Patents by Inventor Katsuyuki Taguchi

Katsuyuki Taguchi has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20050226365
    Abstract: A method, X-ray CT apparatus, and computer program product for obtaining data from a computed tomography (CT) scan, wherein projection data are obtained from at least two detector rows in a CT system, the projection data are filtered in a direction of the at least two detector rows to obtain filtered data in which windmill artifacts are reduced, and the filtered data are reconstructed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Publication date: October 13, 2005
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Taguchi
  • Patent number: 6917663
    Abstract: A method for obtaining data from CT scans, including obtaining projection data from at least one detector row in a CT system; applying a weighting function including cone-angle dependent weight to projection data; filtering weighted data; and backprojecting weighted data while accounting for cone-angle. The method finds application to an X-ray CT apparatus, including a helical scanning device configured to collect projection data while at least one of a gantry and a couch moves along an axial direction, the helical scanning device including an X-ray source to generate X-rays, and a detector having detector elements arranged in rows along the axial direction to produce projection data; and a processor, which includes a weighting device to apply a weighting function including cone-angle dependent weight to projection data, thereby obtaining weighted data, a filtering device to filter weighted data, and a backprojecting device to backproject weighted data while accounting for cone-angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Katsuyuki Taguchi, Be-Shan Su Chiang
  • Patent number: 6907100
    Abstract: An X-ray CT system is equipped with a gantry, couch and control cabinet and configured to scan a cone-beam X-ray toward an object along a given orbit to acquire cone-beam data in which a three-dimensional distribution of an X-ray absorption coefficient within the object is reflected. The control cabinet decides a degree of reliability for the cone-beam data according to an acquisition time of the cone-beam data, and then decides a weight for three-dimensional Radon data from the cone-beam data on the basis of the degree of reliability. Using this weight, the control cabinet reconstructs the three-dimensional Radon data based on a three-dimensional reconstruction algorithm. Thus, when the three-dimensional reconstruction algorithm for cone-beam CT is applied to medical CT, artifacts attributable to object's motion can be suppressed and temporal resolution can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Taguchi
  • Patent number: 6904117
    Abstract: An X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes a helical scanning device configured to collect projection data while at least one of a gantry and a couch moves along a body axial direction of an object on the couch when at least one of the gantry and the couch is tilted, the helical scanning device including an X-ray source configured to generate X-rays, and a detector disposed opposite the X-ray source and having detector elements arranged in a plurality of rows along the body axial direction, and a reconstructing device configured to reconstruct an image based on the projection data using cone-beam Feldkamp reconstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Toshiba Corporation
    Inventors: Ilmar Arthur Hein, Katsuyuki Taguchi
  • Publication number: 20050111611
    Abstract: An X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes a helical scanning device configured to collect projection data while at least one of a gantry and a couch moves along a body axial direction of an object on the couch when at least one of the gantry and the couch is tilted, the helical scanning device including an X-ray source configured to generate X-rays, and a detector disposed opposite the X-ray source and having detector elements arranged in a plurality of rows along the body axial direction, and a reconstructing device configured to reconstruct an image based on the projection data using cone-beam Feldkamp reconstruction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Publication date: May 26, 2005
    Applicant: KABUSHHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Ilmar Hein, Katsuyuki Taguchi
  • Publication number: 20050089313
    Abstract: A recording and playback apparatus includes a video storing device for recording and playing back the sequential scan video signal captured by a sequential scan image pickup device through a light input and output from the sequential scan image pickup device for i frames (i is an integer not smaller than 1) over a period of time T1 (T1 is a positive number). Also included in the recording and playback apparatus is a sequential scan/interlaced scan converting device generating an interlaced scan video signal for m fields (m is an integer not smaller than 2) from each frame of the played back i-frame sequential scan video signal, wherein the interlaced scan video signal is output for i×m fields over a period of time T2 (T2 is a number larger than T1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: April 28, 2005
    Applicant: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Noriaki Wada, Yasushi Fukushima, Katsuyuki Taguchi
  • Publication number: 20040252806
