Beam Detection System Patents (Class 378/19)
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Publication number: 20130208852Abstract: A detection field setting unit of a console sets a detection field of detection pixels of an electronic cassette which are used to detect the dose of X-rays passing through a subject so as to correspond to each irradiation position on the basis of irradiation positions of an X-ray source set by a driving condition setting unit and ROI information such as the position and the size of a region of interest (ROI) of the subject M input through an input device and the height thereof from a radiography platform. The electronic cassette performs an automatic exposure control of detecting the dose of X-rays by the use of the detection pixels in the detection field set by the detection field setting unit of the console and automatically controlling the irradiation dose of X-rays on the basis of the detected dose, when performing a radiographing operation at the irradiation positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2013Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATIONInventor: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
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Publication number: 20130208854Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating a computed tomography device including an x-ray source embodied to emit a fan-type beam bundle and a detector arrangement interacting therewith and including a plurality of detector elements. An embodiment of the method provides that an integration time provided to read out a detector element is dependent on the position of the detector element within the detector arrangement, wherein with a detector element which detects x-rays which penetrate the isocenter lying between the c-ray source and the detector arrangement, a longer integration time is provided, than with a detector element which detects x-rays which penetrate an examination volume which is further away from the isocenter.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2013Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventor: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
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Publication number: 20130202079Abstract: A system and method for reconstructing an image acquired by delivering an irradiating dose of radiation to a subject includes acquiring imaging data using a dose of irradiating radiation and selecting at least one of a plurality of mechanisms for reducing the dose that could be delivered to the subject to acquire additional imaging data. Noise is inserted into the imaging data to simulate the at least one of the plurality of mechanisms for reducing the dose that could be applied to acquire the additional imaging data to thereby generate simulated imaging data at a reduced dose of irradiating radiation. A simulated reduced dose image is reconstructed from the simulated imaging data. A method is provided for utilizing a non-local means filter adapted using a map of local noise to produce denoised medical imaging data reflecting reduced local nose levels from those in originally-acquired medical imaging data.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2013Publication date: August 8, 2013Inventors: Lifeng Yu, Armando Manduca, Zhoubo Li, Joel G. Fletcher, Cynthia H. McCollough
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Publication number: 20130202080Abstract: A system and method is provided for estimating the local noise of CT images and denoising the images using a modified non-local means (NLM) algorithm that is adaptive to local variations of noise levels. A strategy for efficiently estimating the local noise of CT images is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2013Publication date: August 8, 2013Inventors: Lifeng Yu, Armando Manduca, Zhoubo Li, Joel G. Fletcher, Cynthia H. McCollough
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Patent number: 8503604Abstract: A dental radiology apparatus includes an X-radiation generator and a sensor opposite it receiving radiation from the generator. The apparatus produces a panoramic image of an object by displacement of the assembly formed of the generator and the sensor along a given trajectory in a plane, the generator having at least one collimation slit elongated along a z-axis perpendicular to the plane to produce an X-ray beam elongated along this axis in a first mode of operation, the sensor with an array of pixels extending along the Z-axis in correspondence with the beam. The apparatus includes elements for pivoting the sensor by 90° to extend it in a direction parallel to the plane P, switching the generator provided with the collimation slit from the first mode to a second mode of operation to produce an X-ray beam elongated parallel to the direction of the sensor, so that the these positioned sensor is always in correspondence with the beam.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2009Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: TROPHYInventors: Jean-Marc Inglese, Vincent Loustauneau, Sylvie Bothorel
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Publication number: 20130195240Abstract: In the X-ray CT system according to an embodiment, a control means displaces and images imaging regions in the subject by controlling a top board driver and an imaging means such that the X-rays are projected onto the subject every time a top board is moved by a predetermined transfer amount. An acquiring means acquires projection data of the respective imaging regions. A reconstruction means, based on the projection data, reconstructs tomographic images for each predetermined size of a reconstruction region. In the scan control mode, the control means outputs the transfer amount corresponding to this mode to the top board driver. In the reconstruction control mode, the control means outputs the size of the reconstruction region corresponding to this mode to the reconstruction means.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2013Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicants: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation, Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
