Abstract: A method for measuring a height of a bump formed on a work of substrate, the method comprising: irradiating X-rays having a predetermined wavelength and an incident intensity toward a first work of substrate which is the same as the above-mentioned work of substrate, but no bump is formed thereon, and detecting a first X-ray transmitted intensity at a position on which the bump is to be formed; irradiating X-rays having the same wavelength and incident intensity toward a material constituting the bumps and detecting a linear absorption coefficient of the X-rays; memorizing the first X-ray transmitted intensity and the linear absorption coefficient as known data; and irradiating X-rays having the same wavelength and the same incident intensity toward a second work of substrate which is the same as the above-mentioned work of substrate, but bump is formed thereon, and detecting a second X-ray transmitted intensity at a position on which the bump is formed; and determining the height of the bump from the second

Abstract: An x-ray system using a slot-shaped detector having n rows and m columns of pixels, where n<<m, and providing a variety of relative motions between a patient table and a source-detector unit, including translation along the length of the table, translation across the table, and rotation about the focal spot, and processing the pixel values in a variety of ways to produce information such a shadow graphic x-ray images, tomosynthetic images of surfaces that need not be planar, and bone density estimates. In another embodiment, tomographic images can be obtained directly, using a post-patient collimator that passes nearly all of the primary beam to the imager while eliminating nearly all of the scatter. A feedback loop can equalize the exposure for selected parts of the image substantially in real time.

Abstract: A multidiagnostic rectilinear scanner for conducting non-invasive diagnostic procedures of bodily tissue. Both transmission and emission studies are performed on a single scanner utilizing software modules for each kind of study. Dual energy x-ray and radioactive sources are used to perform radiographic and absorptiometry transmission measurements. A system and method of identifying regions of interest within tissue being scanned and recording the location of those regions provides an additional diagnostic capability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to x-ray analysis apparatus for bone density measurements. Bone Densitometry is the preferred method of diagnosing low bone density such as osteoporosis. The invention is a low cost x-ray bone densitometer capable of measuring bone density in the human body. It is particularly designed to measure the extremities, phalanges, calcaneous or radius, but similar techniques and a modified device could measure in larger body parts. The device can also have application in small animals or animal parts. The use of photodiodes of larger size at fixed locations provides a mechanically positioned Region of Interest (ROI) which reduces software and hardware requirements. The low cost bone densitometer serves as a screening device in primary care physician's offices. The present invention provides a highly automated bone mineral density measurement achieved by simple positioning of the hand, and push button operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved thin layer nuclear density gauge comprising a gauge housing having a vertical cavity therethrough and a base, a first radiation detector located at a first position within said housing and adjacent to said base of said housing, a second radiation detector located at a second position within said housing and adjacent to said base of said housing, a vertically moveable source rod extending into said cavity of said gauge housing, a radiation source operatively positioned within a distal end of said source rod, at least one bearing operatively positioned to guide said source rod within said cavity, and means for vertically extending and retracting said source rod to a plurality of predetermined source rod positions so as to change the spatial relationship between said radiation source and said first and second radiation detectors. The source rod has a maximum radial movement of less than about 0.003 inch at each predetermined position.

Abstract: A detection system for detecting sheets of material includes a device for moving along a path a container which can harbor a sheet of material sought to be detected; an X-ray scanner having a beam for scanning across the path of the container through a predetermined angle and a device for moving the scanner to shift the origin of the scanning beam to align during at least a portion of the scan the scanning beam with the sheet for producing a high projected density contrasted with its surroundings.

Abstract: A method of measuring bone mineral density (BMD) of a selected region of bone in a small body portion (such as a limb or extremity), using a mini C-arm x-ray fluoroscopic imaging system to acquire the data from which the BMD is calculated. Apparatus for performing the method includes a tray for positioning the small body portion in the x-ray beam path of the imaging system and a sample of bone of predetermined density supported by the tray in side-by-side relation to the selected region of bone.

