An optimized two-stage method for ultrasound breast image compression

Abstract

This study proposes a novel and efficient image compression approach for breast ultrasound images using wavelet coefficients quantization based on a modified Lloyd algorithm. The experiments are performed on the Doubichies, Haar, Biorthogonal, Symlet and Coiflet mother wavelets and it is concluded that Coiflet 3 mother wavelet is the most efficient mother wavelet for ultrasound breast image compression. The results are evaluated using PSNR, NAE and expert-based quality evaluation and it is shown that the proposed technique has the ability to increase the compression ratio without loosing the clinical details of the image. © 2008 Springer-Verlag.