Abstract: A mammography apparatus capable of obtaining a clear breast image with reduced burden on the subject. The apparatus includes a radiation irradiation section and an object table connected to an arm such that they face each other, and the breast pressed on the object table using a compression paddle is imaged by rotating the arm according to the imaging direction. In the apparatus, the size of the breast is detected, and the relative position between the radiation irradiation section and object table is changed along the side of the object table facing the chest wall of the subject according to the detected size of the breast and the direction of rotation of the arm.

Abstract: In an apparatus without a helical movement, a reconstruction error considerably increases as a radiation angle increases. In a prior art embodiment, for example, a one-side value of the radiation angle is 9.5 degrees, and it is predicted that the reconstruction error at its periphery considerably increases. In a radiation imaging apparatus including a radiation generating source for radiating radiation to a subject, a rotating unit for rotating the subject exposed to the radiation from the radiation generating source, and a two-dimensional detector for detecting radiation, a distance between the radiation generating source and the two-dimensional detector is approximately set to a value equal to or more than 240 cm.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes a floor rotating arm which is installed at one end on a floor surface so as to be rotatable around a first rotation axis, a C-arm which is mounted on the other end of the floor rotating arm so as to be rotatable around a second rotation axis, an X-ray tube which is mounted on one end of the C-arm, an X-ray detector which is mounted on the other end of the C-arm, and a bed which has a table top provided to be movable along a longitudinal axis. The bed is placed such that the longitudinal axis is spaced apart from the first rotation axis by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A frame (10) for an x-ray inspection device comprises a structural member (16) to which is pivoted an arcuate frame (21). An x-ray source (12) is in use mounted directly to the member (16), and an x-ray detector (13) is movable around the frame (21). A three axis sample support for items to be imaged is arranged between the source (12) and detector (13).

Abstract: Iso-centering a volume of interest (VOI) (170) within a patient (168) to undergo examination on a rotational X-ray apparatus (100) is achieved by taking two differently-angled pictures (S210) and updating positional settings (172) for the patient's table (112) responsive to respectively displayed centering of the VOI (152). Alternatively, the operator identifies respective VOI centers (S410, S450) for each of the two displayed pictures, and corresponding table movement is automatically calculated (S420).

Abstract: A method of examining a patient is provided. The method includes aligning a patient table with a first examination axis, imaging a patient utilizing a first imaging modality while the patient is oriented along the first examination axis, aligning a patient table with a second examination axis, the second examination axis being different than the first examination axis, and imaging a patient utilizing a second separate imaging modality while the patient is oriented along the second examination axis.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method for object and isocenter alignment in an imaging system. The system includes an electromagnetic, an electromagnetic receiver, and an imaging unit for determining an isocenter of an imaging scanner based on information from the electromagnetic receiver. The imaging unit identifies the isocenter based on a plurality of electromagnetic position measurements. The imaging unit identifies a center of an object to be imaged based on information from a second electromagnetic receiver. The imaging unit repositions the object based on the isocenter. In an embodiment, the emitter is located on the object, the first receiver is located on a detector, and the second receiver is located on a tool for identifying a center of the object or a portion of the object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing testing a computer aided diagnosis (CAD)-based system comprising receiving radiological image of a patient acquired using at least one piece of radiological equipment at least partially controlled by a technologist, the patient being controlled by the technologies relative to the radiological equipment in acquiring said radiological image.

Abstract: A radiation therapy/surgery device optimised to meet the needs of the Neurosurgeon is provided, i.e. one for the treatment of tumours in the brain. It combines the qualities of a good penumbra and accuracy, simple prescription and operation, together with high reliability and minimal technical support. The device comprises a rotateable support, on which is provided a mount extending from the support out of the plane of the circle, and a radiation source attached to the mount via a pivot, the pivot having an axis which passes through the axis of rotation of the support, the radiation source being aligned so as to produce a beam which passes through the co-incidence of the rotation axis and the pivot. It will generally be easier to engineer the apparatus if the rotateable support is planar, and more convenient if the rotateable support is disposed in an upright position. The rotation of the rotateable support will be eased if this part of the apparatus is circular.

