Image post-processing, such as what is known as multi-planar reformatting (MPR) known in the prior art, is a task that is often encountered in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Once image data is loaded into post-processing programs, the user can generate views along any arbitrary planes by rotating the data set in 3-D space.
Multi-planar reformatting is the use of a 3-D image data set to create a data set representing an arbitrary slice plane of the 3-D image data set so that a slice image can then be viewed.
It is known in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using the Siemens AG, Munich, Germany, MRI imaging software known as the Syngo system, including the 3-D image post processing tool thereof, to display arbitrary planes also known as slices of a 3-D MRI image which has been stored. This prior art tool in the Syngo system can display such arbitrary slices of a portion of the human body, such as the heart. Such images are known in the prior art, as explained above, as multi-planar reformat (MPR) images. Such an arbitrary plane can be freely moved through the data cube representing the 3-D image.
In such prior art, however, for post-processing of images for multi-planar reformatting, such MPRs are performed manually by rotating the 3-D data set until the desired plane is visualized.
It is an object to provide a three point tool which makes generation of multi-planar reformatting images much easier.
In a method for displaying a medical image, a user defines three points in an anatomy of interest at different locations. A plane is then automatically generated from the three points.
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the preferred embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and/or method, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur now or in the future to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
Any three points in space describe a unique plane. This principle is used in the present preferred embodiment as a three-point tool in the software improvement to the Siemens Syngo plafform 3-D image post processing tool. By using the three points 12A, 12B, and 12C defined in
The above-described improved 3-D system tool as a three point tool is very useful. MPR's are a widely used tool for medical imaging. In MRI, it is widely used for reformatting cardiac, vascular, and body images. Not only is this system tool useful for MRI imaging purposes, but may also be extended to other modalities of imaging such as by way of example only, computer tomography (CT) imaging.
While a preferred embodiment has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention both now or in the future are desired to be protected.