Multi-resolution brain model in multimedia environment

Abstract

Toward the goal of understanding the human brain composed of billions of neurons, each with up to 1000 synapses, we have developed a framework to interactively manipulate the 3D interconnections of the brain and allow exploration of related information in a hypermedia format. Students, scientists, and medical professionals can use this system to explore the brain's interconnections, and use it as an aid in diagnosing the affected connections in a case of lost brain functions. This project focuses on 3D multi-resolution models of the brain structures, their connections, and functional circuits. This eases the exploration of the 3D models, as well as provides optimal speed of manipulation. Moreover, the 3D brain models and connections are editable by the users, allowing extensions of the atlas and exploration on the results of lost interconnections. At the same time, our extension is to manage an open system which allows a user to add more structures, connections, and other multimedia information into the existing database.