Prof. Howard C. Gifford Profile

Prof. Howard C. Gifford

Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Univ of Houston

SPIE Involvement:

Conference Program Committee | Editorial Board Member: Journal of Medical Imaging | Author

Publications (42)

Proceedings Article | 29 March 2024 Presentation + Paper

Image texture-based classification methods to mimic perceptual models of search and localization in medical images

Diego Andrade, Howard Gifford, Mini Das

Proceedings Volume 12929, 129290V (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3008844

KEYWORDS: Visualization, Cooccurrence matrices, Medical imaging, Image classification, Volume rendering, Visual process modeling, Data modeling, Signal detection, Physics, Mixtures

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Proceedings Article | 29 March 2024 Presentation + Paper

Addition of a threshold mechanism to model observers for medical image quality assessment

Hongwei Lin, Howard Gifford

Proceedings Volume 12929, 129290D (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3008279

KEYWORDS: Visualization, Performance modeling, Visual process modeling, Systems modeling, Image quality, Medical imaging, Diagnostics, Error analysis

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Proceedings Article | 7 April 2023 Poster + Paper

Multi-modality GLCM image texture feature for segmentation and tissue classification

Diego Andrade, Howard Gifford, Mini Das

Proceedings Volume 12463, 124634P (2023) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2659078

KEYWORDS: Cooccurrence matrices, Tissues, Magnetic resonance imaging, Image classification, Image segmentation, Breast, Digital breast tomosynthesis, Volume rendering, Data modeling, Cancer

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Proceedings Article | 15 February 2021 Presentation + Paper

A deblurring/denoising corrected scintigraphic planar image reconstruction model for targeted alpha therapy

Charles Ross Schmidtlein, Matthew Maroun, Andrzej Krol, Howard Gifford, Lisa Bodei, Joseph O'Donoghue, Ida Häggström, Yuesheng Xu, Si Li

Proceedings Volume 11600, 1160013 (2021) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2584736

KEYWORDS: Image restoration, Image quality, Image processing, Spatial resolution, Toxicity, Systems modeling, Signal attenuation, Sensors, Scintigraphy, Nuclear medicine

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Proceedings Article | 16 March 2020 Paper

An assessment of PET dose reduction with penalized likelihood image reconstruction using a computationally efficient model observer

Howard Gifford, C. Ross Schmidtlein, Andrzej Krol, Yuesheng Xu

Proceedings Volume 11312, 113120T (2020) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2550856

KEYWORDS: Image quality, Positron emission tomography, Reconstruction algorithms, Data modeling, Expectation maximization algorithms, Cancer, Algorithm development, Visual process modeling

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Proceedings Article | 5 March 2019 Paper

Tests of projection and reconstruction domain equivalence for a feature-driven model observer

Howard Gifford, Zohreh Karbaschi

Proceedings Volume 10952, 109520B (2019) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2512900

KEYWORDS: Expectation maximization algorithms, Reconstruction algorithms, Data acquisition, Image processing, Image quality, Feature extraction, Visual process modeling, Visualization, Data modeling, Image restoration

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SPIE Journal Paper | 5 April 2018

Assessing CT acquisition parameters with visual-search model observers

Zohreh Karbaschi, Howard Gifford

JMI, Vol. 5, Issue 02, 025501, (April 2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/1.JMI.5.2.025501

KEYWORDS: Computed tomography, Visualization, Visual process modeling, Lung, Sensors, Performance modeling, Image processing, Data modeling, Eye, Medical imaging

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Proceedings Article | 7 March 2018 Paper

Assessment of DBT acquisition parameters for 2D and 3D search tasks

Howard Gifford, Mini Das

Proceedings Volume 10577, 105770I (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2294984

KEYWORDS: Digital breast tomosynthesis, 3D acquisition, 3D modeling, 3D image processing, Breast, 3D image reconstruction, Reconstruction algorithms, Binary data, Image filtering, Image quality

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Proceedings Article | 7 March 2018 Paper

Projection space model observers based on marginal linear discriminants

Zohreh Karbaschi, Howard Gifford

Proceedings Volume 10577, 1057717 (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2293021

