Patent ID: 6266453
Filing Date: 2001-07-24
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
An autofusion method comprising the steps of:(a) generating a first image data volume of a structure using a first modality;(b) generating an image data volume of the structure using a second modality;(c) processing the first image data volume so that the first image data volume is capable of being selectively displayed;(d) processing the second image data volume so that the second image data volume is capable of being selectively displayed;(e) selectively displaying at least two different plane views of the first image data volume at two discrete locations on a display means;(f) selectively displaying at least two different plane views of the second image data volume at the two discrete locations on the display means, with the plane views of the second image data volume being of a same portion of the structure as the plane views of the first image data volume;(g) scaling the plane views of the second image data volume to a scale of the plane views of the first image data volume; and(h) aligning the scaled plane views of the second image data volume with the plane views of the first image data volume including the substeps of,(1) translating the scaled plane views of the second image data volume to a position in each plane view in which predetermined points of the second image data volume approximate corresponding points in the first image data volume,(2) rotating the scaled and translated plane views of the second image data volume to a position in each view in which predetermined points of the second image data volume approximate corresponding points in the first image data volume, with the approximation at step (h)(2) being a closer approximation than the approximation at step (h)(1), and(3) substantially simultaneously updating each plane view of the first image data volume with each selection movement with respect to the first image data volume, and(4) substantially simultaneously updating each plane view of the second image data volume with each selection and alignment movement with respect to the second data volume.