• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• 제11권2호
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• pp.87-94
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• 2007

목적: 3T 장비의 신생아 뇌자기공명영상에서 T1 강조 고속 역전회복기법 (fast inversion recovery, FIR)과 자기화 삼차원 경사에코기법, (magnetization-prepared three dimensional gradient echo sequence, 3D GRE)을 스핀에코기법 (SE)과 비교하여 유용성을 알아보는 데 있다. 대상 및 방법: 20명의 신생아에서 T1 강조 SE, FIR, 그리고 3D GRE의 신호소음비 (SNR)와 대조소음비 (CNR)를 측정하고 시각적으로 회백질-백질 구별, 수초화 인식, 인공음영 발생을 점수화하여 비교하였다. 각 영상기법의 CNR 비교에는 Wilcoxon signed ranked test를 사용하였다. 결과: 세가지 영상기법 중 3D GRE가 가장 우수한 SNR을 보였고 CNR은 FIR과 3D GRE 모두 SE보다 우수하였으며 FIR보다 3D GRE가 더 우수하였다. 회백질-백질의 구분과 수초화 유무 역시 스핀에코보다 FIR과 3D GRE에서 더 잘 보였다. 그러나 3D GRE는 움직임에 의한 인공음영이 많았고 FIR에서 혈류에 의한 혈관의 고신호강도가 자주 발견되었다. 결론: 3T 장비에서 신생아 뇌영상을 얻을 때 FIR과 3D GRE 기법은 SE보다 좋은 T1 강조영상을 제공할 것으로 기대된다.

• 한국방사선학회논문지
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• 제11권1호
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• pp.27-35
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• 2017

본 연구의 목적은 DR (digital radiography) 장비에서 팬텀을 이용하여 간접변환방식의 CsI:Tl 검출기와 $Gd_2O_2S$ 검출기를 중심으로 두께가 두꺼운 흉부 팬텀과 중간 두께의 대퇴부 팬텀, 그리고 피사체의 두께가 얇은 손 팬텀의 영상을 획득하고 SNR과 CNR을 분석하여 검출기의 특성을 알아보고자 하였다. 피사체 두께 변화에 따른 SNR과 CNR을 측정한 결과 중간 두께의 대퇴부 팬텀과 두께가 얇은 손 팬텀을 촬영 하였을 때 SNR과 CNR은 $Gd_2O_2S$ 검출기보다 CsI:Tl 검출기에서 높게 나타났음을 확인 할 수 있었다. 그러나 두께가 두꺼운 흉부 팬텀을 사용하였을 때는 $Gd_2O_2S$ 검출기의 SNR이 80~125 kVp 일 때와 CNR이 80~110 kVp 일 때 CsI:Tl 검출기 보다 값이 높게 나타났고, 저관전압에서 고관전압으로 갈수록 SNR과 CNR은 모두 증가하였다. 중간 두께의 대퇴부 팬텀에서 CsI:Tl 검출기의 SNR과 CNR은 40~50 kVp 일 때 증가하다 고관전압으로 갈수록 감소하는 것을 확인 할 수 있었고, $Gd_2O_2S$ 검출기의 SNR과 CNR은 40~60 kVp 일 때 증가하다 고관전압으로 갈수록 감소하는 것을 확인 할 수 있었다. 두께가 얇은 손 팬텀에서 CsI:Tl 검출기의 SNR과 CNR은 저관전압에서 감소하다가 고관전압으로 갈수록 증가하면서 100~110 kVp에서는 감소하였고, $Gd_2O_2S$ 검출기의 SNR과 CNR은 고관전압으로 갈수록 감소하는 것을 확인하였다. MTF는 0.5~3 lp/mm에서 CsI:Tl 검출기가 $Gd_2O_2S$ 검출기보다 6.02~90.90%로 높음 보여주고 있고, DQE는 0.5~3 lp/mm에서 CsI:Tl 검출기가 $Gd_2O_2S$ 검출기보다 66.67~233.33% 높음 보여주고 있다. 결론적으로 MTF와 DQE의 비교에서는 CsI:Tl 검출기가 $Gd_2O_2S$ 검출기보다 높게 나타났지만, 두꺼운 흉부팬텀에서 일정 관전압 구간에서는 저가의 $Gd_2O_2S$ 검출기가 고가의 CsI:Tl 검출기보다 SNR과 CNR이 높다는 것을 확인하였다. 흉부 X선 검사 시 CsI:Tl 검출기보다 $Gd_2O_2S$ 검출기를 사용하여 우수한 화질의 흉부영상을 구현함으로써 검사에 유용할 것으로 판단되어지며, 사용자 입장에서 검출기 형태를 결정 할 때 가격대비 성능을 고려 해볼 사항으로 판단된다.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• 제50권1호
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• pp.23-30
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• 2020

