DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY

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 DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY:

Definition: -
 It is defined as the image data acquired from
the numeric value i.e. in discrete binary
digits by use of computers .

 Whereas in Conventional Radiography

information is represented in the analog or
continuous form rather than a discrete
fashion.
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History: -
 In 1980 researchers at “Fuji Laboratories” developed an erasable X-ray
imaging device based on the x-ray excitation of a phosphor layer and
subsequent reading of the stored image data with the help of infrared laser
(i.e. Photostimulable Luminescence).
 Results showed that the imaging plate was more sensitive than
conventional X-ray Film with intensifying screens .

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 MILESTONE IN DIGITAL
RADIOGRAPHY:
Year Development: -
1980 Scan Projection Radiography (SPR).
1983 Computed Radiography (CR), Storage Phosphors.
1990 Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) Slot-Scan Direct Radiography
(DR).
1994 Selenium Drum Direct Radiography (DR).
1995 Amorphous Silicon - Based–Cesium Iodide ( Scintillator )
Flat-Panel Detector in Indirect DR.
1995 Selenium-Based Flat-Panel Detector in Direct DR.
1997 Amorphous Silicon-Based - Gadolinium ( Scintillator ) Flat-
Panel Detector in Indirect DR.
2001 Dynamic Flat-Panel Detector for Digital Fluoroscopy in DSA.
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According to the nature, design and function of the detector the
Radiography can be divided mainly in the following way: -

Radiography

SPR CR DR

Indirect
NaI – Scintillator Conversion Indirect Conversion Direct Conversion
Photodiode

Scintillator + CCD Selenium Drum

Storage Phosphor CsI:Tl or CsI:Na &
Plate (IP) Gd2O2S:Tb3+
BaFX:Eu+2 Scintillator + Photodiode Photoconductor +
(a:Si) + TFT (IFPD) TFT (a:Se-DFPD)
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DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY (DR):
 DR technology converts x-rays into electrical charges by
means of a direct readout process using CCD/TFT arrays.

Digital Radiography (DR)

Indirect Conversion Direct Conversion

Scintillator + CCD
CsI:Tl or CsI:Na &
Selenium Drum
Gd2O2S:Tb3+

Scintillator +
Photoconductor (a:Se)
Photodiode (a:Si) +
+ TFT (DFPD)
TFT (IFPD)
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 INDIRECT DR:
 In this case, X-ray energy is first converted into
light photons by an phosphor scintillator (CsI:Tl,
Gd2o2S:Tb).
 Then the light photons are converted in electric
charge by Photodiode Phosphor (a:Si).
 The electric charge is converted in electrical signal
by CCD/TFT which is digitized by ADC in digital
signal & stored in computer.
 The stored digital signal in computer is processed
and converted in analog signal by DAC to see on
the monitor.
 The whole process will take only 1.3 – 3 sec.
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 Cont…

Convert X-rays into light photon

after then electronic signals for
digital image formation.
Uses 3 step process : -

X –rays CsI:Tl, Gd2o2S:Tb

Visible Light

Electronic Signals a:Si

TFT & ADC

Image formation

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 DIRECT DR:
In this case we do not use the phosphor coating scintillator
layer, thus eliminating the intermediate light producing step.
Hence a:Se directly acts as the x-ray detector.
The x-ray beam directly interacts with a thin layer of a:Se
creating electron-hole pairs, which being charged, travel
directly to the TFT.
From TFT, the charge pattern is read out by charge amplifier
& digitized by ADC in digital signal & stored in computer.
The stored digital signal in computer is processed and
converted in analog signal by DAC to see on the monitor.
The whole process will take < 1.3 sec.

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Cont…

Convert X-rays into electronic

signals for digital image formation

Uses 2 step process : -

X –rays
a:Se

Electronic Signals
TFT & ADC

Image formation

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 CONSTRUCTION & WORKING OF
FPD(Flat Panel Detector) SYSTEM:
The physical dimensions of the detector array are 40 x
50 x 4 cms with 2560 x 3072 pixel matrix.
The matrix is covered with a scintillator layer of CsI:Tl or
Gd2O2S:Tb in case of Indirect FPD only.
The matrix array consists of a glass substrate onto
which a layer of a:Si is evaporated in the case of Indirect
FPD & a:Se in case of Direct FPD.
The a:Si or a:Se is structured in a matrix of individual
photo sensors and switching elements, either a TFT or a
CCD which allows the connections of the sensor with
the read out line in column direction.
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Cont…

TFT (thin film transistor) or CCD (charged coupled

device) are controlled via address lines in the
horizontal direction, in order to read out the single
charge values of photodiodes.
These signals are multiplied and converted into
digital signals by an TFT/A.D.C. inside the detector
housing.
The 2-D digital image data is directly transferred to
the image processing computer via an optic fiber link.
So the image is available in digital form shortly after
the exposure has been made.

