• Journal of the Korean Association of Geographic Information Studies
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.29-42
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• 2016

Remote sensing allows acquisition of information across a large area without contacting objects, and has thus been rapidly developed by application to different areas. Thus, with the development of remote sensing, satellites are able to rapidly advance in terms of their image resolution. As a result, satellites that use remote sensing have been applied to conduct research across many areas of the world. However, while research on remote sensing is being implemented across various areas, research on data processing is presently insufficient; that is, as satellite resources are further developed, data processing continues to lag behind. Accordingly, this paper discusses plans to maximize the performance of satellite image processing by utilizing the CUDA(Compute Unified Device Architecture) Library of NVIDIA, a parallel processing technique. The discussion in this paper proceeds as follows. First, standard KOMPSAT(Korea Multi-Purpose Satellite) images of various sizes are subdivided into five types. NDVI(Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) is implemented to the subdivided images. Next, ArcMap and the two techniques, each based on CPU or GPU, are used to implement NDVI. The histograms of each image are then compared after each implementation to analyze the different processing speeds when using CPU and GPU. The results indicate that both the CPU version and GPU version images are equal with the ArcMap images, and after the histogram comparison, the NDVI code was correctly implemented. In terms of the processing speed, GPU showed 5 times faster results than CPU. Accordingly, this research shows that a parallel processing technique using CUDA Library can enhance the data processing speed of satellites images, and that this data processing benefits from multiple advanced remote sensing techniques as compared to a simple pixel computation like NDVI.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.253-259
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• 2004

in this study, we developed a Monte Carlo imaging simulation code written by the visual C$\^$++/ programing language for design optimization of a digital X-ray imaging system. As a digital X-ray imaging system, we considered a Gd$_2$O$_2$S(Tb) scintillator and a photosensor array, and included a 2D parallel grid to simulate general test renditions. The interactions between X-ray beams and the system structure, the behavior of lights generated in the scintillator, and their collection in the photosensor array were simulated by using the Monte Carlo method. The scintillator thickness and the photosensor array pitch were assumed to 66$\mu\textrm{m}$ and 48$\mu\textrm{m}$, respertively, and the pixel format was set to 256 x 256. Using the code, we obtained X-ray images under various simulation conditions, and evaluated their image qualities through the calculations of SNR (signal-to-noise ratio), MTF (modulation transfer function), NPS (noise power spectrum), DQE (detective quantum efficiency). The image simulation code developed in this study can be applied effectively for a variety of digital X-ray imaging systems for their design optimization on various design parameters.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.215-222
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• 2015

In this work, we performed a proof-of-concept experiment for phase-contrast x-ray imaging (PCXI) based on a single antiscatter grid and a polychromatic x-ray source. We established a table-top setup which consists of a focused-linear grid having a strip density of 200 lines/inch, a microfocus x-ray tube having a focal-spot size of about $5{\mu}m$, and a CMOS-type flat-panel detector having a pixel size of $48{\mu}m$. By using our prototype PCXI system and the Fourier demodulation technique, we successfully obtained attenuation, scattering, and differential phase-contrast images of improved visibility from the raw images of several selected samples at x-ray tube conditions of $90kV_p$ and 0.1 mAs. Further, fusion image (e.g., the attenuation+the scattering) may have an advantage in displaying details of the sample's structures that are not clearly visible in the conventional attenuation image. Our experimental results indicate that single-grid-based approach seems a useful method for PCXI with great simplicity and minimal requirements on the setup alignment.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.162-170
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• 2013

