With Automatic Image Brightness Control Patents (Class 378/98.7)
  • Patent number: 11432783
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for displaying to an operator an attenuation map of a filter relative to a current location of an anatomical feature of a subject; and in response to the anatomical feature being within a region of the attenuation map, prompting an operator to reposition the subject. In this way, centering of the anatomical feature relative to an attenuation system may be facilitated for improved image quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: GE Precision Healthcare LLC
    Inventors: Brian Edward Nett, Chelsey Lewis, Bradley Gabrielse, Karen Procknow, Holly McDaniel, Meghan Lynn Yue
  • Patent number: 11269091
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a system, comprising: first circuit including a transistor having an optically sensitive threshold voltage; a light source configured to illuminate the transistor; and a control circuit configured to activate the light source based on the threshold voltage. In some embodiments, a threshold voltage of the transistor may be stabilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Varex Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Weisfield, Kungang Zhou
  • Patent number: 11094738
    Abstract: The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a photoelectric detector, a method for manufacturing the photoelectric detector, and a detection device. The method for manufacturing the photoelectric detector includes: forming a thin film transistor array layer on a base substrate; forming an organic layer on a side of the thin film transistor array layer facing away from the base substrate; and patterning the organic layer to form a first via hole which enables a signal transmission layer in the thin film transistor array layer to be exposed; and depositing a photoelectric conversion device in the first via hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignees: BEIJING BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Haisheng Zhao, Hongxi Xiao, Jiapeng Li, Huigang Jiang, Xiaoguang Pei
  • Patent number: 10743825
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for acquiring a radiographic image of a patient includes using an X-ray source and at least a X-ray detector supported in opposed positions, the area under investigation being positioned between the X-ray source and detector in the propagation bundle of the radiation emitted by the X-ray source, the X-ray source and detector being movable along a pre-set trajectory due to at least two movements. The X-ray dose administered to a patient can be adjusted automatically, dispensing the minimum dose necessary to achieve a radiographic image of good quality. The method and apparatus provide for performing a scout acquisition, preceding the acquisition of a real panoramic image, in a particularly efficient way. During the scout acquisition, data are collected for adjusting the X-ray dose for the following radiographic image acquisition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Inventors: Andrea Bruno, Gianluca Manuzzato, Giacomo Zoccatelli
  • Patent number: 10231681
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for acquiring a radiographic image of a patient includes using an X-ray source and at least a X-ray detector supported in opposed positions, the area under investigation being positioned between the X-ray source and detector in the propagation bundle of the radiation emitted by the X-ray source, the X-ray source and detector being movable along a pre-set trajectory due to at least two movements. The X-ray dose administered to a patient can be adjusted automatically, dispensing the minimum dose necessary to achieve a radiographic image of good quality. The method and apparatus provide for performing a scout acquisition, preceding the acquisition of a real panoramic image, in a particularly efficient way. During the scout acquisition, data are collected for adjusting the X-ray dose for the following radiographic image acquisition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: CEFLA SOCIETÁ COOPERATIVA
    Inventors: Andrea Bruno, Gianluca Manuzzato, Giacomo Zoccatelli
  • Patent number: 10182194
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed at a method and apparatus for improving method and apparatus for improved modulation transfer function and detective quantum efficiency of X-ray detectors. The method and apparatus include digitizing microelement outputs obtained by micro sensor elements and the generating pixel outputs from these digitized microelement outputs. Each pixel output is the sum of a plurality of weighting factored microelement outputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Inventors: Karim S. Karim, Ian A. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 10070840
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes an X-ray tube, X-ray detector, data acquisition circuit, and correction circuit. The X-ray tube generates X-rays. The X-ray detector detects the X-rays. The data acquisition circuit acquires data corresponding to an output from the X-ray detector. The correction circuit executes correction processing for third data acquired by the data acquisition circuit in actual scanning, based on first data acquired by the data acquisition circuit in a state of non-irradiation with X-rays before the actual scanning and second data acquired by the data acquisition circuit in the state of non-irradiation with X-rays after the actual scanning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Atsushi Hashimoto, Shuya Nambu, Takaya Umehara, Akira Nishijima, Koichi Miyama
  • Patent number: 10068943
    Abstract: Provided is a radiation imaging apparatus, including: a plurality of pixels configured to output image signals corresponding to radiation; an image signal line configured to output the image signals; and a detection signal line configured to output a detection signal for detection of irradiation of the radiation, in which at least one of the plurality of pixels includes: a conversion element configured to convert the radiation into charge; a first switch configured to output the image signal corresponding to the charge via the image signal line; a storage capacitor including a first electrode and a second electrode, in which the first electrode is electrically connected to the conversion element to store the charge; and a second switch configured to electrically connect the second electrode and the detection signal line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kentaro Fujiyoshi, Minoru Watanabe, Keigo Yokoyama, Masato Ofuji, Jun Kawanabe, Hiroshi Wayama, Kazuya Furumoto
