Patents by Inventor Hisatake Yokouchi

Hisatake Yokouchi 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).

  • Patent number: 6351518
    Abstract: A digital radiography system having an X-ray source irradiating an object to be inspected with X-ray, an X-ray image intensifier tube which receives the X-rays which pass through the object and converts the received X-rays into an optical image, a video camera which picks up the output image and has different modes, an optical system including a plurality of lenses and disposed between the X-ray image intensifier tube and the video camera, an image processor which converts an output from the video camera into a digital image data, and an image display for displaying an X-ray image by reading out the digital image data from the image processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Hitachi Medical corporation
    Inventors: Hisatake Yokouchi, Yoichi Onodera, Fumitaka Takahashi, Mitsuru Ikeda, Koichi Koike
  • Publication number: 20010036248
    Abstract: A digital radiography system having an X-ray source irradiating an object to be inspected with X-ray, an X-ray image intensifier tube which receives the X-rays which pass through the object and converts the received X-rays into an optical image, a video camera which picks up the output image and has different modes, an optical system including a plurality of lenses and disposed between the X-ray image intensifier tube and the video camera, an image processor which converts an output from the video camera into a digital image data, and an image display for displaying an X-ray image by reading out the digital image data from the image processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: Hisatake Yokouchi, Yoichi Onodera, Fumitaka Takahashi, Mitsuru Ikeda, Koichi Koike
  • Patent number: 6301331
    Abstract: A digital radiography system obtaining x-ray images of a patient body through an X-ray image intensifier tube and a video camera optically coupled with the X-ray image intensifier tube. The diameter of an input imaged size of the X-ray image intensifier tube is ranged from 254 to 457 mm, the diameter of an output image size of the X-ray image intensifier tube is ranged from 50 to 90 mm, and the ratio of the diameter of the output image size against the diameter of the input image size is ranged from 4 to 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Hitachi Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Hisatake Yokouchi, Yoichi Onodera, Fumitaka Takahashi, Mitsuru Ikeda, Koichi Koike
  • Patent number: 5875226
    Abstract: A digital radiography system obtaining X-ray images of a patient body through an X-ray image intensifier tube and a video camera optically coupled with the X-ray image intensifier tube. The diameter of an input imaged size of the X-ray image intensifier tube is ranged from 254 to 457 mm, the diameter of an output image size of the X-ray image intensifier tube is ranged from 50 to 90 mm, and the ratio of the diameter of the output image size against the diameter of the input image size is ranged from 4 to 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Hitachi Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Hisatake Yokouchi, Yoichi Onodera, Fumitaka Takahashi, Mitsuru Ikeda, Koichi Koike
  • Patent number: 5600701
    Abstract: In order to image an object larger than a field of view for observation, imaging is effected by dividing it into several times and pictures thus imaged are synthesized to constitute a whole image. In order to image several times, only a detecting unit is moved and an X-ray source is substantially fixed with respect to the object. Images thus obtained include a common part of the object and are joined so that the common part are overlapped on each other. In case where an image pick-up tube is included in the detecting unit, the image pick-up tube is made operable, after a period of time necessary for attenuation of microphonic noise has lapsed, measured from a point of time where the detecting unit has been stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Hitachi Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Rika Baba, Ken Ueda, Yoichi Onodera, Keiji Umetani, Hisatake Yokouchi, Shigekazu Hara, Tomoharu Kajiyama, Fumitaka Takahashi
  • Patent number: 5528655
    Abstract: A radiologic three-dimensional imaging apparatus comprises a device for generating an X-ray, a two-dimensional X-ray image detector including an avalanche multiplication image pickup tube for detecting an image of an object with the X-ray transmitted therethrough, a device for producing an average intensity distribution from a plurality of intensity distributions of the X-ray transmitted image, and a device for setting the target voltage applied to the photoconductive layer of the avalanche multiplication image pickup tube for each electron beam scanning position in such a manner the target voltage is high at the central portion of the visual field of the object and low at the peripheral portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiji Umetani, Ken Ueda, Hisatake Yokouchi
  • Patent number: 5526442
    Abstract: An X-ray radiography method and apparatus in which a phantom such as a chart having elements arranged in predetermined positions is irradiated with X-rays and an X-rays detection unit detects signals thereof. An image of the chart is obtained and a center position of each of the elements in the image of the chart is obtained as well as for those elements which are not within the imaging field of view. Pixel positions for a distortion free image is obtained and a transform table is prepared making each of the pixel positions in the image of the chart correspond to each of the pixel positions in the distortion free image. A plurality of digital images of a subject to be examined are obtained and the digital images are corrected in accordance with the transform table. The corrected digital images are then joined together and a digital image is displayed, wherein common portions in the corrected images are in accordance with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Hitachi Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Rika Baba, Ken Ueda, Hisatake Yokouchi, Keiji Umetani, Yoichi Onodera
