Abstract: A method of and apparatus for facilitating enhanced computed tomography (“CT”) scanning is provided including a scanned object (130) disposed on a translating table (120) capable of rotating the object (130) and moving the through the CT system (100). Certain values regarding the scanning system geometry and a target metric are provided (510 and 520). Given these values and the target metric, the system determines (530) a scanning procedure as a predetermined function of the target metric and the scanning system geometry dependant values. Further, the system may resample (720) the scanning data into an output array according to a predetermined sampling algorithm.

Abstract: An imaging system employs method of labeling orthogonal images. The method comprises: identifying a primary image taken in a first plane; identifying a plurality of secondary images taken in planes orthogonal to the first plane; associating a label to a point in the primary image; calculating a distance from the point to a line of intersection between the primary image and each secondary image in the plurality of images; and associating the label to a secondary image in the plurality of secondary images having a line of intersection with the primary image closest to the point.

Abstract: A system for medical emergency care and monitoring of a patient includes as its first component a patient holding apparatus with a fixed base and a table mounted on it, and the table protrudes past the base on the head end with a radio transparent first region and on the foot end with a radio transparent second region. There is also a CT scanner which is movable on the floor along a guide element in such a way that the second region of the table can be brought, by moving the CT scanner, into the patient opening of the CT scanner. For taking x-ray images in the first region of the table, there is an x-ray unit. Another component pertains to a guided patient board that is ridable on the table in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A plurality of pieces of image data processed by a preprocessed circuit are sequentially received and at least one representative image is selected from among the plurality of pieces of image data by a representative image selection circuit. For example, one piece of image data out of every 250 pieces of image data is selected from among 1000 pieces of acquired image data to select four pieces of image data as representative images. An irradiated area extraction circuit extracts X-ray irradiated areas of the representative images. A reconstruction area determination circuit determines a CT reconstruction area on the basis of the X-ray irradiated areas. The reconstruction circuit reconstructs CT images from all or part of the acquired image data on the basis of the CT reconstruction area.

Abstract: A collision detecting device includes a damper which is a hollow member with a fluid sealed into the interior thereof, and is formed, on its side abutted against an object to which it is to be mounted, in a concave shape conforming to the shape of a corner of the object, and is formed, on its side opposite to the concave shape, in a convex shape conforming to the shape of the corner of the object; and a detecting section for detecting an internal pressure of the damper.

Abstract: A radiographic device includes a radiation source which generates radiation and a detector which detects radiation from the radiation source on a two-dimensional plane and outputs an image signal, and performs radiography of a subject to be examined while rotating the radiation source and the detector relative to the subject. In this radiography, the first resolution or the second resolution lower than the first resolution is selected in accordance with a rotational position in the relative rotation. An image signal from the detector is stored as data corresponding to the resolution selected by a selection unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing computed tomography having a radiation source and at least one radiation detector spaced from the radiation source and which generates an output signal representative of the strength of the received radiation from the radiation source. A part support for holding a plurality of parts is positioned in between the radiation source and the detectors. The part support is rotatably mounted about an axis generally perpendicular to a vector between the radiation source and the detectors so that, upon rotation of the part support, the radiation detectors generate an output signal corresponding to the internal structure of parts supported on the part support. A computer system receives the output signals from the detectors and, under program control, generates a report of the internal structure of the parts on the part support.

Abstract: An X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes a substantially annular frame, a mechanism configured to support rotatably the frame, an X-ray tube mounted on the frame, an X-ray detector mounted on the frame, a position detecting unit configured to detect that the frame passes a reference position, a counting unit configured to count the cumulative number of revolutions of the frame on the basis of an output from the position detecting unit, and a storage unit configured to store data of the cumulative number of revolutions of the frame.

