• 대한디지털의료영상학회논문지
• /
• 제5권1호
• /
• pp.32-44
• /
• 2002

The role of radiology department has been greatly increased in the past few years as the technology in the medical imaging devices improved and the introduction of PACS (Picture Archiving and Communications System) to the conventional film-based diagnostic structure is a truly remarkable factor to the medical history. In addition, the value of using digital information in medical imaging is highly expected to grow as the technology over the computer and the network improves. However, the current medical practice, using PACS is somewhat limited compared to the film-based conventional one due to a poor image quality. The image quality is the most important and inevitable factor in the PACS environment and it is one of the most necessary steps to more wide practice of digital imaging. The existing image quality control tools are limited in controlling images produced from the medical modalities, because they cannot display the real image changing status. Thus, the image quality is distorted and the ability to diagnosis becomes hindered compared to the one of the film-based practice. In addition, the workflow of the radiologist greatly increases; as every doctor has to perform his or her own image quality control every time they view images produced from the medical modalities. To resolve these kinds of problems and enhance current medical practice under the PACS environment, we have developed a program to display a better image quality by using the ROI optical density of the existing gray level values. When the LUT is used properly, small detailed regions, which cannot be seen by using the existing image quality controls are easily displayed and thus, greatly improves digital medical practice. The purpose of this study is to provide an easier medical practice to physicians, by applying the technology of converting the H-D curves of the analog film screen to the digital imaging technology and to preset image quality control values to each exposed body part, modality and group of physicians for a better and easier medical practice. We have asked to 5 well known professional physicians to compare image quality of the same set of exam by using the two different methods: existing image quality control and the LUT technology. As the result, the LUT technology was enormously favored over the existing image quality control method. All the physicians have pointed out the far more superiority of the LUT over the existing image quality control method and highly praised its ability to display small detailed regions, which cannot be displayed by existing image quality control tools. Two physicians expressed the necessity of presetting the LUT values for each exposed body part. Overall, the LUT technology yielded a great interest among the physicians and highly praised for its ability to overcome currently embedded problems of PACS. We strongly believe that the LUT technology can enhance the current medical practice and open a new beginning in the future medical imaging.

• 대한방사선기술학회지:방사선기술과학
• /
• 제15권2호
• /
• pp.25-30
• /
• 1992

With transmitted dose through chest which has the problem of wide variations in absorption, simple film/screen combination method makes it diffucult to image lung field, mediastinum and retrocardiac areas. In order to overcome this, it is very common to use the high kilovoltage technique in diminishing the differences between high and low contrast. We have been adopting this method at department of diagnostic radiology, Seoul National University Hospital. To compare the image of it with that of low kilovoltage technique, we did radiographic tests using beans on the skin. We marked off into three anatomical categories such as lungs, mediastinum and near diaphragm, then attached a bean on a marked area at random. In order to compare with high and low, we took a radiography of high($120{\sim}140\;kVp$) and low($70{\sim}90\;kVp$) kilovoltage tehchniques, respectively at the same time. We have done experiments 320 cases. We evaluated the results of test in response to sensitivity(true positive) and specificity(true negative). In evaluating, we gave them points from 1 to 5 according to true or false. With given points by a radiologist having much experiences, we could acquire the percentage of sensitivity and specificity. The percentage made us to get the schematic table of ROC curve of those two methods. Consequently, high kilovoltage technique appeared 18% better than low kilovoltage technique for detecting beans with our apparatus.

