Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray apparatus for forming X-ray images, which apparatus includes an X-ray detector (4) for the conversion of X-rays into electrical signals, a detector exposure unit (5) for the emission of electromagnetic radiation in dependence on how first and second exposure parameters, the value of the first exposure parameters being defined by the acquisition mode whereas the second exposure parameters are not defined by the acquisition mode, and also a control unit (13) for changing and controlling at least one second exposure parameter of the detector exposure unit upon a change of the acquisition mode.

Abstract: The invention involves a radiological image detection system capable of cooperating with a scanning X-ray generator designed to produce X-ray radiation scanning a surface to be imaged. The scanning X-ray radiation irradiates, portion after portion, the surface to be imaged. The X-ray radiation from a portion carries a radiological image of the portion. The detection system comprises an image sensor which is stationary with respect to the scanning and which is dimensioned so as to be able to acquire an image of the surface to be imaged by the X-ray radiation from the portion. In addition, it comprises a device for limiting, at a given time, the acquisition of the image sensor to that of the image of the portion irradiated at that time.

Abstract: An imaging system is disclosed for use in low-light environments or environments where low-levels of such radiation is desirable. Examples of such environments are endoscopy, laparoscopy, mammography and night photography. In the case of radiation that is other than visible light, a radiation converter and method for fabricating same is disclosed. The radiation converter comprises a film of heavy scintillator (e.g. CdWO4) coated on a fiber optical window to efficiently convert the radiation into visible light. The visible light is passed into a signal amplifier employing a focussing electron-bombarded charge-couple device (FEBCCD) or a focussing electron-bombarded complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (FEBCMOS) to amplify the signal. Novel methods of performing three-dimension imaging using this system as well as removing the effects of high-speed movement are also disclosed.

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: The cameras (10) of this X-ray detector are all mounted on a common rigid plate (1) by a surface support and screwed to ensure their optical distance from a scintillator (7) itself mounted on the plate (1) by an enclosure (6) forming a darkroom (8). The common mounting of the principal elements of the detector on a single rigid plate thus significantly reduces image deterioration produced by deformations of the detector, of thermal or mechanical origin.

Abstract: A radiological image detection system capable of cooperating with a scanning X-ray generator designed to produce X-ray radiation scanning a surface to be imaged. The scanning X-ray radiation irradiates, portion after portion, the surface to be imaged. The X-ray radiation from a portion carries a radiological image of the portion. The detection system includes an image sensor that is stationary with respect to the scanning and dimensioned to acquire an image of the entire surface to be imaged by the X-ray radiation from the portions. In addition, the detection system includes a mechanism to limit, at a given time, the acquisition of the image sensor to that of the image of the portion irradiated at that given time, the limitation mechanism being in synchronism with the scanning and in geometrical correspondence with the irradiated portion.

Abstract: A method for processing a fluoroscopic image includes generating a lag prediction model, scanning an object at a first radiation dosage with an imaging system including at least one radiation source and at least one detector array, and periodically updating the lag prediction model during the scan to generate at least one fluoroscopic image of the object.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained, electronic radioscopic imaging system uses an X-ray converter screen for converting impinging X-ray radiation to visible light, and thus each point impinged on the screen by X-ray radiation scintillates visible light emissions diverging from the screen. An emission modification lens layer, e.g., a prismatic brightness enhancement film or a sprayed on transmissive layer, through which the visible light emitted from the screen is transmitted is superposed with the screen for generally focusing the diverging visible light as a restricted cone of illumination propagating outwardly from each point impinged on the screen to increase the fraction of light directed into the collection cone and reducing the amount of scattered visible light from the screen.

Abstract: A system for x-ray fluoroscopic imaging of bodily tissue in which a scintillation screen and a charge coupled device (CCD) is used to accurately image selected tissue. An x-ray source generates x-rays which pass through a region of a subject's body, forming an x-ray image which reaches the scintillation screen. The scintillation screen re-radiates a spatial intensity pattern corresponding to the image, the pattern being detected by the CCD sensor. In a preferred embodiment the imager uses four 8×8-cm three-side buttable CCDs coupled to a CsI:T1 scintillator by straight (non-tapering) fiberoptics and tiled to achieve a field of view (FOV) of 16×16-cm at the image plane. Larger FOVs can be achieved by tiling more CCDs in a similar manner. The imaging system can be operated in a plurality of pixel pitch modes such as 78, 156 or 234-?m pixel pitch modes. The CCD sensor may also provide multi-resolution imaging.

