Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises: an image generating unit configured to generate, by using a radiation energy spectrum, a material characteristic image of a material contained in a plurality of radiation images captured by different radiation energies; and a noise reduction processing unit configured to reduce a noise component of the material characteristic image. The image generating unit uses a composite image obtained from the plurality of radiation images, a first material characteristic image in which the noise component has been reduced, and a composite spectrum obtained from spectra of the different radiation energies to generate a second material characteristic image with reduced noise.

Abstract: An imaging control apparatus obtains a plurality of images at different radiation energies by irradiating, with radiation having different radiation energies, a subject in which at least one of a contrast agent, a guide wire, and a stent is inserted, generates an energy subtraction image by performing energy subtraction processing using the plurality of images, and generates a difference image between a mask image that is based on a plurality of energy subtraction images generated in a past and a live image that is based on a current energy subtraction image.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of measuring a semiconductor device, including the following operations: obtaining a first image corresponding to a first layer in the semiconductor device; obtaining a second image corresponding to a second layer, below the first layer, in the semiconductor device, wherein the first layer includes at least one first structure and the second layer includes a plurality of second structures that are overlapped by the at least one first structure; generating a third image by combining the first image and the second image; and calculating an offset between the at least one first structure and the plurality of second structures based on the first image and the third image.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus generating an X-ray image in a region of interest, includes a radiography device and processing circuitry. The radiography device takes a first X-ray image before injection of a contrast medium, and takes a second X-ray image and a third X-ray image after injection of the contrast medium. The processing circuitry generates an output image having pixel values that are ratios of pixel values between a difference between the second X-ray image and the first X-ray image and a difference between the third X-ray image and the first X-ray image.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining a measurement start time for an imaging measurement via a medical imaging system depending on a course of concentration values of a contrast medium in a monitored region of an examination object over time. The method includes detecting the concentration values of the current concentration of the contrast medium in the monitored region at different successive detection times; determining a current examination-specific accumulation model curve on the basis of a course of the concentration values over time; and determining the measurement start time on the basis of the examination-specific accumulation model curve. A method for controlling a medical imaging system, a control device and a medical imaging system for implementing the method are further disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a radiation imaging apparatus, including: a radiation detector configured to detect radiation; a first detector designation unit configured to designate a first radiation detector; a second detector designation unit configured to designate a second radiation detector registered in the radiation imaging apparatus in advance; and an information control unit configured to associate setting information on the second radiation detector with the first radiation detector after the first radiation detector and the second radiation detector are designated.

Abstract: A method of measuring vessel cross-sectional area includes imaging the cross-sectional area of the vessel, wherein the imaging includes: a central calibration region of interest (ROI) of the vessel to obtain a true Hounsfield unit (HU); an object ROI that includes a vessel area affected by a partial volume effect to obtain an object HU; a ring ROI that is outside the object ROI to obtain a background HU; and integrating the true HU, the object HU, and the background HU to calculate the cross-sectional area.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for generating a set of processed images of an object from overlapping raw images are provided. The raw images are aligned so that pixels representing a same part of the picture object in different raw images are aligned forming a respective pixel stack for each pictured part of the object. At least one mask image is then generated by a maximum intensity projection through the pixel stacks. The set of processed images is then generated from the raw images using the at least one mask image.

Abstract: This X-ray imaging apparatus (100) includes an X-ray irradiation detection unit (1) including an X-ray tube (11) and an FPD (2), a table (2) on which a subject (10) is placed, and a control unit (3) that synthesizes a first X-ray image obtained by sequentially performing X-ray imaging using a contrast medium while moving the table relative to the X-ray irradiation detection unit and a second X-ray image obtained by radiographing, without using the contrast medium, the subject at one position selected based on the first X-ray image.

Abstract: A method and system for non-invasive assessment of coronary artery stenosis is disclosed. A patient-specific real anatomical model of a diseased coronary artery of a patient is generated from medical image data of the patient. A hypothetical normal anatomical model is generated for the diseased coronary artery of the patient. Blood flow is simulated in each of the patient-specific real anatomical model of the diseased coronary and the hypothetical normal anatomical model for the diseased coronary artery. A hemodynamic index is calculated using simulated blood flow rates in the patient-specific real anatomical model of the diseased coronary and the hypothetical normal anatomical model for the diseased coronary artery.

