Method for processing findings entered in a mammogram
Inventors
Heinlein, Peter • Blumenthal, Marco • Dima, Anca
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-7916914-B2
Publication Date
2011-03-29
Expiration Date
Abstract
A method for processing findings entered in a mammogram. A digital mammogram is displayed via an evaluation device. Via an input device the findings are entered directly into the displayed mammogram and are automatically transferred from the mammogram into a findings input mask. To transfer the findings from the mammogram into the findings input mask, a contour line of an object area surrounding an object of the mammogram is determined. An object area of the mammogram is divided into two partial areas. Each partial area is imaged onto an allocated mask region of the findings input mask. The entered findings are allocated to one of the partial areas and are transferred into the findings input mask with reference to the allocated partial area. In this manner, a location of findings entered in a mammogram relative to the nipple can reliably be determined and transferred into a findings input mask.
Core Innovation
A mammography findings-processing method is described in which a digital mammogram is displayed via an evaluation device, and findings are entered directly into the displayed mammogram by means of an input device. The entered findings are automatically transferred from the mammogram into a standardized findings input mask based on determining a contour line of an object area surrounding an object in the mammogram.
The object area is divided into two partial areas, and each partial area is imaged onto an allocated mask region of the findings input mask. The entered findings are allocated to one of the partial areas, so that their above/below/right/left relationship to the nipple remains unambiguous, and the transferred findings are referenced to the allocated partial area when converting and storing the localization information.
The division uses a nipple line through the nipple, separating continuous partial areas. The nipple position can be determined automatically, and the nipple line can be optionally adjusted interactively during input. Coordinates can then be converted into a clock time model and used for structured storage/display in a structured text report.
Claims Coverage
The partial content includes one independent claim (clm-00001) and dependent claims (clm-00002 through clm-00009). The core inventive coverage is centered on contouring an object area, dividing it into two partial areas, mapping each partial area to allocated mask regions, and allocating entered findings based on the selected partial area during automatic transfer into a findings input mask.
Automatic transfer of entered mammogram findings into a findings input mask using object-area contouring
A method for processing findings entered in a mammogram that displays a digital mammogram and receives findings entered directly into the displayed mammogram, and automatically transfers the findings into a findings input mask with reference to a contour line of an object area surrounding an object in the mammogram.
Division of the object area into two partial areas for unambiguous nipple-referenced localization
Transferring the findings into the findings input mask comprises dividing the object area of the mammogram into two partial areas and allocating the entered findings to one of the partial areas so the transferred findings are referenced to the allocated partial area.
Imaging partial areas onto allocated mask regions in the findings input mask
Transferring the findings into the findings input mask comprises imaging each object area onto an allocated mask region of the findings input mask so that each partial area corresponds to a region in the findings input mask for subsequent transfer.
Clock-time transformation of findings coordinates for structured localization output
A further refinement includes transforming the coordinates of the findings into a clock-time model and outputting the findings' coordinates using that clock-time model.
Across the independent claim and its dependents, the inventive coverage is the contour-based division of the object area into two partial areas, mapping each partial area onto allocated mask regions, allocating entered findings to the appropriate partial area for automatic transfer into a findings input mask, and transforming findings coordinates into a clock-time model for structured output.
Stated Advantages
Ensures that the above/below/right/left relationship to the nipple remains unambiguous before converting coordinates into a clock-time model for structured storage/display.
Avoids discontinuities in a clock-time localization model.
Enables automatic nipple position determination and supports optional interactive adjustment of the nipple line.
Documented Applications
Used for structured storage/display of mammography findings via a findings input mask and a clock-time localization model for output in a structured text report.
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