Context-based interpolation of 3-D medical images

A context-based 3D interpolation technique is proposed to enhance the out-of plane resolution of 3D medical images. The proposed technique represents a new approach of aiding 3D interpolation and improving its performance by efficient use of domain knowledge about the anatomy, objects and imaging modalities. In the new approach a family of adaptive 3D interpolation filters are designed and conditioned on different spatial contexts (classes of feature vectors). Training is used to incorporate the domain knowledge into the design of these interpolators. Experimental results show significant improvement of the new approach over some existing 3D interpolation techniques.