1.2.
Image analysis
Keywords
Noise removal, blur, restoration, segmentation,
registration, extraction
Expertise
The University has developed a range of advanced
mathematical tools for image enhancement, restoration,
noise and blur removal, automatic feature extraction and
accurate registration of two images. These tools allow us,
for example, to process users’ data in any format to
extract features and sharpen images for clarity or
compare or superimpose two images generated from
two entirely different imaging technologies.
Image analysis extracts meaningful information from the
data captured by digital imaging technologies. Which-
ever technology is used, the images are captured using
hardware and interpreted by software. The results are
increasingly impressive, but they may not be adequate for
some purposes. Our research refines existing techniques
and develops new ones which can maximise the useful
information captured by digital imaging technologies.
Capabilities and facilities
Our expertise focuses on novel models and fast
algorithms, including:
•
Restoration – removing ‘noise’ and/or enhancing
resolution
•
Edge detection – distinguishing boundaries of
different objects
•
Matching – identifying close matches of an image
•
Feature extraction and segmentation – dividing
images into regions of similar intensities and
isolating areas/objects of interest
• 3
D reconstruction and tomography – converting 2D
image slices (from PET/CT/SPECT imaging) into 3D
representations of an object
•
Registration – mapping an image to ‘superimpose’
on to a related image.
Relevant centres and groups
•
Centre for Mathematical Imaging Techniques.
Digital Technologies
143
Also see:
Health & Wellbeing –
5.1
Eye and vision, page 29
11.3
Medical imaging, page 52
Materials, Advanced Design &
Manufacturing –
2.8
Biomedical engineering, page 96
Keywords
Gamma radiation, pulse shape analysis techniques,
Compton imaging, medical imaging, multimodal
imaging, charge collection
Expertise
Most radioactive isotopes send out gamma radiation and
we use spectroscopic imaging to measure this radiation
and identify the substance or locate the source of the
radiation. This imaging has uses in industry for tracing,
leak detection and security technologies.
We have particular experience in the use of gamma
spectroscopic imaging for medical applications. Our
techniques measure how organs absorb radiation from
tracers; this data reveals the functioning of the organ.
What makes us unique is our multidisciplinary
expertise on diagnostic medical imaging,
involving physicists (who have the expertise and
technological know-how to produce the data);
mathematicians (who process and analyse the
data to generate meaningful images) and life
scientists (who use the images to diagnose
and/or treat).
We can build bespoke sensors and spectroscopic
imaging devices for medical imaging, security applications
and radioactive waste decommissioning. Our expertise in
sensor systems, electronics, data acquisition, algorithm
development and image reconstruction can be combined
into an instrument that can be designed, built and
commissioned to the prototype or demonstrator stage.
Capabilities and facilities
•
Development and characterisation of
semiconductors and scintillators
•
Design of spectroscopic instruments including
electronics and data acquisition technologies
•
Instrument commissioning
•
Algorithm development and implementation
for imaging.
1.3
Detector technology for spectroscopic imaging
Also see:
Health & Wellbeing –
11.3
Medical imaging,
page 52
Risk, Safety & Security –
2.1
Security forensics,
page 120