Abstract: In an apparatus without a helical movement, a reconstruction error considerably increases as a radiation angle increases. In a prior art embodiment, for example, a one-side value of the radiation angle is 9.5 degrees, and it is predicted that the reconstruction error at its periphery considerably increases. In a radiation imaging apparatus including a radiation generating source for radiating radiation to a subject, a rotating unit for rotating the subject exposed to the radiation from the radiation generating source, and a two-dimensional detector for detecting radiation, a distance between the radiation generating source and the two-dimensional detector is approximately set to a value equal to or more than 240 cm.

Abstract: Computed tomography scanning systems and methods using a field emission x-ray source are disclosed. An exemplary micro-computed tomography scanner comprises a micro-focus field emission x-ray source, an x-ray detector, an object stage placed between the x-ray source and the detector, an electronic control system and a computer that control the x-ray radiation and detector data collection, and computer software that reconstructs the three dimension image of the object using a series of projection images collected from different projection angles. Exemplary methods obtain a computed tomography image of an object in oscillatory motion using the micro computed tomography scanner.

Abstract: A CT scanner according to the present invention is particularly useful for scanning the spine and extremities, such as knees, and ankles, especially while the patient is in an upright position. The CT scanner generally includes a source and detector that are rotatable about a generally upright axis. The source and detector are also moved along the upright axis during rotation to perform a helical scan. The source and detector are mounted to an inner ring, which is rotatably mounted within an outer ring. The outer ring is fixedly mounted to a carriage that is movable along an upright rail.

Abstract: A patient alignment system for a radiation therapy system. The alignment system includes multiple external measurement devices which obtain position measurements of components of the radiation therapy system which are movable and/or are subject to flex or other positional variations. The alignment system employs the external measurements to provide corrective positioning feedback to more precisely register the patient and align them with a radiation beam. The alignment system can be provided as an integral part of a radiation therapy system or can be added as an upgrade to existing radiation therapy systems.

Abstract: An X-ray computer tomography apparatus wherein a conical X-ray beam is radiated on a local area of an object while a rotary means with an X-ray generator and a two-dimensional X-ray image sensor faced to each other is rotated relative to the object which is disposed between the X-ray generator and the two-dimensional X-ray image sensor.

Abstract: An anatomical imaging system comprising a CT machine; and a transport mechanism mounted to the base of the CT machine, wherein the transport mechanism comprises a fine movement mechanism for moving the CT machine precisely, relative to the patient, during scanning.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computed tomography system that only requires rotational scans for image pickup, the system enabling images of a plurality of testing objects to be simultaneously picked up without increasing the volume of noise or the scale of the system, thus enabling high-quality tomographic images to be efficiently picked up. In the computed tomography system, a plurality of turn tables 11a to 11d are provided in a region of irradiation with X-ray beams emitted by an X-ray irradiation system. Testing objects Ma to Md are placed on the respective turn tables. Images of the plurality of testing objects can be simultaneously picked up by irradiation with X-ray beams. This enables precise image pickup to be efficiently achieved without increasing the size of the scale.

Abstract: With the object of, when a table unit is moved downward as viewed in a vertical direction by use of an actuator, smoothly moving the table unit and enhancing operability, when the actuator moves the table unit from a first position in the vertical direction to a downward second position, a pressure controller adjusts the amount of fluid held in the actuator on the basis of the first position of the table unit, detected by a position detector to thereby control pressure based on the fluid.

Abstract: The CT scanning system of the present invention includes a source and detector mounted to a c-arm. The c-arm is positioned on a mounting plate and ball screw to rotate about an axis centered within the c-arm and to also translates along the axis of rotation. A computer controls the rotation of the CT scanner, the x-ray source, and collects the data from the detector to create an image. The CT scanner first takes a scout scan prior to the full acquisition of the data. The scout scan is a single two-dimension image. The CPU draws locating marks on the scout scan image to indicate the desired location. When proper alignment is verified, the processor then controls the motor to perform one complete revolution of the c-arm, during which time the computer collects multiple images from the detector.

