US3417242A - Image intensification system comprising remote control means for varying the size of the output image - Google Patents

Image intensification system comprising remote control means for varying the size of the output image Download PDF

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Publication number
US3417242A
US3417242A US488638A US48863865A US3417242A US 3417242 A US3417242 A US 3417242A US 488638 A US488638 A US 488638A US 48863865 A US48863865 A US 48863865A US 3417242 A US3417242 A US 3417242A
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Prior art keywords
image
tube
varying
size
output
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Expired - Lifetime
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US488638A
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English (en)
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Robert W Windebank
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Machlett Laboratories Inc
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Machlett Laboratories Inc
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Priority to US488638A priority Critical patent/US3417242A/en
Priority to CH1308666A priority patent/CH451342A/de
Priority to FR76281A priority patent/FR1493900A/fr
Priority to BE687009D priority patent/BE687009A/xx
Priority to GB41835/66A priority patent/GB1126096A/en
Priority to NL6613256A priority patent/NL6613256A/xx
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Publication of US3417242A publication Critical patent/US3417242A/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J31/00—Cathode ray tubes; Electron beam tubes
    • H01J31/08—Cathode ray tubes; Electron beam tubes having a screen on or from which an image or pattern is formed, picked up, converted, or stored
    • H01J31/50—Image-conversion or image-amplification tubes, i.e. having optical, X-ray, or analogous input, and optical output
    • H01J31/501—Image-conversion or image-amplification tubes, i.e. having optical, X-ray, or analogous input, and optical output with an electrostatic electron optic system

