Semi-reference image quality metric for virtual view images in free-viewpoint television

A semi-reference image quality assessment metric based on similarity measurement for synthesized virtual viewpoint image （VVI） in free-viewpoint television system （FFV） is proposed in this paper. The key point of the proposed metric is taking resemblant information between VVI and its neighbor view images for quality assessment to make our metric to be extended to multi-semi-reference image quality assessment easily. The proposed metric first extracts impact factors from image features, then combines an image synthesis technique and similarity functions, in which, disparity information are taken into account for registering the resemblant regions. Experiments are divided into three phases. Phase I is to verify the validation of the proposed metric by taking impaired images and original reference into account. The experimental results show the agreement between evaluation scores and bio-characteristic of human visual system. Phase II shows the accordance with Phase I by taking neighbor view as reference. The proposed metric can be taken as a full reference one to evaluate the image quality even though the original reference is absent. Phase III is then performed to evaluate the quality of WI. Evaluation scores in the experimental results are able to evaluate the quality of VVI.

Characterization for elastic constants of fused deposition modelling-fabricated materials based on the virtual fields method and digital image correlation

Fused deposition modelling(FDM), a widely used rapid prototyping process, is a promising technique in manufacturing engineering. In this work, a method for characterizing elastic constants of FDM-fabricated materials is proposed. First of all, according to the manufacturing process of FDM, orthotropic constitutive model is used to describe the mechanical behavior. Then the virtual fields method(VFM) is applied to characterize all the mechanical parameters(Q, Q, Q, Q) using the full-field strain,which is measured by digital image correlation(DIC). Since the principal axis of the FDM-fabricated structure is sometimes unknown due to the complexity of the manufacturing process, a disk in diametrical compression is used as the load configuration so that the loading angle can be changed conveniently. To verify the feasibility of the proposed method, finite element method(FEM) simulation is conducted to obtain the strain field of the disk. The simulation results show that higher accuracy can be achieved when the loading angle is close to 30?. Finally, a disk fabricated by FDM was used for the experiment. By rotating the disk, several tests with different loading angles were conducted. To determine the position of the principal axis in each test, two groups of parameters(Q, Q, Q, Q) are calculated by two different groups of virtual fields. Then the corresponding loading angle can be determined by minimizing the deviation between two groups of the parameters. After that, the four constants(Q, Q, Q, Q) were determined from the test with an angle of 27?.

Adaptive Virtual Source Imaging Using the Sequence Intensity Factor:Simulation and Experimental Study

Virtual source(VS)imaging has been proposed to improve image resolution in medical ultrasound imaging.However,VS obtains a limited contrast due to the non-adaptive delay-and-sum(DAS)beamforming.To improve the image contrast and provide an enhanced resolution,adaptive weighting algorithms were applied in VS imaging.In this paper,we proposed an adjustable generalized coherence factor(aGCF)for the synthetic aperture sequential beamforming(SASB)ofVS imaging to improve image quality.The value of aGCF is adjusted by a sequence intensity factor(SIF)that is defined as the ratio between the effective low resolution scan lines(LRLs)intensity and total LRLs strength.The aGCF-weighted VS(aGCF-VS)images were compared with standard VS images and GCF-weighted VS(GCF-VS)images.Simulation and experimental results demonstrated that the contrast ratio(CR)and contrastto-noise ratio(CNR)of aGCF-VS are greatly improved,compared with standard VS imaging.And in comparison with GCF-VS,aGCF-VS can obtain better CNR and speckle signal-to-noise ratio(sSNR)whilemaintaining similar CR.Therefore,aGCF is suitable for VS imaging to improve contrast and preserve speckle pattern.

