Abstract: A method for processing volume image data obtains two-dimensional projection images of a subject on an image detector, wherein each of the images has the detector and a radiation source at a different scan angles. The image data is arranged as an image stack with corresponding pixel data from the detector in register for each of the images in the stack. A partial subset of projection images showing a metal object is identified. Information relative to the metal object propagates from the partial subject of projection images to the remaining images of the stack. For each of one or more stacked projection images, region growing defines a metal mask and adjusts image data values defined by the mask. The volume image data is reconstructed using region growing results. A 2D image is rendered and displayed from the reconstructed volume image data.

Abstract: A method for processing a radiographic image of a patient, executed at least in part on a host processor, initiates exposure in response to an instruction entered from an operator console and obtains radiographic image data from a digital detector that is subjected to the exposure. The obtained radiographic image data is analyzed according to a set of predefined criteria for diagnostic suitability of the image. One or more results of the diagnostic suitability analysis at the operator console is indicated and a listing of one or more corrective actions at the operator console according to the indicated results is provided.

Abstract: A method acquires a reconstructed tomographic volume image of anatomy of a patient and constructs a primary axis for a bone of interest in the imaged anatomy. The method forms a sectioned image of the bone in the volume image according to a first plane that is defined to extend along the bone and to extend through two or more articular surfaces. A primary axis for the bone is estimated, wherein the primary axis is midway between outer edges of the bone image that intersect the first sectioning plane. The bone is sectioned in the volume image by a second plane that is orthogonal to the first plane and that extends through the estimated primary axis. The method recalculates the position of the constructed primary axis according to the sectioning of the bone by the second plane. The recalculated constructed primary axis for the bone of interest is displayed.

Abstract: A method acquires a reconstructed tomographic volume image of anatomy of a patient and constructs a primary axis for a bone of interest in the imaged anatomy. The method forms a sectioned image of the bone in the volume image according to a first plane that is defined to extend along the bone and to extend through two or more articular surfaces. A primary axis for the bone is estimated, wherein the primary axis is midway between outer edges of the bone image that intersect the first sectioning plane. The bone is sectioned in the volume image by a second plane that is orthogonal to the first plane and that extends through the estimated primary axis. The method recalculates the position of the constructed primary axis according to the sectioning of the bone by the second plane. The recalculated constructed primary axis for the bone of interest is displayed.

Abstract: A method for processing volume image data obtains two-dimensional projection images of a subject on an image detector, wherein each of the images has the detector and a radiation source at a different scan angles. The image data is arranged as an image stack with corresponding pixel data from the detector in register for each of the images in the stack. A partial subset of projection images showing a metal object is identified. Information relative to the metal object propagates from the partial subject of projection images to the remaining images of the stack. For each of one or more stacked projection images, region growing defines a metal mask and adjusts image data values defined by the mask. The volume image data is reconstructed using region growing results. A 2D image is rendered and displayed from the reconstructed volume image data.

Abstract: An ultrasound method obtains a desired view and/or orientation of the anatomy of interest for an exam using a transducer. The ultrasound image is captured according to a measurement protocol for the exam. An automated measurement tool is initiated according to sensing of an operator action. A measurement from a region of interest of the desired view is obtained. The measurement or display is concluded according to a sensed operator action.

Abstract: A method for clavicle suppression in a chest x-ray image. The method identifies the lung fields in the x-ray image and detects at least one portion of a clavicle ridge that lies outside the lung fields. Edges of a clavicle on each side of the detected clavicle ridge are detected, edge detection extended for the clavicle edges into the lung fields, and the clavicle defined within the x-ray image according to the edge detection. The clavicle is suppressed within the x-ray image to generate a clavicle-suppressed x-ray image and the clavicle-suppressed x-ray image is displayed, stored, or transmitted.

Abstract: An imaging method, executed at least in part by a computer, tracks the disposition of surgical supplies used in an operation and identifies a radiographic imaging technique for detecting a retained surgical foreign object according to the tracking. One or more radiographic images are acquired in the operating room. The acquired image content is analyzed to identify one or more candidate foreign objects. At least a portion of the acquired image content is displayed with the one or more candidate foreign objects in the acquired image content highlighted.

Abstract: A method for rib suppression in a volume chest x-ray image, executed at least in part by a computer captures a first set of unsegmented projection images, each at a corresponding angle, and forms a second set of segmented projection images by detecting rib features in a first projection image to form a first segmented projection image and generating a base model according to the detected rib features for the first projection image. Each of one or more additional projection images from the first set is processed to add members to the second set by a repeated sequence of generating a predictive model; detecting rib features using the predictive model; adjusting the base model according to detected rib features; and correcting rib detection in one or more members of the second set. The volume chest x-ray image is reconstructed according to the segmented projection images and is displayed.

