With Image Recording Patents (Class 250/582)
  • Patent number: 11426062
    Abstract: Method and apparatus embodiments can generate a volume fluorescence image of a tooth. Method and apparatus embodiments can project structured light patterns onto a tooth and generate a contour (volume) image of the tooth surface from acquired corresponding structured light projection images; then acquire one or more fluorescence images of the tooth generated under blue-UV illumination. A composite image that shows fluorescence image content mapped to the generated contour image can be transmitted, stored, modified and/or displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Inglese, Wei Wang, Victor C. Wong, Guijian Wang, Larry A. Greenspan, Mark Woodman
  • Patent number: 11156727
    Abstract: An imaging device includes: a scintillator layer; and an array of photodiode elements; wherein the scintillator layer is configured to receive radiation that has passed through the array of photodiode elements. An imaging device includes: a scintillator layer having a plurality of scintillator elements configured to convert radiation into photons; and an array of photodiode elements configured to receive photons from the scintillator layer, and generate electrical signals in response to the received photons; wherein at least two of the scintillator elements are separated by an air gap. An imaging device includes: a first scintillator layer having a plurality of scintillator elements arranged in a first plane; and a second scintillator layer having a plurality of scintillator elements arranged in a second plane; wherein the first scintillator layer and the second scintillator layer are arranged next to each other and form a non-zero angle relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Shedlock, Josh M. Star-Lack, Daniel Morf, Eric Abel, Gary F. Virshup, Andre Meyer, Viktor Steinlin, Mingshan Sun
  • Patent number: 10866198
    Abstract: An IP cover having a light-shielding property is detachably mounted on an IP. The IP includes a stimulable phosphor layer on one surface thereof. The IP cover is mounted on the stimulable phosphor layer so as to be closely attached to the stimulable phosphor layer. The IP and the IP cover include notches, and a part of an inspection target is inserted into the notches at the time of inspection. An IP unit is mounted on a blade welded portion of an impeller. Radiation is applied from a radiation irradiation device and a radiation image of the blade welded portion is recorded on the IP as a latent image. The IP cover is detached from the IP unit and the IP is set on a template. The IP is set at an image reading position of a radiation image reading device by the template, and the radiation image is read.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Yasunobu Sakaguchi, Osamu Murakami, Yasunori Narukawa, Tsutomu Fujino
  • Patent number: 10165998
    Abstract: A method and a system for determining an angle between two parts of a bone that are twisted relative to one another about the axis of a bone shaft. The system is particularly suitable for determining the antetorsion angle of a femur. In order to determine an antetorsion angle of a bone easily intraoperatively, a method with the following steps is proposed: establishing the position of a first orientation feature assigned to a first part of the bone, in particular a femoral neck axis, using an imaging method, establishing the position of a second orientation feature assigned to a second part of the bone, in particular a condyle tangent or a condyle plane, using an imaging method, and determining the angle, in particular the femoral antetorsion angle, from the positions of the two orientation features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karl Barth, Alexander Gemmel, Gerhard Kleinszig, Wei Wei, Markus Weiten
  • Patent number: 9823361
    Abstract: A radiation imaging control apparatus, which is communicable with a radiation imaging apparatus including a radiation sensor and capable of acquiring an X-ray moving image, includes a first communication unit configured to communicate with the radiation imaging apparatus via Ethernet communication, a second communication unit configured to communicate with the radiation imaging apparatus via at least a pair of bidirectional serial optical communication lines, a first control unit configured to cause the first communication unit to transmit a first signal for setting at least one parameter to the radiation imaging apparatus, a second control unit configured to cause the second communication unit to output data of the X-ray moving image received from the radiation imaging apparatus to an image processing unit, and transmit a second signal for some settings to the radiation imaging apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroaki Niwa, Shigeo Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9602715
    Abstract: An imaging system is provided for a precision machine vision inspection or metrology system. The imaging system optical path includes a variable magnification lens portion and a variable focal length lens portion. The variable magnification lens portion includes various magnification states (e.g., 0.5× to 100×, using interchangeable lenses, or the like.) The variable focal length lens portion (e.g., including a tunable acoustic gradient index of refraction (“TAG”) lens) is operated at different focal length scanning frequencies depending on the magnification state. A TAG lens operated in this manner provides a relatively consistent range of focus (e.g., corresponding to a number of depths of field) with various magnification lenses, without limiting the effective numerical aperture of the imaging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Gerard Gladnick
