Interpolation algorithms for digital mammography systems with multiple detectors

Citation
H. Liu et al., Interpolation algorithms for digital mammography systems with multiple detectors, ACAD RADIOL, 6(3), 1999, pp. 170-175
Citations number
11
Categorie Soggetti
Radiology ,Nuclear Medicine & Imaging
Journal title
ACADEMIC RADIOLOGY
ISSN journal
10766332 → ACNP
Volume
6
Issue
3
Year of publication
1999
Pages
170 - 175
Database
ISI
SICI code
1076-6332(199903)6:3<170:IAFDMS>2.0.ZU;2-J
Abstract
Rationale and Objectives. In some full-field digital mammography systems, m ultiple detectors are abutted :together, and the physical gaps between adja cent detectors produce seams between the resultant subimages. In this study , a variety of interpolation algorithms for estimating the missing informat ion in the seams were compared, and their effect on image quality was evalu ated. Materials and Methods. Eight representative interpolation algorithms were s elected, including nearest neighbor, one-dimensional and two-dimensional we ighting, mean value, one-dimensional and two-dimensional polynomial, and on e-dimensional and two-dimensional cubic spline interpolation methods. These methods were applied to digital mammograms and phantom images. The effecti veness of each algorithm was evaluated for accuracy and geometric distortio n. Results, These interpolation algorithms offered similar accuracy in estimat ing missing image information. The weighting. polynomial, and cubic spline interpolation algorithms introduced less geometric distortion than the near est neighbor and mean value interpolation algorithms. All algorithms were m ore effective in estimating larger, lower-contrast features (such as breast masses) than in estimating smaller, higher-contrast features (such as brea st microcalcifications). Small microcalcifications within the seams cannot be recovered with interpolation. The probability of a microcalcification in a seam is small, however, and the failure to image a few microcalcificatio ns of a cluster generally does not substantially alter diagnostic performan ce. Conclusion. In the development of full-field digital breast imaging systems , appropriate interpolation algorithms can satisfactorily fill in narrow pa r between adjacent detectors. The one-dimensional weighting interpolation m ethod seems an effective and efficient choice.