Abstract: A method for generating a combined contrast medium and blood vessel representation of contrast-enhanced image data of breast tissue to be examined includes capturing first and second contrast-medium-influenced x-ray projection measurement data of the breast tissue with respective differing first and second x-ray energies. First and second image data sets are reconstructed based respectively on the first and second measurement data. A dual-energy image data set is ascertained based on the first and the second image data sets. A blood vessel image is ascertained based on at least one image data set. A blood vessel image is represented together with the dual-energy image data set in a combined contrast medium and blood vessel representation. An image data generating system is also provided.

Abstract: This X-ray imaging apparatus is equipped with an image processing unit. The image processing unit obtains a first image with a marker reference position set in a first X-ray image and generate a second image in which a virtual marker image is superimposed at a corresponding position in a second X-ray image reflecting the change of a relative position from the marker reference position with respect to the second X-ray image different from the first X-ray image.

Abstract: A method is for operating an X-ray device. In an embodiment, the method includes acquiring a sequence of images of a patient; moving an acquisition arrangement including at least one X-ray tube assembly, during the acquiring of the sequence of images, along the patient in a scanning direction; evaluating at least two different images, showing at least one common feature of the patient, to determine depth information for the at least one common feature; and actuating a collimator aperture of a collimator of the X-ray tube assembly, as a function of position information describing a position of the acquisition arrangement in the scanning direction, to change an aperture angle of a radiation field generated by the X-ray tube assembly in the scanning direction.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus generating an X-ray image in a region of interest, includes a radiography device and processing circuitry. The radiography device takes a first X-ray image before injection of a contrast medium, and takes a second X-ray image and a third X-ray image after injection of the contrast medium. The processing circuitry generates an output image having pixel values that are ratios of pixel values between a difference between the second X-ray image and the first X-ray image and a difference between the third X-ray image and the first X-ray image.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method and a system to create a medical image are disclosed. The method comprises receiving a plurality of patient tissue images during an x-ray dose. Furthermore, during the x-ray dose, a determination is made if motion occurred in the plurality of patient tissue images. In a case that no motion is determined, a diagnostic image of the patient tissue comprising the plurality of patient tissue images is created.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for grading coronary calcium, including an example apparatus that includes a set of logics and a memory that stores a set of radiographic images. The set of logics includes an image acquisition logic that acquires a set of radiographic images of a region of tissue, the set of radiographic images including a low-energy reference x-ray image and a higher-energy floating x-ray image, a registration logic that produces a set of registered images from a plurality of members of the set of radiographic images, an enhancement logic that produces a set of calcium-enhanced images from the set of registered images, a post-enhancement logic that produces a bone image from the set of calcium-enhanced images, and a grading logic that computes a coronary heart disease prediction score based, at least in part, on the bone image and a set of features extracted from the bone image.

Abstract: A system and method for vascular roadmapping include an X-ray imaging device for generating a fluoroscopy image, a data base in which a plurality of contrast-enhanced images is stored, a user interface element and a processor. Each of the contrast-enhanced images is stored together with the imaging parameters based on which the image is generated. The user interface element may be configured for selecting any intended imaging parameters, such as by manually adjusting the imaging device in any position and orientation. The processor may be configured for identifying a stored contrast-enhanced image out of the plurality of contrast-enhanced images, which is generated with specific imaging parameters, where the deviation of the specific imaging parameters from the intended imaging parameters is as small as possible, thus the processor may be configured for identifying the nearest available roadmap.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a display apparatus which facilitates a simultaneous comparison of a plurality of images which respectively illustrate different features on one divided display screen such that the images are seamlessly displayed on the screen, and an image display method which is performable by using the apparatus. The display apparatus includes a memory configured to store a plurality of different types of images of an object, an input device configured to receive an input of a command relating to simultaneously displaying the different types of images, and a display device configured to display images. Upon receiving the command, the display device divides a screen upon which an image of the object is displayable into a first region within which a first image showing one portion of the object is displayed and a second region within which a second image showing the remaining portion of the object is displayed.

