Object Positioning Or Aligning Patents (Class 378/20)
  • Patent number: 7934869
    Abstract: Embodiment of the invention describes a system and a method for positioning an object from a first pose to a second pose. The method displays concurrently a first image and a second image on a display device, wherein the first image and the second image represent respectively the first pose and the second pose of the object. The method updates, in response to a change in a pose of the display device, the second image such that an alignment of the first image and the second image on the display device depends on the change in the pose of the display device, and positions the object from the first pose to the second pose based on the change in the pose of the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Research Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuri A. Ivanov, John C. Barnwell, III, Andrea E. G. Bradshaw
  • Publication number: 20110075798
    Abstract: A method for correcting truncated projection data of a rotation for a reconstruction technique for computed tomography scans with truncated projection data in the computed tomography images produced by a C-arm is proposed. At least one truncated projection is recorded. The truncated portions prior to acquisition of the rotation for the at least one truncated projection is captured. The truncated projection and the truncated portions are assembled into at least one complete projection. Truncated projection data is acquired during the rotation. The truncated data is estimated based on a model of the patient geometry from the at least one complete projection. A reconstruction technique is performed on the basis of the acquired and the estimated data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Jan Boese, Klaus Klingenbeck
  • Patent number: 7916832
    Abstract: A control device of a breast image radiographing apparatus relating to the present invention controls a driving device, in response to a press-down of a position adjustment switch of an input device, so as to adjust the position of a subject table. The position of compression board is adjusted by the operator such as a radiographing technician, the subject H is pressed and fixed, and when the enlargement factor of the phase contrast radiographing is inputted through the input device, the control device controls a driving device according to the positions of the subject table and the compression board and the inputted enlargement factor, so as to make a holding member ascend and descend and thereby the relative distances of the subject table to a radiation source and to a radiation image detector are adjusted to distances satisfying the enlargement factor=(R1+R2)/R1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic, Inc.
    Inventors: Hirotaka Hara, Mamoru Umeki, Hisashi Yonekawa, Sumiya Nagatsuka, Tomonori Gido
  • Patent number: 7909036
    Abstract: A head holder made of radiolucent material is attached near an end of a table to support a head of a patient during a CT scan. The head holder includes a base portion that supports the shoulders and upper back of the patient and a head rest that supports a patient's head. The head holder is moveable relative to the table in a direction that is generally parallel to a length of the table. A position of the head rest is adjustable in a vertical direction relative to the base portion. The radiolucent material of the head holder does not affect the quality of a resulting CT scan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Xoran Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Kusner, Jr., James A. Bertolina, William C. Van Kampen, Joseph Webster Stayman, Jonathan Alspaugh
  • Patent number: 7881426
    Abstract: A method for generating an image of an object using a scanning system includes performing a first portion of a scan in a first scanning mode to acquire a first dataset, receiving a halt command for a conveyor within the scanning system, decelerating the conveyor to a halt based on the halt command using a conveyor controller, and, when the object is present within an examination region after the conveyor has halted, performing a second portion of the scan in a second scanning mode to acquire a second dataset. The second scanning mode is different than the first scanning mode. The method also includes reconstructing the first dataset using a first reconstruction algorithm and reconstructing the second dataset using a second reconstruction algorithm. The second reconstruction algorithm is different than the first reconstruction algorithm. The image is generated using the first reconstructed dataset and the second reconstructed dataset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Morpho Detection, Inc.
