Method of constructing a digital phantom in dicom format and related digital phantom

Abstract

The present application discloses a method for constructing a digital phantom in DICOM format and a related digital phantom. In one embodiment, a method for constructing a digital phantom in DICOM format includes extracting a DICOM tree and a voxel matrix from a reference DICOM image, writing CT values in the voxel matrix, and revising the DICOM tree. The digital phantom in DICOM format of the present application can be imported into a CT post-processing application for qualitative and / or quantitative analysis and validation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to medical imaging, and in particular to the verification of medical image post-processing software. Background Technology

[0002] Based on CT images, numerous reconstruction and visualization algorithms and methods have been developed. Their application allows radiologists to gain greater insight into body regions or tissues (such as the chest cavity and heart) that are not visible using tomographic imaging alone. Technically, these reconstruction and visualization methods are all referred to as rendering. Some powerful rendering methods include: Multi-Planar Reformation / Reconstruction (MPR), Curved-Planar Reformation (CPR), and Volume Rendering (VR).

[0003] Despite the widespread acceptance of these technologies, the reliability of these reproduced outputs remains uncertain, especially for complex bodily structures such as the heart and coronary artery trees, which require experienced radiologists to handle. Furthermore, people, particularly technicians with limited clinical experience in algorithmic verification methods, cannot always base their subjective judgments on visual structures as projections onto arbitrary planes or even curved surfaces. On the other hand, for safety and effectiveness reasons, registration authorities and third-party testing organizations are also seeking evidence from manufacturers to demonstrate the accuracy and reliability of their reproduced technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention proposes a method for constructing a DICOM format digital phantom and related digital phantoms.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for constructing a DICOM format digital phantom is provided, comprising:

[0006] Extract the DICOM tree and voxel matrix from the reference DICOM graph;

[0007] Write the CT values ​​into the voxel matrix;

[0008] Correct the DICOM tree.

[0009] In one embodiment, the digital phantom is a nested cuboid.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for constructing a DICOM format digital phantom is provided, comprising:

[0011] Define a 3D model;

[0012] Place the 3D model in 3D space;

[0013] CT values ​​are written to the 3D model, and the voxels of the 3D model are placed in a predefined image voxel matrix in the correct order.

[0014] Configure the DICOM tree.

[0015] In one embodiment, placing the 3D model in 3D space includes determining the orientation, translation, rotation, and scaling of the 3D model.

[0016] In one embodiment, the 3D model is in .stl format.

[0017] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method for constructing a DICOM format digital phantom is provided, comprising:

[0018] Define a 3D model;

[0019] Place the 3D model in 3D space;

[0020] Write CT values ​​into the 3D model;

[0021] Extract the DICOM tree and voxel matrix from the reference DICOM graph;

[0022] Correct the DICOM tree.

[0023] In one embodiment, placing the 3D model in 3D space includes determining the orientation, translation, rotation, and scaling of the 3D model.

[0024] In one embodiment, the 3D model is in .stl format.

[0025] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a method for constructing a DICOM format digital phantom is provided, comprising:

[0026] Define the first 3D model;

[0027] Place the first 3D model in 3D space;

[0028] Write CT values ​​to the first 3D model, and place the voxels of the first 3D model in a predefined first image voxel matrix in the correct order;

[0029] Define a second 3D model;

[0030] Place the second 3D model in 3D space;

[0031] Write CT values ​​to the second 3D model. The voxels of the second 3D model are placed in a predefined second image voxel matrix in the correct order. The first image voxel matrix and the second image voxel matrix have the same dimensions.

[0032] Merge the first 3D model and the second 3D model;

[0033] Configure the DICOM tree.

[0034] In one embodiment, placing the first 3D model in 3D space includes determining the orientation, translation, rotation, and scaling of the first 3D model, and placing the second 3D model in 3D space includes determining the orientation, translation, rotation, and scaling of the second 3D model.

[0035] In one embodiment, the first 3D model and the second 3D model are in .stl format.

[0036] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a method (500) for constructing a DICOM format digital phantom is provided, comprising:

[0037] Define the first 3D model;

[0038] Place the first 3D model in 3D space;

[0039] Write CT values ​​to the first 3D model;

[0040] Define a second 3D model;

[0041] Place the second 3D model in 3D space;

[0042] Write CT values ​​into the second 3D model;

[0043] Merge the first 3D model and the second 3D model;

[0044] Extract the DICOM tree and voxel matrix from the reference DICOM graph;

[0045] Correct the DICOM tree.

[0046] In one embodiment, placing the first 3D model in 3D space includes determining the orientation, translation, rotation, and scaling of the first 3D model, and placing the second 3D model in 3D space includes determining the orientation, translation, rotation, and scaling of the second 3D model.

[0047] In one embodiment, the first 3D model and the second 3D model are in .stl format.

[0048] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a DICOM format digital model is provided, constructed by the method described above.

[0049] The DICOM format digital phantom of the present invention can be input into CT post-processing applications for qualitative and / or quantitative analysis and verification. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which will make the above and other features and advantages of the present invention more apparent to those skilled in the art. In the drawings:

[0051] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a method for constructing a DICOM format digital phantom according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a DICOM format digital phantom constructed according to a method for constructing a DICOM format digital phantom based on a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a method for constructing a DICOM format digital phantom according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a method for constructing a DICOM format digital phantom according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 5A This is a schematic diagram of a 3D model of a method for constructing a DICOM format digital phantom according to the second and third embodiments of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 5B This is a schematic diagram of a DICOM format digital phantom constructed according to the method for constructing a DICOM format digital phantom according to the second and third embodiments of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a method for constructing a DICOM format digital phantom according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a method for constructing a DICOM format digital phantom according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 8A This is a schematic diagram of a 3D model of a method for constructing a DICOM format digital phantom according to the fourth and fifth embodiments of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 8BThis is a schematic diagram of a DICOM format digital phantom constructed according to the method for constructing a DICOM format digital phantom according to the fourth and fifth embodiments of the present invention.

[0061] The reference numerals used in the above figures are as follows:

[0062] 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 methods

[0063] S102, S104, S106, S202, S204, S206, S208, S302, S304, S306,

[0064] S307, S308, S402, S403, S404, S405, S406, S407, S408, S410, Steps

[0065] S502, S503, S504, S505, S506, S507, S508, S509, S510 Detailed Implementation

[0066] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the following embodiments are provided to further illustrate the present invention in detail.

[0067] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of a method 100 for constructing a DICOM format digital phantom according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] like Figure 1 As shown, the method 100 for constructing a DICOM format digital phantom includes steps S102, S104, and S106.

[0069] In step S102, the DICOM tree and voxel matrix are extracted from the reference DICOM graph. The DICOM tree includes the DICOM header.

[0070] In step S104, CT values ​​are written into the voxel matrix to overwrite the original CT values. The voxel matrix is ​​an image voxel matrix, and the CT values ​​can be set according to the required geometry.

[0071] In step S106, the DICOM tree is corrected. To allow the post-processing software to accept the constructed DICOM format digital model, key DICOM header settings need to be configured, such as the scan protocol and layer thickness; otherwise, the post-processing software will treat it as invalid input data and reject it.

[0072] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a DICOM format digital phantom constructed according to the method 100 for constructing a DICOM format digital phantom based on a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2As shown, the digital phantom is a nested cuboid, displayed as a sequence of tomographic images with the required size and CT values.

[0073] When dealing with complex geometries (such as coronary arteries), directly writing to the DICOM input image voxel matrix is ​​no longer effective. Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of a method 200 for constructing a DICOM format digital phantom according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 As shown, the method 200 for constructing a DICOM format digital phantom includes steps S202, S204, S206, and S208.

[0074] In step S202, a 3D model is defined. For example, this 3D model can be predefined in CAD software, specifically describing the target geometric object's characteristics, such as size, dimensions, shape, curvature, and even fine substructures. The 3D model can be in .stl format. Figure 5A This is a schematic diagram of a 3D model of a method 200 for constructing a DICOM format digital phantom according to a second embodiment of the present invention, showing a coronary artery.

[0075] In step S204, a 3D model is placed in 3D space. This step may include operations such as orienting, translating, rotating, and scaling the 3D model.

[0076] In step S206, CT values ​​are written to the 3D model. Each voxel occupied by the 3D model in space is written with a meaningful CT value. These voxels are placed in a predefined image voxel matrix in the correct order.

[0077] In step S208, the DICOM tree is set. To allow the post-processing software to accept the constructed DICOM format digital model, key DICOM header settings need to be configured, such as the scan protocol and layer thickness; otherwise, the post-processing software will treat it as invalid input data and reject it.

[0078] Figure 5B A schematic diagram of a DICOM format digital phantom constructed by the method 200 for constructing a DICOM format digital phantom according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown as a sequence of tomographic images of the coronary arteries.

[0079] Alternatively, the DICOM tree and voxel matrix of the reference DICOM diagram can be used directly. Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of a method 300 for constructing a DICOM format digital phantom according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 As shown, the method 300 for constructing a DICOM format digital phantom includes steps S302, S304, S306, S307, and S308.

[0080] In step S302, a 3D model is defined. For example, this 3D model can be predefined in CAD software, specifically describing the target geometric object's characteristics, such as size, dimensions, shape, curvature, and even fine substructures. The 3D model can be in .stl format. Figure 5A This is a schematic diagram of a 3D model of a method 300 for constructing a DICOM format digital phantom according to a third embodiment of the present invention, showing a coronary artery.

[0081] In step S304, a 3D model is placed in 3D space. This step may include operations such as orienting, translating, rotating, and scaling the 3D model.

[0082] In step S306, CT values ​​are written to the 3D model. Each voxel occupied by the 3D model in space is written with a meaningful CT value. These voxels are placed in a predefined image voxel matrix in the correct order.

[0083] In step S307, the DICOM tree and voxel matrix are extracted from the reference DICOM graph. The DICOM tree includes the DICOM header.

[0084] In step S308, the DICOM tree is corrected. To allow the post-processing software to accept the constructed DICOM format digital model, key DICOM header settings, such as scan protocol and layer thickness, need to be corrected; otherwise, the post-processing software will treat it as invalid input data and reject it.

[0085] Figure 5B This is a schematic diagram of a DICOM format digital phantom constructed by the method 300 for constructing a DICOM format digital phantom according to a third embodiment of the present invention, shown as a sequence of tomographic images of the coronary arteries.

[0086] To construct more complex digital models, multiple 3D models can be combined. Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of a method 400 for constructing a DICOM format digital phantom according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 As shown, the method 400 for constructing a DICOM format digital model includes steps S402, S404, S406, S403, S405, S407, S408, and S410.

[0087] In step S402, a first 3D model is defined. For example, a first 3D model is predefined in CAD software, which specifically describes what the target geometric object is like, such as its size, dimensions, shape, curvature, and even fine substructures. The first 3D model can be in .stl format.

[0088] In step S404, a first 3D model is placed in 3D space. This step may include operations such as orientation, translation, rotation, and scaling of the first 3D model.

[0089] In step S406, CT values ​​are written to the first 3D model. Each voxel occupied by the first 3D model in space is written with a meaningful CT value. These voxels are placed in a predefined first image voxel matrix in the correct order.

[0090] In step S403, a second 3D model is defined. For example, a second 3D model is predefined in CAD software, specifically describing the target geometric object's characteristics, such as size, dimensions, shape, curvature, and even fine substructures. The second 3D model can be in .stl format.

[0091] In step S405, a second 3D model is placed in 3D space. This step may include operations such as orientation, translation, rotation, and scaling of the second 3D model.

[0092] In step S407, CT values ​​are written to the second 3D model. Each voxel occupied by the second 3D model in space is written with a meaningful CT value. These voxels are placed in a predefined second image voxel matrix in the correct order; the first and second image voxel matrices have the same dimensions.

[0093] In step S408, the first 3D model and the second 3D model are merged. Figure 8A This is a schematic diagram of a 3D model of a method 400 for constructing a DICOM format digital phantom according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, wherein a first 3D model and a second 3D model have been merged together.

[0094] In step S410, the DICOM tree is set. To allow the post-processing software to accept the constructed DICOM format digital model, key DICOM header settings need to be configured, such as the scan protocol and layer thickness; otherwise, the post-processing software will treat it as invalid input data and reject it.

[0095] Figure 8B This is a schematic diagram of a DICOM format digital phantom constructed according to the method 400 for constructing a DICOM format digital phantom according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] Alternatively, the DICOM tree and voxel matrix of the reference DICOM diagram can be used directly. Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart of a method 500 for constructing a DICOM format digital phantom according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7As shown, the method 500 for constructing a DICOM format digital model includes steps S502, S504, S506, S503, S505, S507, S508, S509, and S510.

[0097] In step S502, a first 3D model is defined. For example, a first 3D model is predefined in CAD software, which specifically describes what the target geometric object is like, such as its size, dimensions, shape, curvature, and even fine substructures. The first 3D model can be in .stl format.

[0098] In step S504, a first 3D model is placed in 3D space. This step may include operations such as orientation, translation, rotation, and scaling of the first 3D model.

[0099] In step S506, CT values ​​are written to the first 3D model. Each voxel occupied by the first 3D model in space is written with a meaningful CT value. These voxels are placed in a predefined first image voxel matrix in the correct order.

[0100] In step S503, a second 3D model is defined. For example, a second 3D model is predefined in CAD software, specifically describing the target geometric object's characteristics, such as size, dimensions, shape, curvature, and even fine substructures. The second 3D model can be in .stl format.

[0101] In step S505, a second 3D model is placed in 3D space. This step may include operations such as orientation, translation, rotation, and scaling of the second 3D model.

[0102] In step S507, CT values ​​are written to the second 3D model. Each voxel occupied by the second 3D model in space is written with a meaningful CT value. These voxels are placed in a predefined second image voxel matrix in the correct order; the first and second image voxel matrices have the same dimensions.

[0103] In step S508, the first 3D model and the second 3D model are merged. Figure 8A This is a schematic diagram of a 3D model of a method 400 for constructing a DICOM format digital phantom according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, wherein a first 3D model and a second 3D model have been merged together.

[0104] In step S509, the DICOM tree and voxel matrix are extracted from the reference DICOM graph. The DICOM tree includes the DICOM header.

[0105] In step S510, the DICOM tree is corrected. To allow the post-processing software to accept the constructed DICOM format digital model, key DICOM header settings need to be configured, such as the scan protocol and layer thickness; otherwise, the post-processing software will treat it as invalid input data and reject it.

[0106] Figure 8B A schematic diagram of a DICOM format digital phantom constructed according to a method 500 for constructing a DICOM format digital phantom according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] The present invention also provides a DICOM format digital model constructed by the above method.

[0108] The DICOM format digital phantom of the present invention can be input into CT post-processing applications for qualitative and / or quantitative analysis and verification.

[0109] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for constructing a DICOM format digital phantom, comprising: Extract the DICOM tree and voxel matrix from the reference DICOM graph, wherein the DICOM tree includes the DICOM header; Write the CT values ​​into the voxel matrix; The DICOM tree is modified, a step that includes setting a critical DICOM header to allow post-processing software to accept the constructed DICOM format digital phantom and avoid rejecting it.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The digital model is a nested cuboid; the key DICOM head settings include setting the scanning protocol and layer thickness.

3. A method for constructing a DICOM format digital model, comprising: Define a 3D model; Place the 3D model in 3D space; CT values ​​are written to the 3D model, and the voxels of the 3D model are placed in a predefined image voxel matrix in the correct order. Setting up the DICOM tree involves configuring the critical DICOM header to allow post-processing software to accept the constructed DICOM format digital phantom and avoid rejecting it.

4. The method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, Placing the 3D model in 3D space includes determining the orientation, translation, rotation, and scaling of the 3D model.

5. The method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The 3D model is in .stl format; the key DICOM head settings include setting the scanning protocol and layer thickness.

6. A method for constructing a DICOM format digital phantom, comprising: Define a 3D model; Place the 3D model in 3D space; Write CT values ​​into the 3D model; Extract the DICOM tree and voxel matrix from the reference DICOM graph, wherein the DICOM tree includes the DICOM header; The DICOM tree is modified, a step that includes setting a critical DICOM header to allow post-processing software to accept the constructed DICOM format digital phantom and avoid rejecting it.

7. The method of claim 6, characterized in that, Placing the 3D model in 3D space includes determining the orientation, translation, rotation, and scaling of the 3D model.

8. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The 3D model is in .stl format; the key DICOM head settings include setting the scanning protocol and layer thickness.

9. A method for constructing a DICOM format digital phantom, comprising: Define the first 3D model; Place the first 3D model in 3D space; Write CT values ​​to the first 3D model, and place the voxels of the first 3D model in a predefined first image voxel matrix in the correct order; Define a second 3D model; Place the second 3D model in 3D space; Write CT values ​​to the second 3D model. The voxels of the second 3D model are placed in a predefined second image voxel matrix in the correct order. The first image voxel matrix and the second image voxel matrix have the same dimensions. Merge the first 3D model and the second 3D model; Setting up the DICOM tree involves configuring the critical DICOM header to allow post-processing software to accept the constructed DICOM format digital phantom and avoid rejecting it.

10. The method of claim 9, characterized in that, Placing the first 3D model in 3D space includes determining the orientation, translation, rotation, and scaling of the first 3D model; placing the second 3D model in 3D space includes determining the orientation, translation, rotation, and scaling of the second 3D model.

11. The method of claim 9, characterized in that, The first 3D model and the second 3D model are in .stl format; the setting of the key DICOM head includes setting the scanning protocol and layer thickness.

12. A method for constructing a DICOM format digital model, comprising: Define the first 3D model; Place the first 3D model in 3D space; Write CT values ​​to the first 3D model; Define a second 3D model; Place the second 3D model in 3D space; Write CT values ​​into the second 3D model; Merge the first 3D model and the second 3D model; Extract the DICOM tree and voxel matrix from the reference DICOM graph, wherein the DICOM tree includes the DICOM header; The DICOM tree is modified, a step that includes setting a critical DICOM header to allow post-processing software to accept the constructed DICOM format digital phantom and avoid rejecting it.

13. The method of claim 12, characterized in that, Placing the first 3D model in 3D space includes determining the orientation, translation, rotation, and scaling of the first 3D model; placing the second 3D model in 3D space includes determining the orientation, translation, rotation, and scaling of the second 3D model.

14. The method of claim 12, characterized in that, The first 3D model and the second 3D model are in .stl format; the setting of the key DICOM head includes setting the scanning protocol and layer thickness.

15. A DICOM format digital model, characterized in that, Constructed by the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

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