Development of real-time deformation methods of 3D volumetric images and their applications to medical image processing

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In this research, we investigated on real-time image deformation, its visualization and adequate algorithms depending on applications to develop novel processing techniques of high resolution 3-D medical images in the clinical field.(1) Construction of deformation modelWe modeled deformation that can represent mutual interaction between organs and soft tissues as well as self-interaction, since deformation inside a human body includes deformation of organs and surrounding soft tissues. We constructed simple anatomical models and applied the deformation models developed here to them. We used not only conventional models such as finite element model and mass-spring model but also specific models to anatomical structures.(2) Development of recognition methods of human anatomical structures from medical imagesAnatomical structures such as organ shapes and their internal structures are represented by intensity values in 3D medical images. Therefore, by analyzing intensity profiles in medical images, we developed methods for recognizing organs' positions, shapes and internal structures.(3) Development of a method for registering deformation model anatomical structuresWe discussed on a method for registering deformation model to anatomical structures recognized in (2).(4) Data structure for holding deformation processWe investigated on data structure that holds each deformation process. Also we took visualization process into account in the development.(5) Development of real-time visualization method of deformation processWe developed real-time visualization methods that can treat tremendous amount of image data produced during deformation process.(6) Construction of human atlasWe constructed abdominal organ atlas (a set of segmentation results) to achieve an image segmentation system utilizing real-time image deformation model.