Patent ID: 6690816
Filing Date: 2004-02-10
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
A method for processing at least one tubular object in a multi-dimensional image, comprising:(a) establishing a seed point in a multi-dimensional image; (b) searching for an extremum point corresponding to a tubular object having a central curve of intensity extrema; (c) extracting: a) a one-dimensional central track corresponding to the tubular object, and b) extents corresponding to a plurality of cross-sections along the tubular object, wherein the plurality of cross-sections intersects the one-dimensional central track; (d) convolving intensities of image elements within a vicinity of the extremum point with a filter to create the central curve of intensity extrema; (e) computing a first set of normal vectors at a first position corresponding to the extremum point, the first set of normal vectors being substantially orthogonal to the one-dimensional central track; (f) computing a first tangent vector at the first position, the first tangent vector being substantially parallel to the one-dimensional central track; (g) traversing to a second position by stepping from the first position in the direction along the tangent vector using a step size; (h) computing a second set of normal vectors at the second position, the second set of normal vectors being substantially orthogonal to the one-dimensional central track; (i) computing a second tangent vector at the second position, the second tangent vector being substantially parallel to the one-dimensional central track; (j) determining a proximity of the first position and the second position; (k) searching for an intensity maximum in a space defined by the first set of normal vectors when the second position is not substantially coincident with the central curve of intensity extrema; and (l) determining whether at least one stop traversing criteria is met.