Electronic Circuit Patents (Class 378/91)
  • Publication number: 20140086391
    Abstract: An X-ray image detecting device has an FPD having a matrix of pixels each for accumulating signal charge in accordance with an X-ray irradiation amount. An imaging area of the FPD is partitioned into a plurality of divided sections A to I. Each of the divided sections A to I has a short pixel for detecting X-ray irradiation. In a synchronization control for controlling the FPD in synchronization with detection of a start of X-ray emission from an X-ray source, a control unit for controlling the X-ray image detecting device uses all the divided sections A to I. In an automatic exposure control for stopping the X-ray emission from the X-ray source by detecting a total X-ray irradiation amount, the control unit uses part of the divided sections, e.g. the short pixels of the divided sections that are judged to be opposed to an object in the synchronization control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasunori OHTA, Kouichi KITANO, Naoyuki NISHINO, Haruyasu NAKATSUGAWA, Naoto IWAKIRI
  • Patent number: 8681942
    Abstract: Fluoroscopy imaging systems including an X-ray generator, a detector, and control circuitry coupled to the detector are provided. The control circuitry may be adapted to receive a digital signal from the detector, to process the digital signal, and to communicate the processed digital signal to a monitor for display during a fluoroscopy imaging operation. The fluoroscopy imaging systems may also include a user interface having at least one configurable adjustment configured to enable a user to adjust one or more imaging parameters affecting the digital signal during the fluoroscopy imaging operation. The control circuitry is adapted to set at least one of a range of the configurable adjustment, a step size of the configurable adjustment, or a default value of the configurable adjustment based on input from the user via the user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Romain Xavier Areste, Vivek Walimbe
  • Publication number: 20140079186
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray sensor configured to convert an X-ray into an image signal, a drive control unit configured to perform wireless communication with an external device and control driving of the X-ray sensor, a power supply unit configured to supply power to the X-ray sensor and the drive control unit, and a display unit configured to display information differently in accordance with one of the state of transmission and reception in the wireless communication and the remaining battery level state of the power supply unit and in accordance with the driving state of the X-ray sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kensuke Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20140072101
    Abstract: An X-ray detection module, an X-ray imaging apparatus, and a control method of an X-ray imaging apparatus include a movable X-ray irradiation module to irradiate an object with X-rays, an X-ray detection module including a movable X-ray detector to detect X-rays from the X-ray irradiation module, and a touch sensor device installed to the X-ray detection module and located in a movement direction of the X-ray detector to sense touch. If the touch sensor device senses a touch, at least one of the X-ray irradiation module and the X-ray detector is moved to a position where the touch is sensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tae Wook PARK, Woo Sup Han
  • Patent number: 8654924
    Abstract: An X-ray tube including a target adapted for generating X-rays upon impact of an electron beam on a focal spot, and a further electrode. The further electrode is arranged and adapted for measuring thermo ionic electron emission from the target. The X-ray tube is adapted for providing a signal relating to a temperature of the target based on thermo ionic electron emission measured by the further electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Rolf Karl Otto Behling
  • Patent number: 8649482
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus that performs X-ray imaging while switching a plurality of wireless sensors according to an imaging condition of an object includes: an acquisition unit that acquires examination information indicating the imaging condition of the object; a management unit that manages, as sensor information, remaining battery levels of the plurality of wireless sensors that have been registered; a control unit that assigns a priority order of wireless sensor candidates usable for performing the X-ray imaging according to the imaging condition indicated in the acquired examination information to the plurality of wireless sensors, in descending order of the remaining battery levels; and an imaging unit that performs the X-ray imaging of the object using wireless sensors sequentially consisting of those in descending order of the priority order assigned by the control unit up to a wireless sensor having a preset order number, as determined according to the imaging condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masahiro Abe
  • Publication number: 20140037066
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for the temperature stabilization of a direct-converting X-ray detector, including a detector surface having a semiconductor and being divided into a plurality of partial detector surfaces. During the irradiation of the detector surface, heat is generated in the semiconductor by electric power. Electric power generated in the semiconductor is kept constant for each partial detector surface at least during a heterogeneous and/or temporally variable irradiation of the detector surface by feeding-in power-adjusted additional radiation for each partial detector surface. A direct-converting X-ray detector is disclosed for the detection of X-rays. At least one control loop with at least one reference variable is embodied for the energy regulation of the additional radiation, which keeps the temperature in the semiconductor constant for each partial detector surface by keeping the electric power in the semiconductor constant by changing the energy of the additional radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Peter HACKENSCHMIED, Christian SCHRÖTER
  • Publication number: 20140034842