• 디지털콘텐츠학회 논문지
• /
• 제3권1호
• /
• pp.75-88
• /
• 2002

현대 의학에서 방사선 이미지는 환자의 진단 및 치료를 위해 널리 사용된다. 방사선 전문의는 이미지를 정확하게 판독하고, 이를 토대로 환자를 올바르게 진단하는 역할을 한다. 그러나 현재 대부분의 병원에는 방사선 전문의의 수가 매우 부족한 형편이다. 특히, 규모가 작거나 외진 곳에 위치한 병원에서는 방사선 전문의가 존재하지 않는 경우도 있다. 이러한 상황에서는 환자에 대한 올바른 진단이 거의 불가능해 진다. 또한, 방사선 전문의가 24시간 내내 상주하지 않으므로 야간의 응급환자의 경우 방사선 전문의의 부재로 인하여 매우 어려운 상황을 맞을 수도 있다. (주)엑스레이21과 강원대학교 데이터및지식공학 연구실에서는 이러한 문제점들을 해결하기 위하여 2000년부터 공동 연구를 추진하고 있다. 현재, 컴퓨터와 네트워크 기술의 급격한 발전으로 인하여 많은 방사선 전문의들과 많은 병원들을 인터넷을 통하여 하나로 연결하는 것이 가능해 졌다. 이러한 인터넷 환경을 활용함으로써 본 공동 연구에서는 방사선 이미지의 원격 진단을 위한 인터넷 기반 원격 의료 진단 시스템을 개발하였다. 본 논문에서는 시스템 개발 과정에서 획득한 다양한 기술적 경험들에 관하여 논의한다.

• 대한치과의사협회지
• /
• 제52권3호
• /
• pp.153-163
• /
• 2014

3-dimensional information for anatomic stucture plays a role as integral part in clinical aspect of dental practice. CBCT(cone beam computed tomography) has been accepted as useful diagnostic tool offering Volume data and images for evaluating teeth and jaws in lower radiation dose than conventional CT. CBCT equipment is essential for the quality assurance of it to ensure continued satisfactory performance and result of adequate images. Dental practitioner and oral and maxillofacial radiologist should have a responsibility and critical thinking to deliver this technology to patients in a responsible way, so that diaganostic value is maximised and radiation doses kept as low as resonably achievable. CBCT imaging modality should be used only after a review of the patient's health and imaging history and the completion of a thorough clinical examination. Clinical guidelines are systematically developed statements to assist practitioner and patient decisions about appropriate health care for specific clinical circumstances Dental practitioners should prescribe CBCT imaging only when they expect that the diagnostic yield will benefit patient care, enhance patient safety or improve clinical outcomes significantly. Knowledge of patient dose is essential for clinicians who are making the decision regarding the justification of the exposure. There are some limitation in the measurement of patient dose in CBCT for the approval and adaptation of conventinal methodolgy in CT. It is also important to ensure that doses are optimised and in line with any national and international guidelines. The higher radiation doses of CBCT compared with conventional radiography, mean that high standards must be maintained. The Quality Assurance(QA) programme should entail surveys and checks that are performed according to a regular timetable. QA programme should be maintained by staff to ensure adherence to the programme and to raise its importance among staff.

• 한국방사선학회논문지
• /
• 제8권1호
• /
• pp.27-33
• /
• 2014

건강에 대한 관심의 증대로 의료영상이 빠르게 증가하고 있으며, 컴퓨터 기술의 발전으로 의료영상의 디지털화가 빠르게 진전되어 PACS가 의료현장에 도입되었다. 이러한 현상에 의한 의료영상 생산의 증가는 의료영상을 판독하여야 하는 영상의학과 전문의의 업무량을 증가하게 하였다. 이러한 추세에 따라 컴퓨터를 이용한 보조 진단의 필요성이 대두되어 의료영상 판독 분야에 CAD라는 용어가 생겨나게 되었다. 본 연구에서는 디지털 X-선 유방촬영장치에 의하여 획득된 영상의 판독을 위한 CAD 알고리즘을 제안하였다. 제안된 알고리즘을 Visual C++로 프로그램하여 실험하였다. 본 연구에 사용한 일곱 샘플영상을 CAD 알고리즘으로 실행한 결과 다섯 샘플의 결과는 양성종양 및 유방암으로 확인되었고 두 샘플 영상은 error처리 되었다. 본 연구에서 제시한 알고리즘과 이를 구현한 프로그램을 이용한다면 판독업무에 많은 도움이 될 것이며, 유방암의 조기발견에 크게 기여할 것으로 사료된다.

