Abstract: An automatic segmentation module with an open architecture that automatically generates a contour of a target bone based on a digital image. In one embodiment, the digital image can include an extremity, such as a hand with three digits and a calibration wedge. The automatic segmentation module receives the digital image as an input, and automatically segments the target bone by utilizing an object-oriented approach. This approach extracts intermediate target objects and uses these intermediate target objects to refine or limit the search space in order to extract the final target object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for imaging obscured areas of a test object. The apparatus includes an x-ray source having a cathode for producing a steerable electron beam. A controller directs the electron beam to predetermined locations on a target anode. The user may flexibly select appropriate predetermined positions. The predetermined locations may be obtained from the geometry of an obscuration. A detector receives x-rays that are transmitted through the test object from each of the predetermined locations, and produces images corresponding to each of the predetermined locations. The images are digitized and may be combined to produce an unobscured image of a region of interest.