Abstract: An X-ray imaging method and apparatus are provided for forming an X-ray image having reduced noise and showing a clear boundary of a lesion region. The X-ray imaging method includes performing a first main shot which irradiates an object in a compressed state by using X-rays at least once to obtain a single two-dimensional image, performing a second main shot which irradiates the object by using X-rays at different positions to obtain a plurality of two-dimensional images, and forming a two-dimensional final image by removing a lesion region having a unclear boundary from each of the plurality of two-dimensional images and substituting a lesion region of the single two-dimensional image into an area which corresponds to the removed lesion region.

Abstract: Among the technical characteristics disclosed in this specification, the pulse wave sensor with one of the technical characteristic includes a construction to detect the pulse wave at a wrist (i.e., a construction to measure the pulse wave to be worn at the wrist). To be more concrete, the pulse wave sensor includes a measurement unit to measure the pulse wave, a power source unit to supply power to the measurement unit, a cable to connect between the measurement unit and the power source unit electrically, and a armlet type housing to contain the measurement unit, the power source unit, and the cable.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a wearable fitness monitoring device including a motion sensor and a photoplethysmographic (PPG) sensor. The PPG sensor includes (i) a periodic light source, (ii) a photo detector, and (iii) circuitry determining a user's heart rate from an output of the photo detector. Some embodiments provide methods for operating a heart rate monitor of a wearable fitness monitoring device to measure one or more characteristics of a heartbeat waveform. Some embodiments provide methods for operating the wearable fitness monitoring device in a low power state when the device determines that the device is not worn by a user. Some embodiments provide methods for operating the wearable fitness monitoring device in a normal power state when the device determines that the device is worn by a user. Some embodiments provide methods for using response characteristics of the user's skin to adjust a gain and/or light emission intensity of the heart rate monitor.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a wearable fitness monitoring device including a motion sensor and a photoplethysmographic (PPG) sensor. The PPG sensor includes (i) a periodic light source, (ii) a photo detector, and (iii) circuitry determining a user's heart rate from an output of the photo detector. Some embodiments provide methods for operating a heart rate monitor of a wearable fitness monitoring device to measure one or more characteristics of a heartbeat waveform. Some embodiments provide methods for operating the wearable fitness monitoring device in a low power state when the device determines that the device is not worn by a user. Some embodiments provide methods for operating the wearable fitness monitoring device in a normal power state when the device determines that the device is worn by a user.

Abstract: An adjustment of the visualization of volume data of an object as an image with regard to diagnostically relevant medical information relating to the environment of a region under investigation is provided. In the process, at least one slice region is specified in accordance with slice information within the volume data. A first mapping of a value range of the volume data is used for visualizing the at least one slice region on a display. A second mapping different from the first mapping is used for visualizing a region bordering on the at least one slice region on the display.

Abstract: The blood vessel characteristics measuring apparatus 100 includes a blood flow measuring unit 20 held at a position opposed to a skin surface 10 of a measurement region of a subject, an optical sensor unit 30 housed in the blood flow measuring unit 20, an electrocardiograph 40, and a controller 50. The controller 50 includes a blood flow measuring part 60, a blood vessel displacement deriving part 70, and a blood vessel condition deriving part 80. The blood flow measuring part 60 measures the displacements of a blood vessel and tissues around the blood vessel caused by a blood flow based on light intensity at the time of receiving light emitted from a light-emitting part 32 of the sensor unit 30 in light-receiving parts 34 and 36. The blood vessel displacement deriving part 70 derives the wall of the blood vessel 12 based on the displacements of the blood vessel and tissues around the blood vessel.

Abstract: A substantially X-ray transparent animal restraint enclosure having an open base structure and a lid which is configured to substantially close the base structure. The lid is movable from a closed position to an open position to permit the introduction of an animal into the base structure. The base structure has an open-ended slot which is partially obstructed when the lid is closed. The base structure also has an aperture which is not obstructed by the lid. A veterinary CT scan apparatus includes a CT scan gantry or sensor ring, a CT scan table, and a substantially X-ray transparent animal restraint enclosure. A method of performing a CT scan on an animal in a CT scan apparatus having a patient target position is achieved by placing the animal in substantially X-ray transparent enclosure; placing the enclosure in the patient target position for the CT scan; and conducting the CT scan.

