Method and apparatus for automated detection of masses in digital mammograms
US6301378A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 3, 1997 |
| Grant date | Oct 9, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 3, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06T2207/30068
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for the automated detection of masses in a digital mammogram, the method for use in a computer aided diagnosis system for assisting a radiologist in identifying and recognizing suspicious portions of the digital mammogram. A gradient image is created from the digital mammogram, and information in the gradient image is processed for identifying masses. In a preferred embodiment, a portion of a spiculation detection algorithm is applied to the gradient image for identifying masses. The spiculation detection algorithm comprises a line detection portion and a post-line detection portion, and it is the post-line detection portion which is applied to the gradient image for identifying masses. Advantageously, computer programs which have already been written for spiculation detection may, with minor modifications, be ported into mass detection programs.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.