Abstract: An x-ray apparatus has a flat panel x-ray detector, the operation of which is susceptible to interference by strong magnetic fields. In order to allow the x-ray system to be operated concurrently with a magnetic system, such as a magnetic tracking system or a magnetic localization system, that emits a magnetic field of sufficient field strength to interfere with the operation of the flat panel x-ray detector, a control unit is provided that operates both the flat panel x-ray detector and the magnetic system. The control unit synchronizes operation of the magnetic system with the operation of the flat panel x-ray detector so that the magnetic system emits the magnetic field only at times that do not interfere with the operation of the flat panel x-ray detector.

Abstract: A method for Computed Tomography (CT) imaging is provided. The method comprises rotating a gantry at a substantially slow rotation speed about a volume of interest. The gantry comprises a combination of X-ray source points. The X-ray source points comprise one or more discrete emission points and an arc of discrete or continuous X-ray source points. The method then comprises obtaining projection data from the combination of X-ray source points and performing a suitable reconstruction based on the projection data obtained from the combination of X-ray source points, to generate one or more reconstructed images.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for conducting a medical procedure on a number of patients respectively disposed at a number of different locations, a component of a medical device for implementing the medical procedure is moved along a pre-assembled track that extends to each of the locations. When the component is moved to the intended location by the track, the medical procedure is implemented at that location with the component retained on the track.

Abstract: A monochromator to be used in an X-ray device having an X-ray source is formed by a crystal for spectral restriction of X-rays produced by the X-ray source. The monochromator includes a positioning device that can move the crystal so that it changes the spectral composition of the X-radiation. The crystal can be moved so that it changes the angle between an X-ray path and the crystal, or so that the crystal is removed out of X-ray path or returned into it.

Abstract: The invention is designed to help coordinate the processing of radiographic images for a lab, hospital, office, or other locations for example. The image reading system may have a reading device for reading image information from a containing member in which a recording medium capable of recording a radiographic image is built. The control device may set a reading condition of the containing member. An ID giving section may provide ID information to one of the containing member and the recording medium. A storage section may store the reading condition. A selecting section may select at least one of a first registration type and a second registration type, the first registration type being for registering a correspondence between the reading condition and the containing member or the recording medium before image recording and the second registration type being for registering the correspondence after the image recording, and for using the system on a basis of the selected registration type.

Abstract: A technique is provided for improving performance of a digital detector system, such as in a digital X-ray system. Improved frame rates and enhanced resolutions are achieved by selecting a field of view of interest and processing pixel information only for the selected field of view. Data from a series of rows of the detector are simultaneously processed by restoring charge to pixels of a row, while digitizing signals from a previously recharged row, and transmitting digital signals for a third row for which the signals were previously digitized. Scrubbing of rows outside the selected field of view may be performed as signals are detected and processes for rows within the selected field of view.

Abstract: This invention is to provide a system which has a plurality of sensor units and can efficiently sense an image. A sensing system includes a plurality of sensor units, a plurality of selection switches that are arranged in correspondence with the plurality of sensor units, respectively, and select corresponding sensor units, and a control circuit for setting a sensor unit selected by the selection switch in a ready state and an unselected sensor unit in a sleep state.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method for three-dimensional cine EBA/CTA imaging. The method includes monitoring a cardiac cycle of a patient and selecting a trigger point along the cardiac cycle. When the cardiac cycle of the patient reaches the trigger point, a computed tomography (CT) scan of the patient is initiated. At least two CT scans of the patient are performed during a time period over two or more cardiac cycles. A cine angiography image is constructed from the at least two CT scans.

Abstract: A medical examination suite is described. In one example embodiment, the suite comprises an exam room having a microphone and at least a portion of a medical imaging system therein. A microphone sensitivity zone is located in the exam room. The suite further comprises a control room adjacent the exam room and having a video monitor and controls for the imaging system therein, and an equipment room having a computer therein. The computer is coupled to the microphone and to the video monitor and controls for the imaging system.

