim 72 wherein the spatial resolution is reduced to 256 pixels by 256 pixels.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method as recited in claim 69 wherein the reduction step comprises creating a subvolume of data.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method as recited in claim 60 wherein a portion of the tracheobronchial airway is rendered transparent.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method as recited in claim 60 wherein a portion of the tracheobronchial airway is rendered semi-transparent.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method as recited in claim 60 wherein the volume rendering step comprises an opacity adjusting step for adjusting opacity values.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method as recited in claim 77 wherein the opacity adjustment step comprises the step of adjusting the opacity values to the values determined along the inverse of a histogram curve representing the number of voxels of a given voxel value as a function of voxel value.
Claim 84
Independent Claim
148 words
A method for interactively displaying a tracheobronchial airway in three dimensions comprising: a. an image acquisition step wherein a series of two-dimensional images representing at least one physical property associated with the tracheobronchial tree is acquired; b. a volume formation step wherein a three-dimensional volume of data is formed by stacking the series of two-dimensional image in computer memory; c. a segmentation step wherein a region of interest is segmented from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest; d. a data reduction step for reducing the size of the volume of data before rendering the segmented region of interest, wherein the reduction step comprises creating a subvolume of data, wherein the subvolume comprises the mediastinum; and e. a surface rendering step wherein the segmented region of interest is rendered as a surface rendering in an interactive three-dimensional display.
Claim 85
Independent Claim
148 words
A method for interactively displaying a tracheobronchial airway in three dimensions comprising: a. an image acquisition step wherein a series of two-dimensional images representing at least one physical property associated with the tracheobronchial tree is acquired; b. a volume formation step wherein a three-dimensional volume of data is formed by stacking the series of two-dimensional image in computer memory; c. a segmentation step wherein a region of interest is segmented from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest; d. a data reduction step for reducing the size of the volume of data before rendering the segmented region of interest, wherein the reduction step comprises creating a subvolume of data, wherein the subvolume comprises the mediastinum; and e. a surface rendering step wherein the segmented region of interest is rendered as a surface rendering in an interactive three-dimensional display.
Claim 86
Independent Claim
146 words
A method for interactively displaying a tracheobronchial airway in three dimensions comprising: a. an image acquisition step wherein a series of two-dimensional images representing at least one physical property associated with the tracheobronchial tree is acquired; b. a volume formation step wherein a three-dimensional volume of data is formed by stacking the series of two-dimensional image in computer memory; c. a segmentation step wherein a region of interest is segmented from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest; d. a data reduction step for reducing the size of the volume of data before rendering the segmented region of interest, wherein the size of the data is reduced to less than about 10 megabytes; and e. a surface rendering step wherein the segmented region of interest is rendered as a surface rendering in an interactive three-dimensional display.
Claim 87
Independent Claim
146 words
A method for interactively displaying a tracheobronchial airway in three dimensions comprising: a. an image acquisition step wherein a series of two-dimensional images representing at least one physical property associated with the tracheobronchial tree is acquired; b. a volume formation step wherein a three-dimensional volume of data is formed by stacking the series of two-dimensional image in computer memory; c. a segmentation step wherein a region of interest is segmented from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest; d. a data reduction step for reducing the size of the volume of data before rendering the segmented region of interest, wherein the size of the data is reduced to less than about 10 megabytes; and e. a surface rendering step wherein the segmented region of interest is rendered as a surface rendering in an interactive three-dimensional display.
Claim 88
Independent Claim
110 words
A system for interactively displaying three-dimensional structures comprising: a. volume formation means for forming a three-dimensional volume of data from a series of two-dimensional images representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body; b. segmentation means for segmenting a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the selected region of interest; and c. rendering means for rendering the segmented region of interest as a surface rendering in an interactive three-dimensional display, therein producing a virtual three-dimensional environment, and wherein the rendering means comprises a volume rendering means for rendering selected volumes adjacent the segmented region of interest.