Abstract: A scheme for enabling proper radiation sensing to be performed without establishing a synchronous connection by generating radioscopic and sensing timings of an image sensor, includes a timing prediction unit for predicting an x-ray pulse timing on the basis of a detection value of a first X-ray detection unit, and outputting the predicted radiation pulse timing, and a drive control unit for effecting drive control of a second X-ray detection unit on the basis of an output of the timing prediction unit, thereby making it possible to perform the proper radiation sensing without establishing the wired or wireless online synchronous connection.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus including an input device which inputs a desired visual field size, and a method for setting a detection field size of an image intensifier I.I. and a magnification ratio of collected image data in a processor in accordance with the inputted visual field size to reduce an operator's burden for setting a condition.

Abstract: A method for reconstructing two and three dimensional images of objects using X-ray image projections and iterative reconstruction techniques is provided. More specifically, the method provides an image of the object to be corrected. Two or more X-ray absorbance profiles of the image are obtained along two or more different projection directions. These profiles are compared with the corresponding absorbance profiles of the object substantially filled with an X-ray contrast agent and, based on this comparison, the image is corrected using the iterative reconstruction techniques. Before each iteration the pixels of the image are updated so that if the absorbance value of the pixel is below a preselected value then the pixel is set to 0, otherwise the pixel is set to the absorbance value corresponding to the concentration of the X-ray contrast agent within the object. The iteration stops when the difference between the absorbance profiles of the image and the object falls below a preselected value.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained, electronic radioscopic imaging system uses a pulsed X-ray source, a remote X-ray sensor, and a self-contained, display and controller unit to produce, store, and/or display digital radioscopic images of an object under investigation in low voltage imaging environments such as medical applications including mammography and tissue imaging, and industrial radiography of low-density structures, or the like. The radiographic system uses an X-ray converter screen for converting impinging X-ray radiation to visible light, and thus each point impinged on the screen by X-ray radiation scintillates visible light emissions diverging from the screen. An image sensor, i.e., a CCD camera, is configured to sense the visible light from the screen. An aspheric objective lens operable with the CCD camera spatially senses visible light within a collection cone directed outwardly from the image sensor. An emission modification lens layer, e.g.

Abstract: A system for x-ray fluoroscopic imaging of bodily tissue in which a scintillation screen and a charge coupled device (CCD) is used to accurately image selected tissue. An x-ray source generates x-rays which pass through a region of a subject's body, forming an x-ray image which reaches the scintillation screen. The scintillation screen re-radiates a spatial intensity pattern corresponding to the image, the pattern being detected by the CCD sensor. In a preferred embodiment the imager uses four 8×8-cm three-side buttable CCDs coupled to a CsI:T1 scintillator by straight (non-tapering) fiberoptics and tiled to achieve a field of view (FOV) of 16×16-cm at the image plane. Larger FOVs can be achieved by tiling more CCDs in a similar manner. The imaging system can be operated in a plurality of pixel pitch modes such as 78, 156 or 234-&mgr;m pixel pitch modes. The CCD sensor may also provide multi-resolution imaging.

Abstract: A system and method for high resolution digital x-ray imaging which utilizes a single imaging sensor is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the system utilizes a single imaging sensor and includes one or more redirecting elements to redirect a predetermined portion of light from an imaging screen onto the imaging sensor.

Abstract: An electronic video camera apparatus is provided for focusing light rays from object plane proximate image intensifier of a medical x-ray imaging system onto an image plane proximate a light sensor. The electronic video camera includes a lens system located between the object and image planes to focus light rays from the object plane onto the image plane. The light rays at the object plane are representative of a patient image. An optical filter is located between the object and image planes and partially blocks light rays passing there through. The optical filter includes at least first and second filter regions having different opacity. The first and second filter regions are alignable with the lens system at different times to block differing first and second amounts of light rays, respectively, associated with differing first and second x-ray amounts transmitted at different times.

