Three-dimensional microscopy data exploration by interactive volume visualization

This paper presents a new volume visualization approach for three-dimensional (3-D) interactive microscopy data exploration. Because of their unique image characteristics, 3-D microscopy data are often not able to be visualized effectively by conventional volume visualization techniques. In our approach, microscopy visualization is carried out in an interactive data exploration environment, based on a combination of interactive volume rendering techniques and image-based transfer function design methods. Interactive volume rendering is achieved by using two-dimensional (2-D) texture mapping in a Shear-Warp volume rendering algorithm. Image processing techniques are employed and integrated into the rendering pipeline for the definition and searching of appropriate transfer functions that best reflect the user's visualization intentions. These techniques have been implemented successfully in a prototype visualization system on low-end and middle-range SGI desktop workstations. Since only 2-D texture mapping is required, the system can also be easily ported to PC platforms.