• Proceedings of the KOSOMBE Conference
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• v.1997 no.05
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• pp.72-74
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• 1997

We have developed a 3-D image processing and display technique that include image resampling, modification of MIP, and fusion of MIP image and volumetric rendered image. This technique facilitates the visualization of the three-dimensional spatial relationship between vasculature and surrounding organs by overlapping the MIP image on the volumetric rendered image of the organ. We applied this technique to a MR brain image data to produce an MRI angiogram that is overlapped with 3-D volume rendered image of brain. MIP technique was used to visualize the vasculature of brain, and volume rendering was used to visualize the other structures of brain. The two images are fused after adjustment of contrast and brightness levels of each image in such a way that both the vasculature and brain structure are well visualized either by selecting the maximum value of each image or by assigning different color table to each image. The resultant image with this technique visualizes both the brain structure and vasculature simultaneously, allowing the physicians to inspect their relationship more easily. The presented technique will be useful for surgical planning for neurosurgery.

• Journal of Korea Multimedia Society
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.87-97
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• 2018

Maximum intensity projection (MIP) is a common visualization technique in medical imaging system. A typical method to improve the performance of MIP is empty space leaping, which skips unnecessary area. This research proposes a new method to improve the existing empty space leaping. In order to skip more regions, we introduce a variety of acceleration strategies that use some tolerance given by the user to take part in image quality loss. Each proposed method shows various image quality and speed, and this study compares them to select the best one. Experimental results show that it is most efficient to add a constant tolerance function when the image quality required by the user is low. Conversely, when the user required image quality is high, a function with a low tolerance of volume center is most effective. Applying the proposed method to general MIP visualization can generate a relatively high quality image in a short time.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.183-189
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• 2009

Purpose : To evaluate the usefulness of three-dimensional (3D) maximal intensity projection (MIP) reconstruction method in breast MRI. Materials and Methods : Total 54 breasts of consecutive 27 patients were examined by breast MRI. Breast MRI was performed using GE Signa Excite Twin speed (GE medical system, Wisconsin, USA) 1.5T. We obtained routine breast MR images including axial T2WI, T1WI, sagittal T1FS, dynamic contrast-enhanced T1FS, and subtraction images. 3D MIP reconstruction images were obtained as follows; subtraction images were obtained using TIPS and early stage of contrast-enhanced TIPS images. And then 3D MIP images were obtained using the subtraction images through advantage workstation (GE Medical system). We detected and analyzed the lesions in the 3D MIP and routine MRI images according to ACR $BIRADS^{(R)}$ MRI lexicon. And then we compared the findings of 3D MIP and those of routine breast MR images and evaluated whether 3D MIP had additional information comparing to routine MR images. Results : 3D MIP images detect the 43 of 56 masses found on routine MR images (76.8%). In non-mass like enhancement, 3D MIP detected 17 of 20 lesions (85 %). And there were one hundred sixty nine foci at 3D MIP images and one hundred nine foci at routine MR images. 3D MIP images detected 14 of 23 category 3 lesions (60.9%), 11 of 16 category 4 lesions (68.87%), 28 of 28 Category 5 lesions (100%). In analyzing the enhancing lesions at 3D MIP images, assessment categories of the lesions were correlated as the results at routine MR images (p-value < 0.0001). 3D MIP detected additional two daughter nodules that were descriped foci at routine MR images and additional one nodule that was not detected at routine MR images. Conclusion : 3D MIP image has some limitations but is useful as additional image of routine breast MR Images.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.18-23
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• 2010

