Randomness and Statistical Inference of Shapes via the Smooth Euler Characteristic Transform

In this paper, we provide the mathematical foundations for the randomness of shapes and the distributions of smooth Euler characteristic transform. Based on these foundations, we propose an approach for testing hypotheses on random shapes. Simulation studies are provided to support our mathematical derivations and show the performance of our proposed hypothesis testing framework. Our discussions connect the following fields: algebraic and computational topology, probability theory and stochastic processes, Sobolev spaces and functional analysis, statistical inference, and medical imaging.