Abstract: A dual photons emission computed tomography (DuPECT) system is provided. The present invention uses certain isotopes that emit at least two photons during the decay for the purpose of emission source positioning. The system includes a plurality of modular detectors connected to a coincident circuit, and each modular detector is equipped with a collimator to determine the direction of the incident photon trajectory. When the modular detectors simultaneously detect the signals of two photons issued by the isotopes, the source position is located at the intersection of the trajectories of two photons. The modular detectors can be arranged around the object to be detected according to the shape of the object and is particularly suitable for imagining of regional organs and small animals.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for determining a system matrix for pinhole collimator imaging systems are provided. One method includes using a closed form expression to determine a penetration term for a collimator of the medical imaging system and determining a point spread function of the collimator based on the penetration term. The method further includes calculating the system matrix for the medical imaging system based on the determined point spread function.

Abstract: A mobile detector system for use in the detection of radiation photons. The detector system includes an exterior casing, having an internal area. The internal area has an interior periphery and an exterior periphery, at least one rail, at least one mobile camera, that is movably mounted on the at least one rail, and at least one motor. The motor drives at least one mobile camera, and the at least one mobile camera is movable along at least one rail within the exterior casing, to a plurality of radiation receiving positions.

Abstract: A method for calibrating an imaging system includes coincident detecting scatter radiation events from a calibration source located within a bore of the imaging system. The scatter radiation events are subsequently used to compute calibration time offsets for each detector channel in the imaging system. Each detector channel is then calibrated with respective calibration time adjustments.

Abstract: A method and a tomographic system are disclosed for displaying tomographic records of a patient. In at least one embodiment, the method includes scanning the patient with the aid of a tomographic system having one system axis, determining at least one topogram, calculating three-dimensional image data records including a multiplicity of slice images on a plane or volume data records, and outputting at least one slice image of the patient. In at least one embodiment, the orientation of individual body zones relative to the system axis of the tomographic system is automatically determined from the at least one topogram, and slice images of the body zones are calculated from the three-dimensional image data records, the slice planes of which are at a defined solid angle to the previously determined orientation of the scanned body zones.

Abstract: It is provided a capacitive type proximity sensor, comprising a sensing electrode, whereas the sensing electrode has a surface with electroconductive areas 113 and not-electroconductive areas 117, whereas the sensor is adapted for measuring an electrical field 110, 112 between the sensing electrode and an object 109, 111. Further it is described an apparatus for medical x-ray diagnosis and/or x-ray therapy and/or nuclear diagnosis/therapy, e.g. SPECT, a system for medical x-ray diagnosis and/or x-ray therapy and/or nuclear diagnosis/therapy, e.g. SPECT, a method for avoiding collision between an apparatus for medical x-ray diagnosis and/or x-ray therapy and/or nuclear diagnosis/therapy, e.g. SPECT, and an object, a programme element and a computer readable medium. It is disclosed a capacitance type proximity sensor whose sensitivity of approaching objects has an improved independence from the special geometry of the sensor itself.

Abstract: The present invention provides strontium halide scintillators as well as related radiation detection devices, imaging systems, and methods.

Abstract: Multiplexing for radiation imaging is provided by using optical delay combiners to provide distinct optical encoding for each detector channel. Each detector head provides an optical output which is encoded. The encoded optical signals can be optically combined to provide a single optical output for all of the detectors in the system. This single optical output can be coupled to a fast photodetector (e.g., a streak camera). The pulse readout from the photodetector can decode the arrival time of the event, the energy of the event, and which channels registered the detection event. Preferably, the detector heads provide coherent optical outputs, and the optical delay combiners are preferably implemented using photonic crystal technology to provide photonic integrated circuits including many delay combiners.

Abstract: A nuclear medical diagnosis apparatus capable of attaining improvement of the sensitivity by the reduction of a count loss of the data is provided. A data sort section inside a data acquisition unit re-arranges and outputs the data packet from a plurality of auxiliary data acquisition unit in order of the detection time data. A coincidence detection section includes a pair check section and a pair generation section. The pair check section refers to a context on the data packet re-arranged in order of the detection time, and judges a pair relating to a coincidence counting. The pair generation section, based on this judgment result, merges the data packet used as a pair, and outputs the same to the collection work station.

