A piecewise local regularized Richardson-Lucy algorithm for remote sensing image deconvolution

As it is not possible to obtain an accurate point spread function (PSF) in remote sensing imaging, classic deconvolution methods such as Wiener filtering often introduce strong noise and ringing artifacts, which contaminate the restored images. In this paper, we modify the standard Richarson-Lucy (RL) algorithm with a piecewise local regularization term and combine it with residual deconvolution method. Experimental results show that it is effective in suppressing negative effects, and images with rich details and sharp edges are obtained.     

An improved Richardson-Lucy algorithm based on local prior

Ringing is one of the most common disturbing artifacts in image deconvolution. With a totally known kernel, the standard Richardson-Lucy (RL) algorithm succeeds in many motion deblurring processes, but the resulting images still contain visible ringing. When the estimated kernel is different from the real one, the result of the standard RL iterative algorithm will be worse. To suppress the ringing artifacts caused by failures in the blur kernel estimation, this paper improves the RL algorithm based on the local prior. Firstly, the standard deviation of pixels in the local window is computed to find the smooth region and the image gradient in the region is constrained to make its distribution consistent with the deblurring image gradient. Secondly, in order to suppress the ringing near the edge of a rigid body in the image, a new mask was obtained by computing the sharp edge of the image produced using the first step. If the kernel is large-scale, where the foreground is rigid and the background is smoothing, this step could produce a significant inhibitory effect on ringing artifacts. Thirdly, the boundary constraint is strengthened if the boundary is relatively smooth. As a result of the steps above, high-quality deblurred images can be obtained even when the estimated kernels are not perfectly accurate. On the basis of blurred images and the related kernel information taken by the additional hardware, our approach proved to be effective.     

Non-blind image deconvolution using natural image gradient prior

Since non-blind image deconvolution is inherently ill-posed, the results of unregularized methods are often contaminated by noise and ringing artifacts. To reach a stable solution, we adopt the natural image gradient prior to regularize the latent image and obtain an improved version of the Richardson–Lucy (RL) algorithm. We use both synthetic and real world blurred images to test the proposed method. Experimental results show that the negative artifacts are significantly suppressed and the restored images are of high quality.     

Single image motion deblurring: An accurate PSF estimation and ringing reduction

In this paper we have proposed a single image motion deblurring algorithm that is based on a novel use of dual Fourier spectrum combined with bit plane slicing algorithm and Radon transform (RT) for accurate estimation of PSF parameters such as, blur length and blur angle. Even after very accurate PSF estimation, the deconvolution algorithms tend to introduce ringing artifacts at boundaries and near strong edges. To prevent this post deconvolution effect, a post processing method is also proposed in the framework of traditional Richardson–Lucy (RL) deconvolution algorithm. Experimental results evaluated on the basis of both qualitative and quantitative (PSNR, SSIM) metrics, verified on the dataset of both grayscale and color blurred images show that the proposed method outperforms the existing algorithms for removal of uniform blur. A comparison with state-of-the-art methods proves the usefulness of the proposed algorithm for deblurring real-life images/photographs.     

An improved image restoration approach using adaptive local constraint

How to restore images well with reducing ringing and noise remains difficult. An improved image restoration algorithm based on adaptive local constraint is proposed. We consider the statistical property that first order of derivatives of image obeying Gaussian distributions to control the noise. In order to suppress the artifacts around regions where gray values vary severely, spatial weighted matrix is adopted which can impose a local constraint on restoration and smoothing. According to experiments of simulation and real images, this approach can well restore edge regions well as well as reduce the noise in smooth area, which means that the approach does validly in suppressing ringing ripples and preserve more details.     

空间变化PSF非盲去卷积图像复原法综述

传统的图像复原一般认为点扩散函数(PSF)是空间不变的,实际光学系统由于受到像差等因素的影响,并非严格的线性空间不变系统,基于空间变化PSF的非盲去卷积图像复原法逐渐体现其优越性。空间变化PSF的非盲去卷积图像复原法先准确估计图像空间变化的PSF,再利用非盲去卷积算法对图像进行复原,有利于恢复出高质量图像。本文从算法的角度综述了近几年提出的基于空间变化PSF的非盲去卷积图像复原方法,并对比了基于强边缘预测估计PSF的非盲去卷积法、基于模糊噪声图像对PSF估计非盲去卷积法等算法的优缺点,各算法分别在PSF估计精确度、振铃效应抑制效果、适用范围等方面体现出各自的优劣。空间变化PSF的非盲去卷积图像复原法的研究,有利于推进图像复原技术向更高水平发展,使光学系统往轻小型化方向发展,从而在多个科学领域发挥其重要作用。     

