Emission Tomography Patents (Class 250/363.04)
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Patent number: 8676292Abstract: Apparatus for radiation based imaging of a non-homogenous target area having distinguishable regions therein, comprises: an imaging unit configured to obtain radiation intensity data from a target region in the spatial dimensions and at least one other dimension, and an image four-dimension analysis unit analyzes the intensity data in the spatial dimension and said at least one other dimension in order to map the distinguishable regions. The system typically detects rates of change over time in signals from radiopharmaceuticals and uses the rates of change to identify the tissues. In a preferred embodiment, two or more radiopharmaceuticals are used, the results of one being used as a constraint on the other.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2007Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Biosensors International Group, Ltd.Inventors: Benny Rousso, Michael Nagler
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Patent number: 8674315Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for quality control in image space for processing with an input data set are disclosed. A method includes providing an image object, including multiple voxels, and an input data set. A data model is determined from the image object. A cumulative distribution function (CDF) for the input data set is determined from the data model and the input data set based on a plurality of projections. The CDF is transformed to an image cumulative distribution function (ICDF) in object space. The ICDF represents a number of standard deviations associated with each voxel of the image object. The output of the ICDF is displayed. A nuclear imaging system and a computer readable storage medium are also disclosed. Techniques disclosed herein facilitate efficient quality control for tomographic image reconstruction.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2010Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: Alexander Hans Vija, Amos Yahil
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Patent number: 8664611Abstract: A positron emission tomography method and a device with application adaptability. The method includes: step 1, scanning a tested object for obtaining initial activity information of the tested object; step 2, programming and adjusting a detector module based on the result of the initial scan to obtain a new system structure, and rapidly calibrating the new system structure; step 3, performing a scan with the new system structure for obtaining activity information of the tested object; step 4, analyzing the activity information of the tested object obtained at step 3. If quality of the activity information can satisfy requirements of the application, the scan is finished; otherwise programming and adjusting the detector module is repeated, rapid calibration is performed, and the activity information of the tested object is obtained again with the new system structure until the activity information satisfies requirements.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2011Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignees: Raycan Technology Co., Ltd. (Su Zhou), Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyInventors: Qingguo Xie, Jingjing Liu
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Patent number: 8664610Abstract: A single photon emission computed tomography instrument is provided, which has a platform, at least one detector, at least one beam stopper, a signal processing device and a computer. The at least one detector is disposed at one side of the platform, and the at least one beam stopper is disposed between the platform and the detector. The signal processing device is electrically communicated with the at least one detector, and the computer is electrically communicated with the signal processing device. The present disclosure further provides an operating method which the beam stopper is added or removed respectively while scanning an analyze by the single photon emission computed tomography instrument in different angles. The projection dataset emitted from the focus could be estimated by subtracting the projecting data without the beam stopper from that with the beam stopper, and high resolution image could be obtained by using image reconstruction program.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2011Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventor: Keh-Shih Chuang
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Patent number: 8653464Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging method for simultaneously determining in vivo distributions of bioluminescent and/or fluorescent markers and radioactive markers at identical projection angles, the distribution of the bioluminescent and/or fluorescent markers being determined by separate detection of photons having a first average energy, which are emitted by the bioluminescent and/or fluorescent markers, by means of at least one first detector and the distribution of the radioactive markers being determined by simultaneous separate detection of photons having a second average energy, which are emitted by the radioactive markers, by means of at least one second detector. Furthermore, it also relates to an apparatus for carrying out the imaging method, containing at least one micro lens array optical tomographic imaging system as first detector, at least one single photon emission computer tomography (SPECT) detector as second detector.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2008Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum Stiftung des Oeffentlichen RechtsInventor: Joerg Peter
