Three-dimensional reconstructions from serial micrographs using the IBM PC

We have prepared software for producing three-dimensional reconstructions from serial micrographs using an IBM PC or compatible. The software can be configured for a variety of graphics board and digitizing tablet combinations. Data is entered into the program by digitizing contours directly from micrographs. The program can handle up to 2,000 contours per data file, of up to 255 object types. Morphometric information such as line length, perimeter, and area are generated for each contour. The reconstruction program aligns the plane information from each section and displays the final reconstruction on a high resolution (640 × 400 pixels) color monitor. Object types can be differentiated by line width, line color, and fill color. Hidden line processing and conditional fill routines make it possible to produce reconstructions with either a solid or semi-transparent appearance. Reconstructions can be generated quite rapidly from any viewing angle in the X, Y, and Z axes. The program has proven valuable for the elucidation of the three-dimensional nature of biological structures.

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