Computer Modeling And Data Mining Of Medical Images

Never in history has so much human anatomical information been available. More than 70 million CT scans are done annually in the USA represent high-resolution volumetric data of every aspect of clinically relevant normal and abnormal anatomy. Protocols to standardize the orientation and registration of digital image data in 3D space have been established. Computer technology permits visualization of morphological image data as high-resolution 3D models. Toolkits to measure and analyze a wide range of quantitative data such as lengths, volumes curve features, and x,y,z. location information have been developed. Technically advanced computer aided design (CAD) and finite element (FE) software regularly used by the engineering industry provides tools for detailed analyses of both human structure and function. State of the art internet technology can be utilized to distribute, view and manipulate computed anatomical models almost anywhere in the world for educational and research purposes. Example of 3D models, analytical toolkits and anatomical data bases that have been developed by the Center for Human Morpho-Informatics Research at USF will be presented.