Abstract: A system and method for collecting x-ray exposure data in an x-ray detector include scanning pixels in an x-ray detector to determine exposure levels. The scanning may progress sequentially from a first edge to an opposite edge or may progress in an alternating fashion across the detector. The detector may include a data line split, where an object may be positioned between the data line split and an x-ray source. The scanning may then progress sequentially from at least one detector edge towards the data line split. In addition, a system for collecting x-ray exposure data in an x-ray detector is described. The system includes a detector, a plurality of data lines and scan lines, and a programmable logic device. The programmable logic device communicates at least one of a scan line driver module direction signal, an enable scan line driver module signal, and a cascade signal.

Abstract: This invention provides a radiographic apparatus and method, which can suitably set a grid in radiography or fluoroscopy and execute fluoroscopy or radiography of an object under optimum imaging conditions. The radiographic apparatus includes an X-ray unit (102) which irradiates an object with radiation (X-rays), a two-dimensional detector (106) which detects, through a grid, the radiation which has passed through the object, and a read control unit (107) which acquires an image of the object from the detected X-rays. The apparatus further includes a user interface (113) capable of setting imaging conditions such as an X-ray condition, grid condition, and read condition, a grid switching unit (105) which selects one of a plurality of grids on the basis of the set imaging conditions, and a grid stripe reduction unit (109) which reduces grid stripes generated on the image by the grid.

Abstract: This invention is to provide a system which has a plurality of sensor units and can efficiently sense an image. A sensing system includes a plurality of sensor units, a plurality of selection switches that are arranged in correspondence with the plurality of sensor units, respectively, and select corresponding sensor units, and a control circuit for setting a sensor unit selected by the selection switch in a ready state and an unselected sensor unit in a sleep state.

Abstract: The present invention, in one form, is a multimode imaging system which, in one embodiment, includes a substantially C-shaped arm movably coupled to a movable base to reduce difficulty of scanning an object. A source assembly having a x-ray source and a detector assembly having a detector are movably coupled to the arm. The source assembly and the detector assembly are independently movable relative to each other and to the arm. In one embodiment, an operator selects one or more modes of operation of the imaging system so that various types of image data are displayed.

Abstract: A CT system for use in interventional procedures on a patient (20) supported by a support surface (24). The system includes a normal mode in which a patient is irradiated over an angle including irradiation from a general direction above the support surface, and a reduced angle irradiation mode in which the patient is irradiated only from an angle at which a physician is indicated as not being present or is assumed not to be present.

Abstract: An X-ray sensing apparatus with which reduction is achieved in the amount of electric power consumed to drive an X-ray sensor, including: a sensing unit including a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements each converting light into an electric signal; a driving range designating unit for designating a driving range for driving each of the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements included in the sensing unit; a drive unit for driving the photoelectric conversion element in the driving range designated by the driving range designating unit; a reading range designating unit for designating a reading range of the photoelectric conversion element driven by said driving unit; and a signal reading unit for reading out an output of the photoelectric conversion element in the reading range designated by the reading range designating unit.

Abstract: A system for handling examination of an object includes an input for inputting examination request information, including a plurality of examination methods, for an object, and a performing device for performing examinations for the plurality of examination methods in an arbitrary order and obtaining results therefrom. In addition, an output outputs the results of the plurality of examination methods in a determined order regardless of an order in which the performing device has performed examinations for the plurality of examination methods.

Abstract: The radiation applied to an object (input dose rate) during irradiation of the object by a radiation source (1) is limited during X-ray exposures. Pairs of values of a control curve which give rise to an input dose rate on the object to be examined which exceeds a predetermined maximum input dose rate are corrected by an arithmetic unit (76). This results in a corrected control curve whose entire length can be used for adjusting the desired tube parameters (tube voltage, tube current or load) without giving rise to the risk of exceeding the maximum input dose rate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for determining a sensor holder for holding an object, whereby the sensor holder carries a digital sensor of a dental X-ray unit. The inventive system comprises an input and display unit for interactively controlling the same, whereby a schema image can be displayed on the display unit. The system also comprises a processing unit that, based on the selected sensor holder, simulatively generates the schema image from which is apparent which area of the object is displayed when using the selected sensor holder.

