Plural Signalling Means Patents (Class 250/394)
  • Publication number: 20120212355
    Abstract: Signals generated by radiation sensors can be encoded to reduce the number of cables needed to transport information from a nuclear imaging apparatus to a processor for reconstruction. For example, signals from 16 radiation sensors can be encoded into three signals: T (top), L (left), and E (energy). This method of encoding signals can be capable of substantially reducing the number of signals, thereby reducing costs. In addition, reducing the number of signals could improve system timing performance by eliminating cable time-skew and facilitate the filter design by downgrading the circuit accuracy requirements such as group-delay error and filter signal skews.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: SIEMENS MEDICAL SOLUTIONS USA, INC.
    Inventors: Nan Zhang, Niraj K. Doshi, Matthias J. Schmand
  • Publication number: 20120211665
    Abstract: A system and method for identifying a pulsed radiation source may include an imaging sensor having a frame rate that is less than a pulse repetition frequency (PRF) of the pulsed radiation source. A processing unit may be in communication with the imaging sensor, and be configured to (i) process a sequence of image data of a scene captured by the imaging sensor to determine whether radiation of the pulsed radiation source is detected, (ii) determine a PRF code of the pulsed radiation source from possible multiple different PRF codes based on the processed sequence of image data, and (iii) notify a user of the PRF code or information associated with the PRF code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: DRS RSTA, INC.
    Inventors: Eugene L. Cloud, Alan Rakes, John Bailey
  • Publication number: 20120199749
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a control unit and a detector that includes multiple pixels and that performs an image capturing operation to output image data corresponding to radiation or light that is emitted. The image capturing operation includes a first image capturing operation in a first scanning area corresponding to part of the multiple pixels to output image data in the first scanning area and a second image capturing operation in a second scanning area larger than the first scanning area to output image data in the second scanning area. The control unit causes the detector to perform an accumulation operation in the second image capturing operation in a time determined so that an image artifact caused by the scanning area is lower than a predetermined allowable value on the basis of information about the amount of integration of accumulation times in the first image capturing operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshio Kameshima, Tadao Endo, Tomoyuki Yagi, Katsuro Takenaka, Keigo Yokoyama, Sho Sato, Toshikazu Tamura
  • Publication number: 20120193549
    Abstract: An image pickup apparatus is provided with plural light receiving areas arranged two-dimensionally, and a vertical scanning circuit comprising plural unit circuit stages arranged in the vertical direction and a horizontal scanning circuit comprising plural unit circuit stages arranged in the horizontal direction, for selecting and reading the plural light receiving areas in succession. The vertical and horizontal scanning circuits are arranged in spaces between the light receiving areas. A crossing area of the vertical and horizontal scanning circuits, in a space between the light receiving areas, is divided into two areas. A unit circuit of the horizontal scanning circuit is provided in one of the two areas. A unit circuit of the vertical scanning circuit is provided in the other of the two areas. In one embodiment, the unit circuits of the vertical scanning circuit and/or of the horizontal scanning circuit are arranged at a constant pitch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: TOMOYUKI NODA
  • Publication number: 20120181433
    Abstract: A multilayer electronic imaging module and sensor system incorporating a micro-lens layer for imaging and collimating a received image from a field of regard, a photocathode layer for detecting photons from the micro-lens layer and generating an electron output, a micro-channel plate layer for receiving the output electrons emitted from the photocathode in response to the photon input and amplifying same and stacked readout circuitry for processing the electron output of the micro-channel plate. The sensor system of the invention may he provided in the form of a Cassegrain telescope assembly and includes electromagnetic imaging and scanning means and beam-splitting means for directed predetermined ranges of the received image to one or more photo-detector elements which may be in the form of the micro-channel imaging module of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: Irvine Sensors Corporation
    Inventors: Medhet Azzazy, David Ludwig, James Justice
  • Publication number: 20120181441
    Abstract: The present invention provides a radiographic imaging apparatus including: a plurality of pixels arrayed in a matrix, each of the pixels comprising: a photoelectric conversion element that generates and accumulates charges according to irradiation of radiation; a read-out switching element that read out the accumulated charges in response to a first control signal, and that outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the charges; and a shorting element that shorts the photoelectric conversion element in response to a second control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshihiro OKADA
