Abstract: An MRI-compatible patch for identifying a location includes a flexible base layer, a flexible substrate and at least one of MRI-visible fiducial element. The flexible base layer is mountable on and substantially conformable to a patient's body surface. The base layer has opposed upper and lower primary surfaces. The flexible substrate is releasably attached to the upper primary surface of the base layer and substantially conformable to the patient's body surface. The at least one MRI-visible fiducial element is defined by or secured to the flexible substrate. The patch may include a plurality of the MRI-visible fiducial elements arranged in a defined pattern.

Abstract: A method for iterative reconstruction of tomographic images of an object of interest includes obtaining data corresponding to a field of view of a detector, processing the data to prepare a reconstruction support region corresponding to a region within the field of view encompassing the object, and reconstructing a tomographic image using the reconstruction support region. Preferably, the data corresponding to the field of view includes at least one of a projection image of the object, an orbit location of a detector relative to a center of rotation of the detector, or an attenuation coefficient map of the object, which data can be used to describe a reconstruction support region corresponding to the object.

Abstract: A method of positioning a surgical instrument is provided which includes mapping a volume adjacent an operating table by taking mapping images from two orientations of a calibration object which includes a 3-dimensional array of radio opaque markers in a known configuration. A patient is positioned on the operating table with a patient target area within a mapped volume, and an instrument holder carrying a known configuration of radio opaque markers positioned adjacent the target area. Further fluoroscopic target images of the target area and instrument holder are obtained from the two orientations and the target area then reconstructed in 3-dimensions by comparing the target images to the mapping images. An instrument holder orientation is then calculated from the reconstruction.

Abstract: The present application relates to an x-ray marker device comprising an arrangement of x-ray markers, wherein the arrangement defines straight lines which are referred to as device straight lines, wherein at least some of the device straight lines, which are referred to as pyramid straight lines, comprise portions which define edges of at least one pyramid.

Abstract: A device is provided herein for locating a breast of a female patient. In one embodiment, the locating device is adapted to be inserted into an opening within a patient table. The locating device is further adapted with different sizes and shapes, and thus, can be adapted to various breast shapes. In one embodiment, the device is provided with an RFID transponder for identifying the particular locating device being used. The RFID transponder enables data about the locating device to be automatically recorded along with the image data. This enables the shape of the locating device to be taken into account when evaluating an image. Furthermore, the RFID transponder ensures that a locating device of the same shape is used for subsequent exposures of a patient's breast, so that the exposures remain comparable.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for estimating C-ARM fluoroscope rotation pose, and related programmed media and kits. In one embodiment the method includes measuring an angle of the C-arm using an accelerometer affixed to the C-arm, wherein the accelerometer is not moving during the measurement. The method includes generating angle correction equations based on differences between C-arm poses and corresponding accelerometer angles, and optionally generating structural compensation equations to compensate for structural flexion or deformation of the C-arm.

Abstract: A mobile digital radiography system of a type including a mobile x-ray source; a mobile computer, the computer having a display for radiographic images and related information; a digital radiography detector, the detector and x-ray source in communication with and under control of the computer, means operatively associated with the computer for sending and receiving data concerning a patient, such data including diagnostic results, diagnostic images and requests for additional services, to and from separate image archiving and information systems; means operatively associated with the computer for comparing data from separate hospital image archiving and radiology information systems from a prior examination of a patient with data from a current examination of a patient using the mobile digital radiography system; and means operatively associated with the computer for aiding bedside interpretation of a patient's condition in view of the comparing of data from prior and current examinations.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for obtaining radiation transmission data and especially an image of an object in such manner that allows some data about relative proportions of constituent materials to be derived is described. A radiation source and a radiation detector system able to resolve transmitted intensity across a plurality of frequencies within the spectrum of the source are used to produce transmitted intensity data for each such frequency. Measured data is compared numerically to a mass attenuation data library storing mass attenuation data, individually or collectively, for a small number of expected constituent component materials to fit each intensity data item to the relationship given by the exponential attenuation law: I/Io=exp[?(?/?)?t] in respect of the constituent component materials and derive therefrom an indication of relative proportions of each constituent component material. An image may be generated from the resolved transmitted intensity data.

