Supporting Spatial Cognition in Vascular Visualization

Abstract

In this chapter, we introduce visualization techniques which have been developed with the goal to improve diagnosis based on volumetric angiography datasets. In particular, we propose passive as well as active techniques to make analysis of 3D angiography datasets more efficient and effective. The passive visualization techniques emphasize the depth structure of a dataset and require no user interaction. The proposed passive visualization techniques comprise depth-based color coding techniques, different types of edge enhancement and the application of rendering techniques which have been inspired by illustrations in order to enhance depth perception of complex blood vessel systems. The active visualization techniques presented within this chapter support user interaction and include depth-based replacements of the mouse cursor as well as multiple views providing further insights. We will also present the results of a user study we have conducted in order to evaluate the techniques.