Fluorescence Or Scatter Mapping Patents (Class 378/6)
  • Patent number: 11197646
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray Talbot imaging device and an image processing device. The image processing device includes a hardware processor and a display. The hardware processor generates multiple types of reconstructed images based on each of moire images having different subject set angles captured by the X-ray Talbot imaging device; groups the reconstructed images by subject set angle and by type; detects, in each reconstructed image, a grating direction of the gratings and the subject set angle relevant to the grating direction; matches an image direction in each of the grouped reconstructed images with a reference direction based on the grating direction and the subject set angle; performs a same image adjustment process on the grouped reconstructed images; and causes the display to display the reconstructed images grouped by subject set angle or by type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventor: Yuko Shinden
  • Patent number: 10912532
    Abstract: An image processing system and related method. The system comprises an input interface (IN) for receiving dark-field image data obtained from imaging of an object (OB) with an X-ray imaging apparatus (XI). A corrector module (CM) of the system (IPS) is configured to perform a correction operation to correct said dark-field image data for Compton scatter to obtain Compton-Scatter corrected image data. The so Compton scatter corrected image data is output by an output interface (OUT) of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Koehler, Hanns-Ingo Maack, Andriy Yaroshenko, Klaus Juergen Engel, Bernd Menser
  • Patent number: 10697902
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an X-ray tensor tomography (XTT) system (34), comprising a source (12) for providing a beam with coherent X-rays, a first grating (16) with first grating lines and a second grating (18) with second grating lines, the second grating lines being parallel to the first grating lines and the XTT-system (34) being configured to relatively shift the first grating (16) and/or the second grating (18) in a shifting direction (32) being parallel to the planes of the gratings (16, 18), a stage (36) for rotating the specimen about a first axis of rotation and about not more than two axes of rotation (26), the first axis of rotation lying in a plane (38) being tilted by an angle ? with respect to the to the planes of the gratings (16, 18), wherein 0°<??90°, and by an angle ? with respect to a plane being orthogonal to the direction of the beam path at a location of the stage (36), wherein 0°<?<90°, a detector (22), a reconstruction unit configured to reconstruct scattering tensors
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITÄT MÜNCHEN
    Inventors: Yash Sharma, Tobias Lasser, Franz Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 10267752
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to X-ray imaging systems and methods. An exemplary system may comprise a distributed X-ray source arrangement, a fixed grating module, an X-ray detecting device, and a computer workstation. In one illustrative implementation, X-ray sources of the distributed incoherent X-ray source arrangement may sequentially generate and emit X-rays to an object to be detected. Further, for each exposure, the X-ray detecting device may receive the X-rays, wherein after a series of stepping exposures and corresponding data acquisitions, at each pixel of the X-ray detecting device, X-ray intensities are represented as an intensity curve; the intensity curve may be compared to an intensity curve in the absence of the object to be detected, and a pixel value at each pixel may be obtained from a variation of the intensity curves; and image information of the object to be detected may be obtained according to such pixel values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Nuctech Company Limited
    Inventors: Li Zhang, Zhiqiang Chen, Xiaolei Jiang, Xiaohua Zhu, Xin Jin
  • Patent number: 9939393
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to an analysis of a material of a component. A radiation source is activated to transmit radiation to the component. A beam pattern is obtained based on the component interfering with the radiation. The beam pattern is compared to a reference beam pattern. An anomaly is detected to exist in the material when the comparison indicates a deviation between the beam pattern and the reference beam pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Iuliana Cernatescu, David U. Furrer, Venkatarama K. Seetharaman
  • Patent number: 9761021
    Abstract: A method includes obtaining a dark-field signal generated from a dark-field CT scan of an object, wherein the dark-field CT scan is at least a 360 degree scan. The method further includes weighting the dark-field signal. The method further includes performing a cone beam reconstruction of the weighted dark-field signal over the 360 degree scan, thereby generating volumetric image data. For an axial cone-beam CT scan, in one non-limiting instance, the cone-beam reconstruction is a full scan FDK cone beam reconstruction. For a helical cone-beam CT scan, in one non-limiting instance, the dark-field signal is rebinned to wedge geometry and the cone-beam reconstruction is a full scan aperture weighted wedge reconstruction. For a helical cone-beam CT scan, in another non-limiting instance, the dark-field signal is rebinned to wedge geometry and the cone-beam reconstruction is a full scan angular weighted wedge reconstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Koehler, Bernhard Johannes Brendel, Ewald Roessl, Udo van Stevendaal
  • Patent number: 9367903