• 대한안전경영과학회지
• /
• 제17권2호
• /
• pp.147-152
• /
• 2015

Through the inspector's real name to improve the quality of inspection is to show the design Radiological examination pursuant to the Ordinance of the Ministry of Health and Welfare for patient safety in the Image. However, the use of existing and in EMR, equipment within the handwriting input, the individual initial use has a problem. In this study, increasing the stability of the patient and the precise inspection, In order to increase the efficiency and convenience than the real-name system for quality control inspectors of medical equipment, Using the EMR and PACS developed and applied to evaluate the usefulness of automatic enrollment. Enter your information in the EMR, which was developed markers that inspectors use to compare the before and after images PACS satisfaction. Convenience than using traditional, consistency, the entry of the missing were higher as a statistically significant difference. A test strip automatic enrollment programs are developed in this study. You can increase the stability of the patient by checking the image to show the real tester, we expect the quality of care would be improved.

• 대한방사선기술학회지:방사선기술과학
• /
• 제42권1호
• /
• pp.19-24
• /
• 2019

For general radiological examinations, even in the same area and the same test, the test conditions must be set differently according to the patient. However, since it is impossible to consider the body shape and conditions of patients every time in medical institutions where various patients visit, the tests are conducted by setting the AEC which automatically sets the test conditions. AEC is most commonly used in chest radiography. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to propose the improvement plans for using AEC by measuring the exposure dose and evaluating the image quality according to whether the AEC is used or not, and to provide basic data for AEC research. In the present study, images were acquired while varying tube voltage and test distance according to the use of AEC in chest radiography. The radiation dose was measured by placing the dosimeter in front of the chest phantom, and the CNR and SNR of acquired images were analyzed using Image J. The t-test was conducted for the statistical analysis and the significance was determined at the level of 95%(p<.05). As a result of this study, in the inspection distance (100cm, 140cm, 180cm) according to the use of AEC, high doses were observed when the AEC was used and there was statistically significant difference(p<.05). In the t-test to determine the difference between CNR and SNR depending on whether AEC was used or not, there was no significant difference according to the use of AEC(p>.05). Therefore, when performing chest radiography, if the radiologist establishes the appropriate examination conditions and conducts the examination by not just relying solely on AEC, it may be possible to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure to the patient.

• 대한방사선기술학회지:방사선기술과학
• /
• 제34권4호
• /
• pp.305-314
• /
• 2011

분진에 노출된 집단의 흉부 디지털영상에서 진폐 소견에 따라 흉부 저선량 CT영상에서 발견된 소견을 비교 분석하였다. 2007년 4월부터 2008년 8월 사이 일개 진폐정밀건강진단기관에 내원한 진폐정밀건강진단 대상자 남자 328명에 대해 저선량 CT촬영을 실시하였고, 진폐 판독경험이 많은 1명의 영상의학과 전문의가 판독하였다. 흉부 디지털영상의 진폐 소견은 국제노동기구 흉부 영상 분류법(ILO, 2000)따라 아날로그 표준 사진을 참조하여 2명의 영상의학과 전문의가 합의 판독한 결과로부터 얻었고, 소음영의 병형에 따라 진폐 소견이 없는군(87명, 26.5%)과 있는군(241명, 73.5%)으로 분류하였다. 진폐 소견이 있는군에서 나이(60.9 vs. 65.0, p<0.001)와 분진노출기간(17.0 vs. 19.2, p=0.024)이 통계학적으로 유의하게 높았지만, 흡연력은 차이가 없었다. 전체 대상자 328명 중 245명(74.7%)이 저선량 CT영상에서 13 종류의 소견이 발견되었다. 진폐 소견이 없는군 보다 있는군에서 관상동맥 석회화 소견이 통계학적으로 의미 있게 높은 빈도를 보였고(25.3% vs. 36.9%, p=0.049), 벌집모양 소견도 높은 빈도를 보였다(1.2% vs. 6.2%, p=0.079). 하지만, 저선량 CT영상에서 진폐 소음영을 시사하는 작은 결절은 진폐 소견이 없는 군에서 더 높은 빈도를 보여 흉부 디지털영상이 민감도가 낮았다. 이상의 결과에서 분진 노출에 의한 진폐 소견이 저선량 CT영상의 관상동맥 석회화 소견과 유의한 관련성을 보였지만, 독립적인 위험요인임을 규명하기 위해서는 관상동맥 혈관 조영술을 이용한 전향적인 추가 연구가 필요할 것으로 사료된다.

