ABSTRACT In this article, we present a novel technique for visualization of three-dimensional (3D) surface models, as well as its implementation in a system called AnatomyBrowser. Using our approach, visualization of 3D surface models is performed in two separate steps: a pre-rendering step, in which the models are rendered and saved in a special format, and an actual display step, in which the final result of rendering is generated using information from the prerendering step. Whereas prerendering requires high-end graphics hardware, the final image generation and display can be implemented efficiently in software. Moreover, our current implementation of AnatomyBrowser interface uses the Java programming language and can therefore be readily run on a wide range of systems, including low-end computers with no special graphics hardware. In addition to visualization of 3D models and 2D slices, AnatomyBrowser provides a rich set of annotation and cross-referencing capabilities. We demonstrate several possible applications for AnatomyBrowser, including interactive anatomy atlases, surgery planning, and assistance in segmentation. Comp Aid Surg 4:129 -143 (1999). ©1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Key words: AnatomyBrowser, multilayer images, 3D surface models, visualization Key links: http://splweb.bwh.harvard.edu:8000/pages/papers/browser-update/index.html http://www.ai.mit.edu/projects/anatomy-browser With recent developments in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology, it has become possible to obtain high-quality medical images that are extremely useful for clinical studies, surgical planning, and other applications. This has spurred the rapid development of a family of information extraction and analysis algorithms using medical imagery. Examples include segmentation, registration, and shape and deformation modeling. With the introduction of such images and methods of analysis, the importance of visualization of the results, especially three-dimensional (3D) data, has also become apparent. In this article, we introduce AnatomyBrowser, a visualization and integration package for medical applications. A novel approach to 3D surface model visualization has been developed and implemented in this system. Visualization is
In the Anatomy Browser (http://splweb.bwh.harvard.edu:8000/pages/papers/ AnatomyBrowser/current/index.html), 3D projections along the main orientations as well as axial, coronal and sagittal slices, including labelling information is made available to the client applet REF .
AnatomyBrowser : A Novel Approach to Visualization and Integration of Medical Information
Computer aided surgery : official journal of the International Society for Computer Aided Surgery
Computer aided surgery : official journal of the International Society for Computer Aided Surgery
Computer Science Medicine