Abstract: A system and method for providing remote viewing and analysis of diagnostic images is provided by the present invention. Electronic diagnostic imaging equipment receives raw data from an operator, and means responsive to the raw data translates the data into scanner commands to acquire a scan. A remote terminal is adapted to receive the raw data and scan data, and to reproduce and manipulate images represented by the received data. In accordance with the present invention, these steps and functions can be rapidly achieved, so that the maximum amount of existing data required for image quality issue analysis is available.

Abstract: A model-based optimization is used to determine x-ray techniques for optimal image quality performance. The first step for achieving model-based optimization is to determine optimized techniques for a fixed spectral filter and focal spot to define a basic trajectory. The spectral filter and focal spot versus patient size are then optimized. The determined optimized techniques and the optimized spectral filter and focal spot versus patient size are used to create a functional trajectory which includes a Basic Trajectory Selector Table (indicating optimized spectral filter/focal spot) and the associated basic trajectories.

Abstract: A method is used for interfacing materials of dissimilar thermal expansion in an X-ray tube. Initially, a first joint is identified, which has an inner component to be received into an outer component. Typically, the inner component has a higher coefficient of expansion than the outer component, so the purpose of the invention is to reduce the physical expansion of that component in the joint. A plurality of slots is introduced along the approximate axial length of the inner component of the joint, to achieve the aforementioned purpose. Alternatively, a coupling member could be provided between two components, the coupling member having a thermal expansion rate greater than one component and less than the other component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for enhancing signals In ECGs including artefacts, said apparatus comprising a mean value unit (4) for evaluating from an ECG signal the curve shape of a predetermined number of beats from the beginning of a QRS complex to the end of a T wave and forming therefrom a mean value beat. A subtracting unit (3) subtracts the mean value beat from the ECG signal of an actual beat to thereby obtain a residual signal. A FIR filter unit (4) subjects the residual signal to high-low-pass filtering and delays it to provide a filtered signal to which the mean value beat is added in an adding unit.

Abstract: Upon detection of systole by a detector (21), a master controller (20) adjusts a transmit level control (36) to cause a transducer array (2) to transmit ultrasound waves with a high acoustic output approaching the mechanical index FDA limit with sufficient dwell time between HAO frames to limit the temporal average below the FDA limit. The dwell time may be occupied by lower acoustic output frames (LAO) which are generated using the transmit level control (36).

Abstract: A computerized ultrasound imager is programmed with software that enables a “Live Imaging” mode. “Live Imaging” refers to the ability to keep a network association (between the imager and a remote device) open throughout the course of an examination of a patient. Each time the operator presses a Print/Store button configured to a storage device, the frozen image will be automatically sent to the remote device via the open connection. The “Live Imaging” association is closed when the system operator presses an “End Exam” button on the keyboard. In the case where the remote device is a printer configured to receive multi-image film sessions, pressing the “End Exam” button also forces the transfer of any partially filled film session from the imager to the printer.

Abstract: A system and method for phase sensitive MRI reconstruction using partial k-space data to reduce either scan time or echo time, depending on whether partial echo or partial NEX MR data is acquired, that retains phase information and reduces edge blurring in a magnetic resonance image. Phase sensitive partial k-space data reconstruction improves upon the homodyne reconstruction process to estimate and correct for an edge blurring convolution error term in a partial echo or partial NEX data while preserving phase information. The phase sensitive partial k-space reconstruction includes Fourier transforming and filtering the partial k-space data through high and low-pass filters, and a linear combination of both, and estimating a blurring correction term, representative of a convolution error factor, from a portion of the filtered data set.

Abstract: A method is provided for 3-D MR imaging of structure such as a cardiac region of a subject, which is disposed to cyclical motion. The method comprises detecting commencement of each of a succession of motion cycles, and acquiring a set of MR views of the region during each motion cycle. Each view is at a known radial distance from the center of a two-dimensional k-space, and each set includes a view of lowest spatial frequency, which is located proximate to the k-space center. The order in which the views of respective sets are acquired is selected so that the lowest frequency views of respective sets are each acquired at the same specified time, following commencement of their respectively corresponding motion cycles. The views of each set collectively define a segment in the k-space, respective segments being placed in an interleaved spiral or elliptical arrangement with respect to one another.

Abstract: A method for converting a digital image to an analog-simulative film-like digital image is described wherein input pixel values (designated X) from the original digital image are converted to film-like output values (designated Y) wherein Y=AXp+B. The input values X, which range from Xmin to Xmax, are divided into consecutive intervals wherein different values of A, p, and B are applied for each interval. Most preferably, three intervals are defined so as to correspond to low, medium, and high light/radiation response intervals on film. In a low light/radiation region wherein X<X1, A is generally chosen to be less than 1 to provide range compression at the low end of the input dynamic range, and p is generally chosen to be greater than 1 to provide increasing light response. In a high light/radiation region wherein X>X2, p is generally chosen to be less than 1 to provide range compression.

Abstract: An MRI system acquires MRA data from two overlapping thin slabs using a 3DTOF pulse sequence. Motion artifacts are reduced by using a reverse centric phase encode order during the first thin slab acquisition and a centric phase encode order during the second thin slab acquisition. Patient movement is reduced by producing a uniform sound with gradient pulse sequences during the interval between thin slab acquisitions and during a preparation period prior to the first thin slab acquisition.

