RADT 1075 Chapter 28

Recoded detail

�Geometric property of image quality
�Detail/recorded detail/resolution/spatial resolution
�Use synonymously
�Image sharpness

umbra

�distinctly sharp area of a shadow
�complete shadow
�Sharp borders

Penumbra

�Imperfect, unsharp shadow surrounding the image
�Image unsharpness
�Fuzzy border around the image

�Pairs of lines that are different distances apart
�Tool is imaged by the system
�Viewer determines the smallest pair of lines that can be visualized
�Pairs of lines are measured
�Lp/mm

Resolution test tool

�Line pairs per millimeter
�Lp/mm
�Small structures are the easiest to examine for detail/resolution
�Trabecular pattern

Unit of resolution

Spatial resolution is high when:

�Object size - small
�Object distance - close
�High number of lp/mm
�High MTF (Modulation Transfer Function)
�Closest to 1.0
�Low PSF (Point Spread Function)

point spread function (PSF)

�Expresses the boundaries of an image
�Image produced from a single point
�Describes the blurring properties of an imaging system

PSF is the same as

penumbra or blur (used in film/screen)

MTF (modulation transfer function)

measure of the ability of the detector to transfer its spatial resolution characteristic to the image

MTF 0

represents no signal & no image

MTF 1

represents a perfect image (not normal)

As spatial frequency of objects _________, the MTF ________

Increase, decrease

MTF closest to 1 will

give you the best spatial resolution

Image noise

background information that the image receptor receives.

Quantum Noise

Lack of sufficient data

Quantum Mottle

�Insufficient photons reaching the IR
�Photon starvation
�Not enough mAs
�How do we fix it?

SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio)

�Signal is good information
�Noise is the bad information
�We want a higher SNR (1000:1)

Digital Sampling

�Digital does not collect as much information as analog.
�Spatial resolution frequency must be sampled twice per cycle in order to achieve a good spatial resolution.

Nyquist criterion

�Averages the incoming analog data
�Signal averaging

Aliasing

�Occurs when nyquist criterion is not performed
�Data is not sampled at least twice per cycle
�Can mimic a moire pattern
�Not a grid problem

How does motion affect recorded detail?

�Eliminate/reduce motion

How does OID affect recorded detail?

�Reduce OID

How does SID affect recorded detail?

�Increase SID

How does focal spot size affect recorded detail?

�Reduce FSS

focal spot size

�Controlled by line focus principle

Major controller of image resolution because it controls

Penumbra

As focal spot ________ in size, penumbra ___________

Decrease

As focal spot ______________ in size, recorded detail/resolution __________

Decrease, increase

Penumbra

� increased also by attenuation or absorption unsharpness.
�Because of the divergence of the x-ray beam, an trapezoid would be the only perfectly sharp image.
�Tissue/parts of the body are not trapezoid in shape.
�When radiated and attenuation occurs, abs

Motion

�Reduces recorded detail/spatial resolution
�Doesn't allow enough time for a well-defined image to be formed.
�Appears blurred.
�Two types of motion
�Voluntary
�involuntary

voluntary motion

�Under direct control of patient
�Communication is number one way to reduce voluntary motion.
�Effective communication is key.
�Immobilization devices can help.
�Sandbags
�Tape
�Sponges
�Sheets
�velcro

involuntary motion

�Not under conscious control of the patient.
�Heartbeat
�Peristalsis
�Reduced by decreasing exposure time