Abstract: The invention relates to the field of X-ray differential phase contrast imaging. For scanning large objects and for an improved contrast to noise ratio, an X-ray device (10) for imaging an object (18) is provided. The X-ray device (10) comprises an X-ray emitter arrangement (12) and an X-ray detector arrangement (14), wherein the X-ray emitter arrangement (14) is adapted to emit an X-ray beam (16) through the object (18) onto the X-ray detector arrangement (14). The X-ray beam (16) is at least partial spatial coherent and fan-shaped. The X-ray detector arrangement (14) comprises a phase grating (50) and an absorber grating (52). The X-ray detector arrangement (14) comprises an area detector (54) for detecting X-rays, wherein the X-ray device is adapted to generate image data from the detected X-rays and to extract phase information from the X-ray image data, the phase information relating to a phase shift of X-rays caused by the object (18).

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (100) for visualizing an object of interest comprised in a volume of an image dataset, the system comprising a path unit (110) for specifying a path in the volume of the image dataset on the basis of the object of interest, a location unit (120) for determining a location on a projection ray through the volume of the image dataset on the basis of the specified path, and a value unit (130) for computing a projected gray value corresponding to the projection rayon the basis of the determined location on the projection ray. Because the locations on the projection ray are determined based on the specified path for indicating the object of interest, the actual computation of the projection gray values may be designed and constructed to show gray values describing the object of interest while hiding gray values describing other objects, in particular occluding objects.

Abstract: The invention describes a computer-based system that asks (101) a patient to pronounce a word displayed on a monitor, automatically assesses (104, 105) the speech quality, and uses suitable means to feed back (106) any improvement or deterioration of speech quality.

Abstract: As medical imaging becomes more affordable, and the diversity of diagnostic modalities and therapeutic treatments increase, the amount of data being stored increases, and the problem becomes even more critical. One approach to improve retrieval efficiency of images is to employ semantics to establish a defined set of search and classification terms. However, such semantic systems still require the user to make a selection of the most appropriate term or terms to classify a report or image, and the accuracy of the results are thus dependent on the skill and knowledge of the classifier. According to a first aspect of the invention, a retriever is provided for retrieving a medical image having a searchable attribute, the retriever being configured to interface with a semantic database and an image database, and wherein the searchable attribute is determined by segmenting the medical image, using the anatomical model.

Abstract: A system and method for automatic segmentation, performed by selecting a deformable model of an anatomical structure of interest imaged in a volumetric image, the deformable model formed of a plurality of polygons including vertices and edges, displaying the deformable model on a display, detecting a feature point of the anatomical structure of interest corresponding to each of the plurality of polygons and adapting the deformable model by moving each of the vertices toward the corresponding feature points until the deformable model morphs to a boundary of the anatomical structure of interest, forming a segmentation of the anatomical structure of interest.

Abstract: X-ray devices for Phase Contrast Imaging (PCI) are often built up with the help of gratings. For large field-of-views (FOV), production cost and complexity of these gratings could increase significantly as they need to have a focused geometry. Instead of a pure PCI with a large FOV, this invention suggests to combine a traditional absorption X-ray-imaging system with large-FOV with an insertable low-cost PCI system with small-FOV, The invention supports the user to direct the PCI system with reduced FOV to a region that he regards as most interesting for performing a PCI scan thus eliminating X-ray dose exposure for scanning regions not interesting for a radiologist. The PCI scan may be generated on the basis of local tomography.

Abstract: An X-ray image acquisition apparatus employing phase-contrast imaging with enlarged field of view includes an X-ray source, an X-ray detector element having a detector size, a beam splitter grating and an analyzer grating. An object is arrangeable between the X-ray source and detector. The beam splitter grating and the analyzer grating are arrangeable between the X-ray source and detector. The X-ray source, the beam splitter grating, the analyzer grating and the X-ray detector are operatively coupled such that a phase-contrast image of the object is obtainable. The apparatus is configure to acquire a phase-contrast image having a field of view larger than the detector size. The X-ray detector element is displaceable where, by the displacement of the X-ray detector, a phase-contrast image of the enlarged field of view is obtainable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (100) for classifying image data on the basis of a model for adapting to an object in the image data, the system comprising a segmentation unit (110) for segmenting the image data by adapting the model to the object in the image data and a classification unit (120) for assigning a class to the image data on the basis of the model adapted to the object in the image data, thereby classifying the image data, wherein the classification unit (120) comprises an attribute unit (122) for computing a value of an attribute of the model on the basis of the model adapted to the object in the image data, and wherein the assigned class is based on the computed value of the attribute. Thus, the system (100) of the invention is capable of classifying the image data without any user input. All inputs required for classifying the image data 10 constitute a model for adapting to an object in the image data.

Abstract: The present invention generally refers to a correction method for grating-based X-ray differential phase contrast imaging (DPCI) as well as to an apparatus which can advantageously be applied in X-ray radiography and tomography for hard X-ray DPCI of a sample object or an anatomical region of interest to be scanned. More precisely, the proposed invention provides a suitable approach that helps to enhance the image quality of an acquired X-ray image which is affected by phase wrapping, e.g. in the resulting Moiré interference pattern of an emitted X-ray beam in the detector plane of a Talbot-Lau type interferometer after diffracting said X-ray beam at a phase-shifting beam splitter grating.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying an abnormality of an anatomical structure. The system and method segments, using a processor, the anatomical structure imaged in a volumetric image of a plurality of control patients to produce a control segmentation of the anatomical structures of each of the control patients, obtains a normative dataset by extracting a statistical representation of a morphology of the control segmentations, segments the anatomical structure of a patient being analyzed for abnormalities to produce a patient segmentation and compares the patient segmentation to the normative dataset obtained from the control segmentations.

Abstract: A system and method for automatic segmentation, performed by selecting a deformable model of an anatomical structure of interest imaged in a volumetric image, the deformable model formed of a plurality of polygons including vertices and edges, displaying the deformable model on a display, detecting a feature point of the anatomical structure of interest corresponding to each of the plurality of polygons and adapting the deformable model by moving each of the vertices toward the corresponding feature points until the deformable model morphs to a boundary of the anatomical structure of interest, forming a segmentation of the anatomical structure of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to X-ray image acquisition technology in general. Employing phase-contrast imaging for X-ray image acquisition may significantly enhance the quality and information content of images acquired. However, phase-contrast information may only be obtainable in a small detector region, possibly being too small for a sufficient field of rotation view for specialized X-ray imaging applications. Accordingly, an apparatus for phase-contrast imaging is provided that may allow the acquisition of an enlarged field of view. According to the present invention an apparatus (1) for phase-contrast imaging is provided, comprising an X-ray source (2), an X-ray detector (12) element having a detector size, a beam splitter grating (8) and an analyzer grating (10). An object (6) is arrangeable between the X-ray source (2) and the X-ray detector (12). The beam splitter grating (8) and the analyzer grating (10) are arrangeable between the X-ray source (2) and the X-ray detector (12).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging system and a method for differential phase—contrast imaging of an object. To improve calibration of differential phase—contrast imaging systems and the alignment of the gratings an X-ray imaging system is provided that comprises an X-ray emitting arrangement providing at least partially coherent X-ray radiation and an X-ray detection arrangement comprising a phase-shift diffraction grating, a phase analyzer grating, and an X-ray image detector, all arranged along an optical axis. For stepping, the gratings and/or the X-ray emitting arrangement are provided with at least two actuators arranged opposite to each other with reference to the optical axis. For calibration, calibration projections are acquired without an object, wherein, the emitted X-ray radiation or one of the gratings is stepwise displaced with a calibration displacement value.

