Radioscopy

Radioscopy, or digital radioscopy, is a nondestructive means for examining an object using X-rays. It can provide real-time (i.e. immediate) information regarding the nature, size, location, and distribution of imperfections, both internal and external. Radioscopy can also be used to rapidly identify the dimensions, mechanical configuration, and the presence and positioning of components in a mechanism. Through manipulation, it can provide three-dimensional information regarding the nature, sizes, and relative positioning of items of interest within an object, and can be further employed to check the functioning of internal mechanisms. Although closely related to the radiographic method, it typically has much lower operating costs in terms of time, manpower, and material.

Applications
As with conventional radiography, radioscopic examination is broadly applicable to any material or object through which a beam of penetrating radiation may be passed and detected (i.e. metals, plastics, ceramics, composites, and other nonmetallic materials). In addition to the benefits normally associated with radiography, radioscopic examination may be either a dynamic, filmless technique allowing the examination part to be manipulated and imaging parameters optimized while the object is undergoing examination, or a static, filmless technique wherein the examination part is stationary with respect to the X-ray beam. The differentiation to systems with digital detector arrays (DDAs) is the use of an analog component such as an electro-optic device or an analog camera. Recent technology advances in the area of projection imaging, camera techniques, and digital image processing provide acceptable sensitivity for a wide range of applications.

Practical use of radioscopy can be found in the following areas:
 * Historic structures reports.
 * Documentation of original construction details
 * Documentation of the chronology of construction of a historic structure,
 * Documentation of material dimensions,
 * Documentation of tool markings,
 * Documentation of fastener shapes and sizes.
 * Identification of the alteration of such details due to modifications.
 * Structural evaluation of conditions and construction details.

Records
Long-term records of the radioscopic image may be obtained through motion-picture recording (cinefluorography), video recording, or “still” photographs using conventional cameras. The radioscopic image may be electronically enhanced, digitized, or otherwise processed for improved visual image analysis or automatic, computer-aided analysis, or both.