Abstract: A dynamic SPECT camera is provided, comprising, a plurality of single-pixel detectors, a timing mechanism, in communication with each single-pixel detector, configured for enabling time-binning of the radioactive emissions impinging upon each single-pixel detector to time periods not greater than substantially 30 seconds, and a position-tracker, configured for providing information on the position and orientation of each detecting unit, with respect to the overall structure, substantially at all times, during the individual motion, the dynamic SPECT camera being configured for acquiring a tomographic reconstruction image of a region of interest of about 15×15×15 cubic centimeters, during an acquisition time of 30 seconds, at a spatial resolution of at least 10×10×10 cubic millimeter. The dynamic camera is configured for very short damping time, and may further acquire images in a stationary mode, with no motion.

Abstract: A PET apparatus comprises a plurality of detector units in the circumferential direction, wherein the detector unit includes a plurality of unit substrates therein, and wherein the unit substrate includes: a plurality of detectors upon which a ?-ray is incident; and an analog ASIC and digital ASIC for processing a ?-ray detection signal outputted by each of the detectors. The analog ASIC includes two slow systems having mutually different time constants, each of which outputs a pulseheight value. A noise determination part of the digital ASIC determines whether a relevant detection signal is an intended ?-ray detection signal or a noise based on a correlation between the pulseheight values, and a noise counting part counts the number of times of noise determination, and a detector output signal processing control part controls the signal processing with respect to an output signal from a relevant detector based on the count.

Abstract: A combination rigid grid positioning system, stereotactic gamma imager and an obturator for real-time localization of a region of interest during the performance of a surgical procedure including: a) a rigid grid positioning system including a mechanism for the acquisition of images useful in calculating the spatial location of a region of interest in a mass under study; and b) an obturator inserted through the rigid grid positioning system made up of: i) first and second generally parallel capillary tubes for the introduction thereto and the removal therefrom of a radioactive fluid interconnected at a point of connection; and ii) a reservoir for the radioactive fluid at the point of connection; wherein the reservoir is inserted into the mass containing a region of interest and the radioactive fluid provides a marker for the region of interest during subsequent imaging and thereby specific localization of the region of interest during subsequent procedures.

Abstract: An imaging system includes positron emission tomography (PET) detectors (30) shrouded by broadband galvanic isolation (99) and coincidence detection electronics (50, 50ob), or other radiation detectors. A magnetic resonance scanner includes a main magnet (12, 14) and magnetic field gradient assembly (20, 20?, 22, 24) configured to acquire imaging data from a magnetic resonance examination region at least partially overlapping the examination region surrounded by the PET detectors. A radio frequency coil (80, 100) has plurality of conductors (66, 166) and a radio frequency screen (88, 188, 188EB, 188F) substantially surrounding the conductors to shield the coil at the magnetic resonance frequency. The radiation detectors are outside of the radio frequency screen. Magnetic resonance-compatible radiation collimators or shielding (60, 62) containing an electrically non-conductive and non-ferromagnetic heavy atom oxide material are disposed with the radiation detectors.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging method for simultaneously determining in vivo distributions of bioluminescent and/or fluorescent markers and radioactive markers at identical projection angles, the distribution of the bioluminescent and/or fluorescent markers being determined by separate detection of photons having a first average energy, which are emitted by the bioluminescent and/or fluorescent markers, by means of at least one first detector and the distribution of the radioactive markers being determined by simultaneous separate detection of photons having a second average energy, which are emitted by the radioactive markers, by means of at least one second detector. Furthermore, it also relates to an apparatus for carrying out the imaging method, containing at least one micro lens array optical tomographic imaging system as first detector, at least one single photon emission computer tomography (SPECT) detector as second detector.

