Abstract: A medical imaging jig is provided with a foldable handle and an integral type foldable footstool, so that a patient having difficulty in movement can be easily and safely subject to medical imaging. In particular, the integral type foldable footstool is provided to be rotated on a hinge to be folded, a lead ruler provided on the rear surface of the medical imaging jig is slidably and detachably provided so that the lead ruler may be moved leftward or rightward or detatched depending on the demand by a user, a handle provided on the medical imaging jig may be folded to allow positioning of an objected to be imaged, and omnidirectional wheels are provided on the lower end of the medical imaging jig.

Abstract: An electronic cassette that is equipped with a drive mechanism capable of accommodating a radiation detection section respectively in two casings and that is capable of changing the surface area of the radiation detection section to be externally exposed and the exposure position on the radiation detection section. Deterioration of the radiation detection section from radiation can be distributed due to control such that the same exposure position is not repeatedly employed. An electronic cassette is accordingly provided that does not suffer from uneven effects of deterioration from radiation within a single sheet radiation detection section even with repeated use.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a body-scanning device using multiple wireless devices is disclosed. The method includes communicating a secure wireless signal from a footswitch enclosure to a footswitch receiver coupled to the body scanning device in response to an actuation of a footswitch zone carried on a footswitch enclosure. Additionally, a wireless signal is communicated from a handswitch enclosure in response to an actuation of a handswitch zone and communicated to a handswitch receiver located in the footswitch enclosure. The wireless signal is then communicated from the footswitch enclosure to the footswitch receiver coupled to the body-scanning device to enable an operator to control the body-scanning device using the handswitch or the footswitch.

Abstract: A hand-held direct digital image sensor device includes a connection handle having a grip portion, a bite portion, and a carrier portion provided with at least one male coupling unit; a soft protective cover provided with at least one female coupling unit for engaging with the male coupling unit; and a direct digital image sensor received in a receiving cavity defined in the protective cover. Through engagement of the male and female coupling units with one another, the soft protective cover and accordingly the direct digital image sensor received therein can be connected to an end of the connection handle and be extended into a patient's oral cavity without bringing too much discomfort to the patient. The used protective cover is discarded or disinfected to meet sanitary requirements in medical treatment.

Abstract: Provided are a thallium bromide semiconductor radiation detector having stable measurement performance with little noise increase even during prolonged measurement, and a nuclear medicine diagnosis device employing the same. In a semiconductor radiation detector using thallium bromide as a semiconductor crystal sandwiched between cathode and anode electrodes, a remaining surface, among surfaces of the semiconductor crystal, which is other than a surface covered with the cathode or anode electrode, is covered with a passivation layer including any one of two materials, that is, fluoride of thallium and chloride of thallium, or a mixture of any one of the two materials and bromide of thallium.

Abstract: A cassette for radiographic imaging includes a radiological image recording medium that detects radiation, a base portion that supports the radiological image recording medium, and a case that accommodates the radiological image recording medium and the base portion. The case includes a front member and a back member. The front member includes a top plate part to which radiation is incident and a side wall part which is vertically formed around an entire circumference of the edges of the top plate part, where the top plate part and the side wall part are integrally formed by the same material. The back member is configured to close a bottom part opening of the front member. The base portion is fixed to the front member.

Abstract: An X-ray detection apparatus including a case; a circuit board disposed in the case; a connection circuit unit disposed in the case, where the connection circuit unit is electrically connected with the circuit board and includes an integrated circuit (“IC”) chip; a detection panel configured to be inserted into and ejected from the case, where the detection panel is electrically connected to the connection circuit unit; and a contact support unit disposed in the case, wherein the contact support unit allows the connection circuit unit and the detection panel to contact each other by applying a force on the connection circuit unit.

Abstract: A radiological image detection apparatus includes: a radiological image detection apparatus main body including a scintillator that converts into fluorescence radiation emitted by way of a subject and a photodetecting unit provided on a radiation entrance side of the scintillator; and a support disposed on a radiation entrance side of the radiological image detection apparatus main body to support the subject, in which the photodetecting unit includes a thin film portion that detects the fluorescence as an electric signal and a reinforcing member that is provided on another side of the thin film portion with respect to its side facing the scintillator; and the reinforcing member and the support are bonded together and remain in close contact with each other along a joint plane therebetween.

