The invention relates to estimating parameters of a model of a composite structure with respect to an N-dimensional signals (N≧2), in particular for segmenting 2-, 3-, or 4-dimensional medical images. The invention also relates to a method of constructing such models. The invention further relates to an apparatus for estimating parameters of such a model.
With the increase of high quality digital input signals and the increase in processing power, image segmentation has become an important area. With image segmentation is meant the process of identifying regions, or objects of interest in pictures or images. For example, in an X-ray photograph depicting a human chest, potentially desirable segmentation would identify any or all forms of a heart, left lung, right lung, ribs and spine. Segmentation is particularly important in the area of medical imaging and industrial machine vision, mainly for 2-dimensional, 3-dimensional image or 4-dimensional images. The 3-dimensional image can be a ‘stack’ of 2-dimensional images where each image is taken at a different depth or a 2-dimensional image with time information (i.e. a time sequence of 2-dimensional images). Typically, the 4-dimensional image is formed by a time sequence of 3-dimensional images (with x, y, z position information).
Segmenting can be used for various purposes, like visualization (e.g. display or highlighting of a kidney), measurement (e.g. measuring the curvature of a spine), and planning of a successive operation (e.g. planning of an area to be radiated). As such, segmenting can be used as a pre-processing step in more general processing of N-dimensional signals (N≧2). More in general, the invention relates to fitting a model to the N-dimensional signal. The outcome of the fitting is a set of parameters that represent the fitting of the model to the signal. This may be a measure of how well the model fits the signal (e.g. a likelihood), it may be a location or length of a main axis of the model, a measurement on the signal (e.g. speed of a blood flow), etc. Nowadays for medical applications, usually main output parameters of fitting a model to a signal is the identification of the region/object of interest (i.e. a segmentation), possibly followed by post-processing on that region/object. As such, the emphasis will be on segmenting images.
Many methods of performing image segmentations have been developed. U.S. Pat. No. 6,031,935 describes a method and apparatus of image segmentation (a “segmenter”) that employs a combination of image intensity information, user-supplied information, and a-priori domain knowledge particular to the type of problem at hand, to segment images.
Particularly in the medical area, much effort is used to develop specific models, such a model for a heart, vein, spine, etc., based on a-priori knowledge. In general these models are coded for the specific application they were designed for and can not easily be re-used for other applications without a high amount of re-coding of the software. Consequently, progress that is made in the development in one model can not be extended easily to other models.
It is an object of the invention to enable quick development of new models for fitting to a signal. It is a further object of the invention to enable re-use of existing models. It is a further object to improve the quality of fitting of a model to a signal.
To meet the object of the invention, a method of constructing a model of a composite structure for estimating parameters of the model with respect to an N-dimensional signal, N≧2, in particular for segmenting a medical image, includes:
According to the invention, a model that is designated to segment a composite structure uses constituent models, that each try to find their most plausible solution in the signal (e.g. 2-dimensional image). Each constituent model is designated to estimate parameters of a constituent structure that is incorporated in or related to the composite structure. With structure is meant an area or object of interest in the signal, for example a heart in a chest X-ray. In itself it is not relevant how such a constituent model operates. For example, it can be based on image information itself (how well does the model correspond to the image information), on the likelihood of the solution, or a combination of these. Such behavior can be expressed by minimizing the energy of the model, or—equivalently—by maximizing the likelihood of the solution. According to the invention, at least two of the constituent models are based on differing technologies, optimized for the constituent structure. The different technology may, for example, lie in a different internal representation (e.g. models for geometrical primitive structures, models for active objects, level set, etc.) and/or in a way of fitting the model to the structure (e.g. based on a transition between bone and tissue, transition between air and tissue, differences in texture, etc.). The constituent models are all provided with a uniform interface for controlling the models. This enables building a framework of models wherein a higher level model (for segmenting a composite structure) is built using constituent models for the constituent structures in the composite structure. A model for a composite structure will also be referred to as composite model. In the remainder, the models will be described with reference to segmenting medical images. It will be appreciated that the techniques according to the invention are more generally applicable to estimating model parameters (i.e. parameters of the structure represented by the model) with respect to a N-dimensional signal.