Abstract: Methods and systems for improving image quality of single photon nuclear imaging systems, such as single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) systems for imaging of an object under study, such as small objects including small animals of different sizes using synthetic apertures. The methods and systems include processes and instrumentations for high-resolution, high detection efficiency leading to lower image noise and artifact-free synthetic aperture single photon nuclear images, such as SPECT images. Also, the method and systems provide design parameters, hardware settings, and data acquisition processes for optimal imaging of objects having different sizes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dual-modality imaging system and a method for dual-modality imaging, wherein a positron emission tomography (PET) scanner for acquiring PET imaging data and at least one optical imaging detector for acquiring optical imaging data are arranged to acquire the PET imaging data and the optical imaging data of an imaged object (5) simultaneously (i.e. at the same time and at superimposed fields-of-view). The at least one optical imaging detector is a non-contact optical imaging detector.

Abstract: A method for use in dirty isotope positron imaging uses information about a measured characteristic of an object (118) to generate a spurious coincidence correction. The spurious imaging correction is applied to data from a positron imaging examination of the object. The corrected data is used to generate a human readable image indicative of the object.

Abstract: An image reconstruction method for structuring planar images into three-dimension images is disclosed in the present invention.

Abstract: A SPECT system which scans over multiple separate scans and individually motion compensates the information obtained from each of these scans. The separate scans may be over different angular extents and may be for different purposes. One of the scans for example may be a scout scan, and the other scans may then be scans which concentrate on areas identified during the scout scan. Alternatively, the scans may all being exactly the same and stitched together after the individual motion compensation. Since each of the scans are shorter, the patient will presumably have moved less during each individual scan, and the amount of motion is hence presumably less.

Abstract: A single photon emission computed tomography system includes a detector assembly adjacent a field of view and a collimating assembly disposed between the detector assembly and the field of view. The collimating assembly includes at least two spaced-apart collimating vanes of photon-attenuating material. The system further includes a photon-blocking member disposed between the field of view and the detector. The blocking member has an aperture defined therethrough. The system further includes a mask disposed adjacent the detector assembly having at least one aperture defined therethrough. A displacement actuator moves the photon-blocking member relative to the detector assembly.

Abstract: In a hybrid PET-MR system, PET detector elements (30) are added in the bore (14), in close proximity to the gradient coils (16). Fluid coolant is supplied to transfer heat from the PET detector elements (30). Thermal insulation (80) insulates the fluid coolant and the PET detector elements (30) from the gradient coils (16). In some embodiments, a first coolant path (90) is in thermal communication with the electronics, a second coolant path (92) is in thermal communication with the light detectors, and a thermal barrier (94, 96) is arranged between the first and second coolant paths such that the first and second coolant paths can be at different temperatures (Te, Td). In some embodiments a sealed heat pipe (110) is in thermal communication with a heat sink such that working fluid in the heat pipe undergoes vaporization/condensation cycling to transfer heat from the detector elements to the heat sink.

Abstract: A radiological imaging apparatus of the present invention includes an X-ray source for emitting an X-ray, a ?-ray detecting section for outputting a detection signal of a ?-ray, and an X-ray detecting section for outputting a detecting signal of an X-ray. The X-ray source moves around a bed for placing an examinee. The ?-ray detecting section has a plurality of radiation detectors aligned in the longitudinal direction of the bed and placed around the bed. The X-ray detecting section is positioned in a region formed between one end and the other end of the ?-ray detecting section in the longitudinal direction of the bed. The X-ray source is also positioned in the region. Since the X-ray detecting section is placed in the region, it is possible to accurately combine a PET image and an X-ray computed tomographic image.

Abstract: A multi-stage process utilizing one or more radiation sensors on a distributed network for the detection and identification of radiation, explosives, and special materials within a shipping container. The sensors are configured as nodes on the network. The system collects radiation data from one or more nodes and compares the collected data to one or more stored spectral images representing one or more isotopes to identify one or more isotopes present. The identified one or more isotopes present are corresponded to possible materials or goods that they represent. The possible materials or goods are compared with the manifest relating to the container to confirm the identity of materials or goods contained in the container or to detect and/or identify unauthorized materials or goods in the container. For shielded materials, explosives and other types of material detection, a neutron pulse device could be incorporated into the system.

