With Switching Means Patents (Class 378/114)
  • Patent number: 11957500
    Abstract: A radiography device includes an interface unit and a controller. The interface unit connects to an external interface. The controller operates according to timing signals from the external interface connected to the interface unit so as to synchronize with timing of repetition of generation of radiation by a radiation device that generates radiation in serial radiography in which frame images are generated. Even after connection between the interface unit and the external interface is cut off, the controller repeats operation for generating a frame image while synchronizing with the radiation device without communicating with an outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventor: Mao Eguchi
  • Patent number: 11574789
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a cathode assembly may include a cathode head that has a first electron emitter and a second electron emitter. The first electron emitter may have a first connection location and a second connection location. The second electron emitter may have a third connection location and a fourth connection location. The third connection location may be electrically coupled with the second connection location of the first electron emitter. The cathode assembly may include a receptacle having a first connector and a second connector. The first connector may be electrically coupled with the first connection location of the first electron emitter. The second connector may be electrically coupled with the second connection location of the first electron emitter and the third connection location of the second electron emitter. The third connector may be electrically coupled with the fourth connection location of the second electron emitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Varex Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: Jacob Sullivan, Santosh Ramachandran, Evgeny Galyaev, Gregory C. Andrews, Christopher Lewis
  • Patent number: 11527378
    Abstract: It is a CNT device (1) (carbon-metal structure) equipped with a carbon nanotube layer (2) (CNT layer 2; same hereafter) on a metal pedestal (4). The metal pedestal (4) is brazed to the CNT layer (2) with a brazing material layer (3) interposed therebetween. When manufacturing the CNT device (1), firstly, the CNT layer (2) is formed on a heat-resistant textured substrate (6). Next, the metal pedestal (4) is brazed to the CNT layer (2) that is on the heat-resistant textured substrate (6) with the brazing material layer (3) interposed therebetween. Then, the metal pedestal (4) (and the CNT layer 2) is peeled off the heat-resistant textured substrate (6) to transfer the CNT layer (2) from the heat-resistant textured substrate (6) to the metal pedestal (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignees: WASEDA UNIVERSITY, MEIDENSHA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Suguru Noda, Sae Kitagawa, Kotaro Yasui, Hisashi Sugime, Daizo Takahashi, Yuichi Nishikiori, Hayato Ochi, Rena Takahashi, Toshimasa Fukai
  • Patent number: 11506766
    Abstract: An image-capturing device includes a sensor, a visible-light-pixel driver, and a non-visible-light-pixel driver. The sensor is configured to have a plurality of visible light pixels having sensitivity to visible light and a plurality of non-visible light pixels having sensitivity to non-visible light. The visible-light-pixel driver controls light exposure to the visible light pixels and a reading operation for charges generated by photoelectric conversion of the visible light pixels resulting from the light exposure. The non-visible-light-pixel driver performs the light exposure to previously-set every two or more non-visible light pixels at the time of the light exposure to the non-visible light pixels and the reading operation, sums the charges generated by the photoelectric conversion of the two or more non-visible light pixels resulting from the light exposure, and creates the distance image on the basis of the summed charges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: MAXELL, LTD.
