Abstract: A system and method for determining a response of a tumor following a chemotherapy process includes the use of a magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) driver and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. The method includes controlling the MRE driver and the MRI system to acquire raw MRE data from the tumor, inverting the raw MRE data to produce an elastogram of the tumor, and determining a response of the tumor to the chemotherapy process from the elastogram.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are disclosed for implementing a fully quantitative non-injectable contrast proton MRI technique to measure spatial ventilation-perfusion (VA/Q) matching and spatial distribution of ventilation and perfusion. In one aspect, a method using MRI to characterize ventilation and perfusion in a lung includes acquiring an MR image of the lung having MR data in a voxel and obtaining a breathing frequency parameter, determining a water density value, a specific ventilation value, and a perfusion value in at least one voxel of the MR image based on the MR data and using the water density value to determine an air content value, and determining a ventilation-perfusion ratio value that is the product of the specific ventilation value, the air content value, the inverse of the perfusion value, and the breathing frequency.

Abstract: Systems and method utilizing microelectronic devices for determining relative positions such as distances and/or angles between at least two points is described. The points may be locations of parts of the body such as the fingers on a person's hand. A first microelectronic device is adapted to emit magnetic signals and at least one second microelectronic device is adapted to receive the magnetic signals, wherein a controller is adapted to communicate with the first and second microelectronic devices. The second microelectronic device and/or the controller are adapted to determine a distance and angle between the first and the second microelectronic devices based on the strength of the magnetic signals received by the second microelectronic device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of ambulatory and non-invasive monitoring of a plurality of physiological parameters of a monitored individual. The invention includes a physiological monitoring apparatus with an improved monitoring apparel, the apparel having sensors for monitoring parameters reflecting pulmonary function and/or parameters reflecting cardiac function and/or parameters reflecting the function of other organ systems. The apparel is preferably also suitable for medical, athletic, and for other uses. The sensors include one or more inductive plethysmographic sensors positioned to monitor at least basic pulmonary parameters, and optionally also basic cardiac parameters. The sensors include one or more ECG sensor electrodes that preferably include a flexible, conductive fabric. The monitoring apparatus also includes an electronic unit for receiving data from the sensors and for storing the data in a computer-readable medium and/or wirelessly transmitted the data.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a concentration of an anesthetic drug using a patient's breath is provided. The method comprises forming a breath sample using the patient's breath; exposing one or more sensors to the breath sample; detecting one or more components of the anesthetic drug in the breath sample; measuring a concentration of at least one of the components of the anesthetic drug in the breath sample; and determining a concentration of the component in a plasma of the patient using a transfer function and the concentration of the component in the breath sample.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are described for direct rapid measurement of pulmonary flow resistance. A measurement of a first pressure in a gas-tight chamber is received from a pressure sensor when a gas output port of the chamber is closed, a patient is blowing into a gas inlet of the chamber at a given pressure, and a gas-flow path between the inlet and output port has a resistance value. A measurement of a second pressure in the chamber is received from the pressure sensor and a measurement of gas flow through the chamber is received from a gas flow sensor when the output port is opened and the patient is blowing into the inlet to maintain the given pressure relatively constant. A pulmonary flow resistance is computed based upon the measurement of the first pressure, the measurement of the second pressure, the resistance value, and the measurement of gas flow.

Abstract: The method for the automated and assisted acquisition of anatomical surfaces includes a first acquisition of the surfaces undertaken in order to create a first numerical model and a perioperative second acquisition undertaken by scanning the surfaces in order to create a second numerical model for identifying the coordinates of the surfaces. The surfaces are supported by a robotic arm; and then the models are brought into correspondence by resetting. The scanning in the second acquisition includes making a preliminary identification of the coordinates of noteworthy points on the surfaces manually, assisted by the robotic arm, and the identifying parts a the points, in order to construct a reference frame and to determine a scanning region; creating an intermediate model from the reference frame and at least one of the points; preliminary resetting the first model with the second model; and automatically scanning the determined zone.

Abstract: A method for communicating activity-related notifications to a user includes: receiving a record of activity events of a particular activity type performed by the user over a period of time; selecting a first time-based filter from a set of time-based filters; identifying a cluster of activity events in the record of activity events filtered according to the first time-based filter; identifying an early bound and a late bound on start times of activity events of the particular activity type from the cluster; communicating a notification of a first type to the user at a first time within a threshold time of the early bound on a day fulfilling the first time-based filter; and communicating a notification of a second type to the user at a second time within a threshold time of the late bound on a day fulfilling the first time-based filter.

