Image Quality Indicator(s) and Software for Computed Radiography (CR)

ABSTRACT: This Phase I project will be a feasibility study to develop a standard method, new image quality indicators (IQI"s) and software algorithms to automatically verify computed radiography (CR) image quality for nondestructive testing (NDT) of military airframes. Compared to existing IQI"s, the new IQI"s will more comprehensively measure the image quality by measuring more aspects with one exposure. Limitations of existing methods include a subjective, and thereby inconsistent, determination of image quality, and an inability to comprehensively measure image quality of every radiographic exposure due to the inordinate person-power that is necessary. The software algorithms will make image quality evaluations objective and automated so that these inconsistency and person-power issues will be remedied. The Phase I project will involve fabrication and testing of the new IQI"s, and development and proof-of-principle demonstration of the first software algorithms. In Phase II the IQI"s will be further developed, and a comprehensive and self-contained version of the software product will be developed and deployed at the United States Air Force Air Logistics Center. A commercial product line that includes the IQI"s and software will be developed in Phase III. BENEFIT: For military aircraft the new methods, IQI's and software will eliminate subjectivity and inconsistencies in radiograph image quality verifications. They will enable the capability to measure image quality of radiographs more often as a routine procedure. A market exists for providing the IQI's and software to military and commercial aircraft manufacturers, their suppliers, their customers and many other industries that use CR for NDT.