3D Visualization of the Craniofacial Patient: Volume Segmentation, Data Integration and Animation

The objective of our research is to develop computer methods to accurately visualize patients in 3-dimensions using advanced imaging and data acquisition devices such as conebeam CT (Computerized Tomography) and mandibular motion capture. Data from these devices were integrated for 3D patient-specific visualization, modeling and animation. We are developing generic methods that can be used with common CT image format (DICOM), mesh format (STL) and motion data (3D position over time). In this paper we present our preliminary descriptive studies on 1) segmentation of the lower and upper jaw with two types of CT data (traditional whole head GE HiSpeed RP CT scanner and the new dental CT Newtom 9000); 2) manual integration of accurate 3D tooth crowns with the segmented lower jaw 3D model; 3) realistic patient-specific 3D animation of the lower jaw.