Abstract: A radiation image detecting device, comprises: a scintillator to emit light in accordance with an intensity of radiation energy when being irradiated with radiation; a lens array in which a plurality of lens units are arranged in a form of an array, wherein the light emitted from the scintillator passes through the lens array; a lattice to partition the lens array, wherein the plurality of lens units are arranged on the lattice; and a plurality of area sensors corresponding to the plurality of lens units of the lens array, the plurality of area sensors receiving the light having passed through the plurality of lens units and converting the light into electric signals, wherein the scintillator, the lens array and the plurality of area sensors are arranged in that order.

Abstract: A method for reconstructing two and three dimensional images of objects using X-ray image projections and iterative reconstruction techniques is provided. More specifically, the method provides an image of the object to be corrected. Two or more X-ray absorbance profiles of the image are obtained along two or more different projection directions. These profiles are compared with the corresponding absorbance profiles of the object substantially filled with an X-ray contrast agent and, based on this comparison, the image is corrected using the iterative reconstruction techniques. Before each iteration the pixels of the image are updated so that if the absorbance value of the pixel is below a preselected value then the pixel is set to 0, otherwise the pixel is set to the absorbance value corresponding to the concentration of the X-ray contrast agent within the object. The iteration stops when the difference between the absorbance profiles of the image and the object falls below a preselected value.

Abstract: An x-ray imaging device includes a borescope and an x-ray detector positioned at a distal end of the borescope. The x-ray detector can be configured to be movable into and out of an optical path and can include a scintillation screen. The movably configured x-ray detector can be moved into the optical path, when x-rays are impinging, and out of the optical path, when a visible image of a test object is desired, facilitating navigation of the x-ray detector through a test object. The x-ray imaging device can include an imager, for converting an image to an electronic format. The imager can be positioned at the proximal end of the borescope, with the borescope including a waveguide, for guiding light to a proximal end thereof. Alternatively, the imager can be positioned between the distal end of the borescope and the x-ray detector.

Abstract: A radiation inspection system and a method using the same. The system includes a steering radiation electronic tube for generating radiation, and an image intensifier for converting a plurality of projection images formed by projecting the radiation from the steering radiation electronic tube onto an object to be inspected into visual images. The system also includes a visual image part on which the visual images are projected, an electronic shutter having a visual image transmission part for transmitting the visual images from the visual image part of the image intensifier in sequence, and a camera for photographing the visual images from the visual image transmission part of the electronic shutter in sequence. With this configuration, the electronic shutter transmits visual images sequentially.

Abstract: A color radiography system comprises a color light emission sheet having a phosphor layer that contains a phosphor emitting in a plurality of colors to radiation and emits light under irradiation of radiation transmitted through a subject to be inspected, and a color film or a color camera that detects the light emissions of the plurality of colors into the respective colors. In the phosphor layer, a phosphor is used that has a primary emission component corresponding to one emission color in a visible light region and at least one secondary emission component, the secondary emission component having an emission color different from that of the primary emission component and a ratio of light emission to radiation of the same intensity being different from that of the primary emission component. According to the present color radiography system, image information of a plurality of colors having different sensitivity characteristics can be obtained.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained, electronic radioscopic imaging system uses a pulsed X-ray source, a remote X-ray sensor, and a self-contained, display and controller unit to produce, store, and/or display digital radioscopic images of an object under investigation in low voltage imaging environments such as medical applications including mammography and tissue imaging, and industrial radiography of low-density structures, or the like. The radiographic system uses an X-ray converter screen for converting impinging X-ray radiation to visible light, and thus each point impinged on the screen by X-ray radiation scintillates visible light emissions diverging from the screen. An image sensor, i.e., a CCD camera, is configured to sense the visible light from the screen. An aspheric objective lens operable with the CCD camera spatially senses visible light within a collection cone directed outwardly from the image sensor. An emission modification lens layer, e.g.

