Testing Or Calibration Patents (Class 378/207)
  • Publication number: 20140050306
    Abstract: A method for quickly and precisely calibrating a medical imaging component after position change, comprising: placing a imaging component at a reference position, calibrating, precisely by a first measuring system, the reference position and obtaining a precise calibration value of the reference position; at the same time, performing, by a second measuring system, a second calibration for the reference position of the imaging component and obtaining a reference calibration value of the reference position; measuring, by the second measuring system, the current position of the imaging component and obtaining a reference calibration value of the current position; obtaining a precise calibration value of the current position via calculation based on the precise calibration value of the reference position, the reference calibration value of the reference position, and the reference calibration value of the current position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: WEIDU MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Zhiping Mu
  • Patent number: 8649588
    Abstract: A method for canceling the impact of the physical property variability on the image quality performance of a digital imaging system, obtained during quality control (QC) analysis using a serial numbered quality control (QC) target by applying physical property deviation controlled behavior model corrections to the raw image quality performance. The serial numbered QC-target used for the QC analysis comprises target-specific, measured physical property data encoded in- or outside of QC-target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Agfa HealthCare NV
    Inventor: Marc Cresens
  • Publication number: 20140037072
    Abstract: A material information detection apparatus, a phantom information recording apparatus, and operation methods for the apparatuses are provided. The material information detection apparatus includes a database configured to store phantom information obtained by projecting a multi-energy X-rayon a phantom comprising a plurality of materials, an input device configured to receive a plurality of pieces of object information per energy level, the object information obtained by projecting a multi-energy X-ray on an analysis object, and a detector configured to detect information related to materials constituting the analysis object based on the phantom information and the plurality of pieces of object information per energy level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seok Min HAN, Dong Goo KANG, Young Hun SUNG
  • Publication number: 20140029723
    Abstract: A method for detecting electric arcs on an X-ray generator, the method comprising recording mechanical vibrations of an environment of the X-ray generator, the X-ray generator, or elements of the X-ray generator, using at least one sensor configured to record vibrations to record vibrations, and processing signals recorded by the at least one sensor to identify peaks corresponding to the formation of the electric arcs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Sinivassane Somaya
  • Patent number: 8632247
    Abstract: A radiation imaging system includes an X-ray source, first and second absorption gratings disposed in a path of X-rays emitted from the X-ray source, and an FPD. The second absorption grating is slid stepwise in an X direction relative to the first absorption grating. Whenever the second absorption grating is slid, the FPD captures a fringe image. From the captured plural fringe images, an intensity modulation signal of each pixel is obtained. A positional deviation detector calculates an amplitude value of the intensity modulation signal. The positional deviation detector compares a measurement of the amplitude value with predetermined first and second threshold values. If the measurement is less than the first threshold value, a warning signal is outputted. If the measurement is less than the second threshold value, an error signal is outputted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyasu Ishii
  • Patent number: 8633450
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining MTF and DQE of an ionizing radiation imaging system/detector is provided, comprising a box having aligned windows transparent to an ionizing radiation beam. When the box is placed in front of the detector, the beam passes through the box. The apparatus further comprises: a KERMA module for measuring incident free-air KERMA; a backscatter baffle for preventing backscatter of the beam from the detector into the KERMA module; a scatter baffle for preventing scatter of the beam into the KERMA module, and to reduce backscatter from the backscatter baffle; at least one MTF module for enabling acquisition of at least one edge image. Each module and the at least one backscatter baffle are independently moveable in and out of the beam, such that open, dark and edge images may be independently acquired, and KERMA module measurements may be performed independent of image acquisition, to determine DQE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: DQE Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: Ian Cunningham
  • Publication number: 20140016759
    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: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Yuen Kan Ngar, Wai Sang Poon
  • Patent number: 8628241
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for calibrating a CT system with at least one focus-detector combination with a quanta-counting detector including a plurality of detector elements, with the focus-detector combination being arranged to enable it to be rotated around a measurement region and a system axis arranged therein, and an X-ray bundle going out from the focus to the detector which possesses an X-ray energy spectrum over an energy range. In at least one embodiment of the method, actual attenuation values from CT scans obtained with an X-ray energy spectrum are compared with theoretical mono-energetic required attenuation values even in the paralysis range of the quanta-counting detector and a transfer function is determined between the required attenuation values and the actual attenuation values for each detector element and thereby a calibration of the measured attenuation values is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Steffen Kappler
