STEREO DISPLAY OF TUBE-LIKE STRUCTURES AND IMPROVED TECHNIQUES THEREFOR ('STEREO DISPLAY')

摘要

Improved systems and methods for stereoscopically displaying and virtually viewing tube-like anatomical structures are presented. Stereoscopic display of such structures can provide a user with better depth perception of the structure being viewed and thus make a virtual examination more real. In exemplary embodiments according to the present invention, ray shooting, coupled with appropriate error correction techniques, can be utilized for dynamic adjustment of an eye convergence point for stereo display. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the correctness of a convergence point can be verified to avoid a distractive and uncomfortable visualization. Additionally, in exemplary embodiments of the present invention, convergence points in consecutive time frames can be compared. If rapid changes are detected, the system can compensate by interpolating transitional convergence points. In exemplary embodiments according to the present invention ray shooting can also be utilized to display occluded areas behind folds and protrusions in the inner colon wall. In exemplary embodiments according to the present invention, interactive display control functionalities can be mapped to a gaming-type joystick or other three-dimensional controller, freeing thereby a user from the limits of a two-dimensional computer interface device such as a standard mouse or trackball.