  • Patent number: 9584066
    Abstract: The photovoltaic device comprises a photovoltaic cell (1) assembled with a substrate (2) by way of an assembly interface. The method comprises a step of injecting an electrical current through the photovoltaic cell and a step of acquiring a signal measuring the luminous radiation emitted by the photovoltaic cell (1), by electroluminescence, in response to the injected current. The injection current has a density higher than a preset assembly defect detection current threshold. A step of detecting at least one defect in the assembly interface on the basis of said acquired measuring signal is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventor: Loïc Mabille
  • Patent number: 9498173
    Abstract: A mobile radiation generating apparatus comprising: a cart unit; a column extending from the cart unit; and an arm extending from the column; a radiation emitting unit arranged in a distal end portion of the arm, and configured to irradiate an object with radiation; a first display control unit configured to cause a first display apparatus arranged in the cart unit to display a radiation image captured by a radiation imaging apparatus which detects radiation transmitted through the object; and a second display control unit independent of the first display control unit, and configured to cause a second display apparatus arranged in the radiation emitting unit or on the arm to display a thumbnail image of the radiation image and a state of the radiation imaging apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Naoki Yamada
  • Patent number: 9492137
    Abstract: A portable X-ray imaging apparatus includes an electronic cassette for imaging of an X-ray image and transmitting the X-ray image wirelessly. An image receiving unit communicates with the electronic cassette and receives the X-ray image wirelessly. A passive monitoring device receives ambient electromagnetic waves to measure communication environment by passive monitoring. An active monitoring device performs data communication between the electronic cassette and the image receiving unit to measure the communication environment by active monitoring. Furthermore, an evaluation device detects a cause of a communication failure by considering a result of the passive monitoring and a result of the active monitoring. The evaluation device detects that the cause of the communication failure is a blocking object blocking radio waves or a relative position between the electronic cassette and the image receiving unit according to the results of the passive and active monitoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro Iwamoto, Keiji Tsubota, Naoyuki Nishino, Yoshimitsu Kudo
  • Patent number: 9259198
    Abstract: A radiological imaging device has a panel section which houses radiation conversion panels for converting radiation to a radiological image, and a control section which is disposed on the panel section and which controls the radiation conversion panels. The control section is thicker than the panel section, or protrudes from the panel section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasunori Ohta, Naoyuki Nishino, Haruyasu Nakatsugawa, Fumito Nariyuki, Shinji Imai
  • Patent number: 9029820
    Abstract: An image storage device includes a substrate including a plurality of voids and a septum disposed between the voids, and cells including a storage phosphor powder within the voids. In an embodiment, a computed radiography apparatus includes an image storage device, a stimulating radiation device to generate stimulating radiation, and a photosensor to detect light. In another embodiment, a method of forming an image storage device includes providing a patterned substrate that includes a plurality of voids and a septum disposed between the voids, adding a storage phosphor powder into the voids of the patterned substrate to form cells, and applying a topcoat layer that is substantially free of the storage phosphor powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Frank
  • Patent number: 9025730
    Abstract: Systems and methods for braking and releasing one or more pivot joints used in an X-ray positioning device are described. The systems and methods use a support arm that extends between a main assembly of the x-ray positioning device and an X-ray imaging assembly with an X-ray source and an X-ray detector that are disposed nearly opposite to each other. The support arm includes one or more pivot joints (such as horizontal, lateral, and/or orbital pivot joints) that allow the imaging assembly to move with respect to the main assembly. The pivot joints can each be connected to an automated braking system that is capable of selectively locking and unlocking a corresponding pivot joint, as indicated by a user-controlled switching mechanism. The braking systems containing multiple pivot joints can be individually controlled by separate switching mechanisms or simultaneously controlled by a single switching mechanism. Other embodiments are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Ellis Barker, John Matthew Simmons
  • Patent number: 8899834
    Abstract: Systems and methods for braking and releasing one or more pivot joints used in an X-ray positioning device are described. The systems and methods use a support arm that extends between a main assembly of the x-ray positioning device and an X-ray imaging assembly with an X-ray source and an X-ray detector that are disposed nearly opposite to each other. The support arm includes one or more pivot joints (such as horizontal, lateral, and/or orbital pivot joints) that allow the imaging assembly to move with respect to the main assembly. The pivot joints can each be connected to an automated braking system that is capable of selectively locking and unlocking a corresponding pivot joint, as indicated by a user-controlled switching mechanism. The braking systems containing multiple pivot joints can be individually controlled by separate switching mechanisms or simultaneously controlled by a single switching mechanism. Other embodiments are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Ellis Barker, John Matthew Simmons