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT 0F THE DISCLOSURE An image intensifier tube having a plurality of electrodes therein for directing an electron beam from an input screen to an output screen for providing a visible output image corresponding to an invisible input image, a high voltage control unit being connected to the electrodes for varying the voltages applied thereto and consequently varying the sizes of the portion of the input image which is reproduced at the output screen, and remote low voltage control means which may be safely handled by an operator for independently and individually controlling portions of the high voltage unit whereby voltages to the intensifier tube electrodes may be individually varied in a continuous and safe manner.
  • This invention relates to image intensifier tubes and systems and has particular reference to control means for an image intensifier tube which is operable to vary the size of the output image with respect to a selected area of the input image.
  • the prior art contains many various types of image intensifier tubes, structures and controls therefor.
  • One thereof comprises an image intensifier tube which is pro vided adjacent one end with an input screen or target of selected diametric size and an output screen or target which is considerably smaller than the input screen.
  • a pattern of input radiation of any desired frequency impinges upon the input screen which contains fluorescent material which emits fluorescent image of the incoming radiation pattern onto a photoemissive material which forms an electron beam corresponding to the pattern of the incoming radiation.
  • the electron beam is compressed and focussed toward the small output screen and impinges upon a material therein which converts the electron image into a visible image in the normal operation of a tube of this type.
  • the incoming radiation may be of any selected frequency such as light in the visible portion of the spectrum, or invisible radiation such as X-rays, infra-red or ultraviolet or other radiation to which the fluorescent material is responsive.
  • the output image instead of corresponding to the entirie input image, could be made to corresponnd to only a small portion of the input image. It is further helpful if such an output image, which corresponds to the small portion of the input image, could be enlarged or blown up to occupy the entire output screen.
  • This function is especially beneficial in the case of X-ray image intensifiers which in their normal operation are used to view relatively large areas or specimens, but which can be controlled to permit closer inspection of only a small portion of the area. For example, in the medical profession a practitioner can easily view a large area of the chest cavity of a patient. However, upon inspection he may find is desirable to closely examine only a small portion of the chest cavity, such as the patients heart, lungs or other selected area.
  • Electronic zooming in the presently described invention is achieved by first applying to the three grids within the tube selected grid voltages designed to display an input picture (such as a 9 inch mode, for example) on a one-inch output screen. Then a second selection of grid voltages are applied to expand the input display so that only the image represented by the control portion of the input picture will fill the one-inch output screen.
  • an input picture such as a 9 inch mode, for example
  • a second selection of grid voltages are applied to expand the input display so that only the image represented by the control portion of the input picture will fill the one-inch output screen.
  • any selected portion of the input picture may be utilized, such as the central six-inch diameter portion or the central fourinch diameter portion, or other selected portion and may be projected onto the output screen.
  • the ratio of input image size to output image size may be varied, either magnified or minified, and may be performed continuously or in a step fashion, while still maintaining adequate focus.
  • a further feature of this invention is the provision of an electronic control system for image intensifier tubes, which system employs the variable field principle and wherein all elements which are subjected to high voltages, sometimes as high as 9000 volts or more, are located remote from the control elements which are intended to be hand-held and manually operated, thus reducing shock hazard often encountered by persons operating equipment of this type.
  • the use of low voltage for control also reduces the insulation requirement and minimizes the bulk of movable control units.
  • FIG. 1 is a horizontal or axial sectional view of an image intensifier tube incorporated into a system embodying the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of the variable field control unit
  • FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of the remote control unit.
  • FIG. 1 an image intensifier tube 10 which for the purposes of this description is incorporated in an X-ray system for converting an X-ray image of a subject 12 into a visible light image which is adapted to be viewed by the human eye or improssed upon a light sensitive film in a camera 14.
  • an X-ray tube 16 In the system an X-ray tube 16 generates a beam of X-radiation which is directed onto and through the object or specimen 12. In passing through the object 12, the X-rays from X-ray image or pattern which corresponds to variations in the X-ray absorption characteristics of the object being X-rayed. This X-ray image is directed onto the intensifier tube 10 which comprises a metal housing 18 provided at one end with a window 20 which is transparent to the incoming radiation.
  • the intensifier tube 10 which comprises a metal housing 18 provided at one end with a window 20 which is transparent to the incoming radiation.
  • WindOWs may conveniently be made of beryllium or other -X-ray transparent metal or of a glass which contains little or no lead or other ingredient which absorbs substantial amounts of X-radiation.
  • an input screen 22 which comprises a layer 24 of X-ray responsive fluorescent phosphor.
  • This phosphor layer 24 is activated and made fluorescent by the image-bearing beam of X-radiation and consequently generates a fluorescent image corresponding to the X-ray image.
  • the fluorescent image activates a second layer 26 which comprises photo-emitting material such as any of the known materials which emit electrons in response to incoming photons.
  • This photocathode 26 thus generates a beam 28 of electrons which varies throughout its cross-sectional area to correspond to the fluorescent image.
  • a thin X-ray transparent light-reflecting layer (not shown) of material such as aluminum may be provided between the glass support and fluorescent layer 24 to reflect all light toward the photocathode, as is well known in the art.
