Modelling and analysis of vertebra deformations with spherical harmonics.

In this paper we present an elaborate and precise geometrical model of the spine structure based on spherical harmonics. We first describe the application of spherical harmonics to the modelling of the vertebra surface, then we study the behaviour of the model under particular deformations. The first results of this study show that we can obtain a realistic model of each vertebra of the spine and that it is possible to estimate particular deformations with a good accuracy from the spherical harmonics coefficients of the deformed surface.

[Glossary of terms used by radiologists in image processing].

We give the definition of 166 words used in image processing. Adaptivity, aliazing, analog-digital converter, analysis, approximation, arc, artifact, artificial intelligence, attribute, autocorrelation, bandwidth, boundary, brightness, calibration, class, classification, classify, centre, cluster, coding, color, compression, contrast, connectivity, convolution, correlation, data base, decision, decomposition, deconvolution, deduction, descriptor, detection, digitization, dilation, discontinuity, discretization, discrimination, disparity, display, distance, distorsion, distribution dynamic, edge, energy, enhancement, entropy, erosion, estimation, event, extrapolation, feature, file, filter, filter floaters, fitting, Fourier transform, frequency, fusion, fuzzy, Gaussian, gradient, graph, gray level, group, growing, histogram, Hough transform, Houndsfield, image, impulse response, inertia, intensity, interpolation, interpretation, invariance, isotropy, iterative, JPEG, knowledge base, label, laplacian, learning, least squares, likelihood, matching, Markov field, mask, matching, mathematical morphology, merge (to), MIP, median, minimization, model, moiré, moment, MPEG, neural network, neuron, node, noise, norm, normal, operator, optical system, optimization, orthogonal, parametric, pattern recognition, periodicity, photometry, pixel, polygon, polynomial, prediction, pulsation, pyramidal, quantization, raster, reconstruction, recursive, region, rendering, representation space, resolution, restoration, robustness, ROC, thinning, transform, sampling, saturation, scene analysis, segmentation, separable function, sequential, smoothing, spline, split (to), shape, threshold, tree, signal, speckle, spectrum, spline, stationarity, statistical, stochastic, structuring element, support, syntaxic, synthesis, texture, truncation, variance, vision, voxel, windowing.

[Analysis of texture in medical imaging. Review of the literature].

This paper presents a review of the applications of texture analysis in medical imaging. Many authors take a great interest in this topic (75 papers have been published since 1984) and try to elaborate automatic methods for tissue characterization. The results are not really convincing and applications are often reduced to feasibility studies.

Computer vision approaches for the three-dimensional reconstruction of coronary arteries: review and prospects.

The objective of this article is to define the different stages involved in the 3D reconstruction of arteries and to review, from our experience and from the literature, the solutions already proposed. A full reconstruction framework includes the characterization of the imaging device (in terms of distortion and calibration), the specificity of the image acquisition process, the preprocessing that can be applied, the detection of the vascular structures, the 2D feature formation, the reconstruction itself, and the visualization aspects. They are examined according to a computer vision approach where two or three views are assumed to be available.

Iterative reconstruction methods for nonuniform attenuation distribution in SPECT.

Two iterative methods, a generalization of the Chang method and a projection precorrection, were investigated to determine whether the use of an attenuation map could improve nonuniform attenuation compensation. After a detailed description of the methods, results obtained with simulated and phantom data were compared. This study demonstrates that projection precorrection provides accurate quantification and good image quality as early as the precorrection step, whereas the generalized Chang method requires computation of one more iteration.