Page 1
HC
EALTH ARE
Imaging >
Order-No.: DD+DIS265.03E
*1WQTSB1*
1 Piece WQTSB MA1
2nd Edition
Technical
Documentation
Hardcopy Application Manual
printed in Germany 03 / 2004
Page 2
Page 3
DD+DIS265.03E
Hardcopy Application Manual
List of contents
1 Preface .......................................................................1
2 Printer Basics............................................................2
2.1 Printing principles of the Agfa Medical Printers...................2
2.1.1 Laser Printing on 'Wet' Films............................................................... 3
2.1.2 Direct thermal printing on 'Dry' Films .................................................. 5
2.1.3 Thermosublimation color printing on 'Dry' Films ................................. 6
2.2 Spatial resolution in General..................................................7
2.3 Contrast resolution in General.............................................10
2.4 Color printing in General ......................................................12
2.5 Agfa Printers in detail ...........................................................13
2.5.1 LR3300 ............................................................................................. 14
2.5.2 Drystar 2000 ..................................................................................... 16
2.5.3 Drystar 3000 ..................................................................................... 18
2.5.4 LR5200 ............................................................................................. 19
2.5.5 Drystar 4500 / Drystar 4500 M .......................................................... 21
2.5.6 Drystar 5500 ..................................................................................... 22
2.5.7 Drystar 5300 ..................................................................................... 24
3 Film material Basics................................................25
3.1 Hardcopy Film Composition in General..............................26
3.2 ‘Wet’ Film Material.................................................................27
3.2.1 Basic facts to Scopix LT 2 B / C films ...............................................28
3.2.2 Basic facts to Scopix Laser 2 B / C films........................................... 29
3.2.3 Basic facts to Mamoray LT 3 B films................................................. 29
3.2.4 Basic facts to Scopix DR 3 films .......................................................30
3.3 ‘Dry’ Film Material..................................................................31
3.3.1 Basic facts to Drystar TS 2 films ....................................................... 33
3.3.2 Basic facts to Drystar DT 1 films....................................................... 33
3.3.3 Basic facts to Drystar Mammo films.................................................. 34
3.3.4 Basic facts to Drystar DT 2 films....................................................... 34
3.4 RF-Tag and Film Info Area....................................................36
3.5 Emulsion Side Recognition..................................................39
4 Aspects of Film Viewing.........................................40
4.1 Resolution viewing capabilities ...........................................40
4.2 Contrast viewing capabilities...............................................41
4.2.1 Definition of parameter ‘Optical Density’........................................... 42
4.3 Lightbox Viewing Conditions...............................................43
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Hardcopy Application Manual
DD+DIS265.03E
5 Image Quality Adjustment......................................44
5.1 Printer Calibration as base for proper Image Quality.........46
5.1.1 Film Sensitometry..............................................................................47
5.1.2 Internal Densitometer Calibration ......................................................48
5.1.3 Thermal Head Calibration..................................................................49
5.2 Image Quality Parameters ....................................................50
5.2.1 Taste LUT..........................................................................................51
5.2.1.1 Linear taste LUT ....................................................................................................... 52
5.2.1.2 Kanamori and Kanamori_like taste LUT.................................................................... 52
5.2.1.3 Barten hardcopy transmission / reflection taste LUT................................................. 53
5.2.1.4 Custom taste LUT ..................................................................................................... 54
5.2.2 Interpolation.......................................................................................55
5.2.2.1 Replication ................................................................................................................56
5.2.2.2 Linear / bilinear .........................................................................................................57
5.2.2.3 Cubic.........................................................................................................................58
5.2.3 Window/Level ....................................................................................62
5.3 Special Image Settings .........................................................64
5.3.1 Layouts ..............................................................................................65
5.3.1.1 .mg3 layouts.............................................................................................................. 66
5.3.1.2 DICOM layouts.......................................................................................................... 67
5.3.2 Annotations........................................................................................68
5.3.3 True size printing ...............................................................................70
5.4 User Interfaces for Image Adjustments...............................73
5.4.1 Browser as Interface for Image Adjustments.....................................73
5.4.1.1 Logical Printer Setup................................................................................................. 74
5.4.1.2 DICOM Host Profiles................................................................................................. 76
5.4.1.3 LPD Host Profiles...................................................................................................... 86
5.4.2 NVE program as Interface for Image Adjustments ............................87
5.4.3 IMOS as Interface for Image Adjustments.........................................87
5.4.4 User keypad as Interface for Image Adjustments..............................88
5.4.4.1 Overview of Adjustments via Keypad and Browser................................................... 88
6 Image Quality Control.............................................90
6.1 Quality control according to IEC1223-2-4 ...........................91
6.2 Image quality control according to MQSA..........................94
7 Image Quality regarding Hardware of the Input
Interface ...................................................................95
7.1 Video connection via coax or fiber optic cables ................95
7.2 Video Chain............................................................................96
7.3 VSI autolocking .....................................................................97
8 Tools for Hardcopy Printers...................................98
8.1 General Tools ........................................................................98
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8.2 Densitometers......................................................................100
8.2.1 Density measurement in general .................................................... 100
8.2.1.1 Nulling the Densitometer ......................................................................................... 101
8.2.1.2 Densitometer Calibration Check.............................................................................. 101
8.2.1.3 Spectral Sensitivity of the densitometer ..................................................................102
8.2.2 Density measurements with the internal densitometer ................... 103
8.2.2.1 Calibrations with the internal densitometer in general.............................................103
8.2.2.2 Density reproduction check ..................................................................................... 105
8.2.2.3 Supported external densitometers ..........................................................................106
9 Appendix................................................................107
9.1 Densitometer correction factors........................................107
9.2 Correlation of DICOM Smoothing and Kernel Smoothing
Factor ...................................................................................109
9.3 Glossary...............................................................................110
9.4 Further Literature / URLs....................................................111
9.5 Index.....................................................................................112
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DD+DIS265.03E
1 Preface
This is the second edition of the Hardcopy Application Manual.
It replaces document DD+DIS067.98E, dated October 1998.
It was created in close cooperation between HE GSO SC (Munich; D), the
Hardcopy Application Team (Mortsel, B) as well as the R&D Dry Hardcopy
Team (Mortsel, B).
It treats all printers currently in production at the time of this booklet going to
press (February 2004)
Goal of the Hardcopy Application Manual
Hardcopy Application means, to adapt the printer - or better, the image quality
of the films printed - to the customer wishes and needs.
This is a job every field service engineer or imaging specialist has to perform
at each installation, repair and maintenance of our printers.
• This manual shall assist field service engineers during printer service
trainings when it comes to the topic ‘image quality’.
• It shall be a guideline for troubleshooting unsatisfactory image quality.
• For people, which know already most about 'Hardcopy Application', it
shall give the latest developments in image quality adjustments with
the 'new generation printer' like Drystar 4500 (M), Drystar 5500 and
Drystar 5300.
• And last not least it shall be a compendium for all people, which are
new to the topic ‘hardcopy application’.
Items covered in the Hardcopy Application Manual
This manual covers all hardcopy application specific items, like parameters to
be adjusted, printers and their special settings or aspects for film viewing.
It does not cover the items which are described in the corresponding
Technical Documentation of the printer, like Installation, Repair and
Troubleshooting, Maintenance or Installation Planning.
The parameters and settings described here are based on the status of
February 2004. It is possible, that settings or parameters change due to
further progress in image processing, film material or printer development.
For latest information refer to the technical documentation of the
corresponding printer.
Hardcopy Application Manual
2. March 2004 Hardcopy Application Manual Page 1
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Hardcopy Application Manual
2 Printer Basics
The chapter 'Printer Basics' treats following topics:
Topic Details see ...
Printing principles of the Agfa Medical printers 2.1
Spatial resolution in general 2.2
Contrast resolution in general 2.3
Color printing in general 2.4
Agfa Printers in detail 2.5
2.1 Printing principles of the Agfa Medical Printers
The table enclosed shows the printing principles of the Agfa printers, which
are currently (February 2004) still in production:
The following subchapters explain the printing principles in general.
DD+DIS265.03E
Printer Printing Principle Films Details see ...
LR3300 /
LR5200
Drystar 2000 Direct thermal (B&W)
Thermo sublimation
Drystar 3000 Direct thermal 'dry' films 2.1.2
Drystar 4500 (M) Direct thermal 'dry' films 2.1.2
Drystar 5300 Direct thermal 'dry' films 2.1.2
Drystar 5500 Direct thermal 'dry' films 2.1.2
* 'wet films' means: A film processor using developer, fixer and water is
required to process the films
** 'dry' films means: The film does not need a film processor, but has all
required components in the film to produce the image 'on the fly', just by
applying heat to the film.
Laser 'wet' films* 2.1.1
(color)
'dry' films **
(B&W)
'dry' films +
ribbon (color)
2.1.2
2.1.3
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DD+DIS265.03E
2.1.1 Laser Printing on 'Wet' Films
Laser printing on ‘wet’ films can be divided in two steps:
Step 1 Expose the light sensitive film
with a red laser beam:
The red laser beam is
deflected by a resonant or
rotating mirror.
The intensity for each pixel is
adjusted by an AOM
(Acousto Optical Modulator).
See explanation next page.
A ‘latent’ image is created,
which has to be developed.
Step 2 Develop the film in a film
processor
Hardcopy Application Manual
Figure 1
water
tank
fixer
tank
tank
dryer
developer
Mirror
receiving
tray
feed table
Adva rintin
ntage / Disadvantage of laser p g
A a D adv ntage is dvantage
+ M The response time of the AO
is much less than a pixel time.
Very precise and sharp images
- Usually a 'wet' film has to be
used, which causes waste (used
developer, fixer)
can be printed.
+ Printing is done contactless: No
wear of the print assembly
- The image quality of the
exposed film depends on a
proper working film processor.
Figure 2
2. March 2004 Hardcopy Application Manual Page 3
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Osc
Hardcopy Application Manual
DD+DIS265.03E
Functional principle of an AOM
Crystal
Laser Beam
Acoustic
Wave
Absorber
Diffracted light
1st order
Zero order
beam
Transducer
illator
Figure 3
• The laser beam is changed in intensity according to the recorded image
via an AOM (Acousto Optical Modulator)
The AOM is a crystal, which has the effect of a grid to the laser beam. A
grid causes refraction to the laser beam.
• By applying different intensities of mechanical pressure oscillations on
the AOM, the intensity of the refracted beam can be varied.
Note: The ‘zero order beam’ is not influenced and therefore not used.
• tal. The mechanical variations on the AOM are created via a piezzo crys
The piezzo crystal converts voltage to changes in dimension (used e.g.
in quartz watches) and vice verse (used e.g. in electronic wedges).
• The piezzo crystal creates an acoustic wave in the crystal – variations
of intensity of this wave create variations of intensity of the refracted
laser beam. This is the reason why it is called ‘Acousto Optical
Modulator’.
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Hardcopy Application Manual
2.1.2 Direct thermal printing on 'Dry' Films
Direct thermal printing on 'dry' films is made in one step:
Expose the heat sensitive film with a
lot of ‘heated wires’. Each ‘wire’ is
represented by a resistor in a thermal
head. The number of resistors
corresponds to the number of lines
and so to the print resolution.
Example: Drystar 4500 (M):
20 lines per mm.
Heater Line
Resistors
Figure 4
Advantage Disadvantage
+ No waste like used fixer or
developer
+ Fast access time, as it is a ‘one
step’ process.
+ Film is not sensitive to daylight
Æ no darkroom required
Æ film can be loaded in daylight
- The termal head is a sensitive
part, due to contact between film
and heater line
- Compensation required to
compensate for influence of
heat of neighbor pixels
- Exposed film still sensitive for
heat ( > 70°C / 158 ° F)
• Dry film is only sensitive for heat
higher approx. 70° C / 158° F.
• Dry film can be exposed by
lower temperatures, too, in case
Density
3
Simplified Correlation
Density - Temperature
of Dry Films
the film is in hot environment for
a long time.
Example: The film is hanging for
several days at a lightbox with
50°C. This can blacken the film
slightly.
0.2
70 °C (158 ° F)
Figure 5
Temperature
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Hardcopy Application Manual
2.1.3 Thermosublimation color printing on 'Dry' Films
Thermosublimation color printing on 'Dry' Film is – like direct thermal printing –
a one step printing process, too.
To apply the different colors, this printing process has to be repeated for each
color. For the three colors yellow, magenta and cyan three printing processes
are required.
Step 1 Heat up the color ribbon with
a lot of ‘heated wires’ – print
the first color. Each ‘wire’ is
represented by a resistor in a
T
thermal head.
The dye in the ribbon diffuses
into the film.
Step 2 Second printing process with
the second color.
Step 3 Third printing process with
TS Film
the third color.
The temperature at the surface of
the print head determines the
amount of dye that is vaporized and
diffused into the film.
Figure 6: Color printing at
a
d
e
h
l
a
m
r
e
h
Ribbon
Drum
Clamp
Drystar 2000
DD+DIS265.03E
Yellow
Magenta
Cyan
Ribbon
Advantage Disadvantage
+ Excellent color rendering
- Relatively slow process, as
printing has to be repeated 3
times
For more info on color printing refer to document ‘Basic Principles Color’,
DD+DIS109.04E.
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DD+DIS265.03E
2.2 Spatial resolution in General
Hardcopy Application Manual
Figure 7
Spatial resolution is defined by the distance of two individual pixels. It is
(dots usually expressed in dpi inch; 1 inch = 25.4 mm).
A table with spatial resolution data of the current Agfa printers
per
is shown
below.
Printer Spatial resolution
LR3300 (galvo) 320 dpi
LR5200 (polygon) 315 / 630 dpi (see info next page)
Drystar 2000 300 dpi
Drystar 3000 320 dpi
Drystar 4500 (M) 508 dpi
Drystar 5300 320 dpi
Drystar 5500 508 dpi
Table 1
Resolution Measurement units:
Screen Film Mammography: line pairs per mm [lp/mm]
Digital Mammography: Pixel Size in microns [µm]
Hardcopy printing: dots per inch [dpi]
Example: 10 lp / mm = pixel size 50 µm = 508 dpi
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DD+DIS265.03E
Resolution switching at Laser Imagers with Polygon
The LR5200 is designed as high
resolution printer. The pixel size on
film is 40 µm x 40 µm. For
comparison, standard laser imagers
have a pixel size of 80 µm x 80 µm.
