Abstract: A radiation tomography system includes a radiation source and a radiation detector opposed to the radiation source with a subject between them. The radiation tomography system further includes a scanner that scans a subject by moving the radiation source and radiation detector while rotating them about the subject; a calculator that calculates a control value with which an exposure of a radiation emanating from the radiation source is controlled; and a display on which at least one of calculated control values associated with positions in the direction of rotation of the scanner and control values associated with positions in the direction of a body axis linking the subject's head and the subject's tiptoe is displayed in relation to the respective pieces of positional information on the subject.

Abstract: A device for detecting an orientation and spacing of an X-ray source relative to an X-ray receiver comprises a projector which is disposed at a predetermined orientation and a predetermined spacing relative to the X-ray source, and is configured to project a predetermined pattern of electromagnetic waves in a direction of the X-ray receiver. A detector is configured to detect the predetermined pattern projected by the projector. A positioning detection device, connected to the detector and configured to receive an output signal from the detector, generates a positioning signal as a function the output signal. The positioning signal comprises information about the orientation and spacing of the X-ray source relative to the X-ray receiver.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a coordinate transformation for mixing an image of a first subject into an X-ray image of a second subject has an arrangement for fastening the apparatus to the second subject, markers that can be acquired by a navigation system, and X-ray-positive marks. The positions and orientations of the markers that can be acquired with the navigation system and the positions and orientations of the X-ray-positive marks relative to one another are thus known, so a coordinate transformation can be determined between a coordinate system allocated to the navigation system and a coordinate system allocated to the X-ray image. Thus an image of the first subject that can be acquired with the navigation system can be mixed into an X-ray image of the second subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides a partially radiolucent, partially radiopaque marker and a method for using such a marker for radiographic examination. The marker and the disclosed method may be employed for the examination of tissue structures of various densities. The radiographic density and thickness of the marker are selected so that when the marker and an underlying tissue structure are exposed to xray radiation of a specified energy, the marker casts a legible shadow without obscuring anatomical detail present in the underlying tissue structure. The invention also provides a system of partially radiolucent, partially radiopaque markers for use in the method of radiographic examination taught by the invention.

Abstract: A registration method and an apparatus for navigation-guided interventions employing an X-ray device and a position acquisition system and avoid the use of patient-associated markers. By means of a defined arrangement of a carrying arm proceeding from a support mount at the X-ray device and a defined arrangement of an X-ray calibration phantom at the carrying arm, the coordinate transformation between a coordinate system allocated to the support mount and a coordinate system allocated to the X-ray calibration phantom is known. On the basis of the acquisition and evaluation of 2D projections of the X-ray calibration phantom with the X-ray device, a coordinate transformation between the coordinate system allocated to the support mount and a coordinate system allocated to a measurement volume of the X-ray device is produced.

Abstract: A tomographic image reading method for extracting a comparison image corresponding to a diagnostic image, the diagnostic image being one of first tomographic images, the comparison image being one of second tomographic images, the method including the steps of: inputting the first images and the second images; generating a first projection image from the first images and a second projection image from the second images; measuring shift amount between the first projection image and the second projection image by using a template; correcting the slice position according to the shift amount; and displaying the diagnostic image and the comparison image to a monitor.

Abstract: A method and system for balancing CT gantry mechanisms. Two balance locations are preselected on the rotating base member and stacks of spacers, shims, and weights are provided at each site. Strain gate sensors are provided on the stationary base member and included as part of a sensor circuit. Trial and test runs determine the mass and Z-location of the mass which needs to be added to the system to statically and dynamically balance it.

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.

Abstract: A method and system for calibrating x-ray image data for medical navigation using a calibration instrument that is detected and tracked by a medical navigation system and has a plurality of localization structures that are detectable in x-ray images. The localization structures are arranged on at least two spaced supports. The method includes producing an x-ray image without a patient of the localization structures while the calibration instrument is tracked by a medical navigation system. After the x-ray image is registered in the medical navigation system using the localization structures, at least one of the spaced supports is removed from the calibration instrument. A second x-ray image is taken of a patient together with the calibration instrument with the support removed. The two images are compared to determine whether there is sufficient correspondence of the localization structures visible in the two images.

Abstract: A sheet media system comprising an apparatus for utilizing sheet media; and a radio-frequency identification transceiver associated with said apparatus for communicating with a transponder associated with sheet media utilized by said apparatus.