    Inventors: Junji Shiokawa, Takashi Matsubara
  • Patent number: 11386561
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus is configured to acquire a plurality of pieces of slice image data from volume data, acquire a plurality of pieces of first processed image data by performing first processing, acquire a plurality of pieces of second processed image data by performing second processing, detect edges of the subject based on the acquired plurality of pieces of the second processed image data, and acquire edge image data including detected edges of the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Naoki Morimoto, Kenji Kimura, Taro Shirai, Takahiro Doki
  • Patent number: 11185299
    Abstract: An X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus includes an imaging system, a gripping portion, and an operation panel portion. The gripping portion extends along a direction substantially parallel to the operation panel portion, and is connected to the operation panel portion. The plurality of operation input portions includes at least an X-ray irradiation range adjustment portion for adjusting an X-ray irradiation range. The X-ray irradiation range adjustment portion is provided at a position on a side of the gripping portion in a plane of the operation panel portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Tomomi Watari
  • Patent number: 11016203
    Abstract: The radiography apparatus includes: a plurality of imaging pixels that are provided on a resin substrate having flexibility, are used to capture a radiographic image; a detection unit; an accumulation controller that performs control such that the charge generated in each of the imaging pixels is accumulated in the imaging pixel in a case in which an operation mode is an accumulation mode; and a mode change controller that performs control such that the operation mode of the accumulation controller is changed to the accumulation mode in a case in which a rate of change in a level of an electric signal based on the charge generated in the detection unit per hour or an amount of change in the level of the electric signal per hour is greater than a first threshold value and the level of the electric signal is greater than a second threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Naoto Iwakiri, Haruyasu Nakatsugawa
  • Patent number: 10905517
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a medical apparatus, wherein: patient image data is generated using an image-generating medical apparatus; a patient image is produced on the basis of this data and displayed on an image output unit; and a medical apparatus is in turn controlled by an interaction with the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: BRAINLAB AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Steinle, Nils Frielinghaus, Christoffer Hamilton
  • Patent number: 10898146
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus and control method for the same relate to a mobile X-ray imaging apparatus that allows a user to recognize whether the X-ray imaging apparatus is in an appropriate imaging distance from an object. The X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray source, an input unit that receives distance information between the X-ray source and an X-ray detector, a reference light emitter that irradiates a light from the X-ray source in a direction where the X-ray detector is placed, at least one auxiliary light emitter that irradiates a light that overlaps with a light from the reference light emitter; and a controller that determines an auxiliary light emitter corresponding to the distance information among the at least one auxiliary light emitter, and controls the reference light emitter and the determined auxiliary light emitter so that the reference light emitter and the determined auxiliary light emitter irradiate a light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seung Hwan Lee, Sang Kyun Kang, Se Hui Kim, Ku-Il Jang
  • Patent number: 10667670
    Abstract: In a portable apparatus of a medical system, in a case where an operation unit receives an operation from a physician on the basis of the display contents of a display unit, the medical apparatus controlled as a result of the operation of the operation unit by an operator is defined by an operation control unit, and a signal in response to the operation contents received by the operation unit is transmitted from a transmission unit to the defined medical apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Yasunori Ohta, Naoyuki Nishino, Haruyasu Nakatsugawa, Naoto Iwakiri, Kouichi Kitano
  • Patent number: 10667779
    Abstract: An operation device (200) for remotely operating an X-ray imaging device (1) includes an operation unit (280), a grip detection unit (240), which determines whether an operation received by the operation unit (280) is a normal operation or an erroneous operation, and a control unit (230), which transmits an operation signal corresponding to the operation to the X-ray imaging device (1). The control unit (230) transmits the signal when the grip detection unit (240) determines that the operation is a normal operation. The operation device is prevented from causing an erroneous operation of its target device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Kokichi Tobita, Koichi Furusawa, Makoto Wada
  • Patent number: 10575806
