| A | B |
|---|
| Digital Radiography (DR) | The use of digital detectors to capture radiographic images, replacing traditional film-based imaging. |
| Image Receptor (IR) | The device used to capture the x-ray image; in DR, this is a digital detector rather than photographic film. |
| Detector | The digital device that receives the x-ray beam and converts it into a digital signal, either flat-panel or charge-coupled device (CCD). |
| Flat-Panel Detector | A type of image receptor that directly converts the x-ray energy into a digital image, commonly used in DR systems. |
| Computed Radiography (CR) | An imaging system that uses a photostimulable phosphor plate to capture x-ray images, which are then converted to digital images using a scanner. |
| Pixel | The smallest unit of a digital image; each pixel represents a specific point in the radiograph. |
| Matrix | A grid of pixels that form the digital image. The higher the matrix size, the better the image resolution. |
| Spatial Resolution | The ability of a radiographic system to differentiate between small structures; measured in line pairs per millimeter (lp/mm). |
| Contrast Resolution | The ability of a digital radiography system to differentiate between tissues with similar densities, allowing for the visibility of soft tissue details. |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) | The ratio of the x-ray signal to background noise; a higher SNR leads to a clearer image. |
| Dynamic Range | The range of x-ray intensities that a detector can capture; digital systems typically have a wider dynamic range than film-based systems. |
| Exposure Index (EI) | A numerical value that indicates the amount of radiation exposure used to create the image. It helps in determining image quality and patient safety. |
| Automatic Exposure Control (AEC) | A system that automatically adjusts the amount of radiation to produce an optimal image, ensuring consistent exposure levels. |
| Histogram | A graphical representation of the pixel intensity distribution in an image, used to adjust brightness and contrast in digital images. |
| Windowing | The process of adjusting the window level and window width to control image brightness and contrast. |
| Gray Scale | A range of shades of gray used in a radiographic image, representing different tissue densities. |
| Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) | A technique used to enhance the visibility of blood vessels in radiographic images, typically used in angiography procedures. |
| Post-Processing | The manipulation of digital images after they are acquired, such as adjusting brightness, contrast, or sharpness. |
| Artifacts | Unwanted anomalies in digital images, such as noise, distortion, or irregularities caused by equipment, patient motion, or improper exposure. |
| DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) | A standard format for transmitting and storing medical images, ensuring compatibility across different imaging systems. |
