Dose Responsive Patents (Class 378/97)
  • Patent number: 11963806
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a parameter adjustment of a multi-energy computed tomography (CT) device is provided. The systems and methods may obtain, by at least one processor, a parameter set associated with a scan to be performed using a multi-energy CT device. The parameter set may include multiple scanning parameters and multiple reconstruction parameters. The systems and methods may also determine, by the at least one processor, a maximum pitch associated with the scan based on a correlation relationship and the parameter set. The correlation relationship may describe a correlation between a pitch of the multi-energy CT device and the parameter set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuan Bao, Meili Yang, Jianwei Fu
  • Patent number: 11839013
    Abstract: The radiation imaging apparatus is provided that includes a radiation detector including a pixel array in which a plurality of pixels being capable of detecting radiation as electric signals are arranged, the radiation transmitted through an AEC sensor used for performing automatic exposure control of radiation irradiated from a radiation generating apparatus, a notifying unit for performing threshold value reached notification to the radiation generating apparatus, if a dose value of the radiation incident on the pixel array reaches a threshold value, and a threshold value setting unit for setting the threshold value in second radiation imaging in which automatic exposure control of the radiation by the radiation detector is performed after first radiation imaging in which the automatic exposure control of the radiation by the AEC sensor is performed, based on pixel values related to the electric signals detected by the plurality of pixels in the first radiation imaging
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroaki Niwa
  • Patent number: 11759164
    Abstract: An X-ray detector integral with an automatic exposure control (AEC) device can include an X-ray detection part configured to detect X-rays irradiated from an X-ray source and generate X-ray image data; and an automatic exposure detection board located below the X-ray detection part and configured to generate an X-ray sensing signal for automatic exposure control based on residual X-rays which have passed by or through the X-ray detection part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC
    Inventors: Youngjun Jung, Seungchan Baek, Taehyung Kim, Sangjun Park, Mikiko Ito, Hyoungjoon Jo
  • Patent number: 11666289
    Abstract: A radiation monitoring system includes a patient support apparatus. A radiation sensor assembly is operably coupled to the patient support apparatus. The radiation sensor assembly includes a radiation sensor and a first controller. The radiation sensor senses radiation data corresponding to a radiation dose received by a patient. A management system includes a second controller that stores a patient profile database. The second controller is communicatively coupled with the first controller. The first controller communicates the radiation data to the second controller for storage in the patient profile database to monitor the radiation dose received by the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Baxter Medical Systems GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Christoph Schmotz, Mattes Papendieck, Dieter Ceglarz
  • Patent number: 11534129
    Abstract: A radiation imaging system is provided. The system comprises a radiation imaging apparatus including a plurality of pixels for acquiring radiation image data and a detection unit for performing exposure control during radiation irradiation, and a radiation control apparatus configured to control a radiation source that irradiates radiation to the radiation imaging apparatus. The radiation imaging apparatus and the radiation control apparatus transmit signals that relate to exposure control by wireless communication. The radiation imaging apparatus, in a case where an irradiation stop signal indicating that radiation irradiation has been stopped is not received from the radiation control apparatus after a signal instructing to stop radiation irradiation has been transmitted to the radiation control apparatus and until a first time interval has elapsed, transmits a signal instructing to stop radiation irradiation to the radiation control apparatus again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Koichi Ohta
  • Patent number: 11369332
    Abstract: Provided is a system capable of preventing inappropriate radiation stop control from being performed. A radiation imaging apparatus configured to perform imaging by radiation includes: an imaging unit including a dose signal output pixel arranged to output an electric signal based on a dose of the radiation that has entered the dose signal output pixel; and a processing unit configured to perform processing of comparing an integration value of the electric signal output from the dose signal output pixel included in the imaging unit to a threshold value during a period in which the radiation is not applied to the imaging unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shutaro Kunieda, Tomoyuki Yagi
  • Patent number: 11243176
