The D-Log E Curve And Its Relationship To Lesion Contrast And Required Photon Count Densities For Medical Images

Frank R. Whitehead

doi:10.1117/12.955920

27 December 1977 The D-Log E Curve And Its Relationship To Lesion Contrast And Required Photon Count Densities For Medical Images

Frank R. Whitehead

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 0127, Application of Optical Instrumentation in Medicine VI; (1977) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.955920
Event: Application of Optical Instrumentation in Medicine VI, 1977, Boston, United States

Abstract

Perception of a lesion in a Radiograph or Nuclear Medicine image requires that lesion contrast exceed both a threshold contrast value for the human visual system, and the contrast of any random fluctuations due to quantum mottle in the image. In principle, any lesion contrast value can be raised above visual threshold by choosing a film with sufficiently high gamma, and the quantum mottle reduced to any desired minimum by using a high enough photon count density in the image. In practice, one must compromise these parameters within the constraints of limited dynamic range for the film and the need to minimize discomfort and radiation dose to the patient. This talk will show how quantitative relationships can be developed to calculate the minimum detectable lesion contrast value and maximum useable photon count density for any film. In the development of diagnostic imaging procedures, these relationships offer considerable assistance in optimizing the choice of film with regard to the characteristics of the human visual system and the limitations of present-day instrumentation.

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Frank R. Whitehead "The D-Log E Curve And Its Relationship To Lesion Contrast And Required Photon Count Densities For Medical Images", Proc. SPIE 0127, Application of Optical Instrumentation in Medicine VI, (27 December 1977); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.955920

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