Abstract: In a method and a device for positioning a patient in a medical diagnosis device or therapy device having a position calculating device and a patient bed adjustable in at least one plane, at least one optical target marking is brought into conformity with a body region of the patient. At least one image recording device is used for obtaining an exterior image of the patient that is displayed on a screen. The target marking that is spatially coupled with the coordinate system of the diagnosis device or therapy device, is superimposed on the image of the patient on the screen such that a predetermined body region of the patient can be brought into a desired spatial correlation with the target marking by remote control movement of the patient bed.

Abstract: This invention uses the cone beam CT (Computer Tomography) principle to obtain nondestructive image of any object. For good reconstruction datasets from 2 orthogonal planes about the object are required in order to augment the signal relative to the polar artifacts of a standard Feldkamp reconstruction algorithm. Here, we suggest a practical way of implementing the 2 orthogonal planes theory by replacing the 2 gantry rotations by 2 rotations of only one fixed gantry and one movement of the object position, making it simple and low cost. This method is applied to the non-intrusive inspection of baggage or imaging of mice for pharmaceutical purposes where the object has to remain in a horizontal plane throughout the procedure. This algorithm can also be applied to nondestructive testing of any solid materials, for example: imperfections in semi-conductors, electronic components, composite materials etc.

Abstract: An imaging tomography apparatus, such as an x-ray computed tomography apparatus or a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus, has a patient bed that can be driven into a tunnel-shaped or annular data acquisition device. To increase comfort for the patient and accessibility by medical personnel, the patient bed has a pivotable backrest connected to a seat.

Abstract: A system for obtaining coordinate data of a source and detector instrument are described. The system includes a marker assembly having a plurality of markers with a particular geometry, and an energy source for targeting the plurality of markers with energy packets. The system further includes a detector for detecting energy packets after the plurality of markers have interacted therewith, and an image device for forming image data of the plurality of markers from the energy packets detected by the detector. A calibration module for utilizes the particular geometry of the plurality of markers and the image data to non-iteratively determine coordinate data.

Abstract: A method and system for computer-aided detection of abnormal lesions in digital mammograms is described, wherein digital films are processed using an automated and computerized method of detecting the order and orientation of a set of films. In one embodiment, anatomic features are used to detect the order, orientation and identification of a film series. In another embodiment of the invention, a technologist feeds films into the system in any order and orientation. After processing, the system provides an output on a display device to a radiologist that is in an order and orientation preferred by the radiologist. In yet another embodiment of the invention, films from one case are distinguished from films of another case. In this manner and through the use of a bulk loader, a large number of films can be stacked together and fed into the system at one time.

Abstract: An oblique-view cone-beam CT system comprising an X-ray source for irradiating an object with X-ray from an oblique direction with respect to a rotational axis of said object. A detector is provided for detecting projection images resulting from the X-ray irradiation. A computer electrically connected to the detector is provided for recording the detected projection images and reconstructing the recorded projection images to provide a 3-dimensional image.

Abstract: A body-supporting couch and a radiation system incorporating such a couch are disclosed. The couch comprises a first and second couch unit, respectively. The first couch unit comprises a first table top support and a first elongated table top portion extending horizontally from the first support. The first table top portion is provided with a first docking element arranged in an end. Element for moving the first table top portion relative the first table top support along its longitudinal axis is arranged in the first couch unit. The second couch unit comprises a second table top support, which supports a second table top portion, provided with a second docking element in an end facing the first couch unit. Upon contact, the first docking element engages with the second docking element and the first table top portion connects with the second table top portion forming a stable continuous table top.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for controlling x-ray exposure during a scan with a computed tomography system are provided. The system includes an x-ray source, a collimator, and a detector array. The collimator includes a first cam configured to shutter an x-ray fan beam, generated by the x-ray source, in a first direction, a second cam located on an opposite side of a focal point of the x-ray source from the first cam, the second cam configured to shutter the x-ray fan beam in a second direction, the second direction being opposite from the first direction, and a cam drive configured to position at least one of the first cam and the second cam during the scan.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device produced in the form of an assembly which can be integrated in any installation (13) for radioscopy of the product and comprising means for driving the product (5) in rotation about an axis (5a) perpendicular to the tomographic section plane to be obtained, a unit controlling (15, 16) the means (14) driving the product (5) in rotation, to drive the product (5) in rotation about the axis (5a) and an image acquisition and processing unit (16) including means for automatically acquiring and storing radioscopy images of the product (5) while the product (5) is rotating, in digital form, and calculating means for processing the digital images and constructing tomographic sections using a calculating algorithm. The device enables fault controls or geometrical and dimensional controls in mechanical parts for the automotive industry such as cylinder heads.

