Alignment Patents (Class 378/205)
  • Patent number: 9599580
    Abstract: A method and device that analyzes a sample with a diffractometer that includes a collimated source, a spectrometric detector, and a detection collimator. The sample is irradiated with an incident beam and the detector has a detection plane with multiple physical or virtual pixels. An measured energy spectrum is established for each pixel and each measured energy spectrum is readjusted. The spectrum is expressed as a function of a variable that accounts for the energy of the scattered radiation and an angle of diffraction. The fulfillment of at least one multiple material criterion is verified. Groups of pixels are formed using the results of the verification step, each group corresponding to a layer of material and different groups corresponding to different layers of material, and the spectra are combined by group, during which, for each group, the readjusted spectra for the pixels of the group are combined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignees: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES, MOZIDO, INC.
    Inventors: Bahaa Ghammraoui, Caroline Paulus, Joachim Tabary
  • Patent number: 9599532
    Abstract: Systems and related methods are provided to perform optical characterization of system under tests (SUT), including one or more optical elements (OE), for various purposes including evaluation of optical resolution needed to distinguish image elements, blur, line of sight jitter, and/or pointing stability. Various testing systems and methods are provided including an embodiment having a vibration loading system (VLS), a first acceleration sensor coupled with the VLS, and a mounting structure adapted to receive the SUT. An illumination target system (ITS) emits light that passes through the SUT OE's lens and is captured by the SUT's imaging system. A light control system controls the ITS based on a plurality of activation commands and a Test Control System (TCS). The TCS receives ITS input through the SUT that is synchronized with acceleration sensor data (e.g. phase of VLS position) and analyzed via real-time or post-processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Kiron Mateti, Craig Armes, Aaron Cole, Josh Borneman, Amanda Lin
  • Patent number: 9526462
    Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an imaging unit, a moving mechanism unit, a modeling unit and a mechanism controller. The imaging unit includes an X-ray generating device which generates X-rays for irradiation of an object put on a table-top and an X-ray detecting device which detects the X-rays. The moving mechanism unit moves the table-top and the imaging unit. The modeling unit displays a table-top model representing the table-top and an imaging unit model representing the imaging unit on a display unit, and moves at least one of the table-top model and the imaging unit model on the display unit, in response to an operation of moving at least one of the table-top model and the imaging unit model. The mechanism controller controls the moving mechanism unit to move the table-top and the imaging unit in accordance with positions of the table-top model and the imaging unit model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Yusuke Narabu, Tadaharu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9521989
    Abstract: An evaluation aid is used as a phantom (imitation lesion) when a digital X-ray dynamic image thereof is taken and evaluated for image qualities for X-ray absorption parts having different X-ray absorption ratios. The evaluation aid contains a fixed plate (plate-like body) including a plurality of regions having different X-ray absorption ratios; a rotating disk (movable body) having a plurality of wires (wire rods), the rotating disk capable of rotating (moving) with respect to the fixed plate so that the plurality of wires traverse X-ray with which the fixed plate is irradiated; and a driving motor (driving portion) which rotates (moves) the rotating disk with respect to the fixed plate. It is preferred that thicknesses and/or constituent materials of the plurality of regions of the fixed plate are different from each other, so that these regions have the different X-ray absorption ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignees: National University Corporation, Tohoku University, Mitaya Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Chida, Yuji Kaga, Goro Yokouchi
  • Patent number: 9486648
    Abstract: An apparatus for placement of an optical marker for radiotherapy onto a surface, wherein the optical marker has a reflective element positioned on a body having an outline and shaped and configured such that the reflective element is in a predetermined position relative to the outline of the body, the apparatus comprising a sheet of material having a hole therethrough which is shaped and configured to conform to the outline of the body and which has an upper surface with markings thereon configured for aligning with an image projected onto the surface on which the optical marker is to be placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: ELEKTA AB
    Inventors: Peter Carey, Paul Barry
  • Patent number: 9456765
    Abstract: A computer-assisted surgery system includes a display, an input device configured to receive data input by a user, and a processor, coupled to the input device and the display. The processor is configured to establish a first position of a pre-operative center of rotation of a joint in a first coordinate space of a first bone and a second coordinate space of a second bone and establish a second position of the pre-operative center of rotation of the joint in the first coordinate space, wherein the second position is a projection into the first coordinate space of the position of the pre-operative center of rotation maintained in a constant position in the second coordinate space. The processor is further configured to determine a change in a parameter associated with the joint based on the first and second positions and output a result indicating the determined change to the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: MAKO Surgical Corp.
