BACKGROUND OF STUDY
INTRODUCTION
Radiographic viewing box is an illuminator use in viewing radiographs. Proper viewing conditions are very important when interpreting a radiograph. The viewing condition can enhance or degrade the subtle detail of the radiograph 14 9
Since the discovery of x-ray in 1895 by William roentgen in Germany, many x-ray equipment and accessories have evolved, all aiming at proper radiation protection and adequate diagnosis of illnesses. Among these inventions are the x-ray illuminators, which play an important role in film viewing, perception and interpretation of visible images.
Unfortunately, conventional x-ray illuminators lack recharge ability which is a factor that has been limiting its use in the event of power failure.
The aim of this project is to construct a battery powered dual face radiographic viewing box with rotatable neck and adjustable stand that alleviates the cumbersomeness of carrying a table to a long distance for viewing of radiographs.
This illuminator will improve grade performance and produce clear images for more simplified accurate diagnosis, although the x-ray viewing box is locally constructed but it will be international standard with many features like momentary start switch standard, internal ventilation with a fan high luster white color coat finish, quality steel material and will accommodate all kinds of x-rays without occupying too much space.
The average luminance is a better indicator of the viewing box luminance than the central luminance. This is confirmed by the greater standard deviation in the mean central luminance than the standard for the mean average luminance 12
For the development of world class Medical X-Ray Illuminators (View Box), we possess a robust infrastructure, which is spread over a vast area. It includes a design studio and a manufacturing unit that work together to ensure slimmest designs and high performance of our illuminators. All the components used in the fabrication process are sourced from quality conscious vendors. Our infrastructure also includes a quality testing facility, wherein the finished products are tested for their quality.
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
PURPOSE OF STUDY
SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY
SCOPE OF STUDY
This construction of battery powered dual face radiographic viewing box with rotatable neck and adjustable stand was carried out within Enugu metropolis.
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Smith Notthellen JA invented an x-ray illuminator with a means of varying the degrees of light intensity of illumination and equally a device for cooling excessive heat generated by the illuminator. But this invention has the disadvantage of being costly, bulky and complex.1
G Blackshaw et al examines the relative intensities of hospital lights sources and to compare these with the light intensities guidelines (1500 to 3000 candelas) of the British institute radiology. They found that only two light sources approached the British institute of Radiology light intensity x-ray viewing criteria: the x-ray viewing boxes of consultants radio logistics with a meridian light intensity of 3503 candelas and daylight from north facing windows with a meridian of 1464 candelas when overcast and 4669 candelas in sunshine.2
Thus Shoenfeld, Norman .A, developed a digital work station which can be used in a radiology laboratory with x-ray illuminators on an upper shelf for viewing traditional x-ray films and computer for example cathode ray tubes (TV monitor), at a lower shelf for viewing digitized x-ray images.3
Maxwell .A et al conducts a research of a statistically significant number of clinically important features are missed when radiographers are interpreted by holding an x-ray film up against the windows when compared with using an x-ray viewing box. These findings are most probably accounted for by a quantifiable difference in light intensity.4
Moreso, a locally made illumination box was produced by Etta P. Etta in his project where he aimed at encouraging an indigenously constructed x-ray illuminator box that will be cheaper than foreign made ones but still meet foreign standard. his construction like some foreign made ones is bulky and lacks a handle for easy carriage and also rough in appearance.5
Takao, Mitsunori et al invented a rechargeable battery charging circuit which sets supplemental charging capacity according to ambient temperature. in his inventions, he claimed that the amount of supplementary charging is increase at low ambient temperature and decrease at high ambient temperature with circuits each for supplementary charging with sensor for temperature monitoring and primary rapid charging.6
The new York rechargeable battery law on why rechargeable batteries? states, “Compared to single-use batteries, rechargeable batteries reduce waste.7
Subsequently, Yen-His Lin invented a controlling circuit for longtime battery retention which automatically disconnects a rechargeable battery with a protection circuit when the rechargeable is not used thus ensuring long time retention of power.8
Nanoscale rechargeable batteries were later invented by Nancy, Stauffer which have the advantage of charging up the batteries in five minutes in order to achieve higher battery performance.9
Thus, Martin Thompson, added, “power cuts are a chronic problem in Nigeria, holding back economic growth and discouraging investment in industry because company face additional cost of providing their own electricity.10
Samuel .L.A. et al invented a box structure having a light source and a light transmission panel on the front to receive x-ray film thereon for viewing with back- light illumination is provided with a horizontal cross bar detachable secured across the light transmission panel at a predeterminal vertical position to divide the viewing screen into upper and lower viewing areas .11
John M. Herron et al Examine the combined effects of image resolution and display luminance on observer performance for detecting of abnormalities depicted on posteroanterior chest radiograph. They use a total of 529 radiograph which are displayed on a specially constructed view box at three illuminance (770,260,and 85cd/m
2
) and resolution (100um
,200um
and 400um
pixel). The image was reviewed nine times and show a result of receiver operating characteristics curve indicating that the effect of image luminance was greater than that of resolution. The salient feature of the view box was the ability to vary and maintain the illumination at three distinct luminance levels. This was accomplished by reducing the current to each lamp and maintaining the selected luminance with optical feedback.12
Chesney’s radiographic Imaging sixth Edition states that : it is vital, therefore, to place a great deal of importance on providing quality viewing equipment when planning imaging departments. No matter how good the quality of a giving film image, all the effort and skill expanded in producing it will be wasted unless the conditions under which it is viewed are satisfactory.
13
14
T Nyathi et al Measure the luminance level of X-ray viewing boxes and ambient lighting levels in reporting rooms as
a quality assurance procedure, and to compare the results with those recommended by the Directorate of Radiation
Control, South Africa (DRC), European Commission (EC) and Nordic Radiation Protection Co-operation (NORDIC). The mean average luminance was 1026.75 } 548.65 cd m-2 and 3284.38 327.91 cd m-2 at the Division of
Radiology and Division of Radiation Oncology respectively. 15