  • Publication number: 20140010353
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods and/or apparatus for a radiographic imaging system can include a radiographic detector including an image receptor to receive incident radiation and generate uncorrected electronic image data; a storage device to store calibration data at the detector, and a processor to generate calibration-corrected image data from the uncorrected electronic image data and the calibration data. The calibration-corrected image data can be further processed by the processor to perform image processing before transmitting a corrected image (e.g., DICOM image) to the radiographic imaging system. The detector can further include a display to display imaging system controls or the corrected image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: Michael C. Lalena
  • Patent number: 8625740
    Abstract: A method for correcting an X-ray diffraction (XRD) profile measured by an X-ray diffraction imaging (XDi) system is provided. The XDi system includes an anode, a detector, and a control system. The method includes obtaining an emission spectrum of the anode using the control system. The emission spectrum includes spectral structures. The method further includes calculating a piecewise spectral-correction function using the spectral structures in the emission spectrum, obtaining a measured spectrum of an object, and applying the spectral-correction function to the measured spectrum to generate a spectrally-corrected measured spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Morpho Detection, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey Harding, Gabriel Zienert
  • Patent number: 8622615
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventors: Jingyi Ren, Shuqin Dong, Jiaqin Dong
  • Patent number: 8602647
    Abstract: A radiation beam analyzer for measuring the distribution and intensity of radiation produced by a radiation producing device. The analyzer employs a relative small tank of water into which a sensor is placed to maintain a constant SAD (source to axis distance). A first method maintains a fixed position of the sensor, and raises or lowers the small tank of water. A second method moves the sensor up, down or rotationally synchronously in opposite directions with respect to the small tank of water to keep the SAD constant. These methods position the sensor relative to the radiation source to simulate the location of a malady within a patient's body. The present invention enables measurements of substantially larger fields. This is accomplished by rotating a tank of water 90 degrees from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel Navarro
  • Publication number: 20130322605
    Abstract: The invention relates to the method for measuring of geometrical shift in flat panel x-ray image sensors using a test device. A test device comprising at least two edge test devices is placed on the detector's operating surface. The test device is exposed to x-rays in order to get its x-ray image where ROIs having pixels coordinates corresponding to the edge of each test device are identified. The pixel coordinates are used to determine sensor geometrical shifts considering minimum value of an objective function. Technical result involves expansion of technical means of definite application and a possibility to measure sensor geometrical shift with sufficient accuracy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: ZAO NIPK "Electron"
    Inventor: Ruslan Nikolaevich KOSAREV
  • Patent number: 8600001
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Hans Schweizer
  • Patent number: 8591108
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray source, first and second absorption gratings, and an FPD. The first absorption grating passes X-ray emitted from the X-ray source to form a G1 image. The second absorption grating modulates intensity of the G1 image at each of relative positions to form two or more fringe images. The relative positions differ in phase with respect to a period pattern of the G1 image. The FPD detects two or more frames of image data of the fringe images. A defective pixel detector reads two or more frames of image data stored in a memory and obtains a characteristic value of an intensity modulated signal on a pixel-by-pixel basis based on the read image data. The defective pixel detector detects a defective pixel based on the characteristic value obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Takuji Tada
  • Publication number: 20130308759
    Abstract: A medical imaging system includes a stationary gantry and a rotating gantry that rotates around an examination region about a z-axis. An air bearing rotatably couples the rotating gantry to the stationary gantry. A radiation source is affixed to the rotating gantry and rotates with the rotating gantry and emits radiation that traverses the examination region. A detector array is affixed to the rotating gantry on an opposite side of the examination region with respect to the radiation source and detects radiation traversing the examination region. A dynamic z-axis imbalance determination system determines an imbalance of the rotating gantry in the z-axis direction directly from the air bearing, and the determined imbalance is used to position a balance mass affixed to the rotating gantry in the z-axis direction, thereby balancing the rotating gantry along the z-axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Jeremy D. PETTINATO
  • Patent number: 8588365
    Abstract: The present invention relates to calibration devices and to methods of using these devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: ImaTx, Inc.
