Slicer Docker Container

This Dockerfile creates a Docker container with an Ubuntu desktop environment that includes VNC and noVNC/web access. In this environment, the 3D Slicer application is installed and configured to run.

Background

This Docker container is based on the dorowu/ubuntu-desktop-lxde-vnc:bionic image, which provides an Ubuntu desktop environment accessible via VNC and noVNC/web. The 3D Slicer application is installed and configured to run within this environment. Additionally, a custom script is provided to start 3D Slicer and maximize its window upon container startup.

Prerequisites

Before building the Docker container, ensure you have:

1. Docker installed on your system.
2. Downloaded the 3D Slicer application and placed it in the Slicer/ directory. The Slicer/ directory should be in the same directory as the Dockerfile.

Building the Docker Container

To build the Docker container, navigate to the directory containing the Dockerfile and run the following command:

docker build -t slicer-container .

Running the Docker Container

Once the Docker container is built, you can run it using the following command:

docker run -p 6080:80 -p 5900:5900 slicer-container

This command maps port 6080 (noVNC/web access) and port 5900 (VNC) to the corresponding ports in the Docker container.

Accessing 3D Slicer

To access 3D Slicer:

1. Open a web browser and navigate to http://localhost:6080.
2. You will be presented with a desktop environment.
3. Open the 3D Slicer application from the desktop environment.

Important Notes

• Ensure you have downloaded the 3D Slicer application and placed it in the Slicer/ directory before building the Docker container.
• The provided slicerrc.py script is executed when 3D Slicer starts and loads images from the /images directory into the application.
• The VOLUME directive in the Dockerfile maps the /root/Documents and /images directories on the host machine to the corresponding directories in the Docker container. You can use these directories to access files and images within the container.