Three-dimensional reconstruction from serial section images by computer graphics

A method is described which allows a three-dimensional object to be reconstructed from micrographs of serial sections using computer graphic techniques. The reconstructed object, which can be rotated three-dimensionally, is displayed on a color CRT and the surface of the object is shaded in order that it can be observed to provide an illusion of a three-dimensional structure. Using biological samples, some useful representation methods are demonstrated, which are a transparent display, smoothing of a reconstructed surface, cuts through a reconstructed model and a three-dimensional distribution representation of particles, and so forth. Furthermore, an example measuring the volume and surface area of reconstructed objects is shown.