GUI-for-the-Visualization-and-Volume-Rendering-of-MRI-Data

Overview

Advancements in medical imaging demand efficient visualization tools for accurate diagnosis and research. This project introduces a MATLAB-based Graphical User Interface (GUI) for MRI data visualization and volume rendering, providing a structured approach to analyzing 3D MRI scans. Developed using MATLAB App Designer, the GUI lets users explore MRI data through **various visualization techniques ** interactively. Designed for doctors, researchers, and students, the GUI facilitates efficient medical image interpretation, health assessments, and research applications.

Read the full research paper: Interactive GUI for Advanced Visualization and Volume Rendering of MRI Data: A MATLAB-Based Approach

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Features

The system provides an intuitive platform for MRI data visualization and volume rendering, with the following key features:

• Load MRI Data – Supports NIFTI (.nii) files for 3D MRI images.
• Montage Display – Organizes MRI slices for quick analysis.
• Multiple Volume Rendering Techniques:
  • Maximum Intensity Projection (MIP) – Highlights high-intensity structures.
  • Minimum Intensity Projection (MinIP) – Enhances low-density structures.
  • Volume Rendering – Generates a 3D representation of MRI data.
  • Isosurface Rendering – Extracts surfaces of equal intensity for 3D contour visualization.
  • Slice Planes – Displays cross-sectional views at adjustable angles.
  • Gradient Opacity Mapping – Enhances visibility by applying transparency based on intensity.
  • Orthogonal Slice View – Simultaneously presents axial, coronal, and sagittal slices.
  • Slice View – Provides detailed cross-sections of the MRI data.
• Interactive Controls – Sliders for slice navigation, drop-down menu for selecting techniques.
• User-Friendly Interface – Drag-and-drop functionality, no coding required.

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Data

A Data folder (./data) contains sample MRI images in NIFTI (.nii) format for testing the GUI with real medical imaging data.

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Design

Visualization & Volume Rendering System Overview

The GUI provides a simple yet powerful interface for loading, displaying, and processing MRI data. Users can select from multiple visualization techniques for flexible MRI analysis.

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Component design

• Dual Display Panels – One for the original MRI montage and another for visualization output.
• Load Button – Enables users to upload MRI datasets.
• Technique Selection Drop-down – Provides access to multiple rendering methods.
• Apply Button – Executes the selected visualization technique.
• Angle Adjustment – Allows users to modify viewing perspectives dynamically.

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Implementation

Developed using MATLAB App Designer, the GUI follows a structured layout:

1. Interface Construction – Drag and drop UI elements (buttons, panels, drop-down lists).
   • Drop-down menu includes:
     • Maximum Intensity Projection (MIP)
     • Minimum Intensity Projection (MinIP)
     • Volume Rendering
     • Isosurface Rendering
     • Slice Planes
     • Gradient Opacity Mapping
     • Orthogonal Slice View
     • Slice View
2. Component Configuration – Adjust properties (font sizes, value limits) via the Inspector Window.
3. Callback Functions – Define button actions for real-time updates.
4. Code Development – Switch to Code View for logic integration.
5. Property Definitions – Establish global variables for volume data access.
6. Load MRI Data – Supports NIFTI (.nii) files (e.g., Brain Tumor MRI, Abdomen MRI, Heart MRI).
   • The SliceViewer() function displays 2D slices with a slider for navigation.
   • If an invalid file is selected, the system alerts the user.
7. Apply Button Logic – Uses a switch-case function to apply the chosen visualization technique dynamically.

Complete implementation can be found in: ./MRI_Project_Final_exported.m

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MRI Data Selection and Visualization Techniques

Selecting an MRI Image

Users load MRI data by selecting a NIFTI (.nii) file via the Load Image button. The system then displays the data as a series of slices, allowing navigation through a slider.

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Visualization Techniques via Drop-Down Menu

The GUI provides multiple visualization techniques, accessible via a drop-down menu. Users apply the selected technique by clicking Apply. Available techniques include:

• Maximum Intensity Projection (MIP)
  

• Minimum Intensity Projection (MinIP)
  

• Volume Rendering

• Isosurface Rendering

• Slice View

• Gradient Opacity Mapping
  

• Orthogonal Slice View

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How to Cite

If you use this project for research, please cite the following publication:
Interactive GUI for Advanced Visualization and Volume Rendering of MRI Data: A MATLAB-Based Approach
Published in International Journal of Applied Technology in Medical Sciences, 3(1), 17-25 (2024). Available Online

BibTeX Citation

@article{Alhajeri2024,
  author  = {Noora Alhajeri},
  title   = {Interactive GUI for Advanced Visualization and Volume Rendering of MRI Data: A MATLAB-Based Approach},
  journal = {International Journal of Applied Technology in Medical Sciences},
  volume  = {3},
  number  = {1},
  pages   = {17--25},
  year    = {2024},
  doi     = {10.54878/rxzd0j10}
}

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License & Copyright

This project is licensed under the MIT License.

You are free to use, modify, and distribute this project for educational and research purposes, but proper credit must be given to the original author (Noora-Alhajeri).

Copyright Notice

© 2025 Noora-Alhajeri. All rights reserved.

Originally Developed: November 28, 2022
Uploaded to GitHub: 2025

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Contact

For questions or collaboration, feel free to reach out:

📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 LinkedIn: Noora-Alhajeri