For Specialized Application Patents (Class 250/583)
  • Patent number: 11895428
    Abstract: A control apparatus connected to a plurality of radiographic imaging apparatuses, includes a receiver that receives state information indicating whether a state is a first state in which the radiographic imaging apparatus is not connected to or synchronized with a specific synchronization source or a second state in which the radiographic imaging apparatus is connected to and synchronized with the specific synchronization source, from each of the plurality of radiographic imaging apparatuses, a hardware processor that makes a first determination that at least one of the plurality of radiographic imaging apparatuses is in the first state or a second determination that all of the plurality of radiographic imaging apparatuses are in the second state, based on the state information received from each of the plurality of radiographic imaging apparatuses, and an outputter that outputs whether a determination result by the hardware processor is the first determination or the second determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventor: Masahiro Kuwata
  • Patent number: 11676271
    Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores a program that causes a computer to perform an obtaining process, an analyzing process, and an extracting process. In the obtaining process, the computer obtains a radiographic moving image showing a motion of a specific part of an examinee. In the analyzing process, the computer analyzes the radiographic moving image obtained in the obtaining process. In the extracting process, the computer extracts, among frames constituting the radiographic moving image, a specific frame that visibly shows a detection target in the specific part, based on a result of analyzing a dynamic state of the specific part in the analyzing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Noritsugu Matsutani, Sumiya Nagatsuka, Yuki Kawana
  • Patent number: 11564652
    Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program causes a computer to perform an analysis process based on a radiation moving image in which a dynamic state of a specific site of a subject is captured. The program includes the analysis process in which, an analysis is performed based on the radiation moving image wherein when a plane in which the specific site is movable is to be a movable plane, the radiation moving image is obtained by irradiating radiation on the specific site in a state in which the radiation is orthogonal to the movable plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Shikou Kaneko, Sumiya Nagatsuka
  • Patent number: 11201978
    Abstract: A device for digitizing papers, including a controller having a processor and memory, a digitizing scanner configured to accept a paper, digitize content of the paper and transfer the digitized content to the controller, a program executed by the controller that is configured to identify calibration markings or unique fingerprints from specific locations of the paper, embedded in the digitized content, wherein the program provides a determination that the digitizing scanner is functioning correctly if the calibration markings or unique fingerprint are identified as being correct or by identifying a type of paper digitized from characteristics of the unique fingerprint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: VALIDOO LTD.
    Inventors: Barak Yekutiely, Margalit Yekutiely
  • Patent number: 11133087
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically identifying and characterizing one or more lanes in image data for one or more electrophoresed samples. The method includes receiving data representing an image of one or more electrophoresed samples, segmenting the data into one or multiple data segments or portions within a region of interest (ROI), wherein the one or multiple data segments represent (e.g., when visually displayed) one or multiple lane segments along a first axis in the ROI, each of the one or multiple lane segments traversing one or multiple lanes in the image data, generating an intensity profile for at least a first data segment of the one or multiple data segments along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis, and processing the intensity profile to determine a location and parameters for each of one or multiple lanes in the first data segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: LI-COR, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick G. Humphrey
  • Patent number: 8450697
    Abstract: A discrimination parameter calculation method for photon detectors in this invention, applies two types of fitting functions which approximate waveforms of count numbers relative to energy ratios to the data having accumulated output waveform signals, and calculates fitting parameters of both the fitting functions. Based on both the fitting parameters, count numbers which are 1/n of peaks of both the fitting functions, and a value of the energy ratio of both the fitting functions corresponding to the count numbers is calculated as discrimination parameter k. Thus, whatever kind first photon detecting elements 35 and second photon detecting elements 37 may be, since discrimination parameter k is automatically calculated based on the fitting parameters after carrying out a fitting with the fitting functions, the discrimination parameter can be calculated with high accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Atsushi Ohtani
  • 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: 8203132
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for capturing a radiographic or autoradiographic image of an object, in which a support member is provided to receive the object in an immobilized state; a phosphor screen is provided to transduce ionizing radiation from the source to visible light; film or a digital capture device is provided for capturing an image using the visible light; and the phosphor screen is moved incrementally to facilitate reduction of phosphor screen mottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilbert Feke, Douglas O. Wood, Douglas L. Vizard
  • 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: 7978885
    Abstract: A method of analysing a plurality of biological entities using an imaging apparatus. The method comprises: providing a marker for said plurality of biological entities, said marker being capable of identifying objects within said plurality of biological entities when detected using the imaging apparatus, the method of provision being arranged such that said marker is capable of identifying said objects during a first time period, and said marker is less capable of identifying said objects during a second time period; during the first time period, recording a marked-up image in which spatial definitions of said objects are identifiable from said marker; during the second time period, recording a first image of said plurality of biological entities; and generating a spatial definition for an object in said first image using data derived from said marked-up image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: GE Healthcare UK Limited
    Inventors: Nicholas S. Arini, Ian D. Goodyer, Dietrich O. Ruehlmann, Nicholas Thomas
  • Patent number: 7706501
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for measuring long bone density of small animals. A phosphor screen or plate is provided of a type that transduces incident ionizing radiation to emitted light. A small animal is positioned before the phosphor screen or plate and exposed to soft X-radiation having an energy level in the range of 11 to 16 Kev. Light emitted by the phosphor screen or plate is captured using a digital camera and a digital X-ray image is prepared of a long bone of the animal. The X-ray image is transformed into an X-ray density image and a region of interest is defined on the long bone in the X-ray density image. At least one row of pixels is scanned within the region of interest of the X-ray density image. A nonlinear least squares analysis of data obtained from the scanning step is conducted using a cylindrical model for the long bone within the region of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas L. Vizard, Douglas O. Wood, William E. McLaughlin, Gilbert Feke, Rao Papineni
  • Patent number: 7531810
    Abstract: A method for routine monitoring and quality assurance of field asymmetry of high energy circular radiation beam producing equipment. The quality assurance process of field symmetry for devices such as stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) systems is simplified by directly measuring the integration of the half-beam profile. The method of the invention provides that the field symmetry is obtained by positioning the tip of an ion chamber, with a collecting length approximately half the diameter of the beam, at the central axis of the beam, and rotating the ion chamber at varying angular positions, acquiring and comparing readings at desired angular positions. Each pair of readings from positions 180 degrees opposed from each other, are plugged into the equation, Asymmetry=2(R1?R2)/(R1+R2) to compute asymmetry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventor: Xiaodong Wu
  • Publication number: 20090114860
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for capturing a radiographic or autoradiographic image of an object, in which a support member is provided to receive the object in an immobilized state; a phosphor screen is provided to transduce ionizing radiation from the source to visible light; film or a digital capture device is provided for capturing an image using the visible light; and the phosphor screen is moved incrementally to facilitate reduction of phosphor screen mottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: Gilbert Feke, Douglas O. Wood, Douglas L. Vizard
  • 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
  • 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: 7402819
    Abstract: A respiration phantom that may be used to perform quality assurance on a radiation delivery system. The respiration phantom includes a human-like skeletal structure, at least one deformable component, and a respiration actuator. The deformable component is positionable at least partially internal to the human-like skeletal structure, has a shape resembling an organ of a human anatomy, and attenuates radiation substantially similarly to the organ of the human anatomy. The respiration actuator is positioned to deform the deformable component with a respiration-like motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Accuray Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael J. Saracen
  • Patent number: 7394085
    Abstract: An image formation apparatus comprising: an image exposure portion that forms a latent image by optically exposing a recording medium based on entered image data; a thermal development portion that visualizes the latent image by heating the recording medium exposed by the image exposure portion; a data identification portion that reads ID information about image data obtained by mammography; and a data-processing portion that: when the data identification portion has determined that a set of breast image data about the same patient have been entered successively, rotates through 180° (i) images represented by even-numbered input ones of the set of breast image data or (ii) images represented by odd-numbered input ones of the set of breast image data; and then outputs the image data to the image exposure portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichi Shikii, Yasunori Ohta
