Patient Or Exposure Data Patents (Class 378/165)
  • Patent number: 11903754
    Abstract: According to some aspects, an x-ray apparatus for imaging and/or radiation therapy is provided, the x-ray apparatus comprises an electron source capable of generating electrons, at least one first target arranged to receive electrons from the electron source, the at least one first target comprising material that, in response to being irradiated by the electrons, emits broad spectrum x-ray radiation, at least one second target arranged to receive at least some of the broad spectrum x-ray radiation, the at least one second target comprising material that, in response to irradiation by broad spectrum x-ray radiation from the first target, emits monochromatic x-ray radiation, and at least one detector positioned to detect at least some of the monochromatic x-ray radiation emitted from the at least one second target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Imagine Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric H. Silver
  • Patent number: 11786332
    Abstract: A single marker for use in recording either of two different characters, an “R” or an “L,” on an x-ray image, corresponding to the “left” or “right” side exposure area of the anatomical part(s) of a patient. The marker consists of four embodiments, a base marker, a swivel marker, a hinge marker, or a slider marker, which selectively indicate either the “R” or “L” exposure area of the patient. In addition, the marker also glows in the dark to facilitate usage in poorly lit areas and includes a radiopaque frame within its base to help the x-ray technician confirm that the technician is not viewing image artifacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: XRAYDEPOT LLC
    Inventors: Van N. Smith, Kasey Smith
  • Patent number: 11449757
    Abstract: A system and method for non-destructive optical coherence tomography (OCT) is provided. The system includes: an input interface for receiving OCT data including at least a C-scan; a processing unit executable to detect a feature on a surface or subsurface of the object, trained using a training set and configured to: separate the C-scan into A-scans; using a neural network, successively analyze each A-scan to detect the presence of an A-scan feature associated with the object; separate the C-scan into B-scans; segment each of the B-scans to determine thresholds associated with the object; using a neural network, successively analyze each segmented B-scan to detect the presence of an B-scan feature associated with the object; convert the C-scan to one or more two-dimensional representations; and using a neural network, detect the presence of an C-scan feature associated with the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Inventors: Wallace Trenholm, Mark Alexiuk, Hieu Dang, Siavash Malektaji, Kamal Darchinimaragheh
  • Patent number: 11260222
    Abstract: Radiopaque markers represent that a lead is suitable for a particular medical procedure such as a magnetic resonance image scan and are added to the lead or related device. The markers may be added after implantation of the lead in various ways including suturing, gluing, crimping, or clamping a radiopaque tag to the lead or to the device. The markers may be added by placing a radiopaque coil about the lead, and the radiopaque coil may radially contract against the lead to obtain a fixed position. The markers may be added by placing a polymer structure onto the lead where the polymer structure includes a radiopaque marker within it. The polymer structure may include a cylindrical aperture that contracts against the lead to fix the position of the polymer structure. The polymer structure may form a lead anchor that includes suture wings that can be sutured to the lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: James M. Olsen, Michael R. Klardie, Richard T. Stone, Chad Q. Cai, Spencer Fodness-Bondhus, Mark J. Conroy, Timothy R. Abraham, Bruce R. Mehdizadeh, Michael J. Kern, Jay K. Lahti
  • Patent number: 10916043
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating a template for arranging at least one object at least one place, wherein the at least one object is characterized by at least one feature, wherein the methods and apparatus facilitate: providing at least one initial object, arranging the at least one initial object at the at least one place, and generating the template by assigning to the at least one place the at least one feature of the at least one initial object, which has been arranged at the least one place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Horst Hahn, Uwe Siems
  • Patent number: 10869736
    Abstract: A single X-ray marker for use in recording either of two different characters, an “R” or an “L,” on an x-ray digital receptor or imaging cassette, corresponding to the “left” or “right” side exposure area of the anatomical part(s) of a patient. The single X-ray marker consists of a base member and several movable parts, which selectively indicate either the “R” or “L” exposure area of the patient. In addition, the single X-ray marker also glows in the dark to facilitate usage in poorly lit areas and includes a radiopaque frame within its base member to help the x-ray technician know that that x-ray technician is not seeing image artifacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: XRAYDEPOT LLC
    Inventors: Van N Smith, Kasey Smith
  • Patent number: 10842460
    Abstract: A system or method for improving quality in projection and tomographic x-ray, which includes a depth sensing device to measure a depth of at least one body part of a patient from the depth sensing device and a control unit to calculate a thickness and/or circumference of the body part using the depth information. The calculated thickness and circumference information is used to determine an optimal level of x-ray exposure for the body part. The system or method also includes a camera to identify the body part that needs to be examined and to detect any motion of the identified body part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignees: WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY, CHILDREN'S MEDICAL CENTER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven Don, Robert MacDougall, William Clayton
