INTERACTIVE ACQUISITION, ANALYSIS, AND VISUALIZATION OF SONOGRAPHIC VOLUME DATA

This article discusses the design features of an interactive system fo r acquiring, analyzing, and displaying volume sonographic patient data . Methods for reprojection of two-dimensional (2D) sonographic image d ata into a volume matrix are discussed. We describe an intuitive, easy -to-use graphical user interface that facilitates physician operation of a system incorporating an interactive volume renderer for optimizat ion of viewing orientation and data presentation and incorporates ster eoscopic viewing. Visualization methods are described that permit the operator interactively to extract tissues or organs of interest from t he rest of the volume scanned. Selected examples of clinical images ar e given to demonstrate system capability. The system represents a cost -effective 3D ultrasound system integrating clinical scanners and grap hics workstations. (C) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.