Abstract: A motion control method is disclosed for controlling a relative scan feed motion of an object bearing device toward a scanner unit of a computed tomography system. Here, scan motion control signals are generated parallel to the scan feed motion for controlling the scan feed motion, which scan motion control signals are derived from variable input data obtained in parallel during a scan procedure. In at least one embodiment, the variable input data includes motion signals which represent the object motion cycle determined with the aid of an electrocardiogram, and the speed of the scan feed motion is reduced if an extrasystole is detected. Furthermore, at least one embodiment of the invention relates to a motion control module suited to this and/or an image processing actuation method and/or an image processing actuation module for actuating an image processing system.

Abstract: In a method for simplified positioning of a patient bed positioning information of a measurement position of the patient bed is recorded and retained as a forced stop position. The positioning of the patient bed between the measurement position ensues such that, given a movement of the patient bed from the withdrawn position, the positioning procedure is automatically halted upon reaching the measurement position.

Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus that performs radiation imaging of a breast of a subject, which includes a table for laying down the subject; a receiving section that receives a breast of the subject laid on the table in a supine position; a radiation imaging section including a radiation emission unit and a radiation detection unit each located at a position opposing to each other being interposed by the breast of the subject received in the receiving section; and a drive unit that shifts the receiving section to a position suitable for imaging the breast of the subject.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a scanning unit for inspecting cargo conveyances uses a partial radiation beam and a detector of reduced length. In another embodiment, a scanning unit for inspecting objects comprises a detector with gaps along its expanse. In both cases, the cost of the scanning system may be reduced. The object, the source, and or the detector may be moved to enable generation of computed tomographic images. Methods are disclosed, as well.

Abstract: An adjustment method of a plane of rotation possesses has a step (S62) of detecting a range