    Inventors: Philipp Lang, Siau-Way Liew, Rene Vargas-Voracek
  • Patent number: 8585286
    Abstract: A method includes detecting radiation that traverses a material having a known spectral characteristic with a radiation sensitive detector pixel that outputs a signal indicative of the detected radiation and determining a mapping between the output signal and the spectral characteristic. The method further includes determining an energy of a photon detected by the radiation sensitive detector pixel based on a corresponding output of the radiation sensitive detector pixel and the mapping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Amir Livne, Naor Wainer, Jens-Peter Schlomka, Ewald Roessl, Roland Proksa
  • Patent number: 8571175
    Abstract: A system for determining ionization susceptibility including a sample, an x-ray generator configured to generate a pulsed x-ray beam, and focusing optics disposed between the sample and the x-ray generator, the focusing optics being configured to focus the pulsed x-ray beam into a spot on the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Mark Joseph Clemen, Jr., Clarence Lavere Gordon, III, Jerry Lee Wert
  • Patent number: 8550709
    Abstract: An imaging area specifying apparatus that includes a storage component and a specifying component is provided. The storage component stores as correlation information a correlation value correlated with the amount of radiation emitted to each of a plurality of predetermined areas divided from a detection region of a radiation detector that outputs an electric signal indicating a radiological image represented by radiation which is emitted to the detection region for detecting the radiation. The specifying component specifies an imaging area capable of capturing the radiological image of a predetermined size while preventing variations in the amount of radiation emitted to each of the divided areas in the detection region, on the basis of the correlation information stored in the storage component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Naoyuki Nishino, Kenji Takahashi, Haruyasu Nakatsugawa, Yutaka Yoshida, Keiji Tsubota, Yasunori Ohta
  • Publication number: 20130251111
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for energy calibrating quantum-counting x-ray detectors in an x-ray installation including at least two x-ray systems turnable around a center of rotation. A target, for producing x-ray fluorescence radiation, is positioned between the first x-ray source and first x-ray detector and irradiated with x-radiation of the first x-ray source in such a way that x-ray fluorescence radiation which strikes the second x-ray detector from the target is produced by the x-radiation of the first x-ray source. The second x-ray detector is then energy calibrated by way of the x-ray fluorescence radiation of the target. The first x-ray detector can be energy calibrated in the same way with the aid of the x-radiation of the second x-ray source. With the proposed method, the x-ray detectors of a dual-source CT x-ray installation can be calibrated with little expenditure under conditions close to those of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Mario EICHENSEER, Steffen KAPPLER, Edgar KRAFT, Björn KREISLER, Daniel NIEDERLÖHNER, Stefan WIRTH
  • Publication number: 20130235970
    Abstract: An image processing device of a computer tomography system includes an interface and a calibration data determiner. The interface is implemented to receive a first set of X-ray recordings of an object to be examined from first discrete recording angles and to receive a second set of X-ray recordings of the object to be examined from second discrete recording angles. The calibration data determiner is implemented to determine calibration data for the computer tomography system on the basis of the first set. The first set is further recorded during a first rotation run wherein the computer tomography system and the object to be examined rotate relative to each other, wherein the second set is recorded during at least a further rotation run after the first rotation run. On the basis of the calibration data and the first and second sets a computer tomography recording is reconstructable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventor: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
  • Patent number: 8532952
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for creation of discrete corrosion defects with a wide range of diameter to depth aspect ratios for painted test standards. Also provided are methods for use of those test standards to characterize the corrosion under paint detection threshold, statistical reliability, and accuracy of NDI and/or NDT techniques including but not limited to flash thermography, ultrasonic testing, eddy current testing, microwave testing, shearography, and infrared testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Concurrent Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Pecina, Scott Ryan, John Cargill
  • Publication number: 20130230150
    Abstract: A method for operating a measurement arrangement for a computer tomograph. The measurement arrangement has a radiation source of invasive radiation and a flat image detector with scintillation layer and a photocell array of photocells for detection of radiation from the radiation source. A calibration object is arranged between the radiation source and the flat image detector, and at least one radiation image of the calibration object is recorded with the flat image detector. From known dimensions of the calibration object and from the at least one radiation image, a distortion error, which occurred as a result of a distortion of the flat image detector, is determined as a function of the location in the photocell array (device 6). In particular, a radiation image of an object to be measured, recorded with the flat image detector, is corrected on the basis of the determined distortion error.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: CARL ZEISS INDUSTRIELLE MESSTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventor: Daniel Weiss