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an automatic exposure control method, including: providing an object to be tested; providing an image sensor, including a photosensitive element array composed of a plurality of photosensitive elements arranged in an array, and the photosensitive element array includes at least a plurality of first photosensitive elements and a plurality of second photosensitive elements; turning on the radiation source, and the first readout signals on the first photosensitive elements are read after exposing the area to be tested for the first preset time; continuing the exposure for the second preset time, turning off the photosensitive elements and reading the second readout signals on the second photosensitive elements; acquiring the preset dose threshold of the area to be tested based on the second and first readout signals, and obtaining the remaining time to reach the preset radiation dose to control the exposure of the radiation source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: IRAY TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Yimin Huang
  • Patent number: 11234664
    Abstract: An X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus includes a fluoroscopic recording button that an operator operates to record a fluoroscopic image as a still image or a moving image in a storage during fluoroscopic imaging and record, as the still image or the moving image in the storage, the fluoroscopic image recorded in a temporary storage after completion of the fluoroscopic imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shuichi Inomata
  • Patent number: 11191514
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for estimating a dose administered by a radiology system provided with an X-ray source and a flat surface sensor, wherein (a) an X-ray image of the patient is acquired by the flat surface sensor; (b) the grey level of the pixel is determined at the centre of the X-ray image; (c) the kerma K is calculated, on the patient's entrance from the grey level, from the electrical charge passing through the X-ray tube during the patient's exposure time, the thickness of the patient's body along the axis of the X-ray beam and the distance between the X-ray source and the patient. This method of estimating dose can significantly reduce the margin of error on the dose administered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: D.R.E.A.M DÉVELOPPEMENT ET RECHERCHES EN APPLICATIONS MÉDICALES
    Inventor: Christine Boutry
  • Patent number: 11176710
    Abstract: A camera system for an X-ray counter system utilizing an X-ray generator to image components of products placed on a tray, the camera system comprising: a plurality of cameras positioned above the tray for imaging the products. The tray includes a plurality of stages positioned about a central crosshair. Upon imaging the products on the stages of the tray, the camera system determines the size and number of products on the tray without user imputation. A light source assembly provides illumination to ensure bright field of vision for the cameras to read codes contained on the products that relay information on the previous calculation of the number of components stored on the products. After the X-ray generator images the products, a computer system determines the current number of components stored on the products. New labels may be printed to reflect any changes in the information for the products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGY ELECTRONICS PRODUCTS
    Inventor: Eddy Yining Lin
  • Patent number: 11094737
    Abstract: A flat panel detector includes: a substrate, a gate line and a read signal line define a detection region, a detection unit includes a first photoelectric converter, a thin film transistor and a second photoelectric converter, the first photoelectric converter and the second photoelectric converter are on two side of the thin film transistor and connected with it; a gate electrode layer of the thin film transistor is connected with the gate line, and a source electrode or a drain electrode of the thin film transistor is connected with the read signal line; a gap region is between the second photoelectric converter and at least one selected from a group consisting of the gate line defining the detection unit, the read signal line defining the detection unit and the thin film transistor, and an orthographic projection of the first photoelectric converter on the substrate at least covers the gap region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignees: BEIJING BOE SENSOR TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xuecheng Hou, Jianxing Shang, Xiaobin Shang, Xiaodong Li
  • Patent number: 10992883
    Abstract: A radiation imaging system includes a two-dimensional array in which a plurality of elements which detect radiation are two-dimensionally arrayed. The plurality of elements includes a plurality of detectors usable for exposure control of stopping radiation irradiation in accordance with a fact that a radiation irradiation dose has reached a target irradiation dose. The radiation imaging system includes a controller configured to determine, based on a setting of a reading manner of signals from the plurality of detectors, a minimum irradiation time required from the start of radiation irradiation until the stop of radiation irradiation according to signals from the two-dimensional array and perform an error process when the minimum irradiation time exceeds a reference irradiation time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshio Kameshima, Hideyuki Okada, Eriko Sato