  • Patent number: 9716125
    Abstract: An imaging array with integrated circuitry for supporting automatic exposure control and a method for using such an imaging array are provided. One or more electrodes are disposed substantially parallel with at least a portion of the array of pixels forming the imaging array and provide capacitively coupling to at least one photodiode electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Varex Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: Carl La Casce, Richard E Colbeth, Ivan P Mollov
  • Patent number: 9513380
    Abstract: An X-ray detector assembly includes a polymeric substrate having a lower surface and an upper surface, and an X-ray detector disposed on the upper surface of the substrate. The X-ray detector includes a thin-film-transistor array disposed on the substrate, an organic photodiode disposed on the thin-film-transistor array, and a scintillator disposed on the organic photodiode. A metal barrier extends substantially over an upper surface of the scintillator, substantially over peripherally-extending edges of the scintillator, the organic photodiode, and the thin-film-transistor array, and substantially over the lower surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Jie Jerry Liu
  • Patent number: 9500752
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a plurality of detector pixels. Each detector pixel comprises a detector element configured to generate a first signal in response to x-ray photons incident thereon, a current mirror configured to generate a second signal representative of the first signal, and a switching transistor configured to allow the second signal and/or the first signal to be transferred out from the detector pixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Ivan Mollov
  • Patent number: 9292912
    Abstract: A display apparatus and an image output method thereof are provided. The image output method includes dividing a received image into a plurality of sub-images, correcting quality of each of the sub-images based on a contrast ratio calculated for the received image, and outputting the image by combining the corrected sub-images. Hence, the display apparatus can enhance luminance and chrominance which vary per sub-image segment in the received image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung-ju Lee, Jung-keun Kim
  • Patent number: 9282943
    Abstract: A radiographic imaging device including: a sensor portion that generates an output signal according to an irradiated amount of irradiated radiation; a detector that based on the output signal detects a radiation irradiation start of radiation irradiated from a radiation source during capture of a radiographic image; a noise data generation means that, based on an output signal from the sensor portion in a non-irradiation state of radiation from the radiation source, generates noise data relating to noise incorporated in the output signal; a controller that controls detection sensitivity to radiation irradiation start in the detector according to a degree of variation in noise level expressed by the noise data; and an imaging unit that captures the radiographic image after radiation irradiation start has been detected by the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Yasufumi Oda
  • Patent number: 9271687
    Abstract: A method of adjusting an X-ray emission range includes: displaying an image obtained by capturing X-rays which pass through a subject; receiving a user input with respect to the captured image; and controlling a collimator according to the received user input, to adjust the X-ray emission range according to a size and position of the collimator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Byoung-hoon Koh
  • Patent number: 9265467
    Abstract: In continuous radiography, while a patient stands in front of an imaging support, a total image capture field is determined. The total image capture field is divided into small image capture fields. A map scaling section scales up or down a full spine irradiation area map in accordance with the size of the total image capture field. A map dividing section divides the scaled map into small maps corresponding to the small image capture fields. In each division exposure, a detection pixel selector selects one or more detection pixels belonging to an irradiation area defined by the small map, out of all detection pixels distributed in an imaging surface of an electronic cassette. If an integration value of a detection signal from the selected detection pixel reaches a threshold value, X-ray emission is stopped. Division X-ray images obtained by the division exposures are merged into a single continuous X-ray image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takeshi Kamiya
  • Patent number: 9254115
    Abstract: In the case where a tracking process of a moving tissue performing a contraction movement and an expansion movement and represented by a cardiac wall is performed for one heartbeat from the ED1 to the ED2, a contour position (tracking point) initially set at the ES (End-Systole) is tracked until ED1 in accordance with movement information, the tracking point is rearranged and a position of a middle layer is set at the ED (End-Diastole), the rearranged tracking point including the position of the middle layer is tracked in accordance with the movement information already obtained, and then the tracking point is further tracked in the normal direction until the ED2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Abe, Tetsuya Kawagishi
  • Patent number: 9220474
    Abstract: A radiographic imaging device including: a sensor portion that generates an output signal according to an irradiated amount of irradiated radiation; a detector that based on the output signal detects a radiation irradiation start of radiation irradiated from a radiation source during capture of a radiographic image; a noise data generation means that, based on an output signal from the sensor portion in a non-irradiation state of radiation from the radiation source, generates noise data relating to noise incorporated in the output signal; a controller that controls detection sensitivity to radiation irradiation start in the detector according to a degree of variation in noise level expressed by the noise data; and an imaging unit that captures the radiographic image after radiation irradiation start has been detected by the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Yasufumi Oda
