自建光声超声双模态成像系统的肿瘤成像分析

现有B超成像可以提供基于声阻抗差异的组织解剖结构信息,而近年来研究发现,光声成像可以提供标记组织成分的分布和功能信息。本文基于商用B超仪和脉冲激光系统建立了光声超声双模态成像系统,实现了超声组织结构成像和光声生物功能的同时成像。首先基于血红蛋白在某些波段的较强吸光性,实现了肿瘤内部组织血管灌注图像;其次用链接有靶向抗体的纳米颗粒作为靶向光声造影剂,对恶性肿瘤边缘和内部的血管以及血管附近的肿瘤组织进行了成像。最终,通过超声和光声的融合图像提供的肿瘤结构信息与光声图像提供的肿瘤功能信息,可以准确识别肿瘤组织。     

Dual-modal photoacoustic/CT imaging system

Photoacoustic(PA) tomography(PAT) breaks the barrier for high-resolution optical imaging in a strong lightscattering medium, having a great potential for both clinical implementation and small animal studies. However,many organs and tissues lack enough PA contrast or even hinder the propagation of PA waves. Therefore, it is challenging to interpret pure PAT images, especially three-dimensional(3 D) PA images for deep tissues, without enough structural information. To overcome this limitation, in this study, we integrated PAT with X-ray computed tomography(CT) in a standalone system. PAT provides optical contrast and CT gives anatomical information. We performed agar, tissue phantom, and animal studies, and the results demonstrated that PAT/CT imaging systems can provide accurate spatial registration of important complementary contrasts.     

3D depth-coded photoacoustic microscopy with a large field of view for human skin imaging

Photoacoustic(PA) microscopy comes with high potential for human skin imaging, since it allows noninvasively high-resolution imaging of the natural hemoglobin at depths of several millimeters. Here, we developed a PA microscopy to achieve high-resolution, high-contrast, and large field of view imaging of skin. A three-dimensional(3D) depth-coding technology was used to encode the depth information in PA images, which is very intuitive for identifying the depth of blood vessels in a two-dimensional image, and the vascular structure can be analyzed at different depths. Imaging results demonstrate that the 3D depth-coded PA microscopy should be translated from the bench to the bedside.     

Incoherent digital holographic spectral imaging with high accuracy of image pixel registration

Fresnel incoherent correlation holography(FINCH) is a unique three-dimensional(3 D) imaging technique which has the advantages of scanning-free,high resolution,and easy matching with existing mature optical systems.In this article,an incoherent digital holographic spectral imaging method with high accuracy of spectral reconstruction based on liquid crystal tunable filter(LCTF) and FINCH is proposed.Using the programmable characteristics of spatial light modulator(SLM),a series of phase masks,none of whose focal lengths changes with wavelength,is designed and made.For each wavelength of LCTF output,SLM calls three phase masks with different phase constants at the corresponding wavelength,and CCD records three holograms.The spectral images obtained by this method have a constant magnification,which can achieve pixel-level image registration,restrain image registration errors,and improve spectral reconstruction accuracy.The results show that this method can not only obtain the 3 D spatial information and spectral information of the object simultaneously,but also have high accuracy of spectral reconstruction and excellent color reproducibility.     

基于针孔成像像面参数提取的单板机镜头显微成像质量评价方法

提出以针孔成像调制传递函数面积(MTFA)和MTFA相对变化率作为像面参数,定量评价单板机镜头的显微成像质量.采用针孔法获取不同视场位置的光斑图像,以提取单板机镜头显微成像系统的调制传递函数(MTF);建立单板机镜头透镜组的MTF数学模型,提取边缘视场弧矢方向与子午方向的MTFA和MTFA相对变化率,用于度量被测镜头显...     

Study of mutual information multimodality medical image registration based on modified simplex optimization method

Because of a different imaging mechanism and highly complexity of body tissues and structures. Different modality medical images provide non-overlay complementary information. This has very important significance for multimodal medical image registration. Image registration is the first and key part of problem to be solved in the integrations. When the spatial position of two medical images is same, the registration could be achieved. For two CT and PET images, the principal axis method is adopted to achieve the rough registration. The modified simplex algorithm is employed to implement global search using the mutual information as similarity measure. The initial registration parameters are achieved through principal axis Based on the results of test, improved simplex method can adjust reflecting distance. Stepped-up optimization algorithm on the new experimental points through the methods of “reflection”, “enlargement”, “shrinkage” or “global systolic”. A mutual information registration based on modified simplex optimization method is presented in this paper to improve the speed of medical image registration.Results indicate that the proposed registration method prevents the optimizing process from falling into local extremum and improves the convergence speed while keeping the precision. The accurate registration of multimodal image with different resolutions is achieved.     

