With Switching Means Patents (Class 378/114)
-
Patent number: 7974382Abstract: There is provided a radiographic imaging system including: a radiographic imaging device including a generating section that captures a radiographic image expressed by irradiated radiation and generates image information expressing the captured radiographic image, and a first communication section that transmits, plural times and by wireless communication and even during a response wait time period, imaging start instructing information that instructs starting of imaging when preparations for capturing a radiographic image by the generating section have been completed; and a control device having a second communication section that can communicate by wireless communication with the first communication section, and a control section that controls a radiation irradiating section such that radiation is irradiated with respect to the radiographic imaging device in a case in which the second communication section receives any of the imaging start instructing information that are transmitted plural times from the fType: GrantFiled: August 13, 2009Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventors: Kouichi Kitano, Keiji Tsubota, Yutaka Yoshida, Fumito Nariyuki, Yasunori Ohta, Naoyuki Nishino
-
Publication number: 20110129067Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes X-ray generators, X-ray detectors, high voltage generators, a switching device, an abnormality detection unit and a control unit. The high voltage generators are configured to apply voltages to the X-ray generators. The switching device is configured to switch outputs from the high voltage generators to the X-ray generators. The abnormality detection unit is configured to detect an abnormality in the high voltage generators. The control unit is configured to control the switching device to switch from an output from a high voltage generator of which abnormality has been detected by the abnormality detection unit toward a corresponding X-ray generator to an output from another high voltage generator toward the corresponding X-ray generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2010Publication date: June 2, 2011Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATIONInventors: Manabu Fukuwara, Mitsuru Sakata, Katsuie Ikawa
-
Publication number: 20110096908Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for obtaining an x-ray image from an x-ray imaging apparatus using a digital radiography receiver installs a retrofit connection apparatus that adapts the x-ray imaging apparatus for use with the digital radiography receiver by forming a receiver interface channel for communicating signals to and from the digital radiography receiver, forming an operator interface channel for routing at least an input expose signal from an operator control to the connection apparatus and forming a generator interface channel for transmitting at least an output expose signal from the retrofit connection apparatus to an x-ray generator of the x-ray imaging apparatus. An input expose signal over the operator interface channel initiates a reset of the digital radiography receiver over the receiver interface channel before the output expose signal to the x-ray generator is transmitted over the generator interface channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2010Publication date: April 28, 2011Inventors: Peter A. Newman, Michael P. Urbon
-
Patent number: 7924982Abstract: A radiographic imaging apparatus includes a radiation generator which irradiates an object with radiation, a detection unit which detects the radiation generated by the radiation generator and transmitted through the object, thereby shooting a radiographic image, and a control unit which controls radiographic imaging by the radiation generator and the detection unit. The detection unit includes a first connection unit to be used to connect the control unit when used portably, and a second connection unit to be used to connect the control unit when stationarily used on a support portion. The detection unit detects which one of the first connection unit and the second connection unit is used to connect the control unit, and determines a shooting operation based on the detection result.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2009Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tetsuo Watanabe
-
Publication number: 20110026678Abstract: System and method for automatic control of processes or application, such as the activation or deactivation of a radiation source for medical purposes. The system comprises an operator tracking system arranged to determine the gesture/posture of a user, an evaluation device arranged to evaluate the determined gesture/posture, and an enabling device arranged to enable and disable the radiation source in response to an output of the evaluation device. The operator tracking system may use a gazing direction analysis that may be based on the output of an eye tracking system, or an emitter-receiver arrangement for a directed signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2010Publication date: February 3, 2011Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Silvio BONFIGLIO, Joost KRAMER, Franco MARTEGANI, Manuel FERNANDEZ GUERRERO
-
Patent number: 7869563Abstract: A system for multi-mode breast x-ray imaging which comprises a compression arm assembly for compressing and immobilizing a breast for x-ray imaging, an x-ray tube assembly, and an x-ray image receptor is provided. The system is configured for a plurality of imaging protocols and modes.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2005Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Hologic, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth Defreitas, Tom Farbizio, Baori Ren, Chris Ruth, Ian Shaw, Andrew Smith, Jay Stein
-
