CT bone 2 x1 + ROI CT bone 2 ROI x7 'before' CT bone 2 ROI x7 'after'
X-ray wire x1 + ROI X-ray wire ROI x7 'before' X-ray wire ROI x7 'after'

Introducing A New Image Enhancement Technique

The Problem (of de-focused images) - Blurred image-edges caused by the 'Penumbral-Spread Effect' have existed since the discovery of X-ray (that led to its Radiography) by German Scientist Wilhelm C. Roentgen on the 8th of November 1895. Even in Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance (MR), Digital Fluorography (DF), and Nuclear Medicine/Positron Emission Tomography (NM/PET), the combined effect of the size of the energy source and/or the size of the detector(s) still cause the 'Penumbral Spread' (or 'Spatial Frequency Spread') problem. In CT, MR and DF, this blurring spread averages 2.4 pixels across (e.g. 0.67mm/pixel; 1.2mm tube-spot), whereas in NM/PET, the blurring spread is even larger.

The Solution (to re-focus the de-focused images) - The hardware solution to the problem involves the collimation of the photon beam, which reduces the dose efficiency and results in an increase in image noise. Radiologists have learned to live with this problem ever since. Recently, by using the processing power of modern CPUs, Image Enhancement Technology Ltd (IET) has found an innovative software solution to the problem without any trade-off increase in image noise. It is a post-processing De-Convolution Technique for the detection, definition and enhancement of image edge-profiles. Enhancement is carried out in a zoomed space of various magnification factors and, within this zoomed space, the higher the magnification factor, the clearer is the enhanced image obtained, as both the Penumbral-Spread Effect and the Pixelization Effect are overcome at the same time. The overall effect is to literally re-focus the image edge-profile, as if derived from an infinitely small energy source. This patented technique has all the advantages of sensitivity, sub-pixel accuracy, and efficiency (in terms of processing time). By solving this previously 'unsolvable' century-old 'penumbral-spread' problem without any trade-off loss, numerous important applications may now be realized.

Image Enhancement Technology - IET has had numerous papers published (or accepted) by various organizations. This website provides access to these publications, together with some examples of the technique, potential medical and non-medical applications, and current and planned products and technology offers. For further information, including licensing, please contact IET.