Automated segmentation method for 3-dimensional ultrasound
AssigneeThe John P. Roberts Research Institute
InventorsAbir Zahalka, Aaron Fenster
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Abstract
An ultrasound segmentation method comprising the steps of automated initial contour identification, followed by application of a geometrically deformable model (GDM). The formation of the initial contours involves the input of a single seed point by the user, and has been found to be insensitive to the placement of the seed within a structure. The GDM minimizes contour energy, providing a smoothed final result, with only three simple parameters being required as easily selectable input values.
Claims10
An automated segmentation method for generating a surface contour from an ultrasound image of a fluid-filled region, comprising the steps of:
- a) identifying an initial contour by
- (i) specifying a single seed point approximately centrally in said ultrasound image of said fluid-filled region;
- (ii) extending a plurality of radial lines from said single seed point, each of said radial lines being characterized by an intensity profile derived from said image;
- (iii) performing a threshold analysis of said intensity profile for each of said radial lines and in response selecting a plurality of initial boundary point candidates along respective ones of said radial lines;
- (iv) comparing respective ones of said plurality of initial boundary point candidates along respective ones of said radial lines with further initial boundary point candidates along adjacent radial lines and selecting from among said plurality of initial boundary point candidates one boundary point per radial line which is continuous with said further initial boundary point candidates along said adjacent radial lines, whereby said initial contour is identified as a set of selected boundary points connected by respective edges;
- and
- b) applying a geometrically deformable model to said initial contour for smoothing said edges and thereby generating said surface contour.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.