Method for automatically producing true size radiographic image

摘要

A reference system (10) for use in determining the degree of magnification of a radiographic image comprising: a reference object (12) of predetermined dimensions constructed of radiation attenuating material; a flexible elongated member (14) for mounting the reference object; and adjustable means (16) associated with the elongated member for holding the elongated member in place when the elongated member is wrapped around an anatomical part to be radiographically imaged (201). A method for producing a radiographic image that represents anatomical features of an individual at approximately true size comprising: positioning a reference object (12) of predetermined dimensions and of radiation attenuating material in the radiographic imaging path at approximately the same distance from a radiographic imaging receptor (301) in a location that is adjacent to the individual's anatomy that is being radiographically imaged (201); producing a digital radiographic image (401) of the individual's anatomy and reference object; measuring the size of the digitized reference object and calculating a scale factor as a function of the measured size and the known predetermined size of the reference object (12); and associating the scale factor with the digital radiographic image so that it can be scaled to true anatomical size. <IMAGE>