Patent ID: 8035639

Claim:
A method comprising: determining an alteration of a shape of a three-dimensional object from at least one two-dimensional image of the object, wherein the original three-dimensional shape of the object is known or is ascertained from the at least one two-dimensional image of the object as a three-dimensional model shape, including: rotating, in a computer system including a processor, the three-dimensional model shape such that at least one two-dimensional image or projection of the three-dimensional model shape matches or resembles at least one partial area or contour of the at least one two-dimensional image of the object, ascertaining at least one area in which the at least one two-dimensional image of the object deviates from the at least one two-dimensional projection of the three-dimensional model shape by comparing the at least one two-dimensional image of the object with the at least one two-dimensional projection, identifying the at least one deviating two-dimensional area as a deformed area and, back projecting the at least one deformed area onto the three-dimensional model shape to ascertain a three-dimensional deformation of the three-dimensional object as the alteration of the shape of the three-dimensional object.