Method and apparatus for analysing ultrasound images
First Claim
1. A method of improving an image by transforming an intensity histogram thereof, the method comprising operating a data processor for performing the following steps:
- (a) fitting the intensity histogram to a sum of a plurality of localized functions;
(b) using said plurality of localized functions to define a plurality of localized intensity histograms;
(c) for each localized intensity histogram, performing at least one image enhancement procedure, thereby providing a plurality of improved localized intensity histograms; and
(d) combining said plurality of improved localized intensity histograms, thereby transforming the intensity histogram of the image.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method of improving an image or a set of images, by transforming an intensity histogram thereof is disclosed. The method comprises: (a) fitting the intensity histogram to a sum of a plurality of localized functions; (b) using the plurality of localized functions to define a plurality of localized intensity histograms; (c) for each localized intensity histogram, performing at least one image enhancement procedure, thereby providing a plurality of improved localized intensity histograms; and (d) combining the plurality of improved localized intensity histograms, thereby transforming the intensity histogram of the image. In various exemplary embodiments, the method further comprises detecting clutter and/or an outline of at least one region in the image or set of images.
-
Citations
41 Claims
-
1. A method of improving an image by transforming an intensity histogram thereof, the method comprising operating a data processor for performing the following steps:
-
(a) fitting the intensity histogram to a sum of a plurality of localized functions; (b) using said plurality of localized functions to define a plurality of localized intensity histograms; (c) for each localized intensity histogram, performing at least one image enhancement procedure, thereby providing a plurality of improved localized intensity histograms; and (d) combining said plurality of improved localized intensity histograms, thereby transforming the intensity histogram of the image. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 38)
-
-
11. A method of outlining at least one region in a set of images arranged grid-wise in a plurality of picture-elements, each image being represented by a plurality of intensity values over the grid and characterized by an intensity histogram, the method comprising operating a data processor for performing the following steps:
-
(a) calculating a set-averaged intensity value for each picture-element, thereby providing an average intensity matrix having a plurality of matrix-elements, and constructing a first intensity histogram characterizing said average intensity matrix; (b) fitting said first intensity histogram to a sum of a plurality of localized functions, so as to provide at least one intensity threshold, each intensity threshold of said at least one intensity threshold being defined as an intersection point between two localized functions of said plurality of localized functions; (c) for each intensity threshold of said at least one intensity threshold, applying a thresholding procedure to the set of images in a Boolean manner, so as to construct at least one binary matrix having a plurality of binary-valued matrix-elements; and (d) for each binary matrix of said at least one binary matrix, clustering said binary matrix, so as to obtain at least one cluster of matrix-elements having a predetermined polarity, and marking picture-elements corresponding to at least a portion of matrix-elements enveloping said at least one cluster as outlining picture-elements; thereby outlining the at least one region. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 39)
-
-
18. An apparatus for improving an image by transforming an intensity histogram thereof, the apparatus comprising a computer-readable medium storing a program for causing a data processor to execute:
-
a fitter, for fitting the intensity histogram to a sum of a plurality of localized functions; a histogram definer, for defining a plurality of localized intensity histograms using said plurality of localized functions; and a histogram transformer, supplemented by an algorithm for performing at least one image enhancement procedure, for enhancing each localized intensity histogram, thereby to provide a plurality of improved localized intensity histograms, and combining said plurality of improved localized intensity histograms. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 40)
-
-
30. An apparatus for outlining at least one region in a set of images arranged grid-wise in a plurality of picture-elements, each image being represented by a plurality of intensity values over the grid and characterized by an intensity histogram, the apparatus comprising a computer-readable medium storing a program for causing a data processor to execute:
-
a histogram constructor, for constructing a first intensity histogram characterizing the set of images; a fitter, for fitting said first intensity histogram to a sum of a plurality of localized functions; an intensity threshold calculator, for calculating at least one intensity threshold, each intensity threshold of said at least one intensity threshold being defined as an intersection point between two localized functions of said plurality of localized functions; a thresholding unit, for applying a thresholding procedure to the set of images in a Boolean manner using each intensity threshold of said at least one intensity threshold, such that at least one binary matrix having a plurality of binary-valued matrix-elements is constructed; and a clustering unit, for clustering each binary matrix of said at least one binary matrix, so as to obtain at least one cluster of matrix-elements having a predetermined polarity, said clustering unit being operable to mark picture-elements corresponding to at least a portion of matrix-elements enveloping said at least one cluster as outlining picture-elements. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 41)
-
Specification