• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.23-30
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• 2018

To evaluate the effect of patient size on effective dose and image quality for Digital Chest Tomosynthesis(DTS) using additional 0.3 mm copper filtration. Eighty artificial nodules were placed in the thorax phantom("Lungman," Kyoto Kagaku, Japan), and Digital Chest Tomosynthesis(DTS) images of the phantom were acquired both with and without added 0.3 mm Cu filtration. To simulate patients of three sizes: small, average size and oversize, one or two 20-mm-thick layer of PMMA(polymethyl methacrylatek) blocks were placed on the phantom. The Effective dose was calculated using Monte Carlo simulations. Two evaluations of image quality methods have been employed. Three readers counted the number of nodules detected in the lung, and the measured contrast-to-noise ratios(CNRs) were used. Data were analyzed statistically. The ED reduced $26{\mu}Sv$ in a phantom, $33{\mu}Sv$ in one 20-mm-thick layer of PMMA block placed on the phantom, and $48{\mu}Sv$ in two 20-mm-thick layer of PMMA blocks placed on the phantom. The Effective dose(ED) differences between DTS with and without filtration were significant(p<0.05). In particular, when we used two 20-mm-thick layer of PMMA blocks placed on the phantom, the ED was significantly reduced by 36% compared with those without additional filtration. Nodule detection sensitivities were not different between with and without added filtration. Differences of CNRs were statistically insignificant(p>0.05). Use of additional filtration allows a considerable dose reduction during Digital Chest Tomosynthesis(DTS) without loss of image quality. In particular, additional filtration showed outstanding result for effective dose reduction on two 20-mm-thick layer of PMMA blocks placed on the phantom. It applies to overweight patients.

• The Journal of Korean Institute of Information Technology
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• v.16 no.11
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• pp.85-95
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• 2018

With the popularity of smartphones, most peoples have been using mobile cameras to capture photographs. However, due to insufficient amount of lights in a low lighting condition, unwanted noises can be generated during image acquisition. To remove the noise, a method of using deep convolutional neural networks is introduced. However, this method still lacks the ability to describe textures and edges, even though it has made significant progress in terms of visual quality performance. Therefore, in this paper, the HOG (Histogram of Oriented Gradients) images that contain information about edge orientations are used. More specifically, a method of learning deep convolutional neural networks is proposed by stacking noise and HOG images into an input tensor. Experiment results confirm that the proposed method not only can obtain excellent result in visual quality evaluations, compared to conventional methods, but also enable textures and edges to be improved visually.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.21-28
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• 2021

Computed tomography (CT) has the problem of having more radiation exposure compared to other radiographic apparatus. There is a low-dose imaging technique for reducing exposure, but it has a disadvantage of increasing noise in the image. To compensate for this, various noise reduction algorithms have been developed that improve image quality while reducing the exposure dose of patients, of which the median modified Wiener filter (MMWF) algorithm that can be effectively applied to CT devices with excellent time resolution has been presented. The purpose of this study is to optimize the mask size of MMWF algorithm and to see the excellence of noise reduction of MMWF algorithm for existing algorithms. After applying the MMWF algorithm with each mask sizes set from the MASH phantom abdominal images acquired using the MATLAB program, which includes Gaussian noise added, and compared the values of root mean square error (RMSE), peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), coefficient correlation (CC), and universal image quality index (UQI). The results showed that RMSE value was the lowest and PSNR, CC and UQI values were the highest in the 5 x 5 mask size. In addition, comparing Gaussian filter, median filter, Wiener filter, and MMWF with RMSE, PSNR, CC, and UQI by applying the optimized mask size. As a result, the most improved RMSE, PSNR, CC, and UQI values were showed in MMWF algorithms.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.497-503
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• 2018

