Combination system in advanced image processing for improving image contrast and a conventional row-ratio grid for an indirect flat-panel detector system: An experimental study

Conventional grids with high grid ratios are not ideal for use in bedside radiography because of the difficulty in maintaining the required alignment. To address this issue, the potential usefulness of a combination system that employs removal processing software for scattered radiation and a conventional grid with a low grid ratio (3:1) for an indirect-conversion-type flat-panel detector system was evaluated by measuring image quality and observer performance. The hypothetical grid ratios for the software were 2:1, 3:1, 6:1, 8:1, and 10:1. The scatter fraction of the combination system was lower than that of the software alone. Significant improvement was observed in the effect of scattered radiation removal up to a hypothetical software grid ratio of 6:1. However, the Wiener spectrum increased (radiographic noise degraded) with an increase in the hypothetical grid ratio. The contrast ratios of the combination system were improved compared to those of the software alone for anthropomorphic chest radiographs. An observer test was also conducted using the contrast-detail phantom. The combination system indicated higher low-contrast detectability compared to the software alone, although there were no statistical differences between the hypothetical grid ratios of 6:1, 8:1, and 10:1 in all combinations of the software alone and the combination system. We concluded that a combination system with software that uses a hypothetical grid ratio of 6:1 or more and a 3:1 conventional grid would be more useful for reducing the scattered radiation component compared to the software alone with a hypothetical higher grid ratio for thicker objects.