EP1385049A1 - Asymmetrischer radiographischer Film zur Mammographie und Verfahren für dessen Entwicklung - Google Patents

Asymmetrischer radiographischer Film zur Mammographie und Verfahren für dessen Entwicklung Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1385049A1
EP1385049A1 EP03077193A EP03077193A EP1385049A1 EP 1385049 A1 EP1385049 A1 EP 1385049A1 EP 03077193 A EP03077193 A EP 03077193A EP 03077193 A EP03077193 A EP 03077193A EP 1385049 A1 EP1385049 A1 EP 1385049A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
silver halide
halide emulsion
emulsion layer
radiographic
film
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP03077193A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1385049B1 (de
Inventor
Robert E. c/o EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY Dickerson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Carestream Health Inc
Original Assignee
Eastman Kodak Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US10/431,314 external-priority patent/US6680154B1/en
Application filed by Eastman Kodak Co filed Critical Eastman Kodak Co
Publication of EP1385049A1 publication Critical patent/EP1385049A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1385049B1 publication Critical patent/EP1385049B1/de
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03C—PHOTOSENSITIVE MATERIALS FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC PURPOSES; PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES, e.g. CINE, X-RAY, COLOUR, STEREO-PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES; AUXILIARY PROCESSES IN PHOTOGRAPHY
    • G03C5/00—Photographic processes or agents therefor; Regeneration of such processing agents
    • G03C5/16—X-ray, infrared, or ultraviolet ray processes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03C—PHOTOSENSITIVE MATERIALS FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC PURPOSES; PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES, e.g. CINE, X-RAY, COLOUR, STEREO-PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES; AUXILIARY PROCESSES IN PHOTOGRAPHY
    • G03C1/00—Photosensitive materials
    • G03C1/005—Silver halide emulsions; Preparation thereof; Physical treatment thereof; Incorporation of additives therein
    • G03C1/0051—Tabular grain emulsions
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03C—PHOTOSENSITIVE MATERIALS FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC PURPOSES; PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES, e.g. CINE, X-RAY, COLOUR, STEREO-PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES; AUXILIARY PROCESSES IN PHOTOGRAPHY
    • G03C1/00—Photosensitive materials
    • G03C1/005—Silver halide emulsions; Preparation thereof; Physical treatment thereof; Incorporation of additives therein
    • G03C1/46—Silver halide emulsions; Preparation thereof; Physical treatment thereof; Incorporation of additives therein having more than one photosensitive layer
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03C—PHOTOSENSITIVE MATERIALS FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC PURPOSES; PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES, e.g. CINE, X-RAY, COLOUR, STEREO-PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES; AUXILIARY PROCESSES IN PHOTOGRAPHY
    • G03C1/00—Photosensitive materials
    • G03C1/76—Photosensitive materials characterised by the base or auxiliary layers
    • G03C1/825—Photosensitive materials characterised by the base or auxiliary layers characterised by antireflection means or visible-light filtering means, e.g. antihalation
    • G03C1/83—Organic dyestuffs therefor
    • G03C1/832—Methine or polymethine dyes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03C—PHOTOSENSITIVE MATERIALS FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC PURPOSES; PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES, e.g. CINE, X-RAY, COLOUR, STEREO-PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES; AUXILIARY PROCESSES IN PHOTOGRAPHY
    • G03C1/00—Photosensitive materials
    • G03C1/005—Silver halide emulsions; Preparation thereof; Physical treatment thereof; Incorporation of additives therein
    • G03C1/035—Silver halide emulsions; Preparation thereof; Physical treatment thereof; Incorporation of additives therein characterised by the crystal form or composition, e.g. mixed grain
    • G03C2001/03541—Cubic grains
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03C—PHOTOSENSITIVE MATERIALS FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC PURPOSES; PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES, e.g. CINE, X-RAY, COLOUR, STEREO-PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES; AUXILIARY PROCESSES IN PHOTOGRAPHY
    • G03C7/00—Multicolour photographic processes or agents therefor; Regeneration of such processing agents; Photosensitive materials for multicolour processes
    • G03C7/30—Colour processes using colour-coupling substances; Materials therefor; Preparing or processing such materials
    • G03C7/3022—Materials with specific emulsion characteristics, e.g. thickness of the layers, silver content, shape of AgX grains
    • G03C2007/3025—Silver content
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03C—PHOTOSENSITIVE MATERIALS FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC PURPOSES; PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES, e.g. CINE, X-RAY, COLOUR, STEREO-PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES; AUXILIARY PROCESSES IN PHOTOGRAPHY
    • G03C7/00—Multicolour photographic processes or agents therefor; Regeneration of such processing agents; Photosensitive materials for multicolour processes
    • G03C7/30—Colour processes using colour-coupling substances; Materials therefor; Preparing or processing such materials
    • G03C7/3022—Materials with specific emulsion characteristics, e.g. thickness of the layers, silver content, shape of AgX grains
    • G03C2007/3027—Thickness of a layer
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03C—PHOTOSENSITIVE MATERIALS FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC PURPOSES; PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES, e.g. CINE, X-RAY, COLOUR, STEREO-PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES; AUXILIARY PROCESSES IN PHOTOGRAPHY
    • G03C2200/00—Details
    • G03C2200/52—Rapid processing
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03C—PHOTOSENSITIVE MATERIALS FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC PURPOSES; PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES, e.g. CINE, X-RAY, COLOUR, STEREO-PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES; AUXILIARY PROCESSES IN PHOTOGRAPHY
    • G03C5/00—Photographic processes or agents therefor; Regeneration of such processing agents
    • G03C5/16—X-ray, infrared, or ultraviolet ray processes
    • G03C5/17—X-ray, infrared, or ultraviolet ray processes using screens to intensify X-ray images
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03C—PHOTOSENSITIVE MATERIALS FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC PURPOSES; PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES, e.g. CINE, X-RAY, COLOUR, STEREO-PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES; AUXILIARY PROCESSES IN PHOTOGRAPHY
    • G03C5/00—Photographic processes or agents therefor; Regeneration of such processing agents
    • G03C5/26—Processes using silver-salt-containing photosensitive materials or agents therefor