The article “Anatomical Modeling with Fuzzy Implicit Surfaces: Application to Automated Localization of the Heart and Lungs in Thoracic MR Images” of Lelieveldt e.a., proc. Information Processing in Medical Imaging, vol. 1613 of Lecture Notes in Computer Science, Springer Verlag, Berlin, pp. 400-405, 1999, describes a model driven segmentation approach for thoracic MR-images. The described model coarsely, but fully automatically localizes the boundary surfaces of the heart and lungs in thoracic MR sets. The major organs in the thorax are described in a three-dimensional analytical model template by combining a set of fuzzy implicit surfaces by means of Constructive Solid Geometry, and formulating model registration as an energy minimization. All constituent structure are modeled in the same way using 3D implicit surfaces, that can be seen as (fuzzy) binary volumes. A composite model is created by combining constituent models (each represented by fuzzy binary volumes) to more complex structure using logical operators (AND, OR, SUB). This technique is known as Constructive Solid Geometry (CSG) and requires that all constituent models are represented in the same way (as fuzzy binary volumes). No other technologies can be used. Unlike the models according to the invention, the known approach is not open and can not accommodate techniques that are actually more suited for a specific constituent structure.
As described in the dependent claim 2, a constituent model may be a primitive model developed for estimating parameters of respective primitive structures, such as a left lung, right lung and a heart, solely using a-priori knowledge of the object and without the use/assistance of other models. These three primitive models may be combined in one composite model, e.g. for segmenting the lungs and heart. As such, this composite model identifies a composite structure including or related to the three primitive structures left lung, right lung and the heart. Similarly, several of the same primitive models for segmenting a dorsal vertebra may be combined into a composite model for segmenting a spine. The uniform interface of the models enables the composite model to control all the constituent models in the same way and thus significantly simplifies building a composite model. Additionally, the uniform interface, by in its nature being model-independent, hides the internal working of the models. This makes it much easier to replace a constituent model by a different implementation, e.g. with improved performance, using different segmentation techniques, etc. In itself each primitive model may use any suitable segmentation technique to estimate parameter for the primitive structure for which it is designed. The composite model needs not to be aware of any implementation aspect of the underlying primitive models. The modular framework according to the invention can be used to implement object segmenters for different applications. The re-use of already developed segmenters will allow rapid progress by building on existing techniques instead of restarting from scratch. The framework also stimulates improvement to existing primitive models, since an improved model can be applied without any effort in any composite model that already used a predecessor of such primitive model, even if the newly developed model is based on different segmentation techniques. Particularly, in medical imaging many objects are quite complex, but can be split up into different parts that are simpler and easier to find. Also, neighboring structures and objects are often easier to find than the object of interest itself, which can help in locating and segmenting that object of interest. In this way, a high quality composite model can be constructed based on existing, and usually simpler, primitive models.
As described in the dependent claim 3, the constituent model in itself can also be a composite model built using constituent models. As such, a hierarchy of models can be built. By using the same interface for any constituent model (irrespective of the type, like primitive of composite) the distinction between the types of models disappears. This simplifies using the composite models as an element in a hierarchically more composite model. The composite model may be combined with one or more primitive models to give the hierarchically higher composite model. For example, a composite model for locating a vein can be built using several (the same) primitive models for locating a centre of a vein/artery. By combining the composite vein/artery model with a heart model it is very easy to build a hierarchically higher model for segmenting the heart and the coronary artery. According to the invention, a composite model is also an object finder, and behaves in much the same way as the simple primitive models. These combined models can in their turn be used to construct even more complex models in a hierarchical way.
In many cases a constituent structure will be a part of the composite structure for which it is used. However, it may also have a predetermined relationship to the composite structure (e.g. it is a neighboring structure) without forming part of the composite structure.
In a preferred embodiment as described in the dependent claim 4, the constituent model is a spring model for modeling a relative position of at least two constituent models of the composite model with respect to each other. When two or more constituent models are combined in a composite model, the relationship between the constituent models needs to be described in the composite model. According to the invention, this relationship is described in the form of a spring model. This further simplifies the development of composite models. The method according to the invention thus enables combining primitive or composite models into more complex and powerful models by using connection primitives (like springs in a mechanical model). Preferably, the spring models use the same uniform interface as used for the primitive (and composite) models. By using a same approach for all types of models, development times and the chance of implementation errors are reduced. In a simple form, a spring model represents the position of two models with respect to each other. If so desired, also spring models may be used that can model the respective position of more than two models.
As described in the dependent claim 5, the spring model is operative to represent at least one of the following: distance between the at least two constituent models; angle between the at least two constituent models; relative scale between the at least two constituent models.
As described in the dependent claim 6, the model interface enables setting at least one of the following parameters of a corresponding model: position of the model, scale of the model, orientation of the model. Every model—being either a primitive model, a composite model or a spring model—has its own set of parameters. This means that a higher level composite model doesn't have to know about the details of its composite parts. Only a limited amount of information such as pose and/or scale needs to be controllable by a higher level model (and/or at the highest level by an application program). The models can be extended step-by-step, gradually adding more power to the segmentation models. This modular approach also allows different researchers to develop their own models, and afterwards fitting them in as a new module.
