With Image Read-out Patents (Class 250/584)
-
Patent number: 7291848Abstract: A cassette to record a radiation image of an object to be radiographed includes a sheet-shaped recording medium including a layer of needle imaging plate, formed by a deposition method, having a thickness of 20 ?m to 2 mm. The sheet-shaped recording medium is accommodated in a space between a front member and a back member of the cassette, such that the recording medium receives the radiation image of the object through the front member, and the back member is positioned opposite and attached to the front member. The back and front members are attachable to each other and detachable from each other along a direction that is substantially the same as a growing direction of the needle imaging plate. The recording medium is coupled to the back member such that the recording medium and the base member move with respect to each other when the back member deforms.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2006Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic Inc.Inventors: Masakazu Andou, Mamoru Umeki
-
Patent number: 7276721Abstract: A radiation image read-out method and apparatus for a stimulable phosphor sheet, provided with a layer of stimulable phosphor, which has been exposed to radiation to carry information about an image, and the image is thereby stored on the stimulable phosphor sheet. The method includes the steps of: exposing the stimulable phosphor sheet to stimulating rays to emit light in proportion to the amount of energy stored thereon during its exposure to radiation; sensing the emitted light to generate a detection signal; amplifying the detection signal using a first amplifier or a second amplifier, dependent on the magnitude of the detection signal, to generate an amplified detection signal, the first amplifier differing from the second amplifier; and converting the amplified detection signals into a digital signal to form a digital image. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second amplifiers are logarithmic and linear amplifiers.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.Inventor: Jacob Koren
-
Patent number: 7262426Abstract: Quality degradation of a radiograph obtained from a stimulable phosphor sheet used repeatedly for radiography can be suppressed by an image data correction apparatus. Light emission characteristic storage means stores light emission change characteristic data and section storage means stores a position and a range of each of areas in the sheet obtained by dividing the sheet. Cumulative radiation dose acquisition means obtains an accumulated radiation dose for each of the areas, and light emission change rate acquisition means finds a light emission change rate representing a change in an amount of emitted light in accordance with the accumulated radiation dose for each of the areas, by using the light emission change characteristic data. Correction means corrects a value of image data obtained by reading each of the areas, for the change in the amount of the light with reference to the light emission change rate.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2005Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventor: Satoshi Arakawa
-
Patent number: 7256413Abstract: A device for reading out X-ray information stored in a phosphor plate for simplified and solid guiding and/or holding of phosphor plates, with at the same time a high degree of compactness, includes: a device for holding and/or conveying the phosphor plate in an orientation inclined by an inclination angle ? in relation to a vertical in which the phosphor plate is flat in form; and a read-out device for reading out the flat phosphor plate inclined by the inclination angle ? in relation to the vertical.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2005Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert AktiengesellschaftInventors: Roland Muller, Gunther Schindlbeck, Volkmar Voigtlander, Peter Schwelle, Olaf Klabunde, Andreas Dier, Jean-Didier Labarte, Edwin Kieselbach, Rudolf Werkstetter, Werner Stahl, Johannes Holzl
-
Patent number: 7250608Abstract: A radiographic image detector to detect radiation applied thereto and obtain radiographic image information, includes: an internal power supply to supply power to drive units at least upon imaging; a communication unit to perform communication with an external device; a connection terminal connectable to a connection unit which performs at least one of charging of the internal power supply and the communication with the external device; a storing unit to store at least one of an image and information; a connection detecting unit to detect whether the connection terminal is connected to the connection unit; a state checking unit to check a state of each unit; and a control unit to control the state checking unit such that the state checking unit checks the state of each unit when the connection detecting unit has detected that the connection unit is connected to the connection terminal or disconnected therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2005Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic, Inc.Inventor: Hidekane Ozeki
-
Patent number: 7247875Abstract: A process for the collection and presentation of an X-ray image stored in a phosphor layer, includes the steps of: collecting information in an area of the phosphor layer and in an area adjacent to, and outside of, the phosphor layer; dividing the information collected into image information and edge information, taking into account a run of the information collected, whereby the image information corresponds to the information collected in the area of the phosphor layer, and the edge information corresponds to the information collected in the area adjacent to, and outside of, the phosphor layer; and presenting the image information.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2005Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert Healthcare GmbHInventors: Werner Haug, Detlef Brautmeier, Horst Scherer
-
