U N I V E R S I T Y O F G U YA N A

H E A LT H
S C I E N C E S F A C U LT Y
BMI2102
IMAGING PROCEDURES 1
TOPIC: IMAGE
UNSHARPNESS
L E C T U R E R : R AY N E L L G O R D O N
PRESENTER: MIRACLE CAMBRIDGE
OBJECTIVES

• Define the term Image Unsharpness.

• State the factors which contribute to Image Unsharpness.

• Discuss the types of Radiographic Unsharpness, their causes and how they
can be reduced.
TERMS TO NOTE:

• Image Sharpness- The clarity of the edge or the outline of a structure in a

diagnostic image. Image sharpness is a contributing factor to the quality of
a radiographic image, determined by spatial resolution.
• Spatial Resolution- is referred to the number of pixels utilized in
construction of a digital image.

• Source to image receptor distance(SID)- The distance between the x-ray

tube and the image receptor,

• Object to image receptor distance(OID)- The distance between the area

under examination and the image receptor.
 WHAT IS IMAGE UNSHARPNESS?

•Image unsharpness is defined

as the loss of spatial resolution
in a radiographic image.
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO IMAGE
UNSHARPNESS
• Geometry (Ug)
• Photographic/ Acquisition
factors(Up)
• Movement (Um)
• Absorption (inherent factors)(Ua)
• Geometric Unsharpness- refers to the • There are three principle factors that play
loss of definition that is the result of simultaneously: Source size/focal spot size,
geometric factors of the radiographic SID(Source-to-Image
equipment and setup. Is caused by Distance and OID(Object-to-Image
aspects of geometry of the x-ray beam. Distance). How geometric unsharpness can
be reduced. geometric
 RADIOGRAPHIC UNSHARPNESS

Photographic Unsharpness - is the result of the detector system employed. Every

detector type has a limiting factor which determines its maximum spatial
resolution.
• Example: Reflective screen
• Film Crystals size
• Duplitised screen (emulsion)
 MOTION UNSHARPNESS

• Voluntary: referred to as motion that is under conscious control of the will.

• Involuntary: motion attributed to the physiological action of the of the body.
• Movements of organs or the patient as a whole can affect the out come of
the final image, this changes is referred to as motional Unsharpness: Um
Factors that can prevent movement
• Explanation of the procedure to the patient
• Immobilization of the part.
• Reduction of exposure time
 REFERENCE

• Ballinger, W. P., & Frank, D. E. ( 2003). Merrill’s Atlas Radiographic

positions & Radiologic procedures ( 10th ed.) Philadelphia, USA.