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 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: 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 three dimensional (3D) poly-phase transformer includes a plurality of transformer ribs mechanically and magnetically coupled such that each transformer rib forms a leg of a polygon. A plurality of the polygons forms a 3D polyhedron structure. At least two base planes of the 3D poly-phase transformer including a polygon have a plurality of base ribs. At least four side ribs of the 3D poly-phase transformer are disposed between the base planes. The 3D poly-phase transformer includes a plurality of primary and secondary transformer windings. Another 3D poly-phase transformer includes at least two base planes having a closed curve. Each closed curve includes a plurality of curved base ribs, and at least four side ribs of the 3D poly-phase transformer disposed between the base planes. Methods of manufacturing three dimensional (3D) poly-phase transformers are also described.

Abstract: A method and system is presented in radiography for optimizing image quality of an object (e.g. an anatomical region of a patient), while minimizing the radiation dose to the patient. X-ray exposure parameters, such as operating voltage (kVp), operating current (mA), focal spot size, and soft x-ray filter combination, are dynamically controlled during the x-ray exposure. During at least two different sampling intervals and at two different kVp levels, x-rays are passed through the object, and detected by sensors located between the object and the image plane. After the last sampling interval, the sensor output signals and the measured thickness of the object are used to evaluate the optimal settings for the x-ray exposure parameters. The x-ray exposure parameters are set to these optimal settings for the remainder of the exposure period.

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: The present invention provides 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 mother board.

Abstract: A method of and system for decreasing X-ray exposure time in a full field digital mammography (FFDM) system is designed so that the size of the focal spot image in the image plane is dimensioned as a function of the linear size of the pixel of the digital detector of the detector array and of the geometrical magnification factor of the focal spot so that the modular transfer function is limited only by the pixel size.

Abstract: A method of and system for decreasing X-ray exposure time in a full field digital mammography (FFDM) system is designed so that the size of the focal spot image in the image plane is dimensioned as a function of the linear size of the pixel of the digital detector of the detector array and of the geometrical magnification factor of the focal spot so that the modular transfer function is limited only by the pixel size.

Abstract: A method and system is presented in radiography for optimizing image quality of an object (e.g. an anatomical region of a patient), while minimizing the radiation dose to the patient. X-ray exposure parameters, such as operating voltage (kVp), operating current (mA), focal spot size, and soft x-ray filter combination, are dynamically controlled during the x-ray exposure. During at least two different sampling intervals and at two different kVp levels, x-rays are passed through the object, and detected by sensors located between the object and the image plane. After the last sampling interval, the sensor output signals and the measured thickness of the object are used to evaluate the optimal settings for the x-ray exposure parameters. The x-ray exposure parameters are set to these optimal settings for the remainder of the exposure period.

Abstract: An exposure control system for radiographic, fluoroscopic, or other diagnostic imaging includes an exposure sensor array and a control element. The exposure sensor array has a plurality of sensor elements directed to defined locations uniformly distributed over the imaging field and may make direct or indirect measurements of exposure rate or imaging converter brightness. A structure or region of diagnostic interest to examining personnel is identified, and only sensors which correspond to locations within the area of interest are selected for use in exposure control. Predefined examination parameters suitable for particular anatomical patient regions are stored. Upon request by examining personnel to perform an examination of an anatomical patient region, the parameters are retrieved for use. The parameters include a preselection of sensors typically suitable for examinations of such region.

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: Methods for extending the life of an X-ray tube having at least two filaments which are individually energizable in which the filaments are successively energized either for a predetermined number of exposures or based on a predetermined passage of time, and methods for predicting imminent failure of still functioning filaments.

Abstract: A speed control apparatus for determining and controlling the speed of rotation of a rotor in an AC motor. The motor includes a stator having main and auxiliary windings. Main and auxiliary winding controllers control the operational input signals supplied to the main and auxiliary windings by a signal generator. A pulse generator is connected to the main winding for providing a test pulse during a speed measurement operation. The test pulse magnetizes a portion of the rotor which induces a feedback EMF signal in the auxiliary winding. A feedback sensor circuit receives the feedback signal and forwards it to a microprocessor. The microprocessor calculates the rotational speed of the rotor based on the feedback signal.

Abstract: A universal radiographic/fluoroscopic room includes a digital imaging platform adapted to occupy operating and non-operating positions. A park function automatically moves the digital imaging platform between the operating and non-operating positions without requiring operator effort. The digital imaging platform has local and remote control panels having substantially duplicate functions. The remote control panel allows the operator to control operation of the digital imaging platform from a location shielded from X-ray exposure. Methods and apparatus are provided to ensure safe, predictable, and consistent operation from all control panels. 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 control panel.

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 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 universal radiographic apparatus that allows an operator to select between conventional radiographic mode and linear tomographic mode. In conventional radiographic mode of operation, several automatic modes are provided. An x-ray tube mounted to a tube crane positioned above an elevating table can be accurately controlled in longitudinal and vertical movement, as well as in x-ray tube angulation. In linear tomographic mode, a table bucky is moved laterally in opposition to movement of the tube crane, with angulation keeping the tube aimed at the bucky. In conventional radiographic mode, the system supports an auto bucky mode, where the table bucky automatically tracks tubecrane motion, or an auto table mode, where the tube crane tracks table vertical motion to maintain a fixed SID. In an auto wall mode, the tube crane tracks vertical movement of an associated wall bucky.

Abstract: A method for controlling output of an x-ray source to optimize x-ray energy arriving at an associated x-ray receptor during linear tomographic examination. The method comprises the steps of selecting tomographic sweep parameters, predicting a set of x-ray source control parameters based, at least in part, upon the selected tomographic sweep parameters, and controlling x-ray source output in accordance with the set of x-ray source control parameters to optimize x-ray energy arriving at the associated x-ray receptor. Apparatus for controlling output of an x-ray source is also disclosed.