Patents by Inventor Christer Ullberg

Christer Ullberg 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: 20240061132
    Abstract: A readout circuit for a radiation detector comprising a plurality of pixels, the readout circuit being configured to handle input signals from a primary pixel with respect to the readout circuit among the plurality of pixels and comprising a charge sharing correction circuit, the charge sharing correction circuit being configured to handle a charge sharing electrical signal representative of a sum of radiation energies from a set of pixels among the plurality of pixels, the set of pixels comprising a secondary pixel with respect to the readout circuit; and a non-sharing circuit configured to handle a primary electrical signal associated with the primary pixel simultaneously with the handling of the charge sharing electrical signal by the charge sharing correction circuit, the primary electrical signal being representative of radiation energy from the primary pixel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2023
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Inventor: Christer ULLBERG
  • Publication number: 20230349840
    Abstract: An x-ray weld inspection apparatus has at least one x-ray source, at least one x-ray detector, a motor arrangement configured to move the at least one x-ray source and the at least one x-ray detector substantially along a weld, and a control device. The control device comprises memory and at least one processing core, configured to control the motor arrangement to move the at least one x-ray source and the at least one x-ray detector during an x-ray weld scan substantially along the direction of the weld. At least one section of the weld is imaged at least twice during a single x-ray scan, producing at least two imaging data sets, respectively. An angle of incidence of x-rays at the at least one section of the weld is different for the imaging data sets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2020
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Applicant: Direct Conversion AB
    Inventors: Tuomas Pantsar, Alex Stewart, Christer Ullberg
  • Patent number: 11714205
    Abstract: A sensor unit (14) for a radiation detector (12), the sensor unit (14) comprising a conversion element (22) comprising a plurality of imaging pixels (30), wherein each imaging pixel (30) is configured to directly convert radiation into an electrical charge and wherein each imaging pixel (30) comprises a charge collection electrode (28); and a readout substrate (24) comprising a plurality of readout pixels (32), wherein each readout pixel (32) is connected to an associated imaging pixel (30) by means of an interconnection (36) at a connection position on the charge collection electrode (28); wherein each readout pixel (32) has a smaller area than an associated imaging pixel (30) of the plurality of imaging pixels (30); and wherein the connection positions in relation to the charge collection electrodes (28) are varied with respect to a neighboring charge collection electrode (28). A radiation detector (12) and a method of manufacturing a sensor unit (14) are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: XCounter AB
    Inventor: Christer Ullberg
  • Patent number: 11536860
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a sensor unit with a conversion element and a readout substrate. The conversion element has imaging pixels and each imaging pixel is configured to directly convert radiation into an electrical charge. Each imaging pixel has a charge collection electrode. The imaging pixels have first imaging pixels and second imaging pixels. The readout substrate has a plurality of readout pixels arranged in a grid. Each readout pixel is connected to an associated imaging pixel by means of an interconnection at a connection position on the charge collection electrode. The second imaging pixels are shifted in a shifting direction relative to the first imaging pixels. The connection positions, in relation to the charge collection electrodes, are different between the first imaging pixels and the second imaging pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Direct Conversion AB
    Inventor: Christer Ullberg
  • Publication number: 20220221596
    Abstract: A method of reading out data in a radiation detector having pixels and associated readout circuits, which each have a register. After the pixels detect radiation, data indicative of the radiation is stored in the register(s) of each readout circuit, each time during a plurality of data acquisition periods. Data is read out from the register(s) of each readout circuit, each time during a plurality of readout periods. Each readout period follows a data acquisition period, and each readout period being either a low energy readout period or a high energy readout period. Only data from a single register of each readout circuit indicative of radiation energy above a low energy level is read out during each low energy readout period. Data indicative of radiation energy above a high energy level, higher than the low energy level, is read out during each high energy readout period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Publication date: July 14, 2022
    Applicant: XCOUNTER AB
    Inventor: Christer Ullberg
  • Publication number: 20210405220
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a sensor unit with a conversion element and a readout substrate. The conversion element has imaging pixels and each imaging pixel is configured to directly convert radiation into an electrical charge. Each imaging pixel has a charge collection electrode. The imaging pixels have first imaging pixels and second imaging pixels. The readout substrate has a plurality of readout pixels arranged in a grid. Each readout pixel is connected to an associated imaging pixel by means of an interconnection at a connection position on the charge collection electrode. The second imaging pixels are shifted in a shifting direction relative to the first imaging pixels. The connection positions, in relation to the charge collection electrodes, are different between the first imaging pixels and the second imaging pixels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2021
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Applicant: Direct Conversion AB