Abstract: An X-ray device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device includes an X-ray detector and a power contactor which includes a contact terminal. The device may further include an X-ray table that provides a space into which the X-ray detector is inserted and that includes a push pin pressing the power contactor, wherein the power contactor selectively protrudes from the inside to the outside of the X-ray detector due to a pressure applied by the push pin, and the contact terminal is electrically connected to a power terminal of the X-ray table. The X-ray detector prevents exposure of the power contactor to the outside thereof when the X-ray detector is carried or transported and thus prevents a malfunction of the X-ray detector.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit having an imaging unit power feeding mechanism configured to receive electric power from an external device; a pedestal including a pedestal power feeding mechanism configured to feed the electric power to the imaging unit; and a holder configured to position and hold the imaging unit so that a position of the imaging unit power feeding mechanism coincides with a position of the pedestal power feeding mechanism even if the imaging unit power feeding mechanism is moved with respect to the pedestal power feeding mechanism within a predetermined imaging plane.

Abstract: A chamfered portion configured to have a surface which is tilted to a side surface and a rear surface is formed between the side surface and the rear surface of a housing of an electronic cassette. The chamfered portion has a boundary portion having a predetermined range in the vicinity of a boundary including the boundary with the side surface; a boundary portion having a predetermined range in the vicinity of a boundary including the boundary with the rear surface, and the other portion which does not belong to these boundary portions. The chamfered portion needs to be smoothly inserted into a gap between a patient and an installation surface on which the patient lies on one's back. Therefore, an entire surface of these boundary portions is formed in a curved surface which protrudes outward from the housing.

Abstract: A cassette carrier for containing a cassette incorporating a semiconductor radiation detector includes a rectangular recessed portion formed for containing the cassette with an irradiation surface exposed. The recessed portion is formed by a first frame that forms a side wall of one side thereof and includes a handle that a user holds, and a second frame forming a side wall of another side of the recessed portion. In the side wall formed by the first frame, an opening is provided in an opposite position opposing a connector unit of the cassette with the cassette attached to the recessed portion. The first frame has a space in communication with the opening, and connection/disconnection of an external cable to/from the connector unit is possible through the space with the cassette attached, and the space is large enough to contain an entire connector housing of the external.

Abstract: A digital X-ray detector includes a multi-functional panel support configured to support a digital detector array on a first side of the panel support and electronics on a second side of the panel support. The panel support includes a first enclosure and a rechargeable battery disposed within the first enclosure.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray imaging apparatus for converting an X-ray into an image signal, a cable for transmitting signals to the X-ray imaging apparatus, a connector, disposed at an end of the cable, for connecting the cable and the X-ray imaging apparatus, and fixing portions for fixing the connector and the X-ray imaging apparatus and allowing the connector to be detached from the X-ray imaging apparatus by a detachment load. A cable outlet of the connector is separated from an outline center axis of the connector. The fixing portions include a first fixing portion disposed on the cable outlet side with respect to the connector outline center axis, and a second fixing portion disposed on the opposite side of the cable outlet. The moment of force required to detach the first fixing portion is larger than that required to detach the second fixing portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a bi-directional image receptor assembly capable of receiving an image receptor in either a lengthways (or longitudinal) or crossways (or transverse) orientation, while maintaining the axis of an anti-scatter grid in a fixed position. The axis of the anti-scatter grid can be placed in a fixed orientation (such as a parallel orientation) to a subject's craniocaudal axis regardless of whether the image receptor is inserted in the lengthways or crossways orientation. Methods of using the bi-directional image receptor assembly in mobile radiography are also disclosed. The present disclosure further provides for an X-ray image receptor comprising a portion of an automatic position measurement system. Still further, the present disclosure provides for a cover comprising a reinforcing geometry that maximizes the strength of the cover while minimizing the thickness of the cover.