    Inventors: Samit Kumar Basu, Jian Gao, Steven Leslie Hills, Eugene Alex Ingerman, Pierfrancesco Landolfi, Sussan Pourjavid-Granfors
  • Publication number: 20110019796
    Abstract: A method and system for automated testing and/or measurement of a plurality of substantially identical components by means of X-ray radiation comprises a testing/measuring device with an X-ray device, a protection cabin surrounding the testing/measuring device, a conveying device for continuously conveying components to or away from the testing/measuring device, and a control/evaluation unit, which is set up for automated control of the system and for evaluation of the X-ray signals. The testing/measuring device comprises a support and a rotor mounted on the support so as to be continuously rotatable, the X-ray device being arranged on the rotor and the conveying device being set up for serial conveying of the components through the rotor and the control/evaluation unit for computer tomographic evaluation of the X-ray signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: GE SENSING & INSPECTION TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
    Inventors: MICHAEL WUESTENBECKER, INGO STUKE
  • Patent number: 7874030
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may provide a cradle transferring device, which moves and withdraws a cradle to and from an examination table of an MRI apparatus in a PET-MRI hybrid system. The cradle transferring device includes: a cradle, on which a subject lies; a shuttle table supporting the cradle and moving and withdrawing the cradle to and from the examination table of the MRI apparatus; and a cradle receiving member provided on the examination table of the MRI apparatus. The shuttle table is provided with a transfer member for holding and transferring the cradle and a transfer member driving means for reciprocating the transfer member along the shuttle table. The cradle transferring device is further provided with a cradle locking means, which locks the cradle to the examination table after the cradle is moved to the examination table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Gachon University of Medicine & Science Industry—Academic Cooperation Foundation
    Inventors: Zang Hee Cho, Cheol Ok Lee, Young Bo Kim, Ja Weon Yun, Hyung Jin Ahn, Dong Sung Kim, Hong Shim
  • Patent number: 7876875
    Abstract: Computed tomography (CT) systems and related methods involving multi-target inspection are provided are provided. In this regard, a representative method includes: simultaneously directing X-rays toward multiple targets from an X-ray source; during the directing of the X-rays, independently reorienting the targets with respect to the X-ray source; and obtaining information corresponding to attenuation of the X-rays attributable to the multiple targets for producing computed tomography images of the targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: United Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Rodney H. Warner, Royce McKim
  • Publication number: 20110007867
    Abstract: A radiation therapy system including a radiation therapy apparatus for generating a therapeutic treatment beam, with which an object is irradiated, an imaging apparatus for generating a medical image of the object, and a positioning apparatus, with which the object is positioned in the radiation therapy system for irradiation and imaging purposes, is provided. The imaging apparatus and the radiation therapy apparatus are both rotatably mounted so that the object is positioned in a first rotation state in the imaging apparatus and is positioned in the radiation therapy apparatus in a second rotation state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: FRANZ FADLER
  • Patent number: 7869562
    Abstract: A patient positioning system for positioning a patient relative to radiographic equipment. The system includes: a 3D optical imaging system for optically scanning the patient, such 3D optical imaging system having a focal plane and providing, for each position on the object, data representative of the intensity of reflected energy received by the system from such position and data representative of distance from such position on the object to the focal plane; a table apparatus for supporting the patient and for moving the table relative to the radiographic equipment in response to positioning signals; and a processor responsive to data from the radiographic equipment and the data from the a 3D optical imaging system for producing the positioning signals. The system enables a method for displaying temporal changes in a patient positioned with a bore of radiographic equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ali Khamene, Stefan Käpplinger, Gabriel Haras, Eike Rietzel
  • Patent number: 7857513
    Abstract: To realize a method of automatically identifying a table apparatus and a medical imaging apparatus. There is provided a table apparatus identifying method in which when a table apparatus having a plurality of movable portions that are movable in the respective axial directions, independently, an absolute position of each of the movable portions on the axis is detected with respect to each of the axes, the passages of the movable portion at the predetermined two positions apart from each other by the given distance along the axis are optically detected, the respective absolute positions of the movable portion at that time is stored as characterization information, and the arrivals of the movable portion at two block positions on both ends of the axis are detected, respectively, and the respective absolute positions of the movable portion at that time are stored as the configuration information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventor: Qinglei Li
