U.S. patent application number 10/825536 was filed with the patent office on 2005-10-20 for relational millimeter-wave interrogating.
Invention is credited to Grudkowski, Thomas W., Rowe, Richard L..
Application Number | 20050231416 10/825536 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35095772 |
Filed Date | 2005-10-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050231416 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rowe, Richard L. ; et
al. |
October 20, 2005 |
Relational millimeter-wave interrogating
Abstract
Methods disclosed may include interrogating a subject with
millimeter-wave electromagnetic radiation, and generating data
representative of a selected feature of a subject may include
serial comparative interrogating for processing. Serial processing
may include first interrogating a given subject at a first time,
generating a data set from the first interrogating, second
interrogating the subject at a second time different than the first
time, generating a data set from the second interrogating, and
identifying information corresponding to a given feature of the
subject from each data set. Non-serial processing may include
interrogating a subject, generating a data set from the
interrogating, identifying information corresponding to a first
feature of the subject, and identifying information corresponding
to a second feature of the subject. Processing may also include
comparing the information identified, and/or rendering
representations of the information identified and presenting the
representations rendered.
Inventors: |
Rowe, Richard L.; (Saratoga,
CA) ; Grudkowski, Thomas W.; (Pleasanton,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KOLISCH HARTWELL, P.C.
520 S.W. YAMHILL STREET
SUITE 200
PORTLAND
OR
97204
US
|
Family ID: |
35095772 |
Appl. No.: |
10/825536 |
Filed: |
April 14, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
342/22 ; 342/179;
342/180 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01S 13/89 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
342/022 ;
342/179; 342/180 |
International
Class: |
G01S 013/89 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A method, comprising: performing interrogating events for a
given surface of a given subject at different times, each
interrogating event including: interrogating at least the given
surface with electromagnetic radiation in a frequency range of
about 100 MHz to about 2 THz; and generating a data set
corresponding to the given surface; and comparing information from
at least two data sets corresponding to the given surface, wherein
the information compared is from data sets generated during
different imaging events.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the subject is a body
portion.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the body portion is at least
partially covered by material at least partially transparent to the
electromagnetic radiation.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the material is one or more of
clothing, a cast, a wound dressing, and a bandage.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the information from each data
set corresponds to one or more of a two-dimensional representation
of the given surface, a cross-sectional representation of the given
surface, a three-dimensional representation of the given surface, a
topographic representation of the given surface, and a numerical
measurement of the given surface.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein comparing further comprises:
rendering a representation of the information from each data set;
and presenting the representations rendered.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein rendering a representation
includes rendering one or more of a graphical representation and a
textual representation.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein rendering a graphical
representation includes rendering one or more of a two-dimensional
representation, a cross-sectional representation, a
three-dimensional representation, and a topographic representation;
and wherein rendering a textual representation includes rendering
an alphanumeric representation.
9. The method of claim 6, wherein presenting includes displaying
the representations one or more of sequentially and
concurrently.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein displaying the representations
concurrently includes displaying the representations in tabular
format.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein displaying the representations
concurrently includes displaying the representations by
superimposition.
12. A computer program product comprising: computer code arranged,
when executed, to perform the method of claim 1; and a computer
readable medium that stores the computer code.
13. A computer readable storage medium with a computer program
thereon, comprising at least one code segment that, when executed,
performs the method of claim 1.
14. A method, comprising: first interrogating a given subject at a
first time with electromagnetic radiation in a frequency range of
about 100 MHz to about 2 THz; generating, from the first
interrogating, a data set representative of the given subject;
second interrogating the given subject at a second time different
than the first time with electromagnetic radiation in a frequency
range of about 100 MHz to about 2 THz; generating, from the second
interrogating, a data set representative of the given subject; and
identifying, from each data set generated, information
corresponding to a given feature of the given subject.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the subject includes a body
portion.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the body portion is at least
partially covered by material at least partially transparent to the
electromagnetic radiation.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the material is one or more of
clothing, a cast, a wound dressing, and a bandage.
18. The method of claim 14, wherein the information identified from
each data set corresponds to one or more of a two-dimensional
representation of the given feature, a cross-sectional
representation of the given feature, a three-dimensional
representation of the given feature, a topographic representation
of the given feature, and a numerical measurement of the given
feature.
19. The method of claim 14, further comprising: comparing the
information identified.
20. The method of claim 14, further comprising: rendering a
representation of the information identified from each data set;
and presenting the representations rendered.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein rendering a representation
includes rendering one or more of a graphical representation and a
textual representation.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein rendering a graphical
representation includes rendering one or more of a two-dimensional
representation, a cross-sectional representation, a
three-dimensional representation, and a topographic representation;
and wherein rendering a textual representation includes rendering
an alphanumeric representation.
