Hitachi's FPD-incorporated systems are providing high quality radiographic and fluoroscopic images by adding something new to the completed technologies in image processing of the conventional I.I.-incorporated systems.
Key techniques are summarized to 5 points. They are packed and called FAiCE. Individual technologies are described below

Dynamic gamma processing

Hitachi's FPD-incorporated systems are providing high quality radiographic and fluoroscopic images by adding something new to the completed technologies in image processing of the conventional I.I.-incorporated systems, and Hitachi has been the top-runner in developing and improving these technologies, which are the most basic processing in making DR images, since the early period of development.

The result is epoch-making in such way that the optimum image can be obtained immediately after each imaging. (Patented: Open patent No.10-84504)
Automatic printing is now possible. A method is adopted so that sample image data are acquired from the original image data, γcharacteristics is automatically created from histogram distribution and they are changed to the optimum image in an instant. It has enabled display and printing of images which do not require re-adjustment. (Fine adjustment is possible as well.).

DRC Dynamic Range Compression

Hitachi's FPD-incorporated systems are providing high quality radiographic and fluoroscopic images by adding something new to the completed technologies in image processing of the conventional I.I.-incorporated systems, and improving contrast is one of the technologies. It is possible to change clinically “black-mashed area” to “visible image”.
By combining γprocessing, it is possible to make easier-to-see images. Blurred image means the image from which high frequency component is removed. Subtracting the blurred image from the original image processes contour-enhanced image.

Gradation-processed blurred image means the blurred image after gradation-processing. Normally, it compresses high-brightness area. Adding again contour-enhanced image on gradation-processed image completes a finally processed image. The final image shows an improved “black-mashed” image by gradation-processing while maintaining the contour-enhanced area (high frequency component).

Applying dynamic range compression to fluoroscopic images in real time has realized fluoroscopic images with improved contrast. This processing improves the contrast extraction capability during fluoroscopy particularly while manipulating catheters in angiographic examinations.
Excellent contrast characteristics of FPD as compared with I.I. has realized further excellent fluoroscopic images by dynamic range compression.

SEC Smart Exposure Control

Hitachi's FPD-incorporated systems are providing high quality radiographic and fluoroscopic images by adding something new to the completed technologies in image processing of the conventional I.I.-incorporated systems, and they control radiographic and fluoroscopic X-ray output by reading photo-timerless optimum imaging parameter setting FPD output and by referencing the fluoroscopic parameter control table (LUT) for making FPD output constant.

FOV selection

Hitachi's FPD-incorporated systems are providing high quality radiographic and fluoroscopic images by adding something new to the completed technologies in image processing of the conventional I.I.-incorporated systems, and the FPD Hitachi uses has a large FOV of 40cm x 30cm so that it is not necessary to use fully its size always when actually in operation. It is possible to switch over 4-step FOV sizes in accordance with imaging purposes.
This function allows constant full-scale display of the FPD image acquisition range (for both radiography and fluoroscopy) on the monitor regardless of the acquisition matrix

Pulsed fluoroscopy

Hitachi's FPD-incorporated systems are providing high quality radiographic and fluoroscopic images by adding something new to the completed technologies in image processing of the conventional I.I.-incorporated systems, and they provide high image quality by making exposure of pulses as short as several milliseconds with frame rate of 30 frames/sec while suppressing the total dose not exceeding the level of continuous X-ray exposure fluoroscopy. Exposure dose can be decreased by changing an exposure rate.

In addition, unnecessary X-ray can be eliminated by rapid control of the rise of pulsed X-ray (wave-tail cut-off), and this is quite effective in the decrease of exposure dose.
The unique method (high voltage generating circuit) has realized this function, and therefore, it is not necessary to use the triode X-ray tube