Registration of polarimetric images for in vivo skin diagnostics.

SIGNIFICANCE

Mueller matrix (MM) polarimetry is a promising tool for the detection of skin cancer. Polarimetric in vivo measurements often suffer from misalignment of the polarimetric images due to motion, which can lead to false results.

AIM

We aim to provide an easy-to-implement polarimetric image data registration method to ensure proper image alignment.

APPROACH

A feature-based image registration is implemented for an MM polarimeter for phantom and in vivo human skin measurements.

RESULTS

We show that the keypoint-based registration of polarimetric images is necessary for in vivo skin polarimetry to ensure reliable results. Further, we deliver an efficient semiautomated method for the registration of polarimetric images.

CONCLUSIONS

Image registration for in vivo polarimetry of human skin is required for improved diagnostics and can be efficiently enhanced with a keypoint-based approach.