A representation for mammographic image processing

Abstract

We propose that mammographic image processing should be performed on what we term the hint representation. hint is the thickness of non-fat or “interesting” tissue between each pixel and the x-ray source. This representation allows simulation of any projective x-ray examination and we show simulations of the appearances of anatomical structures within the breast. We follow this with a comparison between the hint representation and conventional representations from the point of view of invariance to imaging conditions and surrounding tissue. Initial results suggest that image analysis will be more robust when specific consideration is taken of the imaging process and the hint representation is used.