Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus having X-ray irradiator for irradiating an X-ray to an object to be inspected, an X-ray sensor for detecting an X-ray passed through the object to be inspected, an X-ray sensor signal processing circuit for processing an output signal from the X-ray sensor, and a CT control apparatus for reconstructing an image of the object to be inspected on the basis of an output signal of the X-ray sensor processed by the X-ray sensor signal processing circuit. The X-ray sensor signal processing circuit removes a DC component from the output signal of the X-ray sensor and integrates the output signal of the X-ray sensor having the DC component removed therefrom.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus and methods for using the same based upon the interposing of a sample in an X-ray interferometer, such as a Bonse-Hart interferometer. An incident X-ray is split, reflected and combined to form first and second interference beams. When a sample is placed in an optical path of one of the beams, the X-ray intensity, phase and transmission direction of the X-ray beam are altered. A change in the amplitude and phase of the interference beams caused by the sample are obtained using a fringe scanning method, and a detector is used to detect the resulting image.

Abstract: This invention provides a radiographic apparatus and method, which can suitably set a grid in radiography or fluoroscopy and execute fluoroscopy or radiography of an object under optimum imaging conditions. The radiographic apparatus includes an X-ray unit (102) which irradiates an object with radiation (X-rays), a two-dimensional detector (106) which detects, through a grid, the radiation which has passed through the object, and a read control unit (107) which acquires an image of the object from the detected X-rays. The apparatus further includes a user interface (113) capable of setting imaging conditions such as an X-ray condition, grid condition, and read condition, a grid switching unit (105) which selects one of a plurality of grids on the basis of the set imaging conditions, and a grid stripe reduction unit (109) which reduces grid stripes generated on the image by the grid.

Abstract: An x-ray system is controlled to obtain a view of an area of a patient that is larger than a field of view of an x-ray detector. Individual images are obtained of portions of the area of the subject that, when combined, can be used to get a view of the area of the subject. Positions of individual images are determined. The positions are preferably calculated to avoid placing structures that tend to move or that are dose sensitive in an area of overlap of the individual images. Also, the positions are preferably calculated to reduce overall exposure to a subject, especially by reducing unnecessary double exposure.

Abstract: A radiographic apparatus includes a detection section including photoelectric conversion elements that detect radiation that has been transmitted through a subject. The apparatus has a substantially rectangular detection surface; and a housing that contains the detection section. The housing has a handle in an area along a longer side of the detection surface when viewed along a direction normal to the detection surface.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for generating images of a human or animal body on the basis of 3D-reconstructions from 3D-XRAY or 3D-Computer Tomography measurements, which bodies comprise both natural tissue and one or more high-density objects. The method comprises the steps of executing the measurements, distinguishing the one or more high-density objects and executing a separating procedure thereon for generating an improved image of regions of the natural tissue. In particular, the method comprises the following steps: applying a ramp filter on the various projection measurements to single out the one or more high-density objects; segmenting the singled-out one or more high-density objects into a separate 3D reconstruction; suppressing the reconstructed one or more high-density objects from the original projection measurements; and segmenting said projection measurements without the suppressed one or more high-density objects.

Abstract: A technique is provided for generating a three-dimensional image from fluoroscopic projection images. The technique allows for the acquisition of fluoroscopic images at different perspectives relative to a region of interest. One or more three-dimensional images may then be reconstructed from the fluoroscopic projection images. The three-dimensional images may then be displayed to provide anatomic context for the fluoroscopic application. A fluoroscopic projection image, such as the most current fluoroscopic image, may be superimposed on the three-dimensional image if desired.

Abstract: An optical waveguide used in a WDM optical transmission system are fabricated by the following steps in order to be highly integrated and reduced in size and to have a more preferable design. Namely, a first cladding and a first core are formed on a substrate; at least the first core is etched so as to remain a first waveguiding part for guiding light and non-waveguiding parts, disposed on the both sides of the waveguiding part along a guiding direction of the guiding of light, for guiding no light and in such a manner that two grooves, having varying widths in the guiding direction respectively, are formed between the waveguiding part and each of the non-waveguiding parts; a second cladding is deposited on the remaining first core and the fist cladding; and the second cladding is reflowed by a heat treatment so as to be flattened.

Abstract: A method for the detection of ionizing radiation including directing ionizing radiation towards an object to be examined, preventing Compton scattered radiation from being detected, and detecting ionizing radiation spatially resolved as transmitted through the object to reveal a spatially resolved density of the object. The ionizing radiation is provided within a spectral range such that more photons of the ionizing radiation are Compton scattered than absorbed through the photoelectric effect in the object, thereby reducing the radiation dose to the to the object.

Abstract: An inspection system based upon an enclosed conveyance such as a van, capable of road travel, for inspecting objects of inspection that may include persons. The conveyance is characterized by an enclosing body, or skin. A source of penetrating radiation and a spatial modulator for forming the penetrating radiation into a beam, both contained entirely within the body of the enclosed conveyance, irradiate an object with a time-variable scanning profile. A detector module generates a scatter signal based on penetrating radiation scattered by contents of the object, while a proximity sensor generates a relative motion signal based on a relative disposition of the conveyance and the inspected object. An image is formed of the contents of the object based in part on the scatter signal and the relative motion signal. A detector, which may be separate or part of the scatter detector module, may exhibit sensitivity to decay products of radioactive material.

