Method and system for segmentation of tubular structures in 3D images
US8290247B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 1, 2008 |
| Grant date | Oct 16, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 14, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06T2207/30101
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and system for segmenting tubular structures in 3D images is disclosed. User inputs identifying a first region on the image inside of a tubular structure and a second region of the image outside of the tubular structure are received. Based on this information, an ordered series of pearls are generated along the tubular structure. Pearls are spheres, each having a center location and a radius determined based on the center locations and radii of previous pearls and on local voxel intensities in the image. A continuous model of the tubular structure can be generated by interpolating the center locations and radii of the ordered series of pearls. The ordered series of pearls can be displayed and easily edited in response to user input, thus providing an efficient and flexible method for interactive segmentation of a potion of interest in a tubular structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.