Abstract: Mechanical image acquisition systems (such as medical C-arms) frequently accumulate geometrical errors which must be calibrated out using a calibration phantom. A more frequent regime of system calibration implies a less frequent use of the C-arm for clinical applications. The present application proposes to identify common biases between the acquired projection frame sequences from the same mechanical image acquisition system in first and second acquisitions, and to compare this to expected calibration data of the mechanical image acquisition system to generate frame deviation measures. If a resemblance between the first and second sequences of frame deviation measures is obtained, one or more calibration actions are performed (such as alerting the user that calibration should be provided, and/or automatically correcting for the geometry deviation).

Abstract: Mechanical image acquisition systems (such as medical C-arms) frequently accumulate geometrical errors which must be calibrated out using a calibration phantom. A more frequent regime of system calibration implies a less frequent use of the C-arm for clinical applications. The present application proposes to identify common biases between the acquired projection frame sequences from the same mechanical image acquisition system in first and second acquisitions, and to compare this to expected calibration data of the mechanical image acquisition system to generate frame deviation measures. If a resemblance between the first and second sequences of frame deviation measures is obtained, one or more calibration actions are performed (such as alerting the user that calibration should be provided, and/or automatically correcting for the geometry deviation).

Abstract: A method includes receiving radiation with a hybrid data detection system of an imaging system. The hybrid data detection system includes a hybrid data detector array with a set of spectral detectors and a set of integrating detectors that are arranged along a transverse axis of an examination region. The method further includes generating a set of truncated spectral projections with the first set of spectral detectors. The method further includes estimating a set of spectral projections for the integrating detectors. The method further includes combining the set of truncated spectral projections and the estimated set of spectral projections. The method further includes estimating a set of spectral projections based on the combined set to produce a complete set of spectral projections. The method further includes processing the complete set of spectral projections to generate volumetric image data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a grating device for phase contrast and/or dark-field imaging of a movable object, an interferometer unit, a phase contrast and/or dark-field imaging system, a phase contrast and/or dark-field imaging method, a computer program element for controlling such device and a computer readable medium having stored such computer program element. The grating device comprises a grating unit, an actuation unit, a motion detecting unit, and a control unit. The actuation unit is configured to position the grating unit in different sampling positions relative to the moveable object. The motion detecting unit is configured to detect a motion of the movable object. The detected motion of the moveable object may be a repetitive motion. The control unit is configured to control the actuation unit to position the grating unit in the different sampling positions based on the detected motion of the movable object.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a system and method for transarterial chemoembolization using differently sized drug-eluting microsphere beads filled with drugs and determining a delivered drug concentration using an imaging system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for X-ray phase contrast imaging. The method comprises the following steps: from the measured phase gradient and overall attenuation information, an electron density is computed; the contribution pc of the Compton scattering to the overall attenuation is estimated from the electron density; the contribution pp of the photo-electric absorption to the overall attenuation is estimated from the overall attenuation and the contribution pc; the values pc and pp are used to reconstruct a Compton image and a photo-electric image; by linear combination of these two images, a monochromatic image at a desired energy is obtained.

Abstract: A method includes receiving radiation with a hybrid data detection system of an imaging system. The hybrid data detection system includes a hybrid data detector array with a set of spectral detectors and a set of integrating detectors that are arranged along a transverse axis of an examination region. The method further includes generating a set of truncated spectral projections with the first set of spectral detectors. The method further includes estimating a set of spectral projections for the integrating detectors. The method further includes combining the set of truncated spectral projections and the estimated set of spectral projections. The method further includes estimating a set of spectral projections based on the combined set to produce a complete set of spectral projections. The method further includes processing the complete set of spectral projections to generate volumetric image data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a grating device (50) for phase contrast and/or dark-field imaging of a movable object (34), an interferometer unit (20), a phase contrast and/or dark-field imaging system (10), a phase contrast and/or dark-field imaging method, a computer program element for controlling such device and a computer readable medium having stored such computer program element. The grating device (50) comprises a grating unit (51), an actuation unit (52), a motion detecting unit (53), and a control unit (54). The actuation unit (52) is configured to position the grating unit (51) in different sampling positions relative to the moveable object (34). The motion detecting unit (53) is configured to detect a motion of the movable object (34). The detected motion of the moveable object (34) may be a repetitive motion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for X-ray phase contrast imaging. The method comprises the following steps: from the measured phase gradient and overall attenuation information, an electron density is computed; the contribution pC of the Compton scattering to the overall attenuation is estimated from the electron density; the contribution pp of the photo-electric absorption to the overall attenuation is estimated from the overall attenuation and the contribution pC; the values pC and pp are used to reconstruct a Compton image and a photo-electric image; by linear combination of these two images, a monochromatic image at a desired energy is obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for correcting a CT slice image for an image artifact (330) caused by the motion of a high attenuation part (140) in an object (135) of interest. The CT slice image is based on projection images (310a,b). The apparatus and method uses a footprint (315a,b) of the part in each of the projection images (310a,b).