Patent number: 7242011Abstract: A radiation image forming unit has a stimulable phosphor sheet and a case. The stimulable phosphor sheet includes a phosphor layer and a frame covering the four sides of the phosphor layer. The frame has a recess, and a lead sheet for blocking backward scattered rays is replaceably mounted in the recess by a double-sided tape. The radiation image forming unit may be used without the lead sheet. The lead sheet may be replaced with another lead sheet having a different thickness.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2004Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventor: Masakazu Nakajo
-
Patent number: 7242018Abstract: Stimulating rays containing red light and infrared rays are reflected from a reference plate, which has reflection characteristics to the infrared rays approximately identical with those of a stimulable phosphor sheet, and which is free from characteristics of emitting light when being exposed to the stimulating rays. The stimulating rays reflected from the reference plate are received with a light receiving device via a cut-off filter for transmitting light emitted by the sheet and blocking the red light, and an infrared ray image signal representing the infrared ray components of the stimulating rays is acquired. The infrared ray image signal is subtracted from a radiation image signal representing a radiation image stored on the stimulable phosphor sheet.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2003Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventor: Hiroaki Yasuda
-
Publication number: 20070152179Abstract: An apparatus (1) for reading out X-ray information of an X-ray image stored in a storage phosphor layer (4) is pivotable and includes acquiring unit (24) for acquiring an orientation of the apparatus (1). In this way, in a technically simple way, good image quality of an X-ray image read out can be guaranteed. Furthermore, the invention relates to a radiography module with this type of apparatus (1).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2006Publication date: July 5, 2007Applicant: AGFA-GEVAERT HEALTHCARE GMBHInventors: Stephan Mair, Jens Nissen, Stefan Stallmeister
-
Publication number: 20070145312Abstract: An apparatus (4) for reading out X-ray information stored in a storage phosphor layer (2) includes a support (10) onto which a storage phosphor plate (1) is laid. The storage phosphor plate (1) comprises the storage phosphor layer (2) and a support layer (3) onto which the storage phosphor layer (2) is applied. Furthermore, a controller (12) is provided for processing X-ray information read out from the storage phosphor layer (2). According to the invention, a distance sensor (14, 15) serves to determine a distance of the distance sensor (14, 15) from the storage phosphor plate (1) lying on the support (10), and the controller (12) is designed such that it processes the X-ray information read out from the storage phosphor layer (2) dependently upon the distance determined by means of the distance sensor (14, 15). An unlevelness determined by means of the distance sensor (14, 15) is taken into account by the controller (12) when processing the X-ray information read out.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2006Publication date: June 28, 2007Applicant: AGFA-GEVAERT HEALTHCARE GMBHInventors: Roland Muller, Walter Hofmuth, Rudolf Loistl
-
Patent number: 7235808Abstract: A radiographic image reading method includes: scanning a photostimulable phosphor plate with excitation light by a scanning section such that a relative relationship between an average area S2 of column crystals of a photostimulable phosphor and an average area S1 of a beam of the excitation light emitted from a light source is S1?10×S2, the photostimulable phosphor plate comprising: a support; and a photostimulable phosphor layer comprising the column crystals of the photostimulable phosphor formed on a surface of the support, wherein radiation energy is stored in the photostimulable phosphor layer; and detecting photostimulated light by a detector, which is emitted from the photostimulable phosphor layer by the scanning with the excitation light.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2004Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic, Inc.Inventor: Tsuneo Sawazumi
-
Patent number: 7233016Abstract: A method of acquiring at least one image from an image recording medium using a pulsed radiation source is provided. In one aspect, a method of scanning an image recording medium that has been exposed to X-ray radiation comprises providing first radiation along a plurality of scan traces over a surface of the image recording medium such that the first radiation does not impinge on the image recording over at least one interval along each of the plurality of scan traces. The pulsed laser source may reduce and/or eliminate cross-influence artifacts in images resulting from pulsed radiation image acquisition.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2004Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: Orex Computed Radiography Ltd.Inventor: Jacob Koren
-
Patent number: 7230261Abstract: In a radiation image storage panel having an energy storable phosphor layer formed by a gas phase-accumulation method, the energy storable phosphor layer gives off an emission having a luminescence width in terms of d in the range of 150 to 395 ?m when it is exposed to radiation and then excited with a stimulating light of 50 ?m half-width.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2004Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventors: Yasuo Iwabuchi, Yuichi Hosoi
-
Patent number: 7227168Abstract: A system and corresponding method for reading out X-ray information stored in a phosphor layer, includes a read-out device for reading out the X-ray information stored in the phosphor layer, and an input unit integrated in to the read-out device for entering additional information by an operator where the input unit is in the form of a graphical input unit into which the additional information can be entered in graphical form by the operator. Moreover, an allocation device is provided for allocating the entered additional information in graphical form to the X-ray information read out.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2005Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert Healthcare GmbHInventor: Hannes Serro
