267 results about "Digital radiography" patented technology

A wireless X-ray detector for a digital radiography system with remote detection of impinging radiation from the system X-ray source onto a sensor panel having amorphous or crystalline silicon photodiodes or metal insulated semiconductor (MIS) sensors. Changes in current in the photodiode bias supply circuit is sensed to generate a signal indicating presence of radiation. Improved detection of X-ray cessation is achieved either by leaving at least one line of sensors connected between the bias supply circuit to a virtual ground during charge accumulation or by using an X-ray presence detector circuit that increases the sensitivity of the detector circuit to bias circuit current changes occurring after onset of the radiation.

A digital radiography detector includes a housing having first and second spaced planar members and four side walls defining a cavity. A radiographic image detector assembly is mounted within the cavity for converting a radiographic image to an electronic radiographic image. The detector assembly includes a detector array mounted on a stiffener. A shock absorbing elastomer assembly is located within the cavity for absorbing shock to the detector array / stiffener in directions perpendicular to and parallel to the detector array / stiffener.

A method of forming an imaging array includes providing a single crystal silicon substrate having an internal separation layer, forming a patterned conductive layer proximate a first side of the single crystal silicon substrate, forming an electrically conductive layer on the first side of the single crystal silicon substrate and in communication with the patterned conductive layer, securing the single crystal silicon substrate having the patterned conductive layer and electrically conductive layer formed thereon to a glass substrate with the first side of the single crystal silicon substrate proximate the glass substrate, separating the single crystal silicon substrate at the internal separation layer to create an exposed surface opposite the first side of the single crystal silicon substrate and forming an array comprising a plurality of photosensitive elements and readout elements on the exposed surface.

A radio frequency identification (RFID) system having the capacity to detect various geometric parameters of alignment. The described system is configured for use with dental x-ray, medical imaging and treatment, and customary and digital radiography apparatus, but is not restricted to such apparatus or applications. The system may include a multiplicity of RF transponders, RF tags, and RF readers, wherein each RF tag may include one or more carrier receive / data transmit coils and wherein each RF reader may include one or more carrier transmit / data receive coils, and wherein each coil of an RF tag or RF reader may resonate at one or more, and / or, at the same or differing frequencies. An RF tag located about an x-ray sensitive film or device, and an RF reader located about a dental x-ray machine or apparatus, are configured to be critically aligned, one to the other, rendering repeat imaging unnecessary.

A mobile x-ray apparatus for generating a digital x-ray image and transmitting it to a remote site, includes: (a) a first computer; (b) a flat panel detector in communication with the first computer; and (c) an x-ray cart assembly removably supporting the first computer, which includes a cart with a battery charger and an x-ray machine in communication with the flat panel detector; wherein the mobile x-ray apparatus includes an x-ray tube extendible from the cart, and a mechanism for framing a target body area of a patient. Also included herein is a method of generating a digital x-ray image and forwarding it to a remote site using the mobile x-ray apparatus.

A method for long length imaging with a digital radiography apparatus. Setup instructions are obtained for the image and a set of imaging positions is calculated for an exposure series according to the setup instructions. An operator command is obtained to initiate an imaging sequence. The imaging sequence is executed for each member of the set of imaging positions in the exposure series by automatically repeating the steps of positioning a radiation source and a detector at a location corresponding to the specified member of the set of imaging positions and obtaining an image from the detector at that location and storing the image as a partial image. The long length image is generated by combining two or more partial images.

A mobile digital radiography system of a type including a mobile x-ray source; a mobile computer, the computer having a display for radiographic images and related information; a digital radiography detector, the detector and x-ray source in communication with and under control of the computer, means operatively associated with the computer for sending and receiving data concerning a patient, such data including diagnostic results, diagnostic images and requests for additional services, to and from separate image archiving and information systems; means operatively associated with the computer for comparing data from separate hospital image archiving and radiology information systems from a prior examination of a patient with data from a current examination of a patient using the mobile digital radiography system; and means operatively associated with the computer for aiding bedside interpretation of a patient's condition in view of the comparing of data from prior and current examinations.

An x-ray diagnostic apparatus and methods performs Real-Time Digital Radiography with particular application in dental x-ray imaging modalities, such as Orthopantomography, Scannography, Linear Tomography and Cephalography, by using a versatile and modular electronic unit, featuring ultra fast computation capability to serve diversified image sensor typology and scanning modality.In Digital Orthopantomography and Scannography, a plurality of tomographic images at different depths of the jaw can be generated, based on the pre-selection made by the user interface.The image processing unit utilizes for the tomo-synthesis of the diagnostic image an accurate and economic digital simulator of the radiographic film speed, including a digital frequency synthesizer fed with film cassette speed digital input and high resolution clock signal, ensuring accurate and reproducible phase continuity of the output frequency signal.It also introduces an automatic adaptation of the frame acquisition rate in frame transfer mode, based on the actual speed of the cassette unit. By this method the dynamic of the exposure signal is reduced, and a better optimization of the signal response of the x-ray detector is achieved.