  • Patent number: 10610328
    Abstract: An imaging marker positioning system is provided. The imaging marker positioning system embodies a plurality of markers slidable along an elastic band. Guide clips may removably secure the elastic band to the imaging device so that a first portion of the elastic band may be disposed within a field of view of the imaging device. A user may slide one or more predetermined markers onto the first portion, whereby an image of the marker is captured in the resulting X-ray image. Additionally, the user may adjust the guide clips and/or the elastic band to reposition the first portion relative to the field of view of the imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Inventor: Charlotte Cline-Rew
  • Patent number: 10383582
    Abstract: In tomosynthesis imaging for obtaining a tomosynthesis image from a projected image group captured by irradiating an object with X-rays from a plurality of different angles by using an X-ray generation unit and an X-ray detection unit, whether or not to cause a new icon corresponding to set process conditions to be displayed on a display unit is controlled in accordance with process conditions set by a condition setting unit 4051 and process conditions corresponding to a tomosynthesis image already generated by an image processing unit 110.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Nobu Miyazawa
  • Patent number: 10078846
    Abstract: Example methods and apparatus for associating media devices with a demographic composition of a geographic area are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes receiving a plurality of Internet Protocol addresses assigned to a media device associated with a panel member, determining a most used Internet Protocol address from the plurality of Internet Protocol addresses, accessing geographic information and determining a geographic location corresponding to the most used Internet Protocol address, accessing demographic information and determining a demographic profile associated with the geographic location, and associating at least one of the geographic location or the demographic profile with the media device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: THE NIELSEN COMPANY (US), LLC
    Inventors: Jan Besehanic, Paul Mears, Joseph G. Milavsky, Robert A. Luff, Arun Ramaswamy, David Howell Wright
  • Patent number: 10052080
    Abstract: A medical imaging apparatus includes an X-ray radiation unit configured to radiate X-rays onto an object and onto a calibration phantom, which does not overlap the object, according to a first irradiating condition for a pre-shot; a detector configured to detect the X-rays having passed through the object and through the calibration phantom; and a controller configured to acquire calibration information by using a pre-shot image acquired from the detected X-rays, and determine a second irradiating condition for main imaging by using the calibration information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Min-cheol Park
  • Patent number: 9956402
    Abstract: Radiopaque markers represent that a lead is suitable for a particular medical procedure such as a magnetic resonance image scan and are added to the lead or related device. The markers may be added after implantation of the lead in various ways including suturing, gluing, crimping, or clamping a radiopaque tag to the lead or to the device. The markers may be added by placing a radiopaque coil about the lead, and the radiopaque coil may radially contract against the lead to obtain a fixed position. The markers may be added by placing a polymer structure onto the lead where the polymer structure includes a radiopaque marker within it. The polymer structure may include a cylindrical aperture that contracts against the lead to fix the position of the structure. The polymer structure may form a lead anchor that includes suture wings that can be sutured to the lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: James M. Olsen, Michael R. Klardie, Richard T. Stone, Chad Q. Cai, Spencer M. Bondhus, Mark J. Conroy, Timothy R. Abraham, Bruce R. Mehdizadeh, Michael J. Kern, Jay K. Lahti
  • Patent number: 9687201
    Abstract: An X-ray CT system is provided that determines input imaging conditions based on the attributes of subjects that were measured by the apparatus itself and can prevent excessive radiation exposure due to human error. The X-ray CT system comprises a measurement unit, a part identification unit, a calculation unit, a comparison unit, and a notification unit. The measurement unit measures the attributes of a subject placed on a couch. The part identification unit identifies the part of the subject being imaged based on the measured attributes of the subject. The calculation unit calculates a radiation dose based on the identified unit being imaged. The comparison unit makes a determination by comparing the calculated radiation dose and the radiation dose based on the imaging conditions input for examination. The notification unit notifies the results determined by the comparison unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Yuuji Yanagida
  • Patent number: 9541822
