Patent ID: 7396161

Claim:
A method for generating an X-ray image of an extremity of a patient with a scale of length, comprising: locating the patient in a patient presentation area adapted to facilitate the X-ray image; arranging an X-ray source and an X-ray detector between the patient; determining a first distance measured from the X-ray source to the X-ray detector; communicating the first distance to an electronic evaluation system as a first electronic data value; determining a second distance measured from the extremity to the X-ray detector via a light-source device arranged stationary in relation to the X-ray detector, the light-source device comprising a displaceable light source having an electronically determinable distance from the X-ray detector, the light source switched on and displaced until the light beam shines on to the extremity; communicating the second distance to the electronic evaluation system as a second electronic data value; calculating a scale for the X-ray image via the first and second electronic data values via an electronic evaluation system; recording an X-ray image via the X-ray source and the X-ray detector while keeping the position of the patient unchanged; and associating the calculated scale with the X-ray image.