Virtual resolution enhancement in diagnostic imaging using FEA

A method is described for achieving resolutions beyond the resolution of a diagnostic imaging using multilevel computational analysis. This is accomplished by coupling the diagnostic image with images obtained at higher resolutions or with physiological models constructed at size scales beyond the resolution of the original diagnostic image. Using a discretization function, the image data or models are converted or generated so that they can be processed by a multilevel computational analysis function. The multilevel analysis then mathematically couples the models across two or more length scales generating parameters of interest at each level of analysis. A post-processing function provides the interface for the user to view the parameters of interest in the model derived from the original diagnostic image and/or the image itself and then "zoom-in" to a region by accessing the higher resolution image and/or model associated with it and viewing the parameters of interest.