  • Patent number: 5485500
    Abstract: A digital X-ray imaging system having an X-ray generator, an X-ray generator controller for controlling the X-ray generator, an X-ray detecting unit for detecting an X-ray transmitted through a subject, the X-ray detecting unit having an X-ray grid for shielding a scattered X-ray, a signal processor for acquiring a signal from the X-ray detecting unit and processing the signal to obtain a digital X-ray image of the subject, and a display device for displaying an image of the subject obtained by the signal processor. The system is provided with a position changing unit for changing a relative position between the X-ray detecting unit and the subject, a position change controller for controlling the position changing unit, and an imaging-sequence controller for controlling the position change controller and the X-ray generator controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Hitachi Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Rika Baba, Ken Ueda, Hisatake Yokouchi, Yoichi Onodera, Keiji Umetani, Masayuki Tsuneoka
  • Patent number: 5416818
    Abstract: An X-ray TV camera apparatus having a function to switch a visual field of an X-ray image, comprising an X-ray generating apparatus, an image intensifier for converting X-ray information by an X-ray which was generated from the X-ray generating apparatus and passed through an object to be examined into an optical image, a TV camera for converting the optical image from the image intensifier into the video signal, a switch to switch the visual field of the X-ray image on the image intensifier, and a correcting circuit to shading correct the video signal so that the video signal from the TV camera gives a uniform image in accordance with the visual field switched by the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Hitachi Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Fumitaka Takahashi, Hisatake Yokouchi, Sadao Takahshi
  • Patent number: 5402463
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus is constructed with a combination of an X-ray image intensifier, a relay optical system, and a video camera with avalanche multiplication camera tube. The video camera is controlled by an image acquisition circuit, a synchronizing signal generation circuit, and an applying voltage control circuit. The applying voltage control circuit for controlling the voltage to be applied to the video camera with avalanche multiplication camera tube controls the applying voltage on the basis of image data in an image memory so that the gray scale level of a detected visible image is corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Hitachi Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Keiji Umetani, Ken Ueda, Yoichi Onodera, Hisatake Yokouchi
  • Patent number: 5353325
    Abstract: An X-ray fluorograph and radiograph apparatus including an X-ray television camera having an avalanche multiplication operation type image pick-up tube having an input/output characteristic in which increment of an output reduces gradually against increase of dose of incident X-rays and a unit for setting X-ray latitude and a multiplication factor of an image pick-up tube to optimum values for inputted radiograph conditions by controlling a voltage value applied to the image pick-up tube and a value of a stop of an optical system, and making it possible to obtain X-ray latitude at 1,000 or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Hitachi Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Ken Ueda, Hisatake Yokouchi, Keiji Umetani, Yoichi Onodera
  • Patent number: 5177775
    Abstract: A real-time digital radiography system operates to introduce a X-ray image on a real-time basis and process the image for clinical diagnosis. The system provides for additional inputs, for example, clinical information material, which are also subject to digital image conversion. The system is designed to connect several TV cameras to an A/D converter which digitally converts the produced image to digital information, with one of the TV cameras for imaging the output image of an X-ray image intensifier, and the output of the one TV camera is selectively connected to the A/D converter. The output image of the X-ray image intensifier and other output images produced by separate TV cameras are connected to the A/D converter through a switching apparatus, and subsequently the digital output is processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Hitachi Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Yoichi Onodera, Hisatake Yokouchi, Akiho Takahashi, Koichi Koike
  • Patent number: 5117447
    Abstract: An image input apparatus including a camera tube having a photoconductive layer onto which an optical image is to be projected, a cathode for emitting an electron beam for scanning the photoconductive layer, a control electrode for controlling a beam current of the electron beam emitted from the cathode in accordance with a control voltage, and a mesh electrode having a frame, the apparatus further including a deflecting circuit for periodically deflecting the electron beam to scan the photoconductive layer. The deflecting circuit periodically deflects the electron beam to scan an area outside a restricted scanning area determined by the frame of the mesh electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: Hitachi Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Hisatake Yokouchi, Fumitaka Takahashi, Hideyuki Sakai
  • Patent number: 5023896
    Abstract: An X-ray television apparatus applies an X-ray to an object to be inspected, converts the X-ray projection image of the object into an optical image by a fluorescent screen or an X-ray image intensifier, picks up the optical image by a TV camera, displays the video signal obtained by a TV monitor for fluoroscopic monitoring, and records radiograph of the object by using the video signal. Avalanche multiplication is caused on the photoconductive layer of the image pick-up tube of the TV camera so as to enable monitoring or imaging with high sensitivity at a low X-ray dose rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: Hitachi-Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Hisatake Yokouchi, Yukio Takasaki, Tadaaki Hirai, Kouichi Koike, Masayuki Tsuneoka, Yoichi Onodera, Takakazu Funo