  • Output screen 36 conveniently comprises a layer of phosphor which converts the electron image impinging thereon into a visible image in the normal manner of a tube of this type, and the resultant visible image may be viewed by the human eye with the aid of suitable optics indicated diagrammatically by element 40, or may be directed to camera 14, as desired.
  • the input screen 22 is relatively large, having a selected diameter which may be, for example, six inches or nine inches in diameter, or even larger or smaller, as desired.
  • the output screen is relatively small, usually being not much greater than one inch in diameter, and oftentimes only about one-half inch in diameter. Consequently, it is often desirable that a small portion only of the output image be enlarged for closer inspection. This is accomplished in the presently described tube by electronic zooming as will be described.
  • the input screen 22 has a diameter of about nine inches and the output screen 36 is about one inch in diameter. Focussing of the electron image from input screen 22 onto output screen 36 i accomplished by the threestage system embodying grids 30, 32 and 34, each of which normally has its own control and each of which exerts a control over some aspect of the output display. This means that not only can the electron beam be properly focussed, but that the tube can be adjusted to present a picture which has minimum astigmatism and which has good resolution.
  • Applicant has, in accordance with this invention, provided means to vary the electrical characteristics of the electronic system whereby it is possible to produce an expanded display of a portion of the input image.
  • this invention with one selection of grid voltages the tube will display on its one-inch output screen a normal nine-inch mode picture.
  • the display on this same tube may be expanded so that only the image represented by the central six-inch portion of the nine-inch input will fill the one-inch output screen.
  • a six-inch portion of the display is used in the present example, it is to be understood that other sized portions may be used as desired, and that such Zooming or variable field control may be accomplished in either a multi-stepped fashion or continuously.
  • the selected area of the input image which is always displayed at its maximum enlargement for the collimated or shuttered field employed. Since the output image completely fills the output screen, it will completely fill the film frame or other optical device with which the tube is preadjusted, without required additional adjustments of the device and/or tube with each zooming operation.
  • the remote unit has voltages of less than volts to control up to 10,000 volts, which permits use of normal low-voltage wiring systems. Also, the low voltage remote unit requires components which are small. compact and light weight.
  • variable field control unit 42 which is connected to each of the grids 30, 32 and 34 and which is supplied with power from a suitable power supply 44 which also supplies power to the tube anode 46 in the usual manner of tubes of this type.
  • a remote low voltage manual control unit 48 is connected to the variable field control unit 42 through cable 50 which permits the unit 48 to be strategically located away from the high voltage unit and to be portable.
  • the variable field control unit 42 comprises a high voltage triode 52 (FIG. 2) which is connected as a variable reactance device.
  • the reactance of the tube 52 is controlled by varying the cathode bias.
  • the anode of the tube 52 is connected by lead 54 through a protective resistance to grid 34 of image intensifier tube 18.
  • the grid of the tube is grounded in this instance since a positive potential is available.
  • Switch 56 is connected to the cathode of tube 52 for controlling the potential applied to the cathode.
  • Switch 56 is part of a ganged switch, the other switch portions of which are connected to other elements to be described.
  • the potential for the cathode of tube 52 is obtained from low voltage potential dividers 58 which have a maximum of 50 volts applied.
  • a second tube 60 is similarly connected by its cathode to the potential dividers through switch portion 62 and by its anode through a protective resistance to grid 32 of the image intensifier tube 18.
  • Grid 30 of the image intensifier tube 18 is connected to switch portion 64.
  • All switch portions and positive potential are connected to a plug 65 into which is connected a mating plug 66 (FIG. 3) for connection of the remote control unit 48.
  • a plug 65 into which is connected a mating plug 66 (FIG. 3) for connection of the remote control unit 48.
  • FIG. 3 it will be seen that three switches 68, 68a and 68b which may be suitably ganged or individually operated, are connected through a series 70 of potentimeters so that the potentials on the grids of the image intensifier tube may be manually controlled.
  • the potentiometers in the system may be adjusted to be linear or nonlinear, as may be necessary, and may be operated if desired by a single control knob.
  • a nine-inch input image has been found to provide an image occupying the full diameter of the output screen when grid 30 has an applied voltage of about volts, grid 32 has an applied voltage of about 1500 volts, and grid 34 has: an applied voltage of about 4000 volts.
  • the potential on grid 30 is increased up to about 300 volts, on grid 32 up to about 700 volts, and on grid 34 up to about 6200-8000 volts.
  • control means connected with said electrodes for electronically varying the size of the area of the electron beam which engages the output screen
  • control means comprising a high voltage variable field control unit having a power supply connected to said electrodes, and remote low voltage control means electrically connected to said variable field control unit for operating said variable field control unit and consequently varying the voltages applied to the electrodes.
  • said remote low voltage control means includes a ganged switch having one side connected to the high voltage field control unit and a plurality of low potential divider circuits connected to the other side of said switch for individually remotely controlling the voltage supplied to each individual electrode in the image intensifier tube.
  • said low potential divider circuits include potentiometers whereby the voltages to the individual electrodes may be varied in a continuous manner.
  • said high voltage field control unit includes grounded grid high voltage triodes providing variable reactances controlled by varying the cathode biases thereof, the anodes of the triodes being electrically connected to said electrodes of the image intensifier tube, and said potentiometers are individually connected to respective cathodes of said triodes through said ganged switch for varying the cathode potentials in a continuous manner and consequently varying the voltages supplied to said electrodes in the image intensifier tube.

