Contour Editing via Distance-Based Point Addition and Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for modifying contours in image analysis, such as in medical imaging, are inefficient due to difficulties in easily adding and removing points from a sequence, lacking straightforward switching between add and erase modes.

Innovation Solution

A method that automatically adds or removes points from a contour based on the shortest distance between a movable indicator and existing points, activating an add or remove mode without requiring user interaction other than moving the indicator, using a threshold distance to determine the operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If freeform editing is used to draw contours by placing points manually, then the contour can be drawn freely, but it is difficult to add and remove points efficiently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of adding and removing pointsVSAvoidannotation editing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines whether to add or remove points based on the indicator's position relative to the contour, without requiring the user to manually select add or erase modes. The system serves itself by autonomously deciding the operation type based on spatial relationship

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes its behavior based on the parameter of distance between the indicator and the contour. When distance is below a threshold, points are removed; when above, points are added. This parameter-driven approach enables automatic mode switching

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing erase/add modes are used, then points can be added or removed, but straightforward switching between modes is not allowed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode switching capabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between add and erase modes based on the real-time position of the indicator relative to the contour. The mode is not static but changes dynamically according to the spatial relationship, enabling straightforward switching without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback by automatically switching modes based on the indicator's position. The feedback loop continuously monitors the distance between indicator and contour, and adjusts the operation mode accordingly, creating an intuitive interaction where the system responds to user position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3555862B1A method and apparatus for modifying a contour comprising a sequence of points positioned on an image

Publication Date: 2020.03.25 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

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AI summary

There is provided a method and apparatus for modifying a contour comprising a sequence of points positioned on an image. A position of a movable indicator on the image relative to one or more points of the sequence is detected (202). The movable indicator is movable by a user. At least one point is removed from the contour, at least one point is added to the contour, or at least one point is removed from the contour and at least one point is added to the contour based on a distance of the detected position of the movable indicator on the image from the one or more points (204).