Method for segmenting chest CT image data using an anatomicalmodel: preliminary results

Presents an automated, knowledge-based method for segmenting chest computed tomography (CT) datasets. Anatomical knowledge including expected volume, shape, relative position, and X-ray attenuation of organs provides feature constraints that guide the segmentation process. Knowledge is represented at a high level using an explicit anatomical model. The model is stored in a frame-based semantic network and anatomical variability is incorporated using fuzzy sets. A blackboard architecture permits the data representation and processing algorithms in the model domain to be independent of those in the image domain. Knowledge-constrained segmentation routines extract contiguous three-dimensional (3-D) sets of voxels, and their feature-space representations are posted on the blackboard. An inference engine uses fuzzy logic to match image to model objects based on the feature constraints. Strict separation of model and image domains allows for systematic extension of the knowledge base. In preliminary experiments, the method has been applied to a small number of thoracic CT datasets. Based on subjective visual assessment by experienced thoracic radiologists, basic anatomic structures such as the lungs, central tracheobronchial tree, chest wall, and mediastinum were successfully segmented. To demonstrate the extensibility of the system, knowledge was added to represent the more complex anatomy of lung lesions in contact with vessels or the chest wall. Visual inspection of these segmented lesions was also favorable. These preliminary results suggest that use of expert knowledge provides an increased level of automation compared with low-level segmentation techniques. Moreover, the knowledge-based approach may better discriminate between structures of similar attenuation and anatomic contiguity. Further validation is required     

Experimental error correction results for optical digital pulse-position modulation

Original practical and theoretical results are presented for the detection and correction of errors in a direct detection optical ( lambda =1.523 mu m) digital pulse-position modulation (digital PPM) system. These results show the degradation in system performance due to interframe interference and an original method of correcting this type of error is presented. This error correcting method was then used to enhance the performance of a Reed-Solomon (RS) coded, digital PPM system.<>     

Advanced plasma X-ray source using multi-reflecting optics: Recent results

In this paper, we described an x-ray lithography system composed with an advance high brightness metal plasma source (Z-pinch) producing about 10 J radiation per pulse and 10 mJ/cm² average x-ray power at 20 cm working distance, and an improved multi-reflecting x-ray lens with 79 mm focus distance and up to 30% transmittance having a modified construction by means of “whole body stretch” techniques. 0.3 μm resist patterns was successfully replicated in x-ray lithography.     

A practical method for position-dependent Compton-scatter correction in single photon emission CT

A new method is proposed to subtract the count of scattered photons from that acquired with a photopeak window at each pixel in each planar image of single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). The subtraction is carried out using two sets of data: one set is acquired with a main window centered at photopeak energy and the other is acquired with two subwindows on both sides of the main window. The scattered photons included in the main window are estimated from the counts acquired with the subwindows and then they are subtracted from the count acquired with the main windows. Since the subtraction is performed at each pixel in each planar image, the proposed method has the potential to be more precise than conventional methods. For three different activity distributions in cylinder phantoms, simulation tests gave good agreement between the activity distributions reconstructed from unscattered photons and those from the corrected data.     

A simple simultaneous geometric and intensity correction method for echo-planar imaging by EPI-based phase modulation

A technique, based on Echo planar imaging (EPI)-based phase modulation factor maps, is described for correction of EPI distortions resulting from field inhomogeneity. In this paper, a phase modulation factor was employed to remove the distortions. The phase modulation factor was obtained experimentally by collecting EPI images with a spin-echo (TE) spacing, deltaTE, equal to the inter-echo time interval, T(i). Then, the distortions resulting from the field inhomogeneity were removed by modulating the kappa-space data with the phase modulation factor. One of the advantages of this method is that it requires only a few extra scans to collect the information on field inhomogeneity. The proposed method does not require a phase unwrapping procedure for field inhomogeneity correction and, hence, is easier to implement, compared to other techniques. In addition, it corrects geometric distortion as well as intensity distortions simultaneously, which is robust to external noise or estimation error in severely distorted images. In this work, we also compared the proposed technique with others including, a) interpolation method with EPI-based displacement maps, and b) modulation method with phase modulation factor maps generated from spin-echo images. The results suggest the proposed technique is superior in correcting severely distorted images.     

