With Radiant Energy Source Patents (Class 250/363.01)
  • Patent number: 8389943
    Abstract: A system and method for reconstructing single photon emission computed tomography data acquired with a pinhole collimator includes sub-dividing each voxel in the imaging target object space into sub-voxels and sub-dividing each of the detector bins in the gamma camera detector into sub-bins, connecting the centers of each of the sub-voxels to each of the detector sub-bins through a pinhole provided in the pinhole collimator by ray tracing and for each ray connecting the centers of each of the sub-voxels to each of the detector sub-bins, the transmission probability is calculated by analytically solving the intersections between the ray and the pinhole surfaces. Then, a geometric-response-function of the pinhole collimator is computed which is then convolved with the intrinsic-response-function of the detector to obtain the PSF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek W. Austin, Mu Chen, Bing Feng, Robert A. Mintzer, Anne M. Smith
  • Publication number: 20130037723
    Abstract: An X-raydetector (1) is proposed comprising a light detection arrangement (3) such as a CMOS photodetector, a scintillator layer (5) such as a CsI:T1 layer, a reflector layer (9) and a light emission layer (7) interposed between the scintillator layer (5) and the reflector layer (9). The light emission layer (7) may comprise an OLED and may be made with a thickness of less than 50 ?m. Thereby, a sensitivity and resolution of the X-raydetector may be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Coen Adrianus Verschuren, Heidrun Steinhauser, Tiemen Poorter, Hugo Johan Cornelissen
  • Patent number: 8362436
    Abstract: Systems and methods determine the level, density, and/or temperature of a fluid based on the fluorescence of a material within an optical waveguide slab at least partially immersed in the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Advanced Precision Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Mentzer, Nicholas P. Petrillo, Wayne A. Webb
  • Publication number: 20130015358
    Abstract: A variety of methods and systems are described that relate to reducing optical noise. In at least one embodiment, the method includes, emitting a first light having a selected wavelength from a light source, receiving a reflected first light onto a phosphor-based layer positioned inside a receiver, the reflected first light being at least some of the emitted first light that has been reflected by an object positioned outside of a desired target location. The method further includes, shifting the wavelength of the received reflected first light due to an interaction between the received reflected first light and the phosphor-based layer, and passing the received reflected first light with respect to which the wavelength has been shifted through a light detector without detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Francis Lawrence Leard
  • Publication number: 20130009065
    Abstract: The present invention provides a radiation detector, a radiographic imaging device and a radiographic imaging system that may detect radiation with high precision. Namely, in the radiation detector, radiation detection pixels include detection TFTs, and light that has been converted from radiation is illuminated directly from a scintillator onto the detection TFTs. Accordingly, leak current occurs in semiconductor active layers of the detection TFTs corresponding to the amount (intensity) of the illuminated light, and the leak current flows in to signal lines. Accordingly, radiation may be detected by monitoring the leak current, and enables timings, such as the start of irradiation of radiation, to be detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshihiro OKADA
  • Publication number: 20120312995
    Abstract: An image acquisition device employs a low-Z material to maximize the probability of backscattering or direct hits in Compton scattering for radiation with a given energy spectrum that passes through a detector array to enhance the contrast and spatial resolution of the image acquisition device. A radiation apparatus including the image acquisition device is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: Varian Medical Systems International AG
    Inventors: Daniel Morf, Viktor Steinlin, Harald Mikula
  • Publication number: 20120298861
    Abstract: A photoelectron microscope uses the vector potential field as a spatial reference. The microscope can be used with a source of photons to image surface chemistry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: Raymond Browning
  • Patent number: 8319184
    Abstract: The attenuation and other optical properties of a medium are exploited to measure a thickness of the medium between a sensor and a target surface. Disclosed herein are various mediums, arrangements of hardware, and processing techniques that can be used to capture these thickness measurements and obtain three-dimensional images of the target surface in a variety of imaging contexts. This includes general techniques for imaging interior/concave surfaces as well as exterior/convex surfaces, as well as specific adaptations of these techniques to imaging ear canals, human dentition, and so forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Douglas P. Hart, Federico Frigerio, Davide M. Marini
  • Publication number: 20120292517
