Hidden Markovian Modeling and Analysis of Multiple-Event-Sequence-Based Random Processes. Application to Robust Detection of Brain Functional Activation

This paper presents a novel statistical approach for the modeling and analysis of structured random processes observed through multiple event sequences: the hidden Markov multiple event sequence model (HMMESM). This model accounts for several features of these processes: (i) the hidden-observable aspect of the event sequences to be analyzed, (ii) the multiplicity of the observed event sequences, (iii) the non stationary, time-localized character of their events, (iv) the redundancy, complementarity, and strong asynchrony that exist between events across sequences. A first application of this model in functional MRI (fMRI) brain mapping is presented. The developed method shows high robustness to noise and variability of the active fMRI signals