  • Patent number: 10966675
    Abstract: A medical imaging apparatus is provided. The medical image apparatus includes an output unit; and a controller configured to control the output unit to display an image obtained by photographing an object and to display, over the image, a top indicator for setting a top limit for an area to be X-rayed and at least one guideline indicating a bottom limit for the area to be X-rayed according to the top indicator and the number of partial photographing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seung-hoon Kim, Si-won Park, Se-hui Kim, Do-hyeong Hwang, Sung-jin Park
  • Patent number: 10602997
    Abstract: A radiographing apparatus includes a radiation detection panel including an effective image-acquisition area configured to detect radiation and a casing configured to house the radiation detection panel. The casing includes an incidence surface on which the radiation is incident, a back surface opposite the incidence surface, and a side surface between the incidence surface and the back surface. On the side surface of the casing, a level-difference portion indicating a position based on the effective image-acquisition area and a protrusion protruding more outward than the level-difference portion are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masataka Suzuki, Takaaki Gonda, Masaaki Kobayashi, Shichihei Sakuragi, Hiroto Kondo
  • Patent number: 10527738
    Abstract: A detector array (118) for a radiation system includes first and second detector cells (202, 250). The first detector cell (202) includes a first scintillator (220) that converts a radiation photon (226) impinging the first scintillator (220) into first light energy (230), and a first solar cell (212) that converts the first light energy (230) into first electrical energy. The second detector cell (250) includes a second scintillator (270) that converts a radiation photon (276) impinging the second scintillator (270) into second light energy (280). The first scintillator (220) includes a first detection surface (224) through which the radiation photon (226) impinging the first scintillator (220) enters the first scintillator (220). The second scintillator (270) includes a second detection surface (274) through which the radiation photon (276) impinging the second scintillator (270) enters the second scintillator (270).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Analogic Corporation
    Inventors: Hans J. Weedon, David Schafer, Peter Daniel Shippen
  • Patent number: 10315052
    Abstract: Provided is a prediction device for skin change from radiation exposure, the device being capable of precisely predicting a skin reaction to radiation exposure. Also provided are a verification device, a program for the prediction device for skin change, and a program for the verification device. A prediction device (4) for skin change from radiation exposure includes: a radiation information accepting unit (11) that accepts input of radiation information regarding expected exposure to radiation; a pre-exposure skin image acquiring unit (21) that acquires a skin image that captures skin of a living body; a change computing unit that computes the change of the skin due to exposure to the radiation determined by the radiation information and that obtains from the skin image a post-change prediction skin image; and a prediction skin image outputting unit (25) that outputs the prediction skin image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: NATIONAL INSTITUTES FOR QUANTUM AND RADIOLOGICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Hiroaki Matubara, Naruhiro Matufuji
  • Patent number: 10098606
    Abstract: In accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure, a process for calculating patient-specific organ dose is presented. The process may include constructing a computed tomography (CT) volume based on CT images generated by a CT scanner. The process may include segmenting the CT volume into a plurality of organ regions, generating a material density map for the CT volume based on Hounsfield Unit (HU) values, and generating a dose distribution map for the CT volume based on the material density map by simulating particles emitting from the CT scanner and flowing through the CT volume. The process may further generate a dose value delivered to a specific organ region of the plurality of organ regions based on the dose distribution map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Josh Star-Lack, Adam Wang, Alexander Maslowski
  • Patent number: 9844349
    Abstract: A method for estimating radiation exposure of a patient arising from at least one medical image study of that patient is described. The method comprises obtaining radiation exposure information relating to a plurality of procedures for which there exists a potential exposure of the patient to radiation, performing anatomical alignment of the obtained radiation exposure information to at least one reference image, estimating a radiation dose per procedure, and calculating an aggregated radiation dose based at least partly on the estimated radiation doses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Mirada Medical Ltd.