Abstract: A personal authentication apparatus includes a measuring circuit that measures a user electrocardiographic waveform using electrodes, a peak detector that detects peaks of first and second R waves and at least one of peaks of P and Q waves, and an acquirer. The acquirer expands/contracts a time interval between the peaks of the first and second R waves to a first time period and further (i) expands/contracts a time interval between the peaks of the first R wave and P wave to a second time period, (ii) expands/contracts a time interval between the peaks of the first R wave and Q wave to a third time period, or (iii) expands/contracts the time interval between the peaks of the first R wave and P wave to the second time period and expands/contracts the time interval between the peaks of the first R wave and Q wave to the third time period.

Abstract: Provided is an electrocardiogram (ECG) biometric authentication system that performs biometric authentication using biometric information having unique values for each client includes one or more client terminals and a key distribution center (KDC) that uses ECG information of the one or more client terminals to issue a digital certificate. According to the configuration of the electrocardiogram biometric authentication system, security is enhanced.

Abstract: Process for producing powdered polycyanoacrylate polymer by charging a reaction vessel with an aqueous mist, dripping a 2-cyanoacrylate into the reaction vessel, allowing the resulting reaction mass (polycyanoacrylate polymer) to cool, removing the polycyanoacrylate polymer from the reaction vessel, drying it, and pulverizing the dry solid into a powder. Powdered polycyanoacrylate polymer having a particle diameter in the range of from 1 to 200 microns. The particle size and shape herein contribute to uniform distribution of fumes during fingerprint capture. A high level of accuracy in fingerprint detection is provided among three distinct levels which include: (a) first level detection from ridge flow patterns such as whorl or loop; (b) second level detection from ridge flow singularities such as ridge endings and bifurcations; (c) and third level detection from pore configuration.

Abstract: Arrangements are described for determining a physiological characteristic of the auditory pathway (as whole or selected parts such as an inner ear). Electrical stimulation pulses are delivered to inner ear neural tissue and corresponding tissue response signals are developed by measuring over time response of the auditory pathway to each electrical stimulation pulse, with each tissue response signal forming a response curve including at least one physiological landmark such as a local maximum and a local minimum. A multi-dimensional polynomial is fit over the tissue response signals, and calculation starting points are defined based on prominent physiologic landmarks such as a local maximum and a local minimum for one selected tissue response signal. A line of minimum principal curvature of the multi-dimensional polynomial over the plurality of tissue response signals that intersect the calculation starting points is calculated to determine a physiological characteristic of the auditory pathway.

Abstract: An aspect of an embodiment or partial embodiment of the present invention (or combinations of various embodiments in whole or in part of the present invention) comprises, but not limited thereto, a method and system (and related computer program product) for continually assessing the risk of hypoglycemia for a patient and then determining what action to take based on that risk assessment. A further embodiment results in two outputs: (1) an attenuation factor to be applied to the insulin rate command sent to the pump (either via conventional therapy or via open or closed loop control) and/or (2) a red/yellow/green light hypoglycemia alarm providing to the patient an indication of the risk of hypoglycemia. The two outputs of the CPHS can be used in combination or individually.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining and outputting projected alarms or notifications associated with anticipated hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic conditions are provided. Systems and kits employing the devices described herein executing the one or more routines described are also provided.

Abstract: Method and system for providing a fault tolerant data receiver unit configured with a partitioned or separate processing units, each configured to perform a predetermined and/or specific processing associated with the one or more substantially non-overlapping functions of the data monitoring and management system is provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamically and intelligently estimating analyte data from a continuous analyte sensor, including receiving a data stream, selecting one of a plurality of algorithms, and employing the selected algorithm to estimate analyte values. Additional data processing includes evaluating the selected estimative algorithms, analyzing a variation of the estimated analyte values based on statistical, clinical, or physiological parameters, comparing the estimated analyte values with corresponding measure analyte values, and providing output to a user. Estimation can be used to compensate for time lag, match sensor data with corresponding reference data, warn of upcoming clinical risk, replace erroneous sensor data signals, and provide more timely analyte information encourage proactive behavior and preempt clinical risk.

Abstract: A physiological status monitor has a monitor and an interconnected sensor that generates a sensor signal. The monitor computes physiological parameters responsive to the sensor signal and displays physiological parameters accordingly. In an embodiment, the monitor displays physiological parameter information across multiple patients in a cumulative pie chart format so that a caregiver can quickly discern and readily identify patients in need of immediate medical attention.