Claim 89
Independent Claim
110 words
A system for interactively displaying three-dimensional structures comprising: a. volume formation means for forming a three-dimensional volume of data from a series of two-dimensional images representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body; b. segmentation means for segmenting a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the selected region of interest; and c. rendering means for rendering the segmented region of interest as a surface rendering in an interactive three-dimensional display, therein producing a virtual three-dimensional environment, and wherein the rendering means comprises a volume rendering means for rendering selected volumes adjacent the segmented region of interest.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system as recited in claim 81 wherein the series of two-dimensional images comprises images taken at regularly spaced grid locations within the body.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system as recited in claim 82 wherein the spacing between successive grid locations is selected to produce isocubic voxels for three-dimensional display.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system as recited in claim 82 wherein the series of two-dimensional images comprises images taken at 1 mm regularly spaced grid locations within the body.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system as recited in claim 82 wherein the series of two-dimensional images comprises computed tomography images.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system as recited in claim 85 wherein the computed tomography images comprise helical computed tomography images.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system as recited in claim 81 further comprising reduction means for reducing the size of the volume of data.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system as recited in claim 87 wherein the reduction means comprises means for reducing pixel resolution.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system as recited in claim 87 wherein the reduction means comprises means for reducing the spatial resolution.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system as recited in claim 87 wherein the reduction means comprises means for creating a subvolume of data.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system as recited in claim 81 wherein the segmentation means comprises a thresholding means for determining a threshold range used to isolate the region of interest.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system as recited in claim 91 including means for producing a wireframe model of the isolated region of interest.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system as recited in claim 91 wherein the segmentation means comprises a morphological dilation means for adjusting the segmented region of interest.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
50 words
The system as recited in claim 93 wherein the morphological dilation means comprises: A. undersegmentation means for undersegmenting the region of interest from the volume of data; and B. layer means for adding a layer of voxels to the undersegmented region of interest to form a segmented region of interest.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system as recited in claim 94 including means for producing a wireframe model of the isolated region of interest.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system recited in claim 94 wherein the thresholding means comprises: a. a threshold selection means for selecting threshold values; and b. a threshold adjustment means for adjusting the threshold values.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
61 words
The system as recited in claim 96 wherein the threshold adjustment means comprises: a. orthoslice means for taking an orthoslice through the region of interest to produce an orthoslice image; and b. display means for displaying the orthoslice image and a corresponding thresholded image, so that the threshold values can be adjusted while comparing the thresholded image to the corresponding orthoslice.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system as recited in claim 81 wherein the volume rendering means comprises an opacity adjusting means for adjusting opacity values.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
46 words
The system as recited in claim 98 wherein the opacity adjustment means comprises means for adjusting the opacity values to the values determined along the inverse of a histogram curve representing the number of voxels of a given voxel value as a function of voxel value.
Claim 108
Independent Claim
138 words
A system for interactively displaying three-dimensional structures comprising: a. volume formation means for forming a three-dimensional volume of data from a series of two-dimensional images representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body; b. segmentation means for segmenting a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the selected region of interest, wherein the segmentation means comprises a thresholding means for determining a threshold range used to isolate the region of interest and wherein the thresholding means comprises: 1. a threshold selection means for selecting the threshold values; and 2. a threshold adjustment means for adjusting the threshold values; and c. a surface renderer for rendering the segmented region of interest as a surface rendering in an interactive three-dimensional display, therein producing a virtual three-dimensional environment.
Claim 109
Independent Claim
138 words
A system for interactively displaying three-dimensional structures comprising: a. volume formation means for forming a three-dimensional volume of data from a series of two-dimensional images representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body; b. segmentation means for segmenting a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the selected region of interest, wherein the segmentation means comprises a thresholding means for determining a threshold range used to isolate the region of interest and wherein the thresholding means comprises: 1. a threshold selection means for selecting the threshold values; and 2. a threshold adjustment means for adjusting the threshold values; and c. a surface renderer for rendering the segmented region of interest as a surface rendering in an interactive three-dimensional display, therein producing a virtual three-dimensional environment.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
62 words
The system as recited in claim 81 wherein the threshold adjustment means comprises: a. orthoslice means for taking an orthoslice through the region of interest to produce an orthoslice image; and b. display means for displaying the orthoslice image and a corresponding thresholded image, so that the threshold values can be adjusted while comparing the thresholded image to the corresponding orthoslice image.