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for correcting a CT slice image for an image artifact (330) caused by the motion of a high attenuation part (140) in an object (135) of interest. The CT slice image is based on projection images (310a,b). The apparatus and method uses a footprint (315a,b) of the part in each of the projection images (310a,b).

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an iterative reconstruction of coronary arteries comprises a filtering of projection data on the basis of a top-hat filter and an iterative reconstruction of the object of interest on the basis of a regularisation favouring sparse objects. This may provide for high contrast and detail.

Abstract: A monitoring device for a motor-driven door with a door controller for detecting a crash of a moving object with the door and for communicating information as to whether a crash has occurred to the door controller, wherein the monitoring device is equipped with at least one sensor for monitoring movement, shaking and/or vibration of the door in a Z axis, which sensor is disposed in and/or on the door leaf of the door, and wherein there is provided an analyzer unit, which is designed as an analyzer unit that analyzes the signals of the sensor and transmits an information stream to the door controller.

Abstract: A monitoring method and a monitoring device for a motor-driven door, wherein a stationary unit and a monitoring device mounted on the movable door communicate bidirectionally with one another, wherein data and/or signals of at least one door safety sensor are relayed to the stationary unit, and wherein a waking device is automatically wakened cyclically or is wakened by a vibration sensor and wakes the control device, which in turn wakes the transmitter/receiver and actively queries the stationary unit assigned individually to it as to whether the monitoring device must remain active or be switched back to a power-saving idle state.

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray detector (1) with an array (2) of sensor elements (21), wherein each row (i) of sensor elements is connected via an addressing line to an addressing unit (5), and wherein each column j) of sensor elements is connected via a read-out line to a read-out unit (3). In the read-out unit (3), sensor signals are preprocessed, for example amplified by amplifiers (31). The detector further comprises a control unit (6) which is adapted to set the gains of said amplifiers (31) for each column (j) and each row (i) individually. The values of the gains may particularly be derived from a priori knowledge, from previous images of the object, or from the image signals of rows that have already been read out.

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray detector (1) with an array (2) of sensor elements (21), wherein each row (i) of sensor elements is connected via an addressing line to an addressing unit (5), and wherein each column j) of sensor elements is connected via a read-out line to a read-out unit (3). In the read-out unit (3), sensor signals are preprocessed, for example amplified by amplifiers (31). The detector further comprises a control unit (6) which is adapted to set the gains of said amplifiers (31) for each column (j) and each row (i) individually. The values of the gains may particularly be derived from a priori knowledge, from previous images of the object, or from the image signals of rows that have already been read out.

Abstract: A position transmitter for determining a position of a rotating shaft, has an AMR sensor unit or a GMR sensor unit which, for determining the position, has only one magnet disposed on a shaft to be monitored, whereby the position transmitter can be used as a single-turn and a multi-turn unit. Furthermore, a method for determining a position of a rotating shaft with the position transmitter is also provided. In accordance with the method, signals are produced using a diametrically magnetized magnet in a sensor unit, so that sine and cosine signals are obtained as output signals of the AMR sensor unit, the sine and cosine signals are digitalized, and these signals are processed by a microcontroller, with regard to the detection and evaluation of the angle of rotation, for detecting, filtering, and evaluating the number of revolutions, for detection of the direction of rotation or for data transmission of the angle of rotation and the number of revolutions to an overriding control.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the diagnosing or for the confirmation or for the exclusion of constellations of risk factors, pathological states or predispositions thereto, and to a method for monitoring the course of therapies and for finding active substances for the treatment of pathological states and for finding substances which may cause such a pathological state, on the basis of lipid measurement parameter modulation/effector quotient profiles. Further, the invention relates to a measuring instrument for carrying out the above methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for supplying forced draught/compressed air and drying air to a printing press, whereby the vacuum pumps or compressors required to supply said forced draught/compressed air are arranged together in a room with a separate air supply. The aim of the invention is to homogenise and if possible even condition air, in particular, process air for the printing press, whilst avoiding additional operating costs. To achieve this, the cooling air for the vacuum pumps or compressors is substantially conducted in a circuit, the heated exhaust air of the vacuum pumps and the heated cooling air of the vacuum pumps and compressors is cooled in a heat exchanger and is used to heat drying air that has been separated for this purpose.