    Inventor: Christer Ullberg
  • Publication number: 20210223420
    Abstract: A sensor unit (14) for a radiation detector (12), the sensor unit (14) comprising a conversion element (22) comprising a plurality of imaging pixels (30), wherein each imaging pixel (30) is configured to directly convert radiation into an electrical charge and wherein each imaging pixel (30) comprises a charge collection electrode (28); and a readout substrate (24) comprising a plurality of readout pixels (32), wherein each readout pixel (32) is connected to an associated imaging pixel (30) by means of an interconnection (36) at a connection position on the charge collection electrode (28); wherein each readout pixel (32) has a smaller area than an associated imaging pixel (30) of the plurality of imaging pixels (30); and wherein the connection positions in relation to the charge collection electrodes (28) arc varied with respect to a neighboring charge collection electrode (28). A radiation detector (12) and a method of manufacturing a sensor unit (14) are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Inventor: CHRISTER ULLBERG
  • Patent number: 9784855
    Abstract: A semiconductor based photon counting detector comprising a substrate (11) of semiconductor material; a detector bias voltage supply (12) for applying a detector bias voltage over the substrate, each time during a data acquisition period (t1); a readout arrangement (13) for repetitively reading out data indicative of charges freed in, and transported through, the substrate (11) in response to photons being absorbed, each time during a readout period (t2) following a data acquisition period, wherein the data contain number of charge pulses of photons being absorbed; an external light source (15) for exposing the substrate for light to enable trapped charge carriers to escape from defect levels in the substrate; and a control device (14) operatively connected to the detector bias voltage supply, the readout arrangement, and the external light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: XCounter AB
    Inventors: Christer Ullberg, Mattias Urech, Niclas Weber
  • Publication number: 20170003402
    Abstract: A semiconductor based photon counting detector comprising a substrate (11) of semiconductor material; a detector bias voltage supply (12) for applying a detector bias voltage over the substrate, each time during a data acquisition period (t1); a readout arrangement (13) for repetitively reading out data indicative of charges freed in, and transported through, the substrate (11) in response to photons being absorbed, each time during a readout period (t2) following a data acquisition period, wherein the data contain number of charge pulses of photons being absorbed; an external light source (15) for exposing the substrate for light to enable trapped charge carriers to escape from defect levels in the substrate; and a control device (14) operatively connected to the detector bias voltage supply, the readout arrangement, and the external light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: Christer Ullberg, Mattias Urech, Niclas Weber
  • Patent number: 8824625
    Abstract: A system for recording CT data of an object in an object area (4) comprises an X-ray source (5) and an X-ray detector (6) at either side of the object area. The X-ray detector comprises a stack of elongated detector array arrangements (6a) arranged in parallel and provided for detecting X-rays (9a) from the X-ray source transmitted through the object, thus recording images of the object. A device (10a) is provided for rotating the X-ray source (5) and the X-ray detector (6) around an axis of rotation which is parallel with the elongated detector array arrangements, while the elongated detector array arrangements are provided for imaging the object repeatedly. Further, either the elongated detector array arrangements are moved within the X-ray detector or the axis of rotation is moved during the rotation to thereby provide for the elongated detector array arrangements to record the CT data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Xcounter AB
    Inventor: Christer Ullberg
  • Patent number: 8774354
    Abstract: A system for recording computed tomography image data of an object in an object area comprises an X-ray source and an X-ray detector arranged at either side of the object area, the X-ray source having a flying focal spot from which X-rays is emitted and the X-ray detector comprising pixels arranged in at least one row for recording images of the object. A device is provided for rotating the X-ray source and the X-ray detector with respect to the object around an axis of rotation, while the at least one row of pixels record images of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Xcounter AB
    Inventor: Christer Ullberg
  • Patent number: 8246249
    Abstract: An apparatus for recording radiation image data of an object comprises a radiation source arrangement (3)provided for emitting radiation; an object holder (5) arranged in the radiation path of the emitted radiation and provided for housing the object during the recordation of the radiation image data; a detector arrangement (6) for detecting radiation which has interacted with the object; a support structure (2), to which the radiation source and detector arrangements are secured; and a scanning device (1) provided for moving either one of the support structure or the object holder with respect to the other one of the support structure or the object holder in a conical pendulum movement while the detector arrangement is provided for detecting radiation which has interacted with the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: XCounter AB
    Inventors: Skiff Sokolov, Christer Ullberg, Tom Francke
  • Patent number: 8184875
    Abstract: A method for creating, displaying, and analyzing X-ray images of a plurality of objects is disclosed. The method comprising, for each of the objects recording three-dimensional X-ray image data of the object in a single measurement; creating a three-dimensional X-ray image of the object from the three-dimensional X-ray image data; creating one or two two-dimensional X-ray images of the object from the three-dimensional X-ray image data; displaying the one or two two-dimensional X-ray images of the object; and analyzing the one or two two-dimensional X-ray images of the object. For a subset of the plurality of objects the three-dimensional X-ray image of the object is displayed, wherein the subset of the plurality of objects is determined based on the step of, for each of the objects, analyzing the one or two two-dimensional X-ray images of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Xcounter AB
