Auto-collimating digital X-ray system
US6502985B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 5, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jan 7, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 5, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG21K1/04
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for automatically collimating X-rays. A digital X-ray system (100) includes a generator (108), a sensor unit (110), a control station (112), and a preview monitor (114). The generator (108) generates X-ray radiation that is captured by the sensor unit (110) as a digital image and transmitted to the control station (112). The captured image is displayed on the preview monitor (114). The generator (108) includes a collimator (212) that collimates the generated radiation into a primary beam of X-rays. The size and shape of the primary beam can be adjusted by modifying collimation parameters. A short duration beam of X-rays is generated by the generator (108) and captured (414) by the sensor unit (110). This step is repeated as necessary or desired. The resulting digital images are analyzed (418) by the control station (112) to calculate a calibration coefficient. Another short duration beam of X-rays is generated and a reference image is captured (514). The control station (112) analyzes the reference image and uses the calibration coefficient to collimate the collimator (212) to achieve a desired goal, such as radiating all or only part of an object being radiated…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.