Abstract: A method for fluoroscopy energizes a radiation source to form a scout image on a detector and processes the scout image to determine and report a radiation field position with respect to a predetermined zone of the detector. The radiation source is energized for fluoroscopic imaging of a subject when the reported radiation field position is fully within the predetermined zone.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for selecting a neural network to perform a particular machine learning task while satisfying a set of constraints.

Abstract: A method, system and computer readable storage media for segmenting individual intra-oral measurements and registering said individual intraoral measurements to eliminate or reduce registration errors. An operator may use a dental camera to scan teeth and a trained deep neural network may automatically detect portions of the input images that can cause registration errors and reduce or eliminate the effect of these sources of registration errors.

Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus includes a radiation detection unit with a pixel array configured to generate a signal according to radiation and a notification unit configured to perform notification by sound production. The radiation imaging apparatus includes: a detection unit configured to detect a plurality of notification events occurring in accordance with a state of the radiation imaging apparatus; and a control unit configured to control the notification by the notification unit based on priority set for each of the plurality of notification events.

Abstract: After selecting two or more image series for comparison, images of the image series are interleaved so that they are alternatively displayed in a comparison pane on a display device. In one embodiment, after one or more image series are selected for comparison, an interleaved image series is created containing each of the images of the one or more selected image series, or, alternatively, the interleaved image series comprises links to the images arranged in the interleaved pattern. If differences exist in the images of the multiple image series, these differences may be more easily detectable as the display device cycles between the images. Comparison of images in an interleaved image series may be more advantageous if the images of each selected image series are of a common anatomical area, common image size, and the images are in the same order.

Abstract: A radiographic system includes a photographic unit; an operating panel including a button configured to be pressed to indicate that a movement direction of the photographic unit is to be limited to a specific movement direction; a measurement unit provided between the operating panel and the photographic unit and configured to measure a magnitude and a direction of an external force applied to the operating panel; and a drive unit configured to move the photographic unit only in the specific movement direction based on the magnitude and the direction of the external force measured by the measurement unit in response to the button being pressed.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for evaluation a brightness level of the digital x-ray image for medical applications by means of the image histogram using a neural network. The calculations comprise of: image acquisition, image histogram calculation, transformation the frequencies of the histogram into input arguments of the neural network and calculation the brightness level as linear transform of the output value of the neural network. Training of the neural network is performed over a learning set calculated over the given image database. The transformed frequencies of histograms of these images are used as a set of input arguments of the neural network. The brightness levels calculated for each image over the region of interest and scaled to the range of output values of the neuron network are used as a set of target values.

Abstract: A surgical method and workflow to improve the efficiency of a surgical procedure by intraoperatively acquiring a digital radiographic image, processing the digital radiographic image, and using information based on the radiographic image to make adjustments during the surgical procedure. A checklist of parameters may be displayed so that the surgeon can confirm all considerations have been made for the surgical procedure.

Abstract: Disclosed is detection system for detection an object being conveyed along a convey path, the detection system comprises a DR imaging apparatus and a CT imaging apparatus which is provided at the downstream or upstream of the DR imaging apparatus along the convey path, wherein an average speed at which the object passes the DR imaging apparatus is higher than an average speed at which the object passes the CT imaging apparatus.

Abstract: An image area extracting device includes a low-frequency image generating unit for generating a low-frequency image from a radiological image by a frequency filter process lower than a spatial frequency inside an object area, a luminance variation image generating unit for generating a luminance variation image by detecting luminance variations of the low-frequency image, and a boundary selecting unit for selecting boundary pixels located on a boundary of an area of interest based on pixel values of the luminance variation image and the low-frequency image. Influences of noise components or fine structural components inside a patient M are reduced by generating the low-frequency image, which facilitates recognition of a contour shape of the patient M. The boundary pixels are selected based on the low-frequency image and the luminance variation image generated from the low-frequency image. This assures highly accurate and stable area extraction.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for evaluation a level of brightness in the area of interest of the digital x-ray image for medical applications by means of the image histogram using a neural network. The calculations comprise of: image acquisition, image histogram calculation, converting histogram values into input arguments of the neural network and output values of the neural network acquiring. As input arguments of the neural network the histogram values calculated with the given bin width and normalized to unity are used. The level of brightness is calculated as a linear function of the output value of the neural network. Neural network learning is performed using a learning set calculated on the base of the given image database; as a set of target values the levels of brightness calculated for each image over the area of interest and scaled to the range of the activation function of a neuron in the output layer of the neural network are used.