The purpose of this study was to investigate the degree of image degradation and the improvement of image quality caused by the density difference between the orthodontic filling material and the surrounding anatomical structure during the examination of the facial CT by quantitative and qualitative analysis. The teeth were scanned using 64-MDCT (Discovery 750 HD, GE HEALTH CARE, Milwaukee, USA). The teeth were scanned and compared according to tube voltage, silicone application, and MAR application. As a result, 10.36% CT value decreased at 140 kVp and 5.81% decrease at the application of silicon material. As a result of the qualitative evaluation, it was evaluated that 7 of the 10 observers and 3 of the acceptors were applied to the MAR algorithm. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the unnecessary burden on the radiation exposure dose as well as to reduce the loss of image data by reducing the high density artifacts, as well as the inspection parameters used in the current clinical application and various algorithms that can reduce the high density artifacts. It can be expected to provide a lot of image information.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.6 no.5
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• pp.357-363
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• 2012

The purpose of this study on head computed tomography scan corporate reorganization adaptive iteration algorithm using the statistical noise, and quality assessment, reduction of dose was evaluated. Head CT examinations do not apply ASIR group [A group], ASIR 50 applies a group [B group] were divided into examinations. B group of each 46.9 %, 48.2 %, 43.2 %, and 47.9 % the measured in the phantom research result of measurement of CT noise average were reduced more than A group in the central part (A) and peripheral unit (B, C, D). CT number was measured with the quantitive analytical method in the display-image quality evaluation and about noise was analyze. There was A group and difference which the image noise notes statistically between B. And A group was high so that the image noise could note than B group (31.87 HUs, 31.78 HUs, 26.6 HUs, 30.42 HU P<0.05). The score of the observer 1 of A group evaluated 73.17 on 74.2 at the result 80 half tone dot of evaluating by the qualitative evaluation method of the image by the bean curd clinical image evaluation table. And the score of the observer 1 of B group evaluated 71.77 on 72.47. There was no difference (P>0.05) noted statistically. And the inappropriate image was shown to the diagnosis. As to the exposure dose, by examination by applying ASIR 50 % there was no decline in quality of the image, 47.6 % could reduce the radiation dose. In conclusion, if ASIR is applied to the clinical part, it is considered with the dose written much more that examination is possible. And when examination, it is considered that it becomes the positive factor when the examiner determines.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.9-15
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• 2010

Scatter radiation considerably affects radiographic image quality by reducing image contrast and contributing to a non-uniform background. Images containing a large portion of scatter radiation may result in an incorrect diagnosis. In the past few years, many efforts have been made to reduce the effects of scatter radiation on radiographic images. The purpose of this study is to accurately measure scatter fractions and evaluate the effectiveness of beam-stop arrays. To measure scatter fraction accurately, a beam-stop array and the SFC (Scatter Fraction Calculator) program were developed. Images were obtained using the beam-stop array for both an anti-scatter technique with an anti-scatter grid and an air gap technique. The scatter fractions of the images were measured using the SFC program. Scatter fractions obtained with an anti-scatter grid were evaluated and compared to scatter fractions obtained without an anti-scatter grid. Scatter fractions were also quantitatively measured and evaluated with an air gap technique. The effectiveness of the beam-stop array was demonstrated by quantifying scatter fractions under various conditions. The results showed that a beam-stop array and the SFC program can be used to accurately measure scatter fractions in radiographic images and can be applied for both developing scatter correction methods as well as systems.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.613-621
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• 2019

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of supportive devices which are for minimizing the patient's movement during lower extremity angiography and to verify image quality of phantom by analyzing of Mask image, DSA image and Roadmap image into SNR and CNR. As a result of comparing SNR with CNR of mask image obtained by DSA technique using the phantom alone and phantom placed on the supportive devices, there was no significant difference between about 0~0.06 for SNR and about 0~0.003 for CNR. The study showed about 0.11~0.35 for SNR and 0.016~0.031 for CNR of DSA imaging by DSA technique about only water phantom of the blood vessel model and the water phantom placed on the device. Analyzing SNR and CNR of Roadmap technique about water phantom on the auxiliary device (hardboard paper, pomax, polycarbonate, acrylic) and water phantom alone, there was no significant difference between 0.02~0.05 for SNR and 0.002~0.004 for CNR. In conclusion, there was no significant difference on image quality by using supportive devices made by hardboard paper, pomax, polycarbonate or acryl regardless of whether using supportive devices or not. Supportive devices to minimize of the patient's movement may reduce the total amount of contrast, exam-time, radiation exposure and eliminate risk factors during angiogram. Supportive devices made by hardboard paper can be applied easily during angiogram due to advantages of reasonable price and simple processing. It is considered that will be useful to consider cost efficiency and types of materials and their properties in accordance with purpose and method of the study when the operator makes and uses supportive devices.

