Patent ID: 6415048
Filing Date: 2002-07-02
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
In a computer system comprising a processor, a method of performing data analysis on an image of a 3-dimensional object, the image comprising a series of 2-dimensional image slices, the method comprising:inputting the image into the computer system; using the processor to analyze each image slice of the image and to divide each image slice into at least one 2-dimesional region that corresponds to a 3-dimensional region within the object to investigate a feature of said 3-dimensional region, wherein the analysis step comprises the steps of: inputting into the processor criteria corresponding to characteristics of a known region; and comparing said criteria with each image slice in order to identify said at least one 2-dimensional region; using the processor to derive information describing said at least one 2-dimensional region in each image slice; using the processor to combine said derived information for said at least one 2-dimensional region from the image slices to determine said feature of said 3-dimensional region; using the processor to compare said feature of said 3-dimensional region to a feature of a reference region in order to determine a difference between said 3-dimensional region and said reference region; using the processor to interpret said difference to form a conclusion as to a likely cause of said difference; and using the processor to communicate said conclusion as to said likely cause to a user.