Definitions

  • This invention is directed to radiography.
  • it is directed to an asymmetric radiographic silver halide film that provides improved medical diagnostic images of soft tissues such as in mammography.
  • the object is to obtain an image of a patient's internal anatomy with as little X-radiation exposure as possible.
  • the fastest imaging speeds are realized by mounting a dual-coated radiographic element between a pair of fluorescent intensifying screens for imagewise exposure. 5% or less of the exposing X-radiation passing through the patient is adsorbed directly by the latent image forming silver halide emulsion layers within the dual-coated radiographic element. Most of the X-radiation that participates in image formation is absorbed by phosphor particles within the fluorescent screens. This stimulates light emission that is more readily absorbed by the silver halide emulsion layers of the radiographic element.
  • radiographic element constructions for medical diagnostic purposes are provided by U. S. Patent 4,425,425 (Abbott et al.) and U.S. Patent 4,425,426 (Abbott et al.), U.S. Patent 4,414,310 (Dickerson), U.S. Patent 4,803,150 (Kelly et al.), U.S. Patent 4,900,652 (Kelly et al.), U.S. Patent 5,252,442 (Tsaur et al.), and Research Disclosure, Vol. 184, August 1979, Item 18431.
  • Mammography film generally contains a single silver halide emulsion layer and is exposed by a single intensifying screen, usually interposed between the film and the source of X-radiation. Mammography utilizes low energy X-radiation, that is radiation predominantly of an energy level less than 40 keV.
  • U.S. Patent 6,033,840 (Dickerson) and U.S. Patent 6,037,112 (Dickerson) describe asymmetric imaging elements and processing methods for imaging soft tissue.
  • mammography As in many forms of soft tissue radiography, pathological features that are to be identified are often quite small and not much different in density than surrounding healthy tissue. Thus, relatively high average contrast, in the range of from 2.5 to 3.5, over a density range of from 0.25 to 2.0 is typical. Limiting X-radiation energy levels increases the absorption of the X-radiation by the intensifying screen and minimizes X-radiation exposure of the film, which can contribute to loss of image sharpness and contrast. Thus, mammography is a very difficult task in medical radiography. In addition, microcalcifications must be seen when they are as small as possible to improve early detection and treatment of breast cancers. As a result, there is desire to improve the image quality of mammography films by increasing image sharpness.
  • This invention provides an improved radiographic silver halide film comprising a support having first and second major surfaces and that is capable of transmitting X-radiation,
  • This invention also provides a radiographic imaging assembly comprising a radiographic silver halide film of this invention that is arranged in association with a fluorescent intensifying screen.
  • this invention provides a method of providing a black-and-white image comprising exposing a radiographic silver halide film of this invention and processing it, sequentially, with a black-and-white developing composition and a fixing composition, the processing being carried out within 90 seconds, dry-to-dry.
  • the present invention provides a means for providing radiographic images for mammography exhibiting improved image quality by providing images of improved sharpness due to reduced crossover (for example, less than 10%) of light transmitted through the support to the backside silver halide emulsion when the film is exposed using a single fluorescent intensifying screen on one side of the film (the frontside).
  • the asymmetric radiographic film can be rapidly processed in the same conventional processing equipment and compositions.
  • emulsion layers in the radiographic film.
  • On the frontside are two cubic grain emulsions, the emulsion layer closer to the support also comprising crossover control agent to reduce crossover through the support.
  • the single backside emulsion includes tabular silver halide grains, and an antihalation layer is disposed over the backside emulsion layer.
  • the two cubic grain emulsion layers are different in thickness with the emulsion layer closer to the support being thinner than the other cubic grain emulsion layer and containing a crossover control agent.
  • FIG.1 is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of a radiographic silver halide film of this invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of a radiographic imaging assembly of this invention comprising a radiographic film of this invention arranged in association with a single fluorescent intensifying screen in a cassette holder.
  • contrast indicates the average contrast derived from a characteristic curve of a radiographic film using as a first reference point (1) a density (D 1 ) of 0.25 above minimum density and as a second reference point (2) a density (D 2 ) of 2.0 above minimum density, where contrast is ⁇ D (i.e. 1.75) ⁇ ⁇ log 10 E (log 10 E 2 - log 10 E 1 ), E 1 and E 2 being the exposure levels at the reference points (1) and (2).