    Abstract: An electronic circuit for processing electronic measurement data measured by an X-ray detector array being configured for detecting X-rays and having a plurality of detector pixels generating the electronic measurement data in response to X-rays propagating onto the detector array, the electronic circuit comprising a measurement data receiving interface configured for receiving the electronic measurement data from the detector pixels as analog signals, an analog gain adjustment unit configured for manipulating the analog signals in accordance with an adjustable analog gain value, and a processor for processing the electronic measurement data after the manipulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: Damian Kucharczyk
  • Publication number: 20140023181
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray CT apparatus includes an energy classifying unit, a setting unit, and an image generating unit. The energy classifying unit is configured to classify photons passing through an object into a number of energy bins in accordance with energy of the photons. The setting unit is configured to set an energy level and set an energy width of a plurality of energy bins of the number of energy bins. The image generating unit is configured to generate an extended energy bin image based on information on the photons classified into the plurality of energy bins, the image having the energy level and the energy width of the plurality of energy bins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Yasuhiro NOSHI
  • Publication number: 20140023179
    Abstract: A detection limit calculation device is provided that includes a calculation means that calculates, for image capture of a radiographic image of an imaging subject using an image capture means, a detection limit of a detection means that detects whether irradiation of radiation has started based on a radiation amount of radiation including radiation that has been irradiated and passed through the imaging subject, based on imaging subject data relating to the imaging subject or irradiation data relating to irradiation of radiation or both thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasufumi ODA
  • Publication number: 20140016750
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are an X-ray imaging apparatus and a method of controlling the same. The X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray emitter to irradiate an object with X-rays and be movable, an X-ray detector to detect X-rays having passed through the object, convert the detected X-rays into an electric signal, and be movable, a location information collector to collect location information regarding the object, and a controller to control the X-ray emitter or the X-ray detector based on the location information regarding the object collected by the location information collector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Dong Goo KANG, Young Hun SUNG
  • Patent number: 8624991
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a detection unit including a plurality of pixels that are arranged in a matrix and that are divided into at least first and second pixel groups, a signal processing unit including first and second readout circuits and first and second A/D converters, a power supply unit configured to supply the components included in the signal processing unit with respective biases, and a control unit configured to control at least one of the signal processing unit and the power supply unit. The control unit is configured to perform processing of altering an analog signal capable of being input into at least one of the first and second A/D converters or altering an A/D conversion characteristic of at least one of the first and second A/D converters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshio Kameshima, Tadao Endo, Tomoyuki Yagi, Katsuro Takenaka, Keigo Yokoyama
  • Publication number: 20140003582
    Abstract: Among other things, a communication system and technique for transferring information between a stationary unit and a rotating unit of a computed tomography (CT) system is provided. A transmitter is configured to map digital data to an analog signal by selecting, from at least three signal configurations, a signal configuration associated with the digital data, and to generate an analog signal according to the selected signal configuration. A receiver of the communication system is configured to decode an analog signal by comparing characteristics of a signal sample to at least three possible signal configurations, and to identify a digital code word that corresponds to a signal configuration (of the at least three possible signal configurations) that matches characteristics of the signal sample. In this way, in a CT application, more than 1-bit of data may be communicated per analog signal, allowing more data to be communicated faster.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Analogic Corporation
    Inventor: Louis R. Poulo
  • Publication number: 20140003583
    Abstract: Among other things, one or more rotating members of a radiation imaging modality, such as a CT system, are described herein. The rotating member may be configured to support at least one of a radiation source or a detector array and comprises at least one element configured to facilitate the transfer of power to the rotating member and at least one element configured to facilitate the transfer of information between the rotating member and a stator. The rotating member may also comprise one or more positioning elements that are formed within the rotating member and are configured to facilitate determining a rotation angle of the rotating member. The rotating member may further comprise, among other things, a bearing structure, antenna assembly for transferring image data, and/or a drive mechanism for facilitating rotation of the rotating member, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Analogic Corporation
    Inventors: Libor Krupica, John Hickey, Chris Hardy
  • Publication number: 20140003581