23. The method of claim 20, wherein presenting includes displaying
the representations one or more of sequentially and
concurrently.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein displaying the representations
concurrently includes displaying the representations in tabular
format.
25. The method of claim 23, wherein displaying the representations
concurrently includes displaying the representations by
superimposition.
26. A computer program product comprising: computer code arranged,
when executed, to perform the method of claim 14; and a computer
readable medium that stores the computer code.
27. A computer readable storage medium with a computer program
thereon, comprising at least one code segment that, when executed,
performs the method of claim 14.
28. The method of claim 14, further comprising identifying, from at
least one data set generated, information corresponding to a second
feature of the subject corresponding to the first feature.
29. A system, comprising: an apparatus operable to interrogate a
given subject at different times with electromagnetic radiation in
a frequency range of about 100 MHz to about 2 THz; a controller
coupled to the apparatus, the controller being adapted to: operate
the apparatus; generate a data set representative of the given
subject each time the subject is interrogated; and identify, from
each data set, information corresponding to a given feature of the
given subject; a device coupled to the controller, and operable to
present the information identified.
30. The system of claim 29, wherein the at least one controller is
further adapted to render a representation of the information
identified from each data set; and wherein the device coupled to
the controller is further operable to present the representations
rendered.
31. The system of claim 30, wherein the representation rendered
includes one or more of a graphical representation and a textual
representation.
32. The system of claim 31, wherein the graphical representation
includes one or more of a two-dimensional representation, a
cross-sectional representation, a three-dimensional representation,
and a topographic representation.
33. The system of claim 31, wherein the textual representation
includes an alphanumeric representation.
34. The system of claim 29, in which the controller further
includes at least one processor and a medium storing
processor-readable instructions.
35. The system of claim 29, in which the controller further
includes at least one processor; processor code arranged, when
executed on the at least one processor, to perform at least one
action; and a processor readable medium that stores the processor
code.
36. A system, comprising: means for interrogating a given subject
at different times with electromagnetic radiation in a frequency
range of about 100 MHz to about 2 THz; means for generating, from
each interrogating, a data set representative of the given subject;
and means for identifying, from each data set generated,
information corresponding to a given feature of the given
subject.
37. The system of claim 36, further comprising: means for rendering
a representation of the information identified from each data set;
and means for presenting the representations rendered.
38. The system of claim 37, wherein the representation rendered
includes one or more of a graphical representation and a textual
representation.
39. The system of claim 38, wherein the graphical representation
includes one or more of a two-dimensional representation, a
cross-sectional representation, a three-dimensional representation,
and a topographic representation.
40. The system of claim 38, wherein the textual representation
includes an alphanumeric representation.
41. A method, comprising: interrogating a subject with
electromagnetic radiation in a frequency range of about 100 MHz to
about 2 THz; generating, from the interrogating, at least one data
set representative of at least a portion of the subject;
identifying, from the at least one data set, information
corresponding to a first feature of the subject; and identifying,
from the at least one data set, information corresponding to a
second feature of the subject corresponding to the first
feature.
42. The method of claim 41, wherein the subject is a body.
43. The method of claim 42, wherein the first feature is a body
portion and the second feature is a contralateral body portion.
44. The method of claim 41, further comprising: rendering a
representation of the information corresponding to each feature;
and presenting the representations rendered.
45. The method of claim 44, wherein rendering a representation
includes rendering one or more of a graphical representation and a
textual representation.
46. The method of claim 45, wherein rendering a graphical
representation includes rendering one or more of a two-dimensional
representation, a cross-sectional representation, a
three-dimensional representation, and a topographic
representation.
47. The method of claim 45, wherein rendering a textual
representation includes rendering an alphanumeric
representation.
48. The method of claim 46, wherein the first feature is a body
portion and the second feature is a contralateral body portion,
wherein rendering a graphical representation of the information
corresponding to each feature includes rendering a mirror image of
one of the features, and wherein presenting the representations
rendered includes superimposing the graphical representations.
49. The method of claim 42, further comprising: identifying a plane
of symmetry along the body; comparing the shape of a first body
portion on one side of the plane with the shape of an opposing
second body portion on the other side of the plane.
50. The method of claim 49, further comprising: determining whether
the shape of the first body portion is symmetrical with the shape
of the second body portion; and producing an output identifying the
first and second body portions when the shapes of the first and
second body portions are determined to be asymmetrical.
51. A computer program product comprising: computer code arranged,
when executed, to perform the method of claim 41; and a computer
readable medium that stores the computer code.
52. A computer readable storage medium with a computer program
thereon, comprising at least one code segment that, when executed,
performs the method of claim 41.
53. The method of claim 41, further comprising identifying, from
each data set, information corresponding to the first feature of
the subject, wherein interrogating a subject includes first
interrogating a given subject at a first time with electromagnetic
radiation in a frequency range of about 100 MHz to about 2 THz and
second interrogating the given subject at a second time different
than the first time with electromagnetic radiation in a frequency
range of about 100 MHz to about 2 THz; and wherein generating
includes generating a data set representative of the given subject
from the first interrogating and from the second interrogating.
