Abstract: A method is disclosed for the reduction of image artifacts, in particular metal artifacts, during the generation of computed tomography image data of an object. In at least one embodiment of the method, two CT image data sets are generated with different medium x-ray energies. By way of a weighted combination of the two CT image data sets, a new image data set is calculated. The weighting factor employed in the weighted combination is here selected in such a way that the image artifacts in the new CT image data set are significantly reduced compared with the image artifacts in the two original CT image data sets. In this way it is possible in a simple manner significantly to reduce in particular metal artifacts in CT images.

Abstract: A method for reconstructing picture data of a cyclically-moving object from measurement data is disclosed, with the measurement data being detected beforehand for a relative rotational movement between a radiation source of a computed tomography system and the object under examination during a plurality of movement cycles of the object under examination. In at least one embodiment, a first picture and a second picture are determined from the measurement data, with measurement data of different movement cycles being combined for reconstruction of the second picture into a measurement dataset to be used as the basis for the picture reconstruction. Difference information is computed by comparing the first picture with the second picture. Using the difference information, a result picture is computed from the first picture and the second picture.

Abstract: In a method and control device to control a slice image acquisition system, a scan protocol is initially selected from a number of scan protocols, and then an automatic control of the slice image acquisition system (13) ensues on the basis of the selected scan protocol by automatic receipt of previous information regarding the examination subject, automatic synchronization of the previous information with information regarding scan protocol-specific parameters of scan protocols, and automatic selection of the scan protocol, from among the number of scan protocols, that has parameters exhibiting the greatest compatibility with the received previous information according to an established rule.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reconstructing image data of an examination subject from measured data, wherein a series of measured data sets has previously been acquired during a relative rotational movement between a radiation source of a computed tomography system and the examination subject and the measured data sets relate to the same section of the examination subject at succeeding instants in time. In at least one embodiment, first image data is reconstructed in each case from the measured data sets such that a series of first image data is available. A change variable indicating a change over time within the series of first image data is determined, and a distinction is made between different components of the examination subject in the first image data with the aid of the change variable. This distinction is used for beam hardening correction in an iterative algorithm for calculating enhanced image data.

Abstract: A method for enhancing a virtual non-contrast image, includes receiving a pair of dual scan CT images and calculating a virtual non-contrast image from the pair of CT images using known tissue attenuation coefficients. A conditional probability distribution is estimated for tissue at first and second points in each of the pair of CT images and the virtual non-contrast image as being the same type. A conditional probability distribution for tissue is estimated at the first and second points in each of the pair of CT images and the virtual non-contrast image as being of different types. An a posteriori probability of the tissue at the first and second points as being the same type is calculated from the conditional probability distributions, and an enhanced virtual non-contrast image is calculated using the a posteriori probability of the tissue at the first and second points as being the same type.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for generating computed tomography displays, in which with the aid of at least one X-ray source, an examination object is scanned in a rotationally circulating fashion with a measured dose rate dependent on the circulation angle, projection data are collected from a multiplicity of viewing angles, and at least similarly redundant projection data from angularly identical or angularly complementary projection angles with a different measured dose are interpolated with distance weighted relative to a projection value and are used for reconstruction. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, during the distance weighted interpolation of the at least similarly redundant projection data an additional noise optimizing weighting is carried out as a function of the noise present per projection value.

Abstract: A sensor device for detecting a motion state of a motor vehicle. The sensor device includes at least one laser unit having a light source for emitting coherent light which is transmitted in the direction of a roadway surface, and an interference detector which is designed to detect at least one measurement variable which characterizes interference between the light scattered at the surface and the light of the light source. The measurement variable represents a speed component of the sensor device and/or a distance between the sensor device and the roadway surface. The laser unit is coupled to an evaluation device which is designed to determine, from the measurement variable, at least one variable which characterizes the motion state of the vehicle, in particular a speed component of the center of gravity of the vehicle, a rotational angle or a rotation rate of the vehicle.

Abstract: A diaphragm and diaphragm device for the specific manipulation of x-ray radiation that emanates from an x-ray focus of a CT apparatus and serves for scanning an examination subject, wherein the x-ray focus and the diaphragm arranged relatively near to the focus can be rotated together around a system axis (z-axis), and the diaphragm has movable diaphragm elements that dynamically adjust a diaphragm aperture (and therefore the spatial divergence of the x-rays passing through the diaphragm aperture). The diaphragm elements have a transmission factor for x-ray radiation that is different than zero. With such a diaphragm or diaphragm device the acquisition of the projection data necessary for the reconstruction of an artifact-free image of a region of interest (ROI) is possible with lower radiation exposure of the examination subject.

Abstract: In a method and control device to control a slice image acquisition system, a scan protocol is initially selected from a number of scan protocols, and then an automatic control of the slice image acquisition system (13) ensues on the basis of the selected scan protocol by automatic receipt of previous information regarding the examination subject, automatic synchronization of the previous information with information regarding scan protocol-specific parameters of scan protocols, and automatic selection of the scan protocol, from among the number of scan protocols, that has parameters exhibiting the greatest compatibility with the received previous information according to an established rule.

