HingeSlicer: interactive exploration of volume images using extended 3D slice plane widgets

We present a 3D interaction model for exploring volume image data by extending the capabilities of 3D slice plane widgets. Our model provides the ability to navigate through a volume image in a fast, intuitive manner, using object-relative user navigation. Employing a cut-fold-slide analogy, 3D slice plane widgets are rotated and translated relative to each other. The planes can be progressively cut to extend existing views and form staircase-like arrangements, minimizing occlusion and visual clutter problems that result from multiple, disconnected slice planes. Extending existing views also allows cutting actions to be easily “mended”, providing users with the ability to return to a previous “good” view and explore again. A user makes cuts by drawing “hinge” lines on a slice plane widget, in any orientation, dividing the slice plane into two pieces. These pieces can fold (rotate) around the hinge line or slide (translate) with respect to each other, allowing the user to retain a better contextual understanding of the 3D spatial relationships between structures and of 3D structure shape. CR Categories: H.5.2 [Information Interfaces and Presentation]: User Interfaces; I.3.6 [Computer Graphics]: Methodology and Techniques—Interaction techniques