Claim 111
Independent Claim
123 words
A method for interactively displaying three-dimensional structures comprising the steps of: A. forming a three-dimensional volume of data from a series of two-dimensional images representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body; B. segmenting a selected region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the selected region of interest, wherein the step of segmenting the selected region of interest comprises a thresholding step for determining threshold values corresponding to the selected values of the physical Property to isolate the selected region of interest, wherein the step of segmenting the selected region of interest comprises a morphological dilation step; and C. rendering the segmented region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display.
Claim 112
Independent Claim
123 words
A method for interactively displaying three-dimensional structures comprising the steps of: A. forming a three-dimensional volume of data from a series of two-dimensional images representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body; B. segmenting a selected region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the selected region of interest, wherein the step of segmenting the selected region of interest comprises a thresholding step for determining threshold values corresponding to the selected values of the physical Property to isolate the selected region of interest, wherein the step of segmenting the selected region of interest comprises a morphological dilation step; and C. rendering the segmented region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method as recited in claim 102 including forming an isosurface wireframe model of the isolated selected region of interest.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method as recited in claim 103 wherein the step of rendering an image includes the step of rendering a three-dimensional display of the wireframe model.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
60 words
The method as recited in claim 102 wherein the threshold adjustment step comprises: a. an orthoslice step of providing an orthoslice through the volume of data; and b. a display step for displaying the orthoslice and a corresponding thresholded image of the orthoslice, so that the threshold values can be adjusted while comparing the thresholded image to the corresponding orthoslice.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method as recited in claim 102 wherein the morphological dilation step comprises the steps of: i. undersegmenting the selected region of interest from the volume of data; and ii. adding a layer of voxels to the undersegmented region of interest to form a segmented region of interest.
Claim 117
Independent Claim
112 words
A system for interactively displaying three-dimensional structures comprising: a. volume formation means for forming a three-dimensional volume of data from a series of two-dimensional images representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body; b. segmentation means for segmenting a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the selected region of interest, wherein the segmentation means comprises a thresholding means for determining a threshold range used to isolate the region of interest and a morphological dilation means for adjusting the segmented region of interest; and c. rendering means for rendering the segmented region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display.
Claim 118
Independent Claim
112 words
A system for interactively displaying three-dimensional structures comprising: a. volume formation means for forming a three-dimensional volume of data from a series of two-dimensional images representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body; b. segmentation means for segmenting a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the selected region of interest, wherein the segmentation means comprises a thresholding means for determining a threshold range used to isolate the region of interest and a morphological dilation means for adjusting the segmented region of interest; and c. rendering means for rendering the segmented region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system as recited in claim 107 including means for producing a wireframe model of the isolated region of interest.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system recited in claim 107 wherein the thresholding means comprises: a. a threshold selection means for selecting threshold values; and b. a threshold adjustment means for adjusting the threshold values.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
61 words
The system as recited in claim 109 wherein the threshold adjustment means comprises: a. orthoslice means for taking an orthoslice through the region of interest to produce an orthoslice image; and b. display means for displaying the orthoslice image and a corresponding thresholded image, so that the threshold values can be adjusted while comparing the thresholded image to the corresponding orthoslice.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
50 words
The system as recited in claim 107 wherein the morphological dilation means comprises: A. undersegmentation means for undersegmenting the region of interest from the volume of data; and B. layer means for adding a layer of voxels to the undersegmented region of interest to form a segmented region of interest.
Claim 123
Independent Claim
132 words
A method for interactively displaying three-dimensional structures comprising the steps of: A. forming a three-dimensional volume of data from a series of two-dimensional images representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body, wherein the three-dimensional volume of data comprises a three-dimensional matrix of voxels; B. segmenting a selected region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the selected region of interest, wherein the segmentation step comprises the steps of: i. undersegmenting the selected region of interest from the volume of data; and ii. adding a layer of voxels to the undersegmented region of interest to form a segmented region of interest; and C. rendering the segmented region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display, therein producing a virtual three-dimensional environment.
