Abstract: An automatic method for the registration of prone and supine computed tomographic colonography data is provided. The method improves the radiologist's overall interpretation efficiency as well as provides a basis for combining supine/prone computer-aided detection results automatically. The method includes determining (centralized) paths or axes of the colon from which relatively stationary points of the colon are matched for both supine and prone positions. Stretching and/or shrinking of either the supine or prone path perform registration of these points. The matching and registration occurs in an iterative and recursive manner and is considered finished based on one or more decision criteria.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for determining and characterizing, which portions or shapes of a medical image correspond to a shape of interest is provided. A candidate shape is obtained after which a visible surface is computed adjacent to this candidate shape. A visible surface includes one or more portions of the medical image that are visible by the candidate shape. Once the visible surface is determined, parameters of the visible surface are computed. Then the method further includes the step of determining whether the candidate shape corresponds to a shape of interest. The method further includes the step of computing features of the candidate shape and/or classifying the candidate shape. The advantage of the computer-implemented method is that it provides a high detection specificity, i.e. reducing false positives, without sacrificing sensitivity of the detection of a shape of interest.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for automatically detecting shapes in a medical image is provided. The method is based on the concept that normals to a surface intersect or nearly intersect with neighboring normals depending on the curvature features of the surface. The method first locates a surface in a medical image after which normal vectors are generated to the located surface. Then the method identifies at least one intersection and/or near intersection of the normal vectors. The key idea is that the number of intersections identifies shapes such as potential malignant candidates. The method also includes the step of scaling normal vectors to provide additional robustness to the shape detection. The method eliminates viewing of large segments of images, thereby markedly shortening interpretation time and improving accuracy of detection. It also provides for an early detection of precancerous growths so that they can be removed before evolving into a frank malignancy.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for viewing medical images on a handheld computer. After medical images are obtained, they could be either be transferred directly to a handheld computer or indirectly via a computer. The medical images could also be transferred from one handheld computer to another handheld computer. A conversion of medical images is performed to convert the image from a standard format to an appropriate format for the selected handheld computer. One or more interactive tools are provided for displaying the one or more converted medical images on the handheld computer. An exemplary embodiment is provided that shows the conversion of a DICOM format medical image so that it could be displayed and viewed on a personal digital assistant. The advantage of the present invention is that it allows one to obtain, view and analyze medical images completely wireless and mobile on a personalized handheld computer.

Abstract: A first stage structural support beam (22,50) with flanges (12,14; 52,54) separated by an integral web (16) has the web stretched to increase the web height by a value .DELTA. following which a set of corrugations (34,48,62) is formed into the web. The resulting beam (38,40,50) has substantially increased weight-to-load characteristics as compared to the first stage beam.