Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for fusing tissue characterization information into ultrasound images. In one example, a method includes obtaining first image data of an anatomical region of interest (ROI) of a patient, the first image data including tissue characterization information and acquired with a first imaging modality; obtaining second image data of the anatomical ROI of the patient, the second image data acquired with a second imaging modality; registering the first image data and the second image data; adjusting the second image data based on the tissue characterization information and the registration, wherein the adjusting includes filtering, adjusting colorization, adjusting brightness, and/or adjusting material appearance properties of one or more aspects of the second image data; generating a fused image from the adjusted second image data; and outputting the fused image for display and/or storage.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system and method includes acquiring volumetric Doppler data, identifying a first subset of the volumetric Doppler data with turbulent characteristics, identifying a second subset of the volumetric Doppler data with non-turbulent characteristics, and generating a volume-rendered image based at least in part on the volumetric Doppler data. Generating the volume-rendered image includes rendering a turbulent flow volume based on the first subset in a first color, rendering a non-turbulent flow volume based on the second subset in two or more colors that are different than the first color. Generating the volume-rendered image includes rendering an outer perimeter of the non-turbulent flow volume with a higher opacity than a central region of the non-turbulent flow volume. The ultrasound imaging system and method includes displaying the volume-rendered image.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a virtual light source includes generating a volume-rendered image including a rendered object, controlling a shading and an illumination of the volume-rendered image based on a position of the virtual light source with respect to the rendered object, and receiving a control input from a user interface. The system and method includes automatically moving the virtual light source to an updated position along a height contour established with respect to a surface of a rendered object in the volume-rendered image in response to the control input. The system and method includes calculating an updated shading and an updated illumination based on the updated virtual light source position.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a virtual light source includes generating a volume-rendered image including a rendered object, controlling a shading and an illumination of the volume-rendered image based on a position of the virtual light source with respect to the rendered object, and receiving a control input from a user interface. The system and method includes automatically moving the virtual light source to an updated position along a height contour established with respect to a surface of a rendered object in the volume-rendered image in response to the control input. The system and method includes calculating an updated shading and an updated illumination based on the updated virtual light source position.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system and method includes acquiring volumetric Doppler data, identifying a first subset of the volumetric Doppler data with turbulent characteristics, identifying a second subset of the volumetric Doppler data with non-turbulent characteristics, and generating a volume-rendered image based at least in part on the volumetric Doppler data. Generating the volume-rendered image includes rendering a turbulent flow volume based on the first subset in a first color, rendering a non-turbulent flow volume based on the second subset in two or more colors that are different than the first color. Generating the volume-rendered image includes rendering an outer perimeter of the non-turbulent flow volume with a higher opacity than a central region of the non-turbulent flow volume. The ultrasound imaging system and method includes displaying the volume-rendered image.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for medical imaging. In one embodiment, a method comprises displaying a volume-rendered image from a 3D medical imaging dataset; positioning a first virtual marker within a rendered volume of the volume-rendered image, the rendered volume defined by the 3D medical imaging dataset; and illuminating the rendered volume by projecting simulated light from the first virtual marker. In this way, the illumination of the rendered volume by the first virtual marker visually indicates the position and depth of the first virtual marker within the volume-rendered image.