Abstract: An improved way of using radiographic imagery to capture internal characteristics of a concrete structure, wherein radiographic film is placed on one side of the concrete structure and X-rays are transmitted towards the film from the other side. A target which is selectively radiographically impervious may be interposed to generate location or guidance indicia on the film. The target may itself be non-symmetric, such as being L-shaped, or alternatively or in addition, the location indicia may be non-symmetrically located on the target or alternatively, may be arrayed about the circumference of the target similar to numerals of a clock face. Imagery resulting from radiographic imagery may or may not display inclusions and other anomalies of the concrete structure.

Abstract: There is provided an adhesive composite cover and method of use in which the cover is well suited to effectively cover a temporary tattoo utilized in radiation therapy treatments. The cover includes a transparent, flexible layer with a rigid layer releasably adhered thereto. The first, flexible layer has a lower adhesive surface, an upper low-adhesion surface and a predefined peripheral edge. The second, rigid layer has a lower surface releasably adhered to the upper low-adhesion surface of the first layer, an opposing upper exposed surface, and a peripheral edge cooperative with the predefined peripheral edge of the first layer to preserve the integrity of the first layer during handling and application. The second layer is removed from the first layer only after the first layer is adhered to a patient's skin.

Abstract: A radiation image capturing apparatus that includes a radiation conversion panel comprises an input device for inputting a first distance from the position of the panel to a position serving as a reference position for a subject, a distance measuring unit for measuring a second distance from the radiation source to the panel, a first radiation field calculating unit for determining a radiation field at the position of the panel based on setting information of the radiation source and the second distance, a second radiation field calculating unit for determining a hypothetical radiation field at the reference position of the subject based on the setting information of the radiation source, the first distance, and the second distance, and a life-size correcting unit for correcting the radiation image information from the panel based on the information of the calculated radiation field and the information of the calculated hypothetical radiation field.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reconstructing a body map of a patient that provide automatic control of speeds of moving parts of the apparatus, regulation of an x-ray dose, and computation of time of exposure to the x-ray dose.

Abstract: A non-invasive means and method locates a target spinal segment on a patient prior to surgery. An apparatus comprises a frame; a plurality of laser diodes projecting planar beams and mounted on the perimeter of the frame; a radio-opaque cable attached to the frame at the location of a laser diode; optionally, a weight is attached to the cable; optionally a rod extends from the frame perimeter; and optionally a bombsight is included within the frame marked with crosshairs. The method comprises the steps of marking a patient's skin; placing the frame on the patient; turning on the laser diodes; rotating the frame until the until a line of visible light is perpendicular to the patient's spine; aligning the cable with the planar laser beam; providing an X-ray source; aligning the X-ray source with the planar laser beam and obtaining an X-ray.

Abstract: A transparent film for attaching markers or symbols to medical devices or body surface areas of patients is provided. A first surface of the film is prepared such that it is as smooth and resistant to cleaning agents as possible. The second surface facing the first surface is imprinted with markers or with symbols and is provided with an adhesive layer after the imprinting process.

Abstract: In an X-ray CT scanner having an X-ray tube which applies an X-ray spreading in a body axis direction of a subject, and an X-ray detector having a wide imaging range which detects the X-ray passed through the subject and converts the detected X-ray into an electric signal, a desired image creation time is set by use of a specific CT value curve in a console input unit before scanning with the X-ray. After the scanning, data of the CT value change curve is generated based on the obtained projection data. An image creation range in the generated change curve is determined based on an image creation range set in the console input unit, and the image creation is performed in the image creation unit based on the determined image creation time.

Abstract: A system for x-ray optical alignment. The system includes an x-ray source, an optic, a collimation element, and alignment sensors. The x-ray source generates an x-ray beam that is directed by the optic at a sample. The collimation element is located between the optic and the sample to define the profile of the x-ray beam. The sensors receive the x-ray beam from the optic and generated signal indicative of the system alignment. The sensors may be located on a surface of the collimation element facing the optic. The inner edge of the sensors may be located at equal intervals radially about the collimation element and may form an aperture having a symmetric shape.

