Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a method and apparatus for automatic offset correction in digital fluoroscopic x-ray imaging systems. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises exposing a detector to an energy source to obtain image exposure data from an exposed detector section within the detector. The method further comprises obtaining reference data from at least one reference area that is unaffected by the energy source. The method further comprises generating a diagnostic image based on a relation between the image exposure data and the reference data. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises an energy source and a detector. The detector comprises an exposed detector section. The detector includes at least one reference area. The at least one reference area is unaffected by the energy source.

Abstract: A condition, such as an electrical property, of a chamber of a heart is surveyed with a catheter having a condition sensor at its distal tip. A method for surveying the chamber includes the steps of acquiring a first image of the chamber containing topographical information, advancing the distal tip of the catheter into the chamber, acquiring a second image including a representation of the catheter distal tip in the chamber, displaying a superposition of the topographical information extracted from the first image with the second image to generate a displayed superimposed image, acquiring condition information at a point on the chamber displayed on the superimposed image on or near the topographical information, and acquiring condition information at one or more additional points sufficient in number and spacing to permit the generation of a survey map of the condition in the chamber.

Abstract: A radiographic image diagnosis apparatus includes a photographing unit having a radiation source and a 2D radiation detector to generate data of a fluoroscopic image of an object to be examined. Volume data is generated on the basis of the data of plurality of fluoroscopic images of the object at different angles which are acquired by the photographing unit. A measuring mechanism measures the position and angle of the photographing unit with respect to the object. Projection image data is generated from the volume data on the basis of the position and angle of the photographing unit which are measured by the measuring mechanism. The volume data is then displayed. This makes it possible to display the projection image with substantially the same position and direction as those of a fluoroscopic image.

Abstract: A method for improving the quality of a fluoroscopic image where the image out of an image sequence of images which satisfies a predetermined minimum motion criterion is stored and this stored image is continuously displayed. The images may be acquired using a pulsed cardiac fluoroscope.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable medium for capturing radiographic images and processing the captured images into stereo images. The images are captured using an X-ray imaging system that rotates freely about an anchor point and captures images of the patient or other object from different angles. The images are transmitted to a graphics engine (130) that rotates and adjusts points in the images in order to place them in the same plane and may also combines the two images into a single stereo image. Additional error processing methods are provided in order to reduce resulting distortion.

Abstract: In a method for the automatic alignment of a medical instrument with respect to a target point in a patient body such as, for subsequent removal of a tissue sample or for therapy of a tumor in the target point, using a computed tomography apparatus with fluoroscopy mode, a guidance system aligns the medical instrument at a paracentesis point of the patient body in a CT image plane, and the spatial coordinates of the CT image plane are determined for the guidance system.

Abstract: A digital radiographic imaging system is described which includes an automatic X-ray exposure sequence during which two consecutive images of a target are obtained from two views separated by a translation of the X-ray emitter, wherein such translation is oriented generally parallel to the plane of the X-ray detector. The two images acquired by the digital X-ray detector may then be combined using stereo reconstruction to generate a three-dimensional image of the interior of the target. The three-dimensional combination of images allows for better radiographic definition of clinical objects of interest, thereby increasing a radiologist's ability to detect and distinguish between normal and pathological structures.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes image data memory for storing image data, an image displaying section for displaying an image on a CRT, a graphic data memory for storing graphic data corresponding to patterns for defining regions of interest in the image on the CRT and a synthesized data producing section for synthesizing the image data and the graphic data to produce synthesized data, the image displaying section being adapted to display the image and pattern on the CRT based on the synthesized data.

Abstract: A computer-controlled method for automatically positioning a guide for a biopsy needle for its proper insertion into the body of a patient from a selected point on a surface of the body, so as to enter in a straight line passing through a designated target region within the body, in conjunction with an imaging system utilizing radiation from first and second source positions for deriving first and second radiographic images.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for coordinating two fluoroscope images, which permits accurate computer-based planning of the insertion point and angle of approach of a needle, drill, screw, nail, wire or other surgical instrumentation into the body of a patient, and subsequently guides the surgeon in performing the insertion in accordance with the plan.

Abstract: Display is made of the spectrums of the fluorescent X-rays by using the ordinate axis as representing the square root of a fluorescent X-ray intensity and using the abscissa axis as representing the energy of the fluorescent X-rays.

Abstract: A method for stereoscopically displaying radiographic images of the internal structure of an object and determining the spatial coordinates of a selected feature image inside the object, including the steps of (a) producing a pair of left and right radiographic images on the same object at slightly different angles, (b) using image display means to present the two images, (c) using two distinct optical paths with two reference lines to permit viewing of the left image by the left eye and the right image by the right eye of an observer independently and simultaneously, and (d) performing and measuring horizontal shifting motions of the two images and obtaining the coordinates (X.sub.GA,Y.sub.GA,Z.sub.GA) of an internal feature A with respect to a marker G according to a specified procedure. The procedure begins with aligning the image points of the marker G with their respective reference lines. Preferably, the same procedure is followed again for a second marker.