A method for long length imaging with a digital radiography apparatus. Setup instructions are obtained for the image and a set of imaging positions is calculated for an exposure series according to the setup instructions. An operator command is obtained to initiate an imaging sequence. The imaging sequence is executed for each member of the set of imaging positions in the exposure series by automatically repeating the steps of positioning a radiation source and a detector at a location corresponding to the specified member of the set of imaging positions and obtaining an image from the detector at that location and storing the image as a partial image. The long length image is generated by combining two or more partial images.

A digital radiography panel has a scintillator screen having a light-exiting surface from a material with a first index of refraction n1 and a photosensor array having a light-accepting surface from a material with a second index of refraction n2. A pressure-sensitive adhesive couples the light-exiting surface of the scintillator screen to the light-accepting surface of the photosensor array and has a third index of refraction that has a value nPSA that either lies in the range between n1 and n2, or substantially matches n1 or n2, or both.

A digital radiography detector includes a housing having first and second spaced planar members and four side walls defining a cavity. A radiographic image detector assembly is mounted within the cavity for converting a radiographic image to an electronic radiographic image. The detector assembly includes a detector array mounted on a stiffener. A shock absorbing elastomer assembly is located within the cavity for absorbing shock to the detector array / stiffener in directions perpendicular to and parallel to the detector array / stiffener.

A digital radiography imaging system for acquiring digital images of an object, and a method for transforming digital images into an absolute thickness map characterizing the object under inspection. The system includes a radiation source for directing radiation through a desired region of the object, and a radiation detector having a plurality of sensing elements for detecting radiation passing through the object. Numerical data generated from each sensing element is calibrated, for example by correcting for variations in radiation paths between the source and detector, by correcting for variations in the spatial frequency response (MTF) of the detector, by correcting for variations in the geometric profile of the object under inspection, and by correcting for material contained in and / or around the object. The calibrated data is processed in order to generate and display an absolute thickness map of the object. The calibration procedures are adapted for extracting a thickness map from both isotope sources and X-ray tube sources.

A method and apparatus are disclosed for obtaining an x-ray image from an x-ray imaging apparatus using a digital radiography receiver installs a retrofit connection apparatus that adapts the x-ray imaging apparatus for use with the digital radiography receiver by forming a receiver interface channel for communicating signals to and from the digital radiography receiver, forming an operator interface channel for routing at least an input expose signal from an operator control to the connection apparatus and forming a generator interface channel for transmitting at least an output expose signal from the retrofit connection apparatus to an x-ray generator of the x-ray imaging apparatus. An input expose signal over the operator interface channel initiates a reset of the digital radiography receiver over the receiver interface channel before the output expose signal to the x-ray generator is transmitted over the generator interface channel.

Embodiments of radiographic imaging systems and / or methods can monitor the state of calibration of a digital x-ray detector, the detector including a solid state sensor with a plurality of pixels, an optional scintillating screen and at least one embedded microprocessor. In one embodiment, a method can use a computer or the embedded microprocessor or both, for setting a calibration operating mode of the portable detector; taking a plurality of dark images in the calibration mode; determining a dark difference image between pixel readings between two of the plurality of dark images; identifying pixels in the dark difference image that differ by over a threshold amount from at least some surrounding pixels in the dark difference image as defective pixels.

The invention discloses a testing device and a testing device method for simulating collapse of tunnel surrounding rock under conditions of rainfall and underground water seepage. The testing device comprises a model testing box, a rainfall adjustable simulating system, an underground water seepage simulating system, an underground water supplying system, a water content testing system, a stress monitoring system, a digital radiography noncontact measuring system and an optical fiber bragg grating displacement monitoring system. By simulating a progressive failure process of tunnel weak broken surrounding rock under the action of seepage of surface water and underground water, mechanical behaviors of crushing the surrounding rock under different rainfall conditions and different underground water seepage path conditions are quantitatively researched. By obtaining multiple-physical field information in a tunnel surrounding rock collapse process, multi-information features in different evolutionary phases and internal links of information of all fields of the collapse are analyzed, a progressive failure process and fracture morphology and ranges of the tunnel weak broken surrounding rock under different factors are determined, and the effective basis is provided for disclosing a progressive failure principle and a dynamic pressure arch effect of the weak broken surrounding rock under conditions of rainfall and underground water seepage.

Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which the presence of a portable detector in a parking mechanism of mobile digital radiography system is used to change the operating mode of the portable detector and a mobile X-Ray system. An existing mobile digital X-Ray imaging system may be retrofitted with parking sensor mechanism for determining the proximity of the portable detector to the mobile digital radiography system. Also provided is a method for controlling a mobile digital imaging system having a mobile X-Ray base and having a parking mechanism for holding a detachable detector. Upon detecting the presence of the detachable detector in the parking mechanism a control signal is generated to alter the speed of the mobile unit and the power consumption status of the detachable detector.

The invention provides methods and apparatus for enhanced PCI and dual-use radiation imaging systems. In one implementation high resolution storage phosphor plate radiation detector (an area detector) is employed for conventional attenuation radiation imaging and / or PCI (including conventional PCI and coded aperture PCI). Slit and slot scan implementations for dual-use systems are introduced. Dedicated single and dual-use slit and slot scan system for conventional attenuation imaging and PCI are described that employ face-on or edge-on detectors. Slit and slot scan systems that employ area detectors are described. Edge-on, structured cell detector designs are described. Applications of edge-on structured cell detectors for CT, Nuclear Medicine, PET, and probe detectors are described.

A digital radiography imaging system for acquiring digital images of an object, and a method for transforming digital images into an absolute thickness map characterizing the object under inspection. The system includes a radiation source for directing radiation through a desired region of the object, and a radiation detector having a plurality of sensing elements for detecting radiation passing through the object. Numerical data generated from each sensing element is calibrated, for example by correcting for variations in radiation paths between the source and detector, by correcting for variations in the spatial frequency response (MTF) of the detector, by correcting for variations in the geometric profile of the object under inspection, and by correcting for material contained in and / or around the object. The calibrated data is processed in order to generate and display an absolute thickness map of the object. The calibration procedures are adapted for extracting a thickness map from both isotope sources and X-ray tube sources.

Systems and methods are provided for managing power consumption of a medical imaging detector by the use of triggering signals, environmental condition data, and / or determination of a variable time interval triggering event that is unique for each power consumption state. Systems and methods are provided for managing power and temperature of a device, after receiving a request for a function to be performed by the device determining an “on” trigger component, an “off” trigger component, associated circuits for performing the received function, providing power to the associated circuits upon the occurrence of the “on” trigger component, and removing power to the associated circuits upon the occurrence of the “off” trigger component. Further, an instruction is described for determining and displaying a variable time interval that is indicative of a time to change from one state to a desired state.

A radio frequency identification (RFID) system having the capacity to detect the parameter of alignment, wherein the system may be used with hand-held, fixed-in-place, stationary and permanently mounted apparatus. The system includes an RF transponder configured for use with dental x-ray, medical imaging and digital radiography apparatus The system may include a multiplicity of RF transponder carrier transmit / data receive coils, each resonant to the same or differing frequencies. An RF tag, an RF transponder and an x-ray film holder are configured to be critically aligned to a dental x-ray machine head apparatus, rendering repeat imaging unnecessary. The x-ray head apparatus may be further configured to automatically obtain a desired x-ray image or configured so that the device cannot activate and provide a radiograph until alignment to an RF tag device has occurred.

The invention discloses a digital radiography-based breaker operating characteristic on-line detection device and method. The device comprises a gage mark, an image acquisition device and a computer, wherein the gage mark is arranged on a breaker drive mechanism; the image acquisition device is arranged in a place corresponding to the gage mark on the breaker drive mechanism; and the signal input end of the computer is connected with the image output end of the image acquisition device. The device of the invention uses a high speed camera to shoot the motion process of the breaker drive mechanism and obtain a motion image and inputs the motion image in the computer; and the computer analyzes and processes the image to obtain the motion (travel time) curve of the gage mark and performs analysis according to the obtained motion curve to obtain the motion characteristic parameter of the breaker to be detected. The device and method of the invention can be used to realize the on-line detection of the motion characteristic of the breaker, lay a foundation for handling the operational state of the breaker and grasping the motion characteristic, play an important role in the improvement of the operational reliability and provide support for the reliable operation of the electric system.

A digital radiography (20) detector has a first housing (18) having substantially the form factor of a film cassette and having a chest wall edge (C). The first housing (18) has an X-ray converter (70) with a detection array (26), each detector generating a signal according to an amount of radiation received. Readout electronics (74) are coupled with switching elements in the detection array for obtaining the signals therefrom. The readout electronics (74) include elements formed from crystalline silicon and are distributed toward outer edges of the first housing (18) and away from the chest wall edge (C). X-ray shielding selectively protects the readout electronics (74) and is located beneath a portion of the detection array. A second housing (40), electrically connected to the first housing (18) has a power source for the detector, readout and control electronics for obtaining signals provided from the detection array (26).

