Abstract: A method for calibrating a computed tomographic imaging apparatus having a gantry, a radiation source operable at a plurality of kVp's, and a detector array having a plurality of detector elements includes using a system detection function to estimate signals of each detector element that would have been detected through air and through a given thickness of water to determine estimated datasets. The estimated datasets are used to determine data pair sets each comprising a normalized water projection value and an ideal projection value for each detector element. The method further includes determining and storing a representation of a mapping function of the normalized water projections values to the ideal projection values in a memory of the computed tomographic imaging apparatus as a spectral calibration of the computed tomographic imaging apparatus.

Abstract: A technique for reducing noise in pixel images includes modifying initial image data to prevent subsequent image data loss, shrinking the modified image, processing the shrunken image with known segmentation-based filtering techniques which identify and differentially processing structures within the image. After processing, the shrunken image is enlarged to the dimensions of the initial data and subsequently processed to correct intensity irregularities and to preserve CT numbers. The resulting technique is versatile and provides greatly improved computational efficiency while maintaining image quality, allowing for dose reduction during imaging.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed to acquire scout scan data of a subject and analyzed to determine a peak-to-peak modulation amplitude of a normalized waveform indicative of subject size and shape. The scout scan data provides a representation of patient size and shape that is associated with an ideal tube current modulation waveform or profile. The ideal tube current modulation profile may then be sampled or approximated at various points to determine a tube current modulation profile for implementation to acquire CT data with reduced dose but without sacrificing image quality.

Abstract: A focal spot sensing device includes: a housing that resists x-ray beams; an opening disposed in a wall of the housing that allows an x-ray beam to enter the housing; and a sensor device disposed in the housing that interprets a position of the x-ray beam for calculating a position of a focal spot. An imaging system includes: an x-ray source that produces an x-ray beam and has a focal spot; a detector array that receives the x-ray beam and includes a focal spot sensing device, the focal spot sensing device includes: a housing that resists x-ray beams; an opening disposed in a wall of the housing that allows the x-ray beam to enter the housing; and a sensor device disposed in the housing that interprets a position of the x-ray beam for calculating a position of the focal spot. A method for sensing a focal spot, the method includes: receiving an x-ray beam into an opening of a focal spot sensing device; interpreting a position of the x-ray beam; and calculating or measuring a position of a focal spot.

Abstract: A system and method of diagnostic imaging is provided that includes positioning a subject in an imaging device, collecting positioning information of the subject from at least one sensor disposed in proximity of the imaging device, and determining a relative position of the subject within the imaging device from at least the position information. The present invention automatically selects a proper attenuation filter configuration, corrects patient centering, and corrects noise prediction errors, thereby increasing dose efficiency and tube output.

Abstract: An imaging system including is described. The imaging system includes a radiation source configured to generate a beam, a collimator configured to collimate the beam to generate a collimated beam, and a detector configured to detect the collimated beam. The collimator is one of a first collimator with a curved contour proportional to a contour of the detector, a second collimator with blades, where slopes of two oppositely-facing surfaces of at least one of the blades are different from each other, and a third collimator having at least two sets of plates, where the plates in a set pivot with respect to each other.

Abstract: A system and method of diagnostic imaging is provided that includes determining a position of a subject in a scanning bay and tailoring x-ray attenuation such that the specific position of the subject is taken into consideration. The present invention automatically selects a proper attenuation filter configuration, corrects patient centering, and corrects noise prediction errors, thereby increasing dose efficiency and tube output.