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Patent number: 8498374Abstract: A dental and orthopedic densitometry modeling system includes a controller with a microprocessor and a memory device connected to the microprocessor. An input device is also connected to the microprocessor for inputting diagnostic procedure parameters and patient information. X-ray equipment including an X-ray source and an X-ray detector array are connected to a positioning motor for movement relative to a patient's dental or orthopedic structure in response to signals from the microprocessor. The output consists of a tomographical densitometry model. A dental/orthopedic densitometry modeling method involves moving the X-ray equipment across a predetermined scan path, emitting dual-energy X-ray beams, and outputting an image color-coded to correspond to a patient's dental or orthopedic density.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Osseo Imaging, LLCInventor: Ronald E. Massie
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Publication number: 20130188771Abstract: A method for recording at least two 3D subtraction image data records with a C-arm x-ray apparatus is provided. A mask run is implemented with a rotation angle of at least 180° plus fan angle plus an additional angle, while projection image data record of a native 3D image data record are recorded. A filler run is implemented after administration of a contrast agent with a rotation angle of at least 180° plus fan angle plus an additional angle. Partial 3D image data records are generated and formed into a set of projection image data records. Each set of projection image data records is reconstructed, wherein a 3D subtraction image data record is generated by subtracting data of a native 3D image data record from data of a 3D image data record after the administration of the contrast agent.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2013Publication date: July 25, 2013Inventor: Yiannis Kyriakou
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Patent number: 8488736Abstract: An x-ray detector assembly includes a first flat panel digital projection detector and a second flat panel digital projection detector. The x-ray detector assembly further includes a first detector mounting structure configured to align the first flat panel digital projection detector in a first position to block the second flat panel digital projection detector from receiving x-rays emitting from an x-ray source toward the second flat panel digital projection detector in an x-ray penetration direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2010Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: David Michael Hoffman, Jeffrey Alan Kautzer
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Patent number: 8488735Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid-state imaging device and the like having a structure for capturing a high-resolution image even when any of the reading-out wiring and row selecting wiring is disconnected. A pixel portion Pm,n of the photodetecting section (10) includes a photodiode PD generating charge of an amount according to an incident light intensity and a reading-out switch SW1 connected to the photodiode PD. The pixel portion Pm,n occupies a substantially square region, and most of the region is a region of the photodiode PD. A field-effect transistor serving as the reading-out switch SW1 is formed in one corner of the region. A channel stopper CS is continuously formed in a region sandwiched by pixel portions. In a region surrounded by any 2×2 pixel portions adjacent to one another, a dummy photodiode PD1 surrounded by the channel stopper CS is formed.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2009Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.Inventors: Kazuki Fujita, Harumichi Mori, Ryuji Kyushima, Masahiko Honda
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Patent number: 8483352Abstract: An x-ray detector assembly includes a curvilinear detector assembly that has a first side section that includes a first plurality of detector modules, a second side section that includes a second plurality of detector modules, and a third section that includes a third plurality of detector modules. The third section is positioned between the first and second side sections in a channel direction. The x-ray detector assembly also includes a first flat panel digital projection detector and a first detector mounting structure that is configured to align the first flat panel digital projection detector in a first position to block the third section of the curvilinear detector assembly from receiving x-rays emitting from an x-ray source toward the curvilinear detector assembly in the x-ray penetration direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2010Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: David Michael Hoffman, Jeffrey Alan Kautzer
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Patent number: 8483359Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid-state imaging device, etc. having a structure for capturing a high-resolution image even when any row selecting wiring is disconnected. The solid-state imaging device (1) comprises a photodetecting section (10), a signal reading-out section (20), a row selecting section (30), a column selecting section (40), an overflow preventing section (50), and a controlling section (60). The photodetecting section (10) has M×N pixel portions P1,1 to PM,N two-dimensionally arranged in a matrix of M rows and N columns, and each of the pixel portions P1,1 to PM,N includes a photodiode that generates charge of an amount according to an incident light intensity and a reading-out switch connected to the photodiode. Each of the N pixel portions Pm,1 to Pm,N belonging to an m-th row is connected to the row selecting section (30) and the overflow preventing section (50) by an m-th row selecting wiring LV,m.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2009Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.Inventors: Kazuki Fujita, Harumichi Mori, Ryuji Kyushima, Masahiko Honda
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Patent number: 8483362Abstract: A collimator module is disclosed for the modular assembly of a collimator for a radiation detector with a multiplicity of absorber elements, which are arranged one behind the other in a collimation direction and held by a carrier. In at least one embodiment, the carrier has at least one alignment device for aligning the collimator module in the collimation direction, which alignment device(s) interact with positioning device(s) in a detector mechanism of the radiation detector when they are integrated into the radiation detector. This provides the preconditions for integrating the collimator module in a fashion that is decoupled from a radiation convertor, and so this allows easy assembly of a collimator and adjustment to a position assumed between a radiation convertor and the collimator. Moreover, a radiation detector with such a collimator module is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2010Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Andreas Freund
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Patent number: 8483353Abstract: An x-ray detector assembly includes a first curvilinear detector assembly comprising a first plurality of detector modules, a second curvilinear detector assembly comprising a second plurality of detector modules, and a first flat panel digital projection detector arranged between the first and second curvilinear detector assemblies such that a first end of the first flat panel digital projection detector is coupled to an inner end of the first curvilinear detector assembly and a second end of the first flat panel projection detector is coupled to an inner end of the second curvilinear detector assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2010Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: David Michael Hoffman, Jeffrey Alan Kautzer
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Publication number: 20130163714Abstract: A method for reconstructing an image of an object includes scanning an object using a computed tomographic (CT) imaging apparatus to acquire projections of the object. A set of thresholds are determined utilizing the projections, and selected smoothing kernels are associated with the thresholds. The method further includes utilizing the smoothing kernels and the projections to produce smoothed projections in accordance with the thresholds and filtering and backprojecting the smoothed projections to generate an image of the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2012Publication date: June 27, 2013Inventors: Jianying Li, Jiang Hsieh
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Publication number: 20130163716Abstract: The present invention provides a radiographic image detector that may maintain even resolution in 6 directions before and after 3-pixel binning process or 4-pixel binning process. A radiation detector is disposed with plural pixels that have hexagonal shaped pixel regions, arrayed in a honeycomb pattern. Scan lines connected to TFT switches in each of the pixels are disposed one for each of the pixel rows. Grouped scan lines are also disposed one for each of the pixel rows for reading and combining 3 pixels or 4 pixels worth of charges at the same timing for plural pixel groups, each configured from 3 pixels or 4 pixels in a radiation detection element. ON signals are simultaneously sent by the grouped scanned lines to the TFT switches to perform 3-pixel binning or 4-pixel binning.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2012Publication date: June 27, 2013Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATIONInventor: Fujifilm Corporation
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Publication number: 20130163715Abstract: A radiation tomography system is provided. The radiation tomography system includes a radiation source configured to rotate around a subject and apply radiation to the subject, a plurality of radiation detecting elements disposed opposite the radiation source, a plurality of collimator plates partitioning the radiation detecting elements in a channel direction, the collimator plates erected such that plate surfaces of each of the plurality of collimator plates extend along a direction of radiation from the radiation source, and an aperture-width changing unit configured to change a width of each aperture formed by the plurality of collimator plates by moving a plurality of radiation absorbing members along respective end sides of the collimator plates close to the radiation source, the plurality of radiation absorbing members moveable between a first position at which the end sides are covered and a second position at which the end sides are exposed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2012Publication date: June 27, 2013Applicant: GE MEDICAL SYSTEMS GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY COMPANY, LLCInventor: GE MEDICAL SYSTEMS GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY COMPANY, LLC
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Publication number: 20130148777Abstract: An x-ray detector assembly includes a curved rail and a first plurality of x-ray attenuation plates attached to the curved rail, wherein the plates of the first plurality of x-ray attenuation plates are spaced apart from one another by a first pitch. A second plurality of x-ray attenuation plates are attached to the curved rail, wherein the plates of the second plurality of x-ray attenuation plates are spaced apart from the plates of the first plurality of x-ray attenuation plates by a second pitch greater than the first pitch. A first plurality of x-ray detector cells is also positioned adjacently to the first and second pluralities of x-ray attenuation plates and positioned in a linear arrangement with respect to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2011Publication date: June 13, 2013Inventor: Abdelaziz Ikhlef
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Publication number: 20130142303Abstract: An X-ray image diagnosis apparatus according to embodiments includes: a table on which an examinee lies down; a table driving unit configured to move the table upward and downward; an imaging device configured to take a side image of the examinee by irradiating a side of the examinee on the table with X-rays and detecting X-rays transmitted through the examinee; and a controller configured to control the table driving unit so that the table driving unit moves the table upward or downward to make a center position of the examinee on the table in a thickness direction of the examinee coincide with a center position of the side image in an upward-downward moving direction of the table.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2012Publication date: June 6, 2013Inventor: Takahiro GOTO
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Publication number: 20130136227Abstract: A radiation tomography apparatus is provided. The radiation tomography apparatus is configured to display a dose near a surface of a subject.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2012Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicant: GE MEDICAL SYSTEMS GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY COMPANY, LLCInventor: GE MEDICAL SYSTEMS GLOBAL TECHNOLOG
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Patent number: 8450693Abstract: A method and system for reconstructing an image of an object. The method includes acquiring an image dataset of an object of interest, identifying valid data and invalid data in the image dataset, determining a time period that includes the valid data, weighting the valid data based on the determined time period, and reconstructing an image of the object using the weighted valid data.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2009Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Charles William Stearns
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Patent number: 8451977Abstract: A collimator module (10A) comprises a plurality of collimator single plates (11) having a pair of long sides and a pair of short sides and a pair of blocks (12) including a plurality of first grooves (125) extending along an irradiation direction of the X-rays. The short sides are inserted into the first grooves to support the collimator single plates. A supporting member is configured to cover the long sides from an incident side and an emission side of the X-rays. The supporting member includes an incident side fixing sheet (13) and an emission side fixing sheet (15) each having a plurality of second grooves into which the long sides are inserted to support the plurality of collimator single plates. The fixing sheets cover the first grooves and at least a portion of each of the long sides.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventor: Haruo Kurochi
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Patent number: 8450695Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a circuit arrangement of a quanta-counting detector with a multiplicity of detector elements is disclosed, wherein the X-ray quanta registered in each detector element generate a signal profile. In at least one embodiment, the circuit arrangement, in each detector element, includes: at least one first comparator with a first energy threshold lying in the energy range of the measured X-ray quanta and at least one second comparator with a second energy threshold lying above the energy range of the measured X-ray quanta, the at least one first and second comparators being connected to the detector element. Further, the at least two comparators have a logical interconnection, wherein at least a first comparator and a second comparator are connected to the inputs of an XOR gate, and each XOR gate connected to a first comparator is connected to precisely one edge-sensitive counter.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Steffen Kappler, Karl Stierstorfer
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Publication number: 20130129037Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray CT apparatus includes an generation unit, detection unit, processing unit, and reconstruction unit. The generation unit irradiates an object with X-rays. The detection unit includes detection elements corresponding to a plurality of channels, which output detection signals upon detecting X-rays. The processing unit smoothes projection data constituted by numerical values corresponding to signals output from the elements so as to more strongly smooth a portion exhibiting a larger amount of change in the numerical value. The reconstruction unit reconstructs an image by using a plurality of projection data smoothed by the image processing unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2012Publication date: May 23, 2013Inventor: Satoru NAKANISHI
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Patent number: 8447010Abstract: In a device and a method for data transfer between a rotatable part and stationary part of a gantry of a computed tomography apparatus a broadband transmission link is used for data between the rotatable part and the stationary part of the gantry, via which both measurement data and operating data of the computed tomography apparatus are transferred. An arrangement also is provided for narrowband transmission of data of the computed tomography apparatus via the broadband transmission link. The data of the computed tomography apparatus are transmitted using a frequency spread method via the broadband transmission link.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2010Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Werner Reichel
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Patent number: 8445878Abstract: A radiation control system and method are provided in which radiation delivered to a patient and/or the operator of the equipment is minimized. The radiation control system may be used in a large variety of applications including applications in which radiation source is used to inspect an object, such as, for example, medical imaging, diagnosis and therapy, in manufacturing operation using radiation, in airports scanning systems, in different security setups, and in nuclear reactors automation and process control. The radiation control system and method may also be used with 3D imaging.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2011Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: ControlRad Systems, Inc.Inventor: Allon Guez
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Publication number: 20130121555Abstract: A method and image reconstruction facility are disclosed for reconstructing an image dataset based on a projection dataset acquired with the aid of an x-ray computed tomography apparatus. With an embodiment of the method, a first image dataset is reconstructed based on the projection dataset and an edge image dataset is generated, which indicates a measure of an edge strength of edges occurring in at least one spatial/temporal direction in the first image dataset, as a function of location. An output image dataset is then generated based on the first image dataset, with the resolution in the first image dataset being increased as a function of location in at least one spatial/temporal direction taking into account the edge image dataset.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2012Publication date: May 16, 2013Inventors: Herbert BRUDER, Rainer RAUPACH
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Publication number: 20130120443Abstract: A method for automatically displaying an organ of interest includes accessing a series of medical images acquired from a first imaging modality, receiving an input that indicates an organ of interest, automatically detecting the organ of interest within at least one image in the series of medical images, automatically placing a visual indicator in the region of interest, and automatically propagating the visual indicator to at least one image that is acquired using a second different imaging modality. A medical imaging system and a non-transitory computer readable medium are also described herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2011Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Robert John Johnsen, Ferenc Kovacs, Andras Kriston, Tamas Blaskovics, Istvan Ubelhart
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Publication number: 20130114786Abstract: A CT system includes a rotatable gantry having an opening to receive an object to be scanned, the rotatable gantry having a detector mounting surface, an x-ray source attached to the gantry and configured to project an x-ray beam toward the object, a plurality of detector modules each mounted within one field-of-view (FOV) and mounted directly to the detector mounting surface of the rotatable gantry, a data acquisition system (DAS) configured to receive outputs from at least one of the plurality of detector modules, and a computer programmed to acquire projections of imaging data of the object from the DAS, and generate an image of the object using the imaging data.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2011Publication date: May 9, 2013Inventors: Abdelaziz Ikhlef, Jeffrey Alan Kautzer
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Publication number: 20130108012Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes: an X-ray source including an electron source and a target, the target having a plurality of projections, each having an emitting surface; a diffraction grating configured to diffract X rays emitted from the X-ray source; and a detector configured to detect the X rays diffracted by the diffraction grating. Electron beams output from the electron source are incident on the emitting surfaces so that X rays are emitted from the emitting surfaces and are output to the diffraction grating. The X rays emitted from the emitting surfaces are diffracted by the diffraction grating so as to form a plurality of interference patterns. The projections are arranged such that bright portions of the interference patterns overlap each other and such that dark portions thereof overlap each other. Distances from the emitting surfaces to the diffraction grating are equal to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Genta Sato
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Publication number: 20130108013Abstract: A method for creating an energy series of images acquired using a multi-energy computed tomography (CT) imaging system having a plurality of energy bins includes acquiring, with the multi-energy CT imaging system, a series of energy data sets, where each energy data set is associated with at least one of the energy bins. The method includes producing a conglomerate image using at least a plurality of the energy data sets and, using the conglomerate image, reconstructing an energy series of images, each image in the energy series of images corresponding to at least one of the energy data sets.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Inventors: Shuai Leng, Cynthia H. McCollough, Lifeng Yu, Joel G. Fletcher, Charles A. Mistretta
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Publication number: 20130108011Abstract: A panoramic tomography X-ray apparatus including an image information processing part, a display part, and a position setting part. The image information processing part retrieves a frame image information from a storage part and superimposes overlapped portions of images along a tomographic plane corresponding to a dental arch to generate a panoramic tomographic image. The display part displays the panoramic tomographic image generated by the image information processing part. The position setting part sets, in a median portion including a median line of an object, the position of the tomographic plane regarding depth direction of the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: J. Morita Manufacturing CorporationInventor: J. Morita Manufacturing Corporation
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Publication number: 20130108010Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for performing tomographic reconstruction. An object to be examined is represented with a tomographic model that includes grid points. A set of measurement data represents attenuation experienced by radiation that propagated through parts of the object to be examined. Statistical inversion is applied to convert the set of measurement data into a calculated distribution of attenuation values associated with at least a number of the grid points. Applying statistical inversion includes associating values of a prior with the grid points, which prior includes at least one regularization parameter. The values of the prior for different grid points come from using different values of the regularization parameter. The method includes producing an image representation of the calculated distribution of attenuation values.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: EIGENOR OYInventors: Markku MARKKANEN, Juha VIERINEN
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Patent number: 8433119Abstract: A method and system for generating a field of view extension of a CT scan and minimizing the effect of interfering objects is described. The system is configured and the method carries out the steps of generating a full sinogram based upon CT scan data of a scanned object and any interfering objects within the scanning field; determining the location of any interfering objects within the CT data based on physical and geometrical properties of the interfering objects; generating an ideal sinogram of any interfering objects based on their location and physical properties; subtracting the ideal sinogram from the full sinogram; extending a sinogram free of any interfering objects; and adding the ideal sinogram of interfering objects to the extended sinogram of the scanned object. Speeding up the computation of the extended sinogram by creating a look-up table of the tunable parameter of the extension function.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2009Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Analogic CorporationInventor: Anton M. Deykoon
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Publication number: 20130101080Abstract: The current invention is generally related to an image processing method and system for substantially reducing ring artifacts. Using the attenuation data, the ring artifacts are substantially prevented based upon two-step process, and the second ring artifact reduction step removes the undesirable rings based upon previously determined statistical data including mean and standard deviation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicants: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION, KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventors: Sachin MOGHE, Michael D. SILVER
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Publication number: 20130101082Abstract: Apparatus for generating multi-energy x-ray images and systems and methods for processing and using multi-energy x-ray images are provided for treating a target, e.g., a tumor, for image-guided radiation therapy. An image-guided radiation therapy system is provided including a treatment delivery system, a multi-energy imaging system, and a system processor. The treatment delivery system includes a radiation source configured to generate treatment radiation beams. The multi-energy imaging system is configured to generate a first set of image data of the patient using imaging radiation at a first energy level and a second set of image data of the patient using imaging radiation at a second energy level. The system processor is configured to process the first and second sets of image data to generate an enhanced image of the patient and to direct the treatment delivery system based on information obtained from the enhanced image.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2012Publication date: April 25, 2013Inventors: Petr JORDAN, Andriy Myronenko, Jay B. West, Calvin R. Maurer, JR., Prashant Chopra, Anuj K. Purwar, Christopher A. Janko
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Publication number: 20130101081Abstract: According to one embodiment, detector and DAS includes an X-ray detector, a board, a DAS, and a plurality of X-ray shielding plates. The X-ray detector detects X-rays and generates an electrical signal corresponding to the detected X-rays. The board is coupled to the X-ray detector and includes a wiring pattern to extract the electrical signal from the X-ray detector. The DAS is coupled to the board and included an electronic part to perform signal processing for the electrical signal. The X-ray shielding plates are provided for the board to prevent the electronic part from being exposed to X-rays transmitted through the X-ray detector. A portion of the wiring pattern is placed between the X-ray shielding plates.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2012Publication date: April 25, 2013Inventors: Yoshiaki Yaoi, Takayuki Yamazaki, Michito Nakayama, Seiichiro Murai, Akihiko Taniguchi
