V-Objects: Flexible Direct Multi-Volume Rendering in Interactive Scenes

In this paper we describe methods to concurrently visualize and interact with multiple volumetric objects. We introduce the concept of V-Objects. V-Objects represent abstract properties of an object connected to a volumetric data source. The key to flexibility is the explicit separation of V-Objects and data sources. We present a method to perform direct volume rendering of a scene comprised of an arbitrary number of V-Objects. Using this concept, we present a novel approach to combine visualization, interaction, and exploration techniques. We focus on medical applications, such as surgical planning, diagnosis, and education. An interactive and intuitive 3D framework for visualization of multiple volumetric objects has been developed. We have integrated our methods into a commercial medical visualization system. CR Categories: I.3.7 [Computer Graphics]: Three-Dimensional Graphics and Realism—Raytracing;