Dental image quality and dose analyzer
OwnerJoel E. Grayinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A device and method for evaluating the performance of X-ray machines used to produce radiographic images is described. An analyzer including an X-ray dosimeter and an imaging device is sent to the facility having the X-ray machine to be evaluated. The analyzer may be used with a film pack or a digital image detector. The analyzer is exposed in accordance with testing instructions and returned to an evaluation agency. The radiation dose and HVL is determined from the dosimeter, and the image quality is determined from analysis of a radiograph of a target having differing X-ray absorption portions. A data base of results may be used to provide comparative analysis.
Claims50
A device for measuring the dose and image quality of an X-ray machine, comprising:
- a radiation dosimeter;
- a target having an X-ray test pattern;
- and
- a location, spaced apart from the radiation dosimeter and the target, suitable for placement of an image receptor.
A method of determining X-ray machine image quality and dose, the method comprising:
- receiving a image quality and dose analyzer;
- positioning the analyzer with respect to an X-ray machine to be tested;
- exposing the analyzer to X-rays;
- and
- returning the analyzer to a testing laboratory.
A method of determining X-ray machine image quality and dose, the method comprising:
- sending an image quality and dose analyzer to a facility having an X-ray machine to be evaluated;
- receiving an exposed analyzer from the facility;
- determining the dose received by the dosimeter;
- and
- analyzing an image provided by exposing the analyzer.
A method of determining X-ray machine image quality and dose, the method comprising:
- forming a data base stored in a computer readable data format, the data base including:
- facility identifying information, including identifying information for X-ray machines at the facility;
- test results for each X-ray machine;
- date of last test for each X-ray machine;
- scheduling a test for each X-ray machine;
- sending a dental image quality and dose analyzer to the facility in accordance with the test schedule;
- entering the radiation dose and image quality parameters determined from the dental image quality and dose analyzer into the data base;
- comparing the radiation dose and image quality parameters with at least one of a plurality of pre-established pass-fail criteria or with a historical assembly of commensurable data.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.