Abstract: A method of utilizing bolus propagation and control for contrast enhancement comprises measuring with an imaging device a position of a bolus moving along a path in a biological structure. The method further comprises predicting a future position of the bolus using a simplified target model and comparing the predicted future position of the bolus with the measured position of the bolus. A control action is determined to eliminate a discrepancy, if any, between the predicted position of the bolus and the measured position of the bolus and the relative position of the imaging device and the biological structure is adaptively adjusted according to the control action to chase the motion of the bolus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a system and method for optimization of contrast enhancement utilizing a bolus propagation model, a computerized predictor of the bolus position, and a real-time tomographic imaging system with an adaptive mechanism to move a patient and/or the imaging components. The system and method can be applied to X-ray CT angiography that relies on bolus peak prediction, real-time CT observation and adaptive table translation. In particular, the discrepancy between the bolus location predicted by a bolus propagation model and the real-time CT measurement is reconciled via a computerized predictor such as a linear extrpolator or a Kalman filter and fed into an adaptive table transport system to drive the table to chase the contrast bolus accordingly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a system and method for optimization of contrast enhancement utilizing a bolus propagation model, a computerized predictor of the bolus position, and a real-time tomographic imaging system with an adaptive mechanism to move a patient and/or the imaging components. The system and method can be applied to X-ray CT angiography that relies on bolus peak prediction, real-time CT observation and adaptive table translation. In particular, the discrepancy between the bolus location predicted by a bolus propagation model and the real-time CT measurement is reconciled via a computerized predictor such as a linear extrpolator or a Kalman filter and fed into an adaptive table transport system to drive the table to chase the contrast bolus accordingly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an improved system and method for visualizing and quantifying data associated with biological curvilinear/tubular structures such as the gastrointestinal tract. In the present invention, an electrical field based approach provides a system and method to unravel convoluted biological curvilinear/tubular structures such as the colon. The approach digitally straightens or flatten such structures with curved cross-sections. Electrical charges are simulated along the structure's central path. Each curved cross-section of the colon is defined by electrical force lines due to charges distributed along the colon path, and constructed by directly tracing the force lines. In a further embodiment, the efficiency of the unraveling is improved by directly tracing only representative force lines that originate equiangularly from the current colon path position. The other force lines are interpolated from the traced force lines.

Abstract: In the present invention, an iterative process is provided for computed tomographic fluoroscopy (CTF) based upon an ordered-subset based algorithm or an adaptation of the row-action expectation maximization (RAEM) formula. This process is applied to reduce metal artifacts in CTF imaging, reduce image noise and provide rapid-image updating suitable for real-time applications. In one embodiment, generation of a projection mask and computation of a relaxation matrix are used to compensate for beam divergence and data incompleteness, and a priori knowledge such as a known image support is used to reduce image reconstruction errors.

Abstract: In the present invention, an iterative process is provided for cone-beam tomography (parallel-beam and fan-beam geometries are considered as its special cases), and applied to metal artifact reduction and local reconstruction from truncated data, as well as image noise reduction. In different embodiments, these iterative processes may be based upon the emission computerized tomography (CT) expectation maximization (EM) formula and/or the algebraic reconstruction technique (ART). In one embodiment, generation of a projection mask and computation of a 3D spatially varying relaxation factor are utilized to compensate for beam divergence, data inconsistence and incompleteness.

Abstract: An enhanced upper extremity evaluation system includes a computer and a directly connected three-dimensional position locator including a wand which may be used by a therapist to enter data by positioning the wand on a desk top template instead of by typing a keyboard. Also, the three-dimensional position locator may be used in an "increment" mode to trace contours, scars or the like, and make other anthropometric measurements.

Abstract: An upper extremity evaluation system includes a computer and a directly connected three-dimensional position locator which may be used by a therapist to enter data corresponding to the location of the flexed and extended joints of the hand, wrist and elbow. The computer may then utilize these dimensions in calculating angles of flexion and extension, and a degree of disability in accordance with American Medical Association standards.