Patent number: 7864923Abstract: A radiation detecting cassette includes an IC card detector which detects insertion of an IC card in a slot, outputs a detection signal representing that the IC card is inserted in the slot, and reads ID information stored in the IC card. An ID checker of the radiation detecting cassette checks the ID information against ID information stored in a card ID memory. A power unit controller controls supply of electric power from a power unit to a radiation detector and/or components of the radiation detecting cassette based on a checking result from the ID checker.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2009Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventors: Yasunori Ohta, Eiichi Kito, Tsuyoshi Tanabe, Takuya Yoshimi
-
Patent number: 7851736Abstract: A method and a device for optimizing the image display on imaging apparatuses register whether an operator is looking at the imaging apparatus. The image display of the imaging apparatus is optimized, when it is registered that the operator is looking at the imaging apparatus and namely by dimming the room lighting and/or by increasing the contrast of the imaging apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2007Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Martin Spahn
-
Patent number: 7844031Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for obtaining an x-ray image from an x-ray imaging apparatus using a digital radiography receiver installs a retrofit connection apparatus that adapts the x-ray imaging apparatus for use with the digital radiography receiver by forming a receiver interface channel for communicating signals to and from the digital radiography receiver, forming an operator interface channel for routing at least an input expose signal from an operator control to the connection apparatus and forming a generator interface channel for transmitting at least an output expose signal from the retrofit connection apparatus to an x-ray generator of the x-ray imaging apparatus. An input expose signal over the operator interface channel initiates a reset of the digital radiography receiver over the receiver interface channel before the output expose signal to the x-ray generator is transmitted over the generator interface channel.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2008Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.Inventors: Peter A. Newman, Michael P. Urbon
-
Patent number: 7844030Abstract: A system includes a generator configured to output at least one voltage level and an x-ray source configured to generate x-rays directed toward an object. The system includes a module coupled to the output of the generator and to an input of the x-ray source and configured to switch or assist in switching an output to the x-ray source between a first voltage level and a second voltage level.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2008Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Colin R. Wilson, Antonio Caiafa, John Charles Hill, Samit Kumar Basu, Pierfrancesco Landolfi, Peter Michael Edic
-
Publication number: 20100290592Abstract: There is provided a technology that enables an operator to designate whether or not to continue imaging if divided capture has been interrupted in a radiographic apparatus. During continuation of divided capture, the state of an irradiation switch for designating irradiation of radiation is detected by an irradiation switch state detection unit. When a suspension of the designation of irradiation of radiation has been detected, information indicating continuation of imaging, performing of imaging again, or cancellation of imaging is presented to an operator, thereby preventing an unintended interruption of imaging.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2010Publication date: November 18, 2010Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Naoki Yamada
-
Patent number: 7822180Abstract: A method includes automatically determining a specific mobile device to use from a plurality of mobile devices based on at least one of a battery metric, a patient procedure, and a location of the devices or of the patient.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2007Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Kevin Andrew Coombs
-
Patent number: 7809111Abstract: An operating device with an operating piece, which may be positioned near the floor, includes at least one operating element for controlling a medical instrument. Operation of the medical instrument is possible by actuation of the at least one operating element by foot, such that the operator has hands free to use for further manipulation. A flexible positioning of the operating piece in a defined movement range is possible by arrangement of the operating device such as to be pivotable and/or extendable/retractable relative to the medical instrument which is good for operational manipulation. The operational device may be used during operation of a mammography device.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2007Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Oliver Meer, Martin Ramsauer
-
Publication number: 20100246772Abstract: An X-ray imaging system includes a digital imaging panel for capturing an X-ray image of an object and an X-ray device for irradiating a beam of X-rays toward the digital imaging panel and making wireless communication with the digital imaging panel. The X-ray device is capable of directly receiving data of an X-ray image of an object from a digital imaging panel, enabling an operator to see the X-ray image on a real time basis and editing and storing the X-ray image by itself.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2008Publication date: September 30, 2010Applicant: POSKOM CO., LTD.Inventors: Jong-Lae Park, Ki-Bong Sung
-