Abstract: A physiological sensor has light emitting sources, each activated by addressing at least one row and at least one column of an electrical grid. The light emitting sources are capable of transmitting light of multiple wavelengths and a detector is responsive to the transmitted light after attenuation by body tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for providing a compressible interconnect for allowing electrical communication between an electronics unit and an analyte sensor in an on-body analyte monitoring device. In other embodiments, systems and methods are provided for reducing the Z-height of an on-body analyte monitoring device by utilizing novel interconnects.

Abstract: An analyte sensor for the continuous or semi-continuous monitoring of physiological parameters and a method for making the analyte sensor are disclosed. The analyte sensor includes a crosslinked copolymer network in contact with a surface of an electrode. The copolymer network has voids formed by the removal of a porogen, and an analyte sensing component is immobilized within the network. The method involves forming a solution of the precursors of the copolymer, depositing the mixture on a surface of an electrode, and curing the deposited mixture to provide the analyte sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing phlebotomy through a peripheral intravenous line. The apparatus includes an introducer and a catheter configured to advance the catheter through a peripheral intravenous line. A y-adapter with a port of larger diameter is configured to receive the catheter and place in fluid communication with the peripheral intravenous line. When advanced the catheter is configured to transport a bodily fluid (i.e. blood) to a volume outside of the body.

Abstract: In summary the invention utilizes a patient's interaction with a user interface 120 of a controllable lighting system 100. The user interface enables light characteristics of the lighting system 100 to be adjusted such as the light color emitted from a light source 110 of the lighting system 100. A monitor 130 is provided for monitoring how the patient interacts with the user interface 120, e.g. by monitoring how frequent the patient interacts with the user interface, the monitored number of interactions may be processed by a processor 140 to determine a value of the coping style which indicates how active or passive the patient is.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for quantifying the quality of a fiducial time marker for a candidate heart beat, quantifying the quality of a candidate heart beat, or determining a time of beat sequence of the patient's heart. A fiducial time marker is obtained for a candidate heart beat. A quality index of said candidate heart beat is set to a first value. The candidate heart beat is tested with at least one beat validity test. At least a second value is added to said quality index of said candidate heart beat if said candidate heart beat passes said at least one beat validity test. The candidate heart beat is tested with at least a second heart beat validity test. At least a third value is added to said quality index of said candidate heart beat if said candidate heart beat passes said at least second heart beat validity test.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining skin health of an area of skin by exposing the area of skin to a first exposure radiation to induce the area of skin to emit a first fluorescent emission, measuring the intensity of the first fluorescent emission, exposing the area of skin to a second exposure radiation to induce the area of skin to emit a second fluorescent emission, measuring the intensity of the second fluorescent emission, calculating a ratio of these intensities, and comparing the ratio to a control ratio.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method, an electronic apparatus, and a computer readable medium of constructing a classifier for skin-infection detection. The method includes the following steps. A codebook of representative features is constructed based on a plurality of target-disease-irrelevant images. Transfer-learned disease features are extracted from target-disease images according to the codebook without any medical domain knowledge, where the target-disease images are captured by at least one image capturing device. Supervised learning is performed based on the transfer-learned target-disease features to train the classifier for skin-infection detection.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining that a pressure field is applied on a structure. A plurality of acoustic waves are generated within the structure using at least one wave generator and a plurality of measurements of the acoustic waves is taken using at least one wave sensor. A pressure field applied to a surface of the structure is determined by processing at least two of the plurality of measurements. The wave generator and the wave sensor may be piezoelectric elements, which may alternate between acting as the wave generator and the wave sensor. Processing the measurements may comprise obtaining a differential measurement value and comparing the value to a threshold. Determining that the pressure field is applied may comprise processing the measurements using a model based on acoustic wave propagation or experimental results. The processing may provide a mapping of the pressure field of an object on the structure.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program that causes a computer to execute a method to display an image of a predetermined process on a body-mounted display device worn by a user, the method includes tracking a head or the like of the user, and calculating the position and the direction of the head or the like; displaying the image of the predetermined process in a virtual space of the display device; determining that the user is in the sleeping state when a candidate state, in which at least either of the calculated position and direction of the head or the like of the user is shifted by greater than or equal to a predetermined set amount, continues for greater than or equal to a predetermined set period; and performing a predetermined sleeping countermeasure process when the user is determined to be in the sleeping state.

