Microprocessor controlled X-ray generator
AssigneeCGR Medical Corporation
InventorMelbourne J. Hellstrom
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A diagnostic X-ray system operative in response to control signals from a stored program digital computer to generate an X-ray beam and to produce an image of the object through which the X-ray beam passes. The computer which is preferably a microprocessor has a plurality of selectable programs stored in a digital memory and is operable to control a plurality of operations such as maximizing image quality in terms of resolution, verifying the available anode heat capacity, providing the necessary wait time between successive exposures in a tomographic series, storing the X-ray tube(s) histories, storing and recalling X-ray factors on an anatomic basis and, among other things, making a calculation and display of a pseudo-dose.
Claims15
A control system for diagnostic radiological apparatus, comprising, in combination:
- diagnostic radiological apparatus including a generator and control circuitry therefor operable in response to analog control signals applied thereto for producing radiological images according to a selected diagnostic procedure and including circuit means adapted to initiate processing operations of a stored program digital computer and to respond to said processing operations, said generator including at least one X-ray tube having a controllable focal spot and anode speed;
- a stored program digital computer including an interconnected central processing unit, memory and means for communicating with said radiological apparatus via said circuit means;
- a plurality of selectable instruction programs stored in said memory, each of said programs being adapted upon command to initiate predetermined control processing actions by said central processing unit, said central processing unit generating and coupling digital control signals to said means for communicating;
- said circuit means including interface circuit means, and including means for controlling the focal spot, anode speed of said X-ray tube, the voltage (kV) applied to said X-ray tube, the current (mA) drawn by said X-ray tube, and the exposure time (s) of at least one X-ray exposure by said X-ray tube and being responsive to said digital control signals to generate said analog control signals applied to said control circuitry and to be responsive to selected analog feedback signals from said radiological apparatus to generate digital signals coupled back to said stored program digital computer;
- and wherein
- said memory is programmed with binary information corresponding to tube rating chart curves for a plurality of focal spot sizes and anode speeds of said X-ray tube, and
- said circuit means includes means for supplying diagnostic procedural data including means for selecting technique factors comprising a combination of kV, mA and time.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.