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Accuracy of Volume Visualization of Medical Data

Nai-wen Liao

A paper submitted to the
Computer Science & Electrical Engineering Department
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for
CMSC-693 Research and Writing Skills
at the University of Maryland Baltimore County

December 2, 1996

CMSC-693 Advisory Committee:

Dr. David Ebert (Advisor), Assistant Professor of Computer Science
Dr. Charles Abzug (Reader), Instructor in Computer Science


Abstract:

Recently, several papers have been published that discuss more accurate methods of obtaining computed tomography(CT) data in the examination of renal artery stenoses(RAS). Also, some evaluations and comparisons of three-dimensional rendering techniques used in the commercial market were mentioned. However, few papers discuss the accuracy of rendering techniques and suggest other techniques that might solve the existing problems described in those articles. The present study surveys the methods of getting more accurate volume data in the diagnosis of renal artery stenoses. Additionlly, two main rendering techniques, which are Surface Shaded Display(SSD) and Maximum Intensity Projection(MIP), are investigated. The algorithms and the steps to construct three-dimensional medical images are depicted. The drawbacks and inaccuracies of these techniques are pointed out, and the underlying reasons for these problems are mentioned. Finally, a new technique, three-dimensional direct volume rendering, with properties that might solve the problems encountered in the existing techniques, is introduced.

Keywords. computed tomography(CT), three-dimensional imaging, medical diagnostic images, algorithm, direct volume rendering.





liao naiwen
Thu Dec 12 16:06:02 EST 1996