Beam Detection System Patents (Class 378/19)
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Publication number: 20120275674Abstract: A method of displaying image data for a tissue of an organ includes acquiring a three-dimensional (3D) projection dataset using a Computed Tomography (CT) imaging system, performing a segmentation of the 3D projection dataset that includes a plurality of voxels, performing a perfusion viability cluster analysis to identify myocardium voxels, grouping the myocardium voxels into viable clusters and non-viable clusters based on a density and a location of the myocardium voxels, and generating an image of the myocardium and a coronary tree using the viable clusters and the non-viable clusters. An imaging system and a non-transitory computer readable medium are also described herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2011Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: RONAN QUELEVER, LAURENT LAUNAY, AMY DEUBIG
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Publication number: 20120257713Abstract: A computed tomography (CT) scanning system performs non-destructive analysis of an object. The CT scanning system generates a series of two-dimensional images of the object from different angles as the object rotates. The CT scanning system uses the generated two-dimensional images to reconstruct three-dimensional images of the object. By displaying several reconstructed three-dimensional images over time, the CT scanning system generates a four-dimensional representation of the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2012Publication date: October 11, 2012Inventors: Julien Baptiste Pierre Noel, Eric Ferley
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X-RAY METHOD AND X-RAY SYSTEM FOR MERGING X-RAY IMAGES AND DETERMINING THREE-DIMENSIONAL VOLUME DATA
Publication number: 20120257714Abstract: Three-dimensional image information is generated of a body part that is larger than the visual field of an X-ray machine. An X-ray source and an X-ray detector are disposed at a first position such that the X-ray source and the X-ray detector can record a first projection image of at least a first section of a body part. Then the first projection image is recorded. The X-ray source and the X-ray detector are next disposed at a second position such that the X-ray source and the X-ray detector can record a second projection image of at least a second section of the body part. The second section partially overlaps the first section. The first and second projection images are merged to form a projected image. A three-dimensional volume of the body part is reconstructed from the plurality of projection images.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2012Publication date: October 11, 2012Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Rainer GRAUMANN, Anna JEREBKO -
Publication number: 20120257712Abstract: A method of determining the proportions of different powders in a powder comprises obtaining a sample of a powder, adding and mixing the sample into a molten material and freezing the mixture of powder and molten material to form a block. Computed tomography is performed on the block to produce a three-dimensional image of the block, the three-dimensional image of the block comprises a first shade, a second and a third shade corresponding to the material, a first powder particle and a sec and powder particle. The three-dimensional image of the block is analysed to count the number of regions exhibiting the second shade and the third shade corresponding to the number of first powder particles and second powder particles respectively. The fraction of second particles in the powder is determined by dividing the number of second powder particles by the sum of the number of first powder particles and the number of second powder particles.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2012Publication date: October 11, 2012Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLCInventors: Jonathan M. TAYLOR, Michael L. BLACKMORE
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Publication number: 20120257715Abstract: There are provided an X-ray detector, which can reduce the deformation of a collimator plate and can be easily processed and installed, and an X-ray CT apparatus using it. The X-ray detector includes a collimator plate, and a scintillator array, a photoelectric conversion element array and a substrate that are bonded in order from the X-ray incidence direction. The collimator plate is disposed such that one of a pair of opposite sides of the collimator plate is bonded to a lower support plate bonded on the scintillator array and the other side is bonded to an upper support plate and directions of the opposite sides are the same as a rotation axis direction of an X-ray CT apparatus in which the X-ray detector is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2010Publication date: October 11, 2012Inventor: Hiroyuki Kobayashi
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Publication number: 20120250820Abstract: A method is disclosed for obtaining a 4D image data record of an object under examination using measured data from a computed tomography system in which projection data are accepted which were acquired by way of the computed tomography system at different imaging time points by way of an helical scan method following the administration of contrast medium to the object under examination). On the basis of the projection data, image data of the object under examination are then reconstructed and linked with the imaging time points to a space/time data record. Then, a parameterized 4D image data model is individualized with adaptation to the space/time data record by varying model parameters. An image processing device and a computed tomography system with an image processing device of this kind are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Gabriel Haras, Stefan Thesen, Carsten Thierfelder, Johann Uebler
