Using Coded Aperture Patents (Class 250/363.06)
  • Patent number: 11698606
    Abstract: An apparatus and method to produce a hologram of an object includes an electromagnetic radiation assembly configured to receive a received electromagnetic radiation, such as light, from the object. The electromagnetic radiation assembly is further configured to diffract the received electromagnetic radiation and transmit a diffracted electromagnetic radiation. An image capture assembly is configured to capture an image of the diffracted electromagnetic radiation and produce the hologram of the object from the captured image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: CELLOPTIC, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Rosen, Gary Brooker
  • Patent number: 11681061
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for capturing images in visible light as well as other radiation wavelengths. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises: a diffraction coded imaging system including a plurality of apertures arranged in a diffraction coded array pattern with opaque material blocking array elements not containing apertures; and a light- or radiation-sensitive sensor coupled to the diffraction coded imaging system array and positioned at a specified distance behind the diffraction coded imaging system array, the radiation-sensitive sensor configured to sense light or radiation transmitted and diffracted through the apertures in the diffraction coded imaging system array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: REARDEN, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen G. Perlman
  • Patent number: 11609478
    Abstract: Example implementations described herein are directed to an interface configured to redirect light between a connector connected to a printed optical board (POB) via an optical waveguide, and a photonic integrated circuit (PIC), the interface involving two-dimensionally distributed waveplates (TDWs) having multiple layers of p-doped and n-doped silicon, the TDWs configured to be driven to change a dielectric constant at a two dimensional location on the TDWs such that the received light is redirected at the two dimensional location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Hirose Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kihong Kim, Jeremy Buan, Tsutomu Matsuo, Tadashi Ohshida
  • Patent number: 11451715
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an imaging apparatus, an exposure controlling method, a program, and an imaging device by which the restoration accuracy of an image can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshitaka Miyatani
  • Patent number: 11418727
    Abstract: A method includes forming a first image of a scene through a static coded aperture onto a sensor with the static coded aperture in a first position relative to the sensor, shifting the coded aperture to a second position relative to the sensor, and forming a second image of the scene through the static coded aperture onto the sensor with the static coded aperture in the second position. Two or more images can be formed in this way. The method includes forming a combined image by deconvolving the two or more images and combining data from the two or more images into the combined image. The combined image can be a more accurate representation of the scene than either of the first and second images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Graham
  • Patent number: 11354777
    Abstract: According to various embodiments of the present invention, an electronic device can comprise: a light source configured to allow light, excluding a visible light band, to be incident on a designated pattern; a memory for storing designated pattern information; a camera configured to receive the light, which is incident from the light source and reflected by an external object; and a processor. The processor can be configured to: acquire a first image on an external object by using a camera, wherein the first image includes a pattern formed when the designated pattern is deformed by a curve of the surface of the external object; extract deformed pattern information from the first image by using the first image and the designated pattern information; and generate a second image from which the pattern deformed in the first image has been removed, by using the first image and the extracted deformed pattern information. Additional various embodiments are possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yongchan Keh, Byeonghoon Park, Youngkwon Yoon
  • Patent number: 11290664
    Abstract: The present technology relates to an imaging apparatus and method, and an image processing apparatus and method that make it possible to control the resolution of a detection image. A resolution is set, and a restoration matrix is set including coefficients used when a restored image is restored from output pixel values of a plurality of pixel output units, of an imaging element including the plurality of pixel output units that receives incident light entering without passing through either an imaging lens or a pinhole, and each outputs one detection signal indicating an output pixel value modulated by an incident angle of the incident light, depending on the resolution set. The present disclosure can be applied to, for example, an imaging apparatus, an image processing apparatus, an information processing apparatus, an electronic device, a computer, a program, a storage medium, a system, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akira Matsui, Yoshitaka Miyatani, Kouji Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 11194146
    Abstract: System and method using a projected reference to guide adjustment of a correction optic. In an exemplary method, a reference may be projected onto an imaging detector by propagation of light generally along an optical axis that extends from the reference, through an objective, to a surface of a sample holder, and from the surface, back through the objective, to the imaging detector. The light may propagate through an off-axis aperture located upstream of the imaging detector and spaced from the optical axis. A plurality of images of the reference may be captured using the imaging detector, and with a correction optic at two or more different settings. A setting for the correction optic may be selected based on the plurality of images, and a sample may be imaged while the correction optic has the selected setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Molecular Devices, LLC
