UNIVERSAL RADIOGRAPHIC/FLUOROSCOPIC DIGITAL ROOM

A universal radiographic/fluoroscopic "room" (100) is constructed by combining X-ray examination system components, electrical and mechanical drive components, and sensing components, under the supervision of a control system (510), to form a universal diagnostic medical imaging system capable of performing radiographic, fluoroscopic, tomographic, and stepped examinations in several different operator-selectable configurations. The control system (510) automatically determines which system components are required to perform that type of examination, moves the components into operational or storage positions as required, and prepares each component for operation. In the "stepped-digital" modes, an X-ray tube (182) and image intensifier (166) execute a series of radiographic exposures at preselected locations. For each step, a test fluoroscopic exposure is performed under automatic brightness control to determine an optimum technique. The technique so determined is converted for use in subsequent ...

Radiographic and fluoroscopic imaging system

An imaging system provides rapid transition from fluoroscopic to radiographic imaging mode by maintaining the X-ray tube high voltage, increasing the filament current, allowing X-ray tube current to increase toward the desired radiographic current, and terminating exposure when the desired X-ray dose has been achieved. Rapid transition from radiographic to fluoroscopic imaging mode is provided by reducing x-ray tube high voltage to produce an equivalent fluoroscopic-level X-ray output at high initial current, dropping filament current, and enabling automatic brightness system control of the high voltage. As X-ray tube current drops, ABS correspondingly increases high voltage to maintain the desired output. The imaging system obtains movement-related information by analysing a video signal (such as from fluoroscopic image or an image from an optical camera trained on the patient), or from operator movement requests. The system uses movement-related information to control fluoroscopic pulse rate or other imaging parameters. The system can also use such information to initiate a radiographic exposure, or advance to the next step of an operator programmed examination consisting of interspersed fluoroscopic and radiographic exposures. This results in a lower dose to both the patient and the examiner, consistent with high image quality.

Radiographic/fluoroscopic imaging system with reduced patient dose and faster transitions between radiographic and fluoroscopic modes

UNIVERSAL RADIOGRAPHIC ROOM

A universal radiographic apparatus that allows an operator to select between conventional radiographic mode and linear tomographic mode. In conventional radiographic mode of operation, several automatic modes are provided. An x-r ay tube (106) mounted to a tube crane (104) positioned above an elevating table (107) can be accurately controlled in longitudinal and vertical movement, as well as in x-ray tube angulation. In linear tomographic mode, a table bucky (108) is moved laterally in opposition to movement of the tube crane (104), with angulation keeping the tube aimed at the bucky (108). In conventional radiographic mode, the system supports an auto bucky mode, where the table bucky automatically tracks tubecrane motion (104), or an auto table mode, where the tube crane (104) tracks table vertical motion (107) to maintain a fixed SID. In an auto wall mode, the tube crane (104) tracks vertical moveme nt of an associated wall bucky (109).

UNIVERSAL RADIOGRAPHIC ROOM

A universal radiographic apparatus that allows an operator to select between conventional radiographic mode and linear tomographic mode. In conventional radiographic mode of operation, several automatic modes are provided. An x-ray tube (106) mounted to a tube crane (104) positioned above an elevating table (107) can be accurately controlled in longitudinal and vertical movement, as well as in x-ray tube angulation. In linear tomographic mode, a table bucky (108) is moved laterally in opposition to movement of the tube crane (104), with angulation keeping the tube aimed at the bucky (108). In conventional radiographic mode, the system supports an auto bucky mode, where the table bucky automatically tracks tubecrane motion (104), or an auto table mode, where the tube crane (104) tracks table vertical motion (107) to maintain a fixed SID. In an auto wall mode, the tube crane (104) tracks vertical movement of an associated wall bucky (109).