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Patent number: 8633445Abstract: An imaging method includes obtaining a first image data for a subset of a target region, the subset of the target region having a first metallic object, obtaining a second image data for the target region, and using the first and second image data to determine a composite image. A imaging system includes a first detector configured to provide a first projection data using a first radiation having high energy, and a second detector configured to provide a second projection data using a second radiation having low energy, wherein the first detector has a first length, the second detector has a second length, and the first length is less than 75% of the second length.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2008Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignees: Varian Medical Systems, Inc., Varian Medical Systems International AGInventors: Josh Star-Lack, Michael Green, Heinrich Riem, Timothy Guertin
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Patent number: 8630693Abstract: In a magnetic resonance device having a PET unit for acquiring positron emission tomography data and a gradient coil, the PET unit includes a carrier tube on which at least one PET detector is arranged. In at least one embodiment, the carrier tube is arranged inside the gradient coil and is displaceably mounted in such a way that access to the PET detector is made possible by its displacement. This allows easy access to the PET detector during maintenance activities.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2009Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: James Corbeil, Stefan Stocker
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Patent number: 8629404Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for optimizing an amount of radiation dose and acquisition time in cardiac Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) imaging. The apparatus and method include providing an organ, acquiring images of the organ at projected views. Then a projected view that projects the organ as an annulus is selected; a region of interest (ROI) is also selected in the projected view, wherein the ROI is in a lateral wall of the organ. An average count in the ROI is determined; and an image quality of a reconstructed image based on the average count is predicted.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2011Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventor: Alexander Hans Vija
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Patent number: 8625873Abstract: Provided is a medical image processing apparatus allowing the generation of image data by changing the reconstruction conditions in correspondence with the positional relation of an observation target based on the projected data chronologically acquired by an X-ray CT scanner. The medical image processing apparatus includes a photographing unit, a reconfiguration processing unit, an extracting unit, and an analyzing unit. The photographing unit scans the flexible site of the living body configured from multiple parts in order to acquire projected data. The reconfiguration processing unit carries out reconfiguration processing on the projected data and generates image data of the flexible site regarding the plurality of timing points. The extracting unit extracts the plurality of components configuring the flexible site from the respective image data. The analyzing unit obtains the positional relation of the plurality of components.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2013Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventors: Yasuko Fujisawa, Shinsuke Tsukagoshi, Yoshihiro Ikeda
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Patent number: 8618490Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining radiation attenuation as a result of an object in a positron emission tomography scanner. In at least one embodiment, a phantom object is arranged in the positron emission tomography scanner during the method. First raw radiation data of the phantom object is acquired while the object is not arranged in the positron emission tomography scanner. A first image of the phantom object is calculated from the first raw radiation data. The object then is arranged in the positron emission tomography scanner (2) and preliminary radiation attenuation of the object is identified. Second raw radiation data of the phantom object is acquired while the object is arranged in the positron emission tomography scanner. A second image of the phantom object is calculated from the second raw radiation data taking into account the preliminary radiation attenuation. The radiation attenuation is determined on the basis of the first image and the second image.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Matthias Fenchel, Ralf Ladebeck
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Patent number: 8610075Abstract: A method for cardiac imaging is provided, including administering to an adult human subject an amount of a teboroxime species having a radioactivity of less than 5 mCi at a time of administration, and performing a SPECT imaging procedure of a cardiac region of interest (ROI) of the subject. Other embodiments are also described.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2007Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Biosensors International Group Ltd.Inventors: Benny Rousso, Dalia Dickman, Yael Nir
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Patent number: 8600690Abstract: A method and a transmission system are disclosed for the transmission of wanted signals between a sensor and an evaluation unit. In order to suppress interference to the sensor signals due to external interference sources as far as possible, at least one embodiment of the inventive system has at least one signal receiver with the sensor for detecting a wanted signal and a signal processing device for conditioning the wanted signal, at whose output a mixed signal with a wanted signal component and an interference signal component from at least one interference source are present; an interference source signal input for detecting at least one interference source signal of the at least one interference source; a filter device for reconstructing the interference signal component as a function of the at least one interference source signal; and a subtractor for eliminating interference superimposed on the wanted signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2009Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Ralf Ladebeck, Markus Vester
