Abstract: A radiosurgery system is described that is configured to deliver a therapeutic dose of radiation to a target structure in a patient. In some embodiments, the target tissues are placed in a global coordinate system based on ocular imaging. In some embodiments, a treatment plan is utilized in which beam energy and direction and duration of time for treatment is determined for a specific disease to be treated and/or structures to be avoided. In some embodiments, a fiducial marker is used to identify the location of the target tissues. In some embodiments, radiodynamic therapy is described in which radiosurgery is used in combination with other treatments and can be delivered concomitant with, prior to, or following other treatments.

Abstract: An apparatus for X-ray scanning of vehicles includes a pulsed X-ray source generating X-rays. A collimator forms a fan-shaped beam from the X-rays. A detector detects the fan-shaped beam after it passes through a vehicle. A speed sensor measures a speed of the vehicle passing through the apparatus and providing an electrical output corresponding to the speed. An image formation module converts an output of the detector into an image of the vehicle, based on the measured speed of the vehicle. A cross-section of the fan-shaped beam is substantially similar to a width of the detector. The X-rays comprise primarily photons with energy between 2.5 and 9 MeV. A filter is adjacent to the collimator for filtering out low energy X-ray photons. A vehicle presence sensor can be used, whose output is used to turn the X-ray source on and off. An alignment platform can be used for aligning the fan-shaped beam with the detector. A frequency of the pulses is adjusted based on the speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the location of an x-ray source of an x-ray machine and adjusting grid lines in an anti-scatter grid are disclosed. An ideal beam path is obtained and is used to adjust grid lines in the anti-scatter grid. In one embodiment, the invention uses a source locator to locate the x-ray source, communicate this location to the said adjustable anti-scatter grid which could align the grid lines mechanically, by means of servos attached to the grid lines, to the ideal x-ray beam path. In other embodiment electrical currents are used to align grid lines with the beam source. By aligning the grid lines with the beam path, images with increased contrast and reduced noise can be produced.

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.

Abstract: A radiosurgery system is described that is configured to deliver a therapeutic dose of radiation to a target structure in a patient. In some embodiments, inflammatory ocular disorders are treated, specifically macular degeneration. In some embodiments, other disorders or tissues of a body are treated with the dose of radiation. In some embodiments, the target tissues are placed in a global coordinate system based on ocular imaging. In some embodiments, the target tissues inside the global coordinate system lead to direction of an automated positioning system that is directed based on the target tissues within the coordinate system. In some embodiments, a treatment plan is utilised in which beam energy and direction and duration of time for treatment is determined for a specific disease to be treated and/or structures to be avoided. In some embodiments, a fiducial marker is used to identify the location of the target tissues.

Abstract: An alignment fixture for taking X-ray images of a patient, such as an image of the patient's hip region preparatory to hip arthroplasty. The alignment fixture comprises multiple support legs for resting on the patient at known positions, such as upon known bony prominences, in combination with aiming marks used for anatomically aligning the patent's pelvis under an X-ray beam. A ruled grid plate on the fixture is adjustably positioned between an image beam source and the patient, as a function of patient thickness in the pelvic region, so that a ruled grid overlays the anatomical region of interest and exhibits an apparent parallax image magnification corresponding with the parallax image magnification of a centerline of the anatomical region, such as the hip joint. X-ray images taken by use of the alignment fixture can be viewed and/or scaled to select a properly sized prosthesis for the specific patient.

Abstract: In various exemplary embodiments, a targeting device providing a visible indication of an invisible beam is disclosed. The invisible beam, such as an x-ray beam, is emitted by a radiation source on a medical imaging system. The targeting device includes, for example, an illumination source to produce a visible beam and operate at one or more wavelengths. The illumination source, which is opaque to the x-ray beam and would ordinarily cause shadows on the imaging system, is arranged to be mounted outside of a field-of-view of the invisible beam. A beam reflector is mounted next to the illumination source. The beam reflector is fabricated from a material invisible to x-rays and is arranged to be mounted within the field-of-view of the invisible beam. The beam reflector redirects the visible beam produced by the illumination source such that the visible beam is parallel to the field-of-view of the invisible beam.

Abstract: A radiosurgery system is described that is configured to deliver a therapeutic dose of radiation to a target structure in a patient. In some embodiments, the target tissues are placed in a global coordinate system based on ocular imaging. In some embodiments, a treatment plan is utilized in which beam energy and direction and duration of time for treatment is determined for a specific disease to be treated and/or structures to be avoided. In some embodiments, a fiducial marker is used to identify the location of the target tissues. In some embodiments, radiodynamic therapy is described in which radiosurgery is used in combination with other treatments and can be delivered concomitant with, prior to, or following other treatments.

