The influence of software filtering in digital mammography image quality

Abstract

Breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers among women. Several techniques have been developed to help in the early detection of breast cancer such as conventional and digital x-ray mammography, positron and single-photon emission mammography, etc. A key advantage in digital mammography is that images can be manipulated as simple computer image files. Thus non-dedicated commercially available image manipulation software can be employed to process and store the images. The image processing tools of the Photoshop (CS 2) software usually incorporate digital filters which may be used to reduce image noise, enhance contrast and increase spatial resolution. However, improving an image quality parameter may result in degradation of another. The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of three sharpening filters, named hereafter sharpen, sharpen more and sharpen edges on image resolution and noise. Image resolution was assessed by means of the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF).In conclusion it was found that the correct use of commercial non-dedicated software on digital mammograms may improve some aspects of image quality.

Examining the Spatial Frequency Components of a Digital Dental Detector

“…It is of interest to notice however that the resulted images were in 'for presentation' mode, which includes the effect of the software bit manipulation of the detector. Thus NNPS evaluation included the effects of signal processing algorithms [9,10]. …”

Figure of Image Quality and Information Capacity in Digital Mammography

“… Comparison of the MTFs of the raw, “fine view” processed, and “filtered” image data (data obtained from [ 7 ]). …”

“…), which may help the radiologist to better visualize anatomical structures of the breast. Postprocessing techniques may be available in dedicated or general use available software packages [ 2 – 7 ]. General Electric has developed dedicated software named “Fine View” and “Premium View” (GE Healthcare Milwaukee, WI) to restore the loss in spatial resolution [ 8 ].…”

Dual energy subtraction method for breast calcification imaging

“…An approximation to monoenergetic beams was followed using polyenergetic X-ray spectra under K-edge filtration [29], [30], [31] and [32]. [34] and [35]. This scintillator was selected due to its higher detective quantum efficiency (DQE) compared to other scintillators [34], [35] and [36].…”

“…[34] and [35]. This scintillator was selected due to its higher detective quantum efficiency (DQE) compared to other scintillators [34], [35] and [36]. The source-to-detector distance (SDD) was set at 66 cm and no antiscatter grid was used during image acquisitions.…”