Abstract: A radiography marker for indicating the inclination angle of a radiography imaging receiver has a portion defining at least one area transparent to x-radiation and an angle indicator element attached to the portion defining at least one area at a pivot point and manually adjustable along the portion defining at least one area to set any of a plurality of angular positions over at least a portion of the at least one area transparent to x-radiation. At least a portion of the indicator element is opaque to x-radiation.

Abstract: Method of associating meta-data relating to a radiation image of an object with the radiation image wherein the meta-data are broadcast and are detected and associated with an activated radiation image recording device.

Abstract: An improved way of using radiographic imagery to capture internal characteristics of a concrete structure, wherein radiographic film is placed on one side of the concrete structure and X-rays are transmitted towards the film from the other side. A target which is selectively radiographically impervious may be interposed to generate location or guidance indicia on the film. The target may itself be non-symmetric, such as being L-shaped, or alternatively or in addition, the location indicia may be non-symmetrically located on the target or alternatively, may be arrayed about the circumference of the target similar to numerals of a clock face. Imagery resulting from radiographic imagery may or may not display inclusions and other anomalies of the concrete structure.

Abstract: The effects of electromagnetic interference (EMI) on X-ray image data is corrected by characterizing the EMI and processing the image data to subtract the EMI effects from the image data. The X-ray image data, along with offset data, are collected in a conventional manner, affected by EMI if present, and EMI-characterizing data is immediately collected thereafter by disabling rows of a digital detector (FET off). The EMI-characterizing data, then, is not affected by the presence of image data, and can be used to characterize the amplitude and frequency of the EMI. The EMI-characterizing data is assured of being in phase with the collected image and offset data due to its collection in the same image acquisition sequence immediately following the collection of image and offset data. Artifacts due to the presence of EMI are thus eliminated from reconstructed images based upon the corrected data.

Abstract: An imaging tomography apparatus, in particular an x-ray tomography apparatus or an ultrasound tomography apparatus, has a stationary unit with a sensor for measurement of an out-of-balance condition of an annular data acquisition device rotatable around a patient opening in the stationary device. Compensation weights for compensation of the out-of-balance condition are provided on the data acquisition device. To simplify the balancing procedure, the compensation weights are disposed in two parallel planes axially separated from one another, and in each plane at least three compensation weights are fashioned as chambers that can be filled with a fluid. At least two of the chambers are connected with one another via at least one conduit for fluid transfer therebetween exchange.

Abstract: A multi-density skin marker for medical imaging exams is provided. The skin marker contains a multi-density imaging body. In one embodiment, a multi-density skin marker includes a marker substrate and a multi-density imaging body supported by the marker substrate. The multi-density imaging body comprises a first portion having a first radiographic density and a second portion having a second radiographic density. The two radiographic densities differ, such that a radiographic image of the multi-density skin marker comprises a plurality of shades.

Abstract: An image taking support device for radiographic long length imaging, the image taking support device providing an image of a subject, the image being longer than a length of a maximum field of view of a radiation detector, by combining a plurality of radiographic images each partially overlapping another at the overlapping parts, the device comprising: a supporting member including a radiotransparent material and supporting the subject; markers including a substance with a large radiation attenuation coefficient, the markers being movably arranged along a surface of the supporting member supporting the subject so that the markers provide marks for combining the images; an irradiated area determination device that determines an area to be irradiated with a radiation; a marker position determining device that determines positions for arranging the markers, based on the determined area to be irradiated; and a marker moving device that moves the markers to the determined positions of the markers.

Abstract: A device is shown for measuring the angle of inclination of a radiographic imaging cassette. The device has a digital inclinometer, such as a MEMS accelerometer, configured to measure the angle of inclination of the cassette with respect to gravity. The device may be portable, including a display coupled to the inclinometer for indicating the angle of inclination of the cassette. The display may be a digital readout, or an analog meter having radio-opaque gradations such that the angle of inclination is recorded on an image processed from the imaging cassette. Alternatively, the digital inclinometer may be integrated into the imaging cassette, and be configured such that readings from the digital inclinometer may be uploaded to a digitizer via an RF transmitter or other transmission means.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are provided for a directional antenna system that employs a wireless link between x-ray apparatus. The system includes a host computer, an x-ray tube with an emission scan channel, a first directional antenna connected to the x-ray tube and with an orientation parallel to the emission channel, a second antenna wirelessly communicating with the first directional antenna, an x-ray detector wirelessly communicating with the x-ray tube, and a rigid panel supporting the second antenna and the x-ray detector being in contact with the emission scan channel. Specific techniques are employed to manage antenna direction and transmission.