Publication number: 20100230606Abstract: A digital detector of a digital imaging system is provided. In one embodiment, a digital detector includes a detector array disposed in a housing and configured to generate image data based on received radiation. The digital detector may also include a battery configured to be disposed within a receptacle of the housing and to supply operating power to the detector array. In one embodiment, the receptacle and the housing may be configured such that the receptacle is externally accessible to enable a user to selectively insert and remove the battery from the receptacle. Additional systems, methods, and devices are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2009Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: James Zhengshe Liu, Donald Langler, Gary V. McBroom
-
Patent number: 7792241Abstract: A CT system includes a rotatable gantry having an opening for receiving an object to be scanned and an x-ray source coupled to the gantry and configured to project x-rays through the opening. The x-ray source includes a target, a first cathode configured to emit a first beam of electrons toward the target, a first gridding electrode coupled to the first cathode, a second cathode configured to emit a second beam of electrons toward the target, and a second gridding electrode coupled to the second cathode. The system includes a generator configured to energize the first cathode to a first kVp and to energize the second cathode to a second kVp, and a detector attached to the gantry and positioned to receive x-rays that pass through the opening.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2008Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Xiaoye Wu, David Langan, Colin R. Wilson, Yun Zou
-
Patent number: 7787593Abstract: An online analysis device, including a feed conveyor for supplying material, an X-ray tube, having an X-ray beam directed toward a measuring range on a feed conveyor, a control unit for actuating the X-ray tube, an X-ray detector that measures the radiation that interacts with, or is emitted by, the material, and a material detector for detecting material in the measuring range and generating a signal dependent thereon. To omit a mechanical shutter without reducing the service life of the tube, the material detector is connected to the control device, which controls the X-ray tube in dependence on the signal from the material detector in one of two states, where the heating current for the X-ray tube has the same order of magnitude in both states and the acceleration voltage in the first state is 5 kV to 100 kV and in the second state is less than 10 kV.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2005Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Inventor: Albert Klein
-
Patent number: 7787594Abstract: A radiation image capturing method, a radiation image capturing system, and a radiation information system are provided. In the present invention, a console checks a cassette ID (specified cassette ID) sent from an RIS server as the cassette ID of a radiation detecting cassette that is planned to be used to capture a radiation image, and a cassette ID (actual cassette ID) that is read by the console from a radiation detecting cassette which is placed in an operating room or an image capturing room and which is to be actually used to capture a radiation image, with each other. Based on the result of the cassette ID check, the console determines whether to permit a radiation image to be captured or not.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2008Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventors: Yasunori Ohta, Eiichi Kito, Tsuyoshi Tanabe, Takuya Yoshimi
-
Patent number: 7766549Abstract: A method, a system and a device for automated configuration of a high power X-ray source apparatus (10), which has multiple modules (20, 28, 30, 50, 53). A first module (20, 28, 30, 50, 53) of the high power X-ray source apparatus (10) has an identification unit (25, 27, 31, 52, 54) storing at least one parameter of the first module (20, 28, 30, 50, 53) and transmitting the parameters to a configuration control unit (60). At least one operating parameter of a second module (20, 28, 30, 50, 53) is determined by the configuration control unit (60) based on characteristics of the transmitted parameter of the first module (20, 28, 30, 50, 53). The high power X-ray source apparatus (10) is configured by setting the operating parameter of the second module (20, 28, 30, 50, 53) to the determined value.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2005Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Comet Holding AGInventors: Charles Flükiger, Lothar Schultheis
-
Patent number: 7764766Abstract: An X-ray apparatus according to this invention includes an X-raying condition fixing controller for carrying out controls to cause an X-ray emission from an X-ray tube on X-raying conditions effective when an X-ray emission is stopped by the automatic exposure controller, and turning off automatic exposure control by the automatic exposure controller. Thus, the automatic exposure control is carried out only at the time of starting radiography, and a subsequent sequential shooting can be carried out in the state of X-raying conditions at that time being locked and the automatic exposure control being turned off.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2007Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Shimadzu CorporationInventor: Hideki Fujii
-
Patent number: 7751526Abstract: In a computed tomography scanner provided with an emitter for emitting a beam of radiation through an object to be analyzed and a detector for acquiring radiographies of the object, the detector generates a synchronization signal corresponding to its state of activation for acquiring the radiographies, and the emitter is controlled via the synchronization signal in such a way that the beam of radiation will be emitted when the detector is already activated.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2008Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Cefla Societa'CooperativaInventors: Alessandro Pasini, Dario Righini, Eros Nanni
-
