General Electric Company

Alexander Y Tokman

Richard Aufrichtig

Kenneth Scott Kump

Manfred David Boehm

Farshid Farrokhnia

Described herein is a cable length compensator for inclusion in video imaging systems such as X-ray video imaging systems. When such systems are installed at sites of use, cables must generally be installed in the signal path, and the lengths of these cables&#x2014;which can affect signal resolution&#x2014;generally cannot be predicted prior to the time of installation. The cable compensator may be situated in the signal path along with the cable to compensate the signal for the effects of the cable so that the desired gain is provided across the desired range of signal frequencies. The compensator includes a low frequency compensation path and a high frequency compensation path, wherein the low frequency compensation path provides a simple gain adjustment to low frequency signals and the high frequency path provides gain adjustment dependent on both signal frequency and cable length. The high frequency gain adjustment is preferably provided by an array of high-pass filters which provide a substantially flat response across the range of input frequencies, and at least one variable resistance which may be adjusted for the desired high-frequency gain.

Variable cable length compensator for video imaging systems

A system for automated x-ray system parameter evaluation is provided. A physical model or template is created and stored in the system, one for each desired phantom. The automated system imports a grayscale x-ray image and then processes the image to determine image components. First, a histogram of the image is created, then a threshold in the histogram is determined and the imported image is binarized with respect to the threshold. Next, connected component analysis is used to determine image components. If the components do not match, then the image is rejected. The system next locates landmarks in the imported image corresponding to expected physical structures. The landmarks include a perimeter ring, vertical and horizontal line segments, and fiducials. The system uses the landmarks to predict Regions of Interest (ROIs) where measurement of the x-ray system parameters takes place. Finally, the x-ray system parameters are measured in the identified ROIs.

Method and apparatus for automated image quality evaluation of X-ray systems using any of multiple phantoms

An image quality test phantom tool is provided for use in the calibration and standardization of digital x-ray fluoroscopy and radiography systems. A composite phantom has a base for providing mechanical stability, a mesh with a central cut-out overlaid on the base, inserts positioned in the cut-out, and a carrier for housing the composite phantom. A digital image of the phantom is processed to compute x-ray system image quality measurements.

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Waukesha, WI, United States of America

Alexander Y Tokman