    Abstract: An apparatus (e.g., an imaging system) includes a circuit, including: a p-i-n diode having a cathode coupled to a cathode bias voltage or ground; a charge transistor having a first source/drain terminal coupled to an anode of the diode; a storage capacitor having a first terminal coupled to a second source/drain terminal of the charge transistor and a second terminal coupled to the cathode; an amplification transistor having a gate terminal coupled to the first terminal of the storage capacitor and a first source/drain terminal coupled to a reference voltage; a read transistor having a first source/drain terminal coupled to a second source/drain terminal of the amplification transistor; a data line having a first terminal coupled to a second source/drain terminal of the read transistor; and a readout circuit coupled to a second terminal of the data line, providing an output voltage corresponding to charge on the storage capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Bahman Hekmatshoartabari
  • Patent number: 10485506
    Abstract: Disclosed is a technique capable of enhancing usability of a radiographic image capturing apparatus, system, control method of the radiographic image capturing apparatus and a non-transitory computer readable recording medium recorded with a control program, for a user. A radiographic image capturing apparatus includes: an I/F unit and an imaging control unit that function as a communication unit that selectively performs communication with any one of a portable information terminal and a console which are plural control apparatuses that have different image processing capacities with respect to a radiographic image and respectively perform a control relating to capturing of the radiographic image; and an imaging control unit that functions as a selection unit that selects any one of plural imaging modes predetermined with respect to the capturing of the radiographic image according to the image processing capacity of the control apparatus that performs communication with the communication unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Yasufumi Oda, Jun Enomoto, Ryou Imamura, Takashi Tajima, Kentaro Noma, Takeshi Kuwabara, Tetsuya Tsuji, Hiroaki Yasuda, Haruyasu Nakatsugawa, Takeshi Koishi
  • Patent number: 10393886
    Abstract: A mobile radiography system has a moveable transport frame configured to travel across a floor. An adjustable support structure is coupled to the moveable transport frame and an x-ray source is coupled to the adjustable support structure. A power transmitter emits wireless power signals to a digital detector to charge a battery therein. Power signal receiving circuitry in the detector receives the wireless power signals to generate recharging current for the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott T. MacLaughlin
  • Patent number: 10327728
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector, a projection data generation circuitry, a setting circuitry, and a scan start timing determination circuitry. The setting circuitry configured to set a region of interest on a slice image generated by a first scan for the object. The scan start timing determination circuitry configured to determine, based on a plurality of projection data values of interest corresponding to the region of interest out of the projection data values generated by a second scan at a dose lower than that in the first scan, a timing of terminating the second scan and starting a third scan at a dose higher than that in the second scan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro Yoda, Katsuhiko Ishida, Masakazu Matsuura
  • Patent number: 10154824
    Abstract: A radiological imaging device including a gantry suitable to perform the radiological imaging. The gantry includes a source suitable to emit radiation and a detector suitable to receive the radiation. The radiological imaging device further includes a control station suitable to control the functioning of the source and the detector. Also, the radiological imaging device includes an articulated arm suitable to move the gantry in relation to the control station to define various configurations. These configurations include an operating configuration wherein the gantry is distanced from the control station and a rest configuration wherein the gantry is alongside the control station limiting the overall dimensions of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Imaginalis S.r.l.
    Inventors: Damiano Fortuna, Leonardo Manetti
  • Patent number: 9980357
    Abstract: An X-ray generating device includes an X-ray tube, an X-ray tube drive circuit, an electron acceleration voltage generation circuit, and a control unit communicating with the drive circuit and the voltage generation circuit, the X-ray tube, the drive circuit, and the voltage generation circuit are arranged inside a storage container filled with an insulating oil, a path connecting the drive circuit and the control unit includes an optical fiber cable arranged inside the storage container, the optical fiber cable has a coating that suppresses fluctuation due to a convective flow of the insulating oil, the coating is cured by, from a resin material containing a plasticizer, a part of the plasticizer being leaching out, and the control unit is configured to facilitate leaching of the plasticizer by driving the voltage generation circuit to apply a voltage to the optical fiber cable in a state of no X-ray being generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: CANON ANELVA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Junya Kawase, Yoichi Ando
  • Patent number: 9978157
