Method for virtual endoscopic visualization of the colon by shape-scale signatures, centerlining, and computerized detection of masses

A visualization method and system for virtual endoscopic examination of CT colonographic data by use of shape-scale analysis. The method provides each colonic structure of interest with a unique color, thereby facilitating rapid diagnosis of the colon. Two shape features, called the local shape index and curvedness, are used for defining the shape-scale spectrum. The shape index and curvedness values within CT colonographic data are mapped to the shape-scale spectrum in which specific types of colonic structures are represented by unique characteristic signatures in the spectrum. The characteristic signatures of specific types of lesions can be determined by use of computer-simulated lesions or by use of clinical data sets subjected to a computerized detection scheme. The signatures are used for defining a 2-D color map by assignment of a unique color to each signature region.