Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasound probe having two-dimensionally arranged transducer elements for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to an object, a transducer element selector for selecting transducer elements used in transmission and reception, a signal processing unit for applying a delay to a signal received by a selected transducer element, an image processing unit for generating an image based on the output signal of the signal processing unit, and an image display unit. The image processing unit stores a first ultrasound image obtained by a scan of a first transducer arrangement selected by the transducer element selector and a second ultrasound image obtained by a scan of a second transducer arrangement selected by the transducer element selector so as to irradiate an ultrasound beam in a different direction than the beam direction of the first transducer arrangement, and combines the first ultrasound image and the second ultrasound image.

Abstract: A method for correcting inherent distortions in a CT or MRI imaging process, or distortions arising from excessive patient movement during the scan by means of a registration device inserted into the mouth of the patient at the time the scan is being performed. The registration device incorporates a set of fiducial markers disposed in a predetermined three-dimensional pattern. The exact positions of the fiducial markers are known with respect to each other, thus providing a three-dimensional reference against which the resulting images can be compared. Additionally, a method whereby three-dimensional CT or MRI images taken prior to an operation, are accurately registered and integrated with real-time tracking positional data of the patient's body part and instruments operating thereon. Application is described for the drilling of a patient's jaw for the placement of dental implants.

Abstract: A method for automatic centerline extraction for a virtual endoscopy image of an organ having a boundary surface includes centering on selected points of an initial path through the image, which is derived from an endoscopy dataset, respective spheres exhibiting respective maximal diameters short of contacting the boundary surface; and forming a centered path consecutively joining centers of the spheres.

Abstract: Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computerized Tomotography (CT), or other diagnostic modalities may employ a three-step procedure during initial (“scout”) cranial pre-scans that corrects for patient positioning (i.e., roll, yaw and pitch) to reduce inter- and intra-patient variation, thereby enhancing the diagnostic and comparative value of subsequent detail scans even across different diagnostic platforms. In MRI, for instance, locating the saggital sinus (SS) and optimizing a line to bisect the brain through this SS may be automated to correct for roll and yaw. By then identifying the contour of the corpus callosum in a lateral saggital scout scan, the Talairach anterior commissure (AC)—posterior commissure (PC) reference line may be found for correcting pitch. Prescription of detailed scans are improved, especially when the three-step correction is repeated periodically identifying the need to repeat a detailed scan or to adjust the coordinates of a subsequent scan.

Abstract: A digital image processing method for a centralized multi-mode medical tongue image inspection system, comprising the steps of: forming at least one service unit (300) for performing tongue record (220) construction; forming a processing unit (320) for tongue record inspection (308); and providing communication links (330) between the service units and the processing unit.

Abstract: A method and system for automatic diagnosis of possible brain disease is based on at least one brain scan image of a patient containing at least one feature of interest and a corresponding result of a medical profile analysis of the patient. A database containing parameters associated with at least one feature of a plurality of brain scan images each compiled from respective patient data and inserted into the database is searched so as to extract from the database a set of respective parameters each associated with the at least one feature and wherein in respect of each feature at least one of the corresponding parameters is indicative of a brain disease profile. The set of respective parameters is analyzed to determine a statistically significant brain disease profile which fits the patient based on the at least one feature of interest of the patient's brain scan image.

Abstract: In an image processing method, two images are inputted and the two inputted images are aligned. Then, an independent component analysis process using the two aligned images are performed.

Abstract: A medical image processing apparatus which performs an image processing on a radiation image including a grid pattern obtained by performing radiography with a grid for eliminating scattered radiation, the grid being stationary and located between a subject and a detector for recording subject information, includes: a filtering section for extracting only the subject information from the radiation image by using a plurality of filters having different characteristics from each other, to eliminate the grid pattern.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using a flat panel detector to determine bone mineral density are provided. The apparatus includes a dual energy X-ray emitter, a flat panel detector for receiving X-rays sent from the X-ray emitter, and may optionally include an image corrector, adapted to emit corrected image information. The apparatus also includes a basis material decomposer that includes a calibration database, the decomposer being adapted to create a bone image and a soft tissue image. The apparatus further includes a bone mineral density calculator that is adapted to compute bone mineral density from the first image, and a display for displaying at least the computed bone mineral density. A method for using a flat panel detector to detect multiple disease states is also provided. The method includes emitting X-rays from a dual energy X-ray source through an area of a patient's body sought to be imaged and receiving X-rays with a flat panel detector.