Abstract: A method of operating a digital x-ray system having a plurality of information processors, each information processor associated with a corresponding one of a plurality of operatories. The method includes detecting at least one image in response to at least one energy source emitting energy, while the energy source is associated with an extension arm which is positioned to serve a selected one of the operatories, and outputting an electrical image data signal representing the detected image. The method also includes detecting a position of the extension arm, and automatically routing the outputted electrical image data signal to the information processor associated with the selected operatory based on the detected position.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for image composition. Certain embodiments include acquiring a first image of an object using an imager, obtaining first positional information for the imager with respect to the object, acquiring a second image of the object using the imager, obtaining second positional information for the imager with respect to the object, and creating a composed image using the first and second images. A spatial relationship between the images is maintained using the positional information. A composed image may be created by constructing a memory map of image data related to the object and inserting the images into the memory map based on the positional information, for example. A composed image may be created by combining the images based on the positional information, for example.

Abstract: The present invention uses a penetrative radiation to form images of a reinforced concrete which has a steel bar. By recording a relationship between radioactive energies and thicknesses of the reinforced concrete, a radioactive energy curve for the reinforced concrete is built. The present invention can be used for an on-site detecting of a reinforced concrete.

Abstract: A method and an assistance system (20) plan geometrical imaging parameters like the active dose-measuring-field (29) and/or the opening of a collimator (12) of an X-ray device (10). An optical image (27) of a patient (1) on a table (2) is generated by a camera (21) and transferred to a computer (25). The computer (25) then overlays said optical image (27) of the patient (1) with a graphical representation of the geometrical imaging parameters, for example with a drawing of the available and/or activated dose-measuring-fields (28, 29). The user may thus control and interactively select values of the imaging parameters on the overlay image.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for automatically setting an X-Ray strength based at least in part on the volume of an object. Lasers are used to measure distances to the object. Using the measured distances, a volume of the object to be X-Rayed is estimated. Using the estimated volume, an appropriate X-Ray strength is determined and an X-Ray machine is adjusted to provide X-Rays of that strength.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for compensation of three-dimensional movements of a target volume (1) during ion beam irradiation. For the purpose, the apparatus comprises a position location and tracking system (4) for detecting the movements and a depth modulator (6) for modifying the depth of penetration of the ion beam. For the purpose of compensation, the movements are divided vectorially into a transverse component and a longitudinal component.

Abstract: A multi-density skin marker for medical imaging exams is provided. The skin marker contains a multi-density imaging body. In one embodiment, a multi-density skin marker includes a marker substrate and a multi-density imaging body supported by the marker substrate. The multi-density imaging body comprises a first portion having a first radiographic density and a second portion having a second radiographic density. The two radiographic densities differ, such that a radiographic image of the multi-density skin marker comprises a plurality of shades.

Abstract: The invention relates to a radiography system for computed radiography, comprising an X-ray apparatus (1) with an X-ray source (7), a plurality of image cassettes (9) for producing digital images, a cassette reading means (13) for reading radiographic images (19) stored in the image cassettes (9) after X-ray exposure, and a data processing means (14) connected to the cassette reading means (13), the data processing means (14) being arranged to process the radiographic images (19) read from the image cassettes (9).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for determining the position of a part of a medical instrument with an x-ray sensitive sensor in a plane of an x-ray image using an x-ray facility having an x-ray beam source and a device, which is assigned to the beam source and influences the x-ray radiation emitted by the x-ray beam source, wherein a spatial region, in which the medical instrument is located, is scanned with x-ray radiation and at the same time x-ray radiation is detected with the x-ray-sensitive sensor with the device for influencing the x-ray radiation rotating at constant speed, the rotation being synchronized to the receipt of signals based on x-ray radiation with the x-ray-sensitive sensor and with the position of the part of the medical instrument in the plane of an x-ray image being determined based on the x-ray radiation detected with the x-ray-sensitive sensor.