  • Patent number: 9031186
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus according to one embodiment captures an X-ray image by irradiating a subject with X-rays from an X-ray generating means, and detecting X-rays that have penetrated the subject with an X-ray detecting means, and includes a working-state detecting means and an X-ray dosage control means. The working-state detecting means detects a plurality of types of working-state information related to the working state of the operator performing surgery on the subject. The X-ray dosage control means, based on the plurality of types of detection results detected by the working-state detecting means, controls the X-ray dosage irradiated from the X-ray generating means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Kyojiro Nambu
  • Patent number: 9031196
    Abstract: An imaging system exposes an object within a region to a beam of penetrating radiation. The beam of penetrating radiation is sensed on a side opposite the region from a source of the beam. An attenuation of the beam caused by passing the beam through the object is determined, the attenuation is compared to a threshold attenuation. If the attenuation exceeds the threshold attenuation, a parameter of the imaging system is adjusted based on the determined attenuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: L-3 Communications Security and Detection Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Steven McNabb, Jr., Nicholas Danvers Penrose Gillett
  • Patent number: 8755490
    Abstract: Disclosed is an X-ray imaging device with which X-ray exposure will not be stopped due to the backup time, causing underexposure, in phototimer imaging, because the body of the subject is thick. A database unit (18) stores a database showing the relationships among a variety of subject (M) body thicknesses (t), X-ray parameters, and imaging times. A search processor (16) searches the aforementioned database for data matching X-ray parameters stored in a parameter storage unit (15) and body thicknesses (t) calculated by a body thickness measurement unit (17), and requests the corresponding imaging time. If the imaging time is longer than the backup time set by an X-ray controller (12), the search processor (16) instructs the X-ray controller (12) to extend the backup time to the imaging time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Shoji Takamura
  • Patent number: 8694573
    Abstract: A method for determining a quotient value from a dividend value and a divisor value in a digital processing circuit is provided. The method includes computing a reciprocal value of the divisor value and multiplying the reciprocal value by the dividend value to obtain a reciprocal product, the reciprocal product having an integer part. The method also includes computing an intermediate remainder value by computing a product of the integer part and the divisor value, and subtracting the resulting product from the dividend value and determining the quotient value based upon the intermediate remainder value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Jadavpur University
    Inventors: Debotosh Bhattacharjee, Santanu Halder
  • Patent number: 8618492
    Abstract: A radiation image pickup device includes: an image pickup section having a plurality of pixels and generating an electric signal according to incident radiation, the plurality of pixels each including a photoelectric conversion element and one or a plurality of transistors of a predetermined amplifier circuit; and a correction section subjecting signal data of the electric signal obtained in the image pickup section to predetermined correction process. The correction section makes a comparison between measurement data obtained by measuring an input-output characteristic of the amplifier circuit in each of the plurality of pixels and initial data on the input-output characteristic, and performs the correction process by the pixel individually, by using a result of the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Michiru Senda, Tsutomu Tanaka, Tsutomu Harada
  • Patent number: 8605861
    Abstract: A filtered medical image display system includes an interface processor for receiving data. The received data indicates, image characteristics of a first medical image obtained using a medical imaging device and in the absence of an X-ray attenuation filter and imaging device settings. A computation processor uses the image characteristics data and imaging device settings in, computing a change in image display characteristics occurring in a portion of the first medical image in response to filtering a medical imaging beam responsible for producing the portion of the first medical image and determining an adjustment of image display characteristics of the first medical image by scaling image display characteristics of the first medical image including the filtered portion. A display processor uses the determined adjustment in the image display characteristics of the first medical image to generate data representing a second medical image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald S. Sipiorski
  • Patent number: 8428329
    Abstract: A target region extracting unit configured to extract a target region used in acquiring feature information from each frame of a moving image includes a plurality of image analyzing units (first and second image analyzing units) configured to execute image analyzing processes in parallel for extraction of the target regions on each frame of the moving image in different manners, and an information transmission processing unit configured to execute a process of transmitting result information of the image analyzing processes among the plurality of image analyzing units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideaki Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 8270566