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Patent number: 8598536Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for use in medical imaging including a readout circuit having an input for receiving a detection signal corresponding to a photon hitting a radiation detector, wherein the readout circuit is adapted to output, in response to receiving said detection signal, a pulse signal having a leading edge encoding a time-stamp of said photon and a width encoding the energy of said photon. A method of reading out detection signals from a radiation detector of a medical imaging apparatus is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2006Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: CERN—European Organization For Nuclear ResearchInventors: Pierre Jarron, Francis Anghinolfi, Jorgen Christiansen
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Patent number: 8594404Abstract: A plurality of detector rings in which detectors arranged densely or spatially in a ring shape or in a polygonal shape are arranged, with an open space kept in the body axis direction, coincidences are measured for some of or all of detector pairs connecting the detector rings apart from the open space to perform three-dimensional image reconstruction, thereby imaging the open space between the detector rings as a tomographic image. Therefore, the open space is secured, with the deteriorated quality of an image suppressed, thus making it possible to easily gain access to a patient under PET scanning from outside a gantry and also provide irradiation of particle beams for cancer treatment as well as X-ray CT scanning.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2007Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: National Institute of Radiological SciencesInventors: Taiga Yamaya, Hideo Murayama, Shinichi Minohara
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Patent number: 8592772Abstract: An integrated tomosynthesis/molecular breast imaging device having improved sensitivity includes tomosynthesis imaging components and molecular breast imaging components. The imaging components may be used individually or in combination to provide a system with improved sensitivity and specificity. Molecular imaging components may be smoothly advanced or withdrawn depending upon the desired imaging mode. The system supports both PET and SPECT imaging and enables SPECT collimation to be modified in accordance with image capture requirements.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2012Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Hologic, Inc.Inventors: Jay Stein, Baorui Ren, Andrew P. Smith, Ken Brooks, Zhenxue Jing, Ian Shaw, Kenneth DeFreitas
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Patent number: 8588367Abstract: An apparatus includes a diagnostic scanner (102) and a treatment planner (112). The treatment planner (112) plans a treatment to be applied to an object. A treatment device (114) treats the object according to the treatment plan. A treatment scanner (108) scans the object during a treatment session. A motion modeler (116) uses information from the treatment scan to model a motion of the object. A motion compensated quantitative data generator (1004) uses data from the diagnostic (102) or other scanner, as well as feature geometry (1008) and feature motion (1006) information, to generate motion compensated quantitative data indicative of a feature of the object.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2007Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Marc Busch, Ralph Brinks
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Patent number: 8586932Abstract: A method of radioactive-emission-measurement. The method comprises providing a camera for the detection of single emissions, which defines proximal and distal ends. The camera is configured for enabling a reconstruction of a volumetric image having a line spread function of less than 7 mm Full Width Half Maximum (FWHM) when given a substantially line source of radioactive emission, with an activity of 5 mCi, within a region-of-interest volume, at a distance of at least 100 mm from said distal end, with air being substantially the only operating medium. The method further comprises detecting at least 1 of every 5000 photons, emitted from at least one radioactive-emission source, located within a certain region-of-interest volume, using the camera, and reconstructing a volumetric radioactive-emission image from the detected photons.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2007Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Spectrum Dynamics LLCInventors: Benny Rousso, Shlomo Ben-Haim, Michael Nagler, Omer Ziv, Ran Ravhon, Dalia Dickman, Yoel Zilberstein, Eli Dichterman, Simona Ben-Haim, Shankar Vallabhajosula, Daniel Berman, Zohar Bronshtine, Ziv Popper, Nir Weissberg, Nathaniel Roth, Haim Melman
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Patent number: 8576087Abstract: A radiation imaging system includes a radiation imaging cassette and a console device. A communication mode between the cassette and the console device is switchable between a wired mode and a wireless mode. Due to shortage of a battery of the cassette, the communication mode is switched to the wired mode to start charging the battery and send image data from the cassette to the console device through a cable. The console device has first and second judging sections. The first judging section judges whether or not a charge level of the battery exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The second judging section judges whether or not radiography is in progress. If it is judged that the charge level of the battery exceeds the predetermined threshold value and the radiography is not in progress, a window that indicates permission for switching to the wireless mode is displayed on a monitor.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2011Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventors: Takeshi Kamiya, Yusuke Kitagawa