The laser spot has a gaussian profile
with a diameter of 70 microns at 13%
intensity. This results in a 50%
overlap of neighboring scan lines
which is the best compromise
between suppression of scan line
noise and sharpness.
Figure 8
The LR5200 can print images in 630 dpi mode (high resolution) as well as in
315 dpi mode (standard resolution).
LR5200 Standard resolution mode
In standard resolution mode, the Controller prepares the image as it was for an
80 micron printer. The maximum page memory for 14“x17“ is 4256 x 5174
pixel which equals about 22 Mbytes of RAM.
The Controller tells the Laser Imager via AMDI-PE protocol that it must print in
standard resolution. The printer takes every received pixel and replicates it in
two dimensions by repeating every pixel in line direction and by repeating
every line.
Figure 9
Film size # pixels # lines page memory (MB)
8“ x 10“ 2338 2972 7,09
14“x 11“ 4256 3300 14,04
14“ x 14“ 4256 4232 18,01
14“ x 17“ 4256 5174 22,02
Page 8 Hardcopy Application Manual 2. March 2004
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DD+DIS265.03E
Hardcopy Application Manual
LR5200 High resolution mode
Printing in high resolution mode requires a lot of memory for image
preparation in the Controller. For film size 14“x17“ the page memory
consumes about 88 Mbyte of RAM in the Controller. This causes an
increase of RAM memory as well as a reduction of throughput as the
amount of data is four times as high as in standard resolution printing.
Therefore the high resolution mode should only be used when it is really
required.
In this mode, the size of the page memory is as big as the addressable
range on film. This means that every pixel in the Controller RAM is a pixel
on film.
Figure 10
Film size # pixels # lines page memory (MByte)
8“ x 10“ 4776 5944 28,39
14“x 11“ 8512 6600 56,18
14“ x 14“ 8512 8464 72,05
14“ x 17“ 8512 10348 88,08
Additionally the operating system of the MG3000 Controller needs up to 14
Mbytes. That means that a 128 Mbytes memory board is needed in the
Controller for high resolution printing on 14“x17“ film.
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Hardcopy Application Manual
2.3 Contrast resolution in General
Contrast resolution is defined by the
number of possible grey steps on the
printed medium. It is usually
represented in bits.
A table with typical contrast resolution
data is shown below.
DD+DIS265.03E
Printer Contrast resolution # of grey steps
LR3300 8 bit 256
LR5200 8 or 12 bit (configurable) 256 / 4096
Drystar 3000 8 bit 256
Drystar 2000 8 bit 256
Drystar 4500 (M) 12 bit 4096
Drystar 5500 12 bit 4096
Drystar 5300 12 bit 4096
Table 2
At a paper laser printer the parameter 'contrast resolution' never appears in
the list of technical data, as a laser (or ink jet) printer only is capable to print
either a black or a white pixel.
In the figure enclosed a magnified part of a grey wedge of a laser or ink jet
printer is shown. This way of creating grey steps is called ‘dithering’.
Figure 11
Figure 12
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Hardcopy Application Manual
Often the contrast resolution is mixed with the number of bits per pixel that
are used for internal image processing.
The Agfa Drystar 3000 printer is using for example 12 bit for internal image
processing (e.g. for applying a taste look-up-table). Before printing, the data
is re-calculated to 8 bit. This means, on film a maximum of 256 different grey
steps could be measured, what corresponds to 8 bit.
To judge the printer capabilities both, the spatial resolution and the contrast
resolution have to be taken into account.
Example:
Laser Printer 1200 dpi
0.1 mm
4.7 pixels
Medical Printer 508 dpi
0.1 mm
2 pixels
xels
4.7 pi
1 bit grey value
black (1) or white (0)
2
4.7 x 2
44 possible values
xels
2 pi
4096 bit grey value
from black (4095) to white (0)
2
2 x 4096 = 16.384 possible values
A medical printer with spatial resolution of 508 dpi and 12 bit contrast
resolution is able to display approx. 372 times as much information as a
1200 dpi laser printer on the same surface.
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Hardcopy Application Manual
2.4 Color printing in General
At ink jet and color laser printers
colors are made by placing yellow,
magenta and cyan pixels in a certain
relation on a certain surface to
achieve the corresponding color
impression.
Black pixels are created with the
black ink cartridge or the black toner
cartridge respectively.
Each pixel is either yellow, magenta,
cyan or black.
Green is made for example by
placing several yellow and cyan
pixels close to each other.
DD+DIS265.03E
At medical printers colors are made
by mixing yellow, magenta and cyan
color in one pixel in a certain relation
to achieve the corresponding colo
A white p
nothing.
Black is made by printing
colors over each other.
Green is made for example by
placing a yel
ach other.
e
For more info on color printing refer to document ‘Basic Principles Color,
DD+DIS109.04E.
ixel is made by printing
all three
low and cyan pixel over
r.
Figure 13
Figure 14
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DD+DIS265.03E
2.5 Agfa Printers in detail
The table enclosed shows the printing principles of the Agfa printers, which
are currently (February 2004) in production
The following subchapters describe the printers in greater detail.
Printer Production since Details see ...
LR3300 1992 2.5.1
Drystar 2000 1994 2.5.2
Drystar 3000 1997 2.5.3
LR5200 1997 2.5.4
Drystar 4500 (M) 2001 2.5.5
Drystar 5500 2003 2.5.6
Hardcopy Application Manual
Drystar 5300 2004 2.5.7
The figures for maximum printed density presented in the subchapters 2.5.1
to 2.5.7 depend on
• Proper film storage condition; age of the film
• Proper calibration of the printer
• Densitometer for measurement.
Additional info on the different parameters is available in following chapters:
Film storage: Æ chapters 3.2 and 3.3
Calibration: Æ chapter 5.1
Density Measurement: Æ chapter 8.2.1
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Hardcopy Application Manual
d
2.5.1 LR3300
• The LR3300 was available in
many different versions, like
standalone version, parallel
docking or serial docking with a
Curix HT530 film processor.
• At the time of the booklet going
to press, only the S (standalone)
and P (Processor on top)
versions are available.
• The most successful product is
the P-Version.
• For image processing the
LR3300 either requires an
MG3000 (also called ‘Laser
Imager Controller) or a LR
DICOM Controller.
Printing principle:
• A resonant mirror (648 Hz)
deflects the red helium laser
beam (633 nm, 7 mW)
• The beam is manipulated by
the AOM, using the acousto
optical effect
• Internally the laser imager
uses 16 bit for image
manipulation. It prints either in
8 or 12 bit mode, depending
on the configuration of the
controller (MG3000 or LR
DICOM Controller).
LR3300
Film
Signal Input
DD+DIS265.03E
Figure 15
He Ne Laser
Calibration Sensor
Calibration Boar
Polarizer Filter
AOM
Resonant mirror
• The maximum laser power on
the film (approx. 1.5 mW) is
+/- 20°
adjusted via a calibration
sensor and a polarizer filter.
• During printing the film is
continuously driven by a scan
drum
Figure 16
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DD+DIS265.03E
Hardcopy Application Manual
Main technical data of the LR3300:
Parameter Value Comment
Spatial resolution 315 dpi --
Contrast resolution 8 or 12 bit Depends on configuration of
the controller (MG3000)
Max. density 3.8 O.D. --
Max. image width 14 " --
Printing time max. 8 sec. --
Access time min. Approx. 1 min. Throughput up to 240 films/h
(8x10”)
Film sizes 8x10”, 11x14”,
14x17”
Number of film trays 2 --
The LR3300 was initially only available with resonant mirror (‘galvo’). In 1997
the LR5200 with polygon mirror was introduced.
Due to marketing reasons, this distinction was given up – some printers with
polygon mirror also got the name 'LR3300'.
An overview of which laser printer has which type of printing principle,
depending on the serial number, is available in chapter 1 of the LR5200
technical documentation.
--
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Hardcopy Application Manual
2.5.2 Drystar 2000
• The Drystar 2000 is the only
color printer in the assortment of
Agfa Healthcare.
• It is also capable to print black &
white images.
• Its main application is
Ultrasound and Nuclear
Medicine.
Printing principle color:
• The film is clamped on the drum
• The thermal head with 2880
resistor elements heats up the
ribbon.
• Dye (cyan / magenta / yellow)
diffuses into the film.
• The film makes 3 turns: For each
color one.
• The higher the temperature at the
individual resistor element the
more color will diffuse to the film.
TS Film
T
e
h
Drum
r
Figure 17
d
e
h
a
l
a
m
Clamp
Figure 18
DD+DIS265.03E
Yellow
Magenta
Cyan
Ribbon
Ribbon
Printing principle black & white:
r
e
h
T
a
d
e
h
l
a
m
• The film is clamped on the drum
• The thermal head with 2880
resistor elements heats up the
TM (Monomed) Film
Clamp
thermo-sensitive film
• The higher the temperature at the
individual resistor element the
higher will be the density of this
Drum
pixel.
Figure 19
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Hardcopy Application Manual
Main technical data of the Drystar 2000:
Parameter Value Comment
Spatial resolution 300 dpi --
Contrast resolution 8 bit --
Max. density 3.0 O.D. For color printing 2.0 O.D.
Max. image width 8 " --
Printing time max. 3 min. For color printing
Access time min. Approx. 1 min. For black & white printing
Film sizes 8x10” --
Number of film trays 1 --
The Drystar 2000 was initially available with black & white or color ribbon.
Later on (in 1997), as the so-called 'Monomed' film was available, the black
& white ribbon was not required anymore. The Drystar 2000 was able now to
print its black & white images directly on the film, without ribbon.
The maximum density raised from 2.0 with black & white ribbon to 3.0 for
Monomed films.
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Hardcopy Application Manual
2.5.3 Drystar 3000
• The Drystar 3000 is currently
the most successful printer of
Agfa Healthcare: It is sold more
than 10.000 times.
• It can be used for all kinds of
applications, except
mammography applications
DD+DIS265.03E
Figure 20
Printing principle:
al
r
m
e
h
• The film is driven upwards by the
drum and some rollers
Drum
T
• The thermal head with 4352
resistor elements heats up the
thermo-sensitive film.
• The higher the temperature at the
r
t
s
o
i
s
e
R
e
i
L
n
TM (Monomed) Film
individual resistor element the
higher will be the density of this
pixel.
Figure 21
Main technical data of the Drystar 3000:
Parameter Value Comment
Spatial resolution 320 dpi --
Contrast resolution 8 bit --
d
a
e
h
Max. density 3.0 O.D. --
Max. image width 14 " --
Printing time max. 60 sec. --
Access time min. Approx. 1.5 min. 1st film 14x17”: approx. 120
secs.
Film sizes 11x14”, 14x17” --
Number of film trays 1 --
Page 18 Hardcopy Application Manual 2. March 2004
Page 25
Calibratio
d
DD+DIS265.03E
2.5.4 LR5200
• The LR5200 is available as S-
(Standalone) or P-Version
(Processor on top)
• The most successful product is
the P-Version.
• Due to its wide range of image
formats (8 x 10" to 14 x17") as
well as its wide range of optical
density (up to 3.8 O.D.) it is
used for all applications.
• For image processing the
LR3300 either requires an
MG3000 (also called ‘Laser
Imager Controller) or a LR
DICOM Controller.
• Nowadays it is more and more
superseded by the Drystar
printers – its image quality
however is still unbeatable,
especially for mammography
applications.
Printing principle:
• A 10 facet polygon mirror
(5256 rpm) deflects the red
helium laser beam (633 nm, 7
maw)
• The beam is manipulated by
the AOM, using the acousto
optical effect.
• Internally the laser imager
uses 16 bit for image
manipulation. It prints either in
8 or 12 bit mode, depending
on the configuration of the
controller (MG3000).
• The maximum laser power on
the film (approx. 1.5 mW) is
adjusted via a calibration
sensor and a polarizer filter.
Hardcopy Application Manual
Figure 22
LR5200
He Ne Laser
Prism
Polarizer
Signal Input
Film
Mirror
AOM
10 facet
Polygon
Shutter
• During printing the film is
continuously driven by a scan
n Boar
drum
Figure 23
2. March 2004 Hardcopy Application Manual Page 19
Page 26
Hardcopy Application Manual
Main technical data of the LR5200:
Parameter Value Comment
Spatial resolution 630 dpi --
Contrast resolution 8 or 12 bit Depends on configuration of
the controller (MG3000)
Max. density 3.8 O.D. --
Max. image width 14 " --
Printing time max. 12 sec. --
Access time min. Approx. 1 min. Throughput up to 240 films/h
DD+DIS265.03E
(8x10”)
Film sizes 8x10”, 11x14”,
14x17”
Number of film trays 2 --
The LR3300 was initially only available with resonant mirror. In 1997 the
LR5200 was introduced, with polygon mirror.
Due to marketing reasons, this distinction was given up – some printers with
polygon mirror also got the name 'LR3300'.
An overview of which laser printer has which type of printing principle,
depending on the serial number, is available in chapter 1 of the LR5200
technical documentation.
--
Page 20 Hardcopy Application Manual 2. March 2004
Page 27
DD+DIS265.03E
2.5.5 Drystar 4500 / Drystar 4500 M
• Drystar 4500 (M) belongs to the
'new generation' of Agfa
printers: It is quite simple to setup and only offers network input.
• It is available as Drystar 4500
(maximum density 3.1) and
Drystar 4500 M (maximum
density > 3.5 O.D).
• The Drystar 4500 can be used
for all applications, except
Mammography.
The Drystar 4500 M can be
used for all applications
including digital Mammography.
Hardcopy Application Manual
Pri :
nting principle
Figure 24
Figure 25
• The film is driven upwards by the drum
• The thermal head with 4992 resistor elements heats up the thermo-
sensitive film.
• The higher the temperature at the individual resistor elem
will be the density of this pixel.
