Patents by Inventor Koichi Tanabe

Koichi Tanabe 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: 20200158662
    Abstract: This X-ray phase contrast imaging apparatus (100) includes an X-ray source (1), a first grating (3) that forms a self-image, a second grating (4), a detector (5) that detects X-rays, an adjustment mechanism (6), and a controller (7) that controls the adjustment mechanism (6) to adjust a misalignment of the first grating (3) or a misalignment of the second grating (4) based on Moire fringes detected by the detector (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Inventors: Akira HORIBA, Koichi TANABE, Toshinori YOSHIMUTA, Kenji KIMURA, Hiroyuki KISHIHARA, Yukihisa WADA, Takuro IZUMI, Taro SHIRAI, Takahiro DOKI, Satoshi SANO, Takayoshi SHIMURA, Heiji WATANABE, Takuji HOSOI
  • Publication number: 20190343472
    Abstract: An X-ray phase contrast imaging device of the present invention can change an arrangement pitch of slits related to a multi-slit and an arrangement pitch of phase shift sections related to a phase grating. A positional relationship among the multi-slit 3b, the phase grating, and an FPD is determined based on the arrangement pitch of the slits related to the multi-slit, the arrangement pitch of the phase shift sections related to the phase grating, and an arrangement pitch of detection elements related to the FPD. Among these arrangement pitches, by changing the arrangement pitch of the slits and the arrangement pitch of the phase shift sections, the present invention can change the positional relationship among the multi-slit, the phase grating, and the FPD.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: Satoshi SANO, Koichi TANABE, Toshinori YOSHIMUTA, Kenji KIMURA, Hiroyuki KISHIHARA, Yukihisa WADA, Takuro IZUMI, Taro SHIRAI, Takahiro DOKI, Akira HORIBA, Takayoshi SHIMURA, Heiji WATANABE, Takuji HOSOI
  • Patent number: 10469458
    Abstract: An e-mail sending-receiving system that enables to ensure security at the time of sending and receiving an e-mail including an attached file encrypted and to improve convenience. In an e-mail sending terminal, a first storing unit stores a password in a storage medium in association with a receiving-side mail address, an encryption unit encrypts a file attached to an e-mail so as to be decodable using the password, a generation unit generates the e-mail by attaching the file encrypted, and a sending unit sends the e-mail to the receiving-side mail address. In an e-mail receiving-side terminal, a second storing unit stores the password in the storage medium in association with a sending-side mail address, a reception unit receives the e-mail, and a decoding unit decodes the encrypted file using the password stored in association with the sending-side mail address of the e-mail received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koichi Tanabe, Akihiro Hamana
  • Patent number: 10441234
    Abstract: An X-ray phase-contrast imaging device capable of easily performing imaging of an object using X-rays of plural energies is provided. The disclosed exemplary configuration includes an X-ray source of a dual energy output type, and an FPD having a high energy X-ray detection surface and a low energy X-ray detection surface so that two types of imaging, imaging by high energy X-ray and imaging by low energy X-ray, can be performed. By imaging so as to scan the object while changing the relative position of the imaging system and the object, two types of imaging can be completed at once.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Koichi Tanabe, Shingo Furui, Hiroyuki Kishihara, Kenji Kimura, Taro Shirai, Takahiro Doki, Satoshi Sano, Akira Horiba
  • Patent number: 10393890
    Abstract: In an X-ray imaging device according to a first embodiment, an X-ray detector has a configuration in which scintillator elements are defined by light-shielding walls in a lattice shape. Among X-rays incident on the X-ray detector, X-rays incident on the light-shielding walls are not converted into scintillator light and are transmitted by the X-ray detector. Accordingly, by causing X-rays to be incident on the X-ray detector in which the scintillator elements are defined by the light-shielding walls in a lattice shape, an area in which X-rays 3a transmitted by a subject M are incident on the X-ray detector can be limited to an arbitrary range. Accordingly, since a detection mask can be omitted in the X-ray imaging device which is used for EI-XPCi, it is possible to reduce a manufacturing cost of the X-ray imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koichi Tanabe, Shingo Furui, Toshinori Yoshimuta, Kenji Kimura, Akihiro Nishimura, Taro Shirai, Takahiro Doki, Satoshi Sano, Akira Horiba, Toshiyuki Sato
  • Patent number: 10365235
    Abstract: Provided is a radiation phase-contrast imaging device capable of assuredly detecting a self-image and precisely imaging the internal structure of an object. According to the configuration of the present invention, the longitudinal direction of a detection surface of a flat panel detector is inclined with respect to the extending direction of an absorber in a phase grating. This causes variations in the position (phase) of a projected stripe pattern of a self-image at different positions on the detection surface. This is therefore expected to produce the same effects as those obtainable when a plurality of self-images are obtained by performing imaging a plurality of times in such a manner that the position of the projected self-images on the detection surface varies. This alone, however, results in a single self-image phase for a specific region of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Koichi Tanabe, Shingo Furui, Hiroyuki Kishihara, Kenji Kimura, Taro Shirai, Takahiro Doki, Satoshi Sano, Akira Horiba
  • Patent number: 10335109
    Abstract: Provided is a radiation phase difference imaging apparatus in which a separation distance between a phase grating and a radiation detector is optimized. The separation distance between the phase grating and a detection surface of an FPD is determined based on the magnitude of noise corruption in a self-image projected onto the detection surface. The magnitude of the effect of the noise is used as a basis for assessing the separation distance. It is determined whether a distance Zd is appropriate for imaging, based on the magnitude of noise corruption in the self-image in a self-image picture which is obtained when the distance Zd is the distance between the phase grating and the detection surface of the FPD. The separation distance can thus be optimized based on actual conditions of an actual X-ray source that emits a plurality of types of X-rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Sano, Toshiyuki Sato, Koichi Tanabe, Shingo Furui, Toshinori Yoshimuta, Hiroyuki Kishihara, Takahiro Doki, Akira Horiba
  • Publication number: 20190175126
    Abstract: Provided is a radiation imaging apparatus capable of performing precise imaging without performing pre-imaging in the absence of a subject. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a radiation imaging apparatus capable of performing precise imaging without performing pre-imaging in the absence of a subject immediately before. That is, the apparatus of the present invention is provided with a phase grating 5 provided with a subject area and a reference area. Both areas each have a predetermined pattern that absorbs radiation, but the patterns are different from each other. In this area, an image of the phase grating 5 is observed in a moire pattern of a long period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Inventors: Koichi TANABE, Toshinori YOSHIMUTA, Kenji KIMURA, Hiroyuki KISHIHARA, Yukihisa WADA, Takuro IZUMI, Taro SHIRAI, Takahiro DOKI, Satoshi SANO, Akira HORIBA
  • Publication number: 20190167219
    Abstract: This X-ray phase contrast imaging apparatus (100) includes an X-ray source (1) that radiates continuous X-rays, a first grating (3) that forms a self-image, a second grating (4), a detector (5) that detects the continuous X-rays, and a third grating (2) arranged between the detector (5) and the first grating 3. The first grating (3), the second grating (4), and the third grating (2) are arranged so as to satisfy conditions of predetermined formulas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Publication date: June 6, 2019
    Inventors: Satoshi SANO, Koichi TANABE, Toshinori YOSHIMUTA, Kenji KIMURA, Hiroyuki KISHIHARA, Yukihisa WADA, Takuro IZUMI, Taro SHIRAI, Takahiro DOKI, Akira HORIBA, Takayoshi SHIMURA, Heiji WATANABE, Takuji HOSOI
  • Patent number: 10295678
    Abstract: A X-ray detector having enhanced X-ray sensitivity, which enables dual energy imaging having high diagnostic performance. This X-ray detector includes: scintillator elements which are partitioned by light blocking walls and which convert low-energy X-rays to light; and scintillator elements which are partitioned by light blocking walls and which convert high-energy X-rays to light. When seen from the direction of incidence of the X-rays, the positional pattern of the light blocking walls and that of the light blocking walls are configured so as not to be in alignment with each other. Accordingly, the X-rays incident on the X-ray detector are converted to light by at least either one of the scintillator elements and are finally outputted as X-ray detection signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Koichi Tanabe, Shingo Furui, Toshinori Yoshimuta, Kenji Kimura, Akihiro Nishimura, Taro Shirai, Takahiro Doki, Satoshi Sano, Akira Horiba, Toshiyuki Sato
  • Patent number: 10276276