Abstract: An image receptor for an X-ray apparatus including a lead glass panel laminate that is directly coupled to at least one lens assembly with an optical adhesion material. Each lens assembly is directly coupled to an associated solid state image sensor by an optical adhesion material. Each solid state image sensor is in electrical communication with an integral mother board by way of a removable daughterboard. The motherboard includes through apertures for allowing the servicing of each lens assembly. The lens assembly includes a focus adjustment that allows a linear adjustment of the lens assembly while maintaining the electrical communication with the motherboard. The lead glass panel laminate further includes light directing properties in the form of at least one partitioning mask that is formed in its second surface. Each partitioning mask cooperates with light directing coatings that are applied to a top surface of a lead glass panel of the lead glass panel laminate.

Abstract: X-ray diagnostic installation has a high-voltage generator for an X-ray tube for generating an X-ray beam, an X-ray image converter that has a scintillator layer and a semiconductor layer with light-sensitive pixel elements arranged in a matrix, and a combined back light/dose measuring unit arranged therebehind in the beam direction that is formed by an array of light-emitting diodes arranged in a matrix, as backside illumination, and light-sensitive sensors that acquire the X-ray dose, as sensors, and a measurement transducer for the control of the high-voltage generator connected thereto. Light waveguides are arranged in front of the light-sensitive sensors and between the light-emitting diodes, these light waveguides conducting the light that proceeds from the X-ray image converter during the irradiation and that is incident onto the combined back light/dose measuring unit onto the light-sensitive sensors.

Abstract: A diagnostic radiography system has an X-ray generator for emitting an X-ray beam, a planar X-tray image converter with a sensor unit with photosensitive pixel elements that are arranged in a matrix and, arranged behind the sensor unit in the direction of radiation, a back-illumination which is formed by elements that are arranged in a matrix are connected to a control device. When the back-illumination is switched on, the output signal of the sensor unit is measured, and the elements of the back-illumination are triggered individually by the control device for homogenization in the sense of producing a uniform output signal.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained, electronic radioscopic imaging system uses a pulsed X-ray source, a remote X-ray sensor, and a self-contained, display and controller unit to produce, store, and/or display digital radioscopic images of an object under investigation in low voltage imaging environments such as medical applications including mammography and tissue imaging, and industrial radiography of low-density structures, or the like. The radiographic system uses an X-ray converter screen for converting impinging X-ray radiation to visible light, and thus each point impinged on the screen by X-ray radiation scintillates visible light emissions diverging from the screen. An image sensor, i.e., a CCD camera, is configured to sense the visible light from the screen. An aspheric objective lens operable with the CCD camera spatially senses visible light within a collection cone directed outwardly from the image sensor. An emission modification lens layer, e.g.

Abstract: A system and method for digital x-ray imaging which utilizes optical path folding by redirecting the image more than once before providing it to an imaging sensor is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, multiple redirection or folding of light is achieved by multiple redirecting elements. An imaging sensor is preferably used to capture the image from the multiple redirecting elements. Such an imaging sensor may comprise a photosensitive plate and a lens assembly.

Abstract: A digital radiography system having an X-ray source irradiating an object to be inspected with X-ray, an X-ray image intensifier tube which receives the X-rays which pass through the object and converts the received X-rays into an optical image, a video camera which picks up the output image and has different modes, an optical system including a plurality of lenses and disposed between the X-ray image intensifier tube and the video camera, an image processor which converts an output from the video camera into a digital image data, and an image display for displaying an X-ray image by reading out the digital image data from the image processor.

Abstract: A digital radiography system having an X-ray source irradiating an object to be inspected with X-ray, an X-ray image intensifier tube which receives the X-rays which pass through the object and converts the received X-rays into an optical image, a video camera which picks up the output image and has different modes, an optical system including a plurality of lenses and disposed between the X-ray image intensifier tube and the video camera, an image processor which converts an output from the video camera into a digital image data, and an image display for displaying an X-ray image by reading out the digital image data from the image processor.

