Localization of nodules in a radiographic image
A method for determining a location of an object in a radiographic image by segmentation of a region in the image comprises the steps of: determining a first image intensity that is characteristic of high image intensities in the region; determining a second image intensity that is characteristic of low image intensities outside of the region; and determining if a pixel is added to or removed from the region based on the similarity of the pixel's intensity to the first and second intensity.
1. A method of determining a location of an object in a radiographic image by segmentation of a region in the image comprising the steps of:
determining, from memory storing the image, a first image intensity in said region, wherein said first image intensity is a maximum intensity of said region;
determining a second image intensity outside of said region, wherein said second image intensity is a minimum intensity outside of said region;
determining if a pixel is added to or removed from said region based on a similarity of an intensity of said pixel to said first and second intensities; and
using contrast energy, modifying a contour of said region to selectively include the pixel within the region based on the determining if a pixel is added to or removed from said region.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said object is a nodule.
3. The method of claim 2 object is a pulmonary nodule.
4. The method of claim 2 wherein an application of therapeutic radiation to said nodule is modified based on a characteristic of said region.
5. A method of determining a location of an object in a radiographic image by segmentation of a region in the image comprising the steps of:
determining, from memory storing the image, an aim point in said region, wherein said aim point is located at a point in said region with maximum intensity;
identifying an image pixel outside of said region;
determining a direction from said image pixel to said aim point;
determining an image intensity gradient direction at said image pixel;
determining if said image pixel is added to or removed from said region based on a comparison of said direction from said image pixel to said aim point and said image intensity gradient direction; and
using contrast energy, modifying a contour of said region to selectively include the pixel within the region based on the determining if a pixel is added to or removed from said region.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein said object is a nodule.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein said object is a pulmonary nodule.
8. The method of claim 6 wherein an application of therapeutic radiation to said nodule is modified based on a characteristic of said region.
9. The method of claim 5 wherein said point in said region with maximum intensity is a center of the region.