    Inventor: Timor Kadir
  • Patent number: 9762828
    Abstract: An imager includes a flat panel configured to collect charges when the imager operates in a full-power charge integration mode. The imager switches to a low-power standby mode immediately after each image acquisition in the full-power charge integration mode. Bias current flowing through the flat panel is monitored in the standby mode. The imager switches to the full-power charge integration mode when detecting a change in the bias current indicating onset of an X-ray exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Colbeth, Richard Weisfield, Ivan Mollov, Cesar Proano, Pieter Roos
  • Patent number: 9730669
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are an X-ray imaging apparatus for optimizing radiography conditions upon radiography, and a control method thereof. The X-ray imaging apparatus includes: an input device configured to receive information about a patient; and a controller configured to conduct a search for a previously obtained X-ray image related to the information about the patient and a previously set radiography condition related to the information about the patient, and to set a radiography condition for a main-shot based on a result of the search.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jong Ha Lee, Sung Hoon Kang, Young Hun Sung
  • Patent number: 9706146
    Abstract: An imager includes a flat panel configured to collect charges when the imager operates in a full-power charge integration mode. The imager switches to a low-power standby mode immediately after each image acquisition in the full-power charge integration mode. Bias current flowing through the flat panel is monitored in the standby mode. The imager switches to the full-power charge integration mode when detecting a change in the bias current indicating onset of an X-ray exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Colbeth, Richard Weisfield, Ivan Mollov, Cesar Proano, Pieter Roos
  • Patent number: 9629601
    Abstract: In a detection panel, plural pixels which receive X-ray and accumulate electric charge and plural measuring pixels which detect X-ray dose are provided on an imaging surface. The plural measuring pixels are arranged periodically with an interval. In a position facing to the imaging surface, there is a grid where X-ray absorbing sections and X-ray transmitting sections are arranged in a periodic alternating manner in a first direction. Since the arrangement period of the measuring pixels in the first direction is different from a fluctuation period of grid detection signals obtained when the grid is photographed by the detection panel, output values of the plurality of measuring pixels disperse and a fluctuation range of average values is suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Tajima, Takeshi Kuwabara, Yusuke Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 9579076
    Abstract: A detection panel has a plurality of pixels for accumulating electric charge by receiving X-rays, and a plurality of detection pixels for detecting an X-ray dose in an imaging surface. The detection pixels are disposed periodically with leaving space. A grid, which has X-ray absorbing portions and X-ray transmitting portions alternately and periodically arranged in a first direction, is disposed in a position opposed to the imaging surface. Since an arrangement period of the detection pixels in the first direction is different from an arrangement period of the X-ray absorbing portions, an output value of each detection pixel is distributed and hence the average of the output values has a reduced variation range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Tajima, Takeshi Kuwabara, Yusuke Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 9521987
    Abstract: A console acquires a displacement amount of an X-ray source from a displacement amount detector. In the case where an electronic cassette having an image detector is not appropriately positioned with respect to a body part to be imaged, a position of the X-ray source is changed in accordance with a position of the body part to be imaged. A dose measurement field position determining unit specifies a current relative position between the X-ray source and the electronic cassette having the image detector based on a displacement amount. The dose measurement field position determining unit determines a position of a dose measurement field based on the specified current relative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Tajima
  • Patent number: 9420985
    Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes a support mechanism, bed, dosimeter, dose decision unit, dose distribution generation unit and display unit. The support mechanism movably supports an X-ray tube generating X-rays over a plurality of times in a predetermined period and an X-ray detector detecting X-rays transmitted through an object. The bed includes a top on which the object is placed. The dosimeter measures a total dose over the period. The dose decision unit decides doses respectively corresponding to times of generation of the X-rays in the period based on the total dose and an X-ray irradiation condition. The dose distribution generation unit generates a dose distribution based on a position of the support mechanism, a position of the bed, and the doses. The display unit displays the dose distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichiro Watanabe, Naotaka Sato, Shingo Abe
  • Patent number: 9351699
    Abstract: A source controller unit for controlling an x-ray source is provided with a detection signal interface for receiving detection signals from detective pixels of an electronic cassette or an integrated value of the detection signals only, or an interface for receiving a radiation stopping signal only. The source controller unit receives other radiation signals than the radiation stopping signal, such as a radiation admitting signal, through a radiation signal interface. The source controller unit uses the detection signals, the integrated value thereof, or the radiation stopping signal as exposure control signals for stopping radiation from the x-ray source. Since the exposure control signals are received on the specific interface therefor, the source controller unit does not need signal sorting operation nor receive different kinds of signals at the same time, improving the speed of radiation stopping procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Kuwabara, Takeshi Kamiya, Yusuke Kitagawa, Takashi Tajima
