Virtual Reality Visualization Research Articles

A new virtual reality approach for planning of cardiac interventions

A novel approach to three-dimensional (3D) visualization of high quality, respiratory compensated cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) data is presented with the purpose of assisting the cardiovascular surgeon and the invasive cardiologist in the pre-operative planning. Developments included: (1) optimization of 3D, MR scan protocols; (2) dedicated segmentation software; (3) optimization of model generation algorithms; (4) interactive, virtual reality visualization. The approach is based on a tool for interactive, real-time visualization of 3D cardiac MR datasets in the form of 3D heart models displayed on virtual reality equipment. This allows the cardiac surgeon and the cardiologist to examine the model as if they were actually holding it in their hands. To secure relevant examination of all details related to cardiac morphology, the model can be re-scaled and the viewpoint can be set to any point inside the heart. Finally, the original, raw MR images can be examined on line as textures in cut-planes through the heart models.

Grid-based Virtual Reality Visualization of Volume Data

Grid computing evolves into a standard method for processing large datasets. Consequently most available grid applications focus on high performance computing and high-throughput computing. Using the Grid Visualization Kernel GVK, which is a grid middleware extension built on top of the Globus Toolkit, interactive visualization of the acquired simulation results can be performed directly on the grid. An example is the visualization of volume data within Virtual Reality environments, where the data for visualization is generated somewhere on the grid, while the user explores the visual representation at some other place on the grid.

Integrating VRML, Java, and HTML in a web-based tool for computer literacy

Virtual reality visualization tools are gaining importance in many fields including medical training, elementary and secondary school education, and ecology, among others. Since humans live in a th...

Volumetric virtual environments

Driven by fast development of both virtual reality and volume visualization, we discuss some critical techniques towards building a volumetric VR system, specifically the modeling, rendering, and manipulations of a volumetric scene. Techniques such as voxel-based object simplification, accelerated volume rendering, fast stereo volume rendering, and volumetric “collision detection” are introduced and improved, with the idea of demonstrating the possibilities and potential benefits of incorporating volumetric models into VR systems.

MED42/480: Quick Time Virtual Reality (QTVR) Visualization of 2D and 3D Structures in Medical Education

IntroductionQTVR is a movie format, developed by Apple, that enables users to work interactively with 2D and 3D objects in a variety of ways that enhance visualization as compared to still images or linear movie files. This standard has been available for some years but the potentials of its use in medical education has not yet been fully exploited.MethodsLike linear quick time movies, QTVR movies can be readily viewed with an Internet browser (Netscape or Internet Explorer versions 3 or higher) when quick time viewer (available free from Apple) has been installed. Thus the format is well suited for integration into educational web pages. QTVR movies are non-linear movie files that can be manoeuvred by users to:turn 3D objectszoom in and out of 2D or 3D objectspan/scroll objectsactivate new QTVR movie files by clicking on hot spotsEach frame in the QTVR movie may itself be a movie. QTVR movies are created with the program QTVR authoring studio on Macintosh computers but resulting files are cross-platform compatible and can be distributed on the Internet or on a CD.ResultsThe versatility of the tool enables a large variety of different applications to be made (see:http://www.intermed.dk/qtvr for examples and links to other QTVR resources):Gross-anatomical visualization of 3D objects can be created by recording a series of images around a real 3D object suspended in a rotating rag.Panoramic movies can be created by rotating the camera and subsequently stitching images in QTVR authoring studio.A virtual light- or electron microscope can be created by using a 2D image digitized at high resolution.Serial sections of i.e. Magnetic Resonance images or CT images can be manoeuvred by the user to reveal anatomical structures for study.In one example we have placed a sequence of serial MR movies each representing the cardiac cycle. When this movie is moved using the mouse, another plane of the heart is shown, revealing a very dynamic representation of the entire heart.DiscussionWe plan to further exploit this tool and expect it to be very effective in enhancing interactive learning in topics such as anatomy, cell biology, histology, radiology and cardiology.

A simplified simulation model and virtual reality visualization of tumour growth in vitro

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the impact that modern visualization techniques can have on the simulation of biological processes such as tumour growth. Therefore, a simplified three-dimensional cytokinetic simulation model of tumour growth in vitro has been developed. Results concerning the development of a small cell lung cancer (SCLC) tumour spheroid in cell culture have been obtained and their behaviour has been compared with both published data and laboratory experience. A special visualization system allowing real time surface and volume rendering on inexpensive computer hardware has been proposed. Its application to the model has led to a spectacular three-dimensional visualization of both the external and the internal structure of a growing tumour spheroid.

Virtual reality and three-dimensional visualization

Virtual reality and three-dimensional visualization

Near-real-time satellite image processing: metacomputing in CC++

Metacomputing combines heterogeneous system elements in a seamless computing service. In this case study, we introduce the elements of metacomputing and describe an application for cloud detection and visualization of infrared and visible-light satellite images. The application processes the satellite images by using Compositional C++ (CC++)-a simple, yet powerful extension of C++-and its runtime system, Nexus, to integrate specialized resources, high-speed networks, parallel and distributed computing, and stereoscopic visualization in virtual reality (VR) displays.