    Abstract: A radiation therapy system including a linear accelerator configured to emit a beam of radiation and a dosimeter configured to detect in real-time the beam of radiation emitted by the linear accelerator. The dosimeter includes at least one linear array of scintillating fibers configured to capture radiation from the beam at a plurality of independent angular orientations, and a detection system coupled to the at least one linear array, the detection system configured to detect the beam of radiation by measuring an output of the scintillating fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Enrique Wilmar Izaguirre
  • Publication number: 20120294416
    Abstract: An imaging detector includes a scintillator having a scintillator pixel that is configured to emit light. The detector also includes a photosensor that defines a photosensor pixel that is configured to absorb light emitted by the scintillator pixel. A lens is positioned between the scintillator pixel and the photosensor pixel for directing light emitted from the scintillator to the photosensor pixel. The lens is configured to converge light emitted from the scintillator pixel toward the photosensor pixel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Renganathan Ashokan, Reinaldo Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 8306274
    Abstract: Methods and systems for estimating peak location on a sampled surface (e.g., a correlation surface generated from pixilated images) utilize one or more processing techniques to determine multiple peak location estimates for at least one sampled data set at a resolution smaller than the spacing of the data elements. Estimates selected from the multiple peak location estimates are combined (e.g., a group of estimates is combined by determining a weighted average of the estimates selected for the group) to provide one or more refined estimates. In example embodiments, multiple refined estimates are combined to provide an estimate of overall displacement (e.g., of an image or other sampled data representation of an object).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: The Aerospace Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas J Grycewicz
  • Publication number: 20120267535
    Abstract: A radiation detector includes a sensor panel, a scintillator panel, a reflective layer, and a radiation irradiation detecting photodetector laminated in this order from a side of a radiation receiving surface. Radiation transmitted through a patient's body enters the scintillator panel through the sensor panel, and is converted into light. The converted light propagates through columnar crystals in the scintillator panel with total internal reflection. Apart of the light reaches the sensor panel, while the remains reach the reflective layer. The light reaching the sensor panel is detected by photoelectric converters. Out of the light reaching the reflective layer, a short wavelength component with a relatively high refractive index is specularly reflected to the sensor panel. A long wavelength component with a relatively low refractive index is transmitted through the reflective layer, and enters the radiation irradiation detecting photodetector, which detects a start of radiation irradiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Haruyasu NAKATSUGAWA, Naoyuki NISHINO, Naoto IWAKIRI
  • Publication number: 20120241628
    Abstract: The invention relates to a detector (110) for the detection of ionizing radiation (116). The detector (110) comprises at least one scintillator (112) which is adapted to convert the ionizing radiation (116) to electromagnetic radiation (118), especially to visible, ultraviolet or infrared light. The detector (110) further comprises at least one organic photovoltaic element (114) which is adapted to convert the electromagnetic radiation (118) to at least one electrical signal (120).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Juergen Hesser, Frederik Wenz, Norbert Gretz
  • Publication number: 20120228484
    Abstract: A system and method for determining correction factors used to determine energy of an event detected by a gamma ray detector having nonlinear photosensors arranged over a scintillation array of crystal elements, the gamma ray detector using optical multiplexing or analog electronic multiplexing. The method includes acquiring, for each nonlinear photosensor, a signal value generated by the nonlinear photosensor in response to receiving scintillation light emitted by a crystal in the array of crystal elements in response to arrival of a gamma ray; and determining a relative position of the event, the relative position being one of a predetermined number of cell locations, the predetermined number of cell locations being greater than a number of crystal elements in the array of crystal elements; and determining, for each cell location, a correction factor based on an average total signal value and a predetermined energy value of the gamma ray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicants: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION, KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Kent C. BURR
  • Patent number: 8263938
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of examining an object is disclosed comprising scanning an object at first and second radiation energies, detecting radiation at the first and second energies, and calculating a function of the radiation detected at the first and second energies. The function may be calculated for corresponding portions of the object. It is determined whether the object at least potentially comprises high atomic number material having an atomic number greater than a predetermined atomic number based, at least in part, on the function. The function may be a ratio. The function may be compared to a second function, which may be a threshold having a value based, at least in part, on material of the predetermined atomic number. The second function may be the same as the first function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Bjorkholm