Abstract: A method for identifying images of wells in an image of a well-bearing object such as multiwell plates or picowell carriers is provided. An observation component, such as a camera, is used to approach focus of a focal point of a well-bottom. An image of the focal point is acquired. The image of the well-bottom focal point is then used as a reference point or used to define a reference point from which to identify the image of the well in the image of the well-bearing component and from which to delineate the borders of the well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for correction of images recorded by a computer tomograph in which, from projection data of the computer tomograph a 2D or 3D image is reconstructed and the image is corrected by adding it to a correction image. The outstanding feature of the method is that the correction image is computed from image data of the image reduced in its resolution and number and/or from projection data reduced in its resolution and number. The present method allows the computation of the correction image to be reduced to a fraction of the computation requirements for the standard reconstruction of the 2D or 3D images.

Abstract: Complex multidimensional datasets generated by digital imaging spectroscopy can be organized and analyzed by applying software and computer-based methods comprising sorting algorithms. Combinations of these algorithms to images and graphical data, allow pixels or features to be rapidly and efficiently classified into meaningful groups according to defined criteria. Multiple rounds of pixel or feature selection may be performed based on independent sorting criteria. In one embodiment sorting by spectral criteria (e.g., intensity at a given wavelength) is combined with sorting by temporal criteria (e.g., absorbance at a given time) to identify microcolonies of recombinant organisms harboring mutated genes encoding enzymes having desirable kinetic attributes and substrate specificity. Restriction of the set of pixels analyzed in a subsequent sort based on criteria applied in an earlier sort (“sort and lock” analyses) minimize computational and storage resources.

Abstract: An algorithm is disclosed that detects and analyzes possible lesions that are left in contact with a structural boundary. A morphological closing with a structuring element is performed along the boundary to detect lesions within the threshold of the structuring element. A deformable surface-based analysis is performed on distinctive surfaces of the structure for the identification of lesions. The integrated use of a deformable surface model and chamfer distance potential enables explicit representation of regularized, or smoothed, surfaces from which lesion candidates may be detected.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a location and a direction for viewing a protrusion, comprising: casting a plurality of rays in an outward direction from a point, wherein the point is inside a protrusion; selecting at least one of the plurality of rays for determining a location and a direction for viewing the protrusion; and determining the location and the direction for viewing the protrusion using the selected at least one of the plurality of rays.

Abstract: A CAD system pre-analyzes a medical image to automatically determine whether contrast agent was introduced into the patient before forming that image. In one embodiment, contrast agent detection is performed by comparing the voxel values in known blood-containing areas to voxel values of known water-containing areas, and if there is a substantial difference above a preferred threshold, then it is determined that this patient was indeed injected with the contrast agent. Upon finding that the patient was indeed injected with contrast agent, the CAD algorithm then automatically performs both a detection algorithm that uses the contrast agent and one that does not and notifies the clinician that both sets of results are available to look at. However, if it is determined that the patient was not injected with contrast agent, the CAD algorithm does not perform the algorithm that uses the contrast agent does not give the user the option to view any results from such algorithm.

Abstract: A process and radiography device for aiding vascular navigation suitable for an area of interest wherein a series of successive images In of the region of interest is acquired by a image recording. From the series of images In thus acquired a determination is made of a first mask presenting background structures and blood vessels of the region of interest, and a second mask presenting the only background structures. An image IL is acquired exhibiting at least one instrument introduced into one of the vessels of the region of interest. An image Iv is determined for visualizing by combination of the first and second masks and the image. The image to be visualized thus determined is displayed.

