Multi-Dimensional Surface Model Generation Using Alpha-Hull and Fast Marching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for generating multi-dimensional surface models of geometric structures, such as cardiac structures, often result in models that lack desired accuracy and require excessive computational resources, leading to inefficient processing and longer generation times.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for generating a multi-dimensional surface model using a catheter with sensors to collect location data points, which are then processed to create a closed, manifold surface with controllable detail through the use of predetermined values α and k, employing techniques like alpha-hull and modified Fast Marching algorithms for efficient surface reconstruction and updating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional techniques are used to generate individual surface models from location data points, then surface models can be created, but the models do not reflect the structure with desired accuracy and require excessive computational resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface model accuracyVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the structure into multiple regions of interest and generates individual surface models for each region separately. This segmentation allows for more precise local modeling while managing computational complexity by processing smaller subsets of data independently before combining them into a composite model.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic adjustment of modeling parameters and computational resources based on the specific characteristics of each region. The system adapts the level of detail and processing intensity according to the geometric complexity and importance of different structural regions, optimizing both accuracy and computational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional techniques are used to generate composite surface models, then individual surface models can be joined together, but the process takes relatively long time and requires large processing resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomposite model accuracyVSAvoidmodel generation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary processing of location data points and generation of individual surface models before the composite modeling stage. By pre-processing and organizing data into region-specific models with optimized parameters, the subsequent composite model generation becomes more efficient and requires fewer computational resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent efficiently merges individual surface models into a composite model by establishing spatial relationships and boundaries between regions. This combining process is optimized to minimize computational overhead while maintaining the accuracy benefits of region-specific modeling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If more location data points are collected to improve model accuracy, then surface detail increases, but computational resources and processing time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface detail accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different levels of detail and data point density to different regions based on their geometric complexity and importance. High-detail modeling is applied only where necessary, while simpler regions use coarser representations. This local quality approach maintains overall model accuracy while significantly reducing the total number of data points required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts modeling parameters such as point cloud density, surface sampling rate, and mesh resolution based on regional characteristics. By changing these parameters locally rather than uniformly across the entire structure, the system achieves high accuracy where needed while minimizing computational burden in less critical areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3074956B1Methods and systems for generating a multi-dimensional surface model of a geometric structure
Publication Date: 2018.04.11 ST JUDE MEDICAL CARDILOGY DIV INC
  • EP3074956B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3074956B1 patent drawingFigure 2
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AI summary

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for generating a multi-dimensional surface model of a geometric structure. The system includes a device including at least one sensor configured to collect a set of location data points corresponding to respective locations on or enclosed by a surface of the geometric structure, and a computer-based model construction system coupled to the device. The computer-based model construction system is configured to generate a working volume based on the set of location data points, calculate a dilated field for the working volume, define a dilated surface based on the dilated field, calculate an eroded field for the working volume based on the dilated surface, and define an eroded surface based on the eroded field.