Abstract: The present technique provides for the estimation and correction of bone induced spectral (BIS) artifacts. Spectral matching is employed to approximate the incident X-ray spectrum attenuated by bone and water with an X-ray spectrum attenuated by water alone. A table can be built to express the amount in apparent projection value shift for objects containing bone and water compared with water-like object when their corresponding normalized spectra match. The BIS error may thereby be determined from existing spectral error data obtained from spectral calibration. A corresponding correction factor may be determined from the shift value.

Abstract: A patient table including a generally C-shaped lower base having opposing laterally extending end portions connected by a longitudinally extending central portion, and wherein the longitudinally extending portion is offset laterally from a longitudinally extending center line of the table. The table also includes an upper base, front and rear lift arms extending upwardly from the lower base and holding the upper base vertically above the lower base, and an elongated patient support pallet secured on one longitudinally extending side to the upper base and having an opposite longitudinally extending side substantially overhanging the laterally extending end portions of the lower base, and wherein the pallet is made of radiolucent material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for extending a dynamic range of an X-ray imaging system. The method includes the steps of detecting a plurality of X-ray beams, amplifying each of the plurality of detected X-ray beams using a first gain value, amplifying each of the plurality of detected X-ray beams using a second gain value, and forming an X-ray image from the detected X-ray beams amplified by the first gain value and from the detected X-ray beams amplified by the second gain value.

Abstract: An X-ray absorptance map associated with an object to be examined is generated on the basis of scanogram data obtained from a predetermined direction of the object, and imaging conditions are determined on the basis of the absorptance map. Before tomography, an index representing a radiation dose in the execution of scan in accordance with the imaging conditions is calculated and displayed, together with the imaging conditions. Every time the imaging conditions are changed, an index representing a radiation dose is calculated and displayed. Tomography is executed in accordance with the finally determined imaging conditions. This makes it possible to reduce the radiation dose to the object and obtain a tomographic image with high quality.

Abstract: A pixilated scintillator array for a radiation detector of an imaging system includes a plurality of scintillator pixels arranged side by side in an array. The scintillator pixels are separated from adjacent scintillator pixels by gaps. Each scintillator pixels includes a top surface, a plurality of side surfaces, and a first layer covering the top surface and the side surfaces of each scintillator pixel. The first layer is formed from a smoothing coating. A second layer formed from a reflective metal coating covers the first layer, and a third layer formed from a barrier coating covers the second layer.

Abstract: In an x-ray absorber in accordance with the present invention, reduced transmittance of the x-ray absorber is suppressed while phase shift amount in the vicinity of ?-radians is achieved. For this purpose, a material is used that has a high transmittance per film thickness and contains an element with a high phase shift amount and an element with a low transmittance, as a material composition that forms the x-ray absorber. In other words, the transmittance of the x-ray absorber is mainly determined by the element with a low transmittance, and phase shift falling short of ?-radians is compensated with the element with a high transmittance and a high phase shift.

Abstract: An X-ray optical system with an X-ray source (Q) and a first graded multi-layer mirror (A), wherein the extension Qx of the X-ray source (Q) in an x direction perpendicular to the connecting line in the z direction between the X-ray source (Q) and the first graded multi-layer mirror (A) is larger than the region of acceptance (F) of the mirror (A) at a focus (Oa) of the mirror (A) in the x direction, is characterized in that a first collimator (bl) is disposed at a focus of the first graded multi-layer mirror (A) between the X-ray source (Q) and the mirror (A) whose opening in the x direction corresponds to the region of acceptance of the first graded multi-layer mirror (A) and the separation qzA between first collimator (bl) and X-ray source (Q) is: qzA=Qx/tan ?x, wherein ?x is the angle subtended by the first graded multi-layer mirror (A) in the x direction, as viewed from the first collimator (bl).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for performing X-ray imaging in intraoral application. The method comprises irradiation of an object with a substantially low amount of X-radiation, and a substantially low amount of X-radiation passed through the object is received. The method comprises compiling a sample of image data from the received, substantially low amount of X-radiation. The sample of image data information is communicated to an X-ray source (100), and according to the sample of image data information the object is irradiated with X-radiation, from which X-radiation the part that has passed through the object is received, and the received X-radiation, which is consistent with the sample of image data information, is used for compiling image information.

Abstract: A switching mechanism is configured such that a lower limb radiographic filter 11a is moved inside a radiation field of the X-rays that is an opening portion of an X-ray movable restriction only when radiographing a region of a subject from the groin to the toe, or the filter is moved outside the radiation field when radiographing the lumber region of the subject. With this switching mechanism thus constituted, it is possible to lighten a burden of the operator, and realize the X-ray radiographic apparatus having high universality.

Abstract: The present invention provides an x-ray measuring apparatus for diagnosis having high spatial resolution and high sensitivity, which includes: an x-ray source for emitting x-rays from an x-ray focal spot; an x-ray detector in which a plurality of sensing elements each having a sensitive part and a blind part surrounding the sensitive part are arranged two-dimensionally; data processing means for collecting output signals of the sensing elements and performing data processing; and an anti-scatter grid disposed between the x-ray focal spot and the x-ray detector with predetermined distance from the position of the x-ray focal spot and in which an x-ray transmitting member and an x-ray shielding member are alternately arranged in a first direction.

