US6909913B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
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: 2001-07-03
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Granted: 2005-06-21
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Expires: 2021-07-03
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 or 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
2026-11-09 21:24
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: 115
Claim 1
Independent Claim
81 words
A method for interactively displaying three dimensional structures comprising the steps of: A) providing a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolating 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 isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display for interaction with internal surfaces of the isolated region of interest.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
81 words
A method for interactively displaying three dimensional structures comprising the steps of: A) providing a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolating 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 isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display for interaction with internal surfaces of the isolated region of interest.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the three-dimensional volume of data comprises images taken at regularly spaced grid locations within the body.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method as recited in claim 2 wherein the spacing between successive grid locations is selected to produce isocubic voxels for the three-dimensional display.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method as recited in claim 2 wherein the spacing between successive grid locations is selected to produce an overlap between successive images.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the physical property includes x-ray attenuation.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the three-dimensional volume of data comprises images taken at 1 mm regularly spaced grid locations within the body.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the three-dimensional volume of data comprises computed tomography images.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method as recited in claim 7 wherein the computed tomography images comprise helical computed tomography images.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the three-dimensional volume of data comprises x-ray images.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the body comprises a human body.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the step of isolating 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 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the region of interest comprises a tissue-air interface.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
94 words
A method for interactively displaying three dimensional structures comprising the steps of: A) providing a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolating a selected region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the selected region of interest; C) rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display; and D) reducing the size of the volume of data before rendering the image of the isolated region of interest in the interactive three-dimensional display.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
94 words
A method for interactively displaying three dimensional structures comprising the steps of: A) providing a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolating a selected region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the selected region of interest; C) rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display; and D) reducing the size of the volume of data before rendering the image of the isolated region of interest in the interactive three-dimensional display.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method as recited in claim 13 wherein the reduction step comprises reducing pixel resolution.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method as recited in claim 13 wherein the reduction step comprises reducing spatial resolution.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method as recited in claim 13 wherein the reduction step comprises creating a subvolume of data.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
84 words
A method for interactively displaying three dimensional structures comprising the step of: A) providing a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolating 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 selected region of interest comprises an air column within a body organ; and C) rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
84 words
A method for interactively displaying three dimensional structures comprising the step of: A) providing a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolating 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 selected region of interest comprises an air column within a body organ; and C) rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as recited in claim 17 wherein the air column comprises a colon.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as recited in claim 17 wherein the air column comprises the bronchi.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as recited in claim 17 wherein the air column comprises a larynx.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as recited in claim 17 wherein the air column comprises a trachea.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
83 words
A method for interactively displaying three dimensional structures comprising the steps of: A) providing a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolating 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 region of interest comprises an air-tissue interface at a body organ; and C) rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
83 words
A method for interactively displaying three dimensional structures comprising the steps of: A) providing a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolating 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 region of interest comprises an air-tissue interface at a body organ; and C) rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method as recited in claim 22 wherein the three-dimensional volume of data comprises images taken at regularly spaced grid locations within the body.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
115 words
A method for interactively displaying three dimensional structures comprising the steps of: A) providing a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolating a selected region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the isolated region of interest, wherein the step of isolating the selected region of interest comprises a thresholding step for determining threshold values corresponding to the selected the physical property to isolate the selected region of interest; C) providing an isosurface wireframe model of the isolated selected region of interest; and D) rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
115 words
A method for interactively displaying three dimensional structures comprising the steps of: A) providing a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolating a selected region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the isolated region of interest, wherein the step of isolating the selected region of interest comprises a thresholding step for determining threshold values corresponding to the selected the physical property to isolate the selected region of interest; C) providing an isosurface wireframe model of the isolated selected region of interest; and D) rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method as recited in claim 24 wherein the step of rendering an image includes the step of rendering a three-dimensional display of the wireframe model.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method as recited in claim 24 including the step of simulating movement through the wireframe model.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
77 words
A method for interactively displaying three-dimensional structures comprising the steps of: A) providing a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body; B) isolating 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 region of interest comprises an air-bone interface; and C) rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
77 words
A method for interactively displaying three-dimensional structures comprising the steps of: A) providing a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body; B) isolating 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 region of interest comprises an air-bone interface; and C) rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method as recited in claim 27 wherein the three-dimensional volume of data comprises images taken at regularly spaced grid locations within the body.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
152 words
