Abstract: A system for determining a dimension of an anatomical structure using an appropriate set of 2-D slice images obtained by scanning the anatomical structure, the system comprising: assembling apparatus for assembling the set of scanned 2-D slice images into a 3-D database; extracting apparatus for extracting an anatomical feature from the information contained in the 3-D database; specifying apparatus for specifying a measurement to be ade based on the extracted anatomical feature; and calculating apparatus for calculating the measurement so specified.

Abstract: A real-time computer-based viewing system comprising a database of software objects, wherein at least one of said software objects corresponds to a physical structure which is to be viewed by said system; a sensor for acquiring real-time data about said physical structure when said physical structure is located within that sensor's data acquisition field, wherein said sensor is capable of being moved about relative to said physical structure; an additional software object incorporating real-time data acquired by said sensor; registration means for positioning said additional software object in registration with said software objects stored in said database, the registration being a function of the position of the sensor vis-à-vis the physical structure; and processing means for generating an image from said software objects contained in said database, based upon a specified point of view.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anatomical visualization system comprising a first database that comprises a plurality of 2-D slice images generated by scanning a structure. The 2-D slice images are stored in a first data format. A second database is also provided that comprises a 3-D computer model of the scanned structure. The 3-D computer model comprises a first software object that is defined by a 3-D geometry database. Apparatus are provided for inserting a second software object into the 3-D computer model so as to augment the 3-D computer model. The second software object is also defined by a 3-D geometry database, and includes a planar surface. Apparatus for determining the specific 2-D slice image associated with the position of the planar surface of the second software object within the augmented 3-D computer model are provided in a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: A video-based surgical targeting system for targeting anatomical structures within a patient.

Abstract: An improved anatomical visualization system which is adapted to augment a standard video endoscopic system with a coordinated computer model visualization system so as to enhance a physician's understanding of the patient's interior anatomical structure. A database defining a 3-D computer model comprises at least a first software object corresponding to the anatomical structure. A second software object having a surface is placed in registration with the first software object such that they coexist in a single coordinate system. A movable sensor, such as an endoscope, acquires a real-time video image which is texture mapped onto the surface of the second software object. A processing device is provided to generate an image from the first and second registered software objects taken from any specified point of view relative to the single coordinate system.

Abstract: A multiple view endoscope provides “on command” images of a plurality of different fields of view surrounding the distal end of the endoscope without having to move the endoscope from an initially established position in order to access the different fields of view. In one embodiment, a CCD element comprising a plurality of CCD cells forms a circumferential band about the distal portion of the endoscope. In another embodiment, the plurality of CCD cells covers substantially all of the outer side wall of the shaft adjacent to the distal end. In both embodiments, a processing device functions to either use the outputs from all the CCD cells to generate a display image or use the outputs from only selected ones of the CCD cells to generate a display image of a selected portion of the entire image captured by the CCD element.

Abstract: A real-time computer-based viewing system comprising a database of pre-existing software objects, wherein at least one of said software objects corresponds to a physical structure which is to be viewed by said system; a real-time sensor for acquiring data about said physical structure when said physical structure is located within that sensor's data acquisition field, wherein said sensor is capable of being moved about relative to said physical structure; generating means for generating an additional software object corresponding to said physical structure using data acquired by said sensor; registration means for positioning said additional software object in registration with said pre-existing software objects contained in said database; processing means for generating an image from said pre-existing software objects and said additional software object contained in said database, based upon a specified point of view; wherein said generating means create an additional software object corresponding to a

Abstract: An anatomical visualization system is provided which includes a first database comprising a plurality of 2-D slice images generated by scanning a structure. The 2D slice images are stored in a first data format. A second database comprising a 3-D computer model of the scanned structure is also provided. The 3-D computer model includes a first software object defined by a 3-D geometry database. Apparatus is provided for inserting a second software object into the 3-D computer model so as to augment the 3-D computer model. The second software object is defined by a 3-D geometry database, and includes a planar surface. Apparatus for determining the specific 2-D slice image associated with the position of the planar surface of the second software object within the augmented 3-D computer model are provided in a preferred embodiment. Also provided are apparatus for texture mapping the specific 2-D slice image onto the planar surface of the second software object.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anatomical visualization and measurement system including a first database of 2-D slice images and a second database including a 3-D computer model defining a first software object. Apparatus is provided for selecting a 2-D slice image from the first database. Apparatus is also provided for inserting a second software object into the 3-D computer model. The second software object includes a planar surface and is inserted into the 3-D computer model at the position which corresponds to the position of the selected 2-D slice image relative to the scanned structure. Apparatus is also provided for texture mapping the 2-D slice image onto the planar surface. Display apparatus is provided for displaying an image which simultaneously provides a view of the first software object and the 2-D slice image texture mapped onto the planar surface.

Abstract: A multiple view endoscope provides "on command" images of a plurality of different fields of view surrounding the distal end of the endoscope without having to move the endoscope from an initially established position in order to access the different fields of view. In one embodiment, a CCD element comprising a plurality of CCD cells forms a circumferential band about the distal portion of the endoscope. In another embodiment, the plurality of CCD cells covers substantially all of the outer side wall of the shaft adjacent to the distal end. In both embodiments, a processing device functions to either use the outputs from all the CCD cells to generate a display image or use the outputs from only selected ones of the CCD cells to generate a display image of a selected portion of the entire image captured by the CCD element.

Abstract: An improved anatomical visualization system which is adapted to augment a standard video endoscopic system with a coordinated computer model visualization system so as to enhance a physician's understanding of the patient's interior anatomical structure A database defining a 3-D computer model comprises at least a first software object corresponding to the anatomical structure. A second software object having a surface is placed in registration with the first software object such that they coexist in a single coordinate system. A movable sensor, such as an endoscope, acquires a real-time video image which is texture mapped onto the surface of the second software object. A processing device is provided to generate an image from the first and second registered software objects taken from any specified point of view relative to the single coordinate system.

Abstract: A video-based surgical targeting system for targeting anatomical structures within a patient.

Abstract: An anatomical visualization system includes a first database that includes a plurality of 2-D slice images generated by scanning a structure. The 2-D slice images are stored in a first data format. A second database is also provided that comprises a 3-D computer model of the scanned structure. The 3-D computer model includes a first software object that is defined by a 3-D geometry database. Apparatus are provided for inserting a second software object into the 3-D computer model so as to augment the 3-D computer model. The second software object is defined by a 3-D geometry database, and includes a planar surface. Apparatus for determining the specific 2-D slice image associated with the position of the planar surface of the second software object within the augmented 3-D computer model are provided. Also provided are apparatus for texture mapping the specific 2-D slice image onto the planar surface of the second software object.

Abstract: A multiple view endoscope for providing "on command" images of a plurality of different fields of view surrounding the distal end of the endoscope without having to move the endoscope from an initially established position in order to access the different fields of view. A multiplicity of image capturing means are disposed in an array on the distal end to permit the operator to select and view either any one of, or any combination of, the multiple views provided by the multiplicity of image capturing means.

Abstract: An endoscopic viewing system for maintaining a surgeon's normal sense of kinesthesia during endoscopic surgery regardless of the orientation of the endoscope vis-a-vis the surgeon.