Abstract: A cathode cup is provided. The cathode cup includes one or more pockets; and one or more filaments associated with the one or more pockets. A same number of pockets as filaments are present. Each pocket is associated with exactly one filament and is configured to have a length that is tailored to a length of the filament. The cathode cup can be used in an X-ray system having an anode and a cathode. A method of electron beam shaping is provided. The method includes the following steps. A computer-simulated model of a cathode cup is created. The model is used to predict focal spot dimensions. The predicted focal spot dimensions are compared to desired focal spot dimensions. The steps of creating, using and comparing are repeated until the predicted focal spot dimensions match the desired focal spot dimensions. A cathode cup is created based on the computer-simulated model.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some embodiments a reference display receives reference information and displays the reference information from a digital image detector, wherein the reference display is in close proximity to the digital image detector.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for offset correction of images from a flat panel detector. In some embodiments, the apparatus and method develops one or more offset maps, acquired during system idle, for the imaging system at a plurality of exposure windows. In some embodiments, exposure parameters acquired for the imaging system before image acquisition are used to select an offset map to subtract from subsequent X-ray images. In some further embodiments, executable instructions are disclosed for directing a processor to compile one or more offset map and exposure parameters to subtract based on a selected offset map noise elements from X-ray images and thereby minimizing the time between image acquisition and display of processed images.

Abstract: A balun arrangement for a magnetic resonance apparatus which in some embodiments further comprises a cable member comprising at least one first ground end and at least one second ground end. A first capacitive element is electrically coupled to said first ground end and second ground end, wherein the cable member comprises a predetermined large surface area for dissipating substantial quantity of heat generated within the cable member.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which, in some embodiments, an electronic sensor is positioned in the field of projection of an X-ray source, and the electronic sensor measures the deviation between a visible light field and an X-ray field. In some embodiments, the deviation is scaled in reference to the position of the electronic sensor between an X-ray receptor and the X-ray source.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which inhomogeneity in a magnetic field is reduced by invoking electromagnetic mutual inductance between a main coil and another coil.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some embodiments a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes an asymmetrical magnet to generate an asymmetrical stray field that is particularly well suited to imaging limbs. In some other embodiments, a MRI system includes a conically-shaped casing that allows a patient to more readily access a field-of-view (FOV) in the interior of the MRI system during imaging of limbs. In some embodiments, a MRI system includes a stepped inner bore that has a stepped shape that focuses the FOV in an inner bore of the MRI system on a smaller area that is closer to where a patient accesses the FOV in the MRI that is particularly well suited to imaging a limb in the FOV.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for rendering medical images for display on a medical imaging system. The method includes acquiring an image data set by way of an acquisitioning system, and entering a special mode of operation that is either an interactive mode of operation or a repetitive series rendering mode of operation. The method further includes pre-calculating pixel values based upon the image data set, and displaying an image on an output device based upon the pre-calculated pixel values. The method additionally includes altering at least one aspect of the displayed image, wherein the altered displayed image continues to be based upon the pre-calculated pixel values.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for facilitating the communication of data on a distributed medical scanner workstation platform. In one embodiment, a distributed medical scanner/workstation platform includes a first repository, a second repository, and a host on which is running an application. The host is coupled to the first and second repositories and the application is capable of communication with each of the first and second repositories. The application is in communication with each of the first and second repositories by way of an API framework, where the API framework allows the application to communicate with each of the first and second repositories as if both repositories were identical. The API framework includes a plurality of commands concerning generic communication operations between the application and any of the repositories.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for enhancing discrete pixel images. Image enhancement is first performed by separating structural regions from non-structural regions and performing separate smoothing and sharpening functions on the two regions. Non-uniform equalization is then performed to reduce differences between high and low intensity values, while maintaining the overall appearance of light and dark regions of the reconstructed image. Contrast enhancement is then performed on the equalized values to bring out details by enhancing local contrast.

