Called CAVEman, the largerthan-life computer image encompasses more than 3,000 distinct body parts, all viewed in a booth that gives the image height, width and depth.



CAVEman also plots the passage of time - the fourth D.

Scientists can layer on the unique visuals of patients, such as resonance images, CAT scans and X-Rays, giving physicians high-resolution views of the inner workings of the body while it appears to float within arm's reach.

It will help researchers study the genetics of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, muscular sclerosis and Alzheimer's, said officials at the University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine, which has worked on the system for six years.

CAVEman is an offshoot of a 3-D virtual reality 'Cave', a $5.5 million lab the Sun Center opened in 2002 in conjunction with Sun Microsystems Inc.

CAVEman, seen through 3-D glasses in a booth, appears to stand in front of the viewer. As in a video game, the controller can manipulate it and focus on body parts - skin, bones, muscles, organs and veins.

The closer the image gets, the further into the body the viewer appears to travel. It is difficult to resist trying to touch it. The image can also be loaded on to regular computers, to be viewed off site.

The medical community will benefit by being able to merge patients' diagnostic results in one place, allowing specialists to work together more closely.