  • Publication number: 20120168636
    Abstract: A system for processing three dimensional (3D) distribution image of a radiation source and a processing method using the same are provided. The system includes an image measuring unit comprising a plurality of position sensitive detectors to measure the radiation source, a signal amplifying unit which receives signals from the image measuring unit and amplifies the received signals into an electric signal, a mode selecting unit that receives the electric signal and selects a detection mode and outputs a corresponding mode signal, a data storage unit which stores the signals as a series of items, a data converting unit which converts the data stored at the data storage unit into interactive data, an image reconstructing unit which reconstructs the converted data into the 3D distribution image, and a display unit which displays the 3D distribution image received from the reconstructing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute
    Inventors: Jang Ho HA, Han Soo KIM
  • Publication number: 20120161026
    Abstract: An image capture controller includes: a communication unit that communicates with a portable radiographic image capture device that captures a radiographic image and generates image data indicating the captured radiographic image; a measuring unit that measures a duration of an off state of a power supply when a power supply of the portable radiographic image capture device has been turned off; and a controlling unit that controls the communication unit such that, if the measured duration is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, a calibration is performed in the portable radiographic image capture device when the power supply thereof is changed from off to on, and such that, if the measured duration is less than the predetermined value, the calibration is not performed in the portable radiographic image capture device when the power supply thereof is changed from off to on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kouichi KITANO, Kentaro NOMA, Yukihisa IKEGAME
  • Publication number: 20120161027
    Abstract: An X-ray detector is connected to a large number of detector modules connected in series. The X-ray detector detects X-ray image data for each detection module, each module synchronously reading X-ray image data detected by itself based on an internal clock ?, each module transferring the read X-ray image data one after another. Each of the detection modules receives the transferred X-ray image data, and resynchronizes the received X-ray image data by using the internal clock, and transfers the same together with the detected X-ray image data. This enables arranging the detection module at an arbitrary position without a change in the method of transferring data for each measurement or without a load on a control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: RIGAKU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akira TSUKIYAMA, Takuto SAKUMURA, Yuji TSUJI
  • Publication number: 20120153177
    Abstract: A radiographic apparatus includes a first grating unit, a grating pattern unit, a radiological image detector. The first grating unit has a plurality of radiation shield units that shields the radiation emitted from the radiation source and a substrate on which the first radiation shield units are arranged and which enables the radiation emitted from the radiation source to penetrate therethrough. The grating pattern unit has a period that substantially coincides with a pattern period of a radiological image. The radiological image detector detects the radiological image masked by the grating pattern unit and has a plurality of pixels converting and accumulating the radiation into charges and a substrate. A thermal expansion coefficient of the substrate of the first grating unit is the substantially same as a thermal expansion coefficient of the substrate of the radiological image detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Naoto Iwakiri, Takuji Tada
  • Publication number: 20120153166
    Abstract: A highly scalable platform for radiation measurement data collection with high precision time stamping and time measurements between the elements in the detection array uses IEEE 1588 with or without Synchronous Ethernet (timing over Ethernet) to synchronize the measurements. At a minimum, the system includes at least two radiation detector units, an IEEE 1588 and SyncE enabled Ethernet switch, and a computer for processing. The addition of timing over Ethernet and power over Ethernet (PoE) allows a radiation measurement system to operate with a single Ethernet cable, simplifying deployment of detectors using standardized technology with a multitude of configuration possibilities. This eliminates the need for an additional hardware for the timing measurements which simplifies the detection system, reduces the cost of the deployment, reduces the power consumption of the detection system and reduces the overall size of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Andrey K. Gueorguiev, Martin F. Ohmes, Jeffrey R. Preston, Leslie D. Hoy, Hartmut Brands
  • Publication number: 20120153182
    Abstract: A radiation image capturing apparatus for capturing a plurality of radiation images by translating a second grid with respect to a first grid and transmitting the plurality of radiation images includes a storage unit for storing a plurality of radiation image signals captured by translating the second grid with respect to the first grid, an association unit for associating the plurality of radiation image signals stored in the storage unit, and a communication unit for transmitting one set of the radiation image signals associated by the association unit at a time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Naoto IWAKIRI