Abstract: There is provided a panoramic imaging apparatus which serves as a radiation imaging apparatus. The panoramic imaging apparatus includes an X-ray tube radiating an X-ray as a radiation, a detector outputting digital-quantity frame data corresponding to an incident X-ray, and moving means moving the pair of X-ray tube and the detector relatively to an object. The apparatus further includes means for acquiring the frame data from the detector during movement of the X-ray tube and the detector, and means for optimally focusing a portion being imaged of the object using the acquired data and producing a three-dimensional optimally focused image in which the real size and shape of the portion being imaged are reflected.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for visualizing a lymph node in a volume section of an examination subject by way of a combined MR/PET apparatus and to a correspondingly embodied combined MR/PET apparatus. The method includes acquisition of PET data of the volume section by way of a positron emission detector in order to record on the basis of the PET data a metabolic activity per PET voxel within the predetermined volume section; acquisition of MR data of the volume section by way of a magnetic resonance system in order to record on the basis of the MR data a lymph-node-specific contrast per region of the predetermined volume section; and generation of an image as a function of the metabolic activity recorded per PET voxel and as a function of the lymph-node-specific contrast recorded per region, abnormal lymph nodes being visualized in the image as distinguishable from normal lymph nodes.

Abstract: A neurological control system for modulating activity of any component or structure comprising the entirety or portion of the nervous system, or any structure interfaced thereto, generally referred to herein as a “nervous system component.” The neurological control system generates neural modulation signals delivered to a nervous system component through one or more neuromodulators to control neurological state and prevent neurological signs and symptoms. Such treatment parameters may be derived from a neural response to previously delivered neural modulation signals sensed by one or more sensors, each configured to sense a particular characteristic indicative of a neurological or psychiatric condition.

Abstract: A device to stimulate and measure a response from the ulnar dorsal cutaneous nerve of a patient may include a first surface electrode to apply a stimulating signal to the ulnar dorsal cutaneous nerve, a second surface electrode to record the response from the stimulating signal after applying the stimulating signal to the ulnar dorsal cutaneous nerve, and a third surface electrode to reference the stimulating signal. The second surface electrode may be placed over the fifth metacarpal joint, and the device may include a ground electrode positioned over the dorsal surface of the hand. The device may include a inactive stimulating electrode positioned near to the first surface electrode. The inactive stimulating electrode may be positioned within 3 cm of the first surface electrode, and the first electrode may be placed substantially above the tendon the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetoencephalography meter which includes a plurality of optical pumping magnetometers which are arranged in a helmet shape to cover the head of the subject. Each optical pumping magnetometer has a vapor cell which is filled with alkali metal atoms and is arranged substantially in parallel to the surface of the head of the subject, a laser light emission unit that emits laser light in a direction toward the head of the subject and causes laser light to enter the vapor cell, a reflection unit that reflects laser light passed through the vapor cell in a direction away from the head of the subject which is a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the head of the subject, and a polarization change detection unit that receives laser light reflected by the reflection unit and detects change in polarization of laser light.

Abstract: A couch device including sliders axially supported by lower ends of both of link members, and including nut members. Guide rails substantially horizontally guide each slider. A screw member is arranged along the guide rail and is configured to apply a driving force to each slider when it is relatively rotated for each nut member and, due to the driving force, substantially horizontally transfer each slider. A clutch unit selectively carries out the operations of rotating one nut member integrated with the screw member such that the driving force is prevented from being applied to one slider, or relatively rotating one nut member for the screw member such that the driving force is applied to one slider. A binding unit binds one slider to the guide rail when the driving force is not applied to the one slider.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring the condition of electrodes used in biological signal measurement are provided. One method includes applying a first test signal having a first frequency to at least one of a plurality of electrodes and applying a second test signal having a second frequency to at least one of the plurality of electrodes. Both frequencies are below a frequency range associated with the biological signal. The method further includes capturing the biological signal while applying the plurality of test signals and generating an output signal that includes both the measured biological signal and the plurality of test signals. The method further includes retrieving an output amplitude for each of the plurality of test signals from the output signal and calculating an estimated impedance for each of the plurality of electrodes based on the retrieved output amplitudes of the plurality of test signals.

