Figure 1.

Flowchart describing template preparation to yield the 54 reference templates used in the Semi-Automatic Mandible Segmentation (SAMS) pipeline (see Figure 2). Each template is made up of a CT image (template scan) and a 3D mandible model (template model), both of which were processed through steps shown in this diagram/flowchart before being used as reference template for the pipeline. The template model was first segmented manually by a trained researcher, represented in the figure above as Manual Template Model. The template preparation process entailed the following three steps: Pre-processing, where each template scan and its Manual Template Model was cropped down into its minimal enclosing box. Automatic Segmentation and Compositing (gray-shaded box), where each pre-processed template scan was run through the SAMS pipeline with the pre-processed Manual Template Models as the deformable model to apply the deformation field of the registration between the input template scan and all of the template scans in the reference templates line-up. The resulting segmented mandibles were then combined into a single composite mandible. Post-processing: The post-processed segmented mandibles from this step were then used as the final template models in the SAMS pipeline.