Nakagami Markov random field as texture model for ultrasound RF envelope image

The aim of this paper is to propose a new Markov random field (MRF) model for the backscattered ultrasonic echo in order to get information about backscatter characteristics, such as the scatterer density, amplitude and spacing. The model combines the Nakagami distribution that describes the envelope of backscattered echo with spatial interaction using MRF. In this paper, the parameters of the model and the estimation parameter method are introduced. Computer simulation using ultrasound radio-frequency (RF) simulator and experiments on choroidal malignant melanoma have been undertaken to test the validity of the model. The relationship between the parameters of MRF model and the backscatter characteristics has been established. Furthermore, the ability of the model to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissue has been proved. All the results can show the success of the model.