Patent ID: 7330532
Filing Date: 2008-02-12
Classification: A61B,G01T

Abstract:
1. An optically-coupled digital radiography system for simultaneously producing multiple images of differing energies of a subject from a single x-ray exposure of the subject, the system comprising: (a) a first scintillator that produces a visible first image when subjected to an x-ray beam that has passed through a subject, the first scintillator being positioned at an oblique angle to the x-ray beam; (b) a first digital camera, optically coupled to the first scintillator, for capturing the first image directly without reflection from reflection means interposed between said first camera and said first scintillator, the first digital camera positioned out of the path of the x-ray beam; (c) an x-ray filter positioned in the path of the x-ray beam and downstream of the first scintillator, for selectively attenuating a portion of the x-ray spectrum of the x-rays that have passed through the first scintillator; (d) a second scintillator positioned in the path of and at an oblique angle to the x-ray beam and downstream of the filter and that produces a visible second image when subjected to x-rays that have passed through the filter, the second image being different than the first image; and (e) a second digital camera, optically coupled to the second scintillator, for capturing the second image directly and without reflection from reflection means interposed between said second camera and said second scintillator, the second digital camera positioned out of the path of the x-ray beam.