Multi-resolution X-ray image capture
View Patent ↗Various methods and systems are provided for multi-resolution x-ray image capture. In one embodiment, a method includes repositioning an image capture assembly of an x-ray image capture apparatus from a first position to a second position, the first position corresponding to a first pixel density resolution and the second position corresponding to a second pixel density resolution; activating an x-ray source; and obtaining a digital x-ray image of a subject from an imaging sensor of the image capture assembly, the digital x-ray image having the second pixel density resolution.
1. A multi-resolution x-ray image capture apparatus, comprising:
an image capture assembly comprising:
an imaging sensor;
an accumulator; and
a focus adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a position of the accumulator between a first position and a second position, where the imaging sensor is configured to acquire a high-resolution digital x-ray image at a first pixel density in the first position and a lower-resolution digital x-ray image at a second pixel density in the second position.
2. The multi-resolution x-ray image capture apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a mirror, wherein the lower-resolution digital x-ray image is obtained via reflection by the mirror.
3. The multi-resolution x-ray image capture apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the accumulator is configured to focus photons reflected by the mirror on an imaging acquisition device of the imaging sensor.
4. The multi-resolution x-ray image capture apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the imaging acquisition device is a charged coupled device (CCD).
5. The multi-resolution x-ray image capture apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the high-resolution digital x-ray image is obtained via reflection by the mirror.
6. The multi-resolution x-ray image capture apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising an fiber-optic coupler coupled between the imaging sensor and the accumulator.
7. The multi-resolution x-ray image capture apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the position of the accumulator is adjusted in response to a repositioning of the image capture assembly.
8. The multi-resolution x-ray image capture apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the focus adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust the position of the accumulator to a third position, where the imaging sensor is configured to acquire a digital x-ray image at a third pixel density in the third position.
9. A multi-resolution x-ray capture system, comprising:
a multi-resolution x-ray image capture assembly comprising:
an imaging sensor;
an accumulator; and
a focus adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a position of the accumulator between a first position and a second position; and
a processor system configured to receive a digital x-ray image from the imaging sensor, the digital x-ray image having a first high-resolution pixel density when the accumulator is in the first position and a second lower-resolution pixel density when the accumulator is in the second position.
10. The multi-resolution x-ray capture system of claim 9 , wherein the processor system is further configured to control adjustment of the position of the accumulator.
11. The multi-resolution x-ray capture system of claim 10 , wherein the position of the accumulator is adjusted based at least in part upon feedback from the multi-resolution x-ray image capture assembly.
12. The multi-resolution x-ray capture system of claim 10 , wherein the position of the accumulator is adjusted by repositioning the multi-resolution x-ray image capture assembly.
13. The multi-resolution x-ray capture system of claim 9 , wherein the processor system is further configured to:
activate an x-ray source; and
trigger the imaging sensor to capture the digital x-ray image.
14. The multi-resolution x-ray capture system of claim 13 , wherein the multi-resolution x-ray image capture assembly further comprises a detection device configured to indicate when the x-ray source is activated.
15. The multi-resolution x-ray capture system of claim 13 , wherein the processor system is further configured to:
process the digital x-ray image; and
provide the processed x-ray image for rendering on a display device.
16. The multi-resolution x-ray capture system of claim 15 , wherein the digital x-ray image is processed to enhance contrast.
17. The multi-resolution x-ray capture system of claim 9 , wherein the multi-resolution x-ray image capture assembly further comprises:
a screen configured to convert incident x-rays from an x-ray source into photons of light; and
a mirror configured to reflect photons from the screen toward the accumulator.
18. A non-transitory computer readable medium having a program that, when executed by a processor system, causes the processor system to:
reposition an image capture assembly of an x-ray image capture apparatus from a first position to a second position, the first position corresponding to a first pixel density resolution and the second position corresponding to a second pixel density resolution;
activate an x-ray source; and
obtain a digital x-ray image from an imaging sensor of the image capture assembly, the digital x-ray image having the second pixel density resolution.
19. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18 , wherein the program, when executed by the processor system, causes the processor system to initiate capture of the digital x-ray image by the imaging sensor in response to an indication of x-ray source activation.
20. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18 , wherein the program, when executed by the processor system, causes the processor system to:
process the digital x-ray image; and
provide the processed x-ray image for rendering on a display device.