Patents by Inventor Akira Nishijima

Akira Nishijima has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20210038182
    Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus of an embodiment includes an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector, a data processor, a battery, a rotating body, and processing circuitry. The X-ray detector is configured to detect X rays output from the X-ray tube. The data processor is configured to process a signal output from the X-ray detector. The battery is configured to supply electric power to the data processor. The rotating body is configured to rotatably support the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector, the X-ray tube facing the X-ray detector, and further to rotatably support the data processor and the battery. The processing circuitry is configured to monitor a remaining capacity of the battery, and determine a scanning condition on the basis of the remaining capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2020
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Applicant: CANON MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akira NISHIJIMA
  • Publication number: 20210011179
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a converter array includes a first substrate, multiple sets of a plurality of analog-digital converters and a switch. The multiple sets are arranged on the first substrate in array. The switch is configured to switch a connection relationship between the plurality of analog-digital converters to process signals from photodiodes smaller in number than the analog-digital converters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Applicant: Canon Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Akira Nishijima
  • Patent number: 10823684
    Abstract: An X-ray detector according to a present embodiment includes: an optical sensor array configured to generate an electric signal by receiving X-rays; a substrate including at least an element that performs A/D conversion on the electric signal; a first support plate configured to hold a separator for removing scattered radiation; and a second support plate that is formed of a material being higher in thermal conductivity than the first support plate and is provided in contact with the substrate at least in part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: CANON MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Minoru Horinouchi, Akira Nishijima
  • Patent number: 10729392
    Abstract: An X-ray detector according to one embodiment includes X-ray detector modules, and a frame. Each X-ray detector module has a detection surface on which detection elements configured to detect X-rays are arrayed, and a supporter configured to support the detection elements. The frame fixes positions of the X-ray detector modules in such a manner that the detection surfaces of the X-ray detector modules are aligned along a first direction. The frame is provided with a pin protruding toward the supporter, at a position to which the supporter is fixed. The supporter is provided with a hole through which and into which the pin is inserted and fitted, at a position facing the frame. A movement of the supporter in the first direction is restricted by fitting the pin provided to the frame into the hole provided to the supporter, when the supporter is attached to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: CANON MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kuniaki Yamamoto, Ryuichi Teramoto, Akira Nishijima, Takashi Kanemaru, Minoru Horinouchi
  • Publication number: 20200214653
    Abstract: An X-ray detector according to an embodiment includes a plurality of detection arrays, processing circuitry, and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The plurality of detection arrays includes a plurality of detecting elements, respectively. The processing circuitry performs the control to change the reading timings of the plurality of detecting elements between the plurality of detection arrays. The ADC processes signals from the plurality of detecting elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2020
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Applicant: CANON MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akira NISHIJIMA
  • Publication number: 20200037967
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes an X-ray detection element, an A/D convertor, a readout switch, and readout control circuitry. The X-ray detection element outputs an electric signal corresponding to a detected X-ray. The A/D convertor A/D-converts the electric signal. The readout switch switches a connection between the X-ray detection element and the A/D convertor. The readout control circuitry acquires, as offset data, data which is output by the A/D convertor in a state where the readout switch is OFF instead of projection data which is output by the A/D convertor according to the electric signal in a state where the readout switch is ON, in a view during a scan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Applicant: Canon Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Akira NISHIJIMA
  • Publication number: 20200037968
    Abstract: A radiation detector according to an embodiment includes a plurality of radiation detector modules and a fixing frame. When a radiation detector module is attached to the fixing frame, a guiding part with a groove shape formed at an end of a support member of the radiation detector module on a side of the fixing frame is fitted to a guiding pin provided to an end of the fixing frame, so that the radiation detector module is positioned in a radiation irradiation direction while a movement thereof in a channel direction and a row direction is restricted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Applicant: Canon Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Masao Takayasu, Minoru Horinouchi, Akira Nishijima
  • Publication number: 20200011813