54. A system comprising: means for interrogating a subject with
electromagnetic radiation in a frequency range of about 100 MHz to
about 2 THz; means for generating, from the interrogating, at least
one data set representative of at least a portion of the subject;
means for identifying, from the at least one data set, information
corresponding to a first feature of the subject; and means for
identifying, from the at least one data set, information
corresponding to a second feature of the subject corresponding to
the first feature.
55. The system of claim 54, further comprising: means for
presenting the information identified.
56. The system of claim 54, wherein the subject is a body, and
wherein the first feature is a body portion and the second feature
is a contralateral body portion.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Millimeter wave signals are used for radar and
telecommunications. They are also capable of being used to generate
data representative of a subject, by directing millimeter-wave
signals at the subject and detecting the reflected signal. The data
generated may then be used to produce an image of the subject.
Examples of such imaging systems are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,455,590; 5,557,283; 5,859,609; and 6,507,309; U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/607,552 filed Jun. 26, 2003; U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/697,848 filed Oct. 30, 2003; U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/301,522 filed Nov. 21, 2002; and U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/697,965 filed Oct. 30, 2003, which
patent references are incorporated herein by reference.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] An interrogation system can include an interrogating
apparatus configured to interrogate a subject with millimeter-wave
electromagnetic radiation. A subject may include one or more
persons, animals, and inanimate objects, or combinations or
portions thereof. Such a system can also include a controller
coupled to the interrogating apparatus configured to generate and
process data representative of a subject, or a portion or portions
thereof, such as one or more selected features of the subject.
[0003] Subject interrogating methods may include serial
interrogating, which may include one or more of first interrogating
a given subject at a first time, generating a data set from the
first interrogating, second interrogating the subject at a second
time different than the first time, generating a data set from the
second interrogating, and identifying information corresponding to
a given feature of the subject from each data set. Alternatively or
additionally, subject interrogating methods may include non-serial
interrogating, which may include one or more of interrogating a
given subject, generating a data set from the interrogating,
identifying information corresponding to a first feature of the
subject, and identifying information corresponding to a second
feature of the subject. Such methods may also include comparing the
information identified, rendering representations of the
information identified, and/or presenting the representations
rendered.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 is a general diagram showing an interrogation
system.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating actions involved in a
serial interrogating method.
[0006] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating actions involved in a
non-serial interrogating method.
[0007] FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 show examples of displays presented by an
interrogation system performing one or more actions of the method
of FIG. 2.
[0008] FIGS. 7 and 8 show examples of screens displays presented by
an interrogation system performing one or more actions of the
method of FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
[0009] There are situations in which it is desirable to identify
features of a subject, such as a given feature at different times
and/or different features at a given time. For example, when
monitoring or assessing the effects of a physical development
program on subjects such as persons or animals, the precision and
accuracy of monitoring such effects over time may be benefited by
employing millimeter-wave imaging technology. This may be
particularly true in applications in which accurate topographical,
cross-sectional, and/or other surface measurement data of the
subject's body, or a portion or portions thereof, are crucial in
monitoring effects of a physical development program such as weight
loss, physical rehabilitation, bodybuilding, or the like, or of
physical modification such as cosmetic surgery. Similarly, in
assessing a subject's physical and/or medical condition, an
assessment or diagnosis may be rendered more effective by using
millimeter-wave technology, for example, in applications in which
comparison of different and/or opposing body parts is desired.
Further, use of millimeter-wave technology may be helpful in
assessing the condition of a body surface covered by clothing,
bandages, a cast, or the like, without first having to remove the
covering. Regardless of the application, a person subjected to
monitoring or assessment may be more willing to allow
interrogating, or repeated interrogating, if it is performed
quickly and efficiently, and in a way that protects the person's
privacy.
[0010] Shown generally at 10 in FIG. 1 is an exemplary
interrogation system. System 10 includes an interrogating apparatus
12, a controller 14, and in some systems, an output device 16. The
system interrogates a subject 18 in the sense that the
interrogating apparatus transmits electromagnetic radiation 20
toward the subject, and in response, the subject emits or reflects
electromagnetic radiation 22 that is detected by the interrogating
apparatus.
[0011] Subject 18 may include all that is presented for
interrogation by an interrogation system, whether human, animal, or
inanimate object. For example, if a person is presented for
interrogation, subject 18 may include the entire person or a
specific portion or portions of the person. Optionally, subject 18
may include one or more persons, animals, objects, or a combination
of these.
