Spline-based elastic image registration with matrix-valued basis functions using landmark and intensity information

We introduce a new approach for spline-based elastic image registration using both point landmarks and intensity information. As underlying deformation model we use Gaussian elastic body splines (GEBS), which are analytic solutions of the Navier equation under Gaussian forces and are represented by matrix-valued basis functions. We also incorporate landmark localization uncertainties represented by weight matrices. Our approach is formulated as an energy-minimizing functional that incorporates landmark and intensity information as well as a regularization based on GEBS. Since the approach is based on a physical deformation model, cross-effects in elastic deformations can be handled. We demonstrate the applicability of our scheme based on MR images of the human brain. It turns out that the new scheme is superior to a pure landmark-based as well as a pure intensity-based scheme.