Purpose: PET/CT combines functional and morphologic data and increases diagnostic accuracy in a variety of malignancies. Especially reconstructed Fusion PET/CT images or MIP (Maximum Intensity Projection) images from a 2-dimensional image to a 3-dimensional one are useful in visualization of the lesion. But in Fusion & MIP 3D reconstruction image, due to hot uptake by urine or urostomy bag, lesion is overlapped so it is difficult that we can distinguish the lesion with the naked eye. This research tries to improve a distinction by removing parts of hot uptake. Materials and Methods: This research has been conducted the object of patients who have went to our hospital from September 2008 to March 2009 and have a lot of urine of remaining volume as disease of uterus, bladder, rectum in the result of PET/CT examination. We used GE Company's Advantage Workstation AW4.3 05 Version Volume Viewer program. As an analysis method, set up ROI in region of removal in axial volume image, select Cut Outside and apply same method in coronal volume image. Next, adjust minimum value in Threshold of 3D Tools, select subtraction in Advanced Processing. It makes Fusion & MIP images and compares them with the image no using Region Cut Definition. Results: In Fusion & MIP 3D reconstruction image, it makes Fusion & MIP images and compares them by using Advantage Workstation AW4.3 05's Region Cut Subtraction, parts of hot uptake according to patient's urine can be removed. Distinction of lesion was clearly reconstructed in image using Region Cut Definition. Conclusion: After examining the patients showing hot uptake on account of volume of urine intake in bladder, in process of reconstruction image, if parts of hot uptake would be removed, it could contribute to offering much better diagnostic information than image subtraction of conventional method. Especially in case of disease of uterus, bladder and rectum, it will be helpful for qualitative improvement of image.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.13-17
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• 2001

When most patients are diagnosed with the quiet progressed hepatoma which often would make the operation impossible, the Interventional Radiology hepatic artery embolization is an extremely useful method for such patients. An existence of the malfunction is evaluated by gaining a portal vein image as a delayed phase image after injecting a contrast media into the superior mesenteric artery. However, it is difficult to make a definite judgement due to the extended exposure time with the peristalsis and the intestine gas obstructing the sharpness of the image when the Patient exposure time increases and due to the increased usage of contrast media and its side effect. The portal vein can be evaluated by obtaining the MIP image after reconstructing a 3-dimensional personal computer setting using the 2-dimensional from an enhancement abdomen CT image that is almost a requisite in operation to a hepatoma patient. Such method nay prevent a decrease in the quality of image based upon the time delay and intestine gas; also, because the patient exposure dose and contrast media usage may be reduced, it is a new, valuable way to decide the operational matter of hepatic artery embolization on a pre-angiography.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.59-67
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• 2014

Purpose : This study aims to evaluate 3D dosimetric impact for MIP image and each phase image in stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for lung cancer using volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). Materials and Methods : For each of 5 patients with non-small-cell pulmonary tumors, a respiration-correlated four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) study was performed. We obtain ten 3D CT images corresponding to phases of a breathing cycle. Treatment plans were generated using MIP CT image and each phases 3D CT. We performed the dose verification of the TPS with use of the Ion chamber and COMPASS. The dose distribution that were 3D reconstructed using MIP CT image compared with dose distribution on the corresponding phase of the 4D CT data. Results : Gamma evaluation was performed to evaluate the accuracy of dose delivery for MIP CT data and 4D CT data of 5 patients. The average percentage of points passing the gamma criteria of 2 mm/2% about 99%. The average Homogeneity Index difference between MIP and each 3D data of patient dose was 0.03~0.04. The average difference between PTV maximum dose was 3.30 cGy, The average different Spinal Coad dose was 3.30 cGy, The average of difference with $V_{20}$, $V_{10}$, $V_5$ of Lung was -0.04%~2.32%. The average Homogeneity Index difference between MIP and each phase 3d data of all patient was -0.03~0.03. The average PTV maximum dose difference was minimum for 10% phase and maximum for 70% phase. The average Spain cord maximum dose difference was minimum for 0% phase and maximum for 50% phase. The average difference of $V_{20}$, $V_{10}$, $V_5$ of Lung show bo certain trend. Conclusion : There is no tendency of dose difference between MIP with 3D CT data of each phase. But there are appreciable difference for specific phase. It is need to study about patient group which has similar tumor location and breathing motion. Then we compare with dose distribution for each phase 3D image data or MIP image data. we will determine appropriate image data for treatment plan.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.67-75
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• 2012

