Shadow rendering for improved volumetric visualization in real time 4D-OCT

Abstract

Progress in swept source laser technology and graphics processing unit (GPU) realized live volumetric OCT (4D-OCT). Shadowing is one of advanced rendering techniques to add more realistic spatial comprehension to objects in space. We developed and implemented a shadow extended ray casting technique to be applied for real time 4D-OCT, using both a SS-OCT and SD-OCT. Our results show that the shadow extended ray casting technique achieves greater threedimensionality in volumetric data through self-shadowing, and also improves depth perception of objects in space because of planar shadows projected onto a surface. The shadowing algorithm was implemented using texture memory of the GPU, which achieves surgeon-interactive surgical guidance of ophthalmic microsurgery.