  • Patent number: 8523434
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging system is provided with an FPD and an image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus is provided with a CPU, a coefficient table, an interpolator and a residual image remover. The CPU acquires an image taken with the FPD. A plurality of coefficients each corresponding to a parameter that changes an attenuation curve are previously stored in the coefficient table. The attenuation curve represents time-varying attenuation of a residual image of the previous image. In a case where the coefficient corresponding to a parameter of the present exposure is not contained in the coefficient table, an appropriate coefficient is calculated by interpolation based on the coefficients contained in the coefficient table. The residual image remover calculates the residual image based on the stored coefficient or the calculated coefficient and a time lapse between the previous and subsequent exposures, and removes the residual image from the present image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuya Tsuji
  • Patent number: 8517608
    Abstract: A system and method enable calibration of CT scanners without using water phantoms. Tissue densities are expressed in either the Hounsfield Scale units (HU) referenced back to water or the proposed Gram Scale units (GU) with voxel intensities expressed in true density units. The fully automatic software-only method requires no interactions with the images. Routine calibration of CT scanners with water phantoms can be eliminated. The method further provides accurate calibrations that are patient, scanner, and scan specific and are repeatable over long time durations. The calibrations are based on the uniquely defined intensity of voxels with equal contributions of two tissues types. This calibration point is immune to the many variables found in ROI histogram measurements of mean, mode, SD or other measures of voxel intensities. The disclosed CT scanner system provides consistent CT image voxel intensities of the various tissues across a great variety of patients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Ben A. Arnold
  • Patent number: 8506163
    Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus has a plurality of projectors, a reception unit, a setting unit, a supporter, and a scan execution unit. The projectors each have a light source on a circumference having a same radius as a rotation radius of an X-ray focal point of an X-ray irradiator and each irradiate laser light having an irradiation range simulating an irradiation range of the X-ray. The reception unit receives an instruction for three-dimensionally sliding the projectors as one body. The setting unit sets a position of the projectors. The supporter supports a table and three-dimensionally slides the table by a difference between a position of a center of the circumference of the set projectors and a position of a rotation center of the X-ray focal point of the X-ray irradiator. The scan execution unit executes a scan with the table after the sliding as a scan position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Shinno
  • Publication number: 20130195255
    Abstract: This invention relates to a small pocket phantom designed to estimate the fundamental properties of imaging scanning acquisition including 3D resolution, noise, and scanner attenuation performance for different materials, together with an automated phantom analysis algorithm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Ricardo Avila, Karthik Krishnan
  • Publication number: 20130195239
    Abstract: An apparatus for calibrating an x-ray computed tomography device has a plurality of objects formed from a material that is visible to x-rays, and a base at least in part fixedly supporting the plurality of objects so that each of the plurality of objects contacts at least one of the other objects. Each one of the plurality of objects: 1) is configured to receive x-rays without changing shape, 2) has substantially the same shape and size as the other objects, 3) has an attenuation value to x-rays (“object attenuation value”), and 4) is symmetrically shaped relative to its center point. Like the objects, the base also has an attenuation value to x-rays (the “base attenuation value”). The object attenuation value is greater than the base attenuation. Each of the plurality of objects is kinematically locked in place on the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: HEXAGON METROLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: Hexagon Metrology, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130188782
    Abstract: An optical adjustment device has a laser unit with at least one laser radiation source as well as an adjustment phantom which is arranged relative to the laser unit such that laser radiation emitted by the laser unit strikes the adjustment phantom. A fluorescent medium) is applied on the adjustment phantom, the fluorescent medium being designed to emit light of a different wavelength from the laser radiation upon being struck by laser radiation. This light is detected by a photodetector that is at a location spatially separated from the adjustment phantom, such as at the laser unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventor: Thilo Hannemann
