Abstract: A method for generating a fast rise-time X-ray pulse includes the steps of providing an n-phase x-ray generator, the x-ray generator including an n-phase transformer having at least one primary winding and at least one secondary winding per phase, and providing n sections of rectifiers, each rectifier having at least a fast pulse rise-time mode and a n-phase ripple flat-top mode. According to the method, at least a first capacitor is charged in each of the n sections of rectifiers at a ripple of less than n-phases to create a fast leading edge of the fast rise-time pulse, and at least a second capacitor is charged in each of the n sections or rectifiers at an n-phase ripple to create a substantially flat-top of the fast rise-time pulse.

Abstract: A method to identify a Region Of Interest (ROI) within an image includes the steps of: reading a digital image; finding predetermined brightness values; analyzing lines near a plurality of outer edges of the digital image; identifying an entire area of the digital image as the ROI if the found brightness values are also found in lines near the plurality of outer edges of the digital image; computing Radon transforms to generate one dimensional (1D) projections of the digital image if the found brightness values are not found in the lines; detecting a set of edges within the 1D projections; selecting edges from the set of edges; validating the selected edges to identify a set of validated edges; computing the ROI from the set of validated edges of the 1D projections; and saving the computed ROI to memory. A system to perform the method is also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plurality of interchangeable modules each of which is adapted to interface with at least one image receptor having predetermined physical interface parameters, including means for receiving image data from the at least one image receptor, processing means for converting the received image data into a converted, common format, and bus means for adapting to and communicating with a mother board. The interchangeable modules can be embodied in a plurality of daughter boards that are adapted for electrical connection to a mother board. Each daughter board can include the physical interface corresponding with the image receptor for which it has been programmed to receive data, with the physical interface being adapted for extending outwardly from a cabinet enclosing the daughter board and the mother board.

Abstract: A kit for converting an existing mobile or portable film X-ray examination apparatus typically configured solely for analog radiography to enable said examination apparatus for digital radiographic applications. The kit includes a tablet PC that is attached to the wheeled chassis of the mobile or portable apparatus, and an input/output device used to divert the exposure control signal from the user actuable exposure control switch of the apparatus to the tablet PC. The tablet PC includes image processing software that controls the operation of a digital flat panel detector. The tablet PC can further be used to separately control other mobile or portable apparatus or a facility or examination room that was previously configured only for analog radiography.

Abstract: A method to identify a Region Of Interest (ROI) within an image includes the steps of: reading a digital image; finding predetermined brightness values; analyzing lines near a plurality of outer edges of the digital image; identifying an entire area of the digital image as the ROI if the found brightness values are also found in lines near the plurality of outer edges of the digital image; computing Radon transforms to generate one dimensional (1D) projections of the digital image if the found brightness values are not found in the lines; detecting a set of edges within the 1D projections; selecting edges from the set of edges; validating the selected edges to identify a set of validated edges; computing the ROI from the set of validated edges of the 1D projections; and saving the computed ROI to memory. A system to perform the method is also described.

Abstract: A method for delivering a biologically active substance including the steps of: (a) combining said biologically active substance with a macromer; (b) forming a mixture of the combination formed in step (a); (c) polymerizing said mixture to form articles; and (d) administering said articles, or a portion thereof, to a mammal, where step (c) takes place in the absence of a polymerizable monovinyl monomer, is disclosed.

Abstract: A high resolution radiation sensitive imager includes a radiation sensitive photoconductive target for forming an image in response to incident radiation, a light sensitive cathode arranged in spaced apart relationship with the target, and an addressable light source coupled to the photocathode for causing the photocathode to emit electrons at localized sites for reading an image on the target.

Abstract: An x-ray or gamma ray image that is produced as an array of pixels is treated for reduction or elimination of white spot noise. Two or more successive images in registry are produced and the pixel values at each pixel location are inspected for the respective images. The pixel values are considered according to rank, e.g. from dark to bright, and the lowest ranking pixel value is selected for each pixel location. This creates an output image that is substantially free of the spot noise that results from direct impingement of the x-ray photons on the imaging device. This technique is especially useful in portal imaging for radiation therapy, dental imaging, or industrial imaging.

Abstract: A phototimer for x-rays or gamma rays controls the exposure of a radiological imaging device. The phototimer sensor comprises a film of a radiosensitive dielectric material, such as thallium bromide, sandwiched between upper and lower metal layers. This film can be about ten microns thick or less, so as to be thin enough to be radiolucent, but still produce sufficient charge carriers under exposure to x-ray or gamma ray radiation. A phototimer circuit arrangement coupled to the metal layers can be configured as a current amplifier or as a voltage amplifier. A cooling arrangement can be incorporated to maintain the sensor at a low temperature to reduce or eliminate thermally activated dark current. The phototimer can be incorporated into a large area radiological imager.

Abstract: A multiple video data bus architecture permits high speed data transfer among the various circuit elements of a fluoroscopic imaging processor. This permits simultaneous acquisition, storage, display, and image enhancement of high resolution, i.e., 2K.times.2K images. A memory interface circuit compresses the video data for storage in bulk memory. The processor supports several high-resolution monitors which can respectively display radiographic images from different subjects, so that review and diagnosis can occur remotely.