    Abstract: Described embodiments provide an X-ray detector and a method for driving the same. The X-ray detector includes: a sensor panel in which a plurality of pixels are defined, the plurality of pixels each including a photodiode for converting light corresponding to incident X-ray into an electric signal, and a switching element connected to one terminal of the photodiode to control the output of the electric signal; a light emitting unit for providing light to the photodiode; and a voltage supply unit connected to the other terminal of the photodiode to selectively supply first and second voltages different from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: RAYENCE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kang Min HWANG, Hae Sung LEE, Jong Chul KIM, Jae Seok LEE
  • Publication number: 20130336456
    Abstract: A radiation imaging control apparatus configured to control a radiation imaging operation using a radiation generation apparatus in which a radiation generation condition is adjustable by a manual operation includes a setting unit configured to set the radiation generation condition for the radiation imaging operation, a transmission unit configured to transmit the radiation generation condition to the radiation generation apparatus, and a transmission control unit configured to limit transmission of the radiation generation condition by the transmission unit in a case where a radiation imaging operation belonging to the same group as that of the radiation imaging operation is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Hikaru Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20130336457
    Abstract: A radiography control apparatus according to the present invention includes an examination order acquiring unit configured to acquire an examination order through a network, a search condition specifying unit configured to specify a search condition for acquiring the examination order, and an imaging preparation unit configured to perform imaging preparation processing in a case where a result of the acquisition by the examination order acquiring unit satisfies an imaging start condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Keisuke Arima
  • Publication number: 20130336458
    Abstract: A radiation imaging control apparatus includes a reception unit configured to receive at least one piece of order information for radiation imaging, a transmission unit configured to transmit, to an external device, a first signal indicating that radiation imaging for the order information is started in response to an instruction being issued for starting radiation imaging corresponding to at least one of pieces of the received order information and to transmit, to an external device, a second signal indicating that radiation imaging for the order information is finished in response to radiation imaging corresponding to the order information being finished, and a control unit configured to limit a transmission of the first signal by the transmission unit if an instruction for starting radiation imaging for the finished order information is issued again.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Keisuke Arima
  • Publication number: 20130329860
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging system comprises: an x-ray sensor including a wireless slave device and a first identification information communication unit that is associated with the wireless slave device; a wireless master device configured to wirelessly connect to the wireless slave device; a second identification information communication unit that is associated with the wireless master device and an x-ray tube that irradiates x-rays; and an identification information intermediating unit configured to receive and store identification information of the wireless slave device or on the wireless master device upon approaching one of the first and the second identification information communication units, and to transmit the identification information upon approaching the other one of the first and the second identification information communication units, wherein the wireless master device and the wireless slave device establish wireless connection based on the identification information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hideki Nonaka
  • Publication number: 20130322599
    Abstract: This invention includes a radiation detector to detect the radiation transmitted through an object while being in a portable state or mounted on a detector holder, a control unit to control capturing of a radiographic image using the radiation detector, and a plurality of relay stations to relay wireless communication from the radiation detector. The detector holder includes a detection unit to detect the mounting of the radiation detector. The control unit determines the usage pattern of the radiation detector or the mounting of the radiation detector on a detector holder based on detection information from the detection unit or a connection request from the radiation detector, and selects one of the relay stations based on the determination result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tetsuo Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20130301801
    Abstract: A system for eliminating image artifacts caused by electromagnetic interference (EMI) on a portable digital x-ray detector that is capable of non-contact wireless inductively coupled power transfer and capacitively coupled communication and data transfer. An X-ray imaging system comprising a portable digital X-ray detector inductively and capacitively coupled to a power source and communication device that is coupled to a detector receptacle of the X-ray imaging system when the portable digital X-ray detector is located within the detector receptacle to transfer power from a power supply of the power source and communication device to the portable digital X-ray detector and transfer communication and data between the power source and communication device and the portable digital X-ray detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: James Zhengshe Liu, Scott William Petrick, Luke Gerard Beno
  • Publication number: 20130287175
    Abstract: A photon counting type image detector has: a semiconductor cell that detects an X-ray photon; a charge amplifier that generates a plurality of electric pulses each being based on an electric charge collected in response to the detected X-ray photon; a comparator that discriminates a peak value of each of the electric pulses; a threshold logic circuit that performs control so as to count none of the peak-discriminated electric pulses corresponding to energy of characteristic X-rays produced in the semiconductor cell; and a counter that counts the discriminated electric pulses as controlled by the threshold logic circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: Seiichirou Nagai