Abstract: To evaluate an exact bone mineral density, when a reference bar region in an X-ray picture of a mandible and a reference bar disposed beside the mandible is selected, the mean value and deviation of the brightness of this region are displayed by means of letter groups. When an evaluation object region is selected, the brightness of this region is corrected according to the mean value and deviation of the brightness of the reference bar region and standard mean value and deviation, or, in other words, according to a fixed reference. The corrected brightness is displayed in the form of histogram. Furthermore, the mean value and deviation of the corrected brightness are determined, and they are displayed by means of letter groups. The bone mineral density is quantitatively evaluated from the histogram and the mean value and deviation of the corrected brightness.

Abstract: A method for reporting image quality obtains a digital radiological image and processes the image to detect at least one speckle. Noise signal magnitude in the digital radiological image is estimated. At least one speckle is identified according to its signal magnitude relative to the noise signal estimate. The at least one speckle detected in the image is reported.

Abstract: Disclosed is detection system for detection an object being conveyed along a convey path, the detection system comprises a DR imaging apparatus and a CT imaging apparatus which is provided at the downstream or upstream of the DR imaging apparatus along the convey path, wherein an average speed at which the object passes the DR imaging apparatus is higher than an average speed at which the object passes the CT imaging apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a monofilament allowing contrast X-ray radiography. At least part of the monofilament is formed of a thermoplastic resin containing a radiopaque agent. The monofilament contains the radiopaque agent in the thermoplastic resin in a content of 30 to 80% by mass, and has a Young's modulus of 0.1 to 5.0 cN/dtex and a fineness of 500 to 20000 dtex.

Abstract: There is provided a radiographic imaging device including: a radiation source that irradiates radiation and can move to a directly-facing position at which the radiation source directly faces the object of imaging in a directly-facing direction, a first diagonal incidence position that is at an angle to the directly-facing position, and a second diagonal incidence position that is at an angle at a side opposite the first diagonal incidence position to the directly-facing position; a radiation detector; and a control section that acquires radiologist information relating to an radiologist and, on the basis of the acquired radiologist information, selects one of the first diagonal incidence position and the second diagonal incidence position, wherein the radiographic imaging device captures radiographic images at the directly-facing position and at one of the first diagonal incidence position and the second diagonal incidence position selected by the control section.

Abstract: A method for image quality assessment of a digital radiography system extracts and isolates one or more individual targets from a phantom image, then obtains operator responses by displaying each isolated individual target and recording a corresponding operator response related to image appearance for each isolated individual target. The accumulated operator responses are stored to obtain the image quality assessment.

Abstract: A computerized method to aid in human visual reading of phantom image data for task-based image quality assessment. A digital image is registered to a phantom template to generate a plurality of individual targets. The individual targets are sequentially displayed to a user for visual assessment. A display control adjustment is provided for each of the displayed individual targets. The user then indicates at least one assessment of the displayed individual target, and the assessments for all the plurality of targets is stored for analysis. In one arrangement, the individual targets are randomly rotated prior to being sequentially displayed.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus according to this invention includes an X-raying condition fixing controller for carrying out controls to cause an X-ray emission from an X-ray tube on X-raying conditions effective when an X-ray emission is stopped by the automatic exposure controller, and turning off automatic exposure control by the automatic exposure controller. Thus, the automatic exposure control is carried out only at the time of starting radiography, and a subsequent sequential shooting can be carried out in the state of X-raying conditions at that time being locked and the automatic exposure control being turned off.

Abstract: A radiographic image detection device includes a radiation detector and a handle portion. The radiation detector detects radiation that has passed through a subject and has been irradiated thereon, and outputs image information expressing a radiographic image corresponding to a detected radiation amount. The handle portion is provided at a side surface of the radiation detector and configured to be grasped, and has a notification section that gives notice of an operating state of the radiation detector.

Abstract: A radiographic apparatus controls the irradiation of a subject with radiation on the basis of a comparison result between an irradiation area calculated on the basis of an opening area of an aperture and a detection area of radiation of an image data generator that detects radiation that has been transmitted through the subject and generates image data.