Significance of an Advanced Image-Based Virtual Monoenergetic Reconstruction of Dual Source Dual-Energy CT Data at Low keV Increases Image Quality for Portal Vein System of Pancreatic Cancer Patients

Purpose: To explore the significance of dual-source computed tomography (DECT) virtual monoenergetic reconstructions technology in improving image quality for portal vein system of pancreatic cancer patients. Materials and methods: 47 patients with clinically suspected pancreatic cancer (all confirmed by pathology) were collected. Routine plain scan was performed with Siemens Force dual-source dual-energy CT followed by 3 scans respectively carried out in arterial phase, portal phase and delayed phase. Traditional virtual monoenergetic reconstructions (Mono_E) and new generation of virtual monoenergetic reconstructions (Mono+) were respectively performed on portal vein images to obtain virtual single energy images including Mono_ E70 keV, Mono_E 55 keV and Mono+ 70 keV and Mono+ 55 keV. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and noise of portal vein, normal pancreatic tissues and pancreatic lesions of 100 kV, Mono_E and Mono+ images were compared. In addition, the contrast noise ratio of portal vein and lesions as well as pancreatic tissues and lesions (CNR PV, CNRtumor) were also compared. At the same time, two imaging physicians with rich clinical experiences read the films and scored the images of each group by using the 5-point scoring method. Results: Mono+ 55 keV images including SNRpv, SNRpanc, SNRtumor, Noise, CNRpv, CNRtumor were statistically different from 100 KV images and Mono_E images (P < 0.05). As for the subjective score, Mono+ 55 keV image score also had the highest score, which had statistical significance (P < 0.05). The results showed that Mono+ 55 keV images had the best quality. Conclusion: The new generation of virtual Mono+ post-treatment can reduce image noise. Low energy Mono+ images can improve the contrast between pancreatic cancer lesions and portal of pancreatic cancer patients.

A modeling method for virtual scene based on multi-view image sequence

Through the analysis and comparison of shortcomings and advantages of existing technologies on object modeling in 3D applications,we propose a new modeling method for virtual scene based on multi-view image sequence to model irregular objects efficiently in 3D application.In 3D scene,this method can get better visual effect by tracking the viewer's real-time perspective position and projecting the photos from different perspectives dynamically.The philosophy of design,the steps of development and some other relevant topics are discussed in details,and the validity of the algorithm is analyzed.The results demonstrate that this method represents more superiority on simulating irregular objects by applying it to the modeling of virtual museum.

Optical Microsphere Nano-Imaging:Progress and Challenges

The optical diffraction effect imposes a radical obstacle preventing conventional optical microscopes from achieving an imaging resolution beyond the Abbe diffraction limit and thereby restricting their usage in a multitude of nanoscale applications.Over the past decade,the optical microsphere nanoimaging technique has been demonstrated to be a cost-effective solution for overcoming the diffraction limit and has achieved an imaging resolution of up to about k6k8 in a real-time and label-free manner,making it highly competitive among numerous super-resolution imaging technologies.In this review,we summarize the underlying nano-imaging mechanisms of the microsphere nanoscope and key advancements aimed at imaging performance enhancement:first,to change the working environment or modify the peripheral hardware of a single microsphere nanoscope at the system level;second,to compose the microsphere compound lens;and third,to engineer the geometry or ingredients of microspheres.We also analyze challenges yet to be overcome in optical microsphere nano-imaging,followed by an outlook of this technique.

Application Research of Medical Imaging Practical Teaching Based on Virtual Simulation Teaching Platform

Objective:To explore the application effect of virtual simulation teaching platform in the practical teaching of medical imaging.Methods:A total of 97 students majoring in medical imaging technology of class 2022 were selected and divided into two groups according to the random number method:control group(n=48)and observation group(n=49).The observation group was under the practical teaching mode based on the virtual simulation teaching platform,while the control group was under the traditional multimedia teaching mode.Questionnaire survey and teaching assessment were carried out after the teaching period,and the application effects of the two teaching modes were compared.Results:The reading and theoretical scores of the students in the observation group were significantly higher than those of the students in the control group(P<0.01);there were statistically significant differences in the results of the questionnaire survey(improved learning interest,improved language expression,improved ability to comprehensively analyze problems,and improved teamwork awareness)between the two groups of students(P<0.05);the students in the observation group were markedly more satisfied with the teaching content,teaching methods,and teaching quality than the students in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The medical imaging practical teaching mode based on virtual simulation platform not only helps improve students’theoretical understanding and practical ability in medical imaging technology,but also improves students’learning interest,language expression ability,ability to comprehensively analyze problems,communication skills,teamwork awareness,and satisfaction with the teaching content,teaching methods,and teaching quality.Therefore,it has wide application value in medical specialty education.