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Patent number: 8571171Abstract: A method of reconstructing a tomographic image of a region of investigation with reduced artifacts, said method comprises the steps of (a) reconstructing a first partial image and a second partial image of the region of investigation from first and second projection profiles each of which including projection data collected at first and second different groups of parallel projection lines, resp., wherein the first and second projection profiles are provided such that streak aliasing artifacts in the first and second partial images have different spatial phases, and (b) generating the tomographic image of the region of investigation by superimposing the first and second partial images. Preferably, the first and second projection profiles are constructed such that streak aliasing artifacts in the first and second partial images have opposite spatial phases relative to each other. Furthermore, an imaging method and an imaging device for imaging a region of investigation in an object are described.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2009Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignees: Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen Deutsches Forschungszentrum fur Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), State of Oregon Acting by and through the State Board of Higher Education on Behalf of the University of OregonInventors: Oleg Tischenko, Yuan Xu, Christoph Hoeschen
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Patent number: 8552388Abstract: A production method for a sensor unit that includes a scintillator and a support plate on which a stack of collimator sheets is attached. The production method permits precise positioning of the collimator sheets in respect of the scintillator. In the process, individual scintillator strips are initially produced from a plurality of scintillator pixels adjoining one another along one dimension. Respectively one photodiode strip, made of a plurality of photodiodes in turn adjoining one another along one dimension, is attached to each of the individual scintillator strips along a longitudinal side in order to form a sensor strip. In an embodiment, respectively one photodiode is associated with respectively one scintillator pixel for readout purposes. The sensor strips are subsequently individually assembled on an outer side of the support plate facing away from the collimator sheets in order to form the scintillator.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2010Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Stefan Wirth
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Patent number: 8554587Abstract: A rich-media system allows a user to illustrate damage and request payment in accordance with an insurance policy or another arrangement. The rich-media system includes network servers that may operate and appear to remote client applications and remote computers as if the network servers were a single computer. A damage indicator tool resident to one of the network servers enables a remote user to visually illustrate damage to an item through a rich-media application. The damage indicator may support a relative pointing device and an absolute pointing device. An incident animator tool linked to the damage indicator tool in some rich media systems enables the remote user to visually recreate an event in a second rich media application. An optional scheduler linked to the incident animator tool and the damage indicator tool may enable the remote user to schedule an appointment to have the damage inspected or repaired.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2012Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Progressive Casualty Insurance CompanyInventors: Vikki Nowak, Brian Brylinski
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Patent number: 8552387Abstract: In an embodiment, an initial segmentation of an examination object is fixed, wherein an attenuation coefficient is assigned to each segment of the segmentation. Raw radiation data about the examination object arranged in the positron emission tomography scanner is acquired, and a correction factor is determined for each pixel with the aid of an optimization method, in which the probability of the acquired raw radiation data is maximized taking into account the segmentation and the attenuation coefficients assigned to the segments. A statistical parameter of the correction factors is determined for each segment and the segmentation is corrected by subdividing a segment as a function of the statistical parameter determined for the segment. A segment correction factor is determined for each segment from the correction factors assigned to the segment and the attenuation coefficients assigned to the segments are corrected as a function of the segment correction factors.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2011Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Matthias Fenchel
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Patent number: 8546763Abstract: In a positron CT device of this invention, a cross range calculation section determines a cross range of a coincidence LOR as a virtual line that connects two detectors for performing coincidence and a pixel, and a system matrix calculating section determines a system matrix by calculating elements in the system matrix within the cross range upon calculating of the system matrix. Thereafter, a reconstruction section creates a distribution image of positrons as an image based on the system matrix. Consequently, improvement in speed of image reconstruction may be realized.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2008Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Shimadzu CorporationInventor: Yoshihiro Yamada
