Forward projection model for noisy computerized tomography projection enhancement

The noise in a low-radiation dose can be enhanced by an iterative reconstruction technique using forward and back projection models. This work investigated an iterative reconstruction approach using a forward projection model based on a contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE). Using the CLAHE technique, the projection image was processed to remove the noise, and then the preprocessed image was used as input to reconstruct the slice images. Finally, we evaluated the proposed method and found that compared to conventional reconstruction techniques, the proposed method led to improved image quality, concurrent with a reduction in the Poisson noise distribution, as demonstrated by phantom studies.