THREAD (three-dimensional reconstruction and display) with biomedical applications in neuron ultrastructure and computerized tomography

THREAD is a computer system capable of displaying three-dimensional images from serial two-dimensional sections. The serial two-dimensional input images can either be in the format of 35 mm films or in digital cross sectional pictures of live patients generated by the ACTA (Automatic Computerized Transverse Axial) Scanner. The hardware components of the system consists of FIDAC (Film Input to Digital Automatic Computer), MACDAC (MAn Communication and Display to Automatic Computer), and the Display Subsystem of the ACTA-Scanner. The software includes such features as segmentation, rotation, hidden line removal, shading plane definition, shading and display. Two examples, one from serial electron micrographs of a neuron and the other from serial ACTA, live patient, scans are given to demonstrate the capability of the system.