The word "voxels" refers to a three-dimensional pixel used in computer graphics. Its spelling can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable "vo" is pronounced as /vɑː/, with a long "o" sound. The second syllable "xels" is pronounced as /zɛls/, with a short "e" sound and a "z" sound for the letter "x". Together, the word is pronounced as /ˈvɑːk.səlz/. Interestingly, the word "voxels" is a combination of the words "volume" and "pixels".
Voxels, short for volumetric pixels, refer to the three-dimensional (3D) equivalent of a pixel in computer graphics and imaging. A voxel represents a discrete value within a regular grid or lattice of a 3D space. It is the basic unit used to define and represent objects in various applications, such as medical imaging, computer-aided design, and video games.
In essence, voxels can be thought of as tiny cubes, like building blocks, that fill up a 3D space. Each voxel typically contains information about its properties, such as color, transparency, or density, depending on the specific application. Together, these individual voxels form a volumetric representation of an object or scene.
Voxels have become particularly important in the field of medical imaging, where they are used to represent and analyze structures within the human body. By capturing the properties of these tiny 3D elements, medical professionals and researchers can gain insights into complex anatomical structures, helping in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
Additionally, voxels find application in computer graphics for rendering realistic visuals in video games and simulations. They enable the creation of detailed 3D models, environments, and effects by manipulating and processing the properties associated with each voxel.
In summary, voxels are the fundamental elements used to construct and represent 3D objects, providing a spatial and volumetric description in various applications, ranging from medical imaging to computer graphics.
The term "voxel" originates from the combination of two words: "volume" and "pixel".
"Volume" refers to the three-dimensional space, and "pixel" is derived from "picture element" and typically relates to a single point in a two-dimensional image. As technology advanced, the need arose for a term to represent the equivalent concept in three-dimensional space. Hence, the word "voxel" was coined by combining these two words to represent a three-dimensional pixel. It acts as the smallest unit of a three-dimensional space in computer graphics, medical imaging, and other related fields.