Abstract: A shadowgraphic scanner for producing electronic two-dimensional shadowgraphic images of an examined region of a patient. A source of radiation produces a generally planar beam of radiation which is scanned along the examined region. A two-dimensional array of radiation detectors fixed relative to the source of radiation, but movable in unison therewith relative to the patient. The two-dimensional array of radiation detectors includes a plurality of columns of detectors arranged transverse to the direction in which the beam of radiation is scanned. A first collimator is placed between the source and the patient and a second collimator is placed between the patient and the array of detectors. Both collimators are fixed relative to the source and the detectors and are configured and dimensioned to permit passage therethrough of a beam of radiation of a cross section which corresponds in size to the array of detectors to irradiate the entire array, as the patient is being scanned.

Abstract: A radiographic apparatus and method are disclosed for producing an x-ray shadowgraph of a patient for display on a video monitor. The apparatus includes an x-ray source for irradiating the patient and an image intensifier for receiving the radiation which has traversed the patient. The image intensifier produces an optical image of the shadowgraphic projection of the radiation through the patient. A television camera is optically connected with the image intensifier to convert the optical image into a video signal. An image processor is provided for storing and enhancing the video signals from the television camera to produce various images on the television monitor. An automatic exposure control is provided for determining the duration which the x-ray tube should be operated for properly exposing one x-ray shadowgraphic image of the patient.