    Inventor: Matthew Chan
  • Patent number: 10987071
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to systems and methods for generating spectral computed tomography data for spectral X-ray image reconstruction using of pixelated k-edge apertures. A method is provided for generating a spectral computed tomography. The method includes the steps of generating a plurality of X-ray beams; encoding the plurality of X-ray beams by transmitting the plurality of beams through a pixelated K-edge coded aperture structure; detecting the encoded plurality of X-ray beams; and reconstructing a spectral CT image from the encoded plurality of X-ray beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: University of Delaware
    Inventors: Angela Cuadros, Gonzalo Arce
  • Patent number: 10942282
    Abstract: The invention relates to a combined imaging detector for detection of gamma and x-ray quanta comprising an x-ray detector (31) for generating x-ray detection signals in response to detected x-ray quanta and a gamma detector (32) for generating gamma detection signals in response to detected gamma quanta. The x-ray detector (31) and the gamma detector (32) are arranged in a stacked configuration along a radiation-receiving direction (33). The gamma detector (32) comprises a gamma collimator plate (320) comprising a plurality of pinholes (321), and a gamma conversion layer (322, 324) for converting detected gamma quanta into gamma detection signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Herfried Karl Wieczorek, Johannes Wilhelmus Maria Jacobs, Herman Stegehuis, Alessandro Radaelli, Christiaan Kok, Peter Lex Alving
  • Patent number: 10923018
    Abstract: Disclosed is a signal processing device, method of enhancing image signal, and an image display apparatus including the same. The signal processing device and the image display apparatus comprises: an image analyzer configured to receive a first image signal corresponding to displaying at least an object and a background, identify information of the object from the first image signal, and identify information of the background from the first image signal, and an object stereoscopic effect enhancement unit for enhancing the first image signal and configured to determine a sharpness of the object using the identified information of the object, increase contrast of the object to enhance the first image signal using the identified information of the object based on the determined sharpness, decrease luminance of the background in the enhanced first image signal using the identified information of the background based on the determined sharpness, and output the enhanced first image signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Changsun Leem, Saem Park
  • Patent number: 10825152
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, systems, and storage mediums for correcting distortion of a spectrally encoded endoscopy (SEE) image are provided. A first reference pattern comprising a plurality of radial lines is scanned with an SEE spectral line to obtain a first image. Signs of a tangential shift and/or of a radial shift of the spectral line may be determined, and magnitudes of the tangential shift and of the radial shift may be computed. A second reference pattern comprising at least a circle with the SEE spectral line may be scanned to obtain a second image in a case where the radial shift is positive. The magnitude of the radial shift may be computed based on the magnitude of the tangential shift and a radius of the circle. The tangential shift and the radial shift may then be applied for correcting distortion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Canon U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventors: Tzu-Yu Wu, Bin Wu
  • Patent number: 10652435
    Abstract: An imaging system with a diffractive optic captures an interference pattern responsive to light from an imaged scene to represent the scene in a spatial-frequency domain. The sampled frequency-domain image data has properties that are determined by the point-spread function of diffractive optic and characteristics of scene. An integrated processor can modified the sampled frequency-domain image data responsive to such properties before transforming the modified frequently-domain image data into the pixel domain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick R. Gill, Thomas Vogelsang
  • Patent number: 10642818
    Abstract: A causal analysis device according to an embodiment includes an extractor, a counter, a calculator, and a generator. The extractor performs extraction from combination data in which an incident and one or a plurality of factors causing the incident are associated with each other in accordance with occurrence of combination data. The counter counts the number of occurrences of the incident or the number of occurrences of a combination of the plurality of factors on the basis of a combination of the incident and the factors included in the extracted combination data. The calculator calculates an index value that corresponds to the combination of the incident and the factors and changes in accordance with the number of occurrences of the combination of the incident and the factors on the basis of a result of the counting of the counter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Digital Solutions Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuya Hayashi, Shigeru Matsumoto, Akihiro Sakurada
  • Patent number: 10591353
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for manipulating radiance data obtained from a radiance sensor that includes a lenslet array and a photodetector array, where the manipulation of the radiance data uses one or more algorithms or mathematical transformations applied by a software program. Manipulating the measured radiance data computationally produces the same optical effects of a desired optical system without having to insert the optical system into the optical path of the electromagnetic radiation. The manipulated radiance data is then used to generate an image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of The University of Arizona