  • Patent number: 8901505
    Abstract: A cassette for radiographic imaging includes a radiological image recording medium that detects radiation, a base portion that supports the radiological image recording medium, and a case that accommodates the radiological image recording medium and the base portion. The case includes a front member and a back member. The front member includes a top plate part to which radiation is incident and a side wall part which is vertically formed around an entire circumference of the edges of the top plate part, where the top plate part and the side wall part are integrally formed by the same material. The back member is configured to close a bottom part opening of the front member. The base portion is fixed to the front member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Takeyasu Kobayashi, Akihito Bettouyashiki
  • Patent number: 8771978
    Abstract: In accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, a method for imaging tissue, for example, includes the steps of mounting the tissue on a computer controlled stage of a microscope, determining volumetric imaging parameters, directing at least two photons into a region of interest, scanning the region of interest across a portion of the tissue, imaging layers of the tissue, sectioning a portion of the tissue, capturing the sectioned tissue, and imaging additional layers of the tissue in a second volume of the tissue, and capturing each portion of sectioned tissue, and processing three-dimensional data that is collected to create a three-dimensional image of the region of interest. Further, captured tissue sections can be processed, re-imaged, and indexed to their original location in the three dimensional image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: TissueVision, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Ragan
  • Patent number: 8581221
    Abstract: An image information detecting apparatus with an image information detecting unit that receives recording light representing image information, and records the image information by storing electric charges generated in the unit by the recording light. The apparatus further includes a wireless communication means operable for transmission to an external device; a wire communication means operable for transmission to the external device through a detachable communication cable; a wire transmission setting means for setting the wire communication means operable for transmission; and a wireless transmission prohibiting means. The wireless transmission prohibiting means prohibits wireless transmission from the wireless communication means when the wire communication means is set operable for transmission by the wire transmission setting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Naoto Iwakiri
  • Publication number: 20130221249
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a photoexcitable storage phosphor which comprises at least one rare earth element in the trivalent +3 oxidation state and wherein upon irradiation by X- ray, ?-ray or UV radiation the trivalent +3 oxidation state is reduced to divalent +2 oxidation state. The present invention also relates to a dosimeter, radiation image storage panel comprising the phosphor of the present invention and in dosimetry applications for applications including scientific, medical and other imaging applications. The present invention also relates to a process for making a photoexcitable storage phosphor and a process for recording and reproducing an image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: DOSIMETRY & IMAGING PTY LIMITED
    Inventor: Dosimetry & Imaging Pty Limited
  • Patent number: 8431911
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing magnetic storage media is provided. A structural substrate is coated with a magnetically active material, and a magnetic pattern is formed in the magnetically active material by treating portions of the material with energy from a laser, e-beam, or focused ion beam. The beam may be divided into a packet of beamlets by passing the beam through a divider, which may be a diffraction grating for laser energy, a thin film single crystal for electrons, or a perforated plate for ions, or the beam may be generated by an array of emitters. The beamlets are then focused to a desired dimension and distribution by optics or electric fields. The resulting beam packet may be shaped further by passing through an aperture of any desired shape. The resulting beam may be applied sequentially to exposure zones to treat an entire substrate or plurality of substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Majeed A. Foad, Stephen Moffatt
  • Patent number: 8368025
    Abstract: Disclosed are a radiation image conversion panel which has achieved a radiation image with enhanced sharpness and improved moisture resistance and shock resistance, and a production method thereof. The radiation image conversion panel comprises, on a support, a phosphor layer comprising phosphor columnar crystals, each composed mainly of cesium iodide (CsI) and formed by a process of gas phase deposition, wherein a coefficient of variation of crystal diameter of the phosphor columnar crystals is not more than 50% and a coefficient of variation of phosphor filling factor of the phosphor layer is not more than 20%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic, Inc.
