X-ray Digital Radiography Research Articles

Automated Defect Detection through Flaw Grading in Non-Destructive Testing Digital X-ray Radiography

Automated Defect Detection through Flaw Grading in Non-Destructive Testing Digital X-ray Radiography

Exploring the Frontiers of Synthetic Image-Based Deep Learning Training in Digital X-ray Radiography

Exploring the Frontiers of Synthetic Image-Based Deep Learning Training in Digital X-ray Radiography

A Geant4-based Monte Carlo X-ray imaging simulation platform

X-ray digital radiography plays a pivotal role in accessing the internal structure of objects. Nevertheless, key imaging parameters, such as source-to-target distance or number of projected images needed for three-dimensional construction, mostly rely on real-life trials thus increasing radiation exposure risks. This paper introduces a recently developed software platform known as GMAX (Geant4-based Monte Carlo Advanced X-ray) that helps addressing above issues from a simulation perspective. GMAX employs Geant4, a Monte Carlo simulation code at its core and facilitates high-fidelity X-ray imaging, requiring no prior user experience. Compared to CAD models that only reflect object's geometrical information, GMAX simulates how objects interact with photon and can accurately evaluate important imaging parameters, such as target object to detector distance. It also provides three-dimensional construction functionality for images and therefore could be used as an effective tool for X-ray non-destructive testing and inspection.

Towards Enhancing Automated Defect Recognition (ADR) in Digital X-ray Radiography Applications: Synthesizing Training Data through X-ray Intensity Distribution Modeling for Deep Learning Algorithms

Industrial radiography is a pivotal non-destructive testing (NDT) method that ensures quality and safety in a wide range of industrial sectors. Conventional human-based approaches, however, are prone to challenges in defect detection accuracy and efficiency, primarily due to the high inspection demand from manufacturing industries with high production throughput. To solve this challenge, numerous computer-based alternatives have been developed, including Automated Defect Recognition (ADR) using deep learning algorithms. At the core of training, these algorithms demand large volumes of data that should be representative of real-world cases. However, the availability of digital X-ray radiography data for open research is limited by non-disclosure contractual terms in the industry. This study presents a pipeline that is capable of modeling synthetic images based on statistical information acquired from X-ray intensity distribution from real digital X-ray radiography images. Through meticulous analysis of the intensity distribution in digital X-ray images, the unique statistical patterns associated with the exposure conditions used during image acquisition, type of component, thickness variations, beam divergence, anode heel effect, etc., are extracted. The realized synthetic images were utilized to train deep learning models, yielding an impressive model performance with a mean intersection over union (IoU) of 0.93 and a mean dice coefficient of 0.96 on real unseen digital X-ray radiography images. This methodology is scalable and adaptable, making it suitable for diverse industrial applications.

X-ray imaging techniques for gas–solid fluidized beds: A technical review

Gas–solid fluidized beds have historically been employed in a variety of fields owing to the excellent mixing they provide, which can enhance chemical reaction rates and make the control of the reactor temperature easier than other technologies. Due to this wide application, heuristic knowledge of their functioning has been accumulating over the years. This knowledge, however, is not always backed by a deep understanding of the physical phenomena occurring in such systems. While this heuristic knowledge is sufficient to operate fluidized beds, operation optimization and scale-up are much harder to perform. A range of diagnostic techniques have been applied over the years to draw information about the inner workings of fluidized beds. Among these, x-ray imaging techniques, especially x-ray digital radiography and x-ray computed tomography, stand out for the kind and quality of information they can provide. Their high penetrating power enables visualization of phenomena taking place in the bulk of a fluidized bed, without disturbing the bed hydrodynamics. Furthermore, x rays are generated by a source that can be switched off, making them inherently safer than other imaging techniques relying on radioactive sources, such as γ-ray computed tomography. This work gives an overview of the techniques themselves, of the quantities they can measure, and of some modern applications of gas–solid fluidized beds they have been applied to, such as waste treatment and thermochemical conversion of biomass. Overall, x-ray digital radiography and x-ray computed tomography are better suited for process understanding than for process monitoring and are extremely useful in the study of voidage distribution and macro structures, such as bubbles and jets.

