NURBS Surface Generation for Vascular Model Connection Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for displaying three-dimensional vascular models, such as coronary circulation, using cylindrical elements result in unnatural appearances at connection points, making it difficult to visually identify abnormalities in the vascular network.
Innovation Solution
A shape data generation apparatus that detects connection points between elements and generates curved surfaces using Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline (NURBS) surfaces to cover these points, creating a smooth and natural appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If blood vessel elements are displayed as cylindrical shapes based on length and radius data, then the data structure is simple and easy to process, but the connection portions between elements look unnatural and create gaps that make visual inspection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by generating curved surface data (NURBS surfaces) to replace the flat cylindrical connection portions between blood vessel elements. This creates smooth, natural-looking transitions at branch points while maintaining the underlying cylindrical element structure for data simplicity.
2Shape
If curved surfaces are generated to cover connection points between elements, then the natural appearance and visibility of abnormalities are improved, but the data structure and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the blood vessel model into distinct cylindrical elements and separate curved surface patches. Each curved surface is independently generated to cover specific connection portions, allowing the complex visual representation to be built from manageable, modular components that can be processed efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
A shape data generation apparatus includes a detection unit and a generation unit. With reference to model information indicating the thicknesses and the positions of both ends of a plurality of elements each having a cylindrical surface, the detection unit detects a connection point where two or more elements are connected to each other, on the basis of the positions of both ends of the elements. The generation unit generates a curved surface collectively covering the connecting ends of the two or more elements, on the basis of the thicknesses and the positions of both ends of the two or more elements connected at the connection point.