  • Publication number: 20100322377
    Abstract: Provided is a medical X-ray CT imaging apparatus including: a base (22); a support part (30) including a support arm part (30) that supports an X-ray source (36) and an X-ray detector (37) so as to be opposed to each other, and a rotation support part that supports the support arm part (32) in a rotatable manner with respect to the base (22); and a rotary drive part that rotatively drives the support part (30). At least one of the base (22) and the rotary support part (40) includes a cavity (48) forming a space around a rotation axis (A). The cavity (48) is provided with a cylindrical body (60) disposed in a rotatable state with respect to the support part (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: Ryuichiro Niizeki
  • Patent number: 7856080
    Abstract: For facilitating the optimal positioning of a patient resting on the couch of a C-arm computed tomography system, an input is received, via individual pixels or areas of pixels selected in a predetermined image data set, thus enabling the area of interest to be highlighted. Image data of the patient resting on the couch is acquired. These two processes together make it possible to calculate the position, relative to the couch, of a marked-out point that is to coincide with the isocenter for the rotation of the C-arm, and from this at least one coordinate that serves to define the position of the couch can be derived. If this coordinate is displayed, a doctor performing the treatment can move the couch to the appropriate position by hand. The couch can also be designed to be automatically movable by electric motors after determining the coordinate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Klaus Klingenbeck-Regn
  • Publication number: 20100310040
    Abstract: A CT system includes a scintillator array having a first length in an axial direction of the CT system, the scintillator array includes a plurality of scintillator cells along the first length. The CT system includes a controller configured to repeatedly position a subject fore and aft along the axial direction and over a second length of the CT system, the second length greater than the first length, energize an x-ray source to emit x-rays toward the subject while the subject is being repeatedly positioned, and obtain non-uniform projection data of the subject from the scintillator array, the non-uniform projection data comprising the x-rays received from the x-ray source while the subject is repeatedly positioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Jiang Hsieh, Paul E. Licato, Akira Hagiwara, Mark Vincent Profio, Karen Ann Procknow, Saad Ahmed Sirohey, Srinivas Aluri, Olga Imas
  • Patent number: 7844027
    Abstract: System and method for XRD-based false alarm resolution in computed tomography (“CT”) threat detection systems. Following a scan of an object with a megavoltage CT-based threat detection system, a suspicious area in the object is identified. The three dimensional position of the suspicious area is used to determine a ray path for the XRD-based threat detection system that provides minimal X-ray attenuation. The object is then positioned for XRD scanning of the suspicious area along this determined ray path. The XRD-based threat detection system is configured to detect high density metals (“HDMs) as well as shielded Special Nuclear Materials (“SNMs”) based on cubic or non-cubic diffraction profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Morpho Detection, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey Harding, Joseph Bendahan
  • Patent number: 7838852
    Abstract: A medical radiation apparatus has a beam source and a deflection apparatus, which can be activated by means of a data processing device according to a radiation schedule generated using a recording of tissue to be irradiated produced using a medical imaging diagnosis device, said data processing device being set up for data purposes such that characteristics of the radiation acting on the tissue according to different irradiation scenarios can be visualized in a common display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Eike Rietzel
  • Patent number: 7835489
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method is proposed which allow for a simplified patient positioning based on the selection of a region of interest for the tomographic image of the dentition of a patient. The region of interest is selected on a previously acquired panoramic image of the dentition of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Cefla S.C.
    Inventors: Nunzio Alberto Borghese, Iuri Frosio, Eros Nanni, Gerardo Rinaldi, Giuseppe Rotondo
  • Patent number: 7831294
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for control of a navigation system for deploying a medical device within a subject, and for enhancement of a display image of anatomical features for viewing the projected location and movement of medical devices, and projected locations of a variety of anatomical features and other spatial markers in the operating region. The display of the X-ray imaging system information is augmented in a manner such that a physician can more easily become oriented in three dimensions with the use of a single-plane X-ray display. The projection of points and geometrical shapes within the subject body onto a known imaging plane can be obtained using associated imaging parameters and projective geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Stereotaxis, Inc.