    Abstract: Methods and systems for performing x-ray computerized tomographic (CT) reconstruction of imaging data on a rotatable portion of the system, such as a ring-shaped rotor. The rotor may include an x-ray source, and x-ray detector system and a processor, coupled to the detector system, for performing tomographic reconstruction of imaging data collected by the detector system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: MOBIUS IMAGING, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene A. Gregerson, Michael Allen, Paul Sebring, Jonathan Yuen, Kenneth L. Hilts
  • Patent number: 9968315
    Abstract: A housing of an electronic cassette includes an inclined surface. The inclined is formed between a side surface and a rear surface of the housing and inclined relative to the side surface and the rear surface. The inclined surface is provided with indicators for displaying a center position of each side of an imaging area and operation conditions of the electronic cassette. Each of the indicators consists of a light source and a display window through which light from the light source is emitted to the outside. The display window is formed on the inclined surface. Since the display window is formed on the inclined surface, the display window is not blocked by an outer grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Ryosuke Ogura, Toshiyuki Nabeta, Jun Enomoto
  • Patent number: 9955931
    Abstract: A housing of an electronic cassette has an inclined surface which is formed between a side surface and a rear surface thereof and inclined relative to the side surface and the rear surface. An antenna opening through which a radio wave is transmitted is formed on the inclined surface. Since the antenna opening is formed on the inclined surface, the antenna opening is not blocked by a rear plate of a holder of an upright radiographic stand or a supine radiographic stand, and the antenna opening is not blocked by a side panel of an outer grid. Both in the case where the electronic cassette is set to the holder and in the case where the outer grid is attached to the electronic cassette, it is possible to perform stable wireless communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Akihito Bettouyashiki, Makoto Kitada, Jun Enomoto
  • Patent number: 9937363
    Abstract: An irradiation apparatus attached to a rotary gantry includes a middle housing unit and a lower housing unit. Touch sensor apparatuses are attached to a middle housing unit, and touch sensor apparatuses are attached to a lower housing unit. The touch sensor apparatus includes a cover, a pair of cover support apparatuses for attaching the cover to a support member of the middle housing unit, and a sensor unit attached to each cover support apparatus. When the cover comes into contact with a bed and moves toward the support member during rotation of the irradiation apparatus, a link such as a cover support apparatus activates the sensor unit, and a contact signal is output. The touch sensor apparatuses also function in the same manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Takizawa, Hidehito Asano
  • Patent number: 9827065
    Abstract: A tomography apparatus has a gantry with an exterior surface, and a tunnel-shaped opening proceeding through the gantry that defines an examination region, from which tomographic data are acquired from a patient in the opening. An illuminant is integrated into the gantry. The illuminant has a light exit window with a smooth transition to the exterior surface of the gantry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Norman Meier
  • Patent number: 9826613
    Abstract: An X-ray tube assembly for generating an X-ray, comprises: a filament including a plurality of electric flow paths; and an adjustor configured to adjust at least one of values of current flowing through the plurality of electric flow paths to adjust an electron emission area of the filament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Sadamu Tomita
  • Patent number: 9773326
    Abstract: The present invention provides a CT image calibration method and device and a CT system. The method includes: arranging a fixed calibration element at the outside of a channel area and within the maximal reconstruction area of a CT scanning device, and storing the theoretical value of the fixed calibration element; collecting the projection data of the fixed calibration element to obtain the actual reconstructed image of the fixed calibration element; and comparing the actual reconstructed image with the stored corresponding theoretical value, to establish a mapping function for correcting the actual reconstructed image into the theoretical value. By adopting the present invention, the calibration quality can be effectively improved, the image calibration effect is enhanced, the reliability of the CT scanning device is improved and the maintenance cost is saved, thus the practical application value is very high.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignees: TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY, NUCTECH COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Li Zhang, Xin Jin, Qingping Huang, Yunda Sun
  • Patent number: 9679737
    Abstract: A spark gap comprising a cathode and an anode is provided. The spark gap is divided into two partial spark gaps by means of a central piece, namely a high-pressure spark gap and an effective spark gap. The effective spark gap can for example, be used to generate monochromatic x-rays. In order to guarantee a defined switching time, the high pressure spark gap which is initially switched to defined, is used. The switching initiates a potential so high on the centre piece that, when the high pressure spark gap is switched, the effective spark gap can also be switched in a defined manner without significant delays, to a visibly higher voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Oliver Heid, Timothy Hughes, Jennifer Sirtl