2. March 2004 Hardcopy Application Manual Page 21
ent the higher
Page 28
Hardcopy Application Manual
Main technical data of the Drys 0 / Drystar 4500 M: tar 450
Parameter Value Comment
Spatial resolution 508 dpi
Contrast resolution 12 bit
Max. density > 3.5 O.D. Drystar 45 3.1 O.D: 00:
Max. image width 10 " --
Printing time max. 60 sec. --
Access time min. 45 secs. 1st film 10x12”: approx. 120
Film sizes 8x10”, 12x10” --
Number of film trays 2 --
2.5.6 Dryst
• Drystar 5500 belongs to the
•
•
• A sorter with 4 output trays
ar 5500
'new generation' of Agfa
printers: It is quite
up and only offers network in
The Drystar 5500 can be used
for all applications, e
Mammography.
It offers 2 input trays for film
formats 8x10”, 10
14x14” and 14x17”
allows fast identifying of the
printed images.
simple to set-
put.
xcept
x12”, 11x14”,
DD+DIS265.03E
Drystar 4500 M: > 3.5 O.D.
secs.
Page 22 Hardcopy Application Manual 2. March 2004
Figure 26
Page 29
DD+DIS265.03E
Hardcopy Application Manual
Figure 27
Printing principle:
• The film is driven upwards by the drum
• The thermal head with 7104 resistor elements heats up the thermo-
sensitive film.
• The higher the temperature at the individual resistor element the higher
will be the density of this pixel.
Main technical data of the Drystar 5500:
Parameter Value Comment
Spatial resolution 508 dpi --
Contrast resolution 12 bit --
Max. density 3.2 O.D. --
Max. image width 14 " --
Printing time max. 36 sec. --
Access time min. Approx 40 secs. 1st film 14x17”: approx. 76
secs.
Film sizes 8x10”, 10x12”,
11x14”, 14x14”,
14x17”
Number of film trays 2 --
Number of output trays 4 --
2. March 2004 Hardcopy Application Manual Page 23
--
Page 30
Hardcopy Application Manual
2.5.7 Drystar 5300
• The Drystar 5300 belongs to the
'new generation' of Agfa
printers: It can be installed by
the customer. Due to its modular
design defective parts can be
exchanged very simple. It only
offers network input.
• The Drystar 5300 can be used
for all applications, except
Mammography.
• It offers one film tray for 14x17”
or 11x14” films.
• Allows next to application
imaging because of its table top
design.
DD+DIS265.03E
Figure 28
Figure 29
Printing principle:
• The film is driven upwards by the drum
• The thermal head with 4352 resistor elements heats up the thermo-
sensitive film.
• The higher the temperature at the individual resistor element the higher
will be the density of this pixel.
Page 24 Hardcopy Application Manual 2. March 2004
Page 31
DD+DIS265.03E
Main technical data of the Drystar 5300:
Parameter Value Comment
Spatial resolution 320 dpi --
Contrast resolution 12 bit --
Max. density 3.2 O.D. --
Max. image width 14 " --
Printing time max. Approx. 1 min. --
Access time min. < 1.5 min. 1st film 14x17”: approx. 90
Film sizes 11x14”, 14x14” --
Number of film trays 1 --
3 Film material Basics
The Agfa Healthcare printers are printing on different film material, depending
on the printing principle and the application.
The next subchapters shall give an overview of the film material basics.
The table enclosed lists the different topics:
Hardcopy Application Manual
secs.
Topic Refer to ….
Hardcopy Film Composition in General
‘Wet’ Film Material
‘Dry’ Film Material
RF-Tag and Film Info Area
Emulsion Side Recognition
The figures for maximum film density presented in the subchapters 3.2 and
3.3 depend on
• Proper film storage condition; age of the film
• Proper calibration of the printer
• Suitable densitometer for measurement.
Additional info on the different parameters is available in following chapters:
Film storage: Æ chapters 3.2 and 3.3
Calibration: Æ chapter 5.1
Density Measurement: Æ chapter 8.2.1
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
2. March 2004 Hardcopy Application Manual Page 25
Page 32
Hardcopy Application Manual
3.1 Hardcopy Film Composition in General
• In a simplified cross-section,
hardcopy film consists of three
layers:
1) Protective layer
2) Emulsion
3) Polyester base
4) Backing Layer
• The emulsion layer is either light
(for Laser Imagers) or heat
sensitive (for dry imagers).
• The polyester base is either blue
tinted (‘blue based film’) or clear
(‘clear based film’).
Most often blue based film is
used.
• Film for conventional X-Ray
diagnostics in general consists
of two emulsion layers (with
some exceptions).
Hardcopy film always consists of
one layer.
• For hardcopy printing it is
important, that the film is
inserted the right way, i.e. that
the film is printed on the
emulsion side.
DD+DIS265.03E
Printing of a wrong inserted film at a laser imager results in very low
densities (approx. 1 instead of 3 O.D.)
Printing of a wrong inserted film at a dry imager results in a contaminated
thermal head and very, very low densities, just above fog level.
Page 26 Hardcopy Application Manual 2. March 2004
Figure 30
Page 33
DD+DIS265.03E
Hardcopy Application Manual
3.2 ‘Wet’ Film Material
Agfa offers a wide variety of ‘wet’ films for medical imaging.
Many of them can be used in ‘non-Agfa printers’ as well.
The table enclosed lists only these films which are used in the Agfa Laser
Imager LR3300 / LR5200.
Film Used in …. Refer to ….
Scopix LT 2 B / C LR3300 / LR5200 3.2.1
Scopix Laser 2 B LR3300 / LR5200 3.2.2
Mamoray LT 3 B LR3300 / LR5200 3.2.3
Scopix DR 3 LR3300 / LR5200 3.2.4
Cross section through a wet laser film:
• Wet laser film, like dry film material, is a ‘single emulsion film’: In
opposite to conventional film, which has two emulsion layers in
general.
• Wet laser films have to be processed in a film processor. Typical
processing times are 60 to 90 seconds.
Figure 31
Black and white film uses small silver chloride crystals suspended in an
emulsion, coated on a transparent backing (In the early days of photography,
glass plates were used as the transparent backing). Photons striking the
AgCl in a crystal grain cause ionisation into Ag+ and Cl-. The greater the
amount of light impinging on a grain, the more Ag+ ions are produced. Those
crystals that have been exposed to light have their chlorine ions removed by
the "Developer", leaving behind the Ag+ now reduced to the metallic state as
black silver crystals. After development the "Fixer" removes any silver
chloride that was not light-activated. The small silver crystals form opaque
areas on the film. This means that when one looks at the film, illuminated
from behind, those parts that are exposed to light are dark (hence the term
negative). The more light, the more silver gets left behind on the film, up to
the maximum density of the film.
2. March 2004 Hardcopy Application Manual Page 27
Page 34
Hardcopy Application Manual
S
S
]
Wet laser films are sensitive to
daylight. Enclosed is a graph which
shows the sensitivity versus wave
length
Example: Scopix LT 2 films:
Note: The Agfa Scopix LT 2 can
perfectly be used with a green
safelight.
3.2.1 Basic facts to Scopix LT 2 B / C films
The Scopix LT 2 B / LT2 C is the film most often used in the Laser Imagers
LR3300 / LR5200.
In the table enclosed some basic facts to the film:
DD+DIS265.03E
0,5
0,0
ensitivity
-0,5
-1,0
-1,5
-2,0
400 500
633
Wave length
700
[nm]
Figure 32
Film name
Meaning of the
Abbreviations
Maximum Density
Applications
Shelf life
Archivability
4.0
3.0
2.0
density
1.0
Scopix LT 2 B or Scopix LT 2 C
LT = Laser Technology
2 = 2nd generation
B = Blue based / C = Clear based
3.6 O.D.
All applications except Mammography
18 months at 5 to 21° C
20 years
0,5
0,0
ensitivity
-0,5
-1,0
-1,5
0
01.20.6 1.8 2.4 3.0
exposure
-2,0
400 500
633
Wavelength
700
[nm
Figure 33 Figure 34
Page 28 Hardcopy Application Manual 2. March 2004
Page 35
1
DD+DIS265.03E
Hardcopy Application Manual
The sensitometric curve of Scopix LT 2 film is ideally shaped to meet the
specific requirements of HeNe laser imagers. It features intentionally low
contrast in low density image zones, which minimizes eye-distracting scanning
noise, yet without loss of detail information. On the other hand it shows high
contrast in the higher density zones, thereby offering the right exposure
latitude for sharp and crisp images.
3.2.2 Basic facts to Scopix Laser 2 B / C films
Laser 2 B is the high end product of the Scopix LT 2 B family.
Laser 2 B film is especially designed for the German market, with the most
stringent tolerances for sensitometry.
For the basic data to Scopix Laser 2 B / C films refer to 3.2.1.
3.2.3 Basic facts to Mamoray LT 3 B films
Mamoray LT3B film is a special film for digital Mammography applications in
the LR3300 / LR5200.
In the table enclosed some basic facts to the film:
Film name
Meaning of the
Abbreviations
Maximum Density
Applications
Shelf life
Archivability
Sensitometric curve
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
Density
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
0.00 0.25 0.50 0.75 1.00 1.25 1.50 1.75 2.00 2.25 2.50 2.75
Exposure
Mamoray LT 3 B
LT = Laser Technology
3 = 3rd generation
B = Blue based
4.0 O.D.
Digital Mammography
18 months at 5 to 21° C
20 years
0,5
0
-0,5
-1
Sensitivity
-1,5
-2
-2,5
-3
400 420 440 460 480 500 520 540 560 580 600 620 640 660 680 700
Spectral Sensitivity
Wavelength (nm)
Figure 35 Figure 36
The MAMORAY LT 3 Helium-Neon sensitive laser film offers the dedicated
hardcopy approach which Full Field Digital Mammography requires. The nonglossy film surface makes the images pleasing to view. Furthermore,
MAMORAY LT 3 offers the high optical densities demanded by
mammography.
2. March 2004 Hardcopy Application Manual Page 29
Page 36
Hardcopy Application Manual
3.2.4 Basic facts to Scopix DR 3 films
The Scopix DR3 film is a special film for Digital applications for Laser Imagers
LR3300 / LR5200. Special feature is the non-glossy film surface.
In the table enclosed some basic facts to the film:
DD+DIS265.03E
Film name
Meaning of the
Abbreviations
Maximum Density
Applications
Shelf life
Archivability
Scopix DR 3 features a well balanced
contrast, high maximum density and
a low fog level which guarantees
flawless image quality for digital
radiography.
Especially the higher contrast in the
higher density areas enhances detail
perception.
Scopix DR 3
DR = Digital Radiography
3 = 3rd generation
3.6 O.D.
Digital Radiography
18 months at 5 to 21° C
20 years
4.0
3.0
2.0
density
1.0
0
0.75 1.50 2.25 3.00
exposure
Figure 37
Page 30 Hardcopy Application Manual 2. March 2004
Page 37
m
r
DD+DIS265.03E
Hardcopy Application Manual
3.3 ‘Dry’ Film Material
The table enclosed lists all currently (February 2004) available ‘dry’ Agfa films.
Film Used in …. Refer to ….
Drystar TS 2 Drystar 2000 (Color) 3.3.1
Drystar DT 1 B / C Drystar 3000 / Drystar 2000,
3.3.2
Drystar 4500 / 4500 M
Drystar Mammo Drystar 4500 M 3.3.3
Drystar DT 2 B / C Drystar 5500 / Drystar 5300 3.3.4
Cross section through a ‘dry’ color TS2 film / ribbon combination:
• The ribbon has a thermal
protective layer for protection
against the heat transmitted by
Support of PET
Thermal protective laye
the thermal print head.
• The sublimation of dye
influenced by heat begins at a
temperature of 70° C.
Dye layer
Film
Dye diffussion layer
Ribbon
• The nominal temperature
reached during printing at the
contact surface between donor
Clear base / Blue base /
Opaque Support
and acceptor is 150° C. At this
temperature the dye sublimates
Antistatic backcoat
and diffuses into the acceptor
layer of the acceptor sheet.
Figure 38: TS film with ribbon
Cross section through a ‘dry’ black & white film:
6 µm
175 µ
Hard top coating:
resistant against scratching
and high TH temperature
Thermal sensitive layer:
Silver behenate
Polyester base (PET),
blue or clear
Backing layer:
For good friction and
transport quality
535813CZ.cdr
Figure 39: TM film
The image forming layer of AgOS is heat sensitive but not light sensitive.
By influence of heat (100° - 200° C) the silver (Ag) is reduced from AgOS:
2. March 2004 Hardcopy Application Manual Page 31
Page 38
Hardcopy Application Manual
Dry films are on short term not sensitive to daylight. They are only sensitive to
heat.
Dry films do not require additional processing. The image processing happens
internally on the fly.
If exposed to sunlight behind a window or other sources of heat dry film
material can be blackened also after the film has been printed. Example:
DD+DIS265.03E
original image
Dry film material is a single emulsion film. It can only be printed at the
emulsion side.
The emulsion side is slightly smoother than the backing layer. This can be
felt with the finger nail.
If printed on the wrong side,
• The image is hardly visible on the film
• The thermal head can be contaminated
To avoid that the film is positioned the wrong way in the film tray, DT2 films
have one edge with a smaller radius than the other edges. Refer to 3.3.4.
and 3.5.
2 h in T > 60 °C
4 h in T > 60 °C 8 h in T > 60 °C
Figure 40:
Page 32 Hardcopy Application Manual 2. March 2004
Page 39
DD+DIS265.03E
3.3.1 Basic facts to Drystar TS 2 films
Drystar TS films are available in a choice of base tints, TS 2 B (blue-base), TS
2 C (clear-base), and TS 2 0 (opaque-base); providing the perfect film for
every application. Clear and blue base films are ideal for diagnosis on a
viewing box, opaque material is ideal for referral.
In the table enclosed some basic facts to the film:
Hardcopy Application Manual
Film name
Meaning of the
Abbreviations
Maximum Density
Applications
Shelf life
Storage temperature
Used in printers
Archivability
3.3.2 Basic facts to Drystar DT 1 films
DT1 films are the successor of TM1 films.