KEYWORDS: Computed tomography, Image quality, Tomography

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Proceedings Article | 7 March 2018 Presentation + Paper

Lesion classification with a visual-search model observer

Kheya Banerjee, Howard Gifford

Proceedings Volume 10577, 105770Y (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2294946

KEYWORDS: Visual process modeling, Performance modeling, Nuclear medicine, Image quality, Imaging systems, Mathematical modeling, Image classification, Systems modeling

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Proceedings Article | 10 March 2017 Paper

Visual-search models for location-known detection tasks

H. Gifford, Z. Karbaschi, K. Banerjee, M. Das

Proceedings Volume 10136, 1013612 (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2254456

KEYWORDS: Visual process modeling, Statistical modeling, Nuclear medicine, Signal to noise ratio, Performance modeling, Eye models, Eye, Mathematical modeling, Image filtering

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Proceedings Article | 10 March 2017 Paper

Visual-search model observer for assessing mass detection in CT

Zohreh Karbaschi, Howard Gifford

Proceedings Volume 10136, 1013613 (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2254617

KEYWORDS: Computed tomography, Visualization, Mathematical modeling, Tomography, Information visualization, Visual process modeling, Image quality, Molybdenum, Diagnostics, Imaging systems, Lung, Signal to noise ratio, Medical imaging, Sensors

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Proceedings Article | 19 April 2016 Paper

Visual-search observers for SPECT simulations with clinical backgrounds

Howard Gifford

Proceedings Volume 9787, 97870T (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2217716

KEYWORDS: Visualization, Single photon emission computed tomography, Data modeling, Performance modeling, Visual process modeling, Statistical modeling, Image processing, Lung, Eye models, Eye

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SPIE Journal Paper | 26 January 2016 Open Access

Accounting for anatomical noise in search-capable model observers for planar nuclear imaging

Anando Sen, Howard Gifford

JMI, Vol. 3, Issue 01, 015502, (January 2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/1.JMI.3.1.015502

KEYWORDS: Collimators, Performance modeling, Visual process modeling, Data modeling, Matrices, Image segmentation, Statistical analysis, Visualization, Statistical modeling, Spatial resolution

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Proceedings Article | 20 March 2015 Paper

SVM-based visual-search model observers for PET tumor detection

Howard Gifford, Anando Sen, Robert Azencott

Proceedings Volume 9416, 94160X (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2082942

KEYWORDS: Tumors, Positron emission tomography, Visualization, Mathematical modeling, Visual process modeling, Performance modeling, Liver, Lung, Feature extraction, Visual analytics

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Proceedings Article | 18 March 2015 Paper

Examining wide-arc digital breast tomosynthesis: optimization using a visual-search model observer

Mini Das, Zhihua Liang, Howard Gifford

Proceedings Volume 9412, 94121S (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2082986

KEYWORDS: Digital breast tomosynthesis, Optimization (mathematics), Visualization, Visual process modeling, Mathematical modeling, Tumor growth modeling, Systems modeling, Image processing, Statistical modeling, Molybdenum

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Proceedings Article | 17 March 2015 Paper

Ideal and visual-search observers: accounting for anatomical noise in search tasks with planar nuclear imaging

Anando Sen, Howard Gifford

Proceedings Volume 9416, 94160R (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2081763

KEYWORDS: Collimators, Tumors, Visualization, Performance modeling, Matrices, Nuclear imaging, Systems modeling, Image segmentation, Optical resolution, Imaging systems

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Proceedings Article | 17 March 2015 Paper

Towards using eye-tracking data to develop visual-search observers for x-ray breast imaging

Zhengqiang Jiang, Zhihua Liang, Mini Das, Howard Gifford

Proceedings Volume 9416, 94160V (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2082978

KEYWORDS: Digital breast tomosynthesis, Feature extraction, Visualization, Calibration, Breast, X-rays, Image filtering, X-ray imaging, Breast imaging, Eye models

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Proceedings Article | 11 March 2014 Paper

Assessment of prostate cancer detection with a visual-search human model observer

Anando Sen, Faraz Kalantari, Howard Gifford

Proceedings Volume 9037, 90370Q (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2043743

