A geometric modeling tool for visualization of human anatomical structures

A geometric modeling system for creating and visualizing models of human anatomical structures has been developed. Many structures in the human body such as blood vessels, bones, the breast, and the chest cavity can be naturally modeled using generalized cylinder and quadric primitives. These models can be accurately and efficiently rendered to form simulated transmitted X-ray and reflected visible light images of human anatomy. Stereoscopic images can be easily generated to allow 3D viewing. Representation of organs by geometric models allows easy modification of their size, shape, and grouping relations. Rotation and viewing in arbitrary direction, and anatomical manipulations such as removal of organs to reveal details of surrounding structures, can be accomplished. Some potential applications and sample images generated by the authors´ system are presented