Strain estimation in elastography using scale-invariant keypoints tracking

IEEE Trans Ultrason Ferroelectr Freq Control. 2013 Apr;60(4):706-17. doi: 10.1109/TUFFC.2013.2619.

Abstract

This paper proposes a novel strain estimator using scale-invariant keypoints tracking (SIKT) for ultrasonic elastography. This method is based on tracking stable features between the pre- and post-compression A-lines to obtain tissue displacement estimates. The proposed features, termed scaleinvariant keypoints, are independent of signal scale change according to the scale-space theory, and therefore can preserve their patterns while undergoing a substantial range of compression. The keypoints can be produced by searching for repeatedly assigned points across all possible scales constructed from the convolution with a one-parameter family of Gaussian kernels. Because of the distinctive property of the keypoints, the SIKT method could provide a reliable tracking over changing strains, an effective resistance to anamorphic noise and sonographic noise, and a significant reduction in processing time. Simulation and experimental results show that the SIKT method is able to provide better sensitivity, a larger dynamic range of the strain filter, higher resolution, and a better contrast- to-noise ratio (CNRe) than the conventional methods. Moreover, the computation time of the SIKT method is approximately 5 times that of the cross-correlation techniques.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Elasticity Imaging Techniques / methods*
  • Phantoms, Imaging
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted*
  • Signal-To-Noise Ratio
  • Stress, Mechanical