  • Publication number: 20120153181
    Abstract: A radiation image capturing apparatus includes: a first grid which includes grid structures disposed at intervals and forms a first periodic pattern image by passing radiation emitted from a radiation source; a second grid provided with grid structures disposed at intervals and forms a second periodic pattern image by receiving the first periodic pattern image; a radiation image detector that detects the second periodic pattern image formed by the second grid; and a detector positioning mechanism that adjusts a position of the radiation image detector in an in-plane direction of a detection plane of the detector such that radiation transmitted through the first and second grids falls within the radiation image detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naoto IWAKIRI, Dai MURAKOSHI
  • Patent number: 8198600
    Abstract: An angle-responsive sensor, comprising: a radiation detector adapted to detect ionizing radiation; at least one collimator arranged to block radiation from reaching the detector in a manner dependent on a relative orientation of a radiation source, the detector and the collimator, the detector and the collimator defining an aim for the sensor; and circuitry coupled to the detector and which generates an output signal which varies as a function of the relative orientation, wherein the detector and the collimator are arranged to have a working volume of at least 10 cm in depth and having an angular width, such that the slope of the signal as a function of angle varies by less than a factor of 2 over the working volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Navotek Medical Ltd.
    Inventors: David Maier Neustadter, Giora Kornblau
  • Patent number: 8198588
    Abstract: A computerized system for locating a device including a sensor module and a processor. A radioactive source, associated with the device, produces a signal in the form of radioactive disintegrations. The sensor module includes a radiation detector capable of receiving a signal from the source attached to the device. The sensor module produces an output signal. The processor receives output signal(s) and translates output into information relating to a position of source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Navotek Medical Ltd.
    Inventors: Giora Kornblau, Shiomi Ben-Ari
  • Publication number: 20120138811
    Abstract: An imaging system includes a detector (104) having a first area where irradiation occurs in a radiation field (A) and a second area other than the first area where irradiation occurs in a radiation field (B) and configured to output image data, and an image processing unit (601) that performs image processing on the image data. The image processing unit (601) includes a storage unit (602) that stores dark output information, a measurement unit (607) that measures the integral dose of the radiation or light applied to a pixel in the first area and the integral dose of the radiation or light applied to a pixel in the second area, and a correction unit (610) that corrects the image data, based on the dark output information obtained from the storage unit (602) and the integral doses measured by the measurement unit (607), when changing of the radiation field has occurred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Katsuro Takenaka, Tadao Endo, Toshio Kameshima, Masayoshi Akiyata, Tomoyuki Yagi, Keigo Yokoyama
  • Publication number: 20120138810
    Abstract: The present invention provides a radiographic imaging device including, a plurality of pixels each including, a generation section that generates charges according to irradiated radiation, an accumulation section that accumulates charges generated by the generation section, and a switching element that reads out the charges accumulated in the accumulation section, and that outputs electrical signals corresponding to the charges; an amplification section that amplifies the electrical signals output from the switching elements; and a setting section that sets an amplification factor of the amplification section corresponding to the charges accumulated during an accumulation period, during which charges are accumulated, based on the electrical signals output from radiation detection pixels during the accumulation period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshihiro OKADA
  • Publication number: 20120132825
    Abstract: Disclosed is a radiation image capturing device including a control section which detects at least a start of irradiation based on a current value of a current detected by a current detection section, wherein the control section applies an ON-state voltage having a predetermined voltage value from a scan driving section to a switch section via each of scan lines simultaneously so as to perform reset processing of each of radiation detection elements before radiation image capturing, and thereafter, decreases the voltage value of the ON-state voltage simultaneously, monitors the current value outputted from the current detection section while keeping the decreased voltage value of the ON-state voltage, and waits for the start of the irradiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: KONICA MINOLTA MEDICAL & GRAPHIC, INC.
