Patents by Inventor Tooru KATO

Tooru KATO 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: 11504080
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes an X-ray tube, a photon counting detector, and processing circuitry. The X-ray tube radiates X-rays. The photon counting detector detects the X-rays radiated from the X-ray tube and transmitted through a subject. The processing circuitry adjusts a temperature adjustment amount used for regulating a temperature of the photon counting detector according to an imaging mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Canon Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuto Tsuchiya, Tooru Kato
  • Publication number: 20210251594
    Abstract: An X-ray detector according to an embodiment is an X-ray detector configured by arranging a plurality of detector modules, and includes a first detector module, a second detector module, a voltage application circuit, a first transmission circuit, and a first reception circuit. The second detector module is adjacent to the first detector module among the detector modules. The voltage application circuit is disposed in each of the detector modules, and applies a voltage to a plurality of detection elements included in each of the detector modules. The first transmission circuit is disposed in the first detector module, and transmits a signal based on the voltage from the voltage application circuit of the first detector module. The first reception circuit is disposed in the second detector module, and receives a signal transmitted from the first transmission circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Applicant: CANON MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tooru KATO, Hiroaki MIYAZAKI
  • Publication number: 20210219930
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes an X-ray tube, a photon counting detector, and processing circuitry. The X-ray tube radiates X-rays. The photon counting detector detects the X-rays radiated from the X-ray tube and transmitted through a subject. The processing circuitry adjusts a temperature adjustment amount used for regulating a temperature of the photon counting detector according to an imaging mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Applicant: Canon Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuto TSUCHIYA, Tooru KATO
  • Patent number: 10969503
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a sensitivity correction method includes acquiring count rates for respective pixels in a photon counting detector; preparing incident dose adjustment materials for the respective pixels based on the count rates for the respective pixels; and providing the incident dose adjustment materials in a surface of the photon counting detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Canon Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Nakai, Hiroaki Miyazaki, Tooru Kato, Mikihito Hayashi, Naoki Sugihara
  • Patent number: 10959684
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector. The X-ray tube generates X-rays. The X-ray detector includes a first detection area detecting the X-rays and a second detection area detecting the X-rays. The first detection area includes a first scintillator having a first fluorescence decay time, the second detection area includes a second scintillator having a second fluorescence decay time shorter than the first fluorescence decay time. The second detection area is arranged at both ends of the first detection area with respect to a channel direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Canon Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Nakai, Emi Tamura, Hiroaki Miyazaki, Mikihito Hayashi, Tooru Kato, Naoki Sugihara
  • Patent number: 10743834
    Abstract: An X-ray image diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes a photon counting X-ray detector, calibration circuitry, and image generating circuitry. The photon counting X-ray detector includes a plurality of detection elements each of which is configured to detect X-rays and output a detection signal. The calibration circuitry calibrates a detection signal of each of the detection elements using a correction value calculated from a plurality of signals output from the detection elements and corresponding to a plurality of X-ray application conditions relating to continuous X-rays. The image generating circuitry generates an image using the calibrated detection signals of the detection elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Canon Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Tooru Kato, Hiroaki Nakai
  • Patent number: 10667774
    Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus according to an embodiment includes a photon counting detector and processing circuitry. The photon counting detector includes a plurality of detection areas arranged in a channel direction and a column direction and is configured to output detection signals corresponding to the quantity of photons incident thereto, the detection areas each including a plurality of detecting elements. The processing circuitry is configured to calculate a heat generation amount for each of the detection areas on the basis of the detection signal corresponding to the incident photons detected in the detection area, to determine a control amount on the basis of the heat generation amount calculated for each of the detection areas, and to control temperature in each of the detection areas by using the determined control amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Canon Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Tooru Kato, Hiroaki Miyazaki, Emi Tamura, Hiroaki Nakai
  • Publication number: 20200064498
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a sensitivity correction method includes acquiring count rates for respective pixels in a photon counting detector; preparing incident dose adjustment materials for the respective pixels based on the count rates for the respective pixels; and providing the incident dose adjustment materials in a surface of the photon counting detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2019