    Abstract: An object within a region is exposed to a first beam of penetrating radiation. The first beam of penetrating radiation is sensed on a side opposite the region from a source of the first beam. An attenuation of the first beam caused by passing the first beam through the object is determined, the attenuation is compared to a threshold attenuation. If the attenuation exceeds the threshold attenuation, a parameter of a second of beam of penetrating radiation is adjusted based on the determined attenuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: L-3 Communications Security and Detection Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Steven McNabb, Nicholas Danvers Penrose Gillett
  • Patent number: 8167486
    Abstract: When a gain correction is performed for the radiographed object image, the acquisition of the object image having a high grade quality and no artifact is realized. For that purpose, an image storing unit is provided for storing an image for correction radiographed based on conditions set with the table in a state in which no object exists to each operation modes of the plurality of operation modes; and an image processing unit is provided for performing a gain correction processing of the radiographed object image and performs the gain correction processing of the radiographed object image obtained based on the conditions set in the table of the operation mode selected by the selecting unit in a state in which the object exists using a corresponding image for correction extracted from the image storage unit based on the operation mode selected by the selecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuro Takenaka, Tadao Endo, Toshio Kameshima, Tomoyuki Yagi, Keigo Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 8121256
    Abstract: Offset correction based on offset correction data is performed on radiographic image data that have been read out from a radiation image detector, and the offset correction data are updated. In the offset correction method, correction data for low-frequency components and correction data for high-frequency components, as the offset correction data, are generated based on offset image data that have been read out from the radiation image detector while the radiation image detector is not irradiated with radiation. Further, the correction data for low-frequency components and the correction data for high-frequency components are separately updated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Hideyuki Yamada, Takao Kuwabara
  • Patent number: 8023619
    Abstract: An object within a region is exposed to a first beam of penetrating radiation. The first beam of penetrating radiation is sensed on a side opposite the region from a source of the first beam. An attenuation of the first beam caused by passing the first beam through the object is determined, the attenuation is compared to a threshold attenuation. If the attenuation exceeds the threshold attenuation, a parameter of a second of beam of penetrating radiation is adjusted based on the determined attenuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: L-3 Communications Security and Detection Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Steven McNabb, Jr., Nicholas Danvers Penrose Gillett
  • Publication number: 20110044430
    Abstract: When a gain correction is performed for the radiographed object image, the acquisition of the object image having a high grade quality and no artifact is realized. For that purpose, an image storing unit is provided for storing an image for correction radiographed based on conditions set with the table in a state in which no object exists to each operation modes of the plurality of operation modes; and an image processing unit is provided for performing a gain correction processing of the radiographed object image and performs the gain correction processing of the radiographed object image obtained based on the conditions set in the table of the operation mode selected by the selecting unit in a state in which the object exists using a corresponding image for correction extracted from the image storage unit based on the operation mode selected by the selecting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Katsuro Takenaka, Tadao Endo, Toshio Kameshima, Tomoyuki Yagi, Keigo Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 7850367
    Abstract: When a gain correction is performed for the radiographed object image, the acquisition of the object image having a high grade quality and no artifact is realized. For that purpose, an image storing unit is provided for storing an image for correction radiographed based on conditions set with the table in a state in which no object exists to each operation modes of the plurality of operation modes; and an image processing unit is provided for performing a gain correction processing of the radiographed object image and performs the gain correction processing of the radiographed object image obtained based on the conditions set in the table of the operation mode selected by the selecting unit in a state in which the object exists using a corresponding image for correction extracted from the image storage unit based on the operation mode selected by the selecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuro Takenaka, Tadao Endo, Toshio Kameshima, Tomoyuki Yagi, Keigo Yokoyama
  • Publication number: 20100310049
    Abstract: A filtered medical image display system includes an interface processor for receiving data. The received data indicates, image characteristics of a first medical image obtained using a medical imaging device and in the absence of an X-ray attenuation filter and imaging device settings. A computation processor uses the image characteristics data and imaging device settings in, computing a change in image display characteristics occurring in a portion of the first medical image in response to filtering a medical imaging beam responsible for producing the portion of the first medical image and determining an adjustment of image display characteristics of the first medical image by scaling image display characteristics of the first medical image including the filtered portion. A display processor uses the determined adjustment in the image display characteristics of the first medical image to generate data representing a second medical image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: SIEMENS MEDICAL SOLUTIONS USA, INC.
