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US5345490A
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Method and apparatus for converting computed tomography (CT) data into finite element models
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1991-06-28
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Granted: 1994-09-06
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Expires: 2011-06-28
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for converting computed tomography (CT) data into finite element models. The system generates both 2-D and 3-D models using the automatic mesh generators, QUADTREE and OCTREE, which are founded on recursive spatial decomposition. Multiple slices of CT data are obtained by scanning the object to be modeled. The slices are stacked and processed to form a discrete solid model. The discrete solid model is an alternate geometry defined discretely rather than with continuous analytic curves and surfaces but still provides a foundation for automatic mesh generation. Since the QUADTREE and OCTREE automatic mesh generators map naturally to the discrete solid model, the integration of CT technology and automatic mesh generation can be achieved.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter M. Finnigan
- 👤 William E. Lorensen
- 👤 Alan F. Hathaway
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 12:57
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06T; G06T17/00; G06T17/20; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S378/00; Y10S378/901
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
57 words
A method of generating a finite element model of an object comprising the steps of: scanning the object so as to produce multiple slices of geometrical data of the object; processing said multiple slices of data into a discrete solid model; and generating a finite element mesh from said discrete solid model using an automatic mesh generator.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
57 words
A method of generating a finite element model of an object comprising the steps of: scanning the object so as to produce multiple slices of geometrical data of the object; processing said multiple slices of data into a discrete solid model; and generating a finite element mesh from said discrete solid model using an automatic mesh generator.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of scanning the object is carried out with a computed tomography apparatus at multiple locations along an axis of the object.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of generating a finite element mesh comprises recursively subdividing said discrete solid model into cells.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
72 words
A method of generating a finite element model of an object comprising the steps of: scanning the object with a computed tomography device at multiple locations along an axis of the object so as to produce multiple slices of geometrical data of the object; processing said multiple slices of data into a discrete solid model; and generating a finite element mesh directly from said discrete solid model using an automatic mesh generator.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
72 words
A method of generating a finite element model of an object comprising the steps of: scanning the object with a computed tomography device at multiple locations along an axis of the object so as to produce multiple slices of geometrical data of the object; processing said multiple slices of data into a discrete solid model; and generating a finite element mesh directly from said discrete solid model using an automatic mesh generator.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
51 words
A system for converting geometrical data into a finite element model comprising: means for producing multiple slices of geometrical data of the object; means for generating a discrete solid model from said multiple slices of geometrical data; and means for automatically generating a finite element mesh from said discrete solid model.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
51 words
A system for converting geometrical data into a finite element model comprising: means for producing multiple slices of geometrical data of the object; means for generating a discrete solid model from said multiple slices of geometrical data; and means for automatically generating a finite element mesh from said discrete solid model.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 5 wherein said means for producing multiple slices of geometrical data comprises a computed tomography device.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 5 wherein said means for automatically generating a finite element mesh comprises a fully automatic mesh generator based on a recursively subdividing geometrical model.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-09-05 | 1998-03-07 | 1998-09-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-09-05 | 2002-03-07 | 2002-09-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-09-05 | 2006-03-07 | 2006-09-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |