A distributed database on the Internet of 3D models of human pathological organs

We describe a research project for the development of a system for cataloguing, retrieval and interactive manipulation of 3D models of pathological human organs from a distributed WWW database. The project aims to provide transmission and rendering of three-dimensional models of human pathologies (constructed mainly from MRI and CT slices), enhanced manipulation and fly-through functionality on the models, as well as 3D animation sequences of virtual endoscopy. The system supports standard PC platforms without specialised hardware, thereby allowing accessibility to the widest possible audience. The system will provide the end users with advanced imaging capabilities such as models derived from multi-modal inputs (CT and MRI), stereoscopic display and will incorporate a number of features such as model warping. In addition to interactive utilisation, the service will provide interactive platforms for education, incorporating monitoring and assessment, as well as for information and/or counselling exchange between users.