Processing of medical images using real-time optical Fourier processing.
Optical image processing techniques are inherently fast in view of parallel processing. A self-adaptive optical Fourier processing system using photoinduced dichroism in a bacteriorhodopsin film was experimentally demonstrated for medical image processing. Application of this powerful analog all-optical interactive technique for cancer diagnostics is illustrated with two mammograms and a Pap smear. Microcalcification clusters buried in surrounding tissue showed up clearly in the processed image. By playing with one knob, which rotates the analyzer in the optical system, either the microcalcification clusters or the surrounding dense tissue can be selectively displayed. Bacteriorhodopsin films are stable up to 140 degrees C and environmentally friendly. As no interference is involved in the experiments, vibration isolation and even a coherent light source are not required. It may be possible to develop a low-cost rugged battery operated portable signal-enhancing magnifier.
Panchangam
A
A
Department of Physics, University of Massachusetts, Boston 02125, USA.
Sastry
K V
KV
Rao
D V
DV
DeCristofano
B S
BS
Kimball
B R
BR
Nakashima
M
M
D001436:Bacteriorhodopsins; D055592:Biophysical Phenomena; D001703:Biophysics; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; D005260:Female; D005583:Fourier Analysis; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008327:Mammography / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055095:Optics and Photonics; D065006:Papanicolaou Test; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D001436:Bacteriorhodopsins