Abstract: An image converter receives image data of an object and performs a kind of image conversion on the image data to generate converted image data for display. A measurement section measures at least one spatial characteristic of the object based on: the converted image data, and optical data, which relates to optical characteristics of an optical system through which the image data of the object has been obtained, and which is made to correspond to the kind of image conversion performed by the image converter. Alternatively, a measurement section measures at least one spatial characteristic of the object by relating, based on the kind of image conversion, coordinates of the converted image data to coordinates of the image data of the object before the image conversion, and by measuring the at least one spatial characteristic based on the coordinates of the image data of the object before the image conversion.

Abstract: A system for determining a location of an electrode of a medical device (e.g., a catheter) in a body of a patient includes a localization block for producing an uncompensated electrode location, a motion compensation block for producing a compensation signal (i.e., for respiration, cardiac, etc.), and a mechanism for subtracting the compensation signal from the uncompensated electrode location. The result is a corrected electrode location substantially free of respiration and cardiac artifacts. The motion compensation block includes a dynamic adaptation feature which accounts for changes in a patient's respiration patterns as well as intentional movements of the medical device to different locations within the patient's body. The system further includes an automatic compensation gain control which suppresses compensation when certain conditions, such as noise or sudden patch impedance changes, are detected.

Abstract: Embodiments of devices and methods for evaluating tissue are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for measuring a characteristic of a tissue may include passing a current through the tissue, measuring a signal corresponding to the voltage resulting from passing the current through the tissue, analyzing current passed through the tissue and resulting voltage to determine the electrical characteristics of the tissue; and analyzing the electrical characteristics of the tissue to determine a status of the tissue. Disposable sensors are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the determination and representation of a chamber anatomy are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A system and method for producing an image of a vasculature of a subject using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes applying a saturation pulse to a prescribed imaging slice to substantially suppress MR signals in the prescribed imaging slice. A quiescent inflow time period (QITP) is observed that is at least equal to half a projected duration of a cardiac cycle of the subject. After the QITP, k-space data is acquired from the prescribed imaging slice, and a subset of the data representative of a desired portion of the cardiac cycle of the subject is reconstructed into an image of the subject including at least the prescribed imaging slice.

Abstract: A tissue-image creating unit creates a tissue image including depth values by volume rendering from three-dimensional tissue data stored in a three-dimensional data storage unit. A blood-flow data converting unit scatters a blood flow in three-dimensional blood-flow data stored in the three-dimensional data storage unit into particles, and converts the three-dimensional blood-flow data into three-dimensional particle data. A blood-flow image creating unit creates a blood-flow image including depth values from the three-dimensional particle data. A composite-image creating unit then creates a composite image by coordinating the order of rendering particles and tissue based on the depth values of respective pixels included in the tissue image and the depth values of respective particles included in the blood-flow image. A display control unit then controls display of the composite image so as to be displayed in order onto a monitor included in an output unit.

Abstract: A system can include an implantable device, an instrument, a display device and a processor. The implantable device can include a port and a localizer for generating a navigation field. The instrument can include a tracking device for sensing the navigation field. The processor can be operably coupled to the tracking and display devices and operable to determine a real-time location of the instrument relative to the port and a trajectory of the instrument relative to an insertion axis of the port. The processor system can be operable to cause the display device to graphically render the instrument as a plurality of two or three-dimensional rings positioned around an axis coincident with the determined trajectory and in spaced relation to each other along the axis. A first ring of the plurality of rings can be positioned at the determined instrument location relative to a graphical representation of the port location.

Abstract: A catheter having a sensor at a distal end thereof, useable to detect and create signals from an electromagnetic field. The sensor is constructed and arranged to leave a lumen of the catheter open such that it may be used to pass instruments therethrough once a target location has been reached.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus and image processing method of an endoscope apparatus are provided. In one respect, an endoscope apparatus includes an illumination unit for selectively providing light in a plurality of wavelength bands and white light, a sensing unit for receiving light reflected from a body cavity, and an image processing unit for generating additional synthesized images.

Abstract: According to embodiments, systems, devices, and methods for ridge selection in scalograms are disclosed. Ridges or ridge components are features within a scalogram which may be computed from a signal such as a physiological (e.g., photoplethysmographic) signal. Ridges may be identified from one or more scalograms of the signal. Parameters characterizing these ridges may be determined. Based at least in part on these parameters, a ridge density distribution function is determined. A ridge is selected from analyzing this ridge density distribution function. In some embodiments, the selected ridge is used to determine a physiological parameter such as respiration rate.