  • Publication number: 20130287174
    Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to devices and methods for X-ray monitoring. Various embodiments of the present disclosure use a target that incorporates a monitor layer. The monitor layer is disposed adjacent to a target layer so that electrons that pass through the target layer enter the monitor layer. As electrons enter the monitor layer, electrical charge is generated within the monitor layer. This electrical charge is measured and used to determine a characteristic of the X-ray generation within the target layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Zilu ZHOU, Joel Lee GROVES
  • Publication number: 20130279660
    Abstract: A data communication system and a radiation image capturing system are described. According to one implementation, a data communication system includes a wireless terminal; an access point; and a channel determination section. The channel determination section carries out calculation processing for calculating an influence rate as a score for each of a plurality of channels, and determines a channel having the smallest calculated score to be a channel used, and classifies the influence rate by the interfering radio wave into a plurality of zones, sets the score in each of the zones so that the value of the score is higher as transmission/receiving of the data between the wireless terminal and the access point of the system becomes more difficult when the interfering radio wave having the strength of the zone exists, adds the scores of each zone, and calculates the score.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: Konica Minolta, Inc.
    Inventor: Ryouhei KIKUCHI
  • Publication number: 20130279657
    Abstract: A portable radiation imaging apparatus configured to wirelessly communicate with a radiation generation apparatus includes a radiation image sensor including a two-dimensional arrangement of a plurality of detection elements configured to detect a radiation generated by the radiation generation apparatus, a wireless communication unit configured to receive a generation condition of the radiation generated by the radiation generation apparatus, a storage unit configured to store the received generation condition and radiation image data obtained by the radiation image sensor in association with each other, and a housing configured to accommodate the radiation image sensor, the wireless communication unit, and the storage unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: Taro Hiroike
  • Patent number: 8565380
    Abstract: An x-ray detector amplifier operably couples to an analog-to-digital converter interface and a switched voltage clamp is operably disposed there between. By one approach, the switched voltage clamp comprises a switched electrical connection to a constant potential (such as, but not limited to, ground). These teachings will accommodate a control circuit configured to control the switched voltage clamp. This can comprise, for example, controlling the switched voltage clamp in synchronicity with the pulsed x-ray source. These teachings will also accommodate an integrator operably connected between the x-ray detector amplifier and the analog-to-digital converter interface. In such a case, the switched voltage clamp and be controlled to remove substantially any voltage offset contribution of the x-ray detector amplifier (due, for example, to significant temperature excursions) to a signal that is integrated by the aforementioned integrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy R. Fox
  • Publication number: 20130266121
    Abstract: A radiographic apparatus includes an X-ray detection sensor having a two-dimensional detector plane for detecting an intensity distribution of X-rays, a body internally containing the X-ray detection sensor, a supporting member having a supporting surface for supporting the X-ray detection sensor across the detector plane and which fixes the X-ray detection sensor to an inner bottom surface of the body, and a circuit board on which is mounted a circuit for reading out a detection signal from the X-ray detection sensor. Furthermore, in the radiographic apparatus, the supporting member forms a space between the supporting member and the inner bottom surface of the body in a peripheral portion of the supporting member. At least a part of the circuit board is arranged in the space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Hidetomo Suwa, Akio Saigusa, Tetsuo Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8554921
    Abstract: An apparatus and method to enable a simple installation of a sensor unit (in one example an intra-oral x-ray sensor) on a network. The sensor unit is preferably a sensor in the medical field, and it is provided that the sensor unit is itself fashioned as an access point and establishes its own network on which a computer automatically logs on in order to enable a data transfer between the sensor unit and the computer. Due to this measure no expertise is necessary for the installation of the sensor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thilo Hannemann, Markus Schild
  • Publication number: 20130243160
    Abstract: A medical device, such as a mobile C-arm, is positioned and/or aligned via a touch-sensitive control panel of a tablet. The touch-sensitive control panel provides access to one or more function units, for example, for initiating control signals for a positioning and/or an alignment of the medical device, or a second function unit for specifying a direction of movement for a mobile medical unit, or a third function unit for specifying a motion speed for the mobile medical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: RAINER GRAUMANN, SORIN-ALEXANDRU NEAGU
  • Publication number: 20130230141
    Abstract: For image data being transferred last of a plurality of image data captured in a first imaging mode, a retransmission timeout time is set different from a retransmission timeout time for at least one image data different from image data, of the plurality of image data, which is transferred last.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Norihiko Miyachi