  • Publication number: 20120223238
    Abstract: An X-ray detector having an active array comprising pixel elements for detecting X-ray radiation is provided to enable high-quality X-ray imaging, wherein each pixel element has a scintillator layer for converting X-ray radiation into light and a photodiode produced by means of CMOS technology for converting light into a measurable electrical signal, and wherein the pixel elements are arranged on a silicon substrate and a BOX (buried oxide) layer is sandwiched between the silicon substrate and the photodiode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Stark
  • Publication number: 20120223237
    Abstract: A radiation detection apparatus includes a scintillator panel having a scintillator layer which converts radiation into light and a scintillator protective layer which protects the scintillator layer, and a sensor panel having a sensor array in which a plurality of photoelectric converters which detect light from the scintillator layer are arranged and a sensor protective layer which protects the sensor array. The scintillator panel is bonded to the sensor panel by making the scintillator layer adhere to the sensor protective layer by using the scintillator protective layer as an adhesive material. A principal component of the scintillator protective layer is the same as a principal component of the sensor protective layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shinichi Takeda, Masato Inoue, Masayoshi Akiyama, Takamasa Ishii, Satoru Sawada, Taiki Takei
  • Patent number: 8237441
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for determining the effective count rate of photons in a combined MR/emission tomography recording.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Axel Martinez-Möller, Stephan Nekolla
  • Publication number: 20120168631
    Abstract: A method and system for reducing scintillator afterglow. Methods for reducing afterglow include conditioning a scintillator by exposing it to high flux densities of ionizing radiation. One technique includes operating an x-ray tube at elevated amperage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Artan Duraj, John M. Frank
  • Publication number: 20120153167
    Abstract: A positron annihilation characteristics measurement system 10 comprises a positron source; radiation detection means 14 for detecting radiation emitted when a positron generated by the positron source is annihilated; and a positron detector 40 that detects a positron that is not injected into a measured sample S after being generated by the positron source. The positron source is disposed between the measured sample S and the positron detector. An arithmetic device 50 calculates the annihilation characteristics of the positron in the measured sample S after eliminating the radiation that is detected by the radiation detection means 14 and is expected to be emitted when the positron detected by the positron detector 40 is annihilated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicants: Toyo Seiko Co., Ltd., National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Masato Yamawaki, Yoshinori Kobayashi, Yoshihiro Watanabe, Kanehisa Hattori
  • Patent number: 8198592
    Abstract: A measuring instrument has a light source for irradiating light including rays of light having the wavelength of excitation light, an objective lens for focusing light irradiated from the light source to a predetermined focusing position, a first mirror for directly reflecting light from the objective lens, a second mirror for reflecting light reflected by the first mirror, the second mirror having an aperture P, and a measuring device for measuring light generated from a sample and having a wavelength different from the wavelength of excitation light, and the sample being arranged between the first mirror and the second mirror, the focusing position of the objective lens being made to agree with the position of the aperture P, and the measuring device being adapted to measure light of a wavelength different from the wavelength of excitation light generated from the sample and passing through the aperture P.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshimasa Suzuki, Mitsuru Namiki
  • Publication number: 20120132815
    Abstract: A radiation sensing unit for a radiation detection system can include a scintillator and a photosensor optically coupled to the scintillator. In an embodiment, the radiation detection system may provide an output signal to a particular radiation flux that is substantially temperature independent over a normal operating temperature range for the scintillator. The radiation sensing unit may further include a controllable radiation source configured to emit radiation and another photosensor coupled to controllable radiation source. A radiation detection system can include a radiation sensing unit and a control module that is coupled to the controllable radiation source and the photosensors. The control module may control the controllable radiation source and control a power supply coupled to the second photosensor in response to signals from the photosensors. In another aspect, a dynode tap from a photomultiplier tube can be used during calibration. Methods of using the foregoing are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Frank, Artan Duraj
  • Publication number: 20120126124