KEYWORDS: Tumors, Prostate, Single photon emission computed tomography, Lymphatic system, Visual process modeling, Visualization, Performance modeling, Prostate cancer, Collimators, Sensors

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Proceedings Article | 11 March 2014 Paper

Observer assessment of multi-pinhole SPECT geometries for prostate cancer imaging: a simulation study

Faraz Kalantari, Anando Sen, Howard Gifford

Proceedings Volume 9037, 90370L (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2044423

KEYWORDS: Single photon emission computed tomography, Tumors, Prostate cancer, Mathematical modeling, Lymphatic system, Collimators, Prostate, Neodymium, Cameras, Photons

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Proceedings Article | 28 March 2013 Paper

Tests of a 3D visual-search model observer for SPECT

Howard Gifford

Proceedings Volume 8673, 86730L (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2008073

KEYWORDS: 3D modeling, Tumors, Single photon emission computed tomography, Lung, Visualization, Performance modeling, Visual process modeling, 3D visualizations, Data modeling, Statistical analysis

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Proceedings Article | 21 March 2013 Paper

Towards visual-search model observers for mass detection in breast tomosynthesis

Beverly Lau, Mini Das, Howard Gifford

Proceedings Volume 8668, 86680X (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2008503

KEYWORDS: Breast, Visualization, Visual process modeling, Digital breast tomosynthesis, Systems modeling, Tissues, Visual analytics, Spherical lenses, Statistical analysis, 3D modeling

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Proceedings Article | 9 March 2012 Paper

Effect of postreconstruction filter strength on microcalcification detection at different imaging doses in digital breast tomosynthesis: human and model observer studies

Mini Das, Caitlin Connolly, Stephen Glick, Howard Gifford

Proceedings Volume 8313, 831321 (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.912807

KEYWORDS: Digital breast tomosynthesis, Image filtering, Breast, Tomography, Mathematical modeling, Visualization, Reconstruction algorithms, Data modeling, Digital imaging, Visibility

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Proceedings Article | 7 March 2012 Paper

Performance characteristics of a visual-search human-model observer with sparse PET image data

Howard Gifford

Proceedings Volume 8318, 83180T (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.911809

KEYWORDS: Tumors, Liver, Lung, Positron emission tomography, Performance modeling, Tissues, Data modeling, Statistical analysis, Visualization, Fermium

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Proceedings Article | 29 February 2012 Paper

Combined collimator/reconstruction optimization for myocardial perfusion SPECT imaging using polar map-based LROC numerical observer

Souleymane Konate, P. Hendrik Pretorius, Howard Gifford, J. Michael O'Connor, Arda Konik, Mohammed Salman Shazeeb, Michael King

Proceedings Volume 8318, 83181L (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.911479

KEYWORDS: Collimators, Single photon emission computed tomography, Computer aided design, Spatial resolution, Optimization (mathematics), Gaussian filters, 3D image reconstruction, Defect detection, Solid modeling, Signal attenuation

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Polar maps have been used to assist clinicians diagnose coronary artery diseases (CAD) in single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging. Herein, we investigate the optimization of collimator design for perfusion defect detection in SPECT imaging when reconstruction includes modeling of the collimator. The optimization employs an LROC clinical model observer (CMO), which emulates the clinical task of polar map detection of CAD. By utilizing a CMO, which better mimics the clinical perfusion-defect detection task than previous SKE based observers, our objective is to optimize collimator design for SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging when reconstruction includes compensation for collimator spatial resolution. Comparison of lesion detection accuracy will then be employed to determine if a lower spatial resolution hence higher sensitivity collimator design than currently recommended could be utilized to reduce the radiation dose to the patient, imaging time, or a combination of both. As the first step in this investigation, we report herein on the optimization of the three-dimensional (3D) post-reconstruction Gaussian filtering of and the number of iterations used to reconstruct the SPECT slices of projections acquired by a low-energy generalpurpose (LEGP) collimator. The optimization was in terms of detection accuracy as determined by our CMO and four human observers. Both the human and all four CMO variants agreed that the optimal post-filtering was with sigma of the Gaussian in the range of 0.75 to 1.0 pixels. In terms of number of iterations, the human observers showed a preference for 5 iterations; however, only one of the variants of the CMO agreed with this selection. The others showed a preference for 15 iterations. We shall thus proceed to optimize the reconstruction parameters for even higher sensitivity collimators using this CMO, and then do the final comparison between collimators using their individually optimized parameters with human observers and three times the test images to reduce the statistical variation seen in our present results.

