Automated 3D Head Mesh Orientation and Cropping

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cranial remodeling systems require manual operator intervention for data orientation and cropping, leading to inefficiencies and inconsistencies in processing three-dimensional head shape data, which hinders the automation of cranial deformation correction processes.

Innovation Solution

An automated system and method that independently orients and crops three-dimensional digital image representations of a subject's head shape using a library database, employing techniques like Procrustes registration, smoothed splines, and Gaussian weighted centers to align and scale the data, thereby eliminating the need for manual operator intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual operator intervention is used for data orientation and cropping, then flexibility in handling individual cases is improved, but processing efficiency and consistency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in handling individual casesVSAvoidprocessing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic orientation and cropping operations without requiring manual operator intervention. The computer automatically processes three-dimensional digital image data by determining orientation based on anatomical landmarks and cropping to predefined dimensions, eliminating the need for human operators while maintaining processing quality and consistency across all cases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (operator hand manipulation of data) with automated computational algorithms. The system uses computer-based image processing algorithms to automatically determine data orientation, identify anatomical landmarks, and perform cropping operations, substituting human manual work with automated digital processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual operator intervention is used for data orientation and cropping, then handling of complex individual cases is improved, but processing time and human error deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling of complex individual casesVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic orientation and cropping operations without requiring manual operator intervention. The computer automatically processes three-dimensional digital image data by determining orientation based on anatomical landmarks and cropping to predefined dimensions, eliminating the need for human operators while maintaining processing quality and consistency across all cases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (operator hand manipulation of data) with automated computational algorithms. The system uses computer-based image processing algorithms to automatically determine data orientation, identify anatomical landmarks, and perform cropping operations, substituting human manual work with automated digital processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual operator intervention is used for data orientation and cropping, then adaptability to individual subjects is improved, but operator independence and consistency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to individual subjectsVSAvoidoperator independence

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic orientation and cropping operations without requiring manual operator intervention. The computer automatically processes three-dimensional digital image data by determining orientation based on anatomical landmarks and cropping to predefined dimensions, eliminating the need for human operators while maintaining processing quality and consistency across all cases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically adjusts processing parameters based on the specific characteristics of each subject's three-dimensional image data. By dynamically determining orientation based on detected anatomical landmarks and adjusting cropping parameters accordingly, the system adapts to individual subjects while maintaining consistent automated processing across all cases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8442288B2Method and apparatus for processing three-dimensional digital mesh image representative data of three-dimensional subjects

Publication Date: 2013.05.14 CRANIAL TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A method for processing a digital mesh representing a three-dimensional subject is described. The method comprises utilizing smoothed splines to identify inflection points on the mesh for further processing.