    Abstract: Artifacts caused by scattered radiation when generating X-ray images of objects are corrected using a temporally alterable modulation of the primary radiation. A respective set of originally amplitude-modulated modulation projections of the object is generated and a respective scattered image allocated to the respective modulation projections is calculated. The method is particularly suitable for fast CT scans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Matthias Goldammer, Karsten Schörner
  • Patent number: 9234747
    Abstract: An apparatus which estimates an inside of an object, includes: a first obtaining unit which obtains light path models and a first light intensity distribution, based on an assumption that a first object includes no second object, distribution; a second obtaining unit which obtains a second light intensity distribution which is an intensity distribution of observed light; a voting value calculating unit which calculates a voting value for each of positions on a predetermined plane, based on a result of comparison in light intensity between the first and second light intensity distributions; a voting unit which votes the voting value to voting regions on a light path model along which light reaches each position; and an estimating unit which estimates whether the second object exists in each voting region, based on a result of the voting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasunori Ishii, Toshiya Arai, Yasuhiro Mukaigawa, Yasushi Yagi
  • Patent number: 9134259
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging system comprising: an X-ray source, a source grating, a fixed grating module and an X-ray detector, which are successively positioned in the propagation direction of X-ray; an object to be detected is positioned between the source grating and the fixed gating module; said source grating can perform stepping movement in a direction perpendicular to the optical path and grating stripes; wherein the system further comprises a computer workstation for controlling said X-ray source, source grating and X-ray detector so as to perform the following processes: the source grating performs stepping movement in at least one period thereof; at each stepping step, the X-ray source emits X-ray to the object to be detected, and the detector receives the X-ray at the same time; wherein after at least one period of stepping and data acquisition, the light intensity of X-ray at each pixel point on the detector is represented as a light intensity curve; the light intensity curve at each pixel point on the detec
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignees: TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY, NUCTECH COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Zhifeng Huang, Zhiqiang Chen, Li Zhang, Yuanjing Li, Yuxiang Xing, Ziran Zhao, Yongshun Xiao, Liang Li, Fei Ding
  • Patent number: 9036783
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for gain calibration is provided. The method includes sorting the calibration data of each pixel location from the offset-corrected X-ray image data into a sequence. The method also includes removing part of the calibration data from one end or both ends of the respective sequence for each pixel location. The method further includes averaging the calibration data remaining within each respective sequence to obtain an average pixel value for each pixel location. The method yet further includes generating a gain map based on the average pixel value for each pixel location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: James Zhengshe Liu
  • Patent number: 8995609
    Abstract: Briefly described, in an exemplary form, the present invention discloses a system, method and apparatus for X-ray Compton scatter imaging. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention uses two detectors in a volumetric CT system. A first detector is positioned generally in-line with the angle of attack of the incoming energy, or, generally in-line of path x, where x is the path of the incoming energy. The first, or primary, detector detects various forms of radiation emanating from an object undergoing testing. In some embodiments, the present invention further comprises a Compton scattering system positioned generally normal to path x. In some embodiments, the Compton scattering subsystem comprises a second detector and a pin-hole collimator. The second detector detects Compton scattering energy from the object being tested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Lei Zhu, Tianye Niu
  • Patent number: 8957894
    Abstract: A method for generating time-resolved 3D medical images of a subject by imparting temporal information from a time-series of 2D medical images into 3D images of the subject. Generally speaking, this is achieved by acquiring image data using a medical imaging system, generating a time-series of 2D images of a ROI from at least a portion of the acquired image data, reconstructing a 3D image substantially without temporal resolution from the acquired image data, and selectively combining the time series of 2D images with the 3D image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignees: Mistretta Medical, LLC, CMS Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Charles A. Mistretta, Charles M. Strother
  • Patent number: 8942457
    Abstract: The present invention relates to navigating an interventional device. In particular, the invention relates to a system for navigating an interventional device within a tubular structure of an object, a method for navigating an interventional device within a tubular structure of an object as well as a computer program element and a computer-readable medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Raoul Florent, Gert Antonius Franciscus Schooenenberg, Bram Antonius Philomena Van Rens
