Appeal No. 1999-0490
Application 08/335,917
density values for visualization of the image. The invention
is particularly directed to the manner in which the density of
low density areas in a diagnostically irrelevant zone in the
image are enhanced.
Representative claim 1 is reproduced as follows:
A method of processing an image in a radiographic imaging
system wherein an electric signal representation of said image
is mapped to density values for visualization as a hard or a
soft copy image characterized in that the density of low
density area in a diagnostically irrelevant zone in the image
is enhanced and image structure in said zone is kept visible,
by converting in said diagnostically irrelevant zone of the
image pixels located at position (x,y) according to a
conversion function
g(x,y) = a.f(x,y) + (1-a).f wherein f(x,y) is the signal
max
value before conversion of a pixel located at position (x,y),
a is a value between zero and one, and f is equal to the
max
maximum of values f(x,y), prior to being subjected to mapping
into density values.
The examiner relies on the following references:
Steele et al. (Steele) 4,803,639 Feb. 07, 1989
Vuylsteke et al. (Vuylsteke) 5,467,404 Nov. 14, 1995
(filed Aug. 03,
1992)
Claims 1-16 stand rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103. As
evidence of obviousness the examiner offers Vuylsteke in view
of Steele.
Rather than repeat the arguments of appellant or the
examiner, we make reference to the briefs and the answer for
-2-
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Next
Last modified: November 3, 2007