Abstract: An X-ray equipment includes a movable carriage, an X-ray tube, and a cassette storage box for storing a cassette with a radiographic storage medium. In the X-ray equipment, when the cassette storage box is pulled and tilted, a gateway for the cassette is opened. When the cassette storage box is pushed back, the gateway is closed. The X-ray equipment further includes a storage box locking device for locking the cassette storage box in a state where the gateway is closed and for unlocking the cassette storage box when the locked state is released, and a locking release holding device for holding the storage box locking device in a released state. An auto-lock switching device is also attached to the storage box locking device for switching the storage box locking device from the released state to the locked state when the cassette storage box is closed.

Abstract: Scatter effects are reduced in a radiographic imaging device, such as a digital slot scan mammographic imaging device, by reducing detected scatter and processing detector information to compensate for scatter effects. Spatial intensity profile information together with other imaging signal and patient dependent parameters can be used in image processing to estimate and compensate for various scatter effects including single and multiple scatters and Compton and Rayleigh scatter.

Abstract: An X-ray computed tomographic (CT) system includes: a beam-hardening correction block that corrects first projection information in terms of the beam-hardening effect so as to produce second projection information; a first fitting block that fits a first function to the second projection information so as to produce third projection information; a second fitting block that fits a second function to the third projection information values that are provided as functions having as independent variables the second projection information values sampled in relation to all the views and each of the channels of an X-ray detector; and a correction coefficient modification block that modifies a second correction coefficient, which is calculated using a second phantom larger in dimensions than a first phantom, using a first correction coefficient calculated using the first phantom.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring and recording a time-varying radiation absorption profile of an object undergoing a change that causes such a variation, includes: a continuous radiation emission source; a plurality of radiation detectors; a signal-reversing switch, connected to the detectors; a plurality of signal integrators for each detector, the integrators for each detector being connected to their detector by the signal-reversing switch, with portions of the plurality of the integrators being combined in banks of integrators, such that the signal reversing switch simultaneously connects the detectors with only the integrators of one of the banks; a control unit, connected with the signal reversing switch, for switching the signal reversing switch; a pulse generator, connected to an input of the control unit; and a synchronous signal transmitter, connected to an input of the control unit, for resetting the signal reversing switch to the integrators of a first bank of integrators.

Abstract: An electron emitter assembly and a method for adjusting a power level of an electron beam are provided. The electron emitter assembly includes a laser configured to emit a first light beam. The electron emitter assembly further includes a light-attenuating device configured to receive the first light beam and to attenuate the first light beam between a first light intensity and a second light intensity greater than the first light intensity. The electron emitter assembly further includes a photo-cathode configured to receive the first light beam from the light-attenuating device. The photo-cathode is further configured to emit a first electron beam having a first power level in response to receiving the first light beam having the first light intensity. The photo-cathode is further configured to emit a second electron beam having a second power level greater than the first power level in response to receiving the first light beam having the second light intensity.

Abstract: In the first process, imaging is performed to obtain a tomosynthesis surface setting image. In X-ray tomosynthesis imaging, a subject (9) to be imaged is imaged while laid down on a bed table (25). An X-ray generator (13) and X-ray image detector (19) are positioned to laterally image the subject (9) in this lying state. In the second process, tomosynthesis surface information such as the position, range, and shape of a tomosynthesis surface is set. In the third process, a path, tomosynthesis angle, and fan angle are calculated to obtain a necessary amount of set tomosynthesis surface information, thereby executing data acquisition.

Abstract: A solid image pickup device is disclosed which comprises at least one unit cell having a photoelectric conversion portion, an amplifying means for amplifying a signal generated in the photoelectric conversion portion, a transfer means for transferring the signal to the amplifying means, a reset means for resetting an input terminal of the amplifying means, and a selecting means for selecting the amplifying means and outputting a signal to a signal output line, wherein at least two of a selection control line for controlling the selecting means, a transfer control line for controlling the transfer means, a reset control line for controlling the reset means, and the signal output line in a unit cell, or between two unit cells operating in time series fashion, or between two adjoining unit cells are one common line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tailoring the profile of an x-ray beam for radiographic imaging for a specific subject is disclosed. The invention includes a filter assembly having a pair of filters, each of which may be dynamically controlled by a motor assembly during data acquisition. The filters are positionable in the x-ray beam so as to shape the intensity profile of the x-ray beam. In one exemplary embodiment, the filters are dynamically positioned during CT data acquisition based on the shape of the subject. A method of determining the shape of the subject prior to CT data acquisition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method of diagnostic imaging is provided that includes positioning a subject in a scanning bay, comparing a center of mass of the subject to a reference point, and repositioning the subject in the scanning bay to reduce a difference in position between the center of mass of the subject and the reference point. The present invention automatically selects a proper attenuation filter configuration, corrects patient centering, and corrects noise prediction errors, thereby increasing dose efficiency and tube output.

Abstract: A system and method of diagnostic imaging is provided that includes determining a position of a subject in a scanning bay and tailoring x-ray attenuation such that the specific position of the subject is taken into consideration. The present invention automatically selects a proper attenuation filter configuration, corrects patient centering, and corrects noise prediction errors, thereby increasing dose efficiency and tube output.