Abstract: In an imaging system (10), a short axial length 4D sinograms are loaded one at a time from a data memory (40). A portion of an image memory (44) that corresponds to a currently reconstructed sinogram subset (1112), is initialized. If a part of the object is already reconstructed, an iterative reconstruction is performed in which the previously reconstructed image (m1) is iteratively improved by using the data from the currently reconstructed overlapping image (m2) to converge on the final image.

Abstract: In a radiation detector (10) for a time of flight positron emission tomography (PET) scanner (2), a radiation sensitive member (20) generates a signal (22) indicative of a radiation detection event. A time to digital converter (34) includes digital delay elements (40) operatively interconnected as a ring oscillator (36, 36?) and readout circuitry (50, 52, 60, 82, 84, 86, 88) configured to generate a timestamp for the radiation detection event based at least on a state of the ring oscillator when the signal is generated. Delay trim elements (46) operatively connected to the digital delay elements set a substantially common delay for the digital delay elements.

Abstract: A positron emission tomography apparatus installs a plurality of detector units in the circumference of a bed. The detector unit installs a plurality of combined substrates including detectors, analogue ASICs, and a digital ASIC and a voltage adjustment device inside a housing. A partition plate installed inside the housing separates the region inside the housing into a first region installed with the combined substrates and a second region installed with the voltage adjustment device. The partition plate blocks noise generated in the voltage adjustment device so as not to affect ?-ray detection signals outputted from the detectors, thereby preventing the effect of the noise generated in the voltage adjustment device toward ?-ray detection signals and shortening the examination time.

Abstract: The current invention presents designs of SPECT gamma cameras without the in-out mechanical motion of the detectors. The elimination of this motion is achieved by the implementation of iterative algorithms, such as Resolution Recovery and/or Wide Beam Reconstruction, which compensate for the Line Spread Function effect due to the collimator characteristics. The use of these methods enables construction of SPECT gamma cameras with a range of novel designs, having their gamma detector (or detectors) orbiting the patient in a predetermined orbit of fixed radius. For example, the radius might be chosen as such that the majority of all patients can be scanned by the system. The shows the advantages of the invention for gamma cameras with any numbers of detectors.

Abstract: A method for improving single photon emission computed tomography by controlling acquisition parameters specific to the imaging goals and specific to the individual case under study. Data acquisition is modulated by scanning to adapt to the particular signal to noise characteristics of each object. A preliminary acquisition quickly scans the object of interest. The preliminary data is analyzed to optimize the secondary scan. The secondary scan is then acquired with optimized sampling of the object based on its own particular image characteristics. The system is able to learn, incorporating site specific data into a triaging set.

Abstract: Methods and systems 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.

Abstract: A process for obtaining an attenuation map from a truncated transmission scan of an imaged object, by compensating for missing emission data as a result of truncation by using non-truncated emission data of the imaged object to derive “fill-in” emission data. The truncation-compensated emission data then is used to generate an attenuation map for correcting a reconstructed emission image for effects of attenuation.

Abstract: A detector is provided for nuclear medicine imaging. Scintillator pixels form an axial array and a transaxial array. A first photosensor is positioned along the axial array; and a second photosensor is positioned along the transaxial array, wherein the first photosensor and the second photosensor provide dual event localization for nuclear medicine imaging.

Abstract: A method for cardiac imaging is provided, including administering to an adult human subject an amount of a teboroxime species having a radioactivity of less than 5 mCi at a time of administration, and performing a SPECT imaging procedure of a cardiac region of interest (ROI) of the subject. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Gamma-ray tracking methods for use with granular, position sensitive detectors identify the sequence of the interactions taking place in the detector and, hence, the position of the first interaction. The improved position resolution in finding the first interaction in the detection system determines a better definition of the direction of the gamma-ray photon, and hence, a superior source image resolution. A PET system using such a method will have increased efficiency and position resolution.

Abstract: A highly efficient PET breast imager for detecting lesions in the entire breast including those located close to the patient's chest wall. The breast imager includes a ring of imaging modules surrounding the imaged breast. Each imaging module includes a slant imaging light guide inserted between a gamma radiation sensor and a photodetector. The slant light guide permits the gamma radiation sensors to be placed in close proximity to the skin of the chest wall thereby extending the sensitive region of the imager to the base of the breast. Several types of photodetectors are proposed for use in the detector modules, with compact silicon photomultipliers as the preferred choice, due to its high compactness. The geometry of the detector heads and the arrangement of the detector ring significantly reduce dead regions thereby improving detection efficiency for lesions located close to the chest wall.

