Automated computer tomography image analysis using contour map topology

The topology of a discrete contour map exactly representing a digital image provides a simple structural organization for image recognition. Success was achieved at algorithmic identification of normal anatomy and tumor in X-ray computed tomography of the brain. Image analysis using contour map topology identifies only those image brightness thresholds having significance for object segmentation. The computer selected contour lines correspond exactly to the sketch that a physician would draw to depict the image.