Stereoscopic x-ray system and method

Abstract

Disclosed are systems and methods for obtaining stereoscopic x-ray images. The method includes taking two digital x-ray views of the same object from differing positions. The included angle between the axes of the x-rays for each position generally coincides with that formed by a pair of eyes viewing the object, though larger angles can be used. The x-rays can be taken by two x-ray generators within a single housing or within separate but attached housings. The generators are spaced apart and aimed at the object to form the appropriate angle. Care is taken not to move the object. Preferably, the x-ray generators have dual collimators to take the views. In this case, the time between taking the two x-rays need only be as long as the image capture time of the sensor being used, which lessens the chance of the object moving.

1 . A method of obtaining a stereoscopic x-ray image of a target, comprising:
 energizing a first x-ray tube to emit x-rays in a direction towards the target;   energizing a second x-ray tube spaced apart from the first x-ray tube to emit x-rays in a direction towards the target;   detecting emitted x-rays at a sensor to obtain sensor data;   processing the sensor data to obtain image data; and   displaying the image data to provide a stereoscopic x-ray image of the target, wherein the image data does not include information from prior 3-D images; and wherein the stereoscopic x-ray image of the target does not include information from prior 3-D images.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 connecting to a power supply; and   transforming power from the power supply to provide a differential voltage at the x-ray tubes sufficient to energize the x-ray tubes.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , comprising limiting the power from the power supply to that required for energizing the first and the second x-ray tubes. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein detecting comprises:
 downloading the sensor data obtained by detecting the x-rays emitted from the first x-ray tube to a processor; and   downloading the sensor data obtained by detecting the x-rays emitted from the second x-ray tube to the processor.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 prior to energizing the second x-ray tube, cutting power to the first x-ray tube; and   clearing the sensor data obtained by detecting the x-rays emitted from the first x-ray tube from the sensor.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein displaying comprises filtering the stereoscopic x-ray image to restrict viewing of a portion of the stereoscopic x-ray image corresponding to x-rays detected by the sensor from one of the x-ray tubes to viewing from one eye of a viewer at a position of the eye with respect to the display corresponding to a position of the one of the x-ray tubes with respect to the object. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein filtering comprises restricting an angle at which light from a pixel of a liquid crystal display can be viewed. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein displaying comprises:
 displaying a first portion of the stereoscopic x-ray image corresponding to x-rays detected by the sensor from the first x-ray tube to a first eye of a viewer; and   displaying a second portion of the stereoscopic x-ray image corresponding to x-rays detected by the sensor from the second x-ray tube to a second eye of the viewer.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising maintaining the positions of the first and second x-ray tubes, the sensor and the target during energizing and detecting.