[0012] System 10 may be adapted to interrogate subject 18 by
irradiating it with electromagnetic radiation, and detecting the
reflected radiation. Electromagnetic radiation may be selected from
an appropriate frequency range, such as in the range of about 100
megahertz (MHz) to 2 terahertz (THz), generally referred to herein
as millimeter-wave radiation. Satisfactory imaging, or the
production of images from the detected radiation, may be obtained
using electromagnetic radiation in the frequency range of one
gigahertz (GHz) to about 300 GHz. Radiation in the range of about 5
GHz to about 110 GHz may also be used to produce acceptable images.
Some imaging systems use radiation in the range of 24 GHz to 30
GHz. Such radiation may be either at a fixed frequency or over a
range or set of frequencies using several modulation types, e.g.
chirp, pseudorandom frequency hop, pulsed, frequency modulated
continuous wave (FMCW), or continuous wave (CW).
[0013] Certain natural and synthetic fibers may be transparent or
semi-transparent to radiation of such frequencies and wavelengths,
permitting the detection and/or imaging of surfaces positioned
beneath such materials. For example, when the subject of
interrogation is a individual having portions of the body covered
by clothing or other covering materials, such as a cast, wound
dressings, bandages, or the like, information about portions of the
subject's body covered by such materials can be obtained with
system 10, as well as those portions that are not covered. Further,
information relative to objects carried or supported by, or
otherwise with a person beneath clothing can be provided with
system 10 for metal and non-metal object compositions, such as
those used for prosthetic devices and the like.
[0014] Many variations of interrogating apparatus 12 are possible.
For example, the interrogating apparatus may include an array 24 of
one or more antenna units, each of which may further include a
single antenna that transmits and receives radiation or a plurality
of antennae that collectively transmit and receive radiation.
Optionally, some embodiments may employ one or more antennae
apparatus as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/728,456 filed Dec. 5, 2003, entitled "Millimeter-Wave Active
Imaging System" the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by
reference.
[0015] Depending on the interrogating apparatus, an imaging system
may include an apparatus moving mechanism 26, represented by a
motor 28, which may move interrogating apparatus 12 relative to a
subject 18. Moving mechanism 26 may be mounted relative to a frame
30 for moving the apparatus along a path defined by a movement
control mechanism 32, such as a guide 34, including any associated
motor indexers, encoders or other controls, as appropriate. The
moving mechanism may be any appropriate mechanism that moves the
interrogating apparatus, and may include a servo motor, stepper
motor, or other suitable device.
[0016] Interrogating apparatus 12 may be coupled to controller 14.
As contemplated herein, the controller includes all structure and
functions appropriate for generating, routing, processing,
transmitting and receiving millimeter-wave signals to and from the
interrogating apparatus. The controller, in this comprehensive
sense, may include multiplexed switching among individual
components of the interrogating apparatus, transmit and receive
electronics, and mechanical, optical, electronic, and logic units.
The controller thus may send to and receive from the interrogating
apparatus signals 36, which may include appropriate signals, such
as control signals and data signals.
[0017] Controller 14 may control operation of motor 28, and
coordinate the operation of interrogation apparatus 12 with
movement of the interrogation apparatus. Controller 14 may include
hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these, and may be
included in a computer, computer server, or other
microprocessor-based system capable of performing a sequence of
logic operations. In addition, processing can be distributed with
individual portions being implemented in separate system
components.
[0018] Controller 14 may include a processor 38 and a memory 40.
Components such as output devices, processors, memories and memory
devices, and other components, may be wholly or partly co-resident
in interrogation apparatus 12 or be wholly or partly located
remotely from the interrogation apparatus.
[0019] Processor 38 may process data signals received from the
interrogating apparatus. The processor thus may include hardware,
software, firmware, or a combination of these, and may be included
in a computer, computer server, or other microprocessor-based
system capable of performing a sequence of logic operations. The
processor may be any analog or digital computational device, or
combination of devices, such as a computer(s), microprocessor(s),
or other logic unit(s) adapted to control interrogating a subject
and receiving data signals 36, and to generate a data set
representative of at least a portion of the subject interrogated. A
data set may include any data, whether processed, partially
processed or unprocessed, or sub-sets of the data, such as: data
for a portion of a subject; data that is manipulated in order to
identify information corresponding to one or more given features of
a subject; data that is manipulated in order to present, for
viewing by an operator or by another processor, information
corresponding to one or more given features of a subject; or
measurements or other information relating to a subject that is
derived from received signals. A data set may be output to one or
more output devices 16 coupled to processor 38, such as a storage
device, communication link, such as a network hub, another computer
or server, a printer, or directly to a display device, such as a
video monitor. Processor 38 may also be coupled to an input device
42 such as a keyboard, cursor controller, touch-screen display,
another processor, a network, or other device or communication
link.