Abstract: A method for processing a radiographic image of a patient, executed at least in part on a host processor, initiates exposure in response to an instruction entered from an operator console and obtains radiographic image data from a digital detector that is subjected to the exposure. The obtained radiographic image data is analyzed according to a set of predefined criteria for diagnostic suitability of the image. One or more results of the diagnostic suitability analysis at the operator console is indicated and a listing of one or more corrective actions at the operator console according to the indicated results is provided.

Abstract: A method for characterizing a bone joint of a patient, the method executed at least in part by a computer, accesses 3-D volume image content that includes the bone joint and automatically segments the bone joint volume image content from background content to define at least a first bone surface and a second bone surface that is spaced apart from and faces the first bone surface. One or more distances between at least a first point on the first bone surface and one or more points on the second bone surfaces are computed. The method displays at least the first and second bone surfaces, wherein the display appearance is conditioned by the one or more computed distances. The method displays, stores, or transmits data relating to the one or more computed distances.

Abstract: A method for processing a radiographic image of a patient, executed at least in part on a host processor, initiates exposure in response to an instruction entered from an operator console and obtains radiographic image data from a digital detector that is subjected to the exposure. The obtained radiographic image data is analyzed according to a set of predefined criteria for diagnostic suitability of the image. One or more results of the diagnostic suitability analysis at the operator console is indicated and a listing of one or more corrective actions at the operator console according to the indicated results is provided.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a digital chest x-ray image of a patient, executed at least in part by a computer system, acquires a standard dose radiographic image and a reduced dose radiographic image, wherein the standard dose radiographic image and reduced dose radiographic images are obtained at peak kilovoltage values that differ by at least 10 kVp. A bone-enhanced image is formed by combining data from the standard dose radiographic image and reduced dose radiographic images and bone structure is segmented from the bone-enhanced image. A processed image is formed by suppressing bone contrast from the standard dose radiographic image according to the segmented bone structure. The processed image is displayed, stored, or transmitted.

Abstract: A method for radiographic imaging obtains a radiographic image of a patient's chest and processes the obtained image to generate a default radiographic image and a bone-enhanced image. At least a portion of one or more ribs within the default radiographic image is detected and a rib mask generated according to the at least the detected portion of the one or more ribs. The rib mask is applied to the bone-enhanced image to define masked enhanced image content that includes the detected at least the portion of one or more ribs. A composite image that combines the masked enhanced image content with the default radiographic image is generated and displayed.

Abstract: A method for rib suppression in a chest x-ray image of a patient. The method detects and labels one or more ribs in a region of interest in the x-ray image that includes a lung region. The method obtains a rib model for one or more ribs of the image and modifies detection results for the one or more ribs by applying the rib model in the region of interest. A conditioned x-ray image is formed by suppressing rib content according to the modified detection results. The conditioned x-ray image is stored, displayed, or transmitted.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a digital chest x-ray image of a patient. The method includes providing a default set of technique settings for the chest x-ray, wherein the default set is selectable by an operator command and includes using a peak kilovoltage exposure setting that is below 90 kVp with beam filtration of the x-ray, and applying a rib contrast suppression algorithm to the digital chest x-ray image data acquired from the exposure.

Abstract: A method for rib suppression in a volume chest x-ray image, executed at least in part by a computer captures a first set of unsegmented projection images, each at a corresponding angle, and forms a second set of segmented projection images by detecting rib features in a first projection image to form a first segmented projection image and generating a base model according to the detected rib features for the first projection image. Each of one or more additional projection images from the first set is processed to add members to the second set by a repeated sequence of generating a predictive model; detecting rib features using the predictive model; adjusting the base model according to detected rib features; and correcting rib detection in one or more members of the second set. The volume chest x-ray image is reconstructed according to the segmented projection images and is displayed.

Abstract: A method for radiographic imaging obtains a radiographic image of a patient's chest and processes the obtained image to generate a default radiographic image and a bone-enhanced image. At least a portion of one or more ribs within the default radiographic image is detected and a rib mask generated according to the at least the detected portion of the one or more ribs. The rib mask is applied to the bone-enhanced image to define masked enhanced image content that includes the detected at least the portion of one or more ribs. A composite image that combines the masked enhanced image content with the default radiographic image is generated and displayed.

Abstract: A method for rib suppression in a chest x-ray image detects and labels one or more ribs in a region of interest and detects rib edges of the one or more detected ribs. Cross rib profiles are generated along the detected ribs. The original x-ray image is conditioned according to at least one of the detected rib edge and cross rib profiles. The conditioned x-ray image can be stored, displayed, or transmitted.

Abstract: A method for enhancing a radiographic image. The method includes obtaining image data for the radiographic image, generating conditioned image data by increasing differences between neighboring portions of at least a relatively uniform area of the radiographic image, generating an enhanced image by applying contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization to the conditioned image data, applying interpolation to the enhanced image, and displaying, storing, or transmitting the enhanced image.