• Journal of the Institute of Electronics and Information Engineers
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.203-209
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• 2013

Digital Radiography (DR) has improved a quality of resolution based on a wide dynamic range, high detective quantum efficiency (DQE), and modulation transfer function (MTF), compared with film/screen(F/s). Unlike expectation that a low level of radiation can be used in examination, high level of signal to noise ratio(SNR) due to over-exposure caused increase of exposed dose to patients. Also, the auto exposure control (AEC) using Kilovolage(kVp) in F/S can cause over-exposure. Hence, in this study, we proposed a proper method for using DR, in which effect of tubing Kilovolage on device's image, DR MTF measurement with changes of tubing current (mA), and the quantitative evaluation of skull phantom captured images' PSNR were evaluated. Changes of contrast with tubing Kilovolage can be improved by retouching, and MTF changes according to tubing current(1.41~1.39 lp/mm in 50% area, and 3.19~2.8 lp/mm in 10% area) does not influence on resolution of image. As a result, high tubing Kilovoltage, and tubing current will be suitable to use of DR.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.475-480
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• 2018

In lower abdominal MRI scan, patients have been tested by physically contacting with the body array coil. In this study, we have designed the acrylic assistant equipment (ACR) which allows the contactless scan of the patient to the coil and evaluated the feasibility by comparing the acquired images with ACR to those obtained without ACR. We tested 10 cases (F: 5, m: 5) by using the Ingenia $3.0T^{TM}$ MR system and dStreamTM torso coil (Philips Healthcare, Netherlands). We implemented T1 AX TSE and eTHRIVE (GRE) techniques. The scanned images were quantitatively and qualitatively assessed. In qualitatively, the TSE shows 4.44 and 4.56 mean values with and without the ACR and 4.34 and 4.28 at the GRE, respectively. In quantitatively, the TSE shows 12.15 CNR, 17.95 SNR and 12.71 CNR, 18.96 SNR with and without the ACR. And GRE shows 17.72 CNR, 22.59 SNR and 18.26 CNR, 24.47 SNR with and without the ACR, respectively. We have designed and implemented the acrylic assistant equipment to lower abdominal patients. Our data indicate that it is possible to obtain similar image qualities to current lower abdominal MRI scan without the physical contact to the patient.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.14 no.9
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• pp.4429-4436
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• 2013

Measurements of CNR(Contrast to Noise Ratio) and SNR(Signal to Noise Ratio) of T-spine breathing technique (TBT) using spontaneous breathing and T-spine exhalation technique (TET) with full exhalation were carried out, and with which the more appropriate method was suggested. Both TBT and TET were examined in a sample of fifty-three patients who visit to our hospital for spinal disease from June 2012 to November 2012. All images were evaluated with CNR measured from the differences between the mean pixels and contrast density as setting ROI of spinous process, pedicle, vertebral body, intervertebral foramen, and intervertebral disk using Image J. SNR was measured with the mean pixels and the standard deviation as setting ROI of vertebral body using Image J. In CNR comparison and SNR comparison of TET and TBT, TBT was indicated as excellent in ROI of pedicle, vertebral body, intervertebral foramen and intervertebral disk, and statistical analysis were significant(p<.01). As TBT indicated excellent images compared to the existing T-spine lateral radiography, T-spine lateral radiography would be reestablished and significant as applying to various medical institutions.