Dedicated single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) systems based on pixelated semiconductors are being developed for studying small animal models of human disease. To clarify the possibility of using a SPECT system with CdTe for a high resolution low-dose small animal imaging, we compared the quality of reconstructed images from pixelated CdTe detector to those from a small SPECT system with NaI(Tl). The CdTe detector was $44.8{\times}44.8$ mm and the pixels were $0.35{\times}0.35{\times}5$ mm. The intrinsic resolution of the detector was 0.35 mm, which is equal to the pixel size. GATE simulations were performed to assess the image quality of both SPECT systems. The spatial resolutions and sensitivities for both systems were evaluated using a 10 MBq $^{99m}Tc$ point source. The quantitative comparison with different injected dose was performed using a voxelized MOBY phantom, and the absorbed doses for each organ were evaluated. The spatial resolution of the SPECT with NaI(Tl) was about 1.54 mm FWHM, while that of the SPECT with a CdTe detector was about 1.32 mm FWHM at 30 mm. The sensitivity of NaI(Tl) based SPECT was 83 cps/MBq, while that of the CdTe detector based SPECT was 116 cps/MBq at 30 mm. The image statistics were evaluated by calculating the CNR of the image from both systems. When the injected activity for the striatum in the mouse brain was 160 Bq/voxel, the CNR of CdTe based SPECT was 2.30 while that of NaI(Tl) based SPECT was 1.85. The CNR of SPECT with CdTe was overall higher than that of the NaI(Tl) based SPECT. In addition, the absorbed dose was higher from SPECT with CdTe than those from NaI(Tl) based SPECT to acquire the same quantitative values. Our simulation results indicated that the SPECT with CdTe detector showed overall high performance compared to the SPECT with NaI(Tl). Even though the validation study is needed, the SPECT system with CdTe detector appeared to be feasible for high resolution low-dose small animal imaging.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.12-20
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• 2008

Purpose: Chronic pulmonary disease may be caused by aspiration of gastric contents secondary to gastroesophageal reflux. At present, there is no gold standard for documenting pulmonary aspiration. The purpose of this study was to investigate the usefulness of radionuclide scintigraphy in the detection of gastroesophageal reflux and pulmonary aspiration. Methods: Thirty-five patients with suspected aspiration pneumonia, and five normal control subjects, were included in the study. All subjects underwent gastroesophageal reflux scintigraphy after the ingestion of a $^{99m}Tc$-tin colloid mixture. Dynamic images to detect gastroesophageal reflux were obtained for 1 hour. Additional static images of the chest, to detect lung aspiration, were obtained at 6 and 24 hours after oral ingestion of the tin colloid. In addition to visual analysis, pulmonary aspiration was quantitated by counting the number of pixels labeled with radioactive isotope in the region of interest (ROI) of both lung fields. Aspiration index (AI) was obtained by subtracting the pixel counts of the background from the pixel counts of the ROI. Results: Among 35 patients with suspected aspiration pneumonia, 23 proved to have gastroesophageal reflux by scintigraphy. One patient showed definite pulmonary accumulation of activity by visual analysis of the 6-hour image. Thirty of 35 (85.7%) patients showed higher AI beyond the upper limit of AI in the healthy controls. When we compared the reflux group with the non-reflux group, there was a significantly higher AI at 6 hours in the reflux group (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results suggest that radionuclide scintigraphy is useful in detecting small pulmonary aspiration in patients with suspected aspiration pneumonia secondary to reflux.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.511-516
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• 2004

Background: One of the theoretical advantages of skeletonized internal mammary artery harvesting in coronary artery bypass surgery is to minimize the interruption of the sternal blood flow inevitably accompanied by internal mammary harvesting. A study using bone scan is designed to determine the effects of internal mammary artery harvesting technique on the sternal blood flow. Material and Method: From April 2002 to March 2003, 27 patients out of 48 patients who underwent the isolated coronary bypass surgery were enrolled into the study. The enrolled patients underwent bone scan in the preoperative period and postoperative period respectively. Bilateral internal mammary artery was used in 8 patients (BIMA group) and single left internal mammary artery in 19 patients (LIMA group). The patients in LIMA group were divided into two groups: LlMA_skel group, in whom left internal mammary artery was harvested in skeletonized fashion (n=12), and LlMA_ped group, in whom left internal mammary artery was harvested in pedicled fashion (n=7). After the bone scan, the region of interest (ROI) was created on the left of the sternum and the mirror image with the same pixel numbers was placed on the right half of the sternum. The mean counts per pixel on the left side of the sternum was compared with those on the right side and expressed as left to right ratio (L/R ratio). Result: In LIMA group, the L/R ratio decreased from 94.6$\pm$4.1% to 87.9$\pm$6.9% (p=0.003) after the operation as compared to BIMA group, in which no change of the L/R ratio was observed. The changed of the L/R ratio in LlMA_skel group and LlMA_ped group were from 95.3$\pm$4.2% to 88.3$\pm$7.7% and from 93.4$\pm$3.9% to 87.4$\pm$5.8% respectively. The % changes in L/R ratio were -7.44 $\pm$7.08 in LIMA_skel group and -6.17$\pm$9.08 in LiMA_ped group, which did not reach the statistical difference. Conclusion: Ipsilateral sternal blood flow is interrupted by internal mammary artery harvesting as evidenced by the decrease in L/R ratio after left internal mammary artery harvesting irrespective of the harvesting techniques. Skeletonized harvesting did not show superiority in respect to sternal blood flow as compared to pedicled harvesting.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.302-322
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• 1998