考虑像差影响的透射式光学系统失调校正方法

随着高分辨力光学系统应用领域的不断拓展,光学元件的高精度装配要求和高精度的设计要求一样,已成为光学系统分辨力的决定性因素。现有的高斯光学校正方法仅考虑物像位置关系的调整,已不能满足光学系统的调整要求,光学仪器的调整理论需要同步发展。考虑像差对光学系统失调的影响,提出了一种基于像差理论的(透射式)光学系统失调校正方法:分析了单透镜轴向位移引起的像差变化规律,给出了像差影响系数的定义;在此基础上,通过反演计算像面位置误差和放大率误差所需的透镜调整量,数学推导出了基于像差约束条件的光学系统失调校正公式。以三透镜准直系统为例进行了仿真实验验证,证明了将像差约束引导到校正方法中,能够同时满足高斯光学特性的要求和像差增量最小的要求。     

Algorithm for X-ray Scatter, Beam-Hardening, and Beam Profile Correction in Diagnostic (Kilovoltage) and Treatment (Megavoltage) Cone Beam CT

Quantitative reconstruction of cone beam X-ray computed tomography (CT) datasets requires accurate modeling of scatter, beam-hardening, beam profile, and detector response. Typically, commercial imaging systems use fast empirical corrections that are designed to reduce visible artifacts due to incomplete modeling of the image formation process. In contrast, Monte Carlo (MC) methods are much more accurate but are relatively slow. Scatter kernel superposition (SKS) methods offer a balance between accuracy and computational practicality. We show how a single SKS algorithm can be employed to correct both kilovoltage (kV) energy (diagnostic) and megavoltage (MV) energy (treatment) X-ray images. Using MC models of kV and MV imaging systems, we map intensities recorded on an amorphous silicon flat panel detector to water-equivalent thicknesses (WETs). Scattergrams are derived from acquired projection images using scatter kernels indexed by the local WET values and are then iteratively refined using a scatter magnitude bounding scheme that allows the algorithm to accommodate the very high scatter-to-primary ratios encountered in kV imaging. The algorithm recovers radiological thicknesses to within 9% of the true value at both kV and megavolt energies. Nonuniformity in CT reconstructions of homogeneous phantoms is reduced by an average of 76% over a wide range of beam energies and phantom geometries.      

X-ray CT metal artifact reduction using wavelets: an application for imaging total hip prostheses

Traditional computed tomography (CT) reconstructions of total joint prostheses are limited by metal artifacts from corrupted projection data. Published metal artifact reduction methods are based on the assumption that severe attenuation of X-rays by prostheses renders corresponding portions of projection data unavailable, hence the "missing" data are either avoided (in iterative reconstruction) or interpolated (in filtered backprojection with data completion; typically, with filling data "gaps" via linear functions). In this paper, we propose a wavelet-based multiresolution analysis method for metal artifact reduction, in which information is extracted from corrupted projection data. The wavelet method improves image quality by a successive interpolation in the wavelet domain. Theoretical analysis and experimental results demonstrate that the metal artifacts due to both photon starving and beam hardening can be effectively suppressed using our method. As compared to the filtered backprojection after linear interpolation, the wavelet-based reconstruction is significantly more accurate for depiction of anatomical structures, especially in the immediate neighborhood of the prostheses. This superior imaging precision is highly advantageous in geometric modeling for fitting hip prostheses.     

Second-order theory for self-phase modulation and cross-phase modulation in optical fibers

The authors develop a second-order perturbation technique for the study of self-phase modulation (SPM) and cross-phase modulation (XPM) effects in optical fibers. When the dispersion distance is much shorter than the nonlinear length, it is found that the difference between the first- and second-order solution is negligible. However, as the dispersion distance increases, nonlinearity becomes a stronger perturbation, and the first-order theory is not adequate to describe the SPM effects. However, the results obtained using the second-order perturbation technique is in good agreement with numerical simulations even when the dispersion distance is longer than the nonlinear length. When pulses of different channels are copropagating in a fiber, they undergo amplitude distortion and timing shift due to XPM. The perturbation technique presented in this paper accounts for both amplitude distortion and timing shift of a pulse due to XPM.     

Atmospheric correction against algorithm for NOAA-AVHRR products:theory and application

Investigation of the effect of atmospheric constituents on NOAA Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) visible and near-infrared data is presented. The general remote sensing equation, including scattering, absorption, and bidirectional reflectance effects for the AVHRR solar bands, is described. The magnitude of the atmospheric effects for AVHRR solar bands with respect to their impact on the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the surface bidirection reflectance is examined. Possible approaches for acquiring atmospheric information are discussed, and examples of atmospheric correction of surface reflectance and NDVI are given. Invariant effects (ozone absorption and molecular scattering) and variant effects (water vapor absorption and aerosol scattering) are shown to dominate the atmospheric effects in the AVHRR solar bands     

