No abstract

Abstract.Computer-based simulation is an important tool for surgical skills training and assessment. In general, the degree of realism experienced by the trainees is determined by the visual and biomechanical fidelity of the simulator. In minimally invasive surgery, specular reflections provide an important visual cue for tissue deformation, depth and orientation. This paper describes a novel image-based lighting technique that is particularly suitable for modeling mucous-covered tissue surfaces. We describe how noise functions can be used to control the shape of the specular highlights, and how texture noise is generated and encoded in image-based structure at a pre-processing stage. The proposed technique can be implemented at run-time by using the graphics processor to efficiently attain pixel-level control and photo-realism. The practical value of the technique is assessed with detailed visual scoring and cross comparison experiments by two groups of observers.

The "one-size-fits-all" approach for radiology workstation design is not good enough anymore. While most of the picture archiving and communication system (PACS) vendors are racing to add more features to the radiology workstation, there is little interest in addressing the specific needs of other hospital departments. Significant delays in the availability of radiology reports are often caused by the fact there is not enough Intensive Care Unit (ICU) volume to justify a full time radiologist. Consequently, the radiologist assigned to cover the ICU exams, most likely working from a different building, will read the ICU exams only at certain times, depending on the limitations for remote image availability. This paper addresses the main objectives in designing a digital radiology workstation for use in the medical ICU (MICU), requiring enhancements to current PACS systems. Our suggestions for PACS improvement follow the ICU digital workflow starting with the transfer of the images from the modality, continuing with the presentation of the radiology examination to different types of users (radiologists or ICU staff), up to the creation and distribution of the reports.

A $70 toy robot has been successfully used in Computer Science undergraduate laboratory courses in teal-time programming and advanced operating systems to provide students with hands on experience.A custom designed interface card connects a Radio Shack Armatron toy mobile robot with an IBM PC. To provide sensory input and hence introduce feedback, the robot is shackled to a track fitted with sensors. Extra sensors in the robot's environment allow challenging experiments such as picking up an object from a moving belt.While progrznming the robot and its environment in Turbo Pascal, the students learn how to write s&ware drivers to control low level hardware mat requires real-time response. This experimental design obviates the need to use sophisticated test equipment or special software development tools, and so the robot has transformed potentially routine courses into a exciting and fultilling learning experiences.

No abstract