VR Voxel Slice Tool for Interactive 3D Scan Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating three-dimensional images from scanned data are time-consuming, expensive, and produce static, non-manipulatable datasets, requiring users to manually scroll through scans and convert them into three-dimensional models, which is inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses virtual reality tools to create and manipulate voxel-based three-dimensional data by loading two-dimensional images into a mesh generating program, allowing users to create planar or spherical slices within a virtual space for data evaluation, enabling more efficient and interactive visualization of three-dimensional objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional methods are used to generate three-dimensional images from scanned data, then the data can be visualized, but the process is time-consuming and requires manual scrolling through scans
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical scrolling through scan images with an automated computer-based system that loads scans into software and automatically generates three-dimensional mesh models, eliminating the need for manual navigation through individual scan images
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automated processing of scan data by loading all scans into memory and pre-generating the three-dimensional mesh structure before the user needs to view or manipulate it, so that when the user accesses the data, it is already prepared and ready for interaction
2Productivity
If software packages are used to convert scans into three-dimensional models, then visualization is achieved, but the process is expensive and requires multiple software conversions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate software functions into a single integrated system that performs scanning data loading, three-dimensional mesh generation, and virtual reality visualization within one application, eliminating the need to switch between multiple software packages
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides multi-functional capability by handling the entire workflow from raw scan data to interactive three-dimensional visualization within a single platform, making it universally applicable for both medical and industrial scanning applications
3Adaptability or versatility
If three-dimensional mesh models are created from scans, then the data becomes manipulatable, but the models are rudimentary and require repeated refinement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates dynamic, fully manipulatable three-dimensional mesh models that can be rotated, sliced, and examined from any angle in virtual reality space, allowing users to interact with the data in real-time without requiring repeated model refinement
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates an accurate digital copy of the physical object through scanning and automated mesh generation, producing a faithful reproduction that maintains the precision and detail of the original while enabling unlimited manipulation and analysis
4Ease of operation
If the mesh generating program creates three-dimensional models, then visualization is possible, but the process must be done before runtime and requires repetition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous interaction with three-dimensional data during runtime by loading scan data and generated meshes into virtual reality memory, allowing users to perform unlimited slicing, rotating, and examination operations without needing to reprocess the data
Data Source
AI summary
A method for visualizing a three-dimensional volume for use in a virtual reality environment is performed by uploading two-dimensional images for evaluation, creating planar depictions of the two-dimensional images, and using thresholds to determine if voxels should be drawn. A voxel volume is created from the planar depictions and voxels. A user defines a plane to be used for slicing the voxel volume, and sets values of the plane location and plane normal. The slice plane is placed within the voxel volume and defines a desired remaining portion of the volumetric plane to be displayed. All but the desired remaining portion of the voxel volume is not drawn and the remaining portion is displayed.