    Inventor: Raju R. Viswanathan
  • Patent number: 7827635
    Abstract: A subject loading system is provided for moving a subject disposed in an isolation zone into and out of a diagnostic system disposed outside the isolation zone. A tube extends away from the isolation zone. The tube has an inner volume open to the isolation zone and operatively coupled with the diagnostic system. An elongated subject support pallet is disposed in the isolation zone and dimensioned to fit into the tube. A base including a mechanical drive is disposed in the isolation zone and is configured to align the elongated subject support pallet with the tube and to move the elongated subject support pallet into and out of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Zhengyan Wang, Steven J. Plummer, Jacin C. Barnes, Matthew D. Fleischhauer, Michael G. Ambrosia, Dennis K. Everett, Robert G. Henderson
  • Publication number: 20100278300
    Abstract: An apparatus for cone beam computed tomography of an extremity has a digital radiation detector and a first device to move the detector along a circular detector path extending so that the detector moves both at least partially around a first extremity of the patient and between the first extremity and a second, adjacent extremity. The detector path has radius R1 sufficient to position the extremity approximately centered in the detector path. There is a radiation source with a second device to move the source along a concentric circular source path having a radius R2 greater than radius R1, radius R2 sufficiently long to allow adequate radiation exposure of the first extremity for an image capture by the detector. A first circumferential gap in the source path allows the second extremity to be positioned in the first circumferential gap during image capture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: John Yorkston, Robert Asento, Jeffrey H. Siewerdsen, David H. Foos
  • Patent number: 7826587
    Abstract: A CT system includes a gantry, an x-ray source, a generator configured to energize the x-ray source to a first kVp and to a second kVp, a detector, and a controller. The controller is configured energize the x-ray source to the first kVp for a first time period, subsequently energize the x-ray source to the second kVp for a second time period, integrate data for a first integration period that includes a portion of a steady-state period of the x-ray source at the first kVp, integrate data for a second integration period that includes a portion of a steady-state period of the x-ray source at the second kVp, compare a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) during the first integration period (SNRH) and the second integration period (SNRL), adjust an operating parameter of the CT system to optimize an SNRH with SNRL, and generate an image using the integrated data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Allen Langan, John Eric Tkaczyk, James Walter LeBlanc, Colin R. Wilson, Xiaoye Wu, Dan Xu, Thomas Matthew Benson, Jed Douglas Pack
  • Publication number: 20100272229
    Abstract: At least one non-stationary coil in a magnetic resonance tomography system is attached with a fastener to a displaceable bed. The fastener has a position detector incorporated therein to determine the position or a component of the position of the non-stationary coil. The portion of the position is, for example, the position along the axis of symmetry of the measurement tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventors: Stephan Biber, Carl Udo Maier, Jochen Ostermaier, Kay Uwe Seemann
  • Patent number: 7822462
    Abstract: A diagnosis device having a device for producing a series of images, such as a computer tomography device or an ultrasound device. There is also a device for the passive movement of an object and a device that can be stereotactically moved independent of the passive movement object, wherein this stereotactial movement object can be driven by a motor. These two devices can be arranged on or in the diagnosis device to perform a treatment or examination. By controlling the diagnosis device, it is possible to produce a series of images in real time during a passive movement of an object or of the device for performing a treatment or examination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventor: Ilan Elias
  • Patent number: 7817774
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system 10 for irradiating a breast 20 of a patient 22. The system 10 comprises a gantry 12 rotatable about a horizontal axis 14 and comprising a radiation source 16 for generating a radiation beam 18 and a detector 24 spaced from the radiation source 16, and a barrier 26 disposed between the patient 22 and the gantry 12. The barrier 26 is provided with an opening 30 adapted to allow a breast 20 passing therethrough to be exposed to the radiation beam 18. In some embodiments, the barrier 26 is provided with an opening 30 adapted to allow both the breast 20 and the tissue leading from the breast to axilla and the muscle tissue of the adjacent chest wall passing therethrough to be exposed to the radiation beam 18.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry D. Partain, David Humber
  • Patent number: 7807981
    Abstract: A data processing device, comprising a plurality of emitter antennas arranged on a movable data acquisition device and adapted to emit electromagnetic radiation including data acquired by the movable data acquisition device, a plurality of receiver antennas each adapted to receive the electromagnetic radiation emitted by each of the plurality of emitter antennas, and a data processing unit coupled to the plurality of receiver antennas and adapted to extract the data acquired by the movable data acquisition device from the electromagnetic radiation received by the plurality of receiver antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Frach, Gereon Vogtmeier
  • Patent number: 7809102
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for optimally positioning a region of interest of a subject for imaging by a CT scanner. The scanner provides a source of one or more X-ray beams, at least one of which is used for acquiring a CT image of the subject, a movable support for the subject, and a controller that controls the X-ray source. To position the region of interest of the subject, the controller operates to illuminate the subject with X-rays to acquire stereo image data for the region of interest and controls the position of the support responsive to the stereo image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Arineta Ltd.
