EXPLORING THE IMAGE RECORDING SYSTEM CHARACTERISTIC CURVE FOR CONTRAST ENHANCEMENT IN DIDIGAL MAMMOGRAPHY

• Grant number: 23/15829-2
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: July 01, 2024
• End date: June 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Bioengineering
• Principal Investigator: Homero Schiabel
• Grantee: Homero Schiabel
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Ana Claudia Patrocinio

Abstract

Contrast stands out among the main factors influencing the detection and classification of breast lesions in a mammographic image. Depending on the image acquisition characteristics during exposure, it can affect the visualization and interpretation of structures, such as nodules, especially in dense breasts. Since the digital mammography imaging process has a decisive influence on the accuracy of the diagnosis, obtaining relevant and high-quality information about this process is essential to enable the development of computational tools that assist in improving image quality. Understanding the behavior of the image recording system characteristic curve - a graph that provides the relation between the system's response and the incident radiation intensity - is a relevant factor for the analysis of digital image contrast. Therefore, this work proposes, initially, an investigation of current electronic recording systems for digital mammography to determine their characteristic curves for both raw and internally post-processed images to be presented to the radiologist. Subsequently, a processing technique will be developed to allow, when necessary, the establishment of a "correction" for any lacks identified in the registration of intensity levels in the image generated by digital mammography systems, both CR and DR types, aiming for a standardization of contrast, regardless of the equipment or manufacturer. (AU)