Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to perform an accurate correlation between a first set of data (1), collected from a first source (A1), and a second set of data (2), collected from a second source (A2), in the presence of noise in one or both of the first and second sets of data (1, 2). The present invention specifically teaches that a third set of data (3) is collected from the first source (A1) under the same conditions as the conditions of the collection of the first set of data (1), and that a fourth set of data (4) is collected from the second source (A2) under the same conditions as the conditions of the collection of the second set of data (2).

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method to determine a coordinate system of a heart includes an imager and a computer. The computer is programmed to acquire a first set of initialization imaging data from an anatomical region of a free-breathing subject. A portion of the first set of initialization imaging data includes organ data, which includes cardiac data. The computer is further programmed to determine a location of a central region of a left ventricle of a heart, where the location is based on the organ data and a priori information. The computer is also programmed to determine a short axis of the left ventricle based on the determined location, acquire a first set of post-initialization imaging data from the free-breathing subject from an imaging plane orientation based on the determination of the short axis, and reconstruct at least one image from the first set of post-initialization imaging data.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically detecting rib metastasis in a thoracic CT volume is disclosed. The ribs are segmented in said CT volume by recursive tracing. A series of cross-sectional images are then generated along a centerline of each rib. Cortical and trabecular bone structures are segmented in each of the cross-sectional images for each rib. Features are calculated for each cross-sectional image based on characteristics of the cortical and trabecular bone structures, and alterations are detected in the cross-sectional images based on the features. Rib metastasis is detected in a rib when an alteration is detected in a number of consecutive cross-sectional images along the centerline of the rib.

Abstract: A method and a system are disclosed for labeling an anatomical point associated with a lesion in an organ such as a lung. The method includes: a segmentation of a vessel tree anatomical structure starting from an autonomously determined initial image point; labeling the vessel segments of the vessel tree segmentation with segment labels based on a priori anatomical knowledge, thereby creating an individualized anatomical model; receiving a user-specified image point having a location from a user and locating a nearby vessel structure; tracking along the vessel structure in a direction towards a root of a parent vessel tree until a prior labeled vessel segment is encountered in the anatomical model, and assigning the label of the encountered prior labeled vessel segment from the anatomical model as an anatomical location label of the user-specified image point.

Abstract: A method and/or system for making determinations regarding samples from biologic sources. A computer implemented method and/or system can be used to automate parts of the analysis.

Abstract: A method for automatically producing a new digital image from a first digital image that includes regions of interest, includes obtaining a main subject belief map including an array of belief values indicating the location and relative importance of subject matter in the first digital image; producing a mask for each privileged object in the first digital image, each such mask including margins around its corresponding privileged object; overlaying the mask(s) onto the belief map; and producing a first convex hull that includes the mask(s) with margin(s) and regions of the highest belief values from the belief map.

Abstract: In some aspects, a method of automated base-calling using at least one image obtained from a chemical sequencing process performed simultaneously on a plurality of DNA strands, the at least one image including intensity information corresponding to locations of at least one base in the plurality of DNA strands is provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems for analysis of image data generated from various reference points. Particularly, the methods and systems provided are useful for real time analysis of image and sequence data generated during DNA sequencing methodologies.

Abstract: There is a need to provide simple, accurate, fast and computationally inexpensive methods of object and hand pose recognition for many applications. For example, to enable a user to make use of his or her hands to drive an application either displayed on a tablet screen or projected onto a table top. There is also a need to be able to discriminate accurately between events when a user's hand or digit touches such a display from events when a user's hand or digit hovers just above that display. A random decision forest is trained to enable recognition of hand poses and objects and optionally also whether those hand poses are touching or not touching a display surface. The random decision forest uses image features such as appearance, shape and optionally stereo image features. In some cases, the training process is cost aware. The resulting recognition system is operable in real-time.

Abstract: Methods and kits for the quantitation of cellular DNA and cell numbers are provided. Passive element uptake, element-labeled DNA intercalators, and element labeled affinity reagents are used to quantify DNA and cells. The DNA and the cells are analyzed by elemental analysis, including ICP-MS. The methods and kits provide a fast and accurate analysis of cellular DNA and cell numbers.

Abstract: A medical imaging system is used to recognize an internal structure from a three-dimensional image. The image includes image sub-volumes. An image sub-volume is selected using a non-linear search pattern. The selected image sub-volume is analyzed for the presence of the internal structure. The steps of selecting an image sub-volume using the non-linear search pattern and analyzing the selected sub-volume for the presence of the internal structure are repeated until the internal structure is found in an image sub-volume. Bounds of the internal structure are identified based on the location of the image sub-volume within which the internal structure is found.

