Using parts and geometry models to initialise Active Appearance Models for automated segmentation of 3D medical images

Abstract

In recent years, statistical shape models, of which Active Appearance Models (AAMs) are a subset have been increasingly applied to the automatic segmentation of medical images. AAMs are a local search technique requiring good initialisation. In 3D automatic initialisation can be achieved by multiple initialisations, registration, template matching or by application dependent heuristics. The first three can be sub-optimal in certain situations, whilst the last is not generic.