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Publication number: 20120243659Abstract: Medical imaging equipment is provided. The medical imaging equipment comprises a support assembly, an arc-shaped member slidably mounted on the support assembly, a radiation source mounted on the arc-shaped member in the vicinity of a first distal end of the arc-shaped member and being oriented to radiate along the direction of an imaging axis, and a detector mounted on the arc-shaped member in the vicinity of the second distal end of the arc-shaped member and being oriented to face the source along the imaging axis, wherein the radiation source and the detector are respectively mounted on one side and the other of the mid plane of the arc-shaped member.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2012Publication date: September 27, 2012Inventor: Carlos MARTINEZ FERREIRA
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Publication number: 20120243660Abstract: In a method, with a current measurement, the history of the radiation exposure of the X-ray detector is taken into account with respect to the overall X-ray detector or subareas of the X-ray detector, in respect of a reduction in the measurement sensitivity produced as a result and a recovery of the reduction in the measurement sensitivity, and the determined measuring signal is corrected with a correction factor which is dependent on the history of the radiation exposure. Furthermore, an X-ray recording system includes a detector which includes a plurality of detector elements, which are read out in groups channel by channel and a read-out apparatus with computer-assisted device for correcting read-out detector data prior to a further processing of the detector data to form projective or tomographic images.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2012Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Steffen Kappler, Johannes Kippes, Edgar Kraft, Daniel Niederlöhner, Thomas Reichel, Christian Schröter, Thomas Von Der Haar
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Publication number: 20120243761Abstract: A system and method for estimating vascular flow using CT imaging include a computer readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program comprising instructions, which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to acquire a first set of data comprising anatomical information of an imaging subject, the anatomical information comprises information of at least one vessel. The instructions further cause the computer to process the anatomical information to generate an image volume comprising the at least one vessel, generate hemodynamic information based on the image volume, and acquire a second set of data of the imaging subject. The computer is also caused to generate an image comprising the hemodynamic information in combination with a visualization based on the second set of data.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2012Publication date: September 27, 2012Inventors: Robert F. Senzig, Ravikanth Avancha, Bijan Dorri, Sandeep Dutta, Steven J. Gray, Jiang Hsieh, John Irvin Jackson, Giridhar Jothiprasad, Paul Edgar Licato, Darin Robert Okerlund, Toshihiro Rifu, Saad Ahmed Sirohey, Basel Taha, Peter Michael Edic, Jerome Knoplioch, Rahul Bhotika
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Publication number: 20120243759Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a contrast side obtaining unit, estimating unit, a simple side obtaining unit, a core area computing unit, a synthesizing unit and a display control unit. The contrast side obtaining unit obtains a contrast area and a high CT value area around the contrast area. The estimating unit estimates a contrast area in the non-contrast data and corresponding to the obtained contrast area. The simple side obtaining unit obtains a high CT value area around the estimated contrast area. The core area computing unit computes a core area included in the high CT value area of the contrast data and the non-contrast data. The synthesizing unit aligns the contrast data with the non-contrast data and generates superimposed data by superimposing the high CT value area of the contrast data on the non-contrast data. The display control unit displays the superimposed data on a display device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2012Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicants: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation, Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Yasuko FUJISAWA
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Publication number: 20120243661Abstract: A data acquired system is provided. The data acquired system includes a main structure with a cavity formed therein, the cavity having a bottom for mounting a circuit board with electrical components thereto, a fan assembly disposed on the main structure, and an airflow guide disposed within the cavity and configured to guide airflow from the fan assembly for heat dissipation of the electrical components, the airflow guide positioned at a distance above the electrical components to form a gap between the airflow guide and the electrical components, wherein a sidewall of the cavity is provided with an air vent corresponding to the gap such that the airflow passes through the gap and is discharged from the air vent.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2012Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Jun Guo, Xiaoyan Zhang, Hailiang Liu, Zhuo Liu, Ashutosh Joshi
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Angiography system for the angiographic examination of a patient and angiographic examination method
