• Proceedings of the IEEK Conference
• /
• 2000.07a
• /
• pp.437-440
• /
• 2000

This paper proposes a method to improve video quality on images that have blocking artifacts at block boundary. Block image transform coding suffers from blocking artifact that is a main cause of degrading video quality because of the quantization error of transform coefficients in quantization process. filtering and DPCM for DC components have been widely used to reduce blocking artifact. Recently, lots of works focus on the technique that minimizes block effects using discontinuity of block boundaries. In this paper, image blurring in decoding stage is improved by adding compensation factor to each transformed blocks so that discontinuity of block boundaries can be decreased. The compensation factor is applied on each block without much loss of edge components.

• Journal of the Institute of Electronics Engineers of Korea SP
• /
• v.43 no.2 s.308
• /
• pp.40-47
• /
• 2006

This paper proposes a multitoning method using threshold modulation of MJBNM(Modified Jointly Blue Noise Mask) for banding artifacts reduction. As banding artifacts in multitoning appear as uniform dot distributions around the intermediate output levels, such multitone output results in discontinuity and visually unpleasing patterns in smooth transition regions. Therefore, to reduce these banding artifacts, the proposed method rearranges the dot distribution by introducing pixels in the neighborhood of output levels that occurs banding artifacts. First of all principal cause of banding artifacts are analyzed using mathematical description. Based on this analytical result, a threshold modulation technique of MJBNM which takes account of chrominance error and correlation between channels is applied. The original threshold range of MJBNM is first scaled linearly sot that the minimum and maximum of the scaled range include two pixel more than adjacent two output levels that cover an input value. In an input value is inside the vicinity of any intermediate output levels produce banding artifacts, the output is set to one of neighboring output levels based on the pointwise comparison result according to threshold modulation parameter that determines the dot density and distribution. In this case, adjacent pixels are introduced at the position where the scaled threshold values are located between two output levels and the minimum and maximum threshold values. Otherwise, a conventional multitoning method is applied. As a result, the proposed method effectively decreased the appearance of banding artifacts around the intermediate output levels. To evaluate the quality of the multitone result, HVS-WRMSE according to gray level for gray ramp image and S-CIELAB color difference for color ramp image are compared with other methods.

• Journal of Broadcast Engineering
• /
• v.19 no.5
• /
• pp.656-664
• /
• 2014

In the case of a haze image, transferring the information of the original image is difficult as the contrast leans toward bright regions. Thus, dehazing algorithms have become an important area of study. Normally, since it is hard to obtain a haze-free image, the output image is qualitatively analyzed to test the performance of an algorithm. However, this paper proposes a quantitative error comparison based on reproducing the haze image using a disparity map. In addition, a Hidden Random Markov Model and EM algorithm are used to remove any block artifacts. The performance of the proposed algorithm is confirmed using a variety of synthetic and natural images.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
• /
• v.17 no.4
• /
• pp.541-549
• /
• 2023

The aim of this study wasto conduct a quantitative analysis of CT image quality according to an algorithm designed to reduce metal artifacts induced by metal components. Ten baseline images were obtained with the standard filtered back-projection algorithm using spectral detector-based CT and CT ACR 464 phantom, and ten images were also obtained on the identical phantom with the standard filtered back-projection algorithm after inducing metal artifacts. After applying the to raw data from images with metal artifacts, ten additional images for each were obtained by applying the virtual monoenergetic algorithm. Regions of interest were set for polyethylene, bone, acrylic, air, and water located in the CT ACR 464 phantom module 1 to conduct compare the Hounsfield units for each algorithm. The algorithms were individually analyzed using root mean square error, mean absolute error, signal-to-noise ratio, peak signal-to-noise ratio, and structural similarity index to assess the overall image quality. When the Hounsfield units of each algorithm were compared, a significant difference was found between the images with different algorithms (p < .05), and large changes were observed in images using the virtual monoenergetic algorithm in all regions of interest except acrylic. Image quality analysis indices revealed that images with the metal artifact reduction algorithm had the highest resolution, but the structural similarity index was highest for images with the metal artifact reduction algorithm followed by an additional virtual monoenergetic algorithm. In terms of CT images, the metal artifact reduction algorithm was shown to be more effective than the monoenergetic algorithm at reducing metal artifacts, but to obtain quality CT images, it will be important to ascertain the advantages and differences in image qualities of the algorithms, and to apply them effectively.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
• /
• v.12 no.3
• /
• pp.389-395
• /
• 2018

The study attempted to use computed tomography images to determine the usefulness of the reduction in the axial reduction algorithm in the event of a metallic artifacts reduction in the image of the beam-hardening effect, which is known as the most effective method of reducing metallic artifact reduction in the image and the reduction of the metal produced in this study. As a result, the result is increased to 140 kVp to reduce the value of the CT value by 0.02 to 0.05 %, resulting in decreased axial effect (P > 0.05). The CT value decreased from 12.4 to 26.9 % when applied to the reduction of the metallic. 12.4 to 26.9 % (p<0.05). In addition, in the qualitative assessment by the clinical trial evaluation, it was assessed as 1.8 points after applying the MAR algorithm, In the resolution of resolution and contrast evaluations, the estimation of the decrease in metallic artifact effects was assessed as the metal was assessed to be scored 7.2 points after the MAR algorithm was evaluated. Therefore, in case of artifacts due to irreversible beam hardening effect, it is useful to reduce artifacts caused by beam hardening effect by using various methods derived from existing researches and scanning by applying the metal artifact reduction algorithm proposed in this experiment.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
• /
• v.16 no.3
• /
• pp.295-302
• /
• 2022

