Converted Image Quality in Apteryx

Root Cause of Converted Image Quality Issues

When an imaging data conversion from another imaging software to Apteryx is performed, the raw images contained in the 3rd party software are converted.

Some imaging softwares use filtering that displays as an “overlay” over the raw image, so in some cases, we may find find the image quality of the converted images is different from the image quality shown in the previous software, as we are now viewing the raw image within Apteryx instead of the filtered image in their previous software.

This can be resolved by creating an enhancement in Apteryx that is set up to only apply to converted images, so the raw images can be filtered and appear similar to how they looked in their previous software.

Creating an Enhancement in Apteryx that only applies to Converted Images

When creating an enhancement in Apteryx for the purpose of filtering converted images, it is imperative to make sure the enhancement is only capable of applying to converted images. This is necessary to prevent the new enhancement from also applying to non-converted images and other image types, especially when the Apteryx site has Always Show Enhanced enabled and/or is shared by a multi-location organization.

To create an enhancement that can only apply to converted images:

1. Make sure you’re logged into Apteryx as an admin privileged user

2. View a converted image in Apteryx, then click the image and select Info from the right-hand toolbar. Scroll down to locate Device Model under the Image subsection, which will display what program the image was converted from. Take note of this field for later:

   

    

3. Close the Info panel, then select Enhance Series > Custom

4. In the Enhancements pane, select Create Enhancement

   

    

5. Create the enhancement as normal, but set the Manufacturer & Model drop-down to match the Device model displayed in the first step. This is what tells the enhancement to only apply to that specific “Device model.”

   

    

   • NOTE: Serial number should be left blank. Name can be based on preference for organizing available enhancements, and Modality should be set to IO unless the converted images are a different modality (HC, CR, PX, etc.). A modality must be selected to ensure enhancements are not applied to intraoral photos (XC).
6. The Effects to apply are dependent on the previous software vs. Apteryx and the practice's preferences. Determine what effects to use by reviewing the same image in the previous software and adding/adjusting effects to the enhancement until diagnosable quality is achieved. The enhancement will apply in real-time every time you click Save, so these can be adjusted on the fly as many times as necessary.
   • Typically, using the IOFilter2 Effect and adjusting its Applied Effects is a good starting point.
   • If only sharpening is needed, only add the Sharpen Effect and adjust Radius (same as Mask Size) and Amount as needed. Radius of 15 and amount of 20 is a good starting point.
   • If only adjustments to make the images darker or lighter are needed, only add the GammaCorrection Effect and increase/decrease the Applied Effect in increments of 0.1.
   • Multiple Effects can be selected and used in combination - eg. if we find the converted images are all too light and blurry, try adding GammaCorrection and reducing its Applied Effect, as well as add Sharpen and adjust Radius and Amount as needed to correct both issues with the image.

• Once the enhancement has been created, click Save and Apply, then refresh the page. To apply the enhancement, click Enhance Series > Auto. If Always Show Enhanced is enabled in their Site Settings, the filter should automatically apply. 
   

If there are any difficulties creating a custom enhancment for converted images, feel free to submit a ticket with PlanetDDS Support, and we would be happy to assist accordingly.

Article Version 1.0 7/15/2026