Comparison of typical radiation doses and risks using an anthropomorphic 'bone fracture' phantom for commonly performed X-ray projections in a 5-year-old.

Diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) are typical dose levels for medical imaging examinations for groups of standard-sized patients or standard phantoms for broadly defined types of equipment used as a tool to aid optimisation of protection for medical exposures. Currently, there are no paediatric DRLs for conventional radiography (i.e. general X-rays) published in Australia. The aim of this study was to establish typical radiation doses and risks that are representative of those delivered for commonly performed X-ray projections for a 5-year-old/20 kg child using a 5-year-old anthropomorphic 'bone fracture' phantom in three dedicated paediatric radiology departments in Victoria. A total of 20 projection images were acquired for a standard 5-year-old/20 kg phantom using digital radiography X-ray equipment. The air kerma-area product (KAP) measured at each centre by a KAP metre, which was calibrated to a national primary standard, was considered to represent the median value for that centre for each X-ray projection. Organ doses and effective dose were estimated using PCXMC software, and risks of radiation-induced cancer and radiation-induced death were calculated based on the BEIR VII report. The typical doses for the individual X-ray projections ranged from 3 mGy•cm2 to 86 mGy•cm2 , whilst the effective doses ranged from 0.00004 to 0.07 mSv. The radiation risks were 'minimal' to 'negligible'. The estimation of typical radiation doses and associated risks for a 5-year-old/20 kg phantom study provides reference values for guidance and is a first step in assisting optimisation at other institutions until national DRLs, based on patient data from the clinical setting, are published.

Evaluation and New Innovations in Digital Radiography for NDT Purposes

The identification of dental and maxillofacial sores has essentially improved with the utilization of digital radiography. A sort of x-ray imaging called digital radiography utilizes digital X-ray sensors instead of regular visual film. Time reserve funds from staying away from substance handling and the ability to move and improve photographs digitally while exposing labourers to less radiation are benefits. The high-energy non-destructive testing (NDT) applications are making progress thanks to the headways in digital radiography innovation. Digital radiography has various advantages, including the ability to make pictures in a flash and to introduce an excellent picture on the PC screen. This study investigated how a U-net profound learning semantic division model acted comparable to two picture quality boundaries: motion toward clamour proportion (SNR) and contrast-to-commotion proportion (CNR). The exposure factors used to make the information pictures, for example, kilo voltage, mill ampere, and exposure time, affected the nature of the radiography pictures that were delivered. The discoveries of this study feature the meaning of making a preparation dataset that is offset as per the quality factors that were examined to work on the usefulness of profound learning division models for NDT digital X-ray radiography applications.

Damage properties of basaltic rocks under multilevel stress loading and microwave irradiation

The deterioration of mechanical strength and damage characteristics of rock under microwave is the primary focus in evaluating the applicability of microwave-efficient rock-breaking technology. This study analyzed the mechanical strength deterioration and damage characteristics of basalt under microwave irradiation and performed an X-ray digital radiography (DR) image analysis of the damage process of basalt under a multilevel stress loading (MSL) path. The research results show that basalt with a large porosity had a better thermal effect on microwave irradiation and significantly enhanced the resistance to deterioration. The microwave thermal effect of polar minerals is critical to plastic failure behavior. This study also proposes a rock damage characteristic evaluation model based on X-ray DR image quantitative analysis and X-ray absorption dose threshold segmentation. The image analysis model can accurately describe the evolution process of rock damage characteristics. A modified model for basalt damage characteristic analysis is provided. The elastic–plastic damage model based on the Cast3M finite element software was compared with the proposed damage model based on X-ray DR images. The calculated results show that the change in the damage zone was consistent with the damage crack propagation process of basalt. Therefore, the proposed damage evaluation model can provide guidance for the scientific evaluation of the adaptability of microwave-assisted tunnel boring machine (TBM) efficient rock-breaking technology.

