Method for detecting shapes in medical images

Abstract

A computer-implemented method for automatically detecting shapes in a medical image is provided. The method is based on the concept that normals to a surface intersect or nearly intersect with neighboring normals depending on the curvature features of the surface. The method first locates a surface in a medical image after which normal vectors are generated to the located surface. Then the method identifies at least one intersection and/or near intersection of the normal vectors. The key idea is that the number of intersections identifies shapes such as potential malignant candidates. The method also includes the step of scaling normal vectors to provide additional robustness to the shape detection. The method eliminates viewing of large segments of images, thereby markedly shortening interpretation time and improving accuracy of detection. It also provides for an early detection of precancerous growths so that they can be removed before evolving into a frank malignancy.

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