Abstract: A technique is provided for enhancing performance of a computer-assisted data operating algorithm. Data from a controllable and prescribable resource for medical data is accessed and analyzed in accordance with a specified operating algorithm. An operating algorithm, either the same or a different algorithm, is then modified based upon the analysis. The algorithm may operate on data from different resource types or modalities. Modifications may be made which affect various sub-modules of the modified algorithms. The modifications may be made on a global basis, a population-specific bases, a patient-specific bases, and so forth.

Abstract: A technique is provided for planning resources in a medical context. Clinical and non-clinical data is stored in and accessed from an integrated knowledge base. The data is derived from a variety of controllable and prescribable data resources of different modalities and types. Projection data is generated based upon analysis of the accessed data, with projections being made for resources of various modalities and types needed for rendering medical services. The technique permits short, medium and long-range forecasting of resource needs based upon both clinical and non-clinical data.

Abstract: A technique is provided for offering feedback, including feedback for patient care and for training purposes for medical professionals and human operators. The technique includes accessing data, such as image data, for evaluation by a human operator. The data is then analyzed via a computer-assisted data operating algorithm, and the analysis may further include analysis of supplemental data accessed from an integrated knowledge base. Based upon the analysis feedback is provided to the operator, such as for completing or complementing the evaluation, correcting analysis by the human operator, or otherwise informing the human operator of similarities or differences between the analyses.

Abstract: A technique for independently reviewing the detection or classification of features of interest within a set of image data. A computer implemented CAD module is used to independently classify features of interest identified by a human agent or to independently identify and classify features of interest. Discrepancies between the computer implemented feature identifications or classifications and the human determinations may be reconciled by a computer assisted reconciliation process.

Abstract: The present technique provides a method and system for generating tomographic mammography data and processing the data using a computer aided detection and diagnosis (CAD) algorithm. The CAD algorithm may perform various types of analysis, including segmentation, feature extraction, and feature classification. The acquired data may be processed in parallel by the CAD algorithm such that information derived from one processing path may be used to enhance or alter the processing of data in a parallel processing path. The processed data may be used to provide an enhanced mammographic image with features of interest marked for inspection by a radiologist. The features of interest may also be classified to aid the inspection by the radiologist.

Abstract: The present technique provides a method and system for generating and processing image data based upon analysis of an initial image by a computer aided diagnosis (CAD) algorithm. The CAD algorithm may perform various types of analysis, including segmentation, edge and structure identification. The post-processing may enhance the view of a feature of interest in the image as identified by the CAD analysis. Further processing of the image data may be performed to further enhance the image. Image enhancement may include highlighting the feature of interest, changing the spatial resolution (e.g. zooming in or out) of the reconstructed image, and so forth.

Abstract: The present technique provides a method and system for generating tomographic mammography data and processing the data using a computer aided detection and diagnosis (CAD) algorithm. The CAD algorithm may perform various types of analysis, including segmentation, feature extraction, and feature classification. The acquired data may be processed in parallel by the CAD algorithm such that information derived from one processing path may be used to enhance or alter the processing of data in a parallel processing path. The processed data may be used to provide an enhanced mammographic image with features of interest marked for inspection by a radiologist. The features of interest may also be classified to aid the inspection by the radiologist.

Abstract: A temporal image processing system includes a temporal processing controller receiving a first image signal and a second image signal from a scanning unit. The temporal processing controller includes a segmentation module, which isolates at least one region of interest between at least two image signals and generates therefrom a segmentation signal. The temporal processing controller also includes a registration module, which receives the segmentation signal and registers the region of interest and generates therefrom a registration signal. The temporal processing controller still further includes a comparison module, which receives the segmentation signal and the registration signal. The comparison module generates therefrom an adaptive comparison signal of the image signals.

Abstract: The invention provides a technique for acquiring subsequent image data in a medical diagnostic context based upon analysis of initial image data. The initial image data is processed via a computer aided diagnosis algorithm to determine whether additional image data acquisition is appropriate. Subsequent acquisition processes may be performed on the same imaging system from which the initial image data originated, or a different imaging system. The imaging systems may also be of different modalities. The subsequent acquisition of image data may be performed automatically without operator intervention, or the prescribed subsequent acquisition sequence may be outputted by the system for execution upon command of an operator.

