Technique Or Detector Patents (Class 378/116)
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Patent number: 7573979Abstract: When a signal S2 with a pulse width corresponding to an entire X-ray irradiation period is input, a pulse P3 (signal S5) with a predetermined pulse width is output at an input timing of the signal S2, and when a new signal S2 is input during output of the pulse P3, the pulse P3, being output, is extendingly output further for the above pulse width from the input timing of the signal S2. Then in a state in which either or both of the signal S2 and the pulse P3 are being input, a pulse P4 (signal S6), with a pulse width corresponding to a period of the input, is output at a start timing of the input period, and when the pulse P4 is input, the imaging unit 7 is controlled to start imaging based on a start timing of the pulse P4. An X-ray imaging apparatus that can appropriately detect an imaging start timing and can perform taking of a good X-ray image while preventing malfunctions due to noise is thereby realized.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2006Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.Inventors: Akira Taoka, Kazuhisa Miyaguchi
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Patent number: 7573980Abstract: A selectable mode of operation is disclosed for an X-ray computer tomograph for producing angiographical images. A patient accommodated on a couch is not moved relative to the measuring system in the z-direction, the entire area to be examined is irradiated at a prescribed first angle of rotation of the measuring system, and the X-ray radiation emerging from the area to be examined is detected isochronously using a matrix detector.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2006Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Gabriel Haras, Peter Aulbach
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Patent number: 7558372Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the separate three-dimensional representation of arteries and/or veins in a vascular system of the body by means of a C-arm biplanar system having two C-arms, which can each record a sequence of x-ray images from different projection angles during a mask or filler pass. With the filler pass, both C-arms record x-ray images, so that the x-ray images of the filler pass can be combined to form a first data record, which contains x-ray images from the arterial phase of the vascular contrasting and/or to form a second data record, which contains x-ray images from the venous phase of the vascular contrasting. This enables the arterial and venous phases to be reconstructed separately.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2007Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Michael Zellerhoff
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Publication number: 20090168966Abstract: In a medical digital X-ray imaging apparatus having a plurality of imaging modes including computed tomography mode, a supporter supports an X-ray source and a digital X-ray sensor having a two-dimensional detection plane for detecting X-rays, while interposing an object between them. An image reconstructor acquires data from the digital X-ray sensor and reconstructs an image based on the acquired data. An operator selects one of a first imaging mode and a second imaging mode. The second imaging mode has an irradiation field different from the first imaging mode and has an area to be read in the digital X-ray sensor smaller than that in the first imaging mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2006Publication date: July 2, 2009Inventors: Masakazu Suzuki, Hideki Yoshikawa
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Publication number: 20090154648Abstract: In order to improve the reliability of a radiographic image detection unit and the reliability of a radiographic apparatus, when it is not detected that the radiographic image detection unit is mounted on a support portion or a cooling portion, processing for restricting radiography of a moving image is executed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2007Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tetsuo Watanabe
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Patent number: 7531810Abstract: A method for routine monitoring and quality assurance of field asymmetry of high energy circular radiation beam producing equipment. The quality assurance process of field symmetry for devices such as stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) systems is simplified by directly measuring the integration of the half-beam profile. The method of the invention provides that the field symmetry is obtained by positioning the tip of an ion chamber, with a collecting length approximately half the diameter of the beam, at the central axis of the beam, and rotating the ion chamber at varying angular positions, acquiring and comparing readings at desired angular positions. Each pair of readings from positions 180 degrees opposed from each other, are plugged into the equation, Asymmetry=2(R1?R2)/(R1+R2) to compute asymmetry.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2006Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Inventor: Xiaodong Wu
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Patent number: 7532703Abstract: A diagnostic imaging system includes a high frequency electromagnetic energy source that emits a beam of high frequency electromagnetic energy toward an object to be imaged. An energy discriminating (ED) detector receives high frequency electromagnetic energy emitted by the high frequency electromagnetic energy source. The ED detector includes a direct conversion layer dynamically operable in a photon counting mode in one view and in an integrating mode in another view and an indirect conversion layer. A data acquisition system (DAS) is operably connected to the ED detector and a computer operably connected to the DAS.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2007Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Yanfeng Du, J. Eric Tkaczyk, David M. Hoffman
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Patent number: 7532706Abstract: A correction process is performed using different gain correction signals (GSA, GSB) in accordance with radiographic modes (moving image radiographic mode/still image radiographic mode) set in an X-ray imaging apparatus, respectively. This makes it possible to acquire an image with decreased correction errors even when the X-ray imaging apparatus is configured using an imaging unit having different gain characteristics in the still image radiographic mode and moving image radiographic mode.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2005Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Toshio Kameshima, Tadao Endo, Tomoyuki Yagi, Katsuro Takenaka
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Patent number: 7519156Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for hot swapping a portable detector to an imaging system. A portable detector having a unique identifier and calibration data is detected by an imaging system. The imaging system selects the calibration data for the detected portable detector. The imaging system uses the calibration data in the imaging process. In some embodiments, the selected calibration data can be stored in the portable detector or in the imaging system. In some embodiments, the calibration data is organized as both imaging system dependent and imaging system independent. In some embodiments, the imaging system integrates the portable detector and the associated calibration data into the operation of the imaging system.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2007Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Rajeev R. Marar
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Patent number: 7515678Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided for performing computed tomography (CT) imaging. The method includes obtaining EKG gating information from an object and obtaining attenuation measurements from the object utilizing a detector that is rotated in a scan plane around the object. The method further includes performing a first reconstruction based on a first portion of the attenuation measurements that are collected by a first region of the detector, where the first reconstruction is performed independent of the EKG gating information to obtain a first reconstruction data set. A second reconstruction is performed based on a second port of the attenuation measurements that are collected by a second region of the detector, where the second reconstruction is performed based on the EKG gating information to obtain a second reconstruction data set.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2005Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jiang Hsieh, Darin Robert Okerlund, Mark Edward Woodford
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Publication number: 20090086915Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2008Publication date: April 2, 2009Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Katsuro Takenaka, Tadao Endo, Toshio Kameshima, Tomoyuki Yagi, Keigo Yokoyama
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Publication number: 20090080601Abstract: A CT detector includes a direct conversion material configured to generate electrical charge upon reception of x-rays, a plurality of metallized anodes configured to collect electrical charges generated in the direct conversion material, at least one readout device, and a redistribution layer having a plurality of electrical pathways configured to route the electrical charges from the plurality of metallized anodes to the at least one readout device. A plurality of switches is coupled to the plurality of electrical pathways between the plurality of metallized anodes and the at least one readout device, wherein each of the plurality of switches includes an input line electrically coupled to one of the plurality of metallized anodes, a first output node electrically coupled to the at least one readout device, and a second output node electrically coupled to at least one other switch of the plurality of switches.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2007Publication date: March 26, 2009Inventors: John Eric Tkaczyk, James Wilson Rose, Wen Li, Jonathan D. Short, Yanfeng Du
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Publication number: 20090060138Abstract: A method for at least reducing the occurrence of differential ghosting in an X-ray image acquired in respect of a subject, wherein a deghost scan is performed at least once daily so as to generate an underlying strong homogeneous ghost so that further differential (non-homogeneous) ghosting during subsequent scans is minimised. The deghost scan comprises acquiring an ‘air’ image, when no subject is present between the X-ray source (4) and detector (5), as a relatively high detector dose.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2006Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.Inventor: Peter George Van De Haar
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Patent number: 7492865Abstract: In flat-panel X-ray detectors which have a multiplicity of detector elements which are in each case associated with one pixel of an X-ray image, the individual detectors generate offset signals. These offset signals are detected by recording offset images in which there is no X-ray irradiation (dark images). The offset images are recorded after the X-ray images to be corrected in time. If for each X-ray image record, an associated offset image record is generated by using a single offset image or of two, the offset images can be recorded closely in time. Ghosting effects are then not disturbing because the offset images are only used for correcting the X-ray images which cause the ghosting.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2007Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Gerhard Hahm, Mathias Hörnig, Martin Spahn
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Patent number: 7489762Abstract: In a method for performing recordings for dual absorptiometry, a high-energy radiation pulse is performed before a low-energy radiation pulse. Furthermore the high-energy radiation pulse is arranged at the end of an assigned radiation window of the detector. This temporal sequence of a high-energy radiation pulse and a low-energy radiation pulse allows the total time for performing the recordings for dual absorptiometry to be minimized.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2007Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Philipp Bernhardt
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Publication number: 20090028296Abstract: In an imaging acquisition system and method, successive x-ray images and successive optical images are respectively acquired from an examination subject. Positional identifiers associated with the examination subject are detected in the optical images, and acquisition of respective x-ray images is triggered only when the identifiers are detected in the optical images. The number of acquired x-ray images is therefore substantially fewer than the number of acquired optical images, and the x-ray images can be acquired with substantially no overlap, thereby avoiding exposing the examination subject to unnecessary radiation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2008Publication date: January 29, 2009Inventors: Rainer Graumann, Sorin-Alexandru Neagu, Sven Martin Sutter
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Patent number: 7476027Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 22, 2007Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Katsuro Takenaka, Tadao Endo, Toshio Kameshima, Tomoyuki Yagi, Keigo Yokoyama
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Patent number: 7463719Abstract: During tomosynthesis a plurality of x-ray images is acquired. The angular position of the x-ray tube is changed from x-ray image to x-ray image. Absorption in the imaged object (patient) and also in the patient table changes as a function of the angle. To compensate for this, backlight is applied while the x-ray images are being acquired. The intensity of the back light is selected as a function of the angle of the x-ray tube to the normal of the flat x-ray detector. Backlight can also be directed during reading, with only the areas already read in each instance being irradiated.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2007Date of Patent: December 9, 2008Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Mathias Hörnig
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Patent number: 7453988Abstract: To comply with radiation protection provisions that differ from one another for different operating functions without operational restrictions, a radiation protection system is provided in the case of a multifunctional x-ray system for a solid state detector assigned to the x-ray system. The radiation protection system includes a device for restricting the current outer contours of an x-radiation field to bounding outer contours dependent on the selected operating function of the x-ray system.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2006Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Hans-Joachim Greiner, Mathias Hörnig, Martin Spahn
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Publication number: 20080279334Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus is capable of taking a moving picture by acquisition by a reading circuit of a plurality of radiation image signals on the basis of a plurality of successive times of irradiation of a radiation detector with radiation rays. The radiation detector has a two-dimensional array of pixels. In a period between a start of an n-th time of irradiation with radiation rays and a start of an (n+1)-th time of irradiation with radiation rays, where n is a natural number, a controller switches an operation status of an analog-to-digital converter that converts electric signals read by the reading circuit into digital signals so that power consumption of the analog-to-digital converter is reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2008Publication date: November 13, 2008Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Katsuro Takenaka, Tadao Endo, Toshio Kameshima, Tomoyuki Yagi, Keigo Yokoyama
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Patent number: 7433446Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes an image sensing unit that receives X-rays and converts the received X-ray signal into an image signal, a control unit that controls the image capturing apparatus, including image capturing using the image sensing unit, and a communication unit including at least two communication interfaces to output the acquired image signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2006Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masahiro Abe
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Patent number: 7426261Abstract: An X-ray system includes a radiation source, a central control device, a mobile solid object detector, and a wireless communication link between the solid object detector and the control device. For an examination to run correctly, the mobile solid object detector includes a signaling unit for indicating an existing association with the central control unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2006Date of Patent: September 16, 2008Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Martin Spahn
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Patent number: 7421062Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus comprises three X-ray generating units, three groups of detecting elements and a reconstructing unit. The three X-ray generating units are arranged so as to make an angle formed by a first X-ray exposure direction and a second X-ray exposure direction on a rotational plane thereof be a same angle as that formed by the second X-ray exposure direction and a third X-ray exposure direction on the rotational plane, the same angle being smaller than 120 degree. The three groups of detecting elements are arranged opposite to the three X-ray generating units respectively so as to make a field of view formed in a center wider than two side fields of view. The reconstructing unit is configured to reconstruct an image using detection data detected by at least desired one of the three groups of the detecting elements.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2006Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventors: Miwa Okumura, Satoru Nakanishi, Masaharu Tsuyuki, Yasuo Saito
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Patent number: 7421063Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus is capable of taking a moving picture by acquisition by a reading circuit of a plurality of radiation image signals on the basis of a plurality of successive times of irradiation of a radiation detector with radiation rays. The radiation detector has a two-dimensional array of pixels. In a period between a start of an n-th time of irradiation with radiation rays and a start of an (n+1)-th time of irradiation with radiation rays, where n is a natural number, a controller switches an operation status of an analog-to-digital converter that converts electric signals read by the reading circuit into digital signals so that power consumption of the analog-to-digital converter is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2007Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Katsuro Takenaka, Tadao Endo, Toshio Kameshima, Tomoyuki Yagi, Keigo Yokoyama
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Patent number: 7359483Abstract: A radiographer support system containing a storage apparatus provided in a case including a recoding medium for recording radiographic image data a recording device for recording radiograph related data of the first radiographic image data a first communication device electrically connected to the recording device for a data communication and a first electrode electrically connected to the first communication device capable of being in contact with a human body, and a wearable apparatus including a second communication device for communicating with the first communication device and a second electrode electrically connected to the second communication device capable of being in contact with a human body wherein the first communication device communicate with the second communication device for transmitting the radiographic image data or X-ray photograph related data each other via a human body as a transmission line.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2004Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic, Inc.Inventor: Fukuro Koshiji
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Publication number: 20080069304Abstract: A radiography apparatus having an x-ray source, an x-ray imaging detector, and a support structure coupling the source and the x-ray detector and rotatable about a predetermined axis for positioning about a subject. The apparatus includes a first operator control console with a first command entry device for entry of operator setup instructions and a first display. A second operator control console is spaced apart from the first operator control console and has a second command entry device for entry of operator setup instructions and a second display. A control logic processor is responsive to the operator setup instructions for controlling operation of the radiography apparatus. At least some of the operator setup instructions entered at the first command entry device and operator setup instructions entered at the second command entry device are the same.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2006Publication date: March 20, 2008Inventors: Jerald J. Muszak, Chad P. Paris, Bruce A. Leonard, John M. Staton
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Patent number: 7342997Abstract: The dead time of a pulse type X-ray detector is measured without estimation of a true X-ray intensity. The first and the second conditions are used for varying an intensity of an X-ray entering the X-ray detector. The first condition may be the slit width of a receiving slit, at least three kinds of slit width being selected. The second condition may be with or without an absorption plate. The first observed X-ray intensities are observed, with the absorption plate inserted, for three or more values in slit width. Next, the second observed X-ray intensities are observed similarly but with the absorption plate removed. A predetermined relational expression is made up among the first observed X-ray intensity, the second observed X-ray intensity, a ratio k of the second observed X-ray intensity to the first observed X-ray intensity (depending upon attenuation in X-ray intensity caused by the absorption plate) and the dead time ? of the X-ray detector.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2006Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: Rigaku CorporationInventors: Tomoyasu Ueda, Yoshiyasu Ito, Kazuhiko Omote
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Patent number: 7343001Abstract: Methods of using an X-ray system having a central computer system, an X-ray source and a bank of wireless detectors. The methods include an automated X-ray system that requires the input of a type of X-ray to be performed on a patient, and the systems determine and identify which detector from the detector bank is appropriate for the ordered test.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2006Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Emad Abu Tabanjeh
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Patent number: 7313225Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for acquisition of a digital x-ray image of an examination subject with a digital x-ray receiver, the digital x-ray image being composed of a number of individual images acquired in temporal succession and overlapping one another at least in one diagnostically-relevant subject region, at least one intermediate image composed of a number of individual images is evaluated to control at least one acquisition parameter used to generate the x-ray image. For the acquisition of digital x-ray images, an exposure control without exposure of the patient to an additional radiation dose is possible.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2006Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Thomas Mertelmeier
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Patent number: 7298825Abstract: A detector for a portable imaging system includes a flash memory including a full set of configuration parameters and calibration files. The detector also includes a transmit and receive unit for communicating with the portable imaging system. The detector still further includes a detector controller responding to a request for identification of the detector received through the transmit and receive unit. The detector transmits calibration data and configuration data from the flash memory to the portable imaging system and boots the detector.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: General Electric Co.Inventors: Jon C. Omernick, Kenneth S. Kump, Sabih Q. Zaman
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Patent number: 7292675Abstract: A method of providing an automatic protocol assistance includes determining a number of exposures for a scan of an object, acquiring a low dose AEC exposure of the object or acquiring at least one of a PA and an AP view, calculating an initial technique, and automatically determining whether to use the initial technique to perform the scan or to not perform the scan.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2006Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Baojun Li, Stephen Wayne Metz, Rowland Frederick Saunders, Yaxi Shen
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Publication number: 20070253534Abstract: There is provided an X-ray imaging system to which an X-ray sensing unit including a solid-state imaging device having sensitivity to X-rays interchangeably connects. The system includes an X-ray generation unit which applies X-rays to the X-ray sensing unit, and an imaging controller which controls the X-ray sensing unit and the X-ray generation unit. The system also includes a sensing unit information receiver which receives sensing unit information from the X-ray sensing unit. The system further includes a control parameter setting unit which automatically sets control parameters for the imaging controller on the basis of the sensing unit information received by the sensing unit information receiver.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2007Publication date: November 1, 2007Inventor: Masahiro Abe
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Publication number: 20070230661Abstract: A diagnosis aiding system that photographs an examination subject without a photographing order and generates image data of the examination subject, and thereafter links the image data with the examination subject, includes: an image generating unit that photographs an examination subject and generates data of a photographed image of the examination subject; a switching operation unit to input switching information on an examination subject; and a controller that stores one or more photographed images, of a single examination subject, generated by the image generating unit between input of preceding switching information and input of subsequent switching information via the switching operation unit, linking the one or more photographed images with examination subject information on the single examination subject.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2007Publication date: October 4, 2007Inventors: Wataru Motoki, Mamoru Umeki, Jiro Okuzawa
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Patent number: 7272207Abstract: Systems, processes and apparatus are described through which non-destructive imaging is achieved, including a process for variable binning of detector elements. The process includes accepting input data indicative of image quality goals and descriptors of an imaging task, as well as parameters characterizing a test subject, relative to non-destructive imaging of an internal portion of the test subject and determining when the non-destructive imaging system is capable of achieving the image quality goals using binning of more than four pixels.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2006Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Inventors: Richard Aufrichtig, John Robert Lamberty, Paul Richard Granfors
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Patent number: 7263167Abstract: A method of scanning a subject to be imaged is presented. The method includes acquiring projection data from a first region of a pixel, where the first region has a first area. Additionally, the method includes acquiring projection data from a second region of the pixel, where the second region has a second area. The method also includes combining projection data from the first and second regions to obtain composite projection data for the pixel. Computer-readable medium and systems that afford functionality of the type defined by this method are also contemplated in conjunction with the present technique.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2005Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Deborah Joy Walter, John Eric Tkaczyk, Yanfeng Du
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Patent number: 7260180Abstract: An x-ray examination apparatus comprises an x-ray source and an x-ray detector. The x-ray detector includes a photoconductor to derive electric charges from incident x-radiation and read-out elements which derive electrical pixel-signals from the electric charges from the photoconductor. A central group of the read-out elements is located in a central region of the x-ray detector and a peripheral group of the read-out elements is located in a peripheral region which surrounds the central region. The x-ray examination apparatus being provided with a selection system to select the central group of read-out elements so as to supply pixel-signals from the central group of read-elements to the output circuit. The selection system may include an encompassing electrode to drain electric charges from the peripheral group. Or the selection system shields the peripheral group from x-rays.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2003Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.Inventor: Herfried Karl Wieczorek
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Patent number: 7248671Abstract: An X-ray diagnosis apparatus including an X-ray detector which has a plurality of detection elements. On the X-ray detector, there is a first area and a second area. A readout unit reads out an electric charge from a detection element on the first area before reading out the electric charge from a detection element on the second area. A display unit displays an X-ray image data which is created by the electric charge read out from the detection element on the second area.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2003Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Seiichiro Nagai
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Publication number: 20070165783Abstract: Methods of using an X-ray system having a central computer system, an X-ray source and a bank of wireless detectors. The methods include an automated X-ray system that requires the input of a type of X-ray to be performed on a patient, and the systems determine and identify which detector from the detector bank is appropriate for the ordered test.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2006Publication date: July 19, 2007Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventor: Emad Abu Tabanjeh
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Patent number: 7239685Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for managing power consumption of a medical imaging detector by the use of triggering signals, environmental condition data, and/or determination of a variable time interval triggering event that is unique for each power consumption state. Systems and methods are provided for managing power and temperature of a device, after receiving a request for a function to be performed by the device determining an “on” trigger component, an “off” trigger component, associated circuits for performing the received function, providing power to the associated circuits upon the occurrence of the “on” trigger component, and removing power to the associated circuits upon the occurrence of the “off” trigger component. Further, an instruction is described for determining and displaying a variable time interval that is indicative of a time to change from one state to a desired state.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2004Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Inventors: Scott W. Petrick, Donald F Langler, Paul R. Granfors, Ken S. Kump, Aaron A. Haen, Jibril Odogba, Jason R. Ertel, David C. Neumann, John R. Lamberty, Ping Xue, Habib Vafi
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Patent number: 7218704Abstract: An inspection system based upon an enclosed conveyance such as a van, capable of road travel, for inspecting persons or objects. The conveyance is characterized by an enclosing body, or skin. A source of penetrating radiation and a spatial modulator for forming the penetrating radiation into a beam, both contained entirely within the body of the enclosed conveyance, irradiate the person or object with a time-variable scanning profile. A detector module generates a scatter signal based on the scatter of penetrating radiation. A proximity sensor may be employed to generate a relative motion signal based on a relative disposition of the conveyance and the inspected object. An image is formed of the contents of the object based in part on the scatter signal and the relative motion signal. A detector, which may be separate or part of the scatter detector module, may exhibit sensitivity to decay products of radioactive material.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2005Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: American Science and Engineering, Inc.Inventors: William L. Adams, Alex Chalmers, Lee Grodzins, Louis W. Perich, Peter Rothschild
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Patent number: 7212612Abstract: X-ray device with a detector and an adjustable diaphragm for fading-in an examination area, whereby the detector (6) can be controlled and read-out asymmetrically and the diaphragm (8) can be moved asymmetrically.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Burkhard Groh, Volker Heer, Mathias Hörnig, Bernhard Sandkamp
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Patent number: 7203279Abstract: In the radiographic apparatus according to this invention, when a radiographic mode designator 16 designates a non-standard radiographic mode, a signal corrector 15 uses defect information stored in one of non-standard image defect information memories 18B–18E for correcting X-ray detection signals outputted from an FPD 2. Since the pixel defect information for non-standard X-ray images is acquired by a pixel defect information converter 19 through a conversion from defect information for standard X-ray images stored in a standard image defect information memory 18A, it is unnecessary to collect output signals for pixel defect information acquisition from the FPD 2 all over again. As a result, abnormal X-ray detection signals due to defects of radiation detecting elements may be corrected promptly, regardless of how the radiation detecting elements are assigned to the pixels in the X-ray images.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2005Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Shimadzu CorporationInventors: Keiichi Fujii, Shoichi Okamura, Susumu Adachi, Shinya Hirasawa, Toshinori Yoshimuta, Koichi Tanabe, Shigeya Asai, Akihiro Nishimura
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Patent number: 7197112Abstract: Method of positioning a mobile X-ray detector unit of an X-ray system, X-ray system and mobile X-ray detector unit. method is described for positioning a mobile X-ray detector unit (25, 26) of an X-ray system (1). The X-ray system (1) deployed has X-ray radiation units (5, 6, 7) and at least one mobile X-ray detector unit (25, 26). The X-ray radiation units (5, 6, 7) thereby each have an active and a passive operating status. The X-ray radiation units (5, 6, 7) are each assigned a detector holder (8, 9, 10, 11, 12) to hold a mobile X-ray detector unit (25, 26). To generate X-ray recordings, X-ray radiation emitted by an active X-ray radiation unit (5, 6, 7) is detected by means of a mobile X-ray detector unit (25, 26), which is located in a detector holder (8, 9, 10, 11, 12) of said X-ray radiation unit (5, 6, 7).Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Michael Maschke
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Patent number: 7190991Abstract: The invention described herein provides systems and methods for multi-modal imaging with light and a second form of imaging. Light imaging involves the capture of low intensity light from a light-emitting object. A camera obtains a two-dimensional spatial distribution of the light emitted from the surface of the subject. Software operated by a computer in communication with the camera may then convert two-dimensional spatial distribution data from one or more images into a three-dimensional spatial representation. The second imaging mode may include any imaging technique that compliments light imaging. Examples include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computer topography (CT). An object handling system moves the object to be imaged between the light imaging system and the second imaging system, and is configured to interface with each system.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2004Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Xenogen CorporationInventors: Michael D. Cable, Bradley W. Rice, David Nilson
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Patent number: 7167541Abstract: An X-ray photography apparatus includes a photographing system and a movement control section. The photographing system is made up of a normal X-ray source for irradiating X rays to a subject, a small focus X-ray source for irradiating X rays to the subject, and an X-ray detector for obtaining an image signal by detecting X rays transmitted through the subject. The movement control section moves and controls at least one component from among the normal X-ray source, the small focus X-ray source, and the X-ray detector so that the arrangement of the photographing system is switched between a first arrangement suitable for normal photography in which the subject is photographed employing the normal X-ray source, and a second arrangement suitable for magnified photography in which the subject is magnified and photographed, employing the small focus X-ray source.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2005Date of Patent: January 23, 2007Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ryouzou Kaito
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Patent number: 7156553Abstract: A portable radiation imaging system is provided which is capable of always performing imaging in a state where the tilt of the radiation emitted from a radiation source in relation to the detection surface of an image detection device is substantially perpendicular. The system is equipped with a tilt adjustment means that makes the tilt of the radiation in relation to the detection surface of a radiation image detection device substantially perpendicular by changing the tilt angle of a radiation source based on an angular signal representing the degree of tilt of the radiation in relation to said detection surface output by an angular signal output means, and a command means that generates an exposure command to the radiation source when the tilt of the radiation to be emitted from said radiation source in relation to the detection surface of said radiation image detection device is substantially perpendicular.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2004Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Tanaka, Kazuo Shimura, Takeshi Ohkubo
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Patent number: 7154994Abstract: Systems and methods of switching between data acquisition modes in an x-ray system are disclosed. The x-ray system includes a control device and a detector device, the detector device including one or more x-ray sensors. During changes in acquisition modes, responsibility for flushing the one or more x-ray sensors may be transferred from the control device to the detector device. When the detector device is ready to begin acquiring data in a new data acquisition mode, the responsibility is transferred back from the detector device to the control device.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2004Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.Inventor: Keith Gray
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Patent number: 7139367Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing signals output from an array of X-ray radiation detectors which receive X-ray radiation emanating from an object irradiated by a source beam of X-ray radiation, to thereby produce an visual image of internal object features, utilizes repetitive sampling P times and digital accumulation of signals output from each detector to increase signal-to-noise ratio of the images by the factor 1/?P. In a basic embodiment, each of the N detectors in a linear detector array is sampled P times. In another embodiment, artifacts resulting from decay of detector pre-amplifier output voltages on capacitors of low-pass filter circuits, referred to as pseudo-integrators, are reduced by sequentially sampling and accumulating each of N detector amplifier output voltages P times in turn, and repeating the sampling and accumulating sequence Q times, thereby reducing variations in the P×Q accumulated values between the first and last detector channels of an N detector array.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2004Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Inventor: Khai Minh Le
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Patent number: 7138635Abstract: A detector module is for CT and/or PET and/or SPECT examinations, and includes a number of measuring channels. Each measuring channel includes a direct converter for directly converting incident measuring radiation into analog electric signals, a pulse generator connected to the direct converter, for generating counting pulses as a function of the received electric signals, and a counting device that counts the received counting pulses over a prescribable time period and outputs the result. Arranged between the counting device and the pulse generator is an externally drivable changeover unit that can be used to switch over between the counting device and an event detector that registers and outputs for each received counting pulse the time and the associated measuring channel or an item of location information assigned to this measuring channel. The present detector module is of simple design.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2004Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Bjoern Heismann
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Patent number: 7130377Abstract: An X-ray image taking apparatus which takes an X-ray image by using an FPD juxtaposing TFTs performs the return processing of the FPD according to an inputted image taking parameter when the image taking parameter such as exposure time is inputted with an input unit for a long-time image taking operation mode, a high dose image taking operation mode, or the like.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2004Date of Patent: October 31, 2006Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroyuki Matsuno