An extension of digital volume correlation for multimodality image registration

The question of registering two images (or image volumes) acquired with different modalities, and thus exhibiting different contrast, at different positions is addressed based on an extension of global digital image (or volume) correlation. A specific comparison metric is introduced allowing the signature of the different phases to be related. A first solution consists of a Gaussian mixture to describe the joint distribution of gray levels, which not only provides a matching of both images, but also offers a natural segmentation indicator. A second 'self-adapting' solution does not include any postulated a priori model for the joint histogram and leads to a registration of the images based on their initial histograms. The algorithm is implemented with a pyramidal multiscale framework for the sake of robustness. The proposed multiscale technique is tested on two 3D images obtained from x-ray and neutron tomography respectively. The proposed approach brings the two images to coincidence with a sub-pixel accuracy and allows for a 'natural' segmentation of the different phases. (paper)