Interactive contour detection in tomographic data

Describes a tool for interactive contour detection, in which the drawn contour is attracted to the contours in the image instantaneously. This is done using a model based contour detection algorithm based on dynamic programming. Other tools especially suitable for tomographic data are described. This semi-automatic approach improves the speed, precision, and objectivity of the contour extraction process. The resulting contours are connected by triangular faces, forming a 3D surface that can be processed further, or visualised using a visualisation program like AVS. The contour detection tool has been used successfully for extracting bone and muscle contours in MRI images of the human shoulder, as well as bone contours in CT images.