Patent US 7,440,540

Disclosed are systems and methods for obtaining stereoscopic x-ray images. The method includes taking two digital x-ray views of the same object from differing positions. The included angle between the axes of the x-rays for each position generally coincides with that formed by a pair of eyes viewing the object, though larger angles can be used. The x-rays can be taken by two x-ray generators within a single housing or within separate but attached housings. The generators are spaced apart and aimed at the object to form the appropriate angle. Care is taken not to move the object. Preferably, the x-ray generators have dual collimators to take the views. In this case, the time between taking the two x-rays need only be as long as the image capture time of the sensor being used, which lessens the chance of the object moving.