Canon is a multinational corporation known mostly for manufacturing imaging and optical products, such as cameras, photocopiers and computer printers. However, the company has recently decided to make a contribution to the medical industry once again with its latest portable DR (digital radiography) system. The flat-panel DR system is capable of both viewing dynamic and capturing static X-ray images.

 

Canon launched the CXDI-11, the world's first static-image DR system, in 1998, and since that time, it has introduced nine generations of flat panel technology with a variety of products, including general DR sensors for use in upright stands, universal stands and imaging tables, as well as portable DR sensors. Now, with the development of this new system, Canon announces its crossover to the dynamic imaging market.

 

Building on the outstanding image quality and speed of the CXDI series for radiography, Canon developed a compact, lightweight DR system able, as already noted above, to both view moving images and capture static X-ray images. While the newly developed prototype accommodates standard static X-ray image capture of the chest area and extremities, it also enables "X-ray fluoroscopy," which radiographers can use to observe dynamic images of internal organs, such as those used in digestion, for optimal timing in capturing static images. Canon is currently developing the system for a commercial release, which is planned to take place in the second half of 2009.

 

Improving and expanding the lineup of its X-ray DR systems to include a system capable of capturing both fluoroscopic and radiographic images will allow Canon to further expand the market for these products, as well as support the advancement of medical institutions for digitization and soft copy diagnostic reading. In this way, Canon will continue to contribute to the medical community through increased diagnostic assistance and efficient patient procedures.