Abstract: Methods are described for the production of a three-dimensional reconstruction of a undeformed object from two different views of the object under deformation using a volume constraint and also by matching corresponding features in the two images. The volume constraint involves assuming that the deformed volume is the same as the undeformed volume, and calculating the deformed volume from one of the images. Further, the deformation of the object can be parameterised by finding corresponding image entities in the each of the images. The method is particularly applicable to breast mammograms in which case the two images are the cranio-caudal (CC) image and medio-lateral oblique (MLO) image whose angular separation varies from 35 to 60 degrees. The image entities which are detected in the two images are microcalcifications, and these are matched by detecting a value representing their volume a looking for matches in this value between the two images.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for facilitating decision making, such as in a clinical setting. In accordance with this technique, a set of encoded guidelines are executed to identify information that may be used to generate patient management options. The information is acquired, if available. Based on the encoded guidelines and the acquired information, a set of patient management options are generated and provided to one or more reviewers for review and selection of a patient management option.

Abstract: A method of enhancing and normalizing x-ray images, particularly mammograms, by correcting the image for digitizer blur, glare from the intensifying screen and the anode-heel effect. The method also allows the calculation of the compressed thickness of the imaged breast and calculation of the contribution to the mammograms of the extra focal radiation. The correction of the image for glare from the intensifying screen allows the detection of noise, such as film shot noise, in the image, and in particular the differentiation between such noise and microcalcifications.

Abstract: Comparing first and second images taken on different imaging systems and under different exposure conditions is achieved by the steps of: applying a model to the data representing the first image, which model simulates at least one process step in the creation of said first image, to derive a representation of the first image at a level of processing common to the creation of the second image; and applying a further model to said representation, which model simulates at least one process step in the creation of said second image, to derive a further representation of the first image which corresponds to the same level of processing as said second image.

Abstract: A system for improving sensor-based decision making provides for the automatic submission of data obtained locally from instrumentation (such as image data) together with the interpretation of that data, which can be the output of some software which has been checked and possibly corrected by a user according to his/her expertise, to a remote database via an internetwork. The submission to the remote database is preferably automatic so that the remote database grows over time. The local site can access the remote database to retrieve information to assist in interpretation of the locally produced data (for example similar images and their corresponding interpretations), or can retrieve updated or improved software or parameters improving the software used for processing the data. The information on the remote database can also be reprocessed by software agents to provide statistical information based on information from a variety of such local sites.

Abstract: An example system and method for processing image data of a plurality of time-separated images of a non-rigid body to detect movement of the body involves calculating and storing, for each of a plurality of sampling points in each image, a plurality of candidate movements together with the estimated probability of each candidate. For each sampling point, the probability of each of the candidate movements is recalculated based on the stored probability of that candidate movement and the probabilities of the candidate movements at neighboring sampling points. A motion field indicative of the non-rigid body movement is generated from the recalculated probabilities.

Abstract: A method of dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, and of processing the signals from such imaging, in order to improve the characterisation of tissue types being imaged. A calculation of the longitudinal relaxation time T1 is made for each voxel in the image by applying pulse sequences having different flip angles or TRs and fitting the resulting resonance signals to a model of the imaging process. Dynamic, contrast-enhanced imaging is then conducted and by using the T1 values the results may be fitted to a pharmacokinetic model of the uptake of contrast agent in the tissue being imaged. This gives values for physiological parameters relating to the permeability of the tissue and the extravascular extracellular space volume fraction. These, together with the T1 value provide an excellent characterisation of the tissue as malignant or benign.

Abstract: A system for controlling medical data acquisition, such as imaging, comprises a supervisory protocol controller which controls in real time a data acquisition device, such as an imaging apparatus, and an agent administration controller, such as a drug delivery device for delivering contrast agent. The supervisory protocol controller receives data from the acquisition apparatus and controls the acquisition apparatus and the administration controller based on that acquired data. Thus the acquisition protocol can be controlled and changed in response to the actual acquisition circumstances.

Abstract: A method of dynamic medical imaging in which the quality of image registration or motion correction between the frames is assessed by examining the temporal behaviour of a region of interest through the sequence, and in particular how closely the behaviour follows expected behaviour. For a temporal sequence a temporal model of the expected behaviour of the region of interest is available and the quality of fit between the model and the data points from the dynamic imaging sequence can be calculated. In image regions of high patient motion the fit will be poor, whereas if there is no patient motion the fit will be better. The quality of fit can be displayed on the image as an indication of the validity of motion correction, and in areas of poor fit the motion correction can be re-executed using different parameters to try and improve the fit between the behaviour model and the actual data points. The invention is applicable to any contrast-enhanced medical imaging technique.

Abstract: A processing system which comprises a processing apparatus and a processing agent which is administered to a processing subject. The processing agent has a primary behaviour which provides the desired process result in conjunction with the apparatus, but also has a distinctive signature characteristic which is detected by test functionality in the processing system. The behaviour of the processing system can be modified in response to the test result. In an example such as a contrast enhanced medical imaging, the full functionality of the imaging equipment may be available only if a contrast agent having the particular distinctive signature characteristic is used, thus tying use of the apparatus to use of a particular agent.

Abstract: Comparing first and second images taken on different imaging systems and under different exposure conditions is achieved by the steps of:

Abstract: Methods are described for the production of a three-dimensional reconstruction of a undeformed object from two different views of the object under deformation using a volume constraint and also by matching corresponding features in the two images. The volume constraint involves assuming that the deformed volume is the same as the undeformed volume, and calculating the deformed volume from one of the images. Further, the deformation of the object can be parameterised by finding corresponding image entities in the each of the images. The method is particularly applicable to breast mammograms in which case the two images are the cranio-caudal (CC) image and medio-lateral oblique (MLO) image whose angular separation varies from 35 to 60 degrees. The image entities which are detected in the two images are microcalcifications, and these are matched by detecting a value representing their volume a looking for matches in this value between the two images.

Abstract: A method of communicating medical information comprising the steps of: obtaining raw image data from at least a portion of the body of a subject; constructing a computer representation of the raw image data; applying image processing to the computer representation; and giving the result of the image processing to a person to whom medical information contained in the image data is to be communicated.

Abstract: A system for improving sensor-based decision making provides for the automatic submission of data obtained locally from instrumentation (such as image data) together with the interpretation of that data, which can be the output of some software which has been checked and possibly corrected by a user according to his/her expertise, to a remote database via an internetwork. The submission to the remote database is preferably automatic so that the remote database grows over time. The local site can access the remote database to retrieve information to assist in interpretation of the locally produced data (for example similar images and their corresponding interpretations), or can retrieve updated or improved software or parameters improving the software used for processing the data. The information on the remote database can also be reprocessed by software agents to provide statistical information based on information from a variety of such local sites.