Abstract: A device for use in image pasting is described. The device includes a digital x-ray detector capable of automatic digital imaging without the use of an image intensifier; the detector preferably being a flat-panel detector. Additionally, an image pasting system using a solid-state detector is described. The system can connect the detected images to a display via a network (such as a WAN, a LAN, or the internet). Further, an image geometry measurement device for use in pasting x-ray images is disclosed. The geometry measurement device helps determine the relative position of two images to be used in image pasting. This information can be used alone, or in connection with an image pasting algorithm. Still further, methods of forming composite images are disclosed using a flat-panel detector and using the geometry of the images. The disclosed devices and systems can be integrated with other digital image pasting technology.

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray device in which a set of exposure parameters is fetched from among a number of such sets stored in a first storage arrangement for APR X-ray exposures. The exposure parameters which result therefrom during the subsequent X-ray exposure and have possibly been modified by the user are stored in a second storage arrangement. The X-ray device includes means for evaluating the second sets of exposure parameters which are associated with the same first set of exposure parameters and for deriving therefrom a new set of exposure parameters which is stored in the first storage arrangement instead of the first set of exposure parameters and forms the basis for APR X-ray exposures from then on.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for verification of the identity of a patient undergoing treatment administered by a medical treatment practitioner in a treatment room. An identifying element such as patient chart or patient photograph is provided for the patient which includes a patient identifier, e.g., a barcode, capable of being read by a reader device located within the treatment room. In use, the patient identifier is read by the reader device in the treatment room and a characteristic audio signal, previously assigned to the patient and known to the patient, is generated in response to the reading of the identifying element when there is a match between the patient identifier and a stored identifier for the patient. Treatment of the patient is at least temporarily withheld if any audio signal generated in response to reading of the patient identifier by the reader device is not the characteristic audio signal assigned to the patient. A special patient chart with a removable identifier can be used.

Abstract: A radiographing apparatus, is provided which includes a control section and a plurality of radiographing sections, each of which is connected to the control section. The control section establishes a standby mode in each of the radiography sections when each of the plurality of radiographing sections has been unused for a period of time which exceeds a predetermined time period.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for controlling an X-ray device having at least one X-ray tube and at least one X-ray detector, wherein the X-ray tube and/or the X-ray detector are movably arranged, before an activation of an X-ray tube indicated for a desired measurement, an automatic check is made out as to whether an X-ray detector indicated for the desired measurement is activated. Position data of the appertaining X-ray tube and/or appertaining X-ray detector are also automatically determined and using the identified position data, the relative positions of the appertaining X-ray tube and of the appertaining X-ray detector relative to one another are identified. The X-ray tube is enabled for activation, or is automatically activated, only when the X-ray detector is activated and the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector are suitably positioned relative to one another for the desired measurement.

Abstract: The invention relates to an operating device for a diagnostic imaging unit. The operating device has a selection key for activating preset operating values and parameters of the imaging unit, and a setting key for manually setting operating values and parameters of the imaging unit. It also has a display element for displaying set operating values and parameters of the imaging unit. In accordance with the invention, the operating device makes available simultaneously with the display element either only the selection key or only the setting key.

Abstract: A method and system for of defining, or identifying, regions of interest for exposure management in a digital x-ray imaging system, and especially in the case of multiple consecutive image acquisitions. According to the most basic embodiment of the present invention, simple geometric shapes arranged in a matrix configuration are used to aid an operator in identifying a region of interest for a diagnostic x-ray image. Each region of interest is selectable from a low-dose preshot image and may be corrected, or processed, in order to enhance the results of a subsequent diagnostic image. The processing of the preshot image allows the system to automatically make predictions for the diagnostic image exposure requirements, thereby avoiding unnecessary multiple images.

Abstract: A X-ray exam system includes an x-ray source, a detector positioned to receive x-rays transmitted for the x-ray source, a patient table positioned so that the x-ray source emits x-rays towards a patient thereon, a video monitor for displaying images while performing an exam, and a voice activated control system coupled to the x-ray source, the detector, and the video monitor. The voice activated control system configured to control playback imaging sequencing based on a voice command to facilitate analysis of a plurality of acquired images. The control system includes an audio microphone configured to be positioned for receiving audio input from an operator, and an audio signal processor coupled to the microphone for processing amplified audio signals from the amplifier. The processing includes at least one of word and phrase recognition.