Abstract: X-ray devices for Phase Contrast Imaging (PCI) are often built up with the help of gratings. For large field-of-views (FOV), production cost and complexity of these gratings could increase significantly as they need to have a focused geometry. Instead of a pure PCI with a large FOV, this invention suggests to combine a traditional absorption X-ray-imaging system with large-FOV with an insertable low-cost PCI system with small-FOV, The invention supports the user to direct the PCI system with reduced FOV to a region that he regards as most interesting for performing a PCI scan thus eliminating X-ray dose exposure for scanning regions not interesting for a radiologist. The PCI scan may be generated on the basis of local tomography.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of X-ray differential phase contrast imaging. For scanning large objects and for an improved contrast to noise ration, an X-ray device (10) for imaging an object (18) is provided. The X-ray device (10) comprises an X-ray emitter arrangement (12) and an X-ray detector arrangement (14), wherein the X-ray emitter arrangement (14) is adapted to emit an X-ray beam (16) through the object (18) onto the X-ray detector arrangement (14). The X-ray beam (16) is at least partial spatial coherent and fan-shaped. The X-ray detector arrangement (14) comprises a phase grating (50) and an absorber grating (52). The X-ray detector arrangement (14) comprises an area detector (54) for detecting X-rays, wherein the X-ray device is adapted to generate image data from the detected X-rays and to extract phase information from the X-ray image data, the phase information relating to a phase shift of X-rays caused by the object (18).

Abstract: A medical information system (170) comprising a validator (140) configured to validate image findings, which are generated based on an image of anatomical structures produced by an imaging apparatus (110), in a first report with at least one of a set of predefined templates or processed data generated based on the set of predefined templates, and an augmenter (160) configured to augment the first report with information from a second report that includes medical findings.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (100) for identifying a document of a plurality of documents, based on a multidimensional image, the system (100) comprising an object unit (110) for identifying an object represented in the multidimensional image, based on a user input indicating a region of the multidimensional image, and further based on a model for modeling the object, determined by segmentation of the indicated region of the multidimensional image; a keyword unit (120) for identifying a keyword of a plurality of keywords, related to the identified object, based on an annotation of the model for modeling the object; and a document unit (130) for identifying the document of the plurality of documents, based on the identified keyword. Thus, the system advantageously facilitates a user's access to documents comprising information of interest based on a viewed multidimensional image. The document may be identified by its name or, preferably, by a link to the document.

Abstract: The present invention generally refers to a correction method for grating-based X-ray differential phase contrast imaging (DPCI) as well as to an apparatus which can advantageously be applied in X-ray radiography and tomography for hard X-ray DPCI of a sample object or an anatomical region of interest to be scanned. More precisely, the proposed invention provides a suitable approach that helps to enhance the image quality of an acquired X-ray image which is affected by phase wrapping, e.g. in the resulting Moiré interference pattern of an emitted X-ray beam in the detector plane of a Talbot-Lau type interferometer after diffracting said X-ray beam at a phase-shifting beam splitter grating.

Abstract: As medical imaging becomes more affordable, and the diversity of diagnostic modalities and therapeutic treatments increase, the amount of data being stored increases, and the problem becomes even more critical. One approach to improve retrieval efficiency of images is to employ semantics to establish a defined set of search and classification terms. However, such semantic systems still require the user to make a selection of the most appropriate term or terms to classify a report or image, and the accuracy of the results are thus dependent on the skill and knowledge of the classifier. According to a first aspect of the invention, a retriever is provided for retrieving a medical image having a searchable attribute, the retriever being configured to interface with a semantic database and an image database, and wherein the searchable attribute is determined by segmenting the medical image, using the anatomical model.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (100) for classifying image data on the basis of a model for adapting to an object in the image data, the system comprising a segmentation unit (110) for segmenting the image data by adapting the model to the object in the image data and a classification unit (120) for assigning a class to the image data on the basis of the model adapted to the object in the image data, thereby classifying the image data, wherein the classification unit (120) comprises an attribute unit (122) for computing a value of an attribute of the model on the basis of the model adapted to the object in the image data, and wherein the assigned class is based on the computed value of the attribute. Thus, the system (100) of the invention is capable of classifying the image data without any user input. All inputs required for classifying the image data 10 constitute a model for adapting to an object in the image data.