Abstract: An X-ray examination apparatus includes an X-ray source, an X-ray detector and an exposure control system. The exposure control system is arranged to control the X-ray source so as to perform a test exposure at a low X-ray dose and to perform an X-ray exposure at a higher X-ray dose. The X-ray detector applies a control signal resulting from the test exposure to the exposure control system and the X-ray source is adjusted on the basis of this control signal. The X-ray exposure produces an X-ray image and the X-ray detector supplies an image signal representing this X-ray image. The exposure control system is arranged to adjust the X-ray detector to a low spatial resolution during the test exposure and to a high spatial resolution during the X-ray exposure. The X-ray detector preferably includes a sensor matrix having sensor elements arranged in columns and rows. The spatial resolution is adjusted by deriving the control signal and the image signal from large and small groups of sensor elements, respectively.

Abstract: A pad assembly adapted to receive an envelope enclosing an x-ray cassette, thus allowing x-rays to be taken while a patient is lying or sitting on the pad assembly. The pad assembly allows a conventional hospital stretcher to be converted for use as a specialized x-ray stretcher.

Abstract: Reflectometry apparatus includes a radiation source, adapted to irradiate a sample with radiation over a range of angles relative to a surface of the sample, and a detector assembly, positioned to receive the radiation reflected from the sample over the range of angles and to generate a signal responsive thereto. A shutter is adjustably positionable to intercept the radiation, the shutter having a blocking position, in which it blocks the radiation in a lower portion of the range of angles, thereby allowing the reflected radiation to reach the array substantially only in a higher portion of the range, and a clear position, in which the radiation in the lower portion of the range reaches the array substantially without blockage.

Abstract: An x-ray-based nonintrusive inspection apparatus has a collimator shield. An adjusting actuator is actuable to move the collimator shield between a pre-scanning position and a CT scanning position, in the pre-scanning position, the collimator shield exposing a smaller portion of a respective crystal to the x-rays than in the CT scanning position. A controller is connected to a gantry motor and the adjusting actuator. The controller controls the motor and the adjusting actuator such that the collimator shield is in the pre-scanning position when a gantry is stationary and in the CT scanning position when the gantry is rotating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cephalometric imaging using an apparatus (1) which comprises an X-ray source (5), a line detector camera (8) equipped with a digital detector, which line detector camera is located to a position far away from the X-ray source (5) for carrying out cephalometric imaging while the slot of the line detector camera is substantially vertical. In cephalometric imaging, an X-ray beam (11) located substantially on the vertical plane is directed from the X-ray source (5) through the object being imaged, and the X-ray source (5) is at the same time turned about the rotation center (13) located between the X-ray source and the line detector camera (8) in order to scan the object being imaged in the horizontal direction, whereby the line detector camera (8) is moved during the scanning movement in such a way that the ray beam (11) meets the slot (14) of the line detector camera.

Abstract: Liquid metal gaskets for use in vacuum tubes are provided. Such liquid metal gaskets are ideal for use in x-ray tubes in x-ray imaging systems. These liquid metal gaskets comprise an internal plug incorporating a liquid metal filling, a first seal connected to a first end of the internal plug so as to isolate a bearing assembly from a vacuum vessel portion of the vacuum tube, and a second seal connected to a second end of the internal plug so as to prevent particles and vapors in a cavity of the bearing assembly from migrating into a vacuum area of the x-ray tube. The liquid metal gaskets incorporate any suitable liquid metal, such as mercury, gallium, or a gallium alloy. The liquid metal gaskets allow any suitable type of bearing assembly lubricant to be used, such as oils, powders, liquids, solids, wetting metals, and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mammographic imaging system and tools for processing mammographic images to enhance image acquisition and review workflow. The systems and tools enable rapid access to digital image information providing for improved workflow management and identification of images, upon initial review. The system and tools also allow for background processing of image information to reduce workflow delay. Specifically, digital images are processed in the background, i.e., they are automatically processed, free from specific task-orientated direction by a user, using resources that are not otherwise occupied addressing user-directed tasks. Background processing that may be supported includes preprocessing and interim processing. Preprocessing refers to processing of an image that occurs prior to initial review of that image by a physician. Interim processing refers to background processing that occurs during a review session, e.g., in a time period between initial review and a subsequent review of an image.

Abstract: An imaging system and method for using the same is disclosed. The imaging system includes an x-ray detection array or plurality of detection arrays, a point x-ray source, and a controller. The point x-ray source moves relative to a detection array, each of the x-ray detectors subtending a solid angle at the point source that depends on the relative position of the point source and the detection array and on the location of the detector in the detection array. The signal generated by each x-ray detector depends on a calibration parameter that is independent of the solid angle subtended by that x-ray detector at the point source. The controller stores a table of calibration values that determines the calibration parameter for each of the x-ray detectors. The controller corrects the signals generated by the x-ray detectors for solid angle and for variations in the calibration parameter.

Abstract: A light generation apparatus is capable of widely changing the intensity of generated light. The light generation apparatus includes an X-ray source, a high-voltage generation circuit, and a CPU. The high-voltage generation circuit has a plurality of capacitors, and a plurality of switches, which are arranged on the charging and discharging paths of the capacitors. The CPU controls the switches to switch a capacitor for supplying electric energy to the X-ray point source, thereby changing electric energy supplied to the X-ray point source.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for the rotational mounting of a rotary anode of an X-ray emitting device on a support having at least one rolling bearing provided in order to be placed between the rotary anode and the support, the rolling bearing having a rotating ring, a non-rotating ring, and rolling elements placed between raceways of the first ring and of the second ring. At least one sleeve is intended to be mounted between an axially stressed ring of the rolling bearing and a cylindrical bearing surface of the anode or of the support, the sleeve being radially elastic in order to compensate for variations in radial dimensions between the ring and the cylindrical bearing surface, and in order to dampen the vibration, while at the same time being suitable for allowing the ring to slide axially with respect to the cylindrical bearing surface.