    Abstract: A radiographic image capturing apparatus includes a resetting light source, a switching filter, a photodetector substrate, and a scintillator, which are arranged successively in this order. If the switching filter is made permeable to resetting light from the resetting light source, the switching filter applies the resetting light to the photodetector substrate. If the switching filter is made impermeable to the resetting light, the switching filter reflects at least a fluorescence, which is converted from radiation by the scintillator, toward the photodetector substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Haruyasu NAKATSUGAWA, Naoyuki NISHINO, Naoto IWAKIRI, Fumito NARIYUKI, Yasunori OHTA, Kazuhiro NODA
  • Patent number: 8183529
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for three-dimensional presentation of a moved structure using a tomographic method, in which a plurality of projection images are recorded from different imaging angles between a start angle with a start node point and an end angle with an end node point by an imaging unit during a number of rotation passes, with three-dimensional image data being able to be reconstructed from the projection images, with the projection images being spaced by a path or an edge. For determining the three-dimensional presentation for each angle of projection only those projection images are selected which minimize the sum of the paths or weighted edges between adjacent projection angles for a gating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joachim Hornegger, Günter Lauritsch, Marcus Prümmer, Christopher Rohkohl
  • Patent number: 8183531
    Abstract: Methods and systems for producing an image. Measurement data is obtained for a coincidence photon event, and a line projector function is generated based on the obtained measurement data. Additional measurement data is obtained for a single photon event, and a cone-surface projector function is generated based on the additional measurement data. An image is reconstructed using the generated line projector function and the generated cone-surface projector function. In another example method for producing an image, a measurement is obtained, and a projector function is generated using the obtained measurement. The generated projector function is modified based on an a priori image. An image is reconstructed using the modified projector function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Garry Chinn, Craig S. Levin, Angela M. Foudray
  • Publication number: 20120119094
    Abstract: A scintillator includes a scintillator layer which converts radiation into light, the scintillator layer having a first end forming part of a contour of the scintillator layer and a second end forming another part of the contour, wherein the first end and the second end are located on opposite sides of the scintillator layer when viewed from the center of the scintillator layer, wherein an efficiency of conversion from radiation into light decreases from the first end to the second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masato Inoue, Masayoshi Akiyama, Shinichi Takeda, Satoru Sawada, Takamasa Ishii, Taiki Takei
  • Publication number: 20120112069
    Abstract: System is provided for detecting the presence of an analyte of interest in a sample, said system comprising an elongated, transparent container for a sample; an excitation source in optical communication with the sample, wherein radiation from the excitation source is directed along the length of the sample, and wherein the radiation induces a signal which is emitted from the sample; and, at least two linear arrays disposed about the sample holder, each linear array comprising a plurality of optical fibers having a first end and a second end, wherein the first ends of the fibers are disposed along the length of the container and in proximity thereto; the second ends of the fibers of each array are bundled together to form a single end port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: Los Alamos National Security ,LLC.
    Inventors: Martin S. Piltch, Perry Clayton Gray, Richard Rubenstein
  • Publication number: 20120097856
    Abstract: An imaging detector includes a scintillator array (202), a photosensor array (204) optically coupled to the scintillator array (202), a current-to-frequency (I/F) converter (314), and logic (312). The I/F converter (314) includes an integrator (302) and a comparator (310), and converts, during a current integration period, charge output by the photosensor array (204) into a digital signal having a frequency indicative of the charge. The logic (312) sets a gain of the integrator (302) for a next integration period based on the digital signal for the current integration period. In one instance, the gain is increased for the next integration period, relative to the gain for the current integration period, which allows for reducing an amount of bias current injected at an input of the I/F converter (314) to generate a measurable signal in the absence of radiation, which may reduce noise such as shot noise, flicker noise, and/or other noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Marc A. Chappo, Randall P. Luhta
  • Patent number: 8164064
    Abstract: A computerized system for locating a device including a sensor module and a processor. A radioactive source, associated with the device, produces a signal in the form of radioactive disintegrations. The sensor module includes a radiation detector capable of receiving a signal from the source attached to the device. The sensor module produces an output signal. The processor receives output signal(s) and translates output into information relating to a position of source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Navotek Medical Ltd.