    Inventors: Shigetami Kasai, Hiroshi Isa, Makoto Iijima, Yasushi Nagata
  • Patent number: 8272731
    Abstract: An image-forming apparatus includes a recording head configured to eject ink droplets, a transport belt disposed facing the recording head and configured to transport a sheet, a suction mechanism to suctionally attract the sheet to the transport belt, a release mechanism configured to change a position of the transport belt between a home position close to the recording head and a release position away from the recording head, and a control mechanism configured to control transport and discharge of the sheet. The control mechanism, is configured to move the transport belt from the home position to the release position with the sheet being attracted to the transport belt when the control mechanism detects a sheet jam, rotate the transport belt in a direction in which the sheet is transported at the release position, and then discharge the sheet from the transport belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tatsuro Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8263957
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for acquiring a digital X-ray image that radiates X-ray on a patient's part by using a high sensitivity imaging plate (IP), reads the radiated patient's part, acquires a signal including patient information and image information regarding a patient, converts the signal into a digital signal, and links the digital signal to external equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: 3D Imaging & Simulations Corp.
    Inventors: Asbjorn Smitt, Sung-Woon Lee, Jin-Yong Kim, Ji-Hyun Yi
  • Patent number: 8247787
    Abstract: When a first image capturing apparatus installed in an image capturing room is selected and a power supply switch of a radiation converter used in the first image capturing apparatus is turned on, a controller generates an image capturing apparatus identification signal for specifying the image capturing apparatus, and sends the identification signal together with ID information of the selected image capturing apparatus stored in an ID memory to a console in the image capturing room via a transceiver by wireless communications. The console reads image capturing conditions for the selected image capturing apparatus from an image capturing condition storage unit, and supplies the conditions to a radiation generator for recording a radiographic image in the radiation converter. The radiation generator controls a radiation source according to the supplied conditions to emit radiation for recording a desired radiographic image on a radiation conversion panel of the radiation converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Naoyuki Nishino, Keiji Tsubota, Yasunori Ohta, Yutaka Yoshida, Masato Hattori
  • Patent number: 8220939
    Abstract: A screen device of the present invention has a light collecting element array including a plurality of light collecting elements that collect incident light from a projector and a back surface sheet. The back surface sheet includes a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, a photoconductive layer disposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate, and an image recording layer disposed between the first electrode plate and the photoconductive layer. At the back surface sheet, a light reflecting portion is formed at a light collecting region to which the light collected by the light collecting elements is irradiated, and a light absorbing portion is formed at a non-light collecting region to which the light collected by the light collecting elements is not irradiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Hiji, Takeo Kakinuma, Chikara Manabe, Tadayoshi Ozaki
  • Patent number: 8149116
    Abstract: A determination unit of a portable radiographic image conversion device determines, when image information has been generated by an electronic circuit, whether or not a state of connection between a connection terminal and a communication cable is abnormal. Then, when it has been determined by the determination unit that the state of connection is not abnormal, a control unit causes the image information that has been generated to be transmitted by a communication unit, and, when it has been determined by the determination unit that the state of connection is abnormal, the control unit causes the image information that has been generated to be stored in a memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Naoyuki Nishino, Yasunori Ohta, Keiji Tsubota, Yutaka Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8106374
    Abstract: A radiation image capturing system includes a first image capturing apparatus incorporating a radiation detector for detecting a radiation which has passed through a subject and converting the radiation into radiation image information, a second image capturing apparatus incorporating a stimulable phosphor panel for detecting a radiation which has passed through a subject, converting the radiation into radiation image information, and holding the radiation image information, and a processor for controlling the first image capturing apparatus and the second image capturing apparatus according to image capturing instruction information. The processor includes a priority activator for activating the second image capturing apparatus in preference to the first image capturing apparatus when the processor is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Yasunori Ohta, Naoki Mochizuki, Daiki Harada, Hiroshi Fukuda, Eiichi Kito, Naoyuki Nishino