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods/techniques and apparatus for displaying an angulation of a cassette and thus a patient at a time when an x-ray image is taken to provide for a better comparison of day to day improvement of the patient. More specifically, the present invention, allows a movable object to roll freely within in a passageway within an enclosure in relation to an angulation of a cassette. In order to correlate the position of the movable object in the enclosure with the angle at which the cassette is currently placed, a plurality of markers are disposed in or protruded from the inner surface of the passageway. Based upon the position of the movable object in relation to a particular marker at the time an x-ray is taken, the user can identify the angulation at which the cassette is currently positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America, as Represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventor: Les R. Folio
  • Patent number: 9500606
    Abstract: A device for indicating a presence of X-rays or gamma rays may include a visual indicator. The visual indicator may include a material and a plurality of quantum dots adhering to the material or disposed in the material. The quantum dots may be exposed on a surface of the material opposite an object when the material is attached to the object. The quantum dots fluoresce in response to the quantum dots being exposed to X-rays or gamma rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Gary E. Georgeson
  • Patent number: 9177102
    Abstract: Methods are provided including receiving a plurality of images from at least one image acquisition system; selecting at least a portion of a set of images for analysis using at least one attribute of image metadata; selecting at least one method for deriving quantitative information from the at least a portion of the set of images; processing the selected at least a portion of the set of images with the selected at least one method for deriving quantitative information; associating the derived quantitative information with the at least a portion of the set of images via a data structure; selecting at least one method for aggregating at least a portion of a set of derived quantitative information into a reduced set of results; and generating at least one report to represent the reduced set of results for one of an individual image and the set of images as a pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Bioptigen, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley A. Bower, Eric L. Buckland, Kenneth W. Chapman, Igor Touzov
  • Patent number: 9031190
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes an X-ray sensor unit that detects X-rays, and a control unit that controls driving of an X-ray generator and the X-ray sensor unit. The control unit performs alignment imaging for imaging a still image of a subject. The still image is used as a reference for alignment of at least one of the X-ray generator and the X-ray sensor unit. After the alignment imaging, the control unit performs main imaging for imaging a moving image of the subject. The alignment imaging and the main imaging are performed under the same driving condition of the X-ray sensor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Osamu Tsujii
  • Patent number: 8995616
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a mobile X-ray unit. The mobile X-ray unit may include a base for accommodating a control unit for controlling an X-ray applicator and a power supply for supplying power to the X-ray applicator. The mobile X-ray unit may further include an articulated arm associated with the base and coupled to the X-ray applicator. The X-ray applicator may have an X-ray tube configured to emit an X-ray beam through an exit window to irradiate an object. The mobile X-ray unit may further include a dosimetry system adapted for real time dosimetry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Nucletron Operations B.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Simon van der Veen, Bas Woudstra, Johan Henning
  • Patent number: 8976929
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically generating radiation treatment planning parameters are disclosed. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, a database is constructed that stores: (i) patient data and past treatment plans by expert human planners for these patients, and (ii) optimal treatment plans that are generated using multi-objective optimization and Pareto front search and that represent the best tradeoff opportunities of the patient case, and a predictive model (e.g., a neural network, a decision tree, a support vector machine [SVM], etc.) is then trained via a learning algorithm on a plurality of input/output mappings derived from the contents of the database. During training, the predictive model is trained to identify and infer patterns in the treatment plan data through a process of generalization. Once trained, the predictive model can then be used to automatically generate radiation treatment planning parameters for new patients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Qingrong Jackie Wu, Yaorong Ge, Fang-Fang Yin, Xiaofeng Zhu
  • Patent number: 8971493
    Abstract: A medical imaging system adaptively acquires anatomical images using a shape adaptive collimator including multiple different portions of X-ray absorbent material automatically adjustable to alter the dimensions of a spatial cross section of an X-ray beam of radiation into a non-rectangular shape, in response to a control signal. The synchronization processor provides a heart rate related synchronization signal derived from a patient cardiac function related parameter. The synchronization signal enables adaptive variation in timing of image acquisition within an individual heart cycle and between successive heart cycles of each individual image frame of multiple sequential image frames. The X-ray image acquisition device uses the shape adaptive collimator for acquiring anatomical images of the region of interest with reduced patient X-ray exposure in response to the synchronization signal. A display processor presents resultant images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Hongxuan Zhang
  • Patent number: 8971489