    Inventors: Giora Kornblau, Shlomi Ben-Ari
  • Patent number: 8144958
    Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to medical systems and methods. In one aspect of the invention, a method includes determining a fluorescent light intensity at one or more points on each of multiple recorded images, and producing an image based on the determined fluorescent light intensity at the one or more points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
    Inventors: Werner Nahm, Roland Guckler, Thomas Holzhauer
  • Publication number: 20120056093
    Abstract: A handheld or portable detection system with a high degree of specificity and accuracy, capable of use at small and substantial standoff distances (e.g., greater than 12 inches) is utilized to identify specific substances and mixtures thereof in order to provide information to officials for identification purposes and assists in determinations related to the legality, hazardous nature and/or disposition decision of such substance(s). The system uses a synchronous detector and visible light filter to enhance detection capabilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: CDEX, Inc
    Inventors: Wade Poteet, James Ryles, Malcolm Philips
  • Patent number: 8129685
    Abstract: Problem: The problem is to provide a fluorescent material for a scintillator to be used in a radiation detector. In view of this, the fluorescent material must have a high fluorescent intensity and a low level of afterglow 1 to 300 ms after the termination of X-ray radiation. Solution: The above problem is solved in that the above fluorescent material contains Ce as an activator. In addition, the material contain at least Gd, Al, Ga, O, Si, and a component M. The component M is at least one of Mg, Ti, and Ni. In addition, the composition of the material must be expressed by the general formula: (Gd1?x?zLuxCez)3+a(Al1?u?sGauScs)5?aO12 wherein 0?a?0.15, 0?x?0.5, 0.0003?z?0.0167, 0.2?u?0.6, and 0?s?0.1, and wherein, regarding the concentrations of Si and M, 0.5?Si concentration (mass ppm)?10, and 0?M concentration (mass ppm)?50.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryouhei Nakamura, Shunsuke Ueda
  • Publication number: 20120043467
    Abstract: A single plane Compton telescope uses a coplanar array of detectors to determine the direction of a radiation source. Detector materials and dimensions may have comparable Compton scattering and photoelectric absorption probabilities, so scattered photons have a high probability of escape from the detector in which the initial interaction occurs, while being absorbed in adjacent detectors. Energy information from coincident interactions between two detectors defines a bearing plane that contains the radiation source; by comparing these interactions in two non-parallel directions, the source is localized to a line representing the intersection of two bearing planes. Energies may be summed to determine the initial photon energy. The array may be of a single detector type or an arrangement of different detector types. The array may be a stationary, planar configuration of at least three detectors, or a linear array of at least two detectors that is rotatable within a selected plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: Andrey Gueorguiev, Juergen Stein, Jeffrey R. Preston, Leslie D. Hoy, Claus-Michael Herbach
  • Publication number: 20120043466
    Abstract: A radiometric measuring device for measuring a physical, measured variable, especially a fill level or a density, of a fill substance located in a container, and/or for monitoring an exceeding or subceeding of a predetermined limit value for the physical, measured variable, comprising: a radioactive radiator, which, during operation, sends radioactive radiation through the container; and a detector arranged on a side of the container lying opposite the radiator and serving to receive a radiation intensity penetrating through the container, dependent on the physical, measured variable, and to convert such into an electrical output signal. With this measuring device, in an extremely flexibly predeterminable region to be metrologically registered by the detector, a very exact measuring of the radiation intensity can be put into practice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Simon Weidenbruch, Hartmut Damm, Robert Schauble
  • Patent number: 8108026
    Abstract: A sandwich structure which attenuates the PET radiation minimally, is used as a support tube for the transmit antenna. In at least one embodiment, it includes a thin strong inner wall, a likewise thin and strong outer wall and an interior of the support tube which is of the honeycomb type or is made of foam material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Eberler, Jürgen Nistler, Wolfgang Renz, Günther Zebelein
  • Publication number: 20110309254
    Abstract: A radiation detection system for detecting the presence and location of a radiation source includes an optical fiber bundle having fibers of different lengths, a radiation sensitive material, a stimulating source and an optical detector. The stimulating source stimulates the radiation sensitive material and the radiation sensitive material releases a light output, while the light output provides a readout signal for each fiber corresponding in intensity to the radiation received from the radiation source. The optical detector receives the readout signal such that the variations in intensity of the readout signals along the length of the bundle determine the presence and general location of the radiation source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Daniel K. Angell, Thomas K. Hunt
  • Patent number: 8075841
