This program requires Java Web Start, which is included at least in J2SE 1.4.2. If you are not so sure whether your Java Virtual Machine fits the requirement, just move on and try the links blow.
First, be sure you can run the JOGL Gears demo from their official java web site Here.
If the Gears demo works well, then make sure the MRI images you will work with have been converted to Analyze format ending with IMG and HDR. I recommend MRIConvert, especially for people not familiar with AFNI or SPM. You can download a sample dataset here LiuZX.hdr and LiuZX.img.
If you want to use your 3D models in the program, you need to create 3DS files for them by 3DS Max. However, I recommend a free software Anim8or by R. Steven Glanville.
Now you can try MRIViewerRGL Here. I prepared a quick manual. However, try your best to guess what I mean and forgive my errors.
Send me email when you have question or problem to zxliu@bcslab.ibp.ac.cn. Suggestions for further function are also welcome.
Here are some screenshots.
It looks like this when starts up.
You can load in MRI images.
The truth is that you are in 3D world, so you can explore the images as if in a flight simulator.
Of cause, you should define some markers to do coordinate translation, say, from XYZ based on image voxels to RAS.
You can load in a 3D model, e.g., for my headpost.
The cool thing is you can get a skull of my head, and adjust the headpost to fit with it.
What's more interesting is that finally you get a radial view (This is why the program has an R in the name, MRIViewerRGL), in order to look into my brain, and decide whether the headpost blocks the areas you are working with.
You can also define some keypoints along the sulcus, and the keypoints will project to skull, which are perpendicular to the surface of the head based on local geometry.
That will help to get a precise location of the headpost.
In most cases, you will also need a recording chamber.
Another approach is to bind the keypoints with the headpost and the chamber.
It helps to figure out how the headpost and the chamber could project into the brain, even when you move these items.