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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
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High-resolution, High-speed, Three-dimensional Video Imaging with Digital Fringe Projection Techniques
Published on: December 3, 2013
An efficient approach to converting three-dimensional image data into highly accurate computational models
P G Young1, T B H Beresford-West, S R L Coward
1School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics, University of Exeter, North Park Road, Exeter EX4 4QF, UK. philippe.g.young@exeter.ac.uk
Summary
Image-based meshing enables advanced computational simulations in biomechanics and biomedicine. New techniques create realistic models from 3D imaging data for complex problems.
Area of Science:
- Computational mechanics
- Biomedical engineering
- Medical imaging
Background:
- Computational continuum mechanics (finite-element analysis, computational fluid dynamics) applications are limited by the difficulty in creating realistic models.
- Generating accurate computational models from medical imaging data (MRI, CT, micro-CT, ultrasound) is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present innovative surface and volume mesh generation techniques for creating realistic biomechanical and biomedical models from 3D imaging data.
- To compare commonly used mesh generation techniques with the proposed enhanced volumetric marching cubes (EVoMaCs) approach.
- To discuss challenges specific to simulations using 3D image data.
Main Methods:
- Development of novel surface and volume mesh generation techniques converting 3D imaging data directly into simulation-ready meshes.
- Implementation of techniques capable of handling arbitrary topological complexity and multi-material modeling.
- Comparison of existing methods with the enhanced volumetric marching cubes (EVoMaCs) approach.
Main Results:
- Robust mesh generation for complex topologies (e.g., bioscaffolds, micro-architectures) and multi-material systems.
- Geometric accuracy of generated meshes is directly dependent on the accuracy of the input imaging data.
- Capability to model material inhomogeneity based on image signal strength for specific applications.
Conclusions:
- Image-based meshing significantly expands the scope of computational continuum mechanics in biomechanics and biomedicine.
- The presented techniques offer robust and accurate model generation from diverse 3D imaging sources.
- Case studies demonstrate broad applicability from micro-scaffold characterization to head impact modeling.
