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Volume rendering of visible male using multidimentional transfer function of CT data

Volume Rendering

Direct volume rendering is a method of displaying three-dimensional volumetric scalar data as a two-dimensional image. The individual values in the dataset are made visible by an assignment of optical properties, such as color and opacity, which are then projected and composited to form an image.

The main advantage of direct volume rendering is that it requires no intermediate calculation of geometric information and thus can be dramatically more efficient than other techniques. SCI Institute researchers have focused on semi-automatic methods for transfer function generation, volume rendering techniques for time-dependent data, and multi resolution volume rendering methods. They have also collaborated with the Advanced Computing Laboratory at LANL to produce a volume rendering tool for scientific visualization and medical imaging called Simian.

Volume renderings of electrode array implanted in feline skull. From left to right, each image uses a different rendering style; summation projections of CT values (green) and gradients (magenta); volume renderings with opaque bone; volume renderings with translucent bone, showing the electrode leads in magenta.

• Publications -- Volume Rendering
• Image Gallery -- Volume Rendering

Principal Researchers:

• Dr. Steven G. Parker