Basic technology of

FCR/FDR and DRYPIX system

Masahiro Matsushita
matsushita@fujifilm.ae

Ver. 20110306

1
 What is FCR system?
FUJI Computed Radiography system

High sensitive CR system by FUJIFILM using its

proprietary Imaging Plate technology.

FUJIFILM is the pioneer in the CR market and
developed the first digital X-ray system in the
world in 1983.

2
 Subjects

Technology overview

Imaging Plate

Imaging Plate reader

FUJIFILM FPD system

Image processing

Image printing
3
 Subjects

Technology overview

Imaging Plate

Imaging Plate reader

FUJIFILM FPD system

Image processing

Image printing
4
 FUJIFILM system product lineup
DRY Imagers Built-in IP FCR

Mammography Solution
CR Console

FCR View
PRIMA Console

Cassette Type FCR

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FCR/FDR and DRYPIX system configuration

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 FCR/FDR history
FCR101

Performance: 45 IP readings/hour
Footprint: 6.54 m2 (8.1 m width) , 28 times of Capsula
FDR Velocity
Unity AMULET

1985 1988 1993 1999 2001 2003 2006 2008 2009

FCR201
AC-3
FCR XG-1
FCR 5000 FCR CAPSULA FCR Go FCR PRIMA
AC-1
FCR PROFECT CS
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 Key technologies of FCR system

FCR system consists of the following technologies

Imaging Plate

Wide dynamic range, high sensitivity

Image capturing

High sensitive, precise and compact mechanics

Image processing

Part of Image Intelligence

EDR, FNC, GPR, GP, RP, DRC, MFP, A-VR, SAR, etc

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 Subjects

Technology overview

Imaging Plate

Imaging Plate reader

FUJIFILM FPD system

Image processing

Image printing
9
 What is Imaging Plate?

“The Imaging Plate (IP) was invented at Fujifilm as the
key device for the digital X-ray imaging system named
Fuji computed radiography. Later on, IPs were found to be
effective for scientific imaging such as radioisotope
detection and electron detection.”

“The IP is a new film-like radiation image sensor
comprised of specifically designed phosphors that trap
and store the radiation energy. The stored energy is
stable until scanned with a laser beam, which releases
the energy as luminescence. This phosphor technology,
launched in its first application to the medical X-ray
diagnostic field, portends great promise in a wide range of
newer scientific and technological applications.”
FMSU Life Science Knowledge Center
10
 Imaging Plate characteristics
Simultaneous occurrence of 3 phenomena

Luminescence
 Light emission upon stimulation by radiation
 Intensifying screen for film has only this characteristic

Energy storage
 Storing of radiated energy

Photostimulated luminescence
 Re-emission of light upon a second stimulation
 Stored energy is released for the re-emission

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 Imaging Plate in FCR system

Valued features in each stage

Stage Exposure Scan Erasure
Stimulation source X-ray Laser White light
Filtered out
Luminescence Not collected Not collected
(Blue filter)
Filtered out
Energy storage Main target! Negligible
(Yellow filter)
Photostimulated Negligible Main target!
(if erased)
Main target!
luminescence (Not collected)

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 Imaging Plate features

Wide dynamic range (latitude)
More than 4-digits (2-digits for film)

High sensitive
10 times or more than film

Linear
Emission is proportional to
dosage in the entire range

Re-usable
Removal of the trapped energy makes the IP re-usable
The built-in IP system is possible
Image quality stability, less re-takes, and less X-ray dosage
are provided in combination with the image processing.
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 Imaging Plates for cassettes
ST HR HR-BD ST-BD

phosphor
phosphor
phosphor
phosphor

base base base base

(transparent) (transparent)

ST-VI HR HR-BD ST-BD

Phosphor layer Thick Thin Thin Thick
Base layer Thick Thin Thin & Transparent Thick & Transparent
Features Lower sensitivity Supports 50 um Higher sensitivity
Sharper image dual-side Reading Supports 50 um
dual-side Reading

