Abstract: An X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes a cone beam X-ray tube, an X-ray detector, a rotating mechanism for supporting the X-ray tube and X-ray detector, a moving mechanism for moving the object in the slice direction, a control unit for controlling the rotating mechanism and moving mechanism to execute helical scan operation and move relative to the object, an input device for setting a substantially cylindrical reconstruction area, and an image reconstructing unit for reconstructing image data within the set reconstruction area based on the output of the detector. The apparatus also includes a movement distance determining unit for determining the movement distance of the X-ray tube and X-ray detector relative to the object on the basis of the radius of the set reconstruction area as well as its height.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed to acquire scout scan data of a subject and analyzed to determine a peak-to-peak modulation amplitude of a normalized waveform indicative of subject size and shape. The scout scan data provides a representation of patient size and shape that is associated with an ideal tube current modulation waveform or profile. The ideal tube current modulation profile may then be sampled or approximated at various points to determine a tube current modulation profile for implementation to acquire CT data with reduced dose but without sacrificing image quality.

Abstract: An above table transillumination device has an X ray radiator that can be rotated around the horizontal axis of the radiator stand and that has a swivel lock having a manually actuatable unlocking lever. The unlocking lever is arranged at the front side of the radiator carrier facing away from the radiator stand and is connected to the lever of the swivel lock via a transmission device.

Abstract: A method for regulating a scan dosage includes generating an initial technique command based on default patient size or the previous exposure and on completion of exposure, receiving the actual technique signal. A target entrance dose signal is determined based a default patient size, and tube current is regulated in response to the target entrance dose signal and dose feedback. Image brightness is independently controlled in response to the target entrance dose and average image brightness. An object size is estimated based on the actual technique signal and an image brightness feedback. An optimized generator technique is defined based on estimated object size to achieve a target image quality for the user selected contrast material.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a proximity detector having a simple configuration and an imaging system including the proximity detector. In an embodiment, a proximity detector mainly comprises: a single electrode mounted on a subject-side end of a movable member; a current feeding device for feeding a constant current to an electrostatic capacitor formed between the electrode and a ground; a discharging device for releasing charge from the electrostatic capacitor at intervals of a certain cycle; a binary-coding device for binary-coding the potential at the electrode relative to a ground based on a threshold; and a smoothing device for smoothing an output signal of the binary-coding device.

Abstract: The invention provides an image processing apparatus and method wherein image signals can be arithmetically processed on the real-time basis. Infrared rays introduced into a light reception section are photoelectrically converted in synchronism with a reset pulse signal supplied from a timing generator and are outputted to an amplification section in synchronism with a light reception section transfer pulse signal supplied from the timing generator. The signal inputted to the amplification section is amplified to a level necessary for processing in an apparatus in the following stage in synchronism with an amplification section drive pulse signal supplied thereto from the timing generator, and outputted to an arithmetic operation section.

Abstract: Method for an x-ray arrangement for compensation of scattered radiation and x-ray apparatus The invention concerns a method for an x-ray arrangement comprising two x-ray systems (1, 2) for compensation of scattered radiation. In addition, the invention concerns an x-ray apparatus with two x-ray systems (1, 2) which respectively comprise an x-ray source (4, 5) and an x-ray detector (5, 7). An x-ray scattered radiation image based on the x-ray radiation (11) scattered on a subject (P) is acquired for at least one of the two x-ray systems (1, 2), given a definite positioning of the x-ray systems (1, 2) relative to one another. The acquired x-ray scattered radiation image is saved and used for subtraction from an x-ray image acquired with the x-ray system (1, 2) in order to compensate for the influence of the scattered radiation originating from the other x-ray system (1, 2) and to achieve an improved image quality.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing images of an object. The method includes dynamically helically scanning an object on a moving table utilizing a scanning imaging system. During the scan, projection views of the object are acquired and stored together with corresponding table locations. A plane for reconstruction of an image of the object is selected. The stored table locations are used to determine geometric variables applicable to the stored projection views; and the stored projection views are filtered and backprojected utilizing the geometrical variables to reconstruct an image of the object at the reconstruction plane.

Abstract: A method and device for calibrating images acquired by radiography comprising an X-ray source, an image acquisition, a support placed between the source and the image acquisition, on which support an object to be X-rayed is intended to be positioned. A region of interest, in which the object is likely to be found, is determined between the support and the image acquisition, the center of gravity of this region is determined and at least one calibration factor of the image or images is determined as a function of the position thus determined.

Abstract: A cooling arrangement for an X-ray tube of the type having a housing having an interior space in which the anode is disposed, and a projection in which the cathode is disposed, the projection being connected to the interior space by a neck region, includes channels for coolant flow formed by an electron beam detector that has a U-shape with legs that straddle the exterior of the neck region. Each leg of the electron beam deflector has a surface that faces an exterior corner of the housing formed by the projection, so as to form, in combination with the corner, a channel for coolant flow therethrough. A nozzle for discharging coolant can be provided at one end of each channel.