A method for interactively displaying three dimensional structures comprising steps of: A) providing a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolating a selected region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the selected region of interest, the step of isolating the selected region of interest comprising a thresholding step for determining threshold values corresponding to the selected values of the physical property to isolate the selected region of interest, the thresholding step comprising: (1) a threshold selection step for selecting a threshold range corresponding to the selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest; and (2) a threshold adjustment step for adjusting the threshold values to establish the threshold range for isolating the region of interest; and C) rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
152 words
A method for interactively displaying three dimensional structures comprising steps of: A) providing a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolating a selected region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the selected region of interest, the step of isolating the selected region of interest comprising a thresholding step for determining threshold values corresponding to the selected values of the physical property to isolate the selected region of interest, the thresholding step comprising: (1) a threshold selection step for selecting a threshold range corresponding to the selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest; and (2) a threshold adjustment step for adjusting the threshold values to establish the threshold range for isolating the region of interest; and C) rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
60 words
The method as recited in claim 29 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 38
Independent Claim
84 words
A system for interactively displaying three-dimensional structures comprising: A) volume formation means for forming a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body; B) isolation means for isolating a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest; and C) rendering means for rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display for interaction with internal surfaces of the isolated region of interest.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
84 words
A system for interactively displaying three-dimensional structures comprising: A) volume formation means for forming a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body; B) isolation means for isolating a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest; and C) rendering means for rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display for interaction with internal surfaces of the isolated region of interest.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system as recited in claim 31 wherein the three-dimensional volume of data comprises images taken at regularly spaced grid locations within the body.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system as recited in claim 32 wherein the spacing between successive grid locations is selected to produce isocubic voxels for three-dimensional display.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system as recited in claim 32 wherein the three-dimensional volume of data comprises images taken at 1 mm regularly spaced grid locations within the body.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system as recited in claim 32 wherein the three-dimensional volume of data comprises computed tomography images.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system as recited in claim 35 wherein the computed tomography images comprise helical computed tomography images.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system as recited in claim 31 wherein the isolation means comprises a thresholding means for determining a threshold range used to isolate the region of interest.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system as recited in claim 31 comprising external map means for displaying an external map of the three-dimensional display.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system as recited in claim 38 wherein the external map means comprises indication means for indicating the position of the three-dimensional display.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system as recited in claim 31 wherein the rendering means includes transparency means for rendering a portion of the region of interest transparent.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
85 words
A system for interactively displaying three-dimensional structures comprising: A) volume formation means for forming a three-dimensional-volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) reduction means for reducing the size of the volume of data; C) isolation means for isolating a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest; and D) rendering means for rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
85 words
A system for interactively displaying three-dimensional structures comprising: A) volume formation means for forming a three-dimensional-volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) reduction means for reducing the size of the volume of data; C) isolation means for isolating a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest; and D) rendering means for rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system as recited in claim 41 wherein the reduction means comprises, means for reducing pixel resolution.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system as recited in claim 41 wherein the reduction means comprises means for reducing the spatial resolution.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system as recited in claim 41 wherein the reduction means comprises means for creating a subvolume of data.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
107 words
A system for interactively displaying three-dimensional structures comprising: A) volume formation means for forming a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolation means for isolating a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest, wherein the isolation means comprises a thresholding means for determining a threshold range used to isolate the region of interest; C) means for producing a wireframe model of the isolated region of interest; and D) rendering means for rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
107 words
A system for interactively displaying three-dimensional structures comprising: A) volume formation means for forming a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolation means for isolating a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest, wherein the isolation means comprises a thresholding means for determining a threshold range used to isolate the region of interest; C) means for producing a wireframe model of the isolated region of interest; and D) rendering means for rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system as recited in claim 45 wherein the rendering means comprises simulation means for simulating movement through the wireframe model.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
95 words
A system for interactively displaying three-dimensional structures A) volume formation means for forming a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body; B) isolation means for isolating a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest; C) rendering means for rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display; and D) assignment means for assigning at least one point of interest along the isolated region of interest rendered in the displayed three-dimensional display.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
95 words
A system for interactively displaying three-dimensional structures A) volume formation means for forming a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body; B) isolation means for isolating a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest; C) rendering means for rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display; and D) assignment means for assigning at least one point of interest along the isolated region of interest rendered in the displayed three-dimensional display.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system as recited in claim 47 comprising indication means for indicating the position of the point of interest on an external map of the three-dimensional display.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
42 words
The system as recited in claim 48 comprising selection means for selecting the point of interest from the external map and for causing the display of the rendered isolated region of interest as viewed from the position of the point of interest.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
103 words
A system for interactively displaying three-dimensional structures comprising: A) volume formation means for forming a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolation means for isolating a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest; C) rendering means for rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display; and D) selection means for selecting a point which lies within the isolated region of interest and displaying an image which lies in a plane passing through the selected point.
