Abstract: A method for obtaining data includes acquiring Computed Tomography (CT) scout data at a Z location with a first x-ray spectrum, and acquiring CT scout data at the Z with a second x-ray spectrum different from the first x-ray spectrum.

Abstract: A method for plaque characterization. The method comprises obtaining a first set of image data created in response to a first x-ray energy level and including a plurality of pixel elements. Each of the first pixel elements corresponds to a unique location in an object being scanned. The method further comprises obtaining a second set of image data created in response to a second x-ray energy level and including a plurality of second pixel elements. Each of the second pixel elements corresponds to one of the first pixel elements and the second x-ray energy level is higher than the first x-ray energy level. The method also comprises calculating a third set of image data in response to the first set of image data and the second set of image data. The calculating includes subtracting each second pixel element from the corresponding first pixel element.

Abstract: A method and system (10) is provided for collecting a substantial amount of health-related data to create an updated and reliable health forecast guide. In one embodiment, the system (10) includes a central server (14) for storing health-related data and creating the health forecast guide based on the health-related data. This central server (14) is coupled to a series of remotely located computer workstations (12), which send the health-related data to the central server (14). Additionally, the remotely located computer workstations (12) are also utilized for downloading the health forecast guide from the central server (14).

Abstract: A method for obtaining data includes acquiring Computed Tomography (CT) scout data at a Z location with a first x-ray spectrum, and acquiring CT scout data at the Z with a second x-ray spectrum different from the first x-ray spectrum.

Abstract: A method and system for generating a plurality of clinically useful images in a short time frame using a single imaging system. The system and method include using a single computer tomography (CT) system for generating a scout image configured to prescribe a tomographic axial/helical or target image and processing the scout projection data of the scout image to generate an enhanced scout image. The enhanced scout image and the target image are displayed, wherein the enhanced scout image and said target image are clinically useful images for diagnostic purposes provided by the single imaging system. More specifically, the single CT generates the enhanced scout image resembling an x-ray radiograph and the target image as a CT scan image.

Abstract: A method and system for generating a plurality of clinically useful images in a short time frame using a single imaging system. The system and method include using a single computer tomography (CT) system for generating a scout image configured to prescribe a tomographic axial/helical or target image and processing the scout projection data of the scout image to generate an enhanced scout image. The enhanced scout image and the target image are displayed, wherein the enhanced scout image and said target image are clinically useful images for diagnostic purposes provided by the single imaging system. More specifically, the single CT generates the enhanced scout image resembling an x-ray radiograph and the target image as a CT scan image.

Abstract: A method and system for associating ECG waveform data with medical imaging data using ECG gating for dose reduction and image improvement by generating the ECG waveform data using an electrocardiogram device. The ECG data is first validated and then QRS complexes are detected using a detection function. An underlying cardiac rhythm based on the detected QRS complexes is analyzed and an even number N of substantially normally shaped consecutive QRS complexes are selected. An RR interval between consecutive QRS complexes is computed to yield N−1 intervals. Duration of a representative cardiac cycle by averaging at least a plurality of the N−1 intervals is determined. Once a representative cardiac cycle is determined, a method to control power and improve image quality with the presence of patient's having arrhythmias is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for plaque characterization. The method comprises obtaining a first set of image data created in response to a first x-ray energy level and including a plurality of pixel elements. Each of the first pixel elements corresponds to a unique location in an object being scanned. The method further comprises obtaining a second set of image data created in response to a second x-ray energy level and including a plurality of second pixel elements. Each of the second pixel elements corresponds to one of the first pixel elements and the second x-ray energy level is higher than the first x-ray energy level. The method also comprises calculating a third set of image data in response to the first set of image data and the second set of image data. The calculating includes subtracting each second pixel element from the corresponding first pixel element.

Abstract: A method for calculating mass scores of calcium deposits. The method includes obtaining patient image data and identifying calcium plaque in the patient image data. The calcium plaque is associated with a plurality of discrete patient pixel elements and each of the patient pixel elements includes a patient pixel value expressed in Hounsfield units. The method also includes converting the patient pixel values into patient density values using a calibration curve equation and outputting the patient density values.

Abstract: A method and system for performing coronary artery calcification scoring using an imaging system including obtaining image data; examining the image data so as to identify a plurality of discrete pixel elements, wherein each of the pixel elements includes a pixel value; dividing the pixel elements into a scorable region so as to create a plurality of scorable pixel elements; processing the scorable pixel elements so as to identify a center scorable pixel element and determine a median pixel value; and replacing the pixel value for the center scorable pixel element with the median pixel value. Also claimed is a medium encoded with a machine-readable computer program code for performing coronary artery calcification scoring, the medium including instructions for causing controller to implement the aforementioned method.