  • Patent number: 9597048
    Abstract: A method includes selecting, in a radiographic exposure unit, a direct radiographic panel as an active panel for a forthcoming radiographic exposure, activating a gravity sensor installed on the direct radiographic panel, and activating by the activated gravity sensor a processor installed on the direct radiographic panel. As a result of a communication from the processor with a radiographic work station over a network, the activated direct radiographic panel is retained as the active direct radiographic panel for the forthcoming radiographic exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: AGFA HEALTHCARE NV
    Inventor: Walter Exelmans
  • Patent number: 9583075
    Abstract: An image processor (IP) and an image processing method to support cardio- or neuro-interventions. An imager (100) acquires a series of fluoroscopic images (F) while an interventional tool progresses through a region of interest (ROI) such as a cardiac vasculature. Image processor (IP) operates to select from a plurality of stored angiograms (A) previously acquired of the region of interest a contextual one from which a contextual roadmap (RM) can be extracted. The contextual roadmap is selected to fit to both, a current cardiac phase and the current position of the device (GW). The selected contextual angiogram and its contextual roadmap is capable of showing the outlines of the vasculature (ROI) at the current device position at high contrast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Vincent Maurice Andre Auvray, Raoul Florent
  • Patent number: 9478018
    Abstract: A multifunctional interface for medical imaging has a lower limb operable multifunctional interface which includes at least one activation element, such as a foot switch pedal, a timing unit, and a control unit. The activation element is configured to provide an activation signal to the control unit when being activated. Further, the timing unit is configured to provide a timing signal to the control unit upon being provided with the activation signal from the activated activation element. The control unit is configured to provide at least two different control signals for triggering at least two different predetermined actions. Further, the control signal is dependent on a duration of the timing signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Peter Maria Johannes Rongen, Fransciscus Johannes Leonardus Everaerts
  • Patent number: 9279893
    Abstract: A radiation imaging control apparatus, which is communicable with a radiation imaging apparatus including a radiation sensor and capable of acquiring an X-ray moving image, includes a first communication unit configured to communicate with the radiation imaging apparatus via Ethernet communication, a second communication unit configured to communicate with the radiation imaging apparatus via at least a pair of bidirectional serial optical communication lines, a first control unit configured to cause the first communication unit to transmit a first signal for setting at least one parameter to the radiation imaging apparatus, a second control unit configured to cause the second communication unit to output data of the X-ray moving image received from the radiation imaging apparatus to an image processing unit, and transmit a second signal for some settings to the radiation imaging apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroaki Niwa, Shigeo Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9258873
    Abstract: The present invention relates to signal and power supply transmission for an X-ray source. In order to provided an improved signal and power supply transmission with reduced constructional complexity and enhanced operation possibilities, an integrated signal and power supply transmission arrangement is provided, comprising a supply board (12), a main board (14), an insulating plate (16), at least one transformer arrangement (18), and at least one signal transmission arrangement (20). The insulating plate is provided between the supply and the main board. The transformer arrangement is provided to supply electric energy to the driving circuit of a transistor, which in turn feeds an X-ray source. The transformer arrangement comprises a primary electric conductor arranged on the supply board to cause electromagnetic induction in a secondary electric conductor arranged on the main board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Jens Igney, Reinhard Steiner
  • Patent number: 9226724
    Abstract: In a case where a series of operations of an imaging sequence are continuously performed when an imaging switch is continuously in ON state, if the imaging switch is turned into OFF state only for a given period and the given period is not more than a predetermined threshold value, control is exerted such that part of the operations of the imaging sequence is continuously performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Takao Kuwabara, Yasunori Ohta, Yasuko Yahiro
  • Patent number: 9188680