Abstract: A stitch imaging system, which uses a plurality of radiographic imaging units, includes an information acquisition unit configured to acquire information indicating a layout relationship among the plurality of radiographic imaging units, and a correction unit configured to correct a radiographic image or radiographic images acquired from at least one of the plurality of radiographic imaging units specified based on the information indicating the layout relationship, based on correction data specified based on the information indicating the layout relationship.

Abstract: An image processing method and related system to register projection images (AG, MI) only with respect to a motion of a landmark across said images. The motion of the landmark relates to a motion of a region of interest, ROI. The so registered images (AG, MI) are then subtracted from each other to arrive at a difference image that is locally motion compensated and that represents the ROI at good contrast while subtraction artifacts can be avoided.

Abstract: (DSA) enables the vascular structure around a heart to be displayed using the injection of a contrast medium while the heart is being observed by an X-ray apparatus. The quality of a DSA sequence can be affected by the breathing of the patient, when under examination. This is because the images forming a DSA sequence are gathered using an X-ray modality, and therefore the independent movement of transparent tissues inside a patient causes motion artifacts to appear in DSA images. According to an aspect of the present invention, a method, device, X-ray system, computer program element, and a computer readable medium are provided which can correct artifacts appearing in DSA images which originate from to the motion of the heart and the motion caused by breathing in a patient.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for direct monochromatic image generation for spectral computed tomography. In one embodiment, a method comprises acquiring projection data during a scan of a subject, reconstructing a low energy image and a high energy image from the projection data, and generating a monochromatic image from the low energy image and the high energy image. In this way, a monochromatic image may be generated directly from low and high energy images with a substantial reduction in image noise, especially when compared to a monochromatic image generated indirectly from material density images.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging device and method acquiring a long-length image that is connected. A configuration data of the signal intensity depending on the position along a moving direction of the long-length imaging is acquired by acquiring a model data prior to the long-length imaging, to obtain an approximate configuration A long-length imaging is conducted and a brightness difference takes place along the data line in overlapping pixel regions relative to two X-ray images adjacent each other. An offset correction value C in pixels in the region other than the pixel regions from the difference ? of pixel values in such overlapping pixel regions, the slot width D and the overlapping width d. An offset correction is conducted based on such offset correction value, C and the X-ray images following the offset correction are connected to generate the long-length imaging to obtain a long-length image that is naturally connected.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including generating a road map of a blood vessel in a portion of a subject's body. A given feature that is within the portion of the subject's body is identified in the road map, the given feature being visible even in images of the portion the generation of which does not include use of a contrast agent. A tool is inserted into the blood vessel, and a current location of a portion of the tool is determined with respect to the given feature, by imaging the tool and the feature. In response to the determined current location, a current position of the tool within the road map is determined. In response to determining the current position of the tool within the road map, the current position of the tool with respect to the road map is displayed. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting objects in the dark using a vehicle camera and a vehicle lighting system. The method comprising: a) taking a first image with the vehicle lighting switched off; b) taking a second image with the vehicle lighting switched on; c) generating a differential image of the second and first images; and d) detecting reflective objects using the differential image.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generating regional digital subtraction angiography (DSA) images and roadmap images with landmarks. In one embodiment, a method comprises generating a mask from a set of mask images of an anatomy of a subject, and generating a masked image by applying the mask to acquired image data of the anatomy of the subject, including weighting the mask differently inside a region of interest (ROI) of the image than outside the ROI, the weighting inside ROI independent of the weighting outside the ROI. In this way, a user may be able to adjust a relative magnitude of subtraction inside and outside the ROI, and thus be able to visualize both vasculature and landmarks within the same image frame.

Abstract: A method for processing X-ray image data comprises: receiving sum image data (28) and difference image data (30), wherein the sum image data (28) and the difference image data (30) comprise intensity information of X-rays (18) of two different energies passing through an object (20), the sum image data (28) is based on a sum intensity of the two different energies and the difference image data (30) is based on a difference intensity of the two different energies; partitioning the difference image data (30) into a low frequency range (32) and a high frequency range (34); and generating low noise image data (36) by replacing the high frequency range (32) of the difference image (30) with a high frequency range based on the sum image data (28).