  • Patent number: 8942782
    Abstract: An image display apparatus includes a first radiographic image acquirer for acquiring a first radiographic image captured in the scout image capturing process, a second radiographic image acquirer for acquiring a plurality of second radiographic images captured in the stereographic image capturing process, a first display controller for displaying the first radiographic image on a display unit, and a second display controller for displaying the second radiographic images on the display unit and, in case that the biopsy region is selected in the displayed first radiographic image, displaying, in the second radiographic images, respective guide lines passing through positions in the second radiographic images which correspond to the position of the biopsy region selected in the first radiographic image and extending parallel to or substantially parallel to a prescribed direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Yuuichi Sakaguchi, Naoyuki Okada, Masataka Sugahara
  • Patent number: 8938045
    Abstract: A method of evaluating a reservoir includes a multi-energy X-ray CT scan of a sample, obtaining bulk density and photoelectric effect index effect for the sample, estimation of at least mineral property using data obtained from at least one of a core gamma scan, a spectral gamma ray scan, an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis, or an X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of the sample, and determination of at least one sample property by combining the bulk density, photoelectric effect index, and the at least one mineral property (e.g., total clay content). Reservoir properties, such as one or more of formation brittleness, porosity, organic material content, and permeability, can be determined by the method without need of detailed lab physical measurements or destruction of the sample. A system for evaluating a reservoir also is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Ingrain, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Dvorkin, Naum Derzhi, Elizabeth Diaz, Joel Walls
  • Patent number: 8668844
    Abstract: The invention relates to a Gd2O2S:Nd fluorescent material and the use of Nd3+ as emitter in suitable materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Cornelis Reinder Ronda, Guenter Zeitler, Herbert Schreinemacher, Norbert Conrads, Detlef Uwe Wiechert
  • Publication number: 20130343511
    Abstract: A system includes obtaining of a reference projection image of a target volume at an isocenter of a computed tomography scanner; obtaining of a plurality of two-dimensional fluoroscopic images by the computed tomography scanner of at least a portion of the target volume at the isocenter of the computed tomography scanner; displaying the reference projection image and the plurality of two-dimensional fluoroscopic images in a combined view; measuring a two-dimensional contour of a projection of a movement of the target volume in the combined view; and determining a true contour of the movement in a plane containing a point-of-interest within the target volume based on the two-dimensional contour of the projection of the movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Himanshu P. Shukla, Supratik Bose
  • Patent number: 8553831
    Abstract: An imaging system and method configured to construct an image of an internal structure of an object. The imaging system including: a radiation source configured to generate both a narrow beam and a wide beam of radiation; a detector configured to detect the radiation; and at least one processing circuit configured to: determine a scatter-to-primary ratio (SPR) of the wide beam based on the narrow beam; determine a primary component of the wide beam based on the SPR to thereby separate the primary component from a scattered component of the wide beam; and construct the image using the primary component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Feng Ma
  • Publication number: 20130259339
    Abstract: A tomography system based on Cerenkov tomography, comprising: a detector of Cerenkov fluorescence for acquiring optical plane images; a structural imaging system for acquiring three-dimensional structural images; a bed device for supporting an object to be imaged; a computer for forming an optical image, a structural image and a CLT image. The invention adopts the SP3 model and the semi threshold iterator to implement the global reconstruction of the CLT, and obtains the three-dimensional tomography to image of the distribution of the radiopharmaceutical and the molecular probe in vivo within a short time. Since ordinary CCD camera is used, the cost of the imaging system has been sharply reduced for the equipment's construct and maintenance compared with PET/SPECT or ? camera. Therefore the present invention expands the options of the molecular probe, and application of the is medicine Imaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: INSTITUTE OF AUTOMATION, CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
    Inventors: Jie Tian, Jianghong Zhong, Xin Yang, Chenghu Qin
  • Patent number: 8515002
    Abstract: An x-ray imaging technology, performing an x-ray dark-field CT imaging of an examined object using an imaging system which comprises an x-ray source, two absorbing gratings G1 and G2, an x-ray detector, a controller and a data processing unit, comprising the steps of: emitting x-rays to the examined object; enabling one of the two absorbing gratings G1 and G2 to perform phase stepping motion within at least one period range thereof; where in each phase stepping step, the detector receives the x-ray and converts it into an electric signal; wherein through the phase stepping of at least one period, the x-ray intensity at each pixel point on the detector is represented as an intensity curve; calculating a second moment of scattering angle distribution for each pixel, based on a contrast of the intensity curve at each pixel point on the detector and an intensity curve without presence of the examined object; taking images of the object at various angles, then obtaining an image with scattering information of the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Nuctech Company Limited