Abstract: A detection system for detecting sheets of material includes a device for moving along a path a container which can harbor a sheet of material sought to be detected; an X-ray scanner having a beam for scanning across the path of the container through a predetermined angle and a device for moving the scanner to shift the origin of the scanning beam to align during at least a portion of the scan the scanning beam with the sheet for producing a high projected density contrasted with its surroundings.

Abstract: The present invention provides an in situ, low dose and noninvasive method and device for estimating bone mineral content of trabecular bones, particularly the calcaneus. The method of estimating bone mineral content involves measuring the intensity of X-rays backscattered from the calcaneus and estimating the calcium content from this intensity. The apparatus includes an axially symmetric heavy-metal radioactive source holder (collimator) containing a radioactive source mounted on the axis of a cylindrically symmetric scintillation counter or detector. In a preferred embodiment of the device, a 109Cd radioactive source that emits the K X-rays of silver (22 to 25 Kev) is used. A person's foot is immobilized on the apparatus with a spring-loaded X-ray collimator bearing against the back of the heel. The method relies upon measuring the total intensity of X-rays backscattered from the calcaneus (heel bone).

Abstract: Non-invasive quantitative plain radiographic evaluation of bone in a bony locale of a body is performed by subjecting the bony locale to a broadband collimated x-ray beam having energy in the range of about 20 keV to 150 keV. Alongside the bony locale is a composite phantom. The composite phantom is comprised of at least two materials, superimposed on one another. An energy-selective multiple-film detector cassette containing at least two films is placed under the body and composite phantom to receive the transmitted x-ray beam. The films in the cassette are developed and digitally scanned to produce sets of composite phantom data and sets of bone data. The data sets are then numerically processed using interpolation whereby to generate the indicated estimate of bone status, namely, bone-mineral density. In an alternative embodiment, an independent measurement is made of the total tissue thickness, and the bone status is determined using interpolation based only on a single film.

Abstract: Non-invasive quantitative evaluation of biomechanical properties of bone in a bony locale in a living body as manifested by one or more of the quantities: a set of anisotropic elastic constants, strength, or fracture risk is performed by measuring a bone mineral density and a trabecular grain at the bony locale. The measurements of bone mineral density and a trabecular grain are processed using a univariate nonlinear regression to obtain the set of anisotropic elastic constants. In an alternative embodiment, the strength of a bone in a bony locale is evaluated through the use of a three-dimensional strength surface.

Abstract: A body composition measurement device and method, particularly for soft tissue, are useful to determine levels of hydration or percent body fat, for example. It relies on the X-ray absorption analysis for a single energy or two or more energies. If only a single energy is used, then the length of the x-ray path through the soft tissue of the patient is measured. In one embodiment, body composition measurement device comprises measurement calipers, with the x-ray source and detector located on each caliper arm. The calipers determine the path length. As such, a controller either in the calipers or external to it can combine the information from the calipers and the detector to provide an indication of the body's soft tissue composition along the path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring bone density in a body part. The method and apparatus receive and process a digital image that includes at least one digit, a calibration wedge, and a target bone to compute the density of the target bone. Based on the digital image, a contour for the digit and the target bone are automatically extracted and displayed for the user. A user is then provided an opportunity to input information via an easy-to-use graphical user interface. The contour of the target bone is then automatically re-computed based on the user input. Then, the bone mineral density of the target bone is computed based on the re-computed contour of the target bone.

Abstract: Non-invasive quantitative plain radiographic evaluation of bone in a bony locale of a body is performed by subjecting the bony locale to a broadband collimated x-ray beam having energy in the range of about 20 keV to 150 keV. Alongside the bony locale is a composite phantom. The composite phantom is comprised of at least two materials, superimposed on one another. An energy-selective multiple-film detector cassette containing at least two films is placed under the body and composite phantom to receive the transmitted x-ray beam. The films in the cassette are developed and digitally scanned to produce sets of composite phantom data and sets of bone data. The data sets are then numerically processed using interpolation whereby to generate the indicated estimate of bone status, namely, bone-mineral density. In an alternative embodiment, an independent measurement is made of the total tissue thickness, and the bone status is determined using interpolation based only on a single film.