Abstract: Static and/or dynamic balancing of a CT gantry is provided by electronically positionable masses incorporated into the gantry structure that may be moved to nullify gantry imbalances caused by variation in components specifications or replacement of components on a balanced gantry.

Abstract: A marker for use with X-ray sensitive film to provide identifying indicia on the film when exposed to X-ray energy is preferably made by forming indicia pockets in a support and then filling the pockets with a mixture containing a tungsten material which has X-ray absorbing characteristics. The preferred mixture is a screen printing ink and either tungsten or tungsten oxide to provide a flowable mixture that can be squeezed into the pockets. The preferred method is to engrave indicia in the pockets in a plastic block and to screen print the tungsten and ink mixture into the pockets. A metal layer may be added adjacent the indicia to filter out higher intensity X-ray passing about the edges of the indicia to remove ghost edges about the indicia thereby improving the clarity of the indicia on the X-ray film. The metal layer may be a thin strip of metal positioned in a groove in a face of a plastic block support. The metal layer may be adhered to the plastic block by an adhesive.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a golf ball comprising the steps of providing a golf ball comprising a core and a cover; providing at least one flat reference marker; abutting the golf ball against at least one marker; rotating the golf ball about a single axis; capturing an x-ray image of the golf ball and marker; and determining the eccentricity of the golf ball.

Abstract: A system and method of acquiring x-ray data, comprising: acquiring a series of x-ray data for generating at least one x-ray image using an x-ray detector to receive x-ray beams from an x-ray source, wherein an object being imaged is displaced along an axis, the axis extending perpendicularly through a plane defined by the x-ray beams, wherein the displacement occurs at, at least one of a constant, accelerating, and decelerating rates; varying the rate of displacement thus enabling the x-ray detector to acquire data for at least one x-ray image during accelerating or decelerating displacement; and employing current modulation.

Abstract: An apparatus for representing an internal structure of an object includes an energy source, an energy sensor for sensing energy from the energy source and generating image data pertaining to an object disposed proximate the energy sensor and exposed to energy from the energy source, and a processor programmed to manipulate image data obtained from the energy source as a function of an actual orientation between the radiation source and the energy sensor from which an image of the object can be generated. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An image identification and quality indication system for radiographic inspection includes a flexible substrate, for positioning on a surface of an object to be inspected, and a number of locators and image quality indicators arranged on the flexible substrate. Each locator is configured for indicating a position on the object's surface in a respective radiographic image (image). Each image quality indicator is configured to indicate an image quality of the respective image. An image identification and quality indication method for radiographic inspection includes positioning the flexible substrate on the object's surface, including aligning the locators with a number of visible features on object's surface. The method further includes forming at least one reference mark and image quality mark in each of a number of images of the object, using a locator and image quality indicator, respectively. Each reference mark correlates the respective image with a position on the object.

Abstract: An x-ray positioner is provided having two independently articulated arms supporting an x-ray tube and x-ray detector, respectively, that are mounted offset to the patient and controlled to track a bolus travelling through a patient. A controller is provided with feedback information regarding the bolus to determine the rate of travel, and to produce motion signals to the arms to automatically track the movement of the bolus.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for generating a volume dataset of a subject taking a movement of the subject into consideration, a referencing base is arranged at the subject, so that the positions and the orientations of the referencing base can be acquired during a registration of a series of 2D projections of the subject. The volume dataset of the subject is generated on the basis of the series of 2D projections as well as based on the deviations of the positions and of the orientations of the referencing base from a fixed reference position of the referencing base that are determined for all 2D projections of the series.

Abstract: A computed tomography apparatus has a gantry that is rotatable around a rotational axis and a detector permanently disposed relative to the gantry, for determining an unbalanced mass of the gantry and a calculating unit for calculating the location or locations at the gantry at which a weight or at which weights should be arranged for compensating the unbalanced mass.

Abstract: A method for communicating operational data for a system unit in a medical diagnostic system includes communicating identification information from an electronic device coupled to the system unit in the medical diagnostic system to an imaging unit in said medical diagnostic system, operating the medical diagnostic system in accordance with the identification information and generating operational data, and communicating the operational data to the system unit in order to establish a record of operational data for the system unit in the electronic device. The operational data includes information relating to the operation of the system unit in the medical diagnostic system. A corresponding apparatus includes a storage medium, a communication interface, and a programmed digital processing circuit coupled to the storage medium and the communication interface.

