Contact imaging sensor head for computed radiography
AssigneeLeidos, Inc.
InventorsRex David Richardson, William L. Hicks, Mark Alan Peressini
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A scan head design uses 1:1 (one-to-one) imaging micro-lens arrays to transfer the object plane X-ray image from a CR-plate onto a linear photosensor. The scan-head includes a housing having therein, an array of red light emitting diodes (LEDs), a red-absorbing filter, a microlens array, an infrared-filter, and a sensor. The housing faces the CR-plate and the scan-head is translated across the CR-plate to read out the X-ray image therein. The scan head is compact and provides for improved spatial resolution and reduced power requirements.
Claims28
A system for readout-scanning of a previously exposed photostimulable storage phosphor plate containing an X-ray image comprising:
- a linear array of red light emitting diodes (LEDs) oriented at a predetermined angle to the exposed photostimulable storage phosphor plate to illuminate directly both a gap-interface between the exposed photostimulable storage phosphor plate and a red-absorbing filter and a first predetermined portion of the exposed photostimulable storage phosphor plate;
- and
- a microlens array for receiving image photons emitted from the exposed first predetermined portion of the photostimulable storage phosphor plate responsive to the illumination from the linear array of red light emitting diodes (LEDs) and passed through the red-absorbing filter, wherein the microlens array forms the X-ray image on a linear sensor.
A scan-head for readout-scanning of a previously exposed photostimulable storage phosphor plate containing an X-ray image comprising:
- a housing including therein,
- a linear array of red light emitting diodes (LEDs),
- a red-absorbing filter,
- a microlens array,
- an infrared-filter, and
- a sensor;
- wherein the linear array of red light emitting diodes is oriented at a predetermined angle to the exposed photostimulable storage phosphor plate to illuminate directly a first predetermined portion of the exposed photostimulable storage phosphor plate;
- and
- further wherein the microlens array receives image photons emitted from the exposed first predetermined portion of the photostimulable storage phosphor plate responsive to the illumination from the linear array of red light emitting diodes (LEDs) after passing through the red-absorbing filter, and forms the X-ray image on the sensor from at least the first predetermined portion of the exposed photostimulable storage phosphor plate;
- a sheet of cover glass adhered to a first portion of a side of the housing facing the exposed photostimulable storage phosphor plate;
- and
- multiple pads adhered to at least a second and third portion of the side of the housing facing the exposed photostimulable storage phosphor plate;
- wherein the scan-head is translatable across the previously exposed photostimulable storage phosphor plate to read out the X-ray image therein.
A subsystem for directing a read-out beam to a CR-plate to stimulate emission of image X-ray photons therefrom, comprising:
- an array of red light emitting diodes (LEDs) for emitting read-out light;
- and
- a red-absorbing filter,
- wherein the array of red LEDs is oriented at a first predetermined angle to the CR-plate to illuminate a gap-interface between the CR-plate and a parallel side of the red-absorbing filter;
- and
- further wherein the red-absorbing filter includes a beveled edge facing in a direction of the linear array of red light emitting diodes (LEDs) and forming a second predetermined angle with a facing side of the CR-plate, such that the read-out beam and the beveled edge operate to direct the read-out beam to a first predetermine portion of the CR-plate and produce the stimulated emission line-source of image X-ray photons from the first predetermined portion of the CR-plate for receipt thereof by a sensor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.