Abstract: A method and system of volume segmentation is disclosed. To address throughput speed and accuracy requirements, the segmentation is divided into two stages: presegmentation and detailed segmentation. In presegmentation, a digital image volume is processed to identify anatomical structures from image backgrounds in a gross manner possibly at reduced image resolution. Detailed segmentation then involves refining and segmenting further the fine details within the anatomical structures identified by presegmentation. One result of the overall volume segmentation algorithm is a volume in which segmented regions of interest, such as nodules, are identified.

Abstract: The method and system for exploiting information from multiple images in a mammographic computer-aided detection application is disclosed. A pair of images is obtained by a CAD system. The images are processed to produce a set of regions of interest (ROIs) to be associated with each image. A ROI is selected from the first image of the pair. This ROI is identified and matched to a ROI in the second image. The single image feature values are obtained by the two ROIs of the image pair. Transforming the image feature value to an integer value produces a pair of integers for each image feature value. The pair of integers defines the element of the pre-determined co-occurrence matrix. An element of a predetermined co-occurrence matrix is selected to provide evidence value for the ROI of the first image.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method of detecting a desired object at a candidate pixel from an image is provided. The method includes the steps of (a) selecting a representative point in the desired object; (b) determining first representative cross-sections of the desired object by passing first lower dimension planes through the representative point; (c) passing at least one second lower dimension plane through the candidate pixel; (d) using region segmentation to separate the candidate pixel containing second regions from the rest of the pixels in each of the at least one second lower dimension plane; (e) matching at least one of the second regions with at least one of the first cross-sections; (f) determining a match value based on the result of step (e); and (g) using the match value to determine if the desired object is detected at the candidate pixel.

Abstract: A method of producing a resultant object data set is presented in which a reference object data set and a contrast object data set containing extrinsic contrast information are both provided. Both object data sets contain information describing the same part of the body. Extrinsic contrast information from the contrast object data set is segmented to produce a segmented data set and this data is dilated to produce a dilated data set. A mask is then created from the dilated data set and the reference object data set is filtered by the mask to produce a resultant object data set. Sometimes a further method is found to be useful, in which information which occurs in both object data sets is segmented from the reference object data set to produce a data set which is used to create a further mask for filtering.

Abstract: The sample stage of an array microscope is tilted in the scanning direction such that the best-focus plane of the array microscope intersects the surface of the sample during the scan. As a result of the tilt, the distance from the sample surface of each miniaturized microscope spanning the array varies from point to point on the surface. Accordingly, the best focal distance for each such point on the sample surface is identified by tracking the quality of its focus as the sample surface travels across the rows of microscopes in the array. Best focus may be detected using any known technique, such as by measuring spatial frequency content and recording the scan position corresponding to maximum mid-range frequency content. This information is used to develop a best-focus axial-position map for use while performing a subsequent measurement scan.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to methods for assisting and motivating persons with respect to various dietary and exercise regimens they might undertake, providing an interactive, iterative, “what-if” type of procedure where someone can see their predicted appearance in the future, also in clothes of their choice, and balance this with realistic expectations of what they may be able to achieve in terms of modification of their physical shape as a result of a planned course of action. This in turn leads to new methods of purchasing and manufacturing apparel and dietary or exercise related items in the present and future. A unique life size display screen, a “digital mirror” so to speak, with optional touch capabilities is also disclosed for input to, and display of, the computer aided models used, as well as inputs from a persons body sensed by TV cameras.

Abstract: One embodiment discloses a computerized method of facilitating cardiac intervention, comprising inputting patient data, creating a computerized interactive model of a diseased heart based on the patient data, wherein the model comprises structural elements, simulating at least one proposed cardiac intervention treatment by adding or deleting structural elements to the model, and determining the effects of the proposed cardiac simulation upon the entire model. Simulations may be repeated to allow the user to determine an optimal cardiac intervention. Additionally, a template may be created from the model to use as a guide during the cardiac intervention.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method of intra-oral analysis for measuring plaque removal is disclosed. The system includes hardware for real-time image acquisition and software to store the acquired images on a patient-by-patient basis. The system implements algorithms to segment teeth of interest from surrounding gum, and uses a real-time image-based morphing procedure to automatically overlay a grid onto each segmented tooth. Pattern recognition methods are used to classify plaque from surrounding gum and enamel, while ignoring glare effects due to the reflection of camera light and ambient light from enamel regions. The system integrates these components into a single software suite with an easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI) that allows users to do an end-to-end run of a patient record, including tooth segmentation of all teeth, grid morphing of each segmented tooth, and plaque classification of each tooth image.

