Technique Or Detector Patents (Class 378/116)
  • Patent number: 8862207
    Abstract: A liquid injector (400) injects a medical liquid into a patient whose fluoroscopic image data is to be picked up and generates injection history data corresponding to the injection, and a control box (500) registers the injection history data in a RIS (100) in association with imaging order data. Accordingly, the RIS (100) also stores the injection history data associated with the imaging order data, and therefore the injection history data can also be confirmed based on the imaging order data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignees: Resource One Inc, Nemoto Kyorindo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashi Goto, Shigeru Nemoto
  • Patent number: 8848872
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a digital radiography system which provides detachable and portable flat panel detectors (hereinafter, referred to as ‘electronic cassettes’) and transreceives data recorded in the electronic cassettes in on-line through a network. The digital radiography system includes bucky trays on which a plurality of portable electronic cassettes is detachably mounted, and a workstation connected with the bucky trays through communication to identify the plurality of portable electronic cassettes mounted on the bucky trays and to download pre-processing files of the identified electronic cassettes through the network or a portable storage device or to store files, generated by the plurality of electronic cassettes, in the storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Jong In Lee
  • Patent number: 8831173
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an X-ray tube, first detector, second detector, arm, sliding mechanism, tilting mechanism, and control unit. The X-ray tube includes an anode to generate X-rays upon receiving electrons. The first detector has the first pixel size. The second detector has the second pixel size smaller than the first pixel size. The arm pivotally supports the X-ray tube, first detector, and second detector. The sliding mechanism slidably supports the first and second detectors so as to irradiate one of the first and second detectors with the X-rays generated by the X-ray tube. The tilting mechanism tiltably supports the X-ray tube to change the size of an effective X-ray focal spot on the anode. The control unit controls the sliding of the first and second detectors by the sliding mechanism upon interlocking with the tilting of the X-ray tube by the tilting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Hisayuki Uehara, Reiko Hashimoto, Yoshiyasu Hayashi, Kunitoshi Matsumoto, Satoru Ohishi
  • Patent number: 8781075
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards a method of changing wireless communication channels in a connected host and client system. For example, in one embodiment, the link quality of a connection is monitored by the host or the client. If the connection has a link quality below a predetermined threshold but remains intact, a channel switch request is sent, synchronization packages are exchanged between the host and client on the current channel, the channel of the system is changed to a new channel, and the system resumes communications on the new channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Zhengshe Liu, Kenneth Kump, Gireesha Rao, Chuande Liu, Craig Dennis
  • Publication number: 20140169529
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for obtaining an x-ray image from an x-ray imaging apparatus using a digital radiography receiver installed as a retrofit connection apparatus to adapt the x-ray imaging apparatus for use with the digital radiography receiver by using a receiver interface channel to communicating signals to and from the digital radiography receiver, using an operator actuated switch cover for at least an expose operator action of a manual operator control that is configured to generate at least an input expose signal, where the operator actuated switch cover is configured to resist the generation of the expose signal by the expose operator action of the manual operator control until a reset of the DR receiver is initiated and acknowledged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Jeffery R. Hawver, Peter A. Newman
  • Publication number: 20140146946
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for obtaining an x-ray image from an x-ray imaging apparatus using a digital radiography receiver installs a retrofit connection apparatus that adapts the x-ray imaging apparatus for use with the digital radiography receiver by forming a receiver interface channel for communicating signals to and from the digital radiography receiver, forming an operator interface channel for routing at least an input expose signal from an operator control to the connection apparatus and forming a sensor interface channel to receive at least an active x-ray emission signal from a sensor positioned operatively near an x-ray system of the x-ray imaging system of the type configured for film or computed radiography. An input expose signal over the operator interface channel can initiate a reset of the digital radiography receiver over the receiver interface channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter A. Newman, Michael P. Urbon
  • Patent number: 8737569
    Abstract: A radiography control apparatus includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire data of image-capturing mode and a change unit configured to change the number of times a correction image is captured, the correction image being used to correct a radiographic image in accordance with the acquired image-capturing-mode data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naoki Yamada
