Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable aperture for limiting the dimension of a beam of energy. In an exemplary embodiment, the aperture includes (1) at least one piezoelectric bender, where a fixed end of the bender is attached to a common support structure via a first attachment and where a movable end of the bender is movable in response to an actuating voltage applied to the bender and (2) at least one blade attached to the movable end of the bender via a second attachment such that the blade is capable of impinging upon the beam. In an exemplary embodiment, the beam of energy is electromagnetic radiation. In an exemplary embodiment, the beam of energy is X-rays.

Abstract: The invention relates to a collimator with adjustable focal length, especially for use in X-ray testing devices whose operating principle is based on diffraction phenomena in an object. Fixed focal length collimators used in such X-ray testing devices have to be displaced over a large range. The aim of the invention is to reduce the range of displacement. For this purpose, the collimator has at least two diaphragms having respective substantially circular slots arranged about a common center axis, wherein at least one diaphragm can be displaced along the center axis.

Abstract: A contour collimator and a method for setting a contour of a radiation path of an x-ray are provided. A liquid impermeable to the x-ray forms the contour.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for collimation of x-ray beams. According to various embodiments, an x-ray apparatus may comprise a first rotatable disk comprising a first plurality of angled slots and a first shutter comprising a first plurality of protruding members. At least one of the first plurality of protruding members may be positioned within a first angled slot of the first plurality of angled slots, and at least one of the first plurality of protruding members may be positioned within a second angled slot of the first plurality of angled slots. The first shutter may at least partially define an x-ray collimation aperture, and the apparatus may be configured such that rotation of the first rotatable disk results in movement of the first shutter to alter a size of the x-ray collimation aperture.

Abstract: Systems and methods for making and using a multi-blade collimator device are described herein. The collimator device can include a base member, a rotational member, and multiple X-ray-attenuating blades that fit together to define an aperture. The blades are typically disposed between the base member and rotational member. Additionally, the blades can be mechanically connected to or interfaced with the base member and the rotational member so that when the rotational member is rotated with respect to the base member, the blades move and cause the aperture to change in size. The aperture can be any shape, including polygonal, square, or rectangular. While the aperture's size can be increased and decreased, the shape and orientation of the aperture can remain substantially constant. The collimator can contain a single layer of blades or multiple layers of blades. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable aperture for limiting the dimension of a beam of energy. In an exemplary embodiment, the aperture includes (1) at least one piezoelectric bender, where a fixed end of the bender is attached to a common support structure via a first attachment and where a movable end of the bender is movable in response to an actuating voltage applied to the bender and (2) at least one blade attached to the movable end of the bender via a second attachment such that the blade is capable of impinging upon the beam. In an exemplary embodiment, the beam of energy is electromagnetic radiation. In an exemplary embodiment, the beam of energy is X-rays.

Abstract: Light from a light source is made to be reflected by a light source mirror and to pass through a variable collimator, an irradiation field shape shaped by the variable collimator is projected on a photographing screen by the light passed through the variable collimator, a projection portion of the photographing screen is photographed by a photographic device, and an image photographed by the photographic device is analyzed by an image processor.

Abstract: An adjustable collimator for shaping a beam of particles, such as for purposes of inspecting contents of a container. The adjustable collimator has an obscuring element substantially opaque to passage of the particles in a propagation direction that is radial with respect to the axis of rotation of a ring of apertures. A gap in the obscuring element may be characterized by a length taken along a long dimension and a jaw spacing taken along narrow dimension, and at least one of the length of the gap and the jaw spacing is subject to adjustment, either manual or automatic. The adjustable collimator may be disposed either inside or outside the ring of apertures, and, in some embodiments, the jaw spacing may be a function of distance along the long dimension relative to an edge of the gap.

Abstract: Multi-leaf collimators have a guide frame (1) with a plurality of metal plates (3) arranged in a displaceable fashion, by which each individual metal plate can be displaced by an electric motor (M), with the electric motor (M) being a rotary electromechanical motor (M), which operates according to the form-fit principle, with electromechanical actuators.