  • Patent number: 8050489
    Abstract: Methods and systems for the differential wear mapping of the surface of an object are described. The process involves establishing a radioactive wearing surface on the object through surface layer activation (SLA) and/or radioactive ion implantation (RII) and imaging the wearing surface with conformal photographic or x-ray film to produce a first autoradiograph providing a baseline profile of the wearing surface. After subjecting the object to wear during testing the wearing surface is again imaged with conformal photographic or x-ray film to produce a second autoradiograph providing a worn profile. The first and second autoradiographs of the wearing surface are digitized and compared to produce a differential wear map of the surface of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Douglas C. Eberle, Craig M. Wall, Martin B. Treuhaft
  • Patent number: 7939814
    Abstract: A radiographic image detector includes: a bias electrode transmitting a recording electromagnetic wave carrying image information; a recording photoconductive layer consisting primarily of a-Se, the recording photoconductive layer generating electric charges when exposed to the recording electromagnetic wave transmitted through the bias electrode; and a number of charge detecting elements two-dimensionally arrayed in directions perpendicular to each other, each charge detecting element comprising a charge storage section for storing the electric charge generated at the recording photoconductive layer and a switching element for reading out an electric charge signal of the electric charge stored in the charge storage section. The radiographic image detector further includes a thin fluoride layer provided between the bias electrode and the recording photoconductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: FUJIFLIM Corporation
    Inventor: Shinji Imai
  • Patent number: 7868309
    Abstract: In a radiation detecting system including a first electrode which is imparted with a positive bias and permeable to a recording electromagnetic wave carrying thereon image information, a recording photoconductive layer which generates electric charges in response to receipt of projection of the recording electromagnetic wave, an organic polymer layer provided between the first electrode and the recording photoconductive layer, and a second electrode which is provided on the side of the recording photoconductive layer opposite to a side where the first electrode is provided and being for recording the image information by storing electric charges generated in the recording photoconductive layer upon projection of the recording electromagnetic wave, the organic polymer layer includes a hole blocking material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Fumito Nariyuki
  • Patent number: 7825393
    Abstract: A computed radiography system is provided. The computed radiography system includes an imaging plate configured to store a radiation energy pattern of an object or emit multiple prompt emission photons of the radiation energy pattern upon irradiation or a combination thereof. The computed radiography system also includes at least one light source configured to illuminate at least a sub-area of the imaging plate for a time period of less than about a second. The at least one light source is configured to stimulate at least one of an emission of multiple photons of the radiation energy pattern stored in the imaging plate. The computed radiography system further includes a two dimensional imager configured to capture at least one two dimensional image from the at least a sub-area of the imaging plate using one of an image emitted from the radiation energy pattern stored or an image emitted from prompt emission or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nelson Raymond Corby, Jr., Clifford Bueno
  • Patent number: 7728299
    Abstract: Edge portions of detection electrodes, such as a first linear electrode and a second linear electrode, that include the side surfaces of the detection electrodes and parts of surfaces of the detection electrodes, the surfaces continuing from the side surfaces and facing a photoconductive layer for recording, are covered with dielectrics. Further, surfaces of the detection electrodes and the dielectrics are coated with an anti-crystallization layer to prevent crystallization of a photoconductive layer for readout. At this time, the surfaces of the electrodes are smoothly covered with the dielectrics at angles ? of contact of 5 to 60 degrees so that no bump is present, thereby preventing generation of a crack in the anti-crystallization layer on the dielectrics and the electrodes. Accordingly, crystallization of the photoconductive layer for readout, which is induced by injection of charges from the edge portions of the detection electrodes or the like, is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Kaku Irisawa, Yasuhisa Kaneko, Masaharu Ogawa
  • Patent number: 7675039
    Abstract: A phosphor sheet 8 for a radiation detector used by being attached to a photoelectric conversion film 20 of a radiation detector 4 includes a sheet-shaped support 11, and a phosphor layer 12 provided thereon. The phosphor layer 12 contains a europium-activated rare earth oxysulfide phosphor having a europium concentration in a range of 0.01 to 3.5 mol %. The radiation detector 4 includes the phosphor sheet 8 being irradiated with radiation rays transmitted through a specimen and converting the radiation rays into light, a photoelectric conversion film 20 for converting the light from the phosphor sheet 8 into electric charges, and a charge information reading section 30 for reading out the charges generated on the photoelectric conversion film 20 for each of a plurality of pixels 31.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Eiji Oyaizu, Masami Okamura
