Hiroko Kitaoka
Division of Engineering Technology, JSOL Corporation, Marunouchi 2-18-25, Naka-ku, Nagoya 460-0002, Japan
E-mail address: hirokokitaoka000@hotmail.com
(Received April 16, 2011; Accepted July 13, 2011)
Abstract. The present author has developed a free application software which generates 4D (=3D space + time) models of the human lung for the purpose of studying respiratory anatomy and physiology. The model generator makes air pathway models from the trachea to alveoli based on four algorithms published previously. An algorithm which converts geometric models into 4D finite element models is included in the software. According to user's interest and available computer resource, various model types can be selected such as airway tree, lung lobe, pulmonary acinus, and alveolar duct. The present author has also developed Origami models for the alveolar duct nearly equivalent to the computer models so that users may handle them in reality. The model generator will be a powerful tool for studying 4D respirology.
Keywords: Broncho-Alveolar System, Dynamic Model, 4D, Software, Origami