Abstract: A source (A) of images, such as a CT scanner (10), a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (12), and the like produces a plurality of basis images (I.sub.0, I.sub.1, I.sub.2, I.sub.3 . . . ). Two of the basis images are subtracted and divided (70, 72) by a number of interpolation increments (L.sub.1) to form a first differential image (I.sub..DELTA.1). The first and the third basis images are subtracted and divided (76, 78) by a number of available interpolation increments (L.sub.2) to form a second differential image (I.sub..DELTA.2). Four differential images are selectively combined and divided by a product of the first and second available increments (82, 84) to form a second order differential image (I.sup.2.sub..DELTA.12). An array of adders (D) selectively adds the first differential image to a currently displayed image stored in an image memory E each time a track ball (104) moves a cursor one increment in a horizontal position.

Abstract: During surgery, a physician speaks commands that are received by a microphone (10). A speech processor (12) converts audio signals from the microphone into word signals. A command interpreter (14) compares each word signal with a list of previously authorized command words. When the word signal corresponds to one of the preselected command words, a corresponding command signal is generated and sent to a volume imager (18), a video recorder (20), a hard copy, printer (28), or other system component. The volume imager generates an image representation signal indicative of a portion of image data stored therein which is displayed on a video monitor (B) or recorded on the video recorder.

Abstract: A C.T. scanner (A) or other medical diagnostic imager generates volume image data which is stored in an image memory (B). An image memory access controller (30) withdraws selected pixel values from the volume image memory which it provides a video processor (20) to formulate the appropriate video signals for display on a video monitor (C). An operator defines a volume on an operator controller (32). A plurality of interconnected polygons define the three-dimensional volume specified by the operator. The video processor converts these defined polygons into an appropriate display on the monitor. The polygons are selected to define a subregion to be viewed. The polygons are rotated about one or more of (x), (y), and (z) axis, scaled, and translated along these axis to select an orientation from which the polygon and enclosed data is to be viewed. The rotation, scaling and translation is stored (38, 40, 42).

Abstract: A system for three-dimensional diagnostic imaging generates a plurality of slice images of a specimen. A region of interest is selected from within a slice and is extrapolated to subsequent slices. A boundary indicative of a surface of interest is selected from within the region of interest to facilitate generation of an image representative of a three-dimensional surface of interest to be assembled from subsequent slices of the plurality. A viewing surface is defined in relation to a generated surface image which was selected from the boundary. A scaling means assigns a scaled gray level to the three-dimensional image to facilitate three-dimensional viewing of the object when it is projected on the viewing surface. Image information is selectably modified by data from the original slice images to add surface density visualization. Means is also provided to facilitate selective segmentation of a three-dimensional image along a plane or planes of interest.

Abstract: A diagnostic imaging system generates a three-dimensional display from a series of two-dimensional slice images. A region of interest, defined from a boundary of interest, is selected from one slice and is extrapolated to subsequent slices. Pixels representative of the boundary of interest are isolated and represented by three vectors having an equivalent entries in each. First and second vectors store data representative of first and second coordinates for pixels within each slice. Entries in the third vector corresponds to physical properties of a specimen at a location defined by corresponding entries in the first and second vectors. Areas representative of boundaries of interest falling between slices are extrapolated from vector data from slices neighboring the area. This is accomplished by a linear interpolation of elements of the set of smaller vectors to a number equivalent to the entries in the neighboring larger vectors.

Abstract: A system for three-dimensional diagnostic imaging generates a plurality of slice images of a specimen. A region of interest is selected from within a slice and is extrapolated to subsequent slices. A boundary of indicative of a surface of interest is selected from within the region of interest to facilitate generation of an image representation of a three-dimensional surface of interest to be assembled from subsequent slices of the plurality. A viewing surface is defined in relation to a generated surface image which was selected from the boundary. A scaling means assigns a scaled gray level to the three-dimensional image to facilitate three-dimensional viewing of the object when it is projected on the viewing surface. Image information is selectably modified by data from the original slice images to add surface density visualization. Means is also provided to facilitate selective segmentation of a three-dimensional image along a plane or planes of interest.