Abstract: A method for processing medical images for use in the detection and diagnosis of disease comprises classifying regions of interest within the medical images based on a hierarchy of anatomical models and signal models of signal information of an image acquisition device used to acquire the medical images. The anatomical models are derived to be representative of anatomical information indicative of a given disease. A computer-aided system for use in the diagnosis and detection of disease comprises an image acquisition device for acquiring a plurality of image data sets and a processor adapted to process the image data sets. The processor is adapted to classify selected tissue types within the image data sets based on a hierarchy of signal and anatomical models and the processor is further adapted to differentiate anatomical context of the classified tissue types for use in the diagnosis and detection of disease.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting iron using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is provided. The method comprises acquiring magnetic resonance (MR) images by a selected pulse sequence to enhance brain iron deposits using a MRI system having a substantially high magnetic field strength and characterizing regions of interest within the MR images having statistically relevant quantities of iron deposits to indicate a given disease.

Abstract: A method and system for pacing a vehicle along a path of travel is described. The method includes determining a geographical location of the vehicle, displaying a vehicle position icon representative of the geographical location, determining an optimal position for the vehicle, displaying a pace icon representative of the optimal position for the vehicle, and operating the vehicle to maintain a vehicle position icon displayed on the operator pace display substantially coincident with the pace icon displayed on the operator pace display.

Abstract: A method for processing medical images for use in the detection and diagnosis of disease comprises classifying regions of interest within the medical images based on a hierarchy of anatomical models and signal models of signal information of an image acquisition device used to acquire the medical images. The anatomical models are derived to be representative of anatomical information indicative of a given disease. A computer-aided system for use in the diagnosis and detection of disease comprises an image acquisition device for acquiring a plurality of image data sets and a processor adapted to process the image data sets. The processor is adapted to classify selected tissue types within the image data sets based on a hierarchy of signal and anatomical models and the processor is further adapted to differentiate anatomical context of the classified tissue types for use in the diagnosis and detection of disease.

Abstract: A mechanism for improving connectivity processing of computer axial tomography and magnetic resonance images by a fast, stack independent, iterative method first designates a pixel of an object material of interest in an image as a seed pixel. The mechanism then performs connectivity processing by starting at the seed pixel and evaluating the next forward direct neighbor pixel to determine if it is within the object material of interest. If the direct neighbor pixel is within the object, the direct neighbor pixel is marked as a new seed pixel and the connectivity mechanism evaluates the next forward direct neighbor pixel, continuing in a left-to-right and top-to-bottom fashion.

Abstract: A method and system for creating three-dimensional models comprises the steps of generating a three-dimensional object model from a plurality of digital images of an object, creating three-dimensional coordinates from the plurality of images, identifying coordinates on a CAD model of a part which correspond to the three-dimensional coordinates, calculating a transformation matrix between the three-dimensional coordinates and the coordinates on the CAD model, and applying the transformation matrix to the CAD model to position, scale, and orient the CAD model in the object model, thus creating a composite model.

Abstract: An analytical method for determining a cable occupancy volume includes obtaining a cable length and identifying a number and location of a plurality of cable supports for supporting the cable along its length. The cable occupancy volume that is generated is based on the cable length, the number of supports and the location of the supports. The instructions for practicing the method are encoded on a computer-readable storage medium.

Abstract: A patient surface is registered with a model surface based on curvature by acquiring patient range data and determining the curvature of the patient surface based on the range data. The patient surface is generated and shaded based on the curvature. A model surface is generated from image data and processed to determine the curvature of the model surface. The model surface is shaded to represent the curvature. The shaded patient surface and the shaded model surface are aligned in registration with each other by manipulating the patient surface and/or the model surface until the curvature features coincide.

Abstract: A system for display of interfaces within a block of raw data values comprises a model building portion groups data points into a cubes, receives a threshold and identifies cubes which a vertex data values which straddle the threshold. These are surface cubes. Gradient vectors for each vertex of each cube are determined by comparing the change in data values in three dimensions in a neighborhood around each vertex. The surface cubes and their associated gradient vectors are stored as a cube/vector model. his model may be tessellated and then displayed by conventional CAD/CAM workstations. A second display system is shown which employs a modified "Dividing Cubes" method to subdivide the cubes, interpolate each to a center point and associated vector, then backprojected to produce perspective.

Abstract: A system for displaying sets of surface cubes with gradient vertex vectors first employs a pointer table constructed to order the surface cubes so as to generally cause a row by row and layer by layer ordering during model creation. During display, a viewpoint is selected and a scan controller causes cubes to be displayed according to this order of the pointer table. A test backprojection of cubes to image plane is performed to determine which pixels will be impinged by the cubes. For pixels which have not been updated, or pixels which have been updated by a less superficial cube than the current cube, projection rays are created through the center of impinged pixels in a direction opposite that of the backprojection. An intersection point of the ray with a surface within a current cube is determined. The data value and gradient vectors for the current cube are interpolated at this intersection point.

Abstract: An interactive surgery planning and display system mixes live video of external surfaces of the patient with interactive computer generated models of internal anatomy obtained from medical diagnostic imaging data of the patient. The computer images and the live video are coordinated and displayed to a surgeon in real-time during surgery allowing the surgeon to view internal and external structures and the relation between them simultaneously, and adjust his surgery accordingly. In an alternative embodiment, a normal anatomical model is also displayed as a guide in reconstructive surgery. Another embodiment employs three-dimensional viewing.

Abstract: A group visualization system allowing users of a group, either at a local site or a remote site to view images personalized to each users specific needs. Each user of the team interactively selects personalize viewing parameters, such as portions of the model to be displayed and the angle to view the model. Each user may select an overlay map to be superimposed on the model and displayed in the same manner which the model is displayed. A user who is an electrical engineer may select a voltage overlay, which a mechanical engineer may select a stress/strain overlay of the same model. Each user may select the parameters specified by another user or users, either at the local site or a remote sites, to see what they are viewing. Each user has access to a pointer which allows each user to specify a location which a symbol is superimposed and is visible to selected users. This results in a tool allowing users of a group at various sites to act as a team interact with each other.