ANIMATED 3D CT IMAGING.

Abstract

Digital processing and a high-resolution color monitor use shading and different colors to display images of selected 3D intracranial structures. Animation is achieved by forming a series of images of 3D structures as viewed from different directions, and by displaying them rapidly to create an impression of continuous motion. An animation series is formed in one to two minutes, and smooth, animated motion can be obtained with only 8 to 16 images. Animated imaging is compared to static 3D and tradition 2D monochrome imaging. Animation is found to enhance spatial perception in three ways. First, as the 3D head image moves about its center in space, structures in the front and back can easily be distinguished, since they move in opposite directions in the displayed 2D image. This provides very powerful depth clues. Second, a clearer perception of 3D shapes is obtained, since structures are seen from several directions. Third, disjoint fragments of a structure are seen as parts of the same structure, since they move together in a coherent manner.