Slanted-edge Method Research Articles

Resolution Properties of a Calcium Tungstate (CaWO4) Screen Coupled to a CMOS Imaging Detector

The aim of the current work was to assess the resolution properties of a calcium tungstate (CaWO4) screen (screen coating thickness: 50.09 mg/cm2, actual thickness: 167.2 μm) coupled to a high resolution complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) digital imaging sensor. A 2.7x3.6 cm2 CaWO4 sample was extracted from an Agfa Curix universal screen and was coupled directly with the active area of the active pixel sensor (APS) CMOS sensor. Experiments were performed following the new IEC 62220-1-1:2015 International Standard, using an RQA-5 beam quality. Resolution was assessed in terms of the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF), using the slanted-edge method. The CaWO4/CMOS detector configuration was found with linear response, in the exposure range under investigation. The final MTF was obtained through averaging the oversampled edge spread function (ESF), using a custom-made software developed by our team, according to the IEC 62220-1-1:2015. Considering the renewed interest in calcium tungstate for various applications, along with the resolution results of this work, CaWO4 could be also considered for use in X-ray imaging devices such as charged-coupled devices (CCD) and CMOS.

Active underwater descattering and image recovery.

Underwater imaging is a promising but challenging topic due to the scattering particles in water, which result in serious light attenuation. Therefore, underwater images suffer from low-contrast and low-resolution issues. In this study, in order to recover high-quality underwater images, the point spread functions (PSFs) are estimated by a slant-edge method. The experiment modulates the illumination source to deal with backscattering and the imager to take two images in orthogonally polarized states. This imaging method benefits the satisfactory edge extraction. The PSF estimation is performed based on the extracted slant edge to enable recovery of the image. In addition, the modulation transfer function (MTF) is introduced to evaluate the resolution variation with the spatial frequencies. It manifests considerable resolution enhancement in the recovered images. Moreover, the proposed underwater image recovery method also reduces the effect from the scattering as an effective compensation to the polarization imaging approach.

8-2 MTF推定における斜めエッジ法の改良(第8部門 コンシューマエレクトロニクス)

8-2 MTF推定における斜めエッジ法の改良(第8部門 コンシューマエレクトロニクス)

Contrast-sensitivity-based evaluation method of a surveillance camera’s visual resolution: improvement from the conventional slanted-edge spatial frequency response method

Visual resolution is an important specification of a surveillance camera, and it is usually quantified by linewidths per picture height (LW/PH). The conventional evaluation method adopts the slanted-edge spatial frequency response (e-SFR) and uses a fixed decision contrast ratio to determine LW/PH. However, this method brings about a considerable error with respect to subjectively judged results because the perceptibility of the human vision system (HVS) varies with spatial frequency. Therefore, in this paper, a systematic calculation method, which combines the contrast sensitivity function characterizing the HVS and e-SFR, is proposed to solve LW/PH. Eight 720P camera modules in day mode, four 720P modules in night mode, and two 1080P modules in day mode are actually adopted. Corresponding to the three modes, mean absolute error between objective and subjective LW/PH are suppressed to as low as 26 (3.6% of 720P), 27 (3.8% of 720P), and 49 (4.5% of 1080P), while those of the conventional method are 68 (9.4% of 720P), 95 (13.2% of 720P), and 118 (10.9% of 1080P).

Dynamic Modulation Transfer Function Analysis of Images Blurred by Sinusoidal Vibration

The dynamic modulation transfer function (MTF) for image degradation caused by sinusoidal vibration is formulated based on a Bessel function of the first kind. The presented method makes it possible to obtain an analytical MTF expression derived for arbitrary frequency sinusoidal vibration. The error obtained by the use of finite order sum approximations instead of infinite sums is investigated in detail. Dynamic MTF exhibits a stronger random behavior for low frequency vibration than high frequency vibration. The calculated MTFs agree well with the measured MTFs with the slant edge method in imaging experiments. With the proposed formula, allowable amplitudes of any frequency vibration are easily calculated. This is practical for the analysis and design of the line-of-sight stabilization system in the remote sensing camera.

