Other X-ray systems designed by Steve Smith

Bone Densitometry

[spine] [bone scanner] Bone densitometry measures the amount of calcium in a patient's spine (and other bones), a critical step in the detection and treatment of osteoporosis. One of the most advanced techniques is Dual Energy X-ray Absorptometry (DEXA), combining information from x-ray images taken at different energies. DEXA provides bone measurements with better than 1% precision, in spite of having to measure the bone through varying thicknesses of soft tissue. An examination takes about 5 minutes, with the patient resting on an examination table. Approximately 500 DEXA scanners have been sold worldwide, with a list price of about $70,000. Dr. Smith participated in the development of DEXA in 1987-89, while director of research at Lunar Radiation Corporation, a leader in dual energy imaging.

Electronic Inspection

[chip x-ray] [tomographic scanner] X-ray imaging is widely used in printed circuit board inspection to verify the quality of the solder connections. However, solder joints can be on both the top and bottom sides of a PCB, making them appear superimposed in an x-ray image. While director of research at IRT corporation in 1992-93 (now called Nicolet Imaging Systems), Dr. Smith developed the imaging hardware and associated algorithms for a tomosynthesis (3D) x- ray imaging system. This product acquires 6-10 images of each solder joint at various angles, and then reconstructs separate images of the two sides of the PCB. About 10 of these $400,000 systems are in use throughout the world.

Bottle and Can Inspection

[jar image] [can/bottle scanner] In 1995, Dr. Smith assisted Thermedics Detection in the design of a flexible x-ray imaging system for inspecting cans and bottles on the fill line. While using very low levels of radiation, the InScan XR-100 can accurately determine the fill level, detect leaks, screen for foreign objects, and identify unacceptable containers. Approximately 100 of these systems have been sold to the beer and beverage industry. The InScan XR-100 sells for about $25,000.


Return to Steve Smith's home page