    Inventors: Rafael Brada, Ehud Dafni
  • Patent number: 7792242
    Abstract: There are provided an X-ray CT system and an X-ray CT method in which a subject can be brought as close as possible to an X-ray source at all times while preventing interference of the subject with the X-ray source at the time of rotation, without confirmation by an operator by rotating a rotary stage before CT projection. A subject W placed on a rotary stage 3 is captured by an optical camera 6, and information about a shape, a size and a position relative to a rotational axis R, of the subject W, are acquired by image processing using captured data. Then, interference between the subject W and an X-ray source 1 is monitored on the basis of the information, or the rotary stage 3 is automatically positioned at a location where the subject approaches most closely to the X-ray source 1 without interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Masayuki Kamegawa
  • Patent number: 7787929
    Abstract: A control system for medical equipment comprises an examination/treatment system, an optical detection system which is operably affixed to the examination/treatment system and configured to collect data corresponding to detected gestural inputs made by an operator in relation to a targeted examination/treatment area on a patient positioned on a patient examination apparatus, and an evaluation system configured to adjust operation parameters of the examination/treatment system as a function of the collected gestural input data communicated by the optical detection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Robert Kagermeier
  • Patent number: 7787927
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an adaptive medical image registration procedure includes a motion estimation procedure involving estimating or determining an amount of patient or tissue motion along a set of axes; an evaluation procedure involving evaluating an estimated amount of motion relative to a correction threshold; and a correction procedure involving performing a two dimensional image resampling, a three dimensional image resampling, or possibly avoiding an image resampling based upon a relationship between an estimated amount of motion and the correction threshold. Axes considered by a motion estimation procedure may include an axis of lowest image resolution, and the correction threshold may have a value given by a fraction of a lowest image resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Merge CAD Inc.
    Inventors: Chris H. Wood, Tanya L. Niemeyer
  • Publication number: 20100215143
    Abstract: A method for scanning a stream of objects includes continuously acquiring raw data of the stream of objects using an X-ray system including a detector, determining a leading edge and a trailing edge of a first object of the stream of objects from the raw data acquired by the detector using a control system, processing acquired raw data of the first object based on the determined leading edge and the determined trailing edge using the control system, and reconstructing an image of the first object using at least the processed raw data. A system configured to perform the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Samit Kumar BASU, Pierfrancesco LANDOLFI, Eugene Alex INGERMAN, Jian GAO, Mikhail KOURINNY
  • Publication number: 20100215144
    Abstract: A method for generating an image of an object using a scanning system includes performing a first portion of a scan in a first scanning mode to acquire a first dataset, receiving a halt command for a conveyor within the scanning system, decelerating the conveyor to a halt based on the halt command using a conveyor controller, and, when the object is present within an examination region after the conveyor has halted, performing a second portion of the scan in a second scanning mode to acquire a second dataset. The second scanning mode is different than the first scanning mode. The method also includes reconstructing the first dataset using a first reconstruction algorithm and reconstructing the second dataset using a second reconstruction algorithm. The second reconstruction algorithm is different than the first reconstruction algorithm. The image is generated using the first reconstructed dataset and the second reconstructed dataset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Samit Kumar Basu, Jian Gao, Steven Leslie Hills, Eugene Alex Ingerman, Pierfrancesco Landolfi, Sussan Pourjavid-Granfors
  • Patent number: 7783001
    Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus includes image reconstructing device which specifies a first imaging range, a second imaging range and a third imaging range located between the first imaging range and the second imaging range in association with each position on a body axis of a subject, image-reconstructs a tomographic image included in the first imaging range using a first projection data amount necessary for image reconstruction of the tomographic image, image-reconstructs a tomographic image included in the second imaging range using a second projection data amount less than the first projection data amount, and image-reconstructs a tomographic image included in the third imaging range using a third projection data amount less than the first projection data amount and greater than the second projection data amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventor: Akira Hagiwara
