1. Data Loading

• Load the reference images. They define the final resolution of the matched images.
• Load one or more input image series. These series are automatically resliced to the reference using information in the image headers.

2. Matching Initialization

• Improve the initial alignment of the images before starting one of the automatic matching methods.
• Test the different available initializations such as aligning the data set origins, the image volume centers, and the center of gravity.
• Shift and rotate the input images manually to come into a reasonable alignment.

3. Automatic Matching

• Select an appropriate matching method, rigid or elastic.
• Initialize the matching parameters by selecting one of the presets reflecting different situations (human « animal, intra-modality « multi-modality).
• Start the matching algorithm.

4. Results Inspection and Adjustment

• Visually check the alignment, either on the Initialize/Match page, or on the Adjust/Compare page.
• Perform the check in different parts of the volume and with different fusion renderings.
• In the case of rigid matching the result can be fine tuned interactively, preferably on the Adjust/Compare page.

5. Results Saving

• Save the matched images for further analysis on the Initialize/Match page.
• Save the transformation and its inverse in order to re-apply them to the original images or to VOIs at a later time.

6. Image Analysis and Results Documentation

• With the resulting images perform the different types of analysis which are possible in the PFUS tool.
• Save these results and create reports