    Inventor: Ronald S. Sipiorski
  • Patent number: 7787587
    Abstract: A radiographing apparatus of an image radiographing system is equipped with plural sensors each detecting an amount of radiation transmitted through a breast in the course of radiographing, and it transmits sensor data showing an output value of each sensor to a control apparatus through a network. In the control apparatus, a mammary gland content rate corresponding to an output value of each sensor is acquired based on sensor data transmitted from the radiographing apparatus, then, a breast type is discriminated based on an average mammary gland content rate and on the state of distribution of mammary gland content rates, and image processing conditions are established based on the results of discrimination of the breast type. Then, based on the image processing conditions thus established, image processing is given to image data acquired from a reading apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic, Inc.
    Inventor: Misae Tasaki
  • Patent number: 7767973
    Abstract: For a uniform image quality of digital X-ray records, a solid-state detector is provided. The detector includes light-sensitive pixel elements arranged in an active matrix, and a reset light source arranged behind them in the radiation direction of X-ray radiation, with the reset light source being in the form of an arrangement with light-emitting diodes and with the light-emitting diodes being designed such that can be driven individually and their intensity can be controlled individually. At least one of a failed and malfunctioning light-emitting diode is detectable. The intensities of the serviceable light-emitting diodes are driven and controlled in the event of a failure or a malfunction of at least one light-emitting diode in such a manner that the intensity and/or the homogeneity of the reset light source remains the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Mathias Hörnig
  • Patent number: 7760856
    Abstract: A radiographic apparatus according to this invention, when a predetermined operation relating to radiographic imaging is interposed during an emission of radiation, stops the emission temporarily, and also stops a recursive computation temporarily. With start of the predetermined operation, the emission is started again and also the recursive computation is started again. Radiation detection signals at the time of non-emission due to the temporary stop are acquired, and the recursive computation is carried out based on initial values derived from the radiation detection signals at the time of non-emission. The lag-behind parts are removed from the radiation detection signals with increased accuracy while reducing the trouble of radiographic images caused by the predetermined operation relating to radiographic imaging being interposed during an emission of radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Shoichi Okamura
  • Patent number: 7729527
    Abstract: In a method for correction of an image data set that was acquired with a planar image detector using at least two calibration images that were acquired in a preliminary procedure, as well as a method for generation of an image from a raw image data set that was acquired with a planar image detector with a high-sensitivity dynamic range and with a low-sensitivity dynamic range and which is composed of two image data sets, of which one was acquired in the high-sensitivity dynamic range and the other was acquired in the low-sensitivity dynamic range, at least two calibration images are generated in each dynamic range in a preliminary process. These calibration images are used in a correction procedure for the correction of the individual image data sets, as well as in a combination procedure to merge the two corrected image data sets into one image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stefan Maschauer, Dieter Ritter, Christian Schmidgunst
  • Patent number: 7724874
    Abstract: A memory stores first image data for offset correction generated by performing an interlace scanning of the driving lines of odd rows only in a driving circuit unit. A memory stores second image data for offset correction generated by performing the interlace scanning of the driving lines of even rows only in the driving circuit unit. A processing unit synthesizes the first image data for offset correction and the second image data for offset correction, thereby to generate image data for offset correction of one frame portion, and an arithmetic operation unit performs an arithmetic operation processing on the radiation image data by using the image data for offset correction of one frame portion synthesized and generated, thereby to perform the offset correction of the radiation image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshio Kameshima, Tadao Endo, Tomoyuki Yagi, Katsuro Takenaka, Keigo Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 7711406