    Inventors: Daniel Odermatt, Matthew Thompson
  • Patent number: 9439619
    Abstract: Apparatus for use with a C-arm type x-ray unit (10) to locate and center an x-ray target area. The unit has an x-ray emitter (20) located at one end of a C-arm (50) and an x-ray receptor located at the other end of the C-arm. A ring-shaped band (45) adjustably fits around an outer end of the x-ray receptor. A first laser light source (90) and a second laser light source (100) are carried on the band in a predetermined orientation to each other. The laser light sources each project a fan shaped laser light into the target area between the x-ray emitter and the x-ray receptor. The beams are adjusted to determine a center of the target area through which x-rays are propagated when a patient is positioned in the x-ray unit for a procedure to be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventors: Kirby Nance, Karen Nance
  • Patent number: 9430717
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for registering a coordinate system for a shape sensing system to a coordinate system for pre-procedural or intra-procedural imaging data. A stable curvature in a shape reconstruction is identified and matched to another curvature, where the other curvature is from another shape construction from a subsequent time or from imaging data from another imaging modality. The matched curvatures are aligned, aligning the coordinate systems for the respective curvatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Sander Hans Denissen
  • Patent number: 9335283
    Abstract: A method and a system for bump's inspection are disclosed. The inspection done by comparing the volume of the bump's outside contour and the volume the solid materials from which the bump is made and/or analyzing the bump's solid materials ratio. Principally, the inspection id done by preparing an empiric reference table of the emitted energy received from the solid materials, from which a reference proper bump with a given volume is comprised, using ED-XRF (Energy-Dispersive-X-ray-Fluorescence analysis) analyze; obtaining a first calculated volume of the bump, using a 3D image-processing method; adapting the reference table according to the difference between the given volume and the first calculated volume of the bump; performing a second volume calculation of the bump by applying ED-XRF technology. The difference between the first and second volume calculations and the solid material combination are used to inspect the bump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: XWINSYS LTD.
    Inventors: Micha Geffen, Doron Reinis
  • Patent number: 9314217
    Abstract: The invention relates to an intra-oral x-ray imaging arrangement which includes as separate structures, first, a radiation source (4) having a collimator structure (4?, 40) limiting an x-ray beam for producing the beam used in imaging and for aiming it to the object to be imaged, secondly, an imaging sensor (30) arranged positionable within a patient's mouth (30), and a control system of the imaging arrangement. The collimator structure (4?, 40) is implemented as a structure (40) which enables adjusting a collimator opening limited by the collimator for at least one of the following: its size, its shape, its location, its position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: PLANMECA OY
    Inventors: Christian De Godzinsky, Kustaa Nyholm
  • Patent number: 9271673
    Abstract: A method for targeting. The method includes determining skin characteristics in a region of a patient. An in-treatment optical scan is performed on a region of a patient, wherein the in-treatment optical scan comprises a near infrared (NIR) energy source. A plurality of detected signals is detected from the optical scan. The skin characteristics are filtered out from the plurality of detected signals. Skeletal anatomy positioning associated with the region is determined from the plurality of signals that is filtered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Adler, Jr., Agam Sharda
  • Patent number: 9138206
    Abstract: In a device for tissue extraction from a breast, a needle mount accommodating a biopsy needle can be placed by a connection element such that no regions of the breast that are to be examined by x-rays are occluded by parts of the device during an x-ray image acquisition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Daniel Fischer
  • Patent number: 9134436
    Abstract: An X-ray apparatus includes an X-ray radiation unit configured to radiate X-rays to an object; and a main control unit configured to acquire orientation information of the X-ray radiation unit and orientation information of an X-ray detector and select the X-ray detector based on the orientation information of the X-ray radiation unit and the orientation information of the X-ray detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ho-seong Kwak, Ig-mo Koo