-
Patent number: 7227167Abstract: The invention relates to a system having a scanner and a memory layer. The memory layer comprises particles for storing X-ray information items, that can be excited by a stimulating radiation to emit an emission radiation corresponding to one of the X-ray information items and that are embedded in a medium and are distributed over the entire thickness of the memory layer. The scanner comprises an irradiating device for irradiating a linear region on the memory layer and a detector for the positionally resolved detection of emission radiation emitted by the memory layer along the linear region. To increase the sharpness of the X-ray information items to be detected with low losses in the intensity of the emission radiation, the medium can at least partially absorb components, directed both perpendicularly and parallel to the plane of the memory layer, of the emission radiation emitted by the individual particles.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2004Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert HealthCare GmbHInventors: Paul Leblans, Robert Fasbender, Magath Niang, Clemens Herrmann, Rudy Van den Bergh
-
Patent number: 7211818Abstract: An image signal is read out by use of a stimulable phosphor sheet having a layer of stimulable phosphor which emits stimulated emission in proportion to the stored energy of radiation upon exposure to stimulating light and a solid image sensor having a photoconductive material layer which exhibits electric conductivity upon exposure to the stimulated emission from the stimulable phosphor sheet. Stimulating light is caused to scan a stimulable phosphor sheet which has been exposed to radiation and has stored an image, the photoconductive material layer is caused to be exposed to stimulated emission emitted from the stimulable phosphor sheet upon exposure to the stimulating light. Then electric charges generated in the photoconductive material layer upon exposure to the stimulated emission is detected by applying an electric field to the photoconductive material layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2002Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventors: Shinji Imai, Hiroaki Yasuda
-
Patent number: 7208750Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 2, 2005Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic, Inc.Inventor: Masahiro Umemura
-
Patent number: 7180085Abstract: A reading assembly includes a stimulating light beam system having a plurality of laser diodes and a CCD line sensor having a plurality of CCDs. The laser diodes and the CCDs are disposed in a predetermined range of distances from the stimulable phosphor sheet along a main direction in order to cope with a deformation of the stimulable phosphor sheet in the main direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2002Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shinji Otokuni
-
Patent number: 7180086Abstract: A system has been described for reading out a plurality of stimulable phosphor screens, plates or panels, after exposing said screens to X-rays having an energy in the range from 25 up to 150 kVp, the screens being selected from the group consisting of binder containing powder screens and binderless, crystalline or amorphous phosphor layer screens; wherein said phosphors are divalent europium activated alkali halide type phosphors wherein said halide is at least one of bromide or a combination of bromide with at least one of chloride and iodide, or divalent europium activated alkaline earth metal halide phosphors, wherein said halide is at least one of fluoride, chloride, bromide and iodide or a combination thereof, and wherein said screens are consecutively subjected to following steps of stimulating said phosphor screens by means of stimulation energy; detecting stimulated emission energy, emitted by the phosphor screen upon stimulation; converting detected energy into a signal representation of said radiatType: GrantFiled: October 18, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Agfa-GevaertInventors: Paul Leblans, Luc Struye
-
Patent number: 7180042Abstract: An image input apparatus which includes a detection section (10) to detect radiographic image from a recording member (4) having radiographic image information recorded thereon, and reads the detected radiographic image, the image input apparatus including: a creation section (17) to create a plurality of correction values for correction of unevenness on the image or radiography sensitivity, in which the plurality of correction values correspond to a plurality of detection regions; a storage section (17) to store the created plurality of correction values; and a selecting section (13) to select an optimal correction value upon image reading, wherein the optimal correction value is used for the image reading.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2003Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc.Inventor: Tsuyoshi Ito
-
Patent number: 7161166Abstract: Light emitted by a stimulable phosphor sheet, on which a radiation image has been stored, is detected with a line sensor comprising line sensor constituting units arrayed such that their certain regions overlap each other. A test image, in which edge patterns are embedded at positions corresponding to the overlapping regions of the line sensor constituting units, is read out, and test image signal components are acquired from each of the line sensor constituting units. Position matching processing is performed on radiation image signal components of a radiation image signal representing the radiation image, which have been obtained from the line sensor constituting units, and in accordance with edge pattern signal components, which represent the edge patterns and are contained in the test image signal components.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2001Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroaki Yasuda
