X-ray Marker for Visually Comparing and for Controlling the Image Processing in Digital X-Ray Recordings, in Particular for a Thorax X-Ray Recording for a Patient Lying Down

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This patent describes a specialized X-ray marker designed to be included in digital X-ray imaging, particularly for chest (thorax) examinations of patients lying down. The marker has a geometric structure that creates an X-ray image similar to the expected organ structure, allowing medical professionals to visually compare and control the impact of digital image processing. This ensures that important diagnostic features are not masked or altered by automatic adjustments in contrast or brightness during digital processing.

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

• Ensuring accurate digital chest X-ray images for bedridden (lying down) patients in hospitals or intensive care units.
• Quality control for digital X-ray machines to verify that image processing does not distort clinical information.
• Adjusting and calibrating image processing algorithms and software for digital and digitized X-ray systems.
• Training and standardization for radiologists in interpreting digitally processed X-rays.
• Use in medical imaging departments to minimize the risk of misdiagnosis due to over-processing of digital X-ray data.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Prevents important clinical features from being lost or incorrectly altered during digital image processing.
• Allows objective visual comparison for radiologists to detect unwanted or artificial corrections in imaging.
• Enables automated or manual adjustment of image settings (brightness/contrast) to maintain true-to-life anatomical representation.
• Reduces the risk of misdiagnosis caused by inappropriate digital corrections, especially in complex cases like fluid-filled lungs.
• Facilitates standardization and consistent quality in digital radiography workflows.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to an X-ray marker (1) that is also to be X-rayed in an X-ray recording of an organ of a patient (3) to be examined. The X-ray marker (1) has such a geometric X-ray weakening structure, so that the associated X-ray image (R) approximately shows the expected X-ray image structure of the organ to be examined after photographic development of an X-ray film, after digitalization and digital image processing of an X-ray storage film (6), or after digital recording and image processing by means of an X-ray detector system (20). In the case of a thorax X-ray recording for a patient lying down, the X-ray marker (2) has at least one defined X-ray weakening value that is approximately equivalent to tissue. The invention further relates to a method for evaluating the influence of the image processing for a digital X-ray recording having an organ to be examined and at least one X-ray marker (1, 2) that is also X-rayed, a method for controlling the image processing for a digital or digitalized X-ray recording, a storage film read-out unit (10), and an X-ray detector system (20).