Abstract: A method for visualizing a registered image is presented. The method includes receiving a first image data set and at least one other image data set. Further, the method includes displaying at least a portion of the first image data set on a first portion of a display. Also, the method includes displaying at least a portion of the at least one other image data set on a second portion of the display. Additionally, the method includes selectively adjusting display of the at least a portion of the at least one other image data to provide a context to the first image data set. Systems and computer-readable medium that afford functionality of the type defined by this method is also contemplated in conjunction with the present technique.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for selecting mass density candidates from digital image, for example mammograms, for computer-aided lesion detection, review and diagnosis. A method of selecting mass density candidates from a digital image for computer-aided cancer detection, review and diagnosis includes down-sampling the digital image to a low resolution; smoothing an edge along a skinline; applying a Gaussian difference filter to enhance intensity to form a filtered image; masking the filtered image using a breast mask; using a Canny detector to find potential mass density contours; and generating a mass density candidate list from Canny contours produced in the Canny detector.

Abstract: Change image detecting devices and methods are disclosed. In one example, a change image detecting device includes a change image detecting unit that selects a reference image and an image to be processed and a determination unit that compares an Na-th (‘Na’ is a natural number equal to or smaller than N) partial region of N (‘N’ is an integer equal to or larger than 2) partial regions. If the determination unit determines that there is a change, the change image detecting unit selects the image to be processed or an image, which is temporally later than the image to be processed, as a new reference image and detects the image to be processed or the image, which is temporally later than the image to be processed, as the change image.

Abstract: A method and system for employing signal-intensity data contained within areas of a scanned image of a chemical array corresponding to features and feature backgrounds in order to determine whether or not the features or feature backgrounds have non-uniform signal intensities and are thus outlier features and outlier feature backgrounds. A signal intensity variance model is provided to dynamically adjust to the signals read from the scanned image of the array. Calculated variance from measured values of the signal intensities and pixel distributions within a feature or feature background is compared to a maximum allowable variance calculated for the feature or feature background based on the dynamically adjusting signal intensity variance model. When the calculated variance (from the measured values) is less than or equal to the maximum allowable variance, the feature or feature background is considered to have acceptable signal-intensity uniformity.

Abstract: Various embodiments of virtual surgical systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method for resolving features on a probe array is described that, comprises acquiring a plurality of micro-shifted images of a region of a probe array; reconstructing an image of the probe array using the micro-shifted images; and deriving intensity values for one or more probe features disposed on the probe array from the reconstructed image.

Abstract: A method and system for acquiring a phalange edge image using an X-ray image of a hand are provided. The method includes: selecting a region of interest from an X-ray image of the hand; acquiring a soft tissue background gray level removed image by removing a soft tissue background gray level from the region of interest; and extracting a phalange edge image from the soft tissue background gray level removed image.

Abstract: The present invention is a multi-stage detection algorithm using a successive nodule candidate refinement approach. The detection algorithm involves four major steps. First, a lung region is segmented from a whole lung CT scan. This is followed by a hypothesis generation stage in which nodule candidate locations are identified from the lung region. In the third stage, nodule candidate sub-images or the lung region of the CT scan pass through a streaking artifact removal process. The nodule candidates are then successively refined using a sequence of filters of increasing complexity. A first filter uses attachment area information to remove vessels and large vessel bifurcation points from the nodule candidate list. A second filter removes small bifurcation points.

Abstract: A system and method is provided that simultaneously or consecutively collects DNA samples and ridge and valley signatures from the same subject during the same collection window that adds value to forensic data collection processes. The collection of the DNA samples and ridge and valley signatures occur during the same collection window to assured the DNA sample and ridge and valley signatures identify the same individual.

Abstract: A biological sample such as a tissue section is stained with one or more quantum dots and possibly other fluorophores (total number of fluorophores N). A camera coupled to a microscope generates an image of the specimen at a plurality of different wavelengths within the emission spectral band of the N fluorophores. An analysis module calculates coefficients C1 . . . CN at each pixel from the set of images and reference spectral data for the N fluorophores. The coefficients C1 . . . CN are related to the concentration of each of the individual fluorophores at each pixel location. Morphological processing instructions find biological structures, e.g., cells, cellular components, genes, etc., in the images of the specimen. Quantitative analysis is performed on the identified biological structures. A display module displays the quantitative analysis results to the user, along with images of the specimen. The images can include images constructed from one or more of the coefficients C1 . . . CN.