Abstract: Portions of the radiation source are obscured so that the radiation only passes through the specific areas of the patient related to the regions-of-interest to the doctor. Scattered radiation received by detector pixels that are obscured by direct-line of sight radiation are used to estimate the scattered radiation in the un-obscured portion, which can be used to increase the accuracy of the image taken through the un-obscured portion.

Abstract: A composite material pre-patient collimator for shaping an x-ray beam in a computed tomography (CT) system is disclosed. The pre-patient collimator includes a base comprised of a first material having a first material density and an insert mechanically coupled to the base and being comprised of a second material, the second material comprising a moldable material having a second material density greater than the first material density and that is sufficient to block high frequency electromagnetic energy. The base comprises a plurality of structural features by which the insert is molded to the base, with the moldable material of the insert forming a connection with the plurality of structural features to mechanically couple the base and the insert.

Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling an X-ray irradiation area, in which an acquisition circuit acquires information relating to an effective area of a sensor, and a control circuit controls the X-ray irradiation area based on the information relating to the effective area.

Abstract: A method of delivering radiation in a session includes delivering radiation towards a patient using a radiation system, wherein the radiation is delivered based at least in part on a physiological phase or a position of the patient, after the radiation is delivered, changing a configuration of the radiation system, wherein the act of changing the configuration is performed independent of at least one motion of the patient, and delivering additional radiation towards the patient after the configuration of the radiation system is changed, wherein the acts of delivering radiation and the act of changing the configuration are performed in response to a processor executing a treatment plan that prescribes a plurality of packages and a transition, the transition prescribing the act of changing the configuration of the radiation system when no radiation is being delivered by the radiation system.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a portion that moves along a guided path and a displacement gauge that outputs readings based on the portion's position on the guided path. The apparatus additionally includes an intermediate limit switch that is activated in response to the portion being moved to an intermediate position on the guided path. The apparatus also includes a processing device configured to calibrate the apparatus based on a first reading corresponding to a first position on the guided path and a second reading corresponding to a second position on the guided path. The processing device verifies the calibration based on a third reading corresponding to the intermediate position.

Abstract: A collimator for adjusting the shape of a region irradiated by radiation and a control method thereof. The collimator includes a plurality of irises to adjust the shape of the irradiation region, a light source outputting light to display the irradiation region, a reflective mirror to adjust a path of light radiated from the light source toward the irradiation region, and an image output unit outputting to the irradiation region a visible image representing the shape of a target object for radiography or a mark indicating the center of the radiation region.

Abstract: A diaphragm and diaphragm device for the specific manipulation of x-ray radiation that emanates from an x-ray focus of a CT apparatus and serves for scanning an examination subject, wherein the x-ray focus and the diaphragm arranged relatively near to the focus can be rotated together around a system axis (z-axis), and the diaphragm has movable diaphragm elements that dynamically adjust a diaphragm aperture (and therefore the spatial divergence of the x-rays passing through the diaphragm aperture). The diaphragm elements have a transmission factor for x-ray radiation that is different than zero. With such a diaphragm or diaphragm device the acquisition of the projection data necessary for the reconstruction of an artifact-free image of a region of interest (ROI) is possible with lower radiation exposure of the examination subject.

Abstract: When performing a fly-by or helical CT scan of a subject, radiation dose is limited by positioning a dynamic collimator (142) between the subject and an X-ray source (112). The collimator moves axially with the X-ray source (112) along a volume of interest (VOI) (122) in the subject and gradually opens, such that a narrow portion of the cone beam of X-rays is permitted to pass through the collimator (142) at ends of the VOI (122) and a wider full cone beam is emitted at central portions of the VOI (122). In this manner, tissue surrounding the VOI (122) is not needlessly exposed to X-rays, as would be the case if a full-width cone beam were used for the entire scan of the VOI (122).

Abstract: An X-ray diagnosis apparatus and a method for controlling an X-ray irradiation region that can appropriately narrow down an X-ray radiation aperture so as to fit a configuration of a region of interest during acquisition of X-ray projection data for reconstructing tomography images of an object. Based on a plurality of 2D image data acquired through a preliminarily X-ray imaging, a 3D region of interest is set up on an examination target portion having a strong directionality. X-ray imaging of the 3D region of interest is performed by sliding and rotating a plurality of aperture blades in an X-ray collimator based on a projected figure of the 3D region of interest along successively renewed imaging directions around a periphery of an object.