-
Patent number: 7157728Abstract: Apparatus for reading out X-ray information stored in a stimulatable phosphor layer, includes: a plurality of light sources used to emit stimulation light which can stimulate the phosphor layer to emit emission light; a detector used to collect emission light emitted from the phosphor layer; and a control unit for controlling an intensity of the light sources by using a control parameter determined from a reference light source in a regulation unit. The highest possible level of homogeneity and constancy of the light sources will be achieved.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2005Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert HealthCare GmbHInventor: Werner Nitsche
-
Patent number: 7151272Abstract: The present invention reduces the influences of electromagnetic fields during reading out of image signals from memory phosphor films. This is done by pre-amplifying the detection signals obtained from a detection device, in particular a CCD array, before further processing, for example by an analog-to-digital converter. An amplification register for electron multiplying can be used for the amplification. In this way individual photon sensitivity can be achieved when reading out X-ray images.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2004Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert HealthCare GmbHInventors: Werner Nitsche, Michael Weinberger, Ralph Thoma, Georg Reiser, Bernhard Sang
-
Patent number: 7148501Abstract: A storage phosphor reader apparatus for reading exposed storage phosphors. The reader includes an outer frame assembly including a cassette handling assembly for handling cassettes; an inner frame assembly; a first set of vibration isolators; a storage phosphor scanning assembly; and a second set of vibration isolators. A frame locker assembly is provided for locking the scanning assembly to the outer frame assembly when a cassette is transferred between the cassette handling assembly and the scanning assembly and for unlocking the scanning assembly during scanning of a storage phosphor removed from the cassette, so that the first and second sets of vibration isolators isolate the scanning assembly during storage phosphor scanning.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2005Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Christopher J. Kralles, William C. Wendlandt, Michael Kenin, David E. Foeller
-
Patent number: 7126136Abstract: The present invention relates in general to nanoparticles exhibiting luminescence such as photostimulated luminescence or photoluminescence and optical switching processes based upon such properties, in more particular, the use of such photostimulated luminescence exhibiting nanoparticles and switching nanoparticle for optical storage apparatuses and sensors as well as methods of making and using same.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2005Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Nomadics, Inc.Inventor: Wei Chen
-
Patent number: 7122821Abstract: A plurality of original image signals representing radiation image information, which have been fed out from an image signal input apparatus, are fed into an operation processing device. Predetermined operation processing is performed on the plurality of the received original image signals in the operation processing device to obtain an operation-processed image signal. Also, at least one original image signal, which is among the plurality of the original image signals, is transferred to an image output device. Image outputting is performed with the image output device and in accordance with the one original image signal having been transferred. After the operation-processed image signal has been obtained from the predetermined operation processing, the operation-processed image signal is fed into the image output device, and image outputting is performed with the image output device and in accordance with the received operation-processed image signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2005Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroaki Yasuda
-
Patent number: 7122807Abstract: A cassette to record a radiation image of an object to be radiographed, is provided with a sheet-shaped recording medium including a layer of needle imaging plate having a thickness of 20 ?m to 2 mm, wherein the needle imaging plate are formed by a deposition method; a front member through which the recording medium receives the radiation image of the object; and a back member positioned opposite to the front member; wherein the front and back members are relatively attached to each other so as to form an accommodation space in which the sheet-shaped recording medium is accommodated or detached from each other and the attaching or detaching direction of the front and back members is substantially the same direction with a growing direction of the needle imaging plate.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic Inc.Inventors: Masakazu Andou, Mamoru Umeki
-
Patent number: 7102149Abstract: The inspection method comprises: preparing a storage fluorescent inspection sheet that has stored and recorded a radiation inspection image which has a density pattern in which one or more low-density and high-density regions having a contrast difference of at least 1:20 are arrayed in a horizontal scanning direction; obtaining an image inspection signal representing the radiation inspection image, by photoelectrically reading the radiation inspection image from the storable fluorescent inspection sheet; and inspecting the influence of stray light, based on an image reproduced from the image inspection signal. An inspection image plate has contrast differences of high-density and low-density regions of at least 1:20.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2001Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Osamu Kuroda, Hiroyuki Karasawa
-
Patent number: 7091512Abstract: A radiation image read-out apparatus is provided with a line sensor which detects stimulated emission emitted from a radiation image convertor panel upon exposure to a line-like stimulating light beam extending in a main scanning direction and reads out a radiation image recorded on the radiation image convertor panel while moving the line sensor and the radiation image convertor panel relatively to each other in a sub-scanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction. The line sensor includes a CCD having a number of light receiving portions two-dimensionally arranged along the main scanning direction and outputs electric charges obtained by photoelectrically converting the stimulated emission received by the light receiving portions after binning the electric charges in a direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2003Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Satoshi Arakawa
-
Patent number: 7091511Abstract: Stimulating rays are linearly irradiated onto an area of a stimulable phosphor sheet, and light emitted by the sheet is detected with a line sensor. A device for irradiating the stimulating rays comprises laser diodes and a cylindrical lens. The laser diodes are located such that laser beams produced by the laser diodes as the stimulating rays stand in a row along the length direction of the linear area of the sheet exposed to the stimulating rays. Each laser diode is located in an orientation such that a beam spread direction normal to a junction plane approximately coincides with the direction, along which the laser beams stand in a row. The cylindrical lens converges each laser beam only in a plane normal to the direction, along which the laser beams stand in a row, and onto the sheet.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2001Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiromi Ishikawa
-
Patent number: 7087915Abstract: A device for reproducing a radiation image is composed of a radiation-absorbing phosphor layer containing a phosphor which absorbs a radiation and then emits a light, a stimulable phosphor layer containing a stimulable phosphor which absorbs the light and stores energy of the light which is releasable in the form of light emission by stimulation with electric field, an electrode layer placed on each surface of the stimulable phosphor layer in which at least one electrode layer is a light-transmitting electrode, and a light-detecting layer which is arranged on the light-transmitting electrode.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2003Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Takahashi, Tomotake Ikada
-
Patent number: 7087916Abstract: A radiation image storage panel having a stimulable phosphor layer and a light-reflecting layer provided thereon, wherein the phosphor layer scatters both of a stimulating light and a stimulated emission emitted by the phosphor layer with a scattering length of 5 to 20 ?m and said light-reflecting layer scatters a stimulating light with a scattering length of 5 ?m or less is favorably employable for giving a reproduced radiation image having good quality.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2003Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hideki Suzuki
-
Patent number: 7087917Abstract: These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by an apparatus and process for evaluating an image-wise exposed storage film positioned about a cylindrically-shaped member and linearly passed a cylindrically-shaped slot for interrogation by a light beam wherein a processing assembly is co-axially disposed within a processing chamber formed by the cylindrically-shaped member and wherein the processing assembly includes a plate member disposed for rotation in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the processing chamber and having a pentaprism and a fluorescence light sensor positioned proximate the contact point of the interrogating light beam with the storage film and further including converting electronics for thus generated fluorescence light.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2004Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Air Techniques, Inc.Inventors: Yehuda Rosenstock, Edgar Alzner
-
Patent number: 7075100Abstract: A radiation image that has been stored in an image plate (19), such as a photostimulable phosphor screen is read by stimulating an information-bearing target area (13) with stimulating light (1). The information bearing target area responds to this stimulation by emitting information-bearing light (2) and reflecting backscatter light (3). The combination (4) of information-bearing light and backscatter light is collimated, allowing efficient rejection of backscatter light. The information-bearing light is subsequently focused onto an information receiving target (17), such as a charge-coupled device (CCD).Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2004Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Saccomanno, Ivan B. Steiner
-
Patent number: 7071482Abstract: An image signal is read out by use of a stimulable phosphor sheet having a layer of stimulable phosphor which emits stimulated emission in proportion to the stored energy of radiation upon exposure to stimulating light and a solid image sensor having a photoconductive material layer which exhibits electric conductivity upon exposure to the stimulated emission from the stimulable phosphor sheet. Stimulating light is caused to scan a stimulable phosphor sheet which has been exposed to radiation and has stored an image, the photoconductive material layer is caused to be exposed to stimulated emission emitted from the stimulable phosphor sheet upon exposure to the stimulating light. Then electric charges generated in the photoconductive material layer upon exposure to the stimulated emission is detected by applying an electric field to the photoconductive material layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2002Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinji Imai, Hiroaki Yasuda
-
Patent number: 7067836Abstract: A radiation image that has been stored in an image plate (19), such as a photostimulable phosphor screen is read by stimulating an information-bearing target area (13) with stimulating light (1). The information bearing target area responds to this stimulation by emitting information-bearing light (2) and reflecting backscatter light (3). The combination (4) of information-bearing light and backscatter light is collimated, allowing efficient rejection of backscatter light. The information-bearing light is subsequently focused onto an information receiving target (17), such as a charge-coupled device (CCD).Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2005Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Saccomanno, Ivan B. Steiner
-
Patent number: 7067835Abstract: A high speed translation device for use with radiographic media with a scanning stage (10) adapted for movement in a first and second direction (11, 13) along a first axis (14); a second scanning module stage (12) disposed opposite the first scanning stage for movement in a third and fourth direction (15, 16) along a second axis (17); a first and a second scanning module mounted on the first and second scanning stages, respectively; a control processing unit (58) adapted to combine the scanned images from each scanning module; and a continuous drive cable (20) with a first pin (22) for sequentially moving the scanning stage from a first position (25) to a second position (27); a second pin (30) for moving the balancing stage simultaneously with the scanning stage initially in a third position (29) to the fourth position (31); wherein the first pin moves the balancing stage from the fourth position to the third position while second pin moves the scanning stage from the second position to the first position.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2003Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Roger S. Kerr, Seung-Ho Baek, Thomas A. Mackin
-
Patent number: 7061002Abstract: A radiation image read-out apparatus includes a plurality of radiation image convertor panels superposed one on another in a direction in which radiation passing through an object propagates. A separator separates the superposed radiation image convertor panels exposed to the radiation passing through the object from one another by moving in a parallel displacement and/or rotating about an axis on a plane parallel to the surfaces of the radiation image convertor panels one or more of the superposed radiation image convertor panels relatively to the others. A single detecting head detects stimulated emission emitted from each of the radiation image convertor panels separated by the separator.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2003Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroaki Yasuda
-
Patent number: 7053396Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and process having positioning surface for a reusable storage film having information projected image-wise therein wherein the image-wise containing storage film is advanced by a transportation assembly through an information retrieval or interrogation assembly and thence introduced into a restoration collection chamber including a source of light at an energy level sufficient to remove residual image information thereby restoring the storage film to a condition of reuse.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2004Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Air Techniques, Inc.Inventors: Edgar Alzner, Frederick R. Fischer, Stephen Zamprelli
-
Patent number: 7053398Abstract: A double-sided stimulable phosphor sheet, which emits light from both sides thereof when exciting light is applied to a recording surface thereof, is fed in an auxiliary scanning direction indicated by the arrow A by first and second roller pairs. First and second guide members are disposed on the side of the reverse surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet, for guiding the stimulable phosphor sheet, and a glass guide is disposed on the side of the reverse surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet in a position where a laser beam is applied to the stimulable phosphor sheet. The first and second guide members and the glass guide are integrally mounted on a guide mount. Radiation image information recorded on the stimulable phosphor sheet can efficiently be read highly accurately without damage being caused to the stimulable phosphor sheet.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2003Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tadanobu Shibabuki, Naoto Iwakiri
-
Patent number: 7041999Abstract: An image signal is read out by use of a stimulable phosphor sheet having a layer of stimulable phosphor which emits stimulated emission in proportion to the stored energy of radiation upon exposure to stimulating light and a solid image sensor having a photoconductive material layer which exhibits electric conductivity upon exposure to the stimulated emission from the stimulable phosphor sheet. Stimulating light is caused to scan a stimulable phosphor sheet which has been exposed to radiation and has stored an image, the photoconductive material layer is caused to be exposed to stimulated emission emitted from the stimulable phosphor sheet upon exposure to the stimulating light. Then electric charges generated in the photoconductive material layer upon exposure to the stimulated emission is detected by applying an electric field to the photoconductive material layer.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2003Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinji Imai, Hiroaki Yasuda
-
Patent number: 7026638Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 31, 2003Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Roger S. Kerr, Seung-Ho Baek
-
