X-ray reduction system
AssigneeControlRad Systems, Inc.
InventorsHaim Zvi Melman, Liron Melman, Allon Guez
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A multiple frames imaging system is disclosed with capability of differential x-ray exposure of different input areas of an image intensifier or other x-ray detector. Collimators are provided to control the amount of radiation in various regions of the image and image processing is provided to provide the display of images of different qualities. Motion methods are provided to move the collimators to produce optimal image frames.
Claims19
A collimator system for reducing radiation comprising:
- a collimator comprising:
- at least one aperture configured to allow radiation to pass through;
- wherein thickness and material of said collimator are designed to pass a part of said radiation passing through area outside said at least one aperture;
- and
- a motorized member associated with said collimator, said motorized member is configured to move said collimator in a 2-dimensional plane;
- said motorized member is configured to rotate between an x-ray source's pulses and stop during said x-ray source's pulses.
A variable aperture collimator system comprising:
- a plurality of radiation attenuating plates, each one of said plates having an aperture;
- wherein thickness and material of said radiation attenuating plates are designed to pass a part of said radiation passing through area outside said at least one aperture;
- means for selecting a radiation attenuating plate;
- a collimator having an opening configured to receive any of said plurality of radiation attenuating plates;
- and
- a plate changing mechanism comprising:
- a body comprising on one face thereof said plurality of said radiation attenuating plates;
- said body configured to move to bring a selected plate to said opening of said collimator.
A method of controlling a Region of Interest (ROI) in an image of an x-ray irradiated area, comprising:
- providing:
- a collimator comprising:
- at least one aperture configured to allow radiation to pass through;
- wherein material and thickness of said collimator are designed to pass a part of said radiation passing through area outside said at least one aperture;
- and
- a motorized member associated with said collimator, said motorized member is configured to move said collimator in a 2-dimensional plane in two independent directions;
- determining a location on said image;
- and
- moving said motorized member, thereby moving said collimator to place at least one of said at least one aperture according to said determined location.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.