Method for displaying temporal changes in spatially matched images

A temporal image processing method comprising:

• scanning an object and generating a first image signal and a second image signal therefrom;
• receiving said first image signal and said second image signal in a registration module;
• registering at least one region of interest of said first image signal and said second image signal such that at least one cost signal is generated;
• generating a confidence map from said cost signal thereby enhancing a temporal change contrast between said first image signal and said second image signal;
• and
• generating at least one distinguishing characteristic between a contrast of temporal changes between said first image signal and said second image signal and a contrast resultant from at least one misregistration.

A temporal image processing system comprising:

• a scanning unit adapted to scan an object and generate a first image signal and a second image signal of said object;
• and
• an image controller coupled to said scanning unit and adapted to receive said first image signal and said second image signal,
• said image controller comprising a temporal processing controller adapted to receive said first image signal and said second image signal in a registration module, register at least one region of interest of said first image signal and said second image signal such that at least one cost signal is generated,
• generate a confidence map from said cost signal thereby enhancing a temporal change contrast between said first image signal and said second image signal,
• and generate at least one distinguishing characteristic between a contrast of temporal changes between said first image signal and said second image signal and a contrast resultant from at least one misregistration.