  • Publication number: 20090218529
    Abstract: A radiation image capturing system includes a first image capturing apparatus incorporating a radiation detector for detecting a radiation which has passed through a subject and converting the radiation into radiation image information, a second image capturing apparatus incorporating a stimulable phosphor panel for detecting a radiation which has passed through a subject, converting the radiation into radiation image information, and holding the radiation image information, and a processor for controlling the first image capturing apparatus and the second image capturing apparatus according to image capturing instruction information. The processor includes a priority activator for activating the second image capturing apparatus in preference to the first image capturing apparatus when the processor is activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: FUJIFLM Corporation
    Inventors: Yasunori Ohta, Naoki Mochizuki, Daiki Harada, Hiroshi Fukuda, Eiichi Kito, Naoyuki Nishino
  • Publication number: 20090206287
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods and systems for identifying or determining spatially resolved properties in indirect bandgap semiconductor devices such as solar cells are described. In one embodiment, spatially resolved properties of an indirect bandgap semiconductor device are determined by externally exciting the indirect bandgap semiconductor device to cause the indirect bandgap semiconductor device to emit luminescence (110), capturing images of luminescence emitted from the indirect bandgap semiconductor device in response to the external excitation (120), and determining spatially resolved properties of the indirect bandgap semiconductor device based on a comparison of relative intensities of regions in one or more of the luminescence images (130).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: BT IMAGING PTY LTD
    Inventors: Thorsten Trupke, Robert Andrew Bardos
  • Publication number: 20090166570
    Abstract: The distribution of a fluorescent material in a specimen can be observed and the fluorescent material can be obtained as clear, highly quantitative image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Susumu HONDA, Chika NAKAJIMA
  • Patent number: 7531822
    Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining a radiographic image has a cassette with an erasable photostimulable storage medium, housed in the cassette, that can store a radiographic image when irradiated with electromagnetic radiation at an exposure wavelength and that can be erased for subsequent use when irradiated with electromagnetic radiation at an erasure wavelength. A memory that is associated with the cassette stores a signal that is indicative of elapsed time since the most recent erasure of the photostimulable medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd R. Minnigh, Xiaohui Wang
  • Publication number: 20090078892
    Abstract: A computed radiography system is provided. The computed radiography system includes an imaging plate configured to store a radiation energy pattern of an object or emit multiple prompt emission photons of the radiation energy pattern upon irradiation or a combination thereof. The computed radiography system also includes at least one light source configured to illuminate at least a sub-area of the imaging plate for a time period of less than about a second. The at least one light source is configured to stimulate at least one of an emission of multiple photons of the radiation energy pattern stored in the imaging plate. The computed radiography system further includes a two dimensional imager configured to capture at least one two dimensional image from the at least a sub-area of the imaging plate using one of an image emitted from the radiation energy pattern stored or an image emitted from prompt emission or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Nelson Raymond Corby, JR., Clifford Bueno
  • Patent number: 7504649
    Abstract: The radiographic image conversion panel includes a recording layer formed of a first accumulative phosphor that is irradiated with a radiation as a first primarily exciting light beam to excite primarily and accumulate energy, and is irradiated with a first secondarily exciting light beam to excite secondarily and generate a stimulating light beam and a correction marker for detecting a position formed of a second accumulative phosphor that is irradiated with a second primarily exciting light beam to excite primarily and accumulate the energy, and is irradiated with a second secondarily exciting light beam to excite secondarily and generate light with a wavelength shorter than a wavelength of the first secondarily exciting light beam. The radiographic image acquisition system uses the radiographic image conversion panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Ken Hasegawa, Seiji Tazaki, Takao Kuwabara, Tatsuya Taneichi
  • Patent number: 7498598