    Abstract: A method of multileaf collimator (MLC) leaf positioning in tracking-based adaptive radiotherapy is provided. The method includes determining a radiotherapy beam pattern by transforming a treatment beam plan into radiotherapy beam coordinates, determining a dose discrepancy between the radiotherapy beam pattern and a deliverable MLC aperture, where the dose discrepancy includes a sum of an overdose cost and an underdose cost to a treatment volume, and minimizing the dose discrepancy, where the dose discrepancy minimization provides a determined deliverable MLC aperture for the radiotherapy beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Dan Ruan, Paul J. Keall, Amit Sawant
  • Publication number: 20150023474
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical information management apparatus includes an examination information acquisition unit acquiring examination information including an irradiation condition, an imaging region and an exposure dose for each examination on the imaging region, an archiving unit archiving an exposure dose calculation target region classified more detailed than the imaging region and a weight coefficient corresponding to the exposure dose calculation target region in association with the irradiation condition and the imaging region, a weight coefficient acquisition unit acquiring a weight coefficient corresponding to the exposure dose calculation target region based on the irradiation condition acquired by the examination information acquisition unit and the exposure dose calculation target region archived in the archiving unit, and a calculation unit calculating an exposure dose at the exposure dose calculation target region by using an exposure dose for each examination and the weight coeffic
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicants: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroki SAITO, Yosuke HIRASAWA
  • Patent number: 8929511
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a mobile X-ray unit. The mobile X-ray unit may include a base for accommodating a control unit configured to control an X-ray applicator and a power supply configured to supply power to the X-ray applicator. The mobile X-ray unit may further include an articulated arm associated with the base. The arm may be configured to support the X-ray applicator. The X-ray applicator may have an X-ray tube for emitting an X-ray beam for irradiating an object. The mobile X-ray unit may further include a phantom-based dosimetry system configured to perform a dosimetry check of the X-ray beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Nucletron B.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Simon van der Veen, Bas Woudstra, Johan Henning
  • Patent number: 8873709
    Abstract: A radiographic imaging system is capturing a radiographic image of a subject. The radiographic imaging system has a radiation detector that detects radiation from which the radiographic image is obtained, a radiation source that irradiates the radiation detector with the radiation, a partition that is disposed adjacent to the radiation detector and that locates the subject at a predetermined position relative to the radiation detector, a distance measuring unit that measures a distance between the partition and the radiation source, a tilt detecting unit that measures a tilt of the partition, and an image processor that corrects the captured radiographic image based on the distance between the partition and the radiation source obtained by the distance measuring unit and the tilt of the partition obtained by the tilt detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Youichi Kimura
  • Patent number: 8861676
    Abstract: A transport bin for an X-ray inspection system, comprising a identifying device rigidly connected to the bin, the identifying device having a bin-specific identifier, wherein the identifying device has a memory, in which an identification code that is unique worldwide, in particular a universally unique identifier (UUID), is stored in such a way that the identification code can be read out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Smiths Heimann GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Bloesl, Uwe Flehmig, Christian Haas, Claus Meder, Dirk Naumann, Daniel Schmitt
  • Patent number: 8855269
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical image display apparatus includes an image storage unit configured to store data of a series of medical images constituting a moving image associated with an object, and a reproduction control unit configured to perform read control of the image storage unit to alternately and repeatedly reproduce and display some of the series of medical images corresponding to a partial period in one cycle associated with cyclic motion of the object in a forward direction and a backward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Kazumasa Arakita, Shinsuke Tsukagoshi
  • Patent number: 8838199
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing determination of patient position change relative to an imaging device and/or allowing digital subtraction in an operative position. The system can include devices for determining a position of a patient at various times and comparing the various positions of the patient. Further, a digital subtraction may be performed if the patient change is not above a threshold value and/or if motion correction can occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: David A Simon, Kevin Foley, Mark Hunter
  • Patent number: 8804912
