title: Benchmarking the performance of fixed-image receptor digital radiographic systems part 1: a novel method for image quality analysis.
abstract: This is the first part of a two-part study in benchmarking the performance of fixed digital radiographic general X-ray systems. This paper concentrates on reporting findings related to quantitative analysis techniques used to establish comparative image quality metrics. A systematic technical comparison of the evaluated systems is presented in part two of this study. A novel quantitative image quality analysis method is presented with technical considerations addressed for peer review. The novel method was applied to seven general radiographic systems with four different makes of radiographic image receptor (12 image receptors in total). For the System Modulation Transfer Function (sMTF), the use of grid was found to reduce veiling glare and decrease roll-off. The major contributor in sMTF degradation was found to be focal spot blurring. For the System Normalised Noise Power Spectrum (sNNPS), it was found that all systems examined had similar sNNPS responses. A mathematical model is presented to explain how the use of stationary grid may cause a difference between horizontal and vertical sNNPS responses.
authors.affiliation: Biomedical Technology Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Health Support Queensland, 199 Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia. Kam.Lee@arpansa.gov.au.
authors.forename: Kam L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Biomedical Technology Services, Gold Coast University Hospital, Health Support Queensland, Southport, QLD, Australia.
authors.forename: Timothy A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Ireland
authors.affiliation: Biomedical Technology Services, Health Support Queensland, Fortitude Valley, QLD, Australia.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bernardo
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D019985:Benchmarking; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D011874:Radiometry
keywords: Digital image receptors; Digital radiography; Image quality; Radiology benchmarking