Claim 62
Independent Claim
103 words
A system for interactively displaying three-dimensional structures comprising: A) volume formation means for forming a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolation means for isolating a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest; C) rendering means for rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display; and D) selection means for selecting a point which lies within the isolated region of interest and displaying an image which lies in a plane passing through the selected point.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system as recited in claim 50 wherein the plane is an axial plane.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system as recited in claim 50 wherein the plane is a sagittal plane.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system as recited in claim 50 wherein the plane is a coronal plane.
Claim 66
Independent Claim
90 words
A system for interactively displaying three-dimensional structures comprising: A) volume formation means for forming a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body; B) isolation means for isolating a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest; and C) rendering means for rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display, wherein the rendering means includes transparency means for rendering a portion of the region of interest semi-transparent.
Claim 67
Independent Claim
90 words
A system for interactively displaying three-dimensional structures comprising: A) volume formation means for forming a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body; B) isolation means for isolating a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest; and C) rendering means for rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display, wherein the rendering means includes transparency means for rendering a portion of the region of interest semi-transparent.
Claim 68
Independent Claim
97 words
A system for interactively displaying three-dimensional structures comprising: A) volume formation means for forming a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body; B) isolation means for isolating a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest; and C) rendering means for rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display, wherein the rendering means comprises simulation means for simulating movement along a center line through the isolated region of interest of the three-dimensional display.
Claim 69
Independent Claim
97 words
A system for interactively displaying three-dimensional structures comprising: A) volume formation means for forming a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body; B) isolation means for isolating a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest; and C) rendering means for rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display, wherein the rendering means comprises simulation means for simulating movement along a center line through the isolated region of interest of the three-dimensional display.
Claim 70
Independent Claim
121 words
A system for interactively displaying three dimensional structures comprising: A) volume formation means for forming a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolation means for isolating a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest, wherein the isolation means comprises a thresholding means for determining a threshold range used to isolate the region of interest, wherein the thresholding means comprises: (1) a threshold selection means for selecting the threshold range; and (2) a threshold adjustment means for adjusting the threshold range; and C) rendering means for rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display.
Claim 71
Independent Claim
121 words
A system for interactively displaying three dimensional structures comprising: A) volume formation means for forming a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolation means for isolating a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest, wherein the isolation means comprises a thresholding means for determining a threshold range used to isolate the region of interest, wherein the thresholding means comprises: (1) a threshold selection means for selecting the threshold range; and (2) a threshold adjustment means for adjusting the threshold range; and C) rendering means for rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
62 words
The system as recited in claim 56 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 73
Independent Claim
85 words
A method for interactively displaying three dimensional structures comprising the steps of: A) providing a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolating 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 isolating the selected region of interest comprises a region growing step; and C) rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display.
Claim 74
Independent Claim
85 words
A method for interactively displaying three dimensional structures comprising the steps of: A) providing a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolating 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 isolating the selected region of interest comprises a region growing step; and C) rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display.
Claim 75
Independent Claim
106 words
A method for displaying three-dimensional structures comprising the steps of: A) providing a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolating 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 isolated region of interest in a three-dimensional display including the steps of splitting the three-dimensional display open in selected split open sections, therein producing an interactive, cross-sectional, three-dimensional rendering and displaying the interactive, cross-sectional, three-dimensional rendering so that inner surfaces of the split three-dimensional display are visible.
Claim 76
Independent Claim
106 words
A method for displaying three-dimensional structures comprising the steps of: A) providing a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolating 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 isolated region of interest in a three-dimensional display including the steps of splitting the three-dimensional display open in selected split open sections, therein producing an interactive, cross-sectional, three-dimensional rendering and displaying the interactive, cross-sectional, three-dimensional rendering so that inner surfaces of the split three-dimensional display are visible.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method as recited in claim 59 wherein the splitting step includes the step of splitting the three-dimensional display open along a line which passes along the center of the three-dimensional display.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method as recited in claim 59 wherein the splitting step includes the steps of: A) defining a cutting plane through the isolated region of interest; and B) rendering all portions of the three-dimensional display on one side of the cutting plane transparent.