Purpose: This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of a metal artifact reduction (MAR) algorithm activated at different times during cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) acquisition on the magnitude of artifacts generated by a zirconium implant. Materials and Methods: Volumes were obtained with and without a zirconium implant in a human mandible, using the OP300 Maxio unit. Three modes were tested: without MAR, with MAR activated after acquisition, and with MAR activated before acquisition. Artifacts were assessed in terms of the standard deviation (SD) of gray values and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) in 6 regions of interest with different distances (10 to 35 mm, from the nearest to the farthest) and angulations(70° to 135°) from the implant region. Results: In the acquisitions without MAR, the regions closer to the implant(10 and 15mm) had a higher SD and lower CNR than the farther regions. When MAR was activated (before or after), SD values did not differ among the regions (P>0.05). The region closest to the implant presented a significantly lower CNR in the acquisitions without MAR than when MAR was activated after the acquisition; however, activating MAR before the acquisition did not yield significant differences from either of the other conditions. Conclusion: Both modes of MAR activation were effective in decreasing the magnitude of CBCT artifacts, especially when the effects of the artifacts were more noticeable.

• ETRI Journal
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• 제44권5호
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• pp.816-825
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• 2022

Nondestructive testing, which can monitor a product's interior without disassembly, is becoming increasingly essential for industrial inspection. Computed laminography (CL) is widely used in this application, as it can reconstruct a product, such as a printed circuit board, into a three-dimensional (3D) high-magnification image using X-rays. However, such high-magnification scanning environments can be affected by minute vibrations of the CL device, which can generate motion artifacts in the 3D reconstructed image. Since such vibrations are irregular, geometric corrections must be performed at every scan. In this paper, we propose a geometry calibration method that can correct the geometric information of CL scans based on the image without using geometry calibration phantoms. The proposed method compares the projection and digitally reconstructed radiography images to measure the geometric error. To validate the proposed method, we used both numerical phantom images at various magnifications and images obtained from real industrial CL equipment. The experiment results confirmed that sharpness and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were improved.

• 한국멀티미디어학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국멀티미디어학회 2012년도 춘계학술발표대회논문집
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• pp.30-33
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• 2012

대사성 골 질환인 골다공증(Osteoporosis)의 조기 진단을 위해 X 선 영상에서 골 밀도를 측정하는 방법이 최근 연구되고 있다. 골 밀도는 X 선 영상에서 뼈가 분리되고, 분리된 영역에서의 픽셀에 의해 BMD가 측정되는데, 개선된 영상에서의 정밀한 뼈 추출이 주요한 요소이므로 X 선 영상의 개선은 골다공증의 조기 진단을 위해 필수적이다. 본 논문에서는 sparse 표현법을 도입하여 X 선 영상을 개선시키는 방법을 제안한다. 실험을 통해 제안한 방법의 결과가 기존의 방법인 웨이블릿 BayesShrink에 비해 개선됨을 CNR(Contrast to Noise Ratio)을 통해 확인하였다.

• 대한의용생체공학회:의공학회지
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• 제27권1호
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• pp.22-29
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• 2006

This paper proposes an efficient array beamforming method using spatial matched filtering for ultrasound imaging. In the proposed method, ultrasound waves are transmitted from an array subaperture with fixed transmit focus as in conventional array imaging. At receive, radio frequency (RF) echo signals from each receive channel are passed through a spatial matched filter that is constructed based on the system transmit-receive spatial impulse response. The filtered echo signals are then summed. The filter remaps and spatially registers the acoustic energy from each element so that the pulse-echo impulse response of the summed output is focused with acceptably low side lobes. Analytical beam pattern analysis and simulation results using a linear array show that the proposed spatial filtering method can provide more improved spatial resolution and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) compared with conventional dynamic receive focusing (DRF) method by implementing two-way dynamically focused beam pattern throughout the field.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• 제54권3호
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• pp.264-270
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• 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to propose a methodological approach for reducing the radiation dose in pediatric cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), focusing exclusively on balancing image quality with dose optimization. Materials and Methods: The dose-area product (DAP) for exposure was reduced using copper-plate attenuation of an X-ray source. The thickness of copper (Cu) was increased from 0 to 2.2 mm, and 10 different DAP levels were used. The QUART DVT_AP phantom and pediatric radiologic dentiform were scanned under the respective DAP levels. The contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), image homogeneity, and modulation transfer function (MTF) were analyzed using the QUART DVT_AP phantom. An expert evaluation (overall image grade, appropriateness of field of view, artifacts, noise, and resolution) was conducted using pediatric dentiform images. The critical DAP level was determined based on phantom and dentiform analysis results. Results: CNR and image homogeneity decreased as the DAP was reduced; however, there was an inflection point of image homogeneity at Cu 1.6 mm (DAP=138.00 mGy·cm²), where the value started increasing. The MTF showed constant values as the DAP decreased. The expert evaluation of overall image grades showed "no diagnostic value" for dentiform images with Cu 1.9-2.2 mm (DAP=78.00-103.33 mGy·cm²). The images with Cu 0-1.6 mm (DAP=138.00-1697.67mGy·cm²) had a "good," "moderate," or "poor but interpretable" grade. Conclusion: Reducing DAP beyond a 1.6-mm Cu thickness degraded CBCT image quality. Image homogeneity and clinical image grades indicated crucial decision points for DAP reduction in pediatric CBCT scans.