Abstract: A system for medical emergency care and monitoring of a patient includes as its first component a patient holding apparatus with a fixed base and a table mounted on it, and the table protrudes past the base on the head end with a radio transparent first region and on the foot end with a radio transparent second region. There is also a CT scanner which is movable on the floor along a guide element in such a way that the second region of the table can be brought, by moving the CT scanner, into the patient opening of the CT scanner. For taking x-ray images in the first region of the table, there is an x-ray unit. Another component pertains to a guided patient board that is ridable on the table in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A collision detecting device includes a damper which is a hollow member with a fluid sealed into the interior thereof, and is formed, on its side abutted against an object to which it is to be mounted, in a concave shape conforming to the shape of a corner of the object, and is formed, on its side opposite to the concave shape, in a convex shape conforming to the shape of the corner of the object; and a detecting section for detecting an internal pressure of the damper.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes a floor rotating arm which is installed at one end on a floor surface so as to be rotatable around a first rotation axis, a C-arm which is mounted on the other end of the floor rotating arm so as to be rotatable around a second rotation axis, an X-ray tube which is mounted on one end of the C-arm, an X-ray detector which is mounted on the other end of the C-arm, and a bed which has a table top provided to be movable along a longitudinal axis. The bed is placed such that the longitudinal axis is spaced apart from the first rotation axis by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus, notably an X-ray apparatus, which comprises two components which are displaceable relative to one another. A position visualization unit is arranged on one component of the apparatus and the other component of the apparatus is provided with an image acquisition unit whose acquisition zone contains a segment of the position visualization unit which changes due to the motion. The image acquisition unit acquires images of the segment present in the acquisition zone and applies such images to an evaluation unit which extracts position information from the images.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes two photographic systems, a control circuit controlling a movement of the second photographic system. A control circuit which controls movement of a photography system can move the photographic system to a temporary evacuation position closer to a photography position than an evacuation position, according to an instruction from an operator.

Abstract: A multi-use examination table provides x-ray imaging thereby conserving examination room space and to speed patient examination while retaining standard examination table features such as table extensions, foot end drawers, trays and stirrups, and a step for access to the high examination table surface. A repositionable imaging boom allows the table to remain unobstructed when x-ray imaging is not required.

Abstract: There is described an X-ray system having at least one component (12, 2, 31, 32) that is shiftable (moveable) or pivotable along at least one traverse path to at least one predeterminable locking position (Bx). Components of this kind are in particular the moving parts of a stand such as the moving parts of a ceiling stand (1), floor stand or wall stand for an X-ray generator (2, 21), and the X-ray generator (2, 21) that is fastened to the stand in such a way as to be capable of being pivoted and extended or retracted. Such components also include the shiftable (moveable) or pivotable top of a patient table and a film cassette that is displaceably or pivotably mounted in the table or on a wall stand.

Abstract: A dual energy x-ray densitometer is incorporated into a standard patient examination table to provide improved access to this screening tool during regular examinations. A repositionable scanning head allows the table to remain unobstructed when scanning is not occurring and a limited scanning area allows the examination table to retain standard examination table features such as table extensions, foot end drawers, trays and stirrups, and a step for access to the high examination table surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for performing interstitial laser therapy and adjunctive therapy on a patient are revealed. The apparatus employs a combination of a mammography unit, an interstitial laser treatment device attached to the mammography unit and a treatment platform positioned relative to the mammography unit to enable the interstitial laser therapy to be performed. The use of the treatment platform with the mammography unit enables the interstitial laser therapy to be performed and, if necessary, adjunctive therapy to be performed in the same treatment room without transferring the patient to a new platform.