    Inventors: Kouji Amitani, Hideaki Tajima, Kaneyuki Nakano
  • Publication number: 20120132820
    Abstract: A radiographic image detecting apparatus and a radiographic image capturing system are provided. The radiographic image detecting apparatus includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements for generating electric charge by emission of radiation, a bias line through which a bias voltage is supplied to the photoelectric conversion elements, a power supply for applying the bias voltage to the photoelectric conversion elements through the bias line, a current detector for detecting a bias current flowing through the bias line, and a reading circuit including an amplifying circuit. The current detector includes a current mirror circuit connected between the bias line connected to the photoelectric conversion elements and the power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naoto IWAKIRI, Atsuo ISHIZUKA, Naoyuki NISHINO
  • Publication number: 20120132824
    Abstract: A radiographic image detecting apparatus and a radiographic image capturing system are provided. The radiographic image detecting apparatus includes photoelectric conversion elements for generating electric charge by emission of radiation, a bias line through which a bias voltage is supplied to the photoelectric conversion elements, a power supply for applying the bias voltage to the photoelectric conversion elements through the bias line, a current detector for detecting a bias current flowing through the bias line based on a voltage drop across a resistor inserted in the bias line, a first amplifying circuit, a second amplifying circuit connected to an output of the first amplifying circuit, and a controller for correcting the electric signal by increasing a gain of the second amplifying circuit depending on decrease in a sensitivity of the photoelectric conversion element, the decrease being caused by the voltage drop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naoyuki NISHINO, Naoto IWAKIRI
  • Publication number: 20120126135
    Abstract: The invention concerns a dosimeter for the determination of an absorbed dose (D) of a radiation field (26), the dosimeter having a dosimeter probe (12), which has (a) a sensor (14), which has a sensor volume that emits electrical charges (Q) when exposed to ionizing radiation, (b) a cable (18) for the transmission of the charges (Q) and (c) an evaluation unit (20), which is designed for the capture of a physical quantity (U), which corresponds to the emitted electrical charge (Q), which is characterized by the fact that the evaluation unit (20) is arranged for (d) the detection of a interval cycle of the radiation field (26), (e) the recording of a measurement number of measurements of a physical quantity (U) corresponding to the electrical charge, which is always read at the same time relative to the interval cycle, so that an initial raw measured value (U1) and at least one second raw measured value (U2) are obtained per interval, and (f) the calculation of a measured value (D) from the at-least two raw mea
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Bundesrepublik Deutschland, vertreten durch das Bundesministerium fur Wirtschaft und Technologie,
    Inventors: Jens Illemann, Christoph Makowski
  • Patent number: 8183523
    Abstract: A survey method and system for survey method and system for detecting and/or characterizing a radiation field The method may include acquiring energy-dependent radiation spectral data at a location of interest in a radiation field using a detector, wherein the energy-dependent radiation spectral data may include counts versus energy. The method may further include acquiring radiation spectral data at at least one other location wherein the at least one other location is positioned relative to the location of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventor: Roland Richard Vincent Benke
  • Patent number: 8183538
    Abstract: A sensor interface system interfaces a collection of one or more sensors that can sense chemical, biological, radiation, nuclear, and explosives (CBRNE) materials. The system includes one or more digital and/or analog sensor interfaces for communicating with one or more sensors including: chemical sensors, biological sensors, radiation sensors, nuclear sensors, and explosives sensors. A processor is configured to receive and process signals from the one or more digital and/or analog sensor interfaces, and when the one or more sensors include a radiation sensor and/or nuclear sensor, the processor differentiates between gamma pulses and neutron pulses, by: receiving a signal from an output of a neutron detector; analyzing a pulse shape of the signal; differentiating the pulse shape between gamma pulses and neutron pulses; and determining that the pulse shape of the signal is one of a gamma pulse and a neutron pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Innovative American Technology Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Frank
  • Publication number: 20120112081
    Abstract: A radiation image photographing apparatus is provided with a bias source to apply a bias voltage via bias lines to radiation detecting elements arranged in a two dimensional form in regions divided by scanning lines and signal lines. The bias lines are connected to the radiation detecting elements with a ratio of one bias line to the radiation detecting elements arranged on one column in an extension direction of the signal line, and the bias lines are connected per a predetermined number of bias lines to either one of a plurality of connection lines. The bias voltage is applied from the bias source to the connection lines via the bias lines so that the bias voltage is applied to the radiation detecting elements via the bias lines connected to the connection lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic, Inc.