  • Patent number: 8731141
    Abstract: In a radiographic image acquiring apparatus, in the event that one radiation detection device is selected from among a plurality of radiation detection devices, each of which are capable of converting radiation into a radiographic image, the radiographic image acquiring apparatus includes an acquisition unit for acquiring all of the radiographic images from the plurality of radiation detection devices, including the radiographic image from the one radiation detection device, at a time when application of radiation with respect to a subject is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Kuwabara
  • Patent number: 8712014
    Abstract: A method for adaptive frame scanning for pulsed x-ray imaging comprising the steps of: scanning lines on an image detector sequentially; receiving an indication that radiation is about to begin; waiting a fixed delay after the indication is received; suspending scanning after the fixed delay has lapsed; and resuming scanning of lines on the detector upon receiving an indication that radiation has stopped. By monitoring for completion of a frame a predetermined frame delay can be added before commencing the next line scan to accommodate jitter in the radiation pulse timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: PerkinElmer Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Farhad Ghelmansarai
  • Patent number: 8705700
    Abstract: A portable radiation image capturing apparatus is described. In the portable radiation image capturing apparatus multiple image capturing elements are two-dimensionally arranged, the apparatus is provided with a current detecting means for detecting a current flowing in the apparatus, a read-out circuit having a power supply mode in which the charge generated in each image capturing element can be read out and converted into an electric signal and a stand-by mode in which charge is not read out and power is consumed less than in the power supply mode, and a control means for causing the read-out circuit to change from the stand-by mode to the power supply mode when detecting start of irradiation with radiation on the basis of an increase in the current value detected by the current detecting means while the read-out circuit is in the stand-by mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic, Inc.
    Inventor: Yoshihiko Eguchi
  • Patent number: 8690425
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods and apparatus are disclosed for obtaining a digital dual mode mobile x-ray cart from an analog or single mode (e.g., film/CR) mobile x-ray cart. In some exemplary embodiments, a retrofit apparatus does not change interior components or certification of the single mode mobile x-ray imaging system. Further, a single operator switch can be used to initiate x-ray exposure in both operating modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Kopcienski, Robert J. Asento
  • Patent number: 8687767
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for obtaining an x-ray image from an x-ray imaging apparatus using a digital radiography receiver installs a retrofit connection apparatus that adapts the x-ray imaging apparatus for use with the digital radiography receiver by forming a receiver interface channel for communicating signals to and from the digital radiography receiver, forming an operator interface channel for routing at least an input expose signal from an operator control to the connection apparatus and forming a generator interface channel for transmitting at least an output expose signal from the retrofit connection apparatus to an x-ray generator of the x-ray imaging apparatus. An input expose signal over the operator interface channel initiates a reset of the digital radiography receiver over the receiver interface channel before the output expose signal to the x-ray generator is transmitted over the generator interface channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter A. Newman, Michael P. Urbon
  • Patent number: 8681942
    Abstract: Fluoroscopy imaging systems including an X-ray generator, a detector, and control circuitry coupled to the detector are provided. The control circuitry may be adapted to receive a digital signal from the detector, to process the digital signal, and to communicate the processed digital signal to a monitor for display during a fluoroscopy imaging operation. The fluoroscopy imaging systems may also include a user interface having at least one configurable adjustment configured to enable a user to adjust one or more imaging parameters affecting the digital signal during the fluoroscopy imaging operation. The control circuitry is adapted to set at least one of a range of the configurable adjustment, a step size of the configurable adjustment, or a default value of the configurable adjustment based on input from the user via the user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Romain Xavier Areste, Vivek Walimbe
  • Patent number: 8666023
    Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus communicating with a radiation imaging control apparatus for controlling an operation of acquiring a radiation image includes a radiation detection unit configured to detect radiation and to acquire the radiation image, a storage unit configured to store information about a plurality of the radiation imaging control apparatuses, a selection unit configured to select one of the plurality of the radiation imaging control apparatuses as an apparatus to communicate with the radiation imaging apparatus, and a setting unit configured to set communication with the radiation imaging control apparatus selected by the selection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Satoru Omura