Abstract: The present invention is, in one aspect, an imaging system having a detector that has multiple detector cells extending along a z-axis, the detector being configured to collect multiple slices of data; and a scalable data acquisition system configured to convert signals from the detector to digital form, the scalable data acquisition system having a plurality of converter boards each with a plurality of channels, the channels and detector cells having an interweaved coupling to reduce susceptibility to band artifact.

Abstract: In an MR imaging system, a method is provided for operating an MR gradient coil to provide a pulse sequence which comprises first and second sub-sequences. During the first sub-sequence, the coil is operated to produce a pair of diffusion-weighted imaging pulses, each having a gradient amplitude and a slew-rate. During the second sub-sequence the coil is operated to produce a train of echo-planar imaging pulses, each having a gradient amplitude which is selectively less than the amplitude of the diffusion-weighted pulses, and a slew-rate which is selectively greater than the slew-rate of the diffusion-weighted pulses. Thus, the invention is directed to a gradient system which can provide optimal performance for both diffusion-weighted imaging and echo-planar imaging, while using only a single coil for a given gradient axis.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging system for displaying velocity of fluid includes a receiver which demodulates ultrasonic echo signals received by a transducer array from two different positions. The resulting data is organized into frames of data from the two different positions. The data is used to calculate the angle of rotation between the frames. The fluid flow velocity then is calculated from the frames of data and the angle of rotation.

Abstract: An imaging system and method for determining sensor position and orientation with respect to an object having a known three dimensional structure is disclosed. The sensor acquires an image of the known structure. Position and orientation of the sensor is determined by processing the image with formulas corresponding to the known structure. One embodiment of the present invention comprises an ultrasound training system and method for determining the position and orientation of an ultrasound probe with respect to a known three dimensional structure embodied in an ultrasound phantom. The ultrasound probe acquires a cross sectional or partial volume image of the ultrasound phantom. The image is processed to obtain a number of geometrical image parameters. Position and orientation of the ultrasound probe are calculated from the image parameters using formulas based on the known three dimensional structure. The determination of probe position and orientation may be enhanced using image de-correlation techniques.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for informing a system user of the remaining battery terminal voltage as the battery approaches the fully discharged condition. One horizontal fuel gauge icon for each battery is displayed on the host system display panel. The fuel gauge is displayed as two overlapping rectangles which are left justified. The first layer is a solid outline, always the same width, representing the full charge capacity of the battery. The second layer is a filled-in rectangle representing the present (actual) charge capacity as a percentage of the full charge capacity in a charge depletion mode and representing the battery terminal voltage in a voltage mode. The fuel gauging switches from the charge depletion mode to the voltage mode is response to detection of a battery terminal voltage threshold greater than a shutdown voltage threshold.

Abstract: A system and method are proposed for cooling the anode of an X-ray tube. A bearing shaft associated with the anode has an associated single rotating seal there around, and contains a liquid metal. A primary liquid metal flow path is used to transfer heat from the anode, and a secondary liquid metal flow path is provided to seal the single rotating seal. Accordingly, the present invention provides an effective means for containing liquid metal in the bearing shaft of an anode assembly, and using the liquid metal to cool the anode of the X-ray tube.

Abstract: A phase-sensitive method of inversion recovery MR imaging is provided, which is directed to a specified object. The method comprises the steps of applying an inversion-recovery MR sequence to the object to acquire a set of MR data for an initial image, wherein the initial image comprises a pixel matrix of specified size, each of the initial image pixels having an associated MR signal and a phase vector. The method further comprises generating a phase vector image from information provided by respective initial image pixels, the phase vector image having a matrix size which is substantially less than the matrix size of the initial image. A region-growing procedure is applied to the phase vector image to remove phase errors therefrom. Thereupon, the phase vector image is zoomed or expanded to a matrix of the same size as the initial image matrix. For multi-slice imaging where TI time is comparatively long, the method may employ a distributed interleave mode of data acquisition to reduce total imaging time.

Abstract: A system and method for arterial and venous discrimination in MR venography is disclosed. By setting a noise level in the phase image (that is proportional to the velocity encoding value) at a threshold level between that of the arterial signals and the venous signals during the diastole portion of the cardiac cycle and acquiring a phase contrast MR image during the diastole portion, the arterial signals are effectively suppressed and a venous only image can be reconstructed. Post-processing steps are disclosed which can alternatively provide an arterial only image. By separately reconstructing a magnitude image and a phase image map to produce a magnitude image and a phase image, a masking module can create an output displaying venous only or arterial only images based on a user selection. The present invention allows for a complete noninvasive angiography exam to be completed within approximately 30 minutes.

Abstract: Vibration of the magnet assembly in a MRI system perturbs the magnetic field and adversely affects the images produced by the system. The perturbation of the magnetic field can be sensed by an apparatus having a source which emits a first signal that is reflected off the magnet assembly. A receiver detects a second signal formed by the reflected portion of the first signal. The first and second signals are processed to produce an output signal representing movement of the electromagnet and thus variation of the magnetic field. That output signal can be used by to components of the magnetic resonance imaging system to compensate for the effects that the vibration has on the images.

Abstract: The present invention, in one form, is a system for correcting thermal drift in an imaging system. More specifically, a correction algorithm determines an adjusted focal spot position based upon a first temperature focal spot position and a second temperature focal spot position. The adjusted focal spot position is utilized in the reconstruction process to correct for focal spot movement resulting from thermal drift.