Morphological Enhancement of Medical Images in a Logarithmic Image Environment

The logarithmic image processing (LIP) theory is a mathematical framework that provides a set of specific algebraic and functional operations and structures that are well adapted to the representation and processing of nonlinear images, and more generally of non-linear signals, valued in a bounded intensity range. This very well structured theory determined us to use the logarithmic image representation in our approach for defining a new set of mathematical morphology operators based upon structuring elements with a variable geometrical shape or adaptative structuring elements. The purpose of this paper is to define and to analyze the new multiplicative logarithmic morphological operators used in medical image enhancement. Finally, the experimental results reveal that this method has wide potential areas of impact which may include: Digital X-ray, Digital Mammography, Computer Tomography Scans, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imagery and Telemedicine Applications.