Image guided interactive volume visualization for confocal microscopy data exploration

3D microscopy visualization has the potential of playing a significant role in the study of 3D cellular structures in biomedical research. Such potential, however, has not been fully realized due to the difficulties of current visualization methods in coping with the unique nature of microscopy image volumes, such as low image contrast, noise and unknown transfer functions. In this paper, we present a new 3D microscopy imaging approach that integrates volume visualization and 3D image processing techniques for interactive 3D data exploration and analysis. By embedding 3D image enhancement procedures into the volume visualization pipeline, we are able to automatically generate image-dependent tranfer functions to reveal subtle features that are otherwise difficult to visualize. It allows the users to interactively manipulate a small number of parameters to achieve desired visualization effects. Other 3D image processing techniques, such as quantification and segmentation, may also be integrated within the data exploration process for interactive image analysis.