    Inventors: Luca Caucci, Harrison Barrett
  • Patent number: 10371832
    Abstract: One embodiment provides a method for imaging photons, including: receiving a dataset associated with a plurality of photon events, the photon events corresponding to photons interacting with a photon imaging device, wherein the photon imaging device comprises a photon guide assembly and a detector array; the photon guide assembly comprising a plurality of photon guides positioned at an oblique angle with respect to the detector array; and producing an oblique planar projection image of the plurality of photon events by processing the dataset. Other aspects are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: KROMEK GROUP, PLC
    Inventors: James William Hugg, Ian Radley
  • Patent number: 10283229
    Abstract: A high-aspect ratio structure production method and an ultrasonic probe production method of the present invention include: forming, in a principal surface of a substrate, a plurality of pores each extending in a direction intersecting the principal surface; plugging, among the plurality of pores, one or more pores formed in a first region; and forming a recess in a second region by a wet etching process. A high-aspect ratio structure includes a grating having a plurality of convex portions, wherein each of the plurality of convex portions is provided with a plugging member plugging a plurality of pores formed therein in a thickness direction of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Mitsuru Yokoyama, Yuko Yoshida
  • Patent number: 10200605
    Abstract: In an example embodiment, a motion capturing device includes a mask configured to rotate during capture of a scene by the motion capturing device and modulate the scene; and a motor coupled to the mask and configured to rotate the mask during the capturing of the scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Nokia of America Corporation
    Inventor: Xin Yuan
  • Patent number: 10134564
    Abstract: Provided is a charged particle beam device including a charged particle optical column that irradiates a specimen with a primary charged particle beam, and a specimen base rotating unit that is capable of rotating the specimen base in a state of an angle formed by a surface of the specimen base and an optical axis of the primary charged particle beam being inclined to a non-perpendicular angle, in which the specimen base is configured to include a detecting element that detects a charged particle scattered or transmitted inside the specimen, and transmitted charged particle images of the specimen corresponding to each angle is acquired by irradiating the specimen in a state of the specimen base rotating unit being rotated at a plurality of different angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: HITACHI HIGH-TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Taiga Okumura, Takashi Ohshima, Yuusuke Oominami, Minami Shouji, Akiko Hisada, Akio Yoneyama
  • Patent number: 9829601
    Abstract: A method for patrol inspecting and locating a radioactive substance, comprising: providing a background radioactive intensity value of environment; collecting radioactive intensity values from a inspecting region by a detector at a plurality of sampling points on a patrol inspection route; calculating a radioactive intensity distribution in the inspecting region on basis of the collected radioactive intensity values and the background radioactive intensity value; and determining a position of the radioactive substance on basis of the radioactive intensity distribution. Furthermore, a device for patrol inspecting and locating a radioactive substance comprises: two or more detectors configured to collect radioactive intensity values from a inspecting region around a patrol inspection route, at each of a plurality of sampling points on the patrol inspection route; and a movable carrier configured to carry the detector and to move along the patrol inspection route to pass by the sampling points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: NUCTECH COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Qiang Wang, Kun Zhao, Ming Ruan
  • Patent number: 9700275
    Abstract: A quantitative radiographic method uses X-ray imaging. The method uses a ratio of the absorption signal and the (small-angle) scattering signal (or vice-versa) of the object as a signature for the materials. The ratio image (dubbed R image) is independent from the thickness of the object in a wide sense, and therefore can be used to discriminate materials in a radiographic approach. This can be applied to imaging systems, which can record these two signals from the underlying object (for instance, an X-ray grating interferometer). Possible applications could be in material science, non-destructive testing and medical imaging. Specifically, the method can be used to estimate a volumetric breast density. The use of the R image and the corresponding algorithm are also presented hereafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: PAUL SCHERRER INSTITUT
    Inventors: Marco Stampanoni, Zhentian Wang
  • Patent number: 9372052
    Abstract: System and method for determining which decoys should not be deployed based on the locations of the nearby high value units and other considerations. The system and method can visualize and manage the employment of decoys in a multi-platform environment by plotting the predicted path of decoys relative to high value unit (HVU) motion, and highlighting any situations that exist where the decoys (both air-drifting and self-propelled) launched from a platform can direct an incoming threat towards a high value unit. The system and method can develop, display, and automatically transmit a recommendation to launch or not launch a specific decoy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Timothy P. McGeehan