Determination of the detective quantum efficiency (DQE) of CMOS/CsI imaging detectors following the novel IEC 62220-1-1:2015 International Standard

The purpose of the present study was to determine the Detective Quantum Efficiency (DQE) of CMOS imaging detectors, coupled to structured CsI:Tl and Gd2O2S:Tb scintillating screens, following the new IEC 62220-1-1:2015 International Standard. DQE was assessed after the experimental determination of the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) and the Normalized Noise Power Spectrum (NNPS) in the general radiography energy range. Two CMOS sensors were used; one with a pixel size of 22.5 μmcoupled to a columnar CsI:Tl scintillator screen with thickness of 490 μm, which was placed in direct contact with the optical sensor and one with a pixel size of 74.8 μmcoupled to a 200 μmcolumnar CsI:Tl scintillator screen. The MTF was measured using the slanted-edge method (following both the IEC 62220-1:2003 and IEC 62220-1-1:2015 methods) while NNPS was determined by 2D Fourier transforming uniformly exposed images. Both parameters were assessed by irradiation under the RQA-3 and RQA-5 (IEC 62220-1-1:2015) beam qualities. The detector response functions were linear for the exposure ranges under investigation. MTFs calculated following the 62220-1:2003 protocol, were found in all cases overestimated in the higher frequency range (spatial frequencies higher than 2 cycles/mm). DQE values, determined with the IEC 62220-1:2003 method, were also found overestimated (spatial frequencies higher than 2 cycles/mm), due to the influence of both MTF and NNPS. The influence of both additive and multiplicative lag effects were found below 0.005, insuring that lag contributes less than 0.5% of the effective exposure.

Measurement of the Modulation Transfer Function of Infrared Imaging System by Modified Slant Edge Method

The performance of a staring infrared imaging system can be characterized based on estimating the modulation transfer function (MTF). The slant edge method is a widely used MTF estimation method, which can effectively solve the aliasing problem caused by the discrete undersampling of the infrared focal plane array. However, the traditional slant edge method has some limitations such as the low precision of the edge angle extraction and using the approximate function to fit the edge spread function (ESF), which affects the accuracy of the MTF estimation. In this paper, we propose a modified slant edge method, including an edge angle extraction method that can improve the precision of the edge angle extraction and an ESF fitting algorithm which is based on the transfer function model of the imaging system, to enhance the accuracy of the MTF estimation. This modified slant edge method presents higher estimation accuracy and better immunity to noise and edge angle than other traditional methods, which is demonstrated by the simulation and application experiments operated in our study.

Image quality assessment of clinically-applied CBCT protocols using a QAT phantom.

This study has two main purposes: (1) to evaluate the effect of various clinically applied protocols [changing field of view (FOV), voxel size and tube voltage (kVp)] on CS 9300 CBCT (CareStream SM 749, Rochester, NY) image quality using its quality assurance test (QAT) phantom and (2) to evaluate the efficacy of a newly-designed prototype plugin on ImageJ (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD) which was introduced to measure modulation transfer function (MTF) using a modified slanted-edge method. Using a specifically constructed QAT phantom, five image quality parameters were assessed-image uniformity, signal-to-noise ratio, contrast, position checking and the MTF-for ten variables, clinically applied protocols on a CS 9300 PREMIUM three-dimensional CBCT device. With FOV and voxel size fixed, high-dose protocols resulted in less image noise and more uniformity. On the other hand, less image uniformity was achieved with less kVp. Moreover, high-dose protocols resulted in a high contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). There were significant differences in CNR between 60 and 70 kVp as well as between 70 and 90 kVp. Our study identified no difference between MTF and either voxel size or FOV. The image quality of the CS 9300 CBCT varied with variability in exposure protocols and different voxel sizes. The negative association between greater spatial resolution (smaller voxel size) and the MTF shows that the slanted edge method is not ideal for MTF evaluation of CBCT and is therefore not recommended for using it for this purpose.

MTF measurement of CCD digital camera based on improved slanted-edge method

MTF measurement of CCD digital camera based on improved slanted-edge method

基于改进倾斜刃边法的光电成像系统MTF高准确度测试

基于改进倾斜刃边法的光电成像系统MTF高准确度测试

Improving the accuracy of MTF measurement at low frequencies based on oversampled edge spread function deconvolution.

The modulation transfer function (MTF) of a radiographic system is often evaluated by measuring the system's edge spread function (ESF) using edge device. However, the numerical differentiation procedure of the traditional slanted edge method amplifies noises in the line spread function (LSF) and limits the accuracy of the MTF measurement at low frequencies. The purpose of this study is to improve the accuracy of low-frequency MTF measurement for digital x-ray imaging systems. An edge spread function (ESF) deconvolution technique was developed for MTF measurement based on the degradation model of slanted edge images. Specifically, symmetric oversampled ESFs were constructed by subtracting a shifted version of the ESF from the original one. For validation, the proposed MTF technique was compared with conventional slanted edge method through computer simulations as well as experiments on two digital radiography systems. The simulation results show that the average errors of the proposed ESF deconvolution technique were 0.11% ± 0.09% and 0.23% ± 0.14%, and they outperformed the conventional edge method (0.64% ± 0.57% and 1.04% ± 0.82% respectively) at low-frequencies. On the experimental edge images, the proposed technique achieved better uncertainty performance than the conventional method. As a result, both computer simulation and experiments have demonstrated that the accuracy of MTF measurement at low frequencies can be improved by using the proposed ESF deconvolution technique.

