title: Improving appearance model matching using local image structure.
abstract: We show how non-linear representations of local image structure can be used to improve the performance of model matching algorithms in medical image analysis tasks. Rather than represent the image structure using intensity values or gradients, we use measures that indicate the reliability of a set of local image feature detector outputs. These features are image edges, corners, and gradients. Feature detector outputs in flat, noisy regions tend to be ignored whereas those near strong structure are favoured. We demonstrate that combinations of these features give more accurate and reliable matching between models and new images than modelling image intensity alone. We also show that the approach is robust to non-linear changes in contrast, such as those found in multi-modal imaging.
authors.affiliation: Imaging Science and Biomedical Engineering, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK. ian.m.scott@stud.man.ac.uk
authors.forename: I M
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.forename: T F
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: Cootes
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Taylor
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008954:Models, Biological; D015233:Models, Statistical; D017711:Nonlinear Dynamics; D010363:Pattern Recognition, Automated; D011859:Radiography; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; D013382:Subtraction Technique; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*