    Abstract: A method for obtaining data from CT scans, including obtaining projection data from at least one detector row in a CT system; applying a weighting function including cone-angle dependent weight to projection data; filtering weighted data; and backprojecting weighted data while accounting for cone-angle. The method finds application to an X-ray CT apparatus, including a helical scanning device configured to collect projection data while at least one of a gantry and a couch moves along an axial direction, the helical scanning device including an X-ray source to generate X-rays, and a detector having detector elements arranged in rows along the axial direction to produce projection data; and a processor, which includes a weighting device to apply a weighting function including cone-angle dependent weight to projection data, thereby obtaining weighted data, a filtering device to filter weighted data, and a backprojecting device to backproject weighted data while accounting for cone-angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Katsuyuki Taguchi, Be-Shan Su Chiang
  • Publication number: 20040212690
    Abstract: A pickup 1 generates a video signal based on an arbitrarily set frame rate. A frame rate converter 2 converts a frame rate of the video signal output from the pickup 1 into a predetermined frame rate. Frame rate conversion information output units 6 and 4 output information on frame rate conversion in a manner corresponding to a video signal after the frame rate conversion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: Hiromi Nakase, Shinji Takemoto, Yukio Shimamura, Akiyuki Noda, Katsuyuki Taguchi
  • Patent number: 6778630
    Abstract: A method and system for reconstructing an x-ray image from a partial orbit through the use of a “virtual” fan angle. The virtual fan angle is determined based upon the range of angular positions spanned by a source in a CT instrument or a selected smaller angle. Exposure data is obtained and he virtual fan angle is used to weight the exposure data. Image reconstruction can then proceed using the weighted exposure data. The described methods and system also function for data collected over a complete orbit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Michael D. Silver, Katsuyuki Taguchi
  • Publication number: 20040086075
    Abstract: An X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes a helical scanning device configured to collect projection data while at least one of a gantry and a couch moves along a body axial direction of an object on the couch when at least one of the gantry and the couch is tilted, the helical scanning device including an X-ray source configured to generate X-rays, and a detector disposed opposite the X-ray source and having detector elements arranged in a plurality of rows along the body axial direction, and a reconstructing device configured to reconstruct an image based on the projection data using cone-beam Feldkamp reconstruction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: KABUSHHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Ilmar Arthur Hein, Katsuyuki Taguchi
  • Publication number: 20040086074
    Abstract: An X-ray CT system is equipped with a gantry, couch and control cabinet and configured to scan a cone-beam X-ray toward an object along a given orbit to acquire cone-beam data in which a three-dimensional distribution of an X-ray absorption coefficient within the object is reflected. The control cabinet decides a degree of reliability for the cone-beam data according to an acquisition time of the cone-beam data, and then decides a weight for three-dimensional Radon data from the cone-beam data on the basis of the degree of reliability. Using this weight, the control cabinet reconstructs the three-dimensional Radon data based on a three-dimensional reconstruction algorithm. Thus, when the three-dimensional reconstruction algorithm for cone-beam CT is applied to medical CT, artifacts attributable to object's motion can be suppressed and temporal resolution can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Taguchi
  • Publication number: 20030123614
    Abstract: A method and system for reconstructing an x-ray image from a partial orbit through the use of a “virtual” fan angle. The virtual fan angle is determined based upon the range of angular positions spanned by a source in a CT instrument or a selected smaller angle. Exposure data is obtained and he virtual fan angle is used to weight the exposure data. Image reconstruction can then proceed using the weighted exposure data. The described methods and system also function for data collected over a complete orbit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Michael D. Silver, Katsuyuki Taguchi
  • Patent number: 6584166
    Abstract: An X-ray computerized tomographic apparatus includes an X-ray tube device configured to irradiate an object to be examined with a pyramidal X-ray beam, a detector which has a plurality of detecting elements arrayed in a slice direction in which X-rays transmitted through the object are detected, a data extending unit which creates virtual data corresponding to an extension region located outside a region in which the detecting elements are arranged in the slice direction on the basis of real data detected by the detecting element, and a reconstructing unit which reconstructs image data on the basis of the real data and virtual data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Taguchi
