Abstract: A method for segmentation of 3D structures in CT and MR images is provided. The method is based on 3D ray propagation by mean-shift analysis with a smoothness constraint. Ray propagation is used to guide an evolving surface due to its computational efficiency and shape priors are incorporated for robust convergence. The method includes the steps of receiving 3D image data; visualizing the 3D image data on a display device; selecting a structure in the 3D image data by placing a seed in the structure; initializing a plurality of rays from the seed to form a surface; determining a speed function of each of the rays; evolving the surface by propagating the rays based on the speed function of each of the rays; converging the rays on a boundary of the structure; and segmenting the structure when all of the rays have converged on the structure's boundary.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of analyzing curvilinear structures by receiving three-dimensional space imaging data of a curvilinear structure, defining an axis curve within the curvilinear structure, sweeping a line segment along said axis curve so as to define a ribbon in said three-dimensional space, and adsorbing data from said three-dimensional space onto said ribbon. This ribbon may then be flattened for convenient examination.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and program storage device are provided for co-registration of multi-modal images in a three-dimensional environment, where the apparatus includes a source of excitation light, an electromagnetic-ray source disposed relative to the source of excitation light, an electromagnetic-ray transparent mirror having a first surface disposed towards the excitation light and a second surface disposed towards the electromagnetic-ray source, a target location disposed towards the first surface of the electromagnetic-ray transparent mirror for locating a target and receiving the excitation light and the electromagnetic rays, an electromagnetic-ray detector disposed on an opposite side of the target location relative to the electromagnetic-ray transparent mirror for detecting electromagnetic-rays transmitted through the target, a second electromagnetic-ray transparent mirror having a light-reflective surface disposed towards the target location, and a light detector disposed towards the light-reflective

Abstract: A method for segmentation of 3D structures in CT and MR images is provided. The method is based on 3D ray propagation by mean-shift analysis with a smoothness constraint. Ray propagation is used to guide an evolving surface due to its computational efficiency and shape priors are incorporated for robust convergence. The method includes the steps of receiving 3D image data; visualizing the 3D image data on a display device; selecting a structure in the 3D image data by placing a seed in the structure; initializing a plurality of rays from the seed to form a surface; determining a speed function of each of the rays; evolving the surface by propagating the rays based on the speed function of each of the rays; converging the rays on a boundary of the structure; and segmenting the structure when all of the rays have converged on the structure's boundary.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a user interface for three-dimensional data sets includes a processing unit, a tracking unit in signal communication with the processing unit, a registration unit in signal communication with the processing unit, and a display unit in signal communication with the processing unit; where the method includes receiving an image representation of a physical base, registering an image representation of a virtual object of interest relative to the physical base, and providing an image representation of an interface tool relative to the physical base.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of analyzing curvilinear structures by receiving three-dimensional space imaging data of a curvilinear structure, defining an axis curve within the curvilinear structure, sweeping a line segment along said axis curve so as to define a ribbon in said three-dimensional space, and adsorbing data from said three-dimensional space onto said ribbon.

Abstract: There is provided a method for accelerating the generation and display of volume-rendered cut-away-views of three-dimensional images. The method includes the step of rendering a three-dimensional image from a set of textured image surfaces. At least one image corresponding to at least one intermediate result of the rendering step is accumulated. The at least one image includes at least one accumulation of at least two of the textured image surfaces. The at least one image is stored in a volume buffer for subsequent rendering of cut-away-views of the three-dimensional image therefrom. The accumulating step includes the step of accumulating one image for each of the plurality of textured image surfaces. Alternatively, the accumulating step includes the step of accumulating one image for only some of the plurality of textured image surfaces.

Abstract: A novel manufacturing technique for strengthening integrally molded handles on a membranous or thin-film article against tearing, by integrally molding the peripheries of the handles and adjacent rim regions of the article in a mold which provides a three-dimensional curvilinear pre-bias against the stress-pattern engendered by lifting of masses carried by the article.

Abstract: A novel manufacturing technique for strengthening integrally molded handles on a membranous or thin-film article against tearing, by integrally molding the peripheries of the handles and adjacent rim regions of the article in a mold which provides a three-dimensional curvilinear pre-bias against the stress-pattern engendered by lifting of masses carried by the article.

Abstract: A plant watering and protecting device is provided which protects a plant from underground attack by rodents, forms a berm for containing overhead water within the drip line of the plant, and optionally provides receptacles for underground fertilizer sticks and above-ground insecticide against surface crawling insects.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an ignition system for internal combustion engines. The ignition system is particularly applicable to such engines including a magneto.The ignition system includes a semi-conductor ignition circuit in which a first transistor has its collector-emitter conduction path connected in series with the primary winding of an ignition coil assembly. A resistor is connected between base and collector of the first transistor to permit it to conduct. A control circuit connected between the base of the first transistor and the primary winding, turns the first trnasistor off when it is desired to interrupt the primary winding current.The ignition system also includes a magneto ignition coil assembly which has a low inductance primary winding having a relatively low number of turns. The coil assemblies of the present invention are generally unsuitable for use with conventional mechanical breaker points.

Abstract: An automatic trash pickup assembly which may be attached to a forward portion of a vehicle such as a trash truck for use in picking up and conveying to a rear portion of the truck, trash, refuse, and the like, which may be packed in any disposable container. An inclined elevating conveyor assembly is attached to the vehicle at one point through a ball and socket assembly and to the front of the vehicle by a sliding bar and sleeve. A fully floating reel is carried above the forward end of the conveyor and is structured to move up or down in response to the size of the trash encountered. A revolving underroller, having extending and retracting cleats, is affixed to the forward end of the conveyor and counterrotates with the floating reel. The conveyor assembly is laterally movable from a position extending directly in front of the vehicle to a position wherein the conveyor swings outboard of the vehicle to remove trash from the sidewalk or curb adjacent the roadway.