Patent ID: 8111895
Filing Date: 2012-02-07
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
1. A method of local image enhancement, the method comprising: acquiring a native x-ray image; generating a subtracted image by subtracting a mask image from the native x-ray image; determining a localized portion less than the whole of the generated subtracted x-ray image that is non-object specific and has a high x-ray absorption as a function of an x-ray absorption associated with either the native or the mask image used to generate the subtracted x-ray image, said high x-ray absorption being due at least in part to bone structure; and altering one or more characteristics including at least one of, (a) contrast, (b) brightness and (c) sharpness of image pixel data comprising the localized portion of the subtracted x-ray image to compensate for the high absorption such that visibility of an interventional object or an area of a vessel as shown in the subtracted x-ray image is enhanced and exclusively of altering a characteristic of a remainder portion of the subtracted x-ray image.