From bones to bytes : turning the human body into a 3D model library

Purpose: Creation of a digital library of three-dimensional (3D) models using human cadaveric material. Methods: A blue-light surface scanner (Artec® Space Spider) was used to scan anatomical specimens such as human bones, brains, liver, hearts and prosection specimens. In addition, a Thiel embalmed human cadaver was dissected layer by layer and scanned. Scan processing was done with Artec® Studio 15 software, using eraser tools, an outlier removal algorithm and a global registration process. Afterwards, multiple scans were aligned and the model was finalized with smooth or sharp fusion and texture mapping. Results: 3D digital models were successfully created using human cadaveric material. Detailed structures were well preserved due to high resolution scanning. Realistic color information and shapes were preserved due to texture mapping. Soft tissue scanning posed the biggest challenge as movement and deformation of the tissue could lead to misalignment and noise during processing. Therefore, fixation of the body parts before scanning was crucial. Freezing of deformable tissues was done and body parts were positioned in such a way that they could be scanned from as many angles as possible without needing to reposition the body part. Conclusion: This method can be used to create a 3D model library representing different categories of human cadaveric material such as bones, internal organs and a full body multi-layer model. The models are based on true anatomy and colors, and can be integrated into digital learning environments