    Abstract: A method and sensor for the detection of luminescence radiation generated by at least one luminophore is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Maarten Van Herpen, Dirk J. Broer, Emiel Peeters, Derk J. W Klunder, Hendrik R. Stapert
  • Patent number: 8064732
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for correcting misalignment between fields of view of a CT device and a NM device of a modular multimodality medical imaging system, by providing a Field Of View Calibration Matrix (FOV-CM) containing rotational and translational transformations between coordinate systems of the CT and NM systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Ray S. Xu, James T. Chapman
  • Patent number: 8055054
    Abstract: A non-destructive evaluation system and method is provided for detecting flaws in an object. The system includes a lamp for impinging the object with optical pulses and a focal plane array camera configured to capture the images corresponding to evolution of heat due to an impact of the optical pulses in the object. The system also includes an image acquisition system for capturing data corresponding to the images from the focal plane array camera. Both transmission mode imaging and reflection mode imaging techniques are used in an exemplary embodiment. A time of flight analysis system is also provided for analyzing the data from both transmission mode imaging technique and reflection mode imaging technique. The data from transmission mode imaging is used to determine thickness values at different points in the data and for determining location of flaws using the thickness values. The data from reflection mode imaging is used for determining depth of these flaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Harry Israel Ringermacher, Donald Robert Howard, Bryon Edward Knight
  • Patent number: 8039804
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for evaluating an image dataset obtained by a radiation-based image acquisition device. A scatter background dataset is determined as a function of the image data. The image dataset is corrected pixel by pixel by multiplying the image dataset with the inverse of a function dependent on the quotient of the scatter background data and the image data at a respective pixel. The function is a nonlinear, smooth function determined by a coefficient and having positive derivatives. The absolute value of the function is one for the value zero. The image acquisition parameter dependent coefficient is determined by an optimization process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Brunner, Christoph Köhler, Bernd Schreiber
  • Publication number: 20110226957
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a radioactive ray detecting apparatus includes: a scintillator that produces visible light from a radioactive ray; a light detecting portion including a light receiving element that generates an electrical signal on a basis of intensity of visible light; a first board; a first electrical connection unit that electrically connects the light detecting portion and a first surface of the first board to each other; a second board disposed to face the first board; a second electrical connection that electrically connects a first surface of the second board and a second surface of the first board being opposite from the first surface of the first board to each other; and a data acquisition device that processes an electrical signal transmitted from the light detecting portion through the first electrical connection unit, the first board, the second electrical connection unit, and the second board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Satoru ASAGIRI, Takayuki Yamazaki, Michito Nakayama
  • Patent number: 8022357
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a non-pixelated gamma camera is provided, wherein the method includes determining a linearity map and a uniformity map of a reference isotope; and determining a linearity map and uniformity map of another isotope. Delta maps are calculated based on the maps of the reference isotope and the maps of the other isotope. During recalibration, new maps of the reference isotope are determined, thereby enabling new maps of the other isotope to be created based on the delta maps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ornit Amir, Michael Kogan, Leonid Beilin, Yaron Hefetz
  • Patent number: 8017914
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for correcting primary and secondary emission data. The method includes obtaining an emission data set having primary and secondary emission data representative of primary and secondary emission particles emitting from a region of interest and applying a scatter correction model to the emission data set to derive an estimated scatter vector. The method also includes comparing the emission data set to the estimated scatter vector to identify an amount of secondary emission data in the emission data set and correcting the emission data set based on the amount of secondary emission data identified in the comparing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Scott David Wollenweber, David Leo McDaniel, Charles William Stearns
  • Publication number: 20110218432
    Abstract: SPECT pixel detectors could be mounted onto moving subjects, such as small rats, to allow live scanning and/or imaging of moving subjects in their natural environment. Solid state monolithic pixel detectors are used for compactness and portability. The pixel detector is designed to be directly read out by integrated circuits and could be flip-chip mounted on the integrated circuit. The detector systems can also wirelessly transmit image data to save space and for ease of portability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: NOVA R&D, INC.
