1. A method for aligning the components of an x-ray system, having an x-ray source and a detection array capable of generating images having a known pixel size, comprising: locating an object of known size and shape at a predetermined distance between the x-ray source and the detection array; acquiring an image of said object; and determining a location and size of said object on said image; and comparing said measured location and size of said object to said known size and location.