Abstract: An x-ray examination apparatus (1) comprising a fixed part (2) and a carriage (3) mounted to be vertically movable relative to said fixed part (2), said carriage (3) having a horizontally projecting shaft (4), an x-ray apparatus component (5) being rotatably mounted on said shaft (4) and vertically movable together with said carriage (3), wherein a central cogwheel (6) is arranged on said shaft (4), said cogwheel (6) is meshing with two smaller cogwheels (7, 8) which are arranged on both sides of said central cogwheel (6) on said carriage (3), each of said smaller cog-wheels (7, 8) encompasses a cog or chain wheel (9, 10), a connector is, in succession, entrained around the upper sides of said cogs or chain wheels (9, 10) and partially entraining a lower wheel and partially en-training an upper wheel, said wheels are arranged on the fixed part (2), said connector partially entraining the lower sides of said cogs or chain wheels (9, 10), and either the lower wheels or the upper wheels are deflection wheels (12

Abstract: An apparatus and method for high speed phase modulation of optical beam with reduced optical loss. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first region of an optical waveguide disposed in semiconductor material. The first region has a first conductivity type. The apparatus also includes a second region of the optical waveguide disposed in the semiconductor material. The second region has a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type. A first contact is included in the apparatus and is coupled to the optical waveguide at a first location in the first region outside an optical path of an optical beam to be directed through the optical waveguide. The apparatus also includes a first higher doped region included in the first region and coupled to the first contact at the first location to improve an electrical coupling between the first contact and the optical waveguide. The first higher doped region has a higher doping concentration than a doping concentration within the optical path.

Abstract: A remotely controllable system for positioning on a patient an observation and/or intervention device, including a frame to which the device is bound with a number of degrees of freedom; flexible connection means, each of which is arranged between the frame and a point attached to the patient's support or to the patient himself; remotely controlled means for modifying the length/tension of the binding means; and means for remotely observing the device behavior.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cephalometric imaging using an apparatus (1) which comprises an X-ray source (5), a line detector camera (8) equipped with a digital detector, which line detector camera is located to a position far away from the X-ray source (5) for carrying out cephalometric imaging while the slot of the line detector camera is substantially vertical. In cephalometric imaging, an X-ray beam (11) located substantially on the vertical plane is directed from the X-ray source (5) through the object being imaged, and the X-ray source (5) is at the same time turned about the rotation center (13) located between the X-ray source and the line detector camera (8) in order to scan the object being imaged in the horizontal direction, whereby the line detector camera (8) is moved during the scanning movement in such a way that the ray beam (11) meets the slot (14) of the line detector camera.

Abstract: A C-arm x-ray machine includes a compact yoke and a support arm interposed between the yoke and the support base to reduce overall length of the machine and to increase overscan. The support arm is designed to lower the axis of rotation such that the axis of rotation nearly coincides with the center of gravity of the C-arm. The compact yoke is designed with a thin pivot point and includes a steel sleeve to enclose a pin situated at the first end of the yoke. The steel sleeve is required to strengthen the yoke at the critical load bearing area near the first end of the yoke.

Abstract: A apparatus is described for positioning the head of a patient for taking various x-ray images of the head. The head-positioning apparatus contemplates an arm member rotatably mounted to a pivot member for rotating the arm about an axis of rotation and at least one ear locating member coupled to the arm member in which the ear locating member rotates with the arm member and in alignment with the axis of rotation. The apparatus also contemplates an x-ray emitting source and an indicator coupled to the x-ray emitting source to provide the indicator and x-ray emitting source to rotate in conjunction and same direction with each other, in which the indicator locates a plane alignable with an ear of the patient.

Abstract: A digital, flat panel, two-dimensional x-ray detector moves reliably, safely and conveniently to a variety of positions for different x-ray protocols for a standing, sitting or recumbent patient. The system makes it practical to use the same detector for a number or protocols that otherwise may require different equipment, and takes advantage of desirable characteristics of flat panel digital detectors while alleviating the effects of less desirable characteristics such as high cost, weight and fragility of such detectors.

Abstract: A device (1) for the examination of samples by means of X-rays or the like, the device being provided with at least one X-ray source which can be mounted in an exchangeable constructional unit (5) and with an analysis chamber (4) which encloses an exit window (6) of the X-ray source in its operative position and whereto the constructional unit (5) with the X-ray source can be attached. The device is constructed in such a manner that respective, matching parts (9; 10) of a safety system (7) are associated with the analysis chamber (4) and the constructional unit (5) with the X-ray source.

