Voxelization and fabrication of freeform models

Abstract

We present a volume graphics system for the generation of freeform models and synthesis of complex objects. A unique non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS) volume representation and its voxelization algorithm are proposed. The forward difference technique is employed to speed up the voxelization process while the desired topological connectivity is preserved. For synthesis of our models and other three-dimensional objects, such as computed tomography images, voxel-based cutting tools are developed for the AutoCAD user interface. Volume rendering is applied to visualize the intermediate and final models. An isosurface is then extracted over the synthesized model and exported to a rapid prototyping machine as an STL file for fabrication. The approach taken in this system has been proven robust and efficient in modelling and fabrication of complex freeform models.

A Novel GPU-Based Deformation Pipeline

“…To the best of our knowledge, this is the first ever proposal of a pipeline that is using transform feedback for deformation entirely on the GPU. We are confident on the results obtained from the algorithm and would like to expand the model to address specific areas like biomedical modeling and simulation [21,22]. As expected, when comparing our implementation to an optimized CUDA implementation, the performance of the CUDA implementation is better.…”

Bone-derived CAD library for assembly of scaffolds in computer-aided tissue engineering

“…A further strength is that its derivation utilises the architecture of bone. An exact bone scaffold would be ideal (Creehan and Bidanda 2006), but the means to manufacture a biopolymer on the scale of bone for a substantial scaffold, is not currently attainable (Lin et al 2007, Reddy et al 2007). Therefore, we have introduced a library in which the apparent properties, not tissue properties, may be matched in a patient/site specific manner, yet the architecture maintains much of the same tissue level shape (porosity, permeability) that are essential for its biological functionality.…”

“…With regards to direct bio-fabrication of such implants, significant leaps will have to be made in terms of decomposition of the complex shapes into layers such systems can read (Lin et al 2007, Houtmann et al 2007), evaluation of the assembled structure using for example haptic interfaces during the virtual model generation (Peng et al 2006, Tang et al 2007, and similar techniques as proposed by Tyagi et al (2007) in optimal orientation and fabrication of these complex parts for error minimisation. Nevertheless, significant research in those areas have been already published such that translations into the biomedical field are almost just a matter of time.…”

Mobile Visualization of Biomedical Volume Datasets

“…We are confident on the results obtained from the experiments and would like to expand the work to address specific applications such as rapid prototyping of biomedical models [10], coupling between deformation and rendering of volumetric models [11,12,19] as well as confocal endomicroscopy [15]. This will enable the ubiquitous visualization and processing capabilities in a wide application domain.…”

“…In the medical domain, there has been some work using the new API, including the Google Body project [10]. However, there are very few reports on using WebGL for volume rendering.…”