  • Publication number: 20130195249
    Abstract: A medical system such as a diagnostic or a therapeutic system includes a fixed base unit with a control unit and a mobile assembly mounted rotatably on the fixed base unit. The fixed base unit and the mobile assembly are set up to exchange data. Transmission of first control data from the control unit to the mobile assembly takes place via a first transmission path. Transmission of second control data to the control unit and transmission of measured data from the mobile assembly takes place via a second transmission path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Wolfgang Edler, Joachim Grottel, Harald Karl, Heiko Mehldau
  • Publication number: 20130195250
    Abstract: Controls and methods of operating a radiographic device facilitate intuitive control of the device. A touch screen may display selectable items and a processor may have a memory for storing one or more routines for performing functions associated with the selectable items. Some of the selectable items may provide projection shortcuts, in which the memory has stored a predetermined set of voltage and exposure time values for a given projection angle and/or patient body type that are accessed and executed by the processor. Other selectable items may be provided that permit discrete, incremental changes in radiographic device settings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: X-CEL X-RAY CORPORATION
    Inventor: X-Cei X-Ray Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130188777
    Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems described herein implement, among other things, a parabolic curve for a ramp signal in a data acquisition component, where the curve can be effectively calibrated and used to provide a settling period to mitigate noise. That is, a ramp generator can generate a ramp signal that has a parabolic voltage curve with two substantially mirroring halves. A comparator can compare a first portion of the parabolic voltage curve with a voltage signal indicative of a number of photons detected by a detection array. A second portion of the parabolic voltage curve is used as a temporal delay so that circuitry, such as the ramp generator, can settle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventors: Matthew Bieniosek, Hans Weedon, Enrico Dolazza, Martin Choquette
  • Publication number: 20130182823
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus has an electronic cassette, in which an FPD device receives X-rays applied by an X-ray source to a body, and stores charge according to a radiation dose of the X-rays, to create an image. A control unit controls the FPD device. A radiation sensor detects the radiation dose to be used for controlling the FPD device. A magnet as fastening device secures the radiation sensor removably in a radiation path between the X-ray source and the body. Also, an evaluation unit recognizes a start and end of application of the X-rays according to a dose signal from the radiation sensor, for the control unit to control the FPD device. A flexible support arm is disposed between the radiation sensor and the magnet, for keeping the radiation sensor in a changeable position relative to the magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20130168568
    Abstract: This invention includes a radiation detector to detect the radiation transmitted through an object while being in a portable state or mounted on a detector holder, a control unit to control capturing of a radiographic image using the radiation detector, and a plurality of relay stations to relay wireless communication from the radiation detector. The detector holder includes a detection unit to detect the mounting of the radiation detector. The control unit determines the usage pattern of the radiation detector or the mounting of the radiation detector on a detector holder based on detection information from the detection unit or a connection request from the radiation detector, and selects one of the relay stations based on the determination result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tetsuo Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20130170620
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods/apparatus can transition a DR detector imaging array to low power photosensor mode where a first voltage is applied across the photosensors. Embodiments of methods/apparatus can provide an area radiographic imaging array including a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix at the imaging array where each pixel can include at least one electrically chargeable photosensor and at least one transistor, row address circuits, signal sensing circuits, and photosensor power control circuitry to maintain a first voltage across photosensors of the portion of the imaging array when the detector is between imaging operations. In one embodiment, photosensor power control circuitry can maintain the first voltage across the photosensors when a power consumption of the signal sensing circuits is less than 1% of the power consumption of the signal sensing circuits during readout of a signal from the portion of the imaging array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventors: Timothy J. Tredwell, Jeff Hsin Chang
  • Publication number: 20130163724
    Abstract: A teletherapy control system constituted of: a teletherapy management server; and a computerized tomography unit in communication with the teletherapy management server, the teletherapy management server arranged to: obtain at least one reference image of a target area; obtain from the computerized tomography unit at least one scout image of the target area; compare the obtained at least one scout image of the target area with the obtained at least one reference image of the target area; identify the location coordinates of the target area responsive to the comparison of the obtained scout image with the obtained at least one reference image; and output a control signal to a positioning device responsive to the identified location coordinates of the target area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: P-CURE, LTD.