Abstract: True body composition is estimated using a dual-energy, fan-shaped distribution of x-rays and signal processing that corrects for mass magnification and other effects due to the geometry of the measurement system. To avoid inaccuracies due to beam hardening and certain other effects, the thickness of attenuating material along respective raypaths is obtained through using a four-dimensional look-up table derived experimentally from step-wedge measurements. To correct for mass magnification effects due to using a fan-shaped distribution of x-rays, another look-up table and interpolation between table entries are used to convert projected mass to true mass.

Abstract: Non-invasive quantitative plain radiographic evaluation of bone in a bony locale of a body is performed by subjecting the bony locale to a broadband collimated x-ray beam having energy in the range of about 20 keV to 150 keV. Alongside the bony locale is a composite phantom. The composite phantom is comprised of at least two materials, superimposed on one another. An energy-selective multiple-film detector cassette containing at least two films is placed under the body and composite phantom to receive the transmitted x-ray beam. The films in the cassette are developed and digitally scanned to produce sets of composite phantom data and sets of bone data. The data sets are then numerically processed using interpolation whereby to generate the indicated estimate of bone status, namely, bone-mineral density. In an alternative embodiment, an independent measurement is made of the total tissue thickness, and the bone status is determined using interpolation based only on a single film.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for measuring the area density of a low density material sample. The system includes an x-ray emitter which emits x-rays in the range of 3 kilovolts to 20 kilovolts and the x-rays pass through the sample. An imaging device converts the x-rays which pass through the sample to visible light to produce a visible image corresponding to the sample and in which the visible image has an intensity which varies as a function of the area density across the sample. A camera produces an output signal representative of the intensity of the visible image across the sample while a computer processor processes the signal from the camera after digitization to produce an analysis of the area density of the sample.

Abstract: A screening system for screening items, such as aircraft-hold luggage, uses a conveyer system for carrying the items along a path and an array of sensors spaced along and around the path for determining the opacity to radiation in planes intersecting the path and the items. A signal processor uses signals from the sensors to detect contours of maximum local rate of change in opacity and from these reconstruct boundaries between the regions having different opacity to radiation and then determines whether or not one or more predetermined screening criteria are met.

Abstract: A projectional densitometry system performs a scan of an individual's left and right femora by using the location of one femur to estimate a starting location for scanning the opposite femur. The estimated starting location of the second femur scan is based on metric data inputted by the operator or extracted from the first femur scan. Alternatively, the densitometry system performs an initial bone-locating scan of both femora, after which it performs a second, density-measuring scan based on the metric data extracted from the initial scan. A special leg positioning device is used to properly orient both femora for scanning, obviating the need to reposition the individual after scanning the first femur.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for measuring density or determining the presence and the amount of materials of different density in an object to be measured, of a solid, liquid or gaseous material, said device comprising at least one source of radiation for emitting electromagnetic radiation, and at least one sensor for measuring the radiation intensity, so positioned as to absorb radiation form the source of radiation and being connected to a calculation unit. In accordance with the invention the device emits radiation of at least two wavelenghts and comprises measurement means for determination of the extension of the object between the source of radiation and the sensor. In addition, the invention relates to a method of measuring density, comprising radiating electromagnetic rays through an object to be measured and measuring the radiation intensity on the ray-exit side of the object to be measured.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the composition of coal and mineral ores on-line, by bombarding a sample stream with low energy X-rays and measuring the characteristic X-rays fluoresced. The assembly is comprised of one or more X-ray generators mounted in a specific geometry with one or more silicon detectors. A representative sample of a flow stream is obtained from a sampling system. Sample presentation to the analyzer is done with a plow or a flow cell to obtain a uniform interrogation zone for the analyzer. Elemental analysis (Aluminum through Silver on the Periodic Table) of the sample is computed from calibration curves generated from a linear relationship with count rates under each peak. Sample presentation to the analyzer is done with a plow or leveling plate to ensure that material flows past the analyzer at a constant level. The elemental analysis is determined by measuring counts under the characteristic peaks fluoresced by various elements in an energy spectrum resolved with a multi-channel analyzer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for characterizing a multiphase mixture by irradiating the mixture with X-rays, collecting the photons that emanate from the mixture in response to the irradiation, generating a signal responsive to the aggregate energy of the collected photons, and analyzing the signal to characterize the mixture. Preferably, the mixture is irradiated by repetitively pulsing an X-ray tube and the photons are collected using a multi-layer detector. The method and apparatus may be used to determine the flow rate, flow velocities, and/or composition of the multiphase mixture. In other embodiments, a plurality of X-ray sources and/or detectors may be used.

