Part-Based Multi-Frame Registration for Estimation of the Growth Of Cellular Networks in Plant Roots

Motion estimation from confocal scanning laser microscope images of growing plant cell structures presents interesting challenges; motion exhibits multiple local discontinuities and noise is non-isotropic and non-Gaussian. A method is presented for estimating motion of cell networks based on a physically motivated, part-based model of cell boundary structure. Each part models the shape and appearance of a localised image region and can undergo constrained non-rigid deformation. This enables motion discontinuities between parts to be modelled. Parts are coupled in order to improve localisation and increase computational efficiency. Results from applying MCMC show accurate localisation of the structure across multiple frames. The form of the model assists biologists in interpreting growth