Optical fourier systems and methods for medical image processing
US7508966B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 10, 2003 |
| Grant date | Mar 24, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 6, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06V10/88
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A preferred embodiment optical system for processing a medical image includes an input image, a light source emitting a light beam which is directed at the input image, a first Fourier optical transformer receiving and focusing the light beam, and at least one spatial filter disposed at a focal plane of the Fourier lens to generate a filter Fourier spectrum. The system further includes a second optical Fourier transformer receiving the filtered Fourier spectrum and generating an inverse Fourier transform that results in a processed image. The system includes an image sensor to detect the processed image and generate an electronic representation of the processed image. In an embodiment, the input image is a two-dimensional image generated by a medical imaging method such as, for example, a mammogram or an image of a Pap smear. The input image can be generated by at least one of an x-ray, magnetic resonance, computerized axial tomography and ultrasound imaging method. The light source can be a laser, such as a diode pumped laser emitting light radiation having a wavelength in the range of 300 to 800 nm.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.