  • Patent number: 9366640
    Abstract: A computed-tomography apparatus that includes a CT scanner including an X-ray source and a detector covering respective angle ranges in the axial and transaxial planes of the CT scanner. The CT detector includes first detector elements disposed on a first surface to capture incident X-ray photons emitted from the X-ray source, and second detector elements sparsely disposed on a second surface different from the first surface, the second surface being farther away from the scanner than the first surface, the second detector elements being smaller in number than the first detector elements. Each of the second detector elements is reachable only by X-ray photons originating in a small angle range around a line connecting the X-ray source and a center of the surface of the detector element, the small angle range being determined by the predetermined distance separating the first and second surfaces and a size of the detector element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel Gagnon, Yu Zou, Xiaolan Wang
  • Patent number: 9344700
    Abstract: An imaging system is provided, configured for providing three-dimensional data of a region of interest. The system comprising: an optical unit and a control unit. The optical unit comprises a radiation collection unit and a detection unit. The radiation collection unit comprises at least two mask arrangement defining at least two radiation collection regions respectively, the mask arrangements are configured to sequentially apply a plurality of a predetermined number of spatial filtering patterns formed by a predetermined arrangement of apertures applied on radiation collected thereby generating at least two elemental image data pieces corresponding to the collected radiation from said at least two collection regions. The control unit comprising is configured for receiving and processing said at least two elemental image data pieces and determining a plurality of at least two restored elemental images respectively being together indicative of a three dimensional arrangement of the region being imaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignees: UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT, BAR ILAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Zeev Zalevsky, Moshe Arie Ariel Schwarz, Amir Shemer, Bahram Javidi, Jingang Wang
  • Patent number: 9040930
    Abstract: A particle beam sensor comprising: scattering means providing a surface for intercepting obliquely a path of a particle beam thereby to permit a scattering of particles from the particle beam by the scattering means; sensor means responsive to receipt of one or more said scattered particles to generate a sensor signal; aperture mask means arranged between the scattering means and the sensor means to present to the scattering means a screen opaque to said scattered particles and having at least one aperture through which an unobstructed view of the scattering means is provided to the sensor means, the aperture (s) thereby permitting selection of all of those particles scattered by the scattering means which may be used to form at the sensor means an image representative of at least a part of a foot print cast by the particle beam upon the scattering means. By scattering particles from a sectional area of a particle beam, scattered beam particles can be used more efficiently compared to existing techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER
    Inventors: Nicholas Roberts Kyele, Roelof Gozewijn Van Silfhout
  • Patent number: 8895934
    Abstract: A microstructure manufacturing method includes forming a first insulating film on an Si substrate, exposing an Si surface by removing a part of the first insulating film, forming a recessed portion by etching the Si substrate from the exposed Si surface, forming a second insulating film on a sidewall and a bottom of the recessed portion, forming an Si exposed surface by removing at least a part of the second insulating film formed on the bottom of the recessed portion, and filling the recessed portion with a metal from the Si exposed surface by electrolytic plating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinan Wang, Takashi Nakamura, Takayuki Teshima, Yutaka Setomoto, Shinichiro Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8681245
    Abstract: A digital photographing apparatus in which iris patterns that have various shapes are provided. The digital photographing apparatus includes a lens unit; an iris in which an iris pattern, that defines a transmission area of incident light according to a signal, is determined; an imaging device that converts the incident light into an electrical signal; and an iris control unit which controls to form the iris pattern in the iris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae-myung Lee
  • Patent number: 8558182
    Abstract: A novel phase-coded aperture, associated imaging system, and design method is disclosed. The optical imaging system includes a coded-aperture followed optically by a detector array and includes an image processor. A diffraction pattern in the form of a band-limited uniformly redundant array is formed on the detector array when focusable radiation from a point source in object space is modulation by the transmission function of the coded-aperture. Since diffraction effects cannot be ignored in the optical regime, an iterative phase retrieval method is used to calculate the phase-coded aperture transmission function. Correlation type processing can be applied for the image recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: University of Rochester
    Inventors: Wanli Chi, Nicholas George
  • Patent number: 8542288
    Abstract: A camera system (100) comprises a plurality of imaging units (190), wherein each imaging unit (190) includes a lens unit (120) and an aperture unit (110), and wherein the apertures (115) of the aperture units (110) have different size during an exposure period. A plurality of images of the same scene are captured at different aperture sizes during an exposure period, wherein the images are shifted versions of the scene and feature different depth-of-field and exposure value ranges. A processing unit (200) applies a high-dynamic resolution and/or a super-resolution method on the basis of the obtained images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: SONY Corporation