    Inventors: Zhifeng Huang, Zhiqiang Chen, Li Zhang, Zhentian Wang, Yuxiang Xing, Ziran Zhao, Yongshun Xiao
  • Patent number: 8513603
    Abstract: A method utilizing characteristic x-ray emission from a single thin film or multilayer thin film when an electron beam impinges at a grazing angle with respect to the surface of the sample to capture structural and physical properties of the layers such as layer thickness, interfacial roughness, and stoichiometry of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: West Virginia University
    Inventors: David Lederman, Thomas Hubbard Myers, II, Sandeep Chandril
  • Publication number: 20130148776
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for X-ray scattering estimation and reconstruction in a digital tomosynthesis system are provided. The apparatus includes a receiver which receives, through a wired or wireless network, X-ray penetration data generated by measuring an object, and a graphics processing unit (GPU) which acquires, from the received X-ray penetration data, a reconstructed image in which scattering is corrected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
  • Patent number: 8451974
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved scanning process with a stationary X-ray source arranged to generate X-rays from a plurality of X-ray source positions around a scanning region, a first set of detectors arranged to detect X-rays transmitted through the scanning region, and at least one processor arranged to process outputs from the first set of detectors to generate tomographic image data. The X-ray screening system is used in combination with other screening technologies, such as NQR-based screening, X-ray diffraction based screening, X-ray back-scatter based screening, or Trace Detection based screening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Publication number: 20130101078
    Abstract: An X-ray diffraction contrast tomography system (DCT) comprising a laboratory X-ray source (2), a staging device (5) rotating a polycrystalline material sample in the direct path of the X-ray beam, a first X-ray detector (6) detecting the direct X-ray beam being transmitted through the crystalline material sample, a second X-ray detector (7) positioned between the staging device and the first X-ray detector for detecting diffracted X-ray beams, and a processing device (15) for analysing detected values. The crystallographic grain orientation of the individual grain in the polycrystalline sample is determined based on the two-dimensional position of extinction spots and the associated angular position of the sample for a set of extinction spots pertaining to the individual grain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: Danmarks Tekniske Universitet
    Inventor: Danmarks Tekniske Universitet
  • Publication number: 20130094625
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging system comprising: an X-ray source, a source grating, a fixed grating module and an X-ray detector, which are successively positioned in the propagation direction of X-ray; an object to be detected is positioned between the source grating and the fixed gating module; said source grating can perform stepping movement in a direction perpendicular to the optical path and grating stripes; wherein the system further comprises a computer workstation for controlling said X-ray source, source grating and X-ray detector so as to perform the following processes: the source grating performs stepping movement in at least one period thereof; at each stepping step, the X-ray source emits X-ray to the object to be detected, and the detector receives the X-ray at the same time; wherein after at least one period of stepping and data acquisition, the light intensity of X-ray at each pixel point on the detector is represented as a light intensity curve; the light intensity curve at each pixel point on the detec
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicants: NUCTECH COMPANY LIMITED, TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Zhifeng Huang, Zhiqiang Chen, Li Zhang, Yuanjing Li, Yuxiang Xing, Ziran Zhao, Yongshun Xiao, Liang Li, Fei Ding
  • Patent number: 8391577
    Abstract: A radiation image processing apparatus which improves contrast and sharpness of radiation images is provided. According to this radiation image processing apparatus, comparison is made between a first image data obtained by radiation imaging without going through the subject but through a grid for removing scattered radiation from a subject, and a second image data which is obtained by radiation imaging through the subject and the grid, and a two-dimensional distribution of abundance of scattered component is calculated. Using this two-dimensional distribution of scattered component, abundance of scattered radiation is locally determined at each position, and a sharpening process is performed with sharpening intensities that are increased in response to abundance of scattered radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20120307962
