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Scanning-beam X-ray imaging system

  • US 5,729,584 A
  • Filed: 09/20/1996
  • Issued: 03/17/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/25/1993
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An imaging system comprising an x-ray source, an x-ray detector array, a monitor and a scan generator;

  • said x-ray source comprising an electron beam generator and an anode;

    said anode comprising a target layer which emits x-ray photons when stimulated by a beam of electrons;

    said scan generator comprising circuitry for controlling an electron beam generated by said electron beam generator;

    said x-ray detector array comprising a plurality of detection elements, said detection elements arranged in an array forming a generally planar detection surface having a center;

    said anode and said x-ray detector array positioned such that when said electron beam stimulates said target layer at a first spot, emitted x-ray photons strike a plurality of said detection elements of said x-ray detector array and when said electron beam stimulates said target layer at a second spot, emitted x-ray photons strike a plurality of said detection elements of said x-ray detector array;

    said scanning beam generator including circuitry for positioning said electron beam at selected spots and causing said electron beam to dwell at said selected spots for a predetermined time period in a predetermined pattern;

    said detection elements comprising means for measuring the intensity of said x-ray photons which strike said detection elements and said detector array generating an electrical signal indicative of said intensity of each of said x-ray photons striking said detection elements, said electrical signals from each of said detection elements are discretely output from said x-ray detector array;

    a group of discrete electrical output is output from each of said detection elements for selected positionings of said electron beam at said selected spots on said target layer, said monitor comprising processing circuitry which generates a visual image based upon a non-successive combining of said groups of discrete electrical outputs.

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