OpenIGTLink: an open network protocol for image‐guided therapy environment

TLDR

Research on system integration for image‑guided therapy has created a strong demand for standardized communication among devices and software to share target positions, images, and status data. The authors propose OpenIGTLink, an open, simple, and extensible network protocol for IGT that transfers transform, image, and status messages. They evaluated the protocol’s performance and use‑case applicability through tests in five clinical and engineering scenarios. OpenIGTLink achieved sub‑millisecond latency for position data up to 1024 fps and image latency under 10 ms at 32 fps, demonstrating feasibility, sufficient time resolution, and improved interoperability that facilitates transition from research prototypes to clinical use. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Abstract

Abstract Background With increasing research on system integration for image‐guided therapy (IGT), there has been a strong demand for standardized communication among devices and software to share data such as target positions, images and device status. Method We propose a new, open, simple and extensible network communication protocol for IGT, named OpenIGTLink, to transfer transform, image and status messages. We conducted performance tests and use‐case evaluations in five clinical and engineering scenarios. Results The protocol was able to transfer position data with submillisecond latency up to 1024 fps and images with latency of <10 ms at 32 fps. The use‐case tests demonstrated that the protocol is feasible for integrating devices and software. Conclusion The protocol proved capable of handling data required in the IGT setting with sufficient time resolution and latency. The protocol not only improves the interoperability of devices and software but also promotes transitions of research prototypes to clinical applications. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.