Abstract: Disclosed is an algorithm for applying a morphological operation to an image. In one embodiment, the morphological operation is iteratively applied to a focal pixel of the image and to another pixel of the image. The other pixel is located at an offset with respect to the focal pixel. The offset is based on an operation count. In another embodiment, the algorithm includes performing a morphological operation on an image using a convex structuring element. A work structuring element having dimensions corresponding to the outer-most dimensions of the convex structuring element is iteratively applied to the image. The dimensions of the work structuring element are then adjusted to correspond to the remaining outer dimensions of the convex structuring element not yet covered by the previous work structuring element. The applying and adjusting steps are repeated until a predetermined number of morphological operations have been performed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for detecting a structure (e.g., an airway) within an image. The method and system generate a segmented image from the original (reconstructed) image. The method and system then iteratively apply three dimensional morphological operators of varying sizes to the image to obtain a resulting image. The method and system obtain a candidate mask, apply the candidate mask to the resulting image to generate a masked resulting image, and update the segmented image using the masked resulting image to detect the structure. In one embodiment, the segmented image is generated from region growing. Also disclosed is a method to determine different regions of interest within a given segmented image based on computed projections and boundary lines of the segmented image.

Abstract: A system and method for 3D visualization of a pair of lungs are provided. The method comprises: segmenting image data of the pair of lungs and lung parenchyma; generating a 3D map as a function of the segmented image data; and rendering the 3D map as a color-coded semi-transparent 3D volume, wherein an opaque region highlights an area of interest.

Abstract: Disclosed is an algorithm for applying a morphological operation to an image. In one embodiment, the morphological operation is iteratively applied to a focal pixel of the image and to another pixel of the image. The other pixel is located at an offset with respect to the focal pixel. The offset is based on an operation count. In another embodiment, the algorithm includes performing a morphological operation on an image using a convex structuring element. A work structuring element having dimensions corresponding to the outer-most dimensions of the convex structuring element is iteratively applied to the image. The dimensions of the work structuring element are then adjusted to correspond to the remaining outer dimensions of the convex structuring element not yet covered by the previous work structuring element. The applying and adjusting steps are repeated until a predetermined number of morphological operations have been performed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for detecting a structure (e.g., an airway) within an image. The method and system generate a segmented image from the original (reconstructed) image. The method and system then iteratively apply three dimensional morphological operators of varying sizes to the image to obtain a resulting image. The method and system obtain a candidate mask, apply the candidate mask to the resulting image to generate a masked resulting image, and update the segmented image using the masked resulting image to detect the structure. In one embodiment, the segmented image is generated from region growing. Also disclosed is a method to determine different regions of interest within a given segmented image based on computed projections and boundary lines of the segmented image.

Abstract: A system and method for 3D visualization of a pair of lungs are provided. The method comprises: segmenting image data of the pair of lungs and lung parenchyma; generating a 3D map as a function of the segmented image data; and rendering the 3D map as a color-coded semi-transparent 3D volume, wherein an opaque region highlights an area of interest.