Pixel value modification using RVG-4 automatic exposure compensation for instant high-contrast images

摘要

The RVG-4 permits automatic exposure compensation (AEC). The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of AEC on image contrast. Images were made either with or without a dental QA jaw phantom using a fixed image projection geometry. Exposures were 6.3 through 27.3 μC/kg using an X-ray generator operated at 70 kVp. Region of interest pixel value distributions were measured at tissue thicknesses in this phantom, and the average pixel values and signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) were calculated. The use of AEC without an object in place resulted in a disproportionate relationship between pixel value and exposure with a marked reduction in SNR. The use of AEC on under- and over-exposed images of the phantom simultaneously enhanced image contrast and reduced SNR. Thus, AEC provides a convenient and quick method for achieving high-contrast images with sub-optimal exposures, however, this could lead to inappropriate patient dosages if the function is used for over-exposed images. AEC reduces the SNR and produces disproportionate pixel values relative to exposure