Abstract: The invention presents tools to improve a 3-D image aided biopsy or treatment procedure for prostate gland by providing additional functionality and additional visual cues on an output image of the prostate, which may be generated substantially in real-time. The tools include i) the identification of various parts of prostate to classify as per regular classification in pathological reports, ii) Computing and displaying the insertion depth of needle with respect to a selected target point during the procedure, iii) Computing and displaying the distance from needle tip to prostate surface following a procedure and, iv) Calibration for misalignment of a 2-D imaging transducer when used under tracked motion for a procedure.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging probe supports determination of the location of an object scanned within a 3D volume. A handheld movable ultrasound imaging device emits ultrasound waves and detects corresponding ultrasound waves reflected from an object. At least three light emitting elements are mounted on the ultrasound imaging device and are detectable by a camera located at a fixed position with respect to a 3D volume where the object is imaged. A motion detector provides data indicating detected movement of the ultrasound imaging device in at least one axis. The data indicating detected movement is used together with distance data indicating distance of the ultrasound imaging device from the camera derived using the light emitting elements and the camera, to determine a location of the object scanned within a 3D volume using the ultrasound imaging device.

Abstract: A pressure measuring System (11, 111, 211) is described comprising a sensor assembly (13, 113, 213) and a vessel adapter (17, 217), with the sensor assembly defining a compartment (19, 119, 219, 220), comprising a measurement port (29, 129, 229, 230), an actuator (21, 121, 221, 222) for enabling and disabling pressure transmission across the measurement port, and at least one pressure sensor (23, 123, 223, 224, 225) for measuring a pressure in the compartment relative to a reference pressure, and the vessel adapter defining a fluid chamber (47, 247, 248), said chamber being in pressure connection with the compartment by means of said measurement port, and characterized in that in-between the compartment and the fluid chamber at least one membrane (15, 215) is located which separates the medium in the compartment from the medium in the fluid chamber. The pressure measuring System is used to measure the pressure of a medium in a vessel adapter relative to a reference pressure.

Abstract: A wavefront sensor includes a light source configured to illuminate a subject eye, a detector, a first beam deflecting element configured to intercept a wavefront beam returned from a subject eye when the subject eye is illuminated by the light source and configured to direct a portion of the wavefront from the subject eye through an aperture toward the detector and a controller, coupled to the light source and the beam deflecting element, configured to control the beam deflecting element to deflect and project different portions of an annular ring portion of the wavefront from the subject eye through the aperture and further configured to pulse the light source at a firing rate to sample selected portions of the annular ring at the detector.

Abstract: In order to solve the problem in that, when a fundus is irradiated with multiple beams, a load has been placed on a subject, an imaging apparatus for imaging an object to be inspected based on return light from a first area in the object to be inspected, which is irradiated with first light, including: a determination unit for determining a second area being narrower than the first area in the object to be inspected; and a control unit for restricting the irradiation with the first light in the second area, which is irradiated with second light.

Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus includes a radiation generation unit configured to radiate radiation to an object, a radiation detection unit configured to detect the radiation having passed through the object, an irradiation size detection unit configured to detect a size of an irradiation range of the radiation radiated by the radiation generation unit, a movement detection unit configured to detect a relative movement of the radiation generation unit and the radiation detection unit with respect to the object, and a control unit configured to control irradiation of the radiation to the object performed by the radiation generation unit. The control unit resumes, after a stop of the irradiation of the radiation, the irradiation of the radiation to the object performed by the radiation generation unit according to the relative movement detected by the movement detection unit and the size of the irradiation range detected by the irradiation size detection unit.

Abstract: A metrology system includes a collinear array of uniformly spaced light elements for propagating parallel light beams. The parallel light beams assist in producing a light pattern on a target site. A method of measuring a dimension of a target site includes the steps of projecting uniformly spaced parallel light beams to form a light pattern having uniformly spaced elements on the target site, aligning the light pattern such that a maximum number of the uniformly spaced elements is positioned along the dimension; and counting the maximum number of the uniformly spaced elements positioned along the dimension.

Abstract: The present inventions, in one aspect, are directed to a portable activity monitoring device comprising a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body, a plurality of sensors (for example, motion sensor and altitude sensor) disposed in the housing. The monitoring device may further include processing circuitry, disposed in the housing and electrically coupled to the plurality of sensor, to calculate the activity points corresponding to the physical activity of the user using the sensor data, wherein the activity points correlate to an amount and intensity of the physical activity of the user, and output the data which is representative of the activity points. The monitoring device may also include a display, coupled to the processing circuitry, may output the data which is representative of the activity points to the user.

