Method for capturing and displaying a latent radiographic image

Claim 1

A method for producing a radiograph using an X-ray image capture element, comprising: a first, electrically conductive, backing layer; a photoconductive layer responsive to both actinic and X-ray radiation extending substantially over said backing layer; a third, dielectric layer substantially transparent to both actinic and X-ray radiation, the dielectric layer having a back surface extending substantially over and in contact with said photoconductive layer and a front surface; and a plurality of discrete conductive microplates substantially transparent to both actinic and X-ray radiation, said microplates on said front surface, each of said microplates having dimensions coextensive with a minimum resolvable picture element; the method comprising: (a) preventing actinic radiation from impinging on the element; (b) applying an electric potential difference between the plurality of microplates and the backing layer; (c) impinging imagewise modulated X-ray radiation for a first time period onto the element; (d) after the first time period, stopping the applying step; and (e) toning the plurality of microplates with an electrostatic toner.

Claim 2

A method for producing a radiograph using an X-ray image capture element, comprising: a first, electrically conductive, backing layer; a photoconductive layer responsive to both actinic and X-ray radiation extending substantially over said backing layer; a third, dielectric layer substantially transparent to both actinic and X-ray radiation, the dielectric layer having a back surface extending substantially over and in contact with said photoconductive layer and a front surface; and a plurality of discrete conductive microplates substantially transparent to both actinic and X-ray radiation, said microplates on said front surface, each of said microplates having dimensions coextensive with a minimum resolvable picture element; the method comprising: (a) preventing actinic radiation from impinging on the element; (b) applying an electric potential difference between the plurality of microplates and the backing layer; (c) impinging imagewise modulated X-ray radiation for a first time period onto the element; (d) after the first time period, stopping the applying step; and (e) toning the plurality of microplates with an electrostatic toner.