Patents by Inventor Naruomi Akino

Naruomi Akino 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: 9949711
    Abstract: An X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to the present embodiment comprises a gantry and a tube current setting circuitry. The tube current setting circuitry set tube currents for the respective imaging regions. To be specific, the tube current setting circuitry calculate X-ray absorption index values in the respective imaging regions, based on scanogram image data, determine tube current values corresponding to the X-ray absorption index values for the respective imaging regions, and correct the tube current values of the respective imaging regions except for a reference region based on a relative relationship between an X-ray absorption index value of the reference imaging region and tube current values of the other imaging regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro Goto, Naruomi Akino, Yoshinori Uebayashi, Hiroki Taguchi
  • Patent number: 9782142
    Abstract: In the X-ray CT system according to an embodiment, a control means displaces and images imaging regions in the subject by controlling a top board driver and an imaging means such that the X-rays are projected onto the subject every time a top board is moved by a predetermined transfer amount. An acquiring means acquires projection data of the respective imaging regions. A reconstruction means, based on the projection data, reconstructs tomographic images for each predetermined size of a reconstruction region. In the scan control mode, the control means outputs the transfer amount corresponding to this mode to the top board driver. In the reconstruction control mode, the control means outputs the size of the reconstruction region corresponding to this mode to the reconstruction means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Nakanishi, Naruomi Akino
  • Patent number: 9784694
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes an X-ray generation unit, an X-ray detection unit, a unit to reconstruct volume data for a reconstruction region having an operator-designated diameter based on projection data, a unit to generate interpolation data based on measurement data to complete projection data for end portions of the reconstruction region wherein the projection data required for reconstructing the volume data of a middle portion of the reconstruction region is acquired as the measurement data, and a unit to decide a width of the end portions based on the set radiation range along the top's longitudinal direction, reconstruction region's diameter, and object's imaging target portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Nakanishi, Naruomi Akino, Yoshinori Uebayashi, Takahiro Goto
  • Patent number: 9737279
    Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus is provided which can easily decide on a reconstruction method based on imaging conditions. The X-ray CT apparatus comprises an irradiation unit irradiating a subject with X-rays, a detector configured to detect X-rays transmitted through the subject, and a rotator rotating irradiation unit and detector around the subject, and which generates an image by receiving biological signals of the subject to perform synchronous imaging. A memory stores a threshold value. Processing circuitry calculates, based on imaging conditions related to the synchronous imaging, a detection data amount in which detection data amount detected by the detector is represented by a number of rotations of the rotator, decides, based on the detection data amount and the threshold value, on a reconstruction process for implementation on the detection data, and implements reconstruction processes based on the detection data to generate the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Nakanishi, Naruomi Akino, Yoshinori Uebayashi, Takahiro Goto
  • Publication number: 20160120496
    Abstract: An X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to the present embodiment comprises a gantry and a tube current setting circuitry. The tube current setting circuitry set tube currents for the respective imaging regions. To be specific, the tube current setting circuitry calculate X-ray absorption index values in the respective imaging regions, based on scanogram image data, determine tube current values corresponding to the X-ray absorption index values for the respective imaging regions, and correct the tube current values of the respective imaging regions except for a reference region based on a relative relationship between an X-ray absorption index value of the reference imaging region and tube current values of the other imaging regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro GOTO, Naruomi AKINO, Yoshinori UEBAYASHI, Hiroki TAGUCHI
  • Patent number: 9226715
    Abstract: The X-ray CT apparatus of the embodiment includes an X-ray generating part, an X-ray detector, a reconstruction function setting part, and a reconstruction processor. The X-ray generating part generates X-rays while rotating in a circuital orbit around the subject. The X-ray detector has a plurality of channels and detects the X-rays transmitted through the subject in each channel. The reconstruction function setting part sets the reconstruction function using statistics representing the statistical dispersion of the X-ray amount of the detected X-rays and a predetermined reference reconstruction function. The reconstruction processor carries out the reconstructing the projection data based on the detected X-rays based on the reconstruction function and produces image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Naruomi Akino
  • Publication number: 20150030118