Abstract: An efficient X-ray radiographic method for recognition of materials of inspected objects and a corresponding device with improved functional possibilities are proposed, ensuring direct determination of the effective atomic number Zeff of the material, its density and thickness, as well as chemical composition. In customs inspection this should ensure practically unambiguous identification of explosives and drugs, and in medical tomography—early diagnostics of cancer tumors, osteoporosis, atherosclerosis and other dangerous and widespread diseases. The method includes X-raying of the inspected objects and recording of the transmitted radiation in several different spectral ranges with different effective energy by multi-element radiation receivers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correcting for a distortion in a mammogram. The method comprises classifying pixels as either likely fat or likely not-fat. The method further comprises identifying a candidate distortion and calculating a histogram of the likely fat and the likely not-fat pixels at the candidate distortion. The method further comprises evaluating a quality of the candidate distortion based on features of the histograms of pixel values in the fat and dense tissue classes. The distortion may be a two dimensional tilt of the plates or a three dimensional deformation of the plates as in a bend.

Abstract: A method of deriving a quantitative measure of a degree of calcification of a blood vessel such as an aorta by processing an image such as an X-ray image of at least a part of the blood vessel containing said calcification comprises: taking a starting set of digital data representative of an image of at least part of a blood vessel containing a calcification set against a background; estimating the boundary of the calcification; using inpainting to replace digital data in said starting set representing the calcification with data extrapolating the boundary of the background to extend over the area of calcification, and so generating an inpainted set of digital data; and computing the difference between the starting set of digital data and the inpainted set of digital data to obtain a quantitative measure of the degree of calcification of the blood vessel.

Abstract: In a method for the generation of a 3D dataset from 2D x-ray datasets, the 2D data are forwarded from a customer to a 3D reconstruction center in which a calibration of the projection geometry ensues by means of a software package and/or a specialist. As a result a 3D volume dataset is calculates and made available to the customer.

Abstract: An X-ray sensitive coating (22) for a flat panel direct conversion X-ray detector for medical or industrial imaging. A composite particle-in-binder (PIB) material (22) may contain X-ray photoconductive particles (23) such as PbO (lead monoxide) in a binder of polyimide (23). This PIB material may be prepared in precursor paste form, and applied as a coating (22) onto a thin film transistor array (26) having a storage capacitor (31) at each pixel (30). The coating (22) is cured, and an electrically conducting layer (34) is applied to the exposed surface of the coating (22), to provide a bias voltage. X-ray photons striking the photoconductive particles (23) cause localized electrical conduction proportional to the number of photons. This charges respective capacitors (31) that provide image data input to a computer.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the present application is directed to a method. The method includes performing at least one of a vertebroplasty procedure, a kyphoplasty procedure, an electroencephalography (EEG) procedure and intraoperative electromyography (EMG) on a patient, and using an imaging system including at least an x-ray source and detector to image at least a portion of the patient during performance of at least a portion of the at least one of a vertebroplasty procedure, a kyphoplasty procedure, an electroencephalography (EEG) procedure and intraoperative electromyography (EMG), the imaging system being arranged on a robot including at least four, preferably six axes of rotation.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for structuring dynamic data from a plurality of images. Certain embodiments include accessing an image data set including data representing a plurality of images, determining a dynamic or functional attribute in the image data set, associating the dynamic or functional attribute with a lexical attribute from a lexicon, and storing the lexical attribute and an associated code. The lexical attribute and associated code may be stored in a database and/or a structured report, for example. The lexicon may be modified to accommodate attributes and medical terminology. Attributes relate to a feature and/or a region of interest in the image data set.

Abstract: A medical image processing apparatus includes: an abnormal shadow candidate detecting section for detecting a plurality of types of abnormal shadow candidates in a medical image; and a correcting section for correcting a detection result of one type of abnormal shadow candidate by the abnormal shadow candidate detecting section based on a detection result of another type of abnormal shadow candidate.

Abstract: A medical image processing apparatus including: a diagnosis aid information generation section to generate diagnosis aid information by analyzing a medical image; a diagnosis aid information generation selection section to select whether to generate the diagnosis aid information, based on accessory information of the medical image; and an image output section to output the medical image and/or the generated diagnosis aid information to an image output apparatus.

Abstract: Several methods for retrospective correction of intensity inhomogeneities in digital diagnostic radiation images are presented. The methods are based on the correction of a digital image representation by means of a bias field. The bias field is deduced from the digital image representation of the diagnostic radiation image.

Abstract: A photo-conductive layer for constituting a radiation imaging panel, which photo-conductive layer is capable of recording radiation image information as an electrostatic latent image, contains Bi4M3O12, in which M represents at least one kind of element selected from the group consisting of Ge, Si, and Ti. The photo-conductive layer may be formed with a coating technique or as a sintered film. The photo-conductive layer has a large effect of collecting formed electric charges and enhanced sensitivity, and is capable of yielding an image with good graininess characteristics.