Publication number: 20120238871Abstract: An angiography system for angiographic examination of a patient is provided. The system has an x-ray emitter and an x-ray image detector attached to the ends of a C-arm, a patient support couch, a system control unit, an image system and a monitor. The system control unit generates a mask image that detects a reference image, effects a registration of the reference image to the C-arm, whereby if necessary a segmentation of the examination object is implemented in the reference image, contrasts image regions lying inside of the segmentation in order to generate a mask image, and subtracts the mask image from fluoroscopy live images acquired by the angiography system without contrast agent in order to form a roadmap image. The image system effects a reproduction of the roadmap images on the monitor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2012Publication date: September 20, 2012Inventor: Marcus Pfister -
Publication number: 20120236986Abstract: A circuit arrangement is disclosed for a detector. In at least one embodiment, the circuit arrangement includes a directly-converting semi-conductor material and pulse-shaper in the signal readout electronics assembly. A method is disclosed for a readout of count impulses generated in the semi-conductor material, wherein part of the pulse-shaper is equipped with a relatively longer shaping time constant and a different part of the pulse-shaper is equipped with a relatively shorter shaping time constant.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2012Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventor: Christian Schröter
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Publication number: 20120237104Abstract: A 2D or 3D velocity field is reconstructed from a cross-correlation analysis of image pairs of a sample, without first reconstructing images of the sample spatial structure. The method can be implemented via computer tomographic X-ray particle image velocimetry, using multiple projection angles, with phase contrast images forming dynamic speckle patterns. Estimated cross-correlations may be generated via convolution of a measured autocorrelation function with a velocity probability density function, and the velocity coefficients iteratively optimised to minimise the error between the estimated cross-correlations and the measured cross-correlations. The method may be applied to measure blood flow, and the motion of tissue and organs such as heart and lungs.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2010Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: MONASH UNIVERSITYInventors: Andreas Fouras, Stephen Dubsky
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Publication number: 20120236987Abstract: A CT scanner for multiple energy CT scanning of a subject having an X-Ray source adapted to rotate about the subject; and a detector array, having a plurality of detector elements, adapted to acquire attenuation data for X-Rays that have been attenuated by a subject disposed between said X-Ray source and said detector array, said detector array comprising at least two types of detector element, which are differ by their spectral response. The scanner is adapted to generate images associated with the different X-Ray energy spectra.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2012Publication date: September 20, 2012Inventors: DAVID RUIMI, OLGA SHAPIRO, EHUD DAFNI
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Patent number: 8270565Abstract: A dual energy inspection system that generates X-rays with an electron beam scanned over targets. A switchable voltage source that can be change its voltage output may cause X-rays to be generated at different energies. This X-ray generation subsystem is controlled by a sequencer that provides beam steering and shaping control inputs that may be dependent on the voltage provided by the voltage source. In another aspect, the dual energy inspection system may use multiple types of detectors, each sensitive to X-rays of a different energy. A relatively small number of detectors sensitive to one energy level is provided. Nonetheless, dual energy measurements may be made on objects within an item under inspection by identifying points that, for each object of interest, provide a low interference path to one of those detectors. Measurements made with radiation emanating from those points are used for dual energy analysis of those objects.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2010Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: L-3 Communications Security and Detection Systems Inc.Inventor: Boris Oreper
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Patent number: 8270564Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for reducing motion artifacts in x-ray imaging systems. The detector system output is sampled at a rate higher than the x-ray exposure rate to reduce blurring associated with motion of the detector and/or object being scanned.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2009Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Teratech CorporationInventor: Alice Chiang
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Patent number: 8270560Abstract: There are provided an X-ray CT scan simulator and an X-ray CT apparatus in which a lesion postulated by an operator can be displayed on a simulation image and a high-precision simulation containing a postulation of occurrence of a new lesion can be performed. They comprise an image storing device for storing a reference image, a target noise value setting device for setting a target noise value of a desired image, a simulated lesion setting device for setting a condition for a simulated lesion postulated by the operator, a simulation image generating device for generating a simulation image containing a simulated lesion by using the reference image on the basis of the set target noise value and the condition for the simulated lesion, and an image display device for displaying the simulation image containing the simulated lesion.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2009Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Hitachi Medical CorporationInventors: Koichi Hirokawa, Taiga Goto, Yoshiaki Sugaya