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Imaging Plates for built-in system

HS100 – RIP

Powder type

FPP200 – New type, VIP

Focused Phosphor Plate
Phosphor layer with a columnar crystal structure
Vapor-deposited IP

More sensitivity
More X-ray absorption and photostimulated luminescence

More expense

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Imaging Plates for built-in system
Laser light Laser light PSL*

PSL Protective layer

Phosphor
layer
Support

Powder-type IP (RIP) Focused Phosphor Plate (VIP)

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 Imaging Plate lifetime

Causes of damage

Physical – conveyance in reader unit

Sensitivity reduction – damage by X-ray

Warranty condition
Defined by number of scanning times and years of usage that comes first

For Cassette series (Capsula, XG-1 and Profect CS/One)

ST-VI(VN) – 12,000, ST-BD – 8,000, HR-V/HR-BD – 4,000

2 years

For VELOCITY series (VELOCITY -U / -T / Unity)

Upright – 100,000, Table – 50,000, Unity – 75,000

3 years

Detailed information
Described in the circular letter No. 2X-E06-06 (Feb. 15, 2006)

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 Subjects

Technology overview

Imaging Plate

Imaging Plate reader – Reader Unit

FUJIFILM FPD system

Image processing

Image printing
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 Reader Unit features
5 Major features

IP recognition
Barcode No., IP type, IP size, etc.

IP scanning with laser
Scanning condition is transferred from CR Console

IP erasure time estimation

Transferring image data

Interface: FRUP (Fuji Reader Unit Protocol)

Erasing remaining energy on IP

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Key technology of Reader Unit

Laser scanning

Point beam for cassette system

Line beam for newer built-in system (HD Line Scanner)

Luminescence(Light) collection optical system

Photomultiplier and optical guide for cassette system

Wide View CCD for built-in system

Precise reading

50um, 100um, 200um

Precision motor (Fuji Film Motor)

Dual-side reading

Auto dosage detection
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Key parts of the Reader Unit
Polygon Photomultiplier
LD ( laser diode )

Light collection Amplifier

Laser Beam guide

A/D converter

Image Processing

Precision motor
The precision motor is also named as “FFM”, Fuji Film Motor.
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 IP reading operation
Scanning Unit

Laser beam Photomultiplier

Light collection mirror
Light collection guide

Sub scanning
motor

Reading modes: FR, SR, GR

- Sub scanning motor speed
- High Voltage for Photomultiplier

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 Photomultiplier (PMT)

Photo detection sensor

The most important component of a reader unit

Converts light to electric current under high voltage

Highly sensitive to light and to be used in dim light

Even room light is too bright

High voltage must be turned off before disassembling a
reader unit

Performance varies among individual unit

Performance adjusted before shipping from the factory

Periodical maintenance and adjustment recommended
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 Auto dosage detection
Erasure does not remove stored energy completely

Maximum X-ray dosage detected while reading

XE value

Larger maximum dosage, longer erasure time

Erasure performance of Capsula

S value represents the amount of image signal from the IP

Remaining image is same as S = 12,000 or more

S = 800 reading is possible after the normal erasure

“Switched depending on Menu” mode of Velocity
Erasure time adjusted based on the next exposure menu
Larger dosage in the subsequent exposure, shorter erasure time for the current job

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 Dual-side image reading

One set of laser beam and polygon mirror

Two sets of photomultiplier and light
collection guide

Introduced in Profect CS/One system

Higher image quality with same dosage
 For mammography examinations

Reduced dosage with same image quality
 For infants and neonates examinations

Supports 50 micron resolution
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Dual-side image reading

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 Subjects

Technology overview

Imaging Plate

Imaging Plate reader

FUJIFILM FPD system

Image processing

Image printing
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Flat panel detector (FPD) types
X-ray → (Photon) → Electric signal Signal collection
Direct conversion panel
X-ray Photoconductor TFT
Amorphous selenium : a-Se
AcSelerate
FPD
（DR） Indirect conversion panel
Scintillator Photodiode TFT
Gadolinium oxysulfide : Gd2O2S:Tb (GOS) D-EVO
Cesium iodide : CsI