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method for detecting an electromagnetic field in an imaging system including emitting an electromagnetic field with an electromagnetic transmitter, sensing an electromagnetic field with an imaging system detector, and reading a field image from the detector based at least in part on the electromagnetic field. The imaging system detector is capable of reading an object image and a field image. The detector may be an amorphous silicon flat panel x-ray detector. The electromagnetic transmitter may be used in surgical navigation. The position of a surgical device, instrument, and/or tool may be determined based in part on the field image. The detector may be coordinated to acquire the field image when the electromagnetic transmitter is emitting an electromagnetic field. The detector may be coordinated to acquire the object image when the electromagnetic transmitter is not emitting an electromagnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Paul Kenneth Kuhn, Peter Traneus Anderson, John Robert Lamberty
  • Patent number: 7526065
    Abstract: An automated X-ray imaging system and method for producing a plurality of X-ray imaging signals having selectively enhanced volumetric image resolutions, e.g., for magnifying the field of view and providing a volumetric display image having features not otherwise visible to an unaided human eye. Successive doses of X-ray radiation are applied to a portion of the subject to produce corresponding volumetric image signals. Such doses of X-ray radiation are controlled by controlling X-ray radiation characteristics, such as intensity, focal spot size, focal spot location, focal spot shape, or collimation, to cause a subsequent volumetric image signal to differ from a prior volumetric image signal in one or more volumetric image characteristics, such as volumetric image resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan Hardesty
  • Patent number: 7476027
    Abstract: When a gain correction is performed for the radiographed object image, the acquisition of the object image having a high grade quality and no artifact is realized. For that purpose, an image storing unit is provided for storing an image for correction radiographed based on conditions set with the table in a state in which no object exists to each operation modes of the plurality of operation modes; and an image processing unit is provided for performing a gain correction processing of the radiographed object image and performs the gain correction processing of the radiographed object image obtained based on the conditions set in the table of the operation mode selected by the selecting unit in a state in which the object exists using a corresponding image for correction extracted from the image storage unit based on the operation mode selected by the selecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuro Takenaka, Tadao Endo, Toshio Kameshima, Tomoyuki Yagi, Keigo Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 7443954
    Abstract: An X-ray machine includes a radiation source and an image intensifier. A digital camera is downstream of the image intensifier and includes a pixel matrix, wherein the pixel matrix is switchable between a high and a low resolution. The image intensifier displays on an output screen, an image that is dependent on the incident X-radiation and that is picked up by the camera. Imaging behavior of the image intensifier, and thus the sharpness of the image displayed on the output screen, vary depending on the resolution set for the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Andreas Meyer
  • Patent number: 7436930
    Abstract: With a method for controlling the dose or dose rate when recording x-ray images by means of a detector comprising image elements which record a plurality of dose data values, an actual value is determined for the dose or dose rate from the totality of the data values recorded by the image elements of a predetermined image segment, said actual value being compared with a predetermined target value in order to control the dose or dose rate when recording a further x-ray image. In accordance with the invention, the actual value is determined such that on the basis of a frequency distribution of the dose data values of the image elements assigned to the dominant, a p-quantile is determined, and that the dose data value assigned to the p-quantile is used to determine the actual value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Philipp Bernhardt, Stefan Böhm, Bernhard Geiger
  • Patent number: 7431500
    Abstract: A method and system is presented in radiography for optimizing image quality of an object (e.g. an anatomical region of a patient), while minimizing the radiation dose to the patient. X-ray exposure parameters, such as operating voltage (kVp), operating current (mA), focal spot size, and soft x-ray filter combination, are dynamically controlled during the x-ray exposure. During at least two different sampling intervals and at two different kVp levels, x-rays are passed through the object, and detected by sensors located between the object and the image plane. After the last sampling interval, the sensor output signals and the measured thickness of the object are used to evaluate the optimal settings for the x-ray exposure parameters. The x-ray exposure parameters are set to these optimal settings for the remainder of the exposure period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Analogic Corporation
    Inventors: Ruvin Deych, Bernard M. Gordon, Oscar Khutoryansky
  • Patent number: 7428295
    Abstract: In a method and x-ray apparatus for exposure of a patient who can be placed at a variable distance relative to an x-ray source, the dose rate emitted by the x-ray source is reduced given reduction of the distance and/or increased given increase of the distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jens Fehre, Rainer Kaltschmidt, Markus Ludwig, Ulrich Will