  • Publication number: 20130188777
    Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems described herein implement, among other things, a parabolic curve for a ramp signal in a data acquisition component, where the curve can be effectively calibrated and used to provide a settling period to mitigate noise. That is, a ramp generator can generate a ramp signal that has a parabolic voltage curve with two substantially mirroring halves. A comparator can compare a first portion of the parabolic voltage curve with a voltage signal indicative of a number of photons detected by a detection array. A second portion of the parabolic voltage curve is used as a temporal delay so that circuitry, such as the ramp generator, can settle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventors: Matthew Bieniosek, Hans Weedon, Enrico Dolazza, Martin Choquette
  • Patent number: 8494118
    Abstract: A radiographic apparatus includes a radiation source for emitting radiation, a radiation detecting device for detecting the radiation, a radiation grid placed to cover a radiation detecting plane of the radiation detecting device, a pattern storage device for storing a plurality of patterns of shadows of the radiation grid falling on the radiation detecting device, an image generating device for generating an original image showing the object under examination and the shadows of the radiation grid, based on detection signals outputted from the radiation detecting device, a grid shadow estimating device for estimating a pattern of superimposed grid shadows, which are the shadows of the radiation grid appearing on the original image, from the patterns of shadows stored in the pattern storage device, and a removing device for removing the shadows of the radiation grid from the original image based on the superimposed grid shadows estimated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Shiro Oikawa
  • Patent number: 8491190
    Abstract: The general field of the invention includes methods of calibrating X-ray detection systems, the systems including at least one X-ray generator and a detection array having a matrix of detecting semiconductor pixels and processing and calibration electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventors: Francis Glasser, Michel Garcin
  • Publication number: 20130170627
    Abstract: Embodiments of radiographic imaging systems and/or methods can operate a digital radiography detector in a multiple modes, where characteristics such as an exposure integration time and dark images (e.g., number timing integration time, etc.) for first and second modes are different. The digital radiography detector can be coupled to a memory that can store a first set of one or more calibration maps for the first mode and a second set of one or more calibration maps for the second mode and a processor. In one embodiment, the processor can form a first calibration-corrected exposure image by modifying a first exposure image from the first mode using the first set of calibration maps and a second calibration-corrected exposure image by modifying a second exposure image from the second mode using the second set of calibration maps in combination with calibration maps for the first mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventors: Karin Topfer, John W. DeHority
  • Patent number: 8475043
    Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus comprises a radiation generator configured to irradiate an object with radiation, a radiation detector configured to detect radiation transmitted through the object, a detector configured to detect movement or rotation or both of the radiation generator and the radiation detector relative to the object, and a controller configured to change the size of the irradiated region of the object based on a detection result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20130156163
    Abstract: A method for reconstructing an image of an object includes performing an air calibration on an imaging system to generate set of air calibration data, estimating an x-ray spectrum using the air calibration data, and reconstructing an image of an object using the estimated x-ray spectrum. An imaging system and a non-transitory computer readable medium are also described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Xin Liu, Jiang Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20130156164
    Abstract: The present invention provides an evaluation aid which can be used as a phantom (imitation lesion) when a digital X-ray image thereof is taken and then evaluation is carried out through the digital X-ray image, and especially an evaluation aid which can be used for easily evaluating image qualities of a digital X-ray image for X-ray absorption parts having different X-ray absorption ratios at once. The evaluation aid of the present invention is adapted to be used for taking a digital X-ray image thereof through which evaluation is carried out, and contains a substrate (plate-like body) including a plurality of regions having different X-ray absorption ratios; and step members provided on the plate-like body so as to correspond to the plurality of regions, respectively, each step member including a plurality of subregions having different X-ray absorption ratios.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicants: MITAYA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD., NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION, TOHOKU UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Koichi Chida, Yuji Kaga, Goro Yokouchi
