Optimizing the processing and presentation of PPCR imaging

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Abstract
Photostimulable phosphor computed radiography (CR) is becoming an increasingly popular image acquisition system. The acceptability of this technique, both diagnostically, ergonomically and economically is highly influenced by the method by which the image data is presented to the user. Traditional CR systems utilize an 11' by 14' film hardcopy format, and can place two images per exposure onto this film, which does not correspond to sizes and presentations provided by conventional techniques. It is also the authors' experience that the image enhancement algorithms provided by traditional CR systems do not provide optimal image presentation. An alternative image enhancement algorithm was developed, along with a number of hardcopy formats, designed to match the requirements of the image reporting process. The new image enhancement algorithm, called dynamic range reduction (DRR), is designed to provide a single presentation per exposure, maintaining the appearance of a conventional radiograph, while optimizing the rendition of diagnostically relevant features within the image. The algorithm was developed on a Sun SPARCstation, but later ported to a Philips' EasyVisionRAD workstation. Print formats were developed on the EasyVision to improve the acceptability of the CR hardcopy. For example, for mammographic examinations, four mammograms (a cranio-caudal and medio-lateral view of each breast) are taken for each patient, with all images placed onto a single sheet of 14' by 17' film. The new composite format provides a more suitable image presentation for reporting, and is more economical to produce. It is the use of enhanced image processing and presentation which has enabled all mammography undertaken within the general infirmary to be performed using the CR/EasyVisionRAD DRR/3M 969 combination, without recourse to conventional film/screen mammography.

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