    Inventor: Hideaki TAJIMA
  • Publication number: 20120112087
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to allow a gamma-ray-source's existing position direction to be detected using a small-volume gamma-ray detector. A gamma-ray's direction detecting apparatus including a plurality of detection pixels for detecting gamma rays, a memory device for memorizing a correspondence relationship in advance, the correspondence relationship being established for indicating, with respect to predetermined gamma-ray's incoming directions, what kind of actual-measurement frequency data should be acquired using the plurality of detection pixels, and a measurement/calculation unit which measures the gamma-ray's actual-measurement frequency data detected using the plurality of detection pixels, and calculates a gamma-ray's incoming direction by using the actual-measurement frequency data and the correspondence relationship memorized into the memory device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventor: Kazuma Yokoi
  • Publication number: 20120104271
    Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus includes a radiation flat panel detector configured to detect radiation incident thereupon and to generate a radiation image, a control unit configured to control a drive of the radiation flat panel detector, a heat insulation member arranged between the radiation flat panel detector and the control unit, an external housing configured to accommodate therein the flat panel detector and the control unit, a first heat transfer member configured to transfer heat from the radiation flat panel detector to a first surface of the external housing, and a second heat transfer member configured to transfer heat from the control unit to a second surface of the external housing different from the first surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takaaki Gonda
  • Publication number: 20120106698
    Abstract: There is provided a multi-layer flat panel detector comprising a first conversion layer, a second conversion layer, at least one printed circuit board for receiving signals generated by the first or second direct conversion layers, and a processor for processing the signals to produce an image being generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Karim S. Karim, Nicholas Allec
  • Publication number: 20120097860
    Abstract: Provided is a radiographic imaging apparatus capable of obtaining more suitable radiological images by reducing the influence of noise generated at a current detecting section which detects current carried by applying radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: KONICA MINOLTA MEDICAL & GRAPHIC, INC.
    Inventor: Kumiko Oguma
  • Publication number: 20120085914
    Abstract: A detection device for beta radiation includes first and second adjacent detectors and a coincidence counter unit. The same beta particle may be counted twice. Alternatively, one or more positrons may be detected along with one or more gamma photons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: JAN AXELSSON, HARALD SCHNEIDER
  • Publication number: 20120074333
    Abstract: Multiple detectors arranged in a ring within a specimen chamber provide a large solid angle of collection. The detectors preferably include a shutter and a cold shield that reduce ice formation on the detector. By providing detectors surrounding the sample, a large solid angle is provided for improved detection and x-rays are detected regardless of the direction of sample tilt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: FEI COMPANY
    Inventors: Hanno Sebastian von Harrach, Bert Freitag, Pleun Dona
  • Publication number: 20120074332
    Abstract: A flat panel detector (FPD) includes an imaging panel having pixels arranged in a matrix, a gate driver for turning thin film transistors (TFTs) of the pixels ON and OFF, a radiation detecting section for detecting the start of x-ray radiation from the x-ray source, and a controller. The controller controls the gate driver to turn the TFTs ON periodically to reset dark charges of the pixels. Before starting a charge accumulating operation for accumulating signal charges for imaging, the controller controls the gate driver to turn the TFTs OFF so that the radiation detecting section may detect the start of x-ray radiation on the basis of charge leaks from the pixels. When the start of x-ray radiation is detected, the controller starts the charge accumulating operation while keeping the TFTs in the OFF condition. Thereafter, the TFTs are turned ON to read out the accumulated signal charges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Keita WATANABE
  • Publication number: 20120074331
    Abstract: An electronic cassette for radiographic imaging has an enclosure, an imaging detection panel disposed in the enclosure and configured to convert an amount of radiation into an electric signal, a circuit unit disposed in the enclosure and configured to read an electric signal from the imaging detection panel by supplying a driving signal to the imaging detection panel, and a holding base disposed in the enclosure and configured to support the imaging detection panel. The holding base supports the imaging detection panel on a first surface as a radiation incident side and supports the circuit unit on a second surface on an opposite side to the first surface. The holding base includes a carbon fiber laminated plate having a metal layer inserted in lamination layer, and the metal layer is electrically connected to ground of the circuit unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takahiro KOYANAGI
