Method and Apparatus for Calibrating a Digital X-Ray Radiation Detector

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes an improved method and device for calibrating digital X-ray radiation detectors. The core idea is to use a calibration element made of the same material as the detector's collimator—often a thin lead foil—to create calibration images. This approach ensures that the energy modulation effects present during actual X-ray imaging are also present in the calibration image, improving correction and resulting in higher quality diagnostic images.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Calibrating digital X-ray detectors in medical imaging equipment to improve image quality.
• Use in research laboratories employing digital X-ray detection techniques.
• Calibration procedures in industrial X-ray inspection systems for non-destructive testing.
• Quality assurance routines for X-ray imaging devices in hospitals and diagnostic centers.
• Routine maintenance and calibration checkups for digital radiography systems.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significantly enhances the homogeneity and quality of digital X-ray images by properly compensating for detector variability.
• Accounts for material-specific modulation effects in the calibration process, enabling more accurate image corrections.
• Can be implemented using simple, cost-effective calibration elements (e.g., thin lead foil).
• Reduces image artifacts and unwanted peaks caused by interactions between X-rays and collimator material, leading to more reliable diagnostics.
• Applicable to both planar and tomographic (CT-like) imaging systems, increasing versatility.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method and to an apparatus (1) for calibrating a digital X-ray radiation detector (4, 14), which is irradiated with X-rays for creating at least one calibrating image, wherein the calibrating image is linked to an X-ray image recorded with the digital X-ray radiation detector (4, 14) after creating the calibrating image, the X-rays passing a collimator before they impinge on the digital X-ray radiation detector (4, 14) in order to take the X-ray image. In order to provide a method that is improved over the prior art, and an improved apparatus (1) for calibrating a digital X-ray radiation detector (4, 14), by which a high X-ray image quality can be achieved, according to the invention, in order to create the calibrating image, the X-rays are guided through a calibrating element (3, 13) before they impinge on the digital X-ray radiation detector (4, 14), the material of the calibrating element corresponding to that of the collimator.