Abstract: A radiosurgery system is described that is configured to deliver a therapeutic dose of radiation to a target structure in a patient. In some embodiments, inflammatory ocular disorders are treated, specifically macular degeneration. In some embodiments, other disorders or tissues of a body are treated with the dose of radiation. In some embodiments, the target tissues are placed in a global coordinate system based on ocular imaging. In some embodiments, the target tissues inside the global coordinate system lead to direction of an automated positioning system that is directed based on the target tissues within the coordinate system. In some embodiments, a treatment plan is utilized in which beam energy and direction and duration of time for treatment is determined for a specific disease to be treated and/or structures to be avoided. In some embodiments, a fiducial marker is used to identify the location of the target tissues.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining a long-length x-ray image of a subject, has an x-ray source and a first sensor that generates a first signal that indicates termination of x-ray emission from the x-ray source. A digital radiography detector is energizable to generate image data after receiving x-ray emission from the x-ray source. A detector transport apparatus is actuable in accordance with the first signal to translate the digital radiography detector from at least a first detector position to a second detector position for generating image data at each detector position. A processor in communication with the digital radiography detector obtains the image data of the subject that is generated from the detector.

Abstract: A system and method for improved imaging of a subject through the use of low dose exposure aided positioning is provided. The subject is positioned in an X-ray imaging system and imaged with a low dose pre-shot X-ray exposure to verify the positioning of the subject. If the subject's positioning is acceptable, the subject is then imaged with a full dose X-ray exposure. If the subject's positioning is not acceptable, the subject is repositioned and re-imaged with a low dose pre-shot X-ray exposure until the subject's positioning is acceptable. The low dose pre-shot X-ray exposure may take the form of a low dose X-ray imaging sequence where the radiation dose is less than the radiation dose of a full dose X-ray exposure.

Abstract: A radiographic image detection apparatus includes a detection panel and a housing for containing the detection panel. The housing consists of a front surface member, a back surface member, and a carbon plate attached so as to cover an opening formed in the front surface member. The carbon plate is faced to the detection panel. To the carbon plate is adhered a transparent sheet having transmissivity to radiation and visible light. A first index and a second index are printed on an inner surface of the transparent sheet. The first index is a square-frame shaped index showing a radiation detection range of the detection panel. The second index is a cross-shaped index showing a center position of the radiation detection range. The first and second indices are formed of nonmetallic UV curable ink having no radiation shielding properties.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a mechanical model of behavior and movement of an interventional radiology table by moving the table over at least one degree of freedom, acquiring at least one set of images corresponding to different positions of the table and C-arm, obtaining at least one set of images of a test object from different positions, using the images of the test object to determine parameters of the mechanical model of table behavior and movement, and combining these parameters with data given by table movement sensors so as to deduce the true relative positions of the table with respect to the medical imaging system.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for marking out a guide line of a penetration instrument entering an object along a penetration channel. In at least one embodiment, the penetration channel into the object is firstly determined based on image data of the object generated by an imaging recording system, the penetration channel being defined by a penetration point into the object and at least one penetration direction. Then, at least two light fan beams are emitted from different directions in such a fashion that the line of intersection of the fan beams is coaxial with the penetration direction. A marking out apparatus is further disclosed for carrying out the method, along with a control device suitable to this end, and an imaging recording system including such a marking out apparatus.

Abstract: A method and system of determining a radial distance (R), an angular position (?), and an axial position (Z) of a marker identified in a sequence of projection images. A marker three-dimensional localization module (executable by the electronic processing unit) obtains a sequence of images based on image data generated by a scanner. Each image in the sequence of images represents an angle of rotation by the scanner and includes a marker point position. The behavior of first values and second values of the marker point positions are analyzed through the sequence of images to determine the radial distance of the marker, the angular position of the marker, and the axial position of the marker allowing for rapidly detecting and localizing external markers placed on a patient in projection images.

Abstract: An x-ray grid alignment circuit for coupling an x-ray grid to a detector includes a marker configured to be mounted to the x-ray grid, a sensor configured to be mounted to the detector, the sensor generating an alignment signal based on a position of the marker, and an alignment module configured to receive the alignment signal from the sensor and utilize the alignment signal to determine if the x-ray grid is coupled to a detecting face of the detector. A detector assembly including the x-ray grid alignment circuit and a method of coupling an x-ray grid to a detector are also provided.

