Mark Allan Novak

US Patent:

51194090, Jun 2, 1992

Filed:

Dec 28, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/636085

Inventors:

Morgan W. Nields - Englewood CO
Menachem Assa - Englewood CO
Mark E. Novak - Lafayette CO
Pascal Perin - Thornton CO

Assignee:

Fischer Imaging Corporation - Denver CO

International Classification:

H05G 122

US Classification:

378106

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for dynamically controlling the generation of radiation pulses during pulse-type fluoroscopic imaging. Brightness of an image produced by a pulse is detected, converted to a digital value and compared to an acceptable predetermined value range. If the brightness is not acceptable, the pulse rate is reset to a predetermined, relatively fast rate and the energy level for the next pulse adjusted up or down to increase or decrease the brightness as necessary. Once the brightness is found to be acceptable, the pulse rate is returned to the original pulse rate. If it is determined that motion is occurring, the pulse rate will increase to the relatively fast predetermined pulse rate to provide substantially real-time imaging. If the brightness becomes unacceptable for a pulse during the period of motion, the energy level for the subsequent pulse will be adjusted. This technique of pulse control effectively reduces patient dosage and operator exposure to radiation, provides substantially real-time imaging during periods of relative motion and provides rapid image stabilization times.