    Inventors: Michael Marash, Guy Lavi
  • Publication number: 20130136234
    Abstract: A flat panel detector has pixels for obtaining image signals and detective pixels for detecting the amount of incident x-rays. A signal processing circuit is of a pipeline-type, wherein first and second buffer memories are connected to the output of an A/D converter. In a dose detecting operation, the signal processing circuit repeats primary cycles alternately with secondary cycles of a shorter length than the primary cycles. In the primary cycle, a dose detection signal based on electric charges from the detective pixels is input in the first buffer memory and, simultaneously, a dummy signal is output from the second buffer memory. In secondary cycle, the dose detection signal is output from the first buffer memory and, simultaneously, a second dummy signal is input in the second buffer memory. On the basis of the dose detection signals, a start-of-radiation detector detects the start of x-ray radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: FUJIFILM Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130129053
    Abstract: A radiation image detection apparatus includes a control unit, during a irradiation detection mode, stops supplying of an operating power to a data processing unit until irradiation of radiation is detected by an irradiation detection unit, and when the irradiation of radiation is detected by the irradiation detection unit, the control unit proceeds to a photographing mode and begins supplying the operating power to the data processing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: FUJIFILM Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130121471
    Abstract: A radiation image detection apparatus, includes: a control unit configured to drive an imaging unit so that a radiation image data is acquired, an image receiving unit is reset after acquiring the radiation image data, and a dark image data is acquired; in which: the control unit changes at least one of a reset time of the image receiving unit and a reduction ratio of an reduced image data on the basis of the communication speed by such that the transmission of the reduced image data is completed at least prior to reading-out an electrical charge signal from the image receiving unit when acquiring the dark image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: FUJIFILM Corporation
  • Patent number: 8422634
    Abstract: A system automatically detects and reports a hardware and/or software error in an X-ray system. A system automatically detects and identifies failed components of a distributed X-ray imaging system. Multiple different subsystems of an X-ray imaging system individually include, an executable procedure for detecting a failed component in a respective subsystem and a communication interface for initiating generation and communication of a message identifying the failed component and identifying the respective subsystem including the failed component. A repository stores data identifying failed components within the multiple different subsystems in response to the communicated message. An error processor accesses the repository of data and provides composite information enabling a user to identify failed components within an X-ray imaging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel St. John, Thomas Ruggiero
  • Publication number: 20130089183
    Abstract: Apparatus for wirelessly controlling a guided imaging system based upon the relative motion of the user. The system includes a power supply, a memory, an x-ray source, an image intensifier and a wireless transceiver coupled to the image intensifier. A separate wireless input device comprising a wireless transmitter for communicating with the wireless transceiver of the imaging system may comprise one or more sensors capable of detecting force and directional movement. This detection of movement may then be transmitted to the imaging system and translated into position signals that may direct movement and position of the image intensifier (I-I) as part of the imaging system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventor: Amish Sura
  • Publication number: 20130083897
    Abstract: A radiographic image detecting device includes: a radiation detecting panel in which plural radiation detecting elements that generate electric charges in response to a dose of irradiated radiation are two-dimensionally arrayed; plural image acquiring units that read out the electric charges stored in the radiation detecting elements belonging to each of plural blocks into which the plural radiation detecting elements are divided to thereby acquire image data; a power source that supplies power for driving to the image acquiring units corresponding to each of the plural blocks; and a controller that controls in such a way as to cut off the supply of power from the power source to the image acquiring units corresponding to the blocks in accordance with a predetermined condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasunori OHTA, Naoyuki NISHINO