  • Patent number: 9107643
    Abstract: An X-ray detection system includes an X-ray generation device and an X-ray detector. The X-ray generation device includes an X-ray emission unit and a first sensor unit. The X-ray detector includes an X-ray reception unit for receiving X-rays from the X-ray emission unit, a data detection unit for detecting data from the X-ray reception unit, a second sensor unit, a computation unit for computing correction data using a distance between the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit, and a data correction unit for receiving a data signal from the data detection unit, receiving the correction data from the computation unit, and then generating corrected data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sung ho Chang
  • Patent number: 9055923
    Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining an intraoral x-ray image from a patient, the apparatus has an x-ray source and a radio-frequency transceiver coupled to the x-ray source and energizable to transmit an interrogation signal, wherein the transceiver is in signal communication with four or more antennae. An intraoral image detector forms an image upon exposure to radiation received from the x-ray source. A radio-frequency transponder is coupled to the image detector and is configured to respond to the interrogation signal by transmitting a wireless response signal. A control logic processor is in communication with the transceiver and provides an output signal indicative of the spatial position of the image detector according to response signals received from the transponder at the four or more antennae. An indicator responds to the output signal by indicating the relative position of the image detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Amir Berger, Shmuel Yitzhaki, Arkadi Kanovich
  • Patent number: 9039283
    Abstract: A method for producing an X-ray projection image of a body region of a patient using a desired spatial location of a central ray, includes positioning a pointing element relative to the patient indicating a location of a pointing line and causing the location of the pointing line to coincide with the desired central ray location. A pointing line location and a central ray location currently set on an X-ray machine are recorded. A measure for deviation between the pointing line and the currently set central ray location is determined and used to set the desired central ray location. A medical apparatus includes an X-ray machine taking an X-ray projection image along a central ray, a pointing element indicating a pointing line, an acquisition unit detecting the pointing line location and the currently set central ray location, and a control and evaluation unit implementing software carrying out the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Rainer Graumann
  • Patent number: 9028144
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are an X-ray imaging apparatus which recognizes a marker located at a part to be subjected to X-ray imaging from an image of a subject imaged by a camera and which controls a respective movement of each of an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector to a respective position which corresponds to the recognized marker, and a method for controlling the same. An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray tube which radiates X-rays toward a subject, an X-ray detector which detects X-rays which propagate through the subject, an imaging unit which generates an image of the subject, a recognizer which recognizes a part to be subjected to X-ray imaging from the image of the subject, and a position controller which controls a movement of the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector to a position corresponding to the part to be subjected to X-ray imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Choong Hwan Choi, Do Kwan Oh, Woo Sup Han
  • Patent number: 9023051
    Abstract: A system and associated instruments for locating, and accurately and controllably delivering, a device to an area sufficiently near a bone defect using anatomical landmarks is provided. The instruments allow the surgeon to navigate to the area around the bone defect quickly and easily, while also facilitating proper insertion of the device. In some embodiments, the defect is located on a femur. Guide instruments having a plurality of device portals are also provided for use as standalone instruments or as accessories to the system. In addition, a protective guide sleeve is provided for the insertion of small diameter devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Zimmer Knee Creations, Inc.