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  • Image-Pickup Tubes, Image-Amplification Tubes, And Storage Tubes (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Radiation Diagnosis (AREA)
US488638A 1965-09-20 1965-09-20 Image intensification system comprising remote control means for varying the size of the output image Expired - Lifetime US3417242A (en)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US488638A US3417242A (en) 1965-09-20 1965-09-20 Image intensification system comprising remote control means for varying the size of the output image
CH1308666A CH451342A (de) 1965-09-20 1966-09-09 Bildverstärkervorrichtung mit Bildverstärkerröhre und Verwendung der Vorrichtung
FR76281A FR1493900A (fr) 1965-09-20 1966-09-14 Dispositif d'intensification d'images
BE687009D BE687009A (enrdf_load_html_response) 1965-09-20 1966-09-16
GB41835/66A GB1126096A (en) 1965-09-20 1966-09-20 Image intensification system
NL6613256A NL6613256A (enrdf_load_html_response) 1965-09-20 1966-09-20

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US488638A US3417242A (en) 1965-09-20 1965-09-20 Image intensification system comprising remote control means for varying the size of the output image

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BE (1) BE687009A (enrdf_load_html_response)
CH (1) CH451342A (enrdf_load_html_response)
GB (1) GB1126096A (enrdf_load_html_response)
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Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3480782A (en) * 1967-11-01 1969-11-25 Fairchild Camera Instr Co Electronic image-intensifying tube
US3617743A (en) * 1968-10-23 1971-11-02 Gen Electric X-ray image convertors utilizing lanthanum and gadolinium oxyhalide luminescent materials activated with terbium
US3675027A (en) * 1969-10-03 1972-07-04 Shimadzu Corp System for continuously varying the size of the field of an x-ray image intensifier tube
US3697795A (en) * 1970-11-20 1972-10-10 Machlett Lab Inc Image intensifier tube having a multi-radius photocathode
US3736459A (en) * 1971-04-19 1973-05-29 Ibm Layer activated holographic data selection and display apparatus
US3784830A (en) * 1970-10-07 1974-01-08 Siemens Ag Image magnifier
US3839634A (en) * 1972-02-15 1974-10-01 Philips Corp Image intensifier densitometer
US3855471A (en) * 1973-04-20 1974-12-17 Konan Camera Res Inst Radiograph recording apparatus
US3912936A (en) * 1972-09-15 1975-10-14 Machlett Lab Inc X-ray image intensifier system
US4015126A (en) * 1975-10-10 1977-03-29 Varo Semiconductor, Inc. X-ray intensification and minification system
JPS53119857U (enrdf_load_html_response) * 1973-03-05 1978-09-22
EP0360906A1 (de) * 1988-09-29 1990-04-04 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Röntgenbildverstärker
US4996414A (en) * 1988-09-29 1991-02-26 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft X-ray image intensifier with electron optics coating
FR2688939A1 (fr) * 1992-03-17 1993-09-24 Siemens Ag Amplificateur de brillance radiologique.
FR2688938A1 (fr) * 1992-03-17 1993-09-24 Siemens Ag Amplificateur de brillance radiologique.
US20140063502A1 (en) * 2012-08-28 2014-03-06 Kla-Tencor Corporation Image Intensifier Tube Design for Aberration Correction and Ion Damage Reduction

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19940345C2 (de) * 1999-08-25 2002-03-14 Siemens Ag Verfahren zum Betrieb einer Röntgenbildverstärkereinrichtung
DE19961523C2 (de) * 1999-12-20 2003-05-08 Siemens Ag Verfahren zum Betrieb eines mit unterschiedlichen Bildformaten auf dem Eingangsbildschirm betreibbaren Röntgenbildverstärkers

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3225204A (en) * 1960-10-28 1965-12-21 Philips Corp Electron-optical image intensifier system

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3225204A (en) * 1960-10-28 1965-12-21 Philips Corp Electron-optical image intensifier system

Cited By (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3480782A (en) * 1967-11-01 1969-11-25 Fairchild Camera Instr Co Electronic image-intensifying tube
US3617743A (en) * 1968-10-23 1971-11-02 Gen Electric X-ray image convertors utilizing lanthanum and gadolinium oxyhalide luminescent materials activated with terbium
US3675027A (en) * 1969-10-03 1972-07-04 Shimadzu Corp System for continuously varying the size of the field of an x-ray image intensifier tube
US3784830A (en) * 1970-10-07 1974-01-08 Siemens Ag Image magnifier
US3697795A (en) * 1970-11-20 1972-10-10 Machlett Lab Inc Image intensifier tube having a multi-radius photocathode
US3736459A (en) * 1971-04-19 1973-05-29 Ibm Layer activated holographic data selection and display apparatus
US3839634A (en) * 1972-02-15 1974-10-01 Philips Corp Image intensifier densitometer
US3912936A (en) * 1972-09-15 1975-10-14 Machlett Lab Inc X-ray image intensifier system
JPS53119857U (enrdf_load_html_response) * 1973-03-05 1978-09-22
US3855471A (en) * 1973-04-20 1974-12-17 Konan Camera Res Inst Radiograph recording apparatus
US4015126A (en) * 1975-10-10 1977-03-29 Varo Semiconductor, Inc. X-ray intensification and minification system
EP0360906A1 (de) * 1988-09-29 1990-04-04 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Röntgenbildverstärker
US4960987A (en) * 1988-09-29 1990-10-02 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft X-ray image intensifier with conductive-coat electrodes on insulated metal sidewalls
US4996414A (en) * 1988-09-29 1991-02-26 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft X-ray image intensifier with electron optics coating
FR2688939A1 (fr) * 1992-03-17 1993-09-24 Siemens Ag Amplificateur de brillance radiologique.
FR2688938A1 (fr) * 1992-03-17 1993-09-24 Siemens Ag Amplificateur de brillance radiologique.
US20140063502A1 (en) * 2012-08-28 2014-03-06 Kla-Tencor Corporation Image Intensifier Tube Design for Aberration Correction and Ion Damage Reduction
US9666419B2 (en) * 2012-08-28 2017-05-30 Kla-Tencor Corporation Image intensifier tube design for aberration correction and ion damage reduction

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Publication number Publication date
GB1126096A (en) 1968-09-05
BE687009A (enrdf_load_html_response) 1967-03-01
NL6613256A (enrdf_load_html_response) 1967-03-21
CH451342A (de) 1968-05-15

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