In the table enclosed some basic facts to the film:
Film name
Drystar TS 2 B/C/O
TS = Thermosublimation
2 = 2nd generation
B = Blue based / C = Clear based /
O = Opaque (non transparent)
2.0 O.D.
US, NM
18 months
Max. 18 °C
Drystar 2000
20 years
Drystar DT 1 B/C
Meaning of the
Abbreviations
B = Blue based / C = Clear based
Maximum Density
Applications
Shelf life
Storage temperature
Archivability
Used in printers
Available
2. March 2004 Hardcopy Application Manual Page 33
All applications except Mammography
Drystar 2000, Drystar 3000, Drystar 4500 (M)
DT = Direct Thermal
1 = 1st generation
3.2 O.D.
18 months
5 – 25 ° C
20 years
Year 2002 and further
Page 40
Hardcopy Application Manual
3.3.3 Basic facts to Drystar Mammo films
Drystar Mammo film was especially made for the Drystar 4500 M.
This is a film with very high maximum density (> 3.5 O.D.).
In the table enclosed some basic facts to the film:
DD+DIS265.03E
Film name
Meaning of the
Abbreviations
Maximum Density
Applications
Shelf life
Storage temperature
Archivability
Used in printers
Available
3.3.4 Basic facts to Drystar DT 2 films
DT2 films are special high throughput films for Drystar 5500 and Drystar 5300.
In the table enclosed some basic facts to the film:
Film name
Meaning of the
Abbreviations
Drystar Mammo
Mammo = Mammography
> 3.6 O.D.
Digital Mammography
18 months
5 – 25 ° C
20 years
Drystar 4500 M
Year 2002 and further
Drystar DT 2 B/C films
DT = Direct Thermal
2 = 2nd generation
B = Blue based / C = Clear based
Maximum Density
Applications
Shelf life
Storage temperature
Archivability
Used in printers
Available
Page 34 Hardcopy Application Manual 2. March 2004
All applications except Mammography
Drystar 5500, Drystar 5300
Year 2003 and further
3.2 O.D.
18 months
5 – 25 ° C
20 years
Page 41
DD+DIS265.03E
Hardcopy Application Manual
Mispositioning of individual unprinted
sheets in input tray results in heavy,
persistent thermal head
contamination.
To avoid this, DT2 film contains one
‘small corner’
A pictogram demonstrates in which
corner the ‘small corner’ should be
positioned.
See also 3.4 RF-Tag and Film Info
Area and 3.5 Emulsion Side
Recognition.
DT2 films have following main improvements, compared to DT1 films:
• Evaporation of white powder is avoided
• withstand high instantaneous printing power
• fine tune image hue at higher printing speed
• improved resistance against temperature peaks after printing (storage
in cars,…)
• improved curl at the lightbox
Thermosensitive emulsion layer (20 - 25 µm
Hydrophilic Backing Layer (1 µm)
DT1 Film
Protective layer (5 µm)
PET support (175 µm)
Matting agent Silica (3 - 8 µm)
rmosensitive emulsion layer (20 - 25 µm)
)
The
Hydrophilic Backing Layer (4 µm)
DT2 Film
Protective layer (5 µm)
PET support (168 µm)
Matting agent Silica (3 - 8 µm)
Figure 41
2. March 2004 Hardcopy Application Manual Page 35
Page 42
Hardcopy Application Manual
3.4 RF-Tag and Film Info Area
DT2 films used in Drystar 5300 and
Drystar 5500 have a film identification
chip named ‘RF tag’ (RF = radio
frequency) in the protection sheet.
This chip is read out whenever a new
film package is inserted. It contains
amongst other information following
encrypted data:
• Film type (e.g. BB, CB)
• Film Format
• Emulsion number
• Order number / pack no.
Refer to table next page for details.
DD+DIS265.03E
protective sheet
Figure 42: RF tag location
films
The printer reads this info
• to control the film specific settings of the printer
• to print this info in small characters (< 1 mm) in ‘system info area’ in
the black border, thereby improving traceability in case of image
quality problems / complaints.
• to go to SAFE MODE in case film identification contains inconsistent
information (e.g. DT1 films inserted) Æ the maximum print power is
reduced and density is limited to 2.00
Figure 43: System info on the film
Page 36 Hardcopy Application Manual 2. March 2004
Page 43
DD+DIS265.03E
Hardcopy Application Manual
Table with System Info explanation for Drystar 5300:
(refer to Figure 43: System info on the film).
Abbreviation
Dm System Dmin Dmin after calibration
Dt Dmax target --
DM System Dmax Dmax after calibration
On Order no -Pn Pack no -Sn SN printer --
TFC Total film count … of installed thermal head
FCC
FCP
Sw SW version -Ma Remaining maintenance actions Yes or No
Aa Active alert status Yes or No
FCI Film calibration initiation (auto) ON/OFF + Frequency(*)
Src Image source
Da Date Dd-mmm-yy
Ti Time hh-mm
DbM Dmax(**)
IntP Interpolation type(**) --
Sm Smoothfactor(**) --
Film count after the previous /
Film count after the previous /
next TPH profile calibration
Condition is given for the first image of a job
Meaning
Part one : printer info
next TPH cleaning
Part two : controller info
Comment
divided by slash ’/’
divided by slash ’/’
IP-address in case of
modality.
Filename in case of
testimage.
maximum density on the
film as requested by the
host (Dbmax)
(*) indicates the film calibration initiation + frequency.
e.g. ON 5 means: Film cal. Initiation = ON, will start every films 5 packs
OFF means: Film cal. Initiation = OFF
(**) Optional token: set when the images in this job have different Dmax,
Interpolation type or Smoothfactor.
2. March 2004 Hardcopy Application Manual Page 37
Page 44
Hardcopy Application Manual
DD+DIS265.03E
Table with System Info explanation for Drystar 5500:
(refer to Figure 43: System info on the film).
Abbreviation
Dm Densitometer
Dmu(*)* System Dmin upper Dmin after calibration
Dtu Dmax target upper
DMu System Dmax upper Dmax after calibration
Onu Order no upper
Pnu Pack no upper
Dml System Dmin lower Dmin after calibration
Dtl Dmax target lower
DMl System Dmax lower Dmax after calibration
Onl Order no lower
Pnl Pack no lower
Sn SN printer --
TFC Total film count … of installed thermal head
FCC
FCP
Sw SW version -Ma Remaining maintenance actions Yes or No
Aa Active alert status Yes or No
FCI Film calibration initiation (auto) ON/OFF + Frequency(**)
Src Image source
Da Date Dd-mmm-yy
Ti Time hh-mm
DbM Dmax(***)
IntP Interpolation type(***) --
Sm Smoothfactor(***) --
Film count after the previous /
Film count after the previous /
next TPH profile calibration
Condition is given for the first image of a job
Meaning
Part one: printer info
next TPH cleaning
Part two: controller info
Comment
Selection of :
MacB 924
X-rite 310
X-rite 331
X-rite 341
divided by slash ’/’
divided by slash ’/’
IP-address in case of
modality.
Filename in case of
testimage.
maximum density on the
film as requested by the
host (Dbmax)
(*) In case Dmu is shown first, film comes from upper magazine; in case Dml
is shown first, film comes from lower tray.
(**) indicates the film calibration initiation + frequency.
e.g. ON 5 means: Film cal. Initiation = ON, will start every films 5 packs
OFF means: Film cal. Initiation = OFF
(***) Optional token: set when the images in this job have different Dmax,
Interpolation type or Smoothfactor.
Page 38 Hardcopy Application Manual 2. March 2004
Page 45
DD+DIS265.03E
3.5 Emulsion Side Recognition
In case one or more film sheets are taken out of the film tray / magazine, it is
important to know, which side is the emulsion side.
Printing of a wrong inserted film at a laser imager results in very low
densities (approx. 1 instead of 3 O.D.)
Printing of a wrong inserted film at a dry imager results in a contaminated
thermal head and very, very low densities, just above fog level.
At re-filling of an empty input tray / magazine, an instruction on the film
package ensures that the film is inserted the right way (not for Drystar 5500
and Drystar 5300: there a sticker on the input tray explains the correct film
loading procedure).
At Drystar 5300 and Drystar 5500 the proper insertion of a new film pack is
even checked by the RF tag in the protection sheet.
Following means exist to ensure, that a film is inserted the right way:
Hardcopy Application Manual
Film How to recognize emulsion side
‘Wet’ films for laser
Notch at the lower left side
printing
c
i
t
s
o
n
g
a
i
a
D
e
r
a
TS2 color films Notch at the lower right side
c
i
t
s
o
n
g
a
i
a
D
e
r
a
DT1 films No indication at the film. Refer to hint below.
Mammo films No indication at the film. Refer to hint below.
DT2 films Corner at lower right side
with small radius
c
i
t
s
o
n
ag
i
a
D
e
r
a
Hint: The emulsion side in general is slightly smoother than the backing
layer. This can be felt with the finger nail.
2. March 2004 Hardcopy Application Manual Page 39
Page 46
Hardcopy Application Manual
4 Aspects of Film Viewing
Two main parameters regarding physiology of the eye influence, whether two
pixels can be distinguished from each other.
Parameter Refer to ….
Resolution viewing capabilities 4.1
Contrast viewing capabilities 4.2
4.1 Resolution viewing capabilities
The eye in general is capable to distinguish two points that have a distance of
1/60 degree.
This can be measured with so-call Rings": By checking whether a
lit can be recognized from a certain distance the so-called "visus" is
s
determined.
For a normal viewing distance of 30
to 80µm. I.e. two dots of 80µm distance can be distinguished. This equ
pprox. 300 dpi.
a
ed "Landolt
cm (film, screen, paper) this corresponds
DD+DIS265.03E
als
80 µm
α
= 1'
30 cm
Landolt
Rings
5 m
3.3 m
8.5 m
Figure 44
If printed on DIN A4 or letter, Figure 44 can be used to roughly check your
resolution viewing capabilities.
Usually resolution viewing capabilities get worse with advancing age.
Page 40 Hardcopy Application Manual 2. March 2004
Page 47
DD+DIS265.03E
4.2 Contrast viewing capabilities
To be able to distinguish between two similar light stimuli is one characteristic
of vision.
The differentiation threshold is the measure for it:
• Absolute differentiation threshold: Two light intensities I and I' are only
just distinguishable
• Relative differentiation threshold:
Hardcopy Application Manual
I - I’
I
•• Scientific tests showed that the
minimum differentiation
Differentiation
Threshold
∆
I / I
threshold for the human eye is
0.01.
It depends on the illumination
and is best for a light intensity of
0.8
Capability to see
contrast differences
approx. 100 cd/m. It is not
linear.
The correlation between
differentiation threshold and
luminous density was examined
by Mr. Kanamori in the early
1960s. Therefore this curve is
also called Kanamori curve.
0.01
100
10000
Figure 45
cd / m²
1
Light intensity
This means, the image preferably has to be reproduced on the film this way
th that e important information is in the area of approximately 100 cd/m².
In the system ‘film – light box’ this can be achieved with following
•
parameters: Light box light density between 2000 and 4000 cd/m²
(European Guidelines on Quality Criteria for Diagnostic Radiographic
Images - 1996)
•
Important information of films should be in the density range
of 0.5 to 2.2 O.D. (for definition of O.D. refer to 4.2.1)
nclosed two examples of lightboxes with 2000 cd/m² and 4000 cd/m²: E
Lightbox 2000 cd/m² Ligh 000 cd/mtbox 4 ²
O.D. cd/m² O.D. cd/m²
0.5 Approx. 625 0.5 Approx. 1250
1 200 1 400
2 20 2 40
3 2 3 4
These two examples show, that for light boxes with a light density of 2000 to
4000 cd/m² the image information in the area of 1 to 2 O.D. fits to the most
sensitive area of the eye.
2. March 2004 Hardcopy Application Manual Page 41
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Hardcopy Application Manual
4.2.1 Definition of parameter ‘Optical Density’
Definition of parameter ‘Optical Density’:
Optical density is the ability of an object to absorb light. Density values are
obtained by measuring the proportion of the original light value to the
reflected or transmitted light value. This is called transmittance.
The logarithm of the reciprocal transmittance value is the optical density.
Definition Optical Density (O.D.)
DD+DIS265.03E
1000 Photons
Optical Density = log
1000 Photons
1000 Photons
10
1
T = Transmittance =
T
Figure 46
Output Light
Input Light
1 Photon
10 Photons
100 Photons
Page 42 Hardcopy Application Manual 2. March 2004
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DD+DIS265.03E
4.3 Lightbox Viewing Conditions
From the physiology of the eye different conditions for viewing diagnostic
images at the lightbox can be derived:
Not o.k.
> 4000
cd/m²
Not o.k.
< 2000
cd/m²
o.k.
2000 4000
cd/m²
Hardcopy Application Manual
A light box which is to dark or to bright
reduces the recognition capabilities of
small contrast differences.
→ For optimum density differentiation
the lightbox intensity of light should
be between 2000 and 4000 cd/m² to
get the important information in the
density range of 0.5 to 2.2.
Extraneous light from non-covered
areas alters the adaptation level and
scatters within the readers eye, causing
dazzle which decreases contrast
discrimination.
→ Non-covered areas have to be
covered.
Excessive ambient light reduces
contrast while a dark ambient causes
the pupils to open wide resulting in
deterioration of visual acuity.
→ The ambient light should be
moderate.
A lightbox with uneven illumination leads
to wrong interpretation in the clinical
image.
→ The lightbox illumination should be
even.
Not o.k.
Not o.k.
Not o.k.
o.k.
o.k.
o.k.
2. March 2004 Hardcopy Application Manual Page 43
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Hardcopy Application Manual
5 Image Quality Adjustment
In this chapter following topics are treated:
Topic Refer to ….
Calibration as base for proper Image Quality 5.1
Image Quality Parameters 5.2
DD+DIS265.03E
Special image adjustments: Layouts, annotations
and true size printing
User Interfaces for Image Quality Adjustments 5.4
In general we have to distinguish two printer types regarding image quality
adjustments:
‘Old’ generation printers ‘New’ generation printers
Printer names:
• Drystar 2000
• Drystar 3000
• LR3300 / LR52000*
Printer names:
• Drystar 4500 (M)
• Drystar 5500
• Drystar 5300
5.3
Properties:
• Input via network (DICOM or
APIP) and
• Input via local VME interfaces
Image adjustments made …..
• Partly via configuration at the
modality
• Partly via ‘customization’
Valid parameters described in ….