Abstract: A method and system for imaging an artery contained in an arterial tree. A microprocessor generates a three-dimensional reconstruction of the arterial tree from two or more angiographic images obtained from different perspectives. The orientation of the axis of the artery in the arterial tree is then determined, and a perspective of the artery perpendicular to the axis of the artery is determined. A three dimensional reconstruction of the artery from angiographic images obtained from the determined perspective is then generated.

Abstract: An image capture method is provided. In accordance with the method, an image of the scene is captured and affective information is collected a capture. The scene image and affective information are transmitted to an image receiver. An imaging system is also provided having an image capture system adapted to capture an image of a scene and a memory which stores the captured image. A set of sensors is adapted to collect affective signals from the user at capture. A processor is adapted to determine affective information based upon the affective signals and to associate affective information with the captured image. A transmitter sends the scene image and the affective information to a receiver.

Abstract: A computing device in a three-dimensional imaging system utilizes a plurality of distance readings and reference readings from the at least one subject sensor to determine a subject location and a subject volume and establish a base-three dimensional map of a subject. A base-three dimensional map may be pre-existing. A plurality of two-dimensional image exposures along with a plurality of associated reference locations are created by utilizing an image source and an image receptor around an inner circumference of an imaging gantry. The plurality of two-dimensional image exposures is digitized to create a plurality of digital two-dimensional image exposures. The computing device receives the plurality of digital two-dimensional image exposures and the plurality of associated reference locations.

Abstract: In a method for operating a medical imaging installation, at least one sensor detects measured signals from an object and supplies them to a control device that buffer-stores the measured signals or raw signals ascertained therefrom online in the main memory. The buffer-stored signals contain components from a number of locations in space. Each component is dependent on a location-dependent influence factor that is determined by the object. The buffer-stored signal can be used to ascertain useful signals which respectively correspond to one of the influence factors, so that they form a three-dimensional reconstruction of the object. The control device permanently stores the buffer-stored signals online in the bulk memory.

Abstract: A method and system are presented for fast generation of one or more 2D DRRs of an object. 3D scan data of the object (such as CT scan data) are generated. A 3D fast Fourier transform F(u,v,w) is computed for a 3D scan volume f(x,y,z) within the 3D scan data, the scan volume f(x,y,z) having an orientation (?, ?, ?). The 3D Fourier transform data are resampled along a surface S(?, ?, ?, u?, v?) at angles ?, ?, ? corresponding to the orientation of the scan volume. The surface S is a plane for parallel beam geometry. For cone-beam geometry, it is the surface of a sphere whose center is coincident with the imaginary origin of the X-rays for the projection. The 2D inverse Fourier transform F?1 [S(?, ?, ?, u?, v?)] of the surface is computed, thereby generating a 2D DRR reconstructed along a projection direction perpendicular to the sample surface.

Abstract: The present invention aims at permitting numerous user terminals to share protocols as common resources. A vendor terminal or user terminal registers a pair of a protocol and a medical image, which is produced during scanning performed according to the protocol, by recording data in a protocol/medical image database included in a protocol management server. The user terminal acquires a medical image from the protocol management server over a network, and displays it on a display device. Moreover, the user terminal downloads a required protocol from the protocol management server and sets it in a medical diagnostic imaging system.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the use of computer-aided detection (CAD) system output displays for providing accurate representations of areas for subsequent exams. Since the CAD output, unlike the original medical imagery, is not used during the initial reading, the radiologist does not mark it until a final determination is reached regarding subsequent procedures. Additionally, since the CAD output contains versions of the original imagery, the regions indicated by the radiologist are shown in the context of the particular anatomical detail for a given patient. This detail assists the technologist, other physicians and patients in more efficiently and accurately locating the exact area for subsequent exams.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer software product for correlating medical images, comprising: obtaining first image data representative of a first medical image including a first abnormality; obtaining second image data representative of a second medical image including a second abnormality; determining at least one feature value for each of the first and second abnormalities using the first and second image data; calculating, based on the determined feature values, a likelihood value indicative of a likelihood that the first and second abnormalities are a same abnormality; and outputting the determined likelihood value.