Abstract: A device for moving an X-ray apparatus embodied in the form of a C-bow (9) in a controlled manner, the C-bow (9) being mounted on a pedestal (31) provided with motor-driven rollers (3) controllable in their direction of travel in such a way that it is displaceable in parallel in relation to at least two axes (18;19) and rotatable relative to three axes (18; 19, 21), each movement of the C-bow (9) with respect to a coordinate system (29) which is stationary relative to the room being carried out via controllable drive devices (6;7;37;38). These drive devices (6; 7; 37; 38) are controlled either by means of a control device (39;48) or via a computer (23), said control device being operated either via a sterile control console or by voice control. Any positions and projections of the C-bow (9) that have once been adjusted may be stored in the computer (23), so that a desired position and projection may be reproduced again.

Abstract: The invention concerns a C-arm x-ray device with a non-isocentric C-arm on which an x-ray source is positioned and that can be orbitally or angularly rotated, whereby the C-arm x-ray device comprises a device fashioned to horizontally adjust the C-arm (which enables an adjustment of the C-arm within the plane of the C-arm) and a device fashioned to vertically adjust the C-arm, where the horizontal adjustment device and the vertical adjustment device are fashioned such that they can automatically move the central x-ray beam of the x-ray source back into the isocenter, given an orbital or angulatory rotation of the C-arm via the horizontal and vertical adjustment device. An appertaining method is also provided.

Abstract: An imaging device comprising a transparent, media support platen having a first surface portion and a second surface portion; a media clamp mounted in displaceable, overlying relationship with the first surface portion of the platen; and a lid mounted in displaceable overlying relationship with the second surface portion of the platen.

Abstract: A mechanically adjustable brake for use with a C-arm x-ray apparatus is generally comprised of a brake handle and an eccentric shaft support which, when rotated using the handle, actuates a cam and presses a brake pad into the C-arm. Movement of the C-arm is thus restricted when the brake is applied. The brake mechanism specifically includes a brake handle, a brake shaft, a cam mounted on the brake shaft, a plunger having a first end engaged with the cam and a second end having a brake. The brake handle is used to rotate the brake shaft and the cam, the cam pushes down on the plunger and the brake engages the C-arm. The brake mechanism further comprises a plunger support, a spring that is compressed when the brake is actuated and is decompressed when the brake is released thus permitting movement of the C-arm. The brake shaft is connected to the brake handle using an eccentric shaft support.

Abstract: Systems and methods for non-intrusive analysis and display of internal features of wooden objects are provided. In embodiments of the system, a log is passed through a CT scanner in one continuous motion. One or more x-ray sources revolve around the log generating x-ray beams that traverse contiguous cross-sections of the log. An array of x-ray detectors detects x-rays that traverse the log for variations in the attenuation of rays. The detected attenuation is converted into spiral scan data that corresponds to projections in different contiguous cross-sections traversed by the x-rays. An image processor reconstructs spiral scan data into two dimensional cross-sectional images of the log by processing and formatting scan data using a planar reconstruction technique. The system renders three-dimensional views based on two-dimensional images.

Abstract: A table docking system including a table having a base supported by at least two wheels, and at least one docking station having a plate, and a guide wall positioned and oriented with respect to the plate such that a pathway for the wheels of the patient table is defined between the guide wall and the plate. Another docking system constructed in accordance with the present inventions includes a table having a base defining a groove, and at least one docking station having a plate and at least one vertical projection extending from the plate and sized for receipt within the groove of the base of the patient table. Systems of the present inventions can be used, for example, to quickly and easily move a patient table between multiple tomography scanners.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnosis apparatus includes a wireless communication unit that transmits a signal related to the drive of at least one of a supporting unit and a bed from an operation unit to the bed. The X-ray diagnosis apparatus may include a state detection unit that detects a state of attachment of an operation unit to a bed. The apparatus is controlled by detecting a position of the operation unit; detecting an operation direction of the operation unit; determining a drive direction based on the position of the operation unit and the operation direction of an operation unit; and driving at least one of the bed and the supporting unit in the determined drive direction.

Abstract: A universal X-ray device has a movably suspended holder at which an X-ray radiator and a radiation detector are arranged, with the radiator being mounted so as to be pivotable around at least one axis perpendicular to the plane of the holder, and with the detector being displaceably mounted in the detector plane.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a combined CT-PET system wherein a CT source and detector are mounted to a front end of a CT support and the support forms a parking space about a translation axis, a PET detector is mounted to a rear end of the support and a collimator support extends from the PET detector at least part way into the parking space, a collimator is mounted to the collimator support for movement between first and second positions inside the PET detector and outside the PET detector and at least partially within the parking space, respectively, a radiation blocking shield is mounted to the PET detector opposite the CT support to block radiation from that direction from being detected by the PET detector.