Abstract: A system and method of diagnostic imaging is provided that includes positioning a subject in a scanning bay, comparing a center of mass of the subject to a reference point, and repositioning the subject in the scanning bay to reduce a difference in position between the center of mass of the subject and the reference point. The present invention automatically selects a proper attenuation filter configuration, corrects patient centering, and corrects noise prediction errors, thereby increasing dose efficiency and tube output.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tailoring the profile of an x-ray beam for radiographic imaging for a specific subject is disclosed. The invention includes a filter assembly having a pair of filters, each of which may be dynamically controlled by a motor assembly during data acquisition. The filters are positionable in the x-ray beam so as to shape the intensity profile of the x-ray beam. In one exemplary embodiment, the filters are dynamically positioned during CT data acquisition based on the shape of the subject. A method of determining the shape of the subject prior to CT data acquisition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method of diagnostic imaging is provided that includes positioning a subject in an imaging device, performing at least one scout scan, and marking a user-defined region-of-interest. An attenuation characteristic of an attenuation filter is then automatically adjusted based on the user-defined region-of-interest. The present invention automatically selects a proper attenuation filter configuration, corrects patient centering, and corrects noise prediction errors, thereby increasing dose efficiency and tube output.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quickly rendering thick CT slice images wherein the data corresponding to an optimal number of slice images to be combined to generate a thick image and the data set required to generate the thick image are determined as a function of an optimal Z-smoothing factor and wherein Z-smoothing is implemented in software that performs quickly and is useable with any helical weighting algorithm and Z-smoothing function.

Abstract: Some configurations of the present invention thus provide a method for producing images of an object. The method includes dynamically helically scanning an object on a moving table utilizing a scanning imaging system. During the scan, projection views of the object are acquired and stored together with corresponding table locations. A plane for reconstruction of an image of the object is selected. The stored table locations are used to determine geometric variables applicable to the stored projection views; and the stored projection views are filtered and backprojected utilizing the geometrical variables to reconstruct an image of the object at the reconstruction plane.

Abstract: A method of at least partially compensating for an x-ray tube target angle heel effect includes positioning a filter having an anode side and a cathode side between an x-ray source and an x-ray detector, wherein the cathode side has a higher attenuation coefficient than the anode side, to at least partially compensate for the target angle heel effect.

Abstract: The present invention includes a filtering apparatus for a CT imaging system or equivalently for an x-ray imaging system. The filtering apparatus may be translated along a first axis or a transverse axis to with respect to an attenuation pattern of a subject during an imaging session to reduce radiation exposure to anatomical regions of the subject sensitive to radiation exposure and/or regions from which data is not being acquired.

Abstract: A preservation method for biological material having cell membranes includes microinjecting the cells with sugar; preparing the cells for storage; storing the biological material; and recovering the stored biological material from storage. The invention also features a method of culturing a cell in vitro using a hypertonic medium. Carbohydrate sugars such as trehalose, sucrose, fructose, dextran, and raffinose, may be used as bio-protective agents or in the culture medium.

Abstract: A preservation method for biological material having cell membranes includes microinjecting the cells with sugar; preparing the cells for storage; storing the biological material; and recovering the stored biological material from storage. Carbohydrate sugars such as trehalose, sucrose, fructose, dextran, and raffinose, may be used as bio-protective agents.

Abstract: A technique for reducing noise in pixel images includes modifying initial image data to prevent subsequent image data loss, shrinking the modified image, processing the shrunken image with known segmentation-based filtering techniques which identify and differentially processing structures within the image. After processing, the shrunken image is enlarged to the dimensions of the initial data and subsequently processed to correct intensity irregularities and to preserve CT numbers. The resulting technique is versatile and provides greatly improved computational efficiency while maintaining image quality, allowing for dose reduction during imaging.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quickly rendering thick CT slice images wherein the data corresponding to an optimal number of slice images to be combined to generate a thick image and the data set required to generate the thick image are determined as a function of an optimal Z-smoothing factor and wherein Z-smoothing is implemented in software that performs quickly and is useable with any helical weighting algorithm and Z-smoothing function.

Abstract: A device for locking a trailer door in a plurality of different opened positions has a plurality of hinges for coupling the door to a frame of the trailer. A torsion bar is coupled to each of the plurality of hinges and to the frame. A rachet mechanism is coupled to the torsion bar which allows the torsion bar to rotate in one direction and in incremental movements thereby allowing one to open and lock the door in a plurality of different positions.

Abstract: A device for locking a trailer door in a plurality of different opened positions has a plurality of hinges for coupling the door to a frame of the trailer. A torsion bar is coupled to each of the plurality of hinges and to the frame. A rachet mechanism is coupled to the torsion bar which allows the torsion bar to rotate in one direction and in incremental movements thereby allowing one to open and lock the door in a plurality of different positions.