Abstract: A medical image photographing system capable of changing a reader-type of an apparatus for photographing a medical image easily.

Abstract: In an image collecting system for sensing an X-ray image by using a solid state image pickup unit, the operability of the system is improved by omitting an operation of turning on and off the solid state image pickup unit or other operations. When an operator selects an image sensing part of an object by using an acquisition part setting button on a display unit, the solid state image pickup unit is driven and a timer starts, and in addition, the sensing condition, image processing parameters and the like are automatically set in accordance with the selected sensing part. When an exposure button is depressed before the timer counts up, e.g., in 10 minutes, an X-ray generation control unit makes an X-ray tube radiate an X-ray to the object, and the solid state image pickup unit senses an X-ray image. If the exposure button is not depressed in 10 minutes, the operation of the solid state image pickup unit is stopped and the set sensing part is released.

Abstract: A system for handling examination of an object includes an input for inputting examination request information, including a plurality of examination methods, for an object, and a performing device for performing examinations for the plurality of examination methods in an arbitrary order and obtaining results therefrom. In addition, an output outputs the results of the plurality of examination methods in a determined order regardless of an order in which the performing device has performed examinations for the plurality of examination methods.

Abstract: In order to improve ease of operation in an X-ray photographic system for performing X-ray photography (radiography) for taking a plurality of photographs (radiographs) when a photographic request is received from an external source; when photographs of a plurality of regions are to be taken, an examination system includes a device for changing the input photographic sequence of the regions to be photographed, a device for taking photographs in accordance with the changed photographic sequence, and a device for outputting the photographed results in a desired sequence.

Abstract: In order to produce X-ray radiographic images consistently with high quality regardless of the magnitude of body thickness or motion of an examined site, a radiographic irradiation time threshold readout section 4 reads a radiographic irradiation time threshold Th corresponding to an examined site input by an operator out of a radiographic irradiation time threshold table 3, and an irradiation condition determining section 5 and radiographic irradiation time comparing section 6 select a larger radiographic focus size as the radiographic focus size for an X-ray tube 1 if Th<radiographic irradiation time Ts, and select a smaller radiographic focus size if Th radiographic irradiation time Ts.

Abstract: A combined positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) detector mounted on a single support on the same gantry of a combined PET and CT scanner. The common detector includes an array of scintillator crystals or pixels with each pixel mated to a photodetector. The photodetector is connected to discrete event circuitry, which provides discrete event information to the combined PET and CT scanner. Also, the photodetector is connected to integrating circuitry, which provides integrated count rate information to the CT scanner when the discrete event information is not adequate. By using a common detector, the registration of the PET image with the CT image is improved, less components are mounted on the gantry, the overall size of the gantry is reduced, resulting in a shorter tunnel and less rotating mass, and CT performance is enhanced by providing means for selecting the energy level of the x-rays to be detected.

Abstract: Apparatus for analysing a sample comprises:

Abstract: In a radiographic image recording method and apparatus, the output of a source of radiation is adjusted taking into account the characteristics of an identified recording medium and the deviation of the actual processing conditions from expected processing conditions.

Abstract: A radiation image reading system, comprises a plurality of reading apparatus to read a radiation image and to produce image data; and an information transmitting apparatus to transmit information regarding a patient to at least a reading apparatus of the plurality of reading apparatus; wherein when the information regarding the patient transmitted by the information transmitting apparatus is canceled, the information regarding the patient is transmitted by the information transmitting apparatus to another reading apparatus other than the reading apparatus to which the information regarding the patient was firstly transmitted.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing dark current levels in a standing wave linear accelerator without sacrificing operating performance are described. In a radiation mode, the standing wave linear accelerator is operated to produce a pulsed therapeutic photon beam having a characteristic pulse width. In an electron mode, the standing wave linear accelerator is operated to produce a pulsed therapeutic electron beam having a characteristic pulse width that is shorter than the characteristic pulse width of the therapeutic photon beam. In some embodiments, assuming a uniform dark current level, the dark current level may be reduced in proportion with the beam pulse width reduction in the electron mode of operation. A system for implementing this therapeutic beam generation method also is described.

