Patent ID: 7203349
Filing Date: 2007-04-10
Classification: G06T,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method for automatically reducing false-positive nodule candidates associated with airways, the method comprising: receiving a nodule candidate; testing for airway cavities connected to said candidate; and recognizing said candidate as a false-positive nodule candidate if it is connected to an airway cavity, wherein said testing comprises: perpendicular testing for airways that are relatively perpendicular to an examination plane; and parallel testing for airways that are relatively parallel to an examination plane, wherein said perpendicular testing comprises: defining a region of interest comprising the nodule candidate; thresholding the pixels within the region of interest; connecting the thresholded pixels corresponding to a potential airway cavity; and performing compactness and area tests on the potential airway cavity and classifying the candidate as true if an airway having sufficient compactness and area is not detected.