Technical report. Processing to achieve high-contrast images with computed dental radiography.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of equalization on image contrast and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) with Computed Dental Radiography (CDR).


METHODS
Pixel value distributions were measured for various tissue thicknesses of a dental quality assurance jaw phantom and the average pixel values and SNR calculated.


RESULTS
Equalization resulted in enhanced image contrast of underexposed images by effecting pixel value adjustment with little change in SNR. Overexposed images demonstrated minimal difference in contrast or SNR when equalization was applied.


CONCLUSIONS
The equalize function of CDR is a convenient method to provide high-contrast images from underexposed images without detriment to the SNR. As it does not compensate for overexposure, the function will not lead to inappropriate overdosage of the patient.
Hayakawa
Y
Y
Division of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
Farman
A G
AG
Scarfe
W C
WC
Kuroyanagi
K
K
D006801:Humans; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation; D011861:Radiography, Dental / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation