Abstract: This invention describes methods and apparatus for the radial extraction and pattern recognition of image information based on "back scatter" produced by focused beam of energy such as those used in radar, sonar, and ultrasound. This invention includes methods for line and geometric pattern extraction and recognition from an image based on a pixel array. In the present invention, the information obtained from "back scatter" energy extracted and encoded by the radial extraction algorithms becomes determinants to be used either individually or in concert with each other depending upon the application and desired function. The line and geometric pattern algorithms can be used to process any type of image. These algorithms which extract and encode the patterns contained in the "back scatter" and geometric shapes contained in images are unique and provide an evaluation of various multidimensional aspects of groups of pixels in the resultant image.

Abstract: A method and device for interpreting and processing medical ultrasound and other video images. The mix of reflection coefficients in pixel windows is measured by determining the range and distribution of pixel gray scale values to establish "echoic texture" characteristics. These characteristics are compared with corresponding characteristics of known tissues. The degree of correlation allows a prediction of tissue characteristics of the examined window.

Abstract: A method and device for interpreting and processing medical ultrasound and other video images. The mix of reflection coefficients in pixel windows is measured by determining the range and distribution of pixel gray scale values to establish an "echoic texture," which can be scaled or used to color the image to facilitate identification of tissue characteristics. The image may also be processed by a variety of enhancement methods including processes for contour following, edge and contrast enhancement, smoothing and noise abatement. Processing times are reduced by limiting certain processes to pixels established by a line drawing in machine memory identifying pixel patterns characteristic of element edges. The results of processing from consecutive images may be compared and aberrant results may be corrected.