  • Patent number: 7378676
    Abstract: Stimulable phosphor screens, sheets or panels having alkali metal halide storage phosphors have been disclosed, said phosphors showing emission of red light, after stimulation with an ultraviolet radiation source having a radiation emission maximum of 365 nm, wherein an intensity of red light is not higher than 10% of the blue light emission intensity, and wherein both emission intensities having been measured after stimulation of the said storage phosphors in the phosphor layer of the panel, having stored energy from radiation in the wavelength range shorter than 350 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert
    Inventors: Luc Struye, Paul Leblans
  • Patent number: 7348587
    Abstract: A method for producing biochemical analysis data includes the steps of collecting light selectively released from a plurality of light releasable regions two-dimensionally formed to be spaced apart from each other in a sample placed on a sample stage by a plurality of light guide member each of which is disposed to face one of the plurality of light releasable regions, leading the thus collected light to a light detector and photoelectrically detecting the light by the light detector. According to this method, it is possible to produce biochemical analysis data having high quantitative characteristics by photoelectrically detecting light emitted from a plurality of light releasable regions even in the case where the plurality of light releasable regions labeled with a labeling substance are formed in a sample at a high density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Hitoshi Shimizu, Nobuhiko Ogura
  • Patent number: 7339183
    Abstract: Embodiments of an x-ray converter are disclosed in which a conventional PSP and computed digital radiology equipment may be used with the converter to convert an analog x-ray image into a digital image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph Hecker
  • Patent number: 7297973
    Abstract: A breast image obtaining apparatus using a solid-sate detector, or stimulable phosphor panel capable of correctly obtaining image information up to the area closer to the chest wall of a subject. when picking up the image, the solid-state detector is moved to a place close to the side wall of the housing on the chest wall side by the moving means to pick up the image up to the area close to the chest wall, and when reading the image, it is moved to the opposite direction to secure the overrun zone between the side wall of the housing and end of the solid-state detector on the subject side. By completing acceleration or deceleration of the reading light exposure section within this zone, the scanning rate of the reading light exposure section is maintained constant across the entire region of the solid-state detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Shoji, Naoto Iwakiri
  • Patent number: 7247873
    Abstract: A quality control system for an irradiation apparatus includes a radiation image reading system. The radiation image reading system reads out a radiation image from a stimulable phosphor panel which is disposed in a predetermined position to receive irradiation of position check radiation from an irradiation system and irradiation of uniform radiation from the irradiation system to an area larger than the area exposed to the position check radiation and to receive irradiation of position check light in a visible region from a position check light irradiation system after receiving the irradiation of the uniform radiation and to form a radiation image. A relative position obtaining system obtains the relation between the irradiating position of the position check radiation and the irradiating position of the position check light on the basis of the radiation image read by the radiation image reading system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Satoshi Arakawa
  • Patent number: 7230262
    Abstract: Reference image signals representing at least two reference images of different phases of an object, whose phase varies within a predetermined variation range, are stored. Successive image recording operations are performed on the object, whose phase is varying within the predetermined variation range, with a low radiation dose and at predetermined time intervals, and successive recorded images are acquired. The phase of the object is detected for each of the successive recorded images and in accordance with the reference images of the different phases of the object. When the detected phase of the object coincides with a desired phase, an ordinary image recording operation with an ordinary radiation dose is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Tomonari Sendai
  • Patent number: 7208750
    Abstract: A radiation image reading apparatus includes an image reading section for reading a radiation image on a stimulable phosphor sheet by scanning the stimulable phosphor sheet with exciting light in a main scanning direction, and a conveying section having a windable member to hold the stimulable phosphor sheet, a supporting member to support the windable member, and a driving section to move the windable member so as to convey the stimulable phosphor sheet to the image reading section in a sub scanning direction. The apparatus further includes a vibration damping mechanism being in contact with the windable member to damp vibration of the windable member, and a vibration refraining mechanism being in contact with the vibration damping mechanism to refrain vibration of the vibration damping mechanism itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic, Inc.