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Applicant: Canon Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki NAKAI, Hiroaki MIYAZAKI, Tooru KATO, Mikihito HAYASHI, Naoki SUGIHARA
  • Patent number: 10497152
    Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus according to an embodiment includes an X-ray tube, a photon counting detector, and a processing circuitry. The X-ray tube is configured to generate X-rays. The photon counting detector includes a plurality of detecting elements each configured to output a signal in response to any of the X-rays becoming incident thereto after having passed through an examined subject. The processing circuitry is configured to determine, within a reconstruction region, a first region on which a spectrum reconstructing process is to be performed and a second region on which an energy integral reconstructing process is to be performed, on the basis of output values related to energy spectra based on the signals output by the detecting elements. The processing circuitry is configured to generate an image on the basis of the determined first region and the determined second region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Canon Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Miyazaki, Hiroaki Nakai, Naoki Sugihara, Tooru Kato, Mikihito Hayashi, Emi Tamura
  • Patent number: 10338012
    Abstract: A photon counting detector of an embodiment includes X-ray detection elements, a capacitor, and generating circuitry. The X-ray detection elements detect an X-ray and generate an electrical signal. The capacitor is provided for each of the X-ray detection element, and accumulates an electrical signal generated in each of the X-ray detection element. The generating circuitry has low sensitivity to radiation, and generates a digital signal by using an accumulation result of the electrical signal in the capacitors, and reference information that is stored in advance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Tooru Kato, Hiroaki Nakai, Mikihito Hayashi
  • Patent number: 10251626
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical image processing apparatus includes a storage and processing circuitry. The storage stores a first image indicating a breast of an object captured by a medical image diagnostic apparatus and interpretation information associated with the first image. The processing circuitry generates, based on position information of a region of interest based on the interpretation information and information of an interpretation direction, schematic diagram information for adding information about a position of the region of interest onto a schematic diagram of the breast. The processing circuitry transmits information, including the schematic diagram information, for generating the schematic diagram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuki Utsunomiya, Yusuke Kano, Shinya Sugiyama, Kei Mori, Tooru Kato, Hiroaki Nakai
  • Patent number: 10219775
    Abstract: A photon-counting X-ray computed tomography (CT) apparatus according to an embodiment includes an X-ray tube, a detector, a photon counting circuitry, a correcting circuitry, and a calculating circuitry. The X-ray tube irradiates a subject with X-rays. The detector includes a plurality of detection elements that detect photons of X-rays incident on the detection elements. The photon counting circuitry counts the count of X-ray photons for each energy bin set in an X-ray energy distribution, for each position of the X-ray tube, and for each of the detection elements. The correcting circuitry corrects the count of the X-ray photons counted by the photon counting circuitry, based on a detection characteristic, of the detection elements. The calculating circuitry calculates the reliability of a pixel in a reconstruction image, based on the correction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Nakai, Mikihito Hayashi, Tooru Kato
  • Patent number: 10197511
    Abstract: An X-ray computer tomography (CT) apparatus according to an embodiment includes an X-ray source, an X-ray detector, and generating circuitry. The X-ray source radiates X-rays. The X-ray detector includes a scintillator including a first region close to the X-ray source and a second region distant from the X-ray source, an optical sensor that detects scintillator light obtained by converting the X-rays radiated from the X-ray source with the scintillator, and a variable layer that is provided in the scintillator and switchable between a first state in which the variable layer transmits the scintillator light between the first region and the second region and a second state in which the variable layer does not transmit the scintillator light between the first region and the second region. The generating circuitry generates a CT image based on a signal output from the X-ray detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tooru Kato, Hiroaki Nakai, Mikihito Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20190021687
    Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus according to an embodiment includes a photon counting detector and processing circuitry. The photon counting detector includes a plurality of detection areas arranged in a channel direction and a column direction and is configured to output detection signals corresponding to the quantity of photons incident thereto, the detection areas each including a plurality of detecting elements. The processing circuitry is configured to calculate a heat generation amount for each of the detection areas on the basis of the detection signal corresponding to the incident photons detected in the detection area, to determine a control amount on the basis of the heat generation amount calculated for each of the detection areas, and to control temperature in each of the detection areas by using the determined control amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Applicant: Canon Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Tooru KATO, Hiroaki Miyazaki, Emi Tamura, Hiroaki Nakai