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Publication number: 20120230467Abstract: There is provided a panoramic imaging apparatus which serves as a radiation imaging apparatus. The panoramic imaging apparatus includes an X-ray tube radiating an X-ray as a radiation, a detector outputting digital-quantity frame data corresponding to an incident X-ray, and moving means moving the pair of X-ray tube and the detector relatively to an object. The apparatus further includes means for acquiring the frame data from the detector during movement of the X-ray tube and the detector, and means for optimally focusing a portion being imaged of the object using the acquired data and producing a three-dimensional optimally focused image in which the real size and shape of the portion being imaged are reflected.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2010Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: TELESYSTEMS Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akitoshi Katsumata, Koichi Ogawa, Tsutomu Yamakawa, Masahiro Tsujita, Tatsuya Nagano, Kazuhide Kitou
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Publication number: 20120224664Abstract: A tomosynthesis system for acquiring a three-dimensional image of an object such as a mammography image of a female breast is proposed. The tomosynthesis system (1) comprises an X-ray source (3), an X-ray detector (7), a support arrangement (15) and a moving mechanism (11). The X-ray source (3) and the X-ray detector (7) are adapted for acquiring a plurality of X-ray images while irradiating the object (17) with an X-ray beam (21) from a plurality of tomographic angles ?. The moving mechanism (11) is adapted to pivot the X-ray detector (7) in positions such that for each tomographic angle ? a detection surface (25) of the X-ray detector (7) is oriented to be substantially perpendicular to the X-ray beam (21).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2010Publication date: September 6, 2012Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventor: Hanns-Ingo Maack
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Patent number: 8260019Abstract: A method for reducing bandwidth required for transmission of data in a device having two portions rotating with respect to one another. The first portion includes a data acquisition system (DAS) having a charge-to-digital converter and a digital signal processor (DSP) configured to receive and compress digital data from the charge-to-digital processor. The second portion includes a computer configured to receive data from the DAS. The DAS and computer are communicatively coupled via a slip ring having a finite transmission bandwidth. The computer is configured to reconstruct and display an image using compressed data. The method includes using the DAS to compress scan data to a predetermined number of mantissa bits and a predetermined number of exponent bits, transmitting the compressed data from the first portion to the second portion across the slip ring, and using the transmitted compressed data to reconstruct and display an image of an object.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2007Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Naveen Stephan Chandra
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Publication number: 20120219107Abstract: A two-dimensional collimator module is provided. The two-dimensional collimator module includes first collimator plates arranged in a channel direction, second collimator plates arranged in a slice direction and combined with the first collimator plates to form a lattice, and a first block and a second block that hold the first collimator plates, wherein each of the first collimator plates is formed with slits, each of the second collimator plates is inserted through an associated row of the slits, first plate surfaces of the second collimator plates in the slice direction abut only first wall surfaces of first and second wall surfaces of the slits in the slice direction in a first set of the first collimator plates, and second plate surfaces of the second collimator plates opposite to the first plate surfaces abut only the second wall surfaces of the slits in a second set of first collimator plates.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2012Publication date: August 30, 2012Inventors: Haruo Kurochi, Takayuki Koike
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Patent number: 8254517Abstract: CT scanning of transportation containers is performed by generating X-rays at various points at the opposite sides of the containers, detecting the X-rays passing through the containers, and analyzing the data received to determine the presence of contraband. The X-rays are generated by modulating a magnetic field through which a high-energy electron beam passes to deflect the beam successively to different targets positioned around the sides of the container, while the electron beam source remains stationary. The X-rays are detected by an array of cells using X-ray responsive storage phosphor material to emit light which is sent to analyzing and comparing equipment. The targets and detectors and the cargo container are moved relative to one another to scan a selected volume of the container.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2011Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Sentinel Scanning CorporationInventors: David J. Goodenough, Michel Herranz, Luis Roso Franco
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Patent number: 8254520Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing method, etc. capable of producing a panorama tomogram with a simple operation whenever required by the operator. The present invention relates to an image processing method for producing a panorama tomogram of the dental arch using the X-ray projection data on the dentomaxillofacial region obtained by the X-ray computer tomography. The image processing method according to the present invention includes the steps of retrieving the dental arch projection data corresponding to the dental arch from the X-ray projection data based on the preset position and shape information to specify the position and shape of the dental arch from the X-ray projection data (S3) and generating a panorama tomogram by executing a predetermined process using the dental arch projection data (S4).Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2008Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: J. Morita Manufacturing CorporationInventors: Tomoyuki Sadakane, Masakazu Suzuki, Hideki Yoshikawa, Teruji Nakai, Tetsuzo Ito