Abstract: A resuscitation system comprising at least two high-voltage defibrillation electrodes; a first electrical unit comprising circuitry for providing resuscitation prompts to the rescuer; a second electrical unit separate from the first unit and comprising circuitry for providing defibrillation pulses to the electrodes; circuitry for providing at least one electrical connection between the first and second units, an activity sensor adapted to be worn by the patient and capable of providing an output from which the patient's current activity can be estimated, wherein the patient's current activity comprises overall body activity rather than cardiac activity; and at least one processor configured for estimating the patient's current activity by analyzing the output of the activity sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of mobile training data acquisition in sport, particularly in strength training, body building, fitness sports and rehabilitation, as well as the analysis of said training data. The invention involves a method and a mobile device (1) for precise acquisition of multiple training data. The multiple training data includes, for example, the time-path curve of the force application point of the training load, the mechanical work and the tension duration of eccentric and concentric muscle length changes and isometric muscle contractions. An analysis of the training data is based on a training model (25).

Abstract: A sensor module can include a battery housing comprising a battery cavity sized and shaped to receive a battery. The battery cavity can be defined at least in part by a wall to be disposed about at least a portion of a periphery of the battery. A package housing can be disposed on the wall of the battery housing, the package housing smaller than the battery housing. An integrated device package can be disposed in or coupled with the package cavity. The integrated device package can include one or more integrated device dies. An interfacing feature can be coupled with the battery housing and extending transverse to the wall. The interfacing feature can be configured to transduce a biological signature into a signal to be processed by the integrated device package. An interconnect assembly can electrically connect the interfacing feature to the integrated device package.

Abstract: A method and system of universal, secure attachment with attachment detection mechanism, of a wearable sensor-unit to any article of clothing worn around the body in order to measure vital signals of a person, such as motion, movements and activity levels. The method and system permits: reliable attachment to any article of clothing; an attachment in any position to clothing or fabric worn by a person; and detection for the wearable sensor attachment to an article of clothing to minimize false alarms.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for determining sensor contact in a multi-sensor device. The method measures a series of photoplethysmography (PPG) heart beat signals, while simultaneously measuring a series of electrocardiogram (ECG) heart beat signals. The method detects a correlation in time between each of a plurality of PPG signals and corresponding ECG signals. In response to the timing between correlated PPG and ECG signals remaining within a first correlation deviation limit, a correlation state is determined. For example, a correlation state may be determined in response to n out of m number of correlated PPG and ECG signals remaining within the correlation deviation limit, where n and m are integers greater than zero.

Abstract: Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the intravascular devices include at least one electronic, optical, or electro-optical component positioned within a distal portion of the device and one or more connectors positioned at a distal portion of the device. In some instances, the connectors are flexible coils, such as a ribbon coil, formed of a conductive material. In some particular instances, the conductive coil is embedded within a polymer tubing. Further, in some embodiments the electronic, optical, or electro-optical component is positioned within a flexible element at the distal portion of the device. In some instances the flexible element is a coil. Methods of making and/or assembling such intravascular devices/systems are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a baseboard, a grid, a first marker, and a second marker. The grid has a plurality of cells integrally formed with the baseboard. The first marker is integrally formed with the baseboard and intersects the grid at a first angle with respect to a reference line. The second marker is integrally formed with the baseboard and intersects the grid at a second angle with respect to the reference line. The first angle and the second angle are vertically opposite. The grid, the first marker, and the second marker are made of materials having luminescence characteristics that are different than an x-ray characteristic of a material of the baseboard.