    Abstract: A radiographic imaging apparatus includes: a radiation source for applying radiation to a subject and at least one marker; a detecting unit for detecting the radiation transmitted through the subject; and an image obtaining unit for moving the radiation source relative to the detecting means, applying the radiation to the subject from a plurality of radiation source positions provided by the movement of the radiation source, and obtaining a plurality of images corresponding respectively to the radiation source positions. The apparatus further includes a radiation source position obtaining unit for obtaining positional information of each radiation source position of interest relative to a reference radiation source position among the radiation source positions based on at least one marker image contained in each of a reference image obtained with the reference radiation source position and an image of interest obtained with the radiation source position of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Sadato Akahori
  • Publication number: 20140185751
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to projection-based volumetric dose estimation for X-ray systems, such as X-ray imaging systems. For example, in one embodiment, an X-ray system is capable of estimating an X-ray dose based on an energy interaction of the X-rays with respective portions of an object. In another embodiment, the X-ray dose estimate may be provided on a per voxel, per region, and/or per organ basis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Bruno Kristiaan Bernard De Man, Zhye Yin, Xiaoyu Tian
  • Publication number: 20140112454
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods/techniques and apparatus for displaying an angulation of a cassette and thus a patient at a time when an x-ray image is taken to provide for a better comparison of day to day improvement of the patient. More specifically, the present invention, allows a movable object to roll freely within in a passageway within an enclosure in relation to an angulation of a cassette. In order to correlate the position of the movable object in the enclosure with the angle at which the cassette is currently placed, a plurality of markers are disposed in or protruded from the inner surface of the passageway. Based upon the position of the movable object in relation to a particular marker at the time an x-ray is taken, the user can identify the angulation at which the cassette is currently positioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: The U.S.A., as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventor: Les R. Folio
  • Publication number: 20140093049
    Abstract: A facility for facilitating custom radiation treatment planning is described. During a distinguished radiation treatment session for a patient, the facility collects data indicating positioning of a predefined treatment site of the patient relative to a target treatment location throughout the distinguished radiation treatment session. The facility associates the collected positioning data with data describing one or more other aspects of the distinguished radiation treatment session. The facility provides the associated data to a treatment planning facility to determine a treatment plan for future radiation treatment sessions for the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8576087
    Abstract: A radiation imaging system includes a radiation imaging cassette and a console device. A communication mode between the cassette and the console device is switchable between a wired mode and a wireless mode. Due to shortage of a battery of the cassette, the communication mode is switched to the wired mode to start charging the battery and send image data from the cassette to the console device through a cable. The console device has first and second judging sections. The first judging section judges whether or not a charge level of the battery exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The second judging section judges whether or not radiography is in progress. If it is judged that the charge level of the battery exceeds the predetermined threshold value and the radiography is not in progress, a window that indicates permission for switching to the wireless mode is displayed on a monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Kamiya, Yusuke Kitagawa
  • Publication number: 20130287165
    Abstract: An imaging system (100) includes a stationary gantry (102), a rotating gantry (104), a radiation source (110), and a detector array (112). The detector array detects radiation for a plurality of integration periods during a rotating gantry revolution, the plurality of integration periods corresponds to different angular position ranges, and the detector array generates a signal indicative of the detected radiation respectively for the plurality of integration periods. The system further includes an integration period controller (118) that generates an integration period timing signal that includes timing for a start of each of the integration periods for a revolution of the rotating gantry based at least on a time duration of a previous revolution of the rotating gantry around the examination region, wherein the integration timing signal is used trigger the plurality of integration periods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Ronald B. Sharpless
  • Patent number: 8565373
    Abstract: A method and system for automatically adjusting the gantry position to the breast height level of a patient. The automated height adjustment system for mammography imaging systems having a movable gantry associated with a fixed vertical support, comprises a tracking unit for tracking a patient's breast height level during patient's initial mammography procedure; and memory for storing the tracked breast height level along with the patient identification information. The system further comprises a processor configured to access the breast height level using the patient identification information during subsequent mammography procedures for the patient; and a drive mechanism capable of automatically adjusting the height of the gantry based on the accessed breast height level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rajeev Ranjan, Raja Shekhara
  • Publication number: 20130266123
    Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes a generating unit and a display controller. The generating unit generates a diagram illustrating the angle information of an arm. The display controller performs display control to visualize, together with the diagram generated by the generating unit, at least one of information showing the status of the arm when the arm is at an angle illustrated in the diagram and information showing the status of a subject to be imaged when the arm is at the angle illustrated in the diagram.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicants: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation, Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hajime YOSHIDA, Ryuji ZAIKI, Masahiro OZAWA, Yusuke NARABU, Masaki KOBAYASHI
  • Publication number: 20130243165
    Abstract: A system and method to manage direction of an ionizing radiation toward an exposed subject is provided. The system can perform receiving a request from a customer to establish an internet connection to communicate between a remote office and the system directing the ionizing radiation toward the exposed subject; automatically communicating a status information and individual dose data associated with an event where direction of ionizing radiation that exceeds a threshold; automatically creating and communicating a report via the internet connection to the customer. The report can include an indication of the event where direction of ionizing radiation exceeds the threshold and a comparison of the individual radiation dose data and an individual status operation of system at time of the event relative to a benchmark defined by radiation dose data and status information acquired from a population of other systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Guillaume Bourdeaux, Jennifer Esposito, David Ysseldyke, Barry Belanger
  • Patent number: 8503613
    Abstract: Providing an operator with information concerning radiation dose associated with an imaging operation is disclosed. In certain embodiments, the dose information may be provided in conjunction with indicators related to reference dose levels to facilitate evaluation of the dose in the context of the reference levels. The dose information may be based on real-time assessment of dose or may be an expected dose based on a proposed or planned sequence of exposure events. Further the indication may be prospective, providing an indication to the operator of when certain dose thresholds may be crossed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Michael Sabol, Rowland Frederick Saunders, Jon Charles Omernick, Kadri Nizar Jabri, Christopher Aaron Paulik, François Hensen, Bruce Alan Bergendahl
  • Patent number: 8442803
    Abstract: The present disclosure measures radiation doses on different directions. A partition is used, which has a certain attenuation ratio. With the partition, radiation doses on different directions can be determined without knowing the thickness or material of the partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Atomic Energy Council - Institute of Nuclear Energy Research
    Inventors: Yi-Chang Chen, Lun-Hui Lee
  • Patent number: 8369933
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present description provide a medical apparatus for use in supporting a patient lying in a supine position during a radial cardiac catheterization procedure. More particularly, embodiments of the present description provide an arm board a patient's arm during a radial cardiac catheterization procedure. The arm board is a substantially planar member having a support surface on which the patient's arm can be stabilized during a catheterization procedure. Desirably, the arm board has both a radiolucent portion and a radiopaque portion, thereby reducing and/or eliminating a doctor's exposure to radiation during radial cardiac catheterization procedures without impairing the ability to obtain the necessary medical images. Also provided is a medical apparatus and a method for its use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Radial Assist, LLC
    Inventors: L. Van Thomas Crisco, Gary Goff
  • Patent number: 8357145
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for implanting medical devices. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a flexible base member that can be flexed manually to conform to a contour of an anatomy, the base member including a radioscopic indicium that has a characteristic such that, under radioscopic imaging, passage of a skin-penetrating electromagnetic radiation is hindered to an extent that is distinguishable from a hindrance of the electromagnetic radiation by another portion of the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Brett Schleicher, Rafael Carbunaru, Kristen N. Jaax, Todd K. Whitehurst
  • Patent number: 8265225
    Abstract: The present invention provides a radiation imaging system, a power supplying apparatus, a charging apparatus, and a radiation imaging method that can prevent misidentification of an imaging subject to be imaged without requiring a large-scale configuration. Namely, a power supplying apparatus which is detachably mounted to an electronic cassette is provided with a display section that displays imaging subject information associated with an imaging subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Naoyuki Nishino, Keizo Katayama, Atsushi Yamazaki, Yasunori Ohta
  • Publication number: 20120219119
    Abstract: A radiation imaging system for applying radiation photography to a patient based on contents of an examination request includes: an image capturing method storage unit configured to prestore at least one image capturing method; a patient information input unit configured to input patient information of the patient subjected to an examination based on the examination request; an extraction unit configured to extract an applicable image capturing method from the image capturing method storage unit based on information accompanying the patient information and examination information; a list display unit configured to display an image capturing method extracted by the extraction unit in list form; and a registration unit configured to, by specifying an image capturing method displayed in the list display unit, register the specified image capturing method as imaging information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Keisuke Arima
