Abstract
Purpose: :
To develop a stereographic (SG) three dimensional (3D) display system for the ultra high resolution optical coherence tomograph (UHR–OCT) using high–end raytracing software algorithms.
Methods: :
Using a commercially available ultrabroad bandwidth (160nm) Titanium: sapphire laser at a video–rate of up to 25 B–scans per second and 1024 x 1024 pixels per tomogram (resulting in 25 megavoxel per second) examinations were performed on patients with retinal pathologies. Using the commercially available modeling, raytracing, and rendering software Cinema 4D XL 9.1 Studio Bundle (Maxon Computers, Friedrichsdorf, Germany) we designed multiple subprograms which converted UHR–OCT B–scans into 3D objects which could be displayed as rotational animations, virtual biopsy animations, and virtual c–scan animations, with full user control over placement of the virtual biopsy system, the position and movement of the virtual camera, as well as the position and strength of the virtual light source. In order to create a true SG effect, each frame of each animation was rendered from two different angles with two separate virtual cameras which were set up in a "tow in" configuration. Structures which were placed behind the point of intersection of the two lines of sight of the two cameras were perceived behind the monitor screen (positive parallax). All structures which were placed in front of this point of intersection were perceived to float in front of the monitor screen (negative parallax). These interactive animations were then displayed on a 19 inch monitor and viewed with ED liquid crystal 3D shutter glasses.
Results: :
We managed to create a SG display system that allows a highly interactive 3D visualization of physiological and pathological structures of the retina.
Conclusions: :
The high–end raytracing software algorithm 3D–UHR–OCT display system offers an unprecedented interactive possibility to plastically visualize, objectively quantify, and perform a virtual biopsy of retinal structures at all epi–, intra–, and sub–retinal levels.
Keywords: imaging methods (CT, FA, ICG, MRI, OCT, RTA, SLO, ultrasound) • retina • imaging/image analysis: clinical