title: Automated spatial alignment of 3D torso images.
abstract: This paper describes an algorithm for automated spatial alignment of three-dimensional (3D) surface images in order to achieve a pre-defined orientation. Surface images of the torso are acquired from breast cancer patients undergoing reconstructive surgery to facilitate objective evaluation of breast morphology pre-operatively (for treatment planning) and/or post-operatively (for outcome assessment). Based on the viewing angle of the multiple cameras used for stereophotography, the orientation of the acquired torso in the images may vary from the normal upright position. Consequently, when translating this data into a standard 3D framework for visualization and analysis, the co-ordinate geometry differs from the upright position making robust and standardized comparison of images impractical. Moreover, manual manipulation and navigation of images to the desired upright position is subject to user bias. Automating the process of alignment and orientation removes operator bias and permits robust and repeatable adjustment of surface images to a pre-defined or desired spatial geometry.
authors.affiliation: Department of Computer Science, University of Houston, TX 77204, USA. bmd5@njit.edu
authors.forename: Arijit
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bose
authors.forename: Shishir K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.forename: Gregory P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Reece
authors.forename: Melissa A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Crosby
authors.forename: Elisabeth K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Beahm
authors.forename: Michelle C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Fingeret
authors.forename: Mia K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Markey
authors.forename: Fatima A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Merchant
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000465:Algorithms; D001331:Automation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D015588:Observer Variation; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013499:Surface Properties; D060726:Torso / Q000033:anatomy & histology*