Patent number: 7742573Abstract: A system is provided, which includes a rotatable gantry for receiving an object to be scanned. The system includes an x-ray source for projecting x-rays of two different energy levels towards the object and also a power supply, which energizes the x-ray source to two different voltage levels at a predetermined rate for generating x-rays at two different energy levels. The power supply in the system includes a fixed voltage source to input a voltage to a switching module with number of identical switching stages. Each stage in the switching module consists of a first switch, which charges a capacitor in a conducting state and output a first voltage, a second switch, which connects the fixed voltage source and the capacitor in series to output a second voltage in a conducting state and a diode which blocks a reverse current from the capacitor to the power supply.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2008Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Antonio Caiafa, Colin Richard Wilson
-
Publication number: 20100135464Abstract: A portable radiographic imaging device includes an operation unit, a controller, and an execution unit. The operation unit is operated when a target function is selected from plural different functions relating to radiographic image capturing. When a first condition, that expresses that a predetermined region has been placed at a predetermined placement portion, is established, the controller carries out control such that a function that should be effective when the first condition is established is selected. When a second condition, that expresses that the predetermined region is not placed at the placement portion, is established, the controller carries out control such that a function that should be effective when the second condition is established is selected. When the operation unit is operated, the execution unit executes a function that is controlled by the controller to be selected.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2009Publication date: June 3, 2010Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATIONInventors: Naoyuki NISHINO, Keiji TSUBOTA, Yasunori OHTA, Yutaka YOSHIDA, Takashi SHOJI, Kiyoshi KONDOU, Yuji KURACHI
-
Patent number: 7720523Abstract: A medical imaging system includes a medical imaging device, a medical imaging control subsystem, and an activation unit. The medical imaging control subsystem includes a processing unit and a monitor. The processing unit is in communication with the medical imaging device and the monitor. The activation unit is operatively connected to the medical imaging device and the medical imaging control subsystem, wherein the activation unit is operable to deactivate the medical imaging device and the medical imaging control subsystem.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2005Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jon C. Omernick, Sabih Qamar-Uz Zaman
-
Publication number: 20100104062Abstract: A CT system includes a rotatable gantry having an opening for receiving an object to be scanned and an x-ray source coupled to the gantry and configured to project x-rays through the opening. The x-ray source includes a target, a first cathode configured to emit a first beam of electrons toward the target, a first gridding electrode coupled to the first cathode, a second cathode configured to emit a second beam of electrons toward the target, and a second gridding electrode coupled to the second cathode. The system includes a generator configured to energize the first cathode to a first kVp and to energize the second cathode to a second kVp, and a detector attached to the gantry and positioned to receive x-rays that pass through the opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2008Publication date: April 29, 2010Inventors: Xiaoye Wu, David Langan, Colin R. Wilson, Yun Zou
-
Patent number: 7686512Abstract: X-ray system with an x-ray radiation source, a digital solid-state image detector with a calibration facility acquiring calibration data in order to ensure an optimum image quality, whereby the x-ray system has at least one sensor or interacts with a sensor which detects any person who may be present in the vicinity, whereby the acquisition of the calibration data is initiated when no person has been detected by the at least one sensor.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2006Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Martin Spahn
-
Publication number: 20100054418Abstract: The present invention provides an X-ray detecting element that can obtain radiation images by X-rays of different energies by irradiation of X-rays a single time, without positional offset arising. A first scintillator is provided at an outer side of a sensor portion and a sensor portion of one surface side of a substrate. A second scintillator is provided at another surface side of the substrate. X-rays that are irradiated from the one surface side or the other surface side of the substrate are converted into light at the first and second scintillators. The sensor portion detects light that is illuminated from the first scintillator of the one surface side, and the sensor portion detects light that is illuminated from the second scintillator of the other surface side of the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2009Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATIONInventors: Yoshihiro OKADA, Fumito NARIYUKI
-
Publication number: 20100054406Abstract: There is provided a radiographic imaging system including: a radiographic imaging device including a generating section that captures a radiographic image expressed by irradiated radiation and generates image information expressing the captured radiographic image, and a first communication section that transmits, plural times and by wireless communication and even during a response wait time period, imaging start instructing information that instructs starting of imaging when preparations for capturing a radiographic image by the generating section have been completed; and a control device having a second communication section that can communicate by wireless communication with the first communication section, and a control section that controls a radiation irradiating section such that radiation is irradiated with respect to the radiographic imaging device in a case in which the second communication section receives any of the imaging start instructing information that are transmitted plural times from the fType: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2009Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATIONInventors: Kouichi KITANO, Keiji TSUBOTA, Yutaka YOSHIDA, Fumito NARIYUKI, Yasunori OHTA, Naoyuki NISHINO
