Image resampling effects in mammographic image simulation.

This work describes the theory of resampling effects within the context of image simulation for mammographic images. The process of digitization associated with using digital imaging technology needs to be correctly addressed in any image simulation process. Failure to do so can lead to overblurring in the final synthetic image. A method for weighted neighbourhood averaging is described for non-integer scaling factors in resampling images. The use of the method is demonstrated by comparing simulated and real images of an edge test object acquired on two clinical mammography systems. Images were simulated using two setups: from idealized images and from images obtained with clinical systems. A Gaussian interpolation method is proposed as a single-step solution to modelling blurring filters for the simulation process.