• 방사선산업학회지
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• 제11권3호
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• pp.139-144
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• 2017

To evaluation of clinical usefulness for B1+RMS limits, we compared image quality of Routine, Specific absorption rate (SAR) and Root mean square (RMS) protocol. 5 volunteers underwent Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan of the brain using three different protocols. We draw Region of interest ROI in cortex, white matter, gray matter, putamen and thalamus of axial plan. Signal to noise ratio (SNR) were evaluated in each area and Contrast to noise ration (CNR) were evaluated between white matter and gray matter. Qualitative evaluation was used to score each ROI. B1+RMS is confirmed its usefulness compared to conventional SAR standard on the aspect of improvement of image quality, reduction of scan time and easy adjusting parameter.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• 제20권2호
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• pp.81-87
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• 2016

Purpose: To analyze the feasibility of three-dimensional (3D) diffusion-weighted (DW) PSIF (reversed FISP [fast imaging with steady-state free precession]) sequence in order to evaluate peripheral nerves in the elbow. Materials and Methods: Ten normal, asymptomatic volunteers were enrolled (6 men, 4 women, mean age 27.9 years). The following sequences of magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the elbow were obtained using a 3.0-T machine: 3D DW PSIF, 3D T2 SPACE (sampling perfection with application optimized contrasts using different flip angle evolution) with SPAIR (spectral adiabatic inversion recovery) and 2D T2 TSE (turbo spin echo) with modified Dixon (m-Dixon) sequence. Two observers used a 5-point grading system to analyze the image quality of the ulnar, median, and radial nerves. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of each nerve were measured. We compared 3D DW PSIF images with other sequences using the Wilcoxon-signed rank test and Friedman test. Inter-observer agreement was measured using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis. Results: The mean 5-point scores of radial, median, and ulnar nerves in 3D DW PSIF (3.9/4.2/4.5, respectively) were higher than those in 3D T2 SPACE SPAIR (1.9/2.8/2.8) and 2D T2 TSE m-Dixon (1.7/2.8/2.9) sequences (P < 0.05). The mean SNR in 3D DW PSIF was lower than 3D T2 SPACE SPAIR, but there was no difference between 3D DW PSIF and 2D T2 TSE m-Dixon in all of the three nerves. The mean CNR in 3D DW PSIF was lower than 3D T2 SPACE SPAIR and 2D T2 TSE m-Dixon in the median and ulnar nerves, but no difference among the three sequences in the radial nerve. Conclusion: The three-dimensional DW PSIF sequence may be feasible to evaluate the peripheral nerves around the elbow in MR imaging. However, further optimization of the image quality (SNR, CNR) is required.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• 제23권11호
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• pp.1044-1054
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• 2022

Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether a deep learning reconstruction (DLR) method improves the image quality, stent evaluation, and visibility of the valve apparatus in coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) when compared with filtered back projection (FBP) and hybrid iterative reconstruction (IR) methods. Materials and Methods: CCTA images of 51 patients (mean age ± standard deviation [SD], 63.9 ± 9.8 years, 36 male) who underwent examination at a single institution were reconstructed using DLR, FBP, and hybrid IR methods and reviewed. CT attenuation, image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and stent evaluation, including 10%-90% edge rise slope (ERS) and 10%-90% edge rise distance (ERD), were measured. Quantitative data are summarized as the mean ± SD. The subjective visual scores (1 for worst -5 for best) of the images were obtained for the following: overall image quality, image noise, and appearance of stent, vessel, and aortic and tricuspid valve apparatus (annulus, leaflets, papillary muscles, and chordae tendineae). These parameters were compared between the DLR, FBP, and hybrid IR methods. Results: DLR provided higher Hounsfield unit (HU) values in the aorta and similar attenuation in the fat and muscle compared with FBP and hybrid IR. The image noise in HU was significantly lower in DLR (12.6 ± 2.2) than in hybrid IR (24.2 ± 3.0) and FBP (54.2 ± 9.5) (p < 0.001). The SNR and CNR were significantly higher in the DLR group than in the FBP and hybrid IR groups (p < 0.001). In the coronary stent, the mean value of ERS was significantly higher in DLR (1260.4 ± 242.5 HU/mm) than that of FBP (801.9 ± 170.7 HU/mm) and hybrid IR (641.9 ± 112.0 HU/mm). The mean value of ERD was measured as 0.8 ± 0.1 mm for DLR while it was 1.1 ± 0.2 mm for FBP and 1.1 ± 0.2 mm for hybrid IR. The subjective visual scores were higher in the DLR than in the images reconstructed with FBP and hybrid IR. Conclusion: DLR reconstruction provided better images than FBP and hybrid IR reconstruction.