Abstract: In order to reduce and stabilize photovoltaic noise, dark latent image noise, and high voltage application history noise, a preliminary processing is performed regularly during an intermission between recordings of image information, in which voltage application for applying a voltage of predetermined magnitude and polarity between the electrode of the first electrode layer and the electrode of the second electrode layer for a predetermined time, and light irradiation for irradiating erasing light on the photoconductive layer with the first and second electrode layers being maintained at the same potential are performed.

Abstract: A method and system is presented for tracking patient motion in image guided surgery, using skeletal reference structures instead of fiducial markers. A non-rigid 2D/3D image registration is performed between pre-operative 3D scan data and intra-operative 2D images. The CT numbers are modified to compensate for the difference between the ratio of bone-to-tissue attenuation at the CT scan energy level, and the x-ray projection energy level. DRRs are generated from the modified CT numbers. An ROI, within which the image registration is restricted, is defined within the DRRs by calculating a modified Shannon entropy for each image, and seeking the region in which the image entropy is maximized. The DRRs and 2D images are enhanced by applying a top hat filter to increase the visibility of the skeletal structures. The 2D/3D transformation parameters are determined by generating a full motion field that accounts for non-rigid motions and deformations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for analyzing perfusion images, in particular MR pertbsion images, of a human or animal organ including the steps of: (a) defining at least one contour of the organ, and (b) establishing at least one perfusion parameter of a region of interest of said organ within a boundary defined by the at least one contour, whereby steps (a) and (b) are repeated in a series of iterative steps wherein for each subsequent iterative step the definition of the at least one contour in step (a) is varied, and the series of iterative steps is terminated after reaching an optimal value for the at least one perfusion parameter in step (b).

Abstract: A technique flexibly applies pre-programmed rules that specify the manner in which medical image data is to be classified or otherwise processed. A rules-based system selects from the pre-programmed rules, with different rules being used based on different doctors' preferences, such as during contrast agent studies. The rules-based system is initially “taught” how to apply a doctor's rules via a sample data image set, and then automatically applies the same rules to that doctor's image data whenever that image data is subsequently provided, thereby avoiding the need for doctors to constantly reconfigure a system with their own rules repetitively for each and every image or to otherwise place the burden of processing on the doctor. The programmed rules can include rules from the available literature—the doctors or other users are free to select from these available rules, modify/customize them to generate new rules, or provide completely new rules.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of correcting inhomogeneities in MR perfusion images of the myocardium of a patient, which perfusion images relate time-sequentially to a preliminary phase which precedes the administration of a contrast medium and to an examination phase which succeeds the administration of the contrast medium, the perfusion images from the examination phase being corrected, in a correction step, for a detected intensity variation of the perfusion images from the preliminary phase, the perfusion images from the preliminary phase being transformed, prior to the correction step, in such a manner that pixels or groups of pixels thereof register with corresponding pixels or groups of pixels of the perfusion images from the examination phase.

Abstract: A computer vision/image processing method generates a depth map. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of forming a relative depth map from at least three x-ray images of a patient taken from different perspectives. The method includes the steps of: (a) selecting one of the x-ray images as a reference image; (b) identifying corresponding objects within the reference image and the other images; (c) computing a disparity between the identified corresponding objects; and (d) generating the relative depth map from the disparities.

Abstract: A method for displaying a computer-generated determination of the likelihood of malignancy in a mammogram lesion. The method requires providing a digitized image of a mammogram, displaying the digitized image, and selecting a region of interest directly on the displayed digitized image. The digitized image is then processed so that classifier data of the lesion in the user-selected region of interest are generated and displayed. A system for displaying a determination of the likelihood of malignancy in a mammogram lesion. The system includes a display for presenting a digitized mammogram and an input device in communication with the display for selectably indicating a region of interest on the displayed mammogram. The system also includes a processor for generating classifier data related to a characterization feature within the region of interest. The classifier data is presented on the display.

Abstract: A method, system and computer readable medium for an intelligent search display into which an automated computerized image analysis has been incorporated. Upon viewing an unknown mammographic case, the display shows both the computer classification output as well as images of lesions with known diagnoses (e.g., malignant vs. benign) and similar computer-extracted features. The similarity index used in the search can be chosen by the radiologist to be based on a single feature, multiple features, or on the computer estimate of the likelihood of malignancy. Specifically the system includes the calculation of features of images in a known database, calculation of features of an unknown case, calculation of a similarity index, display of the known cases along the probability distribution curves at which the unknown case exists.