  • Patent number: 7775715
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a computed tomography system includes the steps of mounting a scan geometry defining tool on a rotating object positioning unit of a computer tomography scanner. The scan geometry defining tool has structure of precisely measured dimensions. A beam is directed from an x-ray source of the computed tomography system through the structure of the scan geometry defining tool. A detected image after absorption of the x-ray from the scan geometry defining tool is analyzed, and utilized to determine a distance from the x-ray source spot location to the center of rotation of the object positioning unit. A beam is also directed from the x-ray source through a system performance test standard tool and analyzes a number of electronic and computer performance characteristics. The analyzed characteristics can be compared to expected characteristics to provide feedback on the operation of electronic and computer functions within the computed tomography system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Rodney H. Warner, Edwin L. Strickland, III, Henry W. Sikorski
  • Patent number: 7773719
    Abstract: A method to obtain a patient based organ model from patient data, having steps of obtaining a computerized organ model based upon at least one data set of patients, the computerized organ model having a set of classifiers that are used to determine physical parameters of the patients heart, placing the patient in a diagnostic scanner device, taking representative data images of a patients organ while changing position of the image scan, the data images taken with ECG synchronization; and preparing the patient based organ model by evaluating the representative data images of the patients organ with the set of classifiers in the computerized organ model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam K. Galant, Dorin Comaniciu
  • Patent number: 7760852
    Abstract: An X-CT scan system includes a base, an object rotary support, an X-ray generation device and a data acquisition system, wherein one side of the detector is leveled to or beyond the prolong line of the connecting line between the X-ray source of the X-ray generation device and the center of the object rotary support, the length of the beyond portion is less than the radius of the imaging field. The advantage of the invention is in that the invention can reconstruct the entire image of the object by means of X-ray projection data which only covers half of the area of the object. Compared with the traditional CT scan system, half of the detector size can be saved at most. The X-CT scan system is simplified and the projection data amount for scan and computation amount for image reconstruction are also reduced with the reconstructed image quality guaranteed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Nuctech Company Limited
    Inventors: Zhiqiang Chen, Kejun Kang, Li Zhang, Haifeng Hu, Yuxiang Xing, Liang Li, Yongshun Xiao, Ziran Zhao, Yuanjing Li, Yinong Liu
  • Patent number: 7761136
    Abstract: In a storing unit of a medical image processing apparatus, first 3D image corresponding to a first period and second 3D image data corresponding to a second period are stored. The first 3D image data corresponds to a period before contrast agent injection operation and/or therapeutic operation. The second 3D image data corresponds to a period after the contrast agent injection operation and/or therapeutic operation. A 3D subtracting unit subtracts the first 3D image data from the second 3D image data. In 3D subtraction image data, a portion having undergone a change due to contrast agent injection operation and/or therapeutic operation is emphasized. A pseudo 3D image data generating unit generates pseudo 3D image data on the basis of 3D subtraction image data. A displaying unit displays the pseudo 3D image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Satoru Ohishi, Kunio Aoki
  • Publication number: 20100177867
    Abstract: A computed tomography system (100) includes a stationary gantry (104) that houses at least one x-ray source (112) that rotates about an examining region (120) and at least one detector (116) that resides opposite the examining region (120) from the at least one x-ray source (112). The stationary gantry (104) further includes an annular ring (132) disposed about the examination region (120) in a path of the x-ray beam between the at least one x-ray source (112) and the at least one detector (116), wherein the annular ring (132) is substantially opaque to visible light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N. V.