    Abstract: A movable collimator is realized with a simple mechanism in a radiation phase-contrast image capturing device. A collimator is integrated with a multi-slit or a phase grating to provide a simpler device configuration. In some examples, the collimator and the multi-slit or phase grating may be configured to move while still providing image capturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Horiba, Shingo Furui, Koichi Tanabe, Toshinori Yoshimuta, Kenji Kimura, Hiroyuki Kishihara, Takahiro Doki, Satoshi Sano
  • Publication number: 20190056336
    Abstract: [PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED] To provide a radiation phase contrast imaging device having a small device configuration [SOLVING MEANS] The present invention focused on the findings that the distance between the phase grating 5 and the FPD 4 does not need to be the Talbot distance. The distance between the phase grating 5 and the FPD 4 can be more freely set. However, a self-image cannot be detected unless the self-image is sufficiently magnified with respect to the phase grating 5. The degree on how much the self-image is magnified on the FPD 4 with respect to the original phase grating 5 is determined by a magnification ratio X2/X1. Therefore, in the present invention, the magnification ratio is set to be the same as the magnification ratio in a conventional configuration. With this, even if the distance X2 between the radiation source 3 and the FPD 4 is reduced, a situation in which the self-image cannot be detected by the FPD 4 due to the excessively small size thereof does not occur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Publication date: February 21, 2019
    Applicants: SHIMADZU CORPORATION, OSAKA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Takahiro DOKI, Koichi TANABE, Toshinori YOSHIMUTA, Kenji KIMURA, Akihiro NISHIMURA, Taro SHIRAI, Satoshi SANO, Akira HORIBA, Takayoshi SHIMURA, Heiji WATANABE, Takuji HOSOI
  • Publication number: 20180364182
    Abstract: An X-ray phase-contrast imaging device capable of easily performing imaging of an object using X-rays of plural energies is provided. The disclosed exemplary configuration includes an X-ray source of a dual energy output type, and an FPD having a high energy X-ray detection surface and a low energy X-ray detection surface so that two types of imaging, imaging by high energy X-ray and imaging by low energy X-ray, can be performed. By imaging so as to scan the object while changing the relative position of the imaging system and the object, two types of imaging can be completed at once.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Koichi TANABE, Shingo FURUI, Hiroyuki KISHIHARA, Kenji KIMURA, Taro SHIRAI, Takahiro DOKI, Satoshi SANO, Akira HORIBA
  • Publication number: 20180306735
    Abstract: The X-ray phase imaging apparatus includes a position switching mechanism for switching a relative position of one or more gratings between a retreated position which is an outside of a detection range on a detection surface of an image signal detector and a detection positon which is an inside of the detection range on the detection surface of the image signal detector and a focal diameter changing unit configured to change a focal diameter of the X-ray source in conjunction with switching of the relative position of the one or more gratings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Koichi TANABE, Kenji KIMURA, Toshinori YOSHIMUTA, Taro SHIRAI, Takahiro DOKI, Satoshi SANO, Akira HORIBA, Naoki MORIMOTO
  • Publication number: 20180279972
    Abstract: In an X-ray imaging device according to a first embodiment, an X-ray detector has a configuration in which scintillator elements are defined by light-shielding walls in a lattice shape. Among X-rays incident on the X-ray detector, X-rays incident on the light-shielding walls are not converted into scintillator light and are transmitted by the X-ray detector. Accordingly, by causing X-rays to be incident on the X-ray detector in which the scintillator elements are defined by the light-shielding walls in a lattice shape, an area in which X-rays 3a transmitted by a subject M are incident on the X-ray detector can be limited to an arbitrary range. Accordingly, since a detection mask can be omitted in the X-ray imaging device which is used for EI-XPCi, it is possible to reduce a manufacturing cost of the X-ray imaging device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koichi TANABE, Shingo FURUI, Toshinori YOSHIMUTA, Kenji KIMURA, Akihiro NISHIMURA, Taro SHIRAI, Takahiro DOKI, Satoshi SANO, Akira HORIBA, Toshiyuki SATO
  • Patent number: 9985150
