Abstract: A radiation detector of this invention includes a scintillator for converting an X-ray incident from a surface side into light, at least one photodiode chip having a plurality of photodiodes for converting the converted light into electrical signals, at least one switching chip having a plurality of switching elements for reading out a plurality of signals from the plurality of photodiodes, and at least one data acquisition chip having a plurality of data acquisition systems for amplifying the plurality of readout signals and converting the signals into digital signals. The photodiode chip, the switching chip, and the data acquisition chip are commonly mounted on a rigid multilayer wiring board.

Abstract: A semiconductor radiation imaging device is disclosed which includes an array of image elements, each image element of said array comprising an image element detector cell which generates charge in response to radiation incident on said image element and image element circuitry for accumulating said charge from said image element detector cell and for selectively outputting a signal representative of accumulated charge. The imaging device further includes a radiation sensor element, said radiation sensor element comprising a radiation detector cell integral with said image element detector cells for generating charge in response to incident radiation on said radiation sensor element and a radiation sensor output for continuously supplying charge from said radiation detector cell. Also disclosed is an imaging system employing image devices as described above, and a method of imaging radiation.

Abstract: The present invention, in one form is an imaging system for generating images of an entire object. In one embodiment, a physiological cycle unit is used to determine the cycle of the moving object. By altering the rotational speed of an x-ray source as a function of the object cycle, segments of projection data are collected for each selected phase of the object during each rotation. After completing a plurality of rotations, the segments of projection data are combined and a cross-sectional image of the selected phase of the object is generated. As a result, minimizing motion artifacts.

Abstract: A frame (A) of a diagnostic imaging device such as a CT scanner or an MRI device has a bore defining a patient examination region (12). A first x-ray source (B) is mounted to a frame (C) for rotation around the examination region (12). An arc of first radiation detectors (14) detects x-rays which have traversed the examination region. A first image reconstruction processor (18) reconstructs a tomographic image representation from signals generated by the first radiation detectors. A fluoroscopy device (D) is mechanically coupled to the diagnostic scanner for generating and displaying at least substantially real-time fluoroscopic projection image representations on a display monitor (60). A second x-ray source (32) transmits x-rays to an amorphous silicon flat panel radiation detector (36). A second image reconstruction processor (58) reconstructs the fluoroscopic projection image representations from signals generated by the flat panel radiation detector (36).

Abstract: An apparatus including but not limited to a charge-coupled device(CCD)-array sensor positioning mechanism, the positioning mechanism structured to position a CCD-array sensor to capture a first target area; and the CCD-array sensor positioning mechanism further structured to position the CCD-array sensor to capture a second target area proximate to the first target area, the first and second target areas spatially related such that a first radiographic image recorded at the first target area may be combined with a second radiographic image recorded at the second target area to form a composite radiographic image substantially analogous to a single radiographic image of an aggregate target area covered by the first and second target areas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor which includes a reference electrode as well as a plurality of sensor elements, each sensor element including a collector electrode and a photoconductor structure which is arranged between the reference electrode and the collector electrodes, as well as a switching element which connects the collector electrode to a read-out lead, the sensor elements being arranged in a matrix of n rows and m columns, where n, m are larger than 1. Correct operation of even the sensor elements in the edge zone of the matrix is achieved, irrespective of the construction of the edge of the photoconductor structure and the reference electrode, in that the matrix is provided with a guard electrode window (9) which is arranged between the read-out lead (5) and the photoconductor structure (6) of the sensor elements (21) constituting the edge of the matrix and extends beyond the edge of the photoconductor structure (6).

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: 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 discrete pixel detector is charge compensated in a plurality of scan modes. In each scan mode a different number of rows of the detector is enabled, and signals produced at discrete pixel locations are read at the detector columns. Charges due to parasitic capacitance between the rows and columns are compensated and balanced by applying a compensation voltage to rows not enabled. The number of rows receiving the compensation voltage varies depending upon the number of enabled rows in each scan mode. A single compensation voltage may be used by applying the compensation voltage to a fixed multiple of the number of enabled rows in each scan mode.

