3D Threat Object Visualization With Context-Preserving Cutaways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanners face challenges in efficiently visualizing and interacting with complex 3D images, particularly in identifying and isolating potential threat objects (PTOs) within baggage or anatomical structures, as existing systems struggle to provide clear spatial and contextual information, leading to occluded regions of interest.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a multi-focus X-ray source and detector array to generate 3D images, allowing for the isolation and highlighting of potential threat objects with different optical properties, animating and magnifying them while providing contextual information, and enabling user interaction through touch or mouse-based selection and manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional X-ray CT scanners use traditional visualization methods, then the system structure remains simple, but the ability to clearly identify and isolate potential threat objects is poor due to occluded regions of interest
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 3D image data by separating regions of interest from the surrounding context. The system divides the complex baggage image into multiple segments including the ROI, occluding objects, and background, allowing independent processing and visualization of each segment to improve threat object identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D projection images to 3D volumetric visualization with depth information. By adding the depth dimension and enabling multi-planar reconstruction, the system allows users to view ROIs from multiple angles and depths, resolving occlusions that plague 2D displays.
2Measurement precision
If the system provides detailed isolation of potential threat objects, then visualization clarity improves, but spatial and contextual information may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested visualization structure where the ROI is extracted and displayed in the foreground while the surrounding contextual information is preserved in the background. The system nests multiple levels of detail, allowing users to examine the isolated ROI while maintaining spatial relationships and context through guide lines and background displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces guide lines as an intermediary element that connects the isolated ROI to its original position and context within the baggage. These guide lines serve as visual mediators that maintain the spatial relationship between the extracted ROI and the surrounding objects, preventing complete loss of contextual information.
3Loss of information
If the system processes and displays complex 3D image data with full contextual information, then spatial comprehension is maintained, but the ability to clearly identify specific threat objects decreases due to occlusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts regions of interest from the complex baggage image by removing occluding objects and background elements. The system takes out the ROI from its original context, processes it separately to enhance visibility, and then presents it in the foreground while maintaining references to the original spatial context through guide lines and background displays.
4Productivity
If conventional systems display complete baggage images, then contextual information is provided, but interaction efficiency with specific threat objects is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing by automatically identifying and extracting ROIs before user interaction. The system pre-processes the image data to segment and isolate potential threat objects, preparing them for efficient user interaction. This preliminary action reduces the time and effort required for users to locate and analyze threat objects.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the visualization and interaction with 3D images by clearly isolating PTOs or regions of interest, providing spatial and contextual comprehension, thus improving the efficiency and usability of threat detection and medical imaging analysis.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating the object with X-rays generated by a plurality of X-ray sources arranged around the scanning volume
Implementation Method 2
detecting X-rays transmitted through the object using a detector array positioned between the X-ray source and the scanning volume
Implementation Method 3
X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanners have been used in security screening in airports for several years
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, the present specification describes methods for displaying a three-dimensional image of an isolated threat object or region of interest with a single touch or click and providing spatial and contextual information relative to the object, while also executing a view dependent virtual cut-away or rendering occluding portions of the reconstructed image data as transparent. In some embodiments, the method includes allowing operators to associate audio comments with a scan image of an object. In some embodiments, the method also includes highlighting a plurality of voxels, which are indicative of at least one potential threat item, in a mask having a plurality of variable color intensities, where the intensities may be varied based on the potential threat items.