Systems and methods are provided for managing power consumption of a medical imaging detector by the use of triggering signals, environmental condition data, and / or determination of a variable time interval triggering event that is unique for each power consumption state. Systems and methods are provided for managing power and temperature of a device, after receiving a request for a function to be performed by the device determining an “on” trigger component, an “off” trigger component, associated circuits for performing the received function, providing power to the associated circuits upon the occurrence of the “on” trigger component, and removing power to the associated circuits upon the occurrence of the “off” trigger component. Further, an instruction is described for determining and displaying a variable time interval that is indicative of a time to change from one state to a desired state.

The invention relates to a digital X-ray machine automatic exposure control method and device, and belongs to the technical field of digital radiography. The method mainly includes the steps of processing a pre-exposure image in secondary exposure and optimizing exposure parameters in a self-adaptive mode. The optimal threshold value is correspondingly found according to positions through gray stretch of the pre-exposure image, the image is divided into different areas, areas of interest with different components are extracted, the average gray level, the signal to noise ratio and the contrast ratio are calculated respectively, and then the main exposure parameters (mA, s and KV) are optimized in the self-adaptive mode; the precise time sequence is provided for the exposure process and data acquisition through a synchronous control unit, and the imaging effect is prevented from being influenced by time delay or antedating reaction. By the adoption of the multiple components, multiple target areas and multiple image standards, the exposure parameters are adjusted through a self-adaptive algorithm, and the top-quality image can be obtained through a small exposure dose when exposure is conducted under the synchronous control.

A method for sensing a level of ionizing radiation directed from a radiation source through a subject and toward a digital radiography detector, executed at least in part by a logic processor, obtains image data that relates the position of the subject to the digital radiography detector and assigns one or more radiant-energy sensing elements of the digital radiography detector as one or more exposure control sensing elements. The one or more exposure control sensing elements are sampled one or more times during exposure to measure the exposure directed to the subject. A signal is provided to terminate exposure according to exposure measurements obtained from the one or more exposure control sensing elements within the digital radiography detector.

A mobile digital radiography system of a type including a mobile x-ray source; a mobile computer, the computer having a display for radiographic images and related information; a digital radiography detector, the detector and x-ray source in communication with and under control of the computer, means operatively associated with the computer for sending and receiving data concerning a patient, such data including diagnostic results, diagnostic images and requests for additional services, to and from separate image archiving and information systems; means operatively associated with the computer for comparing data from separate hospital image archiving and radiology information systems from a prior examination of a patient with data from a current examination of a patient using the mobile digital radiography system; and means operatively associated with the computer for aiding bedside interpretation of a patient's condition in view of the comparing of data from prior and current examinations.

A system for monitoring the state of calibration of a digital x-ray detector having a solid state sensor with a plurality of pixels, a scintillating screen and at least one embedded microprocessor, the system having means for capturing a digital image and a computer operable during normal diagnostic use of the detector, in cooperation with at least one embedded microprocessor, for performing pixelwise computations on the image and calculating a misregistration metric indicative of movement of the solid state sensor relative to the scintillating screen. A defect metric indicative of abnormal properties of pixels in the solid state sensor is calculated. It is then determined whether one or both of the misregistration metric and the defect metric exceeds a respective, preselected threshold value. The user of the system is alerted to conduct a calibration of the detector when either one or both of the respective threshold values have been exceeded.

The present invention describes a method and system for intelligent diagnostic relevant information processing and analysis. Information associated with a patient is processed via an image reading platform. Based on such processed information, a matrix of diagnosis decisions containing diagnostic related information is generated via a matrix of diagnosis decision platform. A diagnostic decision is made based on the diagnostic relevant information. The image reading platform and / or the matrix of diagnosis decision platform encapsulate information and toolkits to be used to manipulate the information.

A digital radiography (20) detector has a first housing (18) having substantially the form factor of a film cassette and having a chest wall edge (C). The first housing (18) has an X-ray converter (70) with a detection array (26), each detector generating a signal according to an amount of radiation received. Readout electronics (74) are coupled with switching elements in the detection array for obtaining the signals therefrom. The readout electronics (74) include elements formed from crystalline silicon and are distributed toward outer edges of the first housing (18) and away from the chest wall edge (C). X-ray shielding selectively protects the readout electronics (74) and is located beneath a portion of the detection array. A second housing (40), electrically connected to the first housing (18) has a power source for the detector, readout and control electronics for obtaining signals provided from the detection array (26).

A portable medical apparatus comprising a digital radiographic image detector assembly having at least one access opening extending through an enclosure of the assembly for troubleshooting, repairing and / or replacing field replaceable components within the assembly or components that are external to the assembly but attach internally within the assembly, without exposing the rest of the assembly to the outside environment. The portable medical apparatus includes a housing, a radiographic imaging device enclosed within the housing, at least one access opening extending through the housing for accessing components of the radiographic imaging device, and an access cover removably attached to the at least one access opening.