    Abstract: X-ray CT apparatus is provided which can easily decide on a reconstruction method based on imaging conditions. X-ray CT apparatus comprises: irradiation unit irradiating a subject with X-rays, detector configured to detect X-rays transmitted through the subject, and rotator rotating irradiation unit and detector around the subject, and for generating an image by receiving biological signals of the subject to perform synchronous imaging. The memory stores a threshold value. The calculator calculates, based on imaging conditions related to the synchronous imaging, detection data amount in which detection data amount detected by the detector is represented by a number of rotations of the rotator. The decision unit decides, based on detection data amount calculated by the calculator and the threshold value stored in the memory, on reconstruction process for implementing on the detection data. The processor implements reconstruction processes decided on the detection data, to generate the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicants: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Nakanishi, Naruomi Akino, Yoshinori Uebayashi, Takahiro Goto
  • Patent number: 8705688
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical image processing apparatus includes an image storage unit, an estimation unit, a combination ratio determination unit, and a combined image generation unit. The estimation unit is configured to estimate an abundance ratio of one of a first and second substances to the other for each pixel based on attenuation coefficients of the first substance which correspond to a first and second energies, the attenuation coefficients of a second substance which correspond to the first and second energies, and pixel values of a first and second medical images. The combination ratio determination unit is configured to determine combination ratios of pixel values between the first and second medical images for each pixel based on the abundance ratios of the first and second substances and the attenuation coefficients of the first and second substances which are associated with a target energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Naruomi Akino
  • Publication number: 20140029717
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes an X-ray generation unit, an X-ray detection unit, a unit to reconstruct volume data for a reconstruction region having an operator-designated diameter based on projection data, a unit to generate interpolation data based on measurement data to complete projection data for end portions of the reconstruction region wherein the projection data required for reconstructing the volume data of a middle portion of the reconstruction region is acquired as the measurement data, and a unit to decide a width of the end portions based on the set radiation range along the top's longitudinal direction, reconstruction region's diameter, and object's imaging target portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicants: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation, Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Satoru NAKANISHI, Naruomi AKINO, Yoshinori UEBAYASHI, Takahiro GOTO
  • Patent number: 8559687
    Abstract: A method of computed-tomography and a computed-tomography apparatus where the portion of the field of view of a subject were full scan data is available is reconstructed using a full-scan algorithm. In the areas where full scan data is not available, half-scanning is used. Data is also extrapolated from the full scan data. The extrapolated data overlaps a portion of the half-scanning data. The extrapolated data and the overlapped portion of the half-scanning data are feathered. The image is reconstructed using the full-scan, half-scan and feathered data. Corner regions in an image are exposed and reconstructed to produce more uniform z-coverage of the reconstruction field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Be-Shan Chiang, Alex Zamyatin, Mike Silver, Yu Zou, Naruomi Akino, Thomas Labno
  • Publication number: 20130251093
    Abstract: The X-ray CT apparatus of the embodiment includes an X-ray generating part, an X-ray detector, a reconstruction function setting part, and a reconstruction processor. The X-ray generating part generates X-rays while rotating in a circuital orbit around the subject. The X-ray detector has a plurality of channels and detects the X-rays transmitted through the subject in each channel. The reconstruction function setting part sets the reconstruction function using statistics representing the statistical dispersion of the X-ray amount of the detected X-rays and a predetermined reference reconstruction function. The reconstruction processor carries out the reconstructing the projection data based on the detected X-rays based on the reconstruction function and produces image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicants: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation, Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Naruomi AKINO
  • Patent number: 8416913
    Abstract: X-ray transmission data of a specific direction is extracted from X-ray transmission data obtained by rotating an X-ray tube irradiating an X-ray around an object. The outline of the object is calculated based on the X-ray transmission data of the specific direction. Then, based on this outline, the X-ray transmission data is corrected, and an image of the inside of the object is reconstructed from the corrected X-ray transmission data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Naruomi Akino, Satoru Nakanishi, Tetsuya Horiuchi
  • Publication number: 20120093279
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical image processing apparatus includes an image storage unit, an estimation unit, a combination ratio determination unit, and a combined image generation unit. The estimation unit is configured to estimate an abundance ratio of one of a first and second substances to the other for each pixel based on attenuation coefficients of the first substance which correspond to a first and second energies, the attenuation coefficients of a second substance which correspond to the first and second energies, and pixel values of a first and second medical images. The combination ratio determination unit is configured to determine combination ratios of pixel values between the first and second medical images for each pixel based on the abundance ratios of the first and second substances and the attenuation coefficients of the first and second substances which are associated with a target energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicants: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION, KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Naruomi AKINO
