Zero-Crossing Iso-Surfaces in Volume Datasets

This paper describes a new surface extraction method for volume datasets by applying iso-surface extraction techniques to the zero-crossing edges in a volumetric domain. A volume dataset is first filtered using a Laplacian of Gaussian filter to generate a zero-crossing field. A marching cube process will then be able to extract the entire zero-crossing surface that may be viewed selectively based on various intensity ranges and gradient scales. This new technique provides a more efficient surface navigation and extraction mechanism, as well as more accurate surface details, than the traditional iso-surface techniques.