    Abstract: This invention includes a radiation detector to detect the radiation transmitted through an object while being in a portable state or mounted on a detector holder, a control unit to control capturing of a radiographic image using the radiation detector, and a plurality of relay stations to relay wireless communication from the radiation detector. The detector holder includes a detection unit to detect the mounting of the radiation detector. The control unit determines the usage pattern of the radiation detector or the mounting of the radiation detector on a detector holder based on detection information from the detection unit or a connection request from the radiation detector, and selects one of the relay stations based on the determination result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tetsuo Watanabe
  • Patent number: 9176580
    Abstract: A surgical mechanism control system comprising: a beam emitter unit configured to emit only a single beam and adapted to be attached to a surgeon; a first pair of discrete beam detectors each adapted to detect an incident beam emitted by the beam emitter unit and output a corresponding control signal when in incident beam is detected; and a control unit configured to receive one or more control signals output by the beam detectors and control a surgical mechanism in accordance with the one or more control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Freehand 2010 Limited
    Inventor: Paul Moraviec
  • Patent number: 9042519
    Abstract: A compensation circuit 76 of an AEC unit 67 of an electronic cassette 13 defines the detection signal of a detection pixel 65 of the electronic cassette 13 as a detection signal corresponding to the detection signal of an old AEC sensor 25. The compensation circuit 76 performs compensation so as to exclude the influence on the detection signal due to a difference in the configuration of an intermediate member disposed between an X-ray source 10 and an FPD 35 of the electronic cassette 13 when the detection pixel 65 is used as an AEC sensor instead of the old AEC sensor 25. The detection signal is transmitted from a detection signal I/F 80 to a detection signal I/F 26 of a source control device 11 as it is (instantaneous value) or as an accumulated value obtained using an integration circuit 77.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Kuwabara, Takeshi Kamiya, Yusuke Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 9031199
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, in an X-ray computed tomography apparatus including a gantry unit including an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector, a bed unit, and a console, the X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes a storage unit, a power supply unit, and a power supply control unit. The storage unit stores examination schedule data of the X-ray computed tomography. The power supply unit selectively operates between an active mode of supplying power to at least one of the gantry unit, the bed unit, and the console and a standby mode of stopping supplying power to at least one of the bed unit and the gantry unit and supplying, to the console, power smaller than power supplied in the active mode. The power supply control unit controls switching from the active mode to the standby mode based on the examination schedule data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeru Katayama
  • Patent number: 9025730
    Abstract: Systems and methods for braking and releasing one or more pivot joints used in an X-ray positioning device are described. The systems and methods use a support arm that extends between a main assembly of the x-ray positioning device and an X-ray imaging assembly with an X-ray source and an X-ray detector that are disposed nearly opposite to each other. The support arm includes one or more pivot joints (such as horizontal, lateral, and/or orbital pivot joints) that allow the imaging assembly to move with respect to the main assembly. The pivot joints can each be connected to an automated braking system that is capable of selectively locking and unlocking a corresponding pivot joint, as indicated by a user-controlled switching mechanism. The braking systems containing multiple pivot joints can be individually controlled by separate switching mechanisms or simultaneously controlled by a single switching mechanism. Other embodiments are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Ellis Barker, John Matthew Simmons
  • Publication number: 20150117591
    Abstract: A control circuit for a computer-aided tomography (CT) system includes an input that receives a master timing signal and an input that receives a first timing signal. The control circuit includes a mode detection circuit that determines the scan mode of the CT system based on the master timing signal and a first timing signal, where the frequency of the first time signal is lower than the frequency of the master timing signal. The control circuit also includes a circuit that generates a second timing signal based on the master timing signal and the scan mode, where the second timing signal that has a lower frequency than the master timing frequency but a higher frequency than the frequency of the first timing signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicants: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION, KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Alan KARR, YU ZOU, YUEXING ZHANG, HIROAKI MIYAZAKI
  • Publication number: 20150085988
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a plurality of detector pixels. Each detector pixel comprises a detector element configured to generate a first signal in response to x-ray photons incident thereon, a current mirror configured to generate a second signal representative of the first signal, and a switching transistor configured to allow the second signal and/or the first signal to be transferred out from the detector pixel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: Ivan Mollov
