X-ray imaging system with automatic image resolution enhancement

Abstract

An automated X-ray imaging system and method for producing a plurality of X-ray imaging signals having selectively enhanced image resolutions, e.g., for magnifying the field of view and providing a display image having features not otherwise visible to an unaided human eye. Successive doses of X-ray radiation are applied to a portion of the subject to produce corresponding image signals. Such doses of X-ray radiation are controlled by controlling X-ray radiation characteristics, such as intensity, focal spot size, focal spot location, focal spot shape, or collimation, to cause a subsequent image signal to differ from a prior image signal in one or more image characteristics, such as image resolution.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to x-ray imaging systems, and in particular, to automated x-ray imaging systems capable of providing selectively enhanced image resolutions, e.g., for magnifying the field of view and providing a display image having features not otherwise visible to an unaided human eye. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] Medical x-ray imaging has been and continues to be a very important tool for medical diagnostics. Such systems typically use x-ray film or digital electronic image sensors to record the intensity of the photons that pass through the subject. Conventional automatic exposure systems are often used to control the x-ray exposure by controlling things such as the voltage or current driving the x-ray source or controlling the exposure time to achieve the best exposure to the entire volume of the subject being imaged. Such systems use a signal acquired at the exit side of the su...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] In accordance with the presently claimed invention, an automated X-ray imaging system and method are provided for producing a plurality of X-ray imaging signals having selectively enhanced image resolutions, e.g., for magnifying the field of view and providing a display image having features not otherwise visible to an unaided human eye. Successive doses of X-ray radiation are applied to a portion of the subject to produce corresponding image signals. Such doses of X-ray radiation are controlled by controlling X-ray radiation characteristics, such as intensity, focal spot size, focal spot location, focal spot shape, or collimation, to cause a subsequent image signal to differ from a prior image signal in one or more image characteristics, such as image resolution.

Problems solved by technology

While these problems can be minimized by the attending technician using collimators to isolate a region of interest, such technician is generally not qualified to read the images or determine the appropriate areas of interest.

Further, during many procedures, the patient is under some discomfort during the procedure and is, therefore, removed from the imaging system prior to any reading of the film or image.

Images