Abstract: This invention relates to a method for de-noising digital radiographic images based upon a wavelet-domain Hidden Markov Tree (HMT) model. The method uses the Anscombe's transformation to adjust the original image to a Gaussian noise model. The image is then decomposed in different sub-bands of frequency and orientation responses using a dual-tree complex wavelet transform, and the HMT is used to model the marginal distribution of the wavelet coefficients. Two different methods were used to denoise the wavelet coefficients. Finally, the modified wavelet coefficients are transformed back into the original domain to get the de-noised image.

Abstract: This invention relates to an optically coupled digital radiography method and apparatus for simultaneously obtaining two distinct images of the same subject, each of which represents a different x-ray energy spectrum. The two images may be combined in various ways such that anatomical features may be separated from one another to provide a clearer view of those features or of underlying structures. The two different images are obtained using a pair of scintillators separated by an x-ray filter that attenuates part of the x-ray spectrum of an x-ray exposure such that the first and second scintillators receive a different energy spectrum of the same x-ray exposure. Alternatively, the two different images can be obtained without a filter and with two scintillators made of different fluorescing materials that react differently to the same x-ray exposure.

Abstract: A method of producing a mask for digital unsharp masking or for digital equalization and a computer readable memory having recorded thereon statements and instructions for execution on a computer for carrying out the method both comprise: receiving an unprocessed digital radiograph; creating a first new image that is a copy of the radiograph; then creating a second new image by blurring the first new image with a kernel of a selected starting kernel size.

Abstract: A method for balancing areas of varying density within a digital image, and a computer readable storage medium encoded with the method comprise determining a pixel enhanced intensity value by dividing a pixel unequalized intensity value by a pixel mask intensity value, then scaling the dividend by an exposure compensation factor. The unequalized intensity value is from an unequalized digital image recorded by a digital imaging device. The pixel mask intensity value is proportional to the pixel's blurred intensity value. The exposure compensation factor is selectable by the user and is typically selected as the mean blurred intensity of the pixels.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to correcting geometric distortion in a digitally captured image. The method involves receiving an uncorrected digital image of a phantom having a plurality of fiduciary marks; locating an uncorrected digital position for each of the fiduciary marks; mapping the uncorrected digital position to a corrected digital position for each fiduciary mark; and interpolating or extrapolating the fiduciary mark map to all pixels in the uncorrected digital image, thereby creating a correction map for uncorrected digital images.

Abstract: This invention relates to an optically coupled digital radiography method and apparatus for simultaneously obtaining two distinct images of the same subject, each of which represents a different x-ray energy spectrum. The two images may be combined in various ways such that anatomical features may be separated from one another to provide a clearer view of those features or of underlying structures. The two different images are obtained using a pair of scintillators separated by an x-ray filter that attenuates part of the x-ray spectrum of an x-ray exposure such that the first and second scintillators receive a different energy spectrum of the same x-ray exposure Alternatively, the two different images can be obtained without a filter and with two scintillators made of different fluorescing materials that react differently to the same x-ray exposure.

Abstract: This invention relates to an optically coupled digital radiography method and apparatus for simultaneously obtaining two distinct images of the same subject, each of which represents a different x-ray energy spectrum. The two images may be combined in various ways such that anatomical features may be separated from one another to provide a clearer view of those features or of underlying structures. The two different images are obtained using a pair of scintillators separated by an x-ray filter that attenuates part of the x-ray spectrum of an x-ray exposure such that the first and second scintillators receive a different energy spectrum of the same x-ray exposure. Alternatively, the two different images can be obtained without a filter and with two scintillators made of different fluorescing materials that react differently to the same x-ray exposure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for de-noising digital radiographic images based upon a wavelet-domain Hidden Markov Tree (HMT) model. The method uses the Anscombe's transformation to adjust the original image to a Gaussian noise model. The image is then decomposed in different sub-bands of frequency and orientation responses using a dual-tree complex wavelet transform, and the HMT is used to model the marginal distribution of the wavelet coefficients. Two different methods were used to denoise the wavelet coefficients. Finally, the modified wavelet coefficients are transformed back into the original domain to get the de-noised image.

Abstract: This invention relates to a self diagnostic apparatus for a radiographic imaging system. The system includes a radiographic source and a camera, and the apparatus comprises: a scintillator positioned between the optical pathway of the radiographic source and the camera, and made of a material which fluoresces when struck by x-rays, including one in the group of terbium doped gadollineum oxysulfide or thallium doped cesium iodide; a resolution target located at the periphery of the scintillator and made of a material that passes at least shortwave ultraviolet light; an ultraviolet source positioned in line of sight of the scintillator and target; and, a control system for capturing a self-diagnostic reference image by activating the ultraviolet source, and activating the camera to take an image created by the visible light emitted by the scintillator material when illuminated by the UV light.

Abstract: This invention relates to an optically coupled digital radiography method and apparatus for simultaneously obtaining two distinct images of the same subject, each of which represents a different x-ray energy spectrum. The two images may be combined in various ways such that anatomical features may be separated from one another to provide a clearer view of those features or of underlying structures. The two different images are obtained using a pair of scintillators separated by an x-ray filter that attenuates part of the x-ray spectrum of an x-ray exposure such that the first and second scintillators receive a different energy spectrum of the same x-ray exposure. Alternatively, the two different images can be obtained without a filter and with two scintillators made of different fluorescing materials that react differently to the same x-ray exposure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a stand for a radiography imaging apparatus and comprises: a tower; a clevis having a base movably attached to the tower such that the clevis is movable along the length of the tower, and an arm extending from the base; and, an imaging device holder including a main body pivotably attached to the clevis and extending along a main body axis, and an imaging device mount rotatably attached to the main body such that the mount is rotatable about the main body axis. The stand when in an upright position, enables an imaging device attached to the mount to be placed in multiple positions, including positions to examine both standing and recumbent patients.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to correcting geometric distortion in a digitally captured image. The method involves receiving an uncorrected digital image of a phantom having a plurality of fiduciary marks; locating an uncorrected digital position for each of the fiduciary marks; mapping the uncorrected digital position to a corrected digital position for each fiduciary mark; and interpolating or extrapolating the fiduciary mark map to all pixels in the uncorrected digital image, thereby creating a correction map for uncorrected digital images.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for balancing areas of varying density within a digital image, and a computer-readable storage medium encoded with the method.

Abstract: This invention relates to a self diagnostic apparatus for a radiographic imaging system. The system includes a radiographic source and a camera, and the apparatus comprises: a scintillator positioned between the optical pathway of the radiographic source and the camera, and made of a material which fluoresces when struck by x-rays, including one in the group of terbium doped gadollineum oxysulfide or thallium doped cesium iodide; a resolution target located at the periphery of the scintillator and made of a material that passes at least shortwave ultraviolet light; an ultraviolet source positioned in line of sight of the scintillator and target; and, a control system for capturing a self-diagnostic reference image by activating the ultraviolet source, and activating the camera to take an image created by the visible light emitted by the scintillator material when illuminated by the UV light.