A Simple and Lightweight Browser-based 3-Dimensional Visualization Tool

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to describe a method of using a simple and lightweight browser-based visualization tool for viewing of a 3-dimensional (3D) reconstructed computed tomography (CT) image based on set of Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) data.

Methods: First, the DICOM data was imported and converted into Standard Tessellation Language (stl) in binary format. Next, it is uploaded to a web-based viewing tool prepared using the HyperText Markup Language (HTML) script licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution.

Results: Large DICOM datasets could be used in the stl format on a simple, lightweight online visualization tool for 3D viewing. It uses the drag and drop feature and does not require any program installation. No plugin or file upload is required.

Conclusion: This simple technique showed the merit of a simple, lightweight internet script for easy 3D online viewing. It provides advantages in the form of portability, no software requirement as well as handling of a relatively small size of data. However, although it is deemed sufficient for online 3D viewing, clinicians should be aware that this method only serves as a visualization platform and may not replace the actual need for radiological assessment, both in 2 or 3 dimensional environments as it may require further validation processes. Nevertheless, this technique may serve as a unique platform for 3D image viewing for daily use by clinicians and for communicating with their patients.