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Publication number: 20120213328Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems for compressing signals yielded from a CT examination are provided. The signals are encoded, or remapped, into a format in which the photon noise of the signals are substantially constant over a dynamic range while the signals are in a projection space domain. That is, the signals are encoded into a format in which the standard deviation of the photon noise does not change based upon the number of photons detected. Once remapped into such a format, the noise entropy of the signals may be set to a predetermined level (e.g., a minimum value that preserves the information in the signals). The signals may then be compressed using a compression technique. In one embodiment, the compression can reduce the amount of data comprised within the signals by a factor of 2.5 or more relative to an analog, linear formatted, signal that was generated by a pixel of the detector array.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2009Publication date: August 23, 2012Inventors: Enrico Dolazza, Louis Poulo, Aleksander Roshi
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Publication number: 20120207370Abstract: A method of acquiring scatter data and image projection data in computed tomography is provided that includes attenuating a radiation source using a pattern of blockers arranged to provide blocked and unblocked regions of the radiation source, and acquiring image data and scatter data of a target using an imaging device. A scatter map in the projection image can be estimated by interpolation and/or extrapolation of the projection image using an appropriately programmed computer, subtracting the estimated scatter map from the projection image to obtain scatter-corrected projections, reconstructing a CBCT volume using a total variation regularization algorithm, and applying an iterative regularization process to suppress the noise level on the reconstructed CBCT volume.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2011Publication date: August 16, 2012Inventors: BENJAMIN Pooya FAHIMIAN, Lei Xing, Bowen Meng
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Patent number: 8243876Abstract: The present application discloses an X-ray scanner having an X-ray source arranged to emit X-rays from source points through an imaging volume. The scanner may further include an array of X-ray detectors which may be arranged around the imaging volume and may be arranged to output detector signals in response to the detection of X-rays. The scanner may further include a conveyor arranged to convey an object through the imaging volume in a scan direction, and may also include at least one processor arranged to process the detector signals to produce an image data set defining an image of the object. The image may have a resolution in the scan direction that is at least 90% as high as in one direction, and in some cases two directions, orthogonal to the scan direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.Inventor: Edward James Morton
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Patent number: 8242639Abstract: An inductive rotary joint for computer tomographs includes an inverter and an inductive rotary coupler. A primary winding of the inductive rotary coupler is fed by the inverter via a line, with energy transmitted by the inductive rotary coupler being supplied to a load through a secondary winding. The line includes at least two coaxial lines, each coaxial line having an outer conductor or shield with the two outer conductors or shields being interconnected along a major part of their length, and an inner conductor, with the inner conductors being supplied by the inverter with voltages, the sum of which is substantially equal to zero.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Schleifring und Apparatebau GmbHInventors: Nils Krumme, Michael Tekloth, Michael Bley, Arno Zimpfer
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Publication number: 20120189095Abstract: A patient table (1) usable in an X-ray image acquisition arrangement (100) is proposed. The patient table (1) comprises a table plate (3) being connected to a table base (5) via at least one movable joint (9), wherein the table plate (3) is movable using at least one actuator (11). In order to set or re-establish an accurate position/orientation of the movable table plate (3), the patient table comprises a positioning system including a first sensor arrangement (15) for providing position data of the at least one movable joint (9) and a second sensor arrangement (17) for providing position data of the table plate (3), e.g. by tracking at least one marker (21) attached to the table plate (3). Using such patient table (1) may allow for accurately automatically positioning the table plate (3). Furthermore, the accurate position data provided by the second sensor arrangement (17) may be used in a method for improved three-dimensional roadmapping.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2010Publication date: July 26, 2012Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventor: Daniel Simon Anna Ruijters
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Publication number: 20120189094Abstract: A computed tomography system, capable of tomosynthesis, includes an inner circular gantry and an outer gantry within a housing assembly. A plurality of spaced apart radiology imaging plates are located along the inner gantry and adapted as x-ray detectors. An x-ray source is secured to the outer gantry and adapted to shoot x-rays between the spaced apart detectors and onto the patient or object while being rotated along the gantry and relative to the patient. A radiography device is moveably coupled to the inner gantry and adapted to scan and read the radiology plates and provide the data to an image processing computer. The x-ray source coupled to the outer gantry moves relative to the imaging plates such that a large number of projections can be exposed and thereafter scanned by the integral radiology device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2011Publication date: July 26, 2012Inventors: Stephen Neushul, Matthew Changala