Abstract: An X-ray sensing apparatus with which reduction is achieved in the amount of electric power consumed to drive an X-ray sensor, including: a sensing unit including a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements each converting light into an electric signal; a driving range designating unit for designating a driving range for driving each of the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements included in the sensing unit; a drive unit for driving the photoelectric conversion element in the driving range designated by the driving range designating unit; a reading range designating unit for designating a reading range of the photoelectric conversion element driven by said driving unit; and a signal reading unit for reading out an output of the photoelectric conversion element in the reading range designated by the reading range designating unit.

Abstract: In a radiographic method using a mobile radiographic apparatus including an image generating unit which includes photoelectric conversion elements and generates radiographic image data of an object, key information for selecting radiographic request information is transmitted to an external information system having the radiographic request information. The radiographic request information transmitted from the information system is received. The operation of the image generating unit is controlled based on the received radiographic request information.

Abstract: This invention is to provide a system which has a plurality of sensor units and can efficiently sense an image. A sensing system includes a plurality of sensor units, a plurality of selection switches that are arranged in correspondence with the plurality of sensor units, respectively, and select corresponding sensor units, and a control circuit for setting a sensor unit selected by the selection switch in a ready state and an unselected sensor unit in a sleep state.

Abstract: A medical imaging examination device has an X-ray source, a reception unit for receiving the X-rays that penetrate a patient, an operating device for operation of the examination device by an operator, and a memory device wherein images are or can be stored in electronically readable form. The images can be X-ray images registered in earlier examinations or images that simulate X-ray images. A selection device reads out one of the stored images out from the memory device dependent on a desired examination region of the patient and displays it on a display device before the examination of the examination region with X-rays. The operating personnel, possibly in conjunction with a control functionality of the examination device are thus provided with a visualization of an X-ray image to be anticipated.

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray device in which a set of exposure parameters is fetched from among a number of such sets stored in a first storage arrangement for APR X-ray exposures. The exposure parameters which result therefrom during the subsequent X-ray exposure and have possibly been modified by the user are stored in a second storage arrangement. The X-ray device includes means for evaluating the second sets of exposure parameters which are associated with the same first set of exposure parameters and for deriving therefrom a new set of exposure parameters which is stored in the first storage arrangement instead of the first set of exposure parameters and forms the basis for APR X-ray exposures from then on.

Abstract: A radiographing apparatus, is provided which includes a control section and a plurality of radiographing sections, each of which is connected to the control section. The control section establishes a standby mode in each of the radiography sections when each of the plurality of radiographing sections has been unused for a period of time which exceeds a predetermined time period.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for controlling an X-ray device having at least one X-ray tube and at least one X-ray detector, wherein the X-ray tube and/or the X-ray detector are movably arranged, before an activation of an X-ray tube indicated for a desired measurement, an automatic check is made out as to whether an X-ray detector indicated for the desired measurement is activated. Position data of the appertaining X-ray tube and/or appertaining X-ray detector are also automatically determined and using the identified position data, the relative positions of the appertaining X-ray tube and of the appertaining X-ray detector relative to one another are identified. The X-ray tube is enabled for activation, or is automatically activated, only when the X-ray detector is activated and the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector are suitably positioned relative to one another for the desired measurement.

Abstract: A X-ray exam system includes an x-ray source, a detector positioned to receive x-rays transmitted for the x-ray source, a patient table positioned so that the x-ray source emits x-rays towards a patient thereon, a video monitor for displaying images while performing an exam, and a voice activated control system coupled to the x-ray source, the detector, and the video monitor. The voice activated control system configured to control playback imaging sequencing based on a voice command to facilitate analysis of a plurality of acquired images. The control system includes an audio microphone configured to be positioned for receiving audio input from an operator, and an audio signal processor coupled to the microphone for processing amplified audio signals from the amplifier. The processing includes at least one of word and phrase recognition.