    Inventors: Shaun B. Hanson, Christopher D. Mandeen, Jamie A. Carroll, David L. Nichols
  • Patent number: 9014328
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for X-ray imaging a human patient. A vacuum bell bonded to an X-ray radiation-permeable window that can emit X-ray radiation from a plurality of spots located 1 cm from its edge, a collimator, and a detector are used. A ring of stationary X-ray sources can also be used with a stationary collimator and a rotating slot collimator and detector. An X-ray beam can be aligned in an X-ray system by establishing a position of the beam with respect to a moving collimator at a number of points in time, monitoring the velocity of the collimator, navigating the beam to a calculated position of a hole in the collimator, and correcting the alignment of the beam based on the location of the beam on the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Triple Ring Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Tobias Funk
  • Publication number: 20150103980
    Abstract: A method of centering a single crystal sample in the X-ray beam of a diffractometer uses detection of diffraction spots with an active pixel sensor operated in rolling shutter mode. A sample is mounted in the automated goniometer head of the diffractometer and an approximate center of the sample found through which three perpendicular sample axes pass. With a first sample axis perpendicular to a center axis of the X-ray beam, the sample is moved along the first axis from a first position outside of the beam, through the beam and then to a second position outside of the beam. The positions at which first the presence and then the absence of diffraction spots are detected are determined, and the steps repeated for each of the other two perpendicular directions. A precise center may then be found by determining the centroid of the six coordinates thereby obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Joerg KAERCHER
  • Patent number: 8995611
    Abstract: A subject support (118) for an imaging system (100) includes a moveable portion (122) that includes a surface (204) on which the subject is loaded and that is configured to move into an examination region of the imaging system where the subject is to be scanned. The support further includes a scan position identifier (126) that generates a signal indicative of at least one of a start scan position or an end scan position for a predetermined region of interest of the subject based on a location of the region of interest on the moveable portion of the subject support for an arbitrary relative position of the moveable portion with respect to the examination region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Jacob Durgan, Nabi Abraham Cohn, John Cressman, James Thomas Richards, Shlomo Gotman
  • Patent number: 8989350
    Abstract: A control apparatus of a radiotherapy system of the present invention includes an irradiation object detecting section configured to calculate a target position based on a position of a specific part of a sample; and a swing position control section configured to control a drive unit to drive a radiation irradiating unit which irradiates a therapeutic radiation, such that the radiation irradiating unit directs to a post-correction target position at a control time after the measurement time. The post-correction target position indicates a position near a position to which the radiation irradiating unit directs rather than the target position in the preparation period before a therapy period, and the target position in the therapy period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Shibuya, Yoshimi Oda, Kunio Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20150049863
    Abstract: A method for aligning a radiation source with a portable image receiver in a radiographic imaging system generates a magnetic field with a predetermined field pattern and with a time-varying vector direction at a predetermined frequency from an emitter apparatus that is coupled to the radiation source, wherein the generated magnetic field further comprises a synchronization signal. Sensed signals from the magnetic field are obtained from a sensing apparatus that is coupled to the image receiver, wherein the sensing apparatus comprises three or more sensor elements, wherein at least two of the sensor elements are arranged at different angles relative to each other and are disposed outside the imaging area of the image receiver. An output signal is indicative of an alignment adjustment according to the amplitude and phase of the obtained sensed signals relative to the synchronization signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Joseph E. Stagnitto, Xiaohui Wang, Michael C. Lalena
  • Patent number: 8956044
    Abstract: For acquiring an image of a moving region of interest of an object, a corresponding X-ray image acquisition apparatus may include a semitransparent X-ray transmitting device comprised in a collimator which is positioned within a beam of irradiating X-rays thereby at least partly shielding regions on a surface of a detector. After acquiring an X-ray image by detecting X-rays transmitted through the object, the position of the device is automatically adjusted based on image information included in the at least partly shielded region on the detector surface. Taking into account X-ray absorption properties of the device, a virtual image may be calculated, the virtual image corresponding to an X-ray image as if there was no X-ray absorption within the collimator. From this virtual image, the region of interest may be derived, and wedges of said device may be positioned to continuously follow the region of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Erik Hummel