Abstract: A method of determining the density profile of a plate-shaped material M, the density of which varies discretely or continuously across the plate thickness, whereas the density at a specific depth of the plate M is preferably assumed to be constant. The inventive method employs X-rays or .gamma.-rays from a source K. The latter source K is placed on one side of the plate M, whereas at least two detectors T, F are arranged on the opposite side of the endless plate being advanced during the measuring in the longitudinal direction. A first detector T is preferably placed in the radiating direction of the source and measures the transmittent radiation through the plate M, and the second detector F is placed outside the radiating direction of the source K and measures the scattered radiation on partial volumes along the radiating direction of the source. Based on the signals measured by the detectors it is possible to measure the density in each individual partial volume.

Abstract: In a crystal structure analysis using an X-ray diffraction method or the like, using a measured value y.sup.0 i of a sample and an expected crystal structure parameter, a vector F having the logarithmic conversion value of the measured value as a matrix element is determined by f.sub.i =k.multidot.log(y.sub.i +.delta.-b.sub.i) from a value y.sub.i of the measured value y.sup.0 i after count missing correction of a detector, a background strength b.sub.i and a positive value .delta. of less than 1, a vector F.sub.c having the logarithmic conversion value of the calculated value as a matrix element is obtained by F.sub.ci =k.multidot.log(y.sub.ci) from the value vector obtained by calculation from the crystal structure parameter, a weight matrix W is obtained from device function matrix, systematic error, and accidental error, and the calculated value vector F.sub.c is determined so that a residual square sum s (=(F-F.sub.c).sup.t W(F-F.sub.c)) obtained by multiplying a difference between F and F.sub.

Abstract: A tomography system for analyzing an object concealed within an enveloping surface. The system has multiple beams of penetrating radiation, each beam disposed with a distinct orientation with respect to the enveloping surface. Detectors are provided for measuring radiation backscattered by the contents of the enveloping surface and for measuring radiation transmitted through the enveloping surface. The enveloping surface is moved with respect to the multiple beams, and a timer provides for measurement of a time difference between the appearance of features in signals of respective detectors, allowing geometrical characteristics of the features to be determined and displayed.

Abstract: A scanning densitometer provides transverse scanning of the patient with a small angle fan beam to significantly reduce parallax and image overlap blurring. Additional reduction of artifacts in the region of combined scans is obtained by a varying overlap of the scans when they are merged determined by a best matching of an identified structure within the scan. The matching process which reveals an ideal overlap provides height data of the structure allowing correction of magnification for structures which change in height within the patient over the scan.

Abstract: Apparatus for bone densitometry of the wrist is programmed to acquire data from a trapezoidal area (12, 14) of the radius (10) or ulna (11) positioned close to the end plate of the bone avoiding the densely cortical area and extending beyond the turning points bone density measurements on this region of interest show increased responsiveness to biphosphonate and certain other treatment regimes. Other regions of interest may be selected for monitoring still further treatment regimes.

