Image processing techniques for digital breast imaging

Digital imaging offers major advantages over conventional film radiology, especially with respect to image quality, the speed with which the images can be viewed, the ability to perform image processing, and the potential for computer aided diagnosis. A typical mammographic image requires 10 million pixels of data, assuming 50 micrometers square pixels. Currently, there are not single sensor that can satisfy these specifications. One approach to acquiring full-breast digital images utilizes multiple sub-images from two 1024 by 1024 pixel charge coupled devices. This paper describes how the full-breast image is obtained by translating the sensor apparatus and 'stitching' the sub-images together. Radiologist desire seamless full-breast images, so a 'blending' process was developed to prevent visible seams in the full-breast image. Also, flaws in the detection system are removed by image processing techniques. FInally, the process of enhancing an image for film printing is described.