Abstract: A method and device for adjusting a collimator radiation field and an X-ray imaging system including the device are disclosed.

Abstract: A linkage mechanism of a scattered ray inhibition apparatus and a radiation field control apparatus is provided. The linkage mechanism includes a first timing belt, a second timing belt, and a transmission mechanism between the first timing belt and the second timing belt, wherein the scattered ray inhibition apparatus is mounted on the first timing belt, the radiation field control apparatus is mounted on the second timing belt, the transmission ratio of the transmission mechanism is equal to the ratio of the moving speed of the scattered ray inhibition apparatus to the moving speed of the radiation field control apparatus.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a slit mechanism apparatus includes, two slit plates configured to adjust a thickness of X-rays, two slit link bars which are pivotally supported on two ends of each of the two slit plates to interlock the two slit plates, two shafts on which the two slit link bars are respectively mounted to rotate the two slit link bars, two shutter plates configured to block/pass the X-rays, and two shutter link bars which are pivotally supported on two ends of each of the two shutter plates to interlock the two shutter plates and are mounted on the two shafts together with the two slit link bars.

Abstract: A blade device for forming a hollow cone-like radiation includes a pair of blade members opposed to each other symmetrically at a fixed inclination angle in a first direction perpendicular to the axis of the cone, a pair of second blade members opposed to each other symmetrically at a variable inclination angle in a second direction perpendicular to the axis of the cone and also perpendicular to the first direction, a pair of lever members fixed respectively at one ends thereof to faces of the pair of second blade members on the side opposite to the mutually confronting side, and lever actuating unit for pivoting the pair of lever members about respective shafts.

Abstract: It is described a device (10) for non-symmetrical X-ray beam collimation of a X-ray tube (30), wherein the device comprises a housing (1), a X-ray absorbing plate (2) for collimating a x-ray asymmetrically, and a sleigh (3) for moving the X-ray absorbing plate. With the inventive device an asymmetrical X-ray beam can be obtained from a symmetrical X-ray beam, such that the device can be used in conventional symmetrical X-ray systems, like C-arm systems and that a better protection of a patient is reached.

Abstract: These various embodiments are employed in conjunction with the use of both a multi-leaf collimator and jaws that are interposed between a source of radiation and a treatment target while sourcing radiation from the source of radiation towards the treatment target. Generally speaking, during some portion of the aforementioned treatment, these teachings provide for manipulating the jaws to more tightly constrain, in at least one dimension, a beam-shaping aperture as is formed by the multi-leaf collimator.

Abstract: The invention specifies a radiation collimator, in particular an x-ray collimator, which can be arranged between a radiation source outputting radiation and an object. The radiation collimator includes absorber channels arranged adjacent to one another which form a two-dimensional collimator aperture in the form of a matrix and a first absorber element arranged in the absorber channel. The first absorber element blocks the radiation in a first position and allows the radiation at least partially through the absorber channel in at least one second position. The first absorber element is rod-shaped and can be moved in the absorber channel by a rotation about its longitudinal axis and/or by a longitudinal and/or transverse displacement from the first into the at least one second position. This is advantageous in that the two-dimensional collimator aperture can be modulated easily, rapidly and with high resolution.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for coupling a fixed-aperture collimator to a variable-aperture collimator. The variable-aperture collimator may be an IRIS collimator having multiple leaves configured to open and close an aperture of the IRIS collimator within which the fixed-aperture collimator is retained.

Abstract: An X-ray computer tomography apparatus includes an X-ray tube, a two-dimensional array type X-ray detector, a rotating mechanism, a pair of collimators, a collimator moving mechanism which separately moves the pair of collimators in a direction almost parallel to a rotation axis, a reconstruction processing unit which reconstructs image data in a reconstruction range, and a collimator control unit. The collimator control unit controls the position of each collimator in accordance with the distance between an X-ray central plane corresponding to a cone angle 0° and an end face of the reconstruction range. The collimator moving mechanism moves each of the pair of collimators in the range from the outermost position corresponding to the maximum cone angle to the innermost position offset from a position corresponding to a cone angle of nearly 0° to the opposite side.

