Researchers Develop 4D Model of Human Body

Doctors at the University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine in Canada have created a 4D model of the human body that is said to be the most complex yet, says ABC News. It is capable of showing height, width, and depth, as well as the 4^th dimension of time. The computer image that took over six years to create is viewed in a booth and shows more than 3,000 body parts. Viewers often feel like they can reach right out and touch the model even though there is nothing solid about it.

Doctors are using the model, named CAVEman, to help plan surgeries. Patients can view the model to see what is wrong within their own bodies. Their MRIs, CAT scans, and X-rays can be layered over the model to allow patients and physicians to see how the body works and where the problem is located.

Researchers will use CAVEman to study the genetics of cancer, diabetes, muscular sclerosis, and Alzheimer's. Surgeons will soon be able to use models of this kind to plan surgeries and use as teaching tools rather than relying completely on cadavers.

While there are models of this type of parts of the body, CAVEman is the first design to bring together all the components and make a complete body. CAVEman started as a 3D virtual reality called "Cave" and evolved into the 4D model. Massage therapy teachers were looking for a better way to show bones and muscles to their students and that's how the model started.

The director of the medical school's Sun Center of Excellence for Visual Genomics, Christoph Sensen, said to ABC News, "Today, this kind of a model is unique in the world. It's the only one that is complete."
The viewer stands in front of the model with 3D glasses and uses a controller to focus on any body part they want. The viewer feels as if they are traveling further into CAVEman as the model gets closer.

CAVEman cost somewhere between $500,000 and $2 million to create with at least one or two artists working at all times. It can also be viewed on other computers so that it can be used off site.

Doctors want to be able to use CAVEman to show their patients how their body has changed and provide visible evidence to convince them they are truly in need of surgery.