A non-rigid cardiac image registration method based on an optical flow model

According to non-rigid medical image registration, new method of classification registration is proposed. First, Feature points are extracted based on SIFT (Scale Invariant Feature Transform) from reference images and floating images to match feature points. And the coarse registration is performed using the least square method. Then the precise registration is achieved using the optical flow model algorithm. SIFT algorithm is based on local image features that are with good scale, rotation and illumination invariance. Optical flow algorithm does not extract features and use the image gray information directly, and its registration speed is faster. The both algorithms are complementary. SIFT algorithm is used for improving the convergence speed of optical flow algorithm, and optical flow algorithm makes the registration result more accurate. The experimental results prove that the algorithm can improve the accuracy of the non-rigid medical image registration and enhance the convergence speed. Therefore, the algorithm has some advantages in the image registration. (c) 2013 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.