Apparatus and method for producing digital panoramic x-ray images

US5018177A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The Board of Regents of the University of Texas System · US

Inventors

• W. Doss McDavid · San Antonio, US
• S. Brent Dove · San Antonio, US
• Ulf Welander · Tomelilla, SE
• Gunilla Tronje · Stuvsta-Snättringe, SE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 1, 1989
• Grant date: May 21, 1991
• Expiry date: Jun 1, 2009

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B6/032
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Apparatus and method for producing a digital panoramic X-ray image of an object is disclosed. The system of the invention includes an X-ray source and a digital radiation detector, which move around the object in unison in a certain time period. The radiation detector produces pixel data signals that are proportional to the incident X-rays on it. The pixel data signals are integrated over a series of varying time intervals to obtain pixel data signals which are proportional to the X-rays incident upon the radiation detector during each time interval. The integrated pixel data signals are converted into digital signals, which are then used to produce a digital X-ray image of the object.