Claim 124
Independent Claim
132 words
A method for interactively displaying three-dimensional structures comprising the steps of: A. forming a three-dimensional volume of data from a series of two-dimensional images representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body, wherein the three-dimensional volume of data comprises a three-dimensional matrix of voxels; B. segmenting a selected region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the selected region of interest, wherein the segmentation step comprises the steps of: i. undersegmenting the selected region of interest from the volume of data; and ii. adding a layer of voxels to the undersegmented region of interest to form a segmented region of interest; and C. rendering the segmented region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display, therein producing a virtual three-dimensional environment.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method as recited in claim 82 wherein the step of segmenting the selected region of interest comprises a thresholding step for determining threshold values corresponding to the selected values of the physical property to isolate the selected region of interest.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method as recited in claim 82 wherein the step of segmenting the selected region of interest comprises a region growing step.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method as recited in claim 82 wherein the step of adding a layer of voxels to the undersegmented region of interest comprises the step of adding all voxels in the three-dimensional volume of data that are adjacent to the undersegmented region of interest to the undersegmented region of interest.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method as recited in claim 112 wherein the step of adding a layer of voxels to the undersegmented region of interest comprises the step of adding a thickness of voxels in the three-dimensional volume of data that are adjacent to the undersegmented region of interest to the undersegmented region of interest.
Claim 129
Independent Claim
129 words
A system for interactively displaying three-dimensional structures comprising: a. volume formation means for forming a three-dimensional volume of data from a series of two-dimensional images representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body; b. segmentation means for segmenting a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the selected region of interest, wherein the segmentation means comprises: i. undersegmentation means for undersegmenting the region of interest from the volume of data; and ii. morphological dilation means for adding a layer of voxels to the undersegmented region of interest to form a segmented region of interest; and c. rendering means for rendering the segmented region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display, therein producing a virtual three-dimensional environment.
Claim 130
Independent Claim
129 words
A system for interactively displaying three-dimensional structures comprising: a. volume formation means for forming a three-dimensional volume of data from a series of two-dimensional images representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body; b. segmentation means for segmenting a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the selected region of interest, wherein the segmentation means comprises: i. undersegmentation means for undersegmenting the region of interest from the volume of data; and ii. morphological dilation means for adding a layer of voxels to the undersegmented region of interest to form a segmented region of interest; and c. rendering means for rendering the segmented region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display, therein producing a virtual three-dimensional environment.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
35 words
The system as recited in claim 117 wherein the segmentation means comprises a thresholding means for determining threshold values corresponding to the selected values of the physical property to isolate the selected region of interest.
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system as recited in claim 117 wherein the segmentation means comprises a region growing means.
Claim 133
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system as recited in claim 117 wherein the morphological dilation means comprises means for adding all voxels in the three-dimensional volume of data that are adjacent to the undersegmented region of interest to the undersegmented region of interest.
Claim 134
Dependent Claim
41 words
The system as recited in claim 117 wherein the morphological dilation means comprises means for adding a thickness of voxels in the three-dimensional volume of data that are adjacent to the undersegmented region of interest to the undersegmented region of interest.
Claim 135
Independent Claim
93 words
A method for interactively displaying three-dimensional structures comprising the steps of: A. forming a three-dimensional volume of data from a series of two-dimensional images representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body; B. segmenting a selected region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the selected region of interest; and C. rendering the segmented region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display, therein producing a virtual three-dimensional environment, wherein the rendering step comprises an opacity adjusting step for adjusting opacity values.
Claim 136
Independent Claim
93 words
A method for interactively displaying three-dimensional structures comprising the steps of: A. forming a three-dimensional volume of data from a series of two-dimensional images representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body; B. segmenting a selected region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the selected region of interest; and C. rendering the segmented region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display, therein producing a virtual three-dimensional environment, wherein the rendering step comprises an opacity adjusting step for adjusting opacity values.
Claim 137
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method as recited in claim 122 wherein the opacity adjustment step comprises the step of adjusting the opacity values to the values determined along the inverse of a histogram curve representing the number of voxels of a given voxel value as a function of voxel value.