  • “Gamma” is described as the instantaneous rate of change of a D logE sensitometric curve or the instantaneous contrast at any logE value.
  • Photographic speed for the radiographic films refers to the exposure necessary to obtain a density of at least 1.0 plus D min .
  • rapid access processing is employed to indicate dry-to-dry processing of a radiographic film in 45 seconds or less. That is, 45 seconds or less elapse from the time a dry imagewise exposed radiographic film enters a wet processor until it emerges as a dry fully processed film.
  • the halides are named in order of ascending molar concentrations.
  • ECD equivalent circular diameter
  • COV coefficient of variation
  • covering power is used to indicate 100 times the ratio of maximum density to developed silver measured in mg/dm 2 .
  • crossover refers to the % transmission of light determined using the measurement technique described in the Example below. This definition of “crossover” may not be the same as that used in other patent literature.
  • dual-coated is used to define a radiographic film having silver halide emulsion layers disposed on both the front- and backsides of the support.
  • the radiographic silver halide films of the present invention are “dual-coated.”
  • radiographic films of the present invention are "asymmetric" meaning that they have different emulsions on opposite sides of the support.
  • fluorescent intensifying screen refers to a screen that absorbs X-radiation and emits light.
  • a “prompt” emitting fluorescent intensifying screen will emit light immediately upon exposure to radiation while “storage” fluorescent screen can "store” the exposing X-radiation for emission at a later time when the screen is irradiated with other radiation (usually visible light).
  • front and back refer to layers, films, or fluorescent intensifying screens nearer to and farther from, respectively, the source of X-radiation.
  • the radiographic silver halide films of this invention include a flexible support having disposed on both sides thereof, photographic silver halide emulsion layers, antihalation layers, and optionally one or more other non-radiation sensitive hydrophilic layer(s).
  • the silver halide emulsions in the various layers are defined below.
  • the photographic silver halide film has a protective overcoat (described below) over the silver halide emulsions and other layers on each side of the support.
  • the support can take the form of any conventional radiographic film support that is X-radiation and light transmissive.
  • Useful supports for the films of this invention can be chosen from among those described in Research Disclosure, September 1996, Item 38957 XV. Supports and Research Disclosure, Vol. 184, August 1979, Item 18431, XII. Film Supports.
  • the support is preferably a transparent film support.
  • the transparent film support consists of a transparent film chosen to allow direct adhesion of the hydrophilic silver halide emulsion layers or other hydrophilic layers. More commonly, the transparent film is itself hydrophobic and subbing layers are coated on the film to facilitate adhesion of the hydrophilic silver halide emulsion layers.
  • the film support is either colorless or blue tinted (tinting dye being present in one or both of the support film and the subbing layers).
  • Polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene naphthalate are the preferred transparent film support materials.
  • At least one non-light sensitive hydrophilic layer is included with the silver halide emulsion layers on each side of the film support. This layer may be called an interlayer or overcoat, or both.
  • the silver halide emulsion layers comprise one or more types of silver halide grains responsive to X-radiation.
  • First and second silver halide emulsion layers are disposed on the frontside of the support and comprise one or more of the same or different silver halides.
  • both first and second silver halide emulsion layers comprise predominantly (at least 80 mol %) silver bromide grains based on total silver in each emulsion layer.
  • at least 90 mol % of the silver halide grains in both frontside layers comprise silver bromide, based on total silver in a given emulsion layer.
  • Such emulsions include silver halide grains composed of, for example, silver bromide, silver bromochloride, silver iodobromochloride, and silver bromoiodochloride.
  • Iodide is generally limited to no more than 2 mol % (based on total silver in each emulsion layer) to facilitate more rapid processing.
  • iodide is from 0.5 to 1.5 mol % (based on total silver in each emulsion layer) or eliminated entirely from the grains.
  • the silver halide grains in each frontside silver halide emulsion layer can be the same or different, or mixtures of different types of grains.
  • the silver halide grains used in each frontside emulsion layers are predominantly (at least 50 weight %) cubic grains with the remainder of the grains having any desirable other morphology.
  • at least 90 weight % of the grains in each frontside silver halide emulsion layer have cubic morphology.