    Abstract: A system for reading out X-ray information stored in a phosphor layer, includes: a read-out unit having components for irradiating the phosphor layer with stimulation radiation which can stimulate the phosphor layer to emit emission radiation dependent upon the X-ray information contained in the phosphor layer, and for collecting the emission radiation stimulated in the phosphor layer; and a carrier onto which the read-out unit is mounted. At least one of the components of the read-out unit is mounted onto the carrier over at least one first bearing which has a translatory degree of freedom in a first direction. The first bearing enables movement of the at least one component in relation to the carrier in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert HealthCare GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Melzer, Christian Bommer, Johannes Hoelzl, Armando De Felice, Sibylle von Ruecker
  • Publication number: 20090039297
    Abstract: The power consumption of a battery for supplying electric power to a cassette having a radiation detector for detecting radiation image information is greatly reduced. When a cassette transceiver of the cassette starts transmitting the radiation image information to a console transceiver of a console, the cassette transceiver changes the gain of a variable-gain amplifier to change a transmission radio-wave intensity, and transmits a test signal at the changed transmission radio-wave intensity. When the console transceiver receives the test signal, the console transceiver transmits a reception acknowledgement signal generated by a reception acknowledgement signal generator. In response to the reception acknowledgement signal, the cassette transceiver sets its own transmission radio-wave intensity to a value at the time the cassette transceiver received the reception acknowledgement signal, and transmits the radiation image information at the set transmission radio-wave intensity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Yasunori Ohta, Eiichi Kito, Tsuyoshi Tanabe, Takuya Yoshimi
  • Publication number: 20090032745
    Abstract: A transceiver of a radiation detecting cassette sends cassette ID information stored in a cassette ID memory to a transceiver of a console via a transceiver of an image capturing apparatus by way of wireless communications. An ID determining unit determines whether cassette ID information which matches the cassette ID information received by the transceiver is stored in a cassette ID memory or not. If the ID determining unit judges that both cassette ID information match each other, the transceiver sends the cassette ID information and an activation instruction signal to the transceiver by way of wireless communications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Eiichi Kito, Tsuyoshi Tanabe, Takuya Yoshimi, Takeshi Kuwabara, Kazuharu Ueta, Makoto Iriuchijima, Yasunori Ohta
  • Publication number: 20090026392
    Abstract: A transceiver of a radiation detecting cassette receives subject ID information from an RFID tag by way of wireless communications. An ID checker checks the subject ID information received by the transceiver against a plurality of subject ID information stored in an RFID memory. If the subject ID information received by the transceiver matches one of the subject ID information stored in the RFID memory, then the ID checker associates the matching subject ID information with a radiation dose that is stored in a dose storage unit and corresponds to the matching subject ID information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Takuya Yoshimi, Eiichi Kito, Tsuyoshi Tanabe, Takeshi Kuwabara, Kazuharu Ueta, Makoto Iriuchijima, Yasunori Ohta
  • Publication number: 20080315137
    Abstract: An exemplary X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray source, a phosphor layer, an optical leveling element, an image sensor, an image processor, and a display. The optical leveling element includes a plurality of lenses formed thereon. A refractive index of the plurality of the lenses progressively increases from a center of the optical leveling element to a periphery of the optical leveling element. The X-ray source is configured for emitting X-rays towards an object. The phosphor layer is configured for converting the X-rays to visible light. The phosphor layer is disposed between the X-ray source and the optical leveling element. The image sensor is configured for sensing the visible light passing through the optical leveling element, and thus capturing an image of the object. The display is electrically connected with the image processor and configured for displaying the image of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: GA-LANE CHEN
  • Patent number: 7459714
    Abstract: An image recording carrier includes: an image recording plate including a plate-shaped supporter, and a recording layer which is superposed on the top of the supporter, and which accumulates and recodes a radiograph when irradiated with radioactive rays carrying an image; and a cassette in which the image recording plate is housed. Multiple steps are formed in the direction along the thickness of the image recording plate on at least one side surface of the image recording plate, and a front portion which is one of the multiple steps including the recording layer, protrudes from the rest of the multiple steps. A facing surface of the cassette facing the side surface of the image recording plate while the image recording plate is housed in the cassette has an opposed portion which is opposed to the front portion, and which dents from the rest of the multiple steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Shinichiro Fukui
  • Patent number: 7432512
