Bounding Box for 3D Volume-of-Interest Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for imaging a volume-of-interest in three-dimensional data sets are inefficient, as they require manual manipulation of a sampling probe to exclude extraneous data, consuming significant time and failing to maintain the focus on the object or point of interest when moved.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that automatically positions a bounding box around the object or point of interest, displaying only its contents and maintaining the focus as the object or point of interest is moved, using a computer processor and user input to select and position the bounding box with a predetermined margin.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If manual manipulation of a sampling probe is used to exclude extraneous data, then the display can be restricted to a volume-of-interest, but significant time is consumed and the process is inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraneous data in displayVSAvoidtime consumption for manual manipulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically creating and positioning the bounding box around the selected object or point of interest before the user needs to view the volume-of-interest. This automation eliminates the need for manual probe manipulation, reducing time consumption while effectively excluding extraneous data from the display.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the entire object is deleted to remove blocking portions, then the view of the object or point of interest is improved, but the deletion is excessive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveview clarity of object or point of interestVSAvoiddeletion of entire object

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the three-dimensional data set by creating a bounding box that selectively encloses only the relevant volume-of-interest containing the object or point of interest. This segmentation approach allows the display to show only the necessary portion of data while preserving the rest, avoiding the need to delete entire objects and maintaining view clarity without excessive data loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of information

If a sampling probe is used to limit the display, then extraneous data is reduced, but the probe requires manual adjustment when the object or point of interest is moved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraneous data reductionVSAvoidmanual adjustment requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bounding box system performs self-service by automatically updating its position and contents to follow the selected object or point of interest when it moves within the three-dimensional data set. This eliminates the need for manual probe adjustment, reducing device complexity while maintaining effective reduction of extraneous data in the display.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If manual selection and removal of each displayed object is performed, then the volume-of-interest is accurately defined, but the process is extremely time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of volume-of-interest definitionVSAvoidefficiency of volume-of-interest definition

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the mechanical process of manual object selection and removal with an automated computational approach. The computer automatically creates and positions the bounding box around the selected object or point of interest, accurately defining the volume-of-interest without requiring manual manipulation of each object, thereby significantly improving productivity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9171391B2Systems and methods for imaging a volume-of-interest

Publication Date: 2015.10.27 LANDMARK GRAPHICS CORP

AI summary

Systems and methods for imaging a volume-of-interest, which may include an object or point of interest to be analyzed in a display of three-dimensional data.