Visualization and analysis techniques for three dimensional information acquired by confocal microscopy.
Confocal Scanning Laser Microscopy (CSLM) is particularly well suited for the acquisition of 3-dimensional data of microscopic objects. In the CSLM a specific volume in the object is sampled during the imaging process and the result is stored in a digital computer as a three-dimensional memory array. Optimal use of these data requires both the development of effective visual representations as well as analysis methods. In addition to the well known stereoscopic representation method a number of alternatives for various purposes are presented. When rendering in terms of solid-looking or semitransparent objects is required, an algorithm based on a simulated process of excitation and fluorescence is very suitable. Graphic techniques can be used to examine the 3-dimensional shape of surfaces. For (near-)real time applications a representation method should not require extensive previous data-processing or analysis. From the very extensive field of 3-D image analysis two examples are given.
Brakenhoff
G J
GJ
Department of Molecular Cell Biology, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
van der Voort
H T
HT
Baarslag
M W
MW
Mans
B
B
Oud
J L
JL
Zwart
R
R
van Driel
R
R
D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002875:Chromosomes / Q000648:ultrastructure; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D007399:Interphase; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods; D010944:Plants