-
Publication number: 20100054419Abstract: A cooling unit is provided in a storage section to locally cool a heat generating portion of an imaging device and to thereby reduce nonuniformity of the distribution of the temperature in the imaging device. Detectors detect a mount orientation of the imaging device, that is, whether the imaging device is mounted in landscape orientation or portrait orientation. Cooling portions of the cooling unit are selectively driven on the basis of the detection result.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2009Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Tetsuo Watanabe
-
Patent number: 7672422Abstract: Systems and methods for the radiation scanning of objects, including large objects such as cargo containers, to identify contraband.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2008Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Edward J. Seppi, Marcel Marc, John Ford
-
Publication number: 20100046711Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus comprises a first diving circuit unit to drive a first switching element connected to a conversion element, wherein the conversion element converting radiation into charges, a second diving circuit unit to drive a second switching element connected to the conversion element, and a control unit to control the first diving circuit and the second diving circuit independently at different timing.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2006Publication date: February 25, 2010Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Toshio Kameshima, Tadao Endo, Tomoyuki Yagi, Katsuro Takenake, Keigo Yokoyama
-
Patent number: 7657001Abstract: A method for at least reducing the occurrence of differential ghosting in an X-ray image acquired in respect of a subject, wherein a deghost scan is performed at least once daily so as to generate an underlying strong homogeneous ghost so that further differential (non-homogeneous) ghosting during subsequent scans is minimised. The deghost scan comprises acquiring an ‘air’ image, when no subject is present between the X-ray source (4) and detector (5), as a relatively high detector dose.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2006Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: Peter George Van De Haar
-
Patent number: 7605375Abstract: A radiation device includes a detector connected to a multi-functional radiation identifying and processing application specific integrated circuit. The detector includes a plurality of individual imaging cells, each imaging cell generating a charge in response to incident radiation events and outputting the generated charge at an imaging cell output. The application specific integrated circuit includes a different circuit connected respectively to a corresponding one of the imaging cell outputs, each circuit receiving and processing the generated charge received from the corresponding one imaging cell output. Each circuit includes a preamplifier for generating a voltage or current amplitude in response to the received charge, a counter, and a mode logic configured for setting the counter to perform, selectively, at least two of a) photon counting, b) analog to digital conversion of the one of the voltage amplitude and the current amplitude, and c) timing measurement of incident radiation events.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2007Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: Oy Ajat Ltd.Inventors: Konstantinos Spartiotis, Tom Schulman, Anssi Leppanen
-
Publication number: 20090245467Abstract: A system includes a generator configured to output at least one voltage level and an x-ray source configured to generate x-rays directed toward an object. The system includes a module coupled to the output of the generator and to an input of the x-ray source and configured to switch or assist in switching an output to the x-ray source between a first voltage level and a second voltage level.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2008Publication date: October 1, 2009Inventors: Colin R. Wilson, Antonio Caiafa, John Charles Hill, Samit Kumar Basu, Pierfrancesco Landolfi, Peter Michael Edic
-
Patent number: 7593508Abstract: A radiography system comprising a detector for detecting radiation generated by a radiation generation device, and a detector controller for initializing the detector at a predetermined timing, and controlling the detector, and taking a radiation image on the basis of the radiation detected by the detector wherein the detector controller comprises storage for acquiring and storing a time period from when initialization of the detector starts until a radiation irradiation request signal is received and instructions for, when the radiation irradiation request signal is received during an initialization process of the detector, instructing to execute a wait process for the stored time period after the initialization process, and upon completion of the wait process, a radiography permission signal is sent to the radiation generation device.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2004Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Keiji Tsuchiya
-