Backscanning step and stare imaging system with high frame rate and wide coverage.

Step and stare imaging with staring arrays has become the main approach to realizing wide area coverage and high resolution imagery of potential targets. In this paper, a backscanning step and stare imaging system is described. Compared with traditional step and stare imaging systems, this system features a much higher frame rate by using a small-sized array. In order to meet the staring requirements, a fast steering mirror is employed to provide backscan motion to compensate for the image motion caused by the continuously scanning of the gimbal platform. According to the working principle, the control system is designed to step/stare the line of sight at a high frame rate with a high accuracy. Then a proof-of-concept backscanning step and stare imaging system is established with a CMOS camera. Finally, the modulation transfer function of the imaging system is measured by the slanted-edge method, and a quantitative analysis is made to evaluate the performance of image motion compensation. Experimental results confirm that both high frame rate and image quality improvement can be achieved by adopting this method.

Slant edge method for point spread function estimation

The traditional edge method (TEM) is applicable only in areas whose knife edges are horizontal or vertical. The slant edge method (SEM) requires using the approximate function in the edge spread function (ESF) fitting. The ESF sample is uneven and therefore affects the accuracy of the estimated point spread function (PSF). This study proposes a novel slant edge method (NSEM), including a knife-edge area extraction algorithm that ensures the evenness of the ESF sample and a PSF estimation algorithm that directly fits the line spread function, to improve the accuracy of the estimated PSF. The validity and applicability of the NSEM have been proven in theory and practice, respectively. Compared with the TEM and SEM, the NSEM exhibits a clear improvement in accuracy and stability across the three experiments conducted in this study.

Experimental measurement of a high resolution CMOS detector coupled to CsI scintillators under X-ray radiation

The purpose of the present study was to assess the information content of structured CsI:Tl scintillating screens, specially treated to be compatible to a CMOS digital imaging optical sensor, in terms of the information capacity (IC), based on Shannon's mathematical communication theory. IC was assessed after the experimental determination of the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) and the Normalized Noise Power Spectrum (NNPS) in the mammography and general radiography energy range. The CMOS sensor was coupled to three columnar CsI:Tl scintillator screens obtained from the same manufacturer with thicknesses of 130, 140 and 170 μm respectively, which were placed in direct contact with the optical sensor. The MTF was measured using the slanted-edge method while NNPS was determined by 2D Fourier transforming of uniformly exposed images. Both parameters were assessed by irradiation under the mammographic W/Rh (130, 140 and 170 μm CsI screens) and the RQA-5 (140 and 170 μm CsI screens) (IEC 62220-1) beam qualities. The detector response function was linear for the exposure range under investigation. At 70 kVp, under the RQA-5 conditions IC values were found to range between 2229 and 2340 bits/mm2. At 28 kVp the corresponding IC values were found to range between 2262 and 2968 bits/mm2. The information content of CsI:Tl scintillating screens in combination to the high resolution CMOS sensor, investigated in the present study, where found optimized for use in digital mammography imaging systems.

Image Quality Assessment of a CMOS/Gd2O2S:Pr,Ce,F X-Ray Sensor

The aim of the present study was to examine the image quality performance of a CMOS digital imaging optical sensor coupled to custom made gadolinium oxysulfide powder scintillators, doped with praseodymium, cerium, and fluorine (Gd2O2S:Pr,Ce,F). The screens, with coating thicknesses 35.7 and 71.2 mg/cm2, were prepared in our laboratory from Gd2O2S:Pr,Ce,F powder (Phosphor Technology, Ltd.) by sedimentation on silica substrates and were placed in direct contact with the optical sensor. Image quality was determined through single index (information capacity, IC) and spatial frequency dependent parameters, by assessing the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) and the Normalized Noise Power Spectrum (NNPS). The MTF was measured using the slanted-edge method. The CMOS sensor/Gd2O2S:Pr,Ce,F screens combinations were irradiated under the RQA-5 (IEC 62220-1) beam quality. The detector response function was linear for the exposure range under investigation. Under the general radiography conditions, both Gd2O2S:Pr,Ce,F screen/CMOS combinations exhibited moderate imaging properties, in terms of IC, with previously published scintillators, such as CsI:Tl, Gd2O2S:Tb, and Gd2O2S:Eu.

