The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 17, 2001
Filed:
Oct. 15, 1997
Vincent J. Argiro, Fairfield, IA (US);
Vital Images, Inc., Plymouth, MN (US);
Abstract
Controlling the attributes (such as transparency) of volume-rendered images via a window/level mechanism when the images are displayed is disclosed. A volume-rendered image includes a set of voxel data representing an object. The set of voxel data has a range of voxel values, and each voxel datum (or voxel) has at least a voxel value and an attribute value (such as a transparency value). In one embodiment, a computerized system includes a characteristic selector, a level point and window set, and a viewer. The characteristic selector permits a user to select a characteristic to control an attribute of the set of voxel data, such as transparency. The level point and window set permits the user to set the level point and the window within the range of voxel values, where the window is centered at the level point and the characteristic is at least applicable within the window. The viewer displays the set of voxel data, such that the attribute values of voxel data having voxel values within the window are changed as governed by the characteristic selected. Desirably, the characteristics are predetermined in a clinical manner to promote optimal viewing.