Method of rendering a volume and a surface embedded in the volume

Abstract

Computer-implemented methods for rendering a volumetric dataset and a surface embedded in the volumetric dataset are described. One method includes performing a volume rendering process to generate a volume rendering of the volume. Based on the volume rendering process, depths of respective locations in the volume rendering are determined, and the depths stored in association with the respective locations. A surface rendering process generates a surface rendering of a surface using the depths and respective locations. The volume rendering and the surface rendering are combined into a combined rendering of the volume and surface. In another method, depths of the surface at respective locations with respect to the volume are determined and the depths are stored in association with the locations. A volume rendering process includes a shading process which uses the depths of the surface and the respective locations.

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