Application of imaging techniques for the characterization of lumps behaviour in gas–solid fluidized-bed reactors

Gas-solid fluidized-bed reactors are often used in waste pyrolysis and gasification processes thanks to their excellent mixing properties, which guarantee temperature uniformity. However, this latter property can fail when large objects, such as lumps, are introduced or form in the system. Understanding the motion characteristics and thermal behaviour of lumps in a high temperature fluidized-bed reactor can help determining how the presence of lumps impact reactors’ performance. This was the object of this study. In particular, this work aims to assess how process variables and physical properties impact the segregation behaviour, dispersion coefficients and heat transfer coefficients of these lumps during operation. The system used in this work is a down-scaled pseudo-2D fluidized bed operated at ambient temperature and at fluidization velocities ranging between 1 Umf and 10 Umf. Rutile sand with four different mean particle sizes (60 μm, 100 μm, 153 μm and 215 μm) was used as bed material. Fabricated lumps were introduced in the fluidized bed to reproduce realistic conditions, as when lumps form in a high-temperature fluid bed. The density ratio between the lump and the bed material particle was varied between 0.32 and 0.55 to account for different lump compositions. X-ray digital radiography and infrared thermography were used respectively to track the fabricated lumps and to obtain their temperature time evolution. The lump density was found not to have a significant effect on the lump dispersion coefficients or on the heat transfer coefficient. Optimal values of fluidization velocities that guarantee proper lump mixing and maximum heat transfer coefficient were obtained. This latter increases by up to 10 times if the optimal fluidization velocity is selected. An increase in the bed material particle size was found to cause an increase in the dispersion coefficients and a decrease in the heat transfer coefficient. The trend of the heat transfer coefficient as a function of the fluidization velocity was found to vary significantly between different bed material particle sizes. A new correlation for the Nusselt number as a function of the object Reynolds number and of the size ratio between lump and bed material was obtained. This correlation applies to cases where particle convection is the dominant mechanism of heat transfer. The results of this work provide important knowledge to minimize the impact of lumps on fluidized-bed reactors and to optimize their operation.

Deep Learning Neural Network Performance on NDT Digital X-ray Radiography Images: Analyzing the Impact of Image Quality Parameters-An Experimental Study.

In response to the growing inspection demand exerted by process automation in component manufacturing, non-destructive testing (NDT) continues to explore automated approaches that utilize deep-learning algorithms for defect identification, including within digital X-ray radiography images. This necessitates a thorough understanding of the implication of image quality parameters on the performance of these deep-learning models. This study investigated the influence of two image-quality parameters, namely signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), on the performance of a U-net deep-learning semantic segmentation model. Input images were acquired with varying combinations of exposure factors, such as kilovoltage, milli-ampere, and exposure time, which altered the resultant radiographic image quality. The data were sorted into five different datasets according to their measured SNR and CNR values. The deep-learning model was trained five distinct times, utilizing a unique dataset for each training session. Training the model with high CNR values yielded an intersection-over-union (IoU) metric of 0.9594 on test data of the same category but dropped to 0.5875 when tested on lower CNR test data. The result of this study emphasizes the importance of achieving a balance in training dataset according to the investigated quality parameters in order to enhance the performance of deep-learning segmentation models for NDT digital X-ray radiography applications.

X-ray-acquired imaging and detection radiography system using digital radiography with a DSLR digital camera: preliminary results of a pilot study

This study aimed to develop an X-ray digital radiography (DR) imaging system with a low radiation dose and superior resolution compared to those of the existing computed radiography (CR) and DR image acquisition systems using a complementary metal–oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor-type digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera that is capable of adjusting sensitivity. The X-ray system consists of an X-ray generator, a DSLR camera, and a power cable. The X-ray irradiated from the X-ray imaging device was detected on a fluorescence plate located on the upper part of the body, and an image was captured by a digital camera installed below the fluorescence plate. After converting the image into an electric signal inside the pixel, the data are output through a cable to the computer, which is a data-processing device installed outside the imaging system. The spatial resolution using the resolution chart was 3.19 (LP/mm). The plot profile obtained using the ImageJ program showed a spatial resolution difference according to the spatial frequency. In addition, by exposing X-rays to the resolution chart, a plot profile of 1.0–4.86 (LP/mm) was drawn for the surface profile and resolution according to spatial frequency. Using an aluminum step wedge, images from 3.0–18 mm and plot profiles were shown. In the phantom, the hand muscle signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were 13.42 was 7.2, and the bone SNR and CNR were 10.86 and 7.2%, respectively. In conclusion, the X-ray image acquisition system using a CMOS sensor-type DSLR camera has the advantage of acquiring images in real-time with low radiation dose, resolution, and contrast, so it applies to X-ray examination in clinical practice, such as the existing CR and DR image acquisition systems. DSLR image acquisition systems can be deployed in developing countries and provided through teleradiology and telemedicine.