Tank segmentation of infrared images with complex background for the homing anti-tank missile

In an effort to achieve fast and effective tank segmentation of infrared images under complex background for the homing anti-tank missile, the threshold of the maximum between-class variance method (i.e., the Otsu method) is experimentally analyzed, and the working mechanism of the Otsu method is revealed. Subsequently, a fast and effective method for tank segmentation under complex background is proposed based on the Otsu method by constraining the image background pixels and gray levels. Firstly, with the prior information of the tank, derive the equation to calculate the number of pixels of tank according to optical imaging principle, and then use the calculated tank size to constrain the image background pixels. Secondly, employ the golden section to restrict the background gray levels. Finally, use the Otsu method to implement the segmentation of the tank. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can get as an ideal result as the manual segmentation with less running time.     

基于均值距离测度的医学图像配准

针对互信息测度在配准医学图像时易陷入局部极值、速度慢的缺点,提出了基于均值不等式的均值距离测度.首先根据均值不等式推导出5种均值距离测度：方根-算术均值距离(SAM)、方根-几何均值距离(SGM)、方根-调和均值距离(SHM)、算术-几何均值距离(AGM)、算术-调和均值距离(AHM).然后通过人体脑部CT/MR和MR-T1/PD图像的刚体配准实验,从函数曲线、配准精度、计算时间和收敛性能方面,对互信息与5种均值距离信息测度进行了比较与分析.实验结果表明,在不损失配准精度的前提下,AHM和SAM测度可以获得更快的配准速度,对噪声有很强的鲁棒性.     

Nonrigid image registration using similarity measure based on spatially weighted global probability distribution function

In nonrigid image registration, similarity measures including spatial information have been shown to perform better than those measures without spatial information. In this work, we provide new insight to the relationships among regional mutual information, regional probability distribution functions (PDFs) and global PDFs, and propose a novel nonrigid registration scheme with spatially weighted global probability distribution function (SWGPDF). Similarity measures based on SWGPDF (SWGPDFSM) are constructed. Three different spatial sub-region division methods are compared: the equally spaced sub-region (ESSR), the local binary pattern sub-region (LBPSR) and the gradient sub-region (GSR). The registration scheme applies B-spline based free form deformations (FFDs) as the transformation model. A Parzen window and linear interpolation are used to construct histograms. The SWGPDFSM registration scheme with ESSR space division is compared with the traditional global mutual information (gMI), the traditional global normalized mutual information (gNMI), regional mutual information and the SWGPDFSM with LBPSR or GSR space division. The test results show that SWGPDFSM scheme with ESSR space division outperforms the other schemes for elastically aligning images in the presence of big geometrical transformations, bias fields and illumination changes.     

A method on calculating high-dimensional mutual information and its application to registration of multiple ultrasound images

Using mutual information as a criterion for medical image registration, which requires no prior segmentation or preprocessing, has been both theoretically and practically proved to be an effective method in these years. However, this technique is confined in registering two images and hard to apply to multiple ones. The reason is that unlike mutual information between two variables, high-dimensional mutual information is ill defined. In textbooks and theoretical essays, three-dimensional mutual information is proposed based on Venn diagram. Unfortunately, mutual information defined in this way is not necessarily nonnegative. In order to overcome the problem, in this paper, we introduce the mutual information matrix. By calculating its eigenvalues, high-dimensional mutual information is defined. This definition is nonnegative, bounded, and could be extended to higher dimensions, thus enables us to register more than three images. In the end, this definition is tested and proved to be effective on registration of multiple US images through simulation.     

Simultaneous dual molecular contrasts provided by the absorbed photons in photoacoustic microscopy

We investigated the feasibility of simultaneously imaging two distinctive molecular contrasts provided by the absorbed photons in biological tissues with a single light source. The molecular contrasts are based on two physical effects induced by the absorbed photons: photoacoustics (PA) and autofluorescence (AF). In an integrated multimodal imaging system, the PA and AF signals were detected by a high-sensitivity ultrasonic transducer and an avalanche photodetector, respectively. The system was tested by imaging ocular tissue samples, including the retinal pigment epithelium and the ciliary body. The acquired images provided information on the spatial distributions of melanin and lipofuscin in these samples.     

A nonrigid registration algorithm for longitudinal breast MR images and the analysis of breast tumor response

Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) can estimate parameters relating to blood flow and tissue volume fractions and therefore may be used to characterize the response of breast tumors to treatment. To assess treatment response, values of these DCE-MRI parameters are observed at different time points during the course of treatment. We propose a method whereby DCE-MRI data sets obtained in separate imaging sessions can be co-registered to a common image space, thereby retaining spatial information so that serial DCE-MRI parameter maps can be compared on a voxel-by-voxel basis. In performing inter-session breast registration, one must account for patient repositioning and breast deformation, as well as changes in tumor shape and volume relative to other imaging sessions. One challenge is to optimally register the normal tissues while simultaneously preventing tumor distortion. We accomplish this by extending the adaptive bases algorithm through adding a tumor-volume preserving constraint in the cost function. We also propose a novel method to generate the simulated breast magnetic resonance (MR) images, which can be used to evaluate the proposed registration algorithm quantitatively. The proposed nonrigid registration algorithm is applied to both simulated and real longitudinal 3D high resolution MR images and the obtained transformations are then applied to lower resolution physiological parameter maps obtained via DCE-MRI. The registration results demonstrate the proposed algorithm can successfully register breast MR images acquired at different time points and allow for analysis of the registered parameter maps.     