Abstract: A method for determining alignment of light and an X-ray fields of an X-ray apparatus, comprising: directing the light field onto an exposure area, positioning a scale and an X-ray indicating element in association with each other at the exposure area such that said scale and X-ray indicating element cross an edge of the light field, wherein said X-ray indicating element emits light upon exposure to X-rays so that parts exposed to X-rays can be distinguished from non-exposed parts, determining a position on the scale where the light field edge is positioned, and directing the X-ray field onto the exposure area. The method comprises generating an image of the scale and the X-ray indicating element using a digital camera, determining a position on the scale where an edge of the X-ray field is positioned, and comparing the scale positions of the edges of the light and X-ray fields.

Abstract: An automated and semi-automated determination of an optimal table position for rotational angiography is provided which is performed on the basis of the determination of a translation vector pointing from a point of gravity of the object of interest to an iso-center of the examination apparatus. This may reduce the amount of X-ray and contrast agent dose for the iso-centering procedure and may not depend on the user's skills.

Abstract: A system for planning a percutaneous procedure provides a patient 3-dimensional image data set within which an instrument trajectory is defined, for example, by selecting a skin entry point and a target point. A line, or “planned path,” is generated between the points. The system determines whether the path can be targeted so an optical axis of a movable arm coincides with the path so that a laser can be used for instrument guidance or whether a planned path can be targeted so that a C-arm can be made to coincide with the path so that the extension of the path is projected onto a radiation detector, using x-ray radiation. If neither laser guidance or x-ray guidance can be used, the path is replanned.

Abstract: An alignment device for a bitewing radiograph includes a longitudinally extending handle having a first end and a second end and a tip disposed at the second end and extending orthogonally to the handle, wherein a length of the tip is substantially less than a length of the handle and wherein a cross-sectional area of the tip is substantially less than a cross-sectional area of the handle. This alignment device enables a dentist or other x-ray operator to easily and quickly align a bitewing radiograph so as to obtain a diagnostic non-overlapping x-ray of crooked teeth in a patient's mouth. The alignment device may optionally include a slidable rubber ring or a slidable hub with rod. The ring and hub are dimensioned to slide over the handle to facilitate the lining up of the x-ray cone.

Abstract: An imaging target, suited for use in multi-modal imaging systems, includes test patterns for testing quality of focus and co-registration for multiple magnifications and multiple modalities of operation of a multimodal imaging system.

Abstract: A method for the superimposed depiction, on at least one screen, of overlapping recordings of a region to be imaged which is recorded in at least two recording steps, wherein multiple markers are fixedly provided in the region to be imaged, such that at least two recordings can be spatially produced, offset with respect to the markers, using an x-ray apparatus, wherein the recordings are registered relative to the marker, and the image data of accordingly registered recordings is mutually oriented by means of a common imaging protocol and depicted on the at least one screen in a superimposed way.

Abstract: A device 10 for aligning a patient for delivering a plurality of radiation beams comprising a patient support surface 12, a coarse alignment subsystem 14 connected to the patient support surface, and a fine alignment subsystem connected to the patient support surface 16. A method of aligning a patient for delivering a plurality of radiation beams from a plurality of device positions comprising compensating for flexion of a radiation beam delivery device within a gantry during movement of the radiation beam delivery device from a first device position to a second device position by using a set of predetermined data describing the flexion behavior of the radiation beam delivery device so that the target tissue within the patient is placed at the beamline center for the radiation beam delivery device at the second device position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for calibrating a C-arm x-ray apparatus, comprising the following steps: a) the C-arm x-ray apparatus is moved to an initial position, in particular to an anterior-posterior position; b) a calibration image is produced; c) the position of the centre of projection in the radiation source of the C-arm x-ray apparatus is determined from the information of the calibration image and stored together with associated values for the orbital angle and the polar angle of the arm of the C-arm x-ray apparatus; d) the arm is moved to a number of calibration positions in a range of orbital angles and polar angles, and the relative position of the radiation source and the image intensifier of the C-arm x-ray apparatus is directly measured for each calibration position; e) the change in the position of the radiation source relative to the image intensifier of the C-arm x-ray apparatus is measured for each calibration position; f) the position of the centre of projection which applies to each

Abstract: This invention relates to a fixation device for immobilizing a head of a patient relative a treatment unit or medical device during treatment of the head. The fixation device is provided with an interface unit adapted to be fixated in relation to an adaptor unit for connection to the treatment unit, or to a frame for connection to the medical device. Furthermore, the fixation device is further provided with a sliding plate being slidable in relation to said interface unit in an xz-plane of a coordinate system. The system is a Cartesian coordinate system defined by three orthogonal axis having an x-axis extending in the medial-lateral direction of the patient, an y-axis extending in the anterior-posterior direction, and a z-axis extending in the cranial-caudal direction.