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Publication number: 20130094626Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an X-ray source, an X-ray detector, a rotating mechanism, a control unit, and a reconstruction unit. The source irradiates an object with X-rays. The detector outputs projection data by detecting X-rays transmitted through the object. The rotating mechanism rotates the source and the detector around the object. The control unit acquires projection data, while making the rotating mechanism rotate the source and the detector, such that the number of views in a specific view angle range becomes larger than that in other view angle ranges. The reconstruction unit configured to reconstruct an image by using acquired projection data of each view.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Inventor: Tadaharu KOBAYASHI
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Publication number: 20130094739Abstract: In order to generate an X-ray CT image with optimal quality for each part and each region of an object when scanning the object across a plurality of parts using a plane detector, there is provided an X-ray CT apparatus including smoothing means 230 and filtering means 250 for generating a convolution filter on the basis of feature amounts of projection data output from the X-ray detector 12 and superimposing the convolution filter on the projection data, reconstruction means 200 for generating an X-ray CT image of the object by performing a reconstruction operation on the projection data on which the convolution filter is superimposed, and image display means 280 for displaying the image generated by the reconstruction means 200.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2011Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: HITACHI MEDICAL CORPORATIONInventor: Masakazu Okabe
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Publication number: 20130094741Abstract: A multi-dimensional representation of an object is obtained in that first and second pictures of the object illuminated using an X-ray source are created using a sensor that is located, in relation to the X-ray source, behind the object in a preferential direction defined by the relative positions of the object and of the sensor. A distance in the preferential direction between the X-ray source and the object is different in the first picture than in the second picture. The multi-dimensional representation of the object is obtained by combining the first and second pictures.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.Inventor: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angew
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Patent number: 8422627Abstract: A method is disclosed for detecting X-ray radiation from an X-ray emitter. In at least one embodiment of the method, an electric pulse with a pulse amplitude characteristic of the energy of a quantum is generated when a quantum of the X-ray radiation impinges on a sensor, wherein a number of threshold energies are predetermined. When the pulse amplitude corresponding to the respective energy is exceeded, a signal is emitted each time the pulse amplitude corresponding to a respective threshold energy is exceeded. At least one embodiment of the method permits reliable and high-quality imaging, even in image regions with high X-ray quanta rates. To this end, at least one of the threshold energies is predetermined such that it is higher than the maximum energy of the X-ray spectrum emitted by the X-ray emitter.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2009Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Steffen Kappler, Christian Schröter, Karl Stierstorfer, Matthias Strassburg
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Patent number: 8421038Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for protecting a critical structure during the administration of radiation treatment to a patient. A register receives proposed positions for one or more radiation beams with respect to a critical structure. A processor predicts a cumulative dose volume for the critical structure based on the dose distribution, and determines if the cumulative dose volume exceeds a tolerance value. If the cumulative dose volume exceeds the tolerance value, the dose distribution may be translated at least in part based on a relationship between the cumulative dose volume and the dose distribution position.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2011Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Elekta ABInventors: Peter Remeijer, Marcel van Herk, Jan-Jakob Sonke, Angelo Mencarelli, Simon van Kranen
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Patent number: 8416919Abstract: One facilitates capturing samples as pertain to an object to be imaged by providing N pulsed sampling chains (where N is an integer greater than 1) where these sampling chains are in planes substantially parallel to one another and are substantially equidistant from adjacent others by a given distance. By one approach, the ratio of this given distance to a desired sample interval is approximately an integer that is relatively prime to N. So configured, a complete set of samples of the object can be captured by the sampling chains in a single pass notwithstanding that the object and the sampling chains are moving quickly with respect to one another.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2009Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Timothy R. Fox, David T. Nisius
