Context-Preserving Volumetric Data Set Exploration Using a 3D Painting Metaphor

Abstract. This paper presents a technique for fast and intuitive visual-ization and exploration of unsegmented volumetric data sets. It combines a Maximum Intensity Difference Accumulation (MIDA) visualization al-gorithm with a 3D interaction model based on a painting metaphor. Un-der this model the Volume of Interest (VOI) is defined by “painting ” an envelope enclosing features of interest. The key advantage of the model is the ability to interactively preview the effect of the painting opera-tion before it is applied, allowing the user to both explore and paint in the volume space at the same time. The result is a flexible and intuitive technique that uses a single, consistent interaction style to achieve de-sired contextual views and perform several types of volume exploration and editing operations. Examples using several volumetric data sets and the results of a user study are presented to validate the effectiveness, flexibility and ease of use of the technique.