Thoracoscopy simulation apparatus and method based on three- dimensional atelectasis model

A thoracoscopy simulation apparatus comprising:

• a processor;
• and
• a memory that is operably connected to the processor and stores at least one code to be performed by the processor,
• wherein when the memory is executed through the processor, the memory stores a code that causes the processor to generate a three-dimensional (3D) lung model, in which a pulmonary nodule is displayed, based on a chest CT image of a patient in an inspiratory state, generate a 3D atelectasis model in an expiratory state by changing the 3D lung model, generate a 3D thorax model by using the 3D atelectasis model and locations of ribs included in the chest CT image, and position the 3D thorax model in a virtual space and generate a simulation image based on the 3D thorax model and tracked locations of a thoracoscope and a surgical instrument,
• wherein the memory, when generating the 3D atelectasis model, stores a code that causes the processor to determine a direction of gravity based on a posture of the patient, load a plurality of vertices included in the 3D lung model, generate a virtual ground based on the direction of gravity for movement limit of the vertices, calculate distances from the ground to the vertices respectively, move locations of at least some vertices respectively in the direction of gravity by a movement distance that is determined based on a calculated distance from the ground to each vertex and a preset ratio, and generate the 3D atelectasis model including the vertices whose locations have been moved and perform surface rendering, and
• wherein the memory, when moving the locations of at least some vertices respectively, stores a code that causes the processor to move a vertex farther from the ground by a longer distance toward the ground.