Chinese visible human project: dataset acquisition and its primary applications

Area of Science:

• Anatomical imaging
• Medical visualization
• Digital human data

Background:

• The US Visible Human Project (VHP) established early digital human datasets.
• There is a global need for diverse, representative digital human data for research and applications.
• Previous datasets faced limitations in image integrity and anatomical detail.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a comprehensive digital human dataset representative of the Chinese population.
• To improve the integrity and detail of digital human anatomical data.
• To facilitate worldwide application-oriented visible human research.

Main Methods:

• Acquisition of five Chinese Visible Human (CVH) datasets.
• Development of a low-temperature laboratory to preserve anatomical structures during milling.
• Implementation of volume visualization techniques on acquired data.
• Initiation of 3D reconstruction and segmentation of anatomical structures.

Main Results:

• Achieved greater image integrity and easier blood vessel identification compared to earlier projects.
• Successfully preserved small structures like teeth and cartilage using low-temperature preservation.
• Completed 3D reconstruction for several organs and structures.
• Acquired five complete CVH datasets with ongoing segmentation work.

Conclusions:

• The CVH project significantly enhanced the quality and integrity of digital human datasets.
• The low-temperature laboratory technique is crucial for preserving fine anatomical details.
• CVH data provides a valuable resource for medical research, education, and 3D visualization applications.
• Further segmentation and analysis of CVH data will unlock greater research potential.