Abstract: An improved system and method for tuning individual sensors (e.g., photomultiplier tubes) of a multi-sensor imaging system such as, e.g., a gamma camera having an array of photo-multiplier tubes is provided that produces a uniform response over the entire system. Individual sensors of a multi-sensor imaging system are tuned based explicitly or implicitly on gain characteristics of individual sensors of the multi-sensor imaging system so as to produce a uniform response over the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for acquiring total uniformity for a scintillation imaging apparatus are provided. A generic energy (Z) map is first obtained. The generic Zmap is then corrected for linearity by use of a dot pattern. The listmode data is used to construct an energy histogram matrix. A twin Zmap is then obtained by optimizing the lower and upper boundaries of the energy window for each pixel in relation to the average energy over the Center Field of View.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an integrated circuit has a terminal pad configuration such that the integrated circuit may be wire bonded or flip chip bonded. The terminal pad configuration uses staggered rows of pads to allow the different bonding.

Abstract: A partitioned pipeline read-out circuit architecture eliminates real-time constraints from off-chip read-out control electronics in a solid-state radiation detector system, so that an efficient decoupled architecture is possible. The front-end electronics includes a multi-channel ASIC with independently triggered charge sensitive pre-amplifiers, shaper circuits, and switched sample-and-hold capacitor circuits for each photodiode or pixel of the detector module. With this structure, individual photodiodes of the photodetector array can detect and store scintillation events independently and randomly. The ASIC is interfaced to an external successive approximation A/D converter for conversion and subsequent input to a data processing apparatus.

Abstract: A method and system for calibrating a scintillation camera includes steps of constructing a pair of generic linearity coefficient (LC) matrices from a representative detector based on measurement of non-linearity; and transforming the pair of generic LC matrices according to measured pinhole locations from a lead mask to generate detector specific LC matrices.

Abstract: A method for simultaneous CT and SPECT imaging in which CT data is acquired during each SPECT data acquisition window. SPECT scanning requires several seconds or minutes of gamma detection at each of several angular positions. CT scanning requires short duration X-ray pulses at each of several angular positions. In the present invention, the X-rays pulses are timed to occur at approximately a midpoint of time of each SPECT gamma detection period. Preferably, the SPECT gamma detection is disabled during each X-ray pulse. Consequently, there is improved position registration between CT and SPECT data. Also included is an embodiment in which SPECT data is collected synchronously with a patient's breathing. Accurate registration between CT images and SPECT images is provided.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a patient support system for a nuclear medical imaging system is provided that includes: a patient support; a collimator storage unit located under the patient support; a first support means for supporting substantially all of the weight of the collimator storage unit; and a second support means for supporting the patient support at least at a position distal from a gantry of the nuclear medical imaging system. In some embodiments, the first support means includes means for supporting the patient support at a position proximate a gantry of the nuclear medical imaging system and the second support means includes two vertical support structures. In addition, the system preferably includes at least one laterally extendable frame member mounted between the two vertical support structures.

Abstract: A high voltage distribution system and method for use with a cathode of a radiographic sensor device of a radiographic imaging apparatus are provided. The distribution system includes an insulated conductor formed on a first detector portion of the radiographic sensor device and communicating a high voltage to the cathode. The distribution system further includes an intermediate conduction portion communicating with the insulated conductor. The intermediate conduction portion includes a contact surface. The distribution system further includes a interconnect extending from a second portion of the radiographic sensor device. The separable interconnect communicates with an electrical voltage source and is positioned to come into contact with the intermediate conduction portion when the first detector portion of the radiographic sensor device is assembled to the second signal processing portion.

Abstract: In some preferred embodiments, an apparatus is provided that facilitates correction, such as, e.g., linearity correction, in imaging devices, such as, e.g., scintillation cameras. In preferred embodiments, a mask is implemented that can produce images for locating the actual position of a nuclear event based on its apparent position with high accuracy and reliability. In the preferred embodiments, the mask includes a non-uniform array of apertures that can achieve this goal.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an integrated circuit has a terminal pad configuration such that the integrated circuit may be wire bonded or flip chip bonded. The terminal pad configuration uses a staggered rows of pads to allow the different bonding.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a multimodality diagnostic imaging system having one or more gamma cameras and a flat panel x-ray detector mounted on a common gantry to perform simultaneous FPCT and SPECT studies. In other embodiments, such systems may included EKG devices to gate said studies.