Abstract: A temporal image processing system includes a temporal processing controller receiving at least two images temporally spaced apart, from a scanning unit. The temporal processing controller includes a registration module, which registers a region of interest within the images and generates therefrom a registration signal. The temporal processing controller further includes a confidence module receiving the registration signal and generating a confidence map therefrom. The confidence map enhances contrast of temporal changes in the object relative to a contrast due to misregistrations.

Abstract: A temporal image processing system includes a temporal processing controller receiving a first image signal and a second image signal from a scanning unit. The temporal processing controller includes a segmentation module, which isolates at least one region of interest between at least two image signals and generates therefrom a segmentation signal. The temporal processing controller also includes a registration module, which receives the segmentation signal and registers the region of interest and generates therefrom a registration signal. The temporal processing controller still further includes a comparison module, which receives the segmentation signal and the registration signal. The comparison module generates therefrom an adaptive comparison signal of the image signals.

Abstract: The present technique provides a variety of processing schemes for decomposing soft tissue and bone images more accurately from low and high-energy images acquired from an imaging system, such as a dual-energy digital radiography system using flat-panel technology. In particular, a parameter selection process is provided for automatically computing the decomposition parameters WS and WB to create soft tissue and bone images, respectively. The parameter selection process modifies a default decomposition parameter based on a variety of image and technique variables, such as intensity levels of the low and high-energy images, the patient size, and the collimator filtration setting. The parameter selection process avoids robustness problems associated with image-based algorithms, and the process may operate without any direct user interaction.

Abstract: An X-ray system 100 uses a display (114) to display pictures (124) generated in response to an X-ray first range of energy levels and an X-ray second range of energy levels different from the first range of energy levels. Pictures resulting from a substantially single range of X-ray energy levels also are displayed. A source (102) of X-rays transmits X-rays at the first range of energy levels through an object (106) to create in an image sensor (108) a first image and transmits X-rays at the second range of energy levels through an object to create a second image in the image sensor. A processor (110) calculates a first decomposed image from the first and second images according to a first decomposition algorithm, calculates a second decomposed image from the first and second images according to a second decomposition algorithm and calculates a contrast adjusted image in response to the first and second decomposed images.

Abstract: The invention provides a technique for acquiring subsequent image data in a medical diagnostic context based upon analysis of initial image data. The initial image data is processed via a computer aided diagnosis algorithm to determine whether additional image data acquisition is appropriate. Subsequent acquisition processes may be performed on the same imaging system from which the initial image data originated, or a different imaging system. The imaging systems may also be of different modalities. The subsequent acquisition of image data may be performed automatically without operator intervention, or the prescribed subsequent acquisition sequence may be outputted by the system for execution upon command of an operator.

Abstract: An X-ray system 100 uses a display (114) to display pictures (124) generated in response to an X-ray first range of energy levels and an X-ray second range of energy levels different from the first range of energy levels. Pictures resulting from a substantially single range of X-ray energy levels also are displayed. A source (102) of X-rays transmits X-rays at the first range of energy levels through an object (106) to create in an image sensor (108) a first image and transmits X-rays at the second range of energy levels through an object to create a second image in the image sensor. A processor (110) calculates a first decomposed image from the first and second images according to a first decomposition algorithm, calculates a second decomposed image from the first and second images according to a second decomposition algorithm and calculates a contrast adjusted image in response to the first and second decomposed images.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for configuring a large CT detector using a plurality of smaller X-ray type detector panels wherein the panels are sized and arranged in side by side fashion to extend across a fan beam and so that where conjugate rays generated during acquisition always include at least one ray that subtends a detector panel and generates a collected signal even where the other ray in the conjugate pair is directed at a gap between panels, the method further including, after data is acquired, interpolating across each gap and then combining the interpolated data across the gaps with the collected signals to generate back projection data for each of the gap directed rays.