Patent ID: 7103202
Filing Date: 2006-09-05
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
1. A method of analyzing an object data set which comprises points in a multi-dimensional space and in which a tubular structure occurs, the method comprising the following steps: a) choosing a starting position in or near a tubular structure; b) deriving a cutting plane through the tubular structure at a starting position; c) determining a number of points forming part of a surface of the tubular structure in a vicinity of the starting position; d) calculating a gradient to the surface for each of the points; e) determining for each point a vector from a center of the tubular structure to the point; f) determining an angle between the vector and the gradient at the point; g) adding the point to a selection of points if the angle is equal to or smaller than a predetermined ceiling value; h) using the selection of points to calculate an orientation for the cutting plane such that a direction thereof is as parallel as possible to a longitudinal axis of the tubular structure at the starting positiom; and i) repeating the steps a) through h) for a new starting position along the tubular structure if necessary.