Abstract: A boundary 1 of a wall in an initial image of time-series images is decided automatically or manually. A boundary 2 is generated automatically or manually in a neighbor of the other boundary of the wall. A normalized image is generated on the basis of an image pattern of a region surrounded by the boundaries 1 and 2 and registered as a template image. In each of the time-series images, boundaries 1 and 2 that generate a normalized image most similar to the template image are calculated. In this manner, wall thickness change can be calculated automatically stably and accurately even in the case where luminance change in the boundaries of a wall is obscure. This method is useful for diagnosis of heart disease etc. in medical image diagnosis.

Abstract: A system for determining presence or absence of one or more thermally distinguishable objects in a living body is disclosed. The system comprises a combined image generator configured for combining non-thermographic three-dimensional data of a three-dimensional tissue region in the living body with thermographic two-dimensional data of the tissue region so as to generate three-dimensional temperature data associated with the three-dimensional tissue region. In a preferred embodiment the combined image generator comprises a computing device configured for calculating the location and/or orientation of the thermally distinguishable object in the three-dimensional tissue region, based on the three-dimensional temperature data.

Abstract: A method and system are provided to report the findings of an expert's analysis of image data. The method and system are based on a reporting system that forms the basis of an image management system that can efficiently and systematically generate image reports, facilitate data entry into searchable databases for data mining, and expedite billing and collections for the expert's services. The expert identifies a significant finding on an image and attaches a location:description code to the location of that finding in order to create a significant finding and an entry into a database. Further descriptions of that finding, such as dimensional measurements, may be automatically appended to the finding as secondary attributes. After the evaluation, the system sorts the findings in the database and presents the findings by prioritized categories. The expert edits and approves a multimedia report which may be delivered by electronic means to an end-user.

Abstract: A method of creating 3D models to be used for cardiac interventional procedure planning. Acquisition data is obtained from a medical imaging system and cardiac image data is created in response to the acquisition data. A 3D model is created in response to the cardiac image data and three anatomical landmarks are identified on the 3D model. The 3D model is sent to an interventional system where the 3D model is in a format that can be imported and registered with the interventional system.

Abstract: A method for use in a computer system is provided that links a patient with patient-related data that is displayed on a graphical user interface. The method includes first determining if a digital watermark is required. If a digital watermark is required, the current background color for the display of patient-related data is obtained, along with an intensity value. The subject matter for the watermark is also obtained. The color of the digital watermark is calculated, based upon the obtained background color and intensity value. The digital watermark is then rendered on the display.

Abstract: A device that calculates a sudden cardiac death score based on acquired patient data. A system and method that combines independent indications of sudden cardiac death to predict sudden cardiac death. The system can include various cardiology test systems interconnected to a sudden cardiac death prediction system.

Abstract: The method and apparatus provides a system for automatically determining the location of individual teeth within an electronic model image of a patients mouth. The electronic model image allows for manipulation of the electronic model image by end users. Possible horizontal cut lines are determined within a horizontal plane cut through the electronic model image corresponding to possible separation lines between the teeth. Possible vertical cut lines are then determined within a vertical plane cut through the electronic model image corresponding to possible separation lines between teeth. The system then automatically determines the locations of individual teeth using the possible horizontal cut lines and the possible vertical cut lines.

Abstract: A method of creating a gradation curve for gradation processing of a medical image represented by a digital signal representation to generate a gradation processed image wherein the shape of the gradation curve and signal range for which the gradation curve is defined are deduced from the digital signal representation and wherein the gradation processed image has a fixed density and fixed contrast value in a diagnostically most relevant area.

