Abstract: An X-ray tube includes a target and a cathode assembly. The cathode assembly includes a first filament configured to emit a first beam of electrons toward the target, a first gridding electrode coupled to the first filament, a second filament configured to emit a second beam of electrons toward the target, and a second gridding electrode coupled to the second filament.

Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit to capture a radiation image of an object, a discrimination unit to discriminate whether the current imaging mode is a mode of storing radiation images or a mode of storing no radiation image, a first calculation unit to calculate image size information, a second calculation unit to calculate image display region information indicating the size of an image display region, a first decision unit to decide a rotation condition for the rotation of an displayed image, and a second decision unit to decide an enlargement/reduction condition. If discriminated at the start of radiation irradiation that the current mode is the mode of storing no image, the second decision unit decides an enlargement/reduction condition from image size information and image display region information to maximize the ratio of an overall radiation image rotated under the rotation condition decided.

Abstract: An X-ray computed tomographic apparatus includes a gantry 100 including an X-ray tube 101 which generates X-rays and an X-ray detector 103 which detects X-rays transmitted through a subject to be examined, a reconstruction device 114 which generates tomogram data on the basis of an output from the X-ray detector, a breath detector 203 which detects a respiration waveform representing a temporal change in respiration index value associated with the subject, a regular respiration waveform generating unit 207 which generates a respiration waveform with a regular respiration cycle which originates from the detected respiration waveform, and a gantry mount display 201 which displays the generated regular respiration waveform.

Abstract: An X-ray image diagnosis apparatus which can accept operations from a plurality of operation panels can ensure convenience for operators while avoiding the risk of excessively exposing an object to X-rays. This invention is a control method in an X-ray image diagnosis apparatus which irradiates an object with X-rays and processes a captured image obtained by imaging the object. This method includes the steps of receiving information associated with an imaging condition at the time of X-ray irradiation which is input via an operation panel, discriminating, when the information associated with the imaging condition is received, an operation panel from which the information associated with the imaging condition has been input, and restricting, when the information associated with the imaging condition is received, the reception of a specific instruction input via an operation panel other than the discriminated operation panel.

Abstract: Provided is a radiation image capturing system wherein image capturing conditions can be appropriately set up for a radiation generating apparatus associated with a bucky device in an environment ready for capturing images by inserting either a CR cassette or an FPD cassette into the bucky device which can accept both a CR cassette and an FPD cassette. The radiation image capturing system is equipped with a radiation generating apparatus, a bucky device a portable FPD cassette, a CR cassette, and a console having a display section for displaying icons corresponding to the usable bucky device and the portable FPD cassette.

Abstract: An X-ray image diagnosis apparatus which can accept operations from a plurality of operation panels can ensure convenience for operators while avoiding the risk of excessively exposing an object to X-rays. This invention is a control method in an X-ray image diagnosis apparatus which irradiates an object with X-rays and processes a captured image obtained by imaging the object. This method includes the steps of receiving information associated with an imaging condition at the time of X-ray irradiation which is input via an operation panel, discriminating, when the information associated with the imaging condition is received, an operation panel from which the information associated with the imaging condition has been input, and restricting, when the information associated with the imaging condition is received, the reception of a specific instruction input via an operation panel other than the discriminated operation panel.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other modalities are described for (a) obtaining an indication relating to an emission module (which may be dangerous, e.g.) or its user (who may be untrained, e.g.) and for (b) configuring the module or causing an irradiation (for imaging, e.g.) in response to the indication.

Abstract: An X-ray photography device capable of visualizing the operating state or position of a support unit in an image system during examinations with memory switches and enhancing the operability of the memory switches is provided. When a plurality of memory switches 30a-30i is operated, target rotation information corresponding to the memory switches are read from a target rotation information memory unit 40, and a C-arm is controlled to rotate, so as to make actual rotation information consistent with the target rotation information. The memory switches 30a-30i are respectively arranged in association with rotation directions and rotation angles to designate specific storage areas in the target rotation information memory unit 40 corresponding to the directions and angles. During the rotation control or when the actual rotation information is consistent with the target rotation information, the corresponding display lamp (one of display lamps 31a-31i) of the operated memory switch is turned on.

Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus that captures radiographic images includes a radioactive ray generating unit configured to irradiate a subject with a plurality of radioactive rays generated by a plurality of electron sources. A radioactive ray detection unit captures a plurality of first radiographic images based on detection of the plurality of radioactive rays that have passed through the subject at different irradiation angles. Area specification unit specifies an object area using the plurality of first radiographic images captured by the radioactive ray detection unit, and a determination unit determines an electron source to be driven from the plurality of electron sources based on the object area specified by the area specification unit, such that a second radiographic image is captured based on the radioactive rays generated by the electron source determined by the determination unit.

Abstract: In an X-ray image capturing device which performs image capturing by receiving image capturing information that includes protocols from an information system, when a protocol which is not associated to a body part is transferred, image capturing of such protocol cannot be performed, or the task of associating it to a body part is troublesome and may not be performed accurately. A configuration is used in which a protocol having unassociated image capturing information and body part is displayed as an undefined protocol, and means to associate the undefined protocol to a body part is called up.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other modalities are described for (a) obtaining an indication relating to an emission module (which may be dangerous, e.g.) or its user (who may be untrained, e.g.) and for (b) configuring the module or causing an irradiation (for imaging, e.g.) in response to the indication.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other modalities are described for (a) obtaining an indication relating to an emission module (which may be dangerous, e.g.) or its user (who may be untrained, e.g.) and for (b) configuring the module or causing an irradiation (for imaging, e.g.) in response to the indication.

Abstract: The present invention is an x-ray arrangement for examining patients, having an x-ray source and a digital flat panel detector characterized by a processing unit with a converter with an input possibility for a whole data record of system parameters as input parameters which can be easily adjusted and input by the user for conversion into a whole data record of image chain parameters as output parameters.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imaging system (10) having a pedal-switching mechanism (14) for lateral and frontal imaging. The imaging system (10) is particularly useful for positioning an image-capturing device (18) with respect to a patient disposed on an imaging system (10) and may include a support member (20) configured to support a patient or object of interest, and a c-arm imaging equipment (12) configured to be removable to capture images in various directions.

Abstract: A method is described for controlling an imaging modality. The method includes acquiring data specific to an examination object and automatically selecting a raw data record from a number of raw data records on the basis of the data specific to the examination object. The method further includes producing an image on the basis of the selected raw data record and by using a selected control parameter set. The produced image is then output to a user. Thereafter, a change command of the user is detected, for altering the control parameter set, or detecting a confirmation command for confirming the control parameter set. Next, the control parameter set is changed in accordance with a detected change command. The method then includes repeating the method steps of producing, outputting, detecting and changing with the respectively current, changed control parameter set until a confirmation signal is detected.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: There is provided an X-ray imaging system to which an X-ray sensing unit including a solid-state imaging device having sensitivity to X-rays interchangeably connects. The system includes an X-ray generation unit which applies X-rays to the X-ray sensing unit, and an imaging controller which controls the X-ray sensing unit and the X-ray generation unit. The system also includes a sensing unit information receiver which receives sensing unit information from the X-ray sensing unit. The system further includes a control parameter setting unit which automatically sets control parameters for the imaging controller on the basis of the sensing unit information received by the sensing unit information receiver.

Abstract: A radiation source is moved, relative to a detection means, in a movement range that is calculated based on a desired slice angle with respect to a predetermined base point on a base plane that defines a range of obtaining a slice image of a subject. The radiation source is moved to a plurality of positions, and a plurality of radiographic images of the subject corresponding to the plurality of positions are obtained by irradiating the subject with radiation from the plurality of positions. Further, a slice image of the subject is reconstructed from the plurality of radiographic images. When the slice image is reconstructed, radiographic images to be used to reconstruct the slice image are selected based on a distance from the detection surface of the detection means to a slice plane on which the slice image is to be generated, and the desired slice angle.

Abstract: A radiographic imaging apparatus performs imaging based on an examination order including a plurality of imaging protocols, executes image processing for the captured image based on the imaging protocol used at the time of the imaging, designates a change source imaging protocol and a change destination imaging protocol from the examination order based on an instruction of an operator, and changes the imaging protocol corresponding to the image captured based on the change source imaging protocol from the change source imaging protocol to the change destination imaging protocol. when the change of protocol is made, the apparatus executes image processing based on the change destination imaging protocol for the image before the image processing which is captured based on the change source imaging protocol.

Abstract: A control circuit for a portable x-ray medical imaging system detector. The control circuit operates to reduce power consumption of the portable x-ray detector. The detector control circuit includes a multi-function switch coupled to the portable detector, and a detector control module installed in the portable detector, the detector control module receiving an input from the multi-function switch and based on the received input reconfiguring the portable detector from a first operational mode to a different second operational mode. A portable detector including the detector control circuit and a method of operating the portable detector are also provided.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: One provides (101 and 102) two or more X-ray sources (202 and 204) that are independent and discrete from one another. By one approach, these X-ray sources emit corresponding X-rays (203 and 205) using different voltage levels. In particular, these voltage levels can be sufficiently different from one another to readily permit different elements as comprise an object (201) being examined to be distinguished from one another. These X-rays are then emitted (106) from these sources and towards an object to be examined while causing relative motion (207) between such sources on the one hand and the object on the other.

Abstract: A radiation image capturing system includes an image capturing apparatus for capturing a radiation image of a subject by a radiation emitted from a radiation source and applied through the subject, a detecting unit for detecting whether the radiation source is oriented to the image capturing apparatus or not, and a processor for setting an image capturing mode for the radiation image based on a detection result from the detecting unit and controlling a process of capturing the radiation image with the image capturing apparatus in the set image capturing mode.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a residual-current circuit breaker for an X-ray device. In one embodiment, the residual-current circuit breaker comprises at least one input, via which a detector identification signal of a detector identification element can be received, said signal characterizing the presence of an X-ray detector and at least one input, via which a selection signal for an exposure measurement element can be received, said signal characterizing the activation of an exposure measurement element. A deactivation signal can be issued via at least one output of the residual-current breaker, the deactivation signal being generated as long as a detector identification signal and a selection signal that is assigned to the same detector as the detector identification signal are not received at the same time.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imaging system (10) having a pedal-switching mechanism (14) for lateral and frontal imaging. The imaging system (10) is particularly useful for positioning an image-capturing device (18) with respect to a patient disposed on an imaging system (10) and may include a support member (20) configured to support a patient or object of interest, and a c-arm imaging equipment (12) configured to be removable to capture images in various directions.

Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus includes an X-ray generating section for generating X-rays with a plurality of X-ray tube voltages; a data collecting section for collecting, synchronously with a data collection signal, X-ray projection data from X-rays with each X-ray tube voltage switched by an X-ray tube voltage switching signal; and a control section for controlling a timed moment for switching of the X-ray tube voltage and a timed moment for start of data collection so that the timed moment for start of data collection at each X-ray tube voltage in the data collection signal is delayed relative to the timed moment for switching of the X-ray tube voltage to that X-ray tube voltage in the X-ray tube voltage switching signal by ?t1, ?t2 depending upon imaging conditions.

Abstract: An X-ray analysis apparatus has information about a relationship between selection of a measurement type and a replacement work of optical parts and shows, on a screen of a display, graphical information about optical parts which should be changed, to make it easy for an operator to perform a preliminary work before measurement. When the operator selects one desired measurement type among a plurality of measurement types in a selection window, there is displayed on the display, depending on the selected measurement type, graphical information about necessary optical parts which should be newly installed and/or installed optical parts which should be removed. The operator looks at the operating instructions and then performs the replacement work. The graphical information may be: graphical indication of the installation locations of the optical parts; different pictorial expressions about the installation and the removal works; and graphical indication of the identification marks of the optical parts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing a 3D x-ray image data record of a patient, in particular of the heart, by an x-ray imaging system connected to a measuring facility which monitors the breathing phases of the patient. The x-ray image system is automatically activated repeatedly when a predetermined breathing phase is reached and an image acquisition operation is carried out, during which a plurality of 2D x-ray images are recorded. An individual 3D image data record is reconstructed from the 2D x-ray images of each image acquisition operation and the different 3D image data records are registered in pairs in order to assign them in a correct positional and dimensional arrangement. Registration parameters are obtained during the registration. The 3D image data record is reconstructed from 2D x-ray images from all image acquisition operations using the registration parameters.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit which is rotatable relative to a platform about a shaft portion perpendicular to an X-ray detecting surface, so as to change the orientation relative to a subject.