Abstract: A mobile X-ray apparatus for medical examination includes an apparatus for producing X-ray images having a digital Radiography detector positioned at a first spatial position, an X-ray tube assembly positionable at a second spatial position relative to the first spatial position, sensor(s) for providing the first spatial position and/or the second spatial position, a control unit for receiving the first and/or the second spatial position(s) from the at least one sensor and for controlling the first or second spatial position for alignment of the X-ray tube assembly with the detector based on the first and second spatial positions, a drive wheel, a base, optionally an elevating column, and a telescopic arm which is rotatable into a direction perpendicular to a driving direction of the base. The apparatus is controllable to drive along a patient table and/or the X-ray tube assembly is height adjustable in front of a wall stand, for alignment.

Abstract: An electronic cassette for radiographic imaging includes a radiation imaging detector for detecting X-rays from an object and creating an X-ray image of the object. A battery supplies the radiation imaging detector with power. A power receiver wirelessly receives power from a wireless power transmission apparatus for charging the battery. A housing is formed from an electrical conductor, for containing the radiation imaging detector and the power receiver. A path opening is formed in the housing, and disposed between the power receiver and the wireless power transmission apparatus. A cover device is formed from a material having electrical insulating property and thermal conductivity, for closing the path opening, and conducting heat of the power receiver to the housing for dissipation. Preferably, the cover device contains synthetic resin. Also, a profile line of the path opening is at least partially curved.

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 order to provide an X-ray CT apparatus including a rotating portion capable of enduring a high speed rotation and tilting, the rotating portion includes a cylinder portion 42, a ring portion 41 that is disposed at a position which is offset from the center in the direction of a rotation axis 32 of the cylinder portion 42, and the cylinder portion 42 and the ring portion 41 are supported by spoke portions 43 to 46. An X-ray tube and one or more circuit units are fixed on the inner wall of the cylinder portion 42. Thereby, the centers of gravity of an X-ray detection unit and the circuit units can be positioned at the center position in the direction of the rotation axis 32 of the cylinder portion 42.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus in this example of the invention includes a compression unit that enables to move independently of an X-ray tube supporting device and an X-ray detector for compressing a region of interest of a subject; and a connecting part for connecting the X-ray detector to the compression unit and disconnecting the X-ray detector from the compression unit. Consequently, when the compression unit is not used, the compression unit is located in a retracted position. Thus a space can be secured around the subject placed on a top board. On the other hand, when the compression unit is used, the connecting part connects the X-ray detector to the compression unit. Thereby a compression member of the compression unit can always press a site of interest of the subject at the center of a detecting surface of the X-ray detector.

Abstract: A front-lit detector includes a collimator, an X-ray to visible light converter configured to convert X-rays to visible light after the X-rays pass through the collimator to irradiate the X-ray to visible light converter, a visible light to analog signal converter configured to cover the visible light into analog signals, a substrate on which the visible light to analog signal converter is placed, and an A/D converter configured to convert the analog signals into digital signals.

Abstract: The invention relates to an image plate template for keeping at least one image plate used in medical imaging in order with relation to an imaging object. The template comprising at least receiving means for receiving the at least one image plate and displaying means for displaying information in order to associate a patient with the at least one image plate. The template may also comprise communication means for communicating information from said image plate to an external device for displaying information in order to associate a patient with the at least one image plate.

Abstract: A portable radiographic imaging device including: a radiation detection panel including optoelectric conversion elements that convert irradiated radiation into an electrical signal; a signal processing substrate performing predetermined signal processing on the input electrical signal; a holding base provided between the radiation detection panel and the signal processing substrate and holding the signal processing substrate; a flexible substrate including a flexed portion, with one end of the flexible substrate being connected to the radiation detection panel and the other end of the flexible substrate being connected to the signal processing substrate; a casing in which the radiation detection panel, the signal processing substrate, the holding base and the flexible substrate are installed; and a contact avoidance portion formed at at least one of the signal processing substrate, the holding base or the casing such that contact of with the flexible substrate is avoided, is provided.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging system includes a portable cart, a power source disposed on the portable cart, and a detector bin disposed on the portable cart. The detector bin includes a power adaptor configured to adapt power from the power source to power suitable for charging a rechargeable battery, and a first coupling component configured to receive power from the power adaptor. The imaging system also includes a digital X-ray detector configured to be inserted into the detector bin for charging. The detector includes a rechargeable battery, and a second coupling component configured to couple with the first coupling component and transfer power from the first coupling component to the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A radiation imaging system includes a portable electronic cassette having a first cable that includes at least one of a signal line and a power line and is provided with a first connector for connecting to another connector, the electronic cassette being configured to acquire an image based on radiation transmitted through an object; a controller having a second cable that includes at least one of a signal line and a power line and is provided with a second connector for connecting to the first connector, the controller being configured to control an imaging operation of the electronic cassette via these cables; and a patient platform having an electronic cassette-housing unit in which the electronic cassette can be installed and a connector holding unit in which the second connector can be fixedly fitted. Here, the first connector has a lock/unlock operation unit configured to detachably connect to the second connector.

Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus includes a grid holding unit including a grid for preventing scattering of X-rays, an imaging unit configured to capture an X-ray image, and a handle unit including a gripping handle. One of the grid holding unit, the imaging unit, and the handle unit includes a first detaching regulation unit configured to combine the grid holding unit and the imaging unit, a second detaching regulation unit configured to combine the imaging unit and the handle unit, a third detaching regulation unit configured to combine the grid holding unit and the handle unit, and an unlocking mechanism.

Abstract: A system is provided. The system includes a portable digital X-ray detector and a portable detector control device configured to communicate with the digital X-ray detector. The system also includes a coupling mechanism configured to couple the portable digital X-ray detector to the portable digital X-ray detector to enable simultaneous transport of the digital X-ray detector and the detector control device. The coupling mechanism does not communicate with any component of an imaging system including the portable digital X-ray detector and portable detector control device.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a portable x-ray detector includes coupling a gravity sensor to the portable x-ray detector and coupling a processor to the gravity sensor. The processor is programmed to receive an input from the gravity sensor, determine a physical orientation of the portable x-ray detector based on the received input, and generate an indication to reposition the portable x-ray detector. A portable detector and an imaging system including the portable detector are also provided.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus and related method comprising a detector located a distance from a source and positioned to receive a beam of radiation in a trajectory; a detector positioner that translates the detector to an alternate position in a direction that is substantially normal to the trajectory; and a beam positioner that alters the trajectory of the radiation beam to direct the beam onto the detector located at the alternate position.

Abstract: An x-ray imaging apparatus comprises a platform connected to a frame, a sliding bar, a detector mounted on the sliding bar, an x-ray source, and a control system. The x-ray source includes a collimator to generate an x-ray exposure window. The control system is configured to slide the detector along the sliding bar and synchronously move the collimator to direct the x-ray exposure window to the first detector. The x-ray exposure window movements are registered to the detector movements. The detector interfaces with a processor that processes x-ray image data received from the detector, and generates at least one x-ray image from the x-ray image data.

Abstract: A dental positioning system and method employing the system are described. The system includes at least one receptor holder having an arm extending from a receptor grip. The receptor grip retains a receptor in a fixed position within the grip and with respect to the arm. The system also includes an alignment ring having a window formed therein and having at least one opening corresponding to the at least one receptor holder. The opening is constructed to receive the arm of the receptor holder such that the receptor is substantially centered with respect to the window.

Abstract: A radiographic image detection apparatus includes a detection panel and a housing for containing the detection panel. The housing consists of a front surface member, a back surface member, and a carbon plate attached so as to cover an opening formed in the front surface member. The carbon plate is faced to the detection panel. To the carbon plate is adhered a transparent sheet having transmissivity to radiation and visible light. A first index and a second index are printed on an inner surface of the transparent sheet. The first index is a square-frame shaped index showing a radiation detection range of the detection panel. The second index is a cross-shaped index showing a center position of the radiation detection range. The first and second indices are formed of nonmetallic UV curable ink having no radiation shielding properties.

Abstract: A swiveling device for a swiveling C-arm of an X-ray unit includes a motorized drive unit and an adapter removably attachable to the C-arm concentrically with a swiveling axis thereof. The adapter connects the C-arm to the drive unit in driving manner. The swiveling device also includes an angular position encoder for recording the swivel angle of the C-arm.

