Tiltable Or Nonvertical Examination Plane Patents (Class 378/17)
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Patent number: 11568582Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods, systems, and non-transitory computer readable mediums for reconstructing an image. Image data may be obtained, wherein the image data may be generated by a detector array. A weighting window may be determined based on at least one parameter relating to the detector array. A first set of data may be determined based on the image data and the weighting window. An objective function associated with a target image may be determined based on the first set of data, wherein the objective function may include a first model, the first model may represent a difference between the target image and the first set of data, and the first model may be identified based on the first set of data. The target image may be reconstructed by performing a plurality of iterations based on the objective function.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2021Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.Inventor: Wenjing Cao
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Patent number: 11353410Abstract: A grip portion configured to support a test piece is disposed at a central part of a base, and a plurality of pillars are erected on the base. A disposition and number of the plurality of pillars are adjusted so that an X-ray emitted from an X-ray source and transmitting through the test piece transmits through zero or one pillar in an optional image capturing direction. It is possible to avoid a situation in which an attenuation rate of the X-ray largely differs due to a difference in an image capturing direction to the test piece. Thus, it is possible to prevent a strong artifact from overlapping a CT image of the test piece in an X-ray CT image. Moreover, a material testing machine is supported by the plurality of pillars to have an accessible state around the test piece. This configuration facilitates handling of the material testing machine.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2019Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: SHIMADZU TECHNO-RESEARCH, INC.Inventors: Takashi Nakayama, Tomohide Daigen, Nobuyoshi Tsumaki
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Patent number: 11266856Abstract: A radiation therapy system includes a treatment couch positioning assembly that is directly coupled to a fixed structure supporting the linear accelerator of the radiation therapy system. The radiation therapy system can be installed in a radiation therapy facility without the floor of the facility being excavated and a sub-floor structure, such as a base frame, being installed. To laterally position a patient relative to the linear accelerator, the treatment couch positioning assembly of the radiation therapy system is laterally translated via a linear motor, and laterally translates with the treatment couch, rather than cantilevering the treatment couch to either side of the couch positioning assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2018Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: David Jensen, Stephen Gaudio, Blake Gaderlund
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Patent number: 11147987Abstract: A method and system for using in a two-modality apparatus. The two-modality apparatus comprises a couch with a table top, a first modality unit and a second modality unit. A second image of a target portion of an object when the table top is at a second working position of the second modality unit may be acquired. A second sag of the table top at a second measurement point of the table top according to the second image may be determined based on the image. A difference between a first sag of the table top at a first measurement point of the table top and the second sag may be estimated based on the second sag and standard data. The standard data provides a relationship relating to a sag of the table top positioned between the first modality unit and second modality unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2020Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.Inventors: Johannes Stahl, Supratik Bose, Jonathan Maltz, Lu Xu, Hao Chen
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Patent number: 11055509Abstract: A display device includes: a display portion that includes a plurality of pixels, and displays an image through light emitted from the plurality of pixels; a sensor that includes a plurality of light sensing pixels that receive light and acquires a first image when the display portion displays a test image that includes a marker; a memory that stores calibration image data for calibrating an image acquired by the sensor; and a sensor controller that calculates a movement amount of a marker in the first image and corrects or updates the calibration image data using the movement amount of the at least one marker.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2019Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kee Yong Kim
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Patent number: 10896526Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods, systems, and non-transitory computer readable mediums for reconstructing an image. Image data may be obtained, wherein the image data may be generated by a detector array. A weighting window may be determined based on at least one parameter relating to the detector array. A first set of data may be determined based on the image data and the weighting window. An objective function associated with a target image may be determined based on the first set of data, wherein the objective function may include a first model, the first model may represent a difference between the target image and the first set of data, and the first model may be identified based on the first set of data. The target image may be reconstructed by performing a plurality of iterations based on the objective function.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2017Date of Patent: January 19, 2021Assignee: SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.Inventor: Wenjing Cao
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Patent number: 10869643Abstract: A mobile medical imaging device that allows for multiple support structures, such as a tabletop or a seat, to be attached, and in which the imaging gantry is indexed to the patient by translating up and down the patient axis. In one embodiment, the imaging gantry can translate, rotate and/or tilt with respect to a support base, enabling imaging in multiple orientations, and can also rotate in-line with the support base to facilitate easy transport and/or storage of the device. The imaging device can be used in, for example, x-ray computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2020Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: Mobius Imaging LLCInventor: Eugene A. Gregerson
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Patent number: 10825209Abstract: Systems and methods for tomographic reconstruction of an image include systems and methods for producing images from k-space data. A k-space data set of an imaged object is acquired using know k-space data acquisition systems and methods. A portion of the k-space data set is sampled so as to collect some portion of the k-space data. An image is then reconstructed from the collected portion of the k-space data set according to a convex optimization model.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2018Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: VIEWRAY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: James F. Dempsey, Qingguo Zeng, Roger Nana, John Lester Patrick, Timothy P. Eagan, Shmaryu M. Shvartsman
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Patent number: 10759008Abstract: A pipe alignment apparatus to align a pair of adjacent pipe ends together. The apparatus includes a first pair of arcuate frames joined together to move between an open position and a closed position. A second pair of arcuate frames joined together moves between an open position and closed position. A plurality of jackscrews is provided on the first pair of arcuate frames and on the second pair of arcuate frames. A plurality of adjustable turnbuckles extends between the first pair of frames and the second pair of frames.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2019Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: MATHEY INVESTMENTS, INC.Inventor: Peter Theriot
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Patent number: 10698386Abstract: Some embodiments facilitate creation of an industrial asset item via a rotary additive manufacturing process. For example, a build plate may rotate about a vertical axis and move, relative to a print arm, along the vertical axis during printing. An industrial asset item definition data store may contain at least one electronic record defining the industrial asset item. A frame creation computer processor may slice the data defining the industrial asset item to create a series of two-dimensional, locally linear frames helically arranged as a spiral staircase of steps (and each step may be oriented normal to the vertical axis. Indications of the series of two-dimensional frames may then be output to be provided to a rotary three-dimensional printer.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2017Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Subhrajit Roychowdhury, Brian McCarthy, Michael Tucker, David C Bogdan, Jr., Michael Evans Graham, William Carter
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Patent number: 10617366Abstract: An imaging system includes a collimator assembly, a detector assembly and a control device. The collimator assembly is configured to collimate photons emitted from an imaged subject. The collimator assembly may include a plurality of slit-plates and a plurality of slats parallel to a transverse plane of the imaging system. Each of the plurality slit-plates may include one or more slits configured to collimate the photons in a first direction. The detector assembly is configured to generate signals based on the collimated photons. The control device is configured to place the plurality of slit-plates in a plurality of locations to provide a plurality of fields of view of the imaging system.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2017Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: UIH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Tao Feng, Hongdi Li
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Patent number: 10537296Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical image diagnostic apparatus includes a gantry, columns, gantry drive motors, position detectors, and gantry control circuitry. The gantry has a bore along a vertical direction. The columns movably support the gantry along the vertical direction, with one end of the bore facing a floor surface and the gantry being interposed between the columns. The gantry drive motors move the gantry along the vertical direction. The position detectors detect support positions at which the gantry is supported in each of the columns. The gantry control circuitry determines whether or not movement of the gantry along the vertical direction is possible, based on information regarding misalignment between the support positions.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2018Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: Canon Medical Systems CorporationInventor: Takuya Hasegawa
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Patent number: 10507146Abstract: The sitting to standing lift chair is useful for the elderly and physically impaired when transitioning from a sitting position to a standing position, or vice versa. The chair includes a seat bottom, a seat back rotatably attached to the rear edge of the seat bottom, armrests attached to side edges of the seat back, hand grips on the armrests, a headrest and a footrest rotatably attached to the front edge of the seat bottom. A base and a bottom elevated platform support the other chair components and provide an adjustable height for the chair. The seat bottom is supported on the bottom elevated platform using a sitting to standing mechanism, which provides for raising and lowering the seat bottom while keeping the seat back vertical. Three control switches operate motors for controlling the height of the chair, the position of the footrest and the sitting to standing mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2019Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Inventors: Aliah M. Z. F. M. Alhajery, Alaa K H. M. Abdullah, Hasna F. F. F. S. Alajmi, Munirah S. E. A. A. Alburaidi
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Patent number: 10307120Abstract: A positron emission tomography (PET) scanner in which a horizontal detector ring is arranged to be moved vertically up and down by a lifting mechanism, thereby eliminating the need for a patient to be in a supine position when performing PET or other types of image scanning.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2017Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: Prescient Imaging, LLCInventors: Paul B. Thomas, Farhad Daghighian
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Patent number: 9977231Abstract: An optical microscope and method for detecting lens immersion in optical microscopy includes an ultrasound circuit acoustically coupled to both an objective lens and a sample of an optical microscope, the ultrasound circuit comprising an ultrasound transmitter and an ultrasound receiver. The optical microscope and method includes transmitting an ultrasound pulse from the ultrasound transmitter to the ultrasound receiver, determining that a transit time of the ultrasound pulse is less than a threshold time, and providing an output signal from the pulse discriminator indicating that the ultrasound pulse is less than the threshold time.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2017Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventor: William Michael Dougherty
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Patent number: 9743892Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting a phantom, comprising the steps of: arranging a phantom with respect to an object, acquiring at least one image of said object by means of an x-ray apparatus, such that the image contains projections of the object and projections of at least three first calibration fiducials of the phantom, detecting the projections of the at least three first calibration fiducials in said at least one image, and establishing a correspondence between the 2D image coordinates of said projections of the at least three first calibration fiducials and the 3D coordinates of said at least three first calibration fiducials in a local coordinate system of the phantom for computing the projection matrix at least up to a scale factor.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2013Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: UNIVERSITAT BERNInventors: Guoyan Zheng, Steffen Schumann
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Patent number: 9733198Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for X-ray imaging wherein a radiation source comprising rows of discrete emissive locations can be positioned such that these rows are angularly offset relative to rows of sensing elements on a radiation sensor. A processor can process and allocate responses of the sensing elements in appropriate memory locations given the angular offset between source and sensor. This manner of allocation can include allocating the responses into data rows associated with unique positions along a direction of columns of discrete emissive locations on the source. Mapping coefficients can be determined that map allocated responses into an image plane.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2015Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: NOVARAY MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Augustus Percival Lowell, Tobias Funk, Chwen-Yuan Ku, Josh Star-Lack, Edward Gerald Solomon, Winston Y. Sun
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Patent number: 9662089Abstract: Apparatus for locating bubbles in a subject comprises a plurality of pressure wave detectors arranged to operate as passive detectors to generate output signals in response to the receipt of pressure waves generated at a source comprising at least one bubble, and processing means arranged to receive signals from the detectors and to determine from the signals the position of the source.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2015Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Assignee: Oxford University Innovation LimitedInventors: Constantin C. Coussios, Miklos Gyongy, Manish Arora, Ronald Aurele Roy
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Patent number: 9599807Abstract: An optical microscope and method for detecting lens immersion in optical microscopy includes an ultrasound circuit acoustically coupled to both an objective lens and a sample slide of an optical microscope, the ultrasound circuit comprising an ultrasound transmitter and an ultrasound receiver. The optical microscope and method includes transmitting an ultrasound pulse from the ultrasound transmitter to the ultrasound receiver, determining that a transit time of the ultrasound pulse is less than a threshold time, and providing an output signal from the pulse discriminator indicating that the ultrasound pulse is less than the threshold time.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: William Michael Dougherty
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Patent number: 9478692Abstract: A photonic conversion layer receives incoming photons in a plurality of X-ray bands, the incoming photons passing through an item on a path from an X-ray source to the photonic conversion layer. The incoming photons are converted in each X-ray band of the plurality of X-ray bands to outgoing photons in corresponding different converted bands in the visible-to-near infrared (VNIR) spectrum. The outgoing photons are emitted in the corresponding different converted bands in the VNIR spectrum. A sensor detects the outgoing photons in the corresponding different converted bands in the VNIR spectrum and generates output data representative of the outgoing photons. Image data is generated based on the output data.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Lackheed Martin CorporationInventors: David R. Twede, Del E. Vicker
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Patent number: 9373180Abstract: A method for determining a projection angle for use in tomographic imaging comprises obtaining projection data including at least one projection view from at least one projection angle. The at least one projection view is generated by scanning a test object with a tomographic imaging device. Each projection view comprises at least one observation value obtained at least one detection location, providing a plurality of candidate projection angles, for each candidate projection angle, calculating a function value indicative of an amount of information that may be gained by adding to the projection data a further projection view generated by scanning of the test object with the tomographic imaging device from the candidate projection angle, and selecting a candidate projection angle from the plurality of candidate projection angles taking into account the function values. A corresponding system and computer program product also is provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2012Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignees: UNIVERSITEIT ANTWERPEN, CWIInventors: Kees Joost Batenburg, Jan Sijbers
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Patent number: 9351693Abstract: An imaging system (500) includes an annular shaped rotating gantry (504) having an aperture (501) and configured to support at least a radiation source, wherein the rotating gantry rotates about a rotation axis (508) around an examination region, and wherein the rotation axis is located within the aperture in a center region (508) of the examination region. The imaging system further includes a stationary gantry (502), configured to rotatably support the rotating gantry. The stationary gantry includes a gantry base (516), an annular shaped tilt frame (518) that rotatably supports the rotating gantry, and a tilt system (520) affixed to and between the gantry base and the tilt frame, wherein the tilt system defines a tilt axis (522) of the stationary gantry, the tilt axis is located between the gantry base and the rotation axis, and the tilt frame tilts about the tilt axis.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2012Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: KONLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Ronald B. Sharpless, Johannes Balthasar Maria Soetens
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Patent number: 9217719Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for X-ray imaging wherein a radiation source comprising rows of discrete emissive locations can be positioned such that these rows are angularly offset relative to rows of sensing elements on a radiation sensor. A processor can process and allocate responses of the sensing elements in appropriate memory locations given the angular offset between source and sensor. This manner of allocation can include allocating the responses into data rows associated with unique positions along a direction of columns of discrete emissive locations on the source. Mapping coefficients can be determined that map allocated responses into an image plane.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2013Date of Patent: December 22, 2015Assignee: Novaray Medical, Inc.Inventors: Augustus Percival Lowell, Tobias Funk, Chwen-Yuan Ku, Josh Star-Lack, Edward Gerald Solomon, Winston Y. Sun
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Patent number: 9188549Abstract: The present invention pertains to a system and method for X-ray imaging wherein a targeted fluence at the detector for projection images can be achieved at a plurality of projection angles around the imaging subject by control of exposure times implemented during image acquisition. Exposure time for a second projection image may be determined by the fluence in a first projection image, and in a third projection image by the fluence in a second projection image, where projection images are acquired within two degrees of one another. An acquisition parameter calculation can be configured to calculate acquisition parameters, such as said exposure times, to achieve the targeted fluence in projection images and can be coupled to a rotation controller that implements the acquisition parameters by controlling a relative angle between the imaging subject and X-ray image acquisition device.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2015Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: Triple Ring Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Tobias Funk
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Patent number: 9078628Abstract: To position an imaging subject (16) in an imaging or therapy system (10), the imaging subject (16) is arranged on a linearly translatable tabletop (26) disposed on a movable trolley (30). A position of a region of interest (24) of the imaging subject along the linearly translatable tabletop is selected using an elongated position selector (40, 40?, 40?) that is elongated in a translation direction (z) of the linearly translatable tabletop (26). After the selecting, the movable trolley is docked with the imaging or therapy system (10). After the docking, the tabletop is linearly translated to move the imaging subject to the imaging or therapy system, the amount of linear translating being based on the selected position of a region of interest along the linearly translatable tabletop.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2006Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Patrick T. Cumpson, Bradford W. Petot
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Patent number: 9052265Abstract: Relative movement about an axis of rotation is caused as between an energy source/detector array with respect to an object (where the object can comprise either an object to be projected to facilitate a study of the object or a calibration object to be projected as part of calibrating usage of the energy source/detector array). The energy source/detector array are used during this relative movement to scan the object and to obtain corresponding object project data. That object projection data is then used to determine a parameter as corresponds to at least one scanning geometry characteristic as corresponds to using the energy source and the corresponding detector array while causing the aforementioned relative movement to scan the object.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2006Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.Inventor: Kevin Holt
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Patent number: 9042514Abstract: Among other things, one or more systems and/or techniques are described for dynamically adjusting, in a fan-angle direction, attenuation of radiation during an examination of an object such that portions of the object that are not represented in resulting (tilted/targeted) images of the object are exposed to less radiation than portions of the object that are represented in resulting (tilted/targeted) images of the object. As a rotating gantry is rotated, blades of a pre-object collimator are dynamically repositioned to selectively attenuate emitted radiation. A collimator adjustment component may be configured to determine how to reposition the blades based at least in part upon at least one of a desired tilt of the resulting (tilted) image(s), a translational position of the object, and a gantry rotation angle, for example.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2012Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: Analogic CorporationInventors: Doug Abraham, Lane Howitt, Mitchell Surowiec, Carl DeVincent, David Rozas
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Publication number: 20150131775Abstract: An imaging system comprises a digital radiation detector and radiation source. A detector transport moves the detector along at least a portion of a first curved path and a radiation moves the source along at least a portion of a second curved source path. The detector is configured to travel at least a portion of the first curved path, and the source is configured to travel at least a portion of the second curved path. The detector is configured to obtain a plurality of 2D projection images over a range of scan angles for reconstructing a 3D volume image using the plurality 2D projection images.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2014Publication date: May 14, 2015Inventors: John Yorkston, William C. Wendlandt, Peter A. Newman, Donna K. Rankin-Parobek, David Y. Chan
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Publication number: 20140328454Abstract: A system and method for determining an orientation of a reservoir feature from an unoriented core. The method includes selecting an arbitrary inclined plane in a longitudinal or transverse cross sectional CT scan image of the unoriented core; flattening the inclined plane by realigning all voxels within a volume of the unoriented core so as to obtain a horizontal plane in a realigned core; selecting a transverse cross sectional CT scan image of the realigned core where a desired feature is present; determining a correcting angle to be added to an angle of a flat-bed contact plane of the realigned core relative to a reference mark in the realigned core to obtain a correct inclination angle relative to compass map coordinates; determining a first angle between a direction perpendicular to the feature relative to the reference mark; and determining a second angle by adding the correcting angle to the first angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2013Publication date: November 6, 2014Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.Inventor: Larry Zarra
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Publication number: 20140205059Abstract: An imaging system (500) includes an annular shaped rotating gantry (504) having an aperture (501) and configured to support at least a radiation source, wherein the rotating gantry rotates about a rotation axis (508) around an examination region, and wherein the rotation axis is located within the aperture in a center region (508) of the examination region. The imaging system further includes a stationary gantry (502), configured to rotatably support the rotating gantry. The stationary gantry includes a gantry base (516), an annular shaped tilt frame (518) that rotatably supports the rotating gantry, and a tilt system (520) affixed to and between the gantry base and the tilt frame, wherein the tilt system defines a tilt axis (522) of the stationary gantry, the tilt axis is located between the gantry base and the rotation axis, and the tilt frame tilts about the tilt axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2012Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Ronald B. Sharpless, Johannes Balthasar Maria Soetens
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Patent number: 8750591Abstract: An angiography system for angiographic examination or treatment of an organ, vascular system or other regions of an object of a patient is proposed. The system has an x-ray source and an x-ray image detector disposed at ends of a C-arm, a patient support table, a system control unit, an image system, and a monitor. The object contains two details hiding each other in the x-ray images depending on angulation of the C-arm. The system control unit has a device that detects a 3D dataset of the object registered to the C-arm and detects the information about a course of the object. The device calculates a desired and/or optimum angulation of the C-arm from the detected information and transfers the calculated angulation to the system control unit for adjusting the C-arm to the angulation.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2012Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Marcus Pfister
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Publication number: 20140126687Abstract: An X-ray photography apparatus including: a turning arm that supports an X-ray generator and an X-ray detector which are opposed to each other so that the head of a patient can be interposed therebetween, and a moving mechanism that includes a turning part and a moving part. The turning part turns the turning arm about a turning axis with respect to the head. The moving part moves the turning arm relative to the head in a direction perpendicular to the turning axis. The X-ray photography apparatus also includes: an image processor that generates an X-ray image, a photographic region designation part that designates part of a row of teeth along a dental arch as a pseudo intraoral radiography region, and an X-ray forming mechanism that changes the irradiation direction in which the head is irradiated with an X-ray relative to the axial direction of the body axis of the patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2013Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: J. Morita Manufacturing CorporationInventors: Hideki Yoshikawa, Makoto Honjo
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Publication number: 20140119500Abstract: The X-ray imaging device comprises an X-ray source that is able to move along a predetermined movement path, a movement unit configured to cause the X-ray source to move along the predetermined movement path, an imaging platform that is disposed to face the X-ray source, a flat-panel X-ray detector that is provided to the imaging platform, a marker that is disposed in the imaging platform, a control unit that causes the X-ray source to move and to capture images respectively including the marker from at least two positions, and an image processing unit that calculates a position of an image of the marker in each of the captured images and calculates a slope of a movement axis of the X-ray source with respect to the X-ray detector based on a relative relationship between positions of images of the marker.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2014Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: FUJIFILM CorporationInventor: Sadato AKAHORI
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Patent number: 8693621Abstract: A medical imaging system includes a generally stationary gantry (102) and a rotating gantry (106), rotatably supported by the generally stationary gantry (102), that rotates about a longitudinal axis around an examination region. The medical imaging system further includes a radiation source (112) that emits a radiation beam that traverses the examination region. The radiation source (112) is moveably affixed to the rotating gantry (106) so as to translate in a direction of the longitudinal axis with respect to the rotating gantry (106) while scanning a subject in the examination region. The medical imaging system further includes a detector array (120) that detects the radiation beam that traverses the examination region and generates a signal indicative thereof. The detector array (120) is moveably affixed to the rotating gantry (106) so as to move in coordination with the radiation source (112) while scanning the subject in the examination region.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2009Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N. V.Inventors: Axel Thran, Claas Bontus, Peter Forthmann, Roland Proksa, Ronald B. Sharpless, Dominic J. Heuscher, Felix Peeters, Johannes Bathazar Maria Soetens
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Patent number: 8693618Abstract: A scanner device for computed tomography imaging of an object, includes a measurement device including a source device arranged for irradiating the object with at least one beam and a detector device arranged for detecting radiation transmitted through the object, wherein the source device has a fixed position relative the detector device, and a carrier device accommodating the object in a position between the source device and the detector device, wherein the measurement device and the carrier device are capable of a scanning movement relative to each other, and the measurement device and the carrier device have a fixed spatial orientation during the scanning movement. Furthermore, a scanning method for computed tomography imaging of an object is described.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2009Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH)Inventors: Oleg Tischenko, Matthias Klaften, Christoph Hoeschen, Martin Hrabe de Angelis
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Patent number: 8606033Abstract: X-ray beam detectors in one model can individually differ from one another. This can lead to differences in the amount of noise in an image recorded with the aid of the respective X-ray beam detector. In the present case, a variable is derived using an empty image, which variable reproduces the amount of noise, and this variable then determines the type and extent of a filtering process. Hence the image processing is adapted to the respective individual noise behavior of the respective X-ray beam detector. This is particularly suitable if the X-ray beam detector is a flat-panel detector (100) with a scintillator (22) and photodetector elements (12).Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2011Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Boris Stowasser
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Patent number: 8546773Abstract: A radiotherapy technique for providing a radiation source having a radiation path that intersects a treatment area, activating the radiation source, and moving the radiation source in three dimensions about the treatment area, wherein the radiation source is continually directed substantially toward an isocentric point within the treatment area.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2010Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Inventor: John P. Stokes
