Single Action Three-Dimensional Model Printing Methods

Abstract

Methods and techniques of using 3D printers to create physical models from image data are discussed. Geometric representations of different physical models are described and complex data conversion processes that convert input image data into geometric representations compatible with third party 3D printers are disclosed. Printing templates are used to encapsulate complex geometric representations and complicated data conversion processes from users for fast and simple 3D physical model printing applications.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A printing template method for single-action 3D bone structure printing from CT image data comprising:
 receiving a CT image data set as input;   identifying all voxels within a value range of bone tissue in either grayscale or Hounsfield unit;   generating a geometric representation from the identified voxels; and   sending the generated geometric representation to a 3D printer for printing a physical model.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the CT image data set has a plurality of voxels, each voxel having an intensity value or value in Hounsfield unit; wherein the image data set comprises images of one or more three-dimensional regions obtained using computed tomography. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the identifying of voxels includes checking the image attribute of each voxel against a value range for bone tissue to identify if it is part of the bone structure. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the geometric representation may be a list of 3D points, a list of 3D contours, a list of 3D polygonal surface models or a combination of them.