Abstract: A method is provided for synchronizing corresponding landmarks among a plurality of images of an elastic object. The method includes identifying a plurality of landmarks in a first image of the object and a second image of the object, determining a correspondence between the landmarks in the first image and the landmarks in the second image, determining a distance transformation between a pair of adjacent landmarks in the first image and the corresponding pair of adjacent landmarks in the second image, and when displaying the first and second images, using the distance transformation to smoothly navigate between the adjacent landmarks such that corresponding landmarks of the first and second images are arrived at about simultaneously during navigation.

Abstract: For the automatic detection and characterization of nodules in a tomographic image of an anatomical zone of a patient, the image is segmented for identifying therein a region of interest, and the segmented image is processed for identifying the nodule. During the processing step, an ellipsoid inscribed in the region of interest is modeled for deciding whether the image elements inscribed in this ellipsoid correspond to a nodule, and, for each zone of the region of interest extending beyond the ellipsoid, the image elements are identified which do not belong to the module according to mathematical morphologic criteria.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for automatically synchronizing multiple images. Multiple image sets of a single object are converted into a one dimensional data stream used to synchronize multiple image sets. A common reference point is located in the image sets. Various landmarks of the object are also located in the image sets. Corresponding landmarks among the image sets are noted. Distances from landmarks to the reference point and distances between landmarks are determined. Locations of the landmarks in relation to each other and in relation to the reference point are used to locate landmarks in another image set that correspond to landmarks in a selected image set. A first location in an image set may be identified using a first indicator. A second indicator corresponding to the location of the first indicator may then be determined in another image set.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of visualization of a part of a three-dimensional image. The part is defined by a finite predetermined volume, a sphere, for example, the center of which is located on an element of interest present in the three-dimensional image. In order to do so, a point is selected on the element of interest, a sphere is created in the three-dimensional image, the dimensions of which are predetermined and the center of which is the point on the element of interest, an intersection is made between the sphere and the three-dimensional image, and then the part of the three-dimensional image contained in the sphere is displayed.

Abstract: A method for generating views of a heart along anatomically useful planes includes generating a prescription image of a heart, receiving data regarding a position of at least one landmark on the prescription image to define a series of slices through the heart along at least one anatomical plane lane, generating a plurality of images under software control, and saving the generated images.

Abstract: An method for automatically extracting a three-dimensional sub-structure, for example a coronary vessel tree, from a plurality of slice images comprises the steps of depositing a seed point within a selected region of interest and segmenting the plurality of slice images responsive to the deposition of the seed point. The segmentation is performed in accordance with a plurality of predetermined classification values to extract the three-dimensional sub-structure. A method for automatically segmenting comprises the steps of receiving a deposited seed point, extracting a plurality of desired regions within the sub-structure and generating a segmented sub-structure from the extracted desired regions.

Abstract: For the automatic detection and characterization of nodules in a tomographic image of an anatomical zone of a patient, the image is segmented for identifying therein a region of interest, and the segmented image is processed for identifying the nodule.

Abstract: A method for generating views of a heart along anatomically useful planes includes generating a prescription image of a heart, receiving data regarding a position of at least one landmark on the prescription image to define a series of slices through the heart along at least one anatomical plane lane, generating a plurality of images under software control, and saving the generated images.

Abstract: A method for interactively creating a region of interest of a reconstructed image includes defining a thickness value, defining a polygon, and defining a 3D projection geometry. The method also includes defining a vector perpendicular to a line of sight which is defined by the 3D projection geometry, swiping the vector along the polygon to create a surface of interest, and displaying three dimensionally a plurality of points wherein a distance from the points to the created surface along the line of sight is approximately the defined thickness value or less.