Abstract: An X-ray tube device is rotated to a projected portion in a subject by a rotating mechanism for the X-ray tube device according to an operation for an oblique fluoroscopy. A CPU recognizes information about a rotating angle and rotation speed, and a stand for the X-ray tube is moved along a longitudinal direction of a top plate by a driving mechanism for the stand according to the information. An X-ray image detector disposed under the top plate is moved in a direction opposite to the movement of the stand to a corresponding position of the X-ray tube device by a driving mechanism for the X-ray image detector. The X-ray tube device, the projected portion in the subject and the X-ray image detector are always arranged in a straight line by the CPU and the independent driving mechanisms. A tomography may also be carried out by moving continuously the X-ray tube device and the X-ray image detector parallel to the top plate in the opposite directions.

Abstract: Medical workstation has at least two separately constructed medical devices that can be operated separately and independently of one another, of which at least one is provided with a remote control. By means of the remote control of the one medical device it is possible to trigger functions of the other medical device or devices.

Abstract: A CT imaging system employs a command sequencer to control the operation of the x-ray source and the data acquisition system. The command sequencer stores a set of commands in a FIFO memory that are read out in sequence to perform a scan. Each command contains a count field which indicates how long it is active and other fields enable different clock sources to be selected, enable commands to be repeated and enable command execution to be halted.

Abstract: A model-based optimization is used to determine x-ray techniques for optimal image quality performance. The first step for achieving model-based optimization is to determine optimized techniques for a fixed spectral filter and focal spot to define a basic trajectory. The spectral filter and focal spot versus patient size are then optimized. The determined optimized techniques and the optimized spectral filter and focal spot versus patient size are used to create a functional trajectory which includes a Basic Trajectory Selector Table (indicating optimized spectral filter/focal spot) and the associated basic trajectories.

Abstract: A multi-slice or volumetric CT system has a 2D array of detector elements arranged in columns along the slice direction and rows along the in-slice direction. Channels in a digital acquisition system connect to the respective columns and a switch assembly is operated during a scan to sequentially enable detector elements in each column either one or two at a time. By enabling two elements at a time, the SNR of the acquired data is increased and the expected resolution loss in the slice direction is compensated for by detector wobbling.

Abstract: A radiographic/fluoroscopic imaging system provides rapid transition from fluoroscopic to radiographic imaging mode by maintaining the X-ray tube high voltage, increasing the filament current, allowing X-ray tube current to increase toward the desired radiographic current, and terminating exposure when the desired X-ray dose has been achieved. Rapid transition from radiographic to fluoroscopic imaging mode is provided by reducing x-ray tube high voltage to produce an equivalent fluoroscopic-level x-ray output at high initial current, dropping filament current, and enabling ABS control of the high-voltage. As x-ray tube current drops, ABS correspondingly increase high voltage to maintain the desired output. The imaging system obtains movement-related information by analyzing a video signal (such as from fluoroscopic image or an image from an optical camera trained on the patient), or from operator movement requests.

Abstract: A radiographic/fluoroscopic imaging system provides rapid transition from fluoroscopic to radiographic imaging mode by maintaining the X-ray tube high voltage, increasing the filament current, allowing X-ray tube current to increase toward the desired radiographic current, and terminating exposure when the desired X-ray dose has been achieved. Rapid transition from radiographic to fluoroscopic imaging mode is provided by reducing x-ray tube high voltage to produce an equivalent fluoroscopic-level x-ray output at high initial current, dropping filament current, and enabling ABS control of the high-voltage. As x-ray tube current drops, ABS correspondingly increase high voltage to maintain the desired output. The imaging system obtains movement-related information by analyzing a video signal (such as from fluoroscopic image or an image from an optical camera trained on the patient), or from operator movement requests.

