Probabilistic branching node detection using AdaBoost and hybrid local features

Probabilistic branching node inference is an important step for analyzing branching patterns involved in many anatomic structures. Based on an approach we have developed previously, we investigate combining machine learning techniques and hybrid image statistics for probabilistic branching node inference, using adaptive boosting as a probabilistic inference framework. Then, we use local image statistics at different image scales for feature representation, including the Harris cornerness, Laplacian, eigenvalues of the Hessian, and Harralick texture features. The proposed approach is applied to a breast imaging dataset consisting of 30 images, 7 of which were previously reported. The use of boosting and the Harralick texture feature further improves upon our previous results, highlighting the role of texture in the analysis of the breast ducts and other branching structures.