A novel multi-agent genetic algorithm for limited-view computed tomography

Abstract

Computed tomography (CT) is a non-invasive testing technique to generate the internal image of any object. It has various applications belonging to medical imaging and other engineering applications. The present article proposes a novel multiagent genetic algorithm based on hill-climbing for limited-view computed tomography (MAGAH-CT). The MAGAH combines a multi-agent system based on a genetic algorithm (MAGA) and a hill-climbing approach. The MAGAH uses multiple operators to refine the agent population during evolution. These operators are neighborhood-based competition, hybrid crossover, adaptive mutation, and self-learning. MAGAH-CT explores better solutions in neighborhood-based competition and cooperation operators. The self-learning operator learns through the agent’s population generated by adaptive mutation and hybrid crossover operator, ensuring the results’ continuity. The proposed algorithm has been tested on a Shepp-Logan head phantom with limited view projection data. The algorithm can accurately reconstruct the low-noise CT image using limited data constraints. Experimental results reveal that the presented MAGAH-CT algorithm is efficient and computationally reasonable. The presented algorithm is suitable for low-noise CT reconstruction and out-performs other limited-view CT reconstruction algorithms.