Patent number: 7005663Abstract: Sampling methods and systems that shorten readout time and reduce lag in amorphous silicon flat panel x-ray detectors are described. Embodiments comprise: (a) activating a reset switch to discharge any residual signal being held in a feedback capacitor; (b) deactivating the reset switch; (c) activating a field effect transistor; (d) sampling an electrical signal from the amorphous silicon flat panel x-ray detector, while the field effect transistor is activated; (e) activating a reset switch, after the electrical signal has been sampled and while the field effect transistor is still activated, to discharge any residual signal being held in the feedback capacitor; (f) deactivating the field effect transistor, while the reset switch is still activated; (g) deactivating the reset switch; and (h) repeating steps (c)–(g) as necessary to obtain a predetermined radiographic image.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2003Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Manat Maolinbay, Paul Granfors, Richard Aufrichtig, Richard Cronce
-
Patent number: 6995387Abstract: A suppression signal representing the periodic variation of a digital signal is separated into separation signals containing values of equal phase. The separations signals are subjected to high frequency attenuating filtering before being recomposed into a corrected suppression signal which is used for correcting the digital signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2005Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Agfa-GevaertInventors: Pieter Vuylsteke, Gert Behiels
-
Patent number: 6992305Abstract: A radiation image converging panel comprising a support having thereon a stimulable phosphor layer produced by a vapor phase method so as to have a thickness of 50 ?m to 10 mm, wherein the stimulable phosphor layer comprises:(i) a stimulable phosphor; and (ii) an alkaline metal compound or an alkaline earth metal compound each having a different crystal structure from the stimulable phosphor, and an amount of the alkaline metal compound or the alkaline earth metal compound being 10 to 1000 ppm by weight based on the total weight of the stimulable phosphor layer.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Konica CorporationInventors: Akihiro Maezawa, Noriyuki Mishina
-
Patent number: 6977388Abstract: A method for reading radiation image information from a radiation image storage panel in which a radiation image information is recorded is performed by the steps of moving the storage panel on a plane of the storage panel with scanning on the storage panel in a direction perpendicular to the movement of the storage panel a pulse of stimulating light having a duty of 0.01 to 0.5; continuously detecting photoelectrically a stimulated emission appearing from the storage panel on the scanned surface and/or its back surface to obtain electric signals; sampling the electric signals at a timing synchronous with the scanned stimulating light pulse; and obtaining signals of the radiation image information from the sampled electric signals.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2002Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Takahashi, Satoshi Arakawa
-
Patent number: 6960778Abstract: A radiation image information recording/reading apparatus for detecting phosphorescent light from a side opposite of radiation irradiation on a stimulable phosphor sheet is downsized. The radiation image information recording/reading apparatus comprises an image recording unit for recording radiation image information on the sheet by irradiating the radiation representing image information on the sheet, an excitation light main scan means for main scan of the sheet by excitation light, photoelectric detection means for detecting the phosphorescent light emitted from the sheet, vertical scan means, and erasing means for releasing residual energy from the sheet prior to recording another image on the sheet after reading the information from the sheet. In the apparatus, the excitation light main scan means comprises a linear light source emitting the excitation light in the form of fan beams, and the photoelectric detection means comprises a line sensor.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2001Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ryosuke Furue
-
Patent number: 6949759Abstract: A radiographic image reading apparatus for reading image information stored in a storage phosphor sheet from a cassette in which the storage phosphor sheet is incorporated and on which code information is recorded at a predetermined position.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2003Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Assignee: Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc.Inventor: Hisashi Yonekawa
-
Patent number: 6924491Abstract: A stimulable phosphor panel comprises a support plate, and a stimulable phosphor layer, which is overlaid on the support plate. The stimulable phosphor panel is provided with position adjusting members, each of which has a position adjusting reference surface for adjustment of a position of the stimulable phosphor panel at the time of an operation for locating the stimulable phosphor panel in a radiation image read-out apparatus, such that the position adjusting members are capable of being displaced. A spacing between the position adjusting reference surface of each of the position adjusting members and a surface of the stimulable phosphor layer is capable of being adjusted with an operation for displacing each of the position adjusting members.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2003Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seiji Tazaki, Hiroshi Ogawa
-
Patent number: 6900453Abstract: The gain correction image is composed of a grid-free image regardless of the presence or absence of the grid or the kind thereof. The gain correction images are stored in the image memory unit, and, under the control of the pre-process unit and according to the result of the grid detection means, reference is made to the image process parameter table stored in the image process parameter memory unit and the matching gain correction image is downloaded from the image memory unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2002Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Osamu Tsujii