Surface Model Visualization for Tangential Silhouette Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for comparing three-dimensional surface models of anatomical subjects, such as before-and-after images in aesthetic or surgical treatments, often result in complex visualizations that obscure the differences between the models, particularly at tangential parts, making interpretation difficult.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a first traditional rendering and a second rendering emphasizing surface tangency to the shooting direction, combined with an alpha transparency coefficient to highlight silhouettes, simplifying the visualization and enhancing the perception of positional differences between the models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If transparency rendering is used to superimpose two surface models, then both models can be presented jointly, but the details of the two models blend together with too much complexity making interpretation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the visualization into two distinct rendering modes: a first rendering for the reference surface model and a second rendering for the comparison surface model. This segmentation allows each model to be processed and displayed with appropriate visual characteristics, preventing the blending complexity that occurs when both models use the same transparency rendering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different rendering qualities to different parts of the visualization. The first surface model is rendered with standard transparency to show overall structure, while the second surface model uses a specialized rendering that emphasizes silhouettes and tangential parts. This local differentiation in rendering quality allows simultaneous presentation while maintaining interpretability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional transparency rendering is used for both surface models, then both models are visible simultaneously, but the silhouettes and tangential parts are not sufficiently highlighted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color and intensity changes in the second rendering to emphasize silhouettes and tangential parts. By modifying the visual properties (color, intensity, transparency) based on the orientation of surface elements relative to the viewing direction, the rendering highlights previously invisible or indistinct features while maintaining simultaneous visibility of both models.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the rendering by incorporating orientation-based visualization. The second rendering considers the angle between surface normals and viewing direction, creating a multi-dimensional visualization that emphasizes tangential parts and silhouettes beyond what traditional transparency rendering provides.
3Loss of information
If distance-based opacity modulation is used, then visual clues about differences are provided, but the representation remains very complex and difficult to interpret
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modulating opacity based on distance between surfaces (as in prior art), the patent inverts the approach by modulating the rendering of the second surface model based on the orientation of its own surface elements. This inversion simplifies the visualization logic while providing clear visual clues about shape differences, particularly at silhouettes and tangential regions.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method and device for the simulation and visualization of surface models. This method and device allows visualization of a superposition of two closely spaced surface models (M1) and (M2) in such a way as to emphasize the visibility of the limbs of the representation (R2) of the second surface model (M2), that is, the parts of the surface most tangent to the axis of view defined by the optical center (C) and each point considered (P) on the surface of the second surface model (M2), and thus to see, in transparency, a more conventional rendering (R1) of the first surface model (M1). The invention is particularly suited to the comparison of anatomical subjects before and after simulation or performance of cosmetic or plastic surgery procedures.