Abstract: An energy control unit continuously adjusts energy of radiations in one shot emitted by an X-ray irradiation unit. An X-ray detection unit generates a plurality of image data pieces in one shot by detecting the radiations whose energy is continuously adjusted and transmitted through a subject. An image classification unit classifies the plurality of image data pieces generated by the X-ray detection unit into image data generated by the radiations of a high energy side and image data generated by the radiations of a low energy side. An image subtraction unit performs weighting and subtraction on the image data generated by the radiations of the high energy side and the image data generated by the radiations of the low energy side.

Abstract: Described is a system for detecting objects of interest in imagery. The system is configured to receive an input video and generate an attention map. The attention map represents features found in the input video that represent potential objects-of-interest (OI). An eye-fixation map is generated based on a subject's eye fixations. The eye-fixation map also represents features found in the input video that are potential OI. A brain-enhanced synergistic attention map is generated by fusing the attention map with the eye-fixation map. The potential OI in the brain-enhanced synergistic attention map are scored, with scores that cross a predetermined threshold being used to designate potential OI as actual or final OI.

Abstract: A method and a system for monitoring a bolus value are disclosed. The method includes contrast-agent-assisted test recording of a time series of test images of a region under examination, wherein one bolus value is determined in each of the respective test images, together with the change in the bolus values between at least two test images. The method includes regulating the time interval between the recordings of individual test images as a function of the change in the bolus values, thereby enabling the temporal resolution for determining the bolus value to be selected in such a way that it corresponds to the change in the bolus values. In this way the temporal resolution in the monitoring of bolus values is improved with a view to avoiding both too high and too low a recording rate for the test images.

Abstract: An X-ray image generating unit alternately generates X-ray images each obtained by radiating X-rays having a higher level of energy and X-ray images each obtained by radiating X-rays having a lower level of energy. Further, every time an X-ray image has been generated by the X-ray image generating unit, a dual energy subtraction image generating unit generates a dual energy subtraction image by using the X-ray image that has just been generated and the X-ray image generated immediately preceding the X-ray image.

Abstract: A method of image reconstruction corrected for attenuation is provided for use with radioemission-based imaging, such as SPECT and PET. This method includes collecting measured emission projection data. The emission projection data, a reconstruction of the emission projection data, and a priori organ information are collectively analyzed to generate a body region estimate of the imaged subject. Each voxel of the body region estimate is then homogenously assigned an attenuation coefficient to generate an initial attenuation map estimate. An initial emission assumption is also generated based on a reconstruction of the emission projection data. The initial emission assumption and initial attenuation map estimate are then processed and refined to produce an image reconstruction.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical image processing apparatus includes a subtraction image acquisition part, a threshold processing part, an image processing part and an image operation part. The subtraction image acquisition part is configured to acquire subtraction image data between X-ray contrast image data and X-ray non-contrast image data of an object. The threshold processing part is configured to perform threshold processing of the subtraction image data or image data generated based on the subtraction image data. The image processing part is configured to perform image processing of image data after the threshold processing. The image operation part is configured to generate image data for a display by an image operation between the subtraction image data and image data after the image processing.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method and a system to create a medical image are disclosed. The method comprises receiving a plurality of patient tissue images during an x-ray dose. Furthermore, during the x-ray dose, a determination is made if motion occurred in the plurality of patient tissue images. In a case that no motion is determined, a diagnostic image of the patient tissue comprising the plurality of patient tissue images is created.

Abstract: An energy control unit continuously adjusts energy of radiations in one shot emitted by an X-ray irradiation unit. An X-ray detection unit generates a plurality of image data pieces in one shot by detecting the radiations whose energy is continuously adjusted and transmitted through a subject. An image classification unit classifies the plurality of image data pieces generated by the X-ray detection unit into image data generated by the radiations of a high energy side and image data generated by the radiations of a low energy side. An image subtraction unit performs weighting and subtraction on the image data generated by the radiations of the high energy side and the image data generated by the radiations of the low energy side.

Abstract: An image display method comprising displaying a first image of an imaged zone in a first display window and displaying a second image of only a part of the imaged zone in a second display window (S2) distinct from the first display window, and refreshing a majority of the first image at a first refreshing rate that is lower than a second refreshing rate of the second image.