Online statistical inference for large-scale binary images

Abstract

We present a unified online statistical framework for quantifying a collection of binary images. Since medical image segmentation is often done semi-automatically, the resulting binary images may be available in a sequential manner. Further, modern medical imaging datasets are too large to fit into a computer’s memory. Thus, there is a need to develop an iterative analysis framework where the final statistical maps are updated sequentially each time a new image is added to the analysis. We propose a new algorithm for online statistical inference and apply to characterize mandible growth during the first two decades of life.