  • Patent number: 9295432
    Abstract: A method of determining a distribution of a dose in a body is presented including the steps of scanning at least one region of the body to extract image data, calculating a plurality of parameters from the image data, and entering a plurality of computed tomography (CT) scan parameters. The method also includes the steps of calculating radiation distribution by using a local interaction principle and creating a three-dimensional dose map based on the calculated radiation distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Elazar Lars Gerland
  • Patent number: 9259201
    Abstract: It is possible to reliably avoid a problem that radiation irradiation does not stop even when an accumulated radiation dose reaches a target radiation dose. An AEC unit starts monitoring an integrated value of a radiation dose detection signal from a detection pixel and an output of an irradiation continuation signal at the same time, and continuously transmits the irradiation continuation signal in a predetermined period while the integrated value does not reach a threshold value. When the integrated value reaches the threshold value, the output of the irradiation continuation signal is stopped. The irradiation continuation signal is transmitted to an irradiation signal I/F of a radiation source control device through an irradiation signal I/F by wireless. The radiation source control device stops X-ray irradiation by an X-ray source when the irradiation signal I/F does not receive the irradiation continuation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Masaru Sato
  • Patent number: 9198628
    Abstract: A chest diagnostic support information generation system includes: a radiography section which radiographs a chest portion of a subject; an image analysis section which generates a diagnostic support information based on an image data generated by the radiography section; and a display which displays the diagnostic support information, wherein the radiography section obtains a plurality of frame images which show a motion state of the chest of the subject, and the image analysis section includes: a breathing information generation section which generates the diagnostic support information relating to breathing of the subject based on a difference value of the pixel or the block corresponded with each other between image frames temporally adjacent among the plurality of frame images; and a blood flow information generation section which generates the diagnostic support information relating to blood flow of the subject based on a generated output signal wave form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Tetsuo Shimada, Shintaro Muraoka, Sho Noji
  • Patent number: 9060731
    Abstract: A comparison circuit 78 of an AEC unit 67 of an electronic cassette 13 compares the accumulated value of a detection signal from a detection pixel 65 of the electronic cassette 13 with an irradiation prohibition threshold value on the electronic cassette 13. When the accumulated value of the detection signal reaches the irradiation prohibition threshold value on the electronic cassette 13, a detection signal having the same voltage value as the irradiation prohibition threshold value of the radiographing condition on the source control device 11 paired with the radiographing condition on the electronic cassette 13 is output from a detection signal I/F 80 of the electronic cassette 13 toward a detection signal I/F 26 of the source control device 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Kuwabara, Takeshi Kamiya, Yusuke Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 9060738
    Abstract: A storage and search unit of a console acquires a source ID of an X-ray source and searches for and extracts a type corresponding to the acquired source ID from source information of a storage device. In the case of an installation convenience preference type in which convenience in connection between a source controller and an electronic cassette is preferred, a detection signal from a detection pixel of an FPD of the electronic cassette is output from a detection signal I/F of the electronic cassette to a detection signal I/F of the source controller. In the case of an installation convenience non-preference type, an irradiation stop signal based on the comparison result of the integrated value of the detection signal from the detection pixel with an irradiation-stop threshold is output from an irradiation signal I/F of the electronic cassette to an irradiation signal I/F of the source controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Kuwabara, Takeshi Kamiya, Yusuke Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 9055922
    Abstract: When an AEC sensor is changed, the same AEC as before changing the AEC sensor is carried out without modifying an existing apparatus. A storage and search unit of a console acquires a source ID and searches for and extracts position information of a detection field of an old AEC sensor corresponding to the acquired source ID from source information of a storage device. An electronic cassette includes plural detection pixels as a new AEC sensor short-circuited to signal lines without passing through TFTs in the same imaging plane as pixels. A detection field selecting circuit of an AEC unit of the electronic cassette selects a detection signal from the detection pixel existing at the position of the detection field of the old AEC sensor among the detection signals of the plural detection pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Kuwabara, Takeshi Kamiya, Yusuke Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 9042519
