Beam Detection System Patents (Class 378/19)
  • Patent number: 8044681
    Abstract: An application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) comprising a plurality of channels, each channel having circuitry for time and energy discrimination, a plurality of programmable registers, each programmable register configured to output at least one configuration parameter for the circuitry, and a channel-select register configured to identify a channel of the plurality of channels to be configured. The ASIC further includes a configuration-select register configured to identify the programmable register to be used for channel configuration, and a communications interface configured to transmit instructions received from a controller to one of the channel-select register, the configuration-select register, and the plurality of programmable registers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Naresh Kesavan Rao, Brian David Yanoff, Yanfeng Du, Jianjun Guo
  • Publication number: 20110255658
    Abstract: An X-ray detector of an X-ray CT apparatus has a plurality of collimators, a plurality of scintillators, a plurality of photodiodes and a light guide. The plurality of collimators collimate an X-ray. The plurality of scintillators respectively emit fluorescence based on the X-ray from the plurality of collimators. The plurality of photodiodes respectively convert the fluorescence from the plurality of scintillators into the electric signal. The light guide has such a shape as to guide the fluorescence emitted from the plurality of scintillators respectively to the plurality of photodiodes while focusing the fluorescence toward the plurality of photodiodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicants: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION, KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Keiji MATSUDA, Yoshiaki Yaoi, Machiko Iso, Shuya Nambu, Takashi Kanemaru, Akihiko Taniguchi
  • Publication number: 20110255659
    Abstract: An X-ray detector of an X-ray CT apparatus has a collimator, a plurality of scintillators, a light reflector and a plurality of photodiodes. The collimator has a threshold plate with a thickness Wc to eliminate scattered radiation from an X-ray. The plurality of scintillators emit light based on the X-ray. The light reflector is provided in a gap between adjacent scintillators of the plurality of scintillators. The plurality of photodiodes convert the light of each of the plurality of scintillators into the electric signal. The thickness Wc of the threshold plate mounted on the X-ray incident side of the adjacent scintillators, and a thickness Ws of the gap has a relationship shown in a following expression: Wc?Ws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicants: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION, KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Yoshiaki YAOI, Seiichiro Murai, Akihiko Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 8041003
    Abstract: A modular sensor assembly comprises: sensor arrays electrically coupled to a sensor substrate; a plurality of integrated circuits with sensor signal processors electrically coupled to a package substrate; and an interconnect assembly including electrical paths configured to electrically couple analog output signals from a first sensor array to a first integrated circuit and from a second sensor to a second integrated circuit, the first sensor disposed adjacent to the second sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Oliver Richard Astley, Naveen Chandra, James Rose
  • Patent number: 8041002
    Abstract: Methods, computer-readable mediums, and systems are provided. In one embodiment, a method detects at least one faulty X-ray detector signal and adjusts a conveyor speed and/or a gantry speed in accordance with the detection to increase information for image reconstruction. In another embodiment, a method detects a high volume time. Upon detection of the high volume time conveyor speed and gantry speed is increased during the high volume time. After expiration of the high volume time, the conveyor speed and gantry speed is reduced. In yet other embodiments, the computer-readable mediums and systems are also provided which perform similar features recited by the above methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Morpho Detection, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Alan Gatten, Ugo DiGirolamo
  • Publication number: 20110243299
    Abstract: An X-ray inspection apparatus includes a scanning X-ray source for emitting an X-ray, an X-ray detector drive unit having a plurality of X-ray detectors mounted thereon and being capable of independently driving the plurality of X-ray detectors, and an image acquisition control mechanism for controlling the X-ray detector drive unit and acquisition of image data from the X-ray detectors. The scanning X-ray source emits an X-ray by moving an X-ray focal point position of the X-ray source to each of originating point positions of X-ray emission, which are set for the X-ray detectors such that X-rays are transmitted through a plurality of prescribed inspection areas of an inspection object and enter the X-ray detectors. Image pickup by the X-ray detector and movement of another X-ray detector are concurrently performed in an alternate manner. The image acquisition control mechanism acquires image data, and an operation unit reconstructs an image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: OMRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinji Sugita, Noriyuki Kato, Masayuki Masuda, Tsuyoshi Matsunami
  • Patent number: 8031830
    Abstract: In an X-ray CT apparatus, the X-ray tube generates an X-ray beam during a line-orbit scan, and the collimator plate shields a part of the X-ray beam other than the part that contributes to image reconstruction. The part of the X-ray beam which contributes to the image reconstruction is applied to a subject along the body axis of the subject. The two-dimensional detector system detects the X rays in the same conditions during a circular-orbit scan, while the X-ray tube and the subject are rotating relative to each other. The reconstruction device performs back projection, thereby reconstructing an image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Satoru Nakanishi
  • Publication number: 20110222649
    Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus has an X-ray source, an X-ray detector, a temperature sensor, a data acquisition unit and a controller. The X-ray source generates an X-ray. The X-ray detector detects the X-ray. The temperature sensor detects a temperature of the X-ray detector. The data acquisition unit acquires data from the X-ray detector. The controller controls a temperature of the X-ray detector through adjustment of a workload of the data acquisition unit during a non-scanning time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Atsushi HASHIMOTO, Takayuki YAMAZAKI, Michito NAKAYAMA, Tomoe SAGOH, Takeshi MIYAGI
  • Publication number: 20110211667
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus includes a computed tomography (CT) detector array having a central region with a plurality of central region detecting cells configured to acquire CT data of a first number of slices during a scan, a first wing along a first side of the central region, and a second wing along a second side of the central region opposite the first side. The first wing includes a plurality of first wing detecting cells configured to acquire CT data of a second number of slices during the scan. The second wing includes a plurality of second wing detecting cells configured to acquire CT data of a third number of slices during the scan. The second and third number of slices are less than the first number of slices. The first wing detecting cells are of a different type than the central region detecting cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: Abdelaziz Ikhlef, Jiang Hsieh, Jeffrey Alan Kautzer, Robert F. Senzig, Bruno Kristiaan Bernard De Man, Paavana Sainath, Xiaoye Wu, Jed Douglas Pack
  • Publication number: 20110211668
    Abstract: The invention relates to converter element (100) for a radiation detector, particularly for a Spectral CT scanner. The converter element (100) comprises at least two conversion cells (131) that are at least partially separated from each other by intermediate separation walls (135) which affect the spreading of electrical signals generated by incident radiation (X). The conversion cells (131) may particularly consist of a crystal of CdTe and/or CdZnTe. Said crystal is preferably grown by e.g. vapor deposition between preformed separation walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Roger Steadman Booker, Matthias Simon, Christoph Herrmann, Bernd Menser, Jens Wiegert, Klaus Juergen Engel, Christian Baeumer, Oliver Muelhens
  • Publication number: 20110211669
    Abstract: The invention relates to a radiation detector (100) comprising a converter element (113) with an array (120) of first electrodes (121) for sampling electrical signals generated by incident radiation (X). With a connection circuit (130), at least two first electrodes (121) can selectively be coupled to a common readout unit (141) according to a given connection pattern (CP1). The effective pixel size along the path of incident radiation (X) can thus be adapted to the distribution of electrical signals, which is usually determined by the spectral composition of the incident radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Christoph Herrmann, Christian Baeumer, Roger Steadman Booker
  • Publication number: 20110211665
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and related computer program products for image-guided radiation treatment (IGRT) are described. Provided according to one preferred embodiment is an IGRT apparatus including a barrel-style rotatable gantry structure that provides high mechanical stability, versatility in radiation delivery, and versatility in target tracking. Methods for treatment radiation delivery using the IGRT apparatus include conical non-coplanar rotational arc therapy and cono-helical non-coplanar rotational arc therapy. A radiation treatment head (MV source) and a treatment guidance imaging system including a kV imaging source are mounted to and rotatable with a common barrel-style rotatable gantry structure, or alternatively the MV and kV sources are mounted to separate barrel-style rotatable gantry structures independently rotatable around a common axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: ACCURAY INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Calvin R. Maurer, JR., Euan S. Thomson
  • Patent number: 8009796
    Abstract: An x-ray CT system that generates tomographic phase contrast or dark field exposures, has at least one grating interferometer with three grating structures arranged in series in the radiation direction, with a modular design of the second and third grating structures. The distance between the first grating structure of the x-ray source and the second grating structure (fashioned as a phase grating) of the respective grating/detector modules is adapted, depending on the fan angle, corresponding to a period of the grating structure of the x-ray source projected onto the grating detector module at a respective fan angle (?i).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignees: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft, Paul Scherrer Institut
    Inventors: Stefan Popescu, Christian David, Tilman Donath, Eckhard Hempel, Martin Hoheisel, Franz Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 8009794
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer-product programs for increasing accuracy in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) by obscuring portions of the radiation source so that the radiation only passes through the specific areas of the patient related to the regions-of-interest to the doctor. The obscuring action causes less radiation scattering to occur in the patient's body, thereby reducing a major source of error in the image accuracy caused by scattered radiation. Scattered radiation received by detector pixels that are obscured by direct-line of sight radiation may be used to estimate the scattered radiation in the un-obscured portion, which can be used to further increase the accuracy of the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry Partain
  • Publication number: 20110206179
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-view X-ray inspection system. In one embodiment, a beam steering mechanism directs the electron beam from an X-ray source to multiple production targets which generate X-rays for scanning which are subsequently detected by a plurality of detectors to produce multiple image slices (views). The system is adapted for use in CT systems. In one embodiment of a CT system, the X-ray source and detectors rotate around the object covering an angle sufficient for reconstructing a CT image and then reverse to rotate around the object in the opposite direction. The inspection system, in any configuration, can be deployed inside a vehicle for use as a mobile detection system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph Bendahan
  • Publication number: 20110206180
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Ram C. Naidu, Sergey B. Simanovsky, David Schafer
  • Publication number: 20110206178
    Abstract: An in-line 4D cone beam CT reconstruction algorithm, i.e.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: Elekta AB
    Inventors: Marcel Van Herk, Jan-Jako Sonke, Lambert Zijp, Peter Remeijer
  • Patent number: 8005185
    Abstract: In a method to determine phase and/or amplitude between interfering, adjacent x-ray beams in a detector pixel in a Talbot interferometer for projective and tomographical x-ray phase contrast imaging and/or x-ray dark field imaging, after an irradiation of the examination subject with at least two coherent or quasi-coherent x-rays, an interference of the at least two coherent or quasi-coherent x-rays with the aid of an irradiated phase grating is generated, and the variation of multiple intensity measurements in temporal succession after an analysis grating is determined in relation to known displacements of one of the gratings or of an x-ray source fashioned like a grating, positioned upstream in the beam path, relative to one of the gratings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Stefan Popescu
  • Patent number: 8005187
    Abstract: In a medical digital X-ray imaging apparatus having a plurality of imaging modes including computed tomography mode, a supporter supports an X-ray source and a digital X-ray sensor having a two-dimensional detection plane for detecting X-rays, while interposing an object between them. An image reconstructor acquires data from the digital X-ray sensor and reconstructs an image based on the acquired data. An operator selects one of a first imaging mode and a second imaging mode. The second imaging mode has an irradiation field different from the first imaging mode and has an area to be read in the digital X-ray sensor smaller than that in the first imaging mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: J. Morita Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Masakazu Suzuki, Hideki Yoshikawa
  • Publication number: 20110200167
    Abstract: Radiation flux can be adjusted “on the fly” as an object (204) is being scanned in a security examination apparatus. Adjustments are made to the radiation flux based upon radiation incident on a first radiation detector (226) in an upstream portion (233) of an examination region. The object under examination is thus exposed to different radiation flux in coordination with a downstream motion (235) of the object relative to a second radiation detector (228). The radiation flux is adjusted so that a sufficient number of x-rays (that traverse the object) are incident on the second radiation detector. Images of the object can then be generated based upon data from the second radiation detector, where these images are thus of a desired/higher quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Ram C. Naidu, Chitra Subramanian, Sergey B. Simanovsky, Zhengrong Ying, Dong-Yueh Liang, Douglas Q. Abraham
  • Patent number: 8000436
    Abstract: A scanning unit for inspecting objects comprises in one example a radiation source, a movable platform to support an object, and a detector positioned to receive radiation after interaction of radiation with the object. The platform is movable at least partially within a cavity defined, at least partially, below at least one of the source or the detector. In another scanning unit, a first conveyor conveys an object to a movable platform, and second and third conveyors convey the object from the platform. The second and third conveyors are at different vertical heights. In another scanning unit, images from an energy sensitive detector and a spatial detector are fused. In a method, scanning parameters during CT scanning are changed and images reconstructed before and after the change. In another method, an object is scanned with X-ray beams having first and second energy distributions, generated by the same X-ray source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Seppi, John Ford, Marcel Marc
  • Patent number: 8000437
    Abstract: A photodetecting unit having a favorable attaching operability is provided. In a photodetecting unit 1, two structures for attachment 30 are fixed to the rear face of a supporting substrate 20 formed by a sintered body of a ceramic. In the process of manufacturing the photodetecting unit 1, a laminate of green sheets is fired, so as to form a sintered body of a ceramic, and then each structure for attachment 30 is bonded to the rear face of the supporting substrate 20. This allows the structures for attachment 30 to be arranged accurately on the rear face of the supporting substrate 20, thereby ameliorating the attaching operability of the photodetecting unit 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventor: Yoshihisa Kotooka
  • Publication number: 20110188626
    Abstract: Provided is a damage evaluation apparatus capable of evaluating the damage of an asphalt mixture or the like non-destructively for a short time and in a precise manner. This apparatus turns a sample (S) and irradiates it at every predetermined angle with an X-ray so that it detects the transmitted X-ray with an X-ray detector (104). An image reconstruction unit (122) creates multiple sheets of slice image data reconstructing the inside state of the sample (S) by using the detection results of the X-ray detector (104). An image processing unit (124) creates three-dimensional CT image data of the inside of the sample (S) with the slice image data created by the image reconstruction unit (122). A cavity analyzing unit (126) calculates the quantitative data of the inside state of the sample (S) with a predetermined calculation algorithm by using the slice image data created by the image reconstruction unit (122).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicants: National University Corporation Hokkaido University, Japan Radio Co., Ltd.,
    Inventors: Akihiro Moriyoshi, Shozo Tazoe
  • Publication number: 20110186739
    Abstract: Apparatus for scanning large cargo to detect concealed contents include a mobile platform configured to carry and position at least one X-ray or gamma-ray source and at least one detector array at a plurality of positions with respect to a stationary cargo. The detector array may be mounted on a boom moveably affixed to the mobile platform. Multiple measurements of radiation passing through the cargo for various source-detector orientations can be used to compute volumetric images of concealed content within the cargo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: L-3 Communications Security and Detection Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Foland, Richard Franklin Eilbert, Michael R. Gambini, Nicholas Danvers Penrose Gillett, Ronald S. McNabb, Boris Oreper, David Perticone, Vitaliy Ziskin
  • Patent number: 7986763
    Abstract: A radiological imaging apparatus of the present invention comprises an image pickup device and a medical examinee holding device that is provided with a bed. The image pickup device includes a large number of radiation detectors and radiation detector support plates. A large number of radiation detectors are mounted around the circumference of a through-hole and arranged in the axial direction of the through-hole. The radiation detectors are arranged in three layers formed radially with respect to the center of the through-hole and mounted on the lateral surfaces of the radiation detector support plates. Since the radiation detectors are not only arranged in the axial direction and circumferential direction of the through-hole but also arrayed in the radial direction, it is possible to obtain accurate information about a ?-ray arrival position in the radial direction of the through-hole (the positional information about a radiation detector from which a ?-ray image pickup signal is output).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Kojima, Takashi Okazaki, Yuuichirou Ueno, Kikuo Umegaki, Kensuke Amemiya, Kazuhiro Takeuchi, Hiroshi Kitaguchi, Kazuma Yokoi, Norihito Yanagita
  • Publication number: 20110176656
    Abstract: A solid-state image pickup device 1 includes a photodetecting section 10, a signal readout section 20, a controlling section 30, and a correction processing section 40. In the photodetecting section 10, M×N pixel units P1,1 to PM,N each including a photodiode that generates charge of an amount according to an incident light intensity and a readout switch connected to the photodiode are two-dimensionally arrayed in M rows and N columns. A charge generated in each pixel unit Pm,n is input to an integration circuit Sn through a readout wiring line LO,n, and a voltage value output from the integration circuit Sn according to the charge amount is output to an output wiring line Lout through a holding circuit Hn. In the correction processing section 40, a correction processing is applied to respective frame data output from the signal readout section 20, and the frame data after the correction processing is output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventors: Ryuji Kyushima, Kazuki Fujita, Junichi Sawada
  • Publication number: 20110176745
    Abstract: The CT imaging system optimizes its image generation by substantially reducing artifacts caused by a known amount of readout time lag in the X-ray detectors or data acquisition system. Although each detector row takes the same amount of time to read out the signals, the time lag cumulates over the rows as each row is sequentially read out. The back-projection coordinates are correspondingly corrected based upon the above described delay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alexander ZAMYATIN, Ilmar A. HEIN
  • Patent number: 7983385
    Abstract: A computed tomography system (100) includes an x-ray source (112) that rotates about an examination region (108) and translates along a longitudinal axis (120). The x-ray source (112) remains at a first location on the longitudinal axis (120) while rotating about the examination region (108), accelerates to a scanning speed and performs a fly-by scan of a region of interest (220) in which at least one hundred and eighty degrees plus a fan angle of data is acquired. At least one detector (124) detects x-rays radiated by the x-ray source (112) that traverses the examination region (108) and generates signals indicative thereof. A reconstructor (132) reconstructs the signals to generate volumetric image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Dominic J. Heuscher, Randall P. Luhta, Steven J. Utrup
  • Patent number: 7978810
    Abstract: An imaging method is disclosed for variable pitch spiral CT. In at least one embodiment, the method includes spiral scanning of an examination object lying on a patient table, with the aid of a beam emanating from at least one focus, and the aid of a detector arrangement of planar design lying opposite the focus, the detector arrangement supplying output data that represent the attenuation of the beams during passage through the examination object; filtering the output data; weighted back projection of the filtered output data; and visualizing a layer or a volume on a display unit on the basis of the back projected output data. In at least one embodiment, a non constant pitch of the spiral scanning is taken into account computationally during the back projection. In at least one embodiment, a CT machine is disclosed for carrying out the above named method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karl Schwarz, Karl Stierstorfer
  • Patent number: 7974377
    Abstract: A method includes inserting a first x-ray detector between a second x-ray detector and an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Michael Hoffman, Jeffrey Alan Kautzer
  • Publication number: 20110158381
    Abstract: A two dimensional collimator assembly and method of manufacturing thereof is disclosed. The collimator assembly includes a wall structure constructed to form a two dimensional array of channels to collimate x-rays. The wall structure further includes a first portion positioned proximate the object to be scanned and configured to absorb scattered x-rays and a second portion formed integrally with the first portion and extending out from the first portion away from the object to be scanned. The first portion of the wall structure has a height greater than a height of the second portion of the wall structure. The second portion of the wall structure includes a reflective material coated thereon in each of the channels forming the two dimensional array of channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Zhaoping Wu, Haochuan Jiang, Joseph James Lacey, James S. Vartuli, Yunfeng Sun, Qun Deng, Xiaoye Wu, Kun Tao, Zhaohui Yang
  • Patent number: 7970096
    Abstract: The disclosed CT scanner comprises at least one source of X-rays; a detector array comprising a plurality of detectors; and an X-ray filter mask arrangement disposed between the source of X-rays and detector array so as to modify the spectra of the X-rays transmitted from the source through the mask to at least some of the detectors so that the X-ray spectra detected by at least one set of detectors is different from the X-ray spectra detected by at least one other set of detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Analogic Corporation
    Inventors: Julia Pavlovich, Aleksander Roshi, Ram Naidu, Sergey Simanovsky, Zhengrong Ying
  • Patent number: 7970097
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing tomographic images relating to different movement phases of a periodically moving object with the use of a tomography unit that includes a recording system that is arranged rotatably about a z-axis of the tomography unit, the recording system including an X-ray tube to which a tube current can be applied and a detector (17, 18) for acquiring projections. In at least one embodiment, the recording system is initially positioned relative to the object at a first z-position, and projections are acquired from a multiplicity of different projection dimensions at this z-position, in a fashion triggered by a movement signal representing the movement of the object, projections relating to a first movement phase of the object being acquired in a prospectively defined first time window and projections relating to at least a second movement phase of the object being acquired in a prospectively defined second time window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Herbert Bruder, Thomas Flohr, Rainer Raupach
  • Publication number: 20110150176
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an image processing device (10) for the evaluation of image raw-data of a body region generated with an imaging device like a CT scanner (30). From the image raw-data, a first image (ICAD) is reconstructed with a reconstruction module (12) according to reconstruction parameters (p) set optimally by a computer aided detection and/or diagnosis (CAD) module (13). This module can then evaluate an image (ICAD) that was reconstructed optimally according to its own requirements, for example with respect to image size and/or resolution, to find features of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Koehler, Rafael Wiemker
  • Patent number: 7964849
    Abstract: A PET apparatus comprises a plurality of detector units in the circumferential direction, wherein the detector unit includes a plurality of unit substrates therein, and wherein the unit substrate includes: a plurality of detectors upon which a ?-ray is incident; and an analog ASIC and digital ASIC for processing a ?-ray detection signal outputted by each of the detectors. The analog ASIC includes two slow systems having mutually different time constants, each of which outputs a pulseheight value. A noise determination part of the digital ASIC determines whether a relevant detection signal is an intended ?-ray detection signal or a noise based on a correlation between the pulseheight values, and a noise counting part counts the number of times of noise determination, and a detector output signal processing control part controls the signal processing with respect to an output signal from a relevant detector based on the count.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Isao Takahashi, Takafumi Ishitsu, Yuichiro Ueno, Tomoyuki Seino
  • Publication number: 20110142195
    Abstract: A curtain assembly includes at least one curtain including at least one slat. The at least one curtain is configured to be rotatably coupled to a housing of a scanning system having a radiation source and a detector. The at least one curtain is further configured to facilitate drawing an object into the scanning system housing while substantially preventing radiation emitted from the radiation source from exiting the housing through the at least one curtain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Steven Leslie Hills, Nicholas Bantle Masson
  • Patent number: 7961841
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an X-ray photographing apparatus that is capable of being automatically transformed to panoramic, CT, and cephalometric photographing apparatuses having corresponding modes in accordance with the mounting or demounting of a panoramic sensor, a CT sensor, or a cephalometric sensor thereon/therefrom, thereby at once performing the photographing for the images being the corresponding modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignees: Vatech Co., Ltd., Vatech Ewoo Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang Joon Ro, Tae Woo Kim
  • Patent number: 7961839
    Abstract: Iterative methods for reconstructing of three-dimensional images based on projection data signals obtained by a computer tomography system often result in wrong absorption coefficients in particular for regions including a hollow space of an object under examination. Furthermore iterative methods show a slow convergence for calculating such absorption coefficients. According to embodiments of the present invention there is provided a method for an advanced reconstruction of three-dimensional images based on modified projection data signals. The modification includes an addition of a constant absorption value to the measured projection data. Advantageously the constant absorption value is an absorption line integral through a virtual body having the spatial constant absorption coefficient of water. The virtual body preferably has a volume which is slightly bigger than the object of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Andy Ziegler, Michael Grass
  • Publication number: 20110135052
    Abstract: An imaging system includes at least one radiation generating component (210) that alternately emits different radiation that traverse an examination region and a common detector (214) that detects radiation that traverses the examination region and generates a signal indicative thereof. Pulse generating circuitry (304) generates a pulse train, including a plurality of pulses, with a frequency indicative of the signal for the at least one radiation generating component (210) for a sampling interval. Processing electronics (220) determine an approximation of the signal for one of the at least one radiation generating components (210) for the sampling interval based on a number of pulses in the pulse train for the sampling interval and charge of the pulses in the pulse train.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Roland Proksa
  • Publication number: 20110135054
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for reconstructing image data for a region are described. A radiation source and multiple one-dimensional linear or two-dimensional planar area detector arrays located on opposed sides of a region angled generally along a circle centered at the radiation source are used to generate scan data for the region from a plurality of diverging radiation beams, i.e., a fan beam or cone beam. Individual pixels on the discreet detector arrays from the scan data for the region are reprojected onto a new single virtual detector array along a continuous equiangular arc or cylinder or equilinear line or plane prior to filtering and backprojecting to reconstruct the image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Eugene A. Gregerson, Richard K. Grant, Norbert J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7956332
    Abstract: A technique is provided for forming a multi-layer radiation detector. The technique includes a charge-integrating photodetector layer provided in conjunction with a photon-counting photodetector layer. In one embodiment, a plurality of photon-counting photosensor elements are disposed adjacent to a plurality of charge-integrating photosensor elements of the respective layers. Both sets of elements are connected to readout circuitry and a data acquisition system. The detector arrangement may be used for energy discriminating computed tomography imaging and similar computed tomography systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kent Charles Burr, Joseph John Shiang, Aaron Judy Couture
  • Publication number: 20110129061