应用Sagnac效应验证度规理论时的光束宽度修正

讨论应用Sagnac效应验证广义相对论度规理论时,由于激光光束宽度带来的修正,这问题最初由Scully提出。但他的推导有毛病,故我们重新分析了这一问题,得出在考虑光束宽度情况下,正方形环行腔的Sagnac效应修正公式。     

Combined coding and modulation: theory and applications

The theoretical aspects of the encoding process are investigated, resulting in a precise definition of linear codes together with theorems that clarify how they can be obtained. A particular subset of linear codes, called superlinear codes, for which the performance analysis is highly simplified is identified. The most relevant performance measures for the analysis of this class of codes are discussed. The minimum Euclidean distance and the event and bit error probabilities are found analytically using the uniform error property (when applicable) or variations on it. This yields accurate upper and lower bounds to the error rate at the price of reasonable computational complexity. The theory is then applied to the search for `good' codes and to their performance evaluation. The cases of 16- and 32-PSK codes, which are good candidates for use in digital satellite transmission, are considered. Several new results in terms of error event and bit error probabilities are presented, showing considerable gains in terms of SNR with respect to the uncoded case     

CT scan contrast enhancement using singular value decomposition and adaptive gamma correction

We propose in this paper a new enhancement algorithm dedicated to dark computed tomography (CT) scan based on discrete wavelet transform with singular value decomposition (DWT–SVD) followed by adaptive gamma correction (AGC). Discrete wavelet transform (DWT) is considered to decompose the input dark CT image in four sub-bands. Singular value decomposition (SVD) is used in order to compute the corresponding singular value matrix of low–low (LL) sub-band image. The enhanced LL sub-band is determined by scaling the singular value matrix of original LL sub-band by an adequate correction factor, followed by inverse SVD. For a further contrast improvement, the new enhanced LL sub-band image is processed using an AGC algorithm. Finally, the obtained LL sub-band image undergoes inverse DWT together with the unprocessed sub-bands to generate the final enhanced image. This proposed method has the advantage of being fully automatic and could be applied for dark input images with either low or moderate contrast. Different dark CT images are considered to compare the performance of our proposed method to three other enhancement techniques using both objective and subjective assessments. Simulation results show that our proposed algorithm consistently produces good contrast enhancement, with best brightness and edges details conservation and with minimum added distortions to the enhanced CT images.     

Parameter extraction and correction for transmission lines anddiscontinuities using the finite-difference time-domain method

The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method is useful for performing broadband characterization of uniform transmission lines and discontinuities. Modeling a geometry often requires the implementation of an absorbing boundary condition (ABC). When this is the case, numerical reflections from the ABC's will add significant error to the calculated transmission line or scattering (S) parameters. This paper introduces a simple post-processing algorithm for extracting these parameters and correcting for numerical reflection error. Furthermore, this method is shown to have a unique relationship to Prony's method. Practical application and limitations of this technique are also discussed. Finally, the impedance and propagation constant of a microstrip line are calculated using this method     

应用U形边框黑体光阑的三点辐射定标校正方法及其分析

红外焦平面探测器阵列由于探测器工艺、环境冲击和长时间工作等因素将引起探测器响应的漂移,很大程度影响了热成像系统的成像质量。对于红外测温热像仪来说,会大大降低其出厂定标的准确性。针对红外辐射定标,考虑到探测器响应的非线性,在前期搭建的基于U形边框黑体视场光阑的红外成像系统基础上,研究了基于U形边框黑体光阑的三点定标修正方法,并与两点辐射定标方法进行了比较。实际定标测试实验结果表明:在25~65 ℃范围内,三点定标修正后的最大绝对误差和平均误差分别为0.126 6 K和-0.048 8 K,较原始定标的结果有明显的精度提升,说明三点定标修正方法算法有效,但三点定标修正与两点定标修正的结果相差不大。因此,一般情况下两点辐射定标修正方法足以适应辐射定标应用。     

A method for throughput enhancement in Wi-Fi backscatter communications using power-level modulation

An improved data rate technology from tag to reader in Wi-Fi backscatter systems is proposed. The proposed system applies a power-level modulation to the conventional backscatter communication system. This technology can improve the data rate dramatically. It also adopts the Euclidean distance evaluation during demodulation, which looks for the most similar signal to enhance the BER performance. We analyze the error performance of the proposed decoding method, and the numerical results are presented. The power level is formed ranging from 2-level to 8-level. The performance of the detecting algorithm is compared to the conventional system, which utilizes the received power of selected sub-carriers.     

