Recent web-based technologies have brought a variety of new possibilities to the field of medical information. Nevertheless, transferring 3D patient models through usual low-band-width networks is difficult because of the large size of data file. XVL (eXtensive VRML with Lattice), a new framework for 3D Data representation with high quality surface shape, has solved this problem. In cooperation with Lattice Technology Inc., we have created XVL-formatted patient 3D models. The XVL model takes less than 100 kilobytes, whereas the same quality model in Virtual Reality Modeling Language(VRML) format requires more than 5 megabytes. Because of the many advantages of XVL, we have created a 3D web-based educational tool for repair of cleft lip--plastic surgery for congenital defects of the lips that requires complex incisions and reconstruction. Our system can interact with the model and 3D visualization of the incision lines, displacement of skin flaps, and suturing. Our educational tool for cleft lip repair has demonstrated that the XVL model and its web-based application can open up new possibilities for 3D medical information systems. We are currently refining the XVL model and developing XVL-based applications to simulate the actual surgery on the World Wide Web.

Cleft Lip↗

PubMed1996

Surgical simulation of facial paralysis.

We are developing a prototype of a surgical simulation system for restoring facial expression lost in cases of facial paralysis. Correcting facial paralysis requires careful planning of surgery procedures and accurate prediction of the surgical results. So far techniques to perform this task largely relied on the physician's experience, and there were few quantitative data to refer to. The system we propose is finally aimed at helping the surgeon plan the surgery and predict the results. The 3D model of the face used in our system is generated directly from the CT scan of the patient. The face model consists of skin, skull and selected facial muscles based on anatomy. The mass and spring lattice approach is used to give physical attributes to the face model. The present prototype system lets the user directly manipulate graphical representations of facial expression.

Computer Graphics↗

PubMed1996

Human body textbook with three-dimensional illustrations.

We made a toolkit for making education softwares using 3D computer graphics, and using the toolkit, we made an education software based on 3D illustrations for learning about the human body. The toolkit enables us to make such kind of education software based on 3D illustrations easy and systematic. In the education software, the human body structure is illustrated with 3D models. The user can see the 3D objects with real-time rotation and walk through the virtual space, and their functions are expressed in the 3D virtual space.

Anatomy, Cross-Sectional↗