Abstract: A method, including: measuring first positions of a probe fixed at a first point in a body of a patient over at least a portion of a respiration cycle of the patient, and formulating respective indicators of a respiration state of the patient at the first positions. The method further includes generating a functional relationship between the first positions and the respective indicators and extracting parameters from the functional relationship. The method also includes moving the probe to a second point of the body, measuring second positions of the probe at the second point during a subsequent respiration cycle of the patient, and applying the parameters to the second positions so as to compensate for respiratory motion of the patient at the second point.

Abstract: A side-fire ultrasonic probe includes an alignment feature that, when used to connect the probe with a needle guide for intra-cavity medical procedures, enables alignment of a needle in an imaging plane of an ultrasonic transducer. The alignment feature is configured such that alignment of the needle within the imaging plane is accomplished when a protective sheath is disposed between the alignment feature and the needle guide. This configuration can be used with high frequency ultrasonic arrays having frequency distributions centered at about 20 MHz, and for medical procedures, such as biopsying organs or other bodily intra-cavity structures, and delivering intra-cavity therapies.

Abstract: A transmission/reception unit transmits an ultrasonic wave to a subject via the ultrasonic probe, receives an ultrasonic wave reflected by the subject, and outputs an echo signal corresponding to the received ultrasonic wave. A first volume data generating unit generates first volume data based on the echo signal. A second volume data generating unit generates second volume data by applying, to each voxel contained in the first volume data, three-dimensional filtering with a filtering characteristic corresponding to three-dimensional directivity of the voxel. An image data generating unit generates data of a two-dimensional ultrasonic image based on the second volume data.

Abstract: An intraoral x-ray imaging device produces and transfers intraoral images of a patient to a network and which includes intraoral housing, an x-ray image sensor which is disposed in the intraoral housing, a digital high-bit generator which generates digital high bit depth grayscale sensor data and which is disposed inside the intraoral housing, a digital low-bit generator which converts the digital high bit depth grayscale sensor data to low bit depth grayscale sensor data and which is disposed inside the intraoral housing and a communication device which couples the digital low-bit generator to the network.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for determining an analyte value are disclosed.

Abstract: A mountable device includes a bio-compatible structure embedded in a polymer that defines at least one mounting surface. The bio-compatible structure includes an electronic component having electrical contacts, sensor electrodes, and electrical interconnects between the sensor electrodes and the electrical contacts. The bio-compatible structure is fabricated such that it is fully encapsulated by a bio-compatible material, except for the sensor electrodes. In the fabrication, the electronic component is positioned on a first layer of bio-compatible material and a second layer of bio-compatible material is formed over the first layer of bio-compatible material and the electronic component. The electrical contacts are exposed by removing a portion of the second layer, a conductive pattern is formed to define the sensor electrodes and electrical interconnects, and a third layer of bio-compatible material is formed over the conductive pattern.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting and monitoring arrhythmias from a signal are provided. A signal processing system may transform a signal using a wavelet transformation and analyze changes in features of the transformed signal to detect pulse rhythm abnormalities. For example, the system may detect pulse rhythm abnormalities by analyzing energy parameters, morphology changes, and pattern changes in the scalogram of a PPG signal. Further, the system may detect pulse rhythm abnormalities by analyzing both the PPG signal and its corresponding scalogram. Physiological information, such as cardiac arrhythmia, may be derived based on the detected pulse rhythm abnormality.

Abstract: A sensor interface is configured to receive a sensor signal. A transmitter generates a transmit signal. A receiver receives the signal corresponding to the transmit signal. Further, a monitor interface is configured to communicate a waveform to the monitor so that measurements derived by the monitor from the waveform are generally equivalent to measurements derivable from the sensor signal.

Abstract: A sensor interface is configured to receive a sensor signal. A transmitter generates a transmit signal. A receiver receives the signal corresponding to the transmit signal. Further, a monitor interface is configured to communicate a waveform to the monitor so that measurements derived by the monitor from the waveform are generally equivalent to measurements derivable from the sensor signal.