  • Patent number: 8465204
    Abstract: A biopsy apparatus includes a biopsy needle for insertion into an object to be examined in order to sample tissue of a biopsy region in the object, and a spatial range measuring section, which measures a spatial range within which the biopsy needle is capable of sampling the tissue of the biopsy region, based on an image of a phantom that simulates the object, which is captured after the biopsy needle has been inserted into the phantom and a portion of the phantom has been extracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Kamiya
  • Patent number: 8459869
    Abstract: In a cassette-type X-ray detection device, an X-ray detector and a self diagnostic circuit are contained in a cassette casing. When the cassette-type X-ray detection device gets a shock, the self diagnostic circuit is actuated. The self diagnostic circuit reads out from the X-ray detector an offset image being a dark current image, and analyzes the offset image. The self diagnostic circuit finds out an abnormal portion from the offset image, and diagnoses whether the X-ray detector is available, unavailable, or partly available based on the size and position of the abnormal portion. Shock detection and a diagnostic result are displayed on a touch panel provided in the cassette casing, and sent to a console device via a communication unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Jun Enomoto
  • Patent number: 8448490
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for creation of discrete corrosion defects with a wide range of diameter to depth aspect ratios for painted test standards. Also provided are methods for use of those test standards to characterize the corrosion under paint detection threshold, statistical reliability, and accuracy of NDI and/or NDT techniques including but not limited to flash thermography, ultrasonic testing, eddy current testing, microwave testing, shearography, and infrared testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Concurrent Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Pecina, Scott Ryan, John Cargill
  • Patent number: 8451975
    Abstract: A radiographic system which detects a radiation image transmitted through a subject with a radiation image detector and generates a phase contrast image of the subject, includes: a calculation section that calculates a distribution of refraction angles of radiation incident on the radiation image detector and generates the phase contrast image on the basis of the distribution of refraction angles; and a storage section that stores a correction coefficient of each pixel for making sensitivities of pixels equal. The calculation section performs sensitivity correction on a refraction angle of radiation incident on each pixel of the radiation image detector, which is calculated by imaging the subject, using the correction coefficient of the pixel stored in the storage section and generates the phase contrast image of the subject on the basis of the distribution of corrected refraction angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Takuji Tada
  • Patent number: 8445840
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Bruker Biospin Corporation
    Inventor: Gilbert Feke
  • Patent number: 8446495
    Abstract: In an image pickup apparatus including a plurality of pixels arranged a matrix of rows and columns, a correction unit performs a correction process based on an electric signal output via a first switch element of a particular pixel and a correction electric signal output via a second switch element of the particular pixel. A correction image signal based on the correction electric signal output via the second switch element is acquired in a period that partially overlaps in time a period in which an image signal based on the electric signal output via the first switch element is acquired. When the electric signal associated with the image signal is output for the particular pixel, the second switch element of the particular pixel is controlled to be in an on-state over a period during which the first switch element of the particular pixel is in an off-state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Chiori Mochizuki, Minoru Watanabe, Takamasa Ishii, Jun Kawanabe, Kentaro Fujiyoshi
  • Publication number: 20130121478
    Abstract: Among other things, one or more systems and/or techniques for calibrating a direct conversion detector array are provided. An electrical charge is generated on an interface of a photoconductor (e.g., amorphous selenium) of the detector array when there is a change in voltage that is applied to the photoconductor. Such a change in voltage may occur because the voltage that is supplied to the photoconductor by a power supply is changed. The changed voltage causes an electrical charge to be produced, or causes a change in the net charge density at an interface of the photoconductor, that is substantially similar to the electrical charge that may be produced when radiation impinges the detector array. In this way, calibrations of the detector array (e.g., the generation of a uniformity map, defect table, etc.) may be performed without the emission of radiation and onsite or outside of a factory setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventors: Marc Hansroul, Philippe Gauthler, Luc Laperriere
  • Publication number: 20130114799
