title: A comparison of the speeds of three convolution algorithms.
abstract: The speeds of three computer algorithms suitable for use in three-dimensional radiotherapy planning codes were compared. Two of the algorithms are based on ray-tracing methods, the first algorithm uses a fast ray-tracing procedure directly and the second employs a table lookup procedure; the table was originally calculated by ray tracing. The third algorithm was a convolution procedure using the fast Fourier transform. Benchmark programs were written to compare the fundamental running speeds of the three algorithms operating on three-dimensional arrays of various sizes. The convolution procedure employing the three-dimensional fast Fourier transform had the shortest running times on a VAX/750 (Digital Equipment Corp.) computer. We concluded that this algorithm holds significant potential for practical three-dimensional dose calculations.
authors.affiliation: Cancer Therapy Research Center, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio 78284.
authors.forename: A L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Boyer
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wackwitz
authors.forename: E C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Mok
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D011829:Radiation Dosage