  • each frontside emulsion layer that exhibit a coefficient of variation (COV) of grain ECD of less than 20% and, preferably, less than 10%.
  • COV coefficient of variation
  • the average silver halide grain size can vary within each frontside silver halide emulsion layer.
  • the average grain size in each frontside silver halide emulsion is independently and generally from 0.8 to 0.9 ⁇ m.
  • the two frontside silver halide emulsion layers preferably are of different thickness. It is preferable that the outermost emulsion layer be thicker than the emulsion layer closer to the support (greater than 1:1 dry unprocessed thickness ratio) and the dry unprocessed thickness ratio of the first to the second emulsion layer is preferably from 4:1 to 2:1. These thickness evaluations are made of the film before it is processed with processing solutions.
  • the silver halide emulsion layer closer to the support comprises one or more "crossover control agents" that are present in sufficient amounts to reduce light transmitted through the support to the backside layers to less than 10% and preferably less than 8%.
  • Crossover is measured in the practice of this invention as noted in the Example below.
  • Useful crossover control agents are well known in the art and include one or more compounds that provide a total density of at least 0.3 (preferably at least 0.45) and up to 0.9 at a preferred wavelength of 545 nm and that are disposed on a transparent support. The density can be measured using a standard densitometer (using "visual status").
  • the amount of crossover control agent in the "second" silver halide emulsion layer will vary depending upon the strength of absorption of the given compound(s), but for most pigments and dyes, the amount is generally from 25 to 150 mg/m 2 (preferably from 54 mg to 110mg/m 2 ).
  • crossover control agents must be substantially removed within 90 seconds (preferably with 45 seconds) during processing (generally during development).
  • substantially means that the crossover control agent remaining in the film after processing provides no more than 0.05 optical density as measured using a conventional sensitometer. Removal of the crossover control agents can be achieved by their migration out of the film, but preferably, they are not physically removed but are decolorized during processing.
  • Pigments and dyes that can be used as crossover control agents include various water-soluble, liquid crystalline, or particulate magenta or yellow filter dyes or pigments including those described for example in U.S. Patent 4,803,150 (Dickerson et al.), U.S. Patent 5,213,956 (Diehl et al.), U.S. Patent 5,399,690 (Diehl et al.), U.S. Patent 5,922,523 (Helber et al.), U.S. Patent 6,214,499 (Helber et al.), and Japanese Kokai 2-123349.
  • One useful class of particulate dyes useful as crossover control agents includes nonionic polymethine dyes such as merocyanine, oxonol, hemioxonol, styryl, and arylidene dyes as described in U.S. Patent 4,803,150 (noted above).
  • the magenta merocyanine and oxonol dyes are preferred and the oxonol dyes are most preferred.
  • magenta oxonol dye that can be used as a crossover control agent is the following compound M- 1:
  • the backside ("third") silver halide emulsion layer comprises different silver halide grains.
  • at least 50% (and preferably at least 80%) of the silver halide grain projected area in this silver halide emulsion layer is provided by tabular grains having an average aspect ratio greater than 5, and more preferably greater than 10.
  • the remainder of the silver halide projected area is provided by silver halide grains having one or more non-tabular morphologies.
  • the tabular grains are predominantly (at least 90 mol %) silver bromide based on the total silver in the emulsion layer with up to 1 mol % silver iodide.
  • the tabular grains are pure silver bromide.
  • U. S. Patent 4,414,310 (Dickerson), U.S. Patent 4,425,425 (Abbott et al.), U.S. Patent 4,425,426 (Abbott et al.), U.S. Patent 4,439,520 (Kofron et al.), U.S. Patent 4,434,226 (Wilgus et al.), U.S. Patent 4,435,501 (Maskasky), U.S. Patent 4,713,320 (Maskasky), U.S. Patent 4,803,150 (Dickerson et al.), U.S. Patent 4,900,355 (Dickerson et al.), U.S. Patent 4,994,355 (Dickerson et al.), U.S.
  • Patent 4,997,750 (Dickerson et al.), U.S. Patent 5,021,327 (Bunch et al.), U.S. Patent 5,147,771 (Tsaur et al.), U.S. Patent 5,147,772 (Tsaur et al.), U.S. Patent 5,147,773 (Tsaur et al.), U.S. Patent 5,171,659 (Tsaur et al.), U.S. Patent 5,252,442 (Dickerson et al.), U.S. Patent 5,370,977 (Zietlow), U.S. Patent 5,391,469 (Dickerson), U.S.
  • Patent 5,399,470 (Dickerson et al.), U.S. Patent 5,411,853 (Maskasky), U.S. Patent 5,418,125 (Maskasky), U.S. Patent 5,494,789 (Daubendiek et al.), U.S. Patent 5,503,970 (Olm et al.), U.S. Patentt 5,536,632 (Wen et al.), U.S. Patent 5,518,872 (King et al.), U.S. Patent 5,567,580 (Fenton et al.), U.S. Patent 5,573,902 (Daubendiek et al.), U.S. Patent 5,576,156 (Dickerson), U.S.
  • Patent 5,576,168 (Daubendiek et al.), U.S. Patent 5,576,171 (Olm et al.), and U.S. Patent 5,582,965 (Deaton et al.).