    Abstract: X-ray fluorescence computed tomography (XFCT) using polychromatic x-rays is provided herein. The XFCT of the presently disclosed subject matter allows for the imaging of various cells loaded with metallic nanoparticles using polychromatic diagnostic energy x-rays. Both imaging of nanoparticles distributed within a cell and the quantification of nanoparticle concentration within the cell, in some configurations, may be accomplished. The x-ray source may, in some examples, provide a pencil beam or a cone/fan beam x-ray configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: Georgia Tech Resarch Corporation
    Inventor: Sang Hyun Cho
  • Publication number: 20120294413
    Abstract: An imaging system and method configured to construct an image of an internal structure of an object. The imaging system including: a radiation source configured to generate both a narrow beam and a wide beam of radiation; a detector configured to detect the radiation; and at least one processing circuit configured to: determine a scatter-to-primary ratio (SPR) of the wide beam based on the narrow beam; determine a primary component of the wide beam based on the SPR to thereby separate the primary component from a scattered component of the wide beam; and construct the image using the primary component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: Feng MA
  • Publication number: 20120230463
    Abstract: The present specification discloses an X-ray scanning system for scanning an object. The processing system has processors adapted to receive X-ray tomographic image data and extract parameters from the data, where the parameters include constant grey level, texture or statistics. The processing system also includes processors for executing decision trees, where the processors receive the parameters and construct information using the parameters and processors for conducting a database search, where the database search maps the information to a threat level and allocates the object being scanned to a safety category.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Publication number: 20120213424
    Abstract: A method and a computer system are disclosed for scattered beam correction in a CT examination of an object in a multi source CT. In at least one embodiment, the method includes generating original projection data records; reconstruction of the object with the original projection data records of at least one detector; determining the scattered radiation generated by each emitter exclusively in the direction of the original beams of the at least one other emitter relative to its opposing detector; generating corrected projection data records by removing the calculated scattered radiation from the original projection data records; reconstruction of the object with the corrected projection data records, and implementing a further iteration of the method when determining the scattered radiation or issuing the reconstruction result if at least one predetermined abort criterion applies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Thomas Flohr, Martin Petersilka, Karl Stierstorfer
  • Patent number: 8238513
    Abstract: An imaging system and method for producing an image based on primary radiation. A separate image based solely on scattered radiation may also be obtained and may be of practical interests. The separation of primary and scattered radiation is achieved by utilizing a small beam exposure and a cone beam exposure, then the primary and scatter images are reconstructed based on a pencil beam model or from a Monte Carlo method. Other embodiments disclosed include two-layer detector arrays or volumetric detector arrays that measure the relationship between the dose and the position, from which the primary and scattered radiation can be extracted. In addition, by limiting a readout time of a detector, primary radiation component may be read because of a delay in the scattered radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Feng Ma
  • Patent number: 8184767
    Abstract: An imaging technique is provided for acquiring scatter free images of an object. The technique includes acquiring a plurality of projection images of the object using a source and a detector oriented at a plurality of projection angles relative to the object, and generating a plurality of scatter free projection images by correcting the plurality of projection images based on respective ones of a plurality of stored scatter images. The scatter images are generated and stored for each of the projection angles by positioning a scatter rejection plate between the object and the detector. The technique further includes reconstructing a three-dimensional image of the object based on the scatter free projection images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Debasish Mishra, William Robert Ross, Thomas James Batzinger, Manoharan Venugopal, Forrest Frank Hopkins, Nityanand Gopalika, Vamshi Krishna Reddy Kommareddy, Rajashekar Venkatachalam, Prasad Thapa
  • Patent number: 8184766
    Abstract: In an X-ray computer tomograph and a method for investigating an object by means of X-ray computer tomography, to improve the image quality, a first intensity of the X-ray radiation between an X-ray source and the object is measured by means of a first intensity measurement device (13) and a second intensity of the X-ray radiation between the object and the X-ray detector outside a projection region of the object is measured by means of a second intensity measurement device. A scattered radiation correction factor is calculable by means of the measured intensities to reduce the scattered radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Theobald Fuchs, Norman Uhlmann
  • Patent number: 8135110
    Abstract: The present invention is an X-ray scanning system with an X-ray source arranged to generate X-rays from X-ray source positions around a scanning region, a first set of detectors arranged to detect X-rays transmitted through the scanning region, a second set of detectors arranged to detect X-rays scattered within the scanning region, and a processor arranged to process outputs from the detectors to generate image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Morton