Photo-stimulable Laser scanner

(CR) phosphor + PMT/CCD readout
Barium fluorohalide compounds : BaFX FCR
Flat panel detector (FPD) types
Direct conversion panel TFT

X-ray Photoconductor
AcSelerate
Optical Switching
Amorphous selenium : a-Se
AMULET
FPD
（DR） Indirect conversion panel
Scintillator Photodiode TFT
Gadolinium oxysulfide : Gd2O2S:Tb (GOS) D-EVO
Cesium iodide : CsI

Photo-stimulable Laser scanner

(CR) phosphor + PMT/CCD readout
Barium fluorohalide compounds : BaFX FCR
 Direct vs. Indirect conversion FPDs
Direct conversion panel Indirect conversion panel

High Voltage
X-ray photoelectric X-ray phosphor
Electrons
conversion layer (scintillator) layer

－ Charge collection electrode Photodiode and

＋ TFT substrate TFT substrate

Convert X-ray into electric signal Convert X-ray into light first,
directly then into electric signal
Outstanding sharpness Natural image
without blur due to light scattering due to reasonable light scattering
Principle of Direct and Indirect Conversion FPD
Direct conversion FPD
X-ray Electric Signal = Image Pixels

No light diffusion brings higher DQE, superior MTF over competing methods
Indirect conversion FPD
X-ray Light Electric Signal = Image Pixels
 FUJIFILM Direct conversion panel
AcSelerate
Achieved performance

Excellent DQE (Detective Quantum Efficiency)

45 % @ 1 lp/mm

20 % higher than regular indirect FPDs*

Outstanding MTF (Modulated Transfer Function)

68 % @ 2 lp/mm

Twice the value of regular indirect FPDs*
* Nippon Medical School, 2008,
Japanese Society of Radiological Technology (JSRT)
presentation # 300 and 301, April 5, 2008

Improved lifetime of the panel**

** SPIE premier conference presentation – Feb.,2010, USA
 Composition of indirect conversion FPD
Glass substrate Photodiode – TFT array
Form photodiode for light receiving and
TFT for an electric charge read-out into grid pattern

Photodiode
TFT
Gate line
(Connected to Gate driver)
Data line
(connected to readout)

Adhesive layer
Scintillator (GoS)
Convert X-ray to Visible light
Base support for Scintillator
Gate Driver Circuit
Readout Circuit Control TFT switching to read out
 FUJIFILM ISS Technology for D-EVO
Conventional indirect conversion New indirect conversion
panel with PSS technology panel with ISS technology
→ PSS (Penetration Side Sampling) panel → ISS (Irradiation Side Sampling) panel
X-ray Scintillator X-ray Scintillator

ISS technology brings

both the sharper image
and the dose reduction

Optics images after scintillator transmission of PSS and ISS panel

 Subjects

Technology overview

Imaging Plate

Imaging Plate reader

FUJIFILM FPD system

Image processing

Image printing
35
 Abbreviations / Names

EDR: Exposure Data Recognizer

FNC: Flexible Noise Control

GPR: Grid Pattern Removal

PEM: Pattern Enhancement processing for Mammography

GP: Gradation Processing (Tonal Conversion Processing)

RP: Response Processing (Spatial Frequency Processing)

DRC: Dynamic Range Control

MFP: Multi-Frequency Processing

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 Abbreviations / Names

EDR: Exposure Data Recognizer

FNC: Flexible Noise Control

GPR: Grid Pattern Removal

PEM: Pattern Enhancement processing for Mammography

GP: Gradation Processing (Tonal Conversion Processing)

RP: Response Processing (Spatial Frequency Processing)