    Inventors: Peter J. Kozelj, Harry A. Gray, JR., Joanne M. Stack-Oyen
  • Publication number: 20100177866
    Abstract: [PROBLEMS] To eliminate the pain of an examinee. A very high diagnosing accuracy is realized with a minimum exposure dose. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] A breast inspection system comprising a CT device (3) provided with a suction cups (1) each having on the inner surface thereof a suction recess (4) sucked to the chest of the examinee (20) and sucking a breast (21) in a non-clamping state, a sucker (2) for sucking a breast (21) to the suction recess (4) of a suction cup (1), and a housing unit (5) capable of placing suction cups (1) thereinside, wherein suction cups (1) are placed in the housing unit (5), and breasts (21) are irradiated with radiation ray by the CT device (3) to pick up the tomographic images of the breasts (21). The inspection system uses a sucker (2) to suck breasts (21) into the suction recesses (4) to allow them to protrude from the chest, and places the protruding breasts (21) in the housing unit (5) via suction cups (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Keizi Shibuya
  • Patent number: 7756244
    Abstract: A system for determining a position of an object includes a block having a base, and a plurality of elongate members secured to the block. A system for determining a position of an object includes a processor configured to obtain an image of portions of respective elongated members, and determine a position of an object that is coupled to the plurality of elongated members. A method of determining a position of an object includes obtaining a first image of portions of respective elongated members, and determining a first position of an object using the first image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Hassan Mostafavi
  • Patent number: 7756242
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to realize an X-ray CT apparatus and a scan control method of performing contrast imaging by a helical shuttle scan with a smaller exposure amount. An X-ray CT apparatus for performing contrast imaging by repeating a reciprocating helical scan on a region in a subject repeats the helical shuttle scan (solid-line arrow) including, in shuttle (broken-line arrow) of a helical shuttle scan using an X-ray of a first X-ray dose, a helical scan using an X-ray of a second X-ray dose higher than the first X-ray dose. The start timing of the helical scan using the X-ray of the second X-ray dose is determined on the basis of a change in the CT number of a region of interest of an image captured by a helical scan using the X-ray of the first X-ray dose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventor: Masayuki Kudo
  • Publication number: 20100172468
    Abstract: A mobile medical imaging device that allows for multiple support structures, such as a tabletop or a seat, to be attached, and in which the imaging gantry is indexed to the patient by translating up and down the patient axis. In one embodiment, the imaging gantry can translate, rotate and/or tilt with respect to a support base, enabling imaging in multiple orientations, and can also rotate in-line with the support base to facilitate easy transport and/or storage of the device. The imaging device can be used in, for example, x-ray computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: MOBIUS IMAGING, LLC
    Inventor: Eugene A. Gregerson
  • Publication number: 20100172469
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for estimation of retrospective and real-time 3D target position by a single imager. The invention includes imaging a target on at least one 2D plane to determine 2D position and/or position components of the target, and resolving a position and/or position component along at least one imager axis of the target using a spatial probability density. The present invention provides a probability-based method for accurate estimation of the mean position, motion magnitude, motion correlation, and trajectory of a tumor from CBCT projections. The applicability of the method for tumors with periodic respiratory motion and for prostate are provided. Clinical feasibility is demonstrated for a pancreas tumor. The method includes monoscopic tracking of the 3D prostate position utilizing the spatial probability density to estimate the unresolved motion from the resolved motion. The method is applicable to prostate tracking even with a population-based probability density.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Per Rugaard Poulsen, Byungchul Cho, Katja Langen, Patrick Kupelian, Paul J. Keall
  • Patent number: 7736056
    Abstract: A bed and gurney extender for selective attachment to a standard hospital bed or gurney for supporting the head of a patient during scanning, comprising: a support for supporting the head of the patient during scanning, wherein at least a portion of the support is X-ray transparent; and an adapter for selectively attaching the support to the bed or gurney.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: NeuroLogica Corp.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Tybinkowski, Lidia Nemirovsky
  • Patent number: 7729469
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray imaging unit, rotating unit configured to rotate a subject about an axis of rotation relative to the X-ray imaging unit, supporting unit configured to support the subject, and a limiting unit configured to limit the range in which the X-ray imaging unit is moveable along the axis of rotation depending on the position of the supporting means relative to the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaaki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7720522