UNIVERSAL RADIOGRAPHIC/FLUOROSCOPIC DIGITAL ROOM

A universal radiographic/fluoroscopic "room" (100) is constructed by combini ng X-ray examination system components, electrical and mechanical drive components, and sensing components, under the supervision of a control syste m (510), to form a universal diagnostic medical imaging system capable of performing radiographic, fluoroscopic, tomographic, and stepped examinations in several different operator-selectable configurations. The control system (510) automatically determines which system components are required to perfo rm that type of examination, moves the components into operational or storage positions as required, and prepares each component for operation. In the "stepped-digital" modes, an X-ray tube (182) and image intensifier (166) execute a series of radiographic exposures at preselected locations. For eac h step, a test fluoroscopic exposure is performed under automatic brightness control to determine an optimum technique. The technique so determined is converted for use in ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING AND OPTIMIZING OUTPUT OF AN X-RAY SOURCE

A method for controlling output of an X-ray source to optimize X-ray energy arriving at an associated X-ray receptor during linear tomographic examination. The method comprises the steps of selecting tomographic sweep parameters (501, 502), predicting a set of X-ray source control parameters based, at least in part, upon the selected tomographic sweep parameters (503 , 504, 505), and controlling X-ray source output in accordance with the set of X- ray source control parameters to optimize X-ray energy arriving at the associated X-ray receptor (508). Apparatus for controlling output of an X-ra y source is also disclosed.

Radiographic/fluoroscopic imaging system with faster transition between radiographic and fluoroscopic modes

A medical diagnostic imaging system and a method of rapidly transitioning from radiographic to fluoroscopic imaging mode. The system achieves a substantially instantaneous transition between the radiographic and fluoroscopic modes of operation by appropriately changing and/or maintaining at least one power supply variable or parameter during a changeover period.

Radiographic/fluoroscopic imaging system with reduced patient dose and faster transitions between radiographic and fluoroscopic modes

METHOD Of IMAGERY FOR the DIAGNOSIS BY RADIOGRAPHY FLUOROSCOPY AND SYSTEM Of IMAGERY FOR SA IMPLEMENTED

La présente invention concerne une méthode pour passer rapidement d'un mode d'imagerie avec exposition par fluoroscopie à un mode avec exposition par radiographie, grâce à un système d'imagerie (100) pour diagnostic prévu pour fonctionner selon des modes d'exposition par radiographie et par fluoroscopie, ledit système (100) comportant des moyens d'émission de rayons X (112, 118, 158, 182) qui présentent un débit de sortie de rayons X sensible d'une manière instantanée à un premier paramètre d'alimentation électrique, ledit débit de sortie étant sensible d'une manière non instantanée à un second paramètre d'alimentation électrique. La méthode selon l'invention consiste à: (a) établir une dose désirée de rayons X, (b) maintenir ledit premier paramètre à un niveau destiné à être utilisé pendant ledit mode d'exposition par fluoroscopie, (c) modifier ledit second paramètre pour lui attribuer une valeur appropriée pour ledit mode d'exposition par radiographie, (d) mesurer une dose cumulée de rayons X qui est émise, (e) achever ledit mode d'exposition par radiographie lorsque ladite dose cumulée et mesurée est supérieure ou égale à ladite dose désirée de rayons X.

RADIOGRAPHIC/FLUOROSCOPIC IMAGING SYSTEM WITH REDUCED PATIENT DOSE AND FASTER TRANSITIONS BETWEEN RADIOGRAPHIC AND FLUOROSCOPIC MODES

A radiographic/fluoroscopic imagining system provides rapid transition from fluoroscopic to radiographic imaging mode by maintaining the X-ray tube high voltage, increasing the filament current, allowing X-ray tube current to increase toward the desired radiographic current, and terminating exposure when the desired X-ray dose has been achieved. Rapid transition from radiographic to fluoroscopic imaging mode is provided by reducing x-ray tube high voltage to produce an equivalent fluoroscopic-level x-ray output at high initial current , dropping filament current, and enabling ABS control of the high-voltage. As x-ray tube current drops, ABS correspondingly increase high voltage to maintain the desired output. The imaging system obtains movement-related information by analyzing a video signal (such as from fluoroscopic image or an image from an optical camera trained on the patient), or from operator movement requests. The imaging system uses movement-related information to responsively ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING AND OPTIMIZING OUTPUT OF AN X-RAY SOURCE

A method for controlling output of an X-ray source to optimize X-ray energy arriving at an associated X-ray receptor during linear tomographic examination. The method comprises the steps of selecting tomographic sweep parameters (501, 502), predicting a set of X-ray source control parameters based, at least in part, upon the selected tomographic sweep parameters (503, 504, 505), and controlling X-ray source output in accordance with the set of X-ray source control parameters to optimize X-ray energy arriving at the associated X-ray receptor (508). Apparatus for controlling output of an X-ray source is also disclosed.