DRC: Dynamic Range Control

MFP: Multi-Frequency Processing

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 Abbreviations / Names

EDR: Exposure Data Recognizer

FNC: Flexible Noise Control

GPR: Grid Pattern Removal

PEM: Pattern Enhancement processing for Mammography

GP: Gradation Processing (Tonal Conversion Processing)

RP: Response Processing (Spatial Frequency Processing)

DRC: Dynamic Range Control

MFP: Multi-Frequency Processing

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 Image processing overview

Part of Image Intelligence

Advantage of FUJIFILM image processing

Advanced algorithm

High performance

Long history and accumulated know-how in collaboration
with doctors and radiologists

Major features

EDR

FNC, GPR, TAS, PEM, GP, RP, DRC, MFP

Performed in CR Console software

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 Image process in CR Console

1. Receive image data

2. Create image related files
3. Calculate S and L values by EDR
4. Process image for display
(FNC, GPR, TAS, PEM, GP, RP, DRC, MFP)
5. Display image
6. Adjust image quality if desired (GP, RP, DRC, MFP)
7. Compose image for imagers, Non-Fuji devices

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 Image process in CR Console

Exposure CR Console
condition
RoutineNNNN.inf
Image processing
Image files FNC GP
RoutineNNNN.hq Image
RoutineNNNN.std
Reader Unit RoutineNNNN.thm RP Display
RoutineNNNN.edr
GPR
EDR Parameters
(RoutineNNNN.M.std) DRC
(RoutineNNNN.M.thm)
TAS
(RoutineNNNN.M.edr)
PEM MFP
Shutter Process

Imager Storage

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 Image related files

Image related files
- RoutineNNNN.hq - Compressed image from reader (12-bit image)
- RoutineNNNN.std- Standard density original image (12-bit image)
- RoutineNNNN.thm- Thumbnail image (12-bit image)
- RoutineNNNN.edr- Reduced image data for EDR (8-bit image)
- RoutineNNNN.edk- EDR result data
- RoutineNNNN.inf- Exposure and patient information
- RoutineNNNN.M.std - Shutter processed standard image*
- RoutineNNNN.M.thm - Shutter processed thumbnail image*
- RoutineNNNN.M.edr - Shutter processed image for EDR*
* Shutter processed images are optional

Default image location in CR Console
C:\Program Files\FujiFilm\IIP\Data\Image

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 EDR overview

Exposure Data Recognizer

Automatic extraction of the meaningful signal range

Calculate S and L values for optimum image display

INPUT = “.edr” image file (8 bit, 256 x 256)

OUTPUT = S value and L value (“.edk” file)

Algorithm

Make “Pixel value – Number of pixels” histogram

Compare the graphical pattern of the histogram with the
pre-set pattern for the exposure menu

Calculate S value and L value
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 What is histogram?

Distribution of pixel values
Histogram
Pixel values of an image
(5 x 5 pixels)

1 4 4 4 1
4 2 2 2 4
4 2 3 2 4
4 2 2 2 4
1 4 4 4 1

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 Histogram samples

Image and histogram relationship

Higher pixel values

Acquired image Histogram
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 Histogram variation

Factors affecting the histogram

 Exposure region
 X-ray tube voltage
 mAs value
 Patient’s body
 Other exposure conditions

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Histogram variation – Exposure region

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Histogram variation – Voltage and mAs value
Voltage difference mAs value difference

High voltage Larger mAs value

Low voltage
Radiation quality depends on the X-ray tube voltage
Higher voltage, more penetrating power
For bones: Lower voltage
For soft tissue: Higher voltage
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Frequency
Exposure Data Recognition

Automatic extraction of
meaningful signal range
= EDR

０ １ ２ ３ ４
Intensity of IP photo-stimulated light
= Pixel value = Density level
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 S value and L value
Digital value density
L value 1023
Frequency

Qmax

511

Histogram
Qmin

0
0 1Smin Sk 2 Smax 3 4
20000 2000 200 20 2
S value
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 S value and L value
Digital value density
L value 1023
Frequency

Qmax (1.6)