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 ADVANTAGES of DR SYSTEM:
Increasing Workflow Efficiency, Saving Time & Labor.
Integrating high power X-ray system of 30 – 1000 KW Rating, very Short
Exposure Time , Eliminating Motion Blur.
Variable Speed Acquisition possible (speed class 100 – 800) depending
on acceptable SNR.
Most DR system have presets available for various anatomical studies
including optimized post processing e.g. chest, spine etc.
Automatic tube detector positioning for selected study.
Auto selection filter & Focal Spot Size a/c to the anatomical part.
Automatic tracking for easy positioning.
Immediate availability of image for Quality Check & Diagnosis.
The examination becomes quick as no cassettes have to be fetched from
the storage area, taken to the examination site, or to the processing unit
after exposure.
Radiography as well as fluoroscopy can be performed.
Post processing can be done.
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 DISADVANTAGES OF DR
SYSTEMS:
High initial cost.
Some radiographic view are difficult to obtain as
the detectors are generally not free to be placed in
any position.
Careful handling is required due to fragile nature of
most detectors.

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 IMAGE RECEPTOR COMPARISION:
FEATURE FILM/SCREEN CR (PSP) DR
RADIATION DOSE Higher Lower Lower
GENERATION OF Chemical, Wet Laser Scanner, Computer Computer
VISIBLE IMAGE Processing
IMAGE VIEWING Delayed, View box Delayed, Computer In few seconds, Computer
Transillumination Monitor Monitor
RESOLUTION 16-20 lp/mm 6-8 lp/mm 8-10 lp/mm

CONSTRUCTION Thin, Flexible Thin, Flexible Thick, Rigid & Robust

LIFE SPAN Single Use Reusable after Erasure Reusable (Unlimited)

IMAGE Fixed Unchangeable Multiple Operations: - Multiple Operations: -

ENHANCEMENT Image Contrast, Density, Contrast, Density,
Magnification, Magnification,
Positive/Negative, Positive/Negative,
Measurement Measurement
STORAGE Patient Record, Variety of Archiving Variety of Archiving Method:
Huge Space required Method: - Server, Zip, - Server, Zip, OMD, MOD,
OMD, MOD, CD, DVD, CD, DVD, PACS
PACS 17
 DIGITAL FLUOROSCOPY:

It provides Real Time Imaging of anatomic structures. As maximum

image detail is required, so image brightness must be high.
Image intensifier was developed to replace the conventional
fluoroscopic screen.
With the introduction of computer technology into fluoroscopy, digital
images with better detail can be obtained.

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 EQUIPMENT:

D.F. requires the same fluoroscopy equipment in addition to a

computer, 2 video monitors, and a more complex operating console.
A high voltage generator.
A video system.
A charge couple device.

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 ADVANTAGES:

Less radiation dose as compared to the I.I.T.V. system.

Better image quality.

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 DEVELOPMENTS IN D.F. :
Flat panel detector system has replaced the I.I.T.V. system.
X-rays passing through the patient are converted into
electrical signals by the F.P.D. These are then passed
through the amplifier and ADC where they are converted
into digital signals.
The digital image data is directly transferred to an image
storage PC via an optic fiber link at the rate of 30 f/s
This system permits high speed digital image acquisition,
processing and display.
Images are of excellent resolution.
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 INNOVATIONS & NEWER
APPLICATIONS IN DR:

Digital Radiography is witnessing rapid innovations in hardware as well

as software applications.
Clinical utility & the true potential of these applications will be
understood better in the years ahead.
Few of the exciting applications are:

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 MOBILE /PORTABLE DR:
Now a days flat panel detector portable radiography
is also possible.
This method was first invented by Canon.
The FPD are available in 17” X 17” with a cable for
portable/mobile radiography.
As a general a FPD connected by a cable to a mobile
or portable unit having a monitor.
The use of portable DR system hampered by the
fragility of the FPDs & the high costs.
A portable DR system, when compared with an FSR
system, avoids all problems related to the availability,
storage, transportation, disposed of films & chemicals.
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 WIRELESS FPDs:
With the introduction of the model Pixium 3543 from Thales,
wireless portable DR system is now a reality.
After exposure, it wirelessly transfer image data to the DR
system.
It has no cables & does not interfere with surrounding
machines. So, it is easy to handle as a CR cassettes.
Typically a 14” X 17” image size is made available within 3s.
It is particularly well suited for use with immobilized patients,
in operating rooms, intensive care units, emergency situations,
and rooms for exams requiring difficult or unusual X-ray
projections.

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 WIRELESS FPD SYSTEM:
Pixium RAD 4600 Pixium Portable 3543

Power supply
WiFi (or back-up cable)
Optical Fiber RS 232 Pixium Portable
Docking Station

Power supply

Ethernet
Cable

Acquisition Ethernet
X-Ray Generator
board Board

PC
PixRad software

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 CONCLUSION:
With the advent of computed radiography diagnostic
radiology is advancing towards a film less system.
The replacement of film by detectors and storage
devices eliminated several inherent drawbacks of
conventional radiography and decreases the radiation
exposure to the patient and radiographer.
Very soon digital imaging will become more common and
affordable for all aspect of radiography.
With the development of Digital Radiography , the
Radiographic Examination becomes more easy, handy and
less time consuming method with good quality of image.
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