Abstract: An X-ray radiograph apparatus comprising an X-ray source which irradiates a subject body with X rays of a low level radiation dose during the fluoroscopic operation and irradiates the same with X rays of a high level radiation dose during the radiographic operation; an X-ray image intensifier for converting an X-ray image, which has irradiated by the X-ray source and has penetrated through the subject body, into an optical image; a distributor for distributing an output optical image from the X-ray intensifier to a plurality of optical paths; a fluoroscopic imaging element arranged on one of plural output optical paths of the distributor; a radiographic imaging element arranged on an output optical path of the distributor other than the output optical path on which the fluoroscopic imaging element is arranged, the radiographic imaging element having a higher resolution than the fluoroscopic imaging element and having a lower imaging speed than the fluoroscopic imaging element; and an image display for display

Abstract: A universal radiographic/fluoroscopic "room" is constructed according to the present invention by combining a versatile group of X-ray examination system components, electrical and mechanical drive components, and sensing components, under the supervision of a flexible control system, to form a universal diagnostic medical imaging system capable of performing radiographic, fluoroscopic, tomographic, and stepped examinations in several different operator-selectable configurations. The operator selects any available operating mode, including auto-bucky, auto-wall, auto-table, auto-table/wall, servo-tomo, conventional stepping, stepped-digital, auto-step, and auto-step-center modes, using a a control panel. The control system automatically determines which system components are required to perform that type of examination, moves the components into operational or storage positions as required, and prepares each component for operation. The operator need not manually reconfigure the equipment.

Abstract: A computer is provided for calculating input data for an X-ray machine which is about to be used for making an X-ray of a body part. The computer has a multiplicity of input devices each dedicated to inputting particular information that should enter into the input information for an X-ray machine including a series of input devices each dedicated to one pathological disease that the body to be X-rayed may have, input devices dedicated to particular body parts, and an input device dedicated to body part thickness. A program causes the computer to compute the input data for the X-ray machine based on the information fed to the computer via the input devices.

Abstract: To enhance the controllability of input operation of radiographic conditions, allowing to select the desired radiographic mode easily out of multiple radiographic modes.An operation panel 19 is provided in a patient frame 3 which incorporates a chin rest for holding the head of a patient, and this operation panel 19 comprises display means 63 for displaying the radiographic conditions, and input means 64 for entering the radiographic conditions. The input means 64 further comprises plural keys 52, 55 to 61, 66 to 69 for selecting radiographic modes, up and down cursor keys 70, 71 for selecting plural setting conditions corresponding to a selected radiographic mode, and left and right cursor keys 72, 73 for setting parameters of every setting condition. In a display unit 51 of the display means 63, there are display regions 130, 131, 132 for radiographic mode, setting conditions and parameters, respectively.

Abstract: A computerized tomography apparatus is disclosed which reconstructs a tomography image of data from multi-directional projection data in a period of time less than the time required for a scan operation for data acquisition and displays the tomography image after a lapse of a given period of time from the termination of the scan operation. This avoids the time interval between scan and image display becoming irregular. Accordingly, tomography images can be displayed successively like motion picture to observe the internal movements of a section of a human body under examination in real time.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for use with a video fluoroscope generating a video output signal in NTSC video format and a video endoscope generating a video output signal in RGB video format. The two video output signals are input into a photo archiving computer video component for archiving and storing still video images on a suitable storage medium. The photo archiving computer is capable of operating in either RGB mode, in which it is capable of processing video signals in RGB video format, or in NTSC video mode, in which it is capable of processing video signals in NTSC video format. The photo archiving computer has a keyboard associated with it and is responsive to a predetermined keyboard sequence for selecting from between RGB and NTSC video modes for operation.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic imaging system includes a system controller (16) which generates first logic format control signals. The first logic format control signals operate an x-ray source and are designed to operate a large format camera through a plurality of data paths. The large format camera is disconnected from the diagnostic imaging system and replaced with digital camera (32) and a digital imaging processor (34) which are incompatible with the diagnostic imaging system. A universal interface (36) is selectively connected to the data paths of the diagnostic imaging system and to the digital imaging processor (34). The universal interface (36) intercepts the first control signals from the system controller (16), and generates second control signals based on the first control signals which operate the digital imaging processor (34) and digital camera (32) transparent to the operations of the system controller (16).

Abstract: A method of treating brain tumors in a patient, comprising the steps of: identifying and locating a brain tumor in vivo; implanting at least a portion of an adjustable x-ray source in the patient proximate to the tumor, where the x-ray source generates an electron beam along a path on or slightly offset from a central axis to an x-ray emitting target element; and controlling the x-ray source to generate an x-ray pattern to selectively irradiate the tumor. Also disclosed is a method and apparatus for detecting certain x-ray photons generated by the x-ray source and propagating back on a path which is along or slightly off-set from the central axis of the implanted radiation source.