Abstract: Static and/or dynamic balancing of a CT gantry is provided by electronically positionable masses incorporated into the gantry structure that may be moved to nullify gantry imbalances caused by variation in components specifications or replacement of components on a balanced gantry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying information concerning a tubular structure is disclosed. The method includes determining a centerline of the tubular structure and a plurality of center points along that centerline, determining a plurality of cross-sections at the respective center points that are perpendicular to the centerline, and identifying first values associated with each of the cross-sections and indicative of a first characteristic of the tubular structure. The method additionally includes generating a modified image of the tubular structure by determining a plurality of image lines corresponding to the respective cross-sections, and displaying a curve that represents the first characteristic alongside the modified image. The curve is formed by displaying, along a scale, a plurality of second values that are functionally related to the respective first values, each second value being positioned alongside the modified image along a respective one of the image lines.

Abstract: Alcohol is used as a coupling medium between an ultrasonic transducer and patient skin providing rapid settling of quantitative measurements.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a combined CT-PET system wherein a CT source and detector are mounted to a front end of a CT support and the support forms a parking space about a translation axis, a PET detector is mounted to a rear end of the support and a collimator support extends from the PET detector at least part way into the parking space, a collimator is mounted to the collimator support for movement between first and second positions inside the PET detector and outside the PET detector and at least partially within the parking space, respectively, a radiation blocking shield is mounted to the PET detector opposite the CT support to block radiation from that direction from being detected by the PET detector.

Abstract: A digital image processor for a medical imaging system enhances acquired images and corrects the images for non-uniformities in the data acquisition process. The non-uniformity correction includes calculating a non-uniformity correction function h in an iterative process in which two input parameters V and S are adjusted until an optimal correction function h is produced. The acquired image is corrected using the optimal correction function h.

Abstract: A workstation includes a regression testing program which tests application programs developed on the workstation using stored test scripts. A test directory tree is maintained to mirror a source code directory tree, and the test directory tree is employed to select the test scripts to be used in testing any newly compiled application programs.

Abstract: A method to be used during a product development procedure wherein the procedure includes a series of consecutive development phases and the product includes at least two critical to quality characteristics (CTQs). The method is for generating a confidence matrix which can be used to increase a product sigma through product design. A user initially provides product limits and thereafter provides additional development information during each consecutive development phase. During at least two of the development phases and for each CTQ, development information is used to determine a quality factor which is indicative of the probability that the product will be within the specified limits. Also, for each CTQ, a confidence factor is identified which is indicative of the probability that the quality factor is accurate. Then, quality factors, CTQs and confidence factors are arranged such that the CTQs and factors are correlated.

Abstract: A universal interface apparatus for use with any of several different imaging systems for facilitating a plurality of different imaging modalities, the interface including at least function icons in a function navigation space and a workspace, each of the function icons corresponding to a process which is common among all of the imaging modalities, the interface also accessing data tables corresponding to specific workflow protocols for medical facility radiologists and/or for a medical facility in general, the tables identifying function icons and other icons for guiding a technologist through a properly orchestrated imaging process.

Abstract: A medical imaging system includes a workstation for receiving operator inputs that prescribe a scan and a plurality of servers which control the acquisition of image data and the reconstruction of prescribed images. Tag routers in the workstation and each server enable data in the form of tagged data objects to be exchanged during performance of a scan.

Abstract: An RF birdcage coil for use in MRI systems is disclosed. A number of slotted or nonconductive channels are provided in the conductive material of the RF coil to minimize the size of the conductive paths available for eddy currents. Furthermore, blocking capacitors are applied between the legs and the end segments of the conductive elements to isolate the end segments from the legs at low frequency harmonics, such as those associated with eddy currents, while acting substantially as a short circuit at high operational frequencies. Preferably, the blocking capacitors are constructed by providing the legs of a plurality of I-beams on a first side of a dielectric material, and the end segments on an opposing side. The blocking capacitor results from overlapping the conductive material forming the leg and end segment on opposite sides of the dielectric material.