The practical application of signal detection theory to image quality assessment in x-ray image intensifier-TV fluoroscopy.

This paper applies a published version of signal detection theory to x-ray image intensifier fluoroscopy data and compares the results with more conventional subjective image quality measures. An eight-bit digital framestore was used to acquire temporally contiguous frames of fluoroscopy data from which the modulation transfer function (MTF(u)) and noise power spectrum were established. These parameters were then combined to give detective quantum efficiency (DQE(u)) and used in conjunction with signal detection theory to calculate contrast-detail performance. DQE(u) was found to lie between 0.1 and 0.5 for a range of fluoroscopy systems. Two separate image quality experiments were then performed in order to assess the correspondence between the objective and subjective methods. First, image quality for a given fluoroscopy system was studied as a function of doserate using objective parameters and a standard subjective contrast-detail method. Following this, the two approaches were used to assess three different fluoroscopy units. Agreement between objective and subjective methods was good; doserate changes were modelled correctly while both methods ranked the three systems consistently.

[1]  H Fujita,et al.  Accurate measurement of characteristic curves of II-TV digital systems by use of aluminum stepwedge technique. , 1986, Medical physics.

[2]  D W McRobbie,et al.  Measurement of image intensifier system modulation transfer function by video signal analysis. , 1994, Medical physics.

[3]  J. C. Dainty,et al.  Image Science: Principles, Analysis and Evaluation of Photographic-Type Imaging Processes , 1974 .

[4]  C. J. Kotre,et al.  Analysis of variations in contrast-detail measurements performed on image intensifier-television systems , 1992 .

[5]  Arnold R. Cowen,et al.  A physical image quality evaluation of a digital spot fluorography system , 1992 .

[6]  R. F. Wagner,et al.  Absolute measures of physical image quality: measurement and application to radiographic magnification. , 1982, Medical physics.

[7]  D. H. Kelly.  Motion and vision. II. Stabilized spatio-temporal threshold surface. , 1979, Journal of the Optical Society of America.

[8]  C E Metz,et al.  Digital image processing: effect on detectability of simulated low-contrast radiographic patterns. , 1984, Radiology.

[9]  Cornelis H. Slump,et al.  Automatic Determination Of Image Quality Parameters In Digital Radiographic Imaging Systems , 1989, Medical Imaging.

[10]  R. Aufrichtig,et al.  Comparison of low contrast detectability between a digital amorphous silicon and a screen-film based imaging system for thoracic radiography. , 1999, Medical physics.

[11]  R. F. Wagner,et al.  Application of information theory to the assessment of computed tomography. , 1979, Medical physics.

[12]  L W Goldman.  Fluoroscopic performance tests using a portable computer/frame grabber: Wiener spectra measurements. , 1992, Medical physics.

[13]  K Stierstorfer,et al.  Self-normalizing method to measure the detective quantum efficiency of a wide range of x-ray detectors. , 1999, Medical physics.

[14]  A set of X-ray test objects for quality control in television fluoroscopy. , 1985, The British journal of radiology.

[15]  K Doi,et al.  Investigation of basic imaging properties in digital radiography. 8. Detection of simulated low-contrast objects in digital subtraction angiographic images. , 1986, Medical physics.

[16]  K Doi,et al.  Investigation of basic imaging properties in digital radiography. 4. Effect of unsharp masking on the detectability of simple patterns. , 1985, Medical physics.

[17]  R. F. Wagner,et al.  SNR and noise measurements for medical imaging: I. A practical approach based on statistical decision theory. , 1993, Physics in medicine and biology.

[18]  R. F. Wagner,et al.  Unified SNR analysis of medical imaging systems , 1985, Physics in medicine and biology.

[19]  I A Cunningham,et al.  Signal and noise in modulation transfer function determinations using the slit, wire, and edge techniques. , 1992, Medical physics.

[20]  Robert F. Wagner,et al.  Laboratory measurements of sensitometry, MTF, veiling glare, Wiener spectrum and DQE for image intensifier tubes , 1993, Medical Imaging.

[21]  M L Giger,et al.  Investigation of basic imaging properties in digital radiography. 3. Effect of pixel size on SNR and threshold contrast. , 1985, Medical physics.

[22]  R. F. Wagner,et al.  SNR and DQE analysis of broad spectrum X-ray imaging , 1985 .

[23]  M. Giger,et al.  Investigation of basic imaging properties in digital radiography. 2. Noise Wiener spectrum. , 1984, Medical physics.

[24]  S. Evans.  Catalogue of Diagnostic X-Ray Spectra and Other Data , 1998 .

[25]  M L Giger,et al.  Investigation of basic imaging properties in digital radiography. 5. Characteristic curves of II-TV digital systems. , 1986, Medical physics.

[26]  M L Giger,et al.  Investigation of basic imaging properties in digital radiography. 7. Noise Wiener spectra of II-TV digital imaging systems. , 1986, Medical physics.

[27]  Jeffrey H. Siewerdsen,et al.  DQE and system optimization for indirect-detection flat-panel imagers in diagnostic radiology , 1998, Medical Imaging.

[28]  M. Tapiovaara.  SNR and noise measurements for medical imaging. II. Application to fluoroscopic X-ray equipment , 1993 .

[29]  W. Hillen,et al.  Imaging performance of a digital storage phosphor system. , 1987, Medical physics.

[30]  J A Rowlands,et al.  Absorption and noise in cesium iodide x-ray image intensifiers. , 1983, Medical physics.

[31]  R. F. Wagner,et al.  Toward consensus on quantitative assessment of medical imaging systems. , 1995, Medical physics.

[32]  K Doi,et al.  Investigation of basic imaging properties in digital radiography. I. Modulation transfer function. , 1984, Medical physics.

[33]  D. C. Barber,et al.  Medical Imaging-The Assessment of Image Quality , 1996 .

[34]  William H. Press,et al.  Numerical recipes in C. The art of scientific computing , 1987 .

[35]  M. S. Chesters,et al.  Human visual perception and ROC methodology in medical imaging. , 1992, Physics in medicine and biology.