Virtual reality in medicine-computer graphics and interaction techniques

Abstract

This paper describes several new visualization and interaction techniques that enable the use of virtual environments for routine medical purposes. A new volume-rendering method supports shaded and transparent visualization of medical image sequences in real-time with an interactive threshold definition. Based on these rendering algorithms two complementary segmentation approaches offer an intuitive assistance for a wide range of requirements in diagnosis and therapy planning. In addition, a hierarchical data representation for geometric surface descriptions guarantees an optimal use of available hardware resources and prevents inaccurate visualization. The combination of the presented techniques empowers the improved human-machine interface of virtual reality to support every interactive task in medical three-dimensional (3-D) image processing, from visualization of unsegmented data volumes up to the simulation of surgical procedures.

Effect of abducting and adducting muscle acitivity on glenohumeral translation, scapular kinematics and subacromial space width in vivo

“…After semi-automated segmentation of the humerus and the scapula (including the articular cartilage of the glenoid and the humeral head) (Haubner et al, 1997), trilinear interpolation and 3D reconstruction was performed as described previously (Englmeier et al, 1994).…”

Efficiently using graphics hardware in volume rendering applications

“…In [24] the sum of pre-computed ambient and reflected light components is stored in the texture volume and standard 3D texture composition is performed. On the contrary, in [8] the orientation of voxel gradients is stored together with the volume density as the 3D texture map. Lighting is achieved by indexing into an appropriately replicated color table.…”

Comparison of User Satisfaction between Text and Virtual Reality Based Expert Systems for Diagnosing Cattle Diseases

“…Non-immersive virtual reality application on animal health expert systems is a new concept so there is limited research made on the field [15], [16]. With the factors identified above the researcher found it fit to do research on this title and hopefully this paper will contribute knowledge in this area of study.…”