Ring artifacts correction method in x-ray computed tomography based on stripe classification and removal in sinogram images

Abstract: X-ray computed tomography (CT) is widely utilized in the medical, industrial, and other fields to nondestructively generate three-dimensional structural images of objects. However, CT images are often affected by various artifacts, with ring artifacts being a common occurrence that significantly compromises image quality and subsequent structural interpretation. In this study, a ring artifact correction method based on stripe classification and removal in sinogram images was proposed. The proposed method classifies ring artifacts into single stripes and multiple stripes, which were identified and eliminated using median filtering and multiphase decomposition, respectively. A novel algorithm combining median filtering, polyphase decomposition and median filtering was further developed to eliminate all forms of stripes simultaneously and effectively. The efficacy of the proposed method was validated through both simulated and experimental CT data. The study provides a novel perspective and integrated approach to addressing ring artifacts in X-ray CT. It will be of significant illuminating to a diverse readership, including radiologists, clinical researchers, and industrial scientists.