Improved depiction of small anatomic structures in MR images using Gaussian-weighted spirals and zero-filled interpolation

Partial-volume artifacts reduce the contrast and continuity of small structures in magnetic resonance images. Zero-filled interpolation (ZFI) has been known for some time as a useful technique to reduce partial-volume artifacts and improve the appearance of small structures and edges. However, its use is limited by the fact that ZFI can exacerbate image artifacts. For example, it can exacerbate Gibbs ringing, also known as the truncation artifact, which manifests itself as spurious ringing around sharp edges. Currently, the most common technique to address this problem is post-acquisition filtering, which causes blurring in the image. Using ZFI in conjunction with a variable-density sampling method designed to reduce ringing is proposed as a possible solution to this problem. This approach is demonstrated with a Gaussian-weighted spiral and is compared to conventional spiral sampling both with and without the application of a filter used to reduce ringing. The two spiral sampling techniques are compared using simulations, phantom images, and in vivo brain images. The Gaussian-weighted spiral demonstrates reduced ringing without the loss of spatial resolution commonly associated with post-acquisition filtering. Additionally, this sampling technique is shown to work well in conjunction with ZFI to reduce partial-volume artifacts without the apparent increase in Gibbs ringing usually associated with zero-filled reconstruction. This approach will be most useful for imaging techniques such as MR angiography which are known to be sensitive to partial-volume effects, as well as when imaging anatomic regions associated with more severe Gibbs ringing.     

An adaptive super-resolution method based on regional pixel information and ringing artifacts suppression

Multi-frame image super-resolution (SR) aims to utilize information from a set of low-resolution (LR) images to compose a high-resolution (HR) one. In this paper, a novel multi-frame image super-resolution algorithm is proposed based on regional pixel information and ringing artifacts suppression. Firstly, a new regularization term which adopts Regional Adaptive Weight Coefficients (RAWC) is produced to keep edges and flat regions. After detailed analysis, an iterative process is given for image reconstruction. Then an adaptive term according to the local variance of iterative correction image is designed to evaluate the ringing artifacts. Finally, the original iteration is updated by adding the restraint term for better visual effects and lower noise of reconstructive HR image. Thorough experimental results show the proposed algorithm is effective for SR reconstruction and ringing artifacts suppression.     

Parametric blur estimation for blind restoration of atmospherically degraded images: Class G

Iterative methods are typically utilized for blind image restoration (BIR); however, they are relatively slow, uncertain, and occasionally ill-behaved. This study presents a non-iterative algorithm to estimate the parameters of point spread functions (PSFs), particularly, Class G. We propose a curve model to approximate the normalized spectrum amplitude of the original image in accordance with the decay law of the natural image spectrum. The blur PSF is estimated by comparing the original image spectrum with the degraded one. Then, the image is restored by applying the estimated PSF and the Wiener filter. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can obtain a more accurate PSF and reduce ringing artifacts compared with the existing algorithms. The quality of the restored images is enhanced significantly.     

基于指数律分布的图像快速盲复原算法

针对现有图像盲复原迭代算法多存在耗时较长和难以保证收敛性等问题,提出一种改进的快速算法.首先根据指数律重建原始图像的频谱,然后利用原始图像和降质图像的频谱关系,采用多方向综合估计方法得到点扩散函数.多方向综合估计方法可降低估计误差,增加算法的稳定性.最后利用得到的点扩散函数和维纳滤波法进行图像重建.与现有算法的对比实验结果表明,针对适合大量成像系统的G类点扩散函数,本算法可以得到更准确的点扩散函数估计,且降低了振铃效应的影响,取得更好的图像复原效果.     