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Patent number: 8229063Abstract: When a reception unit in an X-ray image reception system receives an image and additional information for the image from an X-ray image transmission system, the received additional information is sent to a resend setting determination unit. The resend setting determination unit determines a resend setting based on the received additional information and information acquired from a database and transmits the result to a reception completion determination unit. A packet loss determination unit determines packet loss in data received from the reception unit and transmits the result to the reception completion determination unit. The reception determination completion unit sends the results to the resent setting determination unit and the packet loss determination unit to the resend request unit. The resend request unit sends a resend request to the X-ray image transmission system based on the information from the reception unit and the result determined by the reception completion determination unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2009Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yuichi Nishii
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Publication number: 20120183119Abstract: A CT system is disclosed that includes detector modules positioned on a rotatable gantry configured to receive x-rays attenuated by an object. Each detector module includes a module frame, a plurality of tileable sub-modules on the module frame aligned along a Z-axis thereof to receive the x-rays attenuated by the object and convert the x-rays to digital signals, and an electronics board connected to the plurality of sub-modules to receive the digital signals. Each sub-module further includes an array of detector elements to receive x-rays attenuated through the object and convert the x-rays into analog electrical signals, an ASIC electronics package coupled to the array of detector elements to receive the analog electrical signals and convert the analog electrical signals to digital signals, and a flex circuit connected to the ASIC electronics package to receive the digital signals and transfer the digital signals to the electronics board.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2011Publication date: July 19, 2012Inventors: Abdelaziz Ikhlef, Brian Joseph Graves, Gregory S. Zeman, Joseph James Lacey, Mayank Gupta, Baiju Zacharia Babu, Ross Hoggatt
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Publication number: 20120177174Abstract: A system and method for temperature drift correction capability in a CT detector module is disclosed. A scintillator array of a CT detector module has a plurality of scintillator cells configured to detect high frequency electromagnetic energy passing through an object, with a plurality of photodiodes in a photodiode array optically coupled to the scintillator array to detect light output therefrom. A computer is provided that is programmed to measure a response of the plurality of photodiodes as a function of temperature, determine a transfer function indicative of the response of the plurality of photodiodes as a function of temperature, normalize the transfer function to a virtual operating temperature, measure a temperature of the photodiode array prior to a scan, determine a correction factor from the normalized transfer function based on the measured photodiode temperature and the virtual operating temperature, and apply the correction factor to the photodiode outputs.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2011Publication date: July 12, 2012Inventors: Abdelaziz Ikhlef, Joseph James Lacey
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Publication number: 20120177173Abstract: A method for reducing imaging artifacts includes preprocessing a computed tomography (CT) projection data set to generate preprocessed CT projection data, filtering the preprocessed CT projection data using a mean-preserving filter (MPF) to reduce electronic noise, generating a sinogram using the filtered CT projection data, performing a minus logarithmic operation on the sinogram to generate a noise corrected image, and displaying the noise corrected image on a display. A imaging correcting module and a multi-modality imaging system are also described herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2011Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: DAN XU, JIANG HSIEH, MASATAKE NUKUI, PAAVANA SAINATH
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Patent number: 8213570Abstract: X-ray security inspection machine (10) comprising an X-ray tunnel (40); a conveyor means (50) for conveying an article through the tunnel; an X-ray source for irradiating the article; and an X-ray detection means for detecting X-rays transmitted through the article. In one aspect, the detection means comprises a photodetector array module (20) actuatable between a first stowed configuration and a second deployed configuration. In a second aspect, the detection means comprises a first unit having a first photodetector array (22); and a second unit, having a second photodetector array (24), offset with respect to the first unit. The units are moveable relative to one another between a first arrangement where the arrays overlap to a first degree and a second arrangement where they overlap to a second, lower degree; preferably zero. Also, a conveyor belt-tracking device (100) comprising a guide frame (104) to receive the conveyor belt (116) and substantially to restrict its motion to a predetermined direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2010Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.Inventors: Baljinder Singh Panesar, Douglas R. Gillard-Hickman
