2-D Fitting and Interpolation Applied to Image Distortion Analysis

Most imaging devices induce geometric (spatial) distortions of images (1). In other words, every point is mislocated from its true location to an imaged location, depending on the distortion characteristics of the imaging device. This process leads not only to misevaluation of locations, but also of shapes, sizes, and image intensity within a region of interest. Therefore, every time a quantitative image analysis has to be performed, image distortion characteristics and stability must be assessed; and eventually, a correction procedure must be carried out.