  • Patent number: 8121249
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of x-ray imaging. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to methods, systems, and apparatus for imaging, which can be used in a wide range of applications, including medical imaging, security screening, and industrial non-destructive testing to name a few.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Ge Wang, Wenxiang Cong
  • Publication number: 20120008736
    Abstract: An X-ray diffraction contrast tomography system (DCT) comprising a laboratory X-ray source (2), a staging device (5) rotating a polycrystalline material sample in the direct path of the X-ray beam, a first X-ray detector (6) detecting the direct X-ray beam being transmitted through the crystalline material sample, a second X-ray detector (7) positioned between the staging device and the first X-ray detector for detecting diffracted X-ray beams, and a processing device (15) for analysing detected values. The crystallographic grain orientation of the individual grain in the polycrystalline sample is determined based on the two-dimensional position of extinction spots and the associated angular position of the sample for a set of extinction spots pertaining to the individual grain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: DANMARKS TEKNISKE UNIVERSITET
    Inventors: Erik Mejdal LAURIDSEN, Henning Friis POULSEN
  • Publication number: 20110293064
    Abstract: An x-ray imaging technology, performing an x-ray dark-field CT imaging of an examined object using an imaging system which comprises an x-ray source, two absorbing gratings G1 and G2, an x-ray detector, a controller and a data processing unit, comprising the steps of: emitting x-rays to the examined object; enabling one of the two absorbing gratings G1 and G2 to perform phase stepping motion within at least one period range thereof; where in each phase stepping step, the detector receives the x-ray and converts it into an electric signal; wherein through the phase stepping of at least one period, the x-ray intensity at each pixel point on the detector is represented as an intensity curve; calculating a second moment of scattering angle distribution for each pixel, based on a contrast of the intensity curve at each pixel point on the detector and an intensity curve without presence of the examined object; taking images of the object at various angles, then obtaining an image with scattering information of the
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Tsinghua University and Nuctech Company Limited
    Inventors: Zhifeng Huang, Zhiqiang Chen, Li Zhang, Zhentian Wang, Yuxiang Xing, Ziran Zhao, Yongshun Xiao
  • Patent number: 8000435
    Abstract: A method includes generating a plurality of scatter distributions based on geometric models having different object to detector distances, determining an imaged object to detector distance, and identifying a scatter distribution of the plurality of scatter distributions having a object to detector distance that corresponds to the imaged object to detector distance. The method also includes employing the identified scatter distribution to scatter correct projection data corresponding to the imaged object. Another method includes generating an estimate of wedge scatter by propagating a predetermined wedge scatter profile through an intermediate reconstruction of an object; and employing the estimate to wedge scatter correct the projection data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Matthias Bertram, Jens Wiegert, Steffen G. Wiesner
  • Patent number: 7957502
    Abstract: A method for scaling a scattered ray intensity distribution in a multi bulbs X-ray CT apparatus configured to irradiate a subject with X-rays from a plurality of X-ray generation sections, respectively and configure a cross-sectional image of the subject by detecting the X-rays passing through the subject. A first difference is achieved, the first difference being the difference between a real data of X-ray intensity achieved by passing of X-rays through the subject, the X-rays being radiated from the plurality of the X-ray generation sections, respectively and an opposed data of X-ray intensity achieved by passing of these X-rays through the subject at the same position in an opposite direction, a second difference between scattered ray intensity included in the real data and scattered ray intensity included in the opposed data being achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro Manabe, Naruomi Akino
  • Patent number: 7949089
    Abstract: A CT scanner for scanning a subject is provided, the scanner comprising: a gantry capable of rotating about a scanned subject; at least two cone beam X-Ray sources displaced from each other mounted on said gantry; at least one 2D detector array mounted on said gantry, said detector is capable of receiving radiation emitted by said at least two X-Ray sources and attenuated by the subject to be scanned; a first image processor capable of generating and displaying CT images of a volume within the subject; a second image processor capable of generating projection X-Ray images of said volume, wherein the images are responsive to X-Ray separately emitted by each of said at least two cone beam X-Ray sources; and a third image processor capable of generating and displaying fluoroscopic images composed of said projection X-Ray images, wherein said fluoroscopic images are spatially registered to said CT images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Arineta Ltd.
