Abstract: The three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of visible part of the human jaw is becoming required for many diagnostic and treatment procedures. The present invention improves upon Statistical Shape from Shading (SSFS) framework by using a novel approach to automatically extract prior information. This two-step framework consists of interdental gingiva regions extraction for each individual tooth and detection of the centerline across the jaw span. These two steps help extract the anatomical landmark points and detect the status of the jaw. Experimental results highlight the accuracy of the extracted prior information and how this information boosts recovering 3D models of the human jaw.

Abstract: The present development is a method for the visualization and automatic examination of the inner surface of tubular objects. The method uses a virtual camera rig arranged in a specific pattern within the tubular objects inner surface. The rig can be physical or virtual or hypothetical; graphics-based, providing the same functionality of a sequence of virtual cameras. This “Fly-In” method is a more general visualization technique than techniques of the prior art, it is more flexible and does not create distortion, it does not require alternation to the surface for viewing and it can handle multi-branches with variable diameter. It can also provide a clear assessment of the inner surface for immediate examination of the object.

Abstract: The present invention is a method to stitch images of human teeth that are captured by an intraoral camera. Oral dental applications based on visual data pose various challenges such as low lighting conditions and saliva. Herein we describe a stitching algorithm of low-texture/low-resolution imaging. First, normals of tooth surface are extracted using shape from shading. An algorithm to rectify the imprecise values of the surface normal due to the oral environment is applied and normal maps generated. Second, the normal maps are used to detect, extract and match the corresponding features. Finally, to enhance the stitching process for these unidealized data, normal maps are used to estimate as-projective-as-possible warps. The proposed approach outperforms the state-of-the-art auto-stitching approach and shows a better performance in such cases of low-texture regions.

Abstract: The present invention is a unique method for tubular object visualization. The method involves rendering the exterior of the tube invisible while keeping the interior visible. This “One-sided-transparency” technique renders a more complete view of the tube's interior. When applied to virtual colonoscopy (VC), it compares favorably to existing methods.

Abstract: A non-contact, passive method for measurement of arterial pulse from areas such as the major superficial arteries of the body through analysis of thermal IR images acquired by passive thermal IR imaging sensors, and through the modeling of the pulsatile nature of the blood flow and arterial pulse propagation in the circulatory system. The method is automatic and does not need operator input. The output waveform readily contains the information on heart rate, cardiac interbeat intervals, heart-rate variability and other features inherent in arterial pulse.

Abstract: A non-contact, passive method for measurement of arterial pulse from areas such as the major superficial arteries of the body through analysis of thermal IR images acquired by passive thermal IR imaging sensors, and through the modeling of the pulsatile nature of the blood flow and arterial pulse propagation in the circulatory system. The method is automatic and does not need operator input. The output waveform readily contains the information on heart rate, cardiac interbeat intervals, heart-rate variability and other features inherent in arterial pulse.

Abstract: A method for detecting a nodule in image data including the steps of segmenting scanning information from an image slice to isolate lung tissue from other structures, resulting in segmented image data; extracting anatomic structures, including any potential nodules, from the segmented image data, resulting in extracted image data; and detecting possible nodules from the extracted image data, based on deformable prototypes of candidates generated by a level set method in combination with a marginal gray level distribution method.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention utilize a variational framework for computing curve skeletons (CS) of objects whose cross section is not necessary tubular. Embodiments utilize an energy function, which is proportional to some medialness function, such that the minimum cost path between any two medial voxels in the shape is a curve skeleton. Different medialness functions include the Euclidean distance field and a modified version of the magnitude of the gradient vector flow (GVF), which results in two different energy functions. The first energy function controls the identification of the topological nodes of the shape from which curve skeletons start, while the second one controls the extraction of the curve skeletons. Preferred embodiments are completely automated since all parameters are analytically estimated.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is method, which can be implemented in software, firmware, hardware, etc., for virtual fly over inspection of complex anatomical tubular structures. In a preferred embodiment, the method is implemented in software, and the software reconstructs the tubular anatomical structure from a binary imaging data that is originally acquired from computer aided tomography scan or comparable biological imaging system. The software of the invention splits the entire tubular anatomy into exactly two halves. The software assigns a virtual camera to each half to perform fly-over navigation. Through controlling the elevation of the virtual camera, there is no restriction on its field of view (FOV) angle, which can be greater than 90 degrees, for example. The camera viewing volume is perpendicular to each half of the tubular anatomical structure, so potential structures of interest, e.g., polyps hidden behind haustral folds in a colon are easily found.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is method, which can be implemented in software, firmware, hardware, etc., for virtual fly over inspection of complex anatomical tubular structures. In a preferred embodiment, the method is implemented in software, and the software reconstructs the tubular anatomical structure from a binary imaging data that is originally acquired from computer aided tomography scan or comparable biological imaging system. The software of the invention splits the entire tubular anatomy into exactly two halves. The software assigns a virtual camera to each half to perform fly-over navigation. Through controlling the elevation of the virtual camera, there is no restriction on its field of view (FOV) angle, which can be greater than 90 degrees, for example. The camera viewing volume is perpendicular to each half of the tubular anatomical structure, so potential structures of interest, e.g., polyps hidden behind haustral folds in a colon are easily found.

Abstract: A non-contact, passive method for measurement of arterial pulse from areas such as the major superficial arteries of the body through analysis of thermal IR images acquired by passive thermal IR imaging sensors, and through the modeling of the pulsatile nature of the blood flow and arterial pulse propagation in the circulatory system. The method is automatic and does not need operator input. The output waveform readily contains the information on heart rate, cardiac interbeat intervals, heart-rate variability and other features inherent in arterial pulse.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention utilize a variational framework for computing curve skeletons (CS) of objects whose cross section is not necessary tubular. Embodiments utilize an energy function, which is proportional to some medialness function, such that the minimum cost path between any two medial voxels in the shape is a curve skeleton. Different medialness functions include the Euclidean distance field and a modified version of the magnitude of the gradient vector flow (GVF), which results in two different energy functions. The first energy function controls the identification of the topological nodes of the shape from which curve skeletons start, while the second one controls the extraction of the curve skeletons. Preferred embodiments are completely automated since all parameters are analytically estimated.

Abstract: A method for detecting a nodule in image data including the steps of segmenting scanning information from an image slice to isolate lung tissue from other structures, resulting in segmented image data; extracting anatomic structures, including any potential nodules, from the segmented image data, resulting in extracted image data; and detecting possible nodules from the extracted image data, based on deformable prototypes of candidates generated by a level set method in combination with a marginal gray level distribution method.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided through which a model-based vision system for dentistry which assists in diagnosis, treatment planning and surgical simulation. The present invention includes an integrated computer vision system that constructs a three-dimensional (3-D) model of the patient's dental occlusion using an intra-oral video camera. A modified shape from shading technique, using perspective projection and camera calibration, extracts the 3-D information from a sequence of two-dimensional images of the jaw. Data fusion of range data and 3-D registration techniques develop a complete 3-D digital jaw model. Triangulation of the 3-D digital model is then performed, and optionally, a solid 3-D model is reconstructed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided through which a model-based vision system for dentistry which assists in diagnosis, treatment planning and surgical simulation. The present invention includes an integrated computer vision system that constructs a three-dimensional (3-D) model of the patient's dental occlusion using an intra-oral video camera. A modified shape from shading technique, using perspective projection and camera calibration, extracts the 3-D information from a sequence of two-dimensional images of the jaw. Data fusion of range data and 3-D registration techniques develop a complete 3-D digital jaw model. Triangulation of the 3-D digital model is then performed, and optionally, a solid 3-D model is reconstructed.