Abstract: There is provided a radiographic imaging device including: a radiographic imaging device main body; and a protective cover that is removably applied to a surface of the radiographic imaging device main body, a thickness including the radiographic imaging device main body in the state in which the protective cover is applied being at most 16 mm.

Abstract: In an electronic cassette, an FPD and a support substrate are accommodated in a housing. A signal processing circuit for processing signals from the FPD is formed in a circuit board. The circuit board is attached to the back of the support substrate. The support substrate is a carbon plate made from carbon fiber reinforced plastic and exhibits anisotropy in bending strength depending on a fiber direction of carbon fiber. Spacers are provided inside a rear case that constitutes the housing. The spacers form a space, between the support substrate and the housing, to accommodate the circuit board. The spacers are arranged to suppress or prevent bending of the support substrate in a direction of weak bending strength.

Abstract: A supporting device is provided for a radiation source and a radiation detector, as well as an imaging device having a supporting device. The supporting device contains a base unit, a guidance device with a first segment and a second segment, and a first support arm. The first segment is rotatably arranged at a first rotation connection at the first support arm. The first support arm is pivotably arranged at the base unit of the supporting device such that, by a pivot movement of the first support arm, the first segment can be moved from a first position in which the segments make contact with one another, into a second position in which the segments are separated from one another.

Abstract: A cassette for X-ray imaging includes a cassette body storing an X-ray detector. Three reflective optical sensors are arranged on an upper end side of a rear surface, which is opposite to a detection surface, of the cassette body. An X-ray detection device for supine-posture imaging has a table. The X-ray detection device includes a tray to which the cassette is loaded. Markers for identifying a loading orientation of the cassette are attached to the tray. The reflective optical sensors read out the markers and detect the loading orientation of the cassette.

Abstract: A detector system for an imaging system includes an airflow cooling system. The detector system includes a detector chassis, a duct extending along the length of the chassis, and a manifold that couples the duct to the interior of the chassis. A vacuum source, such as a suction fan, is coupled to the duct and generates a vacuum force within the duct. The chassis includes a plurality of inlet openings, with an airflow path being defined through the interior of the chassis between the inlet openings and the manifold. The suction fan pulls cooling air through the inlet openings, through the chassis and manifold to the duct, and then expels the air through an exhaust opening The airflow is directed into thermal contact with detector elements and associated electronics in the detector chassis to provide cooling of these components.

Abstract: Provided are a table type digital X-ray detector, which is capable of implementation within a digital X-ray photographing apparatus through easy installation without replacing an existing X-ray photographing apparatus, a housing for the table type digital X-ray detector, and an X-ray photographing apparatus using the table type digital X-ray detector. The X-ray photographing apparatus may include an X-ray source: a support provided at a position facing the X-ray source; a housing configured to be fixedly attachable to the support, at least a portion of the top surface of the housing being made of an X-ray transmittable material; and a digital X-ray sensing module embedded in the housing.

Abstract: An inflow port is provided to a casing of an electronic cassette in order to pass air from outside through the inside of electronic cassette. Air is flowed to the inflow port when the electric cassette is housed in a housing section of a prone image capture table. Efficient cooling can accordingly be achieved with a simply configured portable radiographic image capture device.

Abstract: A radiation detection apparatus comprising a sensor panel which includes a sensor array including two-dimensionally arrayed photoelectric conversion elements. A scintillator layer is arranged on the sensor panel. A scintillator protection member covers the scintillator layer upon exposing a first side surface of the scintillator layer. A housing surrounds the scintillator layer and the sensor panel. The housing includes a sealing portion to which a side surface of the sensor panel adjacent to the first side surface and the first side surface are joined by a resin.

Abstract: An electronic cassette for radiographic imaging has an enclosure, an imaging detection panel disposed in the enclosure and configured to convert an amount of radiation into an electric signal, a circuit unit disposed in the enclosure and configured to read an electric signal from the imaging detection panel by supplying a driving signal to the imaging detection panel, and a holding base disposed in the enclosure and configured to support the imaging detection panel. The holding base supports the imaging detection panel on a first surface as a radiation incident side and supports the circuit unit on a second surface on an opposite side to the first surface. The holding base includes a carbon fiber laminated plate having a metal layer inserted in lamination layer, and the metal layer is electrically connected to ground of the circuit unit.