Proceedings Article | 29 February 2012 Paper

Creation of an ensemble of simulated cardiac cases and a human observer study: tools for the development of numerical observers for SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging

J. Michael O'Connor, P. Hendrik Pretorius, Howard Gifford, Robert Licho, Samuel Joffe, Matthew McGuiness, Shannon Mehurg, Michael Zacharias, Jovan Brankov

Proceedings Volume 8318, 83180R (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.911502

KEYWORDS: Monte Carlo methods, Single photon emission computed tomography, Image segmentation, Arteries, NOx, Computer simulations, Heart, Neodymium, Cardiology, Statistical analysis

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Proceedings Article | 16 March 2011 Paper

Comparison of model-observer and human-observer performance for breast tomosynthesis: effect of reconstruction and acquisition parameters

Mini Das, Howard Gifford

Proceedings Volume 7961, 796118 (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.878826

KEYWORDS: Digital breast tomosynthesis, Breast, Mathematical modeling, Visualization, Image quality, Performance modeling, Statistical modeling, Signal attenuation, Gold, Visual process modeling

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Proceedings Article | 3 March 2011 Paper

Accounting for anatomical noise in SPECT with a visual-search human-model observer

H. Gifford, M. King, M. Smyczynski

Proceedings Volume 7966, 79660H (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.878830

KEYWORDS: Tumors, Lung, Single photon emission computed tomography, Visualization, Data modeling, Medical imaging, Monte Carlo methods, Tomography, Signal attenuation, Reliability

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Proceedings Article | 3 March 2011 Paper

Incorporating holistic visual search concepts into a SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging numerical observer

J. Michael O'Connor, Howard Gifford, Jovan Brankov, P. Pretorius

Proceedings Volume 7966, 79660D (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.877010

KEYWORDS: Single photon emission computed tomography, Visualization, Visual process modeling, Heart, Image processing, Image segmentation, Signal attenuation, Statistical analysis, Computer simulations, Computer aided diagnosis and therapy

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Proceedings Article | 14 March 2009 Paper

Dose reduction in digital breast tomosynthesis using a penalized maximum likelihood reconstruction

Mini Das, Howard Gifford, Michael O'Connor, Stephen Glick

Proceedings Volume 7258, 725855 (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.813952

KEYWORDS: Signal to noise ratio, Breast, Reconstruction algorithms, Digital breast tomosynthesis, Signal attenuation, Tumor growth modeling, Optical spheres, Visibility, Visualization, Image filtering

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Proceedings Article | 13 March 2009 Paper

Tests of scanning model observers for myocardial SPECT imaging

H. Gifford, P. Pretorius, J. Brankov

Proceedings Volume 7263, 72630R (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.813906

KEYWORDS: Single photon emission computed tomography, Mathematical modeling, Signal detection, 3D modeling, Signal attenuation, Performance modeling, Image segmentation, Heart, Reconstruction algorithms, Computer aided diagnosis and therapy

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Proceedings Article | 13 March 2009 Paper

Scanning model observers to predict human performance in LROC studies of SPECT reconstruction using anatomical priors

Andre Lehovich, Howard Gifford, Michael King

Proceedings Volume 7263, 72631T (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.813774

KEYWORDS: Performance modeling, Single photon emission computed tomography, Reconstruction algorithms, Systems modeling, Imaging systems, Tumors, Optical filters, Mathematical modeling, Nuclear medicine, Signal attenuation

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Proceedings Article | 3 April 2008 Paper

Evaluation of a variable dose acquisition methodology for breast tomosynthesis

Mini Das, Howard Gifford, Michael O'Connor, Stephen Glick

Proceedings Volume 6913, 691319 (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.773106

