VivoQuant's Latest Tool - 3D ROI Segmentation

2011-04-25

inviCRO's VivoQuant software now features a powerful 3D ROI segmentation tool. This easy-to-use function allows users to classify for the first time each individual voxel of a three dimensional volume dataset. The 3D ROI tool can be utilized for manual analysis of individual images, or in conjunction with inviCRO’s automatic segmentation tools for processing data in batch. VQ’s tools, including 3D ROI, supports multi-modal and dynamic data. The 3D ROI tool is supported by VivoQuant’s standard toolboxes and viewing displays, and also provides time-saving functionality. For example, segment a fixed ROI only once and use it to evaluate other datasets of choice. For iPACS users, ROIs and quantification results can be stored to and later retrieved from iPACS with one click. Test versions of the new 3D ROI tool are available as part of our beta testing program (Click for download link)

Manual segmentation tools:

• Painting Mode: Use a circle or 3D-sphere tool to classify voxels in one of the three orthogonal views.
• Spline Tool: Use the spline tool to draw and manipulate ROI shapes, adjust the spline points, add/remove regions in free hand mode or use the thresholding tool and subsequently push ROI borders back in or expand them using the Bully.
• Erosion and Dilation: Any ROI can easily be eroded or dilated to remove or add to the outer layer of voxels. These tools allow the user to clean-up images, as well as compensate for effects such as partial volume or limited resolution.

Semi-automatic segmentation tools:

• Global Thresholding classifies all voxels within a given value range.
• Connected Thresholding provides an additional set seed point, from which all voxels in the given range are added to the ROI. Allows for easy segmentation of lungs, of if constricted to a region of Xenograft tumors or other border regions.
• Neighborhood Thresholding also applies a connected thresholding, however, only adds voxels whose neighbors also fulfill the thresholding condition. This method can be used to efficiently segment separated compartments such as lungs or the brain.

Fully-automatic segmentation tools:

• Histogram-based Auto-thresholding provides the ability to separate any input ROI into foreground and background, e.g., outside air and body of an animal, or if applied on the body it separates tissue from bone.
• Confidence Connected Auto-thresholding requires a seed point and evaluates the voxels in its neighborhood to then add all connected voxels within a certain variance- and mean-based confidence level.

Integration with inviCRO’s iPACS®:

Full integration into inviCRO's iPACS® Data Management System and the automated analysis tools, such as the tumor analysis and atlas-based brain tools. ROIs and quantification results can be stored and later retrieved to and from an iPACS with one click making it easier than ever before to exchange and archive (CFR21 part 11 compatible) your analysis results.