[0020] In some embodiments, processor 38 may be coupled to memory
40 for storing data, such as one or more data sets generated by
processor 38, or operating instructions, such as instructions for
processing data. Memory 40 may be a single device or a combination
of devices, and may be local to the processor or remote from it and
accessible on a communication link or network. Operating
instructions or code 44 may be stored on memory 40, and may be
embodied as hardware, firmware, or software.
[0021] Data sets generated by the processor may thus be sent to and
retrieved from memory 40 for storage. In some examples, a data set
generated from interrogating a given subject may be retrieved for
further processing, such as identifying information corresponding
to a first and a second feature of the subject. In such examples,
the processor may be configured to compare the information
corresponding to the features, such as in analysis of opposing body
portions by determining regions of symmetry or asymmetry between
the body portions or otherwise comparing surface phenomena. In some
examples, one or more data sets generated from interrogating a
given subject at a given time may be stored in memory 38, and then
may be compared with one or more data sets generated from
interrogating the subject at a later time. In some examples, the
processor may be configured to identify information in multiple
data sets, each generated at a different time, but corresponding to
the same given feature of the subject, and to compare the
information corresponding to the feature at different times.
[0022] An interrogation system, such as that illustrated in FIG. 1,
may be used for interrogating in a variety of applications, in
which the controller may be configured to identify information in
one or more data sets corresponding to one or more features of a
subject. Examples of serial interrogating may include performing a
series of interrogations of a subject at different times,
generating a data set representative of the subject from each
interrogation, and identifying information in each data set
corresponding to a given feature of the subject, to allow a
comparison of the information and analysis of development or
changes in the given feature over time. Examples of non-serial
interrogating may include interrogating a subject and generating a
data set representative of the subject, and identifying information
in the data set corresponding to two or more features of the
subject, to allow a comparison and analysis of the information.
[0023] Following are various examples of interrogating methods that
may be used with an interrogation system, such as system 10
illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating an
exemplary set of actions in a serial interrogating method, and FIG.
3 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary set of actions in a
non-serial interrogating method.
[0024] Specifically, FIG. 2 shows a serial interrogating method 60,
which begins in block 62 by first interrogating a given subject
with electromagnetic radiation in a frequency range of about 100
MHz to about 2 THz, using, for example, imaging system 10. In block
64, a data set is generated from the first interrogating. The
subject is interrogated a second time in block 66, and a data set
from the second interrogating is generated in block 68.
[0025] The appropriate time between interrogations may depend upon
the particular application for which the interrogation is being
performed. For example, in applications in which a subject's
physical development is monitored, such as when tracking a person's
reaction to a dietary program, a physical therapy program, an
exercise program, or the like, days, weeks, or even months between
interrogations may be appropriate. In contrast, some applications
may call for a series of interrogations separated by shorter
intervals, such as real-time monitoring of a cosmetic surgery
procedure, in which interrogating a subject every few minutes may
be beneficial. Other applications may involve even shorter
intervals, for example to simulate continuous monitoring, or much
longer intervals. Also, as the frequency of interrogating a given
subject will vary with the particular application, so too will the
total number of interrogations.
[0026] After data sets from interrogations of a subject have been
generated, information from each data set representative of a given
feature of the subject is identified in block 70. The given feature
may be selected by a user of the system, or by the system itself
according to stored operating instructions. Likewise, operating,
instructions of the system may be configured to identify the
appropriate information in each data set.
[0027] For example, FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 illustrate exemplary
representations of displays that might appear oh an output device
of system 10, such as a monitor, while performing actions of serial
interrogating method 60. In FIG. 4, a first set of images 102, each
representative of information derived from a data set generated
from an interrogation of a person, are presented chronologically or
in some other desired order. The person in this example is an adult
human male, and the particular application may be an assessment of
the physical effects over time of a dietary or exercise program
that the person is following. Captions 104 may present ancillary
information about images 102, for example the time and date of the
interrogation from which the data set corresponding to the image
was generated. Each image 102 can be seen to include a full-body,
frontal representation 106 of the interrogated person.
[0028] In the depicted example, a particular feature of the person,
for example a cross-section of a selected body portion such as the
person's waist, may be selected by moving a cursor 108 up or down a
vertical scroll bar 110. Moving cursor 108 may correspondingly move
a horizontal indicator line 112 over images 102. A "SELECT" button
114 may be activated once indicator line 112 has been placed to
select the particular cross-section. Operating instructions of
system 10 may then identify the information in each data set
representative of the selected feature. Optionally, system 10 may
select one or more features based on input or stored selection
criteria or instructions. For example, the various data sets or
images may be compared, and features that are sufficiently
different may be identified.
[0029] Returning to FIG. 2, a representation of the information
from each data set identified in block 70 may be rendered in block
72. Finally, in block 74, the representations may be presented for
comparison.