Abstract: A detector bar, a detector formed from a number of detector bars, and a computed-tomography unit including such a detector is disclosed, each detector bar being formed from a number of individual modules. A detector bar has a module carrier for mechanically retaining the individual modules, and a printed circuit board, structurally separate from the module carrier, for making electric contact with the individual modules. The individual modules can thus be exchanged without disturbance, and simple aligning of the individual modules can thus be carried out while electric contact is simultaneously made.

Abstract: Methods and systems for imaging a patient are provided. The method includes scanning a patient and acquiring a plurality of frames of cine computed tomography (CT) images during one complete respiratory cycle. In one embodiment, a method is provided that includes selecting a value for each pixel that represents the maximum density measurement for the pixel throughout the cine acquisition. In one embodiment, an attenuation correction image of a volume of interest is constructed by weighting a combination of the maximum pixel intensity value and an average pixel intensity value. Undesirable motion artifacts can be removed from positron emission tomography (PET) images by utilizing the CT attenuation correction image.

Abstract: A radiation detector (20, 20?) includes scintillator pixels (30) that each have a radiation-receiving end, a light-output end, and reflective sides extending therebetween. The reflective sides have a reflection characteristic (40, 40?, 42, 44) varying between the radiation-receiving end and the light-output end such that a lateral spread of light emanating from the light-output ends of the scintillator pixels responsive to a scintillation event generated in one of the scintillator pixels depends upon a depth of the scintillation event in the scintillator pixel. A plurality of light detectors (46) optically communicate with the light-output ends of the scintillator pixels to receive light produced by scintillation events.

Abstract: A plurality of detector rings in which detectors arranged densely or spatially in a ring shape or in a polygonal shape are arranged, with an open space kept in the body axis direction, coincidences are measured for some of or all of detector pairs connecting the detector rings apart from the open space to perform three-dimensional image reconstruction, thereby imaging the open space between the detector rings as a tomographic image. Therefore, the open space is secured, with the deteriorated quality of an image suppressed, thus making it possible to easily gain access to a patient under PET scanning from outside a gantry and also provide irradiation of particle beams for cancer treatment as well as X-ray CT scanning.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a slit collimator assembly including a first set of panels spaced at least partially around a longitudinal axis of the collimator assembly and extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The slit collimator assembly further includes a second set of panels spaced at least partially around longitudinal axis of the collimator assembly and extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The first set of panels and the second set of panels are arranged to define one or more slit apertures. The slit collimator assembly is configured so that movement of at least one of the first set of panels or the second set of panels adjusts an aperture size of at least one of the one or more slit apertures. The slit collimator assembly is configured so that gamma rays can pass through the one or more slit apertures, but the remainder of the collimator assembly is substantially gamma ray absorbent. Embodiments also relate to imaging systems and methods of changing collimator performance.

Abstract: Methods and systems for imaging a subject using an imaging system are provided. The method includes rotating a first detector and a second detector about a subject and determining a distance of the first detector and the second detector from the subject. The method further includes automatically adjusting the position of at least one of the first detector and the second detector to within a predetermined distance range if the determined distance of one of the first and second detectors is not within the predetermined distance range.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a defect imaging device that has an energy beam that is directed at a device under test. The energy beam creates positrons deep within the material of the device under test. When the positrons combine with electrons in the material they produce a pair of annihilation photons. The annihilation photons are detected. The Doppler broadening of the annihilation photons is used to determine if a defect is present in the material. Three dimensional images of the device under test are created by directing the energy beam at different portions of the device under test.

Abstract: In one aspect, systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which a dispensing station dispenses a large quantity of a radiotracer to one or more positron emission tomography imaging stations. In some aspects a quality control unit verifies the quality of the radiotracer. In some embodiments, components of the system are coupled by a local area network. In some aspects, each positron emission tomography imaging station includes an injector system, a physiological monitoring device, and a positron emission tomography scanner. All of the devices can be controlled by a computer system.

