US Patent 7796790 Manual tools for model based image segmentation

A scanner (18) acquires images of a subject. A 3D model (52) of an organ is selected from an organ model database (50) and dropped over an image of an actual organ. A best fitting means (62) globally scales, translates and/or rotates the model (52) to best fit the actual organ represented by the image. A user uses a mouse (38) to use a set of manual tools (68) to segment and manipulate the model (52)1:o match the image data. The set of tools (68) includes: a Gaussian tool (72) for deforming a surface portion of the model along a Gaussian curve, a spherical push tool (80) for deforming the surface portion along a spherical surface segment, and a pencil tool (90) for manually drawing a line to which the surface portion is redefined.