  • Patent number: 8950937
    Abstract: When a size of a flat panel detector, contained in an X-ray detector containing part, in a body axial direction of a subject is detected, a detected value of a potentiometer, and stored information on a maximum size of a flat panel detector, containable in the X-ray detector containing part, in the body axial direction of the subject are compared with each other. If the size of the flat panel detector contained in the X-ray detector containing part coincides with the maximum size of the flat panel detector containable in the X-ray detector containing part, a reference position information switching part switches reference position information stored in a reference position information storage part. When an operator performs a predetermined operation on an operation part by pressing a switch or performing another action, the stored reference position information is changed to a preset reference position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Tomoharu Okuno
  • Patent number: 8947495
    Abstract: A telepresence device allows a remote meeting participant to establish a telepresence at a remote meeting location. The telepresence device provides a video image of the remote meeting participant on a video display screen at a meeting location To enhance the visual sensation that the remote person is present at the meeting location, the telepresence device may display the silhouette image of the remote meeting participant without the image of the background scene of the remote participant's location (e.g., office, home or home office). Further, the telepresence device may be equipped with a rear-facing camera that captures a video image of the background scene behind the telepresence device at the meeting location. The silhouette image of the remote meeting participant may be superimposed on the video image of the background scene at the meeting location, which is captured by the rear-facing camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Zulfiquar Sayeed, James Kotch
  • Patent number: 8923481
    Abstract: Embodiments of backscatter inspection systems include features to enable inspection of irregular surfaces, tight spacer, and other hard-to-reach places. Some embodiments include arms that maneuver a scan head with at least three degrees of freedom, and some embodiments include arms that maneuver a scan head with at least seven degrees of freedom. Some embodiments include proximity detectors on a scan head or base, detect contact with an object being inspected, and to slow or stop the motion of the system accordingly. Some compact embodiments scan the interior of an object from within, and include a rotating, low-energy source of penetrating radiation, and at least one backscatter detector, which may be stationary, or may rotate with the source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: American Science and Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Schubert, John P. Handy, Richard L. Schueller, Terry Lee McElroy, David C. Walazek, William J. Baukus
  • Patent number: 8923479
    Abstract: Embodiments provide method and systems for determining or measuring objective eye alignment in an external-coordinate system so as to define a reference axis. Additional embodiments provide a method and system of aligning an objectively determined reference axis of the eye in a selected relationship to a therapeutic axis of an ophthalmic therapeutic apparatus and/or a diagnostic axis of an ophthalmic diagnostic apparatus. Embodiments provide a method and system for planning an ophthalmic treatment procedure based on objective eye alignment in an external-coordinate system so as to define a reference axis of an eye to be treated. The reference axis may be used to position a therapeutic energy component, for example, an orthovoltage X-ray treatment device, e.g., positioned to provide treatment to tissue on the retina, such as the macula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Oraya Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Gertner, Mark Arnoldussen, Matt Herron, Junzhong Liang
  • Patent number: 8923477
    Abstract: A system is described for breast imaging that includes spatially registering sequential mammographic images of the same breast. The system includes a first compression member configured to contact a first side of a breast, a second compression member configured to contact a second side of a breast that is substantially opposite the first side. The system further includes a first image sensor, coupled to the first compression member and configured to detect a position of a first fiducial marker located at the first side of the breast, and a second image sensor, coupled to the second compression member and configured to detect a position of a second fiducial marker located at the second side of the breast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Image Mining, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Sklansky, Jeffrey Klein
  • Publication number: 20140376700
    Abstract: Provided is an information providing method for aligning an X-ray tube and a detector of a mobile X-ray apparatus, the information providing method including: obtaining first angle information which relates to the X-ray tube by using a first angle measurement sensor which is connected to the X-ray tube; obtaining second angle information which relates to the detector by using a second angle measurement sensor which is connected to the detector; and outputting rotation information for guiding a rotation direction and a rotation angle of the X-ray tube or a rotation direction and a rotation angle of the detector such that an angle between a first plane which is set with respect to the X-ray tube and a second plane which is set with respect to the detector is within a predetermined angle range, based on the first angle information and the second angle information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ho-seong KWAK, Sang-kyun KANG, Myeong-je KIM
