Abstract: A proximity detection system includes a proximity sensor that is a capacitive sensor mounted on a mounting position on a robot, the proximity sensor being configured to detect proximity between the mounting position and an object; and a shield signal output unit configured to apply a shield signal for preventing the proximity sensor from detecting proximity of another position of the robot other than the mounting position.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor (10) is attached to a collimator (12) and detects an acceleration of the collimator (12), and a speed calculation unit that calculates the speed of the collimator 12 on a basis of the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor (10). When the speed of the collimator (12) exceeds a setting speed that is set in advance, a lifting or lowering of an arm (13) is stopped by attaching a permanent electromagnet (42) to a stopper plate (43). In addition, a warning message as a warning indication is displayed on a display unit, and a warning sound as a warning indication is generated from a speaker. Accordingly, damage to an apparatus is prevented.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for supporting X-ray imaging. The apparatus comprises an input interface (IN) for receiving an X-radiation scatter measurement obtained by an X-ray sensor (SXi) during operation of an X-ray imager (XI) for imaging a first object (PAT). A predictor component (PC) is configured to predict, based on said measurement, whether or not: i) a second object (P) is present, or ii) there is sufficient X-ray exposure of said first object (PAT). The apparatus comprises an output interface (OUT) for outputting a predictor signal indicative of an outcome of said prediction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable carbon nanotube- and filament-type X-ray apparatus and a method for controlling same. The present invention comprises: a control unit for controlling a portable carbon nanotube- and filament-type X-ray apparatus; and a high-voltage apparatus, of an X-ray source, which is connected to the control unit, has carbon nanotubes (CNT) applied to the high-voltage apparatus of the X-ray source, enables a low-dose exposure by means of detailed control, enables significant reduction of power consumption due to omission of filaments, and has a high-voltage capacitor and a high-voltage diode structure disposed in a sandwiched structure such that the size of the high-voltage apparatus is reduced.

Abstract: A linear accelerator head for use in a medical radiation therapy system can include a housing, an electron generator configured to emit electrons along a beam path, and a microwave generation assembly. The linear accelerator head may include a waveguide that is configured to contain a standing or travelling microwave. The waveguide can include a plurality of cells that are disposed adjacent one another, wherein each of the plurality of cells may define an aperture configured to receive electrons therethrough. The linear accelerator head can further include a converter and a primary collimator.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for the monitoring of patient motion via the detection of changes in capacitance, as measured using a capacitance position sensing electrode array. The changes in capacitance may be processed to determine a corresponding positional offset, for example, using a calibration data set relating capacitance to offset for each electrode of the array. The detected positional offset may be employed to provide feedback to a surgeon or operator of a medical device, or directly to the medical device for the control thereof. A medical procedure may be interrupted when the positional offset is detected to exceed a threshold. Alternatively, the detected positional offset may be employed to manually or automatically reconfigure a medical device to compensate for the detected change in position. Various configurations of capacitive position sensing devices are disclosed, including embodiment in incorporating capacitive sensing electrodes with a mask or other support structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides components, systems, and methods for predictive maintenance of medical diagnostic machine components.

Abstract: A method of detecting a possible collision in a medical procedure, includes: obtaining a reference depth image; obtaining an input depth image; determining a composite image using at least a part of the reference depth image and at least a part of the input depth image, wherein the act of determining the composite image is performed using a processing unit; and determining whether there is a possible collision between an object and a patient based on the composite image.

Abstract: Disclosed are a charging cradle and a portable radiography device including the same, which is capable of displaying the residual battery capacity when the portable radiography device is being charged and even when not being charged and, more specifically, displaying the possible number of times of radiography in real time by using the residual battery capacity, such that a user can exactly determine when to charge. The portable radiography device includes a radiography device main body having a rechargeable battery, a first communication unit provided in the main body to transmit battery charging state information, a charging cradle configured to receive external power to supply charging power to the battery, a second communication unit provided in the charging cradle to receive the battery charging state information from the first communication unit, and a display unit provided in the charging cradle to display the battery charging state information.

Abstract: Provided is a mobile X-ray apparatus including: an X-ray radiator configured to emit X-rays; a battery configured to supply power to the X-ray radiator; a charger configured to charge the battery; a battery management system (BMS) configured to receive power from the battery or the charger and output a first signal based on a state of the battery; and a first switch configured to be turned off according to the first signal to prevent power from being supplied to the BMS, wherein the first switch is further configured to be turned on by power supplied from the charger when the BMS is shut down.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus comprises an X-ray tube and processing circuitry. The X-ray tube includes a rotary anode. The processing circuitry is configured to derive an acquiring condition from a fluoroscopic image, and start to increase, in accordance with the acquiring condition derived, a rotating speed of the anode from a low rotating speed to a high rotating speed before the X-ray tube finishes emitting an X-ray to acquire the fluoroscopic image.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein to provide a user-interface to visualize and control a beam request panel for requesting allocation of usage of a shared therapy beam. The user interface allows a user to visualize a beam request queue, to request the shared therapy beam for treatment, to estimate when a beam request will be fulfilled, and to cancel a beam request if needed.

Abstract: A mobile medical imaging robot is disclosed. The robot comprises a medical imaging device, and a vehicle configured to carry the medical imaging device. The vehicle is motorized so as to move on a surface, such the floor of an examination room. The robot further comprises a cable designed to link said vehicle to a wall of a room, such as a medical examination room. In at least one non-limiting embodiment, motorized robot movements along the surface are controlled manually by a user.

Abstract: A boom has an x-ray head attached to one end thereof and the x-ray head has an x-ray source disposed therein. In a docked position of the boom, the x-ray source is disabled. In a deployed position, the x-ray source is enabled. A handle attached to the x-ray head is movable into at least two different positions. A first one of the positions disables the x-ray source while a second one of the positions enables the x-ray source. The handle extends a preselected distance from the x-ray source such that the handle maintains at least the preselected distance between the x-ray source and a subject to be exposed thereby.

Abstract: A linear accelerator head for use in a medical radiation therapy system can include a housing, an electron generator configured to emit electrons along a beam path, and a microwave generation assembly. The linear accelerator head may include a waveguide that is configured to contain a standing or travelling microwave. The waveguide can include a plurality of cells that are disposed adjacent one another, wherein each of the plurality of cells may define an aperture configured to receive electrons therethrough. The linear accelerator head can further include a converter and a primary collimator.

Abstract: A radiation imaging system comprising a radiation imaging apparatus and a control apparatus configured to control the radiation imaging apparatus, the control apparatus comprising: a control unit configured to control display of an imaging enable screen that enables the radiation imaging apparatus to perform imaging; an operation detection unit configured to detect operation by an operator; and an inhibition unit configured to inhibit a transition to another screen other than the imaging enable screen when the operation detected by the operation detection unit while the imaging enable screen is displayed by the control unit is operation other than operation for finishing a radiation imaging examination.

Abstract: A radiation-treatment planning apparatus accesses imaging information regarding at least a patient's treatment volume and surface information regarding dynamic surfaces within the radiation-treatment environment as pertains to the radiation treatment. The apparatus acquires the imaging information using a first imaging technology and the surface information using a second technology that is different than the first imaging technology. The apparatus uses the imaging and surface information to influence a radiation treatment plan for treating the treatment volume with radiation to accommodate dynamic physical changes within the radiation-treatment environment during the radiation treatment of the treatment volume.

Abstract: A radiation irradiation device includes a radiation generation unit; an arm part; a support member having one end to which the arm part is connected; a body part to which the support member is connected; and a leg part on which the body part is placed. The leg part includes first casters that are provided on a front side of the leg part and second casters that are provided on a rear side of the leg part. The diameter of wheels of the second casters and is greater than the diameter of wheels of the first casters, and the gravity center position of the entire device is closer to the second casters side than a center between the first casters and the second casters in a state where the arm part is rotationally moved until the radiation generation unit is located at a vertically lowermost position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mammography. In particular, the present invention relates to a method and a corresponding system for individually monitoring a compression force in an apparatus for mammographic examination for personalized compression guidance. In order to provide a personalized guidance for the compression of the breast in a first step (S1a, S1b, S1c) a breast contact area (A) between a breast under examination and a compression plate (3) or a support plate (15) is determined. In a next step (S5) a compression force limit is determined based on the breast contact area (A). Then, in a further step (S9a, S9b, S9c) an output signal (5) representative of the relation between the breast contact area (A) and the compression force limit is provided to a user such that the user may decide whether to complete or to continue the application of compression force.

Abstract: The invention comprises a system for patient specific control of charged particles in a charged particle beam path using one or more trays inserted into the charged particle beam path, such as at the exit port of a gantry nozzle in close proximity to a tumor of a patient. Each tray holds an insert, such as a patient specific insert for controlling the energy, focus depth, and/or shape of the charged particle beam. Examples of inserts include a range shifter, a compensator, an aperture, a ridge filter, and a blank. Trays in a tray assembly are optionally retracted into an output nozzle of a charged particle cancer treatment system. Optionally and preferably, each tray communicates a held and positioned insert to a main controller of the charged particle cancer therapy system.

Abstract: A housing cladding module for a medical device is provided for collision identification. The module includes resistor elements, which are arranged in and/or on the surface and which are designed such that the resistor elements change their electrical resistance on expansion. The resistor elements are arranged in such a way that the resistor elements are expanded in the event of a collision with an object. The collision is identified easily, and the effective collision force may be ascertained.

Abstract: The invention comprises a system for patient specific control of charged particles in a charged particle beam path using one or more trays inserted into the charged particle beam path, such as at the exit port of a gantry nozzle in close proximity to a tumor of a patient. Each tray holds an insert, such as a patient specific insert for controlling the energy, focus depth, and/or shape of the charged particle beam. Examples of inserts include a range shifter, a compensator, an aperture, a ridge filter, and a blank. Trays in a tray assembly are optionally retracted into an output nozzle of a charged particle cancer treatment system. Optionally and preferably, each tray communicates a held and positioned insert to a main controller of the charged particle cancer therapy system.

Abstract: Devices and methods for embedding a standard dose checker feature within existing CT systems by obtaining and analyzing information from the existing CT system, detecting a radiation parameter value therefrom, comparing the detected radiation parameter with a predetermined threshold, and generating an operation-signal to affect the operation of the CT system based on the comparison between the detected radiation parameter and the predetermined threshold and the state of the CT system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an X-ray image apparatus having an improved rotating unit for preventing a blind spot in which an X-ray-generating unit is not rotated from being generated. The X-ray image apparatus includes an X-ray-generating unit configured to generate X-rays and radiate the X-rays, an X-ray-detecting unit configured to detect the X-rays radiated from the X-ray-generating unit, and a rotating unit configured to rotate the X-ray-generating unit. Here, the rotating unit includes a rotating frame coupled to one side of the X-ray-generating unit; a protrusion configured to protrude from one side of the rotating unit; and a stopper being in contact with the protrusion to halt a rotation of the rotating frame and being provided such that the stopper can be moved in a preset zone. Since the stopper securing the rotating frame of the rotating unit can be moved in the preset zone, it is possible to prevent a blind spot caused by a restriction of the rotation of the rotating frame from being generated.

Abstract: An X-ray generation system and an X-ray detection system can be used in a method for taking X-ray images. The X-ray generation system includes an X-ray generator that generates X-rays and emits the generated X-rays to an external device. A three-dimensional (3D) posture information detector generates 3D posture information for the X-ray generator, and a communicator transmits the 3D posture information to the external device.

Abstract: A medical imaging device that uses electromagnetic or acoustic information to generate a patient image is remotely maintained. A set of operational characteristics for the device is maintained by a maintenance system disposed remotely from the device. Data from sensors disposed local to the device are received over a network at the maintenance system. A set of parameter measures is derived from the received data and analyzed in comparison with the set of operational characteristics to identify a predicted malfunction of a component of the device. The maintenance system is thus able to initiate a repair of the medical imaging device by generating an alert in response to identification of the predicted malfunction.

Abstract: A radiation generation apparatus includes a radiation generator which generates radiation, an arm which supports the radiation generator, and a column which supports the arm. The arm can open and close with respect to the column. The radiation generation apparatus includes a restriction unit which restricts the opening and closing angle of the arm with respect to the column in accordance with the length of the arm.

Abstract: A radiation imaging system that can continuously use sections of a radiation imaging device that has not been damaged and a radiation imaging device are provided. The radiation imaging system comprises: a radiation device that applies radiation; and the radiation imaging device with an imaging panel that captures images of the applied radiation. The radiation imaging device comprises: a failure cause detection unit that detects environmental noise or falls that cause failures in the radiation imaging device; a malfunction diagnostic unit that, in a case where a detected environmental noise value reaches a threshold value or in a case where a fall has been detected, diagnoses a malfunction in the radiation imaging device; and a function limiting unit that applies limits to the radiation imaging device functions that are used continuously, in accordance with the diagnosis results of the malfunction diagnostic unit.

Abstract: A radiographic imaging apparatus that is connectable to a plurality of radiation sensors includes an information acquisition unit configured to acquire information about a radiographing site and a radiographing posture of a subject based on an instruction from an operator, a sensor drive status management unit configured to manage drive statuses of the plurality of radiation sensors, and a sensor selection unit configured to select a radiation sensor to be used in performing radiographing from the plurality of radiation sensors based on the acquired information and drive statuses of the plurality of radiation sensors.

Abstract: A collision sensor device for a medical apparatus includes a sensor structure having a first sensor and a second sensor that are separated by a spacer layer, at least one crumple layer that adjoins one of the first sensor and the second sensor and is configured to provide a run-on path, and an outer surface layer provided on a side facing away from the medical apparatus in an installed state of the collision sensor device.

Abstract: An x-ray source is described. During operation of the x-ray source, an electron source emits a beam of electrons. This beam of electrons is focused to a spot on a target by a magnetic focusing lens. In response to receiving the beam of focused electrons, the target provides a transmission source of x-rays. Moreover, a repositioning mechanism selectively repositions the beam of focused electrons to different locations on a surface of the target based on a feedback parameter associated with operation of the x-ray source. This feedback parameter may be based on: an intensity of the x-rays output by the x-ray source; a position of the x-rays output by the x-ray source; an elapsed time during operation of the x-ray source; a cross-sectional shape of the x-rays output by the x-ray source; and/or a spot size of the x-rays output by the x-ray source.

Abstract: A particle beam therapy system comprising a treatment table, a treatment table control unit and an irradiation control unit configured to output an instruction for controlling the treatment table control unit, an accelerator and a scanning electromagnet, wherein after the treatment table control unit controls the treatment table so as for a patient isocenter which is reference position of an affected area of a patient to move to a position of an irradiation isocenter which is set at a position which is closer to an irradiation nozzle than an equipment isocenter which is reference of positional relation of the irradiation nozzle and the treatment table, the irradiation control unit outputs an instruction for irradiating the patient with a particle beam.

Abstract: A system provides recovery from an X-ray system C-arm and patient table collision. A collision recovery system enables a user to recover from a collision or near collision of movable components of an X-ray imaging system including a movable C-arm hosting an X-ray emitter and detector. The system includes a C-arm position tracking processor for automatically recording C-arm position data indicating a valid stationary position of a C-arm and a path from the valid stationary position to an invalid position of the C-arm enabling retracement of the C-arm along the path to the valid stationary position. A user interface enables a user to initiate retracement of the C-arm along the path to the valid stationary position. A C-arm is movable to retrace the path to the valid stationary position using the recorded C-arm data in response to user command.

Abstract: A mobile X-ray imaging apparatus includes: a mobile cart having a casing as an exterior member; an X-ray generation unit that can be stored in the casing; a handle portion arranged on an upper portion of the casing; and a movable portion having the handle portion and configured to be alternately stored in and pulled out from the casing, wherein an upper portion of the movable portion is pulled out in an inclined state from the mobile cart through a drawing-out operation performed on the handle portion by the operator.

Abstract: An XRF analysis apparatus includes a housing with a source of penetrating radiation to be directed at a sample and a detector for detecting fluoresced radiation from the sample. A shield is attachable to the housing to protect the user from radiation and a safety interlock is configured to detect whether or not the shield is attached to the housing. A controller is responsive to the safety interlock, and configured to monitor usage of the source of radiation at or above a predetermined power level when the shield is not attached to the housing and provide an output signal when the monitored usage of the source of penetrating radiation at or above the predetermined power level without the shield attached to the housing exceeds one or more predetermined thresholds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical imaging system as well as an anti-collision method for the like. With this, the movement of a moveable part, e.g. a C-arm is stopped or slowed down if the part approaches the patient, i.e. falls below a predeterminable minimal distance to specific surface areas of the patient or approaches these. These distances are detected by means of at least one sensor.

Abstract: A radiographic apparatus includes an X-ray source unit, a measurement unit configured to measure either one or both of a force and a torque applied to the X-ray source unit, at least one motor configured to move the X-ray source unit, and a system control unit configured to control the at least one motor to move the X-ray source unit according to a direction and a magnitude of the either one or both of the force and the torque measured by the measurement unit.

Abstract: A liquid cooled thermal control system for a computed tomography (CT) detector includes a plurality of temperature sensors and a control mode selector module coupled to the plurality of temperature sensors. The control mode selector module is programmed to receive an input from the plurality of temperature sensors, identify the inputs as either valid inputs or invalid inputs, and determine an operational mode of the liquid cooled thermal control system based on the identified inputs. A CT imaging system and a method of operating a cooling system are also described.

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.

Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus has an X-ray source, an X-ray detector, a temperature sensor, a data acquisition unit and a controller. The X-ray source generates an X-ray. The X-ray detector detects the X-ray. The temperature sensor detects a temperature of the X-ray detector. The data acquisition unit acquires data from the X-ray detector. The controller controls a temperature of the X-ray detector through adjustment of a workload of the data acquisition unit during a non-scanning time.

Abstract: A method including irradiating a target, which is located in a patient supported by a movable table, with a radiation beam emanating from a radiation source located in a movable gantry, and positioning the gantry and the table so as to maintain adequate clearance, wherein a clearance is defined as a distance between the gantry and the patient or the table, whichever is smaller, and wherein adequate clearance is defined as a clearance that alleviates a risk of a collision between the gantry and the patient or the table during movement of the gantry.

Abstract: A method for regulating the acquisition of an analog input signal from a digital X-ray panel is provided. The method includes opening a switch disposed between an integrator and the digital X-ray panel prior to an integrator event or upon detection of a fault in the digital X-ray panel to decouple the integrator from the digital X-ray panel, wherein the integrator is configured to integrate the analog input signal from the digital X-ray panel. Also, a system for data acquisition is provided. Further, a method for fault protection of the digital X-ray panel is provided.

Abstract: In a cassette-type X-ray detection device, an X-ray detector and a self diagnostic circuit are contained in a cassette casing. When the cassette-type X-ray detection device gets a shock, the self diagnostic circuit is actuated. The self diagnostic circuit reads out from the X-ray detector an offset image being a dark current image, and analyzes the offset image. The self diagnostic circuit finds out an abnormal portion from the offset image, and diagnoses whether the X-ray detector is available, unavailable, or partly available based on the size and position of the abnormal portion. Shock detection and a diagnostic result are displayed on a touch panel provided in the cassette casing, and sent to a console device via a communication unit.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for servicing complex systems. Upon detection of a serviceable condition, a system snapshot is made and stored. The snapshot may include a range of data then available on the system, particularly hardware configuration data, such as components then installed, peripherals installed, their states, and so forth. The snapshot may include data available prior to the detection of an indicator, at the time of detection and following detection, facilitating evaluation of the condition and potential responses to it.

Abstract: A system and method for pairing an X-ray system with a wireless device is provided. In one embodiment, a method includes generating a unique pairing code with control circuitry that controls the operation of the X-ray system, providing the unique pairing code to the wireless device in the form of a pulse sequence and receiving a wireless signal indicative of the unique pairing code from the wireless device. The wireless device is then paired and enabled for use with the X-ray system.

Abstract: There is described a system for carrying out and monitoring minimally-invasive interventions with an x-ray device, in which at least one x-ray emitter and a x-ray detector are attached to one or more robot arms of one or more multi-axis articulated-arm robots, with which they are able to be moved for recording images from different projection directions on a predeterminable path around a patient support facility. The system includes a control and evaluation unit with interfaces for catheters and devices for carrying out the minimally-invasive intervention. The control and evaluation unit is embodied for the processing of measurement and/or image data which it receives from the catheters and devices and for control of the catheters and devices for recording the measurement and/or image data. With the proposed system the workflow is covered completely and seamlessly from the examination to the therapy, especially in the treatment of tachycardial arrythmias.

Abstract: A radiation detection apparatus and a radiation image capturing system according to the present invention includes an electronic cassette equipped with a casing, and a radiation detection device accommodated inside the casing, which detects radiation emitted from a radiation source and having passed through a subject, while converting the radiation into radiation image information. The electronic cassette includes a sensor for sensing that the casing has been lifted, a power supply controller for supplying power based on a detection signal from the sensor, a discriminating unit for discriminating whether the radiation detection apparatus has transitioned to an image capturing capable mode, and a warning signal output unit for outputting a warning signal, for issuing a warning when the radiation detection apparatus cannot transition to the image capturing capable mode.

Abstract: A radiation control system and method are provided in which radiation delivered to a patient and/or the operator of the equipment is minimized. The radiation control system may be used in a large variety of applications including applications in which radiation source is used to inspect an object, such as, for example, medical imaging, diagnosis and therapy, in manufacturing operation using radiation, in airports scanning systems, in different security setups, and in nuclear reactors automation and process control. The radiation control system and method may also be used with 3D imaging.

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

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other modalities are described for (a) obtaining an indication relating to an emission module (which may be dangerous, e.g.) or its user (who may be untrained, e.g.) and for (b) configuring the module or causing an irradiation (for imaging, e.g.) in response to the indication.