A new real time filter for local exposure correction in panoramic radiographs

A new real time filter for local exposure correction in panoramic radiographs is presented here. The filter, called PaRSEC, allows eliminating the exposure artifacts, mainly introduced by Automatic Exposure Control (AEC) systems. These artifacts reduce the image readability and its diagnostic utility. The PaRSEC filter operates a local exposure equalization, based on a reliable estimate of the column mean gray level. Qualitative and quantitative results are reported for typical panoramic radiographs. They show a complete removal of the artifacts. The method compares favorably with other classical methods targeted to exposure correction.