• NVE parameter description
DD+DIS115.98E (for all kinds of
inputs)
• DICOM Conformance statement
of the individual printer (only for
DICOM inputs)
Properties:
• Pure DICOM network printers
• Optional: Postcript printing
Image adjustments made …..:
• At the modality
• In some cases at the printer**
Valid parameters described in ….
• DICOM Conformance
statement of the individual
printer
Page 44 Hardcopy Application Manual 2. March 2004
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DD+DIS265.03E
Hardcopy Application Manual
*The Laser Imager belongs in combination with an MG3000 to the ‘old’
generation printers.
In combination with the LR DICOM Controller it belongs to the ‘new’
generation printers.
** In DICOM the responsibility for image quality lays at the modality side.
Sometimes the required parameter adjustments to get an optimum image
quality cannot be performed at the modality, as the change of certain
parameters was not foreseen.
The new generation printers (incl. the gateways Paxport, Multi-Flex and LR
DICOM Controller) allow to manipulate (to add or to overrule) certain
parameters via a so-called ‘host profile editor’.
Basic rule:
1) Try to adjust the Image Quality
parameters at modality side! In
case the modality offers no or
Step 1
adjust print parameters at modality
only limited parameters to be
adjusted, the default Image
Quality settings of the printer fit
almost all applications
nevertheless!
2) Check in the ‘host profile settings,
whether settings for the
connected modality type exists. If
Step 2
Create host profile and load predefined
parameters ('host profile type') if available
Step 3
create host profile
and adjust parameters
yes, load the settings.
3) In case image quality
requirements cannot be reached
make adaptations for these
modalities at the printer side by
creating a host profile.
The parameters which are available for image quality adjustments at ‘new’ and
‘old’ generation printers in principle are the same.
The ‘new’ generation printers offer some additional parameters mainly
regarding connectivity, which are explained in chapter 5.4.1.2.
2. March 2004 Hardcopy Application Manual Page 45
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Hardcopy Application Manual
5.1 Printer Calibration as base for proper Image Quality
To calibrate means, to ‘adjust by comparison with a standard’.
Example 1: In case the gasoline pump is not calibrated, it’s possible that we
pay for 60 liters of gasoline, but only 56 liters are in the tank.
Example 2: In case the printer is not calibrated for the inserted film (and is of
a different film batch than the one which is used for previous calibration), it’s
possible that the Dmax and overall contrast is much too low.
Following parameters influence a constant image quality and make
calibrations necessary:
• The film sensitometry (i.e. the sensitivity of the film for a certain
light/heat intensity)
• At dry printers: The thermal head calibration (i.e. uniform heat emission
for uniform signal input).
• A proper calibrated internal (Drystar 3000, Drystar 4500 (M), Drystar
5300, Drystar 5500) or external densitometer.
Table with printers and corresponding calibrations:
DD+DIS265.03E
Film sensitometry
Internal Densitometer
TH Calibration
Proper image adjustments only can be made, in case the printer is
calibrated properly.
The calibrations described in the following subchapters (5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3)
shall only give an overview.
For a complete description about calibrations of the corresponding printer
refer to chapter ‘Repair and Service – Adjustments and Calibrations’ in the
Technical Documentation.
Refer to ….
5.1.1
5.1.2
5.1.3
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DD+DIS265.03E
5.1.1 Film Sensitometry
Hardcopy Application Manual
Why to be executed:
When to be executed:
How to be executed:
The printer needs to know the correlation
between input signal and density on the film.
Refer to Figure 51, right hand side.
Ideally with every new film pack.
• Laser Imager: Offline menu – Calibrate
Density
• Drystar 2000: Local Mode – Calibration –
Maximum Density*
• Drystar 3000: Local mode – Calibration –
Film Sensito
• Drystar 4500(M); Drystar 5500: Key
Operator menu – Calibration – Film
• Drystar 5300: Key Operator menu –
Calibration – Film Calibration
⇒ In all cases a testfilm with different grey
areas is printed. Example see Figure 51, left
hand side.
⇒ The density values of the different grey
areas are measured and stored in the
printer.
⇒ At printer with internal densitometer the
measurement is made automatically. Refer
to 5.1
What happens internally:
Comment:
Figure 47 e: S nsitomteric (Film) Calibration
A table is created with correlation ‘input signal –
density’. It is also called ‘sensitometric LUT’
*Drystar 2000 creates sensitometric LUT by
using the Dmax value only.
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Hardcopy Application Manual
5.1.2 Internal Densitometer Calibration
DD+DIS265.03E
Why to be executed:
When to be executed:
How to be executed:
T he sensitivity of the photosensitive sensor as well
as the light output of the light source can change
in long term.
• Drystar 3000: Once a year
• Drystar 4500(M), Drystar 5300 and Drystar
5500: If the density reproduction check is not
okay. Refer to 8.2.2
• Drystar 3000: IMOS Drystar 3000 – Print
Engine – Modules – MDM Calibrations MDM
• Drystar 4500(M); Drystar 5500: Service Menu
– Adjust&Calibrate – Calibrate - MDM
• Drystar 5300: Homepage – Service Engineer
Tools – Calibration – Internal Densitometer
Calibration
⇒ At Drystar 3000 a small film stripe with
different densities is inserted and measured.
The different density values are measured
automatically.*
⇒ At Drystar 4500(M), Drystar 5500 and Drystar
5300 a testfilm is printed and measured with
an external densitometer. The different
density values have to be entered manually.
What happens
internally:
Comment:
A table is created with correlation ‘light intensity –
density’.
*Drystar 3000 also allows to calibrate the internal
MDM to an external densitometer. This function is
called ‘Reference Film’ Calibration.
In general, only a few de capable nsitometers are
to measure the film density of dry films correctly.
Refer to 8.2.
536110AK.CDR
Figure 48: Drystar 3000 MDM
stepwedge reference film
Figure 49: Drystar 5300 Densitometer
Calibration film
Page 48 Hardcopy Application Manual 2. March 2004
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DD+DIS265.03E
5.1.3 Thermal Head Calibration
Hardcopy Application Manual
Why to be executed:
When to be executed:
How to be executed:
The correlation between current through a certain
re g sistor of the thermal head and correspondin
temperature can change in long term.
• During maintenance (i.e. once a year)
• er unacceptable line artifacts in Whenev
print direction are visible in the medical
image
• Drystar 3000: Local mode – Calibration –
TH profile
• Drystar 4500(M); Drystar 5500: Key
Operator menu – Calibration – Print Head
Profile
• Drystar 5300: Homepage – Service
Engineer Tools – Calibration – Print Head
Calibration
⇒ In all cases a testfilm with constant density
is printed.
⇒ The density values at a high number of
positions vertical to the print direction are
automatically* measured and stored in the
printer.
What happens internally:
Comment:
Figure 50: Drystar 5500 Print Head Calibration Film
The TH calibration table originally created in
production is adapted to guarantee, that for
constant signal input over a line the density is
uniform.
*The measurement at Drystar 5300 has to be
made manually, with an external densitometer,
as the internal densitometer (called CDM) is not
capable to move vertical to print direction.
2. March 2004 Hardcopy Application Manual Page 49
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Hardcopy Application Manual
5.2 Image Quality Parameters
In this chapter the most important image quality parameters are explained.
In general software engineers build in all kinds of parameters, to be prepared
for all kinds of image adjustments.
Here following parameters are explained in greater detail:
Parameter Refer to ….
Taste LUT 5.2.1
Interpolation 5.2.2
Window / Level 5.2.3
DD+DIS265.03E
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DD+DIS265.03E
5.2.1 Taste LUT
Purpose
Adjust the contrast of the image to adapt it to the physiology of the eye
Hardcopy Application Manual
How it works
Available LUTs
Default value
Taste LUT ‘Old generation’
Linear
Kanamori / Kanamori_like
Barten hardcopy transmission / reflection
Custom
By defining the taste LUT (LUT = Look Up Table) a table is created in the
printer with 256 or 4096 entries. With this table each individual pixel is
manipulated before the image is prepared for printing in the printer RAM
memory.
In general it is possible to create any taste LUT. The most simple one is a
linear taste LUT.
In the table enclosed is a list of taste LUTs used in the Agfa printers:
For all printers the default value is ‘Kanamori’.
printers
X X
X X
-- X
X X
The taste LUT is fit in between the minimum and maximum density of the
printed film.
We distinguish between
• Dmin and Dmax as physical limits of the system film & printer and
‘new generation’
printers
Refer to …
5.2.1.1
5.2.1.2
5.2.1.3
5.2.1.4
• Dbmin and Dbmax (b stands for German "Bild" = image) as parameters
that belong to the image control file.
The taste LUT will be fit between the highest value of Dmin / Dbmin and the
lowest value of Dmax / Dbmax.
Example:
Printer limits: 0.2 (= fog level) and 3.5 (=film or printer limit)
Configuration parameter limits: Dbmin = 0.15 and Dbmax = 3.1
⇒ Dmin on the image will be 0.2 and Dmax will be 3.1
2. March 2004 Hardcopy Application Manual Page 51
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Hardcopy Application Manual
DD+DIS265.03E
When judging the selected taste LUT,
it is usually compared with the
monitor (e.g. ‘image is too dark
compared to the monitor’).
Be aware, that usually the Kanamori
taste LUT fits, in case the monitor is
adjusted properly.
How to check the monitor adjustment:
Let an SMPTE image be loaded on
the monitor. The display should be
adjusted this way
(brightness/contrast) that the 5% and
9 5% fields can be distinguished.
If this is not the case, the responsible
service engineer should adjust the
monitor, before the contrast of the
hardcopy image can be judged.
5.2.1.1
Linear taste LUT
The linear taste LUT is represen
ted
by a straight line between Dmin and
Dmax.
or an 8 bit printer like e.g. the
F
Drystar 300
0 the taste LUT in fact is
a table with 256 values.
For a 12 bit
printer like e.g. the
Drystar 4500 (M) the LUT is a table
with 4096 values.
5.2.1.2 UT Kanamori and Kanamori_like taste L
The Kanamori taste LUT considers
the experimentally found ‘non linear’
sensitivity of the eye for contrast
differences.
By a so-called ‘user taste LUT sub
identification’ (abbrev. utl_subid)
variations of the Kanamori LUT can
be defined.
correspon
Utl_subid 100 (=default)
ds to a true Kanamori
curve, utl_subid 200 corresponds to a
linear taste LUT.
Limits: Lower limit is utl_subid 75,
upper limit utl_subid 220.
Dmax
Dmin
Dmax
Dmin
Figure 51
0
Input
255
Figure 52
utl_subid
220
200
100
i
r
o
m
a
n
a
K
0
75
Input
255
Figure 53
Page 52 Hardcopy Application Manual 2. March 2004
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DD+DIS265.03E
Hardcopy Application Manual
Example:
Figure 54
B5.2.1.3 reflection taste LUT
arten hardcopy transmission /
The Barten taste LUT not only
considers the experimentally found
Dmax
‘non linear’ sensitivity of the eye for
contrast differences, but also uses
external parameters like the ambient
light for creation of the LUT.
For transparent films the ‘Barten
e
Dmin
0
Input
255
Figure 55
hardcopy transmission LUT’ is
available, for opaque film material th
Barten reflection is the best choice.
The Kanamori and the Barten taste LUT are quite similar. The Barten taste
LUT is this approach, which considers environmental parameters, too: To be
able to let the printer create the proper Barten taste LUT, the light density of
the lightbox and the ambient light has to be measured and entered into the
printer.
2. March 2004 Hardcopy Application Manual Page 53
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Hardcopy Application Manual
5.2.1.4 Custom taste LUT
Custom taste LUTs (‘custom’ like
customized i.e. especially adapted)
are created by the Connectivity
Engineers for special applications.
Example: To adapt the Agfa printers
to the Philips Easyvision workstation,
the custom LUT OEM0001.UTL
(selection: Perception LUT ‘custom’
with custom value ‘001’) is used.
Refer to Figure 56.
DD+DIS265.03E
In Drystar 5300 SW Version 2.0, Drystar 5500 SW Version 2.0 and Drystar
4500 (M) SW Version 3.0 it is possible to select custom value 999.
This represents a custom LUT, which can be edited manually at the service
PC. It has to be stored on the printer as ‘C:\oemlut\OEM999.txt’.
OEM999.txt is a textfile which has one lut entry per line. Example:
1800 (= 0.18 O.D.)
1953
...
31000 (= 3.1 O.D.)
Figure 56
Figure 57
The own created LUT OEM999.txt may only be used in these very rare
cases, where no predefined taste LUT fits.
In case of a wrong value in this LUT image faults or printer hang-ups can
happen.
In case you need such a LUT call your support center to let the LUT be
created by the hardcopy application team in Agfa headquarter.
Page 54 Hardcopy Application Manual 2. March 2004
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DD+DIS265.03E
5.2.2 I
Purpose
How it works
Available
interpolation
types
Default value
Hardcopy Application Manual
nterpolation
djust the sharpness of the image
A
The image size of the scanned image in certain
image printed by the printer.
E g. 2 r h
xample: A modality scans e. 024 x 2024 pixels, the printe owever
prints it with 4352 x 4352 pixels.
By defining an interpolation type, the method for calculation of the new pixels
as well as adaptation of the existing pixels is defined.
The Agfa printers offer
by smooth factors. The simplest ones are ‘replicate’ and ‘linear’.
Enclosed is a list of interpolation types used in the Agfa printers:
For all printers the default value is ‘high res cubic’.
many interpolation types that partly can be modified
cases is different than the
Interpolation Type ‘Old generation’ printers ‘new generation’ printers Refer to …
replication
Linear / bilinear
cubic
X X
X X
X X
5.2.2.1
5.2.2.2
5.2.2.3
2. March 2004 Hardcopy Application Manual Page 55
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Hardcopy Application Manual
5.2.2.1 Replication
The interpolation type ‘replication’ is
also named ‘nearest neighbor’, as the
new created pixel gets the same pixel
value than the neighbor.
It gives a very ‘pixely’ image
impression.
Example:
Original Image:
DD+DIS265.03E
Example: 1 black + 1 white pixel
Original Pixels
********
Generated Pixels
255
*
replicate
0
Figure 58
Image mag replicate
nified 4 x with
interpolation
Figure 59 Figure 60
Page 56 Hardcopy Application Manual 2. March 2004
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l
DD+DIS265.03E
5.2.2.2
Linear / bilinear
The interpolation type ‘linear’ fills in
the new pixels between two original
pixels according to a linear curve. It is
also named bilinear, as the
interpolation works in both directions,
i.e. in pixel and line direction.