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Patent number: 8452381Abstract: A apparatus particularly well suited for use in medical imaging includes radiation sensitive detectors (40, 50) which detect gamma radiation indicative of radionuclide decays in an examination region (30). The detectors (40, 50) are supported by generally c-shaped support (70) for rotation about a detector rotation axis (35). The support (70) is farther attached to a pivot joint (77) which allows adjustment of the detector rotation axis (35). The support (70) may also be translated in two degrees of freedom to so that the detectors (40, 50) orbit the examination region (20) in a non-circular orbit.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2005Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Sorin V. Cora, Mark E. Desilets, Dumitru Dragan, Moataz Karmalawy, Michael J. Petrillo
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Patent number: 8433031Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus includes a first setting device configured to set on a scout image of a subject, a reconstruction range of a tilt image based on a desired tilt angle such that the tilt image includes a region of interest of the subject, a second setting device configured to set on the scout image a range as a scan range for a non-tilt scan, the range being placed on an inner side of a scan range necessary to reconstruct the tilt image with respect to all scan spaces in the reconstruction range, wherein the range includes the region of interest, a scan execution device configured to execute the non-tilt scan on the scan range, and a reconstruction device configured to reconstruct the tilt image including at least the region of interest with respect to the reconstruction range based on projection data acquired during the non-tilt scan.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2011Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Masatake Nukui, Hirofumi Yanagita
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Patent number: 8217937Abstract: An isosurfacial three-dimensional imaging system and method uses scanning electron microscopy for surface imaging of an assumed opaque object providing a series of tilt images for generating a sinogram of the object and a voxel data set for generating a three-dimensional image of the object having exterior surfaces some of which may be obscured so as to provide exterior three-dimensional surface imaging of objects including hidden surfaces normally obscured from stereographic view.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2007Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: The Aerospace CorporationInventors: Terence Sern-Wei Yeoh, Neil A. Ives
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Patent number: 8116849Abstract: A method is disclosed for achieving improved quality of monitoring and diagnosis for heart functions. Specifically, a method is disclosed for continuous temperature measurement and thermal characterization of patient heart tissue based on non-invasive thermal mapping technology. The method includes multi-dimensional cardiac tissue temperature scanning and tissue thermal pattern analysis with high precision, which can greatly improve the efficiency and lower the medical procedure risk for identifying myocardial ischemia (MI) disorders, predicting the MI occurrence, and mapping MI characteristics and impacting MI medical treatment, such as drug delivery and long term cardiac care. A system is also disclosed for use with the method.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2007Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: Hongxuan Zhang, Myrtis Randolph
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Patent number: 7899151Abstract: An operating method for a polyplanar imaging system for time-resolved imaging of an object is provided. First and second data records are recorded at a fan angle ? from different angular positions by a first and second imaging planes arranged at an offset angle ? relative to each other and swiveled through an angle of at least ?=180°+?. A third data record is created by selecting projection images from the first data record beginning from a starting angle ? and from the second data record so that the third data record covers an angular range of at least ?. Three-dimensional images are reconstructed based on the third data record. The starting angle ? is varied for continuously creating the third data record until ? has attained its final value. The contrast of projection images in the third data record or of three-dimensional images is evaluated.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2009Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Jan Boese, Norbert Rahn
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Publication number: 20100310040Abstract: A CT system includes a scintillator array having a first length in an axial direction of the CT system, the scintillator array includes a plurality of scintillator cells along the first length. The CT system includes a controller configured to repeatedly position a subject fore and aft along the axial direction and over a second length of the CT system, the second length greater than the first length, energize an x-ray source to emit x-rays toward the subject while the subject is being repeatedly positioned, and obtain non-uniform projection data of the subject from the scintillator array, the non-uniform projection data comprising the x-rays received from the x-ray source while the subject is repeatedly positioned.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2009Publication date: December 9, 2010Inventors: Jiang Hsieh, Paul E. Licato, Akira Hagiwara, Mark Vincent Profio, Karen Ann Procknow, Saad Ahmed Sirohey, Srinivas Aluri, Olga Imas
