Abstract: An alignment system for use in connection with a patient handling system and a nuclear medicine gantry is provided. The alignment system includes a nuclear camera alignment fixture mountable to the nuclear detector. The nuclear camera alignment fixture includes a pair of lasers mounted in a known position relative to a center of the nuclear detector and oriented substantially toward the nuclear medicine gantry. The nuclear camera alignment fixture further includes a pair of laser targets provided on the nuclear medicine gantry. Each laser target has a fixed location with respect to an axis of rotation of the nuclear medicine gantry. The nuclear detector is moved relative to the nuclear medicine gantry until a laser beam from each laser hits a respective laser target. The alignment system is also capable of aligning the patient handling system with respect to the axis of rotation of the nuclear medicine gantry.

Abstract: A radiographic three dimensional imaging apparatus capable of focusing on a center of rotation point, includes at least two gamma ray detectors, each having a radiation input face, with each detector positioned on a linear path, wherein each detector is movable along the detector's linear path, while simultaneously swiveling to maintain the detector's input face towards the rotation point. The apparatus allows for organ-targeted tomography as a virtual center of rotation can be placed arbitrarily with respect to a patient, constrained only by the physical limits of the detector motion.

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 medical imaging unit is provided. The medical imaging unit include a tomography device for 3D imaging and a PET system for positron emission tomography. The PET system includes a detector ring that has an angular region that is without detector elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for nuclear medicine imaging in which the imaging platform is attached directly to the detectors for nuclear imaging to allow for minimal constant distance between the detector(s) and the object to be imaged. As the detector moves around the object to be imaged to capture different angular views of the object, the imaging platform is rotated in a compensatory manner to maintain a its long axis perpendicular to gravity during movement of the detector. An advantage of this configuration over prior systems is the ability to obtain multiple angular projections while the distance between the detector and the object being imaged is maintained at a minimum, but the danger of detector-object collision is minimized and the necessity for orbital path calibration to preserve precision of detector movement and distance is eliminated.

Abstract: A patient on a bed is positioned within an imaging space defined by a view field of a signal detector for collecting imaging signals to be reconstructed into the images by using signal processing. The patient positioning system uses a nuclear detection device having a mechanism for generating nuclear radiation and detecting mechanism for detecting an incident nuclear radiation. The proximity units are comprised of modulated LED light sources emitting a carrier modulated light beam and a photo receiver. An analog/digital converter is used for receiving signals output by the photo receiver while a bandpass filter is used for selectively passing the carrier modulated light beam. A detector determines the presence or absence of the carrier modulated light beam. The absence or presence of the carrier modulated light beam determines the position of the patient.

Abstract: A dynamic Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) system utilizes an array of modular detectors structured in a dome shape and being independently tiltable in polar or azimuth angle. The system can be used to image cardio-vascular studies as well as other quantitative studies and 3D imaging studies, without requiring movement or motion of the detectors.

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging a field of view, according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises an x-ray source positioned adjacent to the field of view, a source mask located between the x-ray source and the field of view having at least one source aperture defined therethrough, and an emission detector, such as a gamma camera, adjacent to the field of view. The apparatus may allow substantially concurrent x-ray imaging and gamma imaging of the field of view.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling medical imaging are provided. A proximity sensor arrangement for an imaging system is provided. The proximity sensor arrangement includes at least one light emitter and at least one light detector. The proximity sensor arrangement further includes at least one reflector configured to reflect light waves from the at least one light emitter to the at least one light detector to form at least one light path to determine a proximity to the at least one imaging component of the imaging system.

Abstract: A radiological imaging apparatus of the present invention comprises an image pickup device and a medical examinee holding device that is provided with a bed. The image pickup device includes a large number of radiation detectors and radiation detector support plates. A large number of radiation detectors are mounted around the circumference of a through-hole and arranged in the axial direction of the through-hole. The radiation detectors are arranged in three layers formed radially with respect to the center of the through-hole and mounted on the lateral surfaces of the radiation detector support plates. Since the radiation detectors are not only arranged in the axial direction and circumferential direction of the through-hole but also arrayed in the radial direction, it is possible to obtain accurate information about a ?-ray arrival position in the radial direction of the through-hole (the positional information about a radiation detector from which a ?-ray image pickup signal is output).

