title: Two algorithms for the three-dimensional reconstruction of tomograms.
abstract: Three-dimensional (3-D) surface reconstructions provide a method to view complex anatomy contained in a set of computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or single photon emission computed tomography tomograms. Existing methods of 3-D display generate images based on the distance from an imaginary observation point to a patch on the surface and on the surface normal of the patch. We believe that the normalized gradient of the original values in the CT or MRI tomograms provides a better estimate for the surface normal and hence results in higher quality 3-D images. Then two algorithms that generate 3-D surface models are presented. The new methods use polygon and point primitives to interface with computer-aided design equipment. Finally, several 3-D images of both bony and soft tissue show the skull, spine, internal air cavities of the head and abdomen, and the abdominal aorta in detail.
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D002648:Child; D003196:Computer Graphics; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; D004677:Encephalocele / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D014055:Tomography, Emission-Computed; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed