Abstract: Systems and methods for developing a treatment plan for irradiating a treatment volume within a patient are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, control points used to calculate a dose of radiation delivered to the treatment volume may be combined to result in a smaller number of control points. The smaller number of control points may allow more efficient calculation of dose distributions resulting in a treatment plan that can be delivered to the patient earlier or may allow additional iterations of treatment plan optimization resulting in a more accurate dose distribution being delivered to the patient.

Abstract: In a medical image diagnostic device, wherein X-Ray CT devices and PET devices are longitudinally disposed, and which has a tubular imaging part for positioning a subject who is placed on the top surface of a bed and collecting image data, an illumination part is provided for producing a suitable level of brightness to the display part, which is for providing information to the subject without having to adopt every imaging position within the tubular imaging part, and to the imaging part.

Abstract: An actual-past-radiography position database stores, as actual-past-radiography positions, the position of a radiographic image detector and the position of a radiation source when radiography was actually performed, associating the position of the radiographic image detector and the position of the radiation source with information about a subject. When the radiation source and the radiographic image detector are positioned to perform radiography, position adjustment amounts for adjusting the positions of the radiation source and the radiographic image detector from standard positions stored in the standard position database are output, as aid information. The aid information is output based on the actual-past-radiography positions that are stored in the actual-past-radiography position database and that are associated with the information about the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for determining one or more characteristics of radiation using a sensor comprising one or more detector units capable of counting the number of photon or charged particle of said radiation impinging on said sensor in or above a determined energy range.

Abstract: A radiopaque marker for more effectively orienting a fluoroscopy image to a patient's body position is disclosed. A method for orienting a radiological image with a patient's anatomical position comprises the step of forming a marker with a first side indicator and a second side indicator formed substantially opposite the first side indicator. A device in accordance with the present invention comprises a radiopaque marker comprising a first side indicator, a second side indicator, and a humanoid shape.

Abstract: The present invention provides new and useful features and mechanisms for the localization and transport of biopsy specimens. The invention having a specimen board, an absorbent material in operative engagement and in coplanar alignment with the specimen board, a compression sheet, radio opaque indicia located within the specimen board, and a flexible connection between the compression sheet and the specimen board, and an attachment device which provides for removable engagement of the specimen board and compression sheet. The apparatus further provides for a clear visualization window and operating instructions. The absorbent material is capable of adjustable movement between a first and second position, providing orthogonal positioning relative to the specimen board. As a result, the apparatus may be used to create three dimensional radiographic images allowing tissue analysis resulting in orthogonal views while maintaining original positional reference points.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for determining one or more characteristics of radiation using a sensor comprising one or more detector units capable of counting the number of photon or charged particle of said radiation impinging on said sensor in or above a determined energy range.

Abstract: An X-ray examination system for analog mammography is provided. The X-ray examination system for analog mammography includes an X-ray system including an X-ray film and labeling device. The X-ray film is exposed to an X-ray beam of the X-ray system with examination images of a patient. The labeling device includes an exposure beam for exposing the X-ray film with additional patient-specific information. The labeling device is a structural component of the X-ray system and is separate from the X-ray system for exposing the X-ray film. The labeling device is positionable relative to the X-ray film. The labeling device is disposed outside the X-ray beam or in the direction of an exposure of the X-ray film.

Abstract: An actual skin input dose rate computing device includes a distance sensor disposed in a direction directly opposite to said subject and close to the center of an X-ray beam but not within said X-ray beam and an angle sensor disposed at said X-ray source as well as a computing unit.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus and a fluoroscopic image display apparatus are provided for displaying postural information of a subject on a fluoroscopic image. The X-ray imaging apparatus detects an X-ray irradiated from an X-ray irradiator and passing through a subject and takes a fluoroscopic image. The X-ray detector includes a visible indicator at a corner of an X-ray incidence plane, a display device that displays a fluoroscopic image based on a detection signal from the X-ray detector together with an orient mark corresponding to the indicator, and a writing device that enables a mark indicating the posture of a subject on the displayed fluoroscopic image.

Abstract: An improved x-ray system having a DAP measurement chamber is provided. An x-ray system has a radiation path, which extends between an x-ray radiation source and a detector. A beam splitter is arranged in the radiation path, the beam splitter being used to inject visible light into the radiation path. The DAP measurement chamber is arranged in the radiation path between the x-ray radiation source and the beam splitter. An improved collimator having a DAP measurement chamber is also provided.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for placing markers on digital radiographic images, such as projection X-ray and tomosynthesis images. A tag encoding data is disposed on or near a component of a radiographic imaging system, such as on a digital detector. The tag is read during an imaging session, and human readable indicia for the marker is generated that can be permanently included in the resulting images or displayed when desired, such as in an overlay.

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: In a method and apparatus to detect position changes of an implant x-ray detectable markers are arranged in the environment of the implant, and 2D x-ray exposures are obtained at temporal intervals of a region containing the implant in which a distribution of the markers as well as of marked points of the implant are visible in each 2D x-ray exposure. A first of the 2D x-ray exposures is obtained at a first point in time from one projection direction, and a second of the 2D x-ray exposures is obtained at a second point in time from another projection direction. The distribution of the markers and marked points is determined in the first and second 2D x-ray exposure by an evaluation device, and from the distributions a degree of probability is calculated that the distribution of the first 2D x-ray exposure and the distribution of the second 2D x-ray exposure are projections of the same three-dimensional distribution of markers and marked points.

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: An irradiation dose calculator calculates a pre-exposure-mode-required irradiation dose using the thickness of a breast which measured by a thickness measuring unit, as a parameter, and the irradiation time of a pre-exposure mode is controlled to apply a radiation to the breast in the pre-exposure mode. According to the dose of the radiation detected by a dose detecting sensor in the pre-exposure mode, the irradiation dose calculator calculates a main-exposure-mode-required irradiation dose, and the irradiation time of a main exposure mode is controlled to apply the radiation to the breast in the main exposure mode, thereby capturing a radiation image of the breast.

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: A system and method of defining a new region of interest for an existing region of interest using a dose volume histogram. The method includes the acts of generating a dose volume histogram of radiation dose for a pre-existing region of interest, selecting a subset of the dose volume histogram, and defining a new region of interest that corresponds to the selected subset of the dose volume histogram.

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: method for simplifying the adjustment of a digital x-ray device for the refinement of the x-ray images, and to an image refining unit for carrying out said method. According to the invention, a pre-determined modification is performed on the image data of the x-ray image by at least one image processing module according to at least one parameter: the or each parameter is supplied to the image processing module from a current set of parameters; the current set of parameters is selected from a plurality of stored standard sets of parameters; an associated model image can be displayed for each standard set of parameters using stored image data; and the standard group of parameters selected by selecting the associated model image.

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 for preserving orientation information in an image may comprise: collecting image data, including orientation information inherent to collecting the image data; and embedding in the image data an orientation mark unambiguously identifying when the image data is presented in a correct viewing orientation. Image data is stored in a medium together with data forming an embedded orientation mark which is bilaterally asymmetrical in at least two orthogonal axes. In a variation, the data forming the embedded orientation mark further comprises at least one humanly recognizable text or punctuation character, word or trademark.

Abstract: A radiation detecting cassette includes an IC card detector which detects insertion of an IC card in a slot, outputs a detection signal representing that the IC card is inserted in the slot, and reads ID information stored in the IC card. An ID checker of the radiation detecting cassette checks the ID information against ID information stored in a card ID memory. A battery controller controls a battery to start supplying electric power to a radiation detector based on a checking result from the ID checker.

Abstract: From among a group of taken images, an image suitable for inspection is identifiably displayed and can be arbitrarily selected. Also an image may be re-taken as a result of an instruction for re-taking the image and also displayed on a display. Images already taken prior to the re-taking of the image are displayed with a character or symbol, such as a cross mark, for easy identification by the operator. Also, the operator may arbitrarily select an image from the re-taken image and the already taken images.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining a radiographic image has a cassette with an erasable photostimulable storage medium, housed in the cassette, that can store a radiographic image when irradiated with electromagnetic radiation at an exposure wavelength and that can be erased for subsequent use when irradiated with electromagnetic radiation at an erasure wavelength. A memory that is associated with the cassette stores a signal that is indicative of elapsed time since the most recent erasure of the photostimulable medium.