Abstract: An X-ray image diagnosis apparatus which can accept operations from a plurality of operation panels can ensure convenience for operators while avoiding the risk of excessively exposing an object to X-rays. This invention is a control method in an X-ray image diagnosis apparatus which irradiates an object with X-rays and processes a captured image obtained by imaging the object. This method includes the steps of receiving information associated with an imaging condition at the time of X-ray irradiation which is input via an operation panel, discriminating, when the information associated with the imaging condition is received, an operation panel from which the information associated with the imaging condition has been input, and restricting, when the information associated with the imaging condition is received, the reception of a specific instruction input via an operation panel other than the discriminated operation panel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a networked scanner environment wherein each scanner is communicatable with one or more databases configured to store data associated with previously executed imaging sessions. The one or more databases may be queried by a user to determine, based on a set of user inputs, an historical evaluation of the prior imaging sessions conducted in accordance with scan parameters similar to the scan parameters of an imminent imaging session. The present invention includes a global database that is accessible by a series of remotely located imaging systems as well as includes one or more databases particular to a specific treatment facility housing one or more imaging scanners. The present invention is also applicable with a stand-alone imaging system having a database local to that particular imaging system for storing and accessing data associated with imaging sessions conducted on that particular imaging system.

Abstract: method for simplifying the adjustment of a digital x-ray device for the refinement of the x-ray images, and to an image refining unit for carrying out said method. According to the invention, a pre-determined modification is performed on the image data of the x-ray image by at least one image processing module according to at least one parameter: the or each parameter is supplied to the image processing module from a current set of parameters; the current set of parameters is selected from a plurality of stored standard sets of parameters; an associated model image can be displayed for each standard set of parameters using stored image data; and the standard group of parameters selected by selecting the associated model image.

Abstract: A detector panel having therein an X-ray detector, a signal processing circuit for interface, and a battery for power supply, the detector panel includes a first signal processing circuit for processing the detection signals from the X-ray detector, a second signal processing circuit for processing the output signal from the first signal processing circuit, a first power supply circuit for adjusting the output voltage of the battery by means of switching regulation, to supply the output to the second signal processing circuit, a second power supply circuit for adjusting the output voltage of the first power supply circuit by means of switching regulation, to supply the output to the X-ray detector and the first signal processing circuit, and a switching circuit for switching the configuration of the second power supply circuit between a single connection of one linear regulator and a series connection of two linear regulator.

Abstract: A selectable mode of operation is disclosed for an X-ray computer tomograph for producing angiographical images. A patient accommodated on a couch is not moved relative to the measuring system in the z-direction, the entire area to be examined is irradiated at a prescribed first angle of rotation of the measuring system, and the X-ray radiation emerging from the area to be examined is detected isochronously using a matrix detector.

Abstract: Sensitivity is freely changeable to another one in correspondence to a photographing mode, and both still image photographing and moving image photographing for example which are largely different from each other in dosage of exposure to radiation and which are also different from each other in required sensitivity are carried out so as to meet that request. A source or drain electrode of a TFT 21 is connected to a signal output circuit 3 through a signal line 14a and an IC 5. A source/drain of a TFT 23 is connected to the signal output circuit 3 through a signal line 14b and the IC 5. Thus, in each pixel 6, any one of the signal lines 14a and 14b is freely selectable when a signal is read out.

Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus includes an X-ray generating section for generating X-rays with a plurality of X-ray tube voltages; a data collecting section for collecting, synchronously with a data collection signal, X-ray projection data from X-rays with each X-ray tube voltage switched by an X-ray tube voltage switching signal; and a control section for controlling a timed moment for switching of the X-ray tube voltage and a timed moment for start of data collection so that the timed moment for start of data collection at each X-ray tube voltage in the data collection signal is delayed relative to the timed moment for switching of the X-ray tube voltage to that X-ray tube voltage in the X-ray tube voltage switching signal by ?t1, ?t2 depending upon imaging conditions.