Chest X-Ray Quality Assessment Method With Medical Domain Knowledge Fusion

Digital X-ray radiography is widely used in clinical diagnosis. High quality chest X-ray is conducive to the accurate diagnosis of diseases by clinicians. However, the quality assessment of the chest X-ray images mainly depends on the subjective evaluation of doctors, and the results are influenced by the skill level and experience of the evaluators, involving many issues such as heavy workload and various uncertain factors in such subjective judgment. In this paper, we propose a chest X-ray quality assessment method that combines image-text contrastive learning with medical domain knowledge fusion. Based on pretraining the model from contrastive text-image pairs, large-scale real clinical chest X-ray and diagnostic report text information are fused, and the model is fine-tuned to achieve cross domain transfer learning. While improving the prediction accuracy of the algorithm, the cost of massive sample data annotation is avoided. The local visual patch features of the X-ray images are aligned with multiple text features to ensure that the visual features contain more fine-grained image information. Theoretical analysis and experimental results show that the contrastive learning algorithm based on the fusion of triplet information in medical knowledge graph and chest X-ray multi-modal data has achieved good performance in terms of accuracy. In addition, the method proposed in this paper can be easily extended to complete other tasks such as medical image multi-lesion segmentation and disease progression prediction.

Observations on Selected Aspects of Liu Kang’s Painting Practice

This article gathers, for the first time, some intriguing technical features of Liu Kang’s painting practice, which spans seven decades. These features encompass retouching, alteration as well as the painting over of rejected compositions and painting on the reverse sides of earlier artworks. As Liu Kang (1 91 1–2004) did not discuss the technical details of his artistic process, an exploration of these aspects of the artist’s expression helps us understand the motivation behind his unconventional decisions. The paint layers were characterised through imaging methods like visible light (VIS), ultraviolet fluorescence (UVF), near-infrared (NIR), reflectance transformation imaging (RTI), digital optical microscopy (DOM) and X-ray radiography (XRR). The technical analyses were additionally supplemented with archival sources. The results showed that some aspects of the artist’s painting practice may distort the provenance of the paintings, impact dating, visual interpretation of his painting technique and style, as well as future conservation and display decisions. The presented case studies discuss the influence of Liu Kang’s unconventional painting approaches on the perception and interpretation of his artworks. Additionally, some hidden alterations and entirely new compositions were revealed for the first time and presented here, adding to growing knowledge about the artist’s painting technique. Moreover, universal aesthetical and ethical considerations were discussed in the context of the conservation and display approach to the artist’s retouching work and double-sided paintings. Besides, this research promotes a need for obtaining a comprehensive understanding of Liu Kang’s painting practice and coherent guidelines to ensure proper presentation of his artworks and to prevent misinterpretation of his technique and artistic outcomes.

Thermal shock resistance study of stereolithographic additive-manufactured Al2O3 ceramics by in situ digital radiography

Thermal shock resistance is critical to ensure the service safety of ceramic hot-end components. The thermal shock performance of stereolithographic additive-manufactured ceramics has not yet been studied. In this study, a series of thermal shock experiments with various temperature differences was conducted on stereolithographic additive-manufactured Al2O3 ceramics. The surface cracks were analysed based on photographs captured before and after the thermal shock experiments. Three-point bending tests with in situ X-ray digital radiography were conducted to determine the thermal shock resistance. Crack initiation, propagation, and coalescence were observed under flexural loads. The critical temperature difference of the stereolithographic additive-manufactured Al2O3 ceramics was determined to be 267.22 °C. The crack length increased and residual strength decreased with increasing temperature differences. The layered structure of the stereolithographic additive-manufactured ceramics slowed crack propagation. We expect that this study will serve as a reference for the performance of stereolithographic additive-manufactured Al2O3 ceramics in extreme environments.