Epileptic brain network mechanisms and neuroimaging techniques for the brain network

Epilepsy can be defined as a dysfunction of the brain network,and each type of epilepsy involves different brain-network changes that are implicated diffe rently in the control and propagation of interictal or ictal discharges.Gaining more detailed information on brain network alterations can help us to further understand the mechanisms of epilepsy and pave the way for brain network-based precise therapeutic approaches in clinical practice.An increasing number of advanced neuroimaging techniques and electrophysiological techniques such as diffusion tensor imaging-based fiber tra ctography,diffusion kurtosis imaging-based fiber tractography,fiber ball imagingbased tra ctography,electroencephalography,functional magnetic resonance imaging,magnetoencephalography,positron emission tomography,molecular imaging,and functional ultrasound imaging have been extensively used to delineate epileptic networks.In this review,we summarize the relevant neuroimaging and neuroelectrophysiological techniques for assessing structural and functional brain networks in patients with epilepsy,and extensively analyze the imaging mechanisms,advantages,limitations,and clinical application ranges of each technique.A greater focus on emerging advanced technologies,new data analysis software,a combination of multiple techniques,and the construction of personalized virtual epilepsy models can provide a theoretical basis to better understand the brain network mechanisms of epilepsy and make surgical decisions.

Characteristics of the imaging diagnosis of alveolar echinococcosis

Alveolar echinococcosis(AE)primarily manifests in the liver and exhibits charac-teristics resembling those of slow-growing malignant tumours.Untreated Echino-coccus multilocularis infection can be lethal.By infiltrating the vascular systems,biliary tracts,and the hilum of the liver,it might lead to various problems.Due to its ability to infiltrate neighbouring tissues or metastasize to distant organs,AE can often be mistaken for malignancies.We present a concise overview of the epi-demiological and pathophysiological characteristics of AE,as well as the clinical manifestations of the disease.This article primarily examines the imaging charac-teristics of AE using various imaging techniques such as ultrasonography,com-puted tomography(CT),magnetic resonance imaging,diffusion-weighted ima-ging,and virtual non-enhanced dual-energy CT.We additionally examined the contribution of radiography in the diagnosis,treatment,and monitoring of the condition.

坑底隆起对抗浮锚杆作用下既有隧道变形影响的计算

考虑基坑坑底隆起对下卧隧道的影响,建立坑底隆起引起带抗浮锚杆的盾构隧道位移计算模型。基于影像源法,推导得到坑底隆起引起下卧带抗浮锚杆盾构隧道的纵向变形公式。结合工程实例,对比工程实际测量值、理论计算值和三维有限元模拟值,验证计算模型的准确性,研究抗浮锚杆数量对隧道变形的影响。研究结果表明:隧道隆起主要发生在强影响区内,环间转角和错台发生在弱影响区内;隧道隆起主要受基坑尺寸影响,假设基坑开挖长度为L,安装抗浮锚杆可以减小隧道隆起量、环间转角和错台量,环间转角和错台量主要受基坑开挖尺寸的影响,始终在±3L/5处达到极值;在一定范围内增加抗浮锚杆数量可以有效减小隧道变形量,抗浮锚杆超出一定数量后控制效果提升不明显。

AI虚拟主播对消费者购买意愿的影响研究

随着人工智能等技术的发展,越来越多商家使用AI虚拟主播直播带货,以吸引顾客并降本提效。基于详尽可能模型和刺激-机体-反应理论,通过问卷调查方法探究AI虚拟主播的中心路径因素信息质量和边缘路径因素外表吸引力和娱乐性、形象拟真度对消费者购买意愿的影响及机制。研究结果表明:AI虚拟主播提供的信息质量和外表吸引力均可通过用户信任和社会临场感影响购买意愿;其娱乐性只能通过用户信任影响购买意愿;只有卡通型虚拟主播的娱乐性会对用户购买意愿产生正影响;与男性相比,女性购买虚拟主播推荐产品的意愿更高。因此,商家为吸引用户购买,应注重虚拟主播的信息质量;围绕目标客户,准确选择虚拟主播形象拟真度;根据虚拟主播形象拟真度,差异化设计其外表和娱乐性。

