Apparatus and method for automatic X-ray control

A method of controlling an operating power supplied to an X-ray generating source, wherein during an exposure period the source projects X-ray radiation towards a patient, a portion of the radiation passing through the patient and being utilized to produce an image of the patient, the method comprising steps of:

• sensing the portion;
• generating a radiation dosage signal representative of the portion;
• calculating a projected density slope representing a target radiation dosage throughout the exposure period to optimize the image of the patient;
• generating at least one feedback control signal, based on a comparison of the radiation dosage signal and the projected density slope;
• controlling a high-voltage signal for operating the X-ray generating source, at least once during the exposure period, in response to the at least one feedback control signal, so that the radiation dosage signal approximates the projected density slope.

A method for controlling an X-ray tube to expose a patient to a radiation dosage for an exposure period, comprising steps of:

• calculating a projected density slope representing a desired radiation dosage throughout the exposure period to optimize an image of the patient;
• initiating the exposure period by applying a voltage to the X-ray tube such that the patient is exposed with radiation from the X-ray tube and a portion of the radiation passes through the patient;
• measuring a portion radiation dosage corresponding to the portion during the exposure period;
• and
• adjusting the voltage applied to the X-ray tube at least once during the exposure period so that the portion radiation dosage approximates the projected density slope.

An apparatus for controlling an X-ray tube to expose a patient to a radiation dosage for an exposure period, comprising:

• means for calculating a projected density slope representing a desired radiation dosage throughout the exposure period to optimize an image of the patient;
• means for initiating the exposure period including means for applying a voltage to the X-ray tube such that the patient is exposed with radiation from the X-ray tube and a portion of the radiation passes through the patient;
• means for measuring a portion radiation dosage corresponding to the portion during the exposure period;
• and
• means for adjusting the voltage applied to the X-ray tube at least once during the exposure period so that the portion radiation dosage approximates the projected density slope.

A method for controlling an X-ray generating source, comprising steps of:

• calculating a projected density slope representing a target radiation dosage throughout an exposure period to optimize an image of a patient;
• exposing the patient to radiation from the source for the exposure period;
• measuring an actual radiation dosage representing a portion of the radiation passing through the patient during the exposure period;
• and
• controlling the source at least once during the exposure period so that the actual radiation dosage approximates the projected density slope.

An X-ray apparatus, comprising:

• a calculator to calculate a projected density slope representing a target radiation dosage throughout an exposure period to optimize an image of a patient;
• an X-ray source to expose the patient to radiation;
• a dose meter to measure an actual radiation dosage representing a portion of the radiation passing through the patient;
• and
• an X-ray source controller to compare the projected density slope and the actual radiation dosage and to control the source at least once during the exposure period so that the actual radiation dosage approximates the projected density slope.