Claim 79
Independent Claim
221 words
A method for displaying three-dimensional structures comprising the steps of: A) providing a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolating 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 isolated region of interest in a three-dimensional display including the steps of splitting the three-dimensional display open in selected split open sections and displaying the split open sections so that inner surfaces of the split open three-dimensional display are visible, wherein the splitting step includes the step of splitting the three-dimensional display open along a line which passes along the center of the three-dimensional display, wherein the step of splitting the three-dimensional display open along a line which passes along the center of the three-dimensional display includes the steps of: (1) selecting a seed point which lies within the region of interest; (2) determining a plane of minimum area through the region of interest that passes through the seed point; (3) determining the center point of the region of interest that is dissected by the plane of minimum area; and (4) selecting a point which is spaced from the center point in a perpendicular direction relative to the plane of minimum area.
Claim 80
Independent Claim
221 words
A method for displaying three-dimensional structures comprising the steps of: A) providing a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolating 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 isolated region of interest in a three-dimensional display including the steps of splitting the three-dimensional display open in selected split open sections and displaying the split open sections so that inner surfaces of the split open three-dimensional display are visible, wherein the splitting step includes the step of splitting the three-dimensional display open along a line which passes along the center of the three-dimensional display, wherein the step of splitting the three-dimensional display open along a line which passes along the center of the three-dimensional display includes the steps of: (1) selecting a seed point which lies within the region of interest; (2) determining a plane of minimum area through the region of interest that passes through the seed point; (3) determining the center point of the region of interest that is dissected by the plane of minimum area; and (4) selecting a point which is spaced from the center point in a perpendicular direction relative to the plane of minimum area.
Claim 81
Independent Claim
190 words
A method for displaying three-dimensional structures comprising the steps of: A) providing a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body; B) isolating 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 isolated region of interest in a three-dimensional display including the steps of splitting the three-dimensional display open in selected split open sections and displaying the split open sections so that inner surfaces of the split open three-dimensional display are visible, wherein the splitting step includes the step of splitting the three-dimensional display open along a line which passes along the center of the three-dimensional display, wherein the step of splitting the three-dimensional display open along a line which passes along the center of the three-dimensional display includes the steps of: (1) iteratively eroding the region of interest until all of the region of interest disappears, thereby determining the last portions of the region of interest to disappear; and (2) connecting the last portions of the region of interest to disappear by erosion.
Claim 82
Independent Claim
190 words
A method for displaying three-dimensional structures comprising the steps of: A) providing a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body; B) isolating 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 isolated region of interest in a three-dimensional display including the steps of splitting the three-dimensional display open in selected split open sections and displaying the split open sections so that inner surfaces of the split open three-dimensional display are visible, wherein the splitting step includes the step of splitting the three-dimensional display open along a line which passes along the center of the three-dimensional display, wherein the step of splitting the three-dimensional display open along a line which passes along the center of the three-dimensional display includes the steps of: (1) iteratively eroding the region of interest until all of the region of interest disappears, thereby determining the last portions of the region of interest to disappear; and (2) connecting the last portions of the region of interest to disappear by erosion.
Claim 83
Independent Claim
83 words
A method for interactively displaying three dimensional structures comprising the steps of: A) providing a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolating a selected region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the selected region of interest; C) rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display; and D) simulating movement along a center line through the isolated region of interest.
Claim 84
Independent Claim
83 words
A method for interactively displaying three dimensional structures comprising the steps of: A) providing a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolating a selected region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the selected region of interest; C) rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display; and D) simulating movement along a center line through the isolated region of interest.
Claim 85
Independent Claim
183 words
A method for interactively displaying three dimensional structures comprising the steps of: A) providing a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolating a selected region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the selected region of interest; C) rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display; and D) simulating movement along a center line through the isolated region of interest of the three-dimensional display, wherein the step of simulating movement along the center line through the isolated region of interest of the three-dimensional display includes the steps of: (1) selecting a seed point which lies within the region of interest; (2) determining a plane of minimum area through the region of interest that passes through the seed point; (3) determining the center point of the region of interest that is dissected by the plane of minimum area; and (4) selecting a point which is spaced from the center point in a perpendicular direction relative to the plane of minimum area.
