Using image databases to relate internal anatomy to surface features in human motion and animation

A technique is presented for generating animation sequences relating surface anatomy with internal anatomic structures. The method uses a database containing digitized images from a human motion video study. Images in the database catalog the forearm over a large range of joint configurations spanning the anatomic range. Individual frames are accessed by selecting the frame most closely matching a requested joint configuration and viewing orientation. Frames depicting surface anatomy are synchronized with rendered images of internal anatomy using data from an MRI cadaver study. Database requests are formulated using either interactive kinematic input or a dynamic muscle and limb model. Based on user input, the method enables original animation sequences to be generated which synchronize the motion of internal and external anatomy. Educational applications of the methodology are described.