Abstract: Provided are time-of-flight positron emission tomography devices comprising a detector array having at least two segments configured to accommodate a body part and to acquire tracer emission signals from a target within an imaging situs with a timing resolution of less than about 600 ps and a processor that receives the acquired signals from the detector array and converts the signals into a three dimensional image reconstruction of the target.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nuclear medicine diagnosis equipment comprising a scintillator block having a plurality of scintillators, the scintillator block having a plurality of scintillator arrays in a depth direction of an incident ? ray with different decay times for an emitted light pulse; an incidence timing calculating device for calculating an incident timing in the scintillator array; a scintillator array identifying device for identifying a scintillator array, in a plurality of arrays, that has received the electrical signal; and an incidence timing compensation device in a position arithmetic processing part for discriminating whether compensation for an incidence timing calculated by the incidence timing calculating device is to be done or not corresponding to a scintillator array identified by the scintillator array identification part.

Abstract: A method for reducing a need for physical memory includes compressing a sub-region of an intermediate histogram to obtain a compressed result, and storing the compressed result in a physical or virtual file.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for detecting radiation including x-ray, gamma ray, and particle radiation for nuclear medicine, radiographic imaging, material composition analysis, high energy physics, container inspection, mine detection and astronomy. The invention provides detection systems employing one or more detector modules comprising edge-on scintillator detectors with sub-aperture resolution (SAR) capability employed, e.g., in nuclear medicine, such as radiation therapy portal imaging, nuclear remediation, mine detection, container inspection, and high energy physics and astronomy. The invention also provides edge-on imaging probe detectors for use in nuclear medicine, such as radiation therapy portal imaging, or for use in nuclear remediation, mine detection, container inspection, and high energy physics and astronomy.

Abstract: A medium area (S) filled with liquid xenon (2) is formed between an external cylindrical body (1a) and internal cylindrical body (1b), and a pair of anode pads (11, 12) are disposed in two-dimensional form in opposite end portions of the medium area (S) in the intersection direction with respect to the gamma-ray incident direction. An intermediate electrode (10) is disposed between a pair of anode pads (11, 12), and a plurality of photomultiplier tubes (5) is installed in two-dimensional form in the external cylindrical body (1a). Then, the gamma-ray reaction point within the liquid area (S) is identified from signals output from the anode pads (11, 12) and photomultiplier tubes (5).

Abstract: A SPECT system which scans over multiple separate scans and individually motion compensates the information obtained from each of these scans. The separate scans may be over different angular extents and may be for different purposes. One of the scans for example may be a scout scan, and the other scans may then be scans which concentrate on areas identified during the scout scan. Alternatively, the scans may all being exactly the same and stitched together after the individual motion compensation. Since each of the scans are shorter, the patient will presumably have moved less during each individual scan, and the amount of motion is hence presumably less.

Abstract: A phoswich device for determining depth of interaction (DOI) includes a first scintillator having a first scintillation decay time characteristic, a second scintillator having a second scintillation decay time characteristic substantially equal to the first scintillation decay time, a photodetector coupled to the second scintillator, and a wavelength shifting layer coupled between the first scintillator and the second scintillator, wherein the wavelength shifting layer modifies the first scintillation decay time characteristic of the first scintillator to enable the photodetector to differentiate between the first decay time characteristic and the second decay time characteristic. The phoswich device is particularly applicable to positron emission tomography (PET) applications.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for detecting radiation including x-ray, gamma ray, and particle radiation for nuclear medicine, radiographic imaging, material composition analysis, high energy physics, container inspection, mine detection and astronomy. The invention provides detection systems employing one or more detector modules comprising edge-on scintillator detectors with sub-aperture resolution (SAR) capability employed, e.g., in nuclear medicine, such as radiation therapy portal imaging, nuclear remediation, mine detection, container inspection, and high energy physics and astronomy. The invention also provides edge-on imaging probe detectors for use in nuclear medicine, such as radiation therapy portal imaging, or for use in nuclear remediation, mine detection, container inspection, and high energy physics and astronomy.