System and method for aligning images

Abstract

The invention is a system or method for aligning images (the “system”). A definition subsystem, including a first image, a second image, one or more target reference points, one or more template reference points, and a geometrical object. The definition subsystem identifies one or more target reference points associated with the first image and one or more template reference points associated with the second image by providing a geometrical object for positioning the first image in relation to the second image. A combination subsystem is configured to generate an aligned image from the first image and second image. An interface subsystem may be used to facilitate interactions between a user and the system.

1 - 49 . (canceled)  
   
   
       50 . A method for aligning radiographic images, comprising: 
 facilitating a positioning of a template image in relation to an object image; and    generating an aligned image from a target image and said object image according to said positioning of said template image in relation to said object image.    
   
   
       51 . The method of  claim 50 , wherein said positioning is facilitated by providing controls for said positioning of said reference image in relation to said object image.  
   
   
       52 . An apparatus for aligning images, comprising: 
 a computer program tangibly embodied on a computer-readable medium, said computer program including instructions for:    facilitating a positioning of a template image in relation to an object image; and    generating an aligned image from a target image and said object image according to said positioning of said template image in relation to said object image.    
   
   
       53 . The apparatus of  claim 52 , wherein said positioning is facilitated by providing controls for said positioning of said reference image in relation to said object image.  
   
   
       54 . An apparatus for aligning images, comprising: 
 a computer program tangibly embodied on a computer-readable medium, said computer program including instructions for:    receiving an input for defining target reference points associated with a first image;    generating a geometrical object by connecting at least four said target reference points;    identifying template reference points based on a placement of said geometrical object in relation to said second image; and    producing an aligned image from said first image, said second image, and a relationship between at least one of said target reference points in said first image and at least one of said template reference points in said second image.    
   
   
       55 . The apparatus of  claim 54 , said computer program further including instructions for imposing a constraint on said target reference points.  
   
   
       56 . The apparatus of  claim 54 , wherein said input includes a command.  
   
   
       57 . The apparatus of  claim 56 , wherein said command allows for at least one of shifting said geometrical object along a dimensional axis, rotating said geometrical object, and adjusting a magnification of said geometrical object.  
   
   
       58 . The apparatus of  claim 56 , wherein said command allows for coarse adjustments and fine adjustments of said geometrical object.  
   
   
       59 . The apparatus of  claim 54 , said computer program further including instructions for calculating a plurality of accuracy metrics.  
   
   
       60 . The apparatus of  claim 54 , said computer program further including instructions for displaying said geometrical object as one of a solid object, a semi-transparent object, and a transparent object.  
   
   
       61 . The apparatus of  claim 54 , said computer program further including instructions for displaying a thumbnail image of an area proximate to at least one of said template reference points.  
   
   
       62 . The apparatus of  claim 61 , wherein said thumbnail image is configured to allow for a substantially simultaneous display of fine positioning detail and coarse positioning detail.  
   
   
       63 . The apparatus of  claim 54 , said computer program further including instructions for providing an accuracy measurement detail for at least one of said template reference points or for a composite of said template reference points.  
   
   
       64 . The apparatus of  claim 61 , said computer program further including instructions for analyzing an alignment status of an image generation device, wherein said alignment status is determined from a discrepancy between said accuracy measurement detail and defined locations for said template reference points.  
   
   
       65 . The apparatus of  claim 54 , further comprising adjusting said positioning of said geometrical object within said second image.