Abstract: A method and a correspondingly configured tomography scanner are disclosed for normalizing image data with respect to a contrast in the image data produced by a contrast agent, the image data illustrating a tissue structure to be examined and at least part of a blood vessel system of an examination region connected to the tissue structure, which are at least in part permeated by the contrast agent. In an embodiment of the method, image data of the examination region is provided with the aid of the tomography scanner. At least one section of a reference vessel permeated by contrast agent is selected in the image data. The image data is normalized on the basis of image data from the section of the reference vessel such that the contrast in the image data as a result of the contrast agent is almost independent of patient-specific and examination-specific parameters in order to ensure that image data from different times can be compared.

Abstract: A method and a computational unit are disclosed for measuring the flow rate of a contrast agent in a vessel of a patient by way of a computed tomography examination. The patient is scanned by x-rays emitted in a fan-shape from two planes and the absorption from a multiplicity of rotational angles is determined while the contrast agent propagates through the at least one vessel. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, a three-dimensional data record of local absorption data with the vessel which can be filled by a contrast agent is reconstructed; a set of x-rays which pass through this vessel is determined for a multiplicity of temporally subsequent rotational angles of the x-rays. By determining the changing absorption values along this vessel from the temporally subsequent vessel/ray-sets, the propagation velocity of the contrast agent in this vessel can be determined from the spatial and temporal change in the absorption values in this vessel.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for generating computed tomography displays, in which with the aid of at least one X-ray source, an examination object is scanned in a rotationally circulating fashion with a measured dose rate dependent on the circulation angle, projection data are collected from a multiplicity of viewing angles, and at least similarly redundant projection data from angularly identical or angularly complementary projection angles with a different measured dose are interpolated with distance weighted relative to a projection value and are used for reconstruction. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, during the distance weighted interpolation of the at least similarly redundant projection data an additional noise optimizing weighting is carried out as a function of the noise present per projection value.

Abstract: In a method and CT apparatus and software product for reconstructing incomplete projection data sets for dose-reduced sectional spiral scanning along a z axis of a patient on a table that is movable in the z direction in the CT apparatus that has a radiation source supplied with tube current so as to emit a beam that strikes a detector system to obtain scanning data from which in an image computing device generates two-dimensional and three-dimensional scanning images of the examination subject, at a pitch greater or equal to one. For z positions having an incomplete projection data set for reconstruction of the image, in a preprocessing step data from another row of this projection and/or data for a previous or subsequent 360° rotation are used to compute a complete projection data set therefor.

Abstract: A fastener for fastening an airbag assembly to a structural member of a vehicle has an abutment element with a front side and a reverse side. An expansion element is arranged on the reverse side of the abutment element and is designed so as to clamp the structural member between the abutment element and the expansion element. The expansion element can be arranged on the structural member of the vehicle in a detachable manner and from the front side can be directly or indirectly detached from the structural member with the help of unlocking means.

Abstract: In a method and CT apparatus and software product for reconstructing incomplete projection data sets for dose-reduced sectional spiral scanning along a axis of a patient on a table that is movable in the z direction in the CT apparatus that has a radiation source supplied with tube current so as to emit a beam that strikes a detector system to obtain scanning data from which in an image computing device generates two-dimensional and three-dimensional scanning images of the examination subject, at a pitch greater or equal to one. For z positions having an incomplete projection data set for reconstruction of the image, in a preprocessing step data from another row of this projection and/or data for a previous or subsequent 360° rotation are used to compute a complete projection data set therefor.

Abstract: A fastener for fastening an airbag assembly to a structural member of a vehicle has an abutment element with a front side and a reverse side. An expansion element is arranged on the reverse side of the abutment element and is designed so as to clamp the structural member between the abutment element and the expansion element. The expansion element can be arranged on the structural member of the vehicle in a detachable manner and from the front side can be directly or indirectly detached from the structural member with the help of unlocking means.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of Multiple Sulfatase Deficiency (MSD) as well as other sulfatase deficiencies. More specifically, the invention relates to isolated molecules that modulate post-translational modifications on sulfatases. Such modifications are essential for proper sulfatase function.

Abstract: A clamp for attaching a folded airbag constituting part of a vehicle occupant restraint system to a vehicle structure has a head for attachment to the vehicle structure and at least one arm adjoining the head for holding the airbag. To prevent an arm being broken away from a clamp, the clamp is of one-armed construction and the one arm is so shaped that the folded airbag, or a pouch containing it, is held at least partially between the single arm and the vehicle structure.

Abstract: An airbag for a vehicle is constructed to be arranged in the region of the vehicle roof and has at least one inflatable chamber. The arrangement of the airbag is above securing portions which extend from the inflatable chamber upwards in the direction of the vehicle roof, with the securing portions having inflatable regions.

Abstract: A clamp for attaching a folded airbag constituting part of a vehicle occupant restraint system to a vehicle structure has a head for attachment to the vehicle structure and at least one arm adjoining the head for holding the airbag. To prevent an arm being broken away from a clamp, the clamp is of one-armed construction and the one arm is so shaped that the folded airbag, or a pouch containing it, is held at least partially between the single arm and the vehicle structure.