As described in the dependent claim 7, the model interface enables instructing a corresponding model to perform at least one of the following operations: optimizing a fit of the model to the signal, calculating a measure of fitting of the model to the signal, determining a boundary of the model in the signal. In this way, the composite model can optimally control the constituent models to perform part of its own task. Preferably, the interface also enables specifying a type of fitting optimization. The model (or application) using the interface needs not to be aware of the actual implementation of the fitting.
As described in the dependent claim 8, the interface of a model provides at least one of the following output information of a corresponding model: position of the model, scale of the model, orientation of the model, a measure of fitting of the model, a boundary of the model. The measure of fitting can also be referred to as “goodness-of-fit”. Such a measure may be expressed in any suitable way, such as energy or likelihood. The uniform feedback of the models to a hierarchically higher model and/or an application program simplifies development.
To meet the object of the invention, a method of estimating parameters of a model of a composite structure with respect to an N-dimensional signal, N≧2, in particular for segmenting a medical image, includes:
As described in the dependent claim 14, the estimated parameters are also based on contribution of the models itself, for example for parts of the composite structure not covered by the constituent structures.
As described in the dependent claim 15, each constituent model of the composite model is operative to adjust a fitting to the signal in response to an instruction via its interface; the step of constructing a segmentation of the composite structure including optimizing a fitting of the composite model to the signal by instructing each constituent model to adjust its fitting to the signal. The task of fitting a composite model to the signal is significantly simplified by giving the constituent models the task to adjust their fitting, effectively (partly) decentralized the task of the composite model and giving it to the constituent models.
The hierarchical modeling according to the invention enables several ways of optimizing a fit of the model. A first way as described in the dependent claim 16 is a ‘propagation approach’, where a first (preferably easy to find) model is fit to the data, and this information is propagated to its ‘neighboring’ models to help finding their own best fit solution.
The dependent claim 17 described a ‘pose optimization approach, wherein the pose (positions, orientation and/or scale) of the composition model is adjusted. The resulting pose changes to the constituent models are calculated and the constituent models are instructed to perform the adjustment. The outcome in fitting is retrieved from the constituent models and used for calculating the fit of the composite model.
The dependent claim 18 describes an ‘element pose optimization’ approach, wherein each constituent model is instructed to change its pose until a globally optimal fit has been achieved. The results are retrieved and combined for the composite model.
In a last step, as described in the dependent claim 19, the constituent models can be maximally optimized using their own energy optimizer and may not only adjust their pose but may also deform.
To meet the object of the invention, an apparatus for estimating parameters of a model of a composite structure with respect to an N-dimensional signal, N≧2, in particular for segmenting a medical image, includes:
These and other aspects of the invention are apparent from and will be elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.
In the drawings:
The framework according to the invention is applicable to N-dimensional signals, N≧2. In particular the hierarchical modeling can be used for segmenting 2 or 3-dimensional images, optionally given as a time sequence of 2 or 3-dimensional images (as a 3rd or 4th dimensional). Non-limiting examples will be given for segmenting 2-dimensional medical images and medical apparatuses. It will be appreciated that the models can also be used for other purposes than segmenting, e.g. to perform a direct measurement on the signal, and can also be used for other areas than medical images.
The invention relates to a method of constructing the hierarchical models as well as to methods using the hierarchical models for segmenting the N-dimensional signal. According to the invention, the models (as will be described in more detail below) are designated for segmenting a corresponding structure in the signal. As such the models encapsulate all knowledge and functionality for doing such a task. It will be appreciated that every detail given of model applies both to the method of constructing a model as well as to segmenting a signal using the model. The invention also relates to the software incorporating such methods and to apparatuses including means for performing such methods. The apparatuses are typically based on conventional computer systems, particular those generally used for processing medical images.
A primitive model is an elementary building block of the composite modeling according to the invention. In the description a primitive model is also referred to as ‘primitive’. Each primitive model is designed to segment a corresponding primitive structure (also referred to as primitive object) in an N-dimensional signal (N≧2). With a structure is meant a region, or objects of interest in pictures or images. As such, each primitive model has a-priori knowledge of its corresponding primitive structure. A primitive model will look for a specific part (i.e. the primitive object) of the entire object. Of course, the entire object can also be the primitive object. Each primitive object is fully autonomous. It can perform the segmenting of the primitive structure for which it is designed without the aid of other models. It can be controlled by an application program or hierarchically higher model via its interface.
Examples of primitive model technologies are:
Point finder model that will look for image locations with a strong response to a matching criterion (maximum gradient, corresponding grey-value template, corner detector etc.)
