A new 3D multi-object segmentation method in cardiac MSCT imaging using a multi-agent approach

Abstract

We propose a new technique for general purpose, semi-interactive and multi-object segmentation in Ndimensional images, applied to the extraction of cardiac structures in MultiSlice Computed Tomography (MSCT) imaging. The proposed approach makes use of a multi-agent scheme combined with a supervised classification methodology allowing the introduction of a priori information and presenting fast computing times. The multi-agent system is organized around a communicating agent which manages a population of situated agents which segment the image through cooperative and competitive interactions. The proposed technique has been tested on several patient data sets. Some typical results are finally presented and discussed. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.