Digital imaging apparatus

• US 5,365,562 A
• Filed: 09/20/1993
• Issued: 11/15/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 09/20/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Fischer Imaging Corporation
• Original Assignee: Fischer Imaging Corporation
• Inventors: Toker, Emre
• Primary Examiner(s): Porta, David P.
• Application Number:
  US08/123,726
• Time in Patent Office: 421 Days
• Field of Search: 378/37, 378/62, 378/98, 250/367, 250/361 R, 250/370.09, 250/486.1
• US Class Current: 378/37
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 42/02 using X-rays
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/30 for generating image signals from X-rays
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/32 Transforming X-rays cameras or camera modules for generating image signals from X-rays H04N23/30; circuitry of SSIS for transforming X-rays into image signals H04N25/30

Abstract

A medical imaging system (10) which is readily adaptable to suit specific imaging conditions is disclosed. The system comprises an imaging signal source (12) for transmitting a first imaging signal (13) through a patient'"'"'s body, a signal detector unit (26) for receiving the first signal (13) and transmitting a second signal (22), and a digital camera for processing the second signal (22) so as to-produce an image of an area of interest within the patient'"'"'s body. The signal detector unit (36) includes a number of signal detector elements (30) each having different performance characteristics. The system (10) further includes a controller (32) for selecting a signal detector element (30) relative to particular imaging conditions.

Claims

1. An apparatus for imaging an area of interest within a patient'"'"'s breast, comprising:

compressing means for compressing said patient'"'"'s breast;

transmitting means for transmitting a first imaging signal through said area of interest within said patient'"'"'s compressed breast;

signal detector means positioned in opposing relation to said transmitting means with said patient'"'"'s compressed breast positioned therebetween, for receiving said first imaging signal and transmitting a second signal responsive thereto, said signal detector means including a plurality of signal detector elements each having selected signal detector performance characteristics;

receiving means for receiving said second imaging signal and producing an image of said area of interest within said patient'"'"'s compressed breast based upon said received second imaging signal;

positioning means for allowing said first imaging signal to be selectively received by one of said plurality of signal detector elements; and

user selection means, operatively associated with said positioning means, for allowing a user to select one of said plurality of signal detector elements for receiving said first imaging signal relative to particular imaging conditions.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said positioning means comprises means for moving said signal detector means relative to said first imaging signal.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said positioning means comprises a motor for driving said signal detector means between a first position wherein a first of said plurality of signal detector elements receives said first imaging signal and a second position wherein a second of said plurality of signal detector elements receives said first imaging signal.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said signal detector means comprises support means for carrying said plurality of signal detector elements.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said user selection means comprises a computer operative for receiving information regarding characteristics of said patient'"'"'s breast.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said user selection means comprises a computer operative for receiving information regarding characteristics of said area of interest.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said receiving means comprises a charge coupled device.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said user selection means comprises a computer operative for receiving input information regarding imaging conditions and for selecting a signal detection element based on stored information correlating imaging conditions to signal detector performance characteristics.

9. An apparatus for imaging an object of interest, comprising:

a transmitter for transmitting a first imaging signal through said object of interest;

support means, positionable in opposing relation to said transmitter with said object of interest positioned therebetween, for supporting at least first and second signal detector elements, said first and second signal detector elements adapted for receiving said first imaging signal transmitted through said object of interest and for transmitting a second imaging signal responsive to said received first imaging signal, wherein said first signal detector element has performance characteristics different than that of said second signal detector element;

a receiver for receiving said second imaging signal and for producing an image of said object of interest based upon said received second imaging signal; and

selection means for allowing said first imaging signal to be selectively received by either said first signal detector element or said second signal detector element.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said support means comprises motorized means for carrying said signal detector elements between a first position wherein a first of said signal detector elements receives said first signal and a second position wherein a second of said signal detector elements receives said first signal.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said receiver comprises a digital camera for producing substantially real time images of said object of interest.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said selection means comprises a computer for use in positioning said support means.

13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said selection means comprises a computer for receiving information regarding imaging conditions.

14. An apparatus for imaging an area of interest within a patient'"'"'s breast, comprising:

a moveable member for compressingly engaging said patient'"'"'s breast;

an x-ray source for transmitting x-rays through said patient'"'"'s compressed breast;

support means for supporting first and second phosphorescent screens adapted for receiving said x-rays and emitting light responsive thereto, wherein said first phosphorescent screen has greater limiting resolution than said second phosphorescent screen;

positioning means for use in moving said support means between a first position wherein said first phosphorescent screen receives said x-rays and a second position wherein said second phosphorescent screen receives said x-rays.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said support means comprises motorized means for supportably retaining said phosphorescent screens.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said selection means comprises a computer operative for selecting between said first and second phosphorescent screens based on information regarding said area of interest.