  • Publication number: 20130039473
    Abstract: Provided is a mobile X-ray device with which the power consumption of the battery of the mobile X-ray device can be reduced efficiently by determining the state of movement of the mobile X-ray device from the states of the components thereof and controlling the supply of electric power to the components in non-movement-related sections, which are sections irrelevant to the movement of the mobile X-ray device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: HITACHI MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akira Kojima
  • Publication number: 20130034208
    Abstract: A device and method for using X-rays to highlight soft-tissue parts in medical imaging are provided. The device may be implemented in radiotherapy equipment or used in radiotherapy. A control of the radiation dose needed for the therapy may involve phase-contrast imaging using X-rays to highlight soft-tissue parts. The result of the imaging by highlighting soft-tissue parts can be used for real-time and non-real-time planning of therapy and for adapting the treatment plan or the radiation dose. The radiation dose control may include anatomical imaging for locating tumours before, during and after irradiation and/or real-time adaptation of the treatment plan based on imaging that highlights soft-tissue parts. The positioning and arrangement of the combination of X-ray sources and detector in such a radiotherapy apparatus and of an accelerator may be independent of one another. The accelerator makes it possible to cover the entire body of the patient with X-rays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventors: Oliver Heid, Jürgen Heller
  • Publication number: 20130003933
    Abstract: There is provided a method that includes (a) detecting, at a point on a cable that runs from a controller to an x-ray generator, a prepare signal that is being transmitted from the controller to the x-ray generator to prepare the x-ray generator to generate an x-ray, and (b) transmitting, in response to the detecting, an initialize signal that causes a reset of a digital receiver panel that prepares the digital receiver panel to capture the x-ray. There is also provided a system that performs the method, and a storage device that controls a processor to execute the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: VIZTEK, LLC
    Inventor: Drew Clark PETERSON
  • Publication number: 20130003932
    Abstract: A radiographic image capture device is equipped with a radiographic detector and a retention portion. The radiographic detector acquires a radiographic image in accordance with incident radiation, and has a heat-generating body inside. The retention portion is provided so as to be in contact with the heat-generating body of the radiographic detector, detachably retains a power supply portion, and is thermally conductive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Naoyuki NISHINO
  • Patent number: 8331530
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an X-ray system includes a handheld X-ray interface device. The handheld X-ray interface device includes a wireless interface for communicating with an imaging system and a user-viewable screen configured to display patient data and to receive user input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jonathan Mark Butzine, Jeremy Patrick Hannon
  • Patent number: 8325074
    Abstract: A continuous-time delta-sigma digital-to-analog converter (DAC) includes a first delta-sigma modulator configured to quantize a most significant bit or bits of a digital input signal and produce a first quantization error signal, and a second multi-stage delta-sigma modulator configured to quantize less significant bits of the digital input signal. A first DAC is coupled to an output of the first delta-sigma modulator, and a second DAC is coupled to an output of the second noise-shaping filter. The second DAC has a greater resolution than the first DAC. A low pass output filter is coupled to a sum of an output of the first DAC and an output of the second DAC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Martin Kinyua
  • Publication number: 20120275569
    Abstract: A method for controlling a X-ray radiography system includes acquiring data from a digital X-ray detector, characterizing electromagnetic interference based upon the acquired data, selecting an electromagnetic interference compensation algorithm based upon the characterized electromagnetic interference, acquiring X-ray imaging data via the digital X-ray detector based upon the selected electromagnetic interference compensation algorithm, and processing the X-ray imaging data to produce image data capable of reconstruction in a user viewable form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ping Xue, Shijia Zhang, Fengchao Zhang, John Robert Lamberty, Richard Gordon Cronce, James Zhengshe Liu, Paul Richard Granfors, German Guillermo Vera