  • Patent number: 10159450
    Abstract: An X-ray computed tomography (CT) apparatus according to an embodiment includes a photon-counting detector, correction circuitry, and reconstruction circuitry. The photon-counting detector includes a plurality of X-ray detection elements detecting X-ray photons applied from an X-ray tube. The correction circuitry corrects detection signals detected by the photon-counting detector for the respective X-ray detection elements, based on a centroid of an X-ray spectrum detected by the photon-counting detector. The reconstruction circuitry reconstructs a CT image based on the corrected detection signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Tooru Kato, Hiroaki Nakai
  • Patent number: 10149655
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a photon counting imaging apparatus includes an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector, and data acquisition circuitry. The X-ray detector includes a detector pixel including photoelectric conversion cells each configured to individually generate an electrical signal of a predetermined pulse height, and output circuitry configured to generate an energy signal having a pulse height corresponding to energy of the X-rays based on the electrical signals from the photoelectric conversion cells. The data acquisition circuitry corrects the energy signal based on a relationship between an amplification factor and an applied voltage to the detector pixel during a period until the voltage applied to the detector pixel recovers from a breakdown voltage to a reverse bias voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Tooru Kato, Mikihito Hayashi, Hiroaki Nakai
  • Publication number: 20180242927
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector. The X-ray tube generates X-rays. The X-ray detector includes a first detection area detecting the X-rays and a second detection area detecting the X-rays. The first detection area includes a first scintillator having a first fluorescence decay time, the second detection area includes a second scintillator having a second fluorescence decay time shorter than the first fluorescence decay time. The second detection area is arranged at both ends of the first detection area with respect to a channel direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Applicant: Canon Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Nakai, Emi Tamura, Hiroaki Miyazaki, Mikihito Hayashi, Tooru Kato, Naoki Sugihara
  • Publication number: 20180211417
    Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus according to an embodiment includes an X-ray tube, a photon counting detector, and a processing circuitry. The X-ray tube is configured to generate X-rays. The photon counting detector includes a plurality of detecting elements each configured to output a signal in response to any of the X-rays becoming incident thereto after having passed through an examined subject. The processing circuitry is configured to determine, within a reconstruction region, a first region on which a spectrum reconstructing process is to be performed and a second region on which an energy integral reconstructing process is to be performed, on the basis of output values related to energy spectra based on the signals output by the detecting elements. The processing circuitry is configured to generate an image on the basis of the determined first region and the determined second region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Applicant: Canon Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki MIYAZAKI, Hiroaki NAKAI, Naoki SUGIHARA, Tooru KATO, Mikihito HAYASHI, Emi TAMURA
  • Publication number: 20180098746
    Abstract: An X-ray image diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes a photon counting X-ray detector, calibration circuitry, and image generating circuitry. The photon counting X-ray detector includes a plurality of detection elements each of which is configured to detect X-rays and output a detection signal. The calibration circuitry calibrates a detection signal of each of the detection elements using a correction value calculated from a plurality of signals output from the detection elements and corresponding to a plurality of X-ray application conditions relating to continuous X-rays. The image generating circuitry generates an image using the calibrated detection signals of the detection elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Publication date: April 12, 2018
    Applicant: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Tooru KATO, Hiroaki NAKAI
  • Patent number: 9924916
    Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus includes: intensity distribution data acquiring circuitry is configured to acquire, by performing a first scan, intensity distribution data of X-rays being radiated from an X-ray tube and having passed through a subject; scan controlling circuitry is configured to estimate an X-ray dose with which it is possible to discriminate individual X-ray photons having passed through the subject based on the intensity distribution data and to cause a second scan that is for a photon counting CT purpose to be performed by causing the estimated dose of X-rays to be radiated from the X-ray tube to the subject; a counting result acquiring circuitry is configured to acquire, by the second scan, a counting result by counting the X-ray photons being radiated from the X-ray tube and having passed through the subject; and an image reconstructing circuitry is configured to reconstruct X-ray CT image data based on the counting result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Tooru Kato, Hiroaki Nakai, Kanta Kobuchi