  • the patents to Abbott et al., Fenton et al., Dickerson, and Dickerson et al. are also cited to show conventional radiographic film features in addition to gelatino-vehicle, high bromide ( ⁇ 80 mol % bromide based on total silver) tabular grain emulsions and other features useful in the present invention.
  • the preferred tabular grains in the third silver halide emulsion layer have an average thickness of from 0.07 to 0.1 ⁇ m.
  • the backside of the radiographic silver halide film also includes an antihalation layer disposed over the third silver halide emulsion layer.
  • This layer comprises one or more antihalation dyes or pigments dispersed on a suitable hydrophilic binder (described below).
  • antihalation dyes or pigments are chosen to absorb whatever radiation the film is likely to be exposed to from a fluorescent intensifying screen.
  • Such dyes or pigments can be the same or different as the dyes and pigments identified above as crossover control agents (such as the nonionic polymethine dyes).
  • the amounts of such dyes or pigments present in the antihalation layer are generally from 150 to 250 mg/m 2 .
  • a particularly useful antihalation dye is the magenta filter dye M-1 identified above.
  • a variety of silver halide dopants can be used, individually and in combination, in one or more of the silver halide emulsion layers to improve contrast as well as other common sensitometric properties.
  • a summary of conventional dopants is provided by Research Disclosure, Item 38957, cited above, Section I. Emulsion grains and their preparation, sub-section D. Grain modifying conditions and adjustments, paragraphs (3), (4), and (5).
  • any of the emulsions can be chemically sensitized by any convenient conventional technique as illustrated by Research Disclosure, Item 38957, Section IV.
  • Chemical Sensitization Sulfur, selenium or gold sensitization (or any combination thereof) are specifically contemplated. Sulfur sensitization is preferred, and can be carried out using for example, thiosulfates, thiosulfonates, thiocyanates, isothiocyanates, thioethers, thioureas, cysteine or rhodanine. A combination of gold and sulfur sensitization is most preferred.
  • any of the silver halide emulsions can include one or more suitable spectral sensitizing dyes, for example cyanine and merocyanine spectral sensitizing dyes.
  • suitable spectral sensitizing dyes for example cyanine and merocyanine spectral sensitizing dyes.
  • the useful amounts of such dyes are well known in the art but are generally within the range of from 200 to 1000 mg/mole of silver in the given emulsion layer.
  • one or more silver halide emulsion layers include one or more covering power enhancing compounds adsorbed to surfaces of the silver halide grains.
  • Such compounds include, but are not limited to, 5-mercapotetrazoles, dithioxotriazoles, mercapto-substituted tetraazaindenes, and others described in U.S. Patent 5,800,976 (Dickerson et al.).
  • the silver halide emulsion layers and other hydrophilic layers on both sides of the support of the radiographic films of this invention generally contain conventional polymer vehicles (peptizers and binders) that include both synthetically prepared and naturally occurring colloids or polymers.
  • the most preferred polymer vehicles include gelatin or gelatin derivatives alone or in combination with other vehicles.
  • Conventional gelatino-vehicles and related layer features are disclosed in Research Disclosure, Item 38957, Section II. Vehicles, vehicle extenders, vehicle-like addenda and vehicle related addenda.
  • the emulsions themselves can contain peptizers of the type set out in Section II, paragraph A. Gelatin and hydrophilic colloid peptizers.
  • the hydrophilic colloid peptizers are also useful as binders and hence are commonly present in much higher concentrations than required to perform the peptizing function alone.
  • the preferred gelatin vehicles include alkali-treated gelatin, acid-treated gelatin or gelatin derivatives (such as acetylated gelatin, deionized gelatin, oxidized gelatin, and phthalated gelatin).
  • Cationic starch used as a peptizer for tabular grains is described in U.S. Patent 5,620,840 (Maskasky) and U.S. Patent 5,667,955 (Maskasky). Both hydrophobic and hydrophilic synthetic polymeric vehicles can be used also.
  • Such materials include, but are not limited to, polyacrylates (including polymethacrylates), polystyrenes and polyacrylamides (including polymethacrylamides).
  • Dextrans can also be used. Examples of such materials are described for example in U.S. Patent 5,876,913 (Dickerson et al.).
  • the silver halide emulsion layers (and other hydrophilic layers) in the radiographic films are generally hardened to various degrees using one or more conventional hardeners.
  • Conventional hardeners can be used for this purpose, including but not limited to formaldehyde and free dialdehydes such as succinaldehyde and glutaraldehyde, blocked dialdehydes, ⁇ -diketones, active esters, sulfonate esters, active halogen compounds, s -triazines and diazines, epoxides, aziridines, active olefins having two or more active bonds, blocked active olefins, carbodiimides, isoxazolium salts unsubstituted in the 3-position, esters of2-alkoxy-N-carboxydihydroquinoline, N-carbamoyl pyridinium salts, carbamoyl oxypyridinium salts, bis(amidino) ether salts, particularly bis(amidino) ether salts, surface-applied carboxyl-activating hardeners in combination with complex-forming salts, carbamoylonium,