Abstract: A radiation imaging device includes an image cell array having an array of detector cells and an array of image cell circuits. Each image cell circuit is associated with a respective detector cell and includes counting. The image cell circuits may include threshold circuitry configured to receive signals generated in the respective detector cell and having values dependent on the incident radiation energy. The counting circuitry may be coupled to the threshold circuitry.

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 method is proposed for compensating for the dark current of an electronic sensor having a plurality of pixels with an individual dark-current response, radiation for producing an image signal (BS) being directed from a beam source (3) onto a detector arrangement (4) containing the sensor, and a recording being taken with different clock-out rate (v) (integration time) by reading the detector signal (S) present in the pixels of the sensor, in which, before the beginning or after the end of the recording with radiation, the sensor is read out without radiation with at least two different clock-out rates (v1, v2) and at least two dark-current signals (DC1, DC2) are thereby picked up for each pixel, in which the dark-current signals (DC1, DC2) that have been read out are then used to calculate a dark-current value (DV) of individual pixels of the sensor as a function of the clock-out rate (v), and in which a correction is then made, using the dark-current value associated with each pixel, to the detector signal

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for detecting X-ray radiations comprising a carrying member on one face arranged with detectors consisting of a plurality of sensors arranged on a substrate. The detectors are arranged substantially edge to edge at lease in one row on at least one side of said carrying member.

Abstract: A radiation detecting cassette comprises a radiation detector and a flat-shaped case housing for accommodating the radiation detector. The radiation detector is provided with a plurality of solid-state detecting devices, which are arrayed in a two-dimensional form and which detect radiation carrying image information of an object and convert the radiation into an image signal representing a radiation image of the object. The radiation detector further comprises a receiving device for receiving necessary information from the exterior in cases where an image recording operation is to be performed, and a display device for displaying the information having been received by the receiving device. The radiation detecting cassette enables an image recording menu, such as image recording conditions to be used, an image recording method to be used, and a portion of an object, the image of which is to be recorded, to be found at an image recording site in cases where a radiation image of a patient is to be recorded.

Abstract: In an x-ray diagnostic apparatus for tomosynthesis or laminographic imaging using a patient positioning table, an x-ray source which emits an x-ray beam on one side of the patient positioning table, an x-ray detector arranged on the other side of the patient positioning table for the capture of the x-ray beam and for producing digital images, a device for movement of the x-ray source, a device for shifting of the x-ray detector and a device for superimposing the digital images so that only the details lying in a specific longitudinal slice for an examination subject are sharply imaged, the x-ray detector is rotated relative to the movement direction at an angle.

Abstract: The inventive mechanism uses the output of a visible light sensor to provide accurate signal detecting and noise filtering. When the mechanism detects light for a sufficient duration and intensity in the right wavelength, it generates a trigger signal that activates a camera to record an image. Any noise in the light sensor signal is filtered out or ignored by the mechanism. The mechanism measures the light sensor signal over time, and for a signal to be an accurate signal, each measurement needs to be higher in voltage than the preceding measurement, otherwise the signal is rejected as noise.

Abstract: In an X-ray image detector including an X-ray grid unit for transmitting primary X-rays and removing scattered X-rays, a fluorescent substance for emitting fluorescence through excitation by X-rays, and photoelectric conversion elements for photoelectrically converting the fluorescence, these X-ray grid unit, fluorescent substance and photoelectric conversion elements are constituted together as a single unit. The plurality of photoelectric conversion elements are arranged two-dimensionally between each adjacent two of which there is a predetermined insensitive region. The X-ray grid is composed of a plurality of X-ray absorption members for removing the scattered X-rays, and the X-ray absorption members are disposed substantially only on the predetermined insensitive regions when viewed from a direction from which X-rays are incident.

Abstract: A detector for detection of ionizing radiation comprises a cathode; an anode; an ionizable gas arranged between these electrodes; a radiation entrance arranged such that ionizing radiation can enter and ionize the ionizable gas; and a readout arrangement. A voltage across the electrodes causes electrons created during ionization of the gas to drift towards the anode, where the readout arrangement detects them. To reduce the risk of occurrence of sparks, and/or to reduce the energy in occurring sparks, one of the cathode and anode has at least the surface layer facing the other electrode made of a material having a resistivity of at least 5×10−8 &OHgr;m.