    Abstract: An X-ray detector according to a present embodiment includes: an optical sensor array configured to generate an electric signal by receiving X-rays; a substrate including at least an element that performs A/D conversion on the electric signal; a first support plate configured to hold a separator for removing scattered radiation; and a second support plate that is formed of a material being higher in thermal conductivity than the first support plate and is provided in contact with the substrate at least in part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Applicant: CANON MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Minoru HORINOUCHI, Akira NISHIJIMA
  • Patent number: 10371829
    Abstract: An X-ray detector according to an embodiment includes a scintillator array and a photodiode array. In the scintillator array, a plurality of scintillators are arranged in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction. The photodiode array includes photodiodes each of which is installed for a different one of the scintillators and each of which has an active area configured to convert visible light emitted by the scintillator into an electrical signal. The photodiodes are arranged in such a manner that the widths of the active areas are equal to one another in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Canon Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Nishijima, Michito Nakayama, Atsushi Hashimoto, Takaya Umehara, Shuya Nambu, Hiroaki Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 10070840
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes an X-ray tube, X-ray detector, data acquisition circuit, and correction circuit. The X-ray tube generates X-rays. The X-ray detector detects the X-rays. The data acquisition circuit acquires data corresponding to an output from the X-ray detector. The correction circuit executes correction processing for third data acquired by the data acquisition circuit in actual scanning, based on first data acquired by the data acquisition circuit in a state of non-irradiation with X-rays before the actual scanning and second data acquired by the data acquisition circuit in the state of non-irradiation with X-rays after the actual scanning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Atsushi Hashimoto, Shuya Nambu, Takaya Umehara, Akira Nishijima, Koichi Miyama
  • Patent number: 9921171
    Abstract: An X-ray computer-tomography (CT) apparatus includes an X-ray detector, a reading unit, and a read control unit. The X-ray detector has a first region and a second region at least a part of which is aligned with the first region along a channel direction, the first region in which a plurality of first detection devices that detect X-rays are arranged, the second region in which a plurality of second detection devices having a width smaller in a slice direction than that of the first detection device are arranged. The reading unit reads a signal of the X-rays detected. The read control unit adjusts timing of reading signals from the first detection device and the second detection device according to difference between the size of the first and the second detection device in such a manner that time difference in the reading signals in the slice direction decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Shuya Nambu, Takayuki Yamazaki, Keiji Matsuda, Machiko Iso, Atsushi Hashimoto, Akira Nishijima, Takashi Kanemaru, Koichi Miyama, Takaya Umehara
  • Publication number: 20180000433
    Abstract: An X-ray detector according to one embodiment includes X-ray detector modules, and a frame. Each X-ray detector module has a detection surface on which detection elements configured to detect X-rays are arrayed, and a supporter configured to support the detection elements. The frame fixes positions of the X-ray detector modules in such a manner that the detection surfaces of the X-ray detector modules are aligned along a first direction. The frame is provided with a pin protruding toward the supporter, at a position to which the supporter is fixed. The supporter is provided with a hole through which and into which the pin is inserted and fitted, at a position facing the frame. A movement of the supporter in the first direction is restricted by fitting the pin provided to the frame into the hole provided to the supporter, when the supporter is attached to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Kuniaki YAMAMOTO, Ryuichi TERAMOTO, Akira NISHIJIMA, Takashi KANEMARU, Minoru HORINOUCHI
  • Publication number: 20170205517
    Abstract: An X-ray detector according to an embodiment includes a scintillator array and a photodiode array. In the scintillator array, a plurality of scintillators are arranged in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction. The photodiode array includes photodiodes each of which is installed for a different one of the scintillators and each of which has an active area configured to convert visible light emitted by the scintillator into an electrical signal. The photodiodes are arranged in such a manner that the widths of the active areas are equal to one another in the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Applicant: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akira NISHIJIMA, Michito NAKAYAMA, Atsushi HASHIMOTO, Takaya UMEHARA, Shuya NAMBU, Hiroaki MIYAZAKI
  • Publication number: 20170095222
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes an X-ray tube, X-ray detector, data acquisition circuit, and correction circuit. The X-ray tube generates X-rays. The X-ray detector detects the X-rays. The data acquisition circuit acquires data corresponding to an output from the X-ray detector. The correction circuit executes correction processing for third data acquired by the data acquisition circuit in actual scanning, based on first data acquired by the data acquisition circuit in a state of non-irradiation with X-rays before the actual scanning and second data acquired by the data acquisition circuit in the state of non-irradiation with X-rays after the actual scanning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Applicant: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Atsushi HASHIMOTO, Shuya NAMBU, Takaya UMEHARA, Akira NISHIJIMA, Koichi MIYAMA
