Bundle Visualization Strategies for HARDI Characteristics

Abstract

In this paper we present visualization approaches for HARDI-based neuronal pathway representations using fiber encompassing hulls. We introduce novel bundle visualization techniques to indicate characteristics, such as information about tract integrity and multiple intra-voxel diffusion orientations. To accomplish this task, we developed an intra-bundle raycasting approach and use color mappings to encode diffusion characteristics on the bundle's surface. Additionally, we implemented a slicing approach using a plane orthogonal to the centerline of a bundle which reveals intra-bundle diffusion characteristics as well as the local bundle shape. With the presented approaches, we simultaneously reveal features of fiber bundles such as integrity or information about the underlying diffusion profile as well as context information, the shape of a current tract.

Uncertainty Rank for Streamline Ensembles

“…Our method does not use streamline geometry to assign probability as they do. In Rottger et al [2], the authors present methods to visualize bundles of high angular resolution diffusion imaging (HARDI) fibers using fiber encompassing hulls.…”

“…Simultaneously rendering streamlines from multiple realizations leads to a ''spaghetti'' plot that is generally cluttered and difficult to interpret. Most current methodologies summarize flow probability at the level of streamline geometry [1,2]. These approaches are often restricted to parametric assumptions.…”