Abstract: An image rendering apparatus comprises processing circuitry configured to: obtain a volumetric medical imaging data set representative of a region of a material; associate an extinction color with the material; obtain from a user a color value; determine a modified extinction color for the material based on the color value obtained from the user; and render a global illumination image from the volumetric medical imaging data set using the modified extinction color.

Abstract: A medical image data processing system comprising processing circuitry configured to receive three-dimensional medical imaging data; and process the three-dimensional medical imaging data to generate using a virtual light source an image for display, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to vary at least one parameter relevant to the virtual light source in dependence on at least one of a position of a medical device inserted into a human or animal body, a position of a viewing point for virtual endoscopic imaging, and the progress of a procedure.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide an image data processing apparatus, comprising a data receiving unit configured to receive image data that is representative of a fetus, a color determination unit for determining a color based on a property of a parent of the fetus, and a rendering unit configured to render using the determined color an image of at least part of the fetus from the image data.

Abstract: A medical imaging data processing apparatus comprising a data receiving unit for receiving imaging data, a rendering unit for rendering images from the imaging data according to one or more rendering parameters and a selection unit configured to output a plurality of images rendered by the rendering unit. At least one of the plurality of output images is rendered using one or more rendering parameter having a value that is different to the value used to render one or more of the other rendered images. The output images are selectable to select the value of one or more rendering parameters associated with the selected image.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprising a volume data unit for obtaining a volumetric image data set, and a rendering process unit configured to set a position of a light source, determine a plurality of sample points with respect to the volumetric image data set, for each sample point, determine at least one offset point, wherein the or each offset point is positioned at a respective offset distance from the sample point, for each offset point, determine an irradiance arising from light virtually emitted from the light source, determine or refine an irradiance at each sample point based on the irradiance at its respective at least one offset point, and render, based on the determined or refined irradiances at the sample points, an image.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprising a volume data unit for obtaining a volumetric image data set, and a rendering process unit configured to set a position of a light source, determine a plurality of sample points with respect to the volumetric image data set, for each sample point, determine at least one offset point, wherein the or each offset point is positioned at a respective offset distance from the sample point, for each offset point, determine an irradiance arising from light virtually emitted from the light source, determine or refine an irradiance at each sample point based on the irradiance at its respective at least one offset point, and render, based on the determined or refined irradiances at the sample points, an image.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a photo-realistic rendering apparatus and method. An illumination model is used that includes placing a synthetic or virtual light source adjacent a region of tissue of interest in order to visualize the thickness of the tissue by modeling how light from the virtual light source interacts with the tissue of interest, through effects including absorption and scattering, as light emitted from the light source travels through the tissue of interest to a view point of view plane. It is simulated how some light is absorbed making tissue regions that are thicker darker (since more of the light is absorbed and the intensity reduces) and more red (since tissue tends to absorb blue and green wavelengths more strongly than red wavelengths and this chromatic effect is incorporated in the illumination model). A 2D image can thus be provided in which the color and intensity of light propagating through the tissue provides visual feedback on the tissue thickness.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic device includes a first rendering unit, a second rendering unit, a superimposition processing unit, a display control unit. The first rendering unit generates a first rendering image according to a first rendering method based on volume data collected by three-dimensionally scanning a subject with ultrasonic waves. The second rendering unit generates a second rendering image according to a second rendering method that is different from the first rendering method, based on the volume data. The superimposition processing unit generates a superimposed image in which at least a part of the first rendering image and a part of the second rendering image are superimposed on each other. The display control unit causes a display device to display the superimposed image. The superimposition processing unit adjusts a superimposition ratio of the first and second rendering images in the superimposed image.

Abstract: Image rendering apparatus for rendering an image from a set of image data representing a volume, the apparatus comprises a rendering unit configured to perform a sampling process that comprises determining values of opacity for a plurality of sample positions along a specified path through the volume; at least one of a) determining values of colour/grayscale for the plurality of sample positions along the specified path, b) determining gradient values for a plurality of gradient positions along the specified path; and determining whether there is a transition to or from a high opacity state, and if there is a transition to or from a high opacity state modifying at least pad of the sampling process, wherein the rendering unit is further configured to process the determined values of opacity, colour/grayscale and/or gradient to determine a pixel value for a pixel of the image.

Abstract: A medical imaging data processing apparatus comprising a data receiving unit for receiving imaging data, a rendering unit for rendering images from the imaging data according to one or more rendering parameters and a selection unit configured to output a plurality of images rendered by the rendering unit. At least one of the plurality of output images is rendered using one or more rendering parameter having a value that is different to the value used to render one or more of the other rendered images. The output images are selectable to select the value of one or more rendering parameters associated with the selected image.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide an image data processing apparatus, comprising a data receiving unit configured to receive image data that is representative of a fetus, a color determination unit for determining a color based on a property of a parent of the fetus, and a rendering unit configured to render using the determined color an image of at least part of the fetus from the image data.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a photo-realistic rendering apparatus and method. An illumination model is used that includes placing a synthetic or virtual light source adjacent a region of tissue of interest in order to visualize the thickness of the tissue by modeling how light from the virtual light source interacts with the tissue of interest, through effects including absorption and scattering, as light emitted from the light source travels through the tissue of interest to a view point of view plane. It is simulated how some light is absorbed making tissue regions that are thicker darker (since more of the light is absorbed and the intensity reduces) and more red (since tissue tends to absorb blue and green wavelengths more strongly than red wavelengths and this chromatic effect is incorporated in the illumination model). A 2D image can thus be provided in which the color and intensity of light propagating through the tissue provides visual feedback on the tissue thickness.