Abstract: Each semiconductor radiation detector used for a nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus (PET apparatus) is constructed with an anode electrode A facing a cathode electrode C sandwiching a CdTe semiconductor member S which generates charge through interaction with ?-rays. Then, a thickness t of the semiconductor member S sandwiched between these mutually facing anode electrode A and cathode electrode C is set to 0.2 to 2 mm. Furthermore, the devices are mounted (laid out) on substrates in such a way that the distance (distance of conductor) between the semiconductor radiation detector and an analog ASIC which processes the signal detected by this detector is shortened. Furthermore, the substrates on which the detectors are mounted are housed in a housing as a unit (detector unit).

Abstract: A combined transmission/emission tomography apparatus for generation of tomographic slice images of an examination subject (preferably of a patient), has a supporting structure composed of a stationary stator and a rotor that rotates in operation, with at least one radiation-emitting device and at least one radiation-detecting device mounted on the rotor. The at least one radiation-emitting device and the at least one radiation-detecting device are primary components, and the apparatus has at least one associated supply component for one or more of the primary components. In the rotor all primary components are arranged in one rotation plane and all supply components are arranged outside of the rotation plane.

Abstract: Rays incident upon a plurality of detection plates arranged along a normal direction are detected. A distance between the ray and the ray source is estimated based on the number of counted rays detected by each detection plate, and each interval distance of the detection plates. Moreover, the direction of the source of the ray is estimated based on each image obtained from each detection plate.

Abstract: In a device for capturing high energy radiation emitted from a radiation source within an examination object with a detector, the detector is arranged on a carriage mechanism that is mounted in a rotatable fashion around the examination object. The carriage mechanism is supported on a stand unit via a retaining mechanism, with an amplifier device being provided that amplifies the signals coming from the detector that are fed to the amplifier device via a signal guidance device. A data processing device is provided to process the amplified signals. By arranging the amplifier device and/or the data processing device essentially within the stand unit, a device is provided which can be flexibly utilized and which increases the patient's comfort during an examination.

Abstract: A gantry system for geometrically configuring a plurality of detectors for image scanning a patient comprises a plurality of essentially planar sensor support rings forming a barrel surrounding a central scanning area. Each ring is formed by opposing upper and lower semi-elliptical array supports, and each array support is configured to support a plurality of adjustable detector assemblies. Each array support is adjustable along a longitudinal axis of the barrel, and collectively define an imaging field of view that is configurable by separately adjusting one or more of the array supports. Upper array supports are also preferably moveable in a generally perpendicular direction with respect to longitudinal axis, e.g., to optimize position of the detector assemblies with respect to a patient, to provide for easier patient entry and/or to provide for scans of claustrophobic or obese patients.

Abstract: A gamma camera system including a pair of gamma camera heads connected to form substantially a right angle. The pair of gamma camera heads are mounted on an arm. A rotation mechanism includes a pivot mounted on the arm and allows for rotation of pair of gamma camera heads with respect to the arm about a line parallel to the connection of the gamma camera heads.

Abstract: A detector for a tomography unit, in particular an X-ray computer tomograph, includes a number of detector modules arranged next to one another in a z-direction and in a ?-direction running perpendicular thereto. In order to specify the adjustment, the detector modules bear against an adjusting plate on the beam input side. First adjusting devices are provided on the detector modules on the beam input side engaging with second adjusting devices, corresponding thereto and provided on the adjusting plate, for the purpose of accurately positioning the detector modules.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides systems and methods for multi-modal imaging with light and a second form of imaging. Light imaging involves the capture of low intensity light from a light-emitting object. A camera obtains a two-dimensional spatial distribution of the light emitted from the surface of the subject. Software operated by a computer in communication with the camera may then convert two-dimensional spatial distribution data from one or more images into a three-dimensional spatial representation. The second imaging mode may include any imaging technique that compliments light imaging. Examples include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computer topography (CT). An object handling system moves the object to be imaged between the light imaging system and the second imaging system, and is configured to interface with each system.