基于体素内不相干运动扩散加权成像的虚拟磁共振弹性成像在髌下脂肪垫中的可重复性分析

目的探讨基于体素内不相干运动扩散加权成像(intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion weighted imaging,IVIM-DWI)的虚拟磁共振弹性成像(virtual magnetic resonance elastography,vMRE)测量髌下脂肪垫(infrapatellar fat pad,IPFP)硬度的可重复性。材料与方法共50名受试者接受了两次使用10个b值的IVIM-DWI检查,检查间隔为30~60 min,采用18通道膝关节线圈。从两组不同的b值(200~800 s/mm^(2)和200~1500 s/mm^(2))中计算出移位表观扩散系数(shift apparent diffusion coefficient,sADC),随后转换为基于IVIM-DWI的虚拟剪切模量(μdiff_800和μdiff_1500)。两名观察者独立地在v MRE硬度图上勾勒出整个IPFP的感兴趣区(region of interest,ROI),以获得μdiff的平均值和标准差(standard deviation,SD)。使用组内相关系数(intra-class correlation coefficient,ICC)、变异系数(coefficient of variation,CoV)和Bland-Altman一致性界限(limits of agreement,LoA)评估短期重测可重复性、观察者内和观察者间一致性。结果μdiff_1500的平均值和SD值的观察者内和观察者间一致性优异(ICC≥0.90,P<0.001),SD值观察者内Co V>10%。μdiff_800平均值的观察者内和观察者间ICC分别为0.926和0.910(P<0.001),而μdiff_800的SD值的ICC分别为0.841和0.855(P<0.001),所有Co V>10%。与μdiff_800相比(ICC=0.886;Co V=13.7%),μdiff_1500的平均值重测可重复性优异(ICC=0.932;Co V=7.5%)。μdiff_1500的两次扫描间的平均偏差及SD为-0.01(0.37),而μdiff_800的两次扫描间的平均偏差及SD为0.05(0.79);μdiff_1500的95%LoA为-0.88~0.87,而μdiff_800的95%LoA为-0.63~0.73。结论基于IVIM-DWI的v MRE在评估IPFP组织弹性方面具有显著的潜力,b值组合为200~1500 s/mm^(2)所拟合的虚拟弹性值具有更好的观察者内、观察者间一致性和短期重测可重复性。

海洋工程环境流体绕流虚拟仿真实验项目建设及教学

利用三维建模和渲染技术构建海洋工程环境流体绕流虚拟仿真实验系统并进行实践教学,旨在通过实验教学提升学生理论联系实际能力和创新源动力。实验系统设置认知学习模块、在线测试环节、流体绕流演示实验和定量研究实验模块。基于粒子图像测速(PIV)技术在精密实验玻璃水槽开展圆柱绕流原型实验,基于大尺度粒子图像测速(LSPIV)技术在嘉绍大桥现场开展桥墩绕流原型实验,并将实验操作过程和实测数据嵌入实验系统,使学生在仿真实验中掌握绕流理论和实操技能,构成层次递进的教学内容。采用“教、练、考、用”4个阶段逐步教学方法以及多维考核方式,调动学生实验的积极性,培养严谨求实的实验态度,促进从理论知识到实践应用的有效迁移,实现了以实践创新能力培养为中心任务的教学目标。

Leap Motion-based virtual reality training for improving motor functional recovery of upper limbs and neural reorganization in subacute stroke patients