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Patent number: 8525116Abstract: An imaging system includes positron emission tomography (PET) detectors (30) shrouded by broadband galvanic isolation (99) and coincidence detection electronics (50, 50ob), or other radiation detectors. A magnetic resonance scanner includes a main magnet (12, 14) and magnetic field gradient assembly (20, 20?, 22, 24) configured to acquire imaging data from a magnetic resonance examination region at least partially overlapping the examination region surrounded by the PET detectors. A radio frequency coil (80, 100) has plurality of conductors (66, 166) and a radio frequency screen (88, 188, 188EB, 188F) substantially surrounding the conductors to shield the coil at the magnetic resonance frequency. The radiation detectors are outside of the radio frequency screen. Magnetic resonance-compatible radiation collimators or shielding (60, 62) containing an electrically non-conductive and non-ferromagnetic heavy atom oxide material are disposed with the radiation detectors.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2008Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Volkmar Schulz, Torsten J. Solf, Gordon D. DeMeester, Michael A. Morich
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Patent number: 8525117Abstract: Multiplexing for radiation imaging is provided by using optical delay combiners to provide distinct optical encoding for each detector channel. Each detector head provides an optical output which is encoded. The encoded optical signals can be optically combined to provide a single optical output for all of the detectors in the system. This single optical output can be coupled to a fast photodetector (e.g., a streak camera). The pulse readout from the photodetector can decode the arrival time of the event, the energy of the event, and which channels registered the detection event. Preferably, the detector heads provide coherent optical outputs, and the optical delay combiners are preferably implemented using photonic crystal technology to provide photonic integrated circuits including many delay combiners.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2010Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniversityInventors: Craig S. Levin, Peter D. Olcott
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Patent number: 8525118Abstract: In a disclosed imaging method, the instantaneous speed or data acquisition dwell times of a detector head is optimized as a function of position along a path of the detector head around a subject. The optimization is respective to an expected radioactive emission profile of a region of interest that is less than the entire subject. The detector head is traversed along the path using the optimized instantaneous speed or data acquisition dwell times. During the traversing, imaging data are acquired using the detector head. The acquired imaging data are reconstructed to generate a reconstructed image of at least the region of interest. A gamma camera configured to perform the foregoing imaging method is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2012Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Andreas G. Goedicke, Herfried K. Wieczorek, Ralf Dorscheid, Michael Schaff
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Patent number: 8519341Abstract: This invention has one object to provide radiation tomography apparatus that allows suppression of arithmetic load of detection data with a wider detector ring. In order to achieve this purpose, the radiation tomography apparatus according to this invention performs coincidence only when two scintillation counter crystals that detect gamma rays coincidentally (A) belong to the same ring unit, or (B) belong to each of the ring units adjacent to each other. Accordingly, a distance in the central axis direction between the radiation detecting elements is limited to be equal to or less than a thickness of the ring unit in the central axis direction. Accordingly, radiation tomography apparatus may be provided that allows generation of the sectional image suitable for diagnosis while arithmetic load is suppressed.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2009Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Shimadzu CorporationInventors: Atsushi Ohtani, Masaharu Amano, Yoshihiro Inoue, Kazumi Tanaka, Tetsuro Mizuta
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Patent number: 8519342Abstract: A nuclear medicine imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes a detector, a measuring unit, and an end control unit. The detector is configured to detect radiation for generating a nuclear medicine image. The measuring unit is configured to measure the number of times the detector detects the radiation. The end control unit is configured to control the detector to end the detection operation when the number of times measured by the measuring unit is equal to or less than a threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2011Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventors: Yasunobu Yamada, Takuzo Takayama
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Patent number: 8507868Abstract: Systems and methods for determining fluid mobility in rock samples using time-lapse position emission particle tracking (PEPT). The systems and methods use PEPT to determine permeability in rock samples, such as shale, that have a permeability of less than one micro-darcy by recording gamma-ray emissions from a tag using a positron emission tomography camera as the tag traverses with a fluid through the pores in the rock sample.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2011Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Landmark Graphics CorporationInventor: Marko Maucec