Study on application of complementary Golay code into high frame rate ultrasonic imaging system

The high frame rate (HFR) ultrasonic imaging system, which is developed with limited diffraction beams, constructs images at a high frame rate. However the rectangular imaging area, to some extent, restricts the far field imaging information. At the same time, by virtue of one transmission event for constructing image, the system suffers from low SNR. In this paper we present a computationally efficient method to construct sector mode image and to increase the SNR in HFR system. The method uses orthogonal complementary Golay coded excitation to realize two transmit and receive events. Each emission simultaneously transmits two plane waves with different transmission angle. Then according to Golay code orthogonality, the received echo signals related to different angles are isolated and used to construct two images of different imaging area by HFR method. Finally the two images are synthesized to one frame of sector mode image.     

扫描多光谱显微成像

文本描述了一种新的显微成像方法,它把光学扫描显微成像技术与成像多光谱技术巧妙地结合在一起,形成扫描多光谱显微成像技术.文中叙述了系统的结构及工作原理,介绍了所采用的图像处理系统,给出了实验结果,并进行了分析讨论.     

Photoacoustic and ultrasonic coimage with a linear transducer array

A technique is developed to simultaneously acquire ultrasound and photoacoustic (PA) images based on a linear transducer array. The system uses conventional ultrasound for rapid identification of potential targets. After a target is identified, the ultrasound echo and PA signals can be simultaneously obtained with optimized excitation and a signal collection sequence. The corresponding ultrasound impedance and optical absorption images are reconstructed with a phase-controlled algorithm. The approach can effectively reduce the artifacts associated with a conventional filter backprojection algorithm used in PA imaging by linear scanning. The technique provides a new approach for practical applications.     

Simultaneous multichannel nonlinear imaging: combined two-photon excited fluorescence and second-harmonic generation microscopy

Simultaneous two-photon excited fluorescence (TPF) and second-harmonic generation (SHG) imaging is demonstrated using a single femtosecond laser and a scanning microscope. This composite nonlinear microscopic technique was applied to imaging DNA and chromosomes, and it was shown that the two different interaction mechanisms provide complementary information on the structure and nonlinear properties of these biological materials, beyond that achievable using either TPF or SHG imaging alone. The use of separate modes of detection, in reflection and transmission respectively, and the simultaneous nature of the acquisition of the two images allows pure TPF and SHG images in precise registration to be obtained.     

Continuous imaging space in three-dimensional integral imaging

We report an integral imaging method with continuous imaging space. This method simultaneously reconstructs real and virtual images in the virtual mode, with a minimum gap that separates the entire imaging space into real and virtual space. Experimental results show that the gap is reduced to 45% of that in a conventional integral imaging system with the same parameters.     

新的Cauchy-Schwarz距离函数与多模态医学图像配准

信息论测度,特别是Shannon互信息是多模态图像配准的一种重要方法,但除了互信息之外,仍然存在其它的函数来实现这一任务。对互信息、Kullback-Leibler距离和Shannon不等式之间相互关系作了分析,根据这些关系和不等式理论,提出了新的Cauchy-Schwarz距离,并将这一距离测度用于多模态医学图像的配准处理。从计算速度、噪声容忍性、测度函数图形的特点和图像窗口大小影响等几个方面,通过MR和PET医学图像的实验分析,对新的Cauchy-Schwarz距离测度和典型的Shannon信息论测度进行了分析比较。实验结果表明,新的Cauchy-Schwarz距离测度函数同样可以用于多模态图像配准,而且有着更强的噪声容忍性和更为节省的计算量。     

SNR-optimized myocardial perfusion imaging using parallel acquisition for effective density-weighted saturation recovery imaging

The concept of density-weighted imaging and parallel acquisition for effective density-weighted (PLANED) imaging was transferred to saturation recovery (SR) sequences, in order to increase the SNR in first-pass myocardial perfusion imaging. Filtering in combination with density-weighted imaging allows SNR-optimized data weighting and the free choice of the corresponding spatial response function (SRF) simultaneously. This method was evaluated in simulations and applied successfully to phantom and in vivo first-pass myocardial perfusion studies. Unfiltered, Cartesian sampled images were compared to images acquired with SR-PLANED, which has been adjusted to result in an identical SRF as the Cartesian imaging. SNR-optimized SR-PLANED imaging improved the SNR up to 15% without changing acquisition time, the SRF or the field of view (FOV). The presented method provides high image quality and optimized SNR for first-pass myocardial perfusion imaging.