Claim 138
Independent Claim
127 words
A method for interactively displaying a colon in three dimensions comprising: a. an image acquisition step wherein a series of two-dimensional images representing at least one physical property associated with the colon is acquired; b. a volume formation step wherein a three-dimensional volume of data is formed by stacking the series of two-dimensional images in computer memory; c. a segmentation step wherein a region of interest related to the colon is segmented from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest; and d. a rendering step wherein the segmented region of interest is rendered in an interactive three-dimensional display, therein producing a virtual three-dimensional environment, wherein the rendering step comprises an opacity adjusting step for adjusting opacity values.
Claim 139
Independent Claim
127 words
A method for interactively displaying a colon in three dimensions comprising: a. an image acquisition step wherein a series of two-dimensional images representing at least one physical property associated with the colon is acquired; b. a volume formation step wherein a three-dimensional volume of data is formed by stacking the series of two-dimensional images in computer memory; c. a segmentation step wherein a region of interest related to the colon is segmented from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest; and d. a rendering step wherein the segmented region of interest is rendered in an interactive three-dimensional display, therein producing a virtual three-dimensional environment, wherein the rendering step comprises an opacity adjusting step for adjusting opacity values.
Claim 140
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method as recited in claim 124 wherein the opacity adjustment step comprises the step of adjusting the opacity values to the values determined along the inverse of a histogram curve representing the number of voxels of a given voxel value as a function of voxel value.
Claim 141
Independent Claim
125 words
A method for interactively displaying a tracheobronchial airway in three dimensions comprising: a. an image acquisition step wherein a series of two-dimensional images representing at least one physical property associated with the tracheobronchial tree is acquired; b. a volume formation step wherein a three-dimensional volume of data is formed by stacking the series of two-dimensional image in computer memory; c. a segmentation step wherein a region of interest is segmented from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest; and d. a rendering step wherein the segmented region of interest is rendered in an interactive three-dimensional display, therein producing a virtual three-dimensional environment, wherein the rendering step comprises an opacity adjusting step for adjusting opacity values.
Claim 142
Independent Claim
125 words
A method for interactively displaying a tracheobronchial airway in three dimensions comprising: a. an image acquisition step wherein a series of two-dimensional images representing at least one physical property associated with the tracheobronchial tree is acquired; b. a volume formation step wherein a three-dimensional volume of data is formed by stacking the series of two-dimensional image in computer memory; c. a segmentation step wherein a region of interest is segmented from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest; and d. a rendering step wherein the segmented region of interest is rendered in an interactive three-dimensional display, therein producing a virtual three-dimensional environment, wherein the rendering step comprises an opacity adjusting step for adjusting opacity values.
Claim 143
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method as recited in claim 126 wherein the opacity adjustment step comprises the step of adjusting the opacity values to the values determined along the inverse of a histogram curve representing the number of voxels of a given voxel value as a function of voxel value.
Claim 144
Independent Claim
99 words
A system for interactively displaying three-dimensional structures comprising: a. volume formation means for forming a three-dimensional volume of data from a series of two-dimensional images representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body; b. segmentation means for segmenting a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the selected region of interest; and c. rendering means for rendering the segmented region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display, therein producing a virtual three-dimensional environment, wherein the rendering means comprises an opacity adjusting means for adjusting opacity values.
Claim 145
Independent Claim
99 words
A system for interactively displaying three-dimensional structures comprising: a. volume formation means for forming a three-dimensional volume of data from a series of two-dimensional images representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body; b. segmentation means for segmenting a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the selected region of interest; and c. rendering means for rendering the segmented region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display, therein producing a virtual three-dimensional environment, wherein the rendering means comprises an opacity adjusting means for adjusting opacity values.
Claim 146
Dependent Claim
46 words
The system as recited in claim 128 wherein the opacity adjustment means comprises means for adjusting the opacity values to the values determined along the inverse of a histogram curve representing the number of voxels of a given voxel value as a function of voxel value.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-07-04 | 2004-01-03 | 2004-07-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-07-04 | 2008-01-03 | 2008-07-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-07-04 | 2012-01-03 | 2012-07-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |