Method and apparatus of using probabilistic atlas for feature removal/positioning

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses process images. The method according to one embodiment accesses digital image data representing an image including an object; accesses reference data including a shape model relating to shape variation of objects from a baseline object, the objects and the baseline object being from a class of the object; and removes from the image an element not related to the object, by representing a shape of the object using the shape model.

1 . An image processing method, said method comprising:
 accessing digital image data representing an object;   accessing reference data including
 a baseline object including an element, and 
 a shape model relating to shape variation from said baseline object; and 
   determining location of said element in said object, said determining step including
 generating a correspondence between a geometric part associated with said baseline object and a geometric part associated with said object, by representing a shape of said object using said shape model, to obtain a registered shape, and 
 mapping said element from said baseline object onto said registered shape using said correspondence. 
   
     
     
         2 . The image processing method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein
 said shape model includes deformation modes to describe shape deformation between said shape of said object and said baseline object, and   said generating sub-step represents said shape of said object using said shape model by fitting said shape of said object using combinations of said deformation modes.   
     
     
         3 . The image processing method as recited in  claim 2 , wherein said generating sub-step fits said shape of said object to linear combinations of said deformation modes, by optimizing linear coefficients for said deformation modes. 
     
     
         4 . The image processing method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said object is a breast, and said element is a nipple of said breast. 
     
     
         5 . The image processing method as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 training using a plurality of training objects to generate said baseline object and said shape model, said training step including
 generating said baseline object by aligning shapes of said plurality of training objects using centers of mass of said plurality of training objects, and 
 determining deformation modes using Principal Component Analysis, to describe shape deformations between said shapes of said plurality of training objects and said baseline object. 
   
     
     
         6 . The image processing method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said generating step includes
 triangulating said registered shape using center of mass and edge points of said registered shape to obtain a plurality of triangles, and
 generating said correspondence between said plurality of triangles and a plurality of baseline triangles in said baseline object. 
   
     
     
         7 . An image processing apparatus, said apparatus comprising:
 an image data input unit for providing digital image data representing an object;   a reference data unit for providing reference data including
 a baseline object including an element, and 
 a shape model relating to shape variation from said baseline object; and 
   an element detection unit for determining location of said element in said object, said element detection unit determining location by
 generating a correspondence between a geometric part associated with said baseline object and a geometric part associated with said object, by representing a shape of said object using said shape model, to obtain a registered shape, and 
 mapping said element from said baseline object onto said registered shape using said correspondence. 
   
     
     
         8 . The apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein
 said shape model includes deformation modes to describe shape deformation between said shape of said object and said baseline object, and   said element detection unit represents said shape of said object using said shape model by fitting said shape of said object using combinations of said deformation modes.   
     
     
         9 . The apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein said element detection unit fits said shape of said object to linear combinations of said deformation modes, by optimizing linear coefficients for said deformation modes. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein said object is a breast, and said element is a nipple of said breast. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus according to  claim 7 , further comprising:
 a training unit for training using a plurality of training objects to generate said baseline object and said shape model, said training unit training by
 generating said baseline object by aligning shapes of said plurality of training objects using centers of mass of said plurality of training objects, and 
 determining deformation modes using Principal Component Analysis, to describe shape deformations between said shapes of said plurality of training objects and said baseline object. 
   
     
     
         12 . The apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein said element detection unit generating said correspondence by
 triangulating said registered shape using center of mass and edge points of said registered shape to obtain a plurality of triangles, and   generating said correspondence between said plurality of triangles and a plurality of baseline triangles in said baseline object.