Abstract: A calibration device for location of a CT X-ray generator and detector includes a splitting window, a splitting window bracket configured to support the splitting window, an integral bracket, and a spring including a first end connected to the splitting window bracket and a second end connected to the integral bracket.

Abstract: System and method for automatic control of processes or application, such as the activation or deactivation of a radiation source for medical purposes. The system comprises an operator tracking system arranged to determine the gesture/posture of a user, an evaluation device arranged to evaluate the determined gesture/posture, and an enabling device arranged to enable and disable the radiation source in response to an output of the evaluation device. The operator tracking system may use a gazing direction analysis that may be based on the output of an eye tracking system, or an emitter-receiver arrangement for a directed signal.

Abstract: A device 10 for aligning a patient for delivering a plurality of radiation beams comprising a patient support surface 12, a coarse alignment subsystem 14 connected to the patient support surface, and a fine alignment subsystem connected to the patient support surface 16. A method of aligning a patient for delivering a plurality of radiation beams from a plurality of device positions comprising compensating for flexion of a radiation beam delivery device within a gantry during movement of the radiation beam delivery device from a first device position to a second device position by using a set of predetermined data describing the flexion behavior of the radiation beam delivery device so that the target tissue within the patient is placed at the beamline center for the radiation beam delivery device at the second device position.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a portable x-ray detector includes coupling a gravity sensor to the portable x-ray detector and coupling a processor to the gravity sensor. The processor is programmed to receive an input from the gravity sensor, determine a physical orientation of the portable x-ray detector based on the received input, and generate ah indication to reposition the portable x-ray detector. A portable detector and an imaging system including the portable detector are also provided.

Abstract: A method of determining component misalignment in a multi-modality imaging system includes imaging a plurality of target objects with a first modality unit to generate a tomographic image data set and imaging the plurality of targets with a second modality unit to generate an emission image data set. The method also includes determining a location of the target objects in the emission image data set to produce emission target object location coordinates, calculating a positional alignment vector for each target object based on the emission target object location coordinates, and aligning the multi-modality imaging system based on the positional alignment vectors.

Abstract: A system includes a beam filter positioning device including a plate configured to support one or more beam filters, and one or more axes operable to move the plate relative to a beam line. A control mechanism is coupled to the one or more axes for controlling the movement of the axes and configured to automatically adjust the position of at least one of the one or more beam filters relative to the beam line.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and kits for determining the magnification of an x-ray image of an object, or a portion of an object are described. An exemplary method comprises the steps of providing an object to be x-rayed, providing a first posterior x-ray marker having a pre-determined dimension, providing anteriorly to the object to be x-rayed, a second x-ray marker having predetermined dimensions, recording an x-ray image of the object, the first posterior x-ray marker, and second x-ray markers, and comparing a dimension of the first posterior x-ray marker recorded on the x-ray image, and a dimension of the second x-ray marker recorded on the image to a pre-determined value for the object x-rayed, to estimate a magnification of the x-ray image of the object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for presenting interventional instruments in a 3D data set of an anatomy to be treated. A 3D data set of the anatomy is recorded before introduction of an interventional instrument. Once the interventional instrument has been applied, the spatial position of the instrument is determined by x-ray fluoroscopy from images created at two different angulations. A 3D model of the instrument is formed from the x-ray images. The 3D model of the instrument is fused with the 3D data set of the anatomy. A 3D hologram is reproduced from the fused 3D data set. The 3D hologram is repeatedly reproduced in real time to follow the application of the instrument in the presentation.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for improving tomographic determinations by means of radiation, specially suitable for steel bars in concrete. The method comprising irradiating said body with penetrating radiation, recording said radiation transmitted through said body in recording means; providing a reference system with a plurality of independently identified and individualized reference elements made of a high density radiation-absorbent material, such reference elements being arranged in an orderly manner; identifying the above mentioned measurements; determining irradiation times; and determining the position and size of objects within a body based on the information recorded on the recording means used for measurement.