Abstract: Technologies for increasing sample throughput by predicting the end point response time of a sensor for the analysis of an analyte in a sample are disclosed. In one aspect, a system includes a sensor that generates data signals associated with the measurement of an analyte within the sample. A processor records appropriate data points corresponding to the signals, converts them to a logarithmic function of time scale, and plots the converted data points. The processor then determines a curve that fits the plotted data points and determines a curve fitting equation for the curve. Once the equation is determined, the processor extrapolates an end point response of the sensor using the equation. A value, such as analyte concentration, is then calculated using the extrapolated end point response.

Abstract: Technologies for increasing sample throughput by predicting the end point response time of a sensor for the analysis of an analyte in a sample are disclosed. In one aspect, a system includes a sensor that generates data signals associated with the measurement of an analyte within the sample. A processor records appropriate data points corresponding to the signals, converts them to a logarithmic function of time scale, and plots the converted data points. The processor then determines a curve that fits the plotted data points and determines a curve fitting equation for the curve. Once the equation is determined, the processor extrapolates an end point response of the sensor using the equation. A value, such as analyte concentration, is then calculated using the extrapolated end point response.

Abstract: The system of one embodiment for imaging tissue includes ultrasound emitters configured to surround and emit acoustic waveforms toward the tissue, ultrasound receivers configured to surround and receive acoustic waveforms scattered by the tissue, and a processor configured for determining an observed differential time-of-flight (ToF) dataset and generating an acoustic speed rendering of the tissue based on the observed differential ToF dataset.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices and techniques associated with diagnostics, therapies, and other applications, including skin-associated applications, for example, devices for delivering and/or withdrawing fluid from subjects, e.g., through the skin. In some embodiments, the device includes a system for accessing an extractable medium from and/or through the skin of the subject at an access site, and a pressure regulator supported by a support structure, able to create a pressure differential across the skin at least a portion of the access site. The device may also include, in some cases, a sensor supported by the support structure for determining at least one condition of the extractable medium from the subject, and optionally a signal generator supported by the support structure for generating a signal relating to the condition of the medium determined by the sensor.

Abstract: A drowsiness detection method for detecting drowsiness of a detection target is provided. The method includes a data collecting process including steps of: detecting physiological symptom information of the detection target; determining whether the detection target satisfies a predetermined drowsiness threshold condition according to the physiological symptom information; when the detection target satisfies the predetermined drowsiness threshold condition, triggering a stimulation event on the detection target; determining whether a response event is received from the detection target in response to the stimulation event; when the response event is not received, determining whether the stimulation event satisfies a threshold strength condition; and recording the physiological symptom information as a corresponding drowsiness detection condition of the detection target when the stimulation event satisfies the threshold strength condition.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea by first performing an assessment of the patient that involves observing the patient's upper airway during a tongue protrusion maneuver. The assessment may, for example, be done using endoscopy to observe the upper airway while the patient is awake in the supine position. An adequate response of the upper airway during the tongue protrusion maneuver is indicative of likely therapeutic success with hypoglossal nerve stimulation, and may be used for making clinical decisions. The principles of the present invention may be applied to other therapeutic interventions for OSA involving the upper airway.

Abstract: The present specification discloses an X-ray system for processing X-ray data to determine an identity of an object under inspection. The X-ray system includes an X-ray source for transmitting X-rays, where the X-rays have a range of energies, through the object, a detector array for detecting the transmitted X-rays, where each detector outputs a signal proportional to an amount of energy deposited at the detector by a detected X-ray, and at least one processor that reconstructs an image from the signal, where each pixel within the image represents an associated mass attenuation coefficient of the object under inspection at a specific point in space and for a specific energy level, fits each of pixel to a function to determine the mass attenuation coefficient of the object under inspection at the point in space; and uses the function to determine the identity of the object under inspection.

Abstract: A catheter device comprising a chamber containing an opacity enhancing substance is disclosed. The opacity enhancing substance is in a dried or semi-dried form within the chamber of the device. Release of a liquid into the chamber suspends the substance and forms an opacity enhancing solution that is released into the lumen of the device in order to enhance the opacity of the device for imaging.

Abstract: A biological information notifying apparatus of the present invention includes a biological information obtainment sensor to detect biological information of a human body, a vibration section which notifies the biological information by transmitting vibrations to the human body, and a control section which causes the vibration section to vibrate in accordance with the biological information. The control section obtains a first count number of the biological information per a predetermined time period at a first time point, obtains a second count number at a second time point which follows the first time point, causes the vibration section to vibrate with a first vibration in accordance with the biological information, when a difference obtained by subtracting the first count number from the second count number is larger than a positive first value at the second time point.