  • Patent number: 8901519
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device and a process for adjusting the range of an ion beam, in particular for irradiation in tumor therapy. For this purpose, first the reference position of a target volume to be irradiated is determined. Subsequently, the range of an ion beam is configured such that said beam is adjusted to the reference position of the target volume, in such a manner that the Bragg peak, i.e. the maximal energy loss and thereby the maximal damage occurs in the region of the target volume which is to be destroyed. In the case that it has been determined that the reference position has been altered by a movement of the target volume, the ion beam is then deflected from the beam axis such that the ion beam is directed to various regions of a range modulator, in order that the ion beam experience a correspondingly adjusted energy loss in passing through the range modulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Schardt, Christoph Bert, Nami Saito, Bernhard Franczak, Chaudhri Naved, Pleskac Radek
  • Publication number: 20140348296
    Abstract: The present invention relates to guiding in positioning a region of interest of a patient for X-ray image acquisition. In order to improve and facilitate positioning of a patient for X-ray image acquisitions, an X-ray imaging guiding system (10) for positioning a patient for X-ray image acquisitions is provided, comprising an X-ray detector arrangement (12), and adaptable graphical positioning information (14). The graphical positioning information comprises at least a graphical target anatomy representation (16). The graphical target positioning information is provided in spatial relation with the X-ray detector arrangement. The graphical target anatomy representation indicates a target position (18) of a respective anatomy of the patient for a determined X-ray image acquisition. Further, the graphical positioning information is adaptable in accordance with the determined X-ray image acquisition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: André Goossen, Claire Levrier, Gereon Vogtmeier, Raoul Florent, Liesbet Hilde Hadewijch Roose, Jens Von Berg
  • Patent number: 8891732
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and a method for detecting a mark as well as a semiconductor device processing system. In order to address the problem existing in the prior art that detection of a mark in a layer of a semiconductor device has a low accuracy, the present invention uses an X-ray emitter and an X-ray detector to image the mark contained in the layer of the semiconductor device supported on the supporting member. According to the present invention, due to the use of the X-ray, even if the mark is covered by multiple layers which are opaque to visible light, the mark may be clearly imaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Semiconductor Manufacturing International (Beijing) Corporation
    Inventor: Qiang Wu
  • Publication number: 20140328469
    Abstract: A user control device may include a manipulation panel which receives an external force or input from a manipulating input or device, a frame that is spaced apart from the manipulation panel and having an accommodating unit accommodating the manipulation panel, and a sensing unit disposed in the accommodating unit to sense a movement of the manipulation panel. The manipulation panel may be three-dimensionally movable according to a movement of the manipulating input or device. Related medical apparatuses may also be controlled using the user control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Young-jun LEE, Dae-soo KIM, Hyung-won YOON, Ji-na JEON
  • Publication number: 20140321606
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for X-ray imaging a human patient. A vacuum bell bonded to an X-ray radiation-permeable window that can emit X-ray radiation from a plurality of spots located 1 cm from its edge, a collimator, and a detector are used. A ring of stationary X-ray sources can also be used with a stationary collimator and a rotating slot collimator and detector. An X-ray beam can be aligned in an X-ray system by establishing a position of the beam with respect to a moving collimator at a number of points in time, monitoring the velocity of the collimator, navigating the beam to a calculated position of a hole in the collimator, and correcting the alignment of the beam based on the location of the beam on the detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Tobias Funk
  • Publication number: 20140314204
    Abstract: The present invention relates to positioning of an X-ray source. In order to provide an improved user interface for facilitating the X-ray imaging positioning, a transportable handheld planning device (10) for visualizing projected X-ray radiation for medical X-ray imaging is provided, that comprises a first structure (12) for representing a central axis (14) of a projected X-ray radiation (16), and a second structure (18) for representing a cross-sectional area (20) of the projected X-ray radiation. The first structure is manually positionable by a user in relation to an object to be examined. The second structure is adjustable by a user such that the size and proportions of the cross-sectional area are adjustable in relation to the object to be examined. Further, a current spatial position of the first structure and a current size and proportions of the cross-sectional area are detectable by a measurement arrangement (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Jörg Sabczynski, Sabastian Peter Michael Dries
