3D Parameterized Surface Imaging for Anatomical Conformality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging methods face challenges in effectively visualizing complex anatomical structures, leading to distortions and limited flexibility in representing three-dimensional objects, particularly in diagnosing and tracking anomalies like bone metastases, due to the rigidity and conformality trade-off in conventional two-dimensional representations.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that define a three-dimensional parameterized surface conformal to the anatomical structure, allowing for imaging onto a two-dimensional surface, using techniques like vertex skinning and energy optimization to minimize distortions and provide a flexible, distortion-free representation of anatomical structures, enabling comprehensive visualization of entire regions rather than just slices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional two-dimensional representation methods are used, then the representation is simple and computationally efficient, but distortions occur and anatomical structures cannot be accurately preserved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension by creating a three-dimensional parameterized surface that conforms to the anatomical structure, then maps this 3D surface onto a 2D plane. This dimensional transition allows the preservation of complex anatomical geometries while maintaining 2D visualization benefits, resolving the contradiction between geometric accuracy and representation simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the anatomical structure into a parameterized surface representation, changing the mathematical parameters from standard orthogonal coordinates to conformal parameters that adapt to the anatomical geometry. This parameter transformation enables accurate representation of complex structures while maintaining computational efficiency through standardized mapping operations.
2Ease of manufacture
If geometric primitives are used to approximate anatomical structures, then the projection and visualization become simple, but the geometry cannot be replicated accurately leading to distortions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a flexible parameterized surface that conforms to the anatomical structure, analogous to a flexible shell that adapts to the underlying form. This surface can be stretched and deformed to match complex anatomical geometries accurately, unlike rigid geometric primitives, while still allowing for systematic projection and visualization operations.
3Reliability
If slice-by-slice examination is used, then the evaluation process is systematic, but the time required for diagnosis increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables simultaneous visualization of multiple anatomical regions by mapping a 3D parameterized surface onto a 2D plane, creating an overview representation that displays entire regions rather than requiring sequential slice-by-slice examination. This dimensional transformation allows radiologists to assess multiple areas concurrently, maintaining diagnostic thoroughness while significantly reducing evaluation time.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for imaging a three-dimensional object to be examined. According to said method, a three-dimensional parameterized area is determined which is in conformity with an anatomic structure of the three-dimensional object to be examined. The three-dimensional parameterized area is imaged onto a two-dimensional parameterized area. The three-dimensional object to be examined is represented by imaging pixels that are associated with the three-dimensional parameterized area onto the two-dimensional parameterized area. The invention further relates to a method for determining a camera position in a three-dimensional image recording of an object to be examined. The invention also relates to a method for representing a section of an object to be examined. The invention finally relates to a device for imaging a three-dimensional object to be examined.