It gives a very smooth image
impression.
Example:
Original Image:
Hardcopy Application Manual
Example: 1 black + 1 white pixe
Original Pixels
********
*
255
Generated Pixels
Linear
Figure 61
Image magnified 4 x with bi-linear
interpolation
Figure 62 Figure 63
2. March 2004 Hardcopy Application Manual Page 57
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Hardcopy Application Manual
5.2.2.3 Cubic
The interpolation type ‘cubic’ fills in
the new pixels between two original
pixels according to a cubic curve (x³).
It can be very smooth to very sharp,
depending on the type of cubic
interpolation and the smooth factor.
Refer to info box below.
Example:
Original Image:
DD+DIS265.03E
Example: 1 black + 1 white pixel
Original Pixels
********
*
255
Generated Pixels
Cubic
0
Figure 64
Image m ith cubic
agnified 4 x w
interpolation
Figure 65 Figure 66
Page 58 Hardcopy Application Manual 2. March 2004
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DD+DIS265.03E
Cubic Interpolations
Hardcopy Application Manual
Following cubic interpolation methods are available in the Agfa printers:
• Cubic B
• Cubic High Res
• Cubic Bell
Type How to adjust in
old gen. printers
Cubic B Select HighRes
Cubic with
smoothfactor 0
Cubic
High Res
Cubic Bell Not available Select Cubic Bell
Select HighRes
Cubic with
smoothfactor 137 to
150*
How to adjust in
new gen. printers
Select Cubic B Very smooth --
Select HighRes
Cubic with
smoothfactor -4.9 to
+4.9*
with smoothfactor
0.1 to 25
Property
137 sharp –
150 less sharp
-4.9 sharp –
+4.9 less sharp
0.1 sharp – 25
less sharp
Default value for
smoothfactor
140 for old. gen.
-2.5 for new gen.
printers /
printers
0.35
In case an image is sent from the
modality, but this image is larger than
the image box it is placed in, the
image size has to be reduced. A
reduction icon can indicate this fact.
This is a sign for pixel loss.
Example: A CT sends 24 images with
2048 x 2048 pixels, the single image
box on the film has 1360 x 1360
pixels only.
Adjustment at old generation printers:
Via DSP parameter icon_pos. Refer
to NVF manual DD+DIS115.98E.
Adjustment at new generation
printers: Via parameter ‘reduction
icon on image’. Refer to Figure 67.
Figure 67
2. March 2004 Hardcopy Application Manual Page 59
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Hardcopy Application Manual
DD+DIS265.03E
Remark to cubic interpolation at ‘new generation printers’:
Cubic High Res interpolation only should be applied, in case the modality
sends the images in ‘image mode’, i.e. the single images of a print layout.
Cubic High res only works, in case the image is scaled (magnified or
reduced)
In cases where the modality sends the images in page mode, i.e. just one
huge file per print layout, cubic bell interpolation with smooth factor 0.35
should be selected. Cubic bell interpolation also sharpens the image, even if
it has not to be magnified.
In Drystar 5300 SW Version 2.0, Drystar 5500 SW Version 2.0 and Drystar
4500 (M) SW Version 3.0 it is possible to switch to cubic bell interpolation
automatically, in case the modality sends in page mode (i.e. in case no
magnification is required). Refer to Figure 68.
Smoothfactor in ‘new’ gen.
printers
Smoothfactor in ‘old’ gen.
printers
Figure 68
For an explanation what is an ‘old’ and ‘new’ generation printer refer to
page 44.
*Correlation between ‘old’ and ‘new’ generation printer high res cubic
interpolation smoothfactor settings:
-1 corresponds to MG3000 highres cubic 140 (sharp)
0 corresponds to MG3000 highres cubic 150. (sharp, but les sharp than 140)
0.6 corresponds to MG3000 highres cubic 156 (sharp, but less sharp than 150
-1 -0.9 -0.8 -0.7 -0.6 -0,5 -0.4 -0.3 -0.2 -0.1 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6
140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156
In old generation printers the smoothfactor is entered as defined by the
DICOM standard.
In new generation printers the smoothfactor is entered as ‘Kernel
smoothfactor’, as it is used in the printer for calculation for the smoothing.
Refer to the appendix page 109 regarding correlation ‘DICOM smoothfactor
– Kernel smoothfactor’.
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Unsharp masking:
Hardcopy Application Manual
Unsharp Masking is a digital process that enhances the apparent sharpness
of an image by artificially increasing the contrast at the edges where different
tones meet.
Or to say it in more practical words: Using high resolution cubic with smooth
factor 137 (the interpolation method that gives the sharpest impression) still
does not give the desired sharpness. Then "unsharp masking" is applicable.
It can be used for Drystar 2000, Drystar 3000 and LR5200 / LR3300, but by
experience it should only be used for CR applications on Drystar 3000.
Following weight tables are present (on C: partition):
wgt6_140.tbl (= weight table for no unsharp masking).
wgt6_142.tbl (= weight table for 2% unsharp masking)
wgt6_143.tbl (= weight table for 3% unsharp masking)
wgt6_146.tbl (= weight table for 6% unsharp masking)
wgt6_150.tbl (= weight table for 10% unsharp masking)
Proceeding:
• Set NIPXXX11 parameter user_taste from 3 (default = no unsharp
masking) to 1
• Set parameter MNUXXX0A ?? (A = input number; ?? = menu
number) smooth_factor to either 140 (corresponds to 0% unsharp
masking), 142 (corresponds to 2% unsharp masking), 143
(corresponds to 3% unsharp masking), 146 (corresponds to 6%
unsharp masking) or150 (corresponds to 10% unsharp masking).
• Print 5 films; for each unsharp masking level one (normally level 3%
fits best !)
• Choose the desired unsharp masking level for the desired menu.
Note: If unsharp masking is switched on (NIPXXX11, user_taste 1), it is
active for all inputs.
Workaround to have unsharp masking switched off for certain menus:
The Drystar 3000 contains also two files "wgt2_140.tbl" and "wgt2_150.tbl".
These two files represent the high resolution cubic interpolation with smooth
factor 140 and 150 respectively, without unsharp masking.
Proceeding:
(1) Copy “wgt2_140.tbl” and "wgt2_150.tbl" to “wgt6_140.tbl” and
"wgt6_150.tbl" (this has to be made, as the Drystar 3000 is only
looking for “wgt6…” files if unsharp masking is switched on.
(2) Select for the desired menu either high resolution cubic with smooth
factor 140 (very sharp) or 150 (less sharp).
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Hardcopy Application Manual
5.2.3 Window/Level
Purpose
Cut off densities that do not contain clinical image information.
DD+DIS265.03E
How it works
Window / level
settings
Default value
By defining window and level settings, an input LUT is created. Input LUT
means, that pixels that are read in by the printer first go through a look up
table.
Following conditions for window/level settings must be fulfilled:
• level must be ≤ 1
• level + window must be > 0
• window must be > 0
For ‘old’ generation printers the default value is window 100 / level 0 (no
clipping of pixels)
For ‘new’ generation printers the default value is window 1 / level 0 (no
clipping of pixels)
Window / level should only be applied at video connections, where text is
more white than the white of the clinical image.
In case the window/level setting it is applied wrong, clinical image information
can be clipped, what can reduce the diagnostic value of the image.
OUTPUT
1 (white)
OUTPUT
1
0 (black)
0
Level = 0
Window = 1
Window
0
INPUT
1
Figure 69
Level = 0.3
Window = 0.4
Level
0
Window
INPUT
1
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Example:
W/L = 100 / 0
W / L = 60 / 20
Figure 70
*In DICOM window and level is
defined as shown in Figure 71. The
‘new’ generation printers make this
re-calculation to DICOM standard
internally.
In ‘old’ generation printers the
window/level settings for DICOM
inputs have to be entered via
255
OUTPUT
bw_wcenter 128
bw_wwidth 256
bw_wcenter 128
bw_wwidth 256
bw_wcenter 153
bw_wwidth 230
bw_wcenter and bw_wwidth
(bw = black & white).
0
0
window center
window width
INPUT
Figure 71
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5.3 Special Image Settings
Following special image settings are introduced in this chapter:
Setting Short description Refer to …
DD+DIS265.03E
Layouts At network inputs the control of the layouts is
made by the sending modality.
At local inputs (Paxport and old generation
printers) the layouts are chosen in the printer.
Here the creation and usage of the layouts is
explained.
Annotations An annotation is text or graphical information,
which is not part of the diagnostic image sent
by the modality.
Here the different mechanisms for ‘old’ and
‘new’ generation printers are explained.
True size
printing
True size printing means, that the size of the
x-rayed object corresponds to the size of the
object on the printed film.
Here the ‘true size printing’ mechanism is
explained.
5.3.1
5.3.2
5.3.3
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5.3.1 Layouts
The layout is the way the single image or the images are positioned on the
film. Examples for two layouts:
Hardcopy Application Manual
Figure 72 Figure 73
In general, following two types of layouts for the Agfa printers can be
distinguished:
Layout Type Short description Refer to …
.mg3 layouts The layouts with extension .mg3 (e.g.
OEM01XX.mg3) are only used in the ‘old’
generation printers. The .mg3 files contain
the complete definition of the layouts (width,
height, borders, images per film; borders
between images etc.).
DICOM layouts DICOM layouts are used in the ‘new’
generation printers.
5.3.1.1
5.3.1.2
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5.3.1.1 .mg3 layouts
The .mg3 layouts have been created by the connectivity group in Mortsel with
the film layout editor (see Figure 74 and Figure 75).
They are part of IMOS OEM and downloaded to the ‘old’ generation printers
during configuration.
DD+DIS265.03E
Figure 74 Figure 75
An .mg3 layout is identified via its name, which consist of 3 or 4 digits. (e.g.
Layout 1024).
The ‘film layouts’ section of the Connectivity Documents describes all
available layouts in detail. Connectivity release document 000051.pdf
describes the basics of the .mg3 film layouts.
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5.3.1.2 DICOM layouts
In DICOM layouts are defined either as standard layouts, row oriented or
column oriented. Selection of the layout is done via DICOM print protocol.
Three examples:
Standard\2,3
Hardcopy Application Manual
Col\2,3,1
Row\2,3,3,1
Explanation:
Standard\X,Y means create a layout with X columns and Y rows
Col\C1,C2,Cx means create a column oriented layout with C1 images
Row\R1,R2,Rx means create a row oriented layout with R1 images in
Further DICOM layouts:
Slide create a layout with 35 mm slides. The number of
Superslide create a layout with 40 mm slides. The number of
Custom\ Use a specific layout of the printer as defined in
Figure 76
in the first column, C2 images in the second
column and so on.
the first row R2 images in the second row and so
on.
slides per layout is defined in the printer. In ‘old’
generation printers this is done via a .idf file.
slides per layout is defined in the printer. In ‘old’
generation printers this is done via a .idf file.
the DICOM conformance statement. Example:
custom\2011 defines the printer specific layout
2011.
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5.3.2 Annotations
An annotation is text or graphical
information, which is not part of the
diagnostic image sent by the
modality.
In the example of Figure 77 the
textbox on top (Dr. Huber
(089)12345) and logo at the bottom
() is an annotation each.
DD+DIS265.03E
In ‘old’ generation printers up to 6
annotations can be defined.
Most layouts allow to display
annotations. Whether a layout is
capable to display annotations is
described in the film layout document
part of the Connectivity Release
Documents.
Annotations in ‘old’ generation
rinters have to be TIF files, which
p
side on the hard disk of the printer.
re
Connectivity release document
000051.pdf specifies the size of the
annotation per film size and t
of TIF file.
he type
Figure 77
1
3
4
400x50 pixels
2084 x 150 up to 5174 x 150 pixels
5
2
2
6
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Figure 78
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DD+DIS265.03E
In ‘new’ generation printers up to 2
nnotations can be defined.
a
The annotation can eithe
(e.g. Dr. Huber), a DICOM tag (e.g.
PATIENTID - if sent by the modality!)
or a TIF file.
DICOM tags and text can even be
combined with each other. Example:
Film nr. %modalitypagenumber%
The DICOM conformance statement
of the printer describes the valid
annotations.
r be any text
Hardcopy Application Manual
1
2
2
For more info to annotations refer to the help pages of the corresponding
printer. An ‘offline’ version is also available on MEDNET, GSO library –
Hardcopy - <printer> - documentation.
Figure 79
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5.3.3 True size printing
True size printing means, that the size of the x-rayed object corresponds – in
certain limits - to the size of the object on the printed film.
In case the modality prepares the complete image and sends it to the printer,
the modality needs to know ….
• Number of pixels and number of lines (NPi/NLi) of the connected
printer or the film layout used.
• The resolution of the printer (lines / mm or dpi)
In addition it has to tell the printer …..
• which film size has to be used
Enclosed an example of true size printing from ADC VIPS to LR5200:
VIPS
(example: AE title VIPS1)
DD+DIS265.03E
LR5200
Printer Definition File
(excerp
t)
$FILMID "14 X 17 IN - P"
FILMSIZE 14INX17IN
RESOLUTION STANDARD
ORIENTATION PORTRAIT
ROWS 5174
COLS 4256
PIXELS_PER_MM 12.401
$END
4256
5174
ICM created in /images/spool directory
pms.ini
[VIPS1]
IDF = pms2000.idf
pms2000.idf
(excerpt)
14INX17IN\PORTRAIT\STANDARD\1,1 2411
Layout 2411
4256
5174
Figure 80
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Hardcopy Application Manual
In cases, where the modality does not send the already prepared (i.e.
magnified) image, but the printer has to prepare the image itself, two
p
ossibilities can be distinguished:
• The image is sent via DICOM and the parameter ‘requested ima
size’ is sent with the image. In this case the modality can determ
how large the image has to be on the film.
• The image is sent via local input (VS
I or MFRI). In this case you have
to select the proper layout (i.e. NPi/NLi) to display the x-rayed object in
scale 1:1. Possibly a spe
Munich in case you need such a layout for
cial layout has to be created. Contact GSO
true size printing from a
local input.