  • the levels of silver and polymer vehicle in the radiographic silver halide film used in the present invention are not critical.
  • the total amount of silver in the first, second, and third silver halide emulsion layers are at least 25, 5, and 5 and no more than 40, 15, and 15 mg/dm 2 , respectively.
  • the total coverage of polymer vehicle in the first, second, and third silver halide emulsion layers is generally at least 20, 5, and 5 and no more than 30, 15, and 15 mg/dm 2 , respectively. These amounts refer to dry weights.
  • the radiographic silver halide films of this invention generally include a surface protective overcoat disposed on each side of the support that typically provides physical protection of the emulsion and other layers.
  • Each protective overcoat can be sub-divided into two or more individual layers.
  • protective overcoats can be sub-divided into surface overcoats and interlayers (between the overcoat and silver halide emulsion layers).
  • the protective overcoats can contain various addenda to modify the physical properties of the overcoats. Such addenda are illustrated by Research Disclosure, Item 38957, Section IX. Coating physical property modifying addenda, A. Coating aids, B. Plasticizers and lubricants, C. Antistats, and D. Matting agents.
  • Interlayers that are typically thin hydrophilic colloid layers can be used to provide a separation between various layers.
  • the overcoat on at least one side of the support can also include a blue toning dye or a tetraazaindene (such as 4-hydroxy-6-methyl-1,3,3a,7-tetraazaindene) if desired.
  • the protective overcoat is generally comprised of one or more hydrophilic colloid vehicles, chosen from among the same types disclosed above in connection with the emulsion layers.
  • Protective overcoats are provided to perform two basic functions. They provide a layer between the emulsion layers and the surface of the film for physical protection of the emulsion layer during handling and processing. Secondly, they provide a convenient location for the placement of addenda, particularly those that are intended to modify the physical properties of the radiographic film.
  • the protective overcoats of the films of this invention can perform both these basic functions.
  • the various coated layers of radiographic silver halide films of this invention can also contain tinting dyes to modify the image tone to transmitted or reflected light. These dyes are not decolorized during processing and may be homogeneously or heterogeneously dispersed in the various layers. Preferably, such non-bleachable tinting dyes are in a silver halide emulsion layer.
  • Preferred embodiments of this invention include radiographic silver halide films comprising a transparent support having first and second major surfaces, that is capable of transmitting X-radiation, and that is designed to be used with a single fluorescent intensifying screen,
  • the radiographic imaging assemblies of the present invention are composed of one radiographic silver halide film as described herein and at least one (preferably a single) fluorescent intensifying screen that preferably has a photographic speed of at least 200.
  • Fluorescent intensifying screens are typically designed to absorb X-rays and to emit electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength greater than 300 nm. These screens can take any convenient form providing they meet all of the usual requirements for use in radiographic imaging. Examples of conventional, useful fluorescent intensifying screens are provided by Research Disclosure, Item 18431, cited above, Section IX. X-Ray Screens/Phosphors, and U.S. Patent 5,021,327 (Bunch et al.), U.S. Patent 4,994,355 (Dickerson et al.), U.S.
  • the fluorescent layer contains phosphor particles and a binder, optimally additionally containing a light scattering material, such as titania.
  • any conventional or useful phosphor can be used, singly or in mixtures, in the intensifying screens used in the practice of this invention.
  • useful phosphors are described in numerous references relating to fluorescent intensifying screens, including but not limited to, Research Disclosure, Vol. 184, August 1979, Item 18431, Section IX, X-ray Screens/Phosphors, and U.S. Patent 2,303,942 (Wynd et al.), U.S. Patent 3,778,615 (Luckey), U.S. Patent 4,032,471 (Luckey), U.S. Patent 4,225,653 (Brixner et al.), U.S. Patent 3,418,246 (Royce), U.S.
  • Patent 3,428,247 (Yocon), U.S. Patent 3,725,704 (Buchanan et al.), U.S. Patent 2,725,704 (Swindells), U.S. Patent 3,617,743 (Rabatin), U.S. Patent 3,974,389 (Ferri et al.), U.S. Patent 3,591,516 (Rabatin), U.S. Patent 3,607,770 (Rabatin), U.S. Patent 3,666,676 (Rabatin), U.S. Patent 3,795,814 (Rabatin), U.S. Patent 4,405,691 (Yale), U.S. Patent 4,311,487 (Luckey et al.), U.S.
