PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

D Metaxas

Publications and source records attributed to D Metaxas.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

Efficient dynamic constraints for animating articulated figures.

This paper presents an efficient dynamics-based computer animation system for simulating and controlling the motion of articulated figures. A non-trivial extension of Featherstone's O(n) recursive forward dynamics algorithm is derived which allows enforcing one or more constraints on the animated figures. We demonstrate how the constraint force evaluation algorithm we have developed makes it possible to simulate collisions between articulated figures, to compute the results of impulsive forces, to enforce joint limits, to model closed kinematic loops, and to robustly control motion at interactive rates. Particular care has been taken to make the algorithm not only fast, but also easy to implement and use. To better illustrate how the constraint force evaluation algorithm works, we provide pseudocode for its major components. Additionally, we analyze its computational complexity and finally we present examples demonstrating how our system has been used to generate interactive, physically correct complex motion with small user effort.

Acceleration↗

Analysis of left ventricular wall motion based on volumetric deformable models and MRI-SPAMM.

We present a new approach for the analysis of the left ventricular shape and motion based on the development of a new class of volumetric deformable models. We estimate the deformation and complex motion of the left ventricle (LV) in terms of a few parameters that are functions and whose values vary locally across the LV. These parameters capture the radial and longitudinal contraction, the axial twisting, and the long-axis deformation. Using Lagrangian dynamics and finite-element theory, we convert these volumetric primitives into dynamic models that deform due to forces exerted by the datapoints. We present experiments where we used magnetic tagging (MRI-SPAMM) to acquire datapoints from the LV during systole. By applying our method to MRI-SPAMM datapoints, we were able to characterize the 3-D shape and motion of the LV both locally and globally, in a clinically useful way. In addition, based on the model parameters we were able to extract quantitative differences between normal and abnormal hearts and visualize them in a way that is useful to physicians.

Anatomy, Cross-Sectional↗

Linking anatomy and physiology in modeling respiratory mechanics.

We present an integrated 3D virtual environment for the quantitative modeling of the anatomy and the physiology of the pulmonary system. Our approach formally integrates 3D deformable object modeling with conventional models of respiratory mechanics. We demonstrate quantitatively, aspects of the behavior of the respiratory system qualitatively known to clinicians, such as normal quiet breathing and an open sucking chest wound. Our methodology is general and can be used to model both the anatomy and the physiology at many levels of detail. Another important aspect of our approach is that based on our previously developed computer vision techniques we can make such a simulation patient specific. The usefulness of such a system is manifold. Medical education, surgical planning, disease diagnosis are some of the many areas such a system can be applied.

Computer Simulation↗

Anatomical and physiological simulation for respiratory mechanics.

Injuries in trauma affect anatomical structures, indirectly affecting physiological systems through mechanical behavior and physical proximity. This paper describes the theory for and preliminary results from our approach to couple a three-dimensional (3-D) anatomical model of the chest with a physiological model of respiratory mechanics. In particular, we investigated behavior in quiet, normal breathing and in an open, sucking chest wound. We envision that our integrated simulation of respiratory anatomy and respiratory mechanics could assist students in visualizing and predicting relationships between structural-anatomical and functional-physiological changes in an interactive, 3-D environment.

Computer Simulation↗

Modeling respiratory anatomy and physiology in VR.

In trauma, many injuries impact anatomical structures, which may in turn affect physiological processes--not only those processes within the structures, but ones occurring in physical proximity to them as well. Our goal is to endow a 3D anatomical model with physiological mechanisms to demonstrate such effects. Our approach couples deformable object simulation for organs with physiological modeling, in a way that supports three-dimensional animated simulation. We demonstrate our approach through our current model of respiratory mechanics in a virtual 3D environment. Anatomical models that can capture physiological and pathophysiological changes can serve as an infrastructure for more detailed modeling, as well as benefiting surgical planning, surgical training, and general medical education.

Computer Simulation↗