Application of a conditional digital erosion operator in automated segmentation of the anatomy in MR images of the lower spine

Dennis P. Pfeifer; Michael P. Chwialkowski; Peter E. Shile; Robert W. Parkey; Ronald M. Peshock M.D.

doi:10.1117/12.23587

1 November 1990 Application of a conditional digital erosion operator in automated segmentation of the anatomy in MR images of the lower spine

Dennis P. Pfeifer, Michael P. Chwialkowski, Peter E. Shile, Robert W. Parkey, Ronald M. Peshock M.D.

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 1350, Image Algebra and Morphological Image Processing; (1990) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.23587
Event: 34th Annual International Technical Symposium on Optical and Optoelectronic Applied Science and Engineering, 1990, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

In binary image processing digital erosion has been used successfully for the removal of small sporadic elements from images at the sacrifice of losing edge detail in objects of interest. Typically an erosion operation is followed by a dilation process generating the familiar opening operation. This step which attempts to restore the original edge information works well in many applications where the edge detail of the original object is unimportant. In this paper a conditional digital erosion operation designed specifically for the processing of inherently noisy magnetic resonance (MR) images of the lower spine is presented. This operation in essence preforms a test for the removal of entire objects prior to the erosion. The method was applied to edge enhanced images and resulted in the elimination of edges of insufficient span regardless of their thickness or absolute length. The developed method has proven useful for the removal of sporadic noise and the retention of small anatomic edge boundaries in edge enhanced MR images of the lower spine. The results of images processed with the operator favorably compare with those obtained from morphological (Minkowski) open and close operations.

Citation Download Citation

Dennis P. Pfeifer, Michael P. Chwialkowski, Peter E. Shile, Robert W. Parkey, and Ronald M. Peshock M.D. "Application of a conditional digital erosion operator in automated segmentation of the anatomy in MR images of the lower spine", Proc. SPIE 1350, Image Algebra and Morphological Image Processing, (1 November 1990); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.23587

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available