    Abstract: A graphite substrate is processed to have surface unevenness in a range of 1 ?m to 8 ?m. Thereby, a semiconductor film to be laminated on the graphite substrate has a stable film quality, and thus adhesion of the graphite substrate and the semiconductor layer can be enhanced. When an electron blocking layer is interposed between the graphite substrate and the semiconductor layer, the electron blocking layer is thin and thus the surface unevenness of the graphite substrate is transferred onto the electron blocking layer. Consequently, the electron blocking layer also has surface unevenness approximately in such range. Thus, almost the same effect as a configuration in which the semiconductor layer is directly connected to the graphite substrate can be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshinori Yoshimuta, Satoshi Tokuda, Koichi Tanabe, Hiroyuki Kishihara, Masatomo Kaino, Akina Yoshimatsu, Toshiyuki Sato, Shoji Kuwabara
  • Publication number: 20180059882
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus that starts editing of a photobook without waiting for completion of uploading all image data items, and prevents results of editing already performed from being affected by image data items uploaded later. A book editing apparatus performs a layout process for laying out layout objects on pages. The book editing apparatus receives the layout objects. A CPU additionally displays each layout object in an upload image area whenever the layout object is received. The CPU decides page layout patterns for laying out the layout objects on the pages based on attribute information of the layout objects. Whenever each page layout pattern is decided, the CPU lays out associated layout objects on associated pages according to the decided layout pattern, and additionally displays them in a layout area different from the upload image area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Koichi Tanabe
  • Publication number: 20180052240
    Abstract: A X-ray detector having enhanced X-ray sensitivity, which enables dual energy imaging having high diagnostic performance. This X-ray detector includes: scintillator elements which are partitioned by light blocking walls and which convert low-energy X-rays to light; and scintillator elements which are partitioned by light blocking walls and which convert high-energy X-rays to light. When seen from the direction of incidence of the X-rays, the positional pattern of the light blocking walls and that of the light blocking walls are configured so as not to be in alignment with each other. Accordingly, the X-rays incident on the X-ray detector are converted to light by at least either one of the scintillator elements and are finally outputted as X-ray detection signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koichi Tanabe, Shingo Furui, Toshinori Yoshimuta, Kenji Kimura, Akihiro Nishimura, Taro Shirai, Takahiro Doki, Satoshi Sano, Akira Horiba, Toshiyuki Sato
  • Publication number: 20180042571
    Abstract: Provided is a radiation phase difference imaging apparatus in which a separation distance between a phase grating and a radiation detector is optimized. The separation distance between the phase grating and a detection surface of an FPD is determined based on the magnitude of noise corruption in a self-image projected onto the detection surface. The magnitude of the effect of the noise is used as a basis for assessing the separation distance. It is determined whether a distance Zd is appropriate for imaging, based on the magnitude of noise corruption in the self-image in a self-image picture which is obtained when the distance Zd is the distance between the phase grating and the detection surface of the FPD. The separation distance can thus be optimized based on actual conditions of an actual X-ray source that emits a plurality of types of X-rays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Applicant: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi SANO, Toshiyuki SATO, Koichi TANABE, Shingo FURUI, Toshinori YOSHIMUTA, Hiroyuki KISHIHARA, Takahiro DOKI, Akira HORIBA
  • Publication number: 20170343486
    Abstract: Provided is a radiation phase-contrast imaging device capable of assuredly detecting a self-image and precisely imaging the internal structure of an object. According to the configuration of the present invention, the longitudinal direction of a detection surface of a flat panel detector is inclined with respect to the extending direction of an absorber in a phase grating. This causes variations in the position (phase) of a projected stripe pattern of a self-image at different positions on the detection surface. This is therefore expected to produce the same effects as those obtainable when a plurality of self-images are obtained by performing imaging a plurality of times in such a manner that the position of the projected self-images on the detection surface varies. This alone, however, results in a single self-image phase for a specific region of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Koichi TANABE, Shingo FURUI, Hiroyuki KISHIHARA, Kenji KIMURA, Taro SHIRAI, Takahiro DOKI, Satoshi SANO, Akira HORIBA