  • Publication number: 20120213326
    Abstract: A computing apparatus includes a processor (212) that evaluates at least one scan parameter of a scan protocol selected for scanning a subject with an imaging system (102) based on a corresponding scan parameter policy and generates a signal indicative of whether the scan parameter satisfies the scan parameter policy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Walker, Mark E. Olszewski
  • Publication number: 20120195408
    Abstract: The present embodiments specify a method and an associated X-ray facility for estimating a radiation dose of an X-ray that is generated by an X-ray source and penetrates an object under examination. First dose values of the X-ray are determined by measurement in an automatic exposure control chamber. A second dose value is determined by estimating the radiation dose that is emitted by an X-ray source in a dead time of the automatic exposure control chamber. The estimated radiation dose is determined by the first dose value and the second dose value last determined being added. The second dose value represents a correction value for a non-measurable dose during the dead time of the automatic exposure control chamber that is taken into account when determining the estimated radiation dose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Johannes Walk, Marcel Wellnitz
  • Patent number: 8189740
    Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus that transmits X-rays toward a subject on the basis of a set scan condition and reconstructs images from detected X-rays that passes through the subject, including a scan plan setting unit configured to set the scan condition, a reference dose storage unit configured to store reference dose information, including an relation between an attribute information about a plurality of kinds of subjects and reference doses to be referenced for an exposure dose, and an exposure dose calculation unit configured to calculate the exposure dose corresponding to the set scan condition in accordance with the timing of setting of the scan condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Shinsuke Tsukagoshi, Tetsuya Horiuchi, Masahiro Kazama
  • Patent number: 8175894
    Abstract: A radiation report system includes a storage unit for storing a plurality of records including an exposure dose, an examination protocol, an examination part, a patient's age and a patient's weight with regard to the plurality of radiation examinations using a plurality of radiation diagnosis apparatuses. The plurality of records stored in the storage unit is classified into a plurality of groups based on the examination protocol, the examination part or patient information. An exposure report is created for each group based on the plurality of records stored in the storage unit. The data of the exposure report is served with a client side terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Naoki Oowaki, Yoichi Takada, Satoshi Ikeda, Fumiaki Teshima, Akihiro Miyauchi
  • Patent number: 8157443
    Abstract: The disposable radiograph cassette cover is formed of two sheets of x-ray transparent pliable material having a low coefficient of friction to facilitate sliding the cover and contained cassette beneath a patient for the radiography procedure. The cover includes distinctively colored integral radiopaque anatomical markers disposed over a portion of the film or plate in the cassette to shield that portion of the underlying plate during the procedure. The plate is thus automatically marked during the procedure to show the side of the body where the cassette and cover were placed. The cassette is sealed within the cover by an adhesive flap, with the adhesive and/or release sheet also being color-coded to indicate the side to which the cover is to be used. The cassette is removed from the cover by tearing off the adhesively sealed end along provided perforations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Dayna N. Khan
  • Publication number: 20110243308
    Abstract: The invention discloses a recognition device for safely indentifying a left or right portion in a radiologic examination, comprising a plurality of puzzle pieces and a plurality of labels. Every puzzle piece comprises a pattern, and the pattern can be one portion of a picture corresponding to an organism to be analyzed. The portion can comprise a left anatomical portion or a right anatomical portion. Each label is respectively disposed in each the puzzle pieces or on the surface thereof. When the plurality of puzzle pieces are irradiated by X-ray, the outline of each of the positions or labels is developed on a film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: TAIPEI MEDICAL UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: WING-PONG CHAN
  • Patent number: 8023617
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for quality management (5) in a mammography apparatus (10), said apparatus comprising an X-ray source capable of directing a X-ray beam, a breast immobilization means (16, 18), and an X-ray image sensor system (20), said X-ray image sensor system (20) comprising a central area for sensing an image of said breast, and a peripheral area not used for imaging said immobilized breast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Ion Beam Applications S.A.
    Inventors: Christian Blendl, Karl Lehi Schwartz
  • Patent number: 8021045
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Foos, Xiaohui Wang, Kevin J. Hobert