New shape-based interpolation technique for three-dimensional images

The problem of interpolating a high-resolution binary-valued 3-D image given a lower-resolution grayscale 3-D image and a corresponding segmented 3-D image is addressed. Three algorithms for this problem are described. Algorithms 1 and 2 perform shape- and location-based binary interpolation. Algorithm 3, which subsumes algorithms 1 and 2, incorporates grayscale information as well as object shape and slice-to-slice object spatial relationships. Results show that algorithm 3 generates better interpolated objects than the segmented volumes arising from standard grayscale-based interpolation techniques. Algorithm 2, which subsumes algorithm 1, uses only the known presegmented volume to interpolate a new binary-valued volume. The methods show particular merit in cases where the objects to interpolate are thin tube-libe structures, such as the coronary arteries.