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Local/non-local regularized image segmentation using graph-cuts

Application to dynamic and multispectral MRI

  • Original Article
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International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Objective

Multispectral, multichannel, or time series image segmentation is important for image analysis in a wide range of applications. Regularization of the segmentation is commonly performed using local image information causing the segmented image to be locally smooth or piecewise constant. A new spatial regularization method, incorporating non-local information, was developed and tested.

Methods

Our spatial regularization method applies to feature space classification in multichannel images such as color images and MR image sequences. The spatial regularization involves local edge properties, region boundary minimization, as well as non-local similarities. The method is implemented in a discrete graph-cut setting allowing fast computations.

Results

The method was tested on multidimensional MRI recordings from human kidney and brain in addition to simulated MRI volumes.

Conclusion

The proposed method successfully segment regions with both smooth and complex non-smooth shapes with a minimum of user interaction.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Prof. Jarle Rørvik for providing the DCE-MRI kidney data, and PhD Erlend Hodneland for the development and execution of motion correction for these data. We also acknowledge the MedViz research cluster for computational resources and thank the anonymous reviewers for useful comments. The study was supported by the Western Norway Health Authority (Grant #911593).

Conflict of Interest

None.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mathematics, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway

    Erik A. Hanson

  2. Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway

    Arvid Lundervold

  3. Department of Radiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway

    Arvid Lundervold

Authors
  1. Erik A. Hanson
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  2. Arvid Lundervold
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Correspondence to Erik A. Hanson.

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Hanson, E.A., Lundervold, A. Local/non-local regularized image segmentation using graph-cuts. Int J CARS 8, 1073–1084 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11548-013-0903-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11548-013-0903-x

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