Abstract: In an image collecting system for sensing an X-ray image by using a solid state image pickup unit, the operability of the system is improved by omitting an operation of turning on and off the solid state image pickup unit or other operations. When an operator selects an image sensing part of an object by using an acquisition part setting button on a display unit, the solid state image pickup unit is driven and a timer starts, and in addition, the sensing condition, image processing parameters and the like are automatically set in accordance with the selected sensing part. When an exposure button is depressed before the timer counts up, e.g., in 10 minutes, an X-ray generation control unit makes an X-ray tube radiate an X-ray to the object, and the solid state image pickup unit senses an X-ray image. If the exposure button is not depressed in 10 minutes, the operation of the solid state image pickup unit is stopped and the set sensing part is released.

Abstract: A method of evaluating a substance scoring system comprises acquiring data from a phantom using an imaging system, moving at least a portion of the phantom during the acquiring step, and generating an actual substance score for the phantom based on the data acquired using the imaging system. The phantom simulates a human organ such as a human heart. The phantom is provided with a motion profile that simulates a motion profile of the human organ.

Abstract: Where an object to be analyzed in an X-ray fluorescence analysis is a thin film sample, the X-ray fluorescence spectrometer facilitates selection of proper secondary X-ray lines to be measured to thereby facilitate an accurate analysis. The spectrometer includes a measuring line evaluating means 23 operable to calculate for each specified secondary X-ray line to be measured, a first theoretical intensity at a specified thickness and a composition of each of layers in the thin film and a second theoretical intensity at the thickness and the composition thereof when the thickness or a concentration has been changed by a predetermined quantity, to calculate a precision of a thickness or a precision of the concentration based on the first and second theoretical intensities, and to determine applicability or inapplicability of an analysis using the specified secondary X-ray line to be measured.

Abstract: A medical imaging examination device has an X-ray source, a reception unit for receiving the X-rays that penetrate a patient, an operating device for operation of the examination device by an operator, and a memory device wherein images are or can be stored in electronically readable form. The images can be X-ray images registered in earlier examinations or images that simulate X-ray images. A selection device reads out one of the stored images out from the memory device dependent on a desired examination region of the patient and displays it on a display device before the examination of the examination region with X-rays. The operating personnel, possibly in conjunction with a control functionality of the examination device are thus provided with a visualization of an X-ray image to be anticipated.

Abstract: In order provide an energy dispersive X-ray analyzer that can perform efficient measurement by optimizing signal processing time of an X-ray counting section, an energy dispersive X-ray analyzer is provided with an energy dispersive X-ray detector, an X-ray counting section for analyzing the signal from the energy dispersive X-ray detector and generating a frequency distribution for each energy level, namely an energy spectrum, and a data control section for performing data processing, user interface etc. The X-ray counting section of the energy dispersive X-ray analyzer has signal processing methods with different processing times for a single X-ray input, and a function for selecting which method result to make use of using input X-ray energy.

Abstract: A medical examination suite is described. In one example embodiment, the suite comprises an exam room having a microphone and at least a portion of a medical imaging system therein. A microphone sensitivity zone is located in the exam room. The suite further comprises a control room adjacent the exam room and having a video monitor and controls for the imaging system therein, and an equipment room having a computer therein. The computer is coupled to the microphone and to the video monitor and controls for the imaging system.

Abstract: A method for estimating motion of a part of an object, using a CT imaging system, is therefore provided in one embodiment of the present invention. This method includes steps of: scanning the object with the CT imaging system so as to acquire conjugate data samples; analyzing the conjugate data samples to remove data representative of overlapping, non-moving portions of the object; and estimating a cardiac motion from the analyzed conjugate data samples. Advantageously, no EKG device is required estimating cardiac motion when this method for estimating motion is employed.

Abstract: A radiographic apparatus for obtaining an X-ray image on the basis of examination request information received from an external apparatus, determines a radiographing condition by giving the received examination request information preference to a default radiographing condition corresponding to the received examination request information.