Abstract: A device interface selectively acquires patient physiological parameter data. An acquisition processor acquires physiological data from a patient. A communication processor is coupled to an optical communication pathway for receiving a plurality of optical signals from a source. A conversion processor is electrically coupled to the acquisition processor and communication processor and converts a first optical power signal at a first frequency and received via the optical communication pathway using the communication processor, to a first electrical signal for providing power to said device 1interface. The conversion processor converts an optical control signal at a second frequency different from the first frequency and received via the optical communication pathway using the communication processor, to a second electrical signal for providing control data to the acquisition processor directing the acquisition processor to acquire at least one physiological parameter from a patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for obtaining patient balance and anatomical positioning data for use in patient treatment. More particularly, in one aspect the present disclosure is directed toward a patient analysis system for obtaining radiographic images, center-of-balance data, and anatomical positioning data of a patient for use in planning and monitoring the treatment of a patient. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a portable patient analysis system. In another aspect, the present disclosure provides methods of using patient analysis systems having a radiographic system, a balance system, and a positioning system.

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

Abstract: One aspect can relate to determining a total time of flight that indicates an at least one applied duration and an at least one induced duration, wherein the at least one applied duration describes the time for an at least some pulse-type input energy to be applied from a transmission location to an at least one X-ray fluorescing event in the at least some matter of the at least the portion of the at least one individual, and wherein the at least one induced duration describes the time for an at least one induced X-ray fluorescing photon, to travel from the at least one X-ray fluorescing event in the at least some matter of the at least the portion of the at least one individual to a location where the at least one induced X-ray fluorescing photon is received at least partially by a detecting the at least one induced X-ray fluorescing photon.

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: A radiation detecting cassette includes an IC card detector which detects insertion of an IC card in a slot, outputs a detection signal representing that the IC card is inserted in the slot, and reads ID information stored in the IC card. An ID checker of the radiation detecting cassette checks the ID information against ID information stored in a card ID memory. A battery controller controls a battery to start supplying electric power to a radiation detector based on a checking result from the ID checker.

Abstract: A radiation image capturing method, a radiation image capturing system, and a radiation information system are provided. In the present invention, a console checks a cassette ID (specified cassette ID) sent from an RIS server as the cassette ID of a radiation detecting cassette that is planned to be used to capture a radiation image, and a cassette ID (actual cassette ID) that is read by the console from a radiation detecting cassette which is placed in an operating room or an image capturing room and which is to be actually used to capture a radiation image, with each other. Based on the result of the cassette ID check, the console determines whether to permit a radiation image to be captured or not.

Abstract: In addition to a radiation source (6) attached to a C-arm 4, and in addition to a detector (7), a rotation angiography device (1) for the angiocardiography has an evaluation unit (8), which formulates models with low resolution from the projection images supplied by the detector (7) for the moving object to be examined, and which generates movement fields for the projection images generated by the detector (7) on the basis of the model, so that movement-corrected projection images can be calculated from the projection images, which can be used to formulate a three-dimensional high-resolution model of the object to be examined.

Abstract: A device and method to accurately measure the anatomy of a patient undergoing a radiographic procedure, utilizing a sphere of known dimensions attached to a flexible member, wherein the sphere is manipulated into the correct position and remains stationary during the procedure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a computer tomograph, in which data from a rotor, which during operation of the computer tomograph rotates about an axis of rotation, is transferred optoelectronically. For that purpose, on the rotor there is located at least one transmitter, which transmits light towards a receiver mounted on the axis of rotation, the light being modulated with the data to be transferred.