Abstract: This invention relates to an imaging system useful in medical and industrial x-ray imaging, including classical and digital radiography, and classical CT scanning. The imaging system of the present invention provides an increased spatial resolution over imaging systems of the prior art by angulating an x-ray detector or detector array with respect to a radiation source.

Abstract: The invention relates to an image sensing apparatus and method which form an image by using radiation including visible light, X-rays, and the like (which is generically called light in the invention), and also relates to a -one- or two-dimensional image sensing apparatus such as a facsimile apparatus, a digital copying machine, a still camera, or a radiation image sensing apparatus, and an image sensing method. This image sensing apparatus uses a photo-electric conversion device. The image sensing apparatus has an image sensing means including a plurality of photo-electric elements arranged one- or two-dimensionally to obtain image information with a high S/N ratio by solving the problem that errors contained in the photographic output cannot be completely corrected because of the differences between the conditions set to obtain data to be used for correction and the conditions set for actual photographing operation.

Abstract: When X-rays are projected to an X-ray sensor through a grid, a pitch of the grid has a relationship such that a length of multiplying an odd number to a half pitch of a projection image is equal to a pitch of detection pixels of the X-ray sensor. X-rays passing through a sample to be measured via the grid are detected by the X-ray sensor. Levels of the detected X-ray detection signals are inputted into an operation process portion and subjected to an equalizing process for every even number detection pixel group continuously lined up in a pitch direction of the grid, i.e. with a combination of a high value and a low value of the levels of the X-ray detection signals, as a unit. As a result, irregularities of the levels of the X-ray detection signals can be corrected, and moires generated on an output screen of an image display portion can be removed.

Abstract: A radiographic diagnosis apparatus includes an X-ray generation device for irradiating an object with X-rays, a two-dimensional array detector which is formed by arraying small detecting elements in a two-dimensional matrix and opposing the X-ray generation device with the object interposed between them and detects X-rays transmitted through the object in units of pixels, a ray conversion plate adhered to the detecting surface of the array detector to change the properties of X-rays in units of pixels, and an image processor for performing image processing based on data from the array detector, thereby generating a radiographic diagnosis image. The ray conversion plate includes a plurality of different types of attenuating elements arrayed in a checkerboard pattern to attenuate radiation at different attenuation ratios. The properties of X-rays are changed via the ray conversion plate. The ray conversion plate changes the properties into two types.

Abstract: A scanning line drive circuit performs not only a sequential scanning function of scanning lines, but also an interlaced scanning function. For instance, in a fluoroscopy mode in which high-speed imaging and real-time imaging are required, the scanning line drive circuit performs interlaced scanning to scan, for example, every other scanning line. With the interlaced scanning, since the scanning lines are scanned one line at a time like the sequential scanning, a variation of charge on a signal line side does not increase during a transition of a scanning line voltage like conventional scanning in which a plurality of scanning lines are scanned simultaneously. It is therefor possible to obtain a good signal-to-noise ratio without an increase in noise due to fluctuations in the scanning line voltage.

Abstract: In an X-ray imaging system comprising an X-ray source, a digital X-ray detector and a display device, an arrangement is provided for setting or establishing the dynamic range of the image at the display device. The detector is operated to provide a set of count values representing X-ray image data acquired by the detector from an object of imaging, and a set of standardized values, such as optical density values, is derived from the count values. The optical density values collectively define a range of optical density values, and the dynamic range of the display device is mapped thereto. The display device is enabled to present an image of the object which appears similar to or substantially the same as an image of the object presented by, for example, a specified analog X-ray film.

Abstract: A parallel X-ray beam generated from an X-ray generator is radiated onto a CCD of a CCD camera via a metal mesh disposed in front of the CCD. In order to detect the X-ray, a multi-pitch metal mesh (11) is disposed as the metal mesh. The incident position of the X-ray is determined on the basis of a ratio between a primary electron cloud produced by the X-ray spread over a plurality of pixels and a portion of the cloud existing in each of the plurality of pixels.

