Blushing: an embarrassing condition, but treatable.
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Blushing↗
Biomedical subjects
Marios Nicolaou
Publications and source records attributed to Marios Nicolaou.
Photo-realistic tissue reflectance modelling for minimally invasive surgical simulation.
Computer-based simulation is an important tool for surgical skills training and assessment. In general, the degree of realism experienced by the trainees is determined by the visual and biomechanical fidelity of the simulator. In minimally invasive surgery, specular reflections provide an important visual cue for tissue deformation, depth and orientation. This paper describes a novel image-based lighting technique that is particularly suitable for modeling mucous-covered tissue surfaces. We describe how noise functions can be used to control the shape of the specular highlights, and how texture noise is generated and encoded in image-based structure at a pre-processing stage. The proposed technique can be implemented at run-time by using the graphics processor to efficiently attain pixel-level control and photo-realism. The practical value of the technique is assessed with detailed visual scoring and cross comparison experiments by two groups of observers.
Bronchoscopy↗
Invisible shadow for navigation and planning in minimal invasive surgery.
Depth estimation is one of the most fundamental challenges for performing minimally invasive surgical (MIS) procedures. The requirement of accurate 3D instrument navigation using limited visual depth cues makes such tasks even more difficult. With the constant expectation of improving safety for MIS, there is a growing requirement for overcoming such constraints during MIS. We present in this paper a method of improving the surgeon's perception of depth by introducing an "invisible shadow" in the operative field cast by an endoscopic instrument. Although, the shadow is invisible to human perception, it can be digitally detected, enhanced and re-displayed. Initial results from our study suggest that this method improves depth perception especially when the endoscopic instrument is in close proximity to the surface. Experiment results have shown that the method could potentially be used as an instrument navigation aid allowing accurate maneuvering of the instruments whilst minimizing tissue trauma.
Algorithms↗
Is the internet the best resource for blushers?
Blushing can be a disabling condition that causes sufferers great distress. It causes patients to become socially isolated, frequently being labelled as "shy". Any referral to their condition is embarrassing; even a discussion with a health care professional requires a great deal of courage. Even then, the information from non-specialists is often inaccurate and inadequate and fails to inform patients of the possible treatment options available. In today's era the internet has become an important information medium. This information on almost any subject is widely available to the general public and can be accessed at any time. It is available to blushers and health care professionals alike. It offers a non-embarrassing method of seeking help for an embarrassing condition. It is a medium for specialists to inform sufferers incognito about such a condition. We report our experience from our website: a generalised hyperhidrosis, blushing and sympathectomy information web site (www.sympathectomy.co.uk) by analysing the number of hits and requests for information. We discuss the statistics of internet access to our website including the "hit rate" and enquiry rate. Paradoxically 75% of all enquiries have been from blushers with only 25% coming from patients with hyperhidrosis.A properly designed, accurate and dynamic web site tailored towards users' needs can be used to effectively educate an information hungry but shy group.
Adolescent↗