Abstract: For a purpose of improving homogeneity of an image obtained in a self-calibration by a parallel imaging method generally referred to as SENSE (SENSitivity Encoding), sensitivity factors Sn(p) are calculated using an additive image Ab=?|Cn| of complex images Cn obtained by conducting a calibration scan of an entire FOV for phased array coils Coil_n (n=1–N, N?2) (Steps V2, V3). Moreover, sensitivity maps Sn are generated by conducting curve fitting by the method of least squares weighted by the square of a pixel value Ab(p) of the absolute value additive image Ab (Step V4).

Abstract: A collimator comprises a pair of first plate members having X-ray absorbability and a pair of second plate members having X-ray absorbability. The pair of first plate members are movable in a direction parallel to surfaces thereof, and have respective end faces opposed to each other with an X-ray passing aperture being defined by a spacing between the opposed end faces of the first plate members. The pair of second plate members are capable of being folded in a zigzag fashion through hinges, and in order to intercept other X-rays than the X-ray passing through the aperture, each of the second plate members is connected at one end thereof to each end of the first plate members on the side opposite to the opposed end faces of the first plate members and is connected at the other end thereof to each of fixing portions.

Abstract: An X-ray data collecting apparatus includes a first integrating means periodically executes sequential integration on detected signals from a plurality of X-ray detector elements corresponding to measurement channels in an X-ray detection apparatus at a constant time difference over a constant time period longer than the time difference; a second integrating means periodically executes sequential integration on detected signals from a plurality of X-ray detector elements corresponding to reference channels in the plurality of detector element rows in the X-ray detection apparatus at the same time difference as the constant time difference over the same time period as the constant time period; and a correcting means X-ray-dose corrects signals integrated by the first integrating means by signals integrated by the second integrating means that are integrated at the same time as the signals integrated by the first integration means, respectively.

Abstract: For the purpose of acquiring magnetic resonance signals unaffected by any high magnetic field disturbance, magnetic resonance signals are sequentially acquired for a plurality of views; magnetic field disturbance is monitored; the magnetic resonance signal acquisition is repeated for a view at which magnetic field disturbance has occurred; and an image is produced based on magnetic resonance signals after the repetition has been applied.

Abstract: A method includes scanning myocardial tissue of a patient with an Energy Discrimination Computed Tomography (EDCT) system to acquire data, and analyzing the acquired data for at least one of cardiac measurements, diagnosis, and prognosis after interventions.

Abstract: For the purpose of enabling proper imaging of the prostate, a first saddle coil 210 having two loop portions of a geometry suited for sandwiching the lower abdomen of a human body from the anterior and posterior sides with the two loop portions facing each other, and a second saddle coil 310 having two loop portions of a geometry suited for allowing the lower limbs of the human body to be inserted into the two loop portions, and sandwiching the lower abdomen from the right and left sides with the two loop portions facing each other, are quadrature-arranged so that the phases of magnetic resonance received signals are different by 90°, thus achieving imaging of the lower abdomen of the human body with a high S/N.

Abstract: It is an object to provide an MR system and a floor cover capable of being attached and detached by one operator. In the invention, the floor cover covers a front face of a lower part of an open type MR system, and a cradle on which an object is mounted swiftly moves thereon. The floor cover is provided with a slide capable of moving on the lower part.

Abstract: With the object of improving image quality while keeping short the time taken to reconstruct the first X-ray tomogram at the time of start of scanning in its real-time display mode, an X-ray CT apparatus having a rotary unit for causing an X-ray source and an X-ray detector for detecting X-rays from the X-ray source to rotate integrally around a subject, is provided with a full data reconstructing device for reconstructing tomograms on the basis of penetrating X-ray data of each view detected during a full turn around the subject, a segment data reconstructing device for reconstructing tomograms on the basis of penetrating X-ray data of each view detected during a turn by (180+&agr;) degrees, and a change-over device for counting the tomograms reconstructed after the start of scanning, and changing over between the full data reconstructing device and segment data reconstructing device according to the count.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a method for analyzing tubular structures in a patient, including steps of: selecting a region of interest and a location within the region of interest from a displayed tube-shaped tree representative of a tubular structure in a patient; identifying a centerline of a structure within the tube-shaped tree within the region of interest; and displaying one or more views of the region of interest. The view or views are selected from at least a segmented 3-D view having the region of interest identified, a curved view of the selected branch, a reformatted view dependent upon the identified centerline, and a 3-D view dependent upon the identified centerline.

Abstract: For the purpose of providing a static magnetic field generating apparatus employing permanent magnets that allows easy adjustment of a static magnetic field, eight grooves are provided in a columnar yoke and the other opposing columnar yoke, and the shape or material of insert members is changed to modify magnetic resistance of the columnar yoke and the other opposing columnar yoke when the insert members are fitted; thus, magnetic flux formed in a space between permanent magnets can be easily modified, and hence, a static magnetic field can be easily adjusted.

Abstract: For the purpose of suppressing degradation in visibility of an image by a missing line due to the subject motion, the step of selectively exciting a linear region with intersecting 90° and 180° pulses and applying an MPG pulse to collect data is repeated with the linear region shifted; whether the acquired data for each line is affected by the subject motion is detected; and if the data is affected by the subject motion, interpolated data is employed in place of the data.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to produce images devoid of band artifacts. Data acquisition in SSFP is repeated N times (where N denotes the power of 2) in order to acquire data fv(k), which ranges from data fv(0) to data fv(N−1), from views v constituting a k-space. At this time, the phase of an RF pulse is varied based on an expression of 360°·v·k/N. If an operator designates Fourier transform imaging, a Fourier transform is performed on data fv(k) relative to each of the phases indicated by the RF pulse in order to produce data Fv(n). If the operator does not designate Fourier transform imaging, the data fv(k) is regarded as the data Fv(n) as it is. Any of at least either of weighted addition and MIP processing and root-mean-square conversion selected by the operator is then performed on the data Fv(n) in order to produce data Av. An image is reconstructed based on the data Av.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray generator capable of compensating for the volume expansion of an insulating oil without the necessity of labor-intensive maintenance. A tubular body is included to penetrate through a tank that is sealed while accommodating a high-voltage assembly and an X-ray tube assembly and having an insulating oil poured thereinto. The lumen of the tubular body opens onto the ambient space at both ends of the tubular body. The tubular body expands or contracts depending on a difference between the pressure in the lumen and the internal pressure of the tank.

Abstract: A method for Computed Tomography scanners using multiple tilted reconstruction planes includes view weighting data in accordance with χ ⁡ ( β , γ ) = { w b 0 ≤ β ≤ 2 ⁢   ⁢ γ m - 2 ⁢   ⁢ γ 1

Abstract: For the purpose of reducing degradation of image quality due to attenuation of signal intensity, or satisfactorily rendering blood flow even when fast blood flow and slow blood flow are simultaneously present in an imaged region, an imaged region A is divided into a plurality of adjacent slabs; RF pulses are transmitted with a flip angle profile whose flip angle &agr; varies with respect to the thickness direction in each of the slabs and whose average flip angle differs for each of the slabs, to collect NMR signals; and blood flow imaging is conducted based on the NMR signals.

Abstract: A method for obtaining data includes scanning a lung of a patient with a Multi-Energy Computed Tomography (MECT) system to acquire data regarding a plurality of contrast agents.

Abstract: For the purpose of RF pulse tuning so as to effectively utilize the capacity of an RF transmission apparatus, in tuning the RF pulse for excitation use so as to make the flip angle of spins identical with its target value, the pulse width of the RF pulse is consecutively increased from its predetermined initial value until the flip angle of spins become identical with its target value (902 through 912). Further, if the flip angle fails to reach its target value even though the amplitude of the RF pulse is raised to the adjustable maximum, the next increment of the pulse width is determined according to the extent of failure to attain the target.

Abstract: A method includes augmenting partially sampled field of view data using fully sampled field of view data.

Abstract: This invention aims to provide a through terminal capable of maintaining air-tightness stably and an X-ray tube having the through terminal. The through terminal includes a tubular member, a plate member formed of an insulating ceramic material and bonded to an inner periphery of the tubular member in a hermetically sealed state, and pins extending through the plate member so that the portions thereof fitted through the plate member are located inside metallic tubes respectively and bonded to the plate member in a hermetically sealed state through the tubes. The tubular member is provided on an inner periphery thereof with a stepped portion for abutment thereagainst of a plate face of the plate member. The tubular member is formed of an alloy including at least iron, nickel, and cobalt.

Abstract: A CT Fluoro system which, in one embodiment, includes an integrated controller, image reconstruction algorithms for increasing the speed of image display, and an enhanced image display, is described. The integrated controller enables the radiologist to maintain control of the system throughout the fluoro scan. The image reconstruction algorithms are generally directed to increasing the image frame rate or reducing image artifacts, or both, in the CT fluoro scan. The image display generally provides enhanced images and control to the radiologist during a scan procedure.