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Publication number: 20120163532Abstract: A method for processing a sequence of a plurality of 2D projection images of an object of interest, acquired with a medical imaging system comprising a source of X-rays adapted to move around the object is provided. The method comprises obtaining 2D projection images of the object of interest according to a plurality of angulations at a first time when the object is without injection of a contrast product; obtaining 2D projection images of the object of interest according to a plurality of angulations at a second time when the object is opacified by injection of a contrast product iteratively treating the projection images by minimizing relative to a sequence of 3D images, wherein the minimizing solution is a set of estimated 3D images.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2011Publication date: June 28, 2012Inventors: Hélène Langet, Cyril Riddell
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Publication number: 20120155606Abstract: A marine device has a floating buoy containing electronics, a submerged payload containing electrical devices and electronics, a power source and a mooring line. At least a part of the power source is submerged and electrically connected to at least one of the submerged payload and the floating buoy, and the mooring line extends between the buoy and at least one of the power source submerged part, the submerged payload and a submerged anchor having a mass allowing it to stay under the water surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2010Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: WENZEL VOLUMETRIK GMBHInventors: Martin Simon, Siegfried Heeg, Ralf Hock, Manfred Etzel, Uwe Hilpert, Severin Ebner
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Publication number: 20120155607Abstract: A belt table is provided. The belt table includes a cradle, and a movement driver set configured to drive the cradle to move, wherein the cradle and the movement driver set are configured to cause at least one of low attenuation and nearly zero attenuation to X-rays along a scan plane.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2011Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: GE MEDICAL SYSTEMS GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY COMPANY, LLCInventors: Xiaoyan ZHANG, Hailiang LIU, Xuyong YANG, Xueli WANG
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Patent number: 8204171Abstract: A system and method for CT image acquisition with increased slice acquisition and minimal image data degradation is provided. The system includes an x-ray projection source positioned that projects a cone beam of x-rays from a focal spot of the x-ray projection source toward an object and a plurality of detector modules positioned on the rotatable gantry to receive x-rays attenuated by the object. Each of the detector modules includes a module frame having a top surface that includes a plurality of facets formed thereon constructed so as to be oriented at differing angles relative to the focal spot and a plurality of sub-modules positioned on the plurality of facets to receive the x-rays attenuated by the object and to convert the x-rays to electrical signals, with each sub-module being oriented at an angle relative to the focal spot based on a respective facet on which the sub-module is mounted.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2010Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Abdelaziz Ikhlef
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Patent number: 8204173Abstract: The present application is directed toward the generation of three dimensional images in a tomography system having X-ray sources offset from detectors, in particular in a system where the sources are located on a plane, while detectors are located on multiple parallel planes, parallel to the plane of sources and all the planes of detectors lie on one side of the plane of sources. A controller operates to rebin detected X-rays onto a non-flat surface, perform two dimensional reconstruction on the surface, and generate the three dimensional image from reconstructed images on the plurality of surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2010Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.Inventors: Marta Betcke, William Robert Breckon Lionheart, Edward James Morton
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Publication number: 20120148015Abstract: A computer tomography device for non-medical applications, in particular a non-medical material or workpiece test, having a sensor carrier unit comprising a plurality of individual pixels provided adjacent to one another, said sensor carrier unit being designed to detect invasive radiation of an x-ray radiation source by a detector surface. The detector surface extends in at least one plane in the shape of an arc, wherein the sensor carrier unit has a contour that is arced at least in sections and/or comprises a plurality of individual detector elements (20) arranged in a faceted shape, each comprising a flat detector surface (3), disposed adjacent to and/or adjoining one another along an arced line (6), and an object carrier, designed as a rotary plate (30), for a workpiece to be subjected to tomographic inspection is provided in a beam path between the x-ray radiation source (1) and the sensor carrier unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2010Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: Wenzel Volumetrik GmbHInventor: Martin Simon