Abstract: A method for detecting radiation emitted from a radiation source within a subject. A radiation detector is moved in approximately parallel with the direction of the body axis of the subject. The detector is rotated about the body axis. The distance between the subject and the detector is changed. The radiation is detected by the detector.

Abstract: An x-ray scanning imaging apparatus with a generally O-shaped gantry ring, which has a segment that fully or partially detaches (or “breaks”) from the ring to provide an opening through which the object to be imaged may enter interior of the ring in a radial direction. The segment can then be re-attached to enclose the object within the gantry. Once closed, the circular gantry housing remains orbitally fixed and carries an x-ray image-scanning device that can be rotated inside the gantry 360 degrees around the patient either continuously or in a step-wise fashion. The x-ray device is particularly useful for two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) imaging applications.

Abstract: With the objective of suppressing the adverse effect of residual magnetization caused by encode ordering, twelve encode points are defined as a first segment in order of decreasing distances from a center Cyz of a K space, twelve encode points are next defined as a second segment in order of decreasing distances from the center Cyz, and twelve encode points are defined as a third segment in order of decreasing distances from the center Cyz subsequently to it. Serial numbers are sequentially assigned to the encode points of the first, second, third and fourth quadrants in the first, second and third segments in order of decreasing distances from the center Cyz. Serial numbers are assigned subsequently in a manner similar to the above. Furthermore, the K space is encoded in order of the serial numbers to collect data.

Abstract: A multi-scanner frame in accordance with the principles of the present invention includes a base and a plurality of stands. Each stand supports a tomography gantry. The plurality of scanners supported by the gantries may represent a plurality of tomography modalities. A linear guide allows for the ready movement of at least one of the gantries relative to one or more remaining gantries.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a reconfigure lock for dual detector gamma camera that works with a triple race bearing. The outer race is stationary, it serves as part of the supporting frame. A detector (1) is mounted to the center race, which is driven by an integral gear. A detector (2) and the lock assembly are mounted to the inner race. The center and inner races rotate in unison when locked to one another.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting radiation including x-ray, gamma ray, and particle radiation for radiographic imaging, and nuclear medicine and x-ray mammography in particular, and material composition analysis are described. A detection system employs fixed or configurable arrays of one or more detector modules comprising detector arrays which may be electronically manipulated through a computer system. The detection system, by providing the ability for electronic manipulation, permits adaptive imaging. Detector array configurations include familiar geometries, including slit, slot, plane, open box, and ring configurations, and customized configurations, including wearable detector arrays, that are customized to the shape of the patient. Conventional, such as attenuating, rigid geometry, and unconventional collimators, such as x-ray optic, configurable, Compton scatter modules, can be selectively employed with detector modules and radiation sources.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a reconfigure lock for dual detector gamma camera that works with a triple race bearing. The outer race is stationary, it serves as part of the supporting frame. A detector (1) is mounted to the center race, which is driven by an integral gear. A detector (2) and the lock assembly are mounted to the inner race. The center and inner races rotate in unison when locked to one another.

Abstract: A scintillation camera using the dual scintillation detector head is disclosed. The scintillation camera can include two dual scintillation detector heads, which are fixed in opposition to each other. The camera can include a dual scintillation detector head and a single scintillation detector head, which are also fixed in opposed relation to each other. The dual scintillation detector head has two scintillation detectors, which are fixed relative to each other, preferably fixed substantially at 90 degrees to each other. Each scintillation detector has a plurality of photomultiplier tubes, a collimator, and a scintillation medium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting radiation including x-ray, gamma ray, and particle radiation for radiographic imaging, and nuclear medicine and x-ray mammography in particular, and material composition analysis are described. A detection system employs fixed or configurable arrays of one or more detector modules comprising detector arrays which may be electronically manipulated through a computer system. The detection system, by providing the ability for electronic manipulation, permits adaptive imaging. Detector array configurations include familiar geometries, including slit, slot, plane, open box, and ring configurations, and customized configurations, including wearable detector arrays, that are customized to the shape of the patient. Conventional, such as attenuating, rigid geometry, and unconventional collimators, such as x-ray optic, configurable, Conpton scatter modules, can be selectively employed with detector modules and radiation sources.

