Abstract: A is a computer implemented method for converting a non-manifold surface to a manifold surface. The method includes the steps of (a) providing data in a memory of a computer for representing a non-manifold polyhedral surface comprised of a plurality of triangles each bounded by edges and having vertices; (b) analyzing the data to determine and record singular edges and singular vertices; and (c) cutting through the singular edges and singular vertices, and optionally other edges and vertices, to provide a plurality of connected polygonal surfaces that are free of singularities. The step of analyzing may include the initial steps of analyzing the data to remove isolated vertices and repeated triangles. The step of cutting operates in accordance with one of a local cutting method or a global cutting method, and may further include a step of stitching the cut surface along boundary edges.

Abstract: A method and system for obtaining and processing acquired images of an object to extract a small scale geometry (a bump map) of the object that is independent of object curvature.

Abstract: Instructions in an execution pipeline of a SIMD machine are monitored, preferably in the instruction decode phase. Upon detecting a 1/x or 1/sqrt(x) reciprocal operation, portions of the data are forwarded to logic that implements the given instruction. The portions of the instruction that are forwarded include the data value of x and the target address (or register) to which to write the result. The logic generates an n-bit seed for iterative processing by an arithmetic unit, and eliminates a requirement to provide lookup tables in each SIMD processor.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for registering two dimensional fluoroscopic images with a three dimensional model of a surgical tissue of interest.