TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to methods and systems for reading images stored on photostimulable media, and in particular to reading images stored on phosphor radiation screens.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Radiology has always been difficult or impossible to do in a field environment. This is because it traditionally requires the use of x-ray film and a dark room and chemicals used to develop and fix the x-ray film requiring controlled conditions, including controlled light, temperature, and pH balance conditions, to correctly develop the film. In most cases, therefore, an exposure acquired in the field is transported to a developing station that typically is some distance away from the acquisition site. In case of human trauma, this delay could result in decreased diagnosis and treatment, possibly resulting in a fatal outcome.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an integrated system for performing high performance computer radiology in the field. In preferred aspects, the present invention incorporates an imaging plate scanner, a computer system, a display screen, and a communication system.

In a preferred aspect, the present radiation storage screen comprises a phosphor storage screen imaging plate, which offers numerous advantages over

conventional X-ray systems. For example, since storage phosphor plates are read using a laser scanner, and are displayed on a computer screen, the need for chemicals and a dark room are eliminated. Also, since the phosphor storage screen plates are reusable, once read they can be erased and immediately reused. This eliminates the need for transporting potentially large supplies of x-ray film into the field.

The present invention provides a portable filmless radiation phosphor imaging system. In preferred aspects, the present invention incorporates a cassette installer mechanism to feed a cassette, (holding a phosphor screen therein), therein. A scanning mechanism is also included to scan the radiation storage screen to recover the latent image, an image display screen is included to communicate the resulting image to the user. An optional communications system is included to transfer the image to a remote location, and a power source is also included.

Optionally, the present invention also incorporates a global positioning system receiver such that the exact location of the scanner system, (along with the precise time of scan), can be acquired and communicated to the user or to the remote location. In one aspect, the scan timing and position information are embedded in an image file header information, and transmitted to a remote location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of the present invention.

BEST MODES OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Referring to Fig. 1, an integrated scanning system 10 comprises a CPU 12 which may be an embedded computer system or a microcomputer having an upgradable operating software is provided. A scanning mechanism 14 is used to scan an image in a phosphor screen which is preferably received within an imaging cassette 16. Imaging cassette 16 is received into a cassette installer mechanism 18. Cassette installer mechanism 18 positions the imaging cassette (which contains the phosphor screen) such that scan mechanism 14 can generate an image of the screen which is read by CPU 12.

The image of the phosphor screen is then displayed on display 20 and can optionally be printed on printer 22, which may comprise either an internal or an external printer. A keyboard 24 is preferably provided for user input to CPU 12 such as when programming or operating scanning system 10. Scanning system 10 is powered by power source 26 which may comprise either a standard means derived external plug in or an internal

battery. An optional phosphor screen erasure system 28 is used to erase the image on the phosphor screen such that the same phosphor screen can be immediately reused subsequent to the image thereon being retrieved.

Optionally as well, a global positioning system receiver 30 is also included in scanning device 10 for determining the exact position of the scanning device 10 such that this information can be recorded or transmitted over communication system 32 to a remote location or base station. Communication system 30 may alternately comprise a system for transmitting data over a standard phone 34, cell phone 36, or satellite 38.

For ease of portability, a handle 40 may be provided.