Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
it with an external program, as described in [
13
]. Thus, interoperability requires
clear software protocols and the support of common data formats.
Navigation aids:
In a complex (multiscale) visualization, it is easy to lose track of
the current (spatiotemporal) position and context. Navigation aids like an overview
map, colored floating labels or a zone tracker can help to keep track of the zone
(or scale) the user is currently exploring [
37
]. The starting screen of such a system
should enable the navigation across all the structures.
Most progress has been made in the field thanks to the incorporation of software
usability principles. However, the achievement of these improvements has been a
slow process; working on usability enhancements is less rewarding in science than
inventing new ideas and approaches [
21
].
Challenges in Representing Small Structures
Biological data gathered on nanoscale level is often large in size and resolution. Addi-
tionally, it usually does not have a naturally understandable representation. Visual-
ization of these structures creates interpretations of the measurements, which are not
comparable with the physical object, as in the case with larger scale images. A set of
different techniques involving volume rendering, isocontouring and dynamic mesh
reduction should be used as a guide for visualizing and navigating these data-intensive
structures [
38
]. In some cases images acquired on small scale level are blurred or have
low-contrast. Representing this data requires a computationally sophisticated post-
processing step to enhance image quality and extract structures in the segmentation
process.
Realistic Representations
Additional data that improves the image quality in terms of visual experience can
drastically increase understanding. Enhancing the quality of images is an ongoing
research subject [
1
,
39
]. For the purpose of prediction, customization of models
should be available in order to be patient-specific [
40
]. Medical images should be
visualized together with the representation of different structures by using specific
techniques. For instance, texture based volume rendering can be used to give the
user an overall impression of the measured data. Surface rendering as a method of
providing extra-information for structures of interest (see also [
41
]) can support the
spatial scene understanding (Fig.
5.4
).
Use of the Scientific Method During the Design Process
In the real world, tool designers have limited sources of information about the applica-
tion being designed. User opinions are rarely taken into consideration and technique
