Image Compression for X-Ray Imaging Devices

Abstract

Image compression techniques and image handling and display methods that can be used with imaging devices, including X-ray devices, are described in this application. In particular, this application describes a real-time imaging method by providing a portable x-ray imaging device containing an internal power source and an internal power supply, capturing a first x-ray image using the x-ray imaging device, compressing the first x-ray image using a compression process performed by a processor located within the portable x-ray imaging device and then wirelessly transmitting the compressed first x-ray image to a display device, capturing a second x-ray image using the x-ray imaging device, compressing the second x-ray image using the processor and then wirelessly transmitting the compressed second x-ray image to the display device; and then displaying the first and second x-ray images on the display device at a frame rate of more than about 8 frames per second. The application also relates to a hand-held X-ray imaging device, comprising a support arm with a housing enclosing an internal power supply and an internal, removable power source, the power source being replaceable and delivering 60 or more X-ray images using a single charge, the support arm being configured to rotate around an object to be analyzed while being held by a support structure, an X-ray source contained near one end of the support arm, an X-ray detector contained near the other end of the support arm, an internal processor and supporting electronics configured to compress an x-ray image and wirelessly transmit the compressed x-ray image to an external display device, and a trigger configured to be to be activated by hand after the imaging device is properly positioned, wherein the x-ray device is configured to be removable from the support structure and used in a stand-alone fashion for x-ray imaging. These devices and methods can deliver a fluoroscopy image sequence at a high frame rate while not losing the image quality required by the surgeon or radiologist, where the last image is often given a more in-depth analysis by the user (i.e., a surgeon or radiologist). Other embodiments are described.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.