title: k-tree method for high-speed spatial normalization.
abstract: The general approach to spatial normalization using a deformation field is presented. Current high degree-of-freedom deformation methods are extremely time-consuming (10-40 hr), and a k-tree method is proposed to greatly reduce this time. A general k-tree method for analysis of source and target images and synthesis of deformation fields is described. The k-tree method simplifies scale control and feature extraction and matching, making it highly efficient. A two-dimensional (2-D), or quadtree, application program was developed for preliminary testing. The k-tree method was evaluated with 2-D images to test rotating ability, nonhomologous region matching, inner and outer brain-structure independence, and feasibility with human brain images. The results of these tests indicate that a three-dimensional (3-D), or octree, method is feasible. Preliminary work with an octree application program indicates that a processing time of under 10 min for 256(3) image arrays is attainable on a Sun Ultra30 workstation.
authors.affiliation: Research Imaging Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio 78284, USA.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Lancaster
authors.forename: P V
authors.initials: PV
authors.lastname: Kochunov
authors.forename: P T
authors.initials: PT
authors.lastname: Fox
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Nickerson
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D001931:Brain Mapping / Q000379:methods*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques