3D Image Annotation Depth Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Displaying annotations on three-dimensional (3D) images is challenging due to the difficulty in recognizing points indicated by indicators, as the sense of depth is not clear, making it hard for users to distinguish between annotations and the 3D image.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that determine and adjust the image depth of annotations and indicators based on the difference between the displayed annotation depth and the corresponding point depth, ensuring that annotations and indicators are displayed at a consistent depth, allowing users to clearly recognize the points, even when the image is rotated, enlarged, or moved.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If annotations are displayed on 3D images without depth adjustment, then the annotations can be shown on the image, but the sense of depth is not clear and users cannot distinguish between annotations and the 3D image

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth perceptionVSAvoidannotation recognition
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts the depth parameter of annotations dynamically based on the depth of corresponding 3D image points. By changing the depth parameter Z according to the formula Z = Z_annotation + k × (Z_point - Z_annotation), the annotation's depth position is modified to match the underlying 3D structure, creating clear depth differentiation and improving user recognition of annotation points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the image is rotated, enlarged, or moved, then the image can be manipulated for better viewing, but the annotation depth consistency is lost making points harder to recognize

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage manipulationVSAvoidannotation point recognition
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the depth relationship between annotations and corresponding 3D image points during image manipulation operations. When the image is rotated, enlarged, or moved, the patent recalculates and adjusts annotation depths in real-time based on the updated point depths, ensuring consistent depth alignment is maintained throughout the manipulation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The annotation depth adjustment is implemented as a dynamic process that automatically adapts to changes in image state. The patent establishes a dynamic relationship where annotation depths are continuously updated based on current point depths, allowing the system to maintain reliability during various image manipulation operations without requiring manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2915486B1Method and apparatus for displaying 3d image
Publication Date: 2021.03.17 SAMSUNG MEDISON CO LTD
  • EP2915486B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2915486B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2915486B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A method of displaying a three-dimensional (3D) image by using a display apparatus includes generating an annotation related to a point of the 3D image and determining an image depth of the annotation, and displaying the annotation with the 3D image based on the image depth of the annotation, in which the annotation comprises at least one point or area of the 3D image.