Abstract: A radiation image reading system, comprises a plurality of reading apparatus to read a radiation image and to produce image data; and an information transmitting apparatus to transmit information regarding a patient to at least a reading apparatus of the plurality of reading apparatus; wherein when the information regarding the patient transmitted by the information transmitting apparatus is canceled, the information regarding the patient is transmitted by the information transmitting apparatus to another reading apparatus other than the reading apparatus to which the information regarding the patient was firstly transmitted.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for coordinating the operation of multiple devices actuated by foot pedal operated switches. A housing has a lid movably mounted thereto and defines a recess therewithin. A foot pedal assembly has a pedal member which is downwardly movable and which is adapted to be depressed by downward pressure exerted by the foot of a user. The foot pedal assembly has a first switch operatively associated therewith which is actuated by a downward movement of the pedal member. The foot pedal assembly is disposed within the recess defined within the housing such that a downward movement of the lid displaces the pedal member of the foot pedal assembly to actuate the first switch. A second switch is disposed such that the downward movement of the lid of the housing also actuates the second switch. Downward movement of the lid actuates the first and second switches together to concurrently change the states of first and second devices operatively associated with the first and second switches.

Abstract: A portable x-ray system includes an x-ray source, an internal power supply for supplying an input voltage, and a voltage converter in electrical connection between the power supply and the source. The converter varies the input voltage from the power supply to provide an output voltage useable in the x-ray source to generate x-rays of a predetermined energy. The power supply includes a battery power store, a capacitor power store, and a switching unit to selectively connect the power stores to the voltage converter individually or together to provide the input voltage to the voltage converter during an exposure.

Abstract: A medical installation system including at least one medical therapy and/or diagnostics apparatus having a controller with a control computer, and further including at least one computer work station connected to a first data network. The control computer is connected thereto via a second data network separated from the first data network such that the computer work station and the control computer are capable of communicating with one another.

Abstract: A multi-slice or volumetric CT system has a 2D array of detector elements arranged in columns along the slice direction and rows along the in-slice direction. Channels in a digital acquisition system connect to the respective columns and a switch assembly is operated during a scan to sequentially enable detector elements in each column either one or two at a time. By enabling two elements at a time, the SNR of the acquired data is increased and the expected resolution loss in the slice direction is compensated for by detector wobbling.

Abstract: A versatile X-ray examination apparatus including a movable table top for supporting a patient, an imaging system having an X-ray source adopted for passing X-rays through the patient and an image receptor for generating an X-ray image of the patient, the image receptor is automatically moved to a desired position by a control system. The control system includes a memory for storing data concerning the table top, a control circuit for detecting a plurality of moving amounts of a plurality support members for supporting the imaging system, and a moving amount calculator for calculating a moving amount of the image receptor along a radiation axis on the basis of the data in the memory and the detected moving amount data provided from the control circuit.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system for detecting and correcting an erroneous exposure generated during x-ray imaging of a patient. In the present invention, x-ray imaging settings for imaging the patient are selected. X-ray beam quality and x-ray quantity values are generated from the selected x-ray imaging settings. An exposure rate is predicted from the x-ray beam quality and x-ray quantity values. The patient is then exposed to an x-ray beam having the generated x-ray beam quality and x-ray quantity values. The total exposure is then determined and compared to the predicted exposure rate. The comparison is then used to determine if the patient is being exposed at an erroneous level. If the exposure is at a correct level, then the exposure is completed. However, if the exposure is not at a correct level, then the exposure is stopped and adjusted to a new exposure level.

Abstract: A cordless control system for actuating selected functions of a mobile X-ray unit. This cordless control system comprises a transmitter and a receiver. The portable transmitter is hand held and includes a first control switch, a second control switch, and an infrared emitting circuit. The infrared emitting circuit includes a plurality programmable encoding switches. Each of the programmable encoding switches are user switchable for emitting at least one binary coded infrared signal. The receiver includes a plurality of infrared sensors and a receiving circuit. The receiving circuit includes a plurality of programmable decoding switches. Each of the infrared sensors is arrayed for receiving each binary coded signal being sent by the transmitter.