Abstract: A dual energy densitometer includes a solid statement near x-ray detector which may be swept across the patient with movement of both to produce a matrix of data elements representing attenuation through the patient. Each of these data elements may be characterized as to its material type by the use of the data element values, templates representing general rules to be applied to the bone and operator input. The operator input is provided by a cursor controlled paintbrush which changes classifications of individual pixels based on a selected brush type.

Abstract: MXA Scan analysis in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention can be viewed as a process of placing points on the lateral morphometry image at the anterior, mid, and posterior positions of the inferior and superior endpoints for each vertebral body in the spinal region of interest. These point locations are then used to calculate the anterior, mid, and posterior heights of the vertebral bodies. These heights are then compared to one another and to known normal values for the heights and ratios of the heights for each vertebral body and among vertebral bodies to quantify the degree of vertebral deformity.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring an electric insulated conductor, in particular a medium-voltage and/or high-voltage insulated conductor, are proposed. Seen in profile cross-section, the insulated conductor (50) includes a copper conductor, an inner semiconductor, an insulation and an outer semiconductor and is produced in an extrusion device (90) having an appropriately assigned crosslinking section (40). To achieve an even distribution of the two semiconductor layers and of the insulation layer, the insulated conductor (50) is radiated through immediately at the outlet from the crosslinking section (40) and a correction of the die setting in the extrusion device is carried out by means of values thus determined.

Abstract: A method of non-destructively, on-line determining the density profile in a plate-shaped material with a density which varies discretely or continuously over the plate thickness, while the density at a specific depth of the plate is assumed to be constant, such as for instance plates based on wood, by means of X-rays or gamma rays from a source placed on one side of the plate. Two detectors are placed on the other side of the plate, one detector measuring in the emitting direction of the source and the other detector measuring in the other direction and being movable relative to the plate. The counting number of the second detector is adjusted by means of the counting number of the first detector. By a suitable choice of emitting direction and detecting direction it is possible to provide a measurement of the density in a specific measuring volume merely by dividing the counting number of the second detector by the counting number of the first detector.

Abstract: A method of measuring bone mineral density (BMD) of a selected region of bone in a small body portion (such as a limb or extremity), using a mini C-arm x-ray fluoroscopic imaging system to acquire the data from which the BMD is calculated. Apparatus for performing the method includes a tray for positioning the small body portion in the x-ray beam path of the imaging system and a sample of bone of predetermined density supported by the tray in side-by-side relation to the selected region of bone.

Abstract: Two radiation images of a single object, which comprises a soft tissue and a bone tissue, are formed respectively with two kinds of radiation having different energy distributions, the two radiation images being to be subjected to energy subtraction processing. The energy subtraction processing is carried out on the two radiation images, and a bone image, in which the pattern of the bone tissue in the object has been extracted or emphasized, is thereby formed. Numerical information concerning the density of the bone constituent is obtained in accordance with the bone image. A bone trabecula pattern emphasizing process is carried out on the bone image, and information representing the form of bone trabeculae is thereby obtained.

Abstract: An inspection system for automatically detecting the presence of a concealed item within an enclosure. A beam of penetrating radiation is incident on the enclosure and detected by a detector disposed on the side of the enclosure opposite to the incident beam. By scanning the relative orientation of the enclosure with respect to the beam, the penetrating radiation transmitted through the enclosure is mapped, compared with known properties of the enclosure, and the presence of material concealed within the enclosure is determined.

Abstract: AA method and apparatus for measuring bone density using x-ray radiation at two energy levels, and an image sensor array that comprises a plurality of CMOS active pixel sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus and method using non-destructive testing and evaluation analyzes pipes to accurately measure the depth of corrosion and/or erosion in the pipe. Two penetrameter shims are attached to the outside surface of the pipe near the area of corrosion. Then, a radiograph of the pipe in the area of corrosion is generated using an X-ray source and an X-ray sensitive film. The radiograph is subsequently digitized, and the digital information is entered into a computer. A computer operator (user) is then asked to input several parameters concerning the diameter of the pipe, the thickness of the shims, etc., using, for example, a keyboard and to select the areas of interest using, for example, a computer mouse. All the while the computer operator is navigated through several user-friendly screens in a window environment driven by a Graphical User Interface.