  • Publication number: 20120068068
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems, and methods are disclosed that include: (a) a first material layer positioned on a first surface of a support structure and configured to generate secondary electrons in response to incident charged particles that strike the first layer, the first layer including an aperture configured to permit a portion of the incident charged particles to pass through the aperture; and (b) a second material layer positioned on a second surface of the support structure and separated from the first layer by a distance of 0.5 cm or more, the second layer being configured to generate secondary electrons in response to charged particles that pass through the aperture and strike the second layer, where the device is a charged particle detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: CARL ZEISS NTS, LLC
    Inventors: Raymond Hill, Shawn McVey, John Notte, IV
  • Publication number: 20120061576
    Abstract: A nuclear medical imaging system employing radiation detection modules with pixelated scintillator crystals includes a scatter detector (46) configured to detect and label scattered and non-scattered detected radiation events stored in a list mode memory (44). Coincident pairs of both scattered and non-scattered radiation events are detected and the corresponding lines of response (LOR) are determined. A first image representation of the examination region can be reconstructed using the LORs corresponding to both scattered and non-scattered detected radiation events to generate a lower resolution image (60) with good noise statistics. A second higher resolution image (62) of all or a subvolume of the examination region can be generated using LORs that correspond to non-scattered detected radiation events. A quantification processor is configured to extract at least one metric, e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Carsten Degenhardt, Andrew Buckler
  • Publication number: 20120061581
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to an imaging system that includes a collimator assembly having two or more pinhole apertures therein. In one embodiment, the imaging system is configured so that two or more of the pinhole apertures have different focal lengths. The imaging system further includes a detector assembly configured to generate one or more signals in response to gamma photons that pass through the two or more pinhole apertures. Additional embodiments also relate to methods of changing collimator performance and methods of imaging a volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: James W. Hugg, Ang Liu, Douglas J. Wagenaar, Bradley E. Patt
  • Publication number: 20120056097
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus, which acquires an X-ray photographic image of an subject and outputs the X-ray photographic image to a plurality of output apparatuses, determines, as an output region to a first output apparatus, either an extracted irradiated region from an X-ray photographic image or a partial region selected from the X-ray photographic image by an user. When the size of the output region to the first output apparatus is not larger than an image size to be output to a second output apparatus, the output region to the first output apparatus is determined as an output region to the second output apparatus. When the output region to the first output apparatus is larger than the image size, a region corresponding to the image size is extracted from the output region to the first output apparatus as an output region to the second output apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Toru Takasawa
  • Publication number: 20120049074
    Abstract: A radiation sensitive detector array includes a plurality of detector modules (118) extending along a z-axis direction and aligned along an x-axis direction with respect to the imaging system (100). At least one of the detector modules (118) includes a module backbone (124) and at least one detector tile (122). The at least one detector tile (122) is coupled to the module backbone (124) through a non-threaded fastener (142). The at least one detector tile (122) includes a two-dimensional detector (126) and a two-dimensional anti-scatter grid (128) that is focused at a focal spot (112) of an imaging system (100).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Randall P. Luhta, Rodney A. Mattson, Brian E. Harwood
  • Patent number: 8124931
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting the presence of hydrocarbons near an unmanned offshore oil platform. The method steps include monitoring reflected atmospheric and thermal radiation, detecting the presence of hydrocarbons, and generating an alert based on the presence of hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Albert Ballard Andrews, Wei-Chuan Shih, Matthew Clayton, Oliver C. Mullins