  • Publication number: 20080226031
    Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus is provided that stabilizes a dark current, image ghosting, and the sensitivity of the imaging apparatus, reduces the power consumption and the heat generation of a light source, and improves the durability of a conversion element. The radiation imaging apparatus includes a flat panel detector including a conversion unit, where the conversion unit includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix and each of the pixels includes a conversion element capable of converting a radiation ray into electric charge, a light source capable of emitting light to the conversion unit, and a control unit configured to control the flat panel detector and the light source. The control unit controls the emission of light performed by the light source on the basis of a signal output from the flat panel detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Keigo Yokoyama, Tadao Endo, Toshio Kameshima, Tomoyuki Yagi, Katsuro Takenaka
  • Patent number: 7404673
    Abstract: In a method to create a gain-corrected x-ray image with the aid of a flat-panel x-ray detector a number of gain images are determined on calibration and this is done for different measurement situations which correspond to different settings of specific x-ray imaging variables such as the angle of the flat-panel x-ray detector to an x-ray tube, the energy of the x-radiation used etc. Instead of the usual gain image for each element of the detector, a gain value is then used in the gain correction which is produced from an interpolation of the corresponding values from the number of gain images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Mathias Hörnig
  • Patent number: 7280635
    Abstract: Systems, processes and apparatus are described through which non-destructive imaging is achieved, with equivalent or increased contrast, in comparison to conventional approaches, and that facilitate reduced dosage of X-rays delivered to the object or patient being imaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas Louis Toth
  • Patent number: 7277525
    Abstract: An object is rotated by a rotation device 15 in X rays 25 generated by a X-ray generation device 11. The rotation device 15 makes constant the integration value of the X rays 25 reaching a two-dimensional X-ray sensor 12 during each charge integration time during which a plurality of image data are acquired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Osamu Tsujii
  • Patent number: 7274770
    Abstract: An X-ray examination apparatus arranged with control means to control a dose of an X-ray source in accordance with a grey-level distribution of an acquired image. The X-ray examination apparatus (1) comprises the X-ray unit (2) arranged to communicate data to the control and processing means (10). The X-ray unit (2) is arranged to generate a beam of X-rays (1f) propagating from an X-ray source (1c). The X-ray source (1c) together with the X-ray detector (1b)can be rotated about an acquisition volume V about a rotation axis (1e). The control and processing means (10) comprises an image processing means (3), which is arranged to compress the first image into the second image. Upon a compression of the first image with the grey-level compression function the resulting second image is forwarded to the control means (6), which is arranged to compute an average pixel value of the second image and to compare it with a pre-stored reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
    Inventor: Christianus Gerardus Lambertus Maria Nederpelt
  • Patent number: 7254213
    Abstract: The relation relates to a method and a radiological imaging device. A subject (4) is illuminated by a luminous flux (1) generated by an X-ray source (2). This luminous flux (1) is a pulse having a duration tp shorter than 1 ms. The signals S derived from the interaction of the luminous flux (1) with the subject (4) are then detected by means of an X-ray detector (5) having a response time tr shorter than 0.1 ms. Applications possible in medical imaging (mammography, dental care, . . . ).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Universite Pierre et Marie Curie
    Inventor: Jacques Bourgoin
  • Patent number: 7231018
    Abstract: According to a radiation imaging apparatus, any separate AEC sensor need not be prepared. Additionally, the apparatus main body can be made compact. To accomplish this, the radiation imaging apparatus has a first optical conversion element that converts incident radiation into an electrical signal, and generates image information on the basis of the electrical signal output from the first optical conversion element. Below a portion that is aligned to the gap between the first optical conversion elements, a plurality of second optical conversion elements which detect the incident amount of the radiation from the gap are formed. Exposure control for the radiation or control of the optical conversion elements is executed on the basis of the detection result by the second optical conversion element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshiko Morii, Masakazu Morishita, Osamu Tsujii, Minoru Watanabe, Takamasa Ishii