Patent ID: 6990231
Filing Date: 2006-01-24
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
1. A method for setting a view point in a predetermined position with respect to a virtual three-dimensional image of an object to be examined formed by stack of a plurality of sectional images or formed from at least one volume image and setting projection plane for projecting said virtual three-dimensional image from said view point so that said virtual three-dimensional image from said view point is projected onto said projection plane to thereby form and display a projection image, said method comprising: a reading step of reading out pixel values at intervals of a predetermined distance on a projection line with respect to said virtual three-dimensional image crossed by said projection line which goes from said view point toward said projection plane; a recording step in which with respect to a plurality of pixel value memories provided respectively corresponding to a plurality of predetermined values different from each other and provided with recording regions for respectively recording pixels constituting an image, when the read-out pixel value fits to one of said predetermined values, the pixel data are recorded in the pixel recording region corresponding to the fitted predetermined value; and a displaying step of reading out said pixel data stored in said pixel value memory and displaying said pixel data as a projection image on a display unit.