  • Patent 4,387,141 (Patten), U.S. Patent 5,021,327 (Bunch et al.), U.S. Patent 4,865,944 (Roberts et al.), U.S. Patent 4,994,355 (Dickerson et al.), U.S. Patent 4,997,750 (Dickerson et al.), U.S. Patent 5,064,729 (Zegarski), U.S. Patent 5,108,881 (Dickerson et al.), U.S. Patent 5,250,366 (Nakajima et al.), U.S. Patent 5,871,892 (Dickerson et al.), EP-A-0 491,116 (Benzo et al.).
  • FIG. 1 An embodiment of the radiographic film of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1.
  • On the frontside of support 10 are disposed overcoat 20 , first emulsion layer 30 , and second emulsion layer 40 that includes a crossover control agent.
  • On the backside of support 10 are disposed third emulsion layer 50 , antihalation layer 60 , and overcoat 70 .
  • FIG. 2 shows the radiographic film of FIG. 1 that is arranged in association with fluorescent intensifying screen 80 on the frontside, and both in cassette holder 90 .
  • Exposure and processing of the radiographic silver halide films can be undertaken in any convenient conventional manner.
  • the exposure and processing techniques of U.S. Patents 5,021,327 and 5,576,156 are typical for processing radiographic films.
  • Other processing compositions are described in U.S. Patent 5,738,979 (Fitterman et al.), U.S. Patent 5,866,309 (Fitterman et al.), U.S. Patent 5,871,890 (Fitterman et al.), U.S. Patent 5,935,770 (Fitterman et al.), U.S. Patent 5,942,378 (Fitterman et al.).
  • the processing compositions can be supplied as single- or multi-part formulations, and in concentrated form or as more diluted working strength solutions.
  • Exposing X-radiation is generally directed through a single fluorescent intensifying screen before it passes through the radiographic silver halide film for imaging of soft tissue such as breast tissue.
  • the radiographic silver halide films of this invention be processed within 90 seconds ("dry-to-dry") and preferably within 60 seconds and at least 20 seconds, for the developing, fixing and any washing (or rinsing) steps.
  • processing can be carried out in any suitable processing equipment including but not limited to, a Kodak X-OMATTM RA 480 processor that can utilize Kodak Rapid Access processing chemistry.
  • Kodak X-OMATTM RA 480 processor that can utilize Kodak Rapid Access processing chemistry.
  • Other "rapid access processors" are described for example in U.S. Patent 3,545,971 (Barnes et al.) and EP 0 248,390A1 (Akio et al.).
  • the black-and-white developing compositions used during processing are free of any photographic film hardeners, such as glutaraldehyde.
  • Radiographic kits can include a radiographic silver halide film or a radiographic imaging assembly of this invention, and one or more additional fluorescent intensifying screens and/or metal screens, and/or one or more suitable processing compositions (for example black-and-white developing and fixing compositions).
  • Radiographic Film A was a dual-coated radiographic film with 2/3 of the silver and gelatin coated on one side of the blue-tinted poly(ethylene terephthalate) support (170 ⁇ m) and the remainder coated on the opposite side of the support. It also included a halation control layer containing solid particle dyes to provide improved sharpness.
  • the film contained green-sensitized high aspect ratio tabular silver bromide grains. Such grains are defined in U.S. Patent 4,425,425 (Abbott et al.) and have at least 50% of the total grain projected area accounted for by tabular grains having a thickness of less than 0.3 ⁇ m and having an average aspect ratio greater than 8:1.
  • the emulsion was polydisperse in distribution and had a coefficient of variation of 38.
  • the emulsion was spectrally sensitized with 400 mg/silver mole of anhydro-5,5-dichloro-9-ethyl-3,3'-bis(3-sulfopropyl)oxacarbocyanine hydroxide, followed by 300 mg/silver mole of potassium iodide.
  • Film A had the following layer arrangement and formulations on the film support:
  • Film B was similar to Film A but was changed in several critical respects (Emulsion Layer 1 was split into two parts, the emulsion layer closer to the support also contained magenta dye M-1, and the amount of magenta dye M-1 in the antihalation layer was reduced).
  • the overcoat and interlayer formulations were the same in both films.
  • Emulsion Layer 3 in Film B was the same as Emulsion Layer 2 in Film A.
  • Film C was like Film B except that the silver halide grains in Emulsion Layer 3 was replaced with larger silver bromide tabular grains (2.9 x 0.085 ⁇ m).
  • Image quality of the backside emulsion layer (“third" emulsion layer) was obtained by exposing the film using a phantom breast test object and a conventional KODAK MinR-2000 fluorescent intensifying screen followed by conventional processing (noted below). After processing, the frontside emulsion layer(s) were removed and a visual ranking of image sharpness of the backside emulsion was done.
  • Log E at Density 3.6
  • the film samples were processed in each instance for less than 90 seconds. Fixing was carried out using KODAK RP X-OMAT® LO Fixer and Replenisher fixing composition (Eastman Kodak Company).