    Inventors: Tom Francke, Christer Ullberg
  • Publication number: 20120014503
    Abstract: A system for recording computed tomography image data of an object in an object area comprises an X-ray source and an X-ray detector arranged at either side of the object area, the X-ray source having a flying focal spot from which X-rays is emitted and the X-ray detector comprising pixels arranged in at least one row for recording images of the object. A device is provided for rotating the X-ray source and the X-ray detector with respect to the object around an axis of rotation, while the at least one row of pixels record images of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Christer Ullberg
  • Publication number: 20120008738
    Abstract: A system for recording CT data of an object in an object area (4) comprises an X-ray source (5) and an X-ray detector (6) at either side of the object area. The X-ray detector comprises a stack of elongated detector array arrangements (6a) arranged in parallel and provided for detecting X-rays (9a) from the X-ray source transmitted through the object, thus recording images of the object. A device (10a) is provided for rotating the X-ray source (5) and the X-ray detector (6) around an axis of rotation which is parallel with the elongated detector array arrangements, while the elongated detector array arrangements are provided for imaging the object repeatedly. Further, either the elongated detector array arrangements are moved within the X-ray detector or the axis of rotation is moved during the rotation to thereby provide for the elongated detector array arrangements to record the CT data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: Christer Ullberg
  • Patent number: 7929660
    Abstract: The invention relates to a support structure 1 for mammography, comprising a stand 2 and an arm structure 3 attached thereto. The support structure 1 further comprises a scanner head cover 6 attached to the arm structure 3. The scanner head cover 6 comprises a vertical side portion 6a, and is designed so that a cavity 12 is formed between the vertical surface portion 6a and a vertical part 3b of the arm structure 3, whereby the cavity 12 provides space for an arm of a patient during imaging. A more comfortable posture is provided for a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: XCounter AB
    Inventors: Christer Ullberg, Tomas Kristoffersson
  • Publication number: 20100215145
    Abstract: An apparatus for recording radiation image data of an object comprises a radiation source arrangement (3) provided for emitting radiation; an object holder (5) arranged in the radiation path of the emitted radiation and provided for housing the object during the recordation of the radiation image data; a detector arrangement (6) for detecting radiation which has interacted with the object; a support structure (2), to which the radiation source and detector arrangements are secured; and a scanning device (1) provided for moving either one of the support structure or the object holder with respect to the other one of the support structure or the object holder in a conical pendulum movement while the detector arrangement is provided for detecting radiation which has interacted with the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Skiff Sokolov, Christer Ullberg, Tom Francke
  • Publication number: 20100014634
    Abstract: The invention relates to a support structure 1 for mammography, comprising a stand 2 and an arm structure 3 attached thereto. The support structure 1 further comprises a scanner head cover 6 attached to the arm structure 3. The scanner head cover 6 comprises a vertical side portion 6a, and is designed so that a cavity 12 is formed between the vertical surface portion 6a and a vertical part 3b of the arm structure 3, whereby the cavity 12 provides space for an arm of a patient during imaging. A more comfortable posture is provided for a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Christer Ullberg, Tomas Kristoffersson
  • Patent number: 7561661
    Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging arrangement for imaging an object. The imaging arrangement comprises: an X-ray source 5; an X-ray detector 6 arranged to receive X-rays transmitted through the object from the X-ray source 5, wherein the X-ray detector 6 comprises a gaseous-based edge-on direction sensitive line detector provided with an electron avalanche amplifier, and wherein the line detector is adapted to record a line image of radiation as transmitted through the object; and a support device 8 to which the X-ray source 5 and the X-ray detector 6 are attached so as to be arranged on opposite sides of the object, and wherein the support device 8 is arranged to rotate around the object and is also arranged to be movable in relation to the object. The invention also relates to a system comprising such imaging arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: XCounter AB
    Inventors: Christer Ullberg, Tom Francke
  • Publication number: 20090092226
    Abstract: An apparatus for recording radiation image data of an object comprises a radiation source arrangement provided for emitting radiation; an object holder arranged in the radiation path of the emitted radiation and provided for housing the object during the recordation of the radiation image data; a detector arrangement for detecting radiation which has interacted with the object; a support structure, to which the radiation source and detector arrangements are secured; and a scanning device provided for moving either one of the support structure or the object holder with respect to the other one of the support structure or the object holder in a conical pendulum movement while the detector arrangement is provided for detecting radiation which has interacted with the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Skiff Sokolov, Christer Ullberg, Tom Francke