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Publication number: 20130083889Abstract: A method for time-resolved tomosynthesis imaging for a moving object includes moving an imaging device having an x-ray source and an x-ray detector around the moving object and recording raw image data for a temporal series of tomosynthesis images. The method also includes reconstructing the temporal series of tomosynthesis images from the raw image data. While the imaging device is being moved, a motion speed of the imaging device is matched to a speed, at which the moving object is moving.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2012Publication date: April 4, 2013Inventor: Joseph Stancanello
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Publication number: 20130083888Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a volume of a foreign substance existed in a core of a geological sample using a computer tomography apparatus and a method thereof, more particularly an apparatus for detecting a volume of a foreign substance existed in a core of a geological sample using a computer tomography apparatus and a method thereof capable of calculating a volume of any one object among the foreign substance existed in the core.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2011Publication date: April 4, 2013Inventors: Jae Hwa Jin, Jun Ho Kim, Min Jun Kim, Han Seok Kim, Chin Kun Park, Young Duck Jin, Myoung Hun Yoon
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Publication number: 20130083887Abstract: Detector modules and methods of manufacturing are provided. One detector module includes a detector having a silicon wafer structure formed from a first layer having a first resistivity and a second layer having a second resistivity, wherein the first resistivity is greater than the second resistivity. The detector further includes a photosensor device provided with the first layer on a first side of the silicon wafer and one or more readout electronics provided with the second layer on a second side of the silicon wafer, with the first side being a different side than the second side.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2011Publication date: April 4, 2013Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Wen Li, Naresh Kesavan Rao, Abdelaziz Ikhlef, Jeffrey Kautzer
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Patent number: 8411814Abstract: A position of a center detector of a radiation scanner can be determined without shutting down the scanner and/or manually positioning a phantom in the scanning field of the scanner. A phantom, comprising a target, is scanned to create an axial image of the phantom. The target is masked in the axial image, producing a masked axial image of the phantom. The masked axial image is reprojected in projection space, and the axial reprojection is compared to an axial projection or a rebinned axial projection of the phantom that was used to create the axial image. A target axial projection of data related to the masked target, created from the comparison of the axial projection or the rebinned axial projection and the axial reprojection, is used to determine the position of the center detector.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2008Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Analogic CorporationInventors: Ram C. Naidu, Sergey B. Simanovsky, David Schafer
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Patent number: 8411925Abstract: A first generating unit generates a plurality of blood vessel image data sets at the plurality of imaging angles by performing subtraction processing for the plurality of mask image data sets and the plurality of contrast image data sets. A second generating unit generates a blood vessel volume data set including an artery region, a vein region, and a capillary vessel region by performing reconstruction processing for the plurality of blood vessel image data sets. A third generating unit generates a capillary vessel volume data set associated with the capillary vessel region by removing the artery region and the vein region from the blood vessel volume data set. A fourth generating unit generates a capillary vessel image data set by performing three-dimensional image processing for the capillary vessel volume data set.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventors: Ko Fuchigami, Satoru Ohishi, Yoshiyasu Hayashi
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Patent number: 8406537Abstract: A computed tomography (CT) system that includes a rotational gantry and a stationary structure communicatively coupled to the rotational gantry is provided. The rotational gantry includes an X-ray source configured to emit an X-ray beam through a subject, an X-ray detector comprising one or more detector elements that receive incoming X-rays and to convert the incoming X-rays to image signals, and a data acquisition unit that processes the image signals to generate processed image data. The stationary structure is coupled to the rotational gantry via one or more slip rings that transfer the processed image data from the rotational gantry to stationary memory integral with the stationary structure via a bidirectional serial data exchange protocol.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2009Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Brian Joseph Breuer, Roy-Arnulf Helge Nilsen, Steven John Woloschek, Scott David Slavic, Naveen Stephen Chandra, Paavana Sainath
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Patent number: 8401144Abstract: A scanning method and apparatus useful for correcting artifacts which may appear in a primary short circular CT scan are provided. A secondary helical scan performed on a stationary subject, or a secondary circular scan, may be used to correct for artifacts. The secondary scan may be performed with a smaller radiation dosage than the primary circular CT scan.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2009Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Peter Forthmann, Axel Thran, Claas Bontus, Roland Proksa