Virtual endoscopy needs some precomputation of the data (segmentation, path finding) before the diagnostic process can take place. We propose a method that precomputes multinode cubic panorama movies using Quick-Time-VR. This technique allows almost the same navigation and visualization capabilities as a real endoscopic
procedure, a significant reduction of interaction input is achieved and the movie represents a document of the procedure.
KEYWORDS: 3D modeling, Visualization, Visual process modeling, Systems modeling, Data modeling, Arteries, Optic nerve, Brain, Blood, Human-machine interfaces
Visualization of human anatomy in a 3D atlas requires both spatial and more abstract symbolic knowledge. Within our 'intelligent volume' model which integrates these two levels, we developed and implemented a semantic network model for describing human anatomy. Concepts for structuring (abstraction levels, domains, views, generic and case-specific modeling, inheritance) are introduced. Model, tools for generation and exploration and applications in our 3D anatomical atlas are presented and discussed.
Simulation and 3D visualization of object motion is a prerequisite for any surgical planning system. In order to provide feedback to show whether a realistic motion has been simulated, it is necessary to detect, quantify and visualize interpenetrating volumes. This cannot be achieved by common surface based methods. Therefore we developed a voxel-based approach, providing the full information of the tomographic volume data. We present an extended ray-casting algorithm which allows visualization of object motion using ray compositing, thus avoiding explicit manipulation of the image volume. Possible volumetric intersections may be visualized and quantified and interior properties of scenes with any displace objects may be explored using volume cuts.
We describe a system that automates atlas look-up when viewing cross-sectional images at a viewing station. Using simple specification of landmarks a linear transformation to a volume based anatomical atlas is performed. As a result corresponding atlas pictures containing information about structures, function, or blood supply, or classical atlas pages (like Talairach) appear next to the patient data for any chosen slice. In addition the slices are visible in the 3D context of the VOXEL-MAN 3D atlas, providing all its functionality.
In current practice computerized anatomical atlases are based on a collection of images that can be accessed via a hypermedia program shell. In order to overcome the drawback of a limited number of available views, we propose an approach that uses an anatomical model as data base. The model has a two layer structure. The lower level is a volume model with a set of semantic attributes belonging to each voxel. Its spatial representation is derived from data sets of magnetic resonance imaging and computer tomography. The semantic attributes are assigned by an anatomist using a volume editor. The upper level is a set of relations between these attributes which are specified by the expert as well. Interactive visualization tools such as multiple surface display, transparent rendering, and cutting are provided. As a substantial feature of the implementation the semantic and the visualization oriented descriptions are stored in a knowledge base. It is shown that the combination of this object oriented data structure with advanced volume visualization tools provides the `look and feel' of a real dissection. The concept, which even allows simulations like surgery rehearsal, is claimed to be superior to all presently known atlas techniques.
Segmentation is a prerequisite for 3-D visualization of image volumes. It has turned out to be extremely difficult to formalize for automatic computation. We describe an interactive segmentation method that circumvents this difficulty by using low level segmentation tools, which are interactively controlled by a human user via 3-D display. Segmentation tools implemented so far are simple thresholding and morphological operations. The method has been implemented on a workstation under UNIX using an X-Window interface based on the OSF/MOTIF toolkit. It is shown with examples from different applications that this simple approach delivers good results in only a short amount of time.
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