Abstract: A system and method is provided that simultaneously or consecutively collects DNA samples and ridge and valley signatures from the same subject during the same collection window that adds value to forensic data collection processes. The collection of the DNA samples and ridge and valley signatures occur during the same collection window to assured the DNA sample and ridge and valley signatures identify the same individual.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for reconstructing feature intensities from pixel level data. In certain embodiments, the invention uses an empirically determined transfer function to construct a theoretical estimate of pixel level data and then iteratively updates feature intensities based on a minimum multiplicative error between the pixel level data and the theoretical estimate of the pixel level data.

Abstract: A method and device for preparing an implant from an implant material are provided. A defect image of the defect which has a defect contour is made available, in which a first calibration member arranged in or adjacent to the defect is displayed. A second calibration member is arranged on or adjacent to the implant material to be processed, this second calibration member corresponding to the first calibration member. A real-time image of the implant material is displayed on a display device. The defect image is displayed on the display device and superimposed on the real-time image so that the first and the second calibration members are displayed one on top of the other. A processing tool is displayed on the display device in the real-time image and moved over the implant material so that it follows the defect contour displayed in the defect image.

Abstract: According to one aspect, the invention provides a system for validating an identity of a user to enable or prevent an occurrence of an event. In one embodiment, the system includes a first device including a wireless transmitter which is configured to transmit validation information, a second device including a wireless receiver, where the second device is configured to receive the validation information and further transmit the validation information; and a secure system in communication with the second device. According to one embodiment, the secure system includes a database. In a further embodiment, the secure system is configured to receive the validation information transmitted from the second device, and to transmit additional information to the second device following a receipt of the validation information to assist the second device in either enabling or preventing the occurrence of the event.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to improve the quality of a three-dimensional display image, an MPR display image, or an MIP display image presented by an X-ray CT system that performs a conventional (axial) scan, a cine scan, or a helical scan. The X-ray CT system includes an image reconstruction unit or an image display unit. The image reconstruction unit or image display unit measures deviations of tomographic images in an x direction that is a horizontal direction and deviations thereof in a y direction that is a vertical direction according to the continuity in a z direction of an object that exhibits high CT numbers and that is visualized as a reference in the tomographic images; such as, a cradle, a head holder, the surface of a subject's body, or a bone. The image reconstruction unit or image display unit then compensates the deviations.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a user-accessible tissue image database system. The system is searchable using a query image provided by a user. The query image is matched with images in the database based on common visual features. Specifically exemplified is the matching of images based on the presence of a target molecule and/or internal anatomical structure.

Abstract: In a system for displaying medical images, a first linear array of medical images representing multiple views of a patient taken approximately contemporaneously may be displayed. The images may automatically be ordered within the array based on the represented views. A second linear array of medical images adjacent to the first linear array may contemporaneously be displayed. The images of the second linear array may represent the same views of the patient as in the first linear array taken approximately contemporaneously but at an earlier time from the images of the first linear array. Like views of the patient may be aligned as between the first linear array and the second linear array. Correlation of features between images may thus be facilitated. Alternatively, one or more principal views and one or more non-principal views of a patient in a set of medical images may be identified.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the present application relates to a method and/or a device for automatically detecting chemical anomalies and/or salient features in soft tissue of an object area. In at least one embodiment of the method, two image data records of two computed tomography pictures of the object are provided which are recorded in the context of a different spectral distribution of the X-radiation. The following steps are carried out for each voxel of at least one interesting slice whose X-ray attenuation values are characteristic of soft tissue. Firstly, two X-ray attenuation values of the voxel, or two averaged X-ray attenuation values of the environment of the voxel are used to determine a data point of the voxel in a diagram in which the X-ray attenuation values are plotted against one another in the context of the two spectral distributions of the X-radiation.

Abstract: First, image capturing is performed in the exposure time of ExpStart. If the maximum intensity value of all the pixels of an image is smaller than TransStart, the exposure time is increased and the image capturing is performed again. After that, increase in the exposure time and the image capturing are repeatedly performed until the maximum intensity value of all the pixels of the captured optical image becomes equal to or greater than TransStart. When the maximum intensity value becomes equal to or greater than TransStart, image data is transferred to a computer to be recorded on the hard disk, and the number of images recorded is counted. Subsequently, the increase in the exposure time, the image capturing, transfer and record of the image data, and count of the number of images recorded are repeatedly performed.