Abstract: A device is shown for measuring the angle of inclination of a radiographic imaging cassette. The device has a digital inclinometer, such as a MEMS accelerometer, configured to measure the angle of inclination of the cassette with respect to gravity. The device may be portable, including a display coupled to the inclinometer for indicating the angle of inclination of the cassette. The display may be a digital readout, or an analog meter having radio-opaque gradations such that the angle of inclination is recorded on an image processed from the imaging cassette. Alternatively, the digital inclinometer may be integrated into the imaging cassette, and be configured such that readings from the digital inclinometer may be uploaded to a digitizer via an RF transmitter or other transmission means.

Abstract: A method to check a tissue located in the vicinity of an object of examination when a treatment instrument such as a puncture needle is inserted into a subject, wherein a first planar image construction block included in an image construction unit reconstructs in real time two-dimensional planar images, which represent subject's slice planes, on the basis of projection data. A stereoscopic image construction block included in the image construction unit constructs three-dimensional stereoscopic images, which represent the subject's slice planes, on the basis of projection data. The planar images constructed by the first planar image construction block are displayed in real time on the screen of a display unit, and the stereoscopic images constructed by the stereoscopic image construction block are displayed on the screen of the display unit while being juxtaposed with the first planar images constructed by the first planar image construction block.

Abstract: Described herein is a portable, self-contained, electronic radioscopic imaging system that utilizes a multiple camera imager and advanced processing techniques to image suspicious containers. An X-ray sensor or imager utilizes a scintillating screen that produces flashes of light when impinged by an X-ray in combination with at least one camera, or the like, to produce an integrated signal that represents the sum of a prescribed number of flashes of radiation that pass through the object in a given pixel area. A self-contained display and control unit utilizes digital signal processing in order to display to an operator the full dynamic range and resolution of an image-capturing novel sensor utilized within the imager.

Abstract: A frame for positioning and labeling an appendage relative to an x-ray cassette during x-radiography. In one embodiment, the frame includes an x-ray transparent plate having a first surface and a second surface; and a protrusion positioned on the first surface. The protrusion aids in the positioning of the appendage and preventing the first surface of the plate from being in contact with the x-ray cassette. In still yet another embodiment, the plate includes indicia for positioning the appendage. Another aspect of the invention is a method for positioning an appendage on x-ray cassette including the steps of: providing a frame having an x-ray transparent plate having a first surface and a second surface; and a protrusion positioned on the first surface; placing the plate on the x-ray cassette such that the second surface is in contact with the x-ray cassette; and placing the appendage on the plate.

Abstract: In order to achieve a particularly good image sharpness, in a method and apparatus for radiological imaging of an examination subject, a digital x-ray detector is arranged behind the subject and a scattered-ray grid is positionable between the subject and the x-ray detector. The scattered-ray grid is designed for reduction of the scattered ray proportion of x-rays penetrating the subject. If the thickness of the subject is below a defined thickness, the scattered-ray grid is removed from the beam path.

Abstract: A frame for determining the position and orientation of an x-ray source relative to an x-ray cassette during x-radiography. In one embodiment the frame includes an x-ray transparent or translucent plate having a first surface and a second surface; and a partially radio-opaque protrusion positioned on the first surface of the plate. In another embodiment, a method for determining the position and orientation of an x-ray source relative to an x-ray cassette is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a frame, including an x-ray transparent plate having a first surface and a second surface; and a protrusion having a radio-opaque portion positioned on the first surface of the plate, and placing the plate on the x-ray cassette such that the second surface is in contact with the x-ray cassette. The method further includes placing the appendage on the plate in close juxtaposition to the protrusion, exposing the appendage and plate to an x-ray beam, and examining the image formed.

Abstract: Apparatus for acquiring an elongated radiographic image. The apparatus includes a flat panel electronic detector of radiographic images, the detector having a known length; and a transport mechanism for mounting the detector for movement in a direction parallel to the known length so that the detector can be positioned in sequential contiguous partially-overlapping positions to acquire a radiation image greater in length than the detector length. At least one marker is disposed in a region corresponding with each partially-overlapping position of the detector.

