i thought all scanners were merely LIGHT scanners, not suited for X-ray. Correct me if i'm wrong . .
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USB flatbed scanner to scan X-Rays?
I'm looking for a regular desktop scanner with a USB connection that can also scan dentist's x-rays.
I'm not sure really what to look for, I have another dentist client who bought an Epson scanner with a photo add-on that can scan photo negatives, but it never produces great results when used for x-rays.
I don't see mention of x-ray scanning on any of the main manufactrers' websites, and nothing useful shows up on Google scans.
Ideally there would be a scanner out there with a regular USB/USB2 or Firewire connection on it, and can also be used as a regular A4 flatbed scanner as well for general office use. We're based in the UK so links/models of scanners available here would be spectacularly useful.
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Answers
They're hoping to scan an x-ray image so they can email it to other dentists for a second opinion, sorry, not to put a patient's face on the bed of the scanner to take an image :)
I originally thought that scanning an x-ray would be like scanning a negative, but they say that it's not - I guess I'm looking for guidance on that as much as a recommendation for a machine that could do the job.
"I originally thought that scanning an x-ray would be like scanning a negative, but they say that it's not "
They might say that but actually it is exactly the same, you need a high resolution transmissive scan. I set up an old UMAX scanner to do exactly this a few years ago which was used to send images of dental films to the nearest specialist centre for advice/ treatment planning. Any scanner with a light transmission box on the lid will do this.
The two main tricks are:
1) it will only fit the small "intra-oral" films unless you blow a small fortune on a lid that has a complete light box inside (not sure if you can even still get these!)
2) the part-boxes in the lid need a small reference area left clear on the scanner so there is a reference point for full light transmission. Cover this area with a film at your peril. The scanner will then not be able to calibrate correctly.
I'll give the dental office a call & post the model number although I know it is now out-of-date and originally came with only Win98SE drivers which we had to find a fix for when the pratice upgraded to Windows Server 2003 and XP.
But basic transmissive scanner DOES work for this purpose.
M :o)
Have a look at Epson's Expression 1600 with transparency scanner (currently you could pick both up from eBay UK for less than £100 the pair)
If you want state of the art flatbedscanning then the 1680 at nearer £700.
As you're in the UK I suppose you could also mention to your client that the system set up with the Astra was good enough to keep the consultant dentists at the Eastman Hospital happy!
That's great, thanks - made me smile too: both my current client and the one I referred to as having poorer quality scans from a regular desktop scanner are also at the Eastman, so your clients and mine are likely seperated only by a couple of flights of stairs when they're not in their own practices!
The £700 is what they'd been scared with, and was what made me assume there was something unique about scanning x-rays, but now I know otherwise I think I'll get myself some x-ray samples and produce some easy-to-follow instructions: sounds like it's in the technique more than the technology!
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by: danieloneillPosted on 2006-02-14 at 15:08:58ID: 15956047
I meant Google searches of course, sorry, got scanning on the brain! :)