Virtual Reconstruction: A Primer in Computer-Assisted Paleontology and Biomedicine [Hardcover]

Christoph P. Zollikofer (Author), Marcia Ponce de Leon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 29, 2005 | ISBN-10: 0471205079 | ISBN-13: 978-0471205074 | Edition: 1

Virtual Reconstruction serves as an introduction to the principles of three-dimensional visualization techniques as they relate to fossil reconstruction and reverse engineering. It covers data acquisition, processing, virtual reconstruction, visualization, manipulation, reverse engineering, and applications to biomedicine. An adjunct Web site provides access to software, as well as sample data sets and relevant Internet links.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"..a worthy contribution." (Journal of Anthropological Research, Summer 2006)

"If you are interested in...three-dimensional reconstruction of past and present human and other anatomy, this is the text for you!" (IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Magazine, May/June 2006)

"The authors have done a stupendous job of mining the available literature to present a coherent and organized work...the book is a useful addition to any anthropologist's library." (American Journal of Human Biology, May/June 2006)

"…well presented. This is a decidedly visual topic, and the illustrations in the book are wonderful…" (CHOICE, February 2006)

"This book is well written. It is surprising easy to read considering the technical subjects that were covered." (The Quarterly Review of Biology, March 2006)

“…a very useful resource for anyone wanting to get started in a much wider variety of fields…” (International Journal of Primatology, April 2007)

‘…an excellent source for computer scientists working in the biosciences.’ (Journal of Comparative Human Biology, March 2007)

 

From the Back Cover

Illustrating the concepts, methods, and applications of computer-assisted virtual reconstruction

Virtual Reconstruction demonstrates how readers can transform organisms from physical reality into virtual reality. Specifically, the authors provide the knowledge and tools needed to enable researchers to reconstruct fragmented and distorted fossil specimens in 3-D images so that their function, biomechanics, developmental changes, and evolutionary modifications can be determined. Likewise, the authors demonstrate how the same 3-D techniques can be used to enhance medical diagnosis and permit detailed planning of surgical intervention and forensic reconstruction on the basis of patient-specific anatomical data. They also provide a thorough introduction into modern methods of 3-D geometric-morphometric analysis.

All the steps of 3-D reconstruction are covered in detail, including data acquisition, processing, graphical representation, interactive manipulation, morphometric analysis, and rapid prototyping. Helping readers to bridge the gap between theory and practice, the authors have taken a four-pronged approach to their subject:

• The main text introduces basic concepts, provides technical information, presents practical applications, and discusses potential issues for further research
• Feature boxes offer schematic diagrams to simplify difficult concepts and case studies that demonstrate how concepts and methods are applied in real-world situations
• Appendices contain classical linear algebra formulation as well as standard data formats for text, standard images, biomedical images, and graphical objects
• Companion Internet site allows readers to experiment with sample data sets and applets and provides links to tutorials, applets, databases, and technical definitions: www.wiley.com/go/virtualreconstruction

The two authors are internationally recognized as leaders and innovators in their field. Their text reflects more than a decade of research in computer-assisted paleoanthropology as well as their insightful lectures and courses in biomedical imaging, scientific visualization, and computational morphology.

This is the only reference that introduces readers, in the biosciences, to the concepts, methods, and applications of computer-assisted virtual reconstruction. It is an invaluable resource for researchers in physical anthropology, paleontology, morphology, anatomy, medicine, forensics, and primatology. Surgeons will find this book a reliable and state-of-the-art information source. Furthermore, the text is an excellent reference for computer scientists working in the biosciences.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 333 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Liss; 1 edition (June 29, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471205079
• ISBN-13: 978-0471205074
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,577,420 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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