Stereo display of tube-like structures and improved techniques therefor ("stereo display")
First Claim
1. A method of virtually displaying a tube-like anatomical structure, comprising:
- obtaining scan data of an area of interest of a body which contains a tube-like structure;
constructing a volumetric data set from the scan data;
virtually displaying some or all of the tube-like structure by processing the volumetric data set, wherein the tube-like structure is displayed stereoscopically.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Improved systems and methods for stereoscopically displaying and virtually viewing tube-like anatomical structures are presented. Stereoscopic display of such structures can provide a user with better depth perception of the structure being viewed and thus make a virtual examination more real. In exemplary embodiments according to the present invention, ray shooting, coupled with appropriate error correction techniques, can be utilized for dynamic adjustment of an eye convergence point for stereo display. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the correctness of a convergence point can be verified to avoid a distractive and uncomfortable visualization. Additionally, in exemplary embodiments of the present invention, convergence points in consecutive time frames can be compared. If rapid changes are detected, the system can compensate by interpolating transitional convergence points. In exemplary embodiments according to the present invention ray shooting can also be utilized to display occluded areas behind folds and protrusions in the inner colon wall. In exemplary embodiments according to the present invention, interactive display control functionalities can be mapped to a gaming-type joystick or other three-dimensional controller, freeing thereby a user from the limits of a two-dimensional computer interface device such as a standard mouse or trackball.
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Citations
30 Claims
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1. A method of virtually displaying a tube-like anatomical structure, comprising:
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obtaining scan data of an area of interest of a body which contains a tube-like structure;
constructing a volumetric data set from the scan data;
virtually displaying some or all of the tube-like structure by processing the volumetric data set, wherein the tube-like structure is displayed stereoscopically. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method of generating a centerline of a tube-like structure, comprising:
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shooting a set of rays from a first viewpoint;
obtaining a set of points on the inner wall of the structure where the rays hit;
averaging the three-dimensional co-ordinates of the hit points to obtain a centerline point;
using the centerline point as the next viewpoint;
repeating the process until the end of the tube-like structure has been reached; and
connecting all of the centerline points. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of dynamically adjusting a stereoscopic convergence point for viewing a tube-like structure, comprising:
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shooting a ray from a viewpoint along the direction of the viewpoint;
obtaining a point on the inner wall of the structure where the ray hits;
setting the hit point as the stereoscopic convergence point. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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19. A method of optimizing user interaction with and control of a display of a tube-like organ obtained by volume rendering of a three-dimensional data set, comprising:
mapping navigation and control functions to one or more of a joystick and a 6D controller. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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21. A method of interactively virtually displaying a tube-like structure, comprising:
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obtaining scan data of an area of interest of a body which contains a tube-like structure;
constructing a volumetric data set from the scan data;
virtually displaying some or all of the tube-like structure by processing the volumetric data set;
displaying the tube-like structure stereoscopically; and
using ray shooting techniques to;
calculate a centerline of the tube-like structure; and
dynamically adjust a stereo convergence point of a viewpoint as that viewpoint is moved within the tube-like structure. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A computer program product comprising a computer usable medium having computer readable program code means embodied therein, the computer readable program code means in said computer program product comprising means for causing a computer to:
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obtain scan data of an area of interest of a body which contains a tube-like structure;
construct a volumetric data set from the scan data; and
virtually display some or all of the tube-like structure by processing the volumetric data set, wherein the tube-like structure is displayed stereoscopically.
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28. A program storage device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform a method for virtually displaying a tube-like anatomical structure, said method comprising:
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obtaining scan data of an area of interest of a body which contains a tube- like structure;
constructing a volumetric data set from the scan data;
virtually displaying some or all of the tube-like structure by processing the volumetric data set, wherein the tube-like structure is displayed stereoscopically.
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29. A computer program product comprising a computer usable medium having computer readable program code means embodied therein, the computer readable program code means in said computer program product comprising means for causing a computer to:
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obtain scan data of an area of interest of a body which contains a tube-like structure;
construct a volumetric data set from the scan data;
virtually display some or all of the tube-like structure by processing the volumetric data set;
display the tube-like structure stereoscopically; and
use ray shooting techniques to;
calculate a centerline of the tube-like structure; and
dynamically adjust a stereo convergence point of a viewpoint as that viewpoint is moved within the tube-like structure.
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30. A program storage device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform a method for virtually displaying a tube-like anatomical structure, said method comprising:
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obtaining scan data of an area of interest of a body which contains a tube-like structure;
constructing a volumetric data set from the scan data;
virtually displaying some or all of the tube-like structure by processing the volumetric data set;
displaying the tube-like structure stereoscopically; and
using ray shooting techniques to;
calculate a centerline of the tube-like structure; and
dynamically adjust a stereo convergence point of a viewpoint as that viewpoint is moved within the tube-like structure.
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Specification