• 대한의용생체공학회:의공학회지
• /
• 제32권3호
• /
• pp.237-244
• /
• 2011

In this paper, a feature-based registration technique is proposed for pre-contrast and post-contrast lung CT images. It utilizes three dimensional(3-D) features with their descriptors and estimates feature correspondences by nearest neighborhood matching in the feature space. We design a transformation model between the input image pairs using a free form deformation(FFD) which is based on B-splines. Registration is achieved by minimizing an energy function incorporating the smoothness of FFD and the correspondence information through a non-linear gradient conjugate method. To deal with outliers in feature matching, our energy model integrates a robust estimator which discards outliers effectively by iteratively reducing a radius of confidence in the minimization process. Performance evaluation was carried out in terms of accuracy and efficiency using seven pairs of lung CT images of clinical practice. For a quantitative assessment, a radiologist specialized in thorax manually placed landmarks on each CT image pair. In comparative evaluation to a conventional feature-based registration method, our algorithm showed improved performances in both accuracy and efficiency.

• 대한방사선기술학회지:방사선기술과학
• /
• 제21권1호
• /
• pp.52-58
• /
• 1998

We can and must improve the diagnostic images using available knowledge and technology. At the same time we must strive to reduce the patient's integral and entrance radiation dose. Reducing the integral dose to the patient during the radiologic procedure is a primary concern of the patient, especially the pediatric patient, the radiologist and the technologist. A 100cm focal film distance generally is used for most over-table radiography. The early x-ray tubes and screen film combinations required long exposures, which often resulted in motion artifacts. But nowaday, we have the generators and x-ray tubes that can deliver the energy necessary in a very short time and the receptors that can record the information just as rapidly. And, we performed this studies to evaluate the patient exposure dose and the image quality by increasing focal film distance in diagnostic radiography. There are many factors which affected to exposure factor, but we studied to verify of FFD increase, only. Effect of increasing the focal film distance to a 140 cm distance was tested as follows; 1. The focal film distances were set at 100, 120, and 140cm. 2. A 18cm acryl(tissue equivalent) phantom was placed on the table top. 3. An Capintec 192 electrometer with PM 05 ion chamber was placed at the entrance surface of the phantom, and exposure were made at each focal film distances. 4. The procedure was repeated in the same manner as above except the ion chamber was placed beneath the phantom at the film plane. 5. Exit exposure were normalize to 8mR for each portions of the experiment. Based on the success of the empirical measurements, a detailed mathematical analysis of the dose reduction was performed using the percent depth dose data. The results of this study can be summerized as followings ; 1) Increasing FFD from 100 cm to 140 cm, we would create a situation that would have a significant effect on the overall quality of radiograph and achive the 17.42% reduction of entrance dose and the 18.95% reduction of integral dose that the patient receives. 2) Thickness of Al step wedge for equal film density increased with the long distance. 3) Increasing FFD, Magnification of image was lowered. 4) Resolution of image also increased with the FFD. As the results described above, we strongly recommend using the long FFD to provide better information for our patients and profession in abdomen radiographic studies.