Abstract: A marking grid is provided for use in radiographic imaging, and a method is provided for manufacturing the marking grid. The marking grid is comprised of a radiolucent substrate with a pressure sensitive adhesive on one side, a plurality of parallel strips of radiopaque material fixed to the substrate on the side opposite the pressure sensitive adhesive, and apertures in the substrate between the parallel strips of radiopaque material. The substrate is provided on a releasable backing with a plurality of holes longitudinally spaced relative to each other, which can be used to register the position of the substrate in the equipment used to produce the marking grids.

Abstract: The invention provides an aligner enabling to perform high accuracy positioning at manufacturing a multi-layered circuit board. A board alignment mark is photographed by a CCD camera by irradiating X-ray from an X-ray generator at the state removing a photo mask, and position of the board alignment mark is memorized. Then, the photo mask is set on a print circuit board, a mask alignment mark is photographed, and positioning of the mask alignment mark and the print circuit board is performed by comparing with position of memorized board alignment mark and by moving a platen so that the gap becomes zero.

Abstract: This invention provides an X-ray photo-taking system, X-ray photo-taken image display method, and storage medium by which an operator can readily understand the position (right, left, or center) of a photo-taking region of an object to be examined, the X-ray irradiation direction, and the photo-taking attitude only by monitoring an X-ray image, and by which text information is narrowed down to patient information and photo-taking information to make these pieces of information easy to see.

Abstract: A method is provided for managing test measurements for an optical entity. The method can include determining if testing is needed, and building an object that includes a test variable and a plurality of independent variables. If testing is needed, the method can include measuring a test variable value, and revising the object to include the test variable value.

Abstract: The image recording method and apparatus are used to record an image formed by a group of light source elements disposed in a two-dimensional manner corresponding to recording pixels on a recording medium. In the image recording method and apparatus, an image recording position on the recording medium by the group of light source elements is moved in a direction that contains a component in at least one of two-dimensional disposing directions of the group of light source elements during the recording while modulating, in response to the movement, each recording pixel of the group of light source elements in accordance with an image to be recorded to thereby record the image on the recording medium. The image recording position is moved in accordance with a set magnification for changing the resolution par recording pixel of the group of light source elements.

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: An image processing apparatus is provided for processing a plurality of sets of projection data acquired by radiating an X-ray onto an object in a multitude of directions. The apparatus has a correcting unit and a reconstructing unit. The correcting unit corrects the projection data with regard to beam hardening of the projection data. The beam hardening is caused due to a contrast agent injected into the object. For example, the correcting unit includes a correction table defining a correcting value to a change in densities of a region in which the contrast agent is present and corrects the projection data on the basis of the correcting value obtained from the correction table. The reconstructing unit reconstructs the corrected projection data into an image of the object. Thus, artifacts due to beam hardening resultant from use of the contrast agent can be avoided.

Abstract: A method of aligning a C-arm of an image intensifier for rotation in a selected plane, the C-arm having a transmitter mounted at one end and a receiver mounted at an opposite end, comprising: identifying the selected plane by viewing the location of bony structures with the image intensifier;and aligning indicia disposed on a radio-opaque reticle covering at least a portion of the receiver with the selected plane, the indicia being aligned with the plane of rotation of the C-arm, thereby aligning the plane of the C-arm with the selected plane.

Abstract: In a method for the operation of a CT apparatus with which volume data for a volume region of an examination subject are registered, markings for identifying reconstruction regions are mixed into an x-ray shadowgram containing the volume region. The reconstruction of image data with respect to each reconstruction region ensues taking reconstruction parameters allocated to the respective reconstruction region into consideration.

Abstract: This invention relates to skin-based localizer markers that can be placed on the external anatomy of a patient during CT, MRI, or other scanning methods for producing identifiable index marks in stereotactic localization. In a preferred embodiment, the markers are of an annular or axially symmetric geometry, with provision for radiopaque and therefore CT-visible elements and also MRI-visible medium within the marker. The annular shape enables accurate identification of the centroid of the marker in the CT, MRI, or other tomographic image. Because the markers are visible in multi-modal imaging, such as CT and MR, registration of these images or stereotactic indexing can be done from one or both imaging types. In another embodiment, the marker has an index or concave central portion which enables a stereotactic digitized pointer to be placed stably within the indentation during calibration or marker identification in a surgical context.

Abstract: In a medical device with a control arrangement for at least one device component, a code reader is employed to the control arrangement for reading a component-specific code allocated to the (at least one) device component. A configuration or reconfiguration of the control arrangement ensues on the basis of this code, when necessary. It is thus possible to exchange and/or to expand device components in a simple fashion without having to exchange the control arrangement or modify it in an expensive manner.