Scientific Study of the Origin of the Painting from the Early 20th Century Leads to Pablo Picasso

This study applied multiple scientific approaches to establish the significance of an old work of art, Red Guitar, by examining its historical origin and the color materials used in its creation. Additionally, the study provides thus far unknown pieces of Olga Picasso’s family history to be added to her biography. Scientific approaches included digital X-ray radiography, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and elemental thermal conductivity analysis. This combination of techniques provided a broad confirmation as to when the painting was created. The artwork includes colors (white, black, blue, yellow, green, red, and brown/red) and prevalent use of lead- and iron-based historic pigments—chrome yellow, yellow ochre, and red ochre. It also documents the use of unconventional materials, such as the colorant Pigment Red 4, and nitrocellulose. This investigation led to the conclusion that the artwork, Red Guitar, is authentic and in accordance with Picasso’s work during the first two decades of the 20th century.

Location Analysis for Additional Permanent Radiation Detector in X-Ray Radiography Unit

We have developed a Digital Fluorescence X-Ray Radiography prototype at the Department of Physics, Gadjah Mada University (UGM). The prototype should comply with radiation protection rules. Using an additional permanent dose detector to measure dose radiation indirectly is necessary. We indirectly controlled the dose analysis through a dose control chart from a permanent detector. We consider the Heel Effect in determining the position of the detector at the edge of the screen while reducing the scattered radiation and minimizing the difference to the reference point. The position of the detector follows a grid 5x5. The dose measurement will show the dose distribution pattern. It shows that the radiation dose at the edge point close to the cathode side has the closest dose value to the center point. The dose value variation at 70 kVp and 80 kVp is less than 5%. The dose value equation for the prototype is Gy = [(0.3579* kVp) -16.27] * mAs. A control chart will control that equation from the permanent detector to ensure that the dose value obtained is always valid. The Warning Limit (WL) dose from the control chart is 68.75 Gy, 63.99 Gy, and the Action Limit (AL) is 69.94 Gy and 62.80 Gy. The dose radiation monitoring may use the dose value equation controlled by a control chart from the permanent detector. Continuous reports on the dose value and the limit dose value are essential to ensure the health of the RSFD prototype.

Macro X-ray fluorescence analysis of XVI-XVII century Italian paintings and preliminary test for developing a combined fluorescence apparatus with digital radiography

Using portable instruments for the preservation of artworks in heritage science is more and more common. Among the techniques, Macro X-Ray Fluorescence (MA-XRF) and digital radiography (DR) play a key-role in the field, therefore a number of MA-XRF scanners and radiographic apparatuses have been developed for this scope. Recently, the INFN-CHNet group, the network of the INFN devoted to cultural heritage, has developed a MA-XRF scanner for in-situ analyses. The instrument is fully operative, and it has already been employed in museums, conservation centres and out-door fields. In the present paper, the MA-XRF analysis conducted with the instrument on four Italian artworks undertaking conservation treatments at the conservation centre CCR “La Venaria Reale” are presented. Results on the preliminary test to combine DR with MA-XRF in a single apparatus are also shown.

Impact of Pelvic Bone Anatomy on Inguinal Hernia and the Role of Radiological Pelvimetry.

