A computer graphics system is described which reconstructs three-dimensional images from serial sectional data. Microscopic sectional tracings are first digitized and coded with a microcomputer (APPLE II-Plus). The data are transferred to a main frame facility for reconstruction and the final result is displayed on a high-resolution color monitor (Hewlett-Packard 9845C). Depth cueing of the image is enhanced by edge ribboning and area filling. The system is very simple to operate and yet flexible enough to allow selective portions of the tissue sample to be reconstructed and displayed in various orientations.
Morphological
studies of small (less than 1 mm) structures within a biological tissue usually involve sectioning the tissue serially and examining sections individually under the microscope. Two-dimensional information about the structures is collected and the examiner must resort to some means to reconstruct the three-dimensional details of the structures. Traditional methods of reconstruction, such as building wax models, are time-consuming, inflexible, and complicated when numerous structures are involved.
Recent advances in computer technology now allow rapid and efficient reconstruction of three-dimensional images from serial histological sections (I -8). Parallel to this development is the increasing popularity and affordability of small personal computers. Though most of these computers possess some graphics capabilities, the speed and image resolution are not usually adequate for reconstruction purposes. In this paper, we present a computer graphics system which was designed with an interdepartmental collaborative approach to perform 3-D reconstruction of serial sections and produce high-resolution displays. The system also illustrates one of the many potential applications of personal computers in the scientific research area.