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Publication number: 20120140875Abstract: 3D reconstructions can be calculated from grayscale X-ray images taken at different angular positions of an X-ray source and detector rotatable about a common axis. In the present case, X-ray radiation is applied to the object to be imaged such that one half of the X-ray detector receives radiation which differs in one characteristic from the radiation received by the second half of the detector via the object. A kind of dual-energy imaging can then be carried out in a single pass through the angular positions, enabling two 3D reconstructions to be generated simultaneously and then merged.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2011Publication date: June 7, 2012Inventors: Frank Dennerlein, Ernst-Peter Rührnschopf
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Patent number: 8194818Abstract: A Computerized Tomography (CT) scanner apparatus includes a scanner gantry, a detector, a detector control panel configured to control the detector, and a power ring. The scanner gantry includes a rotary part and a stationary part, wherein the detector, the detector control panel, and the power ring are mounted in the rotary part. The detector control panel is configured to transmit a scan data signal collected from the detector from the rotary part of the scanner gantry to the stationary part via a power line on the power ring.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2009Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventor: Dazhuang Meng
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Publication number: 20120134462Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2012Publication date: May 31, 2012Inventor: Ronald E. Massie
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Publication number: 20120134463Abstract: An X-ray tube has a cathode, a rotating anode, and a case for enclosing the cathode and the rotating anode. The rotating anode generates X-rays due to emission of electron beams from the cathode. The case includes a vacuum envelope for enclosing the cathode and the rotating anode, and a housing for enclosing the vacuum envelope. Inside of the vacuum envelope is maintained vacuum. The vacuum envelope has an X-ray passing portion for passing the X-rays therethrough. The housing is provided with a radiation window for radiating the X-rays, passed through the X-ray passing portion, to the outside of the case. The radiation window includes an opening and a multi-slit arranged in the opening. The multi-slit partly shields the X-rays, generated by the rotating anode, to form a plurality of virtual linear light sources.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2011Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATIONInventor: Yasuhisa KANEKO
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Publication number: 20120114217Abstract: A method is disclosed of providing time dependent three dimensional imaging of a region of a patient comprising blood vessels in a perfusion bed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2011Publication date: May 10, 2012Inventors: Charles A. Mistretta, Charles M. Strother
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Publication number: 20120114094Abstract: A multi-mode cone beam computed tomography radiotherapy simulator and treatment machine is disclosed. The radiotherapy simulator and treatment machine both include a rotatable gantry on which is positioned a cone-beam radiation source and a flat panel imager. The flat panel imager captures x-ray image data to generate cone-beam CT volumetric images used to generate a therapy patient position setup and a treatment plan.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2012Publication date: May 10, 2012Inventors: Edward G. Shapiro, Edward J. Seppi, John M. Pavkovich, Peter Munro, Stanley W. Johnsen, Richard E. Colbeth
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Patent number: 8175218Abstract: A method of computed-tomography and a computed-tomography apparatus where a flying focal spot x-ray interpolation interlacing is used. Weighted or non-weighted interlacing of zero values is performed, or interpolation interlacing is performed. The interpolation interlacing may be implemented as part of backprojection and or may be a separate process prior to backprojection. In both cases interlacing is performed on post-logged convolved data. The interpolation interlacing may also be incorporated into different parts of the processing chain, such as before convolution.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2008Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventors: Ilmar Hein, Aleksandr Zamyatin
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Publication number: 20120106696Abstract: A CT scanner comprising: a rotor rotatable about an axis of rotation: an X-ray source mounted to the rotor having a focal spot from which an X-ray beam emanates; an X-ray detector array comprising a plurality of X-ray detectors for detecting X-rays in the X-ray beam; wherein the detector array has at least one high resolution region in which detectors have a high packing density and at least one low resolution region in which detectors have a low packing density and are separated by X-ray insensitive regions substantially larger than insensitive regions resulting from septa between detectors that function to reduce detector cross talk.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 1, 2012Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: Arineta Ltd.Inventor: Ehud DAFNI
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Publication number: 20120104262Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a data processing device for evaluating measurement signals provided by a layered, pixelated radiation detector. A generalized detector response function is provided that describes the energy-related crosstalk caused by radiation incident in the d-th neighboring pixel. With the help of this GDR-function, crosstalk effects can be taken into account to achieve a more accurate determination of imaging parameters related to an imaged object. The approach can particularly be used in spectrally resolved, photon counting CT detectors with small, layered pixels.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2009Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Jens WIEGERT, Klaus Juergen ENGEL