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Patent number: 8497480Abstract: In order to provide a particle radiotherapy apparatus with high sensitivity for detecting annihilation radiation pairs, an elliptic detector ring of a particle radiotherapy apparatus according to this invention makes rotating movement relative to a top board. Specifically, with rotation about a base axis of a first ring and a second ring, the elliptic detector ring makes rotating movement in a state of being tilted relative to the first ring. Incidentally, the elliptic detector ring cannot be disposed in a position to interfere with travel of this particle beam. According to the construction of this invention, the elliptic detector ring is tilted relative to the top board, and besides makes rotating movement relative to the top board. Since the elliptic detector ring can be moved away from the particle beam by rotating the elliptic detector ring, it is possible to provide the particle radiotherapy apparatus which can detect annihilation radiation while emitting the particle beam.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Shimadzu CorporationInventor: Hiromichi Tonami
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Patent number: 8492725Abstract: A system of performing a volumetric scan. The system comprises a surface of positioning a patient in a space parallel thereto, a plurality of extendable detector arms each the detector arm having a detection unit having at least one radiation detector, and an actuator which moves the detection unit along a linear path, and a gantry which supports the plurality of extendable detector arms around the surface so that each the linear path of each respective the extendable detector arm being directed toward the space.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2012Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Biosensors International Group Ltd.Inventors: Yoel Zilberstein, Nathaniel Roth, Benny Rousso, Shlomo Ben-Haim
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Patent number: 8487264Abstract: A detector ring of radiation tomography apparatus according to this invention has a fracture portion having no scintillation counter crystal arranged therein. Moreover, the radiation tomography apparatus according to this invention includes a correlated data complementation section. The correlated data complementation section forms correlated data when assuming that a first scintillation counter crystal actually provided in the detector ring is in the fracture portion, and additionally stores it to a correlated data storing section, thereby complementing correlated data in the fracture portion. As noted above, the correlated data complementation section obtains positional information under assumption that the scintillation counter crystals are in the fracture portion and a corresponding number of coincident events. Consequently, this invention may realize acquisition of faithful detecting efficiencies in the scintillation counter crystals.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2008Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Shimadzu CorporationInventors: Nobuya Hashizume, Keishi Kitamura
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Patent number: 8481946Abstract: A method for cardiac imaging is provided, including administering to an adult human subject an amount of a teboroxime species having a radioactivity of less than 5 mCi at a time of administration, and performing a SPECT imaging procedure of a cardiac region of interest (ROI) of the subject. Other embodiments are also described.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2007Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Biosensors International Group Ltd.Inventors: Benny Rousso, Dalia Dickman, Yael Nir
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Patent number: 8481950Abstract: A nuclear medicine imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes a detector, a measuring unit, and an end control unit. The detector is configured to detect radiation for generating a nuclear medicine image. The measuring unit is configured to measure the number of times the detector detects the radiation. The end control unit is configured to control the detector to end the detection operation when the number of times measured by the measuring unit is equal to or less than a threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2011Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventors: Yasunobu Yamada, Takuzo Takayama
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Patent number: 8476610Abstract: A multi-view composite collimator includes a first parallel collimator segment having a plurality of collimator channels oriented at a first slant angle and a second parallel collimator segment adjacent to the first parallel collimator segment having a plurality of collimator channels oriented at a second slant angle different from the first slant angle and a bridging collimating element is provided between the first and second parallel collimator segments, wherein radiation can pass through the bridging collimating element.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2011Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignees: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc., University of Utah Research FoundationInventors: Eric Hawman, Gengsheng Zeng
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Patent number: 8476594Abstract: A PET scanner (8) includes a ring of detector modules (10) encircling an imaging region (12). Each of the detector modules includes at least one detector pixel (24,34). Each detector pixel includes a scintillator (20, 30) optically coupled to one or more sensor APDs (54) that are biased in a breakdown region in a Geiger mode. The sensor APDs output a pulse in response to the light from the scintillator corresponding to a single incident radiation photon. A reference APD (26, 36) also biased in a break-down down region in a Geiger mode is optically shielded from light and outputs a temperature dependent signal. At least one temperature compensation circuit (40) adjusts a bias voltage applied to the sensor APDs based on the temperature dependent signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2009Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Thomas Frach, Gordian Prescher, Carsten Degenhardt
