Method and apparatus for enhancing representations of micro-calcifications in a digital mammogram image

摘要

Method and apparatus for enhancing representations of micro-calcifications in a digital mammogram image. The method includes smoothing the digital mammogram image using a fuzzy smoothing technique to yield a fuzzy smoothed image. The method includes subtracting the fuzzy smoothed image from the digital mammogram image to yield a micro-calcifications enhanced image. The method includes scaling gray level values of pixels in the micro-calcifications enhanced image by a predetermined amount to provide a digital mammogram image with enhanced representations of the micro-calcifications. Apparatus for enhancing representations of micro-calcifications includes an image processing unit that uses an image acquisition unit to receive an image and a digital signal processor to process the image to provide a digital mammogram image with enhanced representations of micro-calcifications.