The Use of Image Processing in CTX Imaging

One important component of the CTX imaging technology is its ability to perform image processing. Through high-tech image processing techniques, the images created by both a CT scan and high-speed fluoroscopy can be combined together to create a flawless image of internal structures in motion.

Putting Image Processing to Work

CTX imaging has managed to put image processing to use in a way that was never used before. By using the base model created by the CT scan and the images created through high-speed fluoroscopy, the image processing software can combine the two and create one image. This image has the clarity offered by the CT scan as well as the three dimensional characteristics that cannot be achieved with high-speed fluoroscopy.

Potential Problems that CTX Imaging Had to Overcome

Since the development of CTX imaging required the use of image processing techniques, there were several issues that the developers had to consider and find ways to work around in order to guarantee that the image they receive with the technology is accurate.

One problem commonly associated with image processing is geometric transformations. When geometric transformations occur, certain areas may be reduced in size, enlarged, or rotated. Obviously, flipping the image or incorrectly showing the size could be a major problem when using the technology to help with making a diagnosis.

Another problem commonly associated with image processing is experiencing problems with color. Objects could be too bright or adjustments may need to be made to the contrast in order to accurately see the various colors involved with the image.

Since multiple images from different sources are being brought together through image processing, a number of issues can develop in that regard as well. For example, the images may not properly blend together. Similarly, segmentation of certain areas can develop. If this occurs, multiple regions may develop rather than one complete image.

When developing the CTX imaging software, developers had to consider each of these issues in order to develop a program that would accurately portray the images as they really are and that could mesh them together in a flawless image.

Resolving Potential Issues with CTX Imaging

Resolving the potential problems with CTX imaging is not a simple task. The science of morphological image processing must be put into place in order to guarantee that the image created through CTX imaging is accurate.

With morphological image processing, a variety of different digital image processes that are based on mathematical morphology are employed. This process is largely dependent upon ordering the pixel values rather than on the numerical values of the pixels. This is particularly helpful when creating grayscale images such as those used in CTX imaging.

A number of issues can be addressed through the help of morphological image processing. These include opening, erosion, closing, dilation, thinning, shrinking, skeletonization, thickening, distance transform, and pruning. With each of these functions and the mathematical algorithm created the amazing CTX imaging as developed by Brown University has become possible.