Volumetric Image Analysis

Volumetric, or three–dimensional, digital imaging now plays a vital role in many areas of research such as medicine and geology. Medical images acquired by tomographic scanners for instance are often given as a stack of cross–sectional image slices. Such images are called ‘volumetric’ because they depict objects in their entire three–dimensional extent rather than just as a projection onto a two–dimensional image plane. Since huge amounts of volumetric data are continually being produced in many places around the world, techniques for their automatic analysis become ever more important. Written by a computer vision specialist, this clear, detailed account of volumetric image analysis techniques provides a practical approach to the field including the following topics: preprocessing of volumetric images obtaining quantitative measurements in volumetric images detection and modelling of objects in volumetric images To students without prior knowledge of computer vision this book will serve as a self–contained comprehensive introduction. Experienced practitioners and researchers will find it a helpful reference and a source of high level case material.