Visualizing, Analyzing and Constructing L-System from Arborized 3D Model Using a Web Application

Abstract

In biology, arborized structures are well represented and typically complex for visualization and analysis. In order to have a profound understanding of the topology of arborized 3D biological model, higher level abstraction is needed. We aim at constructing an abstraction of arborized 3D biological model to an L-system that provides a generalized formalization in a grammar to represent complex structures. The focus of this paper is to combine 3D visualization, analysis and L-system abstraction into a single web application. We designed a front-end user interface and a back-end. In the front-end, we used A-Frame and defined algorithms to generate and visualize L-systems. In the back-end, we utilized the Vascular Modelling Toolkit's (VMTK) centerline analysis methods to extract important features from the arborized 3D models, which can be applied to L-system generation. In addition, two 3D biological models: lactiferous duct and artery are used as two case studies to verify the functionality of this web application. In conclusion, our web application is able to visualize, analyse and create L-system abstractions of arborized 3D models. This in turn provides workflow-improving benefits, easy accessibility and extensibility.