Abstract: A medical viewing system comprises an X-ray source, a collimator for limiting the X-ray radiation output of the X-ray source and a flat X-ray detector, wherein the collimator is adjustable such that the subsequent X-ray images acquired by the X-ray detector comprise a rectangular shape with variably rounded corners. The acquired X-ray images have a shape, which is in-between a circular shape and a rectangular or square shape. Acquired images with this shape may then be displayed on a display unit, wherein the borders or the images are distant from the borders of the designated screen area of the display unit in order to define a gap on the display. On rotation of an acquired image the rounded corners move towards the borders of the screen and are dimensioned such that they never cross the borders of the display. The used area of the screen 30 is approximately 30% larger than that of a circular image, e.g. taken by means of an image intensifier.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for a high resolution radiation treatment system which provide for projecting a field of radiation energy at targeted patient tissue. The system uses a multi-leaf collimator, which is positioned such that a significant clearance is provided between the multi-leaf collimator and the isocenter plane where the targeted tissue is located. The leaves of the multi-leaf collimator are designed to provide for high step resolution in the projected radiation energy shape. Additionally, an embodiment of the system and method herein can provide for a high step resolution in the projected radiation energy shape, and for a dose calculation matrix which has matrix units which coincide with the high step resolution in the projected radiation shape.

Abstract: In a radioscopic method and device to generate projections of the inside of an examination subject that is located in an examination space of a data acquisition unit, a number of ray beams are generated that are directed toward the examination space and that each exhibit a fan angle in a rotation plane. The number of ray beams are rotated in the rotation plane in a rotation direction the examination space, while the fan angle is varied during the rotation.

Abstract: The present invention seeks to provide a radiotherapeutic apparatus that mitigates the various problems found in the techniques such as tomotherapy, IMAT, IMRT and the like. It provides a radiotherapeutic apparatus comprising a source of radiation whose output is collimated by a multi-leaf collimator, and a patient support, the source being rotatable around the support and the support being translatable along the axis of rotation, thereby to move the source helically relative to a patient on the support. The leaves of the MLC are preferably oriented orthogonal to the axis of rotation, to simplify computation of the dose distribution. The apparatus thus moves the patient on the patient support system along the axis of rotation, in the longitudinal direction. Thus, the device has an effectively unlimited treatable volume in the longitudinal direction and avoids the limitations of IMAT and IMRT techniques whilst enabling the use of thin MLC leaves to give a high longitudinal resolution.

Abstract: A multi-beam x-ray device has a multi-beam x-ray tube with an interior in the form of a circle. Focal spots of the x-ray radiation are arranged along the circle. An x-ray tube control unit controls the x-ray radiation emission such that an x-ray beam is emitted from each segment of the circle in specified sequence. The circle is divided up into at least two segments, and multiple diaphragms, each with at least one diaphragm aperture therein, one mounted to rotate around the center point of the circular path into the beam path of the x-ray tube. A first diaphragm, whose first diaphragm aperture limits the cross section of the x-ray beam emitted from the x-ray tube, is associated with each segment of the circular path. A number of slice images can be acquired without a movement of the x-ray tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a radiation screen for an X-ray device, comprising at least one radiation limiting means which is displaceably mounted and is embodied as a diaphragm. According to the invention, the radiation limiting means is displaceably mounted on a plane in a perpendicular manner in relation to a defining bundle of rays, and comprises a plurality of differently shaped diaphragm apertures for continuously limiting the different bundle of rays. It can, for example, be embodied as an essentially rotation-symmetrical perforated disk. In another embodiment, the radiation screen comprises two radiation defining means which are arranged in an overlapping manner in the direction of the bundle of rays which are to be defined.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer-product programs for increasing accuracy in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) by obscuring portions of the radiation source so that the radiation only passes through the specific areas of the patient related to the regions-of-interest to the doctor. The obscuring action causes less radiation scattering to occur in the patient's body, thereby reducing a major source of error in the image accuracy caused by scattered radiation. Scattered radiation received by detector pixels that are obscured by direct-line of sight radiation may be used to estimate the scattered radiation in the un-obscured portion, which can be used to further increase the accuracy of the image.

