From image-based modeling to the modeling of imaging with the virtual population

Abstract

Image data has been used to create the Virtual Population models, a range of highly detailed anatomical models (male/female, neonates/children/adults/elderly, average build/obese) which have been found to be useful for a wide range of computational life sciences applications. They are at the core of the Sim4Life simulation platform. Different image modalities provide a wealth of information enabling model functionalization by facilitating anatomy parameterization and animation, consideration of tissue inhomogeneity, imposition of realistic boundary conditions, and integration of dynamic physiological models. Closing the circle, these functionalized anatomical models have also been used to generate virtual image data, particularly by simulating MR imaging. Thus, image data can be produced under controlled conditions and with known base-anatomy for different pulse sequences. Virtual imaging has been used to study different imaging artefacts.