    Inventors: Malik Waqas, Muhammad Siddiqui
  • Patent number: 8502169
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for detecting the emission of a target particle (6) at an emission wavelength, said device comprising: a photo-detector (2, 2A, 2B) comprising a sensitive detection surface having a high optical index; wherein said target particle (6) can be positioned in the vicinity of said sensitive surface in an analysis medium (13) having a low optical index; said device being characterized in that it further comprises: a mask (3) covering said sensitive surface, said mask including at least one area (4) opaque at said emission wavelength and at least one hole (5), said hole being capable of receiving the target particle; and in that the mask includes at least one interface; 7 said device further comprising at least one groove (10, 10A, 10B) provided at said interface, each of said at least one groove surrounding each of said at least one hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignees: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique-CNRS, Universite d'Aix-Marseille
    Inventors: Hervé Rigneault, Pierre-François Lenne, Jérôme Wenger, Evgueni Popov, Thomas Ebbesen
  • Patent number: 8470616
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for manufacturing a solar cell are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the solar cell may be manufactured by disposing a solar cell in a chamber having a particle source; disposing a patterned assembly comprising an aperture and an assembly segment between the particle source and the solar cell; and selectively implanting first type dopants traveling through the aperture into a first region of the solar cell while minimizing introduction of the first type dopants into a region outside of the first region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Sullivan, Peter Nunan, Steven R. Walther
  • Patent number: 8466420
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the correction of charge loss in a radiation detector. In one embodiment, correction factors for charge loss may be determined based on depth of interaction and lateral position within a radiation detector of a charge creating event. The correction factors may be applied to subsequently measured signals to correct for the occurrence of charge loss in the measured signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kristen Ann Wangerin, Wen Li, Yanfeng Du, Floribertus Heukensfeldt Jansen
  • Patent number: 8466419
    Abstract: A positron emission tomography (PET) scanner system, including a detector that acquires PET event information, the detector being configured to move during acquisition of the PET event information; a first motion unit that acquires first event information of a position of a patient bed, the patient bed being configured to move during acquisition of the PET event information; a second motion unit that acquires second event information of the detector; an event collector that generates an event list of events that includes the PET event information, the first event information, and the second event information; and a list-mode reconstructing unit that reconstructs an image by processing the generated event list.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel Gagnon
  • Patent number: 8357905
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and an apparatus, primarily a radiation imaging apparatus and an array of coded aperture masks, for use in diagnostic nuclear medicine. The coded aperture masks are fitted with radiation attenuation tubes, each of which extends from each side of the mask in the direction of the mask apertures. The tubes are made from lead and have parallel sides. The masks are configured for gamma ray usage and are made from tungsten having a thickness of between 1 and 2 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: University of Witwaterstrand
    Inventors: David Mark Starfield, David Milton Rubin, Tshilidzi Marwala
  • Patent number: 8304737
    Abstract: An imaging system employing a coded aperture mask having multiple pinholes is provided. The coded aperture mask is placed at a radiation source to pass the radiation through. The radiation impinges on, and passes through an object, which alters the radiation by absorption and/or scattering. Upon passing through the object, the radiation is detected at a detector plane to form an encoded image, which includes information on the absorption and/or scattering caused by the material and structural attributes of the object. The encoded image is decoded to provide a reconstructed image of the object. Because the coded aperture mask includes multiple pinholes, the radiation intensity is greater than a comparable system employing a single pinhole, thereby enabling a higher resolution. Further, the decoding of the encoded image can be performed to generate multiple images of the object at different distances from the detector plane. Methods and programs for operating the imaging system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Tobin, Jr., Philip R. Bingham, Ayman I. Hawari
  • Patent number: 8288704
    Abstract: An apparatus for capturing images. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises: a coded lens array including a plurality of lenses arranged in a coded pattern and with opaque material blocking array elements that do not contain lenses; and a light-sensitive semiconductor sensor coupled to the coded lens array and positioned at a specified distance behind the coded lens array, the light-sensitive sensor configured to sense light transmitted through the lenses in the coded lens array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Rearden, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen G. Perlman, Axel Busboom, Pamela Greene, Tim S. Cotter, John Speck, Roger van der Laan
  • Patent number: 8237124
