The present invention proposes a method for calculating, presenting, and
combining probabilistic functional maps (PFMs) of the human brain
representing the probability of structures existing. The method comprises
three major steps: reading of data containing the coordinates of
contacts, calculating the PFMs, and presenting the PFMs. The data can be
read from a file in text or binary format or from a database as local or
remote client. The PFM calculation comprises the following steps: forming
3D models of contacts, normalizing the contact models, voxelizing the
contact models, calculating an atlas function, and calculating the PFM.
The PFM can be presented alone or along with anatomical atlases. Both 3D
and 2D interfaces can be used for presentation. The proposed method also
includes different ways of combining the contact data and/or existing
PFMs from multiple sources. This mechanism is the basis of an internet
portal for stereotactic and functional neurosurgery.