Comparison of radiographic image quality from four digitization devices asviewed on computer monitors

The objective of this study was to compare the quality of radiographic imag es digitized from commercial-grade and consumer-grade digital cameras and s canners as viewed on computer monitor. Radiographic images were digitized f rom hardcopy film using a commercial-grade laser scanner, a consumer-grade desktop flatbed scanner, a commercial-grade digital camera, and a consumer- grade digital camera. The quality of images without and with grayscale hist ogram adjustment was evaluated subjectively by 10 board-certified radiologi sts. Optical density response was evaluated objectively using a grayscale t est pattern. There was no significant difference in subjective quality amon g images digitized with the commercial scanner, consumer scanner, and comme rcial camera. The quality of images digitized with the consumer camera was lower than the other 3. Objective tests showed the commercial scanner to ha ve the most linear optical density response. For the purpose of viewing ima ges on a computer monitor, a consumer-grade desktop scanner can produce ima ges of similar quality to those produced by more expensive laser commercial -grade scanners end digital cameras and provides cost-efficient means to di gitize radiographic plain films. A consumer-grade camera may not be optimal for use in this setting. Copyright (C) 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.