calculate channels in a 3dim-matrix

Hello,

I need an advice or a reference how to calculate channels in a 3dim-matrix.

A channel may look like this (2dim-example):

0=channel or bubble

1011110

1010011

1001101

1111101

In this example the result should be: 1 channel, minimal width 1.

Until now I calculated this problem in several for-loops in combination with bwlabeln and find. But I want to create a new code now.

I ve got all channel and their coordinates by bwlablen and find, but I need an advice how to caluculate channel which move parralel or against the running direction of my former for-loops.

Thank you for your ideas,

Chris