Patent Number: 056174659
Section: abstract

A scan-type X-ray imaging system and method are disclosed. Image detection is effected by use of a fixed phosphor converter screen covering the entire field of view so that X-rays passed through an object, or a body portion, positioned at a scan area, are received at the converter screen and light signals, proportional to the received X-rays, are coupled through a movable coupler, having an input portion movably engaging the converter screen, to a movable sensor that converts received light signals to electrical output signals indicative of the object, or body portion, then at the scan area. The input face of the coupler, preferably a fiber optic coupler, is held in positive engagement with the converter screen throughout movement of the coupler relative to the converter screen by a force, such as by an air cushion between the object, or body portion, positioner and the converter screen, by establishing a vacuum between the input face of the coupler and the converter screen, and/or by springs biasing the coupler face plate toward engagement with the converter screen.