Method and apparatus for three dimensional viewing of images

摘要

A method, apparatus and computer program product for three-dimensional viewing of images is presented. Embodiments of the invention provide a process for combining slices generated by medical imaging devices to create a volume of interest and then present this volume in a three-dimensional representation to a head display unit so that the user can obtain a holistic view of the patient. Key image processing techniques are applied which enable the user to rotate and view the volume of interest from alternative viewpoints; to enable tissue subtraction to facilitate unobstructed viewing of a region of interest; to identify differing tissues with color schematics; to zoom in for optimal viewing; and to view a moving image of a volume of interest.

主权项

1. A method of three-dimensional viewing of images by a user comprising:
selecting a volume of interest from a collection of image slices; arranging said slices corresponding to said volume of interest; selecting an initial viewing angle of said slices; selecting a viewpoint for a left eye; selecting a viewpoint for a right eye; displaying, in a display unit (DU), an image for said left eye based on said initial viewing angle, said view point for said left eye and said volume of interest; displaying, in said DU, an image for said right eye based on said initial viewing angle, said view point for said right eye, and said volume of interest and wherein said image for said left eye and said image for said right eye produce a three-dimensional image to said user; wherein a convergence point of said image for said left eye and said image for said right eye is shifted to provide a different perspective of the volume of interest to said user; and selecting an alternate viewing angle, said selecting an alternate viewing angle comprising:
reorienting said volume of interest in accordance with said alternate viewing angle;displaying, in said DU, an image for said left eye based on said alternate viewing angle, said view point for said left eye and said volume of interest; anddisplaying, in said DU, an image for said right eye based on said alternate viewing angle, said view point for said right eye, and said volume of interest and wherein said image for said left eye and said image for said right eye produce an alternate three-dimensional image to said user.