Abstract: An improved linear scan geometry laminography system that allows for generation of high speed and high resolution X-ray laminographs using an electronic detector operating in a time-domain integration mode coupled with a moving source of X-rays. In one embodiment, the improved scanning laminography system does not require any mechanical motion of the object being inspected, the X-ray source or detectors. Higher speed is achieved over conventional laminography systems due to the electronic nature of the scan. The same architecture also allows for both two-dimensional radiography and digital reconstruction techniques. Usage of the technique provides for higher throughput, higher resolution, and simpler designs than do currently available systems. An analysis of different system design parameters for the basic X-ray imaging architecture utilizing time-domain integration to generate cross-sectional images is included to facilitate specific design configurations.

Abstract: An X-ray image sensor comprising an array of sensor elements and a sensor characterization storage device is provided. The sensor characterization storage device stores sensor characterization information identifying defects in the array of sensor elements. The X-ray image sensor may have an intergrated interpolator, and the interpolator processes image data from the array of sensor elements by using the sensor characterization information to correct for the defects in the array of sensor elements. An X-ray imaging system comprising the X-ray image sensor and a computer also is provided. The X-ray image sensor provides to the computer a signal corresponding to image data from the array of sensor elements. The X-ray image sensor provides to the computer the sensor characterization information, and the computer processes the image data using the sensor characterization information to correct for the defects in the array of sensor elements.

Abstract: It is an object of this invention to provide an image acquisition apparatus which can acquire an image which prevents a stripe pattern originating from a scattered ray removing grid from interfering with observation when X-rays are radiated by using the scattered ray removing grid. An image acquisition apparatus of the invention radiates X-rays by using a scattered ray removing grid (11) and two-dimensionally samples an X-ray transmission distribution on an object (2) to be imaged at desired sampling intervals. This apparatus includes an image acquisition means for acquiring an image by setting the intervals of elements of the scattered ray removing grid, without moving the scattered ray removing grid, such that the spatial frequency of a stripe pattern, in the image, which originates from the scattered ray removing grid becomes 40% or more of a sampling frequency that is the reciprocal of the sampling intervals.

Abstract: A number of randomly distributed pixels in a solid state X-ray imager are designated reference pixels. The distribution of reference pixels may be either totally random or in a limited number of rows or columns. The reference pixels may include predetermined pixels or pixel like elements located in rows or columns distributed in at least two different locations on the sensor. The reference pixels are well distributed to avoid missed exposures due to shading of the reference pixels by dense objects. To determine commencement of exposure the reference pixels are continuously monitored for signal. If the signal level in a predetermined minimum number of pixels exceeds the predetermined threshold, an image capture sequence starts. Otherwise, the entire image sensor is cleared and the signal monitoring continues. The threshold level is set to prevent accidental triggering by dark current at all operating temperatures of interest.

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: The invention relates to a method for correcting image defects from a matrix-type X or &ggr;-ray detector, consisting in producing a confidence map on the basis of continuous confidence ratings, between 0 and 1, and representing the level of confidence assigned to each detector pixel. It then consists in using this confidence map to correct the defects of the matrix detector.

Abstract: Cassette device for producing images, for a radiography apparatus of the type comprising a means for receiving mobile cassettes. The cassette comprises a casing of substantially parallelepipedal shape surrounding a means for producing images. The device comprises a means which forms a handle and is arranged on a small face of the casing The means which forms a handle is provided with a stop surface for insertion of the cassette into the reception means of the radiography apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a digital radiography device with protection against electrical risks, having: a radiation source (10); a sensor (12) connected to an electronic card (13) of a computer (14), first and second assemblies (20, 21) isolated from each other from the galvanic point of view, the first assembly (20) comprising electronic means connected to the sensor (12), the second assembly (21) comprising means for supplying a voltage for supplying the sensor (12) during the presence of radiation and a voltage for supplying the sensor part of the card (13), and means for providing management of the sensor, recovery of the data and processing thereof; the two assemblies (20, 21) exchanging information by optical means.