Abstract: To provide an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer of a simplified structure of a type in which a sample can be transported to an irradiating position where the sample is irradiated with primary X-rays and analysis can be achieved by positioning a target area to be measured of the sample. When an r drive means 37 drives an r drive shaft 43, a transporting function of transporting the sample 3 and a positioning function of positioning the target area in an r direction are performed. Also, a&thgr; drive shaft 53 of a &thgr; drive means 38 for performing the positioning function for positioning the target area in a &thgr; direction and the r drive shaft 43 of the r drive means 37 form a dual coaxial shaft assembly.

Abstract: A support column holds an X-ray tube having a collimator and is held by a linear guide on a side of a main frame and moved in the longitudinal direction of a table top board by a motor via a gear and a rack. An image receiving system to hold an image intensifier is supported by a linear guide on a side of the main frame and moved in the longitudinal direction of the table top board by a drive mechanism independently from the support column. The table top board can be moved to a position close to the support column on an upper portion of the main frame. When the support column is moved in the longitudinal direction, it is possible for an operator to approach a subject person from an back side portion of the table top board while the operator is being kept in an easy body orientation.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for aligning a laser beam with a hidden target. In particular, a coupling is rotated which rotates a laser diode and simultaneously translates the diode to produce a spiral shaped laser beam path. The coupling is continuously rotated until it is determined that the beam has become aligned with the target.

Abstract: An integrated positioning device for a tomotherapy treatment couch is disclosed. The integrated positioning device has a central frame, two positioning tables, and an attachment arm. The central frame is mounted on the base of the tomotherapy treatment couch. The positioning tables position the moveable tabletop of the treatment couch in the lateral and longitudinal directions. Each table is able to position and lock the tabletop in one of the directions to a high degree of accuracy. The attachment arm connects the positioning tables to the tabletop and holds the tabletop in position for tomotherapy treatments.

Abstract: An X-ray object positioning apparatus for use in X-ray imaging apparatus which irradiates X-rays an object to be examined to produce an X-ray absorption coefficient of a desired region of the object by means of X-rays transmitted through the object. The X-ray object positioning apparatus comprises a chair for fixing and holding the object; an imaging position moving apparatus for relatively moving an X-ray imaging target area relative to the fixed object chair; and display for variably showing the relative positional relation between an object model corresponding to the object and an imaging target area index corresponding to the X-ray imaging target area.

Abstract: To a supporting frame having an opening portion used to insert a table for mounting thereon an object under examination along a horizontal direction, a rotary member rotated around the opening portion is mounted; and a medical X-ray apparatus is provided with a first supporting member supported by the rotation member, for supporting an X-ray tube apparatus which irradiates an X-ray to an object under examination; a second supporting member for supporting a detection apparatus for detecting a transmission X-ray of the object under examination, the second supporting member being supported by the rotary member and being arranged opposite to the X-ray tube apparatus; a rotation control apparatus for controlling a rotation of the rotary member; a control apparatus for setting an irradiation angle of said X-ray with respect to a body axial direction of the object under examination to an arbitrary irradiation angle, and also for arranging the detection apparatus opposite to the X-ray tube apparatus in correspondence

Abstract: X-ray emission device comprising a casing opened by a window and an X-ray tube placed in the casing, the tube comprising an anode assembly equipped with an anode, a cathode assembly equipped with a cathode and an envelope containing the anode and the cathode, the anode assembly including a means of longitudinal positioning of the tube in the casing and the cathode assembly including a means of angular positioning of the tube in the casing on a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A non-rigid object holder unit for use in examination of an object, the unit having a base support, a member movably mounted with respect to the base support to accommodate various sized object. A removable resilient membrane is attached to the first member forming an inflatable component for holding the object to be examined between the inflatable component and the base support. A pressure system operably connected to the inflatable component for controllably inflating the inflatable component. A source of electromagnetic radiation optically associated with the base support and inflatable component for providing a beam of light to the object and an optical detecting system optically aligned with the source of electromagnetic radiation for receiving the electromagnetic radiation passing through and/or being backscattered from the object. In addition, both the base support and member containing the inflatable component are movable together to accommodate various sized patients.

