All issues

The article deals with the development of the noise-reduction algorithm based on anisotropic nonlinear data filtering of computed tomography (CT). Analysis of domestic and foreign literature has shown that the most effective algorithms for noise reduction of CT data use complex methods for analyzing and processing data, such as bilateral, adaptive, three-dimensional and other types of filtrations. However, a combination of such techniques is rarely used in practice due to long processing time per slice. In this regard, it was decided to develop an efficient and fast algorithm for noise-reduction based on simplified bilateral filtration method with three-dimensional data accumulation. The algorithm was developed on C ++11 programming language in Microsoft Visual Studio 2015. The main difference of the developed noise reduction algorithm is the use an improved mathematical model of CT noise, based on the distribution of Poisson and Gauss from the logarithmic value, developed earlier by our team. This allows a more accurate determination of the noise level and, thus, the threshold of data processing. As the result of the noise reduction algorithm, processed CT data with lower noise level were obtained. Visual evaluation of the data showed the increased information content of the processed data, compared to original data, the clarity of the mapping of homogeneous regions, and a significant reduction in noise in processing areas. Assessing the numerical results of the algorithm showed a decrease in the standard deviation (SD) level by more than 6 times in the processed areas, and high rates of the determination coefficient showed that the data were not distorted and changed only due to the removal of noise. Usage of newly developed context dynamic threshold made it possible to decrease SD level on every area of data. The main difference of the developed threshold is its simplicity and speed, achieved by preliminary estimation of the data array and derivation of the threshold values that are put in correspondence with each pixel of the CT. The principle of its work is based on threshold criteria, which fits well both into the developed noise reduction algorithm based on anisotropic nonlinear filtration, and another algorithm of noise-reduction. The algorithm successfully functions as part of the MultiVox workstation and is being prepared for implementation in a single radiological network of the city of Moscow.

In various applications, i. e., astronomical imaging, electron microscopy, and tomography, images are often damaged by Poisson noise. At the same time, the thermal motion leads to Gaussian noise. Therefore, in such applications, the image is usually corrupted by mixed Poisson – Gaussian noise.

In this paper, we propose a novel method for recovering images corrupted by mixed Poisson – Gaussian noise. In the proposed method, we develop a total variation-based model connected with the nonconvex function and the total generalized variation regularization, which overcomes the staircase artifacts and maintains neat edges.

Numerically, we employ the primal-dual method combined with the classical iteratively reweighted $l_1$ algorithm to solve our minimization problem. Experimental results are provided to demonstrate the superiority of our proposed model and algorithm for mixed Poisson – Gaussian removal to state-of-the-art numerical methods.

Image denoising is one of the fundamental problems in digital image processing. This problem usually refers to the reconstruction of an image from an observed image degraded by noise. There are many factors that cause this degradation such as transceiver equipment, or environmental influences, etc. In order to obtain higher quality images, many methods have been proposed for image denoising problem. Most image denoising method are based on total variation (TV) regularization to develop efficient algorithms for solving the related optimization problem. TV-based models have become a standard technique in image restoration with the ability to preserve image sharpness.

In this paper, we focus on Poisson noise usually appearing in photon-counting devices. We propose an effective regularization model based on combination of first-order and fractional-order total variation for image reconstruction corrupted by Poisson noise. The proposed model allows us to eliminate noise while edge preserving. An efficient alternating minimization algorithm is employed to solve the optimization problem. Finally, provided numerical results show that our proposed model can preserve more details and get higher image visual quality than recent state-of-the-art methods.

The article deals with the process of creating an effective algorithm for determining the amount of emitted quanta from an X-ray tube in computer tomography (CT) studies. An analysis of domestic and foreign literature showed that most of the work in the field of radiometry and radiography takes the tabulated values of X-ray absorption coefficients into account, while individual dose factors are not taken into account at all since many studies are lacking the Dose Report. Instead, an average value is used to simplify the calculation of statistics. In this regard, it was decided to develop a method to detect the amount of ionizing quanta by analyzing the noise of CT data. As the basis of the algorithm, we used Poisson and Gauss distribution mathematical model of owns’ design of logarithmic value. The resulting mathematical model was tested on the CT data of a calibration phantom consisting of three plastic cylinders filled with water, the X-ray absorption coefficient of which is known from the table values. The data were obtained from several CT devices from different manufacturers (Siemens, Toshiba, GE, Phillips). The developed algorithm made it possible to calculate the number of emitted X-ray quanta per unit time. These data, taking into account the noise level and the radiuses of the cylinders, were converted to X-ray absorption values, after which a comparison was made with tabulated values. As a result of this operation, the algorithm used with CT data of various configurations, experimental data were obtained, consistent with the theoretical part and the mathematical model. The results showed good accuracy of the algorithm and mathematical apparatus, which shows reliability of the obtained data. This mathematical model is already used in the noise reduction program of the CT of own design, where it participates as a method of creating a dynamic threshold of noise reduction. At the moment, the algorithm is being processed to work with real data from computer tomography of patients.