General Competition (April 1992)

A Three-Dimensional Database for Visualization of Human Physiology

Sponsor: Engineering Animation, Inc., Iowa State University Research Park

• Project Performance Period: 7/1/1992 - 6/30/1995
• Total project (est.): $2,572,239.00
• Requested ATP funds: $1,946,891.00

Anatomical illustration has not changed significantly since the days of Andreas Vesalius, but it remains a powerful tool for medical education and training -- humans are particularly adept at assimilating visual information. Engineering Animation, Inc. proposes to bring modern computer design technology to the study of human anatomy by extending the company's expertise in geometric modeling and computer visualization to a complete three-dimensional geometric database of the body. The planned database will use geometric model techniques originally developed for engineering CAD/CAM systems to store detailed models of every aspect of the body. Using a computer-graphics workstation, a database user would be able to display portions of the body, remove layers of tissue to reveal underlying structures, and "walk through" cross-sections from any viewpoint. The database will also include kinematic relationships, allowing the user to display the motion of joints, tendons, and surrounding tissue. The user could, for example, "pull" on a wrist tendon and observe the motion of the hand. The database and visualization software will be stored on a CD-ROM disk. EAI will work with the Biomechanics Laboratory of the Mayo Clinic, which is internationally recognized for its research on human biomechanics. In addition to gathering and representing the basic anatomical information, the project will require generic developments in database design and the manipulation of large databases. The basic database is expected to have future applications in basic medical education, surgical simulation, and, beyond that, to ergonomics design for automobiles, clothing, furnishings, and the like.

For project information:

Dr. Matthew Rizai, (515) 296-9908

ATP Project Manager

Barbara Cuthill, (301) 975-3273
barbara.cuthill@nist.gov