Abstract: A hybrid MR/x-ray scanner is disclosed that allows for the acquisition of x-ray as well as MR data in a single exam without requiring patient repositioning. As an MR scanner, the hybrid system is capable of providing images with soft tissue contrast, excellent 3D visualization, the ability to image in multiple scan planes, as well as the possibility of providing physiological information. The x-ray components of the hybrid scanner include a rotatable anode that rotates during data acquisition and is caused to rotate without introduction of unwanted magnetic flux to the MR magnetic field.

Abstract: An irradiation device provides a free volume around the longitudinal axis of the body (13) around the body to be irradiated. The supporting parts of a gantry (1, 2) are situated substantially radially with respect to the longitudinal axis. The gantry includes an inner gantry part (1) with at least two supporting locations (S) to an outer gantry portion (2).The support locations (S) are situated at each side of a treatment volume (12). A radiation head (8), mechanically attached to the inner gantry part (1) and arranged to direct radiation to the treatment volume (12) is movable around the treatment volume (12). In preferred embodiments, the parts (20, 21, 22, 23) of the gantry are formed as rings, leaving a free space along the rotational axis (9). A body-supporting couch (10) is arranged along the rotational axis extending through the hollow parts (20, 21, 22, 23). The radiation head (8) is preferably movable in a path also perpendicular to the rotation axis (9).

Abstract: A portable device for taking an X-ray of a human or animal patient comprising: a base for positioning an X-ray cassette holder adjacent to a patient, the patient being positioned on an operating table, and an X-ray cassette holder; the base comprising a first plate member having an upper surface and a bottom surface, the X-ray cassette holder being positioned on the upper surface and means positioned on the bottom surface for attaching the portable device to a surface adjacent to the operating table; the X-ray cassette holder comprising a second plate hingedly attached to the upper surface of the first plate so that the second plate can be positioned between a storage position and a functional position; the second plate defining channels at opposite sides thereof for positioning an X-ray film cassette adjacent to the patient to be X-rayed; means for locking the second plate in the functional position; and, a method for employing the device to X-ray a patient.

Abstract: A method for evaluating an SOI layer on an insulating film disposed on a base substrate so as to construct an SOI substrate, includes: measuring a first diffraction intensity distribution of an X-ray beam corresponding to an incident angle formed with the X-ray beam and a front surface of the SOI substrate by irradiating the X-ray beam onto the base substrate; measuring a second diffraction intensity distribution of the X-ray beam for the incident angle formed with the X-ray beam and the front surface of the SOI substrate by irradiating the X-ray beam onto the SOI layer; determining an evaluation diffraction peak corresponding to the SOI layer from the first and the second diffraction intensity distribution; and observing an X-ray topograph by irradiating the X-ray beam on the SOI layer with a second incident beam angle of the evaluation diffraction peak.

Abstract: A system for optically sensing manufacturing defects in organic photo conductor (OPC) devices. The system comprising an illumination source for illuminating the OPC device; at least one optical sensor positioned to view the illuminated device; and a controller connectable to the optical sensor, the controller comprising a threshold detector for determining manufacturing defects.

Abstract: Retroreflecting elements adapted for use in one-to-M wavelength routing elements are provided. Each retroreflecting element is configured to retroreflect an optical ray that is orthogonal to a reference plane. A first reflective surface, such as may be provided by a mirror, is inclined with respect to the reference plane and is disposed to encounter the optical ray. The first reflective surface is also configured for rotation about an axis to multiple positions. A second reflective surface, such as may also be provided by a mirror, is inclined with respect to the first reflective surface. In at least one of the positions, the optical ray also encounters the second reflective surface.

Abstract: A viewer (100) is provided for displaying and allowing interaction with interactive information and application interfaces. The viewer includes at least one code sensor (112) for sensing coded data (202) disposed on a surface (200). The viewer transmits data derived from the sensed data to a computer system and receives, in response, data for display on a color display (102). The visual content of the display may be synchronized with the visual content of the underlying coded surface. The viewer also includes a printer mechanism (200) for transferring to the underlying surface input captured via a touch-sensitive overlay (132) on the display (102).

Abstract: High-resolution measurement of a parameter is provided at multiple different locations simultaneously along an optic fiber. Light within a predefined range of wavelengths is transmitted into an optic fiber that contains multiple birefringent fiber optic pressure transducers, each including a Fiber Bragg Grating. Each grating defines a spatially modulated index of refraction and a wavelength that is unique within the system. A sweeping comb filter is used to apply optical comb filtering to light reflected from the transducers so as to pass filtered light having multiple spectral portions, each spectral portion associated with one transducer. The free spectral range of the sweeping comb filter is set to be approximately equal to the spectral range of a single spectral portion. Wavelength division multiplexing is applied to the filtered light so as to separate the spectral portions.

Abstract: An X-ray exposure apparatus comprises an X-ray mirror containing a material having an absorption edge only in at least either one of a wavelength region of less than 0.45 nm and a wavelength region exceeding 0.7 nm as to X-rays.

Abstract: In a method and device for positioning the level of a slice during the generation of a slice exposure of an examination subject with an x-ray examination device, a reference image of the exterior of the examination subject is recorded by a camera on a line of sight proceeding transverse to the direction of examination. The slice level of a subsequent slice exposure is determined using a slice level marking within the reference image.