  • Patent number: 8983035
    Abstract: A flat panel detector has pixels for obtaining image signals and detective pixels for detecting the amount of incident x-rays. A signal processing circuit is of a pipeline-type, wherein first and second buffer memories are connected to the output of an A/D converter. In a dose detecting operation, the signal processing circuit repeats primary cycles alternately with secondary cycles of a shorter length than the primary cycles. In the primary cycle, a dose detection signal based on electric charges from the detective pixels is input in the first buffer memory and, simultaneously, a dummy signal is output from the second buffer memory. In secondary cycle, the dose detection signal is output from the first buffer memory and, simultaneously, a second dummy signal is input in the second buffer memory. On the basis of the dose detection signals, a start-of-radiation detector detects the start of x-ray radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Kentaro Noma, Kenji Nakamura, Naoto Iwakiri, Kouichi Kitano, Keita Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8983036
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods/apparatus can transition a DR detector imaging array to low power photosensor mode where a first voltage is applied across the photosensors. Embodiments of methods/apparatus can provide an area radiographic imaging array including a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix at the imaging array where each pixel can include at least one electrically chargeable photosensor and at least one transistor, row address circuits, signal sensing circuits, and photosensor power control circuitry to maintain a first voltage across photosensors of the portion of the imaging array when the detector is between imaging operations. In one embodiment, photosensor power control circuitry can maintain the first voltage across the photosensors when a power consumption of the signal sensing circuits is less than 1% of the power consumption of the signal sensing circuits during readout of a signal from the portion of the imaging array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Tredwell, Jeff Hsin Chang
  • Publication number: 20150055758
    Abstract: This invention includes a radiation detector to detect the radiation transmitted through an object while being in a portable state or mounted on a detector holder, a control unit to control capturing of a radiographic image using the radiation detector, and a plurality of relay stations to relay wireless communication from the radiation detector. The detector holder includes a detection unit to detect the mounting of the radiation detector. The control unit determines the usage pattern of the radiation detector or the mounting of the radiation detector on a detector holder based on detection information from the detection unit or a connection request from the radiation detector, and selects one of the relay stations based on the determination result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventor: Tetsuo Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8953742
    Abstract: An acceleration sensor is installed in an electronic cassette. The acceleration sensor detects a shake. When magnitude of the shake, measured using the acceleration sensor, is greater than or equal to a shake detection threshold value, a judging circuit of a shake detecting section turns off a switching element. An operation switching section is disconnected from an irradiation detecting section that detects a start of X-ray irradiation. Thus, an irradiation detection function of the irradiation detecting section is disabled. After a predetermined time, the judging circuit outputs an ON signal to the switching element to turn on the switching element. Thereby, the irradiation detecting section resumes the irradiation detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Yutaka Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8950937
    Abstract: When a size of a flat panel detector, contained in an X-ray detector containing part, in a body axial direction of a subject is detected, a detected value of a potentiometer, and stored information on a maximum size of a flat panel detector, containable in the X-ray detector containing part, in the body axial direction of the subject are compared with each other. If the size of the flat panel detector contained in the X-ray detector containing part coincides with the maximum size of the flat panel detector containable in the X-ray detector containing part, a reference position information switching part switches reference position information stored in a reference position information storage part. When an operator performs a predetermined operation on an operation part by pressing a switch or performing another action, the stored reference position information is changed to a preset reference position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Tomoharu Okuno
  • Patent number: 8948342
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus which obtains an X-ray image, the apparatus includes: an imaging unit including a plurality of detecting elements adapted to convert X-rays generated by an X-ray generating apparatus which outputs or stops X-rays in accordance with an operation instruction into an image signal; and an obtaining unit adapted to obtain an operation start timing of the X-ray generating apparatus based on an image signal output from the imaging unit and obtain a difference between a timing of an operation instruction to the X-ray generating apparatus and the operation start timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Keiji Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 8937561