  • Publication number: 20140307855
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for aiding operation of an interventional x-ray imager during image acquisition, to a method of aiding operation of an x-ray imager, to an interventional x-ray imager, to a computer program element and to a computer readable medium. The X-ray imager is capable of varying X-ray dosages depending on differences in X-ray attenuation levels across an object of interest to be imaged and is capable of assuming any one of a plurality of imaging geometry positions when acquiring an image. An indication, visual, acoustic or haptic, to the operator of an X-ray imager is provided on the incurred change in X-ray dosage when changing from a current projection view to an updated projection view, provided that a given constant image quality is to be maintained throughout the different views.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Petrus Johannes Withagen, Markus Johannes Harmen Den Hartog, Bart Pierre Antoine Jozef Hoornaert
  • Publication number: 20140294160
    Abstract: A method establishes a spatial position of a part of an x-ray ruler imaged in at least one x-ray image. The X-ray ruler is attached to an alignment of an object to be x-rayed. The X-ray ruler has at least a first part and a second part each having x-ray markers, and the first and second parts are connected to each other by a connection element. A spatial configuration of the x-ray markers is determined on a basis of images of the x-markers in an x-ray image or x-ray images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Rainer Graumann
  • Patent number: 8845191
    Abstract: This invention provides a device for checking the performance of an image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) apparatus. The device (referred to here as a phantom) has a central body with detectable markers, rotatably suspended on a ball joint so that the pitch, roll, and yaw may be adjusted. The body is secured against a base plate, which in turn may be positioned laterally, longitudinally, and vertically within the patient treatment area. Thus, the phantom can be adjusted through six degrees of freedom so as to simulate patient positioning. To perform quality control, the phantom is secured at a predetermined offset, and the position is detected by the IGRT apparatus. The robotic couch is then allowed to compensate, a second measurement is made. The measured values are compared with the predetermined offset to assess both the accuracy in detecting the position of the phantom, and the accuracy of the mechanical correction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Yuen Kan Ngar, Wai Sang Poon
  • Publication number: 20140270077
    Abstract: A control circuit is configured to control selective movement of at least the patient-support platform (during a radiation treatment session and typically while the radiation source is also moving) such that during at least a part of the radiation treatment session a patient's radiation-treatment target volume is maintained at a predetermined offset distance away from the radiation-treatment isocenter. By one approach the control circuit maintains that predetermined offset distance for the duration of the radiation treatment session. By one approach, the control circuit is further configured to control selective movement of at least the patient-support platform such that during the radiation treatment session the patient's radiation-treatment target volume moves along a predetermined trajectory (even while maintaining the aforementioned predetermined offset distance).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Athanasios Etmektzoglou
  • Patent number: 8838199
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing determination of patient position change relative to an imaging device and/or allowing digital subtraction in an operative position. The system can include devices for determining a position of a patient at various times and comparing the various positions of the patient. Further, a digital subtraction may be performed if the patient change is not above a threshold value and/or if motion correction can occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: David A Simon, Kevin Foley, Mark Hunter
  • Publication number: 20140247925
    Abstract: It is possible, by use of a calibration scale shown in partial X-ray images, for non-overlapping partial X-ray images to be combined and assigned to one another. Therefore the individual x-ray images which are not overlapping can be related spatially. In this manner x-ray images only have to be made of surgically significant regions and therefore the x-ray exposure of a patient is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Rainer Graumann
  • Patent number: 8821016
    Abstract: Disclosed are an X-ray imaging system and a positioning method of the same that automatically measure a relative positional relationship between devices. According to an aspect, an X-ray imaging system may include: a movable imaging device having a sensor; one or more beacons; a controller configured to analyze position information recognized by the sensor, to compare a relative position between the imaging device and the one or more beacons and to determine a position of the imaging device based on a positional error; and a drive device configured to move the imaging device to the position determined by the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Soo Sang Yang, Jong Hwan Park, Seung Hoon Shin
  • Patent number: 8821015