Wh n checking the correct size of the xe -r yed object on the film consider the a
depic ctor – in this case an ADC image plate tion scale in case the image dete
– is not directly under the x-rayed object:
X-Ray source
ge
ine
d1
X-ray beam
d2
object
Cassette with IP
d2
Size of object on IP =
Example:
d1 = 1 m
100
%
d1
d2 = 1.1 m
Size of ob 10%
ject on IP = 1
Figure 81
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Remark to DICOM layouts for ‘old’ generation printers:
In case a modality sends the image via DICOM, the proper layout (which
uses the maximum available space for printing) is only selected, if the
pms2000.idf file is used for mapping of DICOM formats to Agfa .mg3
formats. The file pms20 00.idf is always present on the C: drive of the printer
(it gets downloaded n)during configuratio .
To let the modality use t be created he pms2000.idf, a ‘pms.ini’ file has to on
the printer with IMOS DICOM.
Enclosed an abstract of the configuration steps:
(1) Check, that the file pms2000.idf
is really on
(old genera r
(2) If the pms2000.idf is not present
on the C: partition, start IMOS
Megacon and select ‘Configure’
without any changes of inputs or
output: This downloads
(amongst many other files) t
pms2000.idf.
the C: partition of the
tion) printe
he
DD+DIS265.03E
(3) With IMOS DICOM create a
PMS profile:
a) Enter the AE title of the input
modality.
b) Enter the location of the pms
file (default: C:\pms2000.idf)
c) ’.
Select ‘Apply
Figure 82
Figure 83
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5.4 User Interfaces for Image Adjustments
Depending on the printer (old / new generation) different user interfaces are
available f
or image adjustments. The table enclosed gives an overview:
Browser
NVE program
IMOS
Local keypad
Old gen. printer New gen. printer Refer to ..
no yes 5.4.1
yes no 5.4.2
yes no 5.4.3
no yes 5.4.4
5.4.1 Bro Image Adjustments
wser as Interface for
Bro er interface are
wser pages as us
nly available for the new generation
o
printers.
They provide a comfortable user
interface with online help for all
available parameters.
They are divided in
• Ke
y-operator tools
• Service engineer tools
• Specialist tools
• Security tools
Figure 84: Drystar 5500 Homepage
F lo eer Tools are used to adjust the image
ol wing pages of the Service Engin
qua
lity:
Page name Purpose Refer to ..
DICOM Print SCP Servers Define ‘logical’ printers 5.4.1
DICOM Host Profile Adjust and / or overrule
5.4.2
DICOM print parameters
LPD Profile Adjust and / or overrule
5.4.3
Postscript print parameters
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5.4.1.1 L Set
ogical Printer up
The DICOM print S P
printers.
To configure
be neces
printing i
logic
sary, in c
s initiated
which has sever
input.
Example:
The PACS s
DSA images
• CR images shall be printed with
ystem collects CR and
.
taste LUT Kanamori
• DSA images shall be printed w
linear taste LUT.
Problem:
The workstation at the PACS system
has one AE title. The Drystar 5300
does not recognize, for
modality (CR or CT) the user wants
to print.
Solution:
• Create one logical printer
'Drystar5500_CT' and one
'Drystar5500_DSA'.
• Create two different host profiles
for the two logical printers, one
with Kanamori LUT, the other with
linear taste LUT.
• In the workstation setup both
printers: The user has to select
the proper logical printer.
Following parameters can be adjusted in the DICOM print SCP server page:
DD+DIS265.03E
CP server pages allow to setup logical DICOM print SC
al SCP printers can
ase for example
at a PACS system,
a
l modalities as
ith
which type of
Figure 85
Parameter Description
Internal name Internal name of the print SCP server. This name is only
used to differentiate internally between 2 SCPs.
Called AE title
AE title of the printer. Use uppercase letters only (e.g.
DS5500_1). A second DICOM print SCP server requires a
different AE title (e.g. DS5500_2).
This AE title has to be entered at the host modality for AE
title of the printer.
Port Default: 104. Changes have to be adapted in the modality.
A second DICOM print SCP server requires a different
port. Default for the second SCP server: 105
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Max. allowed
Default: 10
associations Higher values should not be required - in case modalities
are connected which do not quit the association better
create a host profile for this modality and set the
Association Timeout to e.g. 3600 secs. (1 hour).
Activate at Default: on (checked). Only uncheck this checkbox in case
startup the Print SCP Server is temporarily not required.
Secure
channel (SSL)
In case the SSL checkbox is checked, this connection has
to be configured in the 'Security Setup' pages.
Comments These comments are just for information.
Figure 86
The number of logical SCP printers is not limited. As each configured SCP
server consumes resources of the printer, use as little SCP servers as
possible. Rule of thumb: Define max. 4 logical printers.
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5.4.1.2
Hardcopy Application Manual
DICOM Host Profiles
W DICOM Ho
hen to use st Profiles:
• In cas age quality of images printed via DICOM (e.g.
• In case images c (e.g.
e of bad im
modality sends t
modality wants
but only in cas .
….
DD+DIS265.03E
aste LUT linear instead of Kanamori)
annot be printed due to a parameter mismatch
t
o print on clear base film instead of blue base film)
e the parameter cannot be changed at the modality
Figure 87
ICOM host profilesD are
a f the mo
) the AE title o dality
b) the logical printer se
Parameters sent from a modality can be overruled by checking the checkbox
before the corresponding parameter.
Before overruling any parameter, first check, whether it can be set at the
modality. Preferably ad !
It is also possible to define a ‘Site Profile’.
A site profile is valid for all hosts.
At the current time (February 2004) only the parameters ‘annotation’ and
‘Mammo Modality’ can be setup for all hosts.
depending on
tup
apt the setting at the modality
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F rs ca
ollowing paramete
F
igure 88, page 83:
Parameter Description
n be adjusted in the DICOM host profile page (refer to
Nickname:
Use this profile only
for incoming 'Calling
AE title'
Use this profile only
for local SCP
Servers:
Host profile type
Number of copies:
Enter the nickname (= name of the modality, how the
staff names it) of the host modality. The nickname is
only used for the queue display.
Enter the calling AE title of the host modality.
Mandatory! With this parameter the printer detects,
that it has to apply the parameter changes further
specified below.
Select the SCP server (i.e. logical printer), which
shall use this host profile.
Default: 'All'.
The logical printer is configured in the 'DICOM Print
SCP setup'.
No l printer is required. rmally only one logica
Refer to 5.4.1.1
A Host Profile Type is a profile that contains host
s pecific parameter values to ensure a proper printer
con certain Modality Type. nection for a
E xample: Selection 'Fuji Eyepix' sets the Perception
LUT to OEM011.
Th tion ese parameter settings are tested in coopera
with the respective modality manufacturer and
should not be changed.
Selecting the 'GENERIC-GENERIC' profile assigns
the default printer values to the parameters.
Fill in the desired number of film copies
Print Priority: Default = low. High corresponds to "emergency", i.e.
in case you set it to "high", the jobs from this
modality always will be set in front of the job queue.
Polarity: Select the desired polarity of the images on the film.
This entry can be used to invert the images of a
certain modality.
Film orientation: Select portrait or landscape
Trim
Film size ID Select the desired film size (e.g. 14x17”), to which
Medium Type:
Select whether or not a trim (small white frame)
should be displayed around the single images
the images should be mapped.
Select the medium type that is available at the
printer.
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Print even if Film
Size ID/Medium type
not supported:
Kernel:
Select, whether films have to be printed also in case
film size or film type are not supported by the printer.
Default is set to NO.
If set to ‘NO’:
If the customer sends a job to the printer with not
matching medium type/size, error: ‘'EDI18 Invalid
attribute value (DICOM 106)' is created.
If set to ‘yes’:
A matching algorithm prints the image on an
available film format. Refer to section ‘supported film
size’ in the corresponding Printer DICOM
Conformance Statement.
Defines the interpolation for image magnification. For
more info refer to 5.2.2
DD+DIS265.03E
Magnification:
Pixel size: The image pixel size can be entered as a ratio (pixel
Perception LUT Refer to 5.2.1
Kanamori like value Refer to 5.2.1
• None: one pixel from the modality corresponds to
one pixel on the film
• Max: the image is magnified as much as possible
(limits = image box)
• Custom: the image is magnified as many times
as specified
• Truesize: if the image 'pixel size' is known, true
size printing can be achieved.
If 'truesize' is selected, the pixel 'width' and
'height' needs to be filled in as an 'absolute'
value. (see 'Pixel Size')
Preferably use max. magnification.
aspect ratio) by entering a width and a height value
and not checking the 'Is Absolute' checkbox.
By checking the 'Is Absolute' checkbox, the values
are expressed in micrometer.
This is required if 'magnification = true size' is
selected.
Custom value
Illumination (cd/m2) Enter the luminance of the lightbox in ha cd/m². It s to
Page 78 Hardcopy Application Manual 2. March 2004
Defines in combination with ‘custom’ Perception LUT
the type of 'customized' Perception LUT: For several
modalities the Kanamori or Kanamori_like perception
LUT does not fit properly. These modalities require a
customized perception LUT. These customized
perception LUTs a mbered from 001 to 200. Sre nu ee
also 5.2.1.4.
be measured with a light meter (not yet an official
service tool). This value is used in combination with
Barten Hardcopy Transmission taste LUT.
Page 85
DD+DIS265.03E
Reflected Ambient
Light (cd/m2):
Border Density (OD
x100):
Empty Image
Density (OD x100)
Minimum Density
(OD x100):
Hardcopy Application Manual
Enter the diffuse reflection luminance of the viewing
area in cd/m², measured with a light meter (not yet
an official service tool). This value is used in
combination with Barten Hardcopy Reflection taste
LUT.
Enter the desired border density (i.e. density around
the images).
E.g. desired density = Dmax --> enter "black";
desired density = 2.8 enter "280".
Enter the desired density for an empty image.
E.g. desired density = Dmax --> enter "black";
desired density = 2.0 enter "200".
Enter the desired minimum density.
E.g. desired min. density = 0.2 enter "020".
Note: Dmin can not be below "fog level" (i.e. the
physical lower limit, usually around 0.2 O.D.)
Maximum Density
(OD x100):
Annotation 1 and 2:
Window/Level in %:
Image Orientation: Select the desired image orientation.
Conformance /
Status level:
Enter the desired maximum density.
E.g. desired max. density = 3.1 enter "310".
Note: Dmax can not be above Dmax, for which the
printer is calibrated.
Select 'none', 'site' (= the one defined in the Default
Dicom Site Profile) or 'custom' (the one defined here,
by pressing the "Edit custom" button). For more info
refer to 5.3.2
Select the desired window and level setting.
Note: Window/level never should be applied. This is
removing gray value information, what possibly
reduces image quality!
r stands for "rotation", m for "mirroring". The figure
behind represents the rotation in degree. (e.g. m270
= mirroring plus rotation 270°).
Two printer information levels are defined:
0 (default) = No warnings are returned. Only 'Failure'
status codes are activate. This means, that the
printer either returns 'normal' or 'failure' (e.g. if printer
is offline or film magazine empty) to the modality.
1 = Warnings are returned. Refer to DICOM
conformance status of the printer and the host
system. If the host system does not support 'status
level' 1, leave this parameter on default (= 0).
Required Setting Conformance Status level
'Failure' status codes are returned to the host 0
'warnings' are returned to the host. 1
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Nevent enabled: This parameter is used to enable/disable the use of
the asynchronous N-EVENT messages. Although,
conformance to the Basic Grayscale Print
Management Meta SOP Class defines that the NEVENT mechanism should be supported by the host
modality, this parameter can be used to disable the
N-EVENT if the host modality does not support it.
Default = disabled.
To say it in more practical words:
Æ if N-EVENT is implemented in the modality
- a customer could see on the user inter face if a
specific printer is ok and
has film before sending the job
- there is also a report sent back that the film is
printed successfully
Æ if N-EVENT is not implemented in the modality
if not implemented in the modality, N-EVENT
enabled could give error messages on the modality
and / or block the printing process.
In other words: Only set N-EVENT enabled, in case
the host modality does really support it. See DICOM
conformance statement of the modality to confirm.
Mammo Modality: Only applicable at Drystar 4500 M. Refer to note at
the end of this section.
Association Timeout
(sec):
Image Timeout
(sec):
Allow IMPLICIT VR
LITTLE ENDIAN:
Allow EXPLICIT VR
LITTLE ENDIAN):
Allow EXPLICIT VR
BIG ENDIAN:
Supported Abstract
Syntaxes
This is the timeout initiated by the printer when the
host modality does not send any association close
request. This parameter should only need to be set
in case the modality does not log-off.
Limits: 0 to 86.400 secs (= 24 h).
This parameter only should be set, if there are
frequent image transmission troubles, that cannot be
solved by other measures, like "check cabling, hub,
other network devices disturb network, host modality
network interface hangs up frequently etc."
Limits: 0 to 600 secs (= 10 minutes)
This enables the system configurator to avoid the
usage of the transfer syntax 'IMPLICIT VR LITTLE
ENDIAN', even if it is supported.
This enables the system configurator to avoid the
usage of the transfer syntax 'EXPLICIT VR LITTLE
ENDIAN', even if it is supported.
This enables the system configurator to avoid the
usage of the transfer syntax 'EXPLICIT VR BIG
ENDIAN', even if it is supported.
In general, this parameter defines which SOP
classes should be negotiated with the modality of
this user profile. Usually all displayed SOP classes
should be negotiated, as the LRDC supports all the
DD+DIS265.03E
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displayed SOP classes.
At Siemens modalities which operate on the socalled Syngo platform, the connectivity between the
printer and the Siemens modality experiences
problems when negotiating the Meta Color Print
SOP class (in that case the printerdestination
becomes unreachable after the first printjob sent
from the modality).
To resolve this problem with Siemens (Syngo based)
modalities deselect the
BASIC_COLOR_PM_META_SOP_CLASS in that
hostprofile, which was prepared specifically for this
Siemens (Syngo based) modality.
