An Internet service for manipulating 3D models of human organs reconstructed from computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

• Published in: International journal of medical informatics (Shannon, Ireland) Vol. 47; no. 1; pp. 121 - 124
• Main Authors: Clapworthy, G, Krokos, M, Vasilonikolidakis, N
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland Elsevier Ireland Ltd 01.11.1997
• Subjects: 3D volumetric models; Computer Communication Networks; Computer networks; Computer Systems; Computerized tomography; Databases as Topic; Disease; Distributed databases; European Union; Human pathologies; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Information Services; Information Storage and Retrieval; Integrated Advanced Information Management Systems; Interactive manipulation; Joint Diseases; Knee Joint; Libraries; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Medical education; Models, Anatomic; Physicians; Relational database systems; Skin Diseases; Software; Students, Medical; Three dimensional computer graphics; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; User-Computer Interface; World Wide Web; Human pathologies; World Wide Web; 3D volumetric models; Interactive manipulation; Distributed databases
• ISSN: 1386-5056; 1872-8243
• DOI: 10.1016/S1386-5056(97)00093-2

Our paper describes an integrated methodology addressing the development of an Internet service for medical professionals, medical students and generally, people interested in medicine. The service (currently developed in the framework of IAEVA, a Telematics Application Programme project of the European Union), incorporates a mechanism for retrieving from a relational database (reference library) 3D volumetric models of human organs reconstructed from computer tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Retrieval is implemented in a way transparent to the actual physical location of the database. Prospective users are provided with a Solid Object Viewer that offers them manipulation (rotation, zooming, dissection etc.) of 3D volumetric models. The service constitutes an excellent foundation of understanding for medical professionals/students and a mechanism for broad and rapid dissemination of information related to particular pathological conditions; although pathological conditions of the knee and skin are supported currently, our methodology allows easy service extension into other human organs ultimately covering the entire human body. The service accepts most Internet browsers and supports MS-Windows 32 platforms; no graphics accelerators or any specialised hardware are necessary, thereby allowing service availability to the widest possible audience. Nevertheless, the service operates in near real-time not only over high speed expensive network lines but also over low/medium network connections.