Claim 86
Independent Claim
183 words
A method for interactively displaying three dimensional structures comprising the steps of: A) providing a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolating a selected region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the selected region of interest; C) rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display; and D) simulating movement along a center line through the isolated region of interest of the three-dimensional display, wherein the step of simulating movement along the center line through the isolated region of interest of the three-dimensional display includes the steps of: (1) selecting a seed point which lies within the region of interest; (2) determining a plane of minimum area through the region of interest that passes through the seed point; (3) determining the center point of the region of interest that is dissected by the plane of minimum area; and (4) selecting a point which is spaced from the center point in a perpendicular direction relative to the plane of minimum area.
Claim 87
Independent Claim
148 words
A method for interactively displaying three dimensional structures comprising the steps of: A) providing a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolating a selected region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the selected region of interest; C) rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display and D) simulating movement along a center line through the isolated region of interest of the three-dimensional display, wherein the step of simulating movement along the center line through the isolated region of interest of the three-dimensional display includes the steps of: (1) iteratively eroding the region of interest until all of the region of interest disappears, thereby determining the last portions of the region of interest to disappear; and (2) connecting the last portions to disappear by erosion.
Claim 88
Independent Claim
148 words
A method for interactively displaying three dimensional structures comprising the steps of: A) providing a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolating a selected region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the selected region of interest; C) rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display and D) simulating movement along a center line through the isolated region of interest of the three-dimensional display, wherein the step of simulating movement along the center line through the isolated region of interest of the three-dimensional display includes the steps of: (1) iteratively eroding the region of interest until all of the region of interest disappears, thereby determining the last portions of the region of interest to disappear; and (2) connecting the last portions to disappear by erosion.
Claim 89
Independent Claim
112 words
A system for displaying three-dimensional structures comprising: A) volume formation means for forming a three dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body; B) isolation means for isolating a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest; and C) rendering means for rendering the isolated region of interest in a three-dimensional display, including splitting means for splitting the three-dimensional display open in selected split open sections therein producing an interactive, cross-sectional three-dimensional rendering and displaying means for displaying the three-dimensional rendering so that inner surfaces of the split three-dimensional display are visible.
Claim 90
Independent Claim
112 words
A system for displaying three-dimensional structures comprising: A) volume formation means for forming a three dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body; B) isolation means for isolating a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest; and C) rendering means for rendering the isolated region of interest in a three-dimensional display, including splitting means for splitting the three-dimensional display open in selected split open sections therein producing an interactive, cross-sectional three-dimensional rendering and displaying means for displaying the three-dimensional rendering so that inner surfaces of the split three-dimensional display are visible.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system as recited in claim 67 wherein the splitting means includes center line splitting means for splitting the three-dimensional display open along a center line through the three-dimensional display of the isolated region of interest.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
51 words
The system as recited in claim 67 wherein the splitting means includes: A) plane defining means for defining a cutting plane through the three-dimensional display of the isolated region of interest; and B) transparency means for rendering all portions of the three-dimensional display on one side of the cutting plane transparent.
Claim 93
Independent Claim
231 words
A system for displaying three-dimensional structures comprising: A) volume formation means for forming a three dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body; B) isolation means for isolating a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest; and C) rendering means for rendering the isolated region of interest in a three-dimensional display, including splitting means for splitting the three-dimensional display open in selected split open sections and displaying means for displaying the split open sections so that inner surfaces of the split three-dimensional display are visible, wherein the splitting means includes center line splitting means for splitting the three-dimensional display open along a center line through the three-dimensional display of the isolated region of interest, wherein the center line splitting means includes: (1) selection means for selecting a seed point which lies within the region of interest; (2) plane determining means for determining a plane of minimum area through the isolated region of interest that passes through the seed point; (3) center point determining means for determining the center point of the region of interest that is dissected by the plane of minimum area; and (4) point selecting means for selecting a point which is spaced from the center point in a perpendicular direction relative to the plane of minimum area.