Abstract: Systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating transient non-glucose related signal noise due to non-glucose rate limiting phenomenon such as ischemia, pH changes, temperatures changes, and the like. The system monitors a data stream from a glucose sensor and detects signal artifacts that have higher amplitude than electronic or diffusion-related system noise. The system replaces some or the entire data stream continually or intermittently including signal estimation methods that particularly address transient signal artifacts. The system is also capable of detecting the severity of the signal artifacts and selectively applying one or more signal estimation algorithm factors responsive to the severity of the signal artifacts, which includes selectively applying distinct sets of parameters to a signal estimation algorithm or selectively applying distinct signal estimation algorithms.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include sensors and sensor systems having probe-off detection features. For example, sensors and physiological monitors described herein include hardware and/or software capable of providing an indication of the integrity of the connection between the sensor and the patient. In various embodiments, the physiological monitor is configured to output an indication of a probe-off condition for an acoustic sensor (or other type of sensor). For example, in an embodiment, a signal from an acoustic sensor is compared with a signal from a second sensor to determine a probe-off condition.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus includes a wearable electronic device having an audio port and a headset having at least one earbud, at least one physiological and/or environmental sensor, and circuitry that processes signals produced by the at least one physiological and/or environmental sensor and transmits the processed signals to the electronic device via the audio port. The headset may include a microphone in audio communication with the electronic device via the audio port, and the circuitry modulates audio signals produced by the microphone and signals produced by the at least one physiological and/or environmental sensor for transmission to the electronic device via the audio port. The circuitry may power the at least one physiological and/or environmental sensor via power supplied by the electronic device through the audio port and may include a processor that coordinates collection, modulation, and/or transmission of signals produced by the at least one physiological and/or environmental sensor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to a system for analysis of respiratory distress in hospitalized patients. The system performs multi-parametric simultaneous analysis of respiration rate (RR) and pulse oximetry (SpO2) data trends in order to gauge patterns of patient instability pertaining to respiratory distress. Three patterns in SpO2 and RR are used along with LOWESS algorithm and Chauvenets criteria for outlier rejection to obtain robust short term and long term trends in RR and SpO2. Pattern analysis detects the presence of any one of three pattern types proposed. Further, a learning paradigm is introduced to find unknown instances of respiratory distress. This algorithm in conjunction with the learning model allows early detection of respiratory distress in hospital ward and ICU patients.

Abstract: An electronic system for estimating a subject's blood pressure, comprising a feature extraction module configured for receiving a subject's photoplethysmogram signal, detecting a plurality of signal characteristic points on the received photoplethysmogram signal, calculating a plurality of distances in both time and amplitude between any two of the detected photoplethysmogram signal characteristic points, and providing a feature information signal comprising information about the calculated distances; and a blood pressure calculation module configured for receiving the photoplethysmogram signal, the feature information signal and anthropometric characteristics of the subject, and calculating systolic, diastolic and continuous mean blood pressure values of the subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of X-ray differential phase contrast imaging. For scanning large objects and for an improved contrast to noise ratio, an X-ray device (10) for imaging an object (18) is provided. The X-ray device (10) comprises an X-ray emitter arrangement (12) and an X-ray detector arrangement (14), wherein the X-ray emitter arrangement (14) is adapted to emit an X-ray beam (16) through the object (18) onto the X-ray detector arrangement (14). The X-ray beam (16) is at least partial spatial coherent and fan-shaped. The X-ray detector arrangement (14) comprises a phase grating (50) and an absorber grating (52). The X-ray detector arrangement (14) comprises an area detector (54) for detecting X-rays, wherein the X-ray device is adapted to generate image data from the detected X-rays and to extract phase information from the X-ray image data, the phase information relating to a phase shift of X-rays caused by the object (18).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for tomosynthesis imaging, the device comprising: a mask generator module (101) configured to generate a binary mask based on a geometric three-dimensional model of a scanned object; an image capturing module (102) configured to scan a series of two-dimensional projection images of the object; and an image processing module (103) configured to apply the generated binary mask during a reconstruction of a three-dimensional image volume from the scanned series of two-dimensional projection images and to restrict an extent of the reconstructed image volume to the extent of the geometric model.

Abstract: A direct conversion X-ray detector for the detection of X-rays includes at least a semiconductor used for detecting X-rays, which has areas that are shaded against X-rays and unshaded areas, a pixelated electrode attached to the semiconductor and an all-over electrode attached to the semiconductor opposite the pixelated electrode, and at least one light source to illuminate the all-over electrode with additional light radiation for the purpose of generating additional charge carriers. In an embodiment, the at least one light source is designed such that the shaded areas are irradiated with a different intensity of the additional light radiation than are the unshaded areas. A CT system including the direct conversion X-ray detector is also disclosed, together with a method for the detection of incident X-rays via direct conversion X-ray detector, wherein the shaded areas are irradiated with a different intensity of the additional light radiation than the unshaded areas.

Abstract: An imaging system (100) includes a gantry (101) that defines an examination region (106) and a subject support (112). The subject support includes a tabletop (116) that supports an object or subject in the examination region for a scan of the object or subject and a base (114) that supports the tabletop. A support frame (132) supports the base. The base is moveably affixed to the support frame and moves between a plurality of predetermined locations, which are based on corresponding distances from the gantry. A support frame drive system (134) moves the base alternatively to one of the plurality of predetermined locations in response to an input signal indicative of the one of the plurality of predetermined locations, which corresponds to a location of interest for the scan of the object or subject.