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Patent number: 8478555Abstract: The present invention is a system and methods of improved tomography imaging such as microwave tomography (MWT). An improved inversion technique surrounds the imaging region with an electrically conducting surface to create field distortions producing an improved tomographic image. The improved inversion technique of the present invention creates a new physical situation for proposed imaging systems.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2008Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: University of ManitobaInventors: Colin Gilmore, Joe LoVetri
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Patent number: 8466418Abstract: A gamma ray detector for detecting a gamma ray emitted from a target of measurement includes: an organic scintillator for detecting Compton electrons resulting from a gamma ray emitted from the target of measurement; an inorganic scintillator for detecting a Compton gamma ray; and photodetector modules for detecting light generation in the corresponding scintillators. Light generation signals from the organic and inorganic scintillators are synchronously measured, and a detection window of a gamma ray is generated. Thus, an inexpensive radiation diagnostic device of an ultra-high S/N ratio and low cost is provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2009Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: National Institute of Radiological SciencesInventor: Hidehito Nakamura
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Patent number: 8461538Abstract: An apparatus comprising a radiation source, coincident positron emission detectors configured to detect coincident positron annihilation emissions originating within a coordinate system, and a controller coupled to the radiation source and the coincident positron emission detectors, the controller configured to identify coincident positron annihilation emission paths intersecting one or more volumes in the coordinate system and align the radiation source along an identified coincident positron annihilation emission path.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2011Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: RefleXion Medical, Inc.Inventor: Samuel Mazin
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Patent number: 8461537Abstract: A radiation detector comprises: a substrate (54); a two-dimensional array of solid state detector elements (50) disposed on or in the substrate and defining a detector array area (52); electrodes (Ec, Ea) disposed on or in the substrate; and electrically conductive connecting lines (60, 64) disposed on or in the substrate and operatively electrically connecting the solid state detector elements and the electrodes, the electrically conductive connecting lines arranged to define a maximum area in conjunction with any one conducting solid state detector element that is less than or about one tenth of the detector array area. An imaging system comprises an MR scanner (10) and a PET or SPECT imaging system arranged to have some interaction with a magnetic field generated by the MR scanner, the PET or SPECT imaging system including scintillator elements (40) and the aforesaid radiation detectors arranged to detect scintillations generated in the scintillator elements.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2009Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: Volkmar Schulz
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Patent number: 8455834Abstract: Systems and methods for nuclear medicine (NM) imaging using different radiopharmaceuticals are provided. One method includes generating images of a region of interest (ROI) from radioactive emissions from a localization radiopharmaceutical to position the ROI in a field-of-view (FOV) of a gamma camera based on the generated images of the ROI. The method further includes performing an imaging scan of the ROI using an imaging radiopharmaceutical to acquire image data of the ROI, wherein the imaging radiopharmaceutical is different than the localization radiopharmaceutical.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2009Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Leonid Tsukerman
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Patent number: 8450693Abstract: A method and system for reconstructing an image of an object. The method includes acquiring an image dataset of an object of interest, identifying valid data and invalid data in the image dataset, determining a time period that includes the valid data, weighting the valid data based on the determined time period, and reconstructing an image of the object using the weighted valid data.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2009Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Charles William Stearns
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Patent number: 8450694Abstract: The invention relates to a portable mini gamma camera for intrasurgical use. The inventive camera is based on scintillation crystals and comprises a stand-alone device, i.e. all of the necessary systems have been integrated next to the sensor head and no other system is required. The camera can be hot-swapped to any computer using different types of interface, such as to meet medical grade specifications. The camera can be self-powered, can save energy and enables software and firmware to be updated from the Internet and images to be formed in real time. Any gamma ray detector based on continuous scintillation crystals can be provided with a system for focusing the scintillation light emitted by the gamma ray in order to improve spatial resolution. The invention also relates to novel methods for locating radiation-emitting objects and for measuring physical variables, based on radioactive and laser emission pointers.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2006Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignees: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Universidad de ValenciaInventors: Jose Maria Benlloch Baviera, Filomeno Sanchez Martinez, Christoph Lerche, Noriel Pavon Hernandez, Jesus Modia Leiva
