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A high-speed 16-mm cineradiographic system previously developed at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute for use in biomechanics research has been undergoing a continuous upgrading in capability. In addition to changes in the structural aspect of the cineradiography, improvements have been made in the procedures used to obtain better image quality as well as methods for interpretation of the digitized results. The current improvements in the system include: 1) filtering the X-ray source before penetration of the subject to increase image contrast as well as to protect the image tube; 2) pre-processing of the film to increase its effective speed; 3) development of a neutral density radio-contrast media for outlining anatomical structure without using the vascular system; and 4) development of procedures for obtaining analytical information about motion of non-rigid anatomical structures from digitized film. This system now consists of either a 35-mm Photosonics 4B, a 16-mm Photosonics 1B, or a 16-mm Milliken which views a 50-mm (2-inch) diameter output of a P-11 phosphor of a high gain, four-stage magnetically focused image intensifier tube, gated on and off synchronously with the motion picture camera shutter. A lens optically couples the input photocathode of the image tube to an X-ray fluorescent (rare earth) screen image produced by a smoothed DC X-ray generator of a conventional type. The system is capable of looking at a large spectrum of anatomical structures under a wide range of dynamic loading conditions.
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