Abstract: The invention relates to a registering device for registering an object in at least two dimensions featuring an x-ray transmitter and a detector for the x-rays arranged in a registering plane. The registering device also features a positioning device connected to the detector and the transmitter in such a way that the detector can register x-rays which are transmitted through the object onto the registering plane in differing spatial orientations of the projection axis. The registering device comprises an image reproduction unit to reproduce the data set and an input for a body signal representing an organ movement of the object. The registering device associatively moves the x-ray transmitter or the detector as a function of the body signal so that the projection axis follows the organ movement.

Abstract: The invention relates to an image carrier for the storage of X-ray information, as well as a corresponding system and method for the processing of such an image carrier. In order to improve the reliability when taking account of the sensitivity of the image carrier to X-radiation, the image carrier includes an electronic memory for the storage of calibration data of the image carrier that represent a measure of the sensitivity of the image carrier to X-radiation and can be used in a processing of image signals that are obtained on a reading of the X-ray information from the image carrier.

Abstract: A calibration apparatus for the calibration of patient dose measurement and control systems of the character used in diagnostic radiology. The calibration apparatus includes a novel ion chamber that is of rigid construction. The ion chamber has a radiation input face that incorporates an optical alignment target or reticule having markings generally corresponding to a range of field sizes and shapes. A series of radio-opaque targets are embedded beneath the surface of the optical target to facilitate alignment using a radiation image.

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: A method for registering at least a part of an object includes applying a substance to at least a part of the surface of the object, wherein the substance includes a plurality of radiation marking elements that emit radiation. At least one camera is used to scan the surface of the object such that at least a portion of the plurality of radiation marking elements are detected by the at least one camera, and three-dimensional spatial positions of the detected portion of the plurality of radiation marking elements relative to a reference coordinate system are ascertained based on the radiation emitted from the marking elements and detected by the camera and a three-dimensional position and/or orientation of the camera relative to the reference coordinate system. The object then is registered on the basis of the three-dimensional spatial positions of the detected portion of the plurality of radiation marking elements.

Abstract: A mammographic apparatus comprises an identification information reader and the identification information reader transmits the cassette identification information read by the identification information reader together with the radiography execution information to the control apparatus, in the control apparatus, it becomes possible to automatically correlate the radiographic order information and the radiography execution information based on the cassette ID (identification information). Accordingly, since the radiologist can eliminate the selection work to select of the radiographic order information for correlating the radiography execution information prior to the radiography, the efficiency of radiographic work can be improved.

Abstract: A diagnosis system includes an image generating apparatus for forming photographed image data and a control apparatus, wherein the image generating apparatus includes an FPD having an image generating device for forming the photographed data, an image memory capable of storing the photographed image data formed by the image generating device in order of photographing and a communication section 236 capable of transmitting the photographed image data stored in the image memory to the control apparatus, and the control apparatus includes a communication section 36 for receiving the photographed image data transmitted from the communication section 236 and a CPU for correlating the photographed image data received by the communication section 36 with patient information of the patient corresponding to the photographed image data.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and software for selecting image slices. The image slices are preferably taken during a quiet part of the patient's heart cycle in which the heart is relatively motionless so as to reduce blurring and the introduction of artifacts into the resultant reconstructed projection image of the heart. The methods of the present invention can analyze information regarding the duration of the patient's R-R cycles and allow the user to choose from a plurality of selection criteria, typically an absolute time or a percentage of the R-R cycle, so as to select slice images for inclusion in a projection image. The ability to choose from a plurality of selection criteria provides for flexibility to account for irregular heartbeats or a change in the duration of the patient's R-R cycles. In exemplary embodiments, the resultant projection image can be used for coronary calcium scoring or 3-D rendering of the heart.

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

Abstract: A method to plan a scan in consideration of past patient exposures. The method includes a step of sampling information on a patient exposure the subject has received during a scan performed for reconstructing tomographic images, which is appended to each of the reconstructed tomographic images, on the basis of identification information with which the subject is identified; a step of creating a distribution of patient exposures calculated relative to an axis orthogonal to the scanning directions on the basis of the sampled information on the patient exposure (an estimated patient exposure, which is estimated in planning a scan, and an exposure limit); and a step of displaying the created exposure distribution.

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.