Patent ID: 6879711

Claim:
A method of automatic registration of three-dimensional images for visualization of the blood vessels by comparison of a three-dimensional digital angiography image obtained by means of a radiology apparatus and a three-dimensional digital image obtained by means of a nuclear magnetic resonance apparatus, each three dimensional image being composed of a plurality of voxels, comprising: from a point of correspondence between the two three-dimensional images, an estimate is made by processing of the projected two-dimensional images of a rotation capable of registering the two three-dimensional images; where the rotation estimate comprises: selection of the voxels of each three-dimensional image, lying between an outer surface and an inner surface, both surfaces embracing the point of correspondence; radial projection on a spherical surface of voxels of maximum intensity among the voxels selected for each three-dimensional image; generation of a two-dimensional image for each three-dimensional image, by projection on a plane in a three-dimensional mark centered on the point of correspondence in order to flatten the sphere; calculation of the correlation between the two-dimensional images projected with zero angular displacement, followed by a positive and then negative angular displacement along each axis of the three-dimensional mark; and calculation of the angular displacement between the three-dimensional images corresponding to the displacement presenting the maximum correlation between the two-dimensional images; one of the two three-dimensional images is registered in relation to the other; an estimate is made by processing of the projected two-dimensional images of a translation capable of registering the two three-dimensional images; and one of the two three-dimensional images is registered in relation to the other.