Patent number: 7561668Abstract: A radiation detecting cassette includes an IC card detector which detects insertion of an IC card in a slot, outputs a detection signal representing that the IC card is inserted in the slot, and reads ID information stored in the IC card. An ID checker of the radiation detecting cassette checks the ID information against ID information stored in a card ID memory. A battery controller controls a battery to start supplying electric power to a radiation detector based on a checking result from the ID checker.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2008Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventors: Yasunori Ohta, Eiichi Kito, Tsuyoshi Tanabe, Takuya Yoshimi
-
Patent number: 7545902Abstract: A method includes placing received x-rays into at least three bins.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2006Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: David Michael Hoffman
-
Publication number: 20090129546Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for obtaining an x-ray image from an x-ray imaging apparatus using a digital radiography receiver installs a retrofit connection apparatus that adapts the x-ray imaging apparatus for use with the digital radiography receiver by forming a receiver interface channel for communicating signals to and from the digital radiography receiver, forming an operator interface channel for routing at least an input expose signal from an operator control to the connection apparatus and forming a generator interface channel for transmitting at least an output expose signal from the retrofit connection apparatus to an x-ray generator of the x-ray imaging apparatus. An input expose signal over the operator interface channel initiates a reset of the digital radiography receiver over the receiver interface channel before the output expose signal to the x-ray generator is transmitted over the generator interface channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2008Publication date: May 21, 2009Inventors: Peter A. Newman, Michael P. Urbon
-
Patent number: 7526067Abstract: An electrical power supply for an X-ray tube comprising a current source, a transformer with a primary circuit and a secondary circuit coupled with a resistor (R), the unit supplying a high-voltage generator provided with an equivalent input capacitor is used, when the generator is powered on, to limit the intensity of the inrush current appearing in the circuit.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2008Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Philippe Ernest, Georges William Baptiste
-
Publication number: 20090060137Abstract: An electron source has an electron emitter, an anode, a voltage source connected between the electron emitter and the anode, as well as a switch connected with the electron emitter. The switch is fashioned as a optoelectronic switching element.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Inventors: Sven Fritzler, Peter Schardt, Frank Sprenger
-
Publication number: 20090052625Abstract: There is disclosed a device including: an electron beam generation device 10 which accelerates a pulse electron beam 1 to transmit the beam through a predetermined rectilinear orbit 2; a laser generation device 20 which generates a pulse laser light 3; a laser light introduction device 30 which introduces the pulse laser light 3 onto the rectilinear orbit 2 so as to collide with the pulse electron beam 1; a metal target 42 which generates a particular X-ray 5 by collision with the pulse electron beam 1: and a target moving device 40 capable of moving the metal target between a collision position 2a on the rectilinear orbit and a retreat position out of the orbit. A collision surface of the metal target 42 is positioned spatially at the same position as that of the collision point 2a. At the retreat position of the metal target, the pulse electron beam 1 collides with the pulse laser light 3 to generate a monochromatic hard X-ray 4.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2006Publication date: February 26, 2009Applicants: IHI CORPORATION, THE UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF RADIOLOGICAL SCIENCESInventors: Hiroyuki Nose, Daisuke Ishida, Namio Kaneko, Hisaharu Sakae, Mitsuru Uesaka, Atsushi Fukasawa, Katsuhiro Dobashi
-
Patent number: 7483516Abstract: A handswitch configured to be held by an operator of an x-ray system, configured for using handswitchable equipment to operate the x-ray system, is disclosed. The handswitch includes an exterior housing so dimensioned as to fit into a hand of the operator. An exposure switch is disposed on the exterior housing and is configured to initiate an x-ray exposure. A tactile feedback mechanism is configured to indicate, to the operator of the x-ray system, transmission of x-rays by the x-ray system.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2006Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Kevin Andrew Coombs
-
Patent number: 7463715Abstract: An improved system and method for using dual energy techniques for acquiring x-ray images in two and three dimensions is disclosed. An X-ray source and detector are mounted at opposite ends of a movable C-arm. A fast movement mechanism is provided to quickly and precisely move the C-arm and detector in stepped motion about a patient. Low and high energy X-ray images are taken at each discrete step point, followed by fast movement of the source and detector to a next position with respect to the patient. Motion artifacts are eliminated by taking the high and low energy X-ray images while the C-arm is stopped. High and low energy pulses are provided through the use of a filtration arrangement which is synchronized with the frame rate of the detector to thereby optimize image collection.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2007Date of Patent: December 9, 2008Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventor: Martin Spahn
-
