Richard C Devries

US Patent:

43353070, Jun 15, 1982

Filed:

Apr 21, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/142187

Inventors:

Richard C. DeVries - Aurora OH
Edwin R. Hill - Chardon OH

Assignee:

Technicare Corporation - Solon OH

International Classification:

G03B 4116
N05G 130
A61B 600
H04N 532

US Classification:

250322

Abstract:

A radiographic apparatus and method are disclosed for producing an x-ray shadowgraph of a patient for display on a video monitor. The apparatus includes an x-ray source for irradiating the patient and an image intensifier for receiving the radiation which has traversed the patient. The image intensifier produces an optical image of the shadowgraphic projection of the radiation through the patient. A television camera is optically connected with the image intensifier to convert the optical image into a video signal. An image processor is provided for storing and enhancing the video signals from the television camera to produce various images on the television monitor. An automatic exposure control is provided for determining the duration which the x-ray tube should be operated for properly exposing one x-ray shadowgraphic image of the patient. The exposure control includes a photoelectric transducer which is optically coupled with the image intensifier to produce a signal which is indicative of the average intensity of the optical image. An integrator integrates the intensity signal to produce a signal which is indicative of the total light exposure.