Deformable object reconstruction with particle systems

In this paper, we describe a general method for reconstruction and animation of volumetric deformable objects. First, the initial data, defined by planar contours, are fitted with a closed periodic parametric surface. Then, this rigid model is used as a closed boundary, which is filled in with particles. For this, new particles are progressively generated within the boundary. When a new particle is introduced, there will be an interaction between this particle and all the existing particles. They will also collide the boundaries. Then we let the system evolve under physically-based forces, until the particles reach an equilibrium state. We have defined some simple rules for the new particle generation. In the scope of a medical application, we want to simulate the motion and the form alteration of the internal anatomical organs. Hence we have introduced the necessary tools to handle the dynamic and deformable behavior of cancerous organs. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.