    Inventor: Masahiro Umemura
  • Patent number: 7187754
    Abstract: In an operating method for a medical installation, in particular an x-ray installation. In activation state of the medical installation, a control and evaluation device determines, upon input of a control command, a useful image of a subject. For this purpose, the control and evaluation device receives raw image of the subject acquired by a detector in a first detector mode, and determines the useful image therefrom on the basis of correction data. In a waiting state of the medical installation, the control and evaluation device updates the correction data for the first detector mode repeatedly after the expiration of a basic time interval since the last driving of the detector. For this purpose, the control and evaluation device receives raw data acquired by the detector and uses it to update the correction data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gerhard Hahm, Martin Spahn
  • Patent number: 7170078
    Abstract: A biochemical analysis data producing method includes the steps of selectively storing one of radiation energy and light energy in a plurality of stimulable phosphor layer regions two-dimensionally formed in a support of a stimulable phosphor sheet and spaced apart from each other, moving the stimulable phosphor sheet and a stimulating ray relative to each other in a main scanning direction and a sub-scanning direction, sequentially irradiating the plurality of stimulable phosphor layer regions so that energy of the stimulating ray projected onto the plurality of stimulable phosphor layer regions per unit area is higher than that projected on regions other than the plurality of stimulable phosphor layer regions, thereby exciting stimulable phosphor contained in the plurality of stimulable phosphor layer regions, and photoelectrically detecting stimulated emission released from the stimulable phosphor layer to produce biochemical analysis data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Shimizu, Keiko Neriishi, Nobuhiko Ogura
  • Patent number: 7170081
    Abstract: A breast image obtaining apparatus using a solid-sate detector, or stimulable phosphor panel capable of correctly obtaining image information up to the area closer to the chest wall of a subject. when picking up the image, the solid-state detector is moved to a place close to the side wall of the housing on the chest wall side by the moving means to pick up the image up to the area close to the chest wall, and when reading the image, it is moved to the opposite direction to secure the overrun zone between the side wall of the housing and end of the solid-state detector on the subject side. By completing acceleration or deceleration of the reading light exposure section within this zone, the scanning rate of the reading light exposure section is maintained constant across the entire region of the solid-state detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Shoji, Naoto Iwakiri
  • Patent number: 7026638
    Abstract: A scanning apparatus (10) for scanning radiographic media (22) comprises a housing (11) with a scanning stage (12) mounted within the housing. A scanning head is mounted on the scanning stage and the scanning stage is adapted for translational movement along an axis (16). An opening (18) in the housing receives a cassette (20) and radiographic media has a latent image (24) disposed in the cassette. The radiographic media has a ferromagnetic end (26) and the cassette consists of a closed box shape having an upper door (28) and a lower door (30). A first magnet (32) is secured to the upper door and a second magnet (34) is secured to the lower door. The polarity of the first magnet is in the same orientation as the polarity of the second magnet. A magnetic latch (36) is mounted within the scanning apparatus to hold the radiographic media at the ferromagnetic end, and the magnetic latch is mounted so that the polarity of the magnetic latch repels the polarity of the first and second magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Roger S. Kerr, Seung-Ho Baek
  • Patent number: 6972425
    Abstract: The invention concerns a network system for radiographing radiation images. The network system includes a plurality of radiation-image reading apparatus to read the radiation images stored in radiation-image storing sheets, so as to generate image data sets each of which corresponds to each of the radiation images, and a plurality of controllers to register discrimination information sets each of which corresponds to each of the radiation-image storing sheets. Each of the controllers can display a radiation image for confirmation, when it receives an image data set corresponding to the radiation image. A radiation-image reading apparatus reads a discrimination information set recorded on a radiation-image storing sheet loaded into the radiation-image reading apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuaki Tamakoshi, Masayuki Nakagawa, Hisashi Yonekawa, Yuhei Okamoto
  • Patent number: 6911647
    Abstract: An optical imaging system comprising: an optical assembly for producing a laser beam scanline at an imaging region; first and second photodetectors located at the imaging region at the first and second ends of a produced laser beam scanline; and a visual indicator system coupled to the first and second photodetectors to visually indicate detection of the first and second ends of the laser beam scanline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Michael P. Urbon, John L. Bair
