Visualization Systems for Multidimensional CLSM Images

Abstract

$Biological confocal microscopy has prompted many developments in multidimensional imaging. However, 3D visualization techniques originated from applications involving computer-generated models of macroscopic objects. These methods have been adapted for biological visualization of mainly tomographic medical images and serial section data (e.g., Cookson et al., 1989; review: Cookson, 1994). Most algorithms were not devised specifically for microscopy data, and only a few critical assessments have been made of suitable approaches for confocal data (Kriete and Pepping, 1992). Objective visualization of control, calibration, and test specimens is the best way of determining which algorithms are appropriate for a particular analysis. Hardware developments and advances in software engineering tools have made available many 3D reconstruction systems that can be used to visualize confocal images. These are available from confocal microscope manufacturers, third-party vendors, and other microscopists. The author has attempted to collate important techniques used in these programs. Sources and approximate cost of example systems are given in Table 1.