Abstract: An x-ray apparatus has a portable radiation detector having a housing containing a radiation transducer formed of individual detector cells that convert incident radiation, particularly x-radiation, into electrical signals. The radiation detector is implemented cable-free. A wireless transceiver for the infeed of operating energy and for the outfeed of the signals is provided. An advantage of this radiation detector is the cable-free construction, and the simple manipulation and reusability resulting therefrom. Moreover, the radiation detector is better suited to hygienic demands.

Abstract: A radiological system includes an image pick-up chain which includes an image processor having at an N-output, at which images having a number of lines which is standard, and an H-output for an H-image having a higher number of lines than the standard image. A video recorder is connectable to the N-output, an H-image playback unit is connectable to the H-output. The video recorder is in the image transmission chain, and has an output connected through an up-scan standards converter to a switch, by means of which the H-image playback unit can be connected to an output of the up-scan standards converter.

Abstract: An image recording/reproducing apparatus includes a recording/reproducing unit for recording a plurality of fluoroscopic images and a plurality of pickup images that are acquired by repeating, as time elapses, a fluoroscopic operation for continuously acquiring a plurality of fluoroscopic images and an imaging operation for acquiring at least one pickup image, a monitor for displaying the plurality of pickup images, a mouse for selecting a desired pickup image, a display controller for specifying a series of fluoroscopic images that are acquired immediately before or after the selected pickup image and are continuous along the time axis, and a monitor for displaying the series of fluoroscopic images reproduced by the recording/reproducing unit. The series of fluoroscopic images acquired immediately before or after the selected pickup image are specified and displayed.

Abstract: An x-ray diagnostic system wherein verbal, hands-free data input is available to the user for communicating with the components of the system. The components of the system, which are interconnected via a signal transmission path, include a speech recognition system for data input and a communication device designed so that available and executed commands are reproduced thereby.

Abstract: X-ray examination apparatus comprising adjustment-control means and adjustment-control means for use in an X-ray examination apparatus.An X-ray examination apparatus is provided with adjustment-control means suitable for retrieving the orientation of the X-ray beam and of the X-ray beam optics as were employed for making a reference image. Thus the X-ray examination apparatus can be automatically and accurately placed in the same imaging conditions in which a previous image was made.

Abstract: X-ray penetration images picked up by an X-ray penetrating device are supplied to an image processor, and stored in a magnetic disk unit as radiographic image data. The radiographic image data are reproduced on a reproduced image display monitor installed in an examination room. The examination room further includes a fluoroscopic image display monitor for selectively displaying the fluoroscopic images and menus. The menus include functions to select radiographic image data for reproduction on the reproduced image display monitor and to select a display mode. The functions shown on the menus may be selected and instructed by operating a joystick. During a procedure of interventional radiology, an operator operates the joystick to select and instruct desired radiographic image data to be reproduced. A display mode for enlarging reproduced images may be selected as necessary.

Abstract: Pulses generated by an x-ray gas ionisation detector have different temporal forms in dependence of the location in the detector where an x-ray photon interacts with a gas atom. The energy-resolution at count rates amounting to Mcts.sup.-1 of an x-ray analysis apparatus is improved by employing a resetable pulse-integrator. A resetable integrator is constructed by employing a dual gate field-effect transistor (FET) and a wide-band current feedback operational amplifier. Cross-talk due to parasitic capacitances is reduced by supplying a suitable DC voltage to one of the two gates of the dual gate FET. The gate control is made independent of the output of the integrator.

Abstract: A computed radiography patient identification system which matches a patient with an X-ray image of the patient stored in a stimulable storage phosphor. The system includes a patient identifying bar code uniquely identifying a patient; a stimulable storage phosphor identifying bar code uniquely identifying a stimulable storage phosphor and a portable bar code scanner. The bar code scanner is used to scan the patient bar code and the storage phosphor bar code when a patient is exposed to an X-ray which is stored on the stimulable storage phosphor. Preferably, a mobile X-ray source has an associated set of bar codes identifying X-ray examination types (chest, head, limb, etc.) and/or X-ray exposure conditions. The bar code scanner scans the examination type bar code at the time the X-ray of the patient is taken. The system includes a storage phosphor reader for converting an X-ray image stored in a storage phosphor into an X-ray image signal.