3D stylus: An intuitive 3D pointer for volumetric radiological data

Abstract

This work introduces a new human-computer interface(HCI) device for threedimensional (3D) visualized data. Although there are different approaches developedin the literature, 3D interfaces have not finished their development.The HCI we designed basically aims at taking an arbitrary cross-section (obliqueslicing) from volumetric data. Additionally, the interface we called ?3D Stylus? has anextra option which enables the user to draw two dimensional curves.The 3D Stylus is a colorful, long and thin structure like a pen. The 3D Stylusis tracked by using image processing algorithms. 3D information about the interfaceis acquired with the help of stereo processing techniques applied to the images comefrom the stereo camera.The 3D Stylus is a flexible tool that can be used for different purposes in differentapplications. In the thesis, we firstly develop a oblique slicing application using 3DStylus as normal vector of slicer held by the user. Then another application is developedfor 2D drawing, and the 3D Stylus used as a chalk.At the end of the thesis, experiments are presented. Users are asked to use the3D Stylus and mouse interfaces in our applications. Results about efficiency of the 3DStylus are given, compared with mouse.