Patent number: 7454043Abstract: The invention relates to the association of a current (X-ray image) image of a body volume with one of several stored previous images, the ECG and the respiratory cycle being determined each time together with the images. Using this data, that one of the previous images is chosen which is closest to the current image in respect of cardiac rhythm and respiratory cycle. The resultant association yields a very high accuracy enabling superposed reproduction of the current image and the associated previous image.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2003Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Kai Eck, Geert Gijsbers, Sabine Mollus
-
Patent number: 7450689Abstract: An X-ray apparatus comprises a general switch designed to eliminate the residual energy stored in capacitances of this X-ray apparatus. To this end, the general switch comprises several series-connected switch cells, each comprising a switch component constituted by a sidac parallel-connected with a thyristor. The number of cells is determined as a function of the voltage to be discharged. The apparatus has an external control circuit used to trigger the discharging of the first cell. Once the voltage in the first cell drops, the discharging of the second cell is triggered by an internal control circuit, and so on and so forth. The remaining cells are triggered at the same time, once they support a voltage greater than or equal to a predefined transition voltage. Thus, a chain reaction of the discharging of the stored energy is implemented.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2007Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Jose Emilio Soto
-
Patent number: 7433446Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes an image sensing unit that receives X-rays and converts the received X-ray signal into an image signal, a control unit that controls the image capturing apparatus, including image capturing using the image sensing unit, and a communication unit including at least two communication interfaces to output the acquired image signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2006Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masahiro Abe
-
Patent number: 7406155Abstract: X-ray device with at least one switch for triggering a signal and at least one receiver for the signal are provided. The receiver may be arranged remote from the switch. The switch (6) includes an energy converter for converting the mechanical energy expended in the event of the switch being triggered into electrical energy. The signal can then be wirelessly transmitted to the receiver (15) by way of a radio link.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2005Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Thomas Schmitt
-
Patent number: 7403594Abstract: A lamp emits pulse-shaped visible light when a wait period begins. If a radiation emission switch is not pressed in the wait period, X-ray radiation is not emitted from an X-ray source, and no charges are accumulated in photoelectric conversion elements of an X-ray imaging apparatus. In a non-read period, although signals are sequentially read from the photoelectric conversion elements, an output signal does not change. When the radiation emission switch is pressed in synchronization with a radiation-induced signal in a certain wait period, the X-ray source emits X-rays. After irradiation of X-rays, a photoelectric conversion period transitions to an actual read period. In the photoelectric conversion period, X-rays are emitted and transmitted X-ray information of a patient are accumulated in the photoelectric conversion elements of the X-ray imaging apparatus. In the actual read period, the accumulated information is read.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2005Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tadao Endo, Toshio Kameshima, Tomoyuki Yagi, Katsuro Takenaka
-
Patent number: 7386089Abstract: A radiographic imaging apparatus includes a radiation detection circuit with elements arranged two-dimensionally to convert radiation into an electrical signal, a driving mechanism which changes a positional relationship between the components, a memory which stores that electrical signal, an imaging controller to control the radiation source so as to emit a first radiation pulse at a first energy for a first frame and to emit a second radiation pulse at a second energy for a second frame, controlling the driving mechanism to maintain the positional relationship during the first radiation pulse and the second radiation pulse and to change the positional relationship in a period between the first period and the second period. The frames are different and sequentially imaged, and an image processing unit for subtraction processing of the first and second frames in memory to generate a processed image, then generate a tomographic and a 3D image.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2006Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tadao Endo, Toshio Kameshima, Tomoyuki Yagi, Katsuro Takenaka, Keigo Yokoyama
-
Patent number: 7381963Abstract: It is made possible that, in accordance with a plurality of radiographing modes such as the still image radiographing mode and the moving image radiographing mode, the outputs both in the irradiation period and in the non-irradiation period are made to fall within the dynamic range of the radiographing system, whereby an accurate, high-S/N-ratio X-ray radiographic image is obtained. For that purpose, in accordance with the plurality of radiographing modes, an arithmetic operation unit adjusts a power source to control voltage to be applied to a reading circuit unit or an Analogue-Digital conversion unit, such that, in each of the radiographing modes, both an electric signal in the X-ray irradiation period and an electric signal in the X-ray non-irradiation period fall within the dynamic ranges of the reading circuit unit and the Analogue-Digital conversion unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2006Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tadao Endo, Toshio Kameshima, Tomoyuki Yagi, Katsuro Takenaka, Keigo Yokoyama