[0030] In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, these steps may result
in representations 106 of the person's body. The steps may also
result in other representations, such as a second set of images
116, each of which can be seen to include a graphical,
cross-sectional representation 118. Each cross-sectional
representation 118 corresponds to the position of indicator line
112 over representations 106, and is a rendering of the
information, or the cross-sectional data, representative of the
selected cross-section. Individual representations 118a, 118b, and
118c may thus represent a cross-section of the person's waist at
three different times.
[0031] Representations 118 may be presented in a variety of
different ways. As can be seen in FIG. 4, representations 118 (or,
more specifically, individual representations 118a, 118b, and
118c), when displayed concurrently and separately on a monitor, can
be compared visually. A "COMPARE" button 120 may be activated to
prompt system 10 to present the representations in another manner.
Optionally, system 10 may be configured to execute a compare
function automatically, for example, based on threshold differences
or anomalies among the representations and/or in the information
from which the representations are rendered.
[0032] For example, FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary display that may be
presented when "COMPARE" button 120 is activated, which includes a
composite image 122. Composite image 122 includes representations
118a, 118b, and 118c, presented concurrently and superimposed. In
composite image 122, each representation 118 is visually
distinguishable, and may be displayed in a different line style (as
shown), in a different color, or in any manner in which a visual
comparison may be facilitated. Optionally, composite image 122 may
include presenting representations 118 individually in rapid
sequence. Individual images 116 may optionally be displayed as
shown, separate from, but associated with, composite image 122.
[0033] Alternatively or in addition to presenting representations
for user comparison, system 10 may be configured to compare the
representations and/or the information from the data sets from
which the representations are rendered, and may produce output
indicative of the comparison by presenting, for example, a
composite graphical image highlighting portions for which a
threshold difference exists, or alphanumeric data, or both.
Optionally, the results of such a comparison may be further
processed, stored in memory, provided as output to another output
device, and so on. Moreover, comparison information may be rendered
in the form of alphanumeric, graphical, or other information, and
may include differences in feature information, proportions,
ratios, trends, statistical data, or other relational information.
Further, information rendered may relate to characteristics such as
consistency or inconsistency of surface topography and may compare
the relative proportion or characteristics of features directly or
compare them to historical and/or standard proportions or
characteristics.
[0034] System 10 optionally may render textual representations of
the information identified. For example, FIG. 6 depicts another
exemplary display that may be presented when "COMPARE" button 120
is activated, which includes a set of textual images 124, each of
which may contain alphanumeric data 126 representative of the
information corresponding to the selected feature. In the depicted
example, such alphanumeric data may include numerical measurements
of the person's waist, such as waist size (or circumference) or
other surface measurements. Also, like the graphical
representations of FIG. 5, the textual representations of FIG. 6
may be presented in a variety of manners conducive to comparison by
a user. Optionally, the system may perform a comparison as
described above and display information representative of the
results of such a comparison. Individual images 116 may optionally
be displayed as shown, separate from, but associated with, textual
image sets 124.
[0035] The displays in FIGS. 4-6 depict examples of how different
actions or steps of serial comparative interrogating method 60 may
be displayed by interrogation system 10. Numerous variations are
possible, which may be dependent upon factors such as the
application in which method 60 is employed, the configuration of
system 10, and so on. In an application in which effects of a
physical therapy program on a patient are assessed, graphical
representations rendered may include cross-sectional or other
two-dimensional representations of the portion of the patient
targeted by the physical therapy. In an application in which the
postoperative results of cosmetic surgery are evaluated,
representations may include topographical, volumetric, or other
three-dimensional representations of the body portion modified by
the surgery. Furthermore, information corresponding to the selected
feature may be further processed, sent to another output device
such as a printer, stored in memory, and so forth. In some
applications, visual comparison or monitoring by a user may not be
required nor desired.
[0036] Moreover, method 60 is an example of a serial interrogating
method, in which a series of interrogations or "interrogating
events," in which a given subject is interrogated and then a data
set is generated from that interrogating, are performed. Other
examples of serial interrogating methods may involve more or fewer
steps than those indicated in FIG. 2. Applications involving more
steps may include those in which more than two interrogations are
performed, those in which more than one data set is generated from
each interrogation, and so forth. In still other applications, the
actions listed in method 60 may be performed in a different order.
For example, unprocessed data from a series of interrogating events
may be stored in a memory device of a system such as interrogation
system 10, to be processed and/or further processed at various
times during, or subsequent to the completion of, the series of
interrogating events.
[0037] Some examples of an interrogating method may not involve
multiple interrogating events. One example is illustrated in FIG.
3, which shows a non-serial interrogating method 80. Method 80
begins in block 82 by interrogating a given subject with
electromagnetic radiation in a frequency range of about 100 MHz to
about 2 THz, using, for example, imaging system 10. In block 84, a
data set is generated from the interrogating.