Abstract: A nuclear medicine imaging device includes a plurality of detector heads (10) mounted to a movable gantry for rotation around an examination region (12). The detector heads (10) include a housing (28) which surrounds a radiation sensitive crystal (26) which converts received radiation events. A positioning mechanism on the gantry maintains a relationship between the detector heads (10) such that the housing for one detector head lies adjacent to and overlaps the housing for another detector head. During an imaging event, the gantry rotates the detector heads (10) about a region of interest (12) while radiation events are sampled. At a predetermined position relative to the area of interest, the overlapping of the detector heads is reversed.

Abstract: A nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus for detecting gamma rays emitted from a radioisotope (RI) administered to a subject, to generate images showing the functions of the subject, such as metabolism. In the nuclear medical diagnostic apparatus, a detector detects the gamma rays from at least three different three-dimensional detection directions and an image processor reconstructs images from the projection data by an iterative reconstruction method.

Abstract: A gamma camera is made with two rings, each ring bearing a detector. A flap of a support of the detector can be unfolded or folded against a front face of the machine. In the folded position, the machine can be used to carry out tomography scans or standard whole-body examinations. In the unfolded position, the flap enables the performance of whole-body examinations on a bed-ridden patient who remains in his hospital bed.

Abstract: A system for exchanging and storing collimators for medical imaging devices includes a first frame having a first receptacle and a second frame having a first docking member. A collimator can be attached to and removed from the first receptacle. The first docking member can be positioned adjacent to the first receptacle such that the first docking member can contact the collimator to remove the collimator from the first receptacle. The collimator is coupled to the first docking member while the collimator is removed from the first receptacle.

Abstract: A continuous rotation sampling scheme for use with a nuclear medicine gamma camera facilitates collection of transmission and emission data leading to a reduced overall scan time. The gantry (16) contains a plurality of radiation detector heads (20a-20c) with planar faces and at least one adjustably mounted radiation source (30a). During transmission data collection, the gantry (16) continuously rotates about a subject receiving aperture (18) while the radiation source (30a) continuously rasters back and forth across the field of view. The detected transmission radiation (32a) is reconstructed into an attenuation volumetric image representation by a transmission reconstruction processor (64t). The transmission reconstruction processor (64t) performs a fan beam reconstruction algorithm in each of a multiplicity of planes perpendicular to an axis of rotation.

Abstract: A nuclear medical diagnostic apparatus for detecting gamma rays emitted from the radio isotope (RI) administered to a subject, to generate images showing the functions of the subject, such as metabolism. In the nuclear medical diagnostic apparatus, at least one detector is attached to a rotating ring and located inside the ring. The apparatus can therefore be modified as a one-detector type to a four-detector type. It can easily be graded up from a one-detector type to any one of the other types including the four-detector type. Further, the image-generating mode can be freely changed. Moreover, the apparatus can be small and light.

Abstract: A combination PET/single photon (SPECT or planar) nuclear imaging system utilizes a pair of dedicated PET detectors and at least one dedicated single photon detector mounted on a single gantry. The single photon detector is a solid-state detector, such as CZT, and the PET detectors are made of a high effective Z material, such as LSO or BGO. Simultaneous PET/single photon imaging studies can be carried by the single system. The solid-state detectors also may be removable and mountable on a separate, dedicated single photon imaging gantry.

Abstract: A support structure for medical diagnostic equipment provides entirely independent motions on all axes of the detector and very precise and reproducible motions while allowing for static, linear and rotational imaging such as by a rotatable scintillation detector. The support structure includes a rotor or ring on which there are two arms on which the detector is mounted and a counterweight attached by links to the opposite end of the arms and on the opposite side of the rotor. The arms, on which the detector is rotatably mounted, are attached to the rotor by means of short, double pivoted links which allow the arms to move towards or away from the rotor and pivot with respect to the rotor. Two secondary arms are connected to the pivot point of the detector and to a track mounted on the rotor.