Abstract: A portable dual-mode digital X-ray detector configured to operate in an integrated mode for use in direct digital radiography (DDR) and in non-integrated mode for use in computed radiography (CR). The portable dual-mode X-ray detector comprising a switching mechanism for switching the detector between an integrated mode and a non-integrated mode, a triggering mechanism for use in the non-integrated mode, a communications interface for use in the integrated mode, and at least one memory module for storing image data. The disclosure further includes the methods of operation of the portable dual-mode digital X-ray detector in the integrated mode for use in direct digital radiography (DDR) and in the non-integrated mode for use in computed radiography (CR).

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided for performing computed tomography (CT) imaging. The method includes obtaining EKG gating information from an object and obtaining attenuation measurements from the object utilizing a detector that is rotated in a scan plane around the object. The method further includes performing a first reconstruction based on a first portion of the attenuation measurements that are collected by a first region of the detector, where the first reconstruction is performed independent of the EKG gating information to obtain a first reconstruction data set. A second reconstruction is performed based on a second port of the attenuation measurements that are collected by a second region of the detector, where the second reconstruction is performed based on the EKG gating information to obtain a second reconstruction data set.

Abstract: With a view to providing a radiographing plan assisting method which can easily prepare a radiographing plan by utilizing a user interface, it is made possible to select an anatomical region through a user interface, select through a user interface an anatomical area belonging to the selected anatomical region, select a radiographing protocol for the selected anatomical area through a user interface, and select a feature of the selected radiographing protocol through a user interface.

Abstract: An x-ray imaging system that constantly evaluates and determines optimal image acquisition parameters, such as frame rate and pulse length, based on the application and motion detection during an x-ray acquisition scene, and applies optimal image acquisition parameters accordingly. The x-ray imaging method includes accessing previous image data and accessing present image data. Motion between the present image data and at least a portion of the previous image data is detected and the one or more image acquisition parameters are determined as a function of the detected motion.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method for x-ray imaging including: exposing a volume of interest to a first technique level to obtain a first set of image data; exposing the volume of interest to a second technique level to obtain a second set of image data; and estimating whether the volume of interest includes a foreign object based at least in part on a comparison of at least an aspect of the first set of image data and at least an aspect of the second set of image data. According to an embodiment, one of the first and second technique levels is selected to generate x-rays having a higher average energy than the other of the first and second technique levels. According to an embodiment, at least one of the first and second technique levels is selectable to cause an overexposure. According to an embodiment, at least one of the first and second technique levels corresponds to a clinical technique level.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method for controlling focal spot size changes of an x-ray source in an imaging system includes measuring focal spot sizes as a function of a plurality of x-ray source operating parameters, determining a calibration table or transfer function utilizing the measured focal spot sizes as a function of the plurality of x-ray tube operating parameters, and utilizing the calibration table or transfer function to control focal spot size variations during operation of the imaging system.

Abstract: Methods of using an X-ray system having a central computer system, an X-ray source and a bank of wireless detectors. The methods include an automated X-ray system that requires the input of a type of X-ray to be performed on a patient, and the systems determine and identify which detector from the detector bank is appropriate for the ordered test.

Abstract: A radiation therapy system is provided having a radiation source for providing radiation for treating a patient, including treating skin cancer, wherein the radiation source features a filtering device that changes its filtering characteristic for filtering the radiation for treating the patient in response to a control signal. The filtering device includes two filters and a radiation blocker circumferentially arranged on a cylindrical member. The filtering characteristic is changed by rotating the filtering device in response to the control signal. The filtering device includes a driving unit for rotating the filtering device in response to the control signal in order to change its filtering characteristic, such as a motor with a gearing arrangement for coupling to a corresponding gearing arrangement on the filtering device. In this embodiment, the means for providing the radiation, i.e. the x-ray tube, is arranged inside the filtering device.