Claim 94
Independent Claim
231 words
A system for displaying three-dimensional structures comprising: A) volume formation means for forming a three dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body; B) isolation means for isolating a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest; and C) rendering means for rendering the isolated region of interest in a three-dimensional display, including splitting means for splitting the three-dimensional display open in selected split open sections and displaying means for displaying the split open sections so that inner surfaces of the split three-dimensional display are visible, wherein the splitting means includes center line splitting means for splitting the three-dimensional display open along a center line through the three-dimensional display of the isolated region of interest, wherein the center line splitting means includes: (1) selection means for selecting a seed point which lies within the region of interest; (2) plane determining means for determining a plane of minimum area through the isolated region of interest that passes through the seed point; (3) center point determining means for determining the center point of the region of interest that is dissected by the plane of minimum area; and (4) point selecting means for selecting a point which is spaced from the center point in a perpendicular direction relative to the plane of minimum area.
Claim 95
Independent Claim
190 words
A system for displaying three-dimensional structures comprising: A) volume formation means for forming a three dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body; B) isolation means for isolating a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest; and C) rendering means for rendering the isolated region of interest in a three-dimensional display, including splitting means for splitting the three-dimensional display open in selected split open sections and displaying means for displaying the split open sections so that inner surfaces of the split three-dimensional display are visible, wherein the splitting means includes center line splitting means for splitting the three-dimensional display open along a center line through the three-dimensional display of the isolated region of interest, wherein the center line splitting means includes: (1) erosion means for iteratively eroding the region of interest until all of the region of interest disappears, thereby determining the last portions of the region of interest to disappear; and (2) connection means for connecting the last portions of the region of interest to disappear by erosion.
Claim 96
Independent Claim
190 words
A system for displaying three-dimensional structures comprising: A) volume formation means for forming a three dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body; B) isolation means for isolating a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest; and C) rendering means for rendering the isolated region of interest in a three-dimensional display, including splitting means for splitting the three-dimensional display open in selected split open sections and displaying means for displaying the split open sections so that inner surfaces of the split three-dimensional display are visible, wherein the splitting means includes center line splitting means for splitting the three-dimensional display open along a center line through the three-dimensional display of the isolated region of interest, wherein the center line splitting means includes: (1) erosion means for iteratively eroding the region of interest until all of the region of interest disappears, thereby determining the last portions of the region of interest to disappear; and (2) connection means for connecting the last portions of the region of interest to disappear by erosion.
Claim 97
Independent Claim
193 words
A system for interactively displaying three dimensional structures comprising: A) volume formation means for forming a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolation means for isolating a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest; and C) rendering means for rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display, wherein the rendering means comprises simulation means for simulating movement along a center line through the isolated region of interest of the three-dimensional display, wherein the simulation means includes: (1) selection means for selecting a seed point which lies within the region of interest; (2) plane determining means for determining a plane of minimum area through the isolated region of interest that passes through the seed point; (3) center point determining means for determining the center point of the region of interest that is dissected by the plane of minimum area; and (4) point selecting means for selecting a point which is spaced from the center point in a perpendicular direction relative to the plane of minimum area.
Claim 98
Independent Claim
193 words
A system for interactively displaying three dimensional structures comprising: A) volume formation means for forming a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolation means for isolating a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest; and C) rendering means for rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display, wherein the rendering means comprises simulation means for simulating movement along a center line through the isolated region of interest of the three-dimensional display, wherein the simulation means includes: (1) selection means for selecting a seed point which lies within the region of interest; (2) plane determining means for determining a plane of minimum area through the isolated region of interest that passes through the seed point; (3) center point determining means for determining the center point of the region of interest that is dissected by the plane of minimum area; and (4) point selecting means for selecting a point which is spaced from the center point in a perpendicular direction relative to the plane of minimum area.
Claim 99
Independent Claim
152 words
A system for interactively displaying three dimensional structures comprising: A) volume formation means for forming a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolation means for isolating a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest; and C) rendering means for rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display, wherein the rendering means comprises simulation means for simulating movement along a center line through the isolated region of interest of the three-dimensional display, wherein the simulation means includes: (1) erosion means for iteratively eroding the region of interest until all of the region of interest disappears, thereby determining the last portions of the region of interest to disappear; and (2) connection means for connecting the last portions of the region of interest to disappear by erosion.
Claim 100
Independent Claim
152 words
A system for interactively displaying three dimensional structures comprising: A) volume formation means for forming a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolation means for isolating a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest; and C) rendering means for rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display, wherein the rendering means comprises simulation means for simulating movement along a center line through the isolated region of interest of the three-dimensional display, wherein the simulation means includes: (1) erosion means for iteratively eroding the region of interest until all of the region of interest disappears, thereby determining the last portions of the region of interest to disappear; and (2) connection means for connecting the last portions of the region of interest to disappear by erosion.
