Low-Power, Non-Invasive Physiological Sensor for Remote Usage

Techinical Abstract: A physically small, rugged, low power, light weight X-ray imaging sensor, readout, display and transmission system is proposed which will provide an effective means for X-ray screening in General Radiology, Radiology and Fluoroscopy, Angiograpgy and Cardiology for both commercial and military applications. The system will consist of a novel flat panel R-ray detector, a high speed image processor, a high contrast flat panel display, a simple user input device, and a port for sending the standard DICOM 3.0 formatted images to a wireless or wired network. This avoids the use of fragile technologies including image intensifer tubes, camera pickup tubes and cathode ray tube displays. Phase I concentrates on demonstrating that the proposed flat panel detector delivers unprecedented detective quantum efficiency and superior spatial resolution compared to all other techniques presently available or known to be in development. Other benefits, include a compact flat form factor, large sensing area (ultimately up to 14" x 17" or larger) and utility for both real time flouoroscopy and diagnostic still imaging. When combined with the compact, real-time processor and our rugged, high contrast, low power display, the resulting system will be optimized for deployment in a front line military environment with local display as well as digital transmission capabilties to take full benefit of teleradiology. Anticipated Military Benefits/Potential Commercial Applications of the Research or Development: Such a rugged, portable system would permit the elimination of film processing and the resulting need to transport film hardcopy units and transport and dispose of film chemicals. When combined with field deployable X-ray generators and tubes, full diagnostic imaging capabilities become practical in a battlefield environment. In a commercial setting, film replacement reduces patient costs, speeds patient throughput, eliminates chemicals and when digitally integrated into a hospital PACS.