Abstract: An apparatus for biopsy examination on the breast of a patient, includes: an analysis head including a radiation detection device for detecting X-rays on a detection plane, and a source of X-rays to emit X-rays towards the detector, the source and the detection device being mobile with respect to each other so that they can be placed in a plurality of different working acquisition positions. A biopsy probe can be fixed to a support base includes a needle for extracting a sample of breast tissue and a housing for the needle. The housing is rotatably mounted on the support base to allow modification of the angle of the needle with respect to the breast support surface. A computerized unit is connected to the detector and configured to produce at least one reconstructed image of a cross-section of the breast.

Abstract: An aligning bite of an X-ray device for aligning a subject to an X-ray imaging point and an X-ray device having the same are disclosed. The aligning bite of an X-ray may include a support unit being rotatably connected to a bite stand supporting the aligning bite, and a bite unit being rotatably connected to the support unit, wherein the support unit may include a link frame supporting the bite unit by connecting the bite unit to the bite stand, a first joint rotatably connecting one side of the link frame to the bite stand, a second joint rotatably connecting the bite unit to another side of the link frame, and a third joint being provided between the first joint and the second joint so as to allow the link frame to be folded.

Abstract: A method includes determining calibration factors for calibrating photon-counting detectors of a spectral imaging system by combining a heuristic calibration of the photon-counting detectors and an analytical calibration of the photon-counting detectors and generating a set of photon-counting calibration factors based on the combining of the a heuristic calibration and the analytical calibration. The photon-counting calibration factors, when applied to measured energy-resolved data from the photon-counting detectors of a spectral CT scan of a subject or object, mitigate spectral distortion caused by a radiation intensity profile shaper that filters a radiation beam of the spectral CT scan.

Abstract: A multi-modal imaging system (1) includes a fixed gantry (2), and a swivel gantry (8). The fixed gantry (2) supports a first imaging modality. The swivel gantry (8) connects to the fixed gantry (2) by at least three mounting points (10) and supports a second imaging modality. Selectively the swivel gantry (8) includes a swivel frame (16) and at least three mounting points (10) for mounting the fixed and swivel gantries together in an imaging configuration. The at least three mounting points (10) include at least one hinge (14) which permits the swivel gantry to swivel about the fixed gantry into a service configuration.

Abstract: A calculation unit generates a depth image corresponding to a first three-dimensional image with respect to a region of interest and sets a first image region based on a depth gradient of the depth image. The calculation unit moves the origin of a projection line to the near side or far side in the projection line direction by an amount of movement B for a pixel in the first image region, constructs a depth image based on the moved origin of the projection line in the first image region, sets a second image region based on the depth gradient of the depth image based on the moved origin of the projection line in the first image region, sets the second image region as the first image region, and repeats these processes. Once end conditions are satisfied, the calculation unit constructs a second three-dimensional image based on the moved origin of the projection line.

Abstract: An X-ray image acquiring unit, by irradiating a blood vessel through which contrast medium is passing with X-rays of equal intensity at first and second photographing angles, acquires first and second X-ray images. An absorption property acquiring unit acquires, from brightness of the contrast medium, an X-ray absorption property in a first image region corresponding to a portion of the blood vessel in the first X-ray image. An absorption property acquiring unit acquires, from brightness of the contrast medium, an X-ray absorption property of each of plural second image regions corresponding to a portion of the blood vessel in the second X-ray image as candidate corresponding image regions of the first image region. A similarity degree calculator calculates a similarity degree between the acquired absorption properties. A corresponding region determiner determines the second image region having the maximum similarity degree as a corresponding region of the first image region.

Abstract: A contour extracting unit of a contour image generating device performs one-time contour extraction to a two-dimensional reconstruction image by a contour extracting model so as to extract a second shape of a contour from a first shape of a contour. A completion determining unit determines whether or not a rate of change is smaller than a threshold. The rate of change is a ratio of a varied area and a sum of pixel values of pixels in the varied area, the varied area being between the first shape of the contour and the second shape of the contour. When the rate of change is large, a repetitive controller performs control to operate the contour extracting unit and the like again. When the rate of change is small, the repetitive controller performs control to output a two-dimensional contour image containing the second shape of the contour.