[0038] After a data set from interrogating the subject has been
generated, a first feature of the subject is selected in block 86,
and information from the data set representative of the first
feature of the subject is identified in block 88. A second feature
of the subject is selected in block 90, and information from the
data set representative of the second feature of the subject is
identified in block 92. As in serial interrogating method 60, one
or more given features may be selected by a user of the system.
Optionally, components of the system, such as a processor, may
select one or more features, and the information may be identified
according to stored operating instructions.
[0039] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate exemplary representations of
displays that might appear on an output device of system 10, such
as a monitor, while performing non-serial interrogating method 80.
In FIG. 7, an image 202, representative of information derived from
a data set generated from an interrogation of a person, is
presented. The person in this example is an adult human male, and
the particular application may be a medical diagnosis or physical
assessment. Caption 204 may present ancillary information about
image 202, for example the time and date of the interrogation from
which the data set corresponding to the image was generated. Image
202 can be seen to include a full-body, frontal representation 206
of the interrogated person.
[0040] In the depicted example, a first feature of the subject, for
example a body portion such as the person's left shoulder, may be
selected by moving a cursor 208 to define a region 210. System 10
may include software or other operating instructions to select a
second feature of the subject, for example an opposing body portion
such as the person's right shoulder, by superimposing a plane of
symmetry 212 on representation 206. Thus, as region 210 is defined
with cursor 208, system 10 may define corresponding region 214
across plane of symmetry 212. Optionally, system 10 may select one
or more features based on input or stored selection criteria or
instructions. For example, the various data sets or images may be
compared, and features that are sufficiently different may be
identified.
[0041] A "SELECT" button 216 may be activated once region 210 and
corresponding region 214 have been defined, to select the
particular features. Operating instructions of system 10 may then
identify the information in each data set representative of the
selected feature.
[0042] As indicated in FIG. 3, representations of the information
from the data set identified in blocks 88 and 92 (representative of
the features selected in blocks 86 and 90, respectively), are
rendered in block 94. In block 96, the representations are
presented for comparison.
[0043] Returning to the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the results
of these method steps are indicated by a set of images 218, each of
which can be seen to include a topographical representation 220.
Each topographical representation 220 corresponds to a selected
feature of representation 206. Specifically, topographical
representation 220a corresponds to region 210 (the person's left
shoulder), and topographical representation 220b corresponds to
region 214 (the person's right shoulder). Each topographical
representation 220 is a rendering of the information, or the
topographical data, representative of the selected feature.
[0044] Representations 220 may be presented in a variety of
different ways. As can be seen in FIG. 7, representations 220a and
220b, when displayed concurrently and separately on a monitor, can
be compared visually by a user.
[0045] Optionally, a "COMPARE" button 222 may be activated to
prompt system 10 to present the representations in another manner.
For example, when "COMPARE" button 222 is activated, a composite
image 224 may be displayed, which may comprise representation 220a,
presented concurrently and superimposed with a mirror image of
representation 220b (indicated as 220b'). In composite image 224,
each of representation 220a and 220b' is visually distinguishable,
and may be displayed in a different line style (as shown), in a
different color, or in any manner in which a visual comparison may
be facilitated. Optionally, composite image 224 may comprise
presenting representations 220a and 220b' individually in rapid
sequence, or highlight differences between the two
representations.
[0046] Alternatively, or in addition to graphical representations,
system 10 may render textual representations of the information
identified. For example, when "COMPARE" button 222 is activated, a
textual representation 226 may be presented, which may contain
alphanumeric data 228 representative of the information
corresponding to the selected features. In the depicted example,
such alphanumeric data may include surface measurements of the
selected features. Also, like the topographical representations
220, the textual representation 226 may be presented in a variety
of manners conducive to comparison by a user. For example,
alphanumeric data may be rendered may be rendered that provides
differences, trends, statistical data, or other information related
to the features identified.
[0047] As with method 60, system 10 may be configured to compare
the representations and/or the information from which the
representations are rendered, and present the results of the
comparison to a user by presenting images and/or text on a monitor
or providing other output indicative of the comparison. Optionally,
the results of a comparison may be further processed, stored in
memory, provided as output to another output device, and so on.
[0048] FIG. 7 thus may represent output presented to a user of
system 10, wherein a first feature of the subject, a body portion
(i.e., the person's right shoulder) is selected by a user, and a
corresponding second feature, a contralateral body portion (i.e.,
the person's left shoulder), is selected by system 10 by projecting
the user's selection across a superimposed plane of symmetry. The
selections may be rendered into two-dimensional, three-dimensional,
or topographical images or alphanumerical information and presented
for comparison, and in examples wherein images are presented, a
mirror image of the contralateral body portion may be superimposed
over the image of the user-selected body portion. Optionally,
system 10 may compare portions of one side of a person with
contralateral portions, and produce images or other representations
of those portions for which a threshold difference or asymmetry
exists.
