Simultaneous model-based segmentation of objects satisfying pre-defined spatial relationships

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (100) for segmenting a plurality of objects in image data using simultaneous model-based image segmentation. A surface mesh is adapted to each object to be segmented. To avoid or reduce the possibility of mesh collision,a plurality of connecting edges for connecting two proximal meshes are used. A connection energy defined for the plurality of connecting edges allows controlling the spatial relationship between the first and second mesh. This is achieved by including in the connection energy expression terms that will increase the connection energy when the lengths of edges of the plurality of connecting edges connecting the first and second mesh decrease. Using the reference configuration of the plurality of connecting edges defined based on the pre- positioned first and second mesh allows taking into account prior knowledge about a typical spatial relationship between the first and second object of the plurality of objects.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to image segmentation, and more particularly to model-based simultaneous segmentation of multiple objects in image data. Background technique [0002] Model-based segmentation has many applications in interventional and follow-up studies such as radiotherapy planning. A deformable model described by a flexible surface mesh, such as a triangular mesh, is adapted to the corresponding image structure. This adaptation is typically achieved for each object separately by weighting and optimizing two competing energies: the external energy that drives the mesh triangles towards features in the image, and the internal energy that maintains the shape of the model . The implementation of this method is described in "Shape constrained deformable models for 3D medical Image segmentation" by J.Weese, M.Kaus, C.Lorenz, S.Lobregt, R.Truyen, V.Pekar, IPMI 2001, 380-387 , which is hereinafter referred to as Reference 1. [0003] Indivi...

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Problems solved by technology

For these organs, synchronous segmentation using the method described in WO 2004 / 010374A2 can only avoid grid crossings if the grid is pre-positioned correctly, but will still lead to adaptations with wrong spatial relationships

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