Patent ID: 6324249
Filing Date: 2001-11-27
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
An apparatus for producing a laminographic cross sectional image of a cutting plane of an object comprising:a scanning X-ray source;an X-ray detector positioned to receive X-rays from said scanning X-ray source which have passed through the object, said X-ray detector comprising:a plurality of X-ray sensitive elements forming an array wherein each X-ray sensitive element is adapted to sense and generate an X-ray intensity signal value corresponding to the intensity of X-rays received thereon such that said X-ray intensity signal value on any specific X-ray sensitive element is indicative of the total intensity of X-rays received by that specific X-ray sensitive element; andconnections between said X-ray sensitive elements adapted to allow said X-ray intensity signal values to be shifted from X-ray sensitive element to X-ray sensitive element of said array in response to shift signals corresponding to a first timing pattern such that said X-ray intensity signal values of individual X-ray sensitive elements represent an integration of X-ray intensities received at a plurality of X-ray sensitive element locations as the X-ray intensity signal values shift from X-ray sensitive element to X-ray sensitive element in response to said first timing pattern; anda control system which coordinates positioning of said scanning X-ray source with the shifting of said X-ray sensitive element X-ray intensity signal values in accordance with said first timing pattern thereby accumulating data which is representative of a laminographic cross sectional image of a first cutting plane of the object.