Motion based X-ray imaging modality.

A new X-ray imaging method (patent pending) was developed to visualize function-related motion information. We modify existing X-ray imaging methods to provide four images without increasing the necessary measurement time or radiation dose. The most important of these images is a new "kinetic" image that represents motions inside the object or living body. The motion-based contrast of the kinetic image can help visualize details that were not accessible before. The broad range of the movements and high sensitivity of the method are illustrated by imaging the mechanics of a working clock and the chest of a living African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis). The heart, valves, aorta, and lungs of the frog are clearly visualized in spite of the low soft tissue contrast of the animal. The new technology also reconstructs a "static" image similar to the existing conventional X-ray image. The static image shows practically the same information as the conventional image. The new technology presents two more images which show the point-wise errors of the static and kinetic images. This technique gives a better estimation of errors than present methods because it is based entirely on measured data. The new technology could be used in imaging cardiopulmonary movements, nondestructive testing, or port security screening.