Automated x-ray bone densitometer
US6320931A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 2, 1999 |
| Grant date | Nov 20, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 2, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2223/612
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
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. The compact and low cost tabletop x-ray system is powered by line voltage or battery which exposes the body part and calibration phantom or phantoms simultaneously. The device provides exposures at multiple x-ray energies, here introduced as MEXA, (Mul…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.