Abstract: A computerized scheme for the analysis of digitized medical images which provides enhancement of interval changes occurring in a pair of temporally sequential images. In the method and apparatus of the invention, a pair of images are digitized and then are subjected to image registration including a nonlinear warping of one of the images so that corresponding locations in the two images are aligned with each other. Subsequent to image registration, a subtraction process is performed in order to generate a difference between the warped and unwarped images. In this manner, slight opacities which are only present in the later image may be detected based on the subtraction of the registered images.

Abstract: A computerized method and system for reducing the number of false-positive detections of nodule candidates in the detection of abnormalities in digital chest radiography. The image is initially subjected to an image difference technique where the detection sensitivity is increased so as to avoid missing small nodules which might otherwise go undetected. Such a technique tends to increase the number of false-positives, however, leading to possible incorrect diagnoses of the radiographs. To reduce the number of false-positives, feature extraction techniques are applied to grown regions around the nodule candidates, in order to provide computer generated information concerning the candidates. A data base of parameters common to false-positives is compared to calculated parameters of a candidate of interest. The candidates with grown region parameters within the data base range common to false-positives are eliminated as being probable false-positive detections due to normal background anatomical features.

Abstract: A method for reading a radiographic image by irradiating an image storage panel having a layer formed by vacuum evaporation and containing a stimulable alkali halide binderless phosphor. The irradiation takes place with an excitation ray at an oblique angle to a line normal to the panel and the phosphor comprises a pile-like structure. The method produces sharper images and improved sensitivity.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for converting radiographic image which comprises the steps of:(a) storing radiation energy-corresponding to a radiographic image in a stimulable phosphor of a panel comprising a stimulable phosphor-containing layer,(b) scanning the layer with a stimulating ray to release the stored energy as a fluorescence, and(c) detecting the fluorescence to form an image, wherein the stimulable phosphor is represented by the following formula:(M.sub.1-x.M.sup.I.sub.x)X.aM.sup.II X'.sub.2.bM.sup.III X".sub.3 :dBwherein M represents either Cs or Rb; M.sup.I represents at least one of alkaline metals selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Rb and Cs; M.sup.II represents at least one divalent meal selected from the group consisting of Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, Cd, Cu and Ni; M.sup.

Abstract: There are disclosed a radiation image storage panel having a stimulable layer and a protective layer on a support, which comprises a layer having a lower refractive index than the protective layer is provided between the stimulable phosphor layer and the protective layer; and a process for preparing a radiation image storage panel composed of a support, a stimulable phosphor layer and a protective layer, and a protective layer supporting member is so provided between layers of the support and the protective layer as to surround and seal edges of the stimulable phosphor layer, which comprises the steps of providing at least one notch to the protective layer supporting member which functions as a vent hole, heating and drying the radiation image storage panel, and then fusing and sealing the notch or notches.

Abstract: A radiation image storage panel which comprises a support and a light-shielding layer, a light-scattering layer and a stimulable phosphor layer formed on the support in succession.According to this invention, a radiation image storage panel provides radiation images that are high in radiation sensitivity and sharpness.

Abstract: Disclosed is a radiation image storage panel, which comprises a support, a flame-sprayed layer and a stimulable phosphor layer formed by a vapor phase build-in method in succession and method for preparing the same. According to this invention, radiation images which are high in radiation sensitivity and sharpness can be obtained.

Abstract: Disclosed is a radiation image storage panel comprising a heat generating body for drying assembled in a radiation image storage panel using a light stimulable phosphor.According to this invention, a radiation image storage panel which can stand uses for a long term can be obtained.

Abstract: A radiation image information reading method includes scanning a stimulating ray on a radiation image converting panel surface to obtain radiation image information stored on the radiation image converting panel, the scanning step including performing scanning of the stimulating ray while repeating successively irradiation and stopping thereof. In this manner, the noise caused by fluorescent afterflow, stimulation afterglow, stray light from outside of the apparatus or a laser beam, etc., can be removed simply and correctly. A visible image which is correct with good reproducibility corresponding to the real image, and also good in sharpness, can be obtained, whereby diagnosis with high reliability by means of a radiation image is rendered possible. In one embodiment, only image signals detected during periods of irradiation by the stimulating ray are read.

Abstract: There are disclosed a radiation image storage panel which comprises a stimulable phosphor layer on a support, wherein the stimulable phosphor layer has a fine pillar-shaped block structure, and a process of making a radiation image storage panel having a stimulable phosphor layer on a support, which comprises getting the stimulable phosphor layer having a fine pillar-shaped block structure. Scattering of the stimulation exciting light within the stimulable phosphor layer of the present invention can be markedly reduced since the stimulable phosphor layer has a block structure shaped in fine pillars, whereby it is possible to improve sharpness of the image. Also, radiation sensitivity and graininess of the image can be improved by enlargement of the stimulable phosphor layer without lowering sharpness of the image since lowering in sharpness of the image due to increase of the stimulable phosphor layer is little.

Abstract: Disclosed is a radiation image storage panel having at least one stimulable phosphor layer on a support and a protective layer provided on the stimulable phosphor layer, wherein the protective layer comprises at least two layers of which regains under a relative humidity of 90% on a sorption isotherm at 25.degree. C. are different by 0.5% or more.According to this invention, a radiation image storage panel which has good humidity resistance and can be used for a long term is obtained.