[0049] However, in other examples of method 80, body portions that
are normally asymmetrical or non-contralateral may be selected for
comparison. FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary representation of
a display that might appear on an output device of system 10, such
as a monitor, while performing non-serial interrogating method 80.
In FIG. 8, a set of images 302, representative of a data set
generated from an interrogation of a person, is presented. The
person in this example is an adult human male. Captions 304 may
present ancillary information about images 302, which may include a
front view 306a and a side view 306b of the lower body of the
interrogated person.
[0050] In the depicted example, a first feature of the subject, for
example a body portion such as the frontal aspect of the person's
left thigh, may be selected by moving a cursor 308 to define a
first region 310, or by automatic selection by system 10 based on
selection criteria. A corresponding second feature, for example the
dorsal aspect of the person's left thigh, may similarly be selected
by moving cursor 308 to define a second region 312. Optionally,
system 10 may include software or other operating instructions to
select a second feature of the subject, for example by
superimposing a plane 314 on representation 306b. Thus, as first
region 310 is defined with cursor 308, system 10 may define second
region 312 across plane 314. Plane 314 may be generated and placed
by system 10 according to operating instructions, or by a user.
[0051] In other examples, a user may select both the first feature
and the corresponding second feature, which may correspond in the
sense that they are of the same person, or that they may share some
other common characteristic. Thus, in one application, the features
may be two body portions identified to assess the possibility of a
skin graft from one to the other, by ascertaining, for example,
whether surface characteristics of both body portions are similar.
Thus, returning to FIG. 8, if the frontal aspect of the person's
left thigh selected by a user as a first feature, defined as first
region 310, a user may select a corresponding second feature, for
example, the frontal aspect of the person's right calf, by defining
a second region 312' using cursor 308.
[0052] A "SELECT" button 316 may be activated once first region 310
and second region 312 (or 312') have been identified, to input the
selected features for processing. Operating instructions of system
10 may then identify the information in each data set
representative of the selected feature. A set of images 318 may
then be presented, each of which can be seen to include a
topographical representation 320. Each topographical representation
320 corresponds to the selected features of the subject.
Specifically, topographical representation 320a corresponds to
first region 310 of the frontal aspect of the left thigh, and
topographical representation 320b corresponds to second region 312
of the dorsal aspect of the left thigh. Each topographical
representation 320 is a rendering of the information, or the
topographical data, representative of the selected feature.
[0053] As with previous examples, representations 320 may be
presented in a variety of different ways. When displayed
concurrently and separately on a monitor, representations 320a and
320b can be compared visually. Optionally, a "COMPARE" button 322
may be activated to prompt system 10 to present the representations
in another manner, for example, by rendering textual
representations of the information identified, and/or by presenting
graphical and/or textual representations of a comparison performed
by system 10. As seen in FIG. 8, a set of textual representations
324 may contain alphanumeric data 326 presented in a tabular
format. Of course, other methods of presenting the representations
and/or comparison information are possible.
[0054] Although not necessarily shown in the figures, the methods
disclosed, or actions thereof, may be performed in combination as
desired for a particular application. Examples may include
applications such as tracking a person's progress in response to a
bodybuilding program to detect asymmetrical development, monitoring
healing of body portions covered by bandages or casts, detecting
change or imbalance over time in response to physical therapy,
determining a normal topology for injured, diseased, or malformed
(e.g. swollen) body parts, and other applications in which a given
feature of a subject is identified at a given time and related with
the same feature at different times and/or with one or more
different features at the same or different times. The imaging in
all such applications may be performed with the person clothed or
unclothed, and with or without casts, wound dressings, or the
like.
[0055] Although the present invention has been shown and described
with reference to the foregoing operational principles and
preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the
art that various changes in form and detail may be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The present
invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives,
modifications and variances that fall within the scope of the
appended claims.
[0056] While the inventions defined in the following claims have
been particularly shown and described with reference to the
foregoing examples, those skilled in the art will understand that
many variations may be made therein without departing from the
spirit and scope of the inventions. Other combinations and
sub-combinations of features, functions, elements, actions and/or
properties may be claimed through amendment of the present claims
or presentation of new claims in this or a related application.
Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to different
combinations or directed to the same combinations, whether
different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original
claims, are also regarded as included within the subject matter of
the present disclosure.
[0057] The foregoing embodiments are illustrative, and no single
feature, element, or action is essential to all possible
combinations that may be claimed in this or later applications.
Where the claims recite "a" or "a first" element or the equivalent
thereof, such claims should be understood to include one or more
such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such
elements. Further, cardinal indicators, such as first, second, and
third, for identified elements or actions are used to distinguish
between the elements and actions, and do not indicate a required or
limited number of such elements or actions, nor does it indicate a
particular position or order of such elements or actions unless
otherwise specifically stated.
* * * * *