System and method for three-dimensional image rendering and analysis
The present invention relates to methods and systems for conducting three-dimensional image analysis and diagnosis and possible treatment relating thereto. The invention includes methods of handling signals containing information (data) relating to three-dimensional representation of objects scanned by a scanning medium. The invention also includes methods of making and analyzing volumetric measurements and changes in volumetric measurements which can be used for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment.
1. A method of determining volumetric change of size over a period of time comprising:
a. determining, in a first computer process executed by a processing device, a volumetric doubling time (DT) for a change in volumetric dimension of an object found in a host, the change in volumetric dimension being volumetrically-determined using three-dimensional image information measured from the object by summing voxels in the changed volumetric dimension of the object;
b. establishing, in a second computer process executed by the processing device, a relationship based on an exponential change model and said period of time between volumetric doubling time and the change in volumetric dimension, the relationship comprising
DT
=
ln
2
·
Δ
t
ln
(
V
2
/
V
1
)
,
the period of time being represented by Δt; and
c. determining, in a third computer process executed by the processing device, said change in volumetric dimension over said period of time.
2. A method as in claim 1 wherein said period is one year (365.25 days) and said relationship is:
VGI
=
exp
(
ln
2
·
365.25
days
DT
)
-
1.
3. An article of manufacture for determining volumetric change of size over a period of time comprising:
a machine-readable medium comprising one or more instructions which when executed by a processing device:
a. determine a volumetric doubling time (DT) for a change in volumetric dimension of an object found in a host, the change in volumetric dimension being volumetrically-determined using three-dimensional image information measured from the object by summing voxels in the changed volumetric dimension of the object;
b. establish a relationship based on an exponential change model and said period of time between volumetric doubling time and the change in volumetric dimension, the relationship comprising
DT
=
ln
2
·
Δ
t
ln
(
V
2
/
V
1
)
,
the period of time being represented by Δt; and
c. determine said change in volumetric dimension over said period of time.
4. An article of manufacture as in claim 3 wherein said period is one year (365.25 days) and said relationship is:
VGI
=
exp
(
ln
2
·
365.25
days
DT
)
-
1.
5. A system for determining volumetric change of size over a period of time comprising:
a processor configured to:
a. determine a volumetric doubling time (DT) for a change in volumetric dimension of an object found in a host, the change in volumetric dimension being volumetrically-determined using three-dimensional image information measured from the object by summing voxels in the changed volumetric dimension of the object;
b. establish a relationship based on an exponential change model and said period of time between volumetric doubling time and the change in volumetric dimension, the relationship comprising
DT
=
ln
2
·
Δ
t
ln
(
V
2
/
V
1
)
,
the period of time being represented by Δt; and
c. determine said change in volumetric dimension over said period of time.
6. A system as in claim 5 wherein said period is one year (365.25 days) and said relationship is:
VGI
=
exp
(
ln
2
·
365.25
days
DT
)
-
1.