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Silver Salt Photography Or Processing Solution Therefor (AREA)
  • Conversion Of X-Rays Into Visible Images (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Radiation Diagnosis (AREA)
EP03077193A 2002-07-23 2003-07-11 Asymmetrischer radiographischer Film zur Mammographie und Verfahren für dessen Entwicklung Expired - Lifetime EP1385049B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US20146802A 2002-07-23 2002-07-23
US201468 2002-07-23
US431314 2003-05-07
US10/431,314 US6680154B1 (en) 2002-07-23 2003-05-07 Asymmetric radiographic film for mammography and method of processing

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1385049A1 true EP1385049A1 (de) 2004-01-28
EP1385049B1 EP1385049B1 (de) 2006-09-27

Family

ID=30002710

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP03077193A Expired - Lifetime EP1385049B1 (de) 2002-07-23 2003-07-11 Asymmetrischer radiographischer Film zur Mammographie und Verfahren für dessen Entwicklung

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1385049B1 (de)
JP (1) JP2004054278A (de)
BR (1) BR0302521A (de)
DE (1) DE60308607T2 (de)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0449101A1 (de) * 1990-03-29 1991-10-02 Eastman Kodak Company Asymmetrische radiographische Elemente, Einrichtungen und Verpackungen
EP0890875A1 (de) * 1997-07-10 1999-01-13 Agfa-Gevaert N.V. Mehrschichtiges photographisches Silberhalogenidmaterial und bilderzeugendes Verfahren für Anwendungen in der zerstörungsfreien Prüfung mittels industrieller Radiographie
US6037112A (en) * 1998-10-14 2000-03-14 Eastman Kodak Company Medical diagnostic film for soft tissue imaging (II)

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0449101A1 (de) * 1990-03-29 1991-10-02 Eastman Kodak Company Asymmetrische radiographische Elemente, Einrichtungen und Verpackungen
EP0890875A1 (de) * 1997-07-10 1999-01-13 Agfa-Gevaert N.V. Mehrschichtiges photographisches Silberhalogenidmaterial und bilderzeugendes Verfahren für Anwendungen in der zerstörungsfreien Prüfung mittels industrieller Radiographie
US6037112A (en) * 1998-10-14 2000-03-14 Eastman Kodak Company Medical diagnostic film for soft tissue imaging (II)

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
BR0302521A (pt) 2004-08-24
EP1385049B1 (de) 2006-09-27
DE60308607T2 (de) 2007-08-09
DE60308607D1 (de) 2006-11-09
JP2004054278A (ja) 2004-02-19

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1130461B1 (de) Visuell adaptiver Hochkontraströntgenfilm und Bildaufzeichnungs- und -wiedergabekombination
EP1130463B1 (de) Röntgenfilm mit visuell adaptivem Kontrast, der schnell verarbeitet und sofort betrachtet werden kann
US6350554B1 (en) High contrast visually adaptive radiographic film and imaging assembly for orthopedic imaging
US6682868B1 (en) Radiographic imaging assembly with blue-sensitive film
US6387586B1 (en) High contrast visually adaptive radiographic film and imaging assembly for thoracic imaging
US6361918B1 (en) High speed radiographic film and imaging assembly
US6686119B1 (en) Blue-sensitive film for radiography and imaging assembly and method
US6794106B2 (en) Radiographic imaging assembly for mammography
US6686118B1 (en) Blue-sensitive film for radiography and imaging assembly and method
US6686117B1 (en) Blue-sensitive film for radiography with reduced dye stain
US6686116B1 (en) Blue spectrally sensitized film for radiography, imaging assembly and method
US6673507B1 (en) Radiographic film for mammography with improved processability
US6391531B1 (en) Low silver radiographic film and imaging assembly for thoracic imaging
US6794105B2 (en) Radiographic silver halide film for mammography with reduced dye stain
US6680154B1 (en) Asymmetric radiographic film for mammography and method of processing
EP1385049B1 (de) Asymmetrischer radiographischer Film zur Mammographie und Verfahren für dessen Entwicklung
US6517986B1 (en) Low silver radiographic film with improved visual appearance
US6989223B2 (en) High-speed radiographic film
EP1203982B1 (de) Visuell adaptiver Röntgenfilm und Bildaufzeichnungskombination
WO2004109396A1 (en) Radiographic imaging assembly for mammography
EP1422558A1 (de) Radiographischer Film mit verbesserter Signaldetektion für Mammographie
EP1130462A2 (de) Verfahren zur Erstellung eines digitalen Bildes mittels eines radiographischen Films mit visuell adaptivem Kontrast

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL LT LV MK

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20040604

AKX Designation fees paid

Designated state(s): BE DE FR GB IT

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): BE DE FR GB

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 60308607

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20061109

Kind code of ref document: P

ET Fr: translation filed
PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20070731

Year of fee payment: 5

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20070628

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20070618

Year of fee payment: 5

BECA Be: change of holder's address

Owner name: CARESTREAM HEALTH INC.150 VERONE STREET, ROCHESTER

Effective date: 20060927

BECH Be: change of holder

Owner name: CARESTREAM HEALTH INC.

Effective date: 20060927

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 20070727

Year of fee payment: 5

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: 732E

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20070706

Year of fee payment: 5

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: TP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: TP

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20080711

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090203

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20090331

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20080711

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20080731

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20080731