Abstract: Apparatus for stereoscopically displaying radiographic images of the internal structure of an object and determining the spatial coordinates of a defect image inside the object, comprising: (a) two image display devices; (b) a secondary platform to support one of the two display devices with this platform being provided with horizontal movement means along with displacement sensor means; (c) a primary platform to support both image display devices; the primary platform being provided with movement means to horizontally slide both image display devices concurrently and the movement means being equipped with displacement-measuring means; (d) a sturdy base to support both platforms; (e) two reference lines being transversely aligned across and over the images; and (f) an observing assembly comprising two distinct and separate optical paths with each optical path being composed of properly arranged mirrors and lenses to direct the desired image into the respective observing eye.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for coordinating two fluoroscope images, which permits accurate computer-based planning of the insertion point and angle of approach of a needle, drill, screw, nail, wire or other surgical instrumentation into the body of a patient, and subsequently guides the surgeon in performing the insertion in accordance with the plan.

Abstract: A system for automatically detecting the presence of contaminants in samples. The system includes a microscope, controllable stage positioner for holding slides under the microscope, a computer for controlling the stage positioner and a digital camera to capture images through the microscope. The system scans microscope views of regions of a slide sample and provides the digital images to the computer. Image processing routines stored in the computer analyze the digital images and determine whether these images may contain certain contaminants by comparing the characteristics of the objects in the image with the known characteristics of the contaminants.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for registering two dimensional fluoroscopic images with a three dimensional model of a surgical tissue of interest.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for coordinating two fluoroscope images, which permits accurate computer-based planning of the insertion point and angle of approach of a needle, drill, screw, nail, wire or other surgical instrumentation into the body of a patient, and subsequently guides the surgeon in performing the insertion in accordance with the plan.

Abstract: A stereoscopic fluoroscopy apparatus comprising an X-ray source means, a specimen to be X-rayed, an image intensifier unit means to produce images of the X-rayed specimen, recording means to record and output said images as image pairs, offset means to create an output of different images forming each image pair, and means to direct said images to a viewer to create a stereoscopic image from said paired images.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided an X-ray image display apparatus to display an image of an object under test to which X-ray is irradiated comprising an image processor which the following functions: to form for right and left eyes a pair of stereoscopic subtraction X-ray images of the object under test that is to be given contrast medium and the object under test that has been given contrast medium, to form for either one of the right and left eyes a monoscopic subtraction X-ray image of the object under test that is to given contrast medium and the object under test that has been given insertion, to synthesize for the either one eye the stereoscopic subtraction X-ray image and the monoscopic subtraction X-ray image, and to display for the either one eye the X-ray image synthesized and for the other eye the stereoscopic subtraction X-ray image. The X-ray iamge display apparatus makes it possible to provide sterepscopic views of a desired part of the object under test.

Abstract: An object (10) to be radiographically inspected is irradiated in a sequence of different positions with respect to an X-ray beam emitted by a single source (12). A single X-ray detector in an imaging system (13) produces a series of electronic signals corresponding to the sequence of positions at which irradiation of the test object (10) occurs. The series of electronic signals is converted to a pair of series of signals, wherein one series of the pair is delayed with respect to the other series of the pair. The pair of series of signals is displayed as a stereoscopic pair of series of visual images corresponding to different positions at which the test object (10) is irradiated by the X-ray beam. A viewing system (19) causes each eye of an observer to see a different series of visual images, whereby the observer is enabled to preceive a series of stereoscopic X-ray images of the test object (10).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for generating successive video images of a moving bone of a subject. A fluoroscope generates a fluoroscopic image of the moving bone. A video camera detects the fluoroscopic image and converts the detected image into successive video images. A recorder records the successive video images. A monitor displays the recorded successive video images as the images are being generated. The monitor is located adjacent the fluoroscope for viewing by an operator thereby permitting the operator to observe and/or position the bone in response to images displayed on the monitor. A crisscrossed grid is located adjacent the image intensifier of the fluoroscope between the bone and the image intensifier. A CPU compares the successive video images to a reference representation corresponding to a desired or previous movement or pattern of movement of the bone with respect to a second, immobilized bone and any resulting flexure of a joint between the bone and the second, immobilized bone.