Preferably, primitive models have a set of specific, private parameters that need not to be known to the higher level model. These parameters will have a default value at creation of the primitive, and be adapted during the fitting stage. If these parameters have to be exported (e.g. as measurement values), specific functions/methods have to be used. Examples of primitive specific parameters are:
In the hierarchical framework according to the invention, the fitting algorithm (energy optimizer) can be specific for the primitive model. Preferably, every primitive includes an optimizer, but these can have very different implementations that don't have to be known at the higher level. For the invention it is not relevant which fitting algorithm is used by a specific model. It is preferred that models use optimal fitting algorithms designed for the specific structure to be segmented. As such a range of fitting algorithms may be used by the various models.
Preferably, primitive models also have a set of common variables and methods. This allows the modular composition of primitives, and easy replacement of one primitive by a different one. Common variables and methods can be selected from the following options:
The primitive models are provided with a uniform, predetermined interface for controlling the model. Through the interface above parameters and methods, like the ones described above, are accessible/controllable.
In a preferred embodiment, the common framework according to the invention is supported by the design and implementation of (a number of) these primitive models in a common language. An object oriented approach, like programming in C++, suits the hierarchical model with hiding of internal aspects very well. In such an approach (or similar approach), for all primitives the same public methods can be implemented, for example:
The interface described above enables to:
Starting from a set of primitive models, according to the invention a composite model for segmenting a higher level object is formed.
In a preferred embodiment a composite model has the same properties as the primitive models themselves: the composite model also has at least one of the following: a pose and scale, specific parameters, and an energy function. Therefore, the composite model can be treated as an object with the same methods as the primitives themselves. This allows effective building of hierarchical models of primitive models and other composite models.
Since a primitive model can be missing (partial scan, pathological case), the composite model preferably is designed to cope with missing components if this is indicated in the model.
Creating of a composition model can be simplified by using one or both of the following methods:
The energy of a composite model is the sum of the energy of its elements, which are either primitives or other composites. Since every object can have its own method to calculate its energy, the composite model just has to ask for these values, add the composite contribution and combine this into one single energy value. Weighting of the different contributions can be done at this level. The likelihood of the topology (internal energy of the composite model) can be expressed as the energy from the springs only. This energy approach is completely equivalent to a Bayesian probabilistic approach, if an energy is defined as a -log(likelihood). Prior information (from an expert, or from training) can be expressed as an internal energy.
As described above, a spring models describes the connection between two or more models. The spring model has an energy attached to it, dependent on the parameters of the connected models. Based on the parameter the spring model is designed to relate, a distinction can be made between the following types of spring models:
A spring model can minimize its energy, with possible effects:
Preferably, a composite model is able to minimize its energy. It can do so by using the energy optimizers of its constituents, and playing with the pose and scale parameters of these constituents. The total energy of the composite model can be seen as a (non-linear) function of its parameters and the image: Etot=g(x1, y1, a1, s1, hidden parameters1, . . . , image). In general, several energy minimizing methods are known for optimizing such a function. Since the function is not analytically known, iterative numeric schemes are used. For example, optimize by changing the models' poses (xi, yi, ai, si), keeping the internal parameters constant. This can be solved by starting from a given initial situation (the user defined starting position for example), then ‘look around’ in the neighborhood, and deciding in what direction to go to maximally reduce the energy. As an example we can look at N vertebra finders connected with a scale spring. This means e.g. that the variation in the N scales should be minimal. The optimizer will look around by slightly modifying all the parameters one by one, and then looking how the energy behaves. If he brings the scales closer together, he will notice a strong energy reduction, and that will thus be the preferred adjustment to apply to the parameters. This process continues until an equilibrium is reached between the energy term that minimizes the scale variation, and other energy terms that optimize e.g. the fit on the image. A different optimization method will first minimize the energy by modifying x1, y1, a1, s1, then starting from the found energy minimum, optimizing x2, y2, a2, s2, etc, until all the parameters have been modified. This is an optimization by propagation. Preferably, a composite supports at least one of the following methods to optimize the energy of the composite model:
The various energy optimization methods are illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 6. The composite model of
Model Constraints
Until now, no model constraints were discussed. In some applications it is preferred to impose a certain allowed range of some parameters (distance, length, angle). Also, intersection of the object surfaces should usually be avoided. In a preferred embodiment, the framework is extended to allow such constraints, and the optimizer is designed to take such constraints into account.
Examples of Composite Model Applications
The following is a non-limiting list of examples of composite models:
It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The words “comprising” and “including” do not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed in a claim. The invention can be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. Where the system/device/apparatus claims enumerate several means, several of these means can be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The computer program product may be stored/distributed on a suitable medium, such as optical storage, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as being distributed via the Internet or wireless telecommunication systems.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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02079278.4 | Oct 2002 | EP | regional |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
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PCT/IB03/04142 | 9/12/2003 | WO | 4/12/2005 |