511

Histogram
Qmin (0.5)

0
0 1Smin Sk 2 Smax 3 4
20000 2000 200 20 2
S value
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 L value definition

Width of the extracted range in logarithm

The range is divided into 4,096 (12 bits)
to form an image to be displayed on CR Console

Larger L value indicates lower contrast
and smaller L value indicates higher contrast

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 S value definition

Center of the extracted signal range

Representation of “relative X-ray dosage”
of the image
Dosage (mR) S Value

Definition in FCR system 0.1 2,000

S = 4 × 10(4-Sk) 1
10
200
20
Sk = Center of the pixel range 100 2
( S becomes 200 when Sk is 2.30 ) - Above values are for ST type IP
(1.8m, 80kV, 50mA, 0.013s)
- “TEST SENSITIVITY” menu is used

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 “EDR” by hand
Demonstration

Range extraction by hand

Curve selection and adjustment by hand

MultiGauge Software

Developed for FUJIFILM Life Science system

Analysis of images from Imaging Plate and others

Image observation

Quantification of ROIs (Region Of Interest)

More information
http://www.fujifilm.com/products/life_science/si_software/multigauge.html

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 “EDR” by hand
EDR performs these procedures automatically
using professionally designed “pre-sets”
Pre-sets = MPM Codes (Menu Position Method Codes)

MPM Codes and their parameters in

Standard Image Processing Parameters
Operation Manual / 3rd Edition: December 2006
Document No. 897N0743B

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 More EDR features

Division recognition

Recognition of image division

EDR for each division if two or more division found

Irradiation field recognition

Recognition of irradiation area

Introduction of pre-defined exposure region

Histogram analysis modes

Auto, Semi-Auto, Fix, Semi-X, and Manual modes

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What is good image quality?

Contrast and density are well balanced

Density: Mixture level of blackness and whiteness

Contrast: Density difference between white and black areas

Sharpness and granularity are moderate

Sharpness: Reproduction of clarity of detail

Granularity: Reproduction of smoothness

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 FCR image design

Design concept of FUJI CR systems
Initial image quality right after the IP reading is designed to
be compatible with conventional film image quality

Image processing features in CR Console
Digital image quality is possible by adjusting the image
processing parameters

FCR image processing parameters

For contrast and density – GP, DRC and MFP

For sharpness and granularity – RP and MFP
MFP is optional
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 FCR image quality
Image processing parameters can be adjusted, but

The images that come up first are mostly satisfied

The parameters have already been best tuned based on the
years of collaboration with doctors and experience

Causes of image problems are, in most cases, not in the
parameters

Check if the exposure conditions and positioning are
correct, and IP and the reader unit are in good condition

Customers are to take the initiative to adjust the
values of image processing parameters

Service engineers should support the customers to
understand the meanings of parameters
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 Understanding FCR image

Important characteristics of FCR system

Stability in sharpness over the whole dosage range

Degrade in granularity under lower dosage

Comparison to high sensitive S/F system highlights this
characteristic in lower dosage area (bone, etc.)

Possible adjustment for better granularity

Reduction of enhancement level in sharpness control

MRE parameter in MFP
Knowledge
of clinical diagnosis
RE parameter in RP (if MFP is not installed)
Increase of mAs values


and
image

processing parameters
20% to 50% dosage increase reported in Japan
400 to 600 in S value is possible in Japan


Use or change of grid


required toinstead
12:1 or 14:1

choose
of 10:1 the best solution

Use of FNC processing (if it is not used)
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FUJI FPD system image design

AMULET, AcSelerate, and D-EVO systems

FUJIFILM original Flat Panel Detectors are implemented

Design concept of FUJI FPD systems
Image quality takes advantage of the native features of the
panels, and is different type of quality from FCR.

More sharpness

Image processing in Console Advance
The parameters and their values are the same as CR Console.