Abstract: An X-ray examination apparatus includes an X-ray detector for deriving an image signal from an X-ray image. The X-ray detector has an essentially elongate X-ray-sensitive surface. The X-ray sensitive surface of the X-ray detector corresponds notably to a relevant part of the object to be examined.

Abstract: Digital X-ray imaging system 10 automatically provides an enhanced digital display image 10D from a digital camera image 10C showing internal structure 10S of interest within subject 11S. Calibrated radiation attenuators 10A placed near the subject appear in the camera image and in the display image. X-ray source 10X generates X-ray radiations which are attenuated within the calibrated attenuators to provide calibrated attenuations. The X-ray radiations are also differentially attenuated within the interior of the subject to reveal internal structure therein. Digital X-ray camera 11C detects the calibrated radiations to form the camera image of the calibrated greyscale levels. The camera also detects the differentially attenuated radiations to provide the camera image of internal structure of the subject. Each calibrated attenuator appears in the camera image as a collection of adjacent camera pixels exhibiting one of the plurality of calibrated greyscale levels within the camera greyscale.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging detector for generating X-ray transmission image in a form of electric signal, for use in X-ray imaging apparatus which comprises the X-ray imaging detector, an X-ray generator and a fixing means for fixedly positioning an object to be examined between the X-ray generator and the X-ray imaging detector mounted thereon, whereby X-ray imaging is performed by moving the X-ray generator and the X-ray imaging detector both interposing the object fixedly positioned by the fixing means while keeping facing each other.

Abstract: An X-ray spectroscopic analyzer having a mechanism for observing a sample surface, for analyzing a sample 3 by irradiating X-ray 4 thereupon within a chamber 2, comprises: a viewer apparatus 11 for letting the sample to be viewed; and an illumination means 31 for illuminating a surface of the sample 3, by irradiating an illuminating light B upon the surface of the sample 3 obliquely, while suppressing an incidence of a reflecting light of the illuminating light B upon the viewer apparatus 11. With such the construction, a shape of a contaminated portion, a residue or the like, upon the sample surface, can be clearly observed under dark field on the viewer apparatus 11, while keeping the sample 3 set within the x-ray spectroscopic analyzer 1.

Abstract: An X-ray examination apparatus includes an X-ray source (1) for emitting an X-ray beam, an X-ray detector (6) for detecting an X-ray image and converting it into an optical image, and a video extractor (8) which is coupled to the X-ray detector (6) via optical coupling means (9). The optical coupling means (9) is provided with an optical pick up (11) for feeding a fraction of the light flux to a photosensor (12) which produces a control signal for adjusting the X-ray flux from the X-ray source (1). The photosensor (6) is provided with an array of pixels, with weighting means for the signals detected in or by each of said pixels, and with means for determining a mean value of the detected and weighted signals, yielding a control signal which is fed back in order to adjust the X-ray flux from the X-ray source (1).

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 radiographic imaging apparatus and method for vascular interventions for acquiring very high resolution radiographic images over a small region of interest (ROI). The apparatus and associated method employs digital solid state x-ray image detectors for the medical imaging application of angiography. A mechanical arrangement, for example an arm attached to an existing large area x-ray detector, allows the small area ROI digital detector to be temporarily positioned over a region located by the standard large area imager so that additional very high resolution digital images may be obtained over the ROI.

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: A detection system is provided. In one embodiment a silicon Compton recoil electron detector uses the Compton double scatter technique with recoil electron tracking to detect medium energy gamma rays from 0.05 to 10 MeV. Two detector layers are required; a silicon microstrip hodoscope and a calorimeter. The incoming photon Compton scatters in the hodoscope. The second scatter layer is the calorimeter where the scattered gamma ray is totally absorbed. The recoil electron in the hodoscope is tracked trough several detector planes until it stops. The x and y position signals from the first two planes of the electron track determine the direction of the recoil electron while the energy loss from all planes determines the energy of the recoil electron. In another embodiment of the invention, the Compton double scatter technique with recoil electron tracking is used to detect x-rays from 300 to 5,000 keV.