  • Patent number: 6852987
    Abstract: A storage phosphor cassette for use in recording radiographic images of elongated objects. The cassette includes: first and second storage phosphor plates having first and second length dimensions, a shell having first and second opposite open ends; a first assembly for detachably mounting said first storage phosphor plate in said shell from said first open end; and a second assembly for detachably mounting said second storage phosphor plate in said shell from said second open end, wherein said first and second storage phosphor plates are mounted in said shell such that they form a substantially continuous storage phosphor composite for recording an elongated radiographic image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: David J. Steklenski, David H. Foos
  • Patent number: 6851609
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a line sensor for reading an image of an original, a scanning optical system that has a light source and scans the original, a reference reflection member provided in such a position as to reflect a light emitted from the light source, a buffer memory for storing data of the image, an intermittent reading part interrupting and restarting scanning performed by the scanning optical system based on a residual storage capacity of the buffer memory, and a light amount variation correction part correcting a variation in an amount of light of the light source during an interruption of the scanning based on an amount of reflected light from the reference reflection member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Ando, Yukio Noguchi, Koichi Ichihara, Youji Mouri, Fumihiro Kitahara, Kazuhiko Nakaya, Shigefumi Soga, Hisatsugu Niki
  • Patent number: 6806487
    Abstract: The invention concerns a network system for radiographing radiation images. The network system includes a plurality of radiation-image reading apparatus to read the radiation images stored in radiation-image storing sheets, so as to generate image data sets each of which corresponds to each of the radiation images, and a plurality of controllers to register discrimination information sets each of which corresponds to each of the radiation-image storing sheets. Each of the controllers can display a radiation image for confirmation, when it receives an image data set corresponding to the radiation image. A radiation-image reading apparatus reads a discrimination information set recorded on a radiation-image storing sheet loaded into the radiation-image reading apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuaki Tamakoshi, Masayuki Nakagawa, Hisashi Yonekawa, Yuhei Okamoto
  • Publication number: 20040188645
    Abstract: A quality control system for an irradiation apparatus includes a radiation image reading system. The radiation image reading system reads out a radiation image from a stimulable phosphor panel which is disposed in a predetermined position to receive irradiation of position check radiation from an irradiation system and irradiation of uniform radiation from the irradiation system to an area larger than the area exposed to the position check radiation and to receive irradiation of position check light in a visible region from a position check light irradiation system after receiving the irradiation of the uniform radiation and to form a radiation image. A relative position obtaining system obtains the relation between the irradiating position of the position check radiation and the irradiating position of the position check light on the basis of the radiation image read by the radiation image reading system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Satoshi Arakawa
  • Patent number: 6781143
    Abstract: A biochemical analysis data producing method includes the steps of exposing stimulable phosphor layer regions formed in a stimulable phosphor sheet and spaced from each other using standard light, irradiating the stimulable phosphor layer regions with a stimulating ray, detecting stimulated emission to produce correction data for the individual stimulable phosphor layer regions, superposing the stimulable phosphor sheet on a biochemical analysis unit including spot-like regions formed in the same pattern as that of the stimulable phosphor layer regions and selectively containing a radioactive labeling substance, exposing the stimulable phosphor layer regions to the radioactive labeling substance, scanning the stimulable phosphor layer regions with a stimulating ray, detecting stimulated emission to produce biochemical analysis data, and correcting the biochemical analysis data using the correction data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Shimizu, Nobuhiko Ogura
  • Patent number: 6770873
    Abstract: A method is provided for the quantitative analysis by ion mobility spectrometry of the concentration of carbon monoxide, methane and higher hydrocarbon species in an oxygen stream. The method includes converting these species present in the oxygen stream into carbon dioxide, measuring the concentration of the carbon dioxide, and deducing from this measurement the initial concentration of the oxidizable species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Saes Getters S.p.A.
    Inventors: Luca Pusterla, Marco Succi
  • Patent number: 6762429
    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: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masashi Aonuma
  • Patent number: 6756602
    Abstract: Stimulating light is projected onto a stimulable phosphor sheet while the image read-out mechanism is being moved in a sub-scanning direction relatively to the stimulable phosphor sheet and stimulated emission emitted from the stimulable phosphor sheet upon exposure to the stimulating light is detected by the photoelectric converter. The image read-out mechanism is moved back and forth in the sub-scanning direction. First and second image signals are obtained on the basis of the stimulated emission detected during the forward and backward movements of the image read-out mechanism, and an image signal representing the radiation image on the stimulable phosphor sheet is obtained on the basis of the first and second image signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinji Otokuni
  • Publication number: 20040056219
    Abstract: A breast image obtaining apparatus using a solid-sate detector, or stimulable phosphor panel capable of correctly obtaining image information up to the area closer to the chest wall of a subject. when picking up the image, the solid-state detector is moved to a place close to the side wall of the housing on the chest wall side by the moving means to pick up the image up to the area close to the chest wall, and when reading the image, it is moved to the opposite direction to secure the overrun zone between the side wall of the housing and end of the solid-state detector on the subject side. By completing acceleration or deceleration of the reading light exposure section within this zone, the scanning rate of the reading light exposure section is maintained constant across the entire region of the solid-state detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Shoji, Naoto Iwakiri
  • Publication number: 20040046133
    Abstract: A phosphor plate positioning device includes a rigid magazine having a back plate and a door hingedly attached to the back plate. The back plate forms a cavity that is sized and shaped to receive a phosphor plate and a support arm can be engaged with the magazine in order to properly position the magazine and phosphor plate within a patient's mouth relative to a dental x-ray cone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: William P. Winters
  • Patent number: 6583434
    Abstract: A radiography system is disclosed of the type having means for irradiation of an object in order to form an image of the said object or in order to detect irradiation of said object, said radiography system comprising a sensor having an exposure response function, wherein the sensor is in form of a stimulable storage phosphor plate, comprising stimulable storage phosphors, preferably having a dark-decay of more than 24 hours, wherein energy of stimulation radiation is higher than energy of emission radiation upon stimulation of said storage phosphors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert
    Inventors: Luc Struye, Paul Leblans
  • Patent number: 6521908
    Abstract: Stimulating rays produced by a line light source are linearly irradiated onto an area of a stimulable phosphor sheet, on which a radiation image has been stored, the stimulating rays causing the sheet to emit light in proportion to an amount of energy stored thereon during its exposure to radiation. Light emitted from the exposed linear area of the sheet is received with a line sensor comprising photoelectric conversion devices arrayed along each of a length direction of the linear area of the stimulable phosphor sheet and a direction normal to the length direction. The sheet is moved with respect to the line light source and the line sensor and in a direction different from the length direction of the linear area of the sheet. Operation processing is performed on outputs of the photoelectric conversion devices, which outputs have been obtained at respective positions of movement and correspond to an identical site on the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Isoda, Sumihiro Nishihata, Satoshi Arakawa, Kenji Takahashi, Ichirou Miyagawa, Katsuhiro Kohda
  • Publication number: 20030001122
    Abstract: A method for producing biochemical analysis data includes the steps of collecting light selectively released from a plurality of light releasable regions two-dimensionally formed to be spaced apart from each other in a sample placed on a sample stage by a plurality of light guide member each of which is disposed to face one of the plurality of light releasable regions, leading the thus collected light to a light detector and photoelectrically detecting the light by the light detector. According to this method, it is possible to produce biochemical analysis data having high quantitative characteristics by photoelectrically detecting light emitted from a plurality of light releasable regions even in the case where the plurality of light releasable regions labeled with a labeling substance are formed in a sample at a high density.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Shimizu, Nobuhiko Ogura
  • Publication number: 20020186869
    Abstract: A composite material sheet which is composed of partitions two-dimensionally extending on a sheet plane to form on the sheet plane plural fine sections surrounded by the partitions and porous material portions each of which is placed in the fine section, or a simple porous sheet is employed for autoradiographic analysis of substances originating from living body or its analogues in combination with a stimulable phosphor sheet which is composed of a support and fine stimulable phosphor layers distributed on the support in such manner that each stimulable phosphor layer takes a position corresponding to each fine section of the composite material sheet or a position of the porous sheet in which probe molecules are spotted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Keiko Neriishi
  • Patent number: 6483122
    Abstract: A radiation image conversion panel superior in luminance and sharpness is disclosed, comprising a support having thereon a stimulable phosphor layer containing a stimulable phosphor and a protective layer, wherein the stimulable phosphor layer exhibits a density of not less than 3.00 g/cm3, the stimulable phosphor layer being provided between the support and the protective layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Maezawa, Yasushi Nakano
  • Publication number: 20020162980
    Abstract: A biochemical analysis data producing method includes the steps of irradiating a stimulable phosphor sheet including a support formed with a plurality of stimulable phosphor layer regions spaced apart from each other with light emitted from a standard light source or radiation emitted from a standard radiation source to expose the plurality of stimulable phosphor layer regions, irradiating the plurality of stimulable phosphor layer regions with a stimulating ray to excite stimulable phosphor contained in the plurality of stimulable phosphor layer regions, photoelectrically detecting stimulated emission released from the plurality of stimulable phosphor layer regions to produce correction data for the individual stimulable phosphor layer regions, superposing the stimulable phosphor sheet on a biochemical analysis unit including a plurality of spot-like regions formed in the same pattern as that of the plurality of stimulable phosphor layer regions of the stimulable phosphor sheet and selectively containing a r
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Shimizu, Nobuhiko Ogura
  • Patent number: 6476406
    Abstract: A device built-in in a housing and capable to determine a pressure force in a quantitative way has been provided, the device including a storage phosphor panel or plate having storage phosphors essentially having tribostimulable properties, thereby providing energy conversion of the phosphors by means of pressure force or pressure energy to be determined. The method of measuring the pressure energy has also been described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert
    Inventors: Luc Struye, Peter Willems, Paul Leblans, Jean-François Gervais
  • Patent number: 6428207
    Abstract: Image storage assemblies comprise thin metal screens adjacent phosphor storage screens. The thin metal screen is from about 0.01 to about 0.75 mm in thickness when composed of copper and from about 0.05 to about 0.4 mm when composed of lead. These image storage assemblies can be used in portal imaging whereby imaging radiation is directed through the thin metal screens before the phosphor storage screens. Stimulating radiation can then be directed to the phosphor storage screen before it reaches the thin metal screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: David J. Steklenski, William E. Moore, Jeffrey W. Byng
  • Publication number: 20020066866
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus is adapted for irradiating an image carrier including a labeling substance contained in two-dimensionally distributed spots with a stimulating ray and photoelectrically detecting light released from the labeling substance, thereby producing image data, and the image reading apparatus includes at least one stimulating ray source for emitting a stimulating ray, a lens for shaping the stimulating ray emitted from the at least one stimulating ray source into a line beam, a sensor for photoelectrically detecting light released from the labeling substance, and a controller for performing a stimulation and detection step of irradiating the image carrier including the labeling substance contained in the two-dimensionally distributed spots with the line beam of the stimulating ray to stimulate the labeling substance, stopping irradiation with the line beam of the stimulating ray and causing the sensor to photoelectrically detect light released from the labeling substance after the completion
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Nobuhiko Ogura
  • 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