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Published on: February 28, 2021
Comparison of four freely available frameworks for image processing and visualization that use ITK
Ingmar Bitter1, Robert Van Uitert, Ivo Wolf
1Claron Technology Inc., MaRS Centre, South Tower, Toronto, ON, Canada. ingmar@clarontech.com
This study compares four open-source image processing and visualization frameworks: SCIRun, VolView, MeVisLab, and Medical Interaction Toolkit (MITK). Data-flow frameworks excel at prototypes, while VolView and MITK suit different end-user application types.
Area of Science:
- Medical imaging
- Scientific visualization
- Software engineering
Background:
- Image processing and visualization software enable parameter configuration and visualization manipulation.
- SCIRun, VolView, MeVisLab, and Medical Interaction Toolkit (MITK) are prominent frameworks in this domain.
- All discussed frameworks are freely available and support the Insight Toolkit (ITK) C++ library.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the benefits and limitations of four image processing and visualization frameworks.
- To assist application developers and users in selecting the most suitable framework.
- To provide a comparative analysis based on extensive evaluation criteria and example applications.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of SCIRun, VolView, MeVisLab, and MITK.
- Evaluation based on over 50 criteria, functionalities, and example applications.
- Reporting of implementation times for a reference application in each framework.
Main Results:
- Data-flow frameworks (SCIRun, MeVisLab) are optimal for developing application prototypes.
- VolView is advantageous for non-automatic end-user applications leveraging existing ITK functionalities.
- MITK is preferable for automated end-user applications, especially those incorporating new, custom ITK classes.
Conclusions:
- Framework selection depends on specific application requirements, development stage, and end-user interaction model.
- SCIRun and MeVisLab offer rapid prototyping capabilities.
- VolView and MITK provide distinct advantages for different types of end-user applications within the ITK ecosystem.
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