Abstract: In an apparatus without a helical movement, a reconstruction error considerably increases as a radiation angle increases. In a prior art embodiment, for example, a one-side value of the radiation angle is 9.5 degrees, and it is predicted that the reconstruction error at its periphery considerably increases. In a radiation imaging apparatus including a radiation generating source for radiating radiation to a subject, a rotating unit for rotating the subject exposed to the radiation from the radiation generating source, and a two-dimensional detector for detecting the radiation, a distance between the radiation generating source and the two-dimensional detector is approximately set to a value equal to or more than 240 cm.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chamber having a static-pressure bearing disposed therein, the chamber including an inside pressure gauge for detecting an inside pressure of said chamber, and a pressure controller for decreasing the inside pressure of the chamber on the basis of the detection made through the inside pressure gauge. This arrangement effectively prevents unwanted increase of the chamber inside pressure and avoids local breakage of the chamber.

Abstract: A radiation tomography system includes a radiation source and a radiation detector opposed to the radiation source with a subject between them. The radiation tomography system further includes a scanner that scans a subject by moving the radiation source and radiation detector while rotating them about the subject; a calculator that calculates a control value with which an exposure of a radiation emanating from the radiation source is controlled; and a display on which at least one of calculated control values associated with positions in the direction of rotation of the scanner and control values associated with positions in the direction of a body axis linking the subject's head and the subject's tiptoe is displayed in relation to the respective pieces of positional information on the subject.

Abstract: A system and method of diagnostic imaging is provided that includes positioning a subject in a scanning bay, comparing a center of mass of the subject to a reference point, and repositioning the subject in the scanning bay to reduce a difference in position between the center of mass of the subject and the reference point. The present invention automatically selects a proper attenuation filter configuration, corrects patient centering, and corrects noise prediction errors, thereby increasing dose efficiency and tube output.

Abstract: A system and method of diagnostic imaging is provided that includes determining a position of a subject in a scanning bay and tailoring x-ray attenuation such that the specific position of the subject is taken into consideration. The present invention automatically selects a proper attenuation filter configuration, corrects patient centering, and corrects noise prediction errors, thereby increasing dose efficiency and tube output.

Abstract: A curved wing board is provided for use on a CT cradle having a curved upper surface. The wing board includes a base with a curved lower surface and opposite sides. A pair of wing boards extend upwardly and outwardly from the sides of the base to support a patient's arms raised above their head. A pair of hand grips are provided on the base for gripping by the patient. The curved wing board matingly engages the curved CT cradle so as to comfortably support the patient in a stable orientation during CT imaging.

Abstract: Computerized tomography apparatus for reconstructing attenuation values within a volume comprising: an x-ray source situated operative to rotate about said volume, in a rotation plane, while irradiating at least a portion of the volume; a plurality of rows of x-ray detectors illuminated by said rotating x-ray source situated on an opposite side of the volume; a patient support operative to move a patient through a space between the source and detectors at an angle to the normal to the rotation plane, while the x-ray source illuminates the detectors; and a controller operative to compute the angle based on at least one of a radius R of said rotation, a radius r of said volume and a helix pitch, m, defined as a distance the patient support moves during a single rotation of the x-ray source.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method for three-dimensional cine EBA/CTA imaging. The method includes monitoring a cardiac cycle of a patient and selecting a trigger point along the cardiac cycle. When the cardiac cycle of the patient reaches the trigger point, a computed tomography (CT) scan of the patient is initiated. At least two CT scans of the patient are performed during a time period over two or more cardiac cycles. A cine angiography image is constructed from the at least two CT scans.

