On combining algorithms for deformable image registration

  • Authors:
  • Sascha E. A. Muenzing;Bram van Ginneken;Josien P. W. Pluim

  • Affiliations:
  • Image Sciences Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands;Diagnostic Image Analysis Group, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, The Netherlands;Image Sciences Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands

  • Venue:
  • WBIR'12 Proceedings of the 5th international conference on Biomedical Image Registration
  • Year:
  • 2012

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Abstract

We propose a meta-algorithm for registration improvement by combining deformable image registrations (MetaReg). It is inspired by a well-established method from machine learning, the combination of classifiers. MetaReg consists of two main components: (1) A strategy for composing an improved registration by combining deformation fields from different registration algorithms. (2) A method for regularization of deformation fields post registration (UnfoldReg). In order to compare and combine different registrations, MetaReg utilizes a landmark-based classifier for assessment of local registration quality. We present preliminary results of MetaReg, evaluated on five CT pulmonary breathhold inspiration and expiration scan pairs, employing a set of three registration algorithms (NiftyReg, Demons, Elastix). MetaReg generated for each scan pair a registration that is better than any registration obtained by each registration algorithm separately. On average, 10% improvement is achieved, with a reduction of 30% of regions with misalignments larger than 5mm, compared to the best single registration algorithm.