VOLUMETRIC IMAGE PROCESSING FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL DISPLAY OF THE SKELETAL ANATOMY OF THE SEA OTTER |
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| Authors: | Michael K. Stoskopf DVM PHD Elliot K. Fishman MD Thomas D. Williams DVM |
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| Affiliation: | Division of Comparative Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland;Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institute, Baltimore, Maryland;National Aquarium in Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland;Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, California |
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| Abstract: | Volumetrically correct, three-dimensional color images of the sea otter, ( Enhydra lutris ), were generated from computed tomographic (CT) data using a Sun 3/160 workstation and a Pixar Imaging Computer. These images could be displayed as static images (1024×768) or rotated about any axis in real-time by displaying sequential rotation sequences generated by the Pixar Imaging Computer. The images provided realistic depth of field through overshadowing and differential opacification. This was obtained through an opacification algorithm which traced rays from a selected viewing plane through colored gel volumes, and calculated absorbance percentages as a function of the transparency of the gels penetrated. Reconstructions of this type serve as alternative anatomy tutorials for species otherwise unavailable for routine dissection. They also permit topographical studies without interfering with populations of endangered animals. |
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| Keywords: | computed tomography image display anatomy volumetric imaging computer reconstruction Enhydra sea otter endangered species |
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