    Abstract: A method for aligning a radiation source with a portable image receiver in a radiographic imaging system generates a magnetic field with a predetermined field pattern and with a time-varying vector direction at a predetermined frequency from an emitter apparatus that is coupled to the radiation source, wherein the generated magnetic field further comprises a synchronization signal. Sensed signals from the magnetic field are obtained from a sensing apparatus that is coupled to the image receiver, wherein the sensing apparatus comprises three or more sensor elements, wherein at least two of the sensor elements are arranged at different angles relative to each other and are disposed outside the imaging area of the image receiver. An output signal is indicative of an alignment adjustment according to the amplitude and phase of the obtained sensed signals relative to the synchronization signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Stagnitto, Xiaohui Wang, Michael C. Lalena
  • Patent number: 8804912
    Abstract: A radiographic imaging apparatus includes: a radiation source for applying radiation to a subject and at least one marker; a detecting unit for detecting the radiation transmitted through the subject; and an image obtaining unit for moving the radiation source relative to the detecting means, applying the radiation to the subject from a plurality of radiation source positions provided by the movement of the radiation source, and obtaining a plurality of images corresponding respectively to the radiation source positions. The apparatus further includes a radiation source position obtaining unit for obtaining positional information of each radiation source position of interest relative to a reference radiation source position among the radiation source positions based on at least one marker image contained in each of a reference image obtained with the reference radiation source position and an image of interest obtained with the radiation source position of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Sadato Akahori
  • Patent number: 8798233
    Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a method of performing microbeam radiation therapy on a subject, including: affixing a collimator to the subject at a first location; producing a first high energy radiation fan beam, wherein the width of the first fan beam in a first direction is greater than the width of the first fan beam in a second direction; and moving the subject in the second direction so that the first fan beam irradiates the subject through the collimator to produce first high dose regions alternating with first low dose regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Microbeam Therapy, LLC
    Inventors: Fred Harden Geisler, Lois Ann Polatnick, Daniel N. Slatkin
  • Patent number: 8792616
    Abstract: An X-ray image diagnosis apparatus includes: an imaging unit supporting an X-ray generation unit and an X-ray detection unit to face each other to take an image of a subject placed on a bed top panel; a control unit to execute a step movement process of at least one of the imaging unit and top panel and take images of the subject at plural stages; and an image processing unit that processes image data taken at the plural stages. The control unit sets plural regions of interest (ROI) in an imaging area of the subject when an image is taken after a contrast medium is injected into the subject, measures a change of an image level in the ROI to detect a flow of the contrast medium, and makes at least one of the imaging unit and top panel move to the next imaging stage based on the detection result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Manabu Tanaka, Jun Sakakibara, Makoto Kaneko
  • Patent number: 8787524
    Abstract: Radiosurgery systems are described that are configured to deliver a therapeutic dose of radiation to a target structure in a patient. In some embodiments, inflammatory ocular disorders are treated, and in some embodiments, other disorders or tissues of a body are treated with the dose of radiation. In some embodiments, target tissues are placed in a global coordinate system based on ocular imaging. In some embodiments, a fiducial marker is used to identify the location of the target tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Oraya Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Gertner, Steven D. Hansen
  • Patent number: 8768437
    Abstract: A system and apparatus allows the tracking of a selected body portion, instrument, or both. A tracking device can be interconnected to a body portion at a mounting site. A procedure can be performed at a location remote from the mounting site of the tracking device. The tracking device can be interconnected with the body in a low invasive manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Sofamor Danek Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Earl F Barrick
  • Patent number: 8761342
    Abstract: For X-ray tubes of the rotary-anode type for generating a fan beam of X-rays, compensation is afforded for system-related disturbances of the focal spot position on a target area of the rotating anode, and particularly for the anode wobble in an X-ray tube, which occurs as a periodically wobbling inclination angle of the anode disk's rotational plane with respect to an ideal rotational plane, the latter being oriented normal to the rotational axis of the rotary shaft on which the anode disk is inclinedly mounted due to an inaccuracy during its production process. For this purpose, the electron beam generated by a thermionic or other type of electron emitter of the tube's cathode and thus the focal spot position on a target area of the anode disk's X-ray generating surface are steered such that the focal spot stays within the plane of the central X-ray fan beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Rolf Karl Otto Behling