Volume 10, Number 1 • January/February 2002 • Technology Transfer

APS Meet Imaging Industry Needs

Smaller, faster, cheaper works well for industry, where Active Pixel Sensors (APS) have already found uses in the automotive and medical fields.

The accuDEXA system utilizes APS technology to determine bone density loss. Photo courtesy of Schick Technologies.

These imaging sensors require a fraction of the power and are smaller than comparable technology, making them ideal for meeting the NASA goal of providing future space missions with lighter weight and lower powered instruments. The low power needs of APS allow physicians to track the onset of osteoporosis or perform dental radiography using up to 90 percent less radiation exposure to the patient than conventional x-rays. Schick Technologies of Long Island City, New York is utilizing APS technologies to produce Computed Dental Radiography®(CDR).

The APS technology allows dentists using digital radiography to have all of the advantages of a digital x-ray while alleviating the disadvantages of traditional x-ray. “

The image appears on the computer screen within three seconds,” said Eli Schick, director of medical products. “So instead of looking at a small dental x-ray film, you can enlarge it and utilize a number of image-enhancement features to identify problems. It also has the advantage of less exposure to radiation, not having to wait for it to be developed and not having to use harsh chemicals for developing that have to be disposed of following EPA guidelines. Images can be stored and retrieved at the click of a button.”

The company also utilizes APS technology to produce accuDEXA®, a peripheral bone densitometer which is used to test for osteoporosis. “

There are several types of bone densitometers,” Schick said. “Traditionally they assess bone density loss in the hip and the spine, and require specialized personnel to operate. Peripheral bone densitometers are easier to operate, faster and less expensive, and are designed for a primary care setting. By testing bone density at a peripheral site, such as the finger, the physician is able to determine fracture risk for the entire body. This technology offers more people the opportunity to be tested for osteoporosis, which affects 25 million Americans, about 80 percent of them women.”

APS technology was developed at Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Q

For more information, visit http://csmt.jpl.nasa.gov/csmtpages/APS/index.html

NASA Official: Jonathan Root • Web Design: Printing & Design Office, NASA Headquarters • Credits