Region-Growing Based Feature Extraction Algorithm for Tree-Like Objects

To overcome limitations of the conventional ‘toward-axis’ voxel-removal way of thinning operations, a new ‘along-axis’ style of algorithm was developed for topological information acquisition of tree-like objects like vascular shapes based on region-growing technique. The theory of mathematical morphology is extended for closed space inside binary shapes, and the ‘closed space dilation’ operation is introduced as generalized form of region growing. Using synthetic and clinical 3D images, its superior features, such as parametric controllability were shown.