    Abstract: A cassette (1) for a storage phosphor plate (2) comprises a cassette housing (4) with an opening (7) and a support (3) disposed movably within the cassette housing (4), wherein the storage phosphor plate (2) lies on the support (3). In order to simplify the structure of the cassette (1) and of the corresponding removal mechanism, provision is made such that the support (3) can be moved, together with the storage phosphor plate (2) lying on top of it, through the opening (7) of the cassette housing (4), at least partially from the inside of the cassette housing (4), and the storage phosphor plate (2) lying on the support (3) can be taken from the support (3) when the support (3) is located, with the storage phosphor plate (2) lying on top of it, at least partially outside of the cassette housing (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert HealthCare GmbH
    Inventors: Anton Pirmann, Rudolf Loistl, Jürgen Heinz, Thomas Hartmann, Alfons Kastl, Günther Schindlbeck, Hans Ketterer, Otto Butz
  • Publication number: 20080237507
    Abstract: The radiation image recording system includes a radiation source irradiating a subject with radiation to record a subject's radiation image; a solid-state radiation detector detecting the radiation from the radiation source; a memory storing calibration information of the radiation image detected by the solid-state radiation detector; an image processor subjecting recorded data of the radiation image to image corrections based on the calibration information; stabilizing time monitor checking time elapsed since start of power application to the radiation detector; and a controller setting a recording mode of the radiation image based on information on the elapsed time. When the information on the elapsed time indicates that a specified stabilizing time has elapsed, the controller causes the radiation detector to undergo a calibration to acquire new calibration information and causes the memory to store the acquired new calibration information to which the stored calibration information is updated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Jun ENOMOTO
  • Patent number: 7429296
    Abstract: A photoconductive layer formed of a Bi12MO20 sintered body is manufactured without being fused with a setter. An oxide material in which a content of silicon oxide is 1 wt %, and more preferably, 0.3 wt % or less, is used as a setter which mounts a Bi12MO20 molded body (where M is at least one of Ge, Si and Ti) thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Motoyuki Tanaka, Kiyoteru Miyake
  • Patent number: 7397037
    Abstract: A radiation image photographing apparatus configured to detect radiation includes a radiation detecting panel configured to convert received radiation into an electrical signal, and a support substrate configured to support the radiation detecting panel. In addition, a housing is configured to contain the radiation detecting panel and the support substrate. A plurality of openings are formed on a side of a surface of the support substrate, with the surface being opposite to a surface of the support substrate configured to support the radiation detecting panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tetsuo Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20080154744
    Abstract: The console selects one radiographing order information item from the radiographing order information list stored in the storing section. A step is taken to determine whether or not the one selected radiographing order information item has a predetermined relationship with the other radiographing order information, and the permission of additional selection is granted only to the radiographing order information having a predetermined relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Kouji Amitani, Mamoru Umeki
  • Publication number: 20080149867
    Abstract: An immersion type microscope objective is configured by, in order from the object side to an image side, a positive lens group Ga including a cemented lens obtained by cementing a plano-convex lens whose plane surface faces the object side to a meniscus lens whose concave surface faces the object side, and a positive single lens, a positive lens group Gb including a cemented lens, a lens group Gc including at least one cemented lens, a lens group Gd having a meniscus lens having a strongly concave surface that faces the image side, and a lens group Ge having a negative lens having a strongly concave surface that faces the object side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Hirokazu Konishi, Yasushi Fujimoto, Kenichi Kusaka, Takashi Kasahara
  • Patent number: RE44367
    Abstract: The image and information processor includes an image information processing unit having a function for inputting patient information and radiation image capture information related to the patient information, a function for receiving a first radiation image having been read by a radiation image reading device and a function for performing image processing on the first radiation image, an image display device for the displaying at least one of the first radiation image and second radiation image having been subjected to the image processing and an external storage device for temporarily storing at least one of the first radiation image and the second radiation image in relation to the patient information; wherein the image information processing unit is constructed such that a serial radiography based on a plurality of radiographic conditions of the image capture information relating to one patient inputted by the input function can be reserved as a single inspection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Masashi Aonuma