  • Publication number: 20140056408
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging system or radiographic imaging system includes a radiation generating apparatus and a radiographic imaging apparatus. An ionization chamber device is external to the radiographic imaging apparatus, for detecting a dose of the radiation transmitted through an object. Dose sensors are incorporated in the radiographic imaging apparatus, for detecting a dose of the radiation transmitted through the object. An exposure control unit is disposed with the radiation generating apparatus, for shutting off application of the radiation from the radiation generating apparatus according to a detection signal from the ionization chamber device or dose sensors. The ionization chamber device is communicably coupled with the radiation generating apparatus. An operating state of the ionization chamber device and dose sensors is acquired by monitoring, so failure of simultaneous inputting of their detection signals to the exposure control unit is prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi TAJIMA
  • Patent number: 8660239
    Abstract: A detector apparatus is described for scanning of and obtaining radiation data from an object and generating an image therefrom. The apparatus comprises a radiation detector system spaced therefrom to define a scanning zone and to collect a dataset of information about radiation incident at the detector after interaction with an object and to resolve collected information spatially in two dimensions across a scan area and spectroscopically across a plurality of frequency bands in the spectrum of the source. A detector exhibits a spectroscopically variable response across at least a part of the spectrum of the source and to resolve collected information spatially with a rastering module configured to divide the scanning area into a plurality of pixels two dimensions; and a control to move the detector to scan such pixels successively and thereby collect a dataset for each pixel. A method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Kromek Limited
    Inventor: Ian Radley
  • Patent number: 8657743
    Abstract: A control device for a medical system is provided. The medical system may be a medical diagnosis and/or medical therapy system. The medical system may include a control unit operable to be used to carry out control processes that control the medical system, and a mobile handheld control unit operable to control at least one controllable element of the medical system by a user. The control device may be configured so that one or more control processes may only be carried out by the control unit when the mobile handheld control unit is located at a predefined location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Seimens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Eike Rietzel, Andres Sommer
  • Patent number: 8644454
    Abstract: A radiation image capturing system including a CR cassette and a FPD cassette, and the icon corresponding to the bucky device is displayed in a different manner according to the type of cassette loaded on the bucky device. When the icon of the bucky device showing that the FPD cassette is loaded is selected, the icon corresponding to the FPD cassette does not need to be selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic, Inc.
    Inventor: Hisashi Yonekawa
  • Patent number: 8634517
    Abstract: It is described a portable X-ray system (200), which has sensing means for detecting whether an anti scatter grid (230) is attached to a portable detector (240) or not. The system is able to automatically change the default exposure settings (265 a, 265b, 265 c, 265 d), when a grid (230) is removed or attached to the portable detector (240). Thus, the risk of an under- or an over-exposure of the image will be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Hanns-Ingo Maack
  • Patent number: 8630389
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit which is rotatable relative to a platform about a shaft portion perpendicular to an X-ray detecting surface, so as to change the orientation relative to a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Katsushi Kato
  • Patent number: 8625742
    Abstract: An imaging system includes a plurality of imaging apparatuses, each of the imaging apparatuses includes a detector for performing an imaging operation for outputting image data corresponding to applied radiation or light and a controller for controlling the operation of the detector. The imaging apparatuses can independently perform an imaging operation and are movable in accordance with a relative positional relationship thereof. Sensing means obtain information indicative of the relative positional relationship between the imaging apparatuses. A control computer sends a control signal for determining operations of the imaging apparatuses to the controller. The control computer determines the operations of the imaging apparatuses by using the information obtained from the sensing means; and sets an appropriate scanning direction of each of the imaging apparatuses in accordance with the positional relationship thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Iwashita, Tadao Endo, Toshio Kameshima, Tomoyuki Yagi, Katsuro Takenaka, Keigo Yokoyama, Sho Sato
  • Patent number: 8582721
    Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling an X-ray irradiation area, in which an acquisition circuit acquires information relating to an effective area of a sensor, and a control circuit controls the X-ray irradiation area based on the information relating to the effective area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naoto Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8576987
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes X-ray generators, X-ray detectors, high voltage generators, a switching device, an abnormality detection unit and a control unit. The high voltage generators are configured to apply voltages to the X-ray generators. The switching device is configured to switch outputs from the high voltage generators to the X-ray generators. The abnormality detection unit is configured to detect an abnormality in the high voltage generators. The control unit is configured to control the switching device to switch from an output from a high voltage generator of which abnormality has been detected by the abnormality detection unit toward a corresponding X-ray generator to an output from another high voltage generator toward the corresponding X-ray generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Manabu Fukuwara, Mitsuru Sakata, Katsuie Ikawa
  • Patent number: 8565372
    Abstract: A breast imaging system leverages the combined strengths of two-dimensional and three-dimensional imaging to provide a breast cancer screening with improved sensitivity, specificity and patient dosing. A tomosynthesis system supports the acquisition of three-dimensional images at a dosage lower than that used to acquire a two-dimensional image. The low-dose three-dimensional image may be used for mass detection, while the two-dimensional image may be used for calcification detection. Obtaining tomosynthesis data at low dose provides a number of advantages in addition to mass detection including the reduction in scan time and wear and tear on the x-ray tube. Such an arrangement provides a breast cancer screening system with high sensitivity and specificity and reduced patient dosing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc
    Inventors: Jay Stein, Andrew Smith, Zhenzue Jing, Loren Niklason
  • Patent number: 8559593
    Abstract: A radiation source and a detection means are moved relative to each other, thereby moving the radiation source to a plurality of positions. A subject is irradiated with radiation from the plurality of positions to obtain a plurality of radiographic images of the subject. A slice image of the subject is reconstructed from the plurality of radiographic images. At this time, a first mode for moving only the radiation source or a second mode for moving both of the radiation source and the detection means is selected based on the condition of radiography, and the plurality of radiographic images are obtained in the selected mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Sadato Akahori
  • Publication number: 20130070896
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for obtaining an x-ray image from an x-ray imaging apparatus using a digital radiography receiver installs a retrofit connection apparatus that adapts the x-ray imaging apparatus for use with the digital radiography receiver by forming a receiver interface channel for communicating signals to and from the digital radiography receiver, forming an operator interface channel for routing at least an input expose signal from an operator control to the connection apparatus and forming a sensor interface channel to receive at least an active x-ray emission signal from a sensor positioned operatively near an x-ray system of the x-ray imaging system of the type configured for film or computed radiography. An input expose signal over the operator interface channel can initiate a reset of the digital radiography receiver over the receiver interface channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Peter A. Newman, Michael P. Urbon
  • Patent number: 8393789
    Abstract: A radiographic image capture managing system includes an information storage unit for storing image information acquired by a radiation detector in chronological order, a usage status acquirer for acquiring information concerning a usage status of the radiation detector, a deterioration information acquirer for acquiring information concerning an extent of deterioration of the radiation detector based on the image information, a service life predictor for predicting a service life of the radiation detector based on the acquired information concerning the extent of deterioration and the acquired information concerning the usage status, a service life prolongation information setter for setting service life prolongation advice information required to prolong the predicted service life based on a preset relationship between the usage status and the extent of deterioration of the radiation detector and history information, and a service life prolongation advice output unit for transmitting service life prolongati
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Jun Enomoto
  • Patent number: 8363786
    Abstract: A radiographic image capturing system includes a radiographic image capturing device, a radiation irradiating device, and a control device. The radiographic image capturing device is capable of performing fluoroscopic imaging, and carries out capturing of radiographic images continuously. The radiation irradiating device performs continuous irradiation or pulse irradiation with respect to the radiographic image capturing device at a time of fluoroscopic imaging. The control device has a controller that affects control such that, in a case in which a frame rate of fluoroscopic imaging is low, the radiation irradiating device performs fluoroscopic imaging by the continuous irradiation with respect to the radiographic image capturing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Haruyasu Nakatsugawa, Naoyuki Nishino, Yutaka Yoshida, Naoto Iwakiri, Yasunori Ohta
  • Patent number: 8358740
    Abstract: A radiographic image capturing system includes a radiographic image capture device, a radiation irradiation device, and a control device. The radiographic image capture device is capable of wired and wireless communications, and is capable of fluoroscopic imaging in which radiographic images are successively captured at notified synchronization timings or at a predetermined frame rate. The radiation irradiation device irradiates radiation toward the radiographic image capture device during fluoroscopic imaging, with continuous irradiation or pulse irradiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Haruyasu Nakatsugawa, Naoto Iwakiri, Naoyuki Nishino, Yasunori Ohta, Yutaka Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8295439
    Abstract: Provided is a radiation image capturing system wherein image capturing conditions can be appropriately set up for a radiation generating apparatus associated with a bucky device in an environment ready for capturing images by inserting either a CR cassette or an FPD cassette into the bucky device which can accept both a CR cassette and an FPD cassette. The radiation image capturing system is equipped with a radiation generating apparatus, a bucky device a portable FPD cassette, a CR cassette, and a console having a display section for displaying icons corresponding to the usable bucky device and the portable FPD cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic, Inc.
    Inventor: Hisashi Yonekawa
  • Patent number: 8270564
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for reducing motion artifacts in x-ray imaging systems. The detector system output is sampled at a rate higher than the x-ray exposure rate to reduce blurring associated with motion of the detector and/or object being scanned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Teratech Corporation
    Inventor: Alice Chiang
  • Patent number: 8259904
    Abstract: A radiographic image capturing system comprises a radiation converter for converting radiation that has passed through a subject into a radiographic image, a processor for processing the radiographic image, and a selector for, when a plurality of the radiation converters and/or a plurality of the processors are provided, selecting one radiation converter and one processor that have the most appropriate communication state and associating the selected one radiation converter with the selected one processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Keiji Tsubota, Naoyuki Nishino, Yutaka Yoshida, Yasunori Ohta, Masato Hattori
  • Patent number: 8243882
    Abstract: A method and a system are disclosed for operating an X-ray imaging subsystem with an X-ray imaging detector. Each subsystem may be one of many that could operate with one another to create X-ray images. An association is established between the imaging subsystem and the imaging detector, and a user-perceptible indication of the association is generated. The user may be prompted to confirm the association. Thereafter, the two subsystems may be used together for X-ray imaging. An X-ray source of the imaging subsystem may be disabled until the association is established or until the confirmation is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kadri Nizar Jabri, Gopal Biligeri Avinash, John Michael Sabol, Rajeev Ramankutty Marar
  • Patent number: 8243883
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for coordinating operation of X-ray detectors in a wireless X-ray system includes detecting multiple wireless X-ray detectors within an operative range of an X-ray base station, the detected X-ray detectors each having one of multiple possible statuses, including an active status corresponding to a designation of the X-ray detector as a desired recipient of radiation during a current X-ray imaging sequence, an inactive status corresponding to a designation of the X-ray detector as not the desired recipient of radiation during a current X-ray imaging sequence, and an unenabled status corresponding to the X-ray detector not being configured to operate with the X-ray base station. The method also includes determining the current status of each detected X-ray detector and displaying on a user-viewable screen a visual indication of the status of each detected X-ray detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jon Charles Omernick, Manfred David Boehm, Gireesha C. Rao, James Zhengshe Liu, Chuande Liu, Kiran Shankaranarayana, Karla Angelica Arista
  • Patent number: 8167486
    Abstract: When a gain correction is performed for the radiographed object image, the acquisition of the object image having a high grade quality and no artifact is realized. For that purpose, an image storing unit is provided for storing an image for correction radiographed based on conditions set with the table in a state in which no object exists to each operation modes of the plurality of operation modes; and an image processing unit is provided for performing a gain correction processing of the radiographed object image and performs the gain correction processing of the radiographed object image obtained based on the conditions set in the table of the operation mode selected by the selecting unit in a state in which the object exists using a corresponding image for correction extracted from the image storage unit based on the operation mode selected by the selecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuro Takenaka, Tadao Endo, Toshio Kameshima, Tomoyuki Yagi, Keigo Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 8170178
    Abstract: The radiation image capturing system includes a plurality of image capturing apparatus of different specifications for capturing a radiation image of a subject, plural processors for controlling respective image capturing apparatus, a processor selector for selecting one processor from processors based on supplied capture information, an image capturing condition setting unit for setting the image capturing conditions to be appropriate for an image capturing apparatus selected from among the plurality of image capturing apparatus, and an image capturing condition changer for, when the image capturing apparatus is changed, changing the image capturing conditions to be appropriate for the changed image capturing apparatus. The processor controls the changed image capturing apparatus according to the changed image capturing conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Naoyuki Nishino, Naoki Mochizuki, Daiki Harada, Hiroshi Fukuda, Eiichi Kito, Yasunori Ohta
  • Patent number: 8139712
    Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus in which early recognition of breast cancer can be made possible by acquiring both a radiation tomographic image that accurately displays a tumor mass and a radiation planar image that accurately displays calcification. The apparatus includes an image processing unit for generating a tomographic image signal in a first imaging mode and generating a planar image signal in a second imaging mode, a computing unit for computing an imaging direction for obtaining a radiation planar image based on a location designated in a radiation tomographic image, and a control unit for controlling a rotational driving device and a radiation generating unit to obtain the radiation tomographic image in the first imaging mode, and controlling the rotational driving device according to the computed imaging direction and controlling the radiation generating unit to obtain the radiation planar image in the second imaging mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuya Kojima
  • Patent number: 8085901
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for obtaining an x-ray image from an x-ray imaging apparatus using a digital radiography receiver installs a retrofit connection apparatus that adapts the x-ray imaging apparatus for use with the digital radiography receiver by forming a receiver interface channel for communicating signals to and from the digital radiography receiver, forming an operator interface channel for routing at least an input expose signal from an operator control to the connection apparatus and forming a generator interface channel for transmitting at least an output expose signal from the retrofit connection apparatus to an x-ray generator of the x-ray imaging apparatus. An input expose signal over the operator interface channel initiates a reset of the digital radiography receiver over the receiver interface channel before the output expose signal to the x-ray generator is transmitted over the generator interface channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter A. Newman, Michael P. Urbon
  • Publication number: 20110305323
    Abstract: A radiography control apparatus includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire data of image-capturing mode and a change unit configured to change the number of times a correction image is captured, the correction image being used to correct a radiographic image in accordance with the acquired image-capturing-mode data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Naoki Yamada
  • Publication number: 20110299660
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit which is rotatable relative to a platform about a shaft portion perpendicular to an X-ray detecting surface, so as to change the orientation relative to a subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Katsushi Kato
  • Publication number: 20110299656
    Abstract: A medical imaging apparatus includes an X-ray imaging apparatus; and a nuclear medicine imaging apparatus. The X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray tube configured to emit X-rays for generating an X-ray CT image. The nuclear medicine imaging apparatus includes a detector configured to detect radiation for generating a nuclear medicine image. At least one of the X-ray imaging apparatus and the nuclear medicine imaging apparatus includes a determining unit configured to determine whether the detector detects the X-rays emitted by the X-ray tube, thereby determining whether there is a failure in the detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicants: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION, Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Yasunobu YAMADA
  • Patent number: 8027432
    Abstract: A radiography control apparatus includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire data of image-capturing mode and a change unit configured to change the number of times a correction image is captured, the correction image being used to correct a radiographic image in accordance with the acquired image-capturing-mode data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naoki Yamada
  • Patent number: 8023620
    Abstract: The present invention is an x-ray arrangement for examining patients, having an x-ray source and a digital flat panel detector characterized by a processing unit with a converter with an input possibility for a whole data record of system parameters as input parameters which can be easily adjusted and input by the user for conversion into a whole data record of image chain parameters as output parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Franz Atzinger, Juan Manuel Casso Basterrechea, Clemens Jörger
  • Patent number: 8019045
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit which is rotatable relative to a platform about a shaft portion perpendicular to an X-ray detecting surface, so as to change the orientation relative to a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Katsushi Kato
  • Patent number: 7994481
    Abstract: There are provided an apparatus capable of complying with arbitrary data acquisition period (frame rate) change instruction without increasing load and cost, and a method and a system for controlling such an apparatus. To realize this, in the present invention, there are included an area sensor for reading out an electric signal accumulated in a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, line by line, and a control unit for controlling the area sensor. The area sensor operates in a first operation for deriving radiation image data by reading during irradiation with radiation, and a second operation for deriving the radiation image data by reading during non-irradiation with radiation, alternately. The control unit switches a period for deriving the radiation image data during a time period from an end of the reading in the first operation until an end of the reading in the second operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Yagi, Hitoshi Inoue, Hideto Shiozawa
  • Patent number: 7983392
    Abstract: A method for obtaining an x-ray image stores an association between a digital radiology receiver panel, a label that is applied to one or more surfaces of the digital radiology receiver panel, and an x-ray imaging room. A response to an operator instruction designates the digital radiology receiver panel having the stored association as an active digital radiology receiver panel in the x-ray imaging room. Instructions are transmitted wirelessly to the active digital radiology receiver panel. Image data is obtained from the active digital radiology receiver panel following exposure to x-ray radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Venturino, Peter A. Newman
  • Publication number: 20110170669
    Abstract: A radiographic image capturing system includes a radiographic image capture device, a radiation irradiation device, and a control device. The radiographic image capture device is capable of wired and wireless communications, and is capable of fluoroscopic imaging in which radiographic images are successively captured at notified synchronization timings or at a predetermined frame rate. The radiation irradiation device irradiates radiation toward the radiographic image capture device during fluoroscopic imaging, with continuous irradiation or pulse irradiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Haruyasu NAKATSUGAWA, Naoto IWAKIRI, Naoyuki NISHINO, Yasunori OHTA, Yutaka YOSHIDA
  • Publication number: 20110158390
    Abstract: There is provided a radiographic imaging apparatus including: a control unit housing a control section and a power source section; a panel unit housing a radiation detection panel; a connection member that rotatably connects one edge portion of each of the control unit and the panel unit so as to adopt two states: a closed state in which one face of the control unit faces one face of the panel unit, and an open state in which the one face of the control unit and the one face of the panel unit are side-by-side facing in substantially the same direction, wherein in the open state the other face of the panel unit is positioned higher than the other face of the control unit; and a support member positioned below the other face of the panel unit and supporting the panel unit when in the open state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasunori OHTA, Naoyuki NISHINO, Naoto IWAKIRI, Haruyasu NAKATSUGAWA
  • Publication number: 20110150182
    Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus communicating with a radiation imaging control apparatus for controlling an operation of acquiring a radiation image includes a radiation detection unit configured to detect radiation and to acquire the radiation image, a storage unit configured to store information about a plurality of the radiation imaging control apparatuses, a selection unit configured to select one of the plurality of the radiation imaging control apparatuses as an apparatus to communicate with the radiation imaging apparatus, and a setting unit configured to set communication with the radiation imaging control apparatus selected by the selection unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Satoru Omura
  • Patent number: 7961841
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an X-ray photographing apparatus that is capable of being automatically transformed to panoramic, CT, and cephalometric photographing apparatuses having corresponding modes in accordance with the mounting or demounting of a panoramic sensor, a CT sensor, or a cephalometric sensor thereon/therefrom, thereby at once performing the photographing for the images being the corresponding modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignees: Vatech Co., Ltd., Vatech Ewoo Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang Joon Ro, Tae Woo Kim