System and method for performing a three-dimensional virtual examination, navigation and visualization

US6343936B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• The Research Foundation of the State University of New York · US

Inventors

• Arie E. Kaufman · Plainview, US
• Zhengrong Liang · Stony Brook, US
• Mark R. Wax · Greenlawn, US
• Ming Wan · Sammamish, US
• Dongqing Chen · Port Jefferson Station, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 28, 2000
• Grant date: Feb 5, 2002
• Expiry date: Jan 28, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S345/959
• WIPO field: Computer technology
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A system and method for generating a three-dimensional visualization image of an object such as an organ using volume visualization techniques and exploring the image using a guided navigation system which allows the operator to travel along a flight path and to adjust the view to a particular portion of the image of interest in order, for example, to identify polyps, cysts or other abnormal features in the visualized organ. An electronic biopsy can also be performed on an identified growth or mass in the visualized object. Improved fly-path generation and volume rendering techniques provide enhanced navigation through, and examination of, a region of interest.