Abstract: A method of analyzing a sample is disclosed. The method includes the steps of measuring a spectral response of the sample, selecting a reference material having a Raman peak with a magnitude at a wave number, measuring a peak value in the spectral response at the wave number, and determining an amount of the reference material in the sample based in part on a ratio of the measured peak value to the magnitude of the Raman peak of the reference material.

Abstract: Location-based binning can separate defects on different rows of channel holes in a 3D NAND structure to corresponding bins. A one-dimensional projection of an image is generated and a one-dimensional curve is formed. A mask is generated from the one-dimensional curve. Defects in the image are detected using the mask and location-based binning is performed.

Abstract: A system for dental X-ray imaging includes an intra oral imaging plate. A tag is attached directly to the intra oral imaging plate. The tag attached directly to the intra oral imaging plate is configured to have tag information remotely read from the tag or the tag is configured to have tag information written to the tag. The tag information is configured to control a portion of the system adapted to perform at least one operation controlled by the tag information.

Abstract: An X-ray inspection apparatus 1 includes a calculation unit that calculates a luminance conversion function of matching or approximating a first output value of a first element 11a based on a first transmission image G1 to a second output value of a second element 12a based on a second transmission image G2 of the second element disposed to face the first element 11a, for each of a plurality of the first elements 11a and a plurality of the second elements 12a; and a correction unit that corrects at least one of the first output value of each of the first elements 11a and the second output value of each of the second elements 12a based on the luminance conversion function calculated by the calculation unit.

Abstract: A CPU functions as an acquisition unit and a derivation unit. The acquisition unit acquires a first radiographic image and a second radiographic image respectively generated by a first radiation detector and a second radiation detectors which are irradiated with radiation with first energy emitted from a radiation source in preliminary imaging before main imaging from a radiography apparatus in which the first and second radiation detectors are arranged in a direction in which the radiation is emitted. The derivation unit derives the composition of a soft part of a subject, using the first and second radiographic images acquired by the acquisition unit, and derives second energy of the radiation emitted from the radiation source in the main imaging according to the derived composition of the soft part.

Abstract: A method is for providing an annotated medical image data set for a patient's radiotherapy planning. In an embodiment, the method includes providing a planning image rule for the radiotherapy planning, including a scanning rule and a first reconstruction rule; retrieving an annotation rule from storage, containing annotation instructions and a second reconstruction rule, different from the first reconstruction rule; acquiring raw data of the patient in accordance with the scanning rule; reconstructing a first and second medical image data set in accordance with the first and second reconstruction rules using the raw data; annotating the second medical image data set in accordance with the annotation instructions, to determine annotated image information; combining the first medical image data set with the annotated image information, to produce the annotated medical image data set; and providing the annotated medical image data set for radiotherapy planning of the patient.

Abstract: A device and method for reading an exposed imaging plate generate read-out light and utilize a deflection unit to direct the read-out light in a scanning movement over the imaging plate. The deflection unit has a micromirror to deflect impinging read-out light towards the imaging plate. The micromirror can swivel about a first swivel axis and about a second swivel axis distinct from the first. A detector unit detects fluorescent light emitted from the imaging plate at locations where the read-out light impinges. An evaluating unit evaluates signals received from the detector unit and builds up an image that is stored in the imaging plate. The evaluating unit takes into account, when evaluating the signals received from the detector unit, that points on the imaging plate are subjected to the read-out light variably often and/or for variable time lengths while the micromirror oscillates about the first and the second swivel axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measurement system for a projection system of a lithographic apparatus, comprising: —a sensor plate; —a detector comprising an array of detector areas; —a randomly ordered optical fiber bundle; —a positioner to position the sensor plate in the projection system; and —a control unit to control the positioning of the sensor plate and to obtain measurement data from an output of the detector, wherein a first free end of the optical fiber bundle is arranged to receive light from the sensor plate, wherein a second free end of the optical fiber bundle opposite the first free end of the optical fiber bundle is aligned with the array of detector areas of the detector, and wherein the control unit is configured to match each detector area with a corresponding location in a pupil plane of the projection system by collecting measurement data corresponding to different positions of the sensor plate relative to the projection system.

Abstract: A decoloring apparatus includes a sheet conveying unit, a scanner, a decoloring unit, and a controller. The decoloring unit decolors the image on the sheet conveyed through the sheet conveying unit. The decoloring unit is positioned downstream of the scanner in a sheet conveying direction. A distance along the sheet conveying direction between the scanner and the decoloring unit is shorter than a length of a first predetermined sheet size and longer than a length of a second predetermined sheet size. A controller determines whether the sheet conveyed by the sheet conveying unit is the first predetermined sheet size or the second predetermined sheet size. The controller performs a mode limiting process if the sheet size is determined to be the first predetermined sheet size.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are imaging-based devices and systems for measuring sperm motility in samples of human or animal origin. The disclosed devices and systems have particular applicability in the fields of agricultural and clinical diagnostics, as well as in vitro fertilization.

Abstract: An exposure management system according to an embodiment includes a processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to calculate a deviation index related to a difference between a target exposure index indicating an index of an exposure value that is set as a target of an X-ray image taking process and an image-taking-period exposure index indicating an index of an exposure value observed during the X-ray image taking process. The processing circuitry is configured to control so as to cause a display device to display history information from a predetermined time period indicating at least one selected from between image-taking-period exposure indices and deviation indices.

Abstract: A radiation imaging system for applying radiation photography to a patient based on contents of an examination request includes: an image capturing method storage unit configured to prestore at least one image capturing method; a patient information input unit configured to input patient information of the patient subjected to an examination based on the examination request; an extraction unit configured to extract an applicable image capturing method from the image capturing method storage unit based on information accompanying the patient information and examination information; a list display unit configured to display an image capturing method extracted by the extraction unit in list form; and a registration unit configured to, by specifying an image capturing method displayed in the list display unit, register the specified image capturing method as imaging information.

Abstract: A radiological image reading device includes a MEMS mirror that scan a recording medium on which a radiological image is recorded with excitation light; a light detecting element that includes a plurality of channels, each channel including a photodiode array, and detects light emitted from an irradiation position of the excitation light on the recording medium; a MEMS mirror driving circuit that determines as a light detection channel to detect the light, a channel corresponding to the irradiation position of the excitation light, out of the plurality of channels; and a reading circuit that reads the detection result of the light from the channel determined by the MEMS mirror driving circuit.

Abstract: A laser processing apparatus of the present invention comprises a laser light source which generates laser light, a transmission part which transmits laser light generated by the laser light source, and a processing head which condenses laser light transmitted by the second transmission part to irradiate a workpiece. The transmission part has a plurality of fiber cores and uses any one of the fiber cores to transmit laser light to the processing head. Each fiber core has an emission end which faces the processing head and is fixedly arranged with respect to the processing head. The laser processing apparatus further comprises a switching part which switches the fiber core which actually transmits laser light to the processing head among the plurality of fiber cores.

Abstract: A tracking system for items to be ionizing radiation sterilized is provided which utilizes an attached RF ID tag that is ionizing radiation proof or enclosed in an ionizing radiation proof holder. The RF ID tag is coded with a unique identification and certification data on the ionizing radiation sterilization. An RF ID tag reader is provided, which is usable by a user to obtain the identification and sterilization data from the RF ID tag on the item. The RF ID tag reader includes a user input for at least one trackable event and can write data based on the at least one trackable event back onto the RF ID tag. The RF ID tag reader is at least one of connectable to a PC or the internet, or is compatible for uploading the identification and any user input to an internet accessible device. A database is provided, having item related information.

Abstract: An X-ray image diagnosis apparatus which can accept operations from a plurality of operation panels can ensure convenience for operators while avoiding the risk of excessively exposing an object to X-rays. This invention is a control method in an X-ray image diagnosis apparatus which irradiates an object with X-rays and processes a captured image obtained by imaging the object. This method includes the steps of receiving information associated with an imaging condition at the time of X-ray irradiation which is input via an operation panel, discriminating, when the information associated with the imaging condition is received, an operation panel from which the information associated with the imaging condition has been input, and restricting, when the information associated with the imaging condition is received, the reception of a specific instruction input via an operation panel other than the discriminated operation panel.

Abstract: For identification of individual electronic cassettes, a different label is attached to each of the electronic cassettes. Selection buttons for selecting one of the electronic cassettes are provided on a console in correspondence with the respective electronic cassettes. A cassette ID is assigned to each of the electronic cassettes, and the console communicates with the selected electronic cassette using the cassette ID assigned to the selected electronic cassette. Data of correspondence between the cassette ID and the label is memorized for each electronic cassette. The same label is displayed on the selection button as the label on the corresponding electronic cassette, allowing confirming whether the electronic cassette actually positioned for imaging coincides with the electronic cassette selected on the console.

Abstract: A system, a device, and a method for reading out X-ray information stored in a storage phosphor plate includes a storage phosphor plate and a device for reading out X-ray information stored in the storage phosphor plate including a light source for generating stimulating light that excites the storage phosphor plate to have it emit first emission light, and a detector for detecting the first emission light emitted by the storage phosphor plate. At least one marking is arranged and configured in such a way that stimulating light can impinge on the marking and can be at least partially reflected and/or scattered by the marking and/or can excite the marking to have it emit second emission light, wherein the reflected or scattered stimulating light, respectively, or emitted second emission light, respectively, can be detected by the detector, and marking information can be derived therefrom.

Abstract: An electronic cassette for radiographic imaging has an enclosure, an imaging detection panel disposed in the enclosure and configured to convert an amount of radiation into an electric signal, a circuit unit disposed in the enclosure and configured to read an electric signal from the imaging detection panel by supplying a driving signal to the imaging detection panel, and a holding base disposed in the enclosure and configured to support the imaging detection panel. The holding base supports the imaging detection panel on a first surface as a radiation incident side and supports the circuit unit on a second surface on an opposite side to the first surface. The holding base includes a carbon fiber laminated plate having a metal layer inserted in lamination layer, and the metal layer is electrically connected to ground of the circuit unit.

Abstract: An illumination system includes an excitation light source that emits excitation light, a phosphor unit that converts the excitation light emitted from the excitation light source into fluorescence to emit the fluorescence toward an illuminated object and a light source device including the excitation light source and the phosphor unit. The illumination system further includes a state confirming device that confirms a state of the light source device based on the state of the phosphor unit when connected to the light source device and the phosphor unit emits the fluorescence.

Abstract: A radiation imaging system comprises a radiation source and a radiation image detection device. The radiation image detection device has a solid state detector and a wavelength converting layer arranged in this order from a radiation-incident side. The wavelength converting layer detects radiation passed through the solid state detector and converts the radiation into visible light. The solid state detector detects the visible light and produces image data. The wavelength converting layer is a phosphor layer, being a single layer, in which at least first phosphor particles having a first average particle diameter and second phosphor particles having a second average particle diameter are dispersed in a binder. The second average particle diameter is smaller than the first average particle diameter. The weight of the first phosphor particles per unit thickness of the wavelength converting layer decreases with increasing distance from the solid state detector.

Abstract: A flat panel detector has pixels for obtaining image signals and detective pixels for detecting the amount of incident x-rays. A signal processing circuit is of a pipeline-type, wherein first and second buffer memories are connected to the output of an A/D converter. In a dose detecting operation, the signal processing circuit repeats primary cycles alternately with secondary cycles of a shorter length than the primary cycles. In the primary cycle, a dose detection signal based on electric charges from the detective pixels is input in the first buffer memory and, simultaneously, a dummy signal is output from the second buffer memory. In secondary cycle, the dose detection signal is output from the first buffer memory and, simultaneously, a second dummy signal is input in the second buffer memory. On the basis of the dose detection signals, a start-of-radiation detector detects the start of x-ray radiation.

Abstract: A system for recording computed tomography image data of an object in an object area comprises an X-ray source and an X-ray detector arranged at either side of the object area, the X-ray source having a flying focal spot from which X-rays is emitted and the X-ray detector comprising pixels arranged in at least one row for recording images of the object. A device is provided for rotating the X-ray source and the X-ray detector with respect to the object around an axis of rotation, while the at least one row of pixels record images of the object.

Abstract: A scanner for processing intra-oral flexible information carrier plate exposed to X-rays and an envelope for the plate. The scanner comprises housing with an opening for entering an enveloped plate. The envelope is provided with a protrusion and the opening of the scanner is provided with a shoulder. When the enveloped plate is entered in the opening the protrusion abuts the shoulder such that the plate is allowed to exit from the envelope and pass inside the housing while the envelope is retained outside the housing.

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.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging method includes in a digital X-ray detector including an array of discrete picture elements each including a photodiode and a transistor, applying a first voltage to the transistors of the discrete picture elements. The method also includes preparing for acquisition of X-ray image data by sampling data from the discrete picture elements while applying a second voltage to the transistors of the discrete picture elements not then being sampled, the second voltage being more negative than the first voltage. The method further includes receiving X-ray radiation on the detector from a source. The method yet further includes sampling X-ray image data from the discrete picture elements while applying the second voltage to the transistors of the discrete picture elements not then being sampled.

Abstract: An electronic cassette for radiographic imaging has an enclosure, an imaging detection panel disposed in the enclosure and configured to convert an amount of radiation into an electric signal, a circuit unit disposed in the enclosure and configured to read an electric signal from the imaging detection panel by supplying a driving signal to the imaging detection panel, and a holding base disposed in the enclosure and configured to support the imaging detection panel. The holding base supports the imaging detection panel on a first surface as a radiation incident side and supports the circuit unit on a second surface on an opposite side to the first surface. The holding base includes a carbon fiber laminated plate having a metal layer inserted in lamination layer, and the metal layer is electrically connected to ground of the circuit unit.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an electromagnetic wave detecting element that can prevent a decrease in light utilization efficiency at sensor portions. The sensor portions are provided so as to correspond to respective intersection portions of scan lines and signal lines, and have semiconductor layer that generate charges due to electromagnetic waves being irradiated, and at whose electromagnetic wave irradiation surface sides upper electrodes are formed, and at whose electromagnetic wave non-irradiation surface sides lower electrodes are formed. Bias voltage is supplied to the respective upper electrodes via respective contact holes by a common electrode line that is formed further toward an electromagnetic wave downstream side than the semiconductor layer.

Abstract: It is a feature that in the present invention, provided is a method of cleaning a radiation image conversion panel possessing a substrate and provided thereon, a phosphor layer, and further possessing a protective layer provided on the phosphor layer, wherein a surface of the protective layer is cleaned by moving a cleaning member, while applying a pressure of 1 mN/cm2-1 N/cm2 to the surface of the protective layer with the cleaning member. Also provided can be a method of cleaning a radiation image conversion panel to provide an image information reading method by which image information exhibiting reduced image defect and image unevenness without damaging the radiation image conversion panel can be read out.

Abstract: A storage film feed feeds a storage film from a flexible sleeve open on one side at a rear side in a storage film detection device. The storage film feed has a feed opening with a penetration gap for the storage film and a slide located in the feed opening for fixing the sleeve. The slide is disposed perpendicular to a flat side of the sleeve. The storage film feed further has a stopping member for the slide, the flat side of the sleeve rests against the stopping member when the slide is actuated.

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.

Abstract: A fiber spectroscopic probe that can be mounted directly above the objective lens of a standard microscope to add a spectroscopic function to the microscope. The fiber spectroscopic probe only consists of a minimum number of optical components and is compact enough to induce minimum alteration to the optical path of the microscope.

Abstract: A die assembly for creating a ring electrode including a cylindrically-shaped die base, two die walls and a die top sized to fit inside a cylindrical die housing. The die base and die top having a series of concentric elevations used as impressions to form on two ends of the ring electrode. A method of fabricating an LTCC ring electrode using the die assembly is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a modular scanning apparatus that can be advantageously used in both computed radiology devices and fixed scanning direct radiology devices. The scanning assembly advantageously utilizes a light collecting and measuring assembly having highly reflective surfaces in conjunction with a novel optical assembly within a light box type enclosure to enable a modular scanning and reading assembly that is compact, robust and also scaleable. The present invention further discloses novel computed radiography and direct radiography devices that utilize the modular scanning assembly to provide radiology devices that are highly robust and efficient and yet also simple to build, maintain, service and repair.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for reading out X-ray information stored in storage phosphor plates with an input unit, (12) for inputting a plurality of cassettes (14, 28, 32) which can be stacked one behind the other in a direction of stacking (S) within the input unit (12), has an oblong accommodation well (30) for accommodating one of the cassettes (32), the accommodation well (30) being adjacent to the input unit (12), a moving device (50) for horizontally moving the cassette (32) accommodated by the accommodation well (30) along a path of movement, and a deflection element (64, 66) for deflecting a next cassette located within the input unit (12) which is adjacent to the cassette (32) accommodated by the accommodation well (30) and projects at least partially into the path of movement, the deflection element (64, 66) being positioned and designed such that with horizontal movement of the cassette (32) located within the accommodation well (30), due to contact between the cassette (32) located within the accommodation

Abstract: The invention relates to a readout device for exposed imaging plates. The inventive device is characterized in that the exposed plates are transported while lying in cassettes. A drive device moves the cassettes across a read gap at a constant speed and is configured as a wheel and disk drive acting upon the cassette rear.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for reading out, in a time-saving and reliable way, X-ray information stored in storage phosphor plates with an input unit (12) in which a plurality of cassettes (14) in which a storage phosphor plate to be read out is respectively located, can be input.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus for obtaining an image from a phosphor sheet has a cylindrical drum having an inner axis and having an inner surface that is concave with respect to the axis. A light collector is coupled to a transport mechanism that is actuable to translate the light collector along a direction parallel to the axis. The light collector has a beam generator with a light source and a rotatable beam deflector that is actuable to provide a rotating scanning beam. There are first and second cylindrical hoops circumferentially disposed about the axis and spaced apart from each other along the direction of the axis to define a slot aligned with the rotating scanning beam as it scans the phosphor sheet. At least one light detector is disposed to detect light stimulated from the phosphor sheet by the scanning beam.

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.

Abstract: A configurable flat panel multi resolution X-ray detector is disclosed herewith. The detector comprises: a detector array having a plurality of rows and columns of detector elements; scan electronics designed to activate the detector array for reading data from the detector array and readout electronics associated with the scan electronics to read the data from the detector elements. At least one of the detector array, scan electronics and readout electronics is configured to achieve multi resolution.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for retrieving information from a storage medium. A first portion of the surface of the storage medium is exposed to stimulating light which diffuses in the storage medium under a second portion of the surface adjacent the first portion. The second portion of the surface is shielded from exposure to the stimulating light. Stimulated light corresponding to the information is received with at least one detector positioned to receive the stimulated light via the second portion of the surface of the storage medium. The stimulated light is released from the storage medium in response to the stimulating light diffused under the second portion of the surface.

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.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus for obtaining an image from a phosphor sheet has a cylindrical drum having an inner axis and having an inner surface that is concave with respect to the axis. A light collector is coupled to a transport mechanism that is actuable to translate the light collector along a direction parallel to the axis. The light collector has a beam generator with a light source and a rotatable beam deflector that is actuable to provide a rotating scanning beam. There are first and second cylindrical hoops circumferentially disposed about the axis and spaced apart from each other along the direction of the axis to define a slot aligned with the rotating scanning beam as it scans the phosphor sheet. At least one light detector is disposed to detect light stimulated from the phosphor sheet by the scanning beam.

Abstract: A method for defining edge boundaries of an image formed on a flat-panel radiographic detector. The method includes obtaining digital image pixel values from the radiographic detector; obtaining dimensional information about a collimator in the radiographic signal path; analyzing the image to detect one or more collimator blade edges; and processing the digital image pixel values at least once to detect remaining collimator blade edges. The method accumulates image pixel values along each of a plurality of lines in a first direction parallel to a first vector that extends across the image, to obtain a first profile value for each line in said first direction, thereby forming an ordered set of first profile values. The method then identifies first and second threshold values in the set of first profile values, wherein the paired first and second threshold values indicate an edge boundary corresponding to a collimator blade projection along the first direction.

Abstract: A carrier for transporting a section of flexible phosphor imaging medium through a scanner has a flexible support having a front surface and a back surface, at least one releasable retaining element coupled to the flexible support for holding a first surface of the section of flexible phosphor imaging medium against the front surface of the flexible support, and a flexible frame extending at least partially along the perimeter of the flexible support and having a thickness above the front surface of the flexible support that is substantially the same as the thickness of the section of flexible phosphor imaging medium that is held against the front surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for reading out at least one especially flexible imaging plate. The readout device comprises a reader for reading out information stored on the imaging plate, and a transport device having at least one drive means for transporting the imaging plate relative to the reader along a guide means on the transport path. The shape of the transport path is adapted to the shape of a readout area of the reader. At least one substantially solid support for the imaging plate is provided. The shape and dimension of the support are adapted to the shape of the transport path. When the imaging plate is transported together with the support, the imaging plate does not come into contact with the drive means. The invention also relates to the support for the imaging plate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a modular scanning apparatus that can be advantageously used in both computed radiology devices and fixed scanning direct radiology devices. The scanning assembly advantageously utilizes a light collecting and measuring assembly having highly reflective surfaces in conjunction with a novel optical assembly within a light box type enclosure to enable a modular scanning and reading assembly that is compact, robust and also scaleable. The present invention further discloses novel computed radiography and direct radiography devices that utilize the modular scanning assembly to provide radiology devices that are highly robust and efficient and yet also simple to build, maintain, service and repair.

Abstract: A reference light source produces a reference light having a predetermined light intensity. A sensitivity measuring device acquires a detection signal from an operation, in which the reference light having been produced by the reference light source is photoelectrically detected with the photomultiplier. The sensitivity measuring device measures a sensitivity of the photomultiplier in accordance with a relationship between the thus acquired detection signal and a reference signal, which has been set previously and which has a level in accordance with the predetermined light intensity of the reference light.

Abstract: A microscope produces a high magnification stereoscopic image of a specimen by generating in the specimen two needle shaped illuminated regions tilted in optical axis of the microscope using a plurality of pinholes, moveable mirrors, and beamsplitters (37, 70). Light emitted from the needle shaped regions is detected using separate detectors (56, 57). The needle shaped regions are scanned with respect to the specimen using scanner (3). Alternately, a hologram may be used to generate the needle shaped illuminated regions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a radiography system for computed radiography, comprising an X-ray apparatus (1) with an X-ray source (7), a plurality of image cassettes (9) for producing digital images, a cassette reading means (13) for reading radiographic images (19) stored in the image cassettes (9) after X-ray exposure, and a data processing means (14) connected to the cassette reading means (13), the data processing means (14) being arranged to process the radiographic images (19) read from the image cassettes (9).