Abstract: In a method and a computer for generating a schedule for the implementation of examinations with an x-ray apparatus, in particular an x-ray computed tomography apparatus, a particularly exact schedule is generated by calculating an occupation duration for each patient using a load calculator that is present in the x-ray apparatus and to generate a schedule based on the calculated occupation duration, also taking into account a wait time for each examination.

Abstract: An X-ray analysis apparatus includes: an X-ray radiation unit that irradiates a sample with X-ray; an X-ray detection unit that detects X-ray emission from the sample; a unit that allows the X-ray detection unit to perform scanning operation for changing the angle of the X-ray detection unit with respect to the sample; and an image controller that displays information related to X-ray intensity detected by the X-ray detection unit and information related to a scanning angle of the X-ray detection unit as a 3D image. The image controller displays the 3D image simultaneously with the scanning operation of the X-ray detection unit. Further, simultaneously with the scanning operation of the X-ray detection unit, two or all of 1D, 2D, and 3D images are displayed in one screen. A measurement result starts being displayed as a 3D image before information related to all measurement results has been obtained.

Abstract: A blur compensation apparatus for X-ray image of an object to be examined used for a medical X-ray imaging apparatus, which has an X-ray generator and an X-ray imaging device opposite to the X-ray generator, said X-ray generator and said X-ray imaging device interposing therebetween said object held by an object holding means, wherein a sensor means for detecting blur movement of said object is provided near an objective projection position on said object holding means, and wherein a blur compensation process is executed for the X-ray image obtained by said X-ray imaging device, based on a positional change information which is calculated from a detection signal detected by said sensor means during X-ray radiography, said positional change information being the positional change amount with respect to said objective projection position relative to a reference position previously specified on said object holding means.

Abstract: A method and system for safe mail transmission is provided. A letter is created with a marking compound that provides contrast in a detection system. The letter is sealed in a protective enclosure and scanned when received.

Abstract: A method for operating a computed tomograph device is provided by which volume data pertaining to a volume area of a test object can be recorded. A marking for identifying a reconstruction area to be reconstructed is faded into an x-ray shadow image containing the volume area, wherein a split image of the beginning and/or end of the reconstruction area is reconstructed from the volume data in order to verify the position of the reconstruction area.

Abstract: A radiation-recording plate (104) can be constructed and arranged to form an image upon exposure from both a front side and a back side. The plate can include a marker (201) detectable in the image (205) after exposure and indicative of which of the front side and the back side the plate is exposed from. The marker may comprise a medium opaque to the radiation coating a region that does not interfere with reading the image when the plate is exposed from either side, or may be a void in the sensitive layer of the plate. The marker may have horizontal asymmetry about a vertical axis relative to a normal image orientation, or the marker may have vertical asymmetry about a horizontal axis relative to a normal image orientation. The marker may further comprise a front side marker and a back side marker whose appearance in an image on the plate indicates exposure from the front side or the back side respectively.

Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus has an operating guide unit for guiding a series of operations necessary from preparation till completion of scanning. The operating guide unit selectively displays a patient information input operating guide, a scanogram imaging operating guide, a scan plan selection operating guide, a scan range setting operating guide, a bed move starting guide, a scan operating guide, and a scan completion operating guide, in accordance with respective operation stages.

Abstract: An imaging plate for use in computerized radiography has an individual plate identification adapted to be visible in an X-ray image and a further indication marked visibly on the plate. Imaging plates found to be damaged when the X-ray image is examined can be identified by the visible marking.

Abstract: A marking device for defining the margins and orientation of radiography specimens includes a plurality of visually distinctive markers joined by a base that holds the markers until the markers are secured to a specimen. The base serves as a holder for the individual markers as the markers are secured to a specimen with sutures or staples, at which time the markers are disconnected from the base. One or more markers may be secured to a specimen as needed to define the orientation of the specimen. By securing markers to specific locations on a specimen, a surgeon can indicate to radiologists and pathologists the specimen's orientation in the body before removal, thus aiding in future study of the specimen. Since the markers are made either wholly or partially from radiopaque material, the markers are visible when radiographed.