  • Patent number: 9547090
    Abstract: An X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to an embodiment includes an X-ray detector that includes a first semiconductor chip including a plurality of elements configured to convert X-rays into an electrical signal, a substrate configured to collect the electrical signal from each element, a second semiconductor chip that is provided between the first semiconductor chip and the substrate and is formed of the same material as that of the first semiconductor chip, a plurality of first electrodes configured to couple each element of the first semiconductor chip to the second semiconductor chip, and a plurality of second electrodes that are configured to couple the second semiconductor chip to the substrate and are larger than the first electrodes. The second semiconductor chip wires the first electrodes and the second electrodes on a one-to-one basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keiji Matsuda, Shuya Nambu, Takaya Umehara, Atsushi Hashimoto, Takashi Kanemaru, Akira Nishijima, Koichi Miyama, Tomoe Sagoh
  • Patent number: 9480446
    Abstract: An X-ray detection submodule, comprising: a substrate; a photodiode mounted on the substrate; an X-ray detection element configured to detect an X-ray and convert the X-ray into light; and a light waveguide provided between the photodiode and the X-ray detection element, wherein the light waveguide connects the X-ray detection element with the photodiode such that the substrate is inclinedly disposed with respect to an X-ray detection surface of the X-ray detection element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Atsushi Hashimoto, Akira Nishijima, Shuya Nambu, Yoji Kudo, Masahiko Yamazaki, Tomonori Asada
  • Publication number: 20160033657
    Abstract: An X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to an embodiment includes an X-ray detector that includes a first semiconductor chip including a plurality of elements configured to convert X-rays into an electrical signal, a substrate configured to collect the electrical signal from each element, a second semiconductor chip that is provided between the first semiconductor chip and the substrate and is formed of the same material as that of the first semiconductor chip, a plurality of first electrodes configured to couple each element of the first semiconductor chip to the second semiconductor chip, and a plurality of second electrodes that are configured to couple the second semiconductor chip to the substrate and are larger than the first electrodes. The second semiconductor chip wires the first electrodes and the second electrodes on a one-to-one basis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Applicants: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Keiji MATSUDA, Shuya NAMBU, Takaya UMEHARA, Atsushi HASHIMOTO, Takashi KANEMARU, Akira NISHIJIMA, Koichi MIYAMA, Tomoe SAGOH
  • Publication number: 20150226861
    Abstract: An X-ray computer-tomography (CT) apparatus includes an X-ray detector, a reading unit, and a read control unit. The X-ray detector has a first region and a second region at least a part of which is aligned with the first region along a channel direction, the first region in which a plurality of first detection devices that detect X-rays are arranged, the second region in which a plurality of second detection devices having a width smaller in a slice direction than that of the first detection device are arranged. The reading unit reads a signal of the X-rays detected. The read control unit adjusts timing of reading signals from the first detection device and the second detection device according to difference between the size of the first and the second detection device in such a manner that time difference in the reading signals in the slice direction decreases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Applicants: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Shuya NAMBU, Takayuki YAMAZAKI, Keiji MATSUDA, Machiko ISO, Atsushi HASHIMOTO, Akira NISHIJIMA, Takashi KANEMARU, Koichi MIYAMA, Takaya UMEHARA
  • Publication number: 20140233690
    Abstract: An X-ray detection submodule, comprising: a substrate; a photodiode mounted on the substrate; an X-ray detection element configured to detect an X-ray and convert the X-ray into light; and a light waveguide provided between the photodiode and the X-ray detection element, wherein the light waveguide connects the X-ray detection element with the photodiode such that the substrate is inclinedly disposed with respect to an X-ray detection surface of the X-ray detection element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Atsushi HASHIMOTO, Akira Nishijima, Shuya Nambu, Yoji Kudo, Masahiko Yamazaki, Tomonori Asada
  • Patent number: 7091807
    Abstract: An attraction coil, a repulsion coil and a plunger are disposed in a magnetic path of an electromagnetic device. An starting flux generating section is disposed between the attraction coil and the repulsion coil in the magnetic path. A magnetic flux of the starting flux generating section is repulsed magnetically by a magnetic flux of the repulsion coil at a part of the magnetic path to start the plunger. The plunger is attracted to one of first and second magnetic path parts by electromagnetic forces generated from magnetic fluxes of the attraction coil and the repulsion coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignees: Japan AE Power Systems Corporation, Technical Consulting Tanimizu Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Tanimizu, Toyohisa Tsuruta, Toshimasa Fukai, Akira Nishijima, Hiroshi Fujimaki, Yoshiyuki Tanimizu