    Abstract: This invention relates to a coded aperture mask for use in diagnostic nuclear medicine imaging. The coded aperture mask consists of a sheet of radiation opaque mask material having a series of apertures extending therethrough. The thickness of mask material has an attenuation percentage of less than 75% and, in a preferred embodiment, about equal to 29%. The coded aperture mask also, in a preferred embodiment, has a lead attenuation tube and has a projection of the smallest hole occupying the same area as a single pixel of a detector. The invention extends to a diagnostic nuclear medicine imaging system which uses a 16 bit gamma camera as a radiation detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
    Inventors: Tshilidzi Marwala, David Milton Rubin, David Mark Starfield
  • Patent number: 8153986
    Abstract: A system in one embodiment includes an array of radiation detectors; and an array of imagers positioned behind the array of detectors relative to an expected trajectory of incoming radiation. A method in another embodiment includes detecting incoming radiation with an array of radiation detectors; detecting the incoming radiation with an array of imagers positioned behind the array of detectors relative to a trajectory of the incoming radiation; and performing at least one of Compton imaging using at least the imagers and coded aperture imaging using at least the imagers. A method in yet another embodiment includes detecting incoming radiation with an array of imagers positioned behind an array of detectors relative to a trajectory of the incoming radiation; and performing Compton imaging using at least the imagers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Lucian Mihailescu, Kai M. Vetter
  • Patent number: 8129686
    Abstract: A coded aperture includes a position sensitive detector configured to observe the location of emitted high energy radiation, and a mask disposed in front of the position sensitive detector, wherein the mask has a non-linear shape configured to define a perimeter around position sensitive detector, wherein the mask comprises a plurality of attenuating and transparent elements of a predetermined configuration, positioned such that the emitted radiation is detected by the position sensitive detector after passage through the mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Morpho Detection, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Stephen Zelakiewicz, Jeffrey Seymour Gordon
  • Patent number: 8035085
    Abstract: This invention relates to a coded aperture imaging system wherein a detector array is arranged to receive radiation from a scene via a coded aperture mask. The coded aperture mask provides a plurality of uncorrelated coded aperture arrays at different positions on the mask. Each distinct coded aperture array therefore passes coded information to the detector array. The intensity pattern at the detector array, which is a summation of the intensity patterns from each of the distinct coded aperture arrays, can be decoded separately for each coded aperture array to reconstruct a separate image associated with each coded aperture array. In this way the present invention teaches a coded aperture array means with multiple, simultaneous fields of view. The different fields of view can be different sizes and/or resolutions. Preferably the coded aperture mask is reconfigurable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Qinetiq Limited
    Inventor: Christopher William Slinger
  • Patent number: 8017914
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for correcting primary and secondary emission data. The method includes obtaining an emission data set having primary and secondary emission data representative of primary and secondary emission particles emitting from a region of interest and applying a scatter correction model to the emission data set to derive an estimated scatter vector. The method also includes comparing the emission data set to the estimated scatter vector to identify an amount of secondary emission data in the emission data set and correcting the emission data set based on the amount of secondary emission data identified in the comparing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Scott David Wollenweber, David Leo McDaniel, Charles William Stearns
  • Patent number: 8017899
    Abstract: In coded aperture imaging knowledge of the coded array pattern and its positional relation to the detector array is needed in order to be able to reconstruct the scene image. Usually a theoretical model of the coded array is used and the actual array needs to be aligned accurately with respect to the detector. The present invention uses a coded aperture imager to image a reference object in the scene and uses the intensity pattern on the detector array to determine the decoding pattern corresponding to the coded aperture array. The reference object may be a point source in which case the pattern on the detector array may be used directly as the decoding pattern or it may be used to correct a theoretical pattern for any misalignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Qinetiq Limited
    Inventors: Douglas Alan Levenets, Keith Loder Lewis, Christopher William Slinger
  • Patent number: 8013285
    Abstract: An apparatus for capturing images. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises: a coded lens array including a plurality of lenses arranged in a coded pattern and with opaque material blocking array elements that do not contain lenses; and a light-sensitive semiconductor sensor coupled to the coded lens array and positioned at a specified distance behind the coded lens array, the light-sensitive sensor configured to sense light transmitted through the lenses in the coded lens array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Rearden, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen G. Perlman, Axel Busboom, Pamela Greene, Tim S. Cotter, John Speck, Roger van der Laan
  • Patent number: 7923677