Enclosed the list of SOP classes the LRDC in
general supports:
BASIC_FILM_BOX_SOP_CLASS
BASIC_GREY_PM_META_SOP_CLASS
PRINT_QUEUE_MANAGEMENT_SOP_INSTANCE
PRINTER_SOP_CLASS
BASIC_COLOR_IMAGE_BOX_SOP_CLASS
BASIC_GREY_IMAGE_BOX_SOP_CLASS
BASIC_FILM_SESSION_SOP_CLASS
PRINT_JOB_SOP_CLASS
PRESENTATION_LUT_SOP_CLASS
BASIC_COLOR_PM_META_SOP_CLASS
BASIC_ANNOTATION_BOX_SOP_CLASS
VERIFICATION_SERVICE_CLASS
PRINT_QUEUE_MANAGEMENT_SOP_CLASS
Resolution Only adjustable at the LRDC (LR DICOM Controller):
The printer tells the LRDC at every bootup, which
resolution it can print (315 or 630 dpi). Depending on
the possible print resolution, the selection that can
be made here is fixed to 315 dpi (galvo printer) or
can be adjusted to 315 or 630 dpi (polygon printer).
The selection of 630 dpi gives a slightly better
sharpness and only little reduction in throughput.
Early processing
allowed:
Default this parameter is switched on.
The Drystar 5500 starts image processing already
when the first pixel data come in, to have higher
throughput.
In case the pixel data come slower than the Drystar
is processing its data, the Drystar gets a 'data
underrun': A film with incomplete pixel data will be
printed.
For modalities which send the image quite slow this
'early processing' can be switched off. This means,
in case a user profile is made for this 'slow modality',
the Drystar always waits up to 10 minutes (timeout),
until all pixel data are present. Then it starts
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processing and printing of the data.
If this parameter is unnecessarily switched off, the
throughput will slightly decrease.
Initial allocated
memory size per
printjob (MBytes)
This parameter defines the 'initially allocated
memory size' in the Drystar 5300
for a print job coming from the respective Host.
If, at the start of a printjob, the available memory is
lower than the 'initially allocated memory size', the
print job association will be rejected.
If, at the start of a printjob, the 'initially allocated
memory size' is available, then the printjob will be
accepted and spooling of the print job will start.
If the total amount of memory required for this
printjob is lower then the 'initially allocated memory
size', it's guaranteed that the complete print job will
be spooled. However, if the total amount of memory
required for this printjob exceeds the 'initially
allocated memory size', then it's not guaranteed that
this print job can be spooled completely. This will
depend on the amount of free memory at that
moment of time, and this depends on the amount of
prints jobs which are active (spooling) at that
moment of time. In practice this will mean that,
depending on the actual print load, print jobs that
exceed the 'initial allocated memory size' can be
completed successfully or not.
Remark: Increasing the 'initially allocated memory
size' can guarantee print job spooling for the
respective host, but will influence the print job
spooling for the other hosts.
DD+DIS265.03E
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DD+DIS265.03E
Hardcopy Application Manual
Figure 88: Host profile screen of a Drystar 5300
2. March 2004 Hardcopy Application Manual Page 83
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Hardcopy Application Manual
Note to parameter ‘Mammo Modality’:
Mammography specific settings
Main requirements for a digital
mammography printer:
• Dmax ≥ 3.6
• Resolution ≥ 10 line pairs per mm
(508 dpi)
• Images with black borders, to
have no stray light between the
images of the left and right breast.
Agfa has two printers for digital
mammography in its assortment: The
LR5200 and the Drystar 4500 M.
The only special setting for digital mammography printer is the
Dmax of ≥ 3.6.
This ensures that no dazzling light reduces the recognition of small particles
in the breast.
As the control of the Dmax is made by the modality, you only have to take
care that the printer is using the prop d for Dmax ≥ 3.6.
Black border printing at Dry
In case the host profile for a certain modality specifies, that the input modality
is a Mammo modality, the Drystar 4500 M has to print black borders.
To achieve the goal 'black borders' the implementation in the printer is as
follows:
1. A minimal clear border of approx. 1.1 mm is printed. Refer to Figure 90:
Mammography layout.
2. A 'chest wall recognition software' analyzes the image data and
determines the chest wall of the image (i.e. the opposite side of the
nipple). The 'chest wall' of the image will be printed towards the side of the
film with the minimal clear border.
star 4500 M
er film and is calibrate
Figure 89
DD+DIS265.03E
As the border is minimal, the corners of the film are partly blank, due to the
round edges of the film (otherwise the Drystar 4500 M would possibly print
Page 84 Hardcopy Application Manual 2. March 2004
on the film edge or the drum). This is what we call 'triangle corners are
blank'.
3. Before hanging the image at the lightbox, the customer is rotating the
image of the left breast again by 180°, and overlaps the two images
by > 1 mm, leading to a black border between the two images. Refer to
Figure 91.
Page 91
DD+DIS265.03E
1.1 mm
0.25 mm
Hardcopy Application Manual
2.5 mm
1.1 mm
2.5 mm
3.5 mm
3.6 mm
4672 pixel
8 x 10”
0.2 mm
Diagnostic
Area
3.6 mm
Diagnostic
1.0 mm
4.0 mm
4.0 mm
12 x 10”
5760 pixel
4672 pixel
2.0 mm
536302va.cdr
1.1 mm
2.5 mm
Area
3728 pixel
0.25 mm
Figure 90: Mammography layouts
Film 1
Printed 180° rotated
Film 2
R
L
Rotate 180° before
hanging at the lightbox
Lightbox
L
Figure 91
R
2. March 2004 Hardcopy Application Manual Page 85
Page 92
5.4.1.3 LPD Host Profiles
Hardcopy Application Manual
The 'LPD profiles screen' allows to ad
host supporting the LPD protocol (l
postscript (Postscript LEVEL 3), TIFF, JPEG an
For an explanation of the different para
corresponding printer web page.
The online help pages of each printer are also available in the MEDNET,
GSO library – hardcopy - <printer> - documentation section.
DD+DIS265.03E
just the parameters, that are sent from a
ine printer daemon). Image formats can be
d DCM (DICOM).
meters refer to the HELP pages of the
Figure 92: LPD profile screen of a Drystar 300 5
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DD+DIS265.03E
Hardcopy Application Manual
5.4.2 NVE program as Interface for Image Adjustments
NVE (Name Va
running on old g
only. It allow
lue Edit) is a program
eneration printers
s to change all available
parameters on command line level.
The usage and th
different paramet
e meaning of the
ers is described in
the NVF manual DD+DIS115.98E.
5.4.3 IMOS as Interface for Image Adjustments
IMOS (Image MOnito
rvice program which provides a
se
more user friendly us
NVE. It is a printer sp
running on the Wind
It is only required / available f
r Software) is a
er interface than
ecific program
ows service PC.
or the
old generation printers (Drystar 2000,
Drystar 3000, MG
3000, LR3300,
LR5200)
Figure 93
Figure 94
2. March 2004 Hardcopy Application Manual Page 87
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Hardcopy Application Manual
5.4.4 ser keypad as Interface for Image Adjustments
U
Keypad offers the possibility to The
change the most common image
parameters.
At
the old generation printers the
ad
justments only can be made at the
user keypad, not the local keypad.
DD+DIS265.03E
5.4.4.1 er Overview of Adjustments via Keypad and Brows
Only the most important DICOM host profile parameters can be changed via
key d. The browser allows to change all parameters.
pa
D OIC M Host Profile Parameter
Adjustable via
Browser
Nick name:
Use this pro
'Calling AE title'
file only for incoming
Use this profile only for local
SCP Servers:
Host profile type
Figure 95
Adjustable via
Keypad
Part of installation
wizard
Part of installation
wizard
Number
P
rint Priority:
Pola
F
ilm orientation:
T
rim
of copies:
rity:
Film size ID
Part of installation
wizard
Medium T
ype:
Part of installation
wizard
Print even if Film Size
ID/Medium type not supported:
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DD+DIS265.03E
Kernel:
Hardcopy Application Manual
Named ‘In
terpolation’
Magnification:
Pixel size:
Perception LUT
Kanamori like value
Custom value
Illumination (cd/m2)
Reflected Ambient Light
(cd/m2):
Border Density (OD x1
Empty Image Density (OD x100)
Minimum Density (OD x100):
Maximum Density (OD x100):
Ann tation 1 and 2: o
W din ow/Level in %:
Image Orientation:
00):
Named ‘Loo k-up
table’
Conformance / Status level:
Nevent enabled:
Mammo Modality:
Association Timeout (sec):
Image Timeout (sec):
Allow IMPLICIT VR LITTLE
ENDIAN:
Allow EXPLICIT VR LITTLE
ENDIAN):
Allow EXPLICIT VR BIG
ENDIAN:
Supported Abstract Syntaxes
Resolution
Early processing allowed:
Initial allocated memory size per
printjob (MBytes)
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Hardcopy Application Manual
6 Image
→ Image quality control has the goal to check the image quality constancy.
→ It is carried out by the customers.
According to national regulations it may also be possible, that image quality
control has to be carried out after installation, repair or maintenance.
Local regulations may determine additional quality control checks.
At Agfa hardcopy printers in general two different approaches regarding
quality control can be distinguished:
Short characterization of both approaches:
IEC1223-2-4
• Based on the evaluation of the
• Base line values have to be
• Values have to be measured
• The values have to be in certain
Quality Control
• Image quality control according to IEC1223-2-4
• Image quality control according to Mammography Quality Standard Act
(MQSA) of the FDA (Food and Drug Administration)
SMPTE test pattern
generated after installation
again daily, weekly, annual and
after major repairs
limits
DD+DIS265.03E
MQSA
• Based on an Agfa own QC
testpattern, based on gu idelines
of the FDA
• Base line values have to be
generated after installation
• Values have to be measured
again daily, weekly, annual and
after major repairs
• The values have to be in certain
limits
Figure 96
Figure 97
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DD+DIS265.03E
The table enclosed lists the printers and corresponding type of image quality
ontrol:
c
Printer QC according Comment Ref to … er
Hardcopy Application Manual
LR3300 / 5200 IEC1223-2-4 SMPTE test image has to be provided by
modality or LR DICOM Controller (if available)
Drystar 2000 IEC1223-2-4 -- 6.1
Drystar 3000 IEC1223-2-4 The step by step QC procedure is described in
the latest Drystar 3000 reference manual.
Drystar 4500 Similar MQSA* Implemented as of software release 3.0 6.1
Drystar 4500 M MQSA The step by step QC procedure is described in
the Drystar 4500 M reference manual.
Drystar 5500 Similar MQSA* Implemented as of software release 3.0 6.1
Drystar 5300 Similar MQSA* Implemented as of software release 1.8. 6.2
Table 3
6.1 Q ding to IEC1223-2-4
uality control accor
When to be carried out:
• At installation
• In case of exc
• Usage of other film type or film batch
• In any case once a week (at a
after switch on of the printer)
case of variations every day (at a certain time of the day, i.e. a certain
• In
after switch on of the printer)
time
hange of imaging components (Laser, TH etc.)
certain time of the day, i.e. a certain time
6.1
6.1
6.2
Whi
ch tests have to be done?
1) n
Grey scale reproductio
2) e
Geometry of the imag
3) Spatial resolution and low contrast resolution
4) Image stability and
5) image artifacts
Description of the tests:
In general for the tests a SMPTE testimage has to be provided. In case this is
not possible, internal testimages providing the possibility for the same
measurements can be used.
2. March 2004 Hardcopy Application Manual Page 91
Page 98
B
Hardcopy Application Manual
1 ) Grey scale reproduction
1
Dmin < 0.25
Dmax > 2.3
DD+DIS265.03E
2
Dmin + 0.2
Dmin + 1.0
Dmin + 1.75
+/- 0.05
+/- 0.15
+/- 0.2
Figure 98
Note 1: In case the SMPTE image cannot be provided at the modality side,
the sensitometry testfilm also can be used for this test.
Note 2: In the example above the 70%, 50% and 30 re used for % squares a
measurement. Depending on the whole imaging chain, other squares may
r
epresent the Dmin + 0.2 and 1.0 and 1.75 densities.
2) Ge
ometry of the image
Deviation of values A, F, B and
values C, E, D from each other may
not exceed 1%.
Or in
other words: A = F = B
and C
= E = D
C
E
A
Page 92 Hardcopy Application Manual 2. March 2004
F
Figure 99
D
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DD+DIS265.03E
Hardcopy Application Manual
3) Spatial resolution and low contrast resolution
At Fields 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 the horizontal
and vertical lines must be visible.
At Fields 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 the horizontal
and vertical lines must not explicitly
be visible, but the result must be
documented.
1
6
8
3
9
4
4) Image stability
At testpoints E1, E2, E3, E4 and M1
deviations of +/- 0.1 within one image
may not be exceeded.
) Image artifacts
5
To judge image artifacts a flat field
ith density 1.2 +/- 0.3 should be
w
used.
Look for:
• Scratches
• Horizontal or vertical line
structures
•
Discharge effects
• In general: Image
inhomogeneities
2
E1
E3
7
Figure 100
Figure 101
Figure 102
M1
10
5
E2
E4
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Hardcopy Application Manual
6.2 Image g to MQSA
Drystar 4500 also use the Image Quality 5300, Drystar 5500 and Drystar
Contro A. The valid limits however are less l procedure as described by MQS
stringe .
The de bed in the reference manual of the tailed procedure is descri
corresp star 4500 M). onding printer (e.g. Dry
Here o ps is provided.
The MQ
Standa
procedure can be divided in following
3
After installation, all 3 tests have
be a
quality control accordin
nd than for Drystar 4500 M
nly an overview of the QC ste
SA (Mammography Quality
rd Act) quality control
different procedures:
1. Density stability check (daily)
2. Spatial resolution and image
artifacts check (weekly)
3. Image geometry check (annually)
to
m de and documented.
• T
he density stability check is
initiated at the local keypad.
• The QC film is measured by the
internal MDM – the values are
calculated and displayed for
recording on paper.
• The lower part of the QC test
image is used for the weekly
‘Spatial resolution and image
artifacts check’ as well as for
the annual ‘Image geometry’
check.
• The result of all checks is
entered in Quality Control
Charts, which are available at
the end of the printer reference
manual.
DD+DIS265.03E
Figure 103
Figure 104
Page 94 Hardcopy Application Manual 2. March 2004
Figure 105
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