  • Publication number: 20120043471
    Abstract: Devices and methods for the characterization of areas of radiation in contaminated rooms are provided. One such device is a collimator with a collimator shield for reducing noise when measuring radiation. A position determination system is provided that may be used for obtaining position and orientation information of the detector in the contaminated room. A radiation analysis method is included that is capable of determining the amount of radiation intensity present at known locations within the contaminated room. Also, a visual illustration system is provided that may project images onto the physical objects, which may be walls, of the contaminated room in order to identify the location of radioactive materials for decontamination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: LAWRENCE J. HARPRING, Jody Rustyn Coleman, Eduardo B. Farfan, John R. Gordon, Gerald T. Jannik, Trevor O. Foley
  • Publication number: 20120032088
    Abstract: A stacked-type detection apparatus including a plurality of pixels arranged at small intervals is configured to have low capacitance associated with signal lines and/or driving lines. With this novel configuration, small time constant and high-speed driving capability can be achieved in the signal lines and/or driving lines. The plurality of pixels in the detection apparatus are arranged in a row direction and a column direction on an insulating substrate. Each pixel includes a conversion element and a switch element, the conversion element is disposed above the switch element. A driving line disposed below the conversion elements is connected to switch elements arranged in the row direction, and a signal line is connected to switch elements arranged in the column direction. The signal line includes a conductive layer embedded in an insulating member, the insulating member is disposed in a layer lower than an uppermost surface portion of the driving line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takamasa Ishii, Chiori Mochizuki, Minoru Watanabe, Jun Kawanabe, Kentaro Fujiyoshi, Hiroshi Wayama
  • Publication number: 20120033784
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray detector includes a plurality of detection packs and a plurality of heaters. Each of the detection packs includes a plurality of detection elements that detect X rays having passed through a subject and output a detection signal corresponding to the X rays and is arranged along a predetermined direction. Each of the heaters is provided corresponding to each of the detection packs and individually controls the temperature of each of the detection packs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Keiji Matsuda, Michito Nakayama, Shuya Nambu, Takashi Kanemaru, Atsushi Hashimoto, Tomoe Sagoh
  • Publication number: 20120025091
    Abstract: A method of coincidence detection and a tomography system using the same are provided. In the method and system, by combining original trigger signals and time mark information, at a time point of a rising edge of a system main clock, a combination of the trigger signals of a plurality of radiation detectors of the system is obtained, and a type of the combination of the trigger signals is determined according to a predetermined event relation. If the combination of the trigger signals belongs to an effective event, a time mark procedure is utilised for judging the trigger signals in the event, in which it is determined whether a difference between two time mark information respectively associated with the trigger signals of the two corresponding radiation detectors is within a coincidence time window or not, thereby judging whether the effective event is an annihilation event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research Atomic Energy Council Executive Yuan
    Inventors: TZONG-DAR WU, Chung-Hung Chang, Meei-Ling Jan
  • Publication number: 20120006992
    Abstract: A radiation detecting apparatus comprises: a first detector that detects incidence of radiation; a plate-shaped detection substrate including a second detector that detects an incident position of the radiation to at least the first detector, and a first terminal that is electrically connected to the second detector; a wiring substrate including a second terminal and an external terminal that is electrically connected to the second terminal; and a connecting member that electrically connects the first terminal and the second terminal. The first terminal is arranged at one end of a main surface of the plate-shaped detection substrate. The detection substrate is mounted on the wiring substrate such that the main surface is substantially perpendicular to the wiring substrate in a state that the one end faces the wiring substrate. The first detector is arranged opposite to the main surface of the detection substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Toshikazu Yanada, Shigenori Sekine, Takashi Yamada
  • Publication number: 20120001079