Abstract: A method and system for providing intensity modulated radiation therapy to a moving target is disclosed. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a treatment plan for providing radiotherapy using a multi-leaf collimator (“MLC”) comprises a plurality of sub-plans, each of which is optimized for a different phase of target movement. Movements of the treatment target are tracked in real time, and the choice of which sub-plan to implement is made in real time based on the tracked position of the target. Each of the sub-plans is preferably formulated to minimize interplay effects between target movements and MLC leaf movements, consistent with other planning goals. In addition, the sub-plans preferably include a predicted region corresponding to the next anticipated position of the target, in order to facilitate the transition to the next position.

Abstract: In a tomosynthesis system a static focal spot is moved in a direction opposite to and generally synchronized with the directional movement of an x-ray source and X-ray collimator blades are moved during each exposure in synchronization with the shifting of the static focal spot. The synchronized movement of the static focal spot, x-ray tube and collimator blades helps keep the effective focal spot fixed in space relative to the breast, detector or both during the entire duration of the exposure and keeps the x-ray field on the detector and breast static. The shifting collimator blades follow an oscillating pattern over the multiple x-ray exposures of a tomosynthesis scan.

Abstract: The invention relates to a collimator with adjustable focal length, especially for use in X-ray testing devices whose operating principle is based on diffraction phenomena in an object. Fixed focal length collimators used in such X-ray testing devices have to be displaced over a large range. The aim of the invention is to reduce the range of displacement. For this purpose, the collimator has at least two diaphragms having respective substantially circular slots arranged about a common center axis, wherein at least one diaphragm can be displaced along the center axis.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an angiographic image acquisition system and method which can beneficially be used in the scope of minimally invasive image-guided interventions. In particular, the present invention relates to a system and method for graphically visualizing a pre-interventionally virtual 3D representation of a patient's coronary artery tree's vessel segments in a region of interest of a patient's cardiovascular system to be three-dimensionally reconstructed. Optionally, this 3D representation can then be fused with an intraoperatively acquired fluoroscopic 2D live image of an interventional tool.

Abstract: An X-ray analysis instrument, in particular, an X-ray diffractometer (21), has an X-ray source (22; SC) that emits an X-ray beam (23), an X-ray optics (24), in particular a multi-layer X-ray mirror, and a collimator mechanism (BM), wherein the collimator mechanism (BM) forms an aperture window (2, 2?) with an aperture opening (3, 3?) through which at least part (26) of the X-ray beam (23) passes.

Abstract: A multi-beam x-ray device has a multi-beam x-ray tube in the form of a polygon, wherein the focal spots of the x-ray radiation are arranged along the polygon sides. An x-ray tube control unit controls the x-ray radiation emission such that an x-ray beam is alternately emitted from each polygon side in a specified sequence. Multiple first diaphragms with at least one respective first diaphragm aperture are arranged such that they can move into the beam path of the x-ray tube. A first diaphragm, whose first diaphragm aperture limits the cross section of the x-ray beam emitted from the x-ray tube, is associated with every polygon side. A number of slice images can be generated from different directions without a movement of the x-ray tube.

Abstract: A collimator device has at least one masking device that is adjustable between two end positions for collimation of a beam fan in an x-ray CT device, wherein the x-ray fan is schematically not masked in a first end position. The x-ray beam is more than half-masked in a second end position of the masking device. In a method for operation of such a collimator device as well as an x-ray CT device for examination of a subject having an x-ray source, a collimator device, and a control device for regulation of the aperture width of the masking device, an x-ray detector is arranged opposite the x-ray source and the collimator device and that detects the x-rays modified due to the intervening examination subject; and an image construction device reconstructs an image of the examination subject therefrom.

