[Digital luminescence radiography . 2: Technical implementation and clinical application--future developments]

In the previously published Part 1 of this paper the basic principle of digital luminescence radiography (DLR) was presented and the technical implementation of the data acquisition system with its advantages and disadvantages as compared with conventional radiography were described [3]. Part 2 covers processing, display, archiving and communication of image data; in addition, suggestions for future improvements in the technique are made. Image processing research is directed towards optimal presentation of the detected data by spatial frequency filtering with unsharp masking and by gradation enhancement. Additional information can be acquired by means of dual energy investigations. The image is displayed on either monitor or transparent X-ray film. Picture archiving requires large storage capacities, and picture communication needs fast transfer rates. At present, about 450 installations for digital luminescence radiography are in clinical use worldwide. Routine use can be expected when technical improvements have been implemented.