Abstract: In a radio telephone system and a call charging method used in this radio telephone system, when a user of a radio telephone issues a telephone call to a public telephone network by utilizing a radio controller installed in a PBX employed on the premises of a company to which the telephone user does not belong, the PBX reports both of terminal number information of the radio telephone and call account information for charging the call account to the terminal to the public telephone network, in case that a telephone call is demanded. When the information is received, the public telephone network charges the call account to the radio telephone. If the information is not transmitted from the PBX to the public telephone network, the call account is charged to the call originating line of the PBX.

Abstract: In an interventional radiography (IVR), for example in a percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), when the IVR includes a period in which the movement of the object is slow, a normal X-ray radiating mode (a continuous X-ray radiation or a normal rate pulse radiation of about 15-30 pulses per second) is changed to a very slow rate pulse X-ray radiation of about 1-5 pulses per second to decrease the X-ray dose of the patient. Since the movement is slow, the very slow rate pulse radiation can still trace the movement adequately. Further, the quality of the X-ray image is improved by increasing the tube current in the very slow rate pulse radiation because less heat is generated in the X-ray tube.

Abstract: An x-ray diagnostic system wherein verbal, hands-free data input is available to the user for communicating with the components of the system. The components of the system, which are interconnected via a signal transmission path, include a speech recognition system for data input and a communication device designed so that available and executed commands are reproduced thereby.

Abstract: An X-ray radiographing apparatus is provided with an interlock mechanism to avoid mutual interference of movable elements such as an X-ray unit, a compression cone, a table, a tabletop and a spot-film device. When a judging element judges, in response to information outputted from a position detecting element of the movable elements and switches operated by an operator, that interlock should be done, an interlocking element is worked, and then a teaching unit is worked. Thus, the interlocked state itself and how to unlock from the interlocked state can be taught to the operator with graphic images by the teaching unit.

Abstract: An X-ray generator for operating an X-ray tube having parts of the tube connected to ground includes a high-voltage transformer arrangement having distinct secondary windings for producing positive and negative high voltages, for the anode and the cathode, respectively, of the X-ray tube. The unfavorable voltage distribution inherent in the feeding of such an X-ray tube by a high-ohmic generator is removed in a simple manner in that the secondary windings are each associated with a primary winding and that in series with the primary winding for producing the anode voltage an inductance is connected by means of a switching device.

Abstract: The generation of excessive electron radiation or X-ray radiation is prevented in an apparatus which comprises an accelerator means for generating and accelerating electrons. These electrons form an electron beam which has a predetermined low intensity level for the generation of electron radiation or a predetermined high intensity level for the generation of X-ray radiation. In case of generating electron radiation a scattering foil or a target, respectively are arranged in the trajectory of the electron beam. The foil and the target are movably arranged on a support means.

Abstract: An anode driving apparatus of a rotating anode X-ray tube includes a power source transformer connected to an AC power source, first and second taps, located at the secondary winding of the power source transformer, for outputting first and second AC voltages having the same phase, first and second switching elements respectively connected to the first and second taps and each made up of a solid state relay (SSR), an AC motor having a common terminal commonly connected to the first and second switching elements, a main terminal connected to a 0-voltage terminal of the power source transformer, and a subterminal connected to the 0-voltage terminal of the power source transformer via a phase shift capacitor, and a switching controller for turning on/off the first and second switching controller sequentially and continuously turns on the first and second switching elements, and sequentially applies the first and second AC voltages to the common terminal of the AC motor.

Abstract: An x-ray tube contains a plurality of filaments each with an associated focus cup control to allow it to change rapidly between discrete emission intensities. The cathode structure of the x-ray tube is constructed so that each filament is located in a separate focus cup structure. However, the focus cup structures are electrically isolated so that a separate bias potential can be applied to each focus cup structure. By separately biasing each focus cup structure, the emission from each of the filaments can be controlled independently.

Abstract: Digital radiography apparatus uses a resonance-type high frequency inverter having a main switch in series with an auxiliary switch. An X-ray tube receives the pulsed power from the high frequency inverter, after voltage ampliflication and rectification, emitting pulsed X-rays to a patient. A TV camera obtains X-ray transmission images of the patient, and an image processor generates a visual diagnostic image by subtracting one X-ray transmission image from another. The high frequency inverter circuit is controlled synchronously with the processing operation of the image processor.

