Methods for Direct Visualization of 3 D Volume Data TR 91-011 February , 1991

Methods for Direct VIsualization of 3D Volume Data Terry S. Yoo 1, Ulrich Neumann 1, Henry Fuchs 1 ,2, Stephen M. Pizer1 ,2 Tim Culti,l-, John Rhoades1, Ross Whltaker1 1 Department of Computer Science University of Nor:th Caronna Chapel HID, NC 27599-3175, USA 2 Department of Radiation Oncology School of Medicine University of North CaroUna Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7512, USA We present evidence for the power of interactive volume visualization and describe capabilities that are needed to support this approach. These capabilities include 1) real time control of viewing properties and image features to be presented cOmbined with fast rendering for immediate feedback; 2) powerful means of selecting regions of emphasis; 3) a natural user interface controtting the viewing, display, and region selection parameters. We describe a sophisticated graphics hardware platform, Pixel-Planes 5, advanced rendering algorithms on this platform, and an interactive region selection ,system capable of both sculpting and semantic classification. We combine these elements to create a high quaUty environmenUor the exploration of 3D volume data. We have achieved frame rates of 2 to 20 frames per second of a 128x128x56 data set at a resolution of 640x512 pixels. These methods and systems aHow the presentation and appreciation of complicated internal structures of the body in around 3 minutes from the loading.of the 3D im&ge·data.