Multiple mode flat panel X-ray imaging system

An apparatus including a flat panel X-ray imaging system adapted to acquire images at a plurality of frame rates and with a plurality of fields of view, comprising:

• X-ray emitter means for responding to at least one emission control signal by providing a plurality of X-ray radiation emissions;
• X-ray detector means, including substantially planar X-ray receptor means, for responding to at least one detection control signal and respective portions of said plurality of X-ray ray radiation emissions following exposure thereto of a subject disposed at least partially between said X-ray emission system and said X-ray receptor by providing a plurality of image signals having a plurality of frame rates and corresponding to a plurality of images of said subject, including a combination of one or more of projection, volumetric and cross section views of one or more portions of said subject with a first portion of said plurality of subject images having a larger field of view (FOV) at a lower one of said plurality of frame rates and a second portion of said plurality of subject images having a smaller FOV at a higher one of said plurality of frame rates;
• and
• controller means for responding to at least a portion of a plurality of user inputs by providing said at least one emission control signal and said at least one detection control signal.

A method for using a flat panel X-ray imaging system to acquire images at a plurality of frame rates and with a plurality of fields of view, comprising:

• disposing a subject at least partially between an X-ray radiation source and a substantially planar X-ray receptor;
• and
• providing a plurality of X-ray radiation emissions with said X-ray radiation source in response to reception of at least one emission control signal;
• providing, with said X-ray receptor, a plurality of image signals in response to reception of at least one detection control signal and respective portions of said plurality of X-ray radiation emissions following exposure thereto of said subject, wherein said plurality of image signals has a plurality of frame rates and corresponds to a plurality of images of said subject including a combination of one or more of projection, volumetric and cross section views of one or more portions of said subject with a first portion of said plurality of subject images having a larger field of view (FOV) at a lower one of said plurality of frame rates and a second portion of said plurality of subject images having a smaller FOV at a higher one of said plurality of frame rates.