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Abstract

A plurality of images of a common object acquired by ultrasound echo imaging, such as echocardiography, are combined. In respect of each image, a monogenic signal is derived and used to derive, in respect of each pixel, feature measures being measures of phase congruency feature, and alignment measures being measures of the degree of alignment between the normal to said phase congruency feature and the analysis beam. In respect of each pixel, there are derived relative weights for the plurality of images in correspondence with the feature measures for the plurality of images in respect of the corresponding pixel, taking into account the alignment measures for the plurality of images. A combined image is produced by combining the corresponding pixels of each image in accordance with the determined relative weights. By use of the image content, in particular the feature measures and the alignment measures, the images having a better definition of features in any given area predominate in the combined image so that the overall information content is improved.

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First Claim