Computer implemented method for identifying channel like structures in a 3D volume using a layered approach, and computer program product implementing the method

Computer implemented method for identifying channel like structures in a 3D volume using a layered approach, and computer program product implementing the method The method comprises: a) obtaining a 3D volume of the object containing three different sub-volumes identified based on voxel intensity values and/or colour values as: first defined zone (H), second defined zone (S) and not-well-defined zone (BZ); b) generating first defined zone (H), second defined zone (S) and not-well-defined zone (BZ) patches by means of: b.1) defining a series of surfaces representing sections of the 3D volume or of a sub-volume isolated therefrom; and b.2) generating patches regarding first defined zone (H), second defined zone (S) and not-well-defined zone (BZ), from the intersection of the three sub-volumes with the surfaces, defined at b.1), interpolated therein; c) automatically identifying the possible channel like structures by means of automatically obtaining candidate channel like structure regions bi-dimensionally on one or more of the defined surfaces. The computer program product is adapted to implement the steps of the method of the invention.