This study was accompolished to analyze and compare the number and area of the occlusal contact points in healthy volunteers and athletes with normal occlusion. For this study, 15 athletes(13 amles and 2 females with average age 20) and 21 healthy volunteers(14 mles and 7 females with average age 20.09) were selected. The visual display acquired by scanning of occlusal record in maximal intercuspation was converted into 16 gray value image. Then, using computer program(J & Lee Occlusal Analyser), the pixel which was in definite range of the gray value was recognized, and the numbers of recognized pixel were calculated to area. The results were as follows ; 1. The average numbers of total occlusal contact feints were 31.05 in control group, and 34.67 in athlete group. The average area of total occlusal contacts was $100.25mm^2$ in control group, and $127.78mm^2$ in athlete group. 2. In control group, the average numbers of occlusal contact points were revealed in order as follows ; the first molar(8.48), the second molar(8.24), the second premolar(4.71), the lateral incisor(2.90), the first premor(2.43), the central incisor(2.19), and the canine(2.1). The least average in canine(2.1) was similar to the average(2.19) in central incisor and (2.09) in lateral incisor. In athlete group, the average numbers of occlusal contact points were revealed in order as follows ; the first molar(8.97), the second molar(8.47), the second premolar(5.60), the canine(3.80), the lateral incisor(3.33), the first premolar(2.67), and the central incisor(1.93). 3. In control group, the average areas of occlusal contact surface were revealed in order as follows ; the first molar($39.47mm^3$), the second molar($37.54mm^3$), the second premolar($9.54mm^3$) the first premolar($6.18mm^3$), canine($3.49mm^3$), the central incisor($2.76mm^3$), and the lateral incisor($1.28mm^3$). In athlete group, the average areas of occlusal contact surface were revealed in order as follows ; the first molar($44.11mm^3$), the second molar($40.69mm^3$), the second premolar($16.50mm^3$), the first premolar($9.39mm^3$), the canine($5.08mm^3$), the lateral incisor($3.7mm^3$), and the central incisor($2.25mm^3$). 4. With aging in both control and athlete group, there was a decreasing tendancy in average number of occlusal contact point, and was an increasing tendancy in average area of occlusal contact surface. In comparison at each age, both the numbers and area of occlusal contact were greater in athlete group than in control group. It was not significant in the numbers of occlusal contact points beween athlete and control group(p>0.1), but significant in the area of occlusal contact surface(p<0.03). 5. In comparision as to the kind of sports(Gymnastics : 2, Rugby : 3, Soccor : 5, Ice hocky : 5), the numbers of occlusal contact points were the most in ice hocky, and the area of occlusal contact surface was the greatest in gymnastics. With increasing a career in athlete group, there was a decreasing tendancy in average numbers of occlusal contact points and was an increasing tendancy in average area of occlusal contact surface. 6. By T-scan analyzing, the contact numbers on the anterior teeth were greater in control group than in athlete group, and on the posterior teeth were greater in athlete group than in control group. And the results acquired by T-scan were lesser than that caquired by the silicone bite records. It was not significant in the posterior teeth, but significant in the anterior teeth. In T-scan records, the numbers of occlusal contact points on second molar were the greatest, but in the silicone records, the numbers on first molar were the greatest.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.235-249
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• 2002

