Distinguishing second harmonic generation images of mouse preterm labor via wavelet-based texture features

This paper presents an image processing system for detecting mouse preterm labor using Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) microscopy images. Two classes of SHG images are considered: normal pregnant cervix and premature cervical remodeling induced by Mifepristone. Among the commonly used texture features in image processing, wavelet-based texture features together with previously utilized image features for SHG microscopy of artificial collagen gels are identified to form an effective set of features for distinguishing the two classes of images. The results obtained indicate that correct detection rates above 98% are achievable.