Which of the following is a component of the CR reader?

A CR (Computed Radiography) reader comprises several essential components that work together to convert the stored energy in the imaging receptor to a usable digital image. Each of the components mentioned in the choices plays a critical role in this process.

The image processing engine is responsible for the manipulation and enhancement of the digital image after it has been scanned. It applies various algorithms to improve image quality, adjust tonal ranges, and prepare the image for diagnostic viewing.

The light source is crucial for the reading process. After the CR plate is scanned, it is stimulated by a laser or other light source, which causes the stored energy in the plate to be emitted as light. This emitted light is then captured and converted into a digital signal by the reader.

The scanning mechanism ensures that the CR plate is accurately moved through the reader while being scanned by the light source. This precision is vital for capturing the entire image adequately, as it allows for uniform exposure to the light source.

Since all these components—image processing engine, light source, and scanning mechanism—are integral to the operation of a CR reader, the correct answer is that all of the above are critical components.