Patents Examined by Courtney Thomas
  • Photon counting x-ray detector
    Patent number: 9625589
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an X-ray detector (100) for detecting incident X-ray photons (X). The X-ray detector (100) comprises at least one sensor unit (105) in which X-ray photons (X) are converted into sensor signals (s) and at least one flux sensor (104) for generating a flux signal (f) related to the flux of photons (X). The sensor signals (s) are corrected based on the flux signal (f). In a preferred embodiment, the sensor signals (s) represent a spectrally resolved pulse counting. The flux sensor (104) may be integrated into an ASIC (103) that is coupled to the sensor unit (105).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Ewald Roessl, Daerr Heiner, Roger Steadman Booker
  • Image-based motion compensation of image data
    Patent number: 9619869
    Abstract: A method, a computer program, a computer program product and a computed tomography system are disclosed. The image data is a spatially three-dimensional reconstruction. At least one value for an image metric of the image data is determined. A motion field for motion compensation of the image data is then determined on the basis of image data as a function of the image metric. Essentially, partial image data is determined, wherein the partial image data corresponds in each case to the spatially three-dimensional reconstruction from scan data of an angular sub-range. The motion field of the image data is determined at the control points via an optimization method as a function of the image metric, so that, thereafter, the partial image data is transformed in accordance with the motion of the motion field. New image data is then produced by merging the partial image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Allmendinger, Herbert Bruder, Thomas Flohr, Christopher Rohkohl
  • Radiotherapy control apparatus and radiotherapy control program
    Patent number: 9616249
    Abstract: A radiotherapy control apparatus includes a fluoroscopic image acquisition unit to acquire fluoroscopic images of markers in a patient from a single fluoroscopic imaging device, a projection line calculation unit to identify projected positions of the markers on the fluoroscopic image and calculate equations of projection lines linking these projected positions and a focus position of the imaging device, an inter-marker distance acquisition unit to acquire a distance between each pair of the markers, a marker position calculation unit to calculate current positions of the markers based on the equations and the distances, and a therapeutic radiation emission determination unit to determine whether to emit therapeutic radiation based on the current positions of the markers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Naoki Miyamoto, Shinichi Shimizu, Taeko Matsuura, Chie Toramatsu, Seishin Takao, Hideaki Nihongi, Yuichi Hirata, Kikuo Umegaki
  • X-ray scanners
    Patent number: 9618648
    Abstract: The present application discloses an X-ray scanner having an X-ray source arranged to emit X-rays from source points through an imaging volume. The scanner may further include an array of X-ray detectors which may be arranged around the imaging volume and may be arranged to output detector signals in response to the detection of X-rays. The scanner may further include a conveyor arranged to convey an object through the imaging volume in a scan direction, and may also include at least one processor arranged to process the detector signals to produce an image data set defining an image of the object. The image may have a resolution in the scan direction that is at least 90% as high as in one direction, and in some cases two directions, orthogonal to the scan direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • X-ray tomographic inspection system for the identification of specific target items
    Patent number: 9606259
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved scanning process with a stationary X-ray source arranged to generate X-rays from a plurality of X-ray source positions around a scanning region, a first set of detectors arranged to detect X-rays transmitted through the scanning region, and at least one processor arranged to process outputs from the first set of detectors to generate tomographic image data. The X-ray screening system is used in combination with other screening technologies, such as NQR-based screening, X-ray diffraction based screening, X-ray back-scatter based screening, or Trace Detection based screening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Devices processed using x-rays
    Patent number: 9607724
    Abstract: Objects undergoing processing by a high resolution x-ray microscope with a high flux x-ray source that allows high speed metrology or inspection of objects such as integrated circuits (ICs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), and other IC packaging technologies. The object to be investigated is illuminated by collimated, high-flux x-rays from an extended source having a designated x-ray spectrum. The system also comprises a stage to control the position and orientation of the object; a scintillator that absorbs x-rays and emits visible photons positioned in very close proximity to (or in contact with) the object; an optical imaging system that forms a highly magnified, high-resolution image of the photons emitted by the scintillator; and a detector such as a CCD array to convert the image to electronic signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: SVXR, Inc.
    Inventor: David Lewis Adler
  • Reconstruction of image data by means of contour data
    Patent number: 9589336
    Abstract: A method is based on first projection data, recorded during a relative rotational movement between an x-ray source of a CT device and at least one examination object lying partly outside the field of view of the CT device. Contour data of the surface of the examination object is useable to enhance the reconstruction of the incomplete first projection data. The spatial correlation between the first projection data and the contour data is known. The first projection data is expanded by way of the contour data to modified projection data, so that the modified projection data includes information about the contour of the examination object lying outside the field of view of the CT device. In an embodiment of the inventive reconstruction of image data by way of the modified projection data, fewer or no artifacts occur by comparison with reconstruction of image data from just the first image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Thomas Flohr, Bernhard Schmidt, Martin Sedlmair
  • X-ray film image marker
    Patent number: 9588412
    Abstract: The x-ray film image marker is a device that is adapted for use with an x-ray portable cassette in order to provide the image marker capability that is used in conjunction with taking an x-ray, but also enabling a technician the ability to locate a misplaced x-ray film image marker. The x-ray film image marker includes at least one light member that illuminates or flashes for a pre-determined amount of time upon depression of an on/off button. The at least one light member aids in location of the x-ray film image marker in a poorly lit environment. The at least one speaker may be used to play an audio file in order to aid in location of the x-ray film image marker in a poorly lit environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Jerusalmi Streete
  • Imaging-guided delivery of X-ray radiation
    Patent number: 9586061
    Abstract: An X-ray system comprises: (a) a source providing an X-ray diverging beam having treatment and imaging angular portions; (b) one or more lenses transforming the treatment portion of the X-ray beam into a converging beam directed to a target; (c) a first shutter located between the X-ray source and the target in the imaging portion of the X-ray radiation; the first shutter being selectively openable such that imaging portion of X-ray beam reaches the target; and (d) a detector configured to detect at least a portion of the imaging radiation after the imaging radiation has interacted with the target to provide imaging information of the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: CONVERGENT R.N.R LTD
    Inventors: Zeev Burshtein, Zeev Harel, Aharon Bar-David, Donald M. Korn
  • Radiation image detecting device and radiation imaging system
    Patent number: 9579076
    Abstract: A detection panel has a plurality of pixels for accumulating electric charge by receiving X-rays, and a plurality of detection pixels for detecting an X-ray dose in an imaging surface. The detection pixels are disposed periodically with leaving space. A grid, which has X-ray absorbing portions and X-ray transmitting portions alternately and periodically arranged in a first direction, is disposed in a position opposed to the imaging surface. Since an arrangement period of the detection pixels in the first direction is different from an arrangement period of the X-ray absorbing portions, an output value of each detection pixel is distributed and hence the average of the output values has a reduced variation range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Tajima, Takeshi Kuwabara, Yusuke Kitagawa
  • Cathode control multi-cathode distributed X-ray apparatus and CT device having said apparatus
    Patent number: 9585235
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus producing distributed X-ray, and in particular to a cathode control multi-cathode distributed X-ray apparatus, which produces X-ray that changes focal position in a predetermined order by arranging multiple independent hot cathodes and controlling cathodes in an X-ray source device, and a CT device having said X-ray apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignees: NUCTECH COMPANY LIMITED, TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Huaping Tang, Chuanxiang Tang, Huaibi Chen
  • Scattered radiation grid of a CT detector
    Patent number: 9583228
    Abstract: A scattered radiation grid of a CT detector is disclosed and includes a plurality of detector elements arranged in multiple cells in the phi direction and in the z direction of a CT system, having a plurality of free passage channels arranged to correspond to the detector elements, and walls fully enclosing the free passage channels at the longitudinal sides thereof. According to an embodiment of the invention, the walls of the scattered radiation grid are produced using a 3D screen-printing method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Mario Eichenseer, Andreas Freund, Stefan Wirth
  • X-ray laser microscopy system and method
    Patent number: 9583229
    Abstract: Improved system and method of X-ray laser microscopy that combines information obtained from both X-ray diffraction and X-ray imaging methods. The sample is placed in an ultra-cold, ultra-low pressure vacuum chamber, and exposed to brief bursts of coherent X-ray illumination further concentrated using X-ray mirrors and pinhole collimation methods. Higher resolution data from a sample is obtained using hard X-ray lasers, such as free electron X-ray lasers, and X-ray diffraction methods. Lower resolution data from the same sample can be obtained using any of hard or soft X-ray laser sources, and X-ray imaging methods employing nanoscale etched zone plate technology. In some embodiments both diffraction and imaging data can be obtained simultaneously. Data from both sources are combined to create a more complete representation of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Inventors: Yiying Cao, Roger Kim, Michael Chang, Zhuotong Xian, Katherine Han
  • Grid-controlled X-ray source and space X-ray communication system and method
    Patent number: 9577766
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a grid-controlled X-ray source, a space X-ray communication system and a space X-ray communication method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: XI'AN INSTITUTE OF OPTICS AND PRECISION MECHANICS OF CAS
    Inventors: Baosheng Zhao, Qiurong Yan, Lizhi Sheng, Yongan Liu
  • Anatomical imaging system with centipede scanning drive, bottom notch to accommodate base of patient support, and motorized drive for transporting the system between scanning locations
    Patent number: 9561010
    Abstract: An imaging system including a scanner for scanning an object and creating an image of the same; and a transport mechanism mounted to the scanner for moving the scanner, wherein the transport mechanism includes a gross movement mechanism for transporting the scanner between scanning locations; and a fine movement mechanism for moving the scanner precisely, relative to the object being scanned, during scanning of the object; wherein the gross movement mechanism comprises at least one motorized wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: NeuroLogica Corp.
    Inventors: Eric M. Bailey, Andrew P. Tybinkowski
  • Mobile X-ray imaging apparatus and method of controlling the same
    Patent number: 9554768
    Abstract: A mobile X-ray imaging apparatus and a method of controlling the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus are provided. The mobile X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray source mounted in a movable main body, a battery configured to supply operating power to the X-ray source, a charger configured to supply charging power to charge the battery, and a controller configured to block charging of the battery while X-rays are radiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Myeong Je Kim
  • High precision detector robot arm system
    Patent number: 9557282
    Abstract: A method and high precision robot arm system are provided, for example, for X-ray nanodiffraction with an X-ray nanoprobe. The robot arm system includes duo-vertical-stages and a kinematic linkage system. A two-dimensional (2D) vertical plane ultra-precision robot arm supporting an X-ray detector provides positioning and manipulating of the X-ray detector. A vertical support for the 2D vertical plane robot arm includes spaced apart rails respectively engaging a first bearing structure and a second bearing structure carried by the 2D vertical plane robot arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: Deming Shu, Yong Chu
  • Method and apparatus for controlling X-ray exposure
    Patent number: 9554767
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for adaptive exposure in imaging systems. An x-ray source for producing x-ray radiation and an x-ray detector for measuring amount of x-ray radiation passing through the human patient and striking the detector can be used. A tomographic image of the human patient or a tomosynthetic image of the human patient can be generated. Region of interest filtering and equalization filtering can be utilized. Filtering can be accomplished with a mechanical shield or shutter or with electronic control of the x-ray source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Triple Ring Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Tobias Funk, Steve Denis Burion, Kate LeeAnn Bechtel, Joseph Anthony Heanue, Brian Patrick Wilfley, Augustus Percival Lowell
  • X-ray analysis apparatus
    Patent number: 9547094
    Abstract: X-ray analysis of a primary sample such as a flexible sheet 60 uses apparatus having a primary sample holder such as a material feed-through system 20 for moving the flexible sheet through the apparatus. An X-ray analysis head 6 containing an X-ray source and an X-ray detector is mounted on a robot arm 4. The robot arm moves in three dimensions so that the analysis head can be brought into position to measure the flexible sheet as it is being brought through the apparatus by the material feed-through system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: PANALYTICAL B.V.
    Inventors: Jeroen Rinsema, Mark Alexander Pals
  • X-ray imaging apparatus and control method thereof
    Patent number: 9532763
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus and control method thereof precisely designates an imaging region and reduces user fatigue by designating a segmentation imaging region using an image of a target object captured by a camera and automatically controlling an X-ray generator according to the designated segmentation imaging region. The X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray generator to perform X-ray imaging of a target object by generating and irradiating X-rays, an image capturer to capture an image of the target object, an image display to display the image captured by the image capturer, an input part to receive designation of a region for which segmentation imaging is to be performed on the image displayed on the image display, and a controller to control the X-ray generator to perform segmentation imaging with respect to the designated region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Duhgoon Lee, Phill Gu Jung, Myung Jin Chung