US 8,805,049 B2 · Reducing false positives in computer-aided detection

Abstract

Methods, systems, and related computer program products for computer-aided detection (CAD) of anatomical abnormalities in digital (or digitized) x-ray mammograms are described. The inventive techniques are based on using a foundational CAD processing algorithm that is characterized by at least one of non-shift-invariance, non-rotational-invariance, and non-inversional-invariance. According to one preferred embodiment, a first x-ray mammogram image of a breast is received, and at least one altered version thereof is generated that differs therefrom by at least one of image shift, image rotation, and image inversion. The first x-ray mammogram image and each of the at least one altered versions thereof are individually processed using the foundational CAD algorithm to generate a respective plurality of individual CAD detection sets. The plurality of CAD detection sets are then compared to generate an overall CAD detection set.

Claims16

Dependent claims

A method for computer-aided detection (CAD) of anatomical abnormalities in x-ray mammograms based on a foundational CAD processing algorithm, the foundational CAD processing algorithm being characterized by at least one of non-shift-invariance, non-rotational-invariance, and non-inversional-invariance, the method comprising:

receiving a first x-ray mammogram image of a breast in digital form;
processing by digital computer the first x-ray mammogram image to generate at least one altered version thereof that differs therefrom by at least one of image shift, image rotation, and image inversion;
individually processing the first x-ray mammogram image and each of the at least one altered versions using the foundational CAD algorithm to generate a respective plurality of individual CAD detection sets;
and
comparing the plurality of CAD detection sets to generate an overall CAD detection set for the first x-ray mammogram image,
wherein the foundational CAD algorithm is non-deformation-invariant in at least one direction.

3 more elements

A method for computer-aided detection (CAD) of anatomical abnormalities in x-ray mammograms based on a foundational CAD processing algorithm, the foundational CAD processing algorithm being characterized by non-shift-invariance, nonrotational-invariance, and non-inversional-invariance, the method comprising:

receiving a first x-ray mammogram image of a breast in digital form;
processing by digital computer the first x-ray mammogram image to generate a plurality of altered versions thereof including at least one spatially inverted version thereof, at least one rotated version thereof, and at least one shifted version thereof;
individually processing the first x-ray mammogram image and each of the plurality of altered versions using the foundational CAD algorithm to generate a respective plurality of individual CAD detection sets;
and
comparing the plurality of CAD detection sets to generate an overall CAD detection set for the first x-ray mammogram image.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Reducing false positives in computer-aided detection

Life of this patent

Reducing false positives in computer-aided detection

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16