Sparse-view computed tomography (CT) imaging technique is able to reduce radiation dose, ensure the uniformity of image characteristics among projections and suppress noise. However, the reconstructed images obtained by the sparse-view CT imaging technique suffer from severe artifacts, resulting in the distortion of image quality and internal structures. In this study, we proposed a convolutional neural network (CNN) with wavelet transformation and residual learning for reducing artifacts in sparse-view CT image, and the performance of the trained model was quantitatively analyzed. The CNN consisted of wavelet transformation, convolutional and inverse wavelet transformation layers, and input and output images were configured as sparse-view CT images and residual images, respectively. For training the CNN, the loss function was calculated by using mean squared error (MSE), and the Adam function was used as an optimizer. Result images were obtained by subtracting the residual images, which were predicted by the trained model, from sparse-view CT images. The quantitative accuracy of the result images were measured in terms of peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and structural similarity (SSIM). The results showed that the trained model is able to improve the spatial resolution of the result images as well as reduce artifacts in sparse-view CT images effectively. Also, the trained model increased the PSNR and SSIM by 8.18% and 19.71% in comparison to the imaging model trained without wavelet transformation and residual learning, respectively. Therefore, the imaging model proposed in this study can restore the image quality of sparse-view CT image by reducing artifacts, improving spatial resolution and quantitative accuracy.

• Proceedings of the IEEK Conference
• /
• 2002.07c
• /
• pp.1424-1427
• /
• 2002

This paper proposes a novel postprocessing algorithm for reducing the blocking artifacts in low bit rate block-based transform coded images, that use adaptive neural network filter (NNF) in wavelet transform domain. n this algorithm, after performing a 2-level wavelet transform of the decompressed image, the existence of locking artifacts is determined using statistical characteristic of neighborhood blocks. And then a different one-dimensional (1-D) or 2-D NNF is used to reduce the locking artifacts according to the classified regions. That is, for HL and LH subbands regions with the blocking artifacts, a different 1-D NNF is used. And 2-D NNF is used in HH subband. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm produced better results than those of conventional algorithms both subjectively and objectively.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
• /
• v.48 no.2
• /
• pp.16.1-16.11
• /
• 2023

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of peak kilovoltage (kVp) and a metal artifact reduction (MAR) tool on image quality and the diagnosis of vertical root fracture (VRF) in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: Twenty single-rooted human teeth filled with an intracanal metal post were divided into 2 groups: control (n = 10) and VRF (n = 10). Each tooth was placed into the socket of a dry mandible, and CBCT scans were acquired using a Picasso Trio varying the kVp (70, 80, 90, or 99), and the use of MAR (with or without). The examinations were assessed by 5 examiners for the diagnosis of VRF using a 5-point scale. A subjective evaluation of the expression of artifacts was done by comparing random axial images of the studied protocols. The results of the diagnoses were analyzed using 2-way analysis of variance and the Tukey post hoc test, the subjective evaluations were compared using the Friedman test, and intra-examiner reproducibility was evaluated using the weighted kappa test (α = 5%). Results: The kVp and MAR did not influence the diagnosis of VRF (p > 0.05). According to the subjective classification, the 99 kVp protocol with MAR demonstrated the least expression of artifacts, while the 70 kVp protocol without MAR led to the most artifacts. Conclusions: Protocols with higher kVp combined with MAR improved the image quality of CBCT examinations. However, those factors did not lead to an improvement in the diagnosis of VRF.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
• /
• v.8 no.1
• /
• pp.43-49
• /
• 2017

In the analyzed cardiac CT algorithm applied when comparing the MAR self-made metal artifact reduction in pacemaker inserted phantom degree. Result of comparing the energy value by CT showed a decrease in the CT value in the case of BKG 40 KeV in WSA maximum decreased to 663.2% in the case of 140 KeV BHA were increased a maximum of 56.2%. In addition, the maximum was decreased by approximately 145% based on a 70 KeV artifacts in CT value comparison by type WSA, BHA was to increase up to approximately 46.38%. MAR Algorithm is believed to provide a more quality cardiac CT image if the energy changes, or have the effect that by type and irrespective of reduced metal artifacts occurrence of artifacts applied to the pacemaker when tracking a heart CT scan after inserting MAR algorithm.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
• /
• v.17 no.1
• /
• pp.71-75
• /
• 2013

Purpose: Currently, decrement revision using LDCT is used in PET/CT. But cold artifacts are often found in decrement revision image by mismatch between LDCT image and Emission image near diaphragm due to patient's respiration. This research studied reduction of cold artifact by patient's respiration using CTAC Shift among revision methods. Materials and Methods: From March to September in 2012, 30 patients who had cold artifacts by respiration were targeted using PET/CT Discovery 600 (GE Healthcare, MI, USA) equipment. Patients with cold artifacts were additionally scan in diaphragm area, and the image shown cold artifacts at whole body test were revised using CTAC Shift. Cold artifacts including image, additional scan image and CTAC Shift revision image were evaluated as 1~5 points with naked eye by one nuclear medicine expert, 4 radiotechnologists with over 5 year experience. Also, standard uptake value of 3 images was compared using paired t-test. Results: Additional scan image and CTAC Shift revision image received relatively higher score in naked eye evaluation than cold artifacts including image. The additional scan image and CTAC Shift revision image had high correlation as the results of ANOVA test of standard uptake value and did not show significant difference. Conclusion: When cold artifacts are appeared by patient's respiration at PET/CT, it causes not only patient inconvenience but troubles in test schedule due to extra radiation exposure and time consumption by additional scan. But if CTAC Shift revision image can be acquired with out additional scan, it is considered to be helped in exact diagnosis without unnecessary extra radiation exposure and additional scan.