Radiographic/fluoroscopic imaging system with reduced patient dose and faster transitions between radiographic and fluoroscopic modes

Radiographic/fluoroscopic imaging system with reduced patient dose and faster transition between radiographic and fluoroscopic modes

This invention relates to medical diagnostic imaging systems. The invention provides a radiographic/fluoroscopic diagnostic imaging system (100) for examining a subject, the system comprising: means (112) for emitting pulsed x-rays at a controllable pulse rate; means for receiving a fluoroscopic image of said subject; means for establishing a first pulse rate appropriate for pulsed fluoroscopic observation of said subject when said subject is substantially non-moving; means for establishing a second pulse rate appropriate for pulsed fluoroscopic observation of said subject when said subject is moving; and means for receiving information indicating said subject is moving, said information receiving means being other than said means for receiving a fluoroscopic image of said subject; said means for emitting pulsed x-rays responsive to said information receiving means for using said first pulse rate when said subject is non-moving and said second pulse rate when said subject is moving.

Radiographie/Fluoroskopie-Bilderzeugungssystem mit verringerter Patientendosis und schnellen Übergängen zwischen Radiographie- und Fluoroskopie-Betriebsarten

Automatic exposure and brightness control for fluoroscopic and radio-graphic imaging

An exposure control system for radiographic, fluoroscopic, or other diagnostic imaging includes an exposure sensor array and a control element. The exposure sensor array has a plurality of sensor elements directed to defined locations uniformly distributed over the imaging field and may make direct or indirect measurements of exposure rate or imaging converter brightness. A structure or region of diagnostic interest to examining personnel is identified, and only sensors which correspond to locations within the area of interest are selected for use in exposure control. Predefined examination parameters suitable for particular anatomical patient regions are stored. Upon request by examining personnel to perform an examination of an anatomical patient region, the parameters are retrieved for use. The parameters include a preselection of sensors typically suitable for examinations of such region. The sensor locations, and their selection status, may be displayed as an overlay on an actual diagnostic image so that examining personnel may determine which sensors correspond to a structure or region of diagnostic interest. Examining personnel may manually select or deselect sensors. During an automatic mode examination, sensor outputs are analyzed and sensors providing apparently spurious outputs are deselected.

Universal radiographic room

A universal radiographic apparatus that allows an operator to select between conventional radiographic mode and linear tomographic mode. In conventional radiographic mode of operation, several automatic modes are provided. An x-ray tube mounted to a tube crane positioned above an elevating table can be accurately controlled in longitudinal and vertical movement, as well as in x-ray tube angulation. In linear tomographic mode, a table bucky is moved laterally in opposition to movement of the tube crane, with angulation keeping the tube aimed at the bucky. In conventional radiographic mode, the system supports an auto bucky mode, where the table bucky automatically tracks tubecrane motion, or an auto table mode, where the tube crane tracks table vertical motion to maintain a fixed SID. In an auto wall mode, the tube crane tracks vertical movement of an associated wall bucky.

Universal radiographic/fluoroscopic digital room

A universal radiographic/fluoroscopic "room" is constructed according to the present invention by combining a versatile group of X-ray examination system components, electrical and mechanical drive components, and sensing components, under the supervision of a flexible control system, to form a universal diagnostic medical imaging system capable of performing radiographic, fluoroscopic, tomographic, and stepped examinations in several different operator-selectable configurations. The operator selects any available operating mode, including auto-bucky, auto-wall, auto-table, auto-table/wall, servo-tomo, conventional stepping, stepped-digital, auto-step, and auto-step-center modes, using a control panel. The control system automatically determines which system components are required to perform that type of examination, moves the components into operational or storage positions as required, and prepares each component for operation. The operator need not manually reconfigure the equipment. In "stepped-digital" modes useful for peripheral angiography, an under-table X-ray tube and over-table image intensifier execute a series of radiographic exposures at preselected locations. The digital imaging platform is moved while the patient remains stationary. This reduces motion artifacts. For each step, a test fluoroscopic exposure is performed under automatic brightness control to determine an optimum technique. The technique so determined is converted for use in a subsequent radiographic exposure. The operator observes the flow of the contrast medium during the test fluoroscopic exposure and commands the radiographic exposure when the contrast medium arrives at the desired position in the image. Alternatively, the control system may detect the presence of the contrast medium in the image by comparing a change in image contrast with a previously observed threshold change.