Abstract: Method and system for compensating for the thickness of an organ in a radiology instrument, in which an image of the radiological thicknesses of the organ through which the X-ray beam has passed is calculated on the basis of a digitized image, the thickness image is filtered using a low-pass filter in order to obtain a low-frequency image, the low-frequency image is subtracted from the radiological thickness image in order to obtain a contrast image, the lowfrequency image is processed using a pre-recorded table taking into account a contract &khgr; selected by a user in order to obtain an image with reduced dynamic range, and the image with reduced dynamic range is added to the contrast image in order to obtain a compensated thickness image, the pixels having a level below or above a predetermined threshold being returned at least to the value of the said threshold, while preserving the differences and real ratios between the anatomical structures.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining a high-resolution digital image of an object or objects irradiated with radiation having a wavelength in the x-ray or gamma ray spectrum generated by a radiation source, or of an object or objects emitting radiation within the x-ray or gamma ray spectrum. The apparatus comprises a detector matrix and a radiation mask. The detector matrix comprises a plurality of detector pixels, each comprising a detection surface having a respective surface area which generates a signal in response to an energy stimulus. The radiation mask has an opaque portion, and a plurality of apertures. The aperture size and position relative to the detector array determines the image resolution not the size of the detector pixels.

Abstract: A system for compensating for capacitively coupled artifacts in signals generated by a matrix-addressed x-ray imaging panel including a matrix-addressed array of sensing cells connected to respective integrating read-out amplifiers. While all scan lines are de-energized, a plurality of induced signals output by each amplifier are read, accumulated and averaged by a processor to form respective average values. During normal image panel operation, while scan lines are energized, processor subtracts respective average values from image signals output by respective amplifiers. The result is rounded to obtain an integer value for an image signal corresponding to each amplifier that is compensated for capacitively coupled artifacts.

Abstract: An X-ray examination apparatus for generating an X-ray image of an object, wherein X-ray image generator includes a brightness control input, image processor coupled to the X-ray image generator in order to output a brightness control signal to the control input. The X-ray image generator is provided with an X-ray data output, the image processor is provided with an X-ray data input coupled to the X-ray data output, and the image processor is arranged as calculating system for calculating absorption properties of the object and for generating the brightness control signal in dependence on the absorption properties. Intelligent measuring field selection is now possible on the basis of calculating absorption properties of identifiable objects or parts of objects reproduced in the visible image. Image quality is improved because of brightness control based on more intelligently selected measuring fields.

Abstract: Driving an X-ray imaging device by applying a high voltage signal to a photo-sensing layer, reading the stored charges that result from dark charges produced by the high voltage signal using a data reader such that stored charges are removed from the charging capacitors, performing X-ray irradiation such that X-ray induced charges are stored in a charging capacitor, and converting the stored charges to electrical signals, all while maintaining the high voltage on the photo-sensing layer. The driving method improves a contrast ratio caused by the dark charges and reduces signal variations caused by turning-off the high voltage before converting the stored charge into electrical signals. As the high voltage turned on and off only one once the driving time can be reduced.

Abstract: The computer tomography device includes an X-ray source for emitting an X-ray beam and a detector system for measuring density profiles of cross-sections of an object. The detector system includes a two-dimensional matrix of detector elements. The detector elements positioned along a direction transversely of the cross-sections have the same effective surface and detector elements positioned parallel to the cross-sections have different effective surfaces. Furthermore, the computer tomography device includes an adjustable X-ray collimator for limiting the X-ray beam transversely of the cross-sections.

Abstract: The present invention, in one form, is a flexible interconnect circuit for altering the resolution of an imaging system. In one embodiment, by combining a plurality of detector array signal lines within the interconnect circuit, the imaging system resolution is altered. Each interconnect circuit includes a plurality of contacts at a first end and a second end and a plurality of conductors extending therebetween electrically connected to at least one contact at each end. By altering the number of contacts which are connected together, the resolution of the imaging system is altered.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging device having an erasure electrode disposed between an insulating layer and a photo-sensing layer. A switch selectively switches the erasure electrode to ground. Residual charges produce by the X-ray imaging process are discharged to ground after stored charges are readout and used to produce electrical signals for a display.