Abstract: In a method for the automatic alignment of a medical instrument with respect to a target point in a patient body such as, for subsequent removal of a tissue sample or for therapy of a tumor in the target point, using a computed tomography apparatus with fluoroscopy mode, a guidance system aligns the medical instrument at a paracentesis point of the patient body in a CT image plane, and the spatial coordinates of the CT image plane are determined for the guidance system.

Abstract: In a method for determining a coordinate transformation between a coordinate system of a first object to be imaged by an X-ray apparatus and a coordinate system of a second object to be navigated relative to said first object, a transformation relationship is determined between a coordinate system of a position-acquisition system and said coordinate system of the first object by an offline calibration run, the position of said X-ray is determined while recording X-ray images of the first object, and the position of the second object is determined using the position-acquisition system.

Abstract: An X-ray calibration dummy (RP) having markings (4) that may be acquired by a position-acquisition system (30). The invention also concerns a method for nonmarker-based registration for use in navigation-guided operations employing the X-ray calibration dummy (RP). A medical system for carrying out the method has a C-shaped X-ray machine (10), a position-acquisition system, 30, and the X-ray calibration dummy (RP).

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: A pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet comprising a plastic sheet having on one surface thereof a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, wherein the plastic sheet has on at least one surface thereof a print layer having a thickness of 40 to 1,000 &mgr;m and containing 30 to 90% by weight based on the total weight of the print layer of an X-ray absorbing metal. The print pattern may be scales, grid lines, numbers, etc. singly or in combination. Information on individual subject or scales or grid lines pattern may be copied in a radiograph having an image of the inside of the subject body. This enables surgeons to determine the size of the inside of the subject body or position of target organ with ease.

Abstract: A single-use radiological imaging aid includes an adhesive-backed tape and a backer covering the adhesive. Both the tape and the backer include radiopaque indicia. The indicia on the tape may include locating and/or measurement markings to identify, locate and/or measure anatomical features in a radiological image. The indicia on the backer includes alphanumeric and/or graphic symbols which define a blocking field. When the backer is intact over the adhesive surface of the tape, the blocking field on the backer is in substantial registration with the indicia on the tape. The backer must be removed prior to use of the tape in a radiological image, or else the blocking field will obscure the indicia on the tape in a scanned image. This design ensures that the tape will be properly adhered to a patient's skin prior to imaging and will be used only once.

Abstract: An implantable fiducial marker having a sealed cavity for the introduction of an imaging agent that provides imaging capability in several modes, including Computed Tomographic imaging (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is disclosed. The marker may be permanent, or it may be temporary and readily detachable from its anchor site. Combinations or agents imageable under CT scanning are combined with agents imageable under MRI scanning.

Abstract: An external tracking system for use three dimensional (3D) reconstruction with X-ray C-arm systems comprises a set of marker or tool plates and a sensor system. It measures the 6D pose (position and orientation) of these tool plates relative to the sensor. The tool plate of such a tracking system is rigidly attached to the X-ray source frame of the C-arm system. In order to use an external tracking system for the recovery of projection geometry for 3D tomographic reconstruction, the relations of the external sensor coordinate systems to patient/world and X-ray coordinate systems have to be determined. Previously the transformation from tool plate to X-ray coordinate system has been determined based on CAD drawings and a calibration of the focal point of the X-ray system.

Abstract: A medical device which has a data generating unit and a data processing unit that can be displaced relative to each other, as well as an arrangement for transferring the data from the data generating unit to the data processing unit. The arrangement for transferring the data includes a hollow conductor and an antenna that works in conjunction with the hollow conductor, which are displaced relative to each other in a defined manner in the displacement of the data generating unit and the data processing unit relative to each other, and via which the data transfer is accomplished.

Abstract: This invention relates to a radiographic apparatus which comprises a radiographic image photographing unit for photographing a radiographic image of an object irradiated with radiation by a radiation generating device, a distance measuring system for measuring the distances or distance from the radiation generating device to the radiographic image photographing unit and/or the object, and distance information indicating means for indicating distance information obtained by the distance measuring system.