结合基于梯度的振铃评价算法的总变分最小化图像分块复原法

为了消除退化函数随空间变化发生变化模糊图像分块复原法子块之间的不平滑拼接缝,提出了一种结合了基于梯度的振铃评价算法梯度振铃评价(GRM)的总变分(TV)最小化分块复原法.根据图像分布及退化类型将模糊图像划分为矩形、环形或其他形状的子块,图像子块之间要留有一定的重叠区;然后对每一个图像子块进行复原,GRM方法是基于图像梯度结构相似度的图像质量评价算法,以GRM作为TV复原算法迭代过程中的收敛条件,可以更好地控制复原图像的振铃;最后去除复原图像子块含振铃波纹的重叠区,拼接得到完整图像.并以矩形分块及环形分块为例,证明该方法可以很好地抑制图像边界振铃效应,克服分块复原法本身的缺陷,得到拼接平滑的完整图像.     

Multi-frame partially saturated images blind deconvolution

When blurred images have saturated or over-exposed pixels, conventional blind deconvolution approaches often fail to estimate accurate point spread function (PSF) and will introduce local ringing artifacts. In this paper, we propose a method to deal with the problem under the modified multi-frame blind deconvolution framework. First, in the kernel estimation step, a light streak detection scheme using multi-frame blurred images is incorporated into the regularization constraint. Second, we deal with image regions affected by the saturated pixels separately by modeling a weighted matrix during each multi-frame deconvolution iteration process. Both synthetic and real-world examples show that more accurate PSFs can be estimated and restored images have richer details and less negative effects compared to state of art methods.     

基于改进维纳逆滤波的衍射成像光谱仪数据误差分析与重构

衍射成像光谱仪探测到的高光谱数据需要进行计算与反演才可以得到成像光谱数据,本文对衍射成像光谱仪的成像过程及数据误差产生的原理从空间维和光谱维两方面进行了分析,并针对其光谱重构过程中系统点扩散函数标准差较大时重构结果清晰度较低、存在振铃等问题,提出了基于改进维纳逆滤波的光谱数据重构算法,该方法在分析衍射成像光谱仪数据特点与误差的基础上,将每一次维纳逆滤波的重构结果视为新的模糊图像,利用成像过程及维纳逆滤波的基本原理确定新的模糊图像对应的点扩散函数,反复进行维纳逆滤波达到提高图像清晰度的效果,再根据图像自身的空间和光谱特征分布,进行自适应性的噪声去除.利用模拟的衍射成像光谱数据进行验证,在系统点扩散函数的标准差为2.5的情况下,能得到无振铃的重构结果,且与传统维纳逆滤波法的重构结果进行比较,清晰度、细节能力等指标均有所提高,满足了衍射成像光谱数据应用需求.     

Restoration of atmospheric turbulence degraded images

A blind image deconvolution algorithm in the frequency domain is proposed which uses the edge-preserving method and generic bandwidth of optical system. Generic bandwidth of optical system is analyzed. With the benefits of bandwidth and edge-preserving method as compelling constraints, the algorithm cannot only suppress noise effectively but also restrict the bandwidth of point-spread function (PSF), so high-quality result can be obtained. The new algorithm is superior in handling unregistered channels. The performance of this approach is investigated with simulated data. As shown in our investigation, the algorithm can significantly alleviate the artifacts produced by the deconvolution process.     

Bayesian image processing in magnetic resonance imaging.

In the past several years, image processing techniques based on Bayesian models have received considerable attention. In our earlier work, we developed a novel Bayesian approach which was primarily aimed at the processing and reconstruction of images in positron emission tomography. In this paper, we describe how the technique has been adopted to process magnetic resonance images in order to reduce noise and artifacts, thereby improving image quality. In this framework, the image is assumed to be a statistical variable whose posterior probability density conditional on the observed image is modeled by the product of the likelihood function of the observed data with a prior density based our prior knowledge. A Gibbs random field incorporating local continuity information and with edge-detection capability is used as the prior model. Based on the formalism of the posterior density, we can compute an estimate of the image using an iterative technique. We have implemented this technique and applied it to phantom and clinical images. Our results indicate that the approach works reasonably well for reducing noise, enhancing edges, and removing ringing artifact.     

