Solid Modeling Module

For Neurolucida and Stereo Investigator

Serial section reconstruction displayed
with the Solid Modeling module.

• Produce extraordinary 3D solid model graphics of anatomical structures
• Create models from 3D serial section reconstructions or single neurons
• Control lighting, color, transparency, perspective, depth cueing, and more
• Dynamically rotate, zoom, and walk through the display
• Communicate 3D information with a spectacular new technique
• Works on PC computers—no need for a high-end graphics workstation

The Solid Modeling Module is a plug-in extension for the Neurolucida system that brings advanced 3D solid modeling graphics capabilities to neuroscientists. Using a (patent-pending) tessellation technology, the Solid Modeling Module takes a major leap beyond the wire-frame graphic displays of the standard NeuroExplorer program. Serial section reconstructions appear as solid objects that can be dynamically rotated to any angle, and resized to any magnification. Each structure contained within the reconstruction appears as if it had a solid surface. This leads to the ability to present dramatic graphic displays containing information that is inexpressible with other methods of presentation. Viewing 3D anatomical reconstructions with this technique allows observations which reveal structural information that can contain startlingly new information.

Since the 3D nature of the brain’s structure is complicated, it is often difficult to present and to communicate the relationship of objects within the brain. The graphics created by the Solid Modeling Module makes it much easier to communicate this information. Each structure can be presented in a unique color. Outer surfaces may be made transparent so that inner structures are revealed. Lighting conditions can be manipulated to best show the depicted structures.

A walk-through feature allows a viewer to obtain a viewing position that is impossible without the use of computer graphics—allowing the viewer virtually to enter into the brain and to “look around” at an entirely new perspective.

The Solid Modeling Module also brings new methods for displaying neurons. Neuron trees can be viewed as tapering cylinders. Depth cueing and perspective projections make neurons appear more realistic and reveal more information than wire-frame techniques.

The Solid Modeling Module now brings high end graphic workstation performance to PCs. It can add significant new visualization capabilities to your work, for both research and education.