Type

Specs

		Details
Name	Type
Classification	attribute
Parent	<Image>
Required	yes
Syntax	Type="option"
Options	Volume	load as scalar volume object
	VolumeSequence	load 4D image as sequence volume object
	Vector	load single picture type of file
	LabelMap	load ROIs mask file on Label layer (for discrete values)
	Segmentation	load ROIs as segmentation object
	RTStruct	load DICOM ROIs as segmentation object
Dependencies	for 4D volumes	see VolumeSequence notes below
	for Segmentation or RTStruct	see Segmentation and RTStruct notes below
	<Layer>	restrictions for each Type option notes below

Description

The Type attribute for an Image element defines how to load the image or region of interest (ROI) into Slicer.

Images volumes

2D or 3D images can be loaded as a scalar volume using Type="Volume". 4D images are loaded using Type="VolumeSequence". This will activate the sequence controls to play the time series. These types can be assigned to the 'Foreground' or 'Background' Layer element.

VolumeSequence

• When loading a 4D volume, the preferred method of loading a multivolume must be set to volumesequence in order for the controls to be activated to play the series. This is described when installing 3D Slicer Application settings.

• If the volume sequence being loaded is in DICOM format, the DICOM slices for all time points must be located in the same folder (no subfolders).

Vector

Single picture type images should be loaded as Type="Vector". These include images formatted as PNG, BMP, JPG, JPEG, and PDF. Also accepted are single slice DCM images (eg. histology slice saved as a dicom image). This type can be assigned to the only to the 'Background' Layer element.

LabelMap, Segmentation and RTStruct

By using Type="LabelMap", Type="Segmentation" or Type="RTStruct" you have the flexibility of displaying these ROI image files layered over the images that were loaded into the background and foreground.

Regions of interest (ROIs)

ROIs can be stored in a variety of image file formats.

LabelMap

• Image files have ROIs stored as discrete values (mask) are loaded as Type="LabelMap".
• This type must be assigned to Layer="Label"

Segmentation and RTStruct

• ROIs stored in segmentation or RTStruct files are loaded as Type="Segmentation" or Type="RTStruct" respectively.
• Segmentation and RTStruct type images must have an ROIs element defined.
• ROIs stored in an RTStruct file must also have the DICOM="Y" attribute set in the Image element.
• These types must be assigned to the Layer="Segmentation".

Examples

VolumeSequence

For an example of loading 4D images as Type="VolumeSequence" see the script example in 4D VolumeSequence

Segmentation

For an example of loading images as Type="Segmentation" see the script example in ROI Visibility

RTStruct - dicom format

For an example showing Volume and RTStruct types of images see the script example in ROI - RTStruct.