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Patent number: 7825383Abstract: A mobile detector system for use in the detection of radiation photons. The detector system includes an exterior casing, having an internal area. The internal area has an interior periphery and an exterior periphery, at least one rail, at least one mobile camera, that is movably mounted on the at least one rail, and at least one motor. The motor drives at least one mobile camera, and the at least one mobile camera is movable along at least one rail within the exterior casing, to a plurality of radiation receiving positions.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2006Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: A Hans Vija, James T. Chapman, Peggy Hawman, Ansgar Graw, John Thomas Pawlak, Guenter Hahn
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Patent number: 7729469Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray imaging unit, rotating unit configured to rotate a subject about an axis of rotation relative to the X-ray imaging unit, supporting unit configured to support the subject, and a limiting unit configured to limit the range in which the X-ray imaging unit is moveable along the axis of rotation depending on the position of the supporting means relative to the axis of rotation.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2008Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masaaki Kobayashi
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Patent number: 7688937Abstract: An electron beam computed tomography system is provided that uses a cone beam geometry to generate truly three-dimensional images. The required cone beam projections can be obtained using a single sweep of the electron beam along the target ring (20). The target ring (20) is non-planar and shaped roughly like a ?th segment of the boundary curve of a saddle. The resulting source trajectory satisfies Tuy's completeness condition with respect to a sizeable volume of interest around the isocenter of the system. The detector (28) has a large area and is built from a plurality of small, brick-shaped detector modules (32), which are placed side by side along a detector trajectory that is a mirror image, through the isocenter, of the source trajectory. Owing to the special shapes of the target ring and the detector strip, a cone-beam of x-rays starting from the target ring and heading towards the opposite segment of the detector strip is not blocked by other portions of the detector.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2005Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: Hermann Schomberg
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Publication number: 20100067651Abstract: Methods and apparatus for x-ray imaging with focal spot deflection are provided. The apparatus includes an x-ray tube having a cathode configured to emit electrons and an anode having a target with a target surface defining a target angle. The emitted electrons are deflected onto the target surface with the target surface substantially aligned with a z-axis parallel to a gantry rotation axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2008Publication date: March 18, 2010Inventors: Jiang Hsieh, Eugne Lino Saragnese, J. Eric Stahre, Bijan Dorri, James Kaufman, Robert Franklin Senzig
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Publication number: 20100067652Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus includes: a base; a main frame including a pair of tilt shafts, the main frame being supported in a tiltable manner by the base with a pair of bearings interposed in between, the bearings configured to rotatably support the respective tilt shafts; an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector positioned to face each other; an annular rotor configured to hold the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector, the rotor rotatably supported by the main frame with a bearing interposed in between; and a pair of reinforcement members extended from the main frame. One ends of the pair of tilt shafts are fixed to the main frame, and the other ends of the pair of tilt shafts are fixed to the respective reinforcement members.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2009Publication date: March 18, 2010Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATIONInventor: Yasutaka SHINDO
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Patent number: 7676021Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus that performs radiation imaging of a breast of a subject, which includes a table for laying down the subject; a receiving section that receives a breast of the subject laid on the table in a supine position; a radiation imaging section including a radiation emission unit and a radiation detection unit each located at a position opposing to each other being interposed by the breast of the subject received in the receiving section; and a drive unit that shifts the receiving section to a position suitable for imaging the breast of the subject.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2008Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Osamu Tsujii, Shinsuke Hayashida, Kazuhiro Matsumoto, Katsushi Kato
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Patent number: RE41219Abstract: An X-ray computed tomographic apparatus of the invention includes a display portion to display, on a screen, a scanogram related to a subject together with a quadrilateral frame line specifying a reconstruction range, an input portion to input a command to transform the frame line specifying the reconstruction range to a parallelogram or rotate the frame line specifying the reconstruction range, a gantry to perform scanning in a scan range corresponding to the reconstruction range, and a reconstruction portion to reconstruct image data related to plural slices, parallel to one another and included in the reconstruction range, slice-by-slice on the basis of projection data acquired by the scanning.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2006Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventor: Shinsuke Tsukagoshi