Virtual reality is nowadays used to facilitate motor recovery in stroke patients. Most virtual reality studies have involved chronic stroke patients; however, brain plasticity remains good in acute and subacute patients. Most virtual reality systems are only applicable to the proximal upper limbs （arms） because of the limitations of their capture systems. Nevertheless, the functional recovery of an affected hand is most difficult in the case of hemiparesis rehabilitation after a stroke. The recently developed Leap Motion controller can track the fine movements of both hands and fingers. Therefore, the present study explored the effects of a Leap Motion-based virtual reality system on subacute stroke. Twenty-six subacute stroke patients were assigned to an experimental group that received virtual reality training along with conventional occupational rehabilitation, and a control group that only received conventional rehabilitation. The Wolf motor func- tion test （WMFT） was used to assess the motor function of the affected upper limb; functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure the cortical activation. After four weeks of treatment, the motor functions of the affected upper limbs were significantly improved in all the patients, with the improvement in the experimental group being significantly better than in the control group. The action perfor- mance time in the WMFT significantly decreased in the experimental group. Furthermore, the activation intensity and the laterality index of the contralateral primary sensorimotor cortex increased in both the experimental and control groups. These results confirmed that Leap Motion-based virtual reality training was a promising and feasible supplementary rehabilitation intervention, could facilitate the recovery of motor functions in subacute stroke patients. The study has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry （registration number： ChiCTR-OCH- 12002238）.

基于无人机倾斜摄影的大比例尺地形图测绘研究

针对实景三维模型拉花区域生产的地形图精度易超限的问题,文章提出采用实景三维模型和虚拟立体像对相结合的方式生产地形图。首先介绍了无人机倾斜摄影技术和基于下视影像的立体模型重建技术;其次以某一项目为例,将实景三维模型和虚拟立体像对两种测图方式相结合用于生产任务区内地形图数据的测绘;最后将外业采集的特征检测点导入到软件中,完成地形图精度的检测。通过分析检测点的平面、高程较差和中误差,研究项目测绘的地形图,精度符合1∶500测图比例要求。研究成果可为采用航摄作业方式生产大比例尺地形图人员提供参考。

Virtual Reality:A State-of-the-Art Survey

This paper presents a survey on virtual reality systems and provides an in-depth understanding toward the notion of immersion, according to the semantic meanings of the terms ＂virtual＂ and ＂reality＂. The paper analyses the structure and functions of a virtual reality system and takes the three dimensional display as the immersive medium to identify the key issues for construction of virtual environments. The paper also reviews the development of virtual reality technology and introduces new image processing techniques into the design of virtual reality systems and virtual environments.

Virtual endoscopy of the urinary tract

Technological breakthroughs have advanced the temporal and spatial resolutions of diagnostic imaging, and 3 dimensional （3-D） reconstruction techniques have been introduced into everyday clinical practice. Virtual endoscopy （VE） is a non-invasive technique that amplifies the perception of cross-sectional images in the 3-D space, providing precise spatial relationships of pathological regions and their surrounding structures. A variety of computer algorithms can be used to generate 3-D images, taking advantage of the information inherent in either spiral computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging （MRI）. VE images enable endoluminal navigation through hollow organs, thus simulating conventional endoscopy. Several clinical studies have validated the diagnostic utility of virtual cystoscopy, which has high sensitivity and specificity rates in the detection of bladder tumor. Published experience in the virtual exploration of the renal pelvis, ureter and urethra is encouraging but still scarce. VE is a safe, non-invasive method that could be applied in the long-term follow-up of patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction, urinary bladder tumors and ureteral and/or urethral strictures. Its principal limitations are the inability to provide biopsy tissue specimens for histopathologic examination and the associated ionizing radiation hazards （unless MR/is used）. However, in the case of endoluminal stenosis or obstruction, VE permits virtual endoluminal navigation both cephalad and caudal to the stenotic segment. To conclude, VE provides a less invasive method of evaluating the urinary tract, especially for clinicians who are less familiar with cross-sectional imaging than radiologists. （Asian J Androl 2006 Jan; 8： 31-38）

Hybrid ultrasound imaging techniques(fusion imaging)

Visualization of tumor angiogenesis can facilitate noninvasive evaluation of tumor vascular characteristics to supplement the conventional diagnostic imaging goals of depicting tumor location,size,and morphology.Hybrid imaging techniques combine anatomic [ultrasound,computed tomography(CT),and/or magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)] and molecular(single photon emission CT and positron emission tomography) imaging modalities.One example is real-time virtual sonography,which combines ultrasound(grayscale,colour Doppler,or dynamic contrast harmonic imaging) with contrast-enhanced CT/MRI.The benefits of fusion imaging include an increased diagnostic confidence,direct comparison of the lesions using different imaging modalities,more precise monitoring of interventional procedures,and reduced radiation exposure.

