The Virtual Autopsy Table is a project of the Swedish Interactive Institute, the Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization (CMIV) at Linköpings university and the Visualisation Center in Norrköping. The table consists of a high resolution large format multi-touch interface capable of presenting a 3D dimensional visualisation of the data collected by both an MRI and CT scan on a dead body. The MRI data provides an accurate render of the soft tissues while the CT scan provides a render of the skeleton. These two data sets can be combined to provide uniquely detailed 3D visualisations with the potential for combined and continuous sections (and navigation animation through sections) of the body and the potential to control transparency of the each layer and material strata. This visualisation is presented on the multitouch panel allowing for multiple users to stand at the ‘virtual table’ and to navigate, rotate and zoom on any element of the represented body.
The volumetric representation of data appears to have been drawn from the expertise of the Centre for Medical Image Science at Linköpings university . The interaction/installation/industrial design concept and production appears to be drawn from the expertise of the SII. These two elements of the project come together under the banner of the intriguing Visualisation Centre in Norrköping which includes presentations on Swedish innovation in visualisation, educational workshops, a cinema, and a dome projection system as well as providing an umbrella (in terms of funding and research) for visualisation projects. The Centre is closely associated with the Visualisation Information Technology and Applications centre at inköpings university who is also involved in the development of the project.