Abstract: In order to effectively use an angiography arm and a CT gantry and improve examination efficiency, angiographic imaging of a subject Ha in an angiography room Ra and CT imaging of a subject Hc in a CT room Rc are independently performed in one mode. In another, a CT gantry 40 is moved to the angiography room Ra with an X-ray protection door D open, to alternately perform angiographic imaging and CT imaging on the subject Ha in the angiography room Ra in a cycle of, for example, five minutes.

Abstract: In order to provide an aperture position adjusting mechanism in an X-ray CT system with low cost and high accuracy to enable stable reconstruction of X-ray tomographic images, a first shaft (23) is provided with a bore (23a) at a position offset from a center axis, and is rotatably supported by a base plate (20) orthogonally to a pair of rails (21a, 21b). A second shaft (25) is received and is rotatably supported within the bore (23a) through the first shaft (23). The aperture (6) is moved along the rails (21a, 21b) as the second shaft (25) is eccentrically rotated by a motor (7) and, following the eccentric rotation and in a direction opposite to that of the rotation, the first shaft (23) is eccentrically rotated around the center axis of the bore (23a).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming and reading a radiation image of an object is provided. The method is performed by placing an object of which a radiation image is to be taken adjacent a platform that is positioned between a storage layer radiation screen and an electromagnetic wave radiation source such that radiation from the electromagnetic wave radiation source which traverses the object is absorbed by the storage layer radiation screen; forming a latent radiation image of the object on the storage layer radiation screen by causing the electromagnetic wave radiation source to emit radiation, a portion of the emitted radiation traversing the object and being absorbed by the storage layer radiation screen; and reading the latent radiation image of the object from the storage layer radiation screen.

Abstract: An IVR-CT apparatus of the present invention includes a bed including a table top movable in its longitudinal direction, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus including an arm movably placed in the vicinity of the bed, an X-ray CT apparatus including a CT gantry movably placed in the vicinity of the bed, a position memory for storing a plurality of position data sets containing position data of the arm and position data of the CT gantry, a control panel including a plurality of positioning switches for selecting an arbitrary one of the plurality of position data sets, and a controller for controlling the movements of the arm and the movements of the CT gantry in accordance with the selected position data set.

Abstract: During X-ray irradiation, a lever is operated to simultaneously move an imaging part and table in opposite directions from each other. A contrast medium's flow in an artery may be followed so that it is shown on a monitor. Relative speed of the table to X-ray imaging part can be adjusted by adjusting the amount of inclination of the lever.

Abstract: An automated real-time, non-destructive inspection system usable to inspect a selected structure for a defect and visually identify a defect's location. In one embodiment, the inspection system is an x-ray inspection system mounted to an articulatable robot arm movable relative to the selected structure. A support system is attached to the articulatable robot arm that supports an imaging source on a first support portion and a detector panel on a second support portion spaced apart from the first support portion. A visual targeting system configured to identify where an imaging beam axis intersects the selected structure is positioned adjacent to the imaging source. The inspection system is configured to maneuver the imaging source and detector panel around the selected structure such that the desired areas on the selected structure may be fully inspected without having to reposition the selected structure.

Abstract: In order to provide a biplane angiography/CT apparatus which can alternately perform CT imaging and simultaneous angiographic imaging in frontal and lateral planes, and which does not make a subject feel discomfort and has improved safety, a lateral arm 30 for performing angiographic imaging in the lateral plane is provided in addition to a frontal arm 20 and a CT gantry 40. Moreover, a control apparatus 50 is provided for, when angiographic imaging is to be performed, retracting the CT gantry 40 to a position not hindering the angiographic imaging and moving the frontal and lateral arms 20 and 30 to an angiographic imaging position, and when CT imaging is to be performed, retracting the frontal and lateral arms 20 and 30 to positions not hindering the CT imaging and moving the CT gantry 40 to a CT imaging position.