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US 6,438,201 B1Granted
Scanning densitometry system with adjustable X-ray tube current
AssigneeLunar Corporation
InventorsRichard B. Mazess, David L. Ergun
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A dual energy scanning densitometry system for imaging and measuring bone density maintains acceptable flux by adjusting the x-ray current or scan speed according to preceding scan line data. The amount of acceptable flux is maintained within limits modified by information about the region of the body being scanned so that different precisions may be maintained for different body regions. Scan speed and current may be controlled so that scan speed is maximized within the current limits. Essentially continuous flux control can be achieved.
Claims13
A dual energy scanning bone densitometry system comprising:
- an x-ray tube;
- a computer controlled x-ray power supply providing a computer selectable x-ray current to the x-ray tube;
- a radiation detector, producing electrical signals, positioned with respect to the x-ray tube to receive x-rays attenuated by a patient;
- at least one actuator capable moving the x-ray tube and the radiation detector with respect to the patient;
- a computer, communicating with the actuators and the x-ray power supply, executing a stored program to:
- (i) move the x-ray tube and detector to make at least one scan across the patient;
- (ii) receive the electrical signals from the detector indicating measurements of the x-ray energy in at least two bands to calculate a flux index;
- and
- (iii) adjust the x-ray current according to the flux index.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.