Notebook

#6


Processing the Digital Image-
Histogram: graph of the amount of contrast by exposure level (population graph of gray
scale). Values to the left of the graph are lighter and values to the right are darker.

LUT (look up table): perfect histogram of specific anatomy. Reference point of brightness
and contrast (a predetermined scale of contrast is compared to the acquired data/image).
Histogram of the luminance values derived during image acquisition; reference to evaluate
the raw information and correct luminance values.

Exposure Indicator: records the amount of radiation that reaches the IR during imaging
and is a numerically specific to the manufacturer. Numbers above or below the EI are over
or under exposed.

Automatic Rescaling: maps image onto monitor under the correct histogram and adds
consistency to data output in the final image. Images are produced with uniform density
and contrast, regardless of the amount of exposure.

Sampling Frequency: the imaging plate is scanned and a value is placed on each pixel; a
histogram is then created showing the minimum and maximums of the anatomic regions.

Contrast Manipulation: involves converting the digital input data to an image showing the
correct brightness and contrast using contrast enhancement parameters.

Image Stitching: when the anatomy is too large to fit on one cassette (ex: leg length), then
multiple images are stitched together utilizing specialized software programs.

Image Orientation and Annotation: refers to the way the image is positioned on the
plate and then subsequently processed; annotation refers to the added information
annotated on the final image (ex: right/left markers, supine/upright/LLD, etc.).

Components of the Digital Image:
Spatial Resolution: detail of an image (directly related to amount of pixels). Factors that
determine it are focal spot size, sharpness, motion, magnification, and shape of the subject.

Contrast Resolution: differences in brightness from pixel to pixel.

Window Width: controls the image contrast (wider width has many densities, i.e. shades
of gray, and low contrast whereas narrow window width has few densities but high
contrast). Controls the ratio of black and white.


Window Level: controls image brightness (low level=light image and high level=dark
image).

IC (integrated circuit): along the outer edge of the circuit and amplifies the signal to helps
it get to where it needs to go.

DQE (detective quantum efficiency): the percentage (efficiency) of photons that hit/are
absorbed by the IR. These photons are then converted into an electrical signal (inversely
related to patient dose).

SNR (signal to noise ratio): the amount of noise in an image.

MTF (modulation transfer function): relationship of how accurately the system records
the original image.

Windowing: post-processing function that changes the displayed brightness and contrast
of the final image (the more post-processing you do as the tech, the less information the
radiologist has to work with).