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Patent number: 8445851Abstract: Radioimaging methods, devices and radiopharmaceuticals therefor.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Spectrum Dynamics LLCInventors: Benny Rousso, Shlomo Ben-Haim, Michael Nagler, Omer Ziv, Ran Ravhon, Dalia Dickman, Yoel Zilberstein, Eli Dichterman, Simona Ben-Haim, Shankar Vallabhajosula, Daniel Berman, Zohar Bronshtine, Ziv Popper, Nir Weissberg, Nathaniel Roth, Haim Melman
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Patent number: 8431904Abstract: Improved processing electronic hardware are disclosed that facilitate the efficient processing of PET system data, while enhancing accuracy and compatibility of PET systems with other analytical methods (e.g., magnetic resonance imaging). Improvements include the use of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) for summing, by row, column, and diagonal, the output signals from an array of photodetectors in the PET system.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2009Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: University of WashingtonInventors: Thomas K. Lewellen, Robert S. Miyaoka
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Patent number: 8421021Abstract: The present disclosure relates approaches for removing or reducing the effects of motion in parallel and non-parallel data acquisitions using a nuclear medicine imaging system. In certain embodiments, translation vectors are derived based on a registration performed on transaxial slices generated from the acquired projection data. The translation vectors may be employed to update a system matrix such that images generated using the updated system matrix are free or motion artifacts or have reduced motion artifacts.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2011Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jonathan Sachs, Lana Volokh, Yaron Hefetz
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Patent number: 8415630Abstract: Apparatus and methods for determining a boundary of an object for positron emission tomography (PET) scatter correction are provided. One method includes obtaining positron emission tomography (PET) data and computed tomography (CT) data for an object. The PET data and CT data is acquired from an imaging system. The method further includes determining a PET data boundary of the object based on the PET data and determining a CT data boundary of the object based on the CT data. The method further includes determining a combined boundary for PET scatter correction. The combined boundary encompasses the PET data boundary and the CT data boundary.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2009Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Steven Gerard Ross, Timothy Wayne Deller, Ravindra Mohan Manjeshwar, Scott David Wollenweber, Charles William Stearns
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Patent number: 8415631Abstract: According to one embodiment, a TOF-PET apparatus includes a plurality of detector rings arranged along a central axis thereof. Each of the detector rings comprises a plurality of scintillators and a plurality of photomultipliers. The scintillators are arranged on a substantial circumference around the central axis and generate scintillation in response to pair annihilation gamma-rays from a subject. The photomultipliers generate an electric signal in accordance with the generated scintillation. A length of each of the scintillators along a radial direction of the substantial circumference is set to a range in which a value of a total number of counts/time resolution of coincidence events of pair annihilation gamma-rays is more improved than when a reference scintillator whose probability of interaction with pair annihilation gamma-rays is adjusted to 80% is used under conditions of a constant total volume of the scintillators.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2011Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventors: Kenta Moriyasu, Takuzo Takayama
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Patent number: 8410446Abstract: A fluorescent material for a scintillator to be used in a radiation detector is provided. The fluorescent material is designed to have a high fluorescent intensity and a low level of afterglow a short term of 1 to 300 ms after the termination of X-ray radiation. The above fluorescent material contains Ce as an activator. In addition, the material must contain at least Gd, Al, Ga, O, Fe, and a component M. The component M is at least one of Mg, Ti, and Ni. In addition, the composition of the material must be expressed by the general formula: (Gd1-x-zLuxCez)3+a(Al1-u-sGauScs)5?aO12 wherein 0?a?0.15, 0?x?0.5, 0.0003?z?0.0167, 0.2?u?0.6, and 0?s?0.1, and wherein, regarding the concentrations of Fe and M, Fe: 0.05?Fe concentration (mass ppm)?1, and 0?M concentration (mass ppm)?50.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2008Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.Inventors: Ryouhei Nakamura, Shunsuke Ueda
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Patent number: 8389943Abstract: A system and method for reconstructing single photon emission computed tomography data acquired with a pinhole collimator includes sub-dividing each voxel in the imaging target object space into sub-voxels and sub-dividing each of the detector bins in the gamma camera detector into sub-bins, connecting the centers of each of the sub-voxels to each of the detector sub-bins through a pinhole provided in the pinhole collimator by ray tracing and for each ray connecting the centers of each of the sub-voxels to each of the detector sub-bins, the transmission probability is calculated by analytically solving the intersections between the ray and the pinhole surfaces. Then, a geometric-response-function of the pinhole collimator is computed which is then convolved with the intrinsic-response-function of the detector to obtain the PSF.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2009Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: Derek W. Austin, Mu Chen, Bing Feng, Robert A. Mintzer, Anne M. Smith