KEYWORDS: Breast, Mammography, 3D modeling, Sensors, Image compression, Mathematical modeling, X-rays, X-ray computed tomography, 3D acquisition, Systems modeling

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Proceedings Article | 6 March 2008 Paper

Assessment of scanning model observers with hybrid SPECT images

H. Gifford, P. Pretorius, M. King

Proceedings Volume 6917, 69171C (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.770994

KEYWORDS: Single photon emission computed tomography, Lung, Tumors, Performance modeling, Signal attenuation, Data modeling, Mathematical modeling, Boxcar filters, Physics, Image processing

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Proceedings Article | 6 March 2008 Paper

Optimizing breast-tomosynthesis acquisition parameters with scanning model observers

H. Gifford, C. Didier, Mini Das, S. Glick

Proceedings Volume 6917, 69170S (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.771018

KEYWORDS: Breast, Tumors, 3D acquisition, Mammography, Tumor growth modeling, 3D modeling, Reconstruction algorithms, 3D image processing, Sensors, Imaging systems

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Proceedings Article | 6 March 2008 Paper

Model observers to predict human performance in LROC studies of SPECT reconstruction using anatomical priors

Andre Lehovich, Howard Gifford, Michael King

Proceedings Volume 6917, 69170R (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.770983

KEYWORDS: Performance modeling, Data modeling, Single photon emission computed tomography, Reconstruction algorithms, Smoothing, Monte Carlo methods, Tumors, Computer simulations, Electronic filtering, Statistical modeling

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Proceedings Article | 22 May 2003 Paper

Computation of the ensemble channelized hotelling observer signal-to-noise ratio for ordered-subset image reconstruction using noisy data

Edward Soares, Howard Gifford, Stephen Glick

Proceedings Volume 5034, (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.480100

KEYWORDS: Signal to noise ratio, Signal detection, Smoothing, Solids, Image restoration, Data modeling, Statistical analysis, Data analysis, Systems modeling, Medical imaging

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Proceedings Article | 22 May 2003 Paper

Comparison of human- and model-observer LROC studies

Howard Gifford, P. Pretorius, Michael King

Proceedings Volume 5034, (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.480341

KEYWORDS: Data modeling, Performance modeling, Signal detection, Tumors, Mathematical modeling, Single photon emission computed tomography, 3D modeling, Monte Carlo methods, Image resolution, Device simulation

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Proceedings Article | 3 July 2001 Paper

Resolution recovery for list-mode reconstruction in SPECT

Luc Bouwens, Howard Gifford, Rik Van de Walle, Michael King, Ignace Lemahieu, Rudi Dierckx

Proceedings Volume 4322, (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.431118

KEYWORDS: Neon, Picosecond phenomena, Ferroelectric materials, Single photon emission computed tomography, Collimators, Neodymium, Medical imaging, Image processing, Cerium, Information technology

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Proceedings Article | 26 June 2001 Paper

Case sampling in LROC: a Monte Carlo analysis

Howard Gifford, Michael King

Proceedings Volume 4324, (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.431182

KEYWORDS: Monte Carlo methods, Data modeling, Statistical analysis, Lithium, Data acquisition, Diagnostics, Target detection, Medical imaging modalities, Receivers, Reconstruction algorithms

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Proceedings Article | 24 May 1999 Paper

LROC analysis of human detection performance in PET and time-of-flight PET

Howard Gifford, R. Wells, Michael King

Proceedings Volume 3663, (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.349641

KEYWORDS: Positron emission tomography, Temporal resolution, Tumors, Sensors, Spatial resolution, Imaging systems, Photons, Signal to noise ratio, Signal attenuation, Stochastic processes

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Proceedings Article | 11 April 1996 Paper

Generalized NEQ: Fourier analysis where you would least expect to find it

Harrison Barrett, John Denny, Howard Gifford, Craig Abbey, Robert Wagner, Kyle Myers

Proceedings Volume 2708, (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.237805

KEYWORDS: Imaging systems, Signal to noise ratio, Signal detection, Interference (communication), Fourier transforms, Modulation transfer functions, Digital imaging, Sensors, Image quality, Photons

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Showing 5 of 42 publications

Conference Committee Involvement (15)