University of Strasbourg – ICube Laboratory¶
ICube (Computer Science, Engineering, and Imaging Laboratory) is a multidisciplinary research unit of the University of Strasbourg and CNRS.
Website: icube.unistra.fr Team: MIV
Overview¶
ICube brings together expertise in computer graphics, medical imaging, and mechanical simulation. The laboratory is structured around three main research areas: computer science, engineering, and imaging.
Research Focus¶
- Medical image analysis and processing
- Real-time simulation of deformable objects
- Computer graphics and visualization
- Biomechanics and tissue modeling
Role in the Project¶
Work Package Leadership¶
ICube leads Work Package 1: Medical Requirements and Validation
Key Responsibilities¶
- Needle-Tissue Modeling
Mechanical models of needle insertion and tissue deformation
- Clinical Integration
Medical expertise and validation protocols
- Imaging Integration
Connection with CT, MRI, and ultrasound imaging
- Training Scenarios
Design of medical training curricula
Team Members¶
Core Team¶
| Name | Role | Expertise |
|---|---|---|
| Claire Martin | Associate Professor | Medical simulation, haptics |
| Hadrien Courtecuisse | Associate Professor | Real-time simulation, FEM |
| PhD Student 1 | PhD Candidate | Needle-tissue interaction |
| PhD Student 2 | PhD Candidate | VR training validation |
Collaborators¶
- CHU Strasbourg: Medical advisors (interventional radiology)
- PhD students: Multiple thesis projects
- Master students: Annual projects and internships
Key Contributions¶
Methodological Advances¶
1. Needle-Tissue Interaction
Physics-based modeling of: - Friction and cutting forces - Tissue deformation during insertion - Trajectory planning
2. Haptic Rendering
- Force computation at 1kHz
- Stable interaction algorithms
- Realism validation
3. VR Training
- Immersive scenario design
- Skill assessment metrics
- User studies with clinicians
Clinical Collaboration¶
Partner Hospitals: - CHU Strasbourg (Hôpital civil) - Interventional radiology department - Medical imaging services
Validation Activities: - Phantom studies - Clinical expert evaluation - Training protocol development
Resources¶
Infrastructure¶
- Medical Imaging: MRI, CT access through hospital partnership
- Phantoms: Tissue-mimicking materials
- Haptic Devices: Several devices for testing
- VR Equipment: Headsets, tracking systems
Software¶
- SOFA: Development of medical-specific plugins
- Custom tools: Data processing pipelines
- Validation scripts: Experimental data analysis
Publications¶
From SPECULAR¶
- "Real-time Haptic Rendering for Needle Insertion" - Eurographics 2023
- "Validation of Soft Tissue Deformation" - ISB 2024
- "VR Training for Interventional Radiology" - In preparation
Previous Work¶
- Medical simulation platforms
- Real-time deformation methods
- Haptic interfaces for medicine
Education¶
Training Activities¶
- PhD Theses: 2 ongoing within SPECULAR
- Master Projects: Annual student projects
- Internships: Industry and academic placements
Courses¶
- Medical image processing
- Real-time simulation
- Computer graphics
- Biomechanics
Contact¶
Address ICube Laboratory University of Strasbourg 300 bd Sébastien Brant CS 10413 F-67412 Illkirch Cedex, France
Email claire.martin@unistra.fr hadrien.courtecuisse@unistra.fr
Website icube.unistra.fr
ICube's contributions to SPECULAR were funded by ANR as part of the collaborative project.