    Abstract: A compensation circuit 76 of an AEC unit 67 of an electronic cassette 13 defines the detection signal of a detection pixel 65 of the electronic cassette 13 as a detection signal corresponding to the detection signal of an old AEC sensor 25. The compensation circuit 76 performs compensation so as to exclude the influence on the detection signal due to a difference in the configuration of an intermediate member disposed between an X-ray source 10 and an FPD 35 of the electronic cassette 13 when the detection pixel 65 is used as an AEC sensor instead of the old AEC sensor 25. The detection signal is transmitted from a detection signal I/F 80 to a detection signal I/F 26 of a source control device 11 as it is (instantaneous value) or as an accumulated value obtained using an integration circuit 77.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Kuwabara, Takeshi Kamiya, Yusuke Kitagawa
  • Publication number: 20150131784
    Abstract: An image detector is disposed behind a grid. The image detector has normal pixels and measurement pixels. Out of a group of measurement pixels based on which an average value of dose measurement signals is calculated, a [C/D] number of measurement pixels are disposed or chosen in a cycle Z=(R×C)±D. Wherein, C represents a cycle of a repetition pattern appearing in an arrangement direction of X-ray transparent layers and X-ray absorbing layers in an X-ray image of the grid, and is represented in units of the number of pixels. R represents a natural number of 0 or more. D represents an integer less than the cycle C. [C/D] represents a maximum integer equal to or less than C/D. Provided that at least the [C/D] number of measurement pixels are shifted C occasions by one pixel, if D=1, the average value of the dose measurement signals is invariable without any variations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi TAJIMA, Takeshi KUWABARA, Yusuke KITAGAWA
  • Patent number: 9031190
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes an X-ray sensor unit that detects X-rays, and a control unit that controls driving of an X-ray generator and the X-ray sensor unit. The control unit performs alignment imaging for imaging a still image of a subject. The still image is used as a reference for alignment of at least one of the X-ray generator and the X-ray sensor unit. After the alignment imaging, the control unit performs main imaging for imaging a moving image of the subject. The alignment imaging and the main imaging are performed under the same driving condition of the X-ray sensor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Osamu Tsujii
  • Patent number: 9001972
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Yasufumi Takahashi, Makoto Sugizaki, Naoto Iwakiri
  • Publication number: 20150078528
    Abstract: In an X-ray imaging apparatus, a detection panel has monitor pixels for monitoring X-rays. A signal processor samples a dose signal of a dose per unit time of X-rays according to an output of the monitor pixels. A start detector checks whether irradiation of X-rays is started according to a result of comparison between the dose signal and a start threshold. An AEC device acquires cumulative dose from a start time of the start of irradiation of X-rays until acquisition time after a predetermined time according to the dose signal. According to the cumulative dose, a predicted time point of a reach of the cumulative dose to a target dose is estimated. A stop signal is transmitted to a radiation source controller at the predicted time point, to stop the irradiation of X-rays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshihiro OKADA
  • Patent number: 8983035
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Kentaro Noma, Kenji Nakamura, Naoto Iwakiri, Kouichi Kitano, Keita Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8971494
    Abstract: Besides normal pixels, a plurality detection pixels are arranged in an imaging surface of an FPD. In preliminary imaging, X-rays are emitted to an imaged body portion of a patient. The detection pixels receive the X-rays passed through the body portion, and output AEC detection signals. If an integral value of the AEC detection signals has reached a threshold value, X-ray emission is stopped and the preliminary imaging is completed. A main exposure condition determination unit determines a main irradiation time, being an irradiation time with the X-rays during the main imaging, based on an irradiation time with the X-rays during the preliminary imaging and the integral value of the AEC detection signals. The main imaging is performed using the main irradiation time. The normal pixels continue a charge accumulation operation over the preliminary imaging and the main imaging to produce an X-ray image for use in diagnosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Tajima
  • Patent number: 8958525
    Abstract: A radiation source is relatively moved with respect to a radiation detector, on which a plurality of short-circuited pixels formed by short-circuiting TFT switches are arranged across the entire surface thereof. Radiation is irradiated onto a subject at a plurality of radiation source positions, in association with movement of the radiation source. A plurality of images corresponding to each of the plurality of the radiation source are obtained. Positions of detection short-circuited pixels for detecting a dose of radiation are set, respectively corresponding to the plurality of radiation source positions. The dose of radiation output from the radiation source is controlled, based on electric signals read out from the detection short-circuited pixels, at each of the plurality of radiation source positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Eiichi Kanagawa
  • Patent number: 8958529
    Abstract: The present invention provides a radiographic imaging device including: a detecting section that detects a dose of radiation that has been irradiated when imaging a radiographic image corresponding to irradiated radiation; and a determining section that determines whether the radiographic image is a valid image on the basis of the dose of radiation that has been detected by the detecting section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Jun Enomoto
  • Patent number: 8923482
