Abstract:
An anatomical visualization system is provided which includes a first database comprising a plurality of 2-D slice images generated by scanning a structure. The 2D slice images are stored in a first data format. A second database comprising a 3-D computer model of the scanned structure is also provided. The 3-D computer model includes a first software object defined by a 3-D geometry database. Apparatus is provided for inserting a second software object into the 3-D computer model so as to augment the 3-D computer model. The second software object is defined by a 3-D geometry database, and includes a planar surface. Apparatus for determining the specific 2-D slice image associated with the position of the planar surface of the second software object within the augmented 3-D computer model are provided in a preferred embodiment. Also provided are apparatus for texture mapping the specific 2-D slice image onto the planar surface of the second software object. Display apparatus is provided for displaying an image of the augmented 3-D computer model so as to simultaneously provide a view of the first software object and the specific 2-D slice image texture mapped onto the planar surface of the second software object. In another form of the invention, apparatus and method are provided for determining patient-specific anatomical dimensions using appropriate scanned 2-D slice image information.
Abstract:
The present invention provides an anatomical visualization and measurement system including a first database of 2-D slice images and a second database including a 3-D computer model defining a first software object. Apparatus is provided for selecting a 2-D slice image from the first database. Apparatus is also provided for inserting a second software object into the 3-D computer model. The second software object includes a planar surface and is inserted into the 3-D computer model at the position which corresponds to the position of the selected 2-D slice image relative to the scanned structure. Apparatus is also provided for texture mapping the 2-D slice image onto the planar surface. Display apparatus is provided for displaying an image which simultaneously provides a view of the first software object and the 2-D slice image texture mapped onto the planar surface. An apparatus and method are also provided for determining structural dimensions and volumes using appropriate scanned 2-D slice image information. The present invention permits an appropriate set of scanned 2-D images to be assembled into a 3-D database, information regarding selected structural features to be segmented out of the 3-D database, and measurements to be made based on these structural features. In addition, the present invention permits a set of oblique images to be generated based on these structural features, which oblique images may themselves be used for measurement purposes.
Abstract:
A multiple view endoscope for providing "on command" images of a plurality of different fields of view surrounding the distal end of the endoscope without having to move the endoscope from an initially established position in order to access the different fields of view. A multiplicity of image capturing means are disposed in an array on the distal end to permit the operator to select and view either any one of, or any combination of, the multiple views provided by the multiplicity of image capturing means.
Abstract:
An endoscopic viewing system for maintaining a surgeon's normal sense of kinesthesia during endoscopic surgery regardless of the orientation of the endoscope vis-a-vis the surgeon.
Abstract:
The present invention provides an anatomical visualization system comprising a first database that comprises a plurality of 2-D slice images generated by scanning a structure. The 2-D slice images are stored in a first data format. A second database is also provided that comprises a 3-D computer model of the scanned structure. The 3-D computer model comprises a first software object that is defined by a 3-D geometry database. Apparatus are provided for inserting a second software object into the 3-D computer model so as to augment the 3-D computer model. The second software object is also defined by a 3-D geometry database, and includes a planar surface. Apparatus for determining the specific 2-D slice image associated with the position of the planar surface of the second software object within the augmented 3-D computer model are provided in a preferred embodiment of the invention. Also provided are apparatus for texture mapping the specific 2-D slice image onto the planar surface of the second software object. Display apparatus are provided for displaying an image of the augmented 3-D computer model so as to simultaneously provide a view of the first software object and the specific 2-D slice image texture mapped onto the planar surface of the second software object. In another form of the present invention, apparatus and method are provided for determining patient-specific anatomical dimensions using appropriate scanned 2-D slice image information. The apparatus and method are particularly well suited for determining patient-specific anatomical dimensions with respect to branching anatomical structures, e.g., vascular structures.
Abstract:
A multiple view endoscope provides “on command” images of a plurality of different fields of view surrounding the distal end of the endoscope without having to move the endoscope from an initially established position in order to access the different fields of view. In one embodiment, a CCD element comprising a plurality of CCD cells forms a circumferential band about the distal portion of the endoscope. In another embodiment, the plurality of CCD cells covers substantially all of the outer side wall of the shaft adjacent to the distal end. In both embodiments, a processing device functions to either use the outputs from all the CCD cells to generate a display image or use the outputs from only selected ones of the CCD cells to generate a display image of a selected portion of the entire image captured by the CCD element.
Abstract:
A system for determining a dimension of an anatomical structure using an appropriate set of 2-D slice images obtained by scanning the anatomical structure, the system comprising: assembling apparatus for assembling the set of scanned 2-D slice images into a 3-D database; extracting apparatus for extracting an anatomical feature from the information contained in the 3-D database; specifying apparatus for specifying a measurement to be ade based on the extracted anatomical feature; and calculating apparatus for calculating the measurement so specified.