Ch. 3 Digital radiographic image processing and manipulation Flashcards
For PSP and FPD, once x-ray photons are converted into electrical signals, the signals are available for…
processing and manipulation
What do algorithms determine at the control center?
the image histogram
The PSP imaging plate records a….
wide range of x-ray exposures
If the entire range of exposures were digitized in a PSP system, what would result? Why?
a low density resolution would result because values at the extremely high and low ends of the exposure range would also be digitized
The data recognition program in PSP searches for…
anatomy recorded on the imaging plate by finding the collimation edges and then eliminates scatter outside the collimation
If the data recognition program in PSP cannot find the collimation edges, what can happen?
incorrect data collection and images can be too bright or too dark
In addition to collimation, what ensures that the appropriate recorded densities will be located?
putting the anatomy in the center of the imaging plate
What could happen if the part isn’t centered in the middle of the plate?
The image could be too dark or too light.
Define histogram
The data within the collimated area produce a graphic representation of the optimal densities called a histogram and the value of each tone is represented (horizontal axis), as is the number of pixels in each tone (vertical axis).
What do the values at the left, right, and middle of the histogram represent?
black, light, and medium areas, respectively
If an image is too dark, where will the information be on the histogram?
to the left
What is image sampling?
the plate is scanned and the image’s location is determined. The size of the signal is then determined, and a value is placed on each pixel. A histogram is then generated using the image data.
When a histogram is generated, what does it allow the system to find?
the useful signal by locating the minimum (S1) and maximum (S2) signal within the anatomic regions of interest on the image and then plots the intensities of the signal on a histogram.
On a histogram, what do the x-axis and y-axis represent?
x-axis is the amount of exposure read, and the y-axis is the number of pixels for each exposure.
How is kVp represented on a histogram?
low energy (low kVp) gives a wider histogram and high energyy (high kVp) gives a narrower histogram
A histogram shows the …
distribution of pixel values for any given exposure
A histogram shows the ____ of each of the values, as well as the _____ ____ of values.
frequency; actual number
the shape of the historgram is _____ specific.
anatomy (it is constant for each part exposed)
Why is it important to choose the correct anatomic region on the menu before processing the image plate?
Because a histogram for a chest looks very different from a histogram of a knee or foot and the raw data used to for the histogram are compared to other normal histograms of the same part.
Who started the theory of changing analog to digital over telephone lines? what year?
Harry Nyquist in 1928
Who proved Nyquist’s theory ? what year?
Claude Shannon in 1948
What is Nyquist’s theory often referred to?
the sampling theorem
What does the Nyquist theorem state?
That you need twice the number of pixels of the original signal to be as close to the original signal as possible for a good sample.
What happens if you don’t have at least twice the number of pixels to sample?
the result will be a lack of resolution.
Does oversampling during a Nyquist theorem give you more information?
NO because the human eye can only perceive so much information
Why is there always a loss of detail during PSP imaging?
Because there are a number of conversions that occur-electrons to light, light to digital, and digital to analog-that light photons do not travel in one direction so some light will be lost during the light to digital conversion because light photons spread out.
The longer an image is stored…
the more information is lost.
When a fluctuating signal is produced, frequencies above the Nyquist frequency cause…
aliasing
What happens during aliasing?
a wraparound image is produced, which appears as 2 superimposed images that are slightly out of alignment, resulting in a moire’ effect, which can also happen with grid errors.
What is the critical frequency/
When a sampled frequency is exactly at the Nyquist frequency and a zero amplitude signal results. (it results from frequency phase shifts, causing aliasing of the signal)
What does automatic rescaling mean/
that images are produced with uniform density and contrast, regardless of the amount of exposure.
When do problems occur with automatic rescaling?
when too little exposure is used, resulting in quantum mottle, or when too much exposure is used, resulting in loss of contrast and loss of distinct edges because of increased scatter