Claim 101
Independent Claim
84 words
A method for interactively displaying three dimensional structures comprising the steps of: A) providing a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolating 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 isolation step comprises a step of determining thickness of the region of interest; and C) rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display.
Claim 102
Independent Claim
84 words
A method for interactively displaying three dimensional structures comprising the steps of: A) providing a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolating 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 isolation step comprises a step of determining thickness of the region of interest; and C) rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method recited in claim 74 wherein the step of determining thickness of the region of interest comprises displaying a cross-sectional image through the region of interest.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method recited in claim 74 wherein the step of determining thickness of the region of interest comprises the step of identifying a thickened section of the region of interest by differentiating a thickened section on a displayed image from a normal thickness of the region of interest.
Claim 105
Independent Claim
90 words
A system for interactively displaying three dimensional structures comprising: A) volume formation means for providing a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolation means for, isolating a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest, wherein the isolation means comprises a means for determining thickness of the region of interest; and C) rendering means for rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display.
Claim 106
Independent Claim
90 words
A system for interactively displaying three dimensional structures comprising: A) volume formation means for providing a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolation means for, isolating a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest, wherein the isolation means comprises a means for determining thickness of the region of interest; and C) rendering means for rendering the isolated region of interest in an interactive three-dimensional display.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system as recited in claim 77 wherein the means for determining thickness of the region of interest comprises a means for displaying a cross-sectional image through the region of interest.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
48 words
The system recited in claim 77 wherein the means for determining thickness of the region of interest comprises a means for identifying a thickened section of the region of interest by differentiating a thickened section on a displayed image from a normal thickness of the region of interest.
Claim 109
Independent Claim
121 words
A system for displaying three-dimensional structures comprising: A) volume formation means for providing a three dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body; B) isolation means for isolating a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest, wherein the isolation means comprises a means for determining thickness of the region of interest; and C) rendering means for rendering the isolated region of interest in a three-dimensional display, including splitting means for splitting the three-dimensional display open in selected split open sections and displaying means for displaying the split open sections so that inner surfaces of the split three-dimensional display are visible.
Claim 110
Independent Claim
121 words
A system for displaying three-dimensional structures comprising: A) volume formation means for providing a three dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three-dimensional body; B) isolation means for isolating a region of interest from the volume of data based on selected values of the physical property representing the region of interest, wherein the isolation means comprises a means for determining thickness of the region of interest; and C) rendering means for rendering the isolated region of interest in a three-dimensional display, including splitting means for splitting the three-dimensional display open in selected split open sections and displaying means for displaying the split open sections so that inner surfaces of the split three-dimensional display are visible.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system recited in claim 80 wherein the means for determining thickness of the region of interest comprises a means for displaying a cross-sectional image through the region of interest.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
47 words
The system recited in claim 80 wherein the means for determining thickness of the region of interest comprises means for identifying a thickened section of the region of interest by differentiating a thickened section on a displayed image from a normal thickness of the region of interest.
Claim 113
Independent Claim
113 words
A method for displaying three-dimensional structures comprising the steps of: A) providing a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolating 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 isolating the region of interest comprises determining the thickness of the region of interest; and C) rendering the isolated region of interest in a three-dimensional display including the steps of splitting the three-dimensional display open in selected split open sections and displaying the split open sections so that inner surfaces of the split three-dimensional display are visible.
Claim 114
Independent Claim
113 words
A method for displaying three-dimensional structures comprising the steps of: A) providing a three-dimensional volume of data representing at least one physical property associated with a three dimensional body; B) isolating 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 isolating the region of interest comprises determining the thickness of the region of interest; and C) rendering the isolated region of interest in a three-dimensional display including the steps of splitting the three-dimensional display open in selected split open sections and displaying the split open sections so that inner surfaces of the split three-dimensional display are visible.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method recited in claim 83 wherein determining the thickness of the region of interest comprises identifying a thickened section of the region of interest by differentiating a thickened section on a displayed image from a normal thickness of the region of interest.
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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) | 2008-06-20 | 2008-12-20 | 2009-06-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2012-06-20 | 2012-12-20 | 2013-06-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2016-06-20 | 2016-12-20 | 2017-06-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |