Radial Patents (Class 378/13)
  • Patent number: 11185296
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method (62, 64) for creating x-ray images as well as to an x-ray system. During the creation of an x-ray image, a slit diaphragm (16) is moved in front of an object (24) to be x-rayed, along a path extending between a radiation source (10) and said object (24), in order for the object (24) to be scanned. X-rays emitted by the radiation source (10) are detected by a detector (20) upon penetration of the slit diaphragm (16) and the object (24) to be x-rayed. In order to create an x-ray image using a simplified slot scanning technique, the x-ray image is created without the need for a second slit diaphragm (16) between the object (24) to be x-rayed and the detector (20), and only the radiation of which the intensity (60), detected by the detector (20) during the scan, exceeds a predefined threshold value is processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Philipp Bernhardt, Michael Stark
  • Patent number: 9958404
    Abstract: An X-ray analyzing system for x-ray scattering analysis having an x-ray source for generating a beam of x-rays propagating along a transmission axis (3), at least one hybrid slit (5b) with an aperture which defines the shape of the cross section of the beam, a sample on which the beam shaped by the hybrid slit (5b) is directed and an X-ray detector for detecting x-rays originating from the sample. The hybrid slit (5b) has at least three hybrid slit elements (7), each hybrid slit element (7) having a single crystal substrate (8) bonded to a base (9) with a taper angle ??0. The single crystal substrates (8) of the hybrid slit elements (7) limit the aperture and the hybrid slit elements (7) are staggered with an offset along the transmission axis (3). The X-ray analyzing system has improved resolution and signal to noise ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Bruker AXS GmbH
    Inventor: Jan Skov Pedersen
  • Patent number: 9808211
    Abstract: A CBCT imaging system comprises a digital radiation detector and radiation source. A detector transport moves the detector along at least a portion of a first curved path and a radiation source transport moves the radiation source along at least a portion of a second curved source path. The detector is configured to travel at least a portion of the first curved path, and the radiation source is configured to travel at least a portion of the second curved path. The detector is configured to obtain a plurality of 2D projection images over a range of scan angles for reconstructing a 3D volume image using the plurality 2D projection images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: John Yorkston, William C. Wendlandt, Peter A. Newman, Donna K. Rankin-Parobek, David Y. Chan
  • Patent number: 9155508
    Abstract: In a multi-source X-ray CT scanner having multiple X-ray sources, an imaging FOV size is fixed. In the X-ray CT scanner, a position of at least one of multiple X-ray generators is movable in the Z-axis direction (in the rotation axis direction). It is further possible to configure such that while shifting the X-ray generator, the rotation speed of the rotating plate is kept to be a predetermined value or less. Highly precise CT measurement is implemented as to various imaging FOV sizes, without exposing the test subject to ineffective radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: HITACHI MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hironori Ueki, Yukiko Ueki
  • Patent number: 9024263
    Abstract: Disclosed is radiation tomography apparatus for smaller animals including a radiation source for emitting radiation; a radiation detecting device for detecting radiation; a rotary device for rotating the radiation source; and a holder provided between the radiation source and the radiation detecting device that has two or more spaces for placing a subject. The holder includes space discriminating members for each of the spaces. Each of the space discriminating members has a unique sectional shape when cut along a plane where an imaginary circle exists. Here, the imaginary circle is a locus of rotation of the radiation source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Hiromichi Tonami
  • Patent number: 8903038
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, an X-ray CT device includes: a front dome cover and rear dome cover that include a fixed cover and a plurality of segmented movable covers; a slide mechanism that enables the movable covers to slide relative to the fixed cover; and a dome-diameter driving unit that controls the slide mechanism to change a dome diameter of a gantry dome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Yohei Matsuzawa, Tomiya Sasaki, Hiroshi Hori
  • Patent number: 8768030
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for reconstructing image data of an examination object from measurement data of a computed tomography system, the examination object having been irradiated simultaneously by a number of X-ray sources while the measurement data was being acquired so that different projections of the examination object associated with the number of X-ray sources were acquired simultaneously for each detector element. In at least one embodiment, different iteration images of the examination object are determined one after the other from the measurement data by way of an iterative algorithm, a computation operation being employed with the iterative algorithm, which is applied to the iteration images and takes the presence of the number of X-ray sources into account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Herbert Bruder, Karl Stierstorfer
  • Publication number: 20140126686
    Abstract: An X-ray photography apparatus including: a turning arm that supports an X-ray generator and an X-ray detector while the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector are opposed to each other so that a head of a patient can be interposed therebetween; and a moving mechanism that turns the turning arm about a turning axis with respect to the head and moves the turning arm in a direction perpendicular to the turning axis with respect to the head. The X-ray photography apparatus further includes: an image processor that generates an X-ray image based on an electric signal output from the X-ray detector; and a photographic region designation receiving part that designates part of a row of teeth along a dental arch as a pseudo intraoral radiography region. The image processor generates plural tomographic images by applying convolution and filtered back projection to X-ray image data obtained by pseudo intraoral radiography.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: J. Morita Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Sadakane, Hideki Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 8363780
    Abstract: A dental X-ray apparatus of the conical-beam digitized-tomography type includes: an X-ray generator emitting an X-ray beam towards an object and provided with a collimation element for collimating the emitted beam; an X-ray sensor having an active surface arranged opposite the generator; wherein the generator and the sensor can rotate simultaneously about a rotation axis, the sensor being oriented so that a longitudinal axis extending from the generator to the sensor through the rotation axis is perpendicular to the active surface of the sensor, the center of the sensor being transversally offset relative to the projection of the axis on the sensor's active surface, the arrangement of the collimation element and the sensor thus offset defining that the collimated beam illuminates the sensor's active surface while leaving a peripheral area of the surface that is faintly illuminated by the collimated beam relative to the rest of the active surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Trophy
    Inventors: Vincent Loustauneau, Sylvie Bothorel, Colombe Isabelle Maury
  • Publication number: 20120230465
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, an X-ray CT device includes: a front dome cover and rear dome cover that include a fixed cover and a plurality of segmented movable covers; a slide mechanism that enables the movable covers to slide relative to the fixed cover; and a dome-diameter driving unit that controls the slide mechanism to change a dome diameter of a gantry dome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicants: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation, Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yohei Matsuzawa, Tomiya Sasaki, Hiroshi Hori
  • Patent number: 8005186
    Abstract: A dental complex imaging system includes a base and chair on the base for allowing a patient sit; a base-mounted pole adjacent to the chair; a support part extending toward the patient; an expanding and contracting part pivotally coupled to the support part; a radiation generator that moves with the part for emitting radiation for an imaging mode selected from cephalography, panoramic radiography, and CT scanning; a detector disposed on the other side of the part and opposed to the generator; and a controller for reading imaging information, wherein the generator is disposed to slide to adjust a distance between itself and the detector according to the imaging mode while the patient sits on the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Ray Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang Chul Lee
  • Patent number: 7885378
    Abstract: An imaging method and apparatus is described in which distances between a source and an object are changed and projection images are generated at each of the different distances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel B. Kopans, Richard H. Moore
  • Publication number: 20100278299
    Abstract: A dental X-ray apparatus of the conical-beam digitized-tomography type includes: an X-ray generator emitting an X-ray beam towards an object and provided with a collimation element for collimating the emitted beam; an X-ray sensor having an active surface arranged opposite the generator; wherein the generator and the sensor can rotate simultaneously about a rotation axis, the sensor being oriented so that a longitudinal axis extending from the generator to the sensor through the rotation axis is perpendicular to the active surface of the sensor, the center of the sensor being transversally offset relative to the projection of the axis on the sensor's active surface, the arrangement of the collimation element and the sensor thus offset defining that the collimated beam illuminates the sensor's active surface while leaving a peripheral area of the surface that is faintly illuminated by the collimated beam relative to the rest of the active surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: TROPHY
    Inventors: Vincent Loustauneau, Sylvie Bothorel, Colombe Isabelle Maury
  • Patent number: 7728298
    Abstract: A detector bar, a detector formed from a number of detector bars, and a computed-tomography unit including such a detector is disclosed, each detector bar being formed from a number of individual modules. A detector bar has a module carrier for mechanically retaining the individual modules, and a printed circuit board, structurally separate from the module carrier, for making electric contact with the individual modules. The individual modules can thus be exchanged without disturbance, and simple aligning of the individual modules can thus be carried out while electric contact is simultaneously made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Bjoern Heismann
  • Patent number: 7680242
    Abstract: An X-ray examination apparatus includes a scanning X-ray source for outputting X-rays, a sensor base which is attached with a plurality of X-ray sensors and which rotates about a rotation axis, and an image acquiring control mechanism for controlling rotation angle of the sensor base and acquisition of image data from the X-ray sensors. With respect to each X-ray sensor, the scanning X-ray source moves the X-ray focal position of the X-ray source to each starting position of the X-ray emission set so that the X-ray transmits through a predetermined examination area of an examination target and enters each X-ray sensor, and emits the X-rays. The image control acquiring control mechanism acquires image data detected by the X-ray sensors, and a calculation unit reconstructs an image of the examination area based on the image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Masayuki Masuda, Tsuyoshi Matsunami, Haruyuki Koizumi, Noriyuki Kato
  • Publication number: 20090310737
    Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a method of recording images of the heart in computer tomography, in which, in order to prevent movement artifacts, the images are reconstructed on the basis of similar movement states of the heart and different radiation intensities are used for different movement states. Also provided is a computer tomograph for recording images of the heart in computer tomography by means of time windows which exhibit similar movement states of the heart in order to prevent movement artifacts, said computer tomograph comprising a control device which controls a radiation source with different radiation intensities for different movement states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Peter Forthmann, Thomas Koehler, Robert Manzke, Michael Grass, Andy Ziegler
  • Patent number: 7606345
    Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus enables decreasing the degradation of image quality and reducing futile exposure to X-ray in a helical shuttle scan. The X-ray CT apparatus comprises: a gantry rotating device having an X-ray generator for generating the X-ray and an X-ray detector for detecting the generated X-ray and transmitted through a subject; a gantry controller for performing the helical shuttle scan by reciprocally moving the gantry rotating device and the cradle; a scan condition setting device for setting the scan condition of the helical shuttle scan in a predetermined range in the direction of body axis of the subject; an X-ray projection data acquisition device for acquiring the X-ray projection data; a scan controller for controlling the scan as specified in the scan condition; and a image reconstruction device for performing the image reconstruction processing based on the X-ray projection data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventors: Akihiko Nishide, Ryosuke Fujimoto, Kenichi Nishizawa, Akira Hagiwara
  • Patent number: 7561659
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for reconstructing an X-ray CT (computerized tomography) image. The method includes acquiring projection data by means of irradiation of X-rays on a target object at a position close to an X-ray generator such that a portion of the target object including a local region of interest exists within a range of irradiation angles of X-rays, calculating virtual projection data on the assumption that the X-rays are irradiated on the entire target object at the close position, based on projection data acquired through irradiation of the X-rays on the entire target object at a position where the entire target object exists within the range of irradiation angles of X-rays, combining the virtual projection data on the entire target object except data on the local region of interest with the projection data acquired at the position close to the X-ray generator, and reconstructing the combined projection data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Inventors: Min-Hyoung Cho, Soo-Yeol Lee, In-Kon Chun, Sang-Chul Lee
  • Publication number: 20090092224
    Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus enables decreasing the degradation of image quality and reducing futile exposure to X-ray in a helical shuttle scan. The X-ray CT apparatus comprises: a gantry rotating device having an X-ray generator for generating the X-ray and an X-ray detector for detecting the generated X-ray and transmitted through a subject; a gantry controller for performing the helical shuttle scan by reciprocally moving the gantry rotating device and the cradle; a scan condition setting device for setting the scan condition of the helical shuttle scan in a predetermined range in the direction of body axis of the subject; an X-ray projection data acquisition device for acquiring the X-ray projection data; a scan controller for controlling the scan as specified in the scan condition; and a image reconstruction device for performing the image reconstruction processing based on the X-ray projection data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Akihiko Nishide, Ryosuke Fujimoto, Kenichi Nishizawa, Akira Hagiwara
  • Patent number: 7477721
    Abstract: A diagnostic imaging system (10) includes an x-ray source (16), which is rotated around an examination region (20) on a rotating gantry (14). A subject, disposed on a couch (30), is translated longitudinally through the examination region (20). The imaging system is standardized such that a common subassembly is adapted to receive a bore (24) of any selectable diameter. The common subassembly includes a stationary gantry (12) and a bearing race (52) supported by bearing members (50). Standard motor modules (28), standard power slip ring modules (56), and standard information transmission modules (58) are disposed about the race (52). The number of the standard modules (28, 56, 58) is specified by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Marc A. Chappo, Leonard Plut
  • Publication number: 20080273653
    Abstract: Tomographic images in a plurality of radius places are obtained in one-time X-ray photographing, and a lot of information on the diagnose can be provided by forming a stereoscopic image with these obtained tomographic images, and thickness of radial and fineness of angular direction of tomographic image that can be obtained herein compared with prior art can be set arbitrary and can be adjusted thereby obtaining further imperceptible stereoscopic image. To this end, whole photographed images at respective divided unit angles that can be obtained in the digital dental panoramic radiography apparatus at the tomography in the circular orbit, are stored, after X-ray photographed, these photographed images are arranged substantially on the circular arc at the radius place of the tomographic image of the desired extracting part, tomographic images in radius location can be constructed by adding while shifting every photograph unit angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Katsumi Niwa, Takanori Wagatsuma, Hisanori Nakahama
  • Patent number: 7418074
    Abstract: A computed tomography system with an adjustable focal spot-to-detector distance has a gantry provided with a patient opening, an x-ray tube and a detector, respectively mounted at opposite sides of the gantry. The x-ray tube has a focal spot and the x-ray fan beam radiated from the focal spot exhibits a fixed aperture angle. The x-ray tube is installed on a linear track and can be moved along the rail of the linear track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Jian Du
  • Publication number: 20080118024
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for reconstructing an X-ray CT (computerized tomography) image. The method includes acquiring projection data by means of irradiation of X-rays on a target object at a position close to an X-ray generator such that a portion of the target object including a local region of interest exists within a range of irradiation angles of X-rays, calculating virtual projection data on the assumption that the X-rays are irradiated on the entire target object at the close position, based on projection data acquired through irradiation of the X-rays on the entire target object at a position where the entire target object exists within the range of irradiation angles of X-rays, combining the virtual projection data on the entire target object except data on the local region of interest with the projection data acquired at the position close to the X-ray generator, and reconstructing the combined projection data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: MIN-HYOUNG CHO, SOO-YEOL LEE, IN-KON CHUN, SANG-CHUL LEE
  • Patent number: 7305263
    Abstract: A magnetic navigation system for orienting a magnetically responsive medical device in a selected direction within an operating region in a subject's body. The system includes a support for supporting the subject, a magnet system a magnetic field to the operating region, and an imaging system. The magnet system includes at least two magnets disposed on opposite sides of the operating region for applying a magnetic field of at least 0.08 Tesla in any selected direction in the operating region by a change of the position and/or orientation of the magnets within an exclusion zone volume. The imaging system includes an imaging beam source and an imaging beam detector disposed on opposite sides of the operating region. The source and the detector being carried on a C-arm which can pivot about an axis generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the subject to change the imaging angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Stereotaxis, Inc.
    Inventor: Francis M. Creighton, IV
  • Patent number: 7197404
    Abstract: The present system and method for simulating particles and waves is useful for calculations involving nuclear and full spectrum radiation transport, quantum particle transport, plasma transport and charged particle transport. The invention provides a mechanism for creating accurate invariants for embedding in general three-dimensional problems and describes means by which a series of simple single collision interaction finite elements can be extended to formulate a complex multi-collision finite element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventor: Richard Andrew Holland
  • Patent number: 7173249
    Abstract: A method for detecting radiation emitted from a radiation source within a subject. A radiation detector is moved in approximately parallel with the direction of the body axis of the subject. The detector is rotated about the body axis. The distance between the subject and the detector is changed. The radiation is detected by the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hisataka Komatsu, Junji Baba
  • Patent number: 6670625
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for reducing variation in a spot size of an electron beam at a target due to multipole aberrations in an electron beam tomography (EBT) scanner. A magnitude of a DC voltage applied to a positive ion electrode (PIE) within the EBT scanner is adjusted and an orientation of a non-circular aperture of the PIE is aligned with respect to the electron beam. A profile of the spot size is monitored while adjusting the magnitude of the DC voltage and while aligning the orientation of the non-circular aperture of the PIE until the variation in the spot size is sufficiently reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventors: Roy E. Rand, Khem Garewal
  • Patent number: 6194725
    Abstract: An imaging system for generating SPECT images wherein first and second cameras are mounted to a gantry for rotation about an imaging axis, the cameras are positionible in an L configuration wherein their camera axis intersect at an intersection point, the cameras are mounted such that when in the L position the intersection point is further away from each of the cameras than is the rotation axis allowing the cameras to be moved radially inward with respect to the rotation axis thus reducing the degree of table movement within the imaging area required to position an object to be imaged adjacent the cameras.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James G. Colsher, Albert H. R. Lonn, Carl M. Bosch
  • Patent number: 4984257
    Abstract: A dynamic focusing device is provided for an X-ray scanner, the device comprising at least one detector module located in a position to receive, be illuminated by, and respond to X-rays. A source of X-rays is movable toward or away from the detector module. The module comprises a plurality of crystals each having a scintillation surface located in a common plane, with a plurality of septa separating the crystals. The septa have a height which is upstanding above the surfaces of the crystals far enough to reduce lateral X-ray scatter and to cast a shadow upon the surfaces of the crystals responsive to an illumination thereof from said X-ray source. The invention dynamically positions the detector module relative to the distance between the detector module and the source of X-rays in order to reduce substantially to a minimum any shadow in the X-rays cast by the septa upon the surfaces of the crystals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Bio-Imaging Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Bernardi, John F. Moore
  • Patent number: 4969165
    Abstract: A dynamic focusing device is provided for an X-ray scanner, the device comprising at least one detector module located in a position to receive, be illuminated by, and respond to X-rays. A source of X-rays is movable toward or away from the detector module. The module comprises a plurality of crystals each having a scintillation surface located in a common plane, with a plurality of septa separating the crystals. The septa have a height which is upstanding above the surfaces of the crystals far enough to reduce lateral X-ray scatter and to cast a shadow upon the surfaces of the crystals responsive to an illumination thereof from said X-ray source. The invention dynamically positions the detector module relative to the distance between the detector module and the source of X-rays in order to reduce substantially to a minimum any shadow in the X-rays cast by the septa upon the surfaces of the crystals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Assignee: Bio-Imaging Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Bernardi, John F. Moore
  • Patent number: 4606062
    Abstract: An X-ray control device is held in a constant position relative to an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector, while the X-ray tube is moved toward or away from the rotational scanning axis at which an object to be examined is located. The X-ray control device allows selection of a spot size and a tube voltage of the X-ray tube. The X-ray control device is controlled in synchronism with a shift mechanism. When the X-ray tube is close to the object, a smaller spot and a higher tube voltage than those when the X-ray tube is separated from the object are selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1986
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaishi Toshiba
    Inventor: Yasuo Saito
  • Patent number: 4464777
    Abstract: Disclosed is a radiography apparatus comprising an X-ray tube for radiating X-ray beam in a fan shape, a detector for detecting the X-ray beam coming through a living body at a plurality of angular components of the X-ray beam, and a sampling circuit for sampling an output signal of the detector when the living body moves at a given speed in a direction orthogonal to the plane of the X-ray beam, whereby a radiogram is formed by using the output signal of the sampling circuit. In the radiography apparatus, the distance between the living body and the X-ray tube is variable and is detected by a potentiometer interlocked with the movement of the living body. A pulse signal at a frequency corresponding to an output level of the potentiometer is produced by a pulse frequency modulation circuit, and is supplied as a timing signal to the sampling circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1984
    Assignee: Tokyo Shibaura Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kaoru Machida