    Abstract: An AEC section of an electronic cassette includes a measurement area setting circuit for setting a measurement area in an imaging surface. The measurement area setting circuit is switchable between a specified area mode and an automatic area setting mode. In the specified area mode, a first measurement area is set up in a position predetermined in accordance with a body part to be imaged. In the automatic area setting mode, a second measurement area is set up based on the distribution of an X-ray dose measured by measuring pixels. X-ray emission time is shortened in the specified area mode, because the setting of the first measurement area is quickly performed. The automatic area setting mode eliminates the need for troublesome positioning between a patient and an FPD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Tajima
  • Patent number: 8879689
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Yasunori Ohta, Kouichi Kitano, Naoyuki Nishino, Haruyasu Nakatsugawa, Naoto Iwakiri
  • Patent number: 8873712
    Abstract: A method for sensing a level of ionizing radiation directed from a radiation source through a subject and toward a digital radiography detector, executed at least in part by a logic processor, obtains image data that relates the position of the subject to the digital radiography detector and assigns one or more radiant-energy sensing elements of the digital radiography detector as one or more exposure control sensing elements. The one or more exposure control sensing elements are sampled one or more times during exposure to measure the exposure directed to the subject. A signal is provided to terminate exposure according to exposure measurements obtained from the one or more exposure control sensing elements within the digital radiography detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaohui Wang, David H. Foos, Michael C. Lalena
  • Patent number: 8831177
    Abstract: An apparatus for managing radiation doses is provided. The apparatus includes an information extraction unit configured to extract information about a patient to be examined, information about an image acquired by examining a bodily region of the patient using a radiographic apparatus, and information about the examination performed by the radiographic apparatus, a radiation dose calculation unit configured to calculate, using the image information, an effective dose generated by the radiographic apparatus when acquiring the image, and a dose data storage unit configured to store effective dose data in a database, the effective dose data including the calculated effective dose, the patient information, and the examination information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Myung-Jin Chung, Yong Kee Hwang
  • Patent number: 8824634
    Abstract: A method for sensing a level of ionizing radiation directed from a radiation source through a subject and toward an imaging detector, the method executed at least in part by a logic processor, obtains positional coordinate data that is indicative of at least a portion of the subject to be exposed to radiation and that defines a radiation measurement area relative to the subject. The method assigns one or more sensing elements to sense radiation within the radiation measurement area. A measurement signal is acquired from each of one or more assigned sensing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Lalena, David H. Foos, Xiaohui Wang
  • Patent number: 8804907
    Abstract: An X-ray detector of conventional design having photodiodes and scintillator material arranged thereon is able, given a suitable read-out frequency matching a low dose to which the flat-panel X-ray detector is subjected, to obtain images during each read-out operation, from which images the energy of individual X-ray quanta can be derived. An item of X-ray-spectrum information about pixels in a grid pattern can be obtained thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Franz Atzinger, Gerhard Hahm, Raphael Henrich, Carsten Illenseer, Christoph Jablonski, Bernhard Sandkamp, Markus Schild, Michael Stark, Fabian Wloka
  • Publication number: 20140211922
    Abstract: Upon input of a synchronization signal, which indicates a start of an X-ray emission, from a source control unit for controlling an X-ray source, an electronic cassette makes an FPD start an accumulation operation and measurement of an X-ray dose. The electronic cassette and a console command their communicators to stop communication of any signal other than a stop signal, which stops the X-ray emission from the X-ray source, during the accumulation operation of the FPD. As soon as the X-ray dose has reached a predetermined threshold value, the electronic cassette transmits the stop signal to the source control unit through the console. A delay in transmission of the stop signal due to communication congestion or signal collision does not occur, because the electronic cassette and the console stop the communication of the signal other than the stop signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi KUWABARA, Takeshi KAMIYA, Yusuke KITAGAWA, Takashi TAJIMA
  • Patent number: 8787526
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are described including implantable radiation sensing devices having exposure determination devices that determines exposure information based on the at least one in vivo measurand output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Eric C. Leuthardt, Michael A. Smith, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8774358
    Abstract: A radiation therapy dose distribution method starts with selecting a treatment type. Then an organ at risk (OAR) distance to target map is determined. The OAR distance to target map comprises distances to a target organ for portions of an OAR. The OAR distances are determined from at least one segmented patient organ image. A cohort average dose distance to target histogram is selected. A dose value to the portions of the OAR are assigned to form a first 3D dose distribution map. The dose values are from the selected cohort average dose distance to target histogram. A second 3D dose distribution map is determined based on a field arrangement determined by the treatment type and the first 3D dose distribution map. A dose distance to target histogram is calculated using the second 3D dose distribution map and the distance to target map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Corey Zankowski