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a body-scanning device using multiple wireless devices is disclosed. The method includes communicating a secure wireless signal from a footswitch enclosure to a footswitch receiver coupled to the body scanning device in response to an actuation of a footswitch zone carried on a footswitch enclosure. Additionally, a wireless signal is communicated from a handswitch enclosure in response to an actuation of a handswitch zone and communicated to a handswitch receiver located in the footswitch enclosure. The wireless signal is then communicated from the footswitch enclosure to the footswitch receiver coupled to the body-scanning device to enable an operator to control the body-scanning device using the handswitch or the footswitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Canyon Ridge Resources, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Gregory Shields, Robert H. Woodward
  • Publication number: 20140376695
    Abstract: Provided are a wireless x-ray detector for automatic exposure detection and a method of driving the x-ray detector. The wireless x-ray detector includes: a first detection unit for detecting an x-ray incident in the x-ray detector; a second detection unit for detecting an x-ray that has passed through the first detection unit; and a gate driving unit for applying a gate pulse for controlling a switching device of the first detection unit, to the first detection unit, according to whether the second detection unit detects the x-ray that has passed through the first detection unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kyung-soo LEE, Eung-bum KIM
  • Patent number: 8873714
    Abstract: This invention includes a radiation detector to detect the radiation transmitted through an object while being in a portable state or mounted on a detector holder, a control unit to control capturing of a radiographic image using the radiation detector, and a plurality of relay stations to relay wireless communication from the radiation detector. The detector holder includes a detection unit to detect the mounting of the radiation detector. The control unit determines the usage pattern of the radiation detector or the mounting of the radiation detector on a detector holder based on detection information from the detection unit or a connection request from the radiation detector, and selects one of the relay stations based on the determination result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tetsuo Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8781075
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards a method of changing wireless communication channels in a connected host and client system. For example, in one embodiment, the link quality of a connection is monitored by the host or the client. If the connection has a link quality below a predetermined threshold but remains intact, a channel switch request is sent, synchronization packages are exchanged between the host and client on the current channel, the channel of the system is changed to a new channel, and the system resumes communications on the new channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Zhengshe Liu, Kenneth Kump, Gireesha Rao, Chuande Liu, Craig Dennis
  • Publication number: 20140177806
    Abstract: A radiation imaging system comprises: a radiation imaging apparatus; an entry apparatus which is associated with a radiation generator; wherein the entry apparatus is configured, in response to a request received from the radiation imaging apparatus via a close proximity wireless communication connection, to send information to the radiation imaging apparatus via the close proximity wireless communication connection for connecting the radiation imaging apparatus to a wireless LAN; wherein the close proximity wireless communication connection has a communication range shorter than that of a wireless LAN; and a control unit for controlling the radiation generator and the radiation imaging apparatus, which has connected to the wireless LAN based on the information which has been sent from the entry apparatus via the close proximity wireless communication connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hirohide Tachikawa, Tadahiko Iijima
  • Patent number: 8761341
    Abstract: The X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray source, a console, an X-ray controller for controlling an operation of the X-ray source according to X-ray control parameters set by the console, and an X-ray detector for detecting X-ray radiated from the X-ray source and transmitted through a subject and thereby outputting an image signal of an X-ray image of the subject. The console includes an input unit for entering the X-ray control parameters, which are information for controlling the operations of the X-ray source and a controller for holding setting range information representing an allowable range of values of the X-ray control parameters and making a judgment as to whether values of the entered X-ray control parameters are settable values according to the setting range information and informing an user of the console of the judgment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Kohei Gemma, Takehisa Ono, Noriaki Ida, Takeshi Kamiya