An extension to the contrast-enhancement algorithm Adaptive Histogram Equalization (AHE) has been developed at our institution for use on digital chest images. Our algorithm, Artifact- Suppressed Adaptive Histogram Equalization (ASAHE), has been targeted for ultimate use on high-resolution radiological workstations. Recent modifications to the algorithm suggested that it would make nodules more easily detectable than the standard processing available with the computed radiography system at our disposal. We designed and carried out a carefully controlled observer experiment, detailed in this article, that used phantoms and simulated nodules to verify our hypothesis. The results showed that the ASAHE algorithm did produce a significant improvement in nodule detection.

Date Published: 1 June 1991
PDF: 12 pages
Proc. SPIE 1445, Medical Imaging V: Image Processing, (1 June 1991); doi: 10.1117/12.45199

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 1445:
Medical Imaging V: Image Processing
Murray H. Loew, Editor(s)