Fourier compression-reconstruction technique [MRI application]

A method of data compression and reconstruction, the Fourier compression-reconstruction technique, which uses a standard Fourier algorithm as a basis for decreasing the amount of data stored, is briefly described. Compression is achieved by passing data through Fourier analysis algorithms to develop the complex Fourier coefficient matrix. The data are then analyzed for maximum frequency components, which are stored along with actual row and column coordinates. When the image is to be reconstructed, the coefficient maxima are passed through an inverse Fourier algorithm. Standard algebraic iterative techniques are used to provide qualitatively better images. The technique decreases data storage by up to 99% while providing visually accurate reconstructed images and favorable error comparisons with the original image