单幅模糊图像点扩散函数估计的梯度倒谱分析方法研究

针对单幅图像复原算法引入先验信息导致复杂度高、运算效率低的问题, 提出了单幅模糊图像点扩散函数估计的梯度倒谱分析方法. 首先给出了单幅模糊图像梯度倒谱估计其点扩散函数的基本原理, 利用相位恢复策略复原了二维点扩散函数相位信息, 实现了点扩散函数的快速估计; 其次, 为鉴别点扩散函数估计精度, 建立了图像梯度保真约束的全变分正则化图像复原模型, 并采用快速稳定收敛的交替方向策略优化能量函数; 通过对仿真和实拍单幅模糊图像进行的测试实验结果表明, 该方法快速准确地估计出点扩散函数, 克服了传统复原算法收敛速度慢的缺点, 有效抑制了振铃效应、保护了边缘信息, 为大尺寸单幅图像复原的工程化实现提供了理论和技术基础. 关键词： 图像复原 点扩散函数 梯度倒谱分析 全变分     

Magnetic resonance image enhancement using stochastic resonance in Fourier domain

Objective

In general, low-field MRI scanners such as the 0.5- and 1-T ones produce images that are poor in quality. The motivation of this study was to lessen the noise and enhance the signal such that the image quality is improved. Here, we propose a new approach using stochastic resonance (SR)-based transform in Fourier space for the enhancement of magnetic resonance images of brain lesions, by utilizing an optimized level of Gaussian fluctuation that maximizes signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).

Materials and Methods

We acquired the T1-weighted MR image of the brain in DICOM format. We processed the original MR image using the proposed SR procedure. We then tested our approach on about 60 patients of different age groups with different lesions, such as arteriovenous malformation, benign lesion and malignant tumor, and illustrated the image enhancement by using just-noticeable difference visually as well as by utilizing the relative enhancement factor quantitatively.

Results

Our method can restore the original image from noisy image and optimally enhance the edges or boundaries of the tissues, clarify indistinct structural brain lesions without producing ringing artifacts, as well as delineate the edematous area, active tumor zone, lesion heterogeneity or morphology, and vascular abnormality. The proposed technique improves the enhancement factor better than the conventional techniques like the Wiener- and wavelet-based procedures.

Conclusions

The proposed method can readily enhance the image fusing a unique constructive interaction of noise and signal, and enables improved diagnosis over conventional methods. The approach well illustrates the novel potential of using a small amount of Gaussian noise to improve the image quality.     

空变环形编码孔成像模拟与图像复原

环形编码孔成像技术具有高的探测效率和信噪比,是一种解决低强度脉冲辐射源成像较好的技术。基于该技术,利用Geant4建立环形编码孔中子成像的模拟过程,获取6个不同位置的点扩散函数(PSF)和编码图像。根据空间移变图像分块原理,将图像分成矩形和圆形分块,每一块图像用RL迭代法复原,去除边界明显畸变的像素,这些像素强度由相邻的图像块像素到边界距离的加权系数叠加而成。模拟结果表明,该方法提高了图像复原效果,能够更好地诊断射线区域的空间分布情况。     

An apodized cubic phase mask used in a wavefront coding system to extend the depth of field

The point spread function (PSF) caused by a wavefront coding system with a cubic phase mask has big side-lobes which leads to bad image restoration. This paper proposes a novel apodized cubic phase mask to suppress the side-lobes of the PSF. Simulated annealing algorithm is used to optimize the cubic and the truncation parameter of the phase mask. The system with the novel phase mask has better performance in the modulation transfer function (MTF) especially in low-and-medium spatial frequency region. The simulation results show that the restored images with the novel phase mask are superior to the one with the classic cubic phase mask in contrast and ringing effect. The experimental results show that the side-lobes of the PSF are suppressed by using the apodized cubic phase mask.     

The adaptive sinogram restoration algorithm based on anisotropic diffusion by energy minimization for low-dose X-ray CT

Apparent streak artifacts will present in reconstructed images due to excessive quantum noise in low-dose X-ray imaging process. Estimating a noise-free sinogram to satisfy the filtered back-projection (FBP) reconstruction is an effective way to solve this problem. In this paper, we propose a novel sinogram noise reduction method by energy minimization. An adaptive smoothness parameter based on a modified anisotropic diffusion coefficient is applied for an optimal estimation. The smoothness parameter can make the method effectively adjust the degree of smoothness according to the noise level and the region feature in the sinogram. Visual effect together with quantitative analysis of the experimental result shows the developed approach has the excellent performance in protection of the edge and removal of streak artifacts in the reconstructed image.