Abstract: A mammography unit having a mounting arm, on which a mounting for at least two X-ray receivers is rotatably disposed in such a way that one X-ray receiver at a time is positioned in an examination position inside an intended X-radiation field, while other X-ray receivers each remain in a reserve position outside the X-radiation field, is provided. The at least one reserve position is disposed on a side located in the X-radiation direction, relative to the mounting arm. In the case of two X-ray receivers, the X-ray receivers each form a lateral angle of between 45° and 90° with the axis of rotation of the mounting. By using a releasable connection of the mounting to the mammography unit, high modularity is provided.

Abstract: A radiographic apparatus includes an X-ray detection sensor having a two-dimensional detector plane for detecting an intensity distribution of X-rays, a body internally containing the X-ray detection sensor, a supporting member having a supporting surface for supporting the X-ray detection sensor across the detector plane and which fixes the X-ray detection sensor to an inner bottom surface of the body, and a circuit board on which is mounted a circuit for reading out a detection signal from the X-ray detection sensor. Furthermore, in the radiographic apparatus, the supporting member forms a space between the supporting member and the inner bottom surface of the body in a peripheral portion of the supporting member. At least a part of the circuit board is arranged in the space.

Abstract: An X-ray detector includes a cassette including a first terminal and a second terminal, and a bucky including a first electrode and a plurality of second electrodes, the first terminal of the cassette being connected to the first electrode of the bucky and the second terminal of the cassette being connected to at least one of the plurality of second electrodes of the bucky, wherein the cassette and the bucky are configured to be connected to each other in at least two different connection modes, at least one of the second electrodes connected to the second terminal in a first connection mode being different from the second electrodes connected to the second terminal in a second connection mode.

Abstract: The present application is a self-contained mobile inspection system and method and, more specifically, improved methods and systems for detecting materials concealed within a wide variety of receptacles and/or cargo containers. In particular, the present application is an improved method and system for inspecting receptacles and/or cargo containers using a single boom placed on a turntable with pivot points to allow for folding and unfolding of the boom, such that the inspection system is relatively compact in a stowed configuration and has a low center of gravity lending to greater stability.

Abstract: An X-ray detector and a heat dissipating method are provided. The heat dissipating method comprises providing an optical sensing panel over an internal support of the X-ray detector and providing a digital printed circuit board directly on a back cover, so that there is a gap between the digital printed circuit hoard and the optical sensing panel that is fixed by the internal support. The X-ray detector comprises an optical sensing panel bonded to the outer side of an internal support; and a digital printed circuit hoard bonded, to the inner side of a back cover, wherein there is a gap between the digital printed circuit hoard and the optical sensing panel that is fixed by the internal support.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some implementations a cover sheet and a frame of a X-ray imaging detector are attached through interlocking apparatus that provides a strong attachment between the cover sheet and the X-ray imaging detector frame and that also reduces the complexity of the attachment and reduces the number of fasteners required between the cover sheet and the X-ray imaging detector frame.

Abstract: A portable radiographic image capture device including a radiation detector for capturing a radiographic image representing irradiated radiation and outputting an electrical signal representing the captured radiographic image; a control board that controls the image capture operation of the radiation detector; and a casing formed in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape, housing the radiation detector and the control board such that they are superimposed on each other. The casing has a flat image capture region for capturing a radiographic image with the radiation detector, is sloped such that the thickness at an end section at least one edge of the casing gradually decreases, and is capable of disposing at least a portion of at least one of the radiation detector and/or the control board inside the angled sloping region of the casing.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit having an imaging unit power feeding mechanism configured to receive electric power from an external device; a pedestal including a pedestal power feeding mechanism configured to feed the electric power to the imaging unit; and a holder configured to position and hold the imaging unit so that a position of the imaging unit power feeding mechanism coincides with a position of the pedestal power feeding mechanism even if the imaging unit power feeding mechanism is moved with respect to the pedestal power feeding mechanism within a predetermined imaging plane.