  • Patent number: 6546067
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable medium that can resolve continuous and/or relatively rapid changes with time of a volume V without deterioration in image quality. In one embodiment of this invention, a subset of the projection data collected along a continuous circular orbit is combined with projection data collected along a different orbit to reconstruct the volume V substantially as it was when the subset of the projection data was collected. In one embodiment, the different orbit is a linear or a helical orbit. Further, staggered subsets of the projection data collected along a continuous circular orbit can also be used, as can further projection data collected along a linear orbit to resolve continuous and/or relatively rapid changes of a volume V.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hiroshi Aradate, Yasuo Saito, Katsuyuki Taguchi
  • Patent number: 6466640
    Abstract: Method and system for computed tomography. Data is collected by irradiating a subject with x-rays. The data is interpolated and then weighted based upon the data collection time. The interpolated and weighted data is then used to reconstruct the image using fan beam reconstruction. The weighting function may by shifted in time. Signals may be obtained from the subject and used to control exposure, reduce the dose and provide automatic volumetric cardiac reconstruction. The method and system can increase the temporal and spatial resolution, and reconstruct images at different timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Taguchi
  • Publication number: 20020141531
    Abstract: An X-ray computerized tomographic apparatus includes an X-ray tube device configured to irradiate an object to be examined with a pyramidal X-ray beam, a detector which has a plurality of detecting elements arrayed in a slice direction in which X-rays transmitted through the object are detected, a data extending unit which creates virtual data corresponding to an extension region located outside a region in which the detecting elements are arranged in the slice direction on the basis of real data detected by the detecting element, and a reconstructing unit which reconstructs image data on the basis of the real data and virtual data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Taguchi
  • Publication number: 20020131544
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable medium that can resolve continuous and/or relatively rapid changes with time of a volume V without deterioration in image quality. In one embodiment of this invention, a subset of the projection data collected along a continuous circular orbit is combined with projection data collected along a different orbit to reconstruct the volume V substantially as it was when the subset of the projection data was collected. In one embodiment, the different orbit is a linear or a helical orbit. Further, staggered subsets of the projection data collected along a continuous circular orbit can also be used, as can further projection data collected along a linear orbit to resolve continuous and/or relatively rapid changes of a volume V.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hiroshi Aradate, Yasuo Saito, Katsuyuki Taguchi
  • Patent number: 6415012
    Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus includes an X-ray source for generating X-rays, a detector having detector elements laid out in a plurality of rows in a body axial direction of an object on a couch for detecting X-rays transmitted through the object, and a helical data collector that collects helical data while at least one of a gantry and the couch is moved by a moving device along a body axial direction of the object on the couch in a state that at least one of the gantry and the couch is tilted. A data processor is further provided that reconstructs an image by interpolating the helical data collected and converting it into parallel beam data that is tilt corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Katsuyuki Taguchi, Tatsuro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6215843
    Abstract: An X-ray CT scanner for producing a CT image of a subject by scanning an X-ray fan beam radiated an X-ray source through the subject in a predetermined slice-thickness direction. The scanner comprises a main detector detecting the X-ray beam to produce an X-ray transmission data of a subject and to a plurality of slices in agreement with unequal segment pitches. The detector comprises a two-dimensional array consisting of a plurality of X-ray detecting elements receiving the X-ray beam and being disposed in the slice-thickness direction as a row line and a channel direction as a column line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yasuo Saito, Katsuyuki Taguchi, Hiroshi Aradate
  • Patent number: 6196715
    Abstract: An X-ray tomosynthesis system as an X-ray diagnostic system is provided. The system comprises an X-ray generator irradiating an X-ray toward a subject, and a planar-type X-ray detector detecting the X-ray passing through the subject and outputting two dimensional imaging signals based on the detected X-ray. The system comprises a supporting/moving mechanism supporting at least one of the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector so that the at least one is moved relatively to the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Kyojiro Nambu, Katsuyuki Taguchi, Satoru Oishi