Abstract: An optical element of the present invention comprises: one or a plurality of unit elements having a plurality of external electrodes formed on one main surface thereof, wherein upon taking the one main surface of the unit elements in a plan view, the plurality of external electrodes are locally formed in a first region of two regions of a planar shape of the main surface, the two region formed by equally dividing the planar shape with a center line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for post-processing a 3D image data set of a vessel structure of a human or animal body, in which a 2D DSA (Digital Subtraction Angiography) of the vessel structure is recorded and registered with the 3D image data set. The 2D DSA is compared with a corresponding projection image computed from the 3D data set and this is changed, e.g. by changing the segmentation parameters, to adapt it to the 2D DSA. This enables the outstanding local resolution of the 2D DSA to be used for improving the 3D image data set.

Abstract: A system and method for splicing medical image datasets are provided. The method for splicing medical image datasets comprises: segmenting first and second medical image datasets comprising an organ of interest and a nearby area to create a mask for points in the first and second medical image datasets, wherein the mask identifies points in the organ of interest and nearby area; and creating a spliced image of the first and second medical image datasets by using the points in the organ of interest and nearby area identified by the mask.

Abstract: Methods and computer program products for evaluating and optimizing one or more markers for use in establishing a prognosis for a patient suffering from a disease are provided. More particularly, the methods include steps for systematically evaluating a number of features that may be extracted from an image of a body sample, such as a histological slide, that has been exposed to one or more biomarkers so as to establish a prognostic decision rule based on one or more of the extracted features such that the decision rule yields a prognosis that is optimally predictive of actual patient outcome. Thus, the methods and computer program products provided yield optimally predictive prognoses to assist clinicians in developing strategies for effective patient care management.

Abstract: A method for automated analysis of textural differences present on an image volume. The image volume includes a plurality of volume elements, and each volume element has a gray level. The method includes defining a volume of interest (VOI); performing texture measures within the VOI; and classifying the VOI as belonging to a tissue pathology class based upon the texture measures. Computer readable media encoded with computer readable instructions for carrying out these functions. An apparatus that includes an image input adapted to receive a diagnostic medical image. The image includes a plurality of pixels, and each pixel has a particular gray level. The apparatus also includes a display for displaying a graphical user interface and the received image; and a processor adapted to perform texture measures on one or more groups of pixels within the image and classify each group of pixels to a tissue pathology class based upon the textures measures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biometric authentication apparatus realizing reduction in thickness while holding high authentication precision. The biometric authentication apparatus includes: a light source emitting light in a wavelength range including a wavelength range for authentication toward a living body; a microlens array condensing light from the living body and selectively transmitting light in the wavelength range for authentication; an imaging device obtaining image data of the living body on the basis of the light condensed by the microlens array; and an authentication unit authenticating the living body on the basis of the image data obtained by the imaging device.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product for machine-based segmentation of the cardiac chambers in a four-dimensional magnetic resonance image data that contains at least short-axis cine sequences. The segmenting is based on temporal variations in the data set and on features extracted from the image data. In particular, the method and apparatus process the image data to automatically segment an endocard based on fuzzy object extraction and to automatically segment an epicard through finding a radial minimum cost with dynamic sign definition and tissue classification. In addition, image data is preferably preprocessed to eliminate high local image variances and inhomogeneity. The image data is also preferably processed to identify positions of a base slice, an apex slice, an end-diastole, an end-systole and an LVRV connection.

Abstract: A computerized method, system and computer program for the computerized fractal-based analysis of a structure as presented in a pattern on a medical image. Image data is generated from the medical image and a region of interest is selected. The image data is digitized and analyzed to reveal fractal-based computer-generated features of a texture of the image data. Then a qualifier is applied to the computer-generated features to obtain fractal characteristics of the image data. A multi-fractal nature is observed for the texture of the region of interest. A marker for assessing a risk of a disease is yielded based on the multi-fractal nature of the texture.

Abstract: Determining a biospecies is performed by using a plurality of analysis data obtained by analyzing a plurality of known samples whose corresponding biospecies are already revealed by a method of analyzing an organism and a determination threshold defined on the basis of the plurality of analysis data; deciding whether determination of a biospecies corresponding to an unknown sample is possible or not on the basis of the determination threshold; and determining a biospecies corresponding to the unknown sample on the basis of the plurality of analysis data when the determination is decided as possible.

Abstract: A method of determining an amount of at least one molecular species in a sample from an image of the sample captured by an image acquisition device is provided, each molecular species being indicated by a dye. A dye space representation of a plurality of dyes is formed by orthogonally adding the correspondence tables of the dyes, each correspondence table having a plurality of normalized RGB triplets and incrementally extending from 0% to 100% transmittance. The dye space representation has one dimension for each dye and provides a reference model for a combination of the plurality of dyes. Each pixel of an image of the sample stained with the combination of the plurality of dyes is compared to the reference model, each pixel having a color defined by an RGB triplet, so as to determine an optimal combination of normalized RGB triplets from the respective correspondence tables of the dyes producing the color of the respective pixel.