Abstract: A tomography imaging system, preferably a CT device, includes at least one acquisition unit and a patient positioning table with a horizontally movable board, which can be slid through the scanning region of the acquisition unit for examination. The imaging system includes at least one first support device, which supports the patient board after passing through the scan region, which support device is directly attached to the acquisition unit on a side of the unit opposite the side facing the patient positioning table. The system can include a second support device, which is mounted on the patient positioning table for supporting the patient board before it enters the scan region of the acquisition unit.

Abstract: In an upright CT scanner, an X-ray source and a two-dimensional digital X-ray detector are mounted on a rotating platform with a vertical axis of rotation. During scanning, the X-ray source and the detector are on opposite sides of the rotational axis for orbiting about a body to thereby scan it with pyramid-shaped X-ray beam. During scanning, the source and detector can be jointly translated along a horizontal axis that is perpendicular to the rotation axis and parallel to the detector surface, to scan a specific part of a body that is not centered or a body that is too large. The mounting height and distance of source and the detector can also be adjusted.

Abstract: Instrumentation and methods are provided for mounting a surgical navigation reference frame to a patient for performing an image-guided surgical procedure on an anatomical component. In one embodiment of the invention, a trocar is positioned within a cannula to form an insertion device adapted for percutaneous introduction into the patient. A bone anchor having a bone engaging portion is inserted through the cannula and is anchored to bone. The bone anchor cooperates with the cannula to form a mounting device adapted for coupling with the surgical navigation reference frame. In one embodiment of the invention, an image-guided surgical procedure is performed at a location remote from the anchoring location. In a specific embodiment, an image-guided surgical procedure is performed adjacent the spinal column, with the bone engaging portion of the bone anchor anchored to the iliac region of the pelvic bone, and more specifically to the iliac crest of the pelvic bone.

Abstract: Cone beam volume CT breast imaging is performed with a gantry frame on which a cone-beam radiation source and a digital area detector are mounted. The patient rests on an ergonomically designed table with a hole or two holes to allow one breast or two breasts to extend through the table such that the gantry frame surrounds that breast. The breast hole is surrounded by a bowl so that the entire breast can be exposed to the cone beam. Spectral and compensation filters are used to improve the characteristics of the beam. A materials library is used to provide x-ray linear attenuation coefficients for various breast tissues and lesions.

Abstract: The invention refers to an apparatus for positioning medical treatment devices or treatment supporting devices (2) by a transportation means (1) to move said devices (2) to a predetermined position, said transportation means (1) including an automatically guided transport system (3, 7), and to a corresponding method and the use of an automatically guided transport system to perform said positioning tasks.

Abstract: Instrumentation and methods are provided for performing image-guided spinal surgery using an anterior surgical approach. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a surgical navigation reference device, mounting the reference device to bone at a location remote from the spinal column and in a substantially fixed position relative thereto, accessing a portion of the spinal column from an anterior direction, and performing an image-guided surgical procedure on the spinal column using an anterior surgical approach. In another embodiment, the mounting of the reference device comprises anchoring the reference device to a portion of the patient's pelvic bone, and more specifically the anterior region of the iliac crest. In a further embodiment, the image-guided surgical procedure comprises a spinal implantation procedure wherein a spinal implant is inserted into an intervertebral opening formed along the lumbar region of the spinal column using an anterior surgical approach.

Abstract: A computed tomography apparatus has a gantry with a measuring opening, with an x-ray source movable around the measuring opening for irradiating an examination area from different directions, a detector for registering corresponding sets of projection data, and at least one support table having a support plate. The gantry can be moved into a use position independently of the support table and the support table is fashioned such that the support plate extends through the measuring opening when the gantry assumes a use position.

Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus includes a radiation system for providing a beam of radiation and a support structure for supporting a patterning device. The patterning device serves to pattern the beam according to a desired pattern. The lithographic projection apparatus includes a substrate table for holding a substrate and a projection system for projecting the patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate. At least one holding structure includes at least one compliant member holding a pimple plate for holding a removable item for the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for high speed phase modulation of optical beam with reduced optical loss. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first region of an optical waveguide disposed in semiconductor material. The first region has a first conductivity type. The apparatus also includes a second region of the optical waveguide disposed in the semiconductor material. The second region has a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type. A first contact is included in the apparatus and is coupled to the optical waveguide at a first location in the first region outside an optical path of an optical beam to be directed through the optical waveguide. The apparatus also includes a first higher doped region included in the first region and coupled to the first contact at the first location to improve an electrical coupling between the first contact and the optical waveguide. The first higher doped region has a higher doping concentration than a doping concentration within the optical path.

Abstract: An X-ray computed tomography apparatus including an X-ray source, a data acquisition unit, an X-ray detection unit, a reconstruction unit, a creation unit, and a display unit. An X-ray radiated toward an object by the X-ray source is detected to generate a corresponding signal by the X-ray detection unit. According to the signal, data is acquired by the data acquisition unit. A reconstruction unit reconstructs a tomographic image, while a creation unit creates a plane image based on the acquired data A display unit displays the tomographic image and the plane image.

Abstract: A radiographic image forming apparatus having a radiation source for irradiating conical radiation to a test body; a stimulable phosphor plate, arranged opposite to the radiation source with the test body sandwiched in-between for recording an intensity of radiation having passed through the test body; a rotation/displacement section for relatively rotating and displacing the radiation source with respect to the test body, by placing the test body at a rotation center; a radiation controller for controlling a radiation from the radiation source; a recording section for recording at least one sinogram into the stimulable phosphor plate by the radiation; a reading section for reading a sinogram recorded by the recording section; and an image processing section for forming a two-dimensional or three-dimensional tomographic image by reconstructing a sinogram read by the reading section.

Abstract: In an imaging system including a gantry having a patient bore, and a patient table having a cradle, a method of aligning the cradle with a scan plane in the patient bore is disclosed. The method comprises positioning a laser device at least partially within the patient bore, the laser device producing an alignment laser beam projecting along a center axis of the patient bore normal to the scan plane. The method further comprises aligning the cradle of the patient table such that when the cradle is translated into the scan plane in the patient bore, the alignment laser beam intersects a positioning target on the cradle.

Abstract: Approximate position matching processing is firstly performed with respect to entire areas of two images of a single same object. Selection is then made to find local area limited regions, between which a degree of shift is high, in the two images, whose positions have been approximately matched with each other by the approximate position matching processing. Position re-matching processing is then performed with respect to at least the local area limited regions, which have thus been selected. The approximate position matching processing may be global position matching processing, local position matching processing, or a combination of the global position matching processing and the local position matching processing.

Abstract: In a system, method and workstation, images of a first subject are acquired with an image signal acquisition unit, the position of the image signal acquisition unit is determined, the position of a second subject is determined and the position of the second subject relative to the image signal acquisition unit is also determined and an image of the second subject is mixed into an image of the first subject acquired with the image signal acquisition unit.

Abstract: A surgical scanning system includes a scanner supported on a carrier movable relative to an operating room table. The carrier engages a guide that is collinear with the long axis of an operating room table. The relative movement between an operating room table and a scanner along a guide decreases the likelihood of collision therebetween. The ability to collect a scan of a patient while on an operating room table increases the likelihood of a successful surgical outcome.

Abstract: A radiological system for analyzing an absorbent article including a radiological device for collecting radiological data from the absorbent article, a support mountable adjacent the radiological device for holding the absorbent article, and a computing device operatively connected to the radiological device having a program for analyzing the data collected by the radiological device.