Abstract: A method for segmenting magnetic resonance (MR) images of an anatomical body of interest, for example the brain, comprises classifying a plurality of selected structures within the body of interest based on a plurality of image processing computations wherein the computations are adapted to relate respective T2 relaxation times corresponding to each of the structures. Thereafter, the method comprises segmenting the MR images for each of the structures substantially concurrently based on the plurality of image computations. A system for automatically segmenting magnetic resonance (MR) images of an anatomical body of interest comprises a processor coupled to an MR image acquisition device wherein the processor is adapted to perform concurrent segmentation computations for a plurality of selected structures within the anatomical body of interest.

Abstract: Several methods for retrospective correction of intensity inhomogeneites in digital diagnostic radiation images are presented. The methods are based on the correction of a digital image representation by means of a bias field. The bias field is deduced from the digital image representation of the diagnostic radiation image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing a medical image obtained from one of a plurality of digital modalities, the method comprising transforming or mapping the initial medical image to create a uniform contrast response and appearance regardless of the original modality of the image.

Abstract: Method of analyzing a data set of an object to be examined, which data set includes voxels of at least a first type and a second type, and a computer program for carrying out the method. The method includes the steps of classifying the voxels as voxels of the first, the second or further types, thereafter determining which of the voxels of the first type are boundary voxels that adjoin voxels of the second or further types, thereafter assigning a data value to each voxel of the first type, the data value representing a measure of the distance between the voxel and the neatest boundary voxel., and thereafter classifying the voxels of the first type that have a distance data valve exceeding a predetermined threshold as aberration voxels indicative of an aberration in the object.

Abstract: A method is developed for automatic analysis of the reliability of an automatic registration of perfusion cardiovascular MR images. A parameter, for example, a similarity measure between the successive images, is calculated first in order to quantify the success of the registration process between these images for the data set. A criterion is then introduced, for example a threshold is imposed on the similarity measure. The successively registered images that have a calculated similarity measure that exceeds the defined threshold are automatically accepted for further analysis.

Abstract: The image information processing system includes a radiation image generating device for generating a radiation image, an image information processing device having a function of inputting patient information, a function of receiving the radiation image and a function of performing predetermined image processing on the received radiation image, an external memory device for temporarily storing at least one of the radiation image and the processed radiation image in relation to the patient information and an image display device for displaying at least one of the radiation image and the processed radiation image. The image information processing device has a function for making a copy of capture items which include at least the patient information and capture information relevant to the radiation image when there is an indication that the radiation image is a damaged picture.

Abstract: In a process for producing an alternate striped electrode array in which transparent electrodes alternate with opaque electrodes: the opaque electrodes are formed on a transparent base; a continuous, transparent conductive film is formed on the opaque electrodes and the transparent base; a continuous, negative resist film is formed on the transparent conductive film; a resist pattern corresponding to the opaque electrodes is formed by using the opaque electrodes as a mask and applying a predetermined type of electromagnetic radiation from the back surface of the transparent base to the negative resist film; and the transparent conductive film is etched by using the resist pattern as a mask so that a portion of the transparent conductive film which remains after the etching is separated from the opaque electrodes and forms the transparent electrodes.

Abstract: An X-ray image converter (2) for recording and evaluating information gained from X-ray investigations of persons (3), animals or objects is suggested, which comprises a carrier (4) of a material in which the impinging X-ray radiation causes detectable changes, as well as a method for recording X-ray images, wherein changes in charge carriers on the surface of a carrier (4) are determined for evaluation of the radiation from the object (3) being observed.

Abstract: An X-ray image converter (2) for recording and evaluating information gained from X-ray investigations of persons (3), animals or objects is suggested, which comprises a carrier (4) of a material in which the impinging X-ray radiation causes detectable changes, as well as a method for recording X-ray images, wherein changes in charge carriers on the surface of a carrier (4) are determined for evaluation of the radiation from the object (3) being observed.

Abstract: A detector framing node controls generation of radiation and radioscopic image detection. Radioscopic image data is acquired and communicated independently of a host computer operating system. The detector framing node controls events in real time according to an event instruction sequence and receives the image data by way of an image detection interface into a memory unit. The image data is output from the memory unit to host memory of the host computer through a computer communication interface and under the control of a control unit. The detector framing node selects a flat panel detector from a plurality of different flat panel detectors and the image data is selectively reordered according to parameters of the selected flat panel detector before communication to host memory.