Method and apparatus for enhanced sensitivity filmless medical x-ray imaging, including three-dimensional imaging
A filmless X-ray imaging system includes at least one X-ray source, upper and lower collimators, and a solid-state detector array, and can provide three-dimensional imaging capability. The X-ray source plane is distance z{sub 1} above upper collimator plane, distance z{sub 2} above the lower collimator plane, and distance z{sub 3} above the plane of the detector array. The object to be X-rayed is located between the upper and lower collimator planes. The upper and lower collimators and the detector array are moved horizontally with scanning velocities v{sub 1}, v{sub 2}, v{sub 3} proportional to z{sub 1}, z{sub 2} and z{sub 3}, respectively. The pattern and size of openings in the collimators, and between detector positions is proportional such that similar triangles are always defined relative to the location of the X-ray source. X-rays that pass through openings in the upper collimator will always pass through corresponding and similar openings in the lower collimator, and thence to a corresponding detector in the underlying detector array. Substantially 100% of the X-rays irradiating the object (and neither absorbed nor scattered) pass through the lower collimator openings and are detected, which promotes enhanced sensitivity. A computer system coordinates repositioning of the collimators and detector array, and X-ray source locations. The computer system can store detector array output, and can associate a known X-ray source location with detector array output data, to provide three-dimensional imaging. Detector output may be viewed instantly, stored digitally, and/or transmitted electronically for image viewing at a remote site. 5 figs.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC03-83ER40103
- Assignee:
- Univ. of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI (United States)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 5,461,653/A/
- Application Number:
- PAN: 8-147,401
- OSTI ID:
- 119050
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: 24 Oct 1995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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