Method for analyzing medical image data

1. A method for analyzing a medical image comprising:

using medical imaging apparatus to perform the steps of:

(a) obtaining data in a plane traverse the anatomical object;

(b) identifying a point disposed on the object in the plane;

(c) detecting contour points of the object in the plane from the identified point;

(d) analyzing the obtained contour points to predict a subsequent point on the object and a tracing direction, such tracing direction being along the length of the object; and

(e) determining a subsequent plane transverse the object, such predicted point being in the subsequent plane.

2. The method recited in claim 1 including:

establishing a predetermined criteria; and

repeating (a) through (e) the process until the predetermined criterion is satisfied.

3. A method for analyzing a medical image comprising:

using medical imaging apparatus to perform the steps of:

(a) obtaining data in a plane traverse each one of a plurality of anatomical objects;

(b) identifying a point disposed on a corresponding one of the plurality of objects in the plane;

(c) detecting contour points of each one of the objects in the plane from the identified points;

(d) analyzing the obtained contour points to predict a subsequent point on the object and a tracing direction, such tracing direction being along the length of a corresponding one of the objects; and

(e) determining subsequent planes each one of the subsequent planes being transverse a corresponding one of the objects, such predicted points being in the subsequent planes.

4. The method recited in claim 3 including:

establishing a predetermined criteria; and

repeating (a) through (e) the process until the predetermined criterion is satisfied.