Abstract: MXA Scan analysis in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention can be viewed as a process of placing points on the lateral morphometry image at the anterior, mid, and posterior positions of the inferior and superior endpoints for each vertebral body in the spinal region of interest. These point locations are then used to calculate the anterior, mid, and posterior heights of the vertebral bodies. These heights are then compared to one another and to known normal values for the heights and ratios of the heights for each vertebral body and among vertebral bodies to quantify the degree of vertebral deformity.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and arrangement for measuring the bone mineral content in the skeleton in a body part, which is irradiated from one side with X-radiation which is detected on the opposite side of the body part. The X-radiation has two energy levels, the detected radiation is analyzed and the thickness of the body part is determined. The analysis takes account of the thickness of the body part and in order to calibrate the measuring process, a reference object of known composition is measured. The arrangement comprises: means (3) for generating X-radiation at two energy levels which means is disposed on one side (2a) of a casing (2) whose shape is adapted to that of the body part and which means is directed towards the latter. A radiation-detector matrix (4) disposed on the opposite side (2b) of the casing detects the X-radiation received.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for an exact measurement of the thickness of a plurality of individual semi-conductor and insulation layers and the determination of the centricity/eccentricity of a medium-voltage and/or high-voltage insulated conductor. The individual semi-conductor and insulation layers of the insulated conductor emerging from an extrusion device are penetrated with X-rays in at least two directions laying within a plane orthogonal to the axis of the insulated conductor. On carrying out a line-scan intensity detection of the X-rays having penetrated the insulated conductor, the thickness of the individual layers as well as the position of the conductor is computed. These values are compared with target ones, and, if necessary, the position of the extruder heads can be corrected accordingly.

Abstract: A densitometer for determining the density distribution and variation of density of an object such as in vivo bone using a source of annihilation radiation or a source of photons in the energy range between about 200-keV and 1500-keV and a pair of photon detectors for detecting photons emitted in coincidence. The object is positioned between the photon source and one of the detectors, referred to as the "blocked" detector, and the density is determined by comparing the number of coincident photons detected by the blocked and unblocked detectors along the path of photons.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing and monitoring osteoporosis includes the steps of obtaining volumetric bone mineral density and cross-sectional area information of a bone of a patient utilizing computerized tomography, displaying the information in matrix image form wherein each pixel indicates the density of the bone tissue in the image area at that point, distinguishing pixels depicting bone tissue from the rest of the image utilizing a lower-limit criteria, calculating the mass distribution of bone tissue meeting and exceeding the criteria, and quantifying the condition of the patient's bone tissue as a function of the calculated mass distribution of bone tissue.

Abstract: Variations in x-ray beam, filtration and detector gain characteristics are corrected by a multiple thickness flattening system. Preferably, an automatic multi-position attenuator mechanism inserts into the x-ray beam one or more flat reference attenuators of uniform composition. Thereafter, the response at each detector channel is measured. Unique factors are thus collected for each channel at multiple attenuation levels. An overall uniform response across the scan field is achieved by applying these correction factors to subsequent scan data. The current system compensates for detector gain by alternately turning X-rays on and off, so that dark level measurements can be interspersed with X-ray signal measurements. Detector offsets are eliminated in a linear data representation, while beam and detector flattening corrections are applied in a logarithmic data representation.

