Segmented Inner Organs FAQ

This is a collection of frequently asked questions about the Segmented Inner Organs of the Visible Human Male.

  1. Q: What is the resolution of the data?
    A: The limiting factor is the voxel spacing, which is given by a voxel size of 1 mm x 1 mm x 1 mm. It means that structures smaller than that may only be represented as slight changes in color or CT intensity.
     
  2. Q: How accurate is the segmentation?
    A: The segmentation was done using an advanced 3D algorithm based on the colors of the different organs, which in general could locate the object borders very accurately. The anatomical atlas VOXEL-MAN 3D-Navigator: Inner Organs which is based on this very dataset has been reviewed by several independent expert anatomists and radiologists.
     
  3. Q: Can I have a look at the data first?
    A: Sure, please download the sample file. This ZIP archive contains a set of three consecutive slices, each with color, CT, and label images. An object list is also included.
     
  4. Q: Does the model include the muscles?
    A: Yes, the model includes almost all of the muscle tissue of the trunk. However, it is mostly labeled as "unclassified muscles", only a few muscles of the abdominal region are explicitly labeled. Please have a look at the object list.
     
  5. Q: Does this model include all of the objects visible in the VOXEL-MAN 3D-Navigator: Inner Organs anatomical atlas?
    A: No, some very thin arteries or nerves which could not be segmented from the data were modeled with a tube editor; these are not represented in the model.
     
  6. Q: How is the label volume organized?
    A: Just like color and CT data, the label volume comes as a stack of numbered images. Color, CT and label images with the same number represent different properties of the same voxels. Instead of colors or intensity values, a label image contains numbers, indicating the shape of the different anatomical structures, as determined in the segmentation process. To find out which objects are represented by these numbers, have a look at the object list.
     
  7. Q: I don't see anything in the label images.
    A: These are 16 bit TIFF images, which some programs cannot display properly. Programs which can handle these data include ImageJ or Photoshop. If the image still appears all black, adjust the brightness/contrast or level/window settings.
     
  8. Q: How can I create a volume dataset from these images?
    A: The images need to be stacked on top of each other. For example, in ImageJ, use File > Import > Image Sequence ... to create image volumes for color, CT, and label data, respectively.
     
  9. Q: Is this a polygonal surface model?
    A: No, the data comes as a 3D voxel model. If you need a surface model, you can create it for yourself, using methods such as Marching Cubes.
     
  10. Q: Can I get the data as a Collada, X3D, STL, VRML, 3DS file?
    A: All these are 3D graphics formats for surface representations, see the previous question.
     
  11. Q: We want to sell these data as part of a product. Is that possible?
    A: This requires a special agreement.
     
  12. Q: We want to convert the data to a surface model and sell it as (part of) a product. Is that possible?
    A: This requires a special agreement.
     
  13. Q: We want to create a Finite Element Model (FEM) of some organs based on these data and sell it as part of a product. Is that possible?
    A: Yes, as long as no part of the original model is included, it is no problem.
     
  14. Q: How can I obtain the data?
    A: Please contact us first, so that we can send you a license agreement. After we have received the signed license agreement and the handling fee, we make the data available to you on our FTP server. If you prefer, we can also send you a DVD.