Computer controlled technique factors in diagnostic radiology

One of the objectives of quality control in diagnostic radiography is the ability to select the technique factors which will produce a desired optical density on the final radiograph. This density is a function of several variables. Among these are x-ray target material, target angle, kV and the voltage wave form, mAs, geometry, patient thickness, field size, properties of the scatter reduction devices and type of screen film systems and processing employed. These variables have been modelled into a computer program. The program calculates technique factors of kV and mAs to give a desired film density for a given set of the other parameters. Application of the results of the theoretical calculations to experimental studies utilizing phantoms resulted in an optical density within 9% of the expected value. Results of the theoretical and experi-mental studies have been presented. Possible application of computer control in diagnostic radiography will be discussed.