Abstract: A voltage signal proportional to the brightness of an x-ray image is derived. In a mA loop the ratio of a reference voltage to brightness is determined. If the brightness ratio does not equal 1 it causes the x-ray tube current controller to adjust current (mA) to eliminate the error. A command proportionate to the ratio is stored until the next image frame. In a kV loop a ratio of the last mA command and a set limit for mA is taken. This error ratio is multiplied by the brightness ratio to provide a kV control ratio indicative of how much of the brightness error the kV loop is obliged to correct. The kV control ratio is corrected for nonlinearity between kV change and brightness change and the resulting command is used to adjust the kV applied to the x-ray tube anode.

Abstract: An X-ray tube having a capability to produce multiple anode spots. The X-ray tube can produce three or more different size anode focal spots without modification of the connectors, cabling, or high voltage supply for routing high voltage signals to the X-ray tube. An isolating fiber optic control input connects an external light emitting diode to a controller inside the tube housing. The controller responds to light signals from the light emitting diode to control the size of focus spots on the tube anode. In a preferred embodiment each of three filaments are individually energized to produce three different size focal spots and a cathode cup to which the filaments are mounted is also biased to add a four spot capability. In an alternate embodiment a split or segmented cathode cup has its segments biased to different electrical potentials by tapping power from a conventional high voltage filament supply used in energizing a cathode filament.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging system which enables recording of an X-ray image of an object at a desired time without substantial delay while fluoroscopically observing the X-ray image with the eye, and in which the filament current of the X-ray tube is kept at a constant level at all times, and the tube voltage is supplied in synchronism with the vertical scanning of a TV camera in the form of pulses, the width of which is changed depending upon whether the X-ray image is fluoroscopically observed with the eye or a picture thereof is radiographically recorded.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment comprises an X-ray tube having at least two selectively engageable different focal points, a primary radiation diaphragm adjusted relative to the X-ray tube, and comprising an image layer. When changing the focal point, an adjustment of the primary radiation diaphragm occurs in prior X-ray tubes, the adjustment resulting in a displacement of the illuminated beam field on the image layer. The present disclosure provides that the diaphragm plates of the primary radiation diaphragm are synchronously displaced in the same direction and by approximately the same amount by which the focal point is displaced when switching from the one to the other focal point. An inventive X-ray examination system is particularly suited for employment in X-ray diagnostics.

Abstract: In an exemplary x-ray generator with several focal spots, a supply device for energizing the heating filaments for the respective focal spots comprises a single filament supply transformer for all heating filaments with which generator circuitry for supplying different frequencies is connected, and one filter each is connected between each heating filament and the secondary winding of the filament transformer. The pass bands of the filters correspond to the different generator frequencies.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment includes a television installation for the transmission of the X-ray image, a dose rate device for supplying a dose rate value during fluoroscopy, and a control circuit for controlling the size of the focus of the X-ray tube, to which at least one dose rate value of the dose rate device is supplied. An X-ray tube is present with at least one control electrode for the determination of the focus size via the electrode potential. The control electrode is connected with the control circuit via a control voltage generator. In the control circuit, data is stored which establishes the focus size at the smallest possible value, in dependence upon the dose rate value, the permissible load of the X-ray tube, and upon radiography values.

Abstract: A system for supplying a selected voltage between the anode and cathode of an x-ray tube independent of power source voltage variations couples the x-ray tube power supply to the source with a transformer whose output voltages are selectable with tap switches. Prevailing source voltage and selected applied voltage are sensed and represented by analog signals which are converted to binary digital codes that form addresses for a read-only memory. The read-only memory is programmed with data representative of the pattern in which the tap switches should be set for the transformer to supply the selected voltage at the prevailing source voltage. When addressed by combinations of code words representative of the selected and source voltages, the memory outputs a code word that is used to set the switches in the corresponding pattern.