An Automatic Calculation Method of MTF and the Application in Blurred Images Restoration

Modulation transfer function (MTF) is a comprehensive index for the objective reflection of the quality of the imaging systems. In the field of image processing, the slanted-edge method is usually adopted to compute MTF for images. However, the sub-images with slanted edges are extracted from original image by subjective judgment and manually operation, which is bound to lead to inefficiency of calculation, low accuracy and instability of results with the participation of humans. Aiming at the above problem, this paper presents an automatic MTF calculation method for blurred images and applies it to the process of image restoration by developing a two-dimensional MTF filter and utilizing it into conventional restoration methods such as the Wiener filtering, least squares filtering and Lucy-Richardson algorithm. Experiment results indicate the proposed method achieved an automatic, fast and accurate MTF computation for blurred images, and MTF-based restoration methods were superior to traditional ones in restoration effects.

Searching algorithm of theodolite auto-focusing based on compound focal judgment

Abstract Focusing of search judgment is one of the important parts of theodolite image measurement. Traditional hill-climbing search algorithm cannot usually focus accurately due to the interference of the evaluation function of the local extremum affected by measuring environment, such as light illumination. A compound auto-focal judgment combining image definition evaluation function and modulation transfer function (MTF) auxiliary function was introduced to improve the hill-climbing method. Definition evaluation function and MTF values of images were considered to judge the search direction together. Slanted-edge method was improved to calculate the image MTF values accurately based on the auto-selection of slanted-edge area. Lastly, the principle and implementation of the improved algorithm were given. In the theodolite auto-focusing system, the system imaging effect was validated, and different initial position and circumstances were considered using the proposed searching algorithm. The experiment results of theodolite auto-focus system show that the improved hill-climbing search algorithm can effectively eliminate the local extremum disturbance and make the system search focusing accurate and reliable.

Modified slanted-edge method and multidirectional modulation transfer function estimation

The slanted-edge method specified in ISO Standard 12233, which measures the modulation transfer function (MTF) by analyzing an image of a slightly slanted knife-edge target, is not robust against noise because it takes the derivative of each data line in the edge-angle estimation. We propose here a modified method that estimates the edge angle by fitting a two-dimensional function to the image data. The method has a higher accuracy, precision, and robustness against noise than the ISO 12233 method and is applicable to any arbitrary pixel array, enabling a multidirectional MTF estimate in a single measurement of a starburst image.

基于倾斜刃边法航空相机像移的调制传递函数测量

Image motion of aerial camera during exposure time leads to the degradation of image quality, so image motion compensation system is essential for aerial camera. Subjective criterion, namely image motion is distinguished by human eyes, is always used to evaluate whether the performance of the image motion compensation system meets the design requirements. Subjective criterion is usually influenced by people, and only provides qualitative evaluation. In order to establish the direct relationship between image quality of aerial camera and other index of image motion compensation system, modulation transfer function (MTF) measurement of image motion based on slanted-edge method is presented. Then experiment is designed to verify this method. Image motion caused by scanning of aerial camera is simulated by the rotation of turntable, and the MTF of image motion is obtained by two ways. One is measured by slanted-edge method, and the other one is calculated by theoretical model. Experimental results show that when spatial frequency is 0.10 cycle/pixel and the turntable rotates at 3, 5, 8O/s, the difference between the MTF obtained by the two methods is 0.77%, 1.15%, and 4.91%, thus the effectiveness of this method is demonstrated.

基于点扩散函数的小目标辐射测量

A measurement algorithm based on Point Spread Function (PSF) was proposed to accurately measure radiation characteristics of infrared small targets which are tiny or quite far away from the IR imaging system. With the method, the PSF of the optical system was measured by using the slanted edge method under the premise of given target shapes. Then, the processes of imaging and sampling of the infrared focal plane arrays were modeled and the simulated image of the target on a detector was obtained. Furthermore, the radiance, size and center position of the target were estimated accurately by matching the simulated image and the actual image obtained from the IR imaging system. Finally, experiments were performed to verify this method. The obtained results show when the temperature of a circular target is 70 and the ideal imaging diameter is greater than 4 pixels, the maximum error of radiance measurement is 2.35% and that of the target size (area) measurement is 1.89%. The experimental results demonstrate that the method is feasible and is suitable for capturing radiation properties of targets or backgrounds, performance measurement of infrared systems, image restoration and small target positioning.