Patent ID: 8401258
Filing Date: 2013-03-19
Classification: A61B,G06K,G06T

Abstract:
1. A method to provide automated quality feedback to imaging devices to achieve archive-quality standardized image data for use in electronic medical records and in computer-aided diagnostic (CAD) systems, comprising: collecting two versions of a raw image from live video during examination with a digital imager, wherein a first version of said raw image is created by illuminating a field of view with a light source having a first polarization orientation and viewing said field of view with a detector through a polarized filter having a second polarization orientation, wherein said first polarization orientation is substantially perpendicular to said second polarization orientation, to produce a cross-polarized image of said field of view, and wherein a second version of said raw image is produced when said second polarization orientation is substantially parallel to said first polarization orientation, to produce a parallel-polarized image of said field of view; wherein both of said images of said field of view are substantially co-registered, whereby they both have substantially the same borders, each border having a border length and a border width, defining an area within said borders, and a center; locating a region of interest on said cross-polarized image using an image classification algorithm, wherein said image classification algorithm comprises: performing contrast maximization by signal assessment and exposure time adjustment to said cross-polarized image and said parallel-polarized image; applying composition analysis to said cross-polarized image to ensure said region of interest is centered within said cross-polarized image; determining an assessment status of said contrast maximization and said composition analysis, wherein said assessment status is reported as either a Boolean variable of good or bad; if said status is bad, repeating said collecting of two versions of a raw image, said locating a region of interest, said performing contrast maximization and said composition analysis; and if said status is good, collecting a high-resolution cross-polarized still image and a high-resolution parallel-polarized still image.