    Inventor: Tumay O. Tumer
  • Publication number: 20110210256
    Abstract: A one-dimensional multi-element photo detector (120) includes a photodiode array (122) with a first upper row of photodiode pixels and a second lower row of photodiode pixels. The photodiode array (122) is part of the photo detector (120). A scintillator array (126) includes a first upper row and a second lower row of scintillator pixels. The first upper and second lower rows of scintillator pixels are respectively optically coupled to the first upper and second lower rows of photodiode pixels. The photo detector (120) also includes readout electronics (124), which are also part of the photo detector (120). Electrical traces (512) interconnect the photodiode pixels and the readout electronics (124).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Rodney A. Mattson, Randall P. Luhta, Marc A. Chappo
  • Publication number: 20110204241
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting ionizing radiation from a source. A detector is disposed relative to the source to receive the ionizing radiation. The ionizing radiation causes ionization and/or excitation in the detector, wherein an optical property of the detector is altered in response to the ionization and/or excitation. A source of coherent probing light is disposed relative to the detector to probe the detector. The detector outputs the probing light, wherein the output light is modulated in response to the altered optical property. A receiver receives the output light and detects modulation in the output light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Peter D. Olcott, Craig S. Levin
  • Publication number: 20110198505
    Abstract: A radiation detector includes a sensor panel including a photodetector and peripheral circuitry, the photodetector includes a two-dimensional array of photoelectric conversion elements arranged on a substrate, the peripheral circuitry is electrically connected to the photoelectric conversion elements and is disposed on the periphery of the photodetector; a scintillator layer is disposed on the photodetector of the sensor panel, the scintillator layer converts radiation into light that is detectable by the photoelectric conversion elements; a scintillator protection member covers the scintillator layer; and a sealing resin seals the scintillator layer, the sealing resin is disposed between the sensor panel and the scintillator protection member on the periphery of the scintillator layer; the sealing resin is disposed on top of the peripheral circuitry; and particles containing a radiation-absorbing material are dispersed in the sealing resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yohei Ishida, Satoshi Okada, Kazumi Nagano, Keiichi Nomura, Yoshito Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20110180715
    Abstract: A host lattice modified GOS scintillating material and a method for using a host lattice modified GOS scintillating material is provided. The host lattice modified GOS scintillating material has a shorter afterglow than conventional GOS scintillating material. In addition, a radiation detector and an imaging device incorporating a host lattice modified GOS scintillating material are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Cornelis Ronda, Herbert Schreinemacher, Guenter Zeiltier, Norbert Conrads, Simha Levene
  • Publication number: 20110147595
    Abstract: A tungstate-based scintillating material and a method for using a tungstate-based scintillating material is provided. In addition, a radiation detector and an imaging device incorporating a tungstate-based scintillating material are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas JUESTEL, Cornelis Reinder RONDA
  • Patent number: 7955855
    Abstract: Methods and devices for detecting the presence of a NO forming material (e.g., a material that can form, or is, a nitrogen monoxide molecule) are disclosed based on detection of fluorescence exhibited by NO molecules in a first vibrationally excited state of a ground electronic state. Such excited NO molecules can be formed, for example, when small amounts of explosives are photodissociated. By inducing fluorescence of the material, a distinct signature of the explosive can be detected. Such techniques can be performed quickly and with a significant standoff distance, which can add to the invention's utility. In another aspection of the invention, methods and apparatus for generating electromagnetic radiation are disclosed. Such methods and apparatus can be used in conjunction with any detection method disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Mordechai Rothschild, Charles M. Wynn, John J. Zayhowski, Roderick R. Kunz