    Abstract: The present invention provides a radiation detecting element and a radiographic imaging device that may reliably detect radiation even when a region where radiation is irradiated is set narrowly. Namely, in the radiation detecting element and the radiographic imaging device of the present invention, plural pixels including radiographic imaging pixels and plural radiation detection pixels are disposed in a matrix in a detection region that detects radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Okada
  • Publication number: 20120001075
    Abstract: A light transmitting element such as a scintillating element (50) or an optic fiber (50?) has side surfaces coated with a metamaterial (62) which has an index of refraction less than 1 and preferably close to zero to light transmitted in the light transmitting element. A photonic crystal (80) or metamaterial layer optically couples a light output face of the light transmitting element with a light sensitive element (52), such as a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM). A thin metal layer (64) blocks optical communication between adjacent scintillating elements (50) in a radiation detector (22), such as a radiation detector of a nuclear imaging system (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Frach, Andreas Thon
  • Publication number: 20120001084
    Abstract: A detector array (110) of an imaging system (100) includes a radiation sensitive detector (114, 116) that detects radiation and generates a signal indicative thereof. A current-to-frequency (I/F) converter (202) converts the signal to a pulse train having a frequency indicative of the signal for an integration period. Circuitry (120) generates a first moment and at least one higher order moment based on the pulse train.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Roland Proksa, Christoph Herrmann, Walter Ruetten
  • Publication number: 20120001080
    Abstract: The present invention provides a radiation detecting element and a radiographic imaging device that may reliably detect irradiation of radiation even when a region where radiation is irradiated is set narrowly. Namely, the present invention provides a radiation detection element and a radiographic imaging apparatus, in which radiographic imaging pixels and radiation detection pixels are provided at intersecting portions of scan lines and signal lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshihiro OKADA
  • Patent number: 8084748
    Abstract: In a device for detecting and identifying a radioactive material, a coincidence device is configured to receive the first pulse signals and the second pulse signals from a first second detectors; a multi-channel analyzer is configured to receive the second pulse signals, count said second pulses and generate the energy spectrum of the gamma rays according to the counted second pulses, when the first pulse signals and the second pulse signals are both valid; a linear gate is configured to receive coincidence signals and being turned on, when the output signals of the coincidence device are valid, to allow the multi-channel analyzer to count the second pulses; and a determination device is configured to determine the type of the radioactive material emitting the gamma rays according to the generated energy spectrum and determine whether a radiation exists or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Nuctech Company Limited
    Inventors: Hua Peng, Kun Zhao, Yu He, Ming Ruan
  • Publication number: 20110309250
    Abstract: In certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention, three-dimensional micro-mechanical devices and/or micro-structures can be made using a production casting process. As part of this process, an intermediate mold can be made from or derived from a precision stack lamination and used to fabricate the devices and/or structures. Further, the micro-devices and/or micro-structures can be fabricated on planar or nonplanar surfaces through use of a series of production casting processes and intermediate molds. The use of precision stack lamination can allow the fabrication of high aspect ratio structures. Moreover, via certain molding and/or casting materials, molds having cavities with protruding undercuts also can be fabricated. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: Mikro Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Appleby, Iain Fraser, James E. Atkinson
  • Publication number: 20110309262
    Abstract: An imaging operation includes a first imaging operation for outputting image data according to irradiation to the detector with radiation or light in an irradiation field A corresponding to a part of the plurality of pixels, and a second imaging operation for outputting image data according to irradiation to the detector 104 with radiation or light in an irradiation field B wider than the irradiation field A, wherein, responsive to a changing from irradiation in the irradiation field A to irradiation in the irradiation field B, an operation of the detector is controlled so that the detector performs an initializing operation for initializing conversion elements during a period between the first and second imaging operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Sho Sato, Tadao Endo, Toshio Kameshima, Masayoshi Akiyama, Tomoyuki Yagi, Katsuro Takenaka, Keigo Yokoyama