Abstract: A signal processing method is provided and involves iteratively deconvoluting at least one digital signal data set with respect to time. A signal processor is also provided that can perform a signal processing method for iteratively deconvoluting at least one digital signal data set. Also provided is an instruction set readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by a machine to perform a signal processing method of iteratively deconvoluting at least one digital signal data set. Also provided is a data set readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a data set computed by a signal processing method for iteratively deconvoluting at least one digital signal data set.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an x-ray diagnostics device having an x-ray source, an x-ray image detector and an image system for generating a subtraction angiography sequence, in which a subtraction angiography sequence of low resolution individual images containing moving structures is created, registration of the individual images one with another is performed, and the images in the subtraction angiography sequence are used to compute a high resolution image.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for representation and preparation of at least one examination image of an examination subject that is created with an imaging medical examination apparatus, the examination image is transmitted from the examination apparatus to a computer, and a whole-body coordinate system is specified with regard to the examination subject using at least one item of subject-specific information; and the examination image is spatially arranged in the whole-body coordinate system by the computer by means of the subject-specific information. At least one item of image information of the examination image is compared in the computer with the at least one item of subject-specific information of the whole-body coordinate system to check for consistency. The examination image is updated by the computer dependent on the comparison result and of the updated examination image is represented at an image reproduction device.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the invention provide for assigning coordinates to samples in an array. The method is based on a hierarchical pattern matching to a local lattice structure that is used as a template. Starting from the best local match, the pattern is expanded hierarchically to encompass the entire array.

Abstract: A computerized method for associating one or more portions of a diagnostic image with one or more electronic records is provided. The method includes receiving a diagnostic image having data particular to at least two persons and associating a first portion of the diagnostic image with an electronic record. The method may further include storing the first portion of the diagnostic image with the electronic record and/or associating and storing a common portion of the diagnostic image with the electronic record, the common portion consisting of data common to each person whose data is shown on the image. In one embodiment, the method may further include modifying the received diagnostic image and associating and storing the modified image with an electronic record. A computer system for associating at least a portion of a diagnostic image with an electronic record is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for imaging metallic nanoparticles is provided. Preferably, the invention provides for an apparatus and method for detection of gold colloid particles and for accurate reporting to the operator. The apparatus includes a substrate holder for holding the substrate, a processor and memory device, an imaging module, an illumination module, a power module, an input module, and an output module. The apparatus may have a stationary substrate holder and imaging module which are proximate to one another. The apparatus provided for a compact sized system without the need for complex motorized devices to move the camera across the substrate. Further, the apparatus and method provide for automatic detection of the spots/wells on the substrate, automatic quantification of the spots on the substrate, and automatic interpretation of the spots based on decision statistics.

Abstract: A system for performing automated cell screening in drug discovery, includes an automated microscope, a fast autofocus device, and a digital imaging system. Processes are implemented in software through which relevant cellular material is segmented and quantified with minimal user interaction. Improvements in the following areas: known methods for image processing are implemented in such a way that automated segmentation is achieved; sets of known measurements (pixel counting, etc.) are implemented as methods which demonstrate aspects of biology in a reliable fashion; components for automated positioning, focusing, imaging and processing of a multiplicity of samples are integrated as systems within which the segmentation and measurement methods may be mounted; and components and methods are adapted into systems which yield more highly automated and more rapid cell screening.

Abstract: In a method for automatically detecting degenerated regions in many stained thin section specimens (40), color region information is obtained on a degenerated region and on a non-degenerated region on image data of a standard specimen in a stained thin section slide. Next, color region information is obtained on a non-degenerated region on image data of a specimen. Next, the image data of the specimen is compared with the image data of the standard specimen to calculate a color correction quantity to match tone and brightness of the non-degenerated region in the specimen with the counterparts in the non-degenerated region in the standard specimen, and the image data of the specimen is corrected with the color correction quantity. Next, a degenerated region is extracted in the corrected image data of the specimen based on the color region information in the standard specimen.

Abstract: The present technology relates to molecular sciences, such as genomics. More particularly, the present technology relates to methods for obtaining long lengths of sequencing data.

Abstract: A method for high-resolution image recording of at least one object with a microscope, includes the steps of: (a) positioning the object in a receptacle being arranged in the optical axis of the microscope, (b) generating at least two first data sets per object which represent intermediate images of the object with at least two different orientations relative to the optical axis of the microscope, wherein the different orientations of the object are provided by moving the object relative to the receptacle, and (c) evaluating the data sets for obtaining quantitative three dimensional information.