Abstract: A stereoscopic X-ray apparatus is provided in which X-rays are irradiated from the two foci of a stereoscopic X-ray tube to an object to be examined so as to obtain images of the object picked-up in two directions and which permits the object to be stereoscopically displayed based on the two picked-up images. X-ray images having passed the object are picked-up by an image intensifier tube and a TV camera and stored into two frame memories. The two images output from the frame memories are alternately displayed on a display unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for preventing accidental overradiation of a patient in surgical procedures involving both fluoroscopy and endoscopy. Video outputs from the fluoroscope and endoscope are connected to a switching device. The physician uses the switching device to select from between the endoscope video output and the fluoroscope video output for viewing on a video monitor. When the endoscope video output is selected for viewing, the switching device automatically deactivates the X-ray generator of the fluoroscope. When the switching device is actuated to select the fluoroscope video signal for viewing on the monitor, the switching device automatically reactivates the X-ray generator. In this manner, overradiation of the patient during periods when the fluoroscope is not being used is avoided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method which enables spatial display in cases where X-ray images are formed from different perspectives which are situated far apart. To this end, from the single images a synthetic image of the examination zone is calculated for at least one position which neighbors one of the radiation source positions, which synthetic image is used for imaging the examination zone.

Abstract: A stereo X-ray fluorography apparatus includes a stereo X-ray tube having right and left focal points for irradiating a subject, in alternate fashion, with X-rays, a television camera for picking-up right and left images, resulting from the X-rays emitted from the right and left focal points, after the passage of the X-rays through the subject, a television monitor for alternately displaying the right and left images picked-up by the television camera, and a pair of glasses for allowing light to be alternately transmitted and not transmitted, repetitively and in synchronism with the switching of the displaying of the right and left images on the television monitor. For the television monitor, use is made of a double-rate (120 fields per second) type. The images are picked-up by the television camera, upon the subject being irradiated with X-rays from the stereo X-ray tube, for every two fields of the television camera.

Abstract: A stereoscopic fluoroscope apparatus includes a pair of spaced x-ray tubes mounted on a support opposite a respective pair of x-ray image intensifiers having a pair of video cameras coupled thereto. The x-ray tubes and image intensifiers are positioned to form a stereoscopic pair of fluorescent images which are converted to video signals by the cameras. The cameras are connected to a head worn video stereoscopic display including miniature right and left video display devices therein for stereoscopic viewing of the images produced by irradiating a target of examination. The apparatus includes provisions for selectively routing the video signals representing the x-ray images to external signal receivers such as remote video monitors, video recorders, or computers and for routing external video signals to the stereoscopic display unit for displaying the images represented thereby.

Abstract: It is desirable in a digital subtraction angiography to realize the stereoscopic X-ray image visualization of a blood vessel by means of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus. In accordance with the invention, the object such as blood vessels is projected by X-rays before and after injection of the X-ray contrast medium at two different projection angles with respect to the object, i.e., right view and left view. So right-viewed X-ray "mask images'" and "subtraction images'" video signals and left-viewed X-ray "mask images'" and "subtraction images'" video signals are separatedly obtained. Then the right-viewed mask image's video signal is combined with the left-viewed one, resulting in one stereoscopic visual TV picture consisting of the desired portions of both the right-viewed image and the left-viewed image on the TV monitor simultaneously.

Abstract: An X-ray stereoscopic cinematography apparatus including an X-ray tube having at least a pair of focal spots from which X-rays are irradiated independently at an object to produce an X-ray image of an object under study, means for converting the X-ray image to an optical image, an optical system device for distributing the optical image to first and second cinecameras. The optical system device includes a first half-mirror having a reflection rate of approximately fifty percent and a second half-mirror having a comparatively low transmission rate, the half-mirrors being separately positionable in a first position to reflect the optical image or a second position out of the light path of the optical image to distribute the optical image to the first and second cinecameras. A television camera is provided to accept the optical image delivered through the optical system device and to convert it to an electric signal.

Abstract: An X-ray stereoscopic cinematography apparatus including an X-ray tube having at least a pair of focal spots from which X-rays are irradiated independently at an object under study to produce an X-ray image thereof, an image intensifier for converting the X-ray image to a corresponding optical image, and an optical system device for selectively distributing the optical image to first and second cinecameras. The optical system device includes a first half-mirror having a reflection rate of approximately fifty percent, a second half-mirror having a comparatively low transmission rate and an entire reflection mirror, the half-mirrors and the entire reflection mirror being separately positionable in a first position to reflect the optical image or a second position out of the light path of the optical image to distribute the optical image to the first and second cinecameras.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, radiography and fluoroscopy is carried out by a film cassette, an image intensifier television chain and a circuit for the automatic influencing of parameters determining the x-ray image quality, which circuit exhibits a radiation sensor, and a comparator for the comparison of a nominal setpoint value with the actual value delivered by the sensor, in which analog to digital converters are provided for the formation of an electric signal corresponding to the electrode voltages of the x-ray image intensifier, which electric signal is supplied in the form of an address to a memory in which the dependency of the conversion factor of the x-ray image intensifier upon the electrode voltage is stored.