An Image Enhancement Algorithm Based on a Contrast Measure in the Wavelet Domain for Screening Mammograms

Currently, radiologists mainly use their eyes to discern cancer when they screen the mammograms. However, in many cases, cancer is not easily detected by the eyes because of bad imaging conditions. In order to improve the diagnostic rate of cancer, image enhancement technology is often used to enhance the image and aid the radiologists. In this paper, we developed a new image enhancement technology in the wavelet domain for radiologists to screen mammograms. The new image enhancement algorithm has several advantages. First, the image enhancement is based on a contrast measure defined in the wavelet domain which matches the human vision system better. The enhanced images are therefore more suitable for the human eye; second, the image enhancement is carried on in the wavelet domain which saves time if the image is compressed by JPEG2000. The algorithm was tested by an expert and the results are progressive.