    Abstract: When performing a patient scan to collect patient data for reconstruction into one or more image volumes, a combination nuclear-radiographic subject imaging device (10) includes first and second detector heads (22a, 22b), which move on respective positionable tracks (14a, 14b). The positionable tracks move on stationary tracks (12) coupled to a rotatable gantry structure (16). Each detector head is rotatably coupled to its positionable track by a rotation arm (24). When a radiographic scan is performed, the first detector head (22a) is rotated so that a radiographic detector (26) mounted to the first detector head (22a) faces the patient, and an X-ray source (28) mounted to the second detector head (22b) also faces the patient, opposite the radiographic detector (26). When a nuclear imaging scan is performed, the detector heads (22a, 22b) are rotated to face the patient during the scan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Mahmoud Janbakhsh
  • Publication number: 20110116594
    Abstract: Smoothing processing appropriate for a subject is performed and a CT image in which artifacts are reduced is acquired. At least a part of the X-ray detecting data 171 and the projection data 174 is used to generate boundary data 175, and at least one of the X-ray detecting data and the projection data is subjected to smoothing processing, by using the boundary data as a threshold. With this configuration, it is possible to perform smoothing processing by using as the threshold, the boundary data generated from the X-ray detecting data that passed through the subject or its projection data, enabling the smoothing processing adapted to the subject, and accordingly, the artifacts are removed while suppressing deterioration of spatial resolution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: HITACHI MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keisuke Yamakawa, Yasutaka Konno
  • Publication number: 20110116595
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting low and high x-ray densities is provided for use in CT imaging. Two photodetectors, one having a relatively low dynamic range and the other having a relatively high dynamic range, are coupled to the same transducer. The first photodetector may be, for example, a SiPM which is passively quenched.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N. V.
    Inventors: Raz Carmi, Amir Livne
  • Patent number: 7945021
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward G. Shapiro, Edward J. Seppi, John M. Pavkovich, Peter Munro, Stanley W. Johnsen, Richard E. Colbeth
  • Patent number: 7945016
    Abstract: A dental radiology apparatus includes: a generator (18) emitting X-radiation provided with a collimation device collimating the radiation in an appropriate manner using several forms of collimation slits, at least one radiation sensor (20a, 20b) including a first, a second and a third image acquisition surface which are each positioned opposite an appropriate form of slit in order to use the apparatus in panoramic mode, cone beam tomographic mode and mode determining a trajectory which will be used in panoramic mode respectively. In the third mode a form of slit elongated along a plane P is arranged opposite the third surface corresponding to a part of the second surface along a Z-axis perpendicular to the plane P and the assembly is driven in rotation about an axis parallel to the Z-axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Trophy
    Inventors: Sylvie Bothorel, Vincent Loustauneau, Jean-Marc Inglese
  • Publication number: 20110110486
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for computed tomography (CT) imaging are provided. One method includes providing a patient table to move along an examination axis of a rotating gantry of a CT imaging system having at least one imaging detector. The imaging detector includes a pixelated detector array. The method further includes configuring the CT imaging system to perform an overlapping helical CT scan by controlling a speed of the moving patient table along the examination axis through a field of view (FOV) of the at least one imaging detector of the rotating gantry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Bouhnik, Yaron Hefetz
  • Publication number: 20110103544
    Abstract: A diagnostic imaging system and method using multiple types of imaging detectors are provided. The imaging system includes a gantry having a rotor and a stator and a pair of gamma detectors coupled to the rotor. The imaging system further includes a gamma detector coupled to the stator. The gamma detector coupled to the stator is different than the pair of gamma detectors coupled to the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Nathan Hermony
  • Publication number: 20110103545
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for determining the central ray of scanning an object on a detector in a computer tomography system. The method comprises producing a fan beam of x-rays at a fixed x-ray source and detecting the x-rays at the detector. The scanning projection data of the object under examination is received and the object is rotated under examination using a manipulator. After calculating the opposite projection pixel position and projection angle for each pixel, a mismatching is measured between the grey levels of all pixels and their calculated opposite projection pixels with a set of assumed central ray, and identifying the minimum of the measurement as the true central ray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: Agency for Science, Technology and Research
    Inventor: Tong Liu
  • Publication number: 20110096895
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: GE MEDICAL SYSTEMS GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Haruo Kurochi