  • Patent number: 5022063
    Abstract: In a real-time digital radiographic apparatus, an image is picked up by means of a TV camera. In a fluoroscopic monitoring mode, an output of the TV camera is displayed on a display in real time. In a radiographic imaging mode, the output of the TV camera is A/D converted, subjected to a necessary image processing and held as image data for diagnosis. In the fluoroscopic monitoring mode, a beam scanning for an image pickup tube corresponding to an NTSC system is performed whereas in the radiographic imaging mode a high-density and low-speed beam scanning can be selected in which the number of scanning lines is increased and the frame rate is lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Hitachi Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Hisatake Yokouchi, Yoichi Onodera, Takakazu Funo, Masayuki Tsuneoka
  • Patent number: 4942468
    Abstract: In an image input device, in which an image is photographed by a television camera using a plurality of operational modes having numbers of scanning lines different from each other, a video signal thus obtained is subjected to an analogue to digital conversion and a digital image signal is stored, one of a plurality of sampling clocks obtained by dividing a main clock is selected; the analogue to digital conversion is effected by using the sampling clock thus selected; and at the same time synchronization signals of the horizontal and the vertical scannings of the television camera are formed by counting the selected sampling clock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignee: Hitachi Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Hisatake Yokouchi, Takakazu Huno, Yoichi Onodera, Kouichi Koike, Masayuki Tsuneoka
  • Patent number: 4890310
    Abstract: An x-ray having the energy bandwidth which extends between above and below the absorption edge energy of an element constituting a contrast agent is emitted from an x-ray source as an x-ray to be projected to an object, the x-ray at the higher energy component than the absorption energy of the contrast-agent constituting element is detected by one x-ray detector, the x-ray, having been transmitted through the one x-ray detector, at the lower energy component than the absorption edge energy of the contrast agent constituting element is detected by another x-ray detector, and a subtraction image is obtained by processing the image data from both detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiji Umetani, Ken Ueda, Ryuichi Suzuki, Hisatake Yokouchi
  • Patent number: 4881124
    Abstract: An X-ray television apparatus in which an X-ray image which is obtained by an X-ray image intensifier is converted to an electrical signal by a television camera. This electrical signal is converted to a digital signal and stored into an image memory, and the angiographic imaging can be performed due to a differential process of data between two X-ray images. Either one of first, second, and third operating modes in which the scanning periods and the numbers of scanning lines of the television camera differ and a fourth operating mode to obtain the X-ray images by a further low X-ray dose and to simultaneously monitor the X-ray images can be selected. Thus, proper time resolution and spatial resolution according to a desired purpose can be obtained and the beam current of the image pickup tube of the television camera which is optimum in each operating mode is set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Hisatake Yokouchi, Fumitaka Takahashi, Masayuki Tsuneoka
  • Patent number: 4809071
    Abstract: A television camera device for obtaining an image of high resolution by making the number of scanning lines on the target plate of an image pickup tube about twice larger than that in the television standard system and making the scanning speed of electron beam at the surface of the target plate smaller than that in the television standard system, is disclosed in which an electric field intensity in a region between the target plate and a mesh electrode (namely, the fourth grid electrode) is made greater than or equal to 5.3 KV/cm, to improve the landing characteristics of scanning electron beam, thereby preventing the occurrence of the water fall phenomenon peculiar to a slow scanning operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd. & Hitachi Medical Corp.
    Inventors: Hisatake Yokouchi, Masanori Maruyama, Fumitaka Takahashi, Masayuki Tsuneoka
  • Patent number: 4806757
    Abstract: When the laser-stimulable phosphor plate of an information reading apparatus for radiation image is constituted of CsI as the base and 0.0003 to 0.03% in atomic ratio of Na, the output signal of the information reading apparatus can be increased and the decay time thereof can be shortened. When output signals are produced by detecting fluorescence emitted from a fluoroscopic plate disposed in confrontation with the laser-stimulable phosphor plate, there is provided an information reading apparatus for radiation image having an improved S/N ratio and a high efficiency of taking in laser-stimulated luminescence. Further, instead of Na or together with Na, there may be added at least one element selected from the group consisting of Li, K, Rb, Cu, Au, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, Cd, Hg, B, Al, Ga, In, Tl, Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Si, Ti, Zr, Ge, Sn, Pb, As, Sb, and Bi. In this case, the total content of these elements is set to be 0.00001 to 1% in atomic ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Kano, Tetsuhiko Takahashi, Kenichi Okajima, Kenji Umetani, Saburo Ataka, Hisatake Yokouchi, Ryuichi Suzuki