Abstract: An x-ray bone densitometry system includes a table having a movable support surface configured to support a patient, an x-ray source and an x-ray detector positioned on opposite sides of said support surface so that a patient positioned on the support surface is between the x-ray source and the x-ray detector, the x-ray source and the x-ray detector being aligned in a fixed relationship relative to each other such that x-rays emitted from the source impinge the x-ray detector, the x-rays that impinge the detector producing dual energy scan data, a processor coupled to the x-ray source, the x-ray detector and the table and configured to actuate movement of said support surface, to receive the dual energy scan data, to extract from the dual energy scan data, dual energy image data and single energy image data, and to store the dual energy and the single energy image data in respective data records for selective display, and at least one display connected to the processor for displaying the dual energy and/or th

Abstract: A compact peripheral densitometer allows multi-use imaging of the foot and arm by means by simple rotation of the entire unit to be supported on different portions of its base at either of two angles. A slot in the unit may thus open upward for foot imaging when the unit is placed on the ground or open sideways for arm imaging with the unit resting on a table or the like.

Abstract: A dual energy densitometer includes a solid state linear x-ray detector which may be swept across the patient with the movement of a poly-energetic fan beam of x-rays to produce a digital bone density image. A broad spectrum film plate interposed between the detector and the patient simultaneously provides a full spectrum radiographic image of high resolution and low parallax such as may be used for morphometric studies. Intervertebral spaces may be used to measure vertebrae heights which may be statistically combined to provide a standard against which crush fractures may be detected.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the bone density of the extremities of a human body. The apparatus includes an x-ray source for projecting a continuous spectrum x-ray beam through a body extremity region and a calibration wedge positioned adjacent to the body extremity region to produce x-ray images of the body extremity region and the calibration wedge; an x-ray image converter for converting the x-ray images into digital image signals representative of the x-ray images of the body extremity region and of the calibration wedge; and a digital image processor for processing by means of a segmentation technique the digital image signals representative of the x-ray images of the body extremity region and the calibration wedge to automatically determine the bone density of at least a portion of the body extremity region to establish whether or not there has been a loss of bone mass.

Abstract: A method of automatically segmenting the bone regions in a digital radiograph of a body extremity comprising the steps of: providing a digital radiographic image of a body extremity having one or more digits; estimating the upper and lower threshold values of the provided image; binarizing the provided image by a binarization system which uses the estimated upper and lower threshold values to produce a bi-tonal image; removing noise from the binarized image by a noise removal system; processing the noise removed binary image by a skeletonization technique in order to form an initial estimate of the central axis of each body extremity digit; approximating the locus of points generated by the processing step by a linear fit system; joining lines with near end points with a line linking system which results in a piece wise linear approximation of the central axis for each body extremity digit; for each point along the axes, generating perpendicular projections which extend a fixed pixel distance; for each perpen

Abstract: A method for automatically analyzing the morphometry of bones from data obtained by lateral digital scans of the bone obtains a matrix of data values assembled from an x-ray scan. The matrix is analyzed to locate an axis of the bone from which subsequent measures may be referenced. Once the axis is fixed, one or more of several useful indicia of bone condition such a length or interbone spacing can be calculated. The measures are compared to a set of reference values that has been normalized to lumbar vertebrae of the patient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the measurement of structural width and density with a CT scanner. The density of a particular structure is determined by establishing a radial density profile of a structure, identifying a peak density value along said density profile, interpolating a first curve of density versus width from a point defined by the structural width and the peak density value, and identifying a maximum density value of said first curve to establish a structural density value. The width of the structure is determined by identifying first and second radial positions corresponding to respective points on said radial density profile where the profile rises above and falls below first and second threshold values, measuring a difference between said first radial position and said second radial position, and determining the width of the structure as a function of the measured difference.

Abstract: The density of successive increments of two neighboring rod-like flows of tobacco particles in a cigarette rod making machine is determined by an apparatus which employs a source serving to emit a divergent beam of X-rays across the paths for the two flows so that the radiation which has penetrated through and issues from the two flows is indicative of the density of the respective flows. Such intensity is ascertained by discrete X-ray detectors which transmit corresponding signals to an evaluating circuit. The latter compares such signals with a reference signal denoting the intensity of a portion of radiation which has bypassed the flows, and the evaluating circuit can further compensate for the difference, if any, between the distances of the two paths from the radiation source.