    Abstract: In the imaging space provided by a panoramic imaging apparatus, a phantom is arranged. The phantom is located to a predetermined tomographic plane and includes markers which image known positional information with an X-ray beam. The X-ray beam from an X-ray source is acquired as X-ray transmission data by a detector, and a panoramic image is produced using the data. Based on known positional information of the markers and information of marker positions in the panoramic image, distance information (Rs, Rd) between the X-ray tube and the detector and height information (B1) of the X-ray tube to the detector are calculated. From this calculated results and the acquired data, parameters (?x/?Fi, ?, ??/?Fi, D, A, CX, CY) defining positional relationships among the X-ray tube, the detector, and the tomographic plane are calculated such that amounts of changes in the position connecting the X-ray tube and the detector are considered in the parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: TELESYSTEMS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Yamakawa, Koichi Ogawa, Akitoshi Katsumata, Masahiro Tsujita, Hideyuki Nagaoka
  • Patent number: 8422636
    Abstract: An imaging system includes an x-ray source, a detector that receives x-rays emitted from the x-ray source, a DAS configured to count photon hits in the detector that occur at photon energies above at least a low keV threshold, a medium keV threshold, and a high keV threshold, and a computer operably coupled to the DAS. The computer is programmed to vary each of the medium keV threshold and the high keV threshold over a continuous keV range during data acquisition to define low, medium, and high keV bins that are based on the low, medium, and high keV thresholds, obtain photon counts in the low, medium, and high keV bins in a plurality of keV threshold combinations, calculate a noise variance as a function of at least one of the keV thresholds, and identify a noise minimum and low, medium, and high keV thresholds that correspond thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Israel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Lev Greenberg, Daniel Rubin, Baruch Rosner, Galit Naveh, Reuven Levinson, Jerome Stephen Arenson, Shalom Rosenberg
  • Publication number: 20130089186
    Abstract: An x-ray calibration device includes a core including a first material with a first x-ray attenuation coefficient. The core defines a cavity that is configured to receive a plug of a different x-ray attenuation coefficient in order to alter the x-ray attenuation coefficient of the x-ray calibration device. The x-ray calibration device also includes an outer layer at least partially surrounding the core. The outer layer includes a second material with a second x-ray attenuation coefficient, where the second x-ray attenuation coefficient is lower than the first x-ray attenuation coefficient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Randall K. Payne, David L. Ergun, Wynn K. Wacker
  • Patent number: 8417010
    Abstract: A method for diagnosis and evaluation of tooth decay comprises: locating in an x-ray image the contour of the dento-enamel junction (DEJ); measuring optical density along contours substantially parallel to and on either side of the DEJ contour; and calculating at least one numerical decay value from the measured optical densities. A method for diagnosis and evaluation of periodontal disease comprises: measuring in an x-ray image a bone depth (BD) relative to the position of the cemento-enamel junctions (CEJs) of adjacent teeth; measuring bone density along a contour between the adjacent teeth; and calculating a numerical crestal density (CD) value from the measured bone density. Calibration standards may be employed for facilitating calculation of the numerical values. A dental digital x-ray imaging calibration method for at least partly correcting for variations of the optical densities of images acquired from the dental digital x-ray imaging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Diagnoscan, LLC
    Inventor: Leigh E. Colby
  • Publication number: 20130083901
    Abstract: A method and a device for determining the wear of an X-ray anode having an anode plate are provided. The method includes determining a reference value for a parameter that characterizes a property influenced by the dependence of an angle between radiation generated by the X-ray anode and the anode plate. The method also includes determining a value for the parameter after a specific operating time. The wear is established by comparing the determined value for the parameter with the reference value and correlating a deviation of the determined value for the parameter from the reference value with a wear state of the X-ray anode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Grasruck
  • Patent number: RE44766
    Abstract: An efficient X-ray radiographic method for recognition of materials of inspected objects and a corresponding device with improved functional possibilities are proposed, ensuring direct determination of the effective atomic number Zeff of the material, its density and thickness, as well as chemical composition. In customs inspection this should ensure practically unambiguous identification of explosives and drugs, and in medical tomography—early diagnostics of cancer tumors, osteoporosis, atherosclerosis and other dangerous and wide-spread diseases. The method includes X-raying of the inspected objects and recording of the transmitted radiation in several different spectral ranges with different effective energy by multi-element radiation receivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Institute of Scintillation Materials, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
    Inventors: Sergei Vyacheslavovich Naydenov, Boris Viktorovich Grynyov, Volodymyr Diomydovych Ryzhikov