Investigation of intraoperative brain deformation using a 1.5-Tinterventional MR system: preliminary results

All image-guided neurosurgical systems that the authors are aware of assume that the head and its contents behave as a rigid body. It is important to measure intraoperative brain deformation (brain shift) to provide some indication of the application accuracy of image-guided surgical systems, and also to provide data to develop and validate nonrigid registration algorithms to correct for such deformation. The authors are collecting data from patients undergoing neurosurgery in a high-field (1.5 T) interventional magnetic resonance (MR) scanner. High-contrast and high-resolution gradient-echo MR image volumes are collected immediately prior to surgery, during surgery, and at the end of surgery, with the patient intubated and lying on the operating table in the operative position. Here, the authors report initial results from six patients: one freehand biopsy, one stereotactic functional procedure, and four resections. The authors investigate intraoperative brain deformation by examining threshold boundary overlays and difference images and by measuring ventricular volume. They also present preliminary results obtained using a nonrigid registration algorithm to quantify deformation. They found that some cases had much greater deformation than others, and also that, regardless of the procedure, there was very little deformation of the midline, the tentorium, the hemisphere contralateral to the procedure, and ipsilateral structures except those that are within 1 cm of the lesion or are gravitationally above the surgical site     

Prostate cryotherapy monitoring using vibroacoustography: preliminary results of an ex vivo study and technical feasibility

The objective of this research is to prospectively evaluate the feasibility of vibroacoustography (VA) imaging in monitoring prostate cryotherapy in an ex vivo model. Baseline scanning of an excised human prostate is accomplished by a VA system apparatus in a tank of degassed water. Alcohol and dry ice mixture are used to freeze two prostate tissue samples. The frozen prostates are subsequently placed within the water tank at 27$^circ$C and rescanned. VA images were acquired at prescribed time intervals to characterize the acoustic properties of the partially frozen tissue. The frozen prostate tissue appears in the images as hypoemitting signal. Once the tissue thaws, previously frozen regions show coarser texture than prior to freezing. The margin of the frozen tissue is delineated with a well-defined rim. The thawed cryolesions show a different contrast compared with normal unfrozen prostate. In conclusion, this pilot study shows that VA produces clear images of a frozen prostate at different temperature stages. The frozen tissue appears as a uniform region with well-defined borders that are readily identified. These characteristic images should allow safer and more efficient application of prostatic cryosurgery. These results provide substantial motivation to further investigate VA as a potential modality to monitor prostate cryotherapy intraoperatively.      

Reconstruction algorithm for polychromatic CT imaging: application to beam hardening correction

This paper presents a new reconstruction algorithm for both single- and dual-energy computed tomography (CT) imaging. By incorporating the polychromatic characteristics of the X-ray beam into the reconstruction process, the algorithm is capable of eliminating beam hardening artifacts. The single energy version of the algorithm assumes that each voxel in the scan field can be expressed as a mixture of two known substances, for example, a mixture of trabecular bone and marrow, or a mixture of fat and flesh. These assumptions are easily satisfied in a quantitative computed tomography (QCT) setting. The authors have compared their algorithm to three commonly used single-energy correction techniques. Experimental results show that their algorithm is much more robust and accurate. The authors have also shown that QCT measurements obtained using their algorithm are five times more accurate than that from current QCT systems (using calibration). The dual-energy mode does not require any prior knowledge of the object in the scan field, and can be used to estimate the attenuation coefficient function of unknown materials. The authors have tested the dual-energy setup to obtain an accurate estimate for the attenuation coefficient function of K₂ HPO₄ solution     

Adaptive coding and modulation for satellite broadband networks: From theory to practice

This paper presents the detailed design and the key system performance results of a comprehensive laboratory demonstrator for a broadband Ka‐band multi‐beam satellite system exploiting the new DVB‐S2 standard with adaptive coding and modulation (ACM). This complete demonstrator allows in‐depth verification and optimization of the ACM techniques applied to large satellite broadband networks, as well as complementing and confirming the more theoretical or simulation‐based findings published so far. It is demonstrated that few ACM configurations (in terms of modulation and coding) are able to efficiently cope with a typical Ka‐band multi‐beam satellite system with negligible capacity loss. It is also demonstrated that the exploitation of ACM thresholds with hysteresis represents the most reliable way to adapt the physical layer configuration to the spatial and time variability of the channel conditions while avoiding too many physical layer configuration changes. Simple ACM adaptation techniques, readily implementable over large‐scale networks, are shown to perform very well, fulfilling the target packet‐error rate requirements even in the presence of deep fading conditions. The impact of carrier phase noise and satellite nonlinearity has also been measured. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.