Image processing for the study of brain structure and function: problems and programs

Fundamental problems in the analysis of functional and structural imaging data include data transport, boundary identification (including manual tracing, edge detection, and tissue segmentation), volume estimation, three-dimensional reconstruction and display, surface and volume rendering, shape analysis, and image overlay. These problems require that research investigators have access to suitable methods of image analysis, implemented on a set of software programs, in order to conduct neuroimaging research. The authors describe a group of software programs designed to provide a comprehensive solution for these problems.