Method and system for using local attention in the detection of abnormalities in digitized medical images
US6014452A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 28, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jan 11, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 28, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06V2201/03
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method an system for using a local attention threshold to aid in the detection of clustered abnormalities in digitized medical images is disclosed. The local attention threshold is applied to locate spots within a predetermined distance from previously identified spots. More specifically, seed pixels are identified by applying a first seed threshold function to the output of a shift-invariant neural network and adaptive threshold. The seed pixels are then segmented into spots by applying a segmentation threshold function to each seed pixel. False-positive spots are removed using various techniques. Additional seed pixels are then identified by applying a local attention threshold to pixels within a predetermined distance to previously identified spots. The local attention threshold disclosed is less selective for pixels which are closer to the nearest spot than for pixels which are further from the nearest spot. The new seed pixels are then segmented into spots, and potential abnormalities are identified in the medical image based in part on the closeness of the identified spots.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.