“CR Filter” is provided for AcSelerate

PEM for AMULET is provide, but is off

Application support has become more important
The exposure techniques and the image quality are the major
concerns of the customers
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 Subjects

Technology overview

Imaging Plate

Imaging Plate reader

FUJIFILM FPD system

Image processing

Image printing – Imager
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 What is imager?

Printer to form medical images on film

Print images from modalities

FCR, DR, CT, MRI, PET, Ultrasound, etc.

Two types

Wet imager
 Chemical liquid required to process
 Place of installation limited

Dry imager
 No liquid required to process
 Place of installation flexible
 Laser system and thermal system

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 Imager features
4 Major features

Image data reception

Interface: DICOM

Protocol converter available (Non-DICOM to DICOM)

Image processing

A-VR

SAR

Image forming on film

Laser system – photo-sensitive film

Thermal system – heat sensitive film

Automatic self-calibration

Automatic calibration upon loading of new film box
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 Laser imager features

Laser exposure and thermal development

Laser exposed dots become dark on film
Stronger laser light makes more density

Ultra-precise control of laser beam
High resolution – 50 / 100 micron pixel size (508 / 254 dpi)

DRYPIX PRIMA supports only 100 micron (254 dpi)

14-bit gradation level
10-bit CR Console images converted to 14 bits

High speed film transportation and process

Use shutter to close tray before opening the covers

DRYPIX4000, DRYPIX7000, DRYPIX PRIMA
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 Thermal imager features

Thermo-sensitive recording

Heated dots become dark on film
Higher temperature makes more density

DURATHERMTM thermal head (for DRYPIX2000)

Long thermal head life

3-year or 50,000 prints that comes first

Stable image quality

High resolution – 84.7 micron pixel size (300 dpi)

12-bit gradation level
10-bit CR Console images converted to 12 bits

DRYPIX2000, DRYPIX1000, DRYPIX3000 – No more from FUJIFILM
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 Imager image processing

A-VR

Advanced Variable Response Spline Interpolation

Automatic detection of characters in image

Automatic independent sharpness control of image area
and characters

SAR
Gamma Curve

Smooth curve ARranging 3.5

3

Selectable gamma curve 2.5
forCT
forMRI

(LUT – Look Up Table) forDSA

Density
2
forNM
1.5 forDR
for the best image quality 1 linear
DICOM P14
for each modality 0.5
0

174
261
348
435
522
609
697
784
871
958
87
0

New gamma curve definable Digital Value

67
 A-VR

Original A-VR

Smooth

Sharp

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 Film technology

ECO-DRY

No uncomfortable smell

Minimum use of chemical solvents

Storage stability

Superior storage stability before and after image forming

Expiration date is 2 years after manufacturing

Micro-isolation technology (DI-HT)

No-compatibility between the film for laser system
and the film for thermal system

DI-HL for Laser, DI-ML for
for Mammography
Mammography and
and Laser
Laser

DI-HT and DI-AT
DI-AT for
for Thermal
Thermal

Keep film in cool and dark place to prevent deterioration
before and after printing
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 Automatic self-calibration

Automatic Film Density Correction (F.D.C.)

24-step grayscale pattern for calibration

Laser system

Barcode reader detects the change of film box

Calibration when a new film box from a different lot is
detected

Each film box contains an extra sheet for dust protection

Thermal system

No barcode reader installed

Calibration whenever a film box is changed

Each film box contains an extra sheet for calibration

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 References

FCR system

http://www.fujifilm.com/products/medical/solution/basic.html

http://www.fujifilm.com/products/medical/solution/advanced.html

Imaging Plate and Image reading

http://www.fujifilm.com/products/life_science/si_imgplate/whatis02.html

http://fujifilmlifescienceusa.com/imaging.htm

Image Processing and other FUJIFILM technologies

http://www.fujifilm.com/products/medical/technology/index.html

http://www.fujifilm.com/products/medical/technologies

FCR (Fuji Computed Radiography) General Description of Image Processing

Image Intelligence

http://www.fujifilm.com/image_intelligence/top.html

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