Real-time virtual sonography visualization and its clinical application in biliopancreatic disease

AIM:To evaluate the usefulness of real-time virtual sonography(RVS)in biliary and pancreatic diseases.METHODS:This study included 15 patients with biliary and pancreatic diseases.RVS can be used to observe an ultrasound image in real time by merging the ultrasound image with a multiplanar reconstruction computed tomography(CT)image,using pre-scanned CT volume data.The ultrasound used was EUB-8500with a convex probe EUP-C514.The RVS images were evaluated based on 3 levels,namely,excellent,good and poor,by the displacement in position.RESULTS:By combining the objectivity of CT with free scanning using RVS,it was possible to easily interpret the relationship between lesions and the surrounding organs as well as the position of vascular structures.The resulting evaluation levels of the RVS images were12 excellent(pancreatic cancer,bile duct cancer,cholecystolithiasis and cholangiocellular carcinoma)and 3 good(pancreatic cancer and gallbladder cancer).Compared with conventional B-mode ultrasonography and CT,RVS images achieved a rate of 80%superior visualization and 20%better visualization.CONCLUSION:RVS has potential usefulness in objective visualization and diagnosis in the field of biliary and pancreatic diseases.

Determinants of Detection of Stones and Calcifications in the Hepatobiliary System on Virtual Nonenhanced Dual-energy CT

Objective To retrospectively determine the features of stones and calcifications in hepatobiliary system on virtual nonenhanced (VNE) dual-energy computed tomography (CT), and to evaluate the possibility of VNE images in diagnosis for those lesions. Methods A total of 128 gall stones and calcifications of the liver found in 110 patients were examined with triple phase abdominal CT scan from July 2007 to December 2011, in which true nonenhanced (TNE) phase and arterial phase were performed with single-energy CT (120 kVp) and portal venous phase was performed with dual-energy CT (100 kVp and 140 kVp). VNE images were generated from the portal venous phase dual-energy CT data sets by using commercially VNC software. The mean CT values for the stone, liver, bile and paraspinal muscle, mean lesion density and size in area dimension, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of lesion to the liver or bile, and image noise were assessed and compared between VNE and TNE images. The effective dose and size-specific dose estimate (SSDE) were also calculated. Results The mean CT values of the lesions measured on VNE images declined significantly compared with those measured on TNE images (164.51±102.13vs. 290.72±197.80 HU,P<0.001), so did the lesion-to-liver CNR (10.80±11.82vs.18.81±17.06,P<0.001) and the lesion-to-bile CNR (17.24±14.41 vs. 21.32±17.31,P<0.001). There was no significant difference in size of lesions area between VNE and TNE images (0.69±0.88vs.0.72±0.85 cm2,P=0.062). Compared to the 128 lesions found in TNE images, VNE images showed the same density in 30 (23.4%) lesions, lighter density in 88 (68.8%) lesions, while failed to show 10 (7.8%) lesions, and showed the same size in 61 (47.7%) lesions and smaller size in 57 (44.5%)&nbsp;lesions. The CT cutoff values of lesion and size were 229.21 HU and 0.15 cm2, respectively. The total effective dose for triple phase scan protocol with TNE images was 19.51±7.03 mSv, and the SSDE was 39.84±11.10 mGy. The effective dose for dual phase scan protocol with VNE images instead of TNE images was 13.29±4.89 mSv, and the SSDE was 27.83±9.99 mGy. Compared with TNE images, the effective dose and SSDE of VNE images were down by 32.05%±3.69 % and 30.63%±2.34 %, respectively. Conclusions Although the CT values and CNR of the lesions decreased in VNE images, the lesions of which attenuation greater than 229.21 HU and size larger than 0.15 cm2could be detected with good reliability and obvious dose reduction. There was good consistency in the size of stones and calcifications in hepatobiliary system between VNE images and TNE images, which ensured the possibility of the clinical application of VNE images.