Abstract: A multidetector gamma camera arrangement having a first detector and a second detector with each detector including a scintillating crystal and transducer means, the first detector and the second detector abutting to each other with the crystals of first detector and second detector at an angle to one another to enable acquiring two simultaneous views of an organ of the patient.

Abstract: The imaging system has two detectors which can be rotated in a circular path about an object with the angular displacement between the detectors and their radial position with respect to the axis being adjustable. Preferably, the distance of the detectors from the lateral axis is adjustable to increase resolution of the system. A gantry has supports for drive gear rings for the detectors with radial motion mechanisms connecting one detector to the interior surface of a drive gear ring and the other to the exterior of its drive gear ring via a support arm. A drive gear and idler gear move one detector along the circular path and a radial drive motor moves the detectors radially with respect to the axis.

Abstract: A tomographic imaging system which images ionizing radiation such as gamma rays or x rays and which: 1) can produce tomographic images without requiring an orbiting motion of the detector(s) or collimator(s) around the object of interest, 2) produces smaller tomographic systems with enhanced system mobility, and 3) is capable of observing the object of interest from sufficiently many directions to allow multiple time-sequenced tomographic images to be produced. The system consists of a plurality of detector modules which are distributed about or around the object of interest and which fully or partially encircle it. The detector modules are positioned close to the object of interest thereby improving spatial resolution and image quality. The plurality of detectors view a portion of the patient or object of interest simultaneously from a plurality of positions.

Abstract: To acquire measurement data elements during a tomography type experiment in nuclear medecine, with a gamma camera having two detector heads, each of these heads is oriented on a sighting center P while the set of two heads rotates about a center of rotation Ia of the apparatus, the center of rotation being offset from the sighting center. It is shown that this approach provides speedier operation for the acquisition and also contributes to the preparation of tomography images that are more precise and more easily computed.

Abstract: An imaging system for generating SPECT images wherein first and second cameras are mounted to a gantry for rotation about an imaging axis, the cameras are positionible in an L configuration wherein their camera axis intersect at an intersection point, the cameras are mounted such that when in the L position the intersection point is further away from each of the cameras than is the rotation axis allowing the cameras to be moved radially inward with respect to the rotation axis thus reducing the degree of table movement within the imaging area required to position an object to be imaged adjacent the cameras.

Abstract: The imaging system has two detectors which can be rotated in a circular path about an object with the angular displacement between the detectors and their radial position with respect to the axis being adjustable. Preferably, the distance of the detectors from the lateral axis is adjustable to increase resolution of the system. A gantry has supports for drive gear rings for the detectors with radial motion mechanisms connecting one detector to the interior surface of a drive gear ring and the other to the exterior of its drive gear ring via a support arm. A drive gear and idler gear move one detector along the circular path and a radial drive motor moves the detectors radially with respect to the axis.

Abstract: To acquire tomographs, two detectors (1, 2) are secured together in a support structure (3) in such a manner that their detection fields are inclined relative to each other. The angle of inclination between them is preferably 90°. This pair of detectors is then placed in such a manner that the plane (9) bisecting the two detection fields includes the axis of rotation (4) around which the pair of detectors is to rotate to perform tomography on a subject. For fat subjects, the pair is moved away (13) from the axis, and for thin subjects it is moved towards it. It is shown that to avoid detector displacement interfering with tomography computation, it suffices merely to change computation parameters in the reconstruction algorithm.

Abstract: An improved image acquisition system allows the angular displacement between two detectors to be adjusted between 90° and 180° to reduce the imaging time for both 360° and 180° scans. A patient table is displaced vertically and horizontally from a lateral axis to allow the body of a patient to be positioned next to the detectors and to improve resolution.

Abstract: An improved image acquisition system allows the angular displacement between two detectors to be adjusted between 90° and 180° to reduce the imaging time for both 360° and 180° scans. A patient table is displaced vertically and horizontally from a lateral axis to allow the body of a patient to be positioned next to the detectors and to improve resolution.