Abstract: A radiation diaphragm apparatus, which is adapted to form a radiation field, which is an exposed area of an object to be examined by radiation from a radiation source, comprises a plurality of diaphragm elements which are closely arranged in a first direction and movable along a second direction substantially normal to the first direction and each of which has a hole of a given shape formed to penetrate through it in the first direction, a shaft penetrating through the hole of each of the diaphragm elements, and a wear-resistant surface member coating the shaft. The shaft supports each of the diaphragm elements at a point of contact with the periphery of the hole. The diaphragm elements move along the second direction with support by the shaft.

Abstract: A light blocking device includes a deformable member deformable in a first direction and elongating in a second direction intersecting with the first direction, a plurality of light blocking plates arrayed along the second direction, each of the plurality of light blocking plates being connected to the deformable member, so that adjoining blocking plates of the plurality of light blocking plates partly overlap with each other, and a plurality of actuators arrayed along the second direction and which cause deformation of the deformable member. At least one of the plurality of light blocking plates is tiltable independently from the other light blocking plates in response to deformation of the deformable member. A light blocking region is thereby defined, based on edges of the plurality of light blocking plates.

Abstract: A source of pulsed radiation is coupled to a positionable filter. The positionable filter includes an element that produces an indication of a position of the filter. The source is configured to receive the indication of the position of the filter, and to regulate emission of a pulse of radiation based on the indication. A device includes an area including a material that alters a parameter of a beam of radiation that interacts with the material. The device is configured to move relative to a source of pulsed radiation. An element provides a signal to the source of pulsed radiation that indicates a position of the area relative to the source. The signal causes the source to trigger emission of a pulse at a time such that the emitted pulse is incident upon a portion of the area.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a collimator and collimation techniques. Specifically, the invention is directed to a collimator and method for collimation wherein the collimator combines the resolution and sensitivity properties of pinhole Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) imaging with the 2D complete-sampling properties of fan-beam collimators.

Abstract: A diaphragm system for an x-ray apparatus for scanning an object is provided. The diaphragm system includes a diaphragm support arranged within a radiation path of an x-ray beam. The diaphragm support includes at least two different individual diaphragms. The at least two different individual diaphragms may be controlled as a function of a definable radiation intensity and/or the size of a surface of the object to be irradiated and can be introduced into the radiation path.

Abstract: Multi-leaf collimators have a guide frame (1) with a plurality of metal plates (3) arranged in a displaceable fashion, by which each individual metal plate can be displaced by an electric motor (M), with the electric motor (M) being a rotatory electromechanical motor (M), which operates according to the form-fit principle, with electromechanical actuators.

Abstract: When performing an interventional CT scan on a subject, radiation dose is limited by employing a dynamic collimator (142) that collimates X-rays emitted by an X-ray source (112). The X-ray source (112) and collimator (142) rotate around a VOI (122) in the subject, and move axially along the VOI (122) to maintain the tip of a medical instrument (144) within the field of view of the narrow cone beam. An instrument tracking component (146) maintains information related to previous and current positions of the instrument (144) relative to the VOI (122) and facilitates tracking the instrument as it moves through the VOI (122). A user interface (136) superimposes images of a sub-region of the VOI (122) in which the instrument tip is located onto a pre-generated diagnostic image for viewing by an operator, to track the medical instrument (144).

Abstract: A source grating for X-rays and the like which can enhance spatial coherence and is used for X-ray phase contrast imaging is provided. The source grating for X-rays is disposed between an X-ray source and a test object and is used for X-ray phase contrast imaging. The source grating for X-rays includes a plurality of sub-gratings formed by periodically arranging projection parts each having a thickness shielding an X-ray at constant intervals. The plurality of sub-gratings are stacked in layers by being shifted.

Abstract: When performing a fly-by or helical CT scan of a subject, radiation dose is limited by positioning a dynamic collimator (142) between the subject and an X-ray source (112). The collimator moves axially with the X-ray source (112) along a volume of interest (VOI) (122) in the subject and gradually opens, such that a narrow portion of the cone beam of X-rays is permitted to pass through the collimator (142) at ends of the VOI (122) and a wider full cone beam is emitted at central portions of the VOI (122). In this manner, tissue surrounding the VOI (122) is not needlessly exposed to X-rays, as would be the case if a full-width cone beam were used for the entire scan of the VOI (122).