This application is for investigation of image-reconstruction algorithms and parallel-computing hardware for use in nuclear medicine and other areas of medical imaging. Also included is investigation of new ways of assessing and predicting image quality. The long-term goals of the algorithmic research are improvements in quantitative accuracy in the reconstructed images and improved diagnostic performance when human observers use the images. The objective of the hardware component of the research is to produce an economical computer system, well suited to image reconstruction, with a performance approaching that a supercomputers. The image-quality studies are aimed at development of model observers from which clinically meaningful figures of merit for imaging systems may be derived. The algorithmic studies will investigate Bayesian reconstruction, with different forms for the data model (exact Poisson or least-squares approximations) and different forms of prior information about the object being reconstructed. New approaches to compensation for scattered radiation and attenuation in SPECT will be studied, and new methods for region-of-interest quantitation will be developed. Software for the existing parallel computer (TRIMM) will be developed, allowing a detailed exploration of the algorithms developed on this grant, as well as more conventional algorithms. An upgraded parallel computer, with 1-2 GFLOPS capability, will also be designed and constructed. The figures of merit for image quality are based on performance of human or model observers on realistic, clinically relevant tasks. Particular emphasis will be placed on the optimum linear observer, but nonlinear models will also be investigated. The use of model observers will be validated by extensive psychophysical studies. When valid models are found, they will be used to address many long-standing problems in image reconstruction, including the optimum stopping point and regularizing function in iterative algorithm and the effects of various forms of prior information.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01CA052643-02
Application #
3197448
Study Section
Diagnostic Radiology Study Section (RNM)
Project Start
1990-07-01
Project End
1995-05-31
Budget Start
1991-06-01
Budget End
1992-05-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1991
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Arizona
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
City
Tucson
State
AZ
Country
United States
Zip Code
85721
Kupinski, Meredith K; Clarkson, Eric W; Barrett, Harrison H (2013) Scanning linear estimation: improvements over region of interest (ROI) methods. Phys Med Biol 58:1283-301
Clarkson, Eric (2012) Asymptotic ideal observers and surrogate figures of merit for signal detection with list-mode data. J Opt Soc Am A Opt Image Sci Vis 29:2204-16
Jha, Abhinav K; Kupinski, Matthew A; Barrett, Harrison H et al. (2012) Three-dimensional Neumann-series approach to model light transport in nonuniform media. J Opt Soc Am A Opt Image Sci Vis 29:1885-99
Chen, Liying; Barrett, Harrison H (2005) Task-based lens design with application to digital mammography. J Opt Soc Am A Opt Image Sci Vis 22:148-67
Pineda, Angel R; Barrett, Harrison H (2004) Figures of merit for detectors in digital radiography. I. Flat background and deterministic blurring. Med Phys 31:348-58
Pineda, Angel R; Barrett, Harrison H (2004) Figures of merit for detectors in digital radiography. II. Finite number of secondaries and structured backgrounds. Med Phys 31:359-67
Sain, John D; Barrett, Harrison H (2003) Performance evaluation of a modular gamma camera using a detectability index. J Nucl Med 44:58-66
Kupinski, Matthew A; Clarkson, Eric; Hoppin, John W et al. (2003) Experimental determination of object statistics from noisy images. J Opt Soc Am A Opt Image Sci Vis 20:421-9
Hoppin, John W; Kupinski, Matthew A; Kastis, George A et al. (2002) Objective comparison of quantitative imaging modalities without the use of a gold standard. IEEE Trans Med Imaging 21:441-9
Rogala, Eric W; Barrett, Harrison H (2002) Prototype results of a phase-shifting interferometer capable of measuring the complex index and profile of a test surface. Appl Opt 41:5298-312

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