Abstract: An X-ray plate readout device comprising a generally light-tight housing, a holder for the X-ray plate within the housing, a light source located within the housing, scanning electronics for creating a generally raster pattern of light to the X-ray plate, and a display. The light source may be either a one- or two-dimensional cathode ray tube or light-emitting diode arrangement. Imaging optics are interposed between the light source and the X-ray plate. A plano-cylindrical fiberoptics plate is arranged in close proximity to the photoconductive layer of the X-ray plate. An amplifier is electrically connected between the layers of the X-ray plate. A video monitor is electrically connected to the output of the amplifier.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of referencing and operating an infrared imaging system that may be used with virtually any system. A preferred embodiment of the invention is disclosed using a mechanical scanning mirror that minimizes spatial scan distortion.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and a method for using the apparatus to maintain quality control over a radiographic imaging system by precisely exposing two areas of a film to even illumination from a light source attenuated by different precisely known amounts. Both exposures are chosen to fall on the linear portion of the film's density-log exposure curve. The film is developed and the densities of the exposed areas are sensed photometrically. The film's base plus fog density, gamma and "processor quality factor" (which is a measure of the sensed film's deviation from the gamma and speed of a reference film processed in a reference processor) are automatically calculated. The processor quality factor allows faulty radiographic technique to be detected apart from faulty film or faulty processing without re-exposing the patient to additional radiation.