Abstract: Radiation-image information is input from a radiation-image measuring apparatus to a measurement-information storing section, and measurement information, which consists of the positional information of a measuring point and a result of measurement based on the positional information, is also input from the radiation-image measuring apparatus to the measurement-information storing section. The measurement information is related to the radiation-image information by the measurement-information storing section and is stored in a storage medium.

Abstract: A method for volume scoring a concentration of calcification within a region of interest includes receiving a value for a first calcium lesion volume based on the concentration of calcification within the region of interest, determining an intensity value of the concentration of calcification within the region of interest, calculating the slope of a regression line based on the determined intensity value, and calculating a second calcium lesion volume based on the first calcium lesion volume and the calculated slope of the regression line.

Abstract: There is provided a method of analyzing a plurality of views of an object, the object including an edge portion partially extending from a surface of the object into an internal volume of the object, comprising the step of analyzing each acquired view. The step of analyzing each acquired view includes analysis of the edge portion. Preferably, the object comprises breast tissue.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for image processing proceeding from a computed tomography (CT) image of a lung as an original image that is registered using a contrast agent, pulmonary parenchyma pixels are determined, the pulmonary parenchyma pixels are presented in false colors, and the remaining image regions are presented in the gray scale values of the original image.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically reducing false-positive nodule candidates associated with airways includes receiving a nodule candidate, testing for airway cavities connected to the candidate, and recognizing the candidate as a false-positive nodule candidate if it is connected to an airway cavity; where the testing may include perpendicular testing for airways that are relatively perpendicular to an examination plane and parallel testing for airways that are relatively parallel to an examination plane.

Abstract: Processing for detecting an abnormal pattern candidate embedded in a medical image having been obtained from an image recording operation is performed on an image signal representing the medical image. In cases where the image signal is one which has been subjected to predetermined signal processing, correction processing is performed on the image signal such that the abnormal pattern candidate detecting processing performed on the image signal, which has been subjected to the predetermined signal processing, does not depend upon the predetermined signal processing. The abnormal pattern candidate detecting processing is then performed on the image signal, which has been obtained from the correction processing.

Abstract: A prospective abnormal shadow detecting system detects a prospective abnormal shadow in an image on the basis of image data representing the image and outputs information on the prospective abnormal shadow detected by the prospective abnormal shadow detecting means. Whether the detected prospective abnormal shadow is malignant or benignant is judged, and the information on the prospective abnormal shadow is output in such a manner that whether the prospective abnormal shadow is malignant or benignant can be distinguished.

Abstract: An image system for processing image data in the form of grey-scale value signals and for generating an image that can be displayed on a presentation device, in particular for a medical diagnostic device, has a circuit to harmonize the image data. This circuit is fashioned for automatic contrast increase by a new adjustment of the grey-scale value signals, and thus of the grey-scale value dynamic range as well, with the C-value defining the center of the grey-scale value range, being retained after the harmonization.

Abstract: New or significantly changed skin lesions are detected by providing digital baseline image data of an area of a subject's skin by placing a calibration piece on the area and then positioning a digital camera to frame the area within a field of view of the camera and digitally photographing the area to produce a digital baseline image of the area. The digital baseline image is downloaded from the camera to a computer, which digitally filters the baseline image to produce a partially transparent baseline image scaled to fit over a viewfinder display of the camera. The filtered baseline image is printed on a transparent sheet to produce template. Substantially later, a calibration piece is placed on the area, and the template is placed over the viewfinder display of the camera. The camera is positioned to frame that area within the field of view so as to align a live image of the area with the baseline image on the template. The area is photographed to produce a digital current image thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of food and insulin dose management for a diabetic subject, comprising: providing an intended insulin unit value or an intended carbohydrate unit value representing the amount of insulin or carbohydrate intended for intake by the subject; and determining the balance value of either insulin units or carbohydrate units needed to balance with the provided unit value and maintain blood sugar in the subject in a target blood sugar range.