Volumetric rendering of computed tomography data: principles and techniques

The methods and algorithms used for volumetric rendering of medical computed tomography data are described in detail. Volumetric rendering allows for the use of a mixture paradigm for representation of the volume to be rendered and uses mathematical techniques to reduce or eliminate aliasing. A step-by-step description of the process used to generate two types of images (unshaded and shaded surfaces) is included. The technique generates three-dimensional images of computed tomography data with unprecedented image quality. Images generated with this technique are in routine clinical use.<<ETX>>