    Inventors: Ehud Dafni, Rafael Shmeul Brada
  • Patent number: 7928400
    Abstract: A detection system for wavelength-dispersive and energy-dispersive spectrometry comprises an X-ray detector formed from a solid-state avalanche photodiode with a thin entrance window electrode that permits the efficient detection of X-rays scattered from “light” elements. The detector can be tilted relative to the incident X-rays in order to increase the detection efficiency for X-rays scattered from “heavy” elements. The entrance window may be continuous conductive layer with a thickness in the range of 5 to 10 nanometers or may be a pattern of conductive lines with “windowless” areas between the lines. A signal processing circuit for the avalanche photodiode detector includes an ultra-low noise amplifier, a dual channel discriminator, a scaler and a digital counter. A linear array of avalanche photodiode detectors is used to increase the count rate of the detection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Bruker AXS, Inc.
    Inventors: Yacouba Diawara, Roger D. Durst, Sergei A. Medved, Vladislav N. Sedov, Donald P. Lesher
  • Patent number: 7894880
    Abstract: Renal extraction fraction (EF) is determined through use of computed tomography (CT) measurements of arterial blood before and after injection of a radiographic contrast agent into the blood and CT measurements of renal vein blood after injection of the radiographic contrast agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventor: Graham Sommer
  • Patent number: 7864920
    Abstract: A system and methods for identifying contents of an enclosure such as an air cargo container. A three-dimensional image indicative of at least one of the CT number and the density of contents of the enclosure is obtained using penetrating radiation such as x-rays. If one or more suspect regions are identified among contents of the enclosure, a collimated neutron beam is activated to traverse each suspect region and fluorescent emission from the suspect region is detected, allowing material within the suspect region to be characterized based at least on the detected fluorescent emission. Additionally, the collimated neutron beam may be employed for neutron imaging of the contents of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: American Science and Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Rothschild
  • Publication number: 20100316183
    Abstract: In an X-ray computer tomograph and a method for investigating an object by means of X-ray computer tomography, to improve the image quality, a first intensity of the X-ray radiation between an X-ray source and the object is measured by means of a first intensity measurement device (13) and a second intensity of the X-ray radiation between the object and the X-ray detector outside a projection region of the object is measured by means of a second intensity measurement device. A scattered radiation correction factor is calculable by means of the measured intensities to reduce the scattered radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Theobald Fuchs, Norman Uhlmann
  • Publication number: 20100310037
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of x-ray imaging. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to methods, systems, and apparatus for imaging, which can be used in a wide range of applications, including medical imaging, security screening, and industrial non-destructive testing to name a few.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Ge WANG, Wenxiang Cong
  • Patent number: 7835495
    Abstract: An X-ray diffraction imaging system is provided. The X-ray diffraction imaging system includes an X-ray source configured to emit an X-ray pencil beam and a scatter detector configured to receive scattered radiation having a scatter angle from the X-ray pencil beam. The scatter detector is located substantially in a plane and includes a plurality of detector strips. A first detector strip has a first width equal to a linear extent of the X-ray pencil beam measured at the plane in a direction parallel to the first width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Morpho Detection, Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffrey Harding
  • Publication number: 20100284510
    Abstract: Methods are described for detecting gallbladder complications, e.g. gallstones, in overweight patients using a contrast agent and computed tomography (CT). The methods are generally used prior to bariatric surgery to reduce possible complications associated with the gallbladder following the surgery. The methods described replace existing ultrasound imaging of the gallbladder as the present methods can image the gallbladder through fatty adipose tissue, which ultrasound cannot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Jeffrey Neitlich, Tyler Neitlich
  • Patent number: 7820975
    Abstract: A method for calibrating an imaging system includes coincident detecting scatter radiation events from a calibration source located within a bore of the imaging system. The scatter radiation events are subsequently used to compute calibration time offsets for each detector channel in the imaging system. Each detector channel is then calibrated with respective calibration time adjustments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Laurence, Jerome J. Griesmer
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100183115
    Abstract: A Computer Tomography system for examining an object is disclosed. The system comprises a first X-ray tube, a second X-ray tube, a first X-ray detection unit and a second X-ray detection unit. Preferably, the first X-ray detection unit is adapted to acquire a first data set by detecting radiation emitted by the first X-ray tube after passing through the object under examination, and the second X-ray detection unit is adapted to acquire a second data set by detecting radiation emitted by the second X-ray tube after being scattered by the object under examination. The system has particular application to the field of baggage inspection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Udo Van Stevendaal, Jens-Peter Schlomka