3D Image Navigation via Device Orientation and Center of Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing systems for navigating through three-dimensional image data do not allow users to obtain desired views in a sufficiently convenient manner.

Innovation Solution

An image processing system that includes an image device with a display and an orientation sensor, which measures the device's orientation and provides rotation data to an image processor. The processor establishes a center of rotation within the image data, allowing users to navigate by generating current views based on device rotation relative to a reference view, enabling convenient selection of image data views.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users navigate through three-dimensional image data using conventional methods (mouse, keyboard, touch screen), then navigation functionality is provided, but user convenience and ease of operation are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenience in obtaining desired viewsVSAvoidnavigation interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically captures the device's orientation data from the orientation sensor and uses it to determine the current view of the three-dimensional image data without requiring manual input from the user. The device serves itself by converting its physical orientation directly into navigation commands, eliminating the need for complex manual navigation interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical navigation methods (mouse movements, keyboard inputs, touch screen gestures) with an automated sensor-based system. The orientation sensor detects the device's physical orientation in space and automatically translates it into view navigation, substituting mechanical user interactions with automatic sensor-driven navigation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If the system establishes views based on device rotation without a defined center of rotation, then navigation is possible, but the navigation accuracy and precision are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveview navigation accuracyVSAvoidnavigation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by establishing a center of rotation within the three-dimensional image data before processing orientation data. This pre-established reference point enables accurate calculation of view rotations based on device orientation, improving navigation precision without requiring complex real-time computations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The center of rotation acts as an intermediary element between the device's physical orientation and the virtual view navigation. It serves as a fixed reference point that mediates the transformation from physical device rotation to virtual image data rotation, enabling precise and consistent navigation throughout the three-dimensional space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2695142B1Image processing system and method
Publication Date: 2023.03.01 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP2695142B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2695142B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2695142B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

Image processing system 100 for enabling a user to navigate through image data having at least three spatial dimensions by displaying views 155 of the image data, the image processing system comprising an image device 110 comprising a display 130 for displaying the views of the image data and an orientation sensor 120 for measuring an orientation of the image device with respect to a reference orientation for providing rotation data 125 indicative of a device rotation of the image device, means 140 for establishing a center of rotation in the image data, and an image processor 150 for establishing the views of the image data in relation to the device rotation by, for establishing a current view, (i) receiving the rotation data from the orientation sensor, (ii) establishing a view rotation in relation to the device rotation, and (iii) establishing the current view in dependence on the view rotation around the center of rotation with respect to a reference view.