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an imaging system which employs the same principles as coded aperture imaging. High angular resolution coded aperture imagers require a small aperture size and relatively large spacing between the coded aperture array and the detector. At such high resolutions diffraction effects can start to dominate and can degrade image quality. The present invention provides a detector array which receives radiation from a scene via a coded diffractive mask. The coded diffractive mask is designed such that its diffraction pattern at the waveband of interest is a well conditioned coded intensity pattern having a strong autocorrelation function with low sidelobes. Thus radiation reaching the detector array is diffracted by the diffractive mask but in a defined way and it is the diffraction pattern of the mask which provides the coding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: QinetiQ Limited
    Inventor: Christopher William Slinger
  • Publication number: 20110079725
    Abstract: An imaging system employing a coded aperture mask having multiple pinholes is provided. The coded aperture mask is placed at a radiation source to pass the radiation through. The radiation impinges on, and passes through an object, which alters the radiation by absorption and/or scattering. Upon passing through the object, the radiation is detected at a detector plane to form an encoded image, which includes information on the absorption and/or scattering caused by the material and structural attributes of the object. The encoded image is decoded to provide a reconstructed image of the object. Because the coded aperture mask includes multiple pinholes, the radiation intensity is greater than a comparable system employing a single pinhole, thereby enabling a higher resolution. Further, the decoding of the encoded image can be performed to generate multiple images of the object at different distances from the detector plane. Methods and programs for operating the imaging system are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicants: UT-BATTELLE, LLC, NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Tobin, JR., Philip R. Bingham, Ayman I. Hawari
  • Patent number: 7915591
    Abstract: A detector for identification and localization of radioisotopes, comprising a position sensitive detector configured to observe the location of emitted high energy radiation, wherein the position sensitive detector comprises a surface comprised of a first radiation sensitive material; and an active mask disposed in front of the position sensitive detector positioned such that the emitted high energy radiation is detected by the position sensitive detector after passage through the mask, wherein the mask comprises a second radiation sensitive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Morpho Detection, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Stephen Zelakiewicz, Jeffrey Seymour Gordon, Floribertus Heukensfeldt Jansen
  • Patent number: 7912173
    Abstract: A reference structure tomography device is provided which includes a reference structure configured to intercept and modulate energy in the form of waves or otherwise propagating from a source to a sensor, along longitudinal and traverse directions. The reference structure modulates or otherwise conditions the propagating wave to simplify an inversion process on the data set created by the interaction between the wave and the sensors. The reference structure can modulate a wave through multiple types of interactions with the wave including obscuring, defracting, defusing, scattering, and otherwise altering any characteristic of a portion of the wave. By selecting a reference structure that is compatible with the sensors, the number of measurements needed to resolve the source through the source wave is reduced. The reference structure can also increase the resolution of an imaging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventor: David Jones Brady
  • Patent number: 7820955
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an imaging system which employs the same principles as coded aperture imaging. High angular resolution coded aperture imagers require a small aperture size and relatively large spacing between the coded aperture array and the detector. At such high resolutions diffraction effects can start to dominate and can degrade image quality. The present invention provides a detector array which receives radiation from a scene via a coded diffractive mask. The coded diffractive mask is designed such that its diffraction pattern at the waveband of interest is a well conditioned coded intensity pattern having a strong autocorrelation function with low sidelobes. Thus radiation reaching the detector array is diffracted by the diffractive mask but in a defined way and it is the diffraction pattern of the mask which provides the coding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: QinetiQ Limited
    Inventor: Christopher William Slinger
  • Patent number: 7767949
    Abstract: A system is described for capturing images comprising: a display for displaying graphical images and text; a plurality of apertures formed in the display; an image detector array configured behind the display and configured to sense light transmitted through the apertures in the display, the light reflected from a subject positioned in front of the display; and image processing logic to generate image data using the light transmitted through the apertures, the image data representing an image of a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Rearden, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen G. Perlman, Axel Busboom, Tim S. Cotter, John Speck, Roger van der Laan
  • Patent number: 7767950
    Abstract: A system is described for capturing images comprising: a display for displaying graphical images and text; a plurality of apertures formed in the display; an image detector array configured behind the display and configured to sense light transmitted through the apertures in the display, the light reflected from a subject positioned in front of the display; and image processing logic to generate image data using the light transmitted through the apertures, the image data representing an image of a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Rearden, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen G. Perlman, Axel Busboom, Tim S. Cotter, John Speck, Roger van der Laan