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, fiducial marker devices, tools, and methods. One example illustrates a combined imagable fiducial locator and divot for receiving a positioning wand of an image-guided surgical (IGS) workstation. A further example is reflective such that it is locatable by a remote detector of an optical positioning system. A generally cylindrical (e.g., faceted cylindrical) columnar locator permits easy application of reflective tape. Other examples discusses a unitary fiducial marker with multiple divots and a swiveling and/or tilted fiducial marker divot, each of which allows manipulation of a positioning wand into a remote camera's field of view. Another example includes at least one reflector that can be aimed. A further example discusses an imagable fiducial marker carrier that is attachable to a single location on a patient's skull to reduce trauma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew S. Solar, Thomas L. Bridges, David Lee, Mark Stephen Freas
  • Patent number: 7720191
    Abstract: This invention relates to a computer tomography apparatus, especially to a computer tomography apparatus intended for use in connection with odontological diagnostics. In the computer tomography apparatus according to the invention, it is essential that one has arranged thereto, in addition to a computer tomography imaging station, a second imaging station comprising second patient support means 16? at a distance from said computer tomography imaging station. The invention enables more versatile odontological imaging than prior art apparatuses, whereby one does not have to acquire to the clinic, in addition to the computer tomography apparatus, e.g. a separate skull-imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Planmeca Oy
    Inventor: Timo Muller
  • Patent number: 7714304
    Abstract: A computer tomography measuring device includes a radiation source for generating invasive radiation, in particular X-rays, and a rotating device which is embodied and arranged in such a way that it enables a measurement object to be rotatable about an axis of rotation of the rotating device, thereby enabling the invasive radiation to penetrate into the measurement object at different angles. A detecting device detects the radiation penetrating through the measurement object. A positioning device provided with an adjusting element is used for adjusting the position of the measurement object with respect to the rotating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Industrielle Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Christof Poglitsch, Ronald Lonardoni
  • Patent number: 7711084
    Abstract: A CT scanner is employed having a first coordinate system called the CT coordinate system related to the CT scanner for determining an actual position of a structure of an object to be examined. A coordinate measuring instrument (MI) is employed which is either a tactile or an optical or multisensor or an ultrasonic coordinate measuring instrument and which has a second coordinate system, the MI coordinate system, related to said coordinate measuring instrument. According to a variant, a) the coordinates of the object are determined in the MI coordinate system, b) the target position of the structure is predefined, c) after steps a) and b) the target position is determined in the MI coordinate system, d) and, the object is positioned in such a way that the target position of the structure comes to lie within a volume detected by the CT scanner using the result of step c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: MYCRONA Gesellschaft fur innovative Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Mario Schroeder, Wolfram Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7711083
    Abstract: To enable an artifact free reconstruction even in the case of large regions of interest and with scanning paths of below 360°, provision is made for a method, with which a three-dimensional image volume is reconstructed from a number of two-dimensional projection images of a region of interest, which were recorded about the region of interest during a rotation of a recording system, comprising an x-ray source with a focal point and a detector, by calculating the gray scale values of the voxels of the image volume by back projection of the projection images, with which each two-dimensional projection images is composed in each instance from at least two individual projection images to form an extended two-dimensional projection image, with the respectively at least two individual projection images being recorded with a constant relative position between the focal point and the region of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Benno Heigl, Stefan Hoppe, Joachim Hornegger, Ernst-Peter Rührnschopf, Holger Scherl, Bernhard Scholz, Michael Zellerhoff
  • Patent number: 7706498
    Abstract: For the purpose of X-ray CT imaging a heart of a subject with high image quality while reducing stress on the subject, once an optimal cardiac phase has been set by an optimal cardiac phase setting section 30b and a target position in a subject to be scanned when the cardiac phase of the subject is at an optimal cardiac phase is defined at a target position defining section 30c, a transport-starting-cardiac-phase calculating section 30b calculates a transport-starting cardiac phase such that the target position is scanned at the optimal cardiac phase, using the optimal cardiac cycle, target position, scan start position, transport speed of an imaging table, and approach-run time for the imaging table. A scan control section starts transport at the imaging table 4 when the cardiac phase of the subject coincides with the transport-starting cardiac phase, and performs a helical scan with a helical pitch of one or more, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Imai