Abstract: X-ray diagnostic installation has a high-voltage generator for an X-ray tube for generating an X-ray beam, an X-ray image converter that has a scintillator layer and a semiconductor layer with light-sensitive pixel elements arranged in a matrix, and a combined back light/dose measuring unit arranged therebehind in the beam direction that is formed by an array of light-emitting diodes arranged in a matrix, as backside illumination, and light-sensitive sensors that acquire the X-ray dose, as sensors, and a measurement transducer for the control of the high-voltage generator connected thereto. Light waveguides are arranged in front of the light-sensitive sensors and between the light-emitting diodes, these light waveguides conducting the light that proceeds from the X-ray image converter during the irradiation and that is incident onto the combined back light/dose measuring unit onto the light-sensitive sensors.

Abstract: A digital radiography system obtaining x-ray images of a patient body through an X-ray image intensifier tube and a video camera optically coupled with the X-ray image intensifier tube. The diameter of an input imaged size of the X-ray image intensifier tube is ranged from 254 to 457 mm, the diameter of an output image size of the X-ray image intensifier tube is ranged from 50 to 90 mm, and the ratio of the diameter of the output image size against the diameter of the input image size is ranged from 4 to 8.

Abstract: When “fluoroscopy” is specified, a little amount of X rays are irradiated successively, and an X-ray image is reflected from rotating mirrors to enter a fluoroscopic camera head provided with FTCCD. The FTCCD can obtain a fluoroscopic image as a moving picture because successive imaging is possible in a frame rate. Moreover, when “radiography” is specified, great amounts of X rays are irradiated at one shot, and an X-ray image is reflected from the rotating mirrors to enter a radiographic camera head provided with FFTCCD. The FFTCCD is provided with pixels with large pixel size whose number is increased, and thus a high-definition radiographic image as a still picture can be obtained without using an X-ray film.

Abstract: A short form intensifier is provided having a plurality of cameras each providing a portion of the image of the image intensifier to reduce the focal length and hence the distortion of each camera individually. The images may be collected to provide a single contiguous image. Multiple lenses may be associated with different correction factors in associated correction circuitry.

Abstract: An integrated X-ray and visual inspection system having an inspection subsystem with a holder holding an object to be inspected, an X-ray source, a camera receiving an X-ray image of an object to be inspected and a camera receiving a visible image of an object to be inspected, the X-ray source and camera receiving the X-ray image being positioned on opposite sides of the holder. A display may also be provided for displaying the images. The system is well suited to the inspection of printed circuit boards having electronic components mounted thereon, in which case the holder may be a conveyor for the printed circuit boards. Independent positioning of the X-ray source and camera receiving the X-ray image allows offset images of the printed circuit board topside and bottomside features of the board. Various other features of the system and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An X-ray examination apparatus comprises an X-ray detector (1) for deriving an optical image from an X-ray image. An image pick-up device (2) derives an image signal from the optical image. The image pick-up device (2) is provided with an image sensor (3,4) having a plurality of sensor elements. The effective surface area of the sensor elements differs for different optical spectral components of the optical image. The image pick-up device is provided with an adjusting system for selecting an optical spectral component. The image signal is derived from the selected optical spectral component.

Abstract: A model-based optimization is used to determine x-ray techniques for optimal image quality performance. The first step for achieving model-based optimization is to determine optimized techniques for a fixed spectral filter and focal spot to define a basic trajectory. The spectral filter and focal spot versus patient size are then optimized. The determined optimized techniques and the optimized spectral filter and focal spot versus patient size are used to create a functional trajectory which includes a Basic Trajectory Selector Table (indicating optimized spectral filter/focal spot) and the associated basic trajectories.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained, electronic radioscopic imaging system uses a pulsed X-ray source, a remote X-ray sensor, and a self-contained, display and controller unit to produce, store, and/or display digital radioscopic images of an object under investigation in low voltage imaging environments such as medical applications including mammography and tissue imaging, and industrial radiography of low-density structures, or the like. The radiographic system uses an X-ray converter screen for converting impinging X-ray radiation to visible light, and thus each point impinged on the screen by X-ray radiation scintillates visible light emissions diverging from the screen. An image sensor, i.e., a CCD camera, is configured to sense the visible light from the screen. An aspheric objective lens operable with the CCD camera spatially senses visible light within a collection cone directed outwardly from the image sensor. An emission modification lens layer, e.g.