Abstract: It is described a method for acquiring a series of two-dimensional X-ray attenuation data of an object under examination (310) by means of an X-ray imaging apparatus (100) having a rotatable scanning unit (301). In order to increase the angular range of the scanning unit (301), when a region of interest (HOa) located not in the center of the object (310) is examined the object under examination (310) is shifted such that the region of interest is temporarily positioned outside the center of rotation. By coupling the rotational movement of the scanning unit (301) with the translative movement of the object (310) in a synchronized manner a collision between the scanning unit (301) and the object (310) can be effectively avoided. By employing an automated motorized object table (312) a precise pre-determined movement of the object (310) can be achieved during the data acquisition.

Abstract: In a method and system for use of a marker device in a fluoroscopy imaging system that is coupled with a navigation system, the navigation system is designed to determine a position of a patient, or of an instrument relative to the fluoroscopy system, with the use of a marker device that may be attached to the fluoroscopy system, and it is automatically detected whether the marker device is attached to the fluoroscopy system, and if so, information is automatically read out from the marker device, setting data are automatically determined depending on the information, and the fluoroscopy system is adjusted using the setting data such that an association between data acquired by the fluoroscopy system and data acquired by the navigation system is provided using the marker device attached to the fluoroscopy system.

Abstract: A method for indicating a position of a radiation energy sensor element in a radiographic imaging system, the method executed at least in part by a computer, identifies the position of the radiation energy sensor element relative to a subject to be imaged and displays the identified position relative to the subject.

Abstract: In various embodiments, methods, apparatuses, and systems for accurate patient positioning and motion tracking before and/or during head and neck radiation therapy, such as intensity modulated radiation therapy, are provided. In exemplary embodiments, a computing system may be endowed with one or more components of the disclosed apparatuses and/or systems and may be employed to perform one or more methods as disclosed herein. Exemplary embodiments provide head and neck radiation localization using, in part, an oral appliance.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a spatial environment of a mobile device is provided. During the movement of the device along a predefined path, a three-dimensional spatial region of the spatial environment is captured by a detection device. A three-dimensional environment model is created and/or updated from the captured spatial region at cyclical intervals and is specified by spatial volumes in the spatial region occupied by objects. Actions of the device for preventing a collision with the objects and a risk of collision are determined. One of the actions is then performed if the risk of collision exceeds a predefined value. The method has the advantage that actions for collision avoidance are calculated preemptively at cyclical intervals, so that one of the actions can be performed with a short latency period in an impending collision, that is if the risk of collision exceeds the predefined value.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for guiding the placement of an object to a desired location based on an image generated by an image intensifier where the apparatus includes a first coupling mechanism that is configured to be releasably attachable to one of the transmitter and receiver of the image intensifier and a second coupling mechanism that is coupled to the first coupling mechanism and includes an object holding mechanism, the object holding mechanism is configured to releasably hold the object and where at least a portion of the second coupling mechanism is visible in the image generated by the image intensifier when the apparatus is attached to the image intensifier.

Abstract: The system provides new ways to ensure that a patient is positioned correctly, e.g. identically with an original planning scan if the patient is to undergo radiotherapy. The system also detects if there is patient movement during a scan. It is an aspect of the present method to immobilize the patient based on a specific site of interest by using positioning sensors that record patient physical orientation based on measurements of patient weight distribution and pressure distribution among other features.

Abstract: A radiotherapy apparatus controller includes: a portal image taking unit; a gantry position collector; a marker position calculator; and a marker position table generator. The portal image taking unit takes a first transmission image, in which a marker member positioned at a predetermined position is shown, by using therapeutic radiation and an imager. The gantry position collector collects a first gantry position at which a gantry is positioned when the first transmission image is taken from a sensor measuring a position at which the gantry is positioned, the gantry supporting the imager and a therapeutic radiation radiating device which radiates the therapeutic radiation. The marker position calculator calculates a first marker position at which the marker member is shown in the first transmission image.

Abstract: A mobile dual-energy X-ray imaging system is presented. The mobile dual-energy X-ray imaging system is a digital X-ray system that is designed both to acquire original image data and to process the image data to produce an image for viewing. The system has an X-ray source and a portable flat-panel digital X-ray detector. The system is operable to produce a high energy image and low energy image, which may be decomposed to produce a soft tissue image and a bone image for further analysis of the desired anatomy. The system is disposed on a carrier to facilitate transport. The imaging system has an alignment system for facilitating alignment of the flat-panel digital detector with the X-ray source. The imaging system also comprises an anti-scatter grid and an anti-scatter grid registration system for removing artifacts of the anti-scatter grid from images.