IntroductionOne of the most prevalent disorders treated by general surgeons is inguinal hernias. Many of the etiological factors that lead to hernia development are unknown. This study looked at the role of pelvic bone anatomy in the development of inguinal hernia. The pubic tubercle's location (as measured by the Radoievitch angle) and its relationship to the formation of inguinal hernia, as well as its function in the pathophysiology of various forms of inguinal hernia, were investigated.Materials and methodsFrom October 2019 to June 2021, a prospective case-control study with 70 individuals over the age of 18 years in each arm was conducted in the Department of General Surgery at our tertiary care institution. Plain digital X-ray radiography of the pelvis, including bilateral hips, was taken in the anteroposterior (AP) view with the patient in the supine position, and the Radoievitch angle and Ami line were measured using suitable measuring instruments. The required information for patients in both groups was tallied and examined in a data sheet.ResultsBetween the case and control groups, there was a statistically significant difference in the mean Radoievitch angles and the mean length of the Ami line (42.46 +/-2.442 degrees vs 40.91 +/-2.547 degrees; p<0.05); (8.54+/-1.059 cm vs 7.27+/-1.034 cm; p<0.05). There was a statistically significant increase in the Radoievitch angle of patients with bilateral hernias compared to unilateral hernias (p-value <0.01), as well as indirect hernias compared to other forms of hernias (p-value <0.05).ConclusionThe probability of having an inguinal hernia was higher when the Fruchaud region was increased, as indicated by a larger Radoievitch angle or a longer Ami line. A low-lying pubic tubercle increased the likelihood of bilateral and indirect inguinal hernias. Pelvimetry is an easy test that should be considered on a routine basis and can be applied accurately in all patients. Surgeons can employ pelvimetry to identify patients who are more likely to benefit from non-mesh repairs.

Diagnostic reference level for adult pelvic examination in several hospitals of Taif and Kharaj city, Saudi Arabia

The current study was aimed to estimate the entrance surface air kerma (ESAK, mGy) for adult patients undergoing conventional radiography of Anteroposterior pelvis examination, and finally to establish a local diagnostic reference level (DRL). A total of 500 patients were exposed to diagnostic radiation in four hospitals (coded A, B, C, and D) in Taif and Kharaj city, Saudi Arabia, with different X-ray equipment specifications. Patient demographic data like age (y), body mass index (BMI) in kg/m2 as well as exposure factors and X-ray tube output were recorded. ESAK (mGy) was first calculated using the exposure data and tube output values, then the ESAK values were used to estimate entrance surface dose (ESD). The average BMI was 23.9 kg/m2. The mean tube potential used in A, B, C, and D hospitals and the corresponding estimated ESD were found to be 74.2, 69.8, 73, 76,7 kVp, and 2.54, 2.64, 2.94, 3.03 mGy respectively. The correlation coefficient between ESAK and BMI was found to be 0.98. When compared to computed radiography (CR), the conventional X-ray digital radiography reduces the radiation exposure in pelvic imaging by a factor of 1.18. The third quartile of median proposed a lower than the DRL of the previous studies.

Visual Evaluation of Image Quality of a Low Dose 2D/3D Slot Scanner Imaging System Compared to Two Conventional Digital Radiography X-ray Imaging Systems.

The purpose of this study was to assess the image quality of the low dose 2D/3D slot scanner (LDSS) imaging system compared to conventional digital radiography (DR) imaging systems. Visual image quality was assessed using the visual grading analysis (VGA) method. This method is a subjective approach that uses a human observer to evaluate and optimise radiographic images for different imaging technologies. Methods and materials: ten posterior-anterior (PA) and ten lateral (LAT) images of a chest anthropomorphic phantoms and a knee phantom were acquired by an LDSS imaging system and two conventional DR imaging systems. The images were shown in random order to three (chest) radiologists and three experienced (knee) radiographers, who scored the images against a number of criteria. Inter- and intraobserver agreement was assessed using Fleiss’ kappa and weighted kappa. Results: the statistical comparison of the agreement between the observers showed good interobserver agreement, with Fleiss’ kappa coefficients of 0.27–0.63 and 0.23–0.45 for the chest and knee protocols, respectively. Comparison of intraobserver agreement also showed good agreement with weighted kappa coefficients of 0.27–0.63 and 0.23–0.45 for the chest and knee protocols, respectively. The LDSS imaging system achieved significantly higher VGA image quality compared to the DR imaging systems in the AP and LAT chest protocols (p < 0.001). However, the LDSS imaging system achieved lower image quality than one DR system (p ≤ 0.016) and equivalent image quality to the other DR systems (p ≤ 0.27) in the knee protocol. The LDSS imaging system achieved effective dose savings of 33–52% for the chest protocol and 30–35% for the knee protocol compared with DR systems. Conclusions: this work has shown that the LDSS imaging system has the potential to acquire chest and knee images at diagnostic quality and at a lower effective dose than DR systems.