  • Patent number: 8045781
    Abstract: An X-ray computed tomography apparatus scans a subject to be examined with cone beam X-rays, and generates reference volume data on the basis of projection data. This apparatus extracts a cone beam artifact component contained in the reference volume data on the basis of the typical shape and direction of the cone beam artifact component. This apparatus generates resultant volume data with the reduced cone beam artifact by subtracting the cone beam artifact component from the reference volume data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Nakanishi, Naruomi Akino
  • Patent number: 8009795
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a storage unit which stores the data of a plurality of images including an examination target organ of an object, a reference point determining unit which determines, from each of the images, a reference point which is located in or near a region of the examination target organ and undergoes a relatively small displacement accompanying respiratory motion or, heartbeat, and a moving amount calculation unit which determines the position of each of a plurality of points of interest included in the region of the examination target organ relative to the reference point for each of the images, and calculates, based on the determined positions, moving amounts that corresponding points of interest between the images move accompanying the respiratory motion or the heartbeat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Kazumasa Arakita, Naruomi Akino
  • Patent number: 7957502
    Abstract: A method for scaling a scattered ray intensity distribution in a multi bulbs X-ray CT apparatus configured to irradiate a subject with X-rays from a plurality of X-ray generation sections, respectively and configure a cross-sectional image of the subject by detecting the X-rays passing through the subject. A first difference is achieved, the first difference being the difference between a real data of X-ray intensity achieved by passing of X-rays through the subject, the X-rays being radiated from the plurality of the X-ray generation sections, respectively and an opposed data of X-ray intensity achieved by passing of these X-rays through the subject at the same position in an opposite direction, a second difference between scattered ray intensity included in the real data and scattered ray intensity included in the opposed data being achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro Manabe, Naruomi Akino
  • Publication number: 20110103662
    Abstract: A method of computed-tomography and a computed-tomography apparatus where the portion of the field of view of a subject were full scan data is available is reconstructed using a full-scan algorithm. In the areas where full scan data is not available, half-scanning is used. Data is also extrapolated from the full scan data. The extrapolated data overlaps a portion of the half-scanning data. The extrapolated data and the overlapped portion of the half-scanning data are feathered. The image is reconstructed using the full-scan, half-scan and feathered data. Corner regions in an image are exposed and reconstructed to produce more uniform z-coverage of the reconstruction field of view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicants: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Be-Shan Chiang, Alex Zamyatin, Mike Silver, Yu Zou, Naruomi Akino, Thomas Labno
  • Patent number: 7864916
    Abstract: An X-ray computer tomography apparatus includes a cone beam X-ray tube X-rays, a two-dimensional array type X-ray detector, a rotating mechanism which supports the X-ray tube, together with the X-ray detector, so as to be rotatable around the object, a reconstruction processing unit which reconstructs a full scan image based on projection data, of the projection data, which corresponds to a view count corresponding to one rotation and also reconstructs a short scan image based on projection data corresponding to a view count smaller than the view count corresponding to one rotation, a CT value shift distribution generating unit which generates a spatial distribution of CT value shifts originating from the smaller view count based on the full scan image and the short scan image, and a correcting unit which corrects the short scan image based on the spatial distribution of the CT value shifts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Naruomi Akino
  • Patent number: 7848480
    Abstract: An X-ray CT scanner includes X-ray tubes including a first X-ray tube and a second X-ray tube having fan angles different from each other, X-ray detectors including a first X-ray detector and a second X-ray detector which are respectively arranged to face the first X-ray tube and the second X-ray tube, collection data processing means for executing weighting processing to each of pieces of collection data including first collection data obtained by the first X-ray detector and second collection data obtained by the second X-ray detector to generate image data combined to be smooth in a direction corresponding to a channel direction of detection elements provided in the X-ray detectors, and image generating section for performing processing including image reconstruction processing with respect to pieces of collection data weighted by the collection data processing section to generate image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Nakanishi, Naruomi Akino, Yasuo Saito
  • Patent number: 7751524
    Abstract: An X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes a gantry, a reconstruction processing unit which generates first volume data on the basis of a projection data set which covers an angle range of 180°+a fan angle and also generates second volume data on the basis of a projection data set which covers an angle range of 360°, a correction data generating unit which generates correction data for reducing a cone beam artifact on the basis of a difference between the first volume data and the second volume data, and a correction unit which corrects the first volume data on the basis of the correction data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuya Horiuchi, Satoru Nakanishi, Naruomi Akino