A 3D Human Brain Atlas

摘要

3D representations of human physiology provide interesting options in the field of education. Understanding the human brain seems to be much easier when the anatomical structure is shown in the three-dimensional domain rather than in a 2D or flat projection. Seeing how the brain is 'wired' and how the different regions are connected to form circuits and complex networks requires a spatial understanding of the brain structure. Conclusions about how this structure evolved can be drawn more easily from a 3D model than from a 2D depiction of the brain.rnSuch 2D depictions are typically found in textbooks. Our goal is to make a brain atlas three-dimensional, so that different user groups can use the atlas to learn more about the brain and possibly make new discoveries.rnIn order to facilitate this, we have a developed a 3D human brain atlas, which serves as an educational tool for various types of students. The software is interactive and supports multiple user profiles, ranging from K-12 students to physicians and future brain surgeons.rnWe describe a method that combines high-resolution image data, large-scale volume visualization, and rendering on a distributed display cluster with a novel approach to human-computer interaction. The interaction with the atlas is accomplished by using barcodes, which are attached to various brain regions. The user can walk around in front of a large, 200 megapixel tiled display wall, which consists of 10 × 5 = 50 LC flat panel 30" displays and measures 23 × 9 ft. Using a camera-equipped cell phone as a universal input/output device the user scans a barcode and is then either prompted with a question to name the region and enter it on the handheld device (brain quiz), or will be provided with additional information, e.g. research documents about the selected region. The information that is provided to the user on this device over a wireless network depends on the user profile under which the user is registered and has identified himself or herself to the system.rnWe describe new interaction methods for large, wall-sized display systems, which enable every user to experience the visualization provided by the system either on their own or collaboratively. This new approach is different from existing methods which usually require one person to operate the system and take the lead, while others become merely observers. The system also facilitates the delivery of additional, specific information for each user based on their age group, educational background, or research intent.