Purpose : We studied enhanced method to view the vessels in the brain using Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA). Noticing that Maximum Intensity Projection (MIP) image is often used to evaluate the arteries of the neck and brain, we propose a new method for view brain vessels to stereo image in 3D space with more superior and more correct compared with conventional method. Materials and Methods: We use 3T Siemens Tim Trio MRI scanner with 4 channel head coil and get a 3D MRA brain data by fixing volunteers head and radiating Phase Contrast pulse sequence. MRA brain data is 3D rotated according to the view angle of each eyes. Optimal view angle (projection angle) is determined by the distance between eye and center of the data. Newly acquired MRA data are projected along with the projection line and display only the highest values. Each left and right view MIP image is integrated through anaglyph imaging method and optimal stereoscopic MIP image is acquired. Results: Result image shows that proposed method let enable to view MIP image at any direction of MRA data that is impossible to the conventional method. Moreover, considering disparity and distance from viewer to center of MRA data at spherical coordinates, we can get more realistic stereo image. In conclusion, we can get optimal stereoscopic images according to the position that viewers want to see and distance between viewer and MRA data. Conclusion: Proposed method overcome problems of conventional method that shows only specific projected image (z-axis projection) and give optimal depth information by converting mono MIP image to stereoscopic image considering viewers position. And can display any view of MRA data at spherical coordinates. If the optimization algorithm and parallel processing is applied, it may give useful medical information for diagnosis and treatment planning in real-time.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.12 no.7
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• pp.813-819
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• 2018

To demonstrate the 3D usefulness of MDCT, a 73-year-old male patient with subclavian thrombosis was obtained 3D images of maximum intensity projection (MIP), volume rendering, and multiplanar reformation (MPR) to clearly detect and locate the subclavian artery. The data will be provided to the patient for diagnosis and treatment. The scan data were acquired as 3D CT images MIP, volume rendering, curved MPR, and virtual endoscopy images. In the 3D program, the ascending aorta was measured as 364.28 HU, the left carotid artery was 413.77 HU, and the left subclavian artery was 15.72 HU. MIP coronal image shows the closure of the subclavian artery in the left side. Three-dimensional volume images were obtained with 100% permeability and 87-1265 HU. The coronal curved MPR and sagittal curved MPR images show the closure of the subclavian artery due to thrombus using 3D image processing. In the case of subclavian arterial occlusion due to thrombosis, the patient is scanned with MDCT and 3D image processing can be used to confirm occlusion of subclavian artery.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.322-330
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• 2011

To compare of quality control for chest radiography between special examination (SEP) and medical institution for pneumoconiosis (MIP). For the first time, we had visited at 33 institutions (SEP; 17 institutions, MIP; 16 institutions) to evaluate the quality control of chest radiography which is used in diagnosis of patients with pneumoconiotic complications. Image quality was rated by two experienced chest radiologists, and evaluated for radiological technique (RT), reading environment (RE) and image quality (IQ) between SEP and MIP according to the guideline published by OSHRI. Generator capacity, used duration and modality of chest radiography equipment were not signigicant difference between SEP and MIP, but there were signigicant difference in tube voltage and grid ratio used for chest radiography except to tube current and exposure time. SEP was statistically significant higher in RT (71.2 vs. 54.5, p=0.015), RE (78.8 vs. 51.5, p=0.007) to MIP, but not significant difference in IQ (64.8 vs. 59.3, p=0.180). For reliable and precisional diagnosis of patients with pneumoconiotic complications, the MIP requires the evaluation and education of quality control for improving chest radiography.

• Journal of Korea Multimedia Society
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.316-324
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• 2007

Maximum Intensity Projection (MIP) identifies patients' anatomical structures from MR or CT data sets. Recently, it becomes possible to generate MIP images with interactive speed by exploiting Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) even in large volume data sets. Generally, volume boundary plane is obliquely crossed with view-aligned texture plane in hardware-texture based volume rendering. Since the ray sampling distance is not increased at volume boundary in volume rendering, the aliasing problem occurs due to data loss. In this paper, we propose an efficient method to overcome this problem by Re-rendering volume boundary planes. Our method improves image quality to make dense distances between samples near volume boundary which is a high frequency area. Since it is only 6 clipping planes are additionally needed for Re-rendering, high quality rendering can be performed without sacrificing computational efficiency. Furthermore, our method couldbe applied to Minimum Intensity Projection (MinIP) volume rendering.