A computer program and a computer-implemented system and method for
generating a two-dimensional image of a volume data set representing an
object volume from a selectable viewpoint. An object volume data set
includes voxel values ordered by voxels along a row that extends in a
first direction, rows across a plane that extends in the first direction
and a second direction, and planes through an object volume that extend
in the first and second directions and a third direction. In response to
the definition of a view vector defining a view direction with respect to
a viewpoint, shear and warp mappings are determined, as is which of the
first, second and third directions is closest to the view vector. Pixels
of a two-dimensional sheared image having a plurality of lines of pixels
are then determined from voxel values of the object volume data set
identified by the shear mapping. Where the view vector is closest to the
first direction, the shear mapping maps rows of voxels in the first
direction onto lines of pixels of the sheared image. An output image is
then determined by mapping pixels of the sheared image according to the
warp mapping. This output image can be displayed, printed, sent to a
remote location or otherwise communicated to a user.