Abstract: An x-ray analysis system with an x-ray source for producing an x-ray excitation beam directed toward an x-ray analysis focal area; and a sample chamber for presenting a fluid sample to the x-ray analysis focal area. The x-ray excitation beam is generated by an x-ray engine and passes through an x-ray transparent barrier on a wall of the chamber, to define an analysis focal area within space defined by the chamber. The fluid sample is presented as a stream supported in the space and streaming through the focal area, using a support structure to guide the sample stream. The chamber's barrier is therefore separated from both the focal area and the sample, resulting in lower corruption of the barrier.

Abstract: A lamella collimator, in particular for a beam therapy appliance, is provided. The lamella collimator has a plurality of lamellae, which can be moved by a motor or motors in a movement direction in order to preset a countour of a beam path on an X-ray beam. Each lamella has a position measurement apparatus with a movable measurement element, which is attached directly to the respective lamella.

Abstract: A radiosurgery system is described that is configured to deliver a therapeutic dose of radiation to a target structure in a patient. In some embodiments, inflammatory ocular disorders are treated, specifically macular degeneration. In some embodiments, other disorders or tissues of a body are treated with the dose of radiation. In some embodiments, the target tissues are placed in a global coordinate system based on ocular imaging. In some embodiments, the target tissues inside the global coordinate system lead to direction of an automated positioning system that is directed based on the target tissues within the coordinate system. In some embodiments, a treatment plan is utilised in which beam energy and direction and duration of time for treatment is determined for a specific disease to be treated and/or structures to be avoided. In some embodiments, a fiducial marker is used to identify the location of the target tissues.

Abstract: In a method and a mammography device, a virtual mask is created from an x-ray image of the breast for positioning the breast for a biopsy. The mask reproduces the image region covered by the breast tissue. A region targeted for the biopsy, and located within the breast tissue, is marked in the mask. The breast is then positioned for the biopsy in the mammography device between a support plate and a compression plate, the compression plate being provided with a recess for introducing the biopsy instrument therethrough. The mask and the compression plate are superimposed to cause the marked region to be located within this recess. The breast is then moved until the position and the contour thereof substantially coincide with the position and contour of the mask.

Abstract: An X-ray analyzer includes a sample stage for holding and positioning a sample and an optical positioner assembly configured above the sample stage. The optical positioner assembly includes a body member having an opening; an optical positioner located within the opening; and at least one X-ray optic and an optical viewing lens coupled to a first camera. The at least one X-ray optic and the optical viewing lens are secured to the optical positioner. The optical positioner is configured to align one of the at least one X-ray optic and the optic viewing lens normal to the sample on the sample stage such that the sample is irradiated with X-rays through the X-ray optic along a path which is normal to the sample and coaxial with the optic viewing lens receiving light reflected from the sample when the optic viewing lens is positioned normal to the sample.

Abstract: A mammography apparatus includes a detector that detects X-rays transmitted through a breast, and an optically transparent or semitransparent pressing panel for pressing the breast. The apparatus further includes a near infrared ray source that provided between the X-ray source and the pressing panel and arranged in a two-dimensional shape in alignment with the pressing panel, and that is movable between a first position in close contact with the pressing panel and a second position outside an X-ray image capture region. Near infrared image capture is carried out using the near infrared ray source by causing the near infrared ray source to be in the first position, and the near infrared ray source is caused to retract to the second position when carrying out X-ray image capture using the X-ray source.

Abstract: A dimensional reference system for tomography, including X-ray computed tomography and MRI tomography. The system includes a dimensional reference apparatus that comprises plurality of spheres composed of a material having an X-ray absorption property between approximately +500 Hounsfield units and +1200 Hounsfield units. The spheres are spaced apart at a known distance by support structure/spacer unit that has an X-ray absorption property between approximately ?100 Hounsfield units and +400 Hounsfield units. After an image that incorporates the dimensional reference apparatus and a measurement subject has been reconstructed, the dimensional reference apparatus provides for measurement of the resultant image voxels in three dimensions. Because solid structural elements such as plastic or glass spheres may not be visible in an MRI, an MRI implementation of the apparatus may be disposed in a fluid-tight enclosure along with water, a contrast-enhancing agent and ethanol.