Patent ID: 6512854
Filing Date: 2003-01-28
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
A method for adaptively altering pixel display values in an ultrasound system in accord with variations in signal to noise, comprising the steps of:a) deriving a first regional value for each subject pixel of an image, by taking into account values of a neighborhood of pixels including each said subject pixel; b) comparing said first regional value derived for each said subject pixel to a first threshold value related to noise and assigning each said subject pixel a classification as a tentative signal pixel if said regional value equals or exceeds said first threshold value, any pixel value not so classified considered a tentative noise pixel; c) for each subject pixel of said image, assessing a relationship within a second region about said each subject pixel, of tentatively classified signal pixels and noise pixels so as to achieve an improved classification of said each subject pixel; d) altering values of at least some of said subject pixels assigned a classification in step c) to improve a display of an image derived from said pixels.