Abstract: An radiographic marker system includes a structure creating a layer substantially transparent to imaging radiation at energies used in radiographic imaging applications where the marker is used, the layer being formed in an enveloping shape and having a thickness extent, and a radiopaque marker opaque to imaging radiation at energies used in radiographic imaging applications where the marker is used, the radiopaque marker being carried by the structure creating a layer transparent to imaging radiation, the system can further comprise an adhesive layer on a bottom surface of the structure creating a layer substantially transparent to imaging radiation, the adhesive facilitating placement and removal of the marker.

Abstract: A method of aligning a C-arm of an image intensifier for rotation in a selected plane, the C-arm having a transmitter mounted at one end and a receiver mounted at an opposite end, comprising: identifying the selected plane by viewing the location of bony structures with the image intensifier; and aligning indicia disposed on a radio-opaque reticle covering at least a portion of the receiver with the selected plane, the indicia being aligned with the plane of rotation of the C-arm, thereby aligning the plane of the C-arm with the selected plane.

Abstract: In a computed tomography apparatus, and a method for operating same, for obtaining cardiac images, a spiral scan of a measurement volume containing a patient's heart is conducted, the production of the scanning data during the spiral scanning being synchronized with an ECG signal from the patient, in order to produce a graphic representation of the examination volume, and thus an image of the patient's heart. The ECG signal is employed to control the generation of the data during the spiral scanning at phase of the cardiac cycle wherein minimum movement of the heart takes place. The chronological correlation between the recording of the scanning data and the ECG signal is fixed, so that within each number of successive time intervals, a dataset is obtained completely within that time interval. The datasets from the successive time intervals are then combined to produce an image of the heart.

Abstract: While acquiring a tomographic image, the position of patient's head is continuously measured and recorded. For this purpose, several cameras (5) are arranged at the tomograph (1). They measure the position of a reference device (4), which is mounted to the teeth of the patient's upper jaw. Infrared-diodes are arranged on the reference device (4), the position of which is recorded by the cameras (5). This allows to measure the movements of the patient and to compensate for them when generating the tomographic image.

Abstract: An implantable fiducial marker having a sealed cavity for the introduction of an imaging agent that provides imaging capability in several modes, including Computed Tomographic imaging (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is disclosed. The marker may be permanent, or it may be temporary and readily detachable from its anchor site. Combinations or agents imageable under CT scanning are combined with agents imageable under MRI scanning.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and digital radiography system (100) detect type information concerning an anti-scatter grid (107), and store the information in a header (129) of a file (127) containing a digital x-ray image. A gleaning module (101) gleans relevant information from an identifier (103) on a physical medium (105) containing the anti-scatter grid (107). A retrieval module (121) retrieves an entry (123) corresponding to information gleaned from the identifier (103) and containing information concerning the anti-scatter grid (107) from a look-up table (119) in a computer memory (115). A storage module (131) stores the information in a header (129) of a file (127) containing the digital x-ray image. Additionally, a comparison module (401) compares type information concerning the identified anti-scatter grid (107) with type information for a correct anti-scatter grid for a procedure being performed.

Abstract: A CT scanning apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises an image pickup system having an X-ray source being rotated around an object and a two-dimensional X-ray image pickup portion disposed opposite to the X-ray source with the object therebetween and being rotated, and is configured to rotate the image pickup system so as to radiograph three-dimensional areas inside the object, wherein a substance capable of being detected as an X-ray image is used as a position marker, and the position marker is disposed so as to be positioned in the image pickup view of the image pickup system during the rotation of the image pickup system and radiographed together with the object. In an ideal case, the image of the position marker in the two-dimensional X-ray image obtained as described above moves in a sine curve. Therefore, a correction amount for each X-ray image is calculated from the difference between the actual position in the X-ray image and the ideal position changing in the sine curve.

Abstract: A radio therapy system includes measuring an actual position of a micro-radiation source and radiation dose actually generated from the source, at predetermined times, during a therapeutic treatment. An accumulative radiation dose distribution is constantly generated in realtime, during the treatment, from the actually measured position and radiation dose and reference radiation dose distribution. An operator can monitor, in realtime, how the radiation dose distribution is developed, temporally, during the treatment. As a result, it is possible to irradiate a lesion with a requisite dose of radiation, minimize any un-required irradiation to a normal area around the lesion and achieve a therapeutic treatment with high precision.

Abstract: A system for recording information on a film medium sensitive to X-rays, without disturbing the radiographic image previously recorded on the same film. The system includes a set of adjacent X-rays sources and a source control which sequentially controls the X-rays emitted by each source. Different printing levels on the medium are obtained by controlling X-ray output dosage by each source.