Comparative evaluation of image quality between virtual grid and grid portable radiographic systems

Purpose. Virtual Grid (VG) is an image processing technique designed to address scattered radiation from radiographic systems without a physical grid. It aims to eliminate artifacts caused by grid misalignment and enhance radiographic workflow efficiency. We intend to evaluate image quality between Virtual Grid and grid-based radiographic systems across various patient thicknesses.Methods. A Fujifilm Virtual Grid and GE AMX-4 portable radiographic system was used. Image quality was assessed using MTF, NPS, LCR, and CNR. MTF calculations employed an edge-device method with a 0.1 mmCu sheet. For NPS evaluation, uniform images were acquired with multiple 30 × 30 cm solid water blocks (2 cm thick), overlaid in 2 cm increments to simulate patient sizes from 2cm to 40 cm. LCR and CNR were evaluated using a CIRS test plate with 9-hole depths for a hole diameter of 0.375'. The test object was placed on top of the detector then water blocks, while maintaining the same SID, beam quality, and exposure between the units. Visual assessments were conducted by four readers, quantifying perceived hole numbers. The weighted Cohen's Kappa and Welch's T-test were utilized for statistical analysis.Results. At 80% MTF, VG exhibited high contrast resolution of 1.1 l p/mm compared to 1.2 l p/mm for the grid system. VG demonstrated lower noise levels across all frequencies for equivalent patient thicknesses. Welch's T-test indicated no significant differences in LCR (P = 0.31) and CNR (P = 0.34) between the systems. However, qualitative observation demonstrated VG's better low contrast response for patient sizes ≥10 cm. The average weighted Cohen's Kappa value was 0.78.Conclusion. This work indicates the Virtual Grid technology can effectively mitigate scattered radiation to improve granularity and low-contrast resolution in an image compared to a grid system. Furthermore, it can potentially reduce patient dose.