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  Drr generation and enhancement using a dedicated graphics deviceUSPTO Application #: 20080069422Title: Drr generation and enhancement using a dedicated graphics device Abstract: DRR generation and enhancement using a dedicated graphics device are described herein. In one embodiment, an example of a process for generating DRR (digitally reconstructed radiography) images includes, but is not limited to, loading a volume rendering program into a graphics device, the volume rendering program representing a predetermined algorithm according to a non-linear attenuation model. In response to 3D scan data, the graphics device is invoked to execute the volume rendering program to perform at least a portion of volume rendering operations on at least a portion of the 3D scan data, which may include modifying the 3D scan data according to the predetermined algorithm to compensate for a difference between a first attenuation of an object with respect to a second attenuation associating a known intensity of the object. Other methods and apparatuses are also described. (end of abstract)
Agent: Daniel E. Ovanezian Blakely, Sokoloff, Taylor & Zafman LLP - Los Angeles, CA, US Inventors: Bai Wang, Dongshan Fu USPTO Applicaton #: 20080069422 - Class: 382132000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Image Analysis, Applications, Dna Or Rna Pattern Reading, X-ray Film Analysis (e.g., Radiography) The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20080069422. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 11/166,686 filed Jun. 23, 2005. COPYRIGHT NOTICES [0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0003] The present invention relates generally to imaging processing. More particularly, this invention relates to digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRR) generation and enhancement using a dedicated graphics device. BACKGROUND [0004] In image registration, an optimal transformation is preferred between different image acquisitions of one or more objects. Image registration techniques may be used in a medical field to relate a pre-operative image of a patient's anatomy to a near real time image of the patient during actual treatment. During a radiosurgery, for example, changes in target position at the time of treatment, as compared to its position at the time of the diagnostic treatment planning, may be detected. This may be accomplished by registering the 2D image acquired at a treatment time with the 3D scan data obtained at the time of treatment planning. A robust and accurate 2D-3D image registration algorithm may enable the position of the target, as viewed in the real-time 2D image, to be properly correlated with the pre-operative 3D scan. In practice, a formal mathematical transformation may be derived that best aligns the pre-operative image coordinate system with the patient's physical world coordinate system, defined for example in the treatment room. [0005] Fiducial markers may be attached to or implanted within a patient before the pre-operative images are acquired, in order to accomplish a point-based alignment of the different coordinate systems. These fiducial markers are typically designed so that they can be localized relatively accurately in the pre-operative image, as well as in the real physical world. The respective localization points may then be used to calculate a rigid body transformation between the two coordinate systems. [0006] The tracking of fiducials can be difficult for the patient. For example, a high accuracy tends to be achieved by using bone-implanted fiducial markers, but less invasive techniques such as skin-attached markers or anatomical positions tend to be less accurate. Implantation of fiducials into a patient may be painful and difficult, especially for the C-spine. The implantation process for which may frequently lead to clinical complications. Attempts have therefore been made to develop techniques for fiducial-less tracking. [0007] By using anatomical structures, such as skeletal or vertebral structures, as reference points, the need for fiducial markers (and ensuing surgical implantation) may be reduced or eliminated in image-guided surgery. A fiducial-less tracking system and method, which relies on skeletal structures as references, may reduce the need for fiducial markers. [0008] Typically, in a 2D-3D image registration, DRRs (digitally reconstructed radiographs) are reconstructed from the preoperative 3D images, after which image registration is performed between the DRRs and the real-time 2D projection images. Although fiducial-less tracking that relies on skeletal structures may overcome many of the drawbacks associated with implanted fiducials, these skeletal structures may frequently not be easily visible, or may even be hidden, in the pre-operative DRRs. [0009] Furthermore, some or all of the above operations are typically implemented at software at application level. The above operations may be sequentially performed by the software which is relatively slow and time consuming. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements. [0011] FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a fiducial-less tracking system according to certain embodiments of the invention. [0012] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a non-rigid image registration algorithm used with an embodiment of the invention. [0013] FIGS. 3 and 4 are block diagrams illustrating an example of DRR processing system according to one embodiment of the invention. [0014] FIGS. 5 and 6 are diagrams illustrating a non-linear attenuation model used with one embodiment of the invention according to certain embodiments of the invention. [0015] FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagram illustrating DRR images generated according to linear and nonlinear attenuation models. [0016] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating a process for DRR generation according to one embodiment of the invention. [0017] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating DRR images prior to and after DRR enhancement according to certain embodiments of the invention. [0018] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating a process for DRR enhancement according to one embodiment of the invention. [0019] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a digital processing system for DRR generation and/or enhancement according to one embodiment. Continue reading... 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