This study was accompolished to analyze and compare the number and area of the occlusal contact points in healthy volunteers and athletes with normal occlusion. Before the study, 89 athletes(sports career:8.6 years, average age 20) at Kyung Hee University were selected, and survey was accomplished for athlete's recognition about sports dentistry. For this study, 15 athletes(13 amles and 2 females with average age 20) and 21 healthy volunteers(14 mles and 7 females with average age 20.09) at Kyung Hee University were selected. The visual display acquired by scanning of occlusal record in maximal intercuspation was converted into 16 gray value image. Then, using computer program(J & Lee Occlusal Analyser), the pixel which was in definite range of the gray value was recognized, and the numbers of recognized pixel were calculated to area. The results were as follows : (1) On the survey about sports dentistry, 28% of 89 athletes didn't agree that human occlusion may be important, and 30% didn't have any idea of the influence of human occlusion during their sports activities. (2) The average numbers of total occlusal contact points were 31.05 in control group, and 34.67 in athlete group. The average area of total occlusal contacts was $100.25mm^2$ in control group, and $127.78mm^2$ in athlete group. (3) In control group, the average numbers of occlusal contact points were revealed in order as follows; the first molar(8.48), the second molar(8.24), the second premolar(4.71), the lateral incisor(2.90), the first premor(2.43), the central incisor(2.19), and the canine(2.1). The least average in canine(2.1) was similar to the average(2.19) in central incisor and (2.09) in lateral incisor. In athlete group, the average numbers of occlusal contact points were revealed in order as follows; the first molar(8.87), the second molar(8.47), the second premolar(5.60), the canine(3.80), the lateral incisor(3.33), the first premolar(2.67), and the central incisor(1.93). (4) In control group, the average areas of occlusal contact surface were revealed in order as follows; the first molar($39.47mm^3$), the second molar($37.54mm^3$), the second premolar($9.54mm^3$) the first premolar($6.18mm^3$), canine($3.49mm^3$), the central incisor($2.76mm^3$), and the lateral incisor($1.28mm^3$). In athlete group, the average areas of occlusal contact surface were revealed in order as follows; the first molar($44.11mm^3$), the second molar($40.69mm^3$), the second premolar($16.50mm^3$), the first premolar($9.39mm^3$), the canine($5.08mm^3$), the lateral incisor($3.7mm^3$), and the central incisor($2.25mm^3$). (5). With aging in both control and athlete group, there was a decreasing tendancy in average number of occlusal contact point, and was an increasing tendancy in average area of occlusal contact surface. In comparison at each age, both the numbers and area of occlusal contact were greater in athlete group than in control group. It was not significant in the numbers of occlusal contact points beween athlete and control group(p>0.1), but significant in the area of occlusal contact surface(p<0.05). (6) In comparision as to the kind of sports(Gymnastics:2, Rugby:3, Soccor:5, Ice hocky:5), the numbers of occlusal contact points were the most in ice hocky, and the area of occlusal contact surface was the greatest in gymnastics. With increasing a career in athlete group, there was a decreasing tendancy in average numbers of occlusal contact points, and was an increasing tendancy in average area of occlusal contact surface.

• Journal of the Korea Computer Graphics Society
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.31-46
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• 2008

The depth of field is the range that the objects inside of this range treated to be focused. Objects that are placed out of this range are out of focus and become blurred. In computer graphics, generating depth of field effects gives a great reality to rendered images. The previous researches on the depth of field in computer graphics can be divided into two major categories. One of them is the distributed ray tracing that samples the lens area against each pixel. It is possible to obtain precise results without noise if enough number of samples are taken. However, to make a good result, a great number of samples are needed, resulting in an enormous timing requirement. The other approach is the method that approximates depth of field effect by post-processing an image and its depth values computed using a pin-hole camera. Though the second technique is not that physically correct like distributed ray tracing, many approaches which using this idea have been introduced because it is much faster than the first approach. But the post-processing have some limitations because of the lack of ray information. In this paper, we first present an improvement technique that corrects the previous post-processing methods and then propose another one that accelerates the distributed ray tracing by using a radiance caching method.

• Journal of the Institute of Electronics Engineers of Korea SC
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.18-25
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• 2008

The current display systems including TVs are going digital and large-sized, and high visual quality of those systems becomes a very important selling point in the current display system market. Thus, various researches have been carried out for enhancing the visual quality of digital display systems. One of the important digital image(or video) enhancement techniques is sharpness enhancement, and it is generally based on a transient improvement technique that reduces the edge transition time. However, this technique often generates overshoot and undershoot, which cause undesirable pixel-level changes around the transient improved edge. In this paper, we propose a new nonlinear filter-based adaptive shoot elimination method for effectively suppressing the overshoot and undershoot that occur in the transient improvement, so that we can obtain visually sharper and clearer digital images(or videos). The proposed method uses two orthogonal directional min/max nonlinear filters with an adaptive shoot elimination scheme in order to effectively suppress the visually sensitive overshoot and undershoot. Experimental results show that the proposed method suppresses the overshoot and undershoot almost perfectly while maintaining the effect of the transient improvement. The applications of the proposed method include digital TVs, digital monitors, digital cameras/camcoders, portable media players(PMP), etc.