(204 days)
Bunkerhill AAQ is a radiological image processing system software indicated for use in the analysis of CT exams with or without contrast, that include the L1 – L5 region of the abdominal aorta, in adults aged 22 and older.
The device is intended to assist appropriately trained medical specialists by providing the user with the maximum axial abdominal aortic diameter measurement of cases that include the abdominal aorta. Bunkerhill AAQ is indicated to evaluate normal and aneurysmal abdominal aortas and is not intended to evaluate post-operative aortas.
The Bunkerhill AAQ results are not intended to be used on a stand-alone basis for clinical decision-making or otherwise preclude clinical assessment of cases. These measurements are unofficial, are not final, and are subject to change after review by a qualified interpreting physician. For final clinically approved measurements, please refer to the official radiology report. Clinicians are responsible for viewing full images per the standard of care.
Bunkerhill AAQ is a software-only medical device that employs deep learning algorithms to provide automatic maximal abdominal aortic diameter measurements from axial CT scans of the abdomen/pelvis, with or without IV contrast.
Bunkerhill AAQ receives DICOM instances and processes them chronologically by running the algorithm on relevant series to measure the maximum abdominal aortic diameter. Following the AI processing, the output of the algorithm analysis is transferred to standard radiology image review and reporting software.
Bunkerhill AAQ produces a preview image annotated with the maximum axial diameter measurement. The diameter marking is not intended to be a final output, but serves the purpose of visualization and measurement. The original, unmarked series remains available in the PACS as well.
The preview image presents an unofficial and not final measurement, and the user is instructed to review the full image and any other clinical information before making a clinical decision. The image includes a disclaimer: "Not for diagnostic use. The measurement is unofficial, not final, and must be reviewed by a qualified interpreting physician".
Here's a breakdown of the acceptance criteria and the study proving the device meets those criteria, based on the provided FDA 510(k) clearance letter for Bunkerhill Abdominal Aortic Quantification (AAQ):
1. Table of Acceptance Criteria and Reported Device Performance
| Metric | Acceptance Criteria | Reported Device Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Mean Absolute Error (MAE) | ≤ 2.0 mm | 1.58 mm (95% CI 1.38–1.80) |
| Intra-class Correlation (ICC) Difference | < 0.05 | ΔICC = 0.003 |
| Bland-Altman Limits of Agreement | Not explicitly stated as acceptance criteria, but a performance metric | ± ≈5 mm |
2. Sample Size Used for the Test Set and Data Provenance
- Test Set Sample Size: 258 patients
- Data Provenance: Retrospective study. Data sourced from North Carolina, Alabama, the greater Washington D.C. area (all in the USA), and Sao Paulo, Brazil. This indicates a diverse geographical origin for the data.
3. Number of Experts Used to Establish Ground Truth for the Test Set and Their Qualifications
- Number of Experts: 3
- Qualifications of Experts: U.S. Board Certified Radiologists. Specific experience level (e.g., 10 years) is not provided, but Board Certification implies a high level of expertise.
4. Adjudication Method for the Test Set
- The text states "a ground truth established by 3 U.S. Board Certified Radiologists." This implies a consensus-based approach among the three experts to establish the definitive ground truth reference. The specific adjudication method (e.g., majority vote, discussion to reach consensus) is not detailed, but the use of three experts suggests a robust process beyond a single reader.
5. If a Multi-Reader Multi-Case (MRMC) Comparative Effectiveness Study Was Done
- No, an MRMC comparative effectiveness study involving human readers with vs. without AI assistance was not reported. The study described is a standalone performance study of the algorithm against a defined ground truth.
6. If a Standalone (Algorithm Only Without Human-in-the-Loop Performance) Was Done
- Yes, a standalone performance study was done. The text explicitly states, "The AAQ algorithm performance was validated in a stand-alone retrospective study for overall agreement of the device output compared to a ground truth established by 3 U.S. Board Certified Radiologists." The results (MAE, ΔICC, Bland-Altman limits) are all reflective of the algorithm's performance in isolation.
7. The Type of Ground Truth Used
- Expert Consensus. The ground truth was "established by 3 U.S. Board Certified Radiologists," indicating that their consensus measurements were considered the true values for comparison.
8. The Sample Size for the Training Set
- Not provided. The document only references the test set of 258 patients. Information regarding the training set size is not included in this excerpt.
9. How the Ground Truth for the Training Set Was Established
- Not provided. Since the training set size itself is not mentioned, the method for establishing its ground truth is also absent from this document. It's common practice for similar methods (e.g., expert annotations) to be used for training data, but this specific excerpt doesn't confirm it.
FDA 510(k) Clearance Letter - Bunkerhill Abdominal Aortic Quantification (AAQ)
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U.S. Food & Drug Administration
10903 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20993
www.fda.gov
Doc ID # 04017.07.05
BunkerHill Health
℅ John Smith, JD Partner
Hogan Lovells US, L.L.P.
555 Thirteenth Street NW,
WASHINGTON, DC 20004
Re: K243779
Trade/Device Name: Bunkerhill Abdominal Aortic Quantification (AAQ)
Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.2050
Regulation Name: Medical Image Management And Processing System
Regulatory Class: Class II
Product Code: QIH
Dated: June 2, 2025
Received: June 2, 2025
Dear John Smith:
We have reviewed your section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database available at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Additional information about changes that may require a new premarket notification are provided in the FDA guidance documents entitled "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Change to an Existing Device"
July 1, 2025
BunkerHill Health
℅ John Smith, JD Partner
Hogan Lovells US, L.L.P.
555 Thirteenth Street NW,
WASHINGTON, DC 20004
July 1, 2025
Re: K243779
Trade/Device Name: Bunkerhill Abdominal Aortic Quantification (AAQ)
Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.2050
Regulation Name: Medical Image Management And Processing System
Regulatory Class: Class II
Product Code: QIH
Dated: June 2, 2025
Received: June 2, 2025
Dear John Smith:
We have reviewed your section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database available at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Additional information about changes that may require a new premarket notification are provided in the FDA guidance documents entitled "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Change to an Existing Device"
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
10903 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20993
www.fda.gov
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K243779 - John Smith Page 2
(https://www.fda.gov/media/99812/download) and "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Software Change to an Existing Device" (https://www.fda.gov/media/99785/download).
Your device is also subject to, among other requirements, the Quality System (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820), which includes, but is not limited to, 21 CFR 820.30, Design controls; 21 CFR 820.90, Nonconforming product; and 21 CFR 820.100, Corrective and preventive action. Please note that regardless of whether a change requires premarket review, the QS regulation requires device manufacturers to review and approve changes to device design and production (21 CFR 820.30 and 21 CFR 820.70) and document changes and approvals in the device master record (21 CFR 820.181).
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting (reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR Part 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR Part 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reporting-combination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR Part 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR Parts 1000-1050.
All medical devices, including Class I and unclassified devices and combination product device constituent parts are required to be in compliance with the final Unique Device Identification System rule ("UDI Rule"). The UDI Rule requires, among other things, that a device bear a unique device identifier (UDI) on its label and package (21 CFR 801.20(a)) unless an exception or alternative applies (21 CFR 801.20(b)) and that the dates on the device label be formatted in accordance with 21 CFR 801.18. The UDI Rule (21 CFR 830.300(a) and 830.320(b)) also requires that certain information be submitted to the Global Unique Device Identification Database (GUDID) (21 CFR Part 830 Subpart E). For additional information on these requirements, please see the UDI System webpage at https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance/unique-device-identification-system-udi-system.
Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reporting-mdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
For comprehensive regulatory information about medical devices and radiation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). Additionally, you may contact the
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K243779 - John Smith Page 3
Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance/contact-us-division-industry-and-consumer-education-dice) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely,
Jessica Lamb
Assistant Director
Imaging Software Team
DHT8B: Division of Radiologic Imaging
Devices and Electronic Products
OHT8: Office of Radiological Health
Office of Product Evaluation and Quality
Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120
Expiration Date: 07/31/2026
See PRA Statement below.
Indications for Use
Submission Number (if known)
K243779
Device Name
Bunkerhill Abdominal Aortic Quantification (AAQ)
Indications for Use (Describe)
Bunkerhill AAQ is a radiological image processing system software indicated for use in the analysis of CT exams with or without contrast, that include the L1 – L5 region of the abdominal aorta, in adults aged 22 and older.
The device is intended to assist appropriately trained medical specialists by providing the user with the maximum axial abdominal aortic axial diameter measurement of cases that include the abdominal aorta. Bunkerhill AAQ is indicated to evaluate normal and aneurysmal abdominal aortas and is not intended to evaluate post-operative aortas.
The Bunkerhill AAQ results are not intended to be used on a stand-alone basis for clinical decision-making or otherwise preclude clinical assessment of cases. These measurements are unofficial, are not final, and are subject to change after review by a qualified interpreting physician. For final clinically approved measurements, please refer to the official radiology report. Clinicians are responsible for viewing full images per the standard of care.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
☒ Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
☐ Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
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DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.
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510(K) SUMMARY
Bunkerhilll AAQ
K243779
Bunkerhill, Inc.
436 Bryant Street
San Francisco CA 94107
Phone: (408) 8028146
Contact Person: Eren Alkan
Date Prepared: July 1, 2025
Proposed Device
| Proprietary Name | Bunkerhill Abdominal Aortic Quantification (AAQ) |
|---|---|
| Classification Name | Medical image management and processing system |
| Regulation Number | 21 CFR 892.2050 |
| Product Code | QIH |
| Regulatory Class | II |
Predicate Device
| Proprietary Name | Briefcase Quantification Device |
|---|---|
| Premarket Notification | K230534 |
| Classification Name | Medical image management and processing system |
| Regulation Number | 21 CFR 892.2050 |
| Product Code | QIH |
| Regulatory Class | II |
Device Description
Bunkerhill AAQ is a software-only medical device that employs deep learning algorithms to provide automatic maximal abdominal aortic diameter measurements from axial CT scans of the abdomen/pelvis, with or without IV contrast.
Bunkerhill AAQ receives DICOM instances and processes them chronologically by running the algorithm on relevant series to measure the maximum abdominal aortic diameter. Following the AI processing, the output of the algorithm analysis is transferred to standard radiology image review and reporting software.
Bunkerhill AAQ produces a preview image annotated with the maximum axial diameter measurement. The diameter marking is not intended to be a final output, but serves the purpose of visualization and measurement. The original, unmarked series remains available in the PACS as well.
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The preview image presents an unofficial and not final measurement, and the user is instructed to review the full image and any other clinical information before making a clinical decision. The image includes a disclaimer: "Not for diagnostic use. The measurement is unofficial, not final, and must be reviewed by a qualified interpreting physician".
Intended Use / Indications for Use
Bunkerhill AAQ is a radiological image processing system software indicated for use in the analysis of CT exams with or with-out contrast, that include the L1 – L5 region of the abdominal aorta, in adults aged 22 and older.
The device is intended to assist appropriately trained medical specialists by providing the user with the maximum axial abdominal aortic diameter measurement of cases that include the abdominal aorta. Bunkerhill AAQ is indicated to evaluate normal and aneurysmal abdominal aortas and is not intended to evaluate post- operative aortas.
The Bunkerhill AAQ results are not intended to be used on a stand-alone basis for clinical decision-making or otherwise preclude clinical assessment of cases. These measurements are unofficial, are not final, and are subject to change after review by a qualified interpreting physician. For final clinically approved measurements, please refer to the official radiology report. Clinicians are responsible for viewing full images per the standard of care.
A table comparing the intended use of the subject and predicate devices is provided below.
| Proposed Device: Bunkerhill AAQ Algorithm | Predicate Device: Briefcase Quantification (K230534) |
|---|---|
| Intended use / Indications for use | |
| Bunkerhill AAQ is a radiological image processing system software indicated for use in the analysis of CT exams with or without contrast, that include the L1 – L5 region of the abdominal aorta, in adults aged 22 and older. | BriefCase-Quantification is a radiological image management and processing system software indicated for use in the analysis of CT exams with contrast, that include the abdominal aorta, in adults or transitional adolescents aged 18 and older. |
| The device is intended to assist appropriately trained medical specialists by providing the user with the maximum axial abdominal aortic diameter measurement of cases that include the abdominal aorta. Bunkerhill AAQ is indicated to evaluate normal and aneurysmal abdominal aortas and is not intended to evaluate post- operative aortas. | The device is intended to assist appropriately trained medical specialists by providing the user with the maximum abdominal aortic axial diameter measurement of cases that include the abdominal aorta (M-AbdAo) BriefCase-Quantification is indicated to evaluate normal and aneurysmal abdominal aortas and is not intended to evaluate post-operative aortas. |
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| Proposed Device: Bunkerhill AAQ Algorithm | Predicate Device: Briefcase Quantification (K230534) |
|---|---|
| The Bunkerhill AAQ results are not intended to be used on a stand-alone basis for clinical decision-making or otherwise preclude clinical assessment of cases. These measurements are unofficial, are not final, and are subject to change after review by a qualified interpreting physician. For final clinically approved measurements, please refer to the official radiology report. Clinicians are responsible for viewing full images per the standard of care. | The BriefCase-Quantification results are not intended to be used on a stand-alone basis for clinical decision-making or otherwise preclude clinical assessment of cases. These measurements are unofficial, are not final, and are subject to change after review by a radiologist. For final clinically approved measurements, please refer to the official radiology report. Clinicians are responsible for viewing full images per the standard of care. |
Summary of Technological Characteristics
At a high level, the subject and predicate devices are based on the following same technological elements:
- Both the predicate and the subject device use deep-learning algorithms to assist the medical professionals with the maximum abdominal aortic axial diameter measurement.
- Both devices analyze non-gated chest computed tomography (CT) images that are sent to the software in DICOM format.
- Both devices serve as support tools to provide information to the physician. Both can be used on- demand or optionally by the physician and do not provide a definitive diagnosis. Both devices do not replace clinical evaluation and do not alter the standard of care. Both require the physician to use this information to decide next steps and/or additional diagnostic work up.
- Both devices provide a preview image annotated with the maximum axial diameter measurement and the original, unmarked series remains available in the PACS.
The following technological difference exists between the subject and predicate devices:
- Minor difference in device input (contrast and non-contrast for subject device vs contrast scans for predicate device)
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| Proposed Device: Bunkerhill AAQ Algorithm | Predicate Device: Briefcase Quantification (K230534) | Summary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product code | QIH | QIH | Same |
| Regulation number | 21 CFR §892. 2050 | 21 CFR §892. 2050 | Same |
| Modality | Computed tomography (CT) | Computed tomography (CT) | Same |
| Image format | DICOM | DICOM | Same |
| Supported CT scan | CT exams with or without contrast that include the abdominal aorta | CT exams with contrast that include the abdominal aorta | Similar |
| Diameter measurement | Yes | Yes | Same |
| Algorithm | Artificial intelligence algorithm with database of images. | Artificial intelligence algorithm with database of images. | Same |
| Interference with standard workflow | No | No | Same |
| Output | Output can be optionally or on-demand be inserted into the radiology report; produces a preview image annotated with the maximum axial diameter measurement. The original, unmarked series remains available in the PACS as well. | Produces a preview image annotated with the maximum axial diameter measurement. The original, unmarked series remains available in the PACS as well. | Similar |
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| Proposed Device: Bunkerhill AAQ Algorithm | Predicate Device: Briefcase Quantification (K230534) | Summary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | -Bunkerhill AAQ, is hosted on a cloud server, analyzes applicable CT images that are acquired on CT scanner that are forwarded to Bunkerhill AAQ. - The results of the analysis are exported in DICOM format, and are sent to a PACS destination for review by medical specialists, to assist in the measurement of the abdominal aorta. | -BriefCase-Quantification, is hosted on a cloud server, analyzes applicable CT images that are acquired on CT scanner that are forwarded to BriefCase-Quantification. - The results of the analysis are exported in DICOM format, and are sent to a PACS destination for review by medical specialists, to assist in the measurement of the abdominal aorta. | Same |
| Type of Interpretation | Adjunctive information | Adjunctive information | Same |
| Intended User | Appropriately trained medical specialists | Appropriately trained medical specialists | Same |
| Patient population | Patients aged 18 years and above | Patients above the age of 18 | Same |
| Anatomical location | Abdominal aorta | Abdominal aorta | Same |
| Intended location | Medical facility | Medical facility | Same |
| Rx or OTC | Rx | Rx | Same |
Performance Data
Safety and performance of the AAQ algorithm has been evaluated and verified in accordance with software specifications and applicable performance standards through Software Development and Validation & Verification Process to ensure performance according to specifications, User Requirements and Federal Regulations and Guidance documents, "Content of Premarket Submissions for Device Software Functions".
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The AAQ algorithm performance was validated in a stand-alone retrospective study for overall agreement of the device output compared to a ground truth established by 3 U.S. Board Certified Radiologists. The pivotal test set comprised 258 patients sourced North Carolina, Alabama, the greater Washington D.C area, and Sao Paulo, Brazil. The mean-absolute-error = 1.58 mm (95 % CI 1.38–1.80) versus the ≤ 2.0 mm acceptance criterion, and the secondary endpoint with ΔICC = 0.003 < 0.05, while Bland-Altman limits were ± ≈5 mm, supporting the characterized performance. The dataset was balanced with 118 male and 140 female patients, the median age of the patient population was 67 years old and the range was 22 years old to 99 years old, the manufacturers represented in the test set were Toshiba, Phillips, Siemens, and GE Healthcare, and the test set consisted of 58% non-contrast studies and 42% contrast studies. The subgroup analyses showed consistent performance across sex, age, aneurysm size, manufacturer, slice-thickness strata, kVp ranges, contrast vs. non-contrast, and collection site demonstrating the generalizability of the algorithm.
Conclusions
The Bunkerhill AAQ algorithm is as substantially equivalent as the predicate Briefcase Quantification device (K230534). The subject device has the same intended uses and similar indications, technological characteristics, and principles of operation as its predicate device. The minor differences in indications do not alter the intended diagnostic use of the device and do not affect its safety and effectiveness when used as labeled. In summary, any minor differences between the AAQ algorithm and the Briefcase Quantification do not raise any issues of substantial equivalence.
§ 892.2050 Medical image management and processing system.
(a)
Identification. A medical image management and processing system is a device that provides one or more capabilities relating to the review and digital processing of medical images for the purposes of interpretation by a trained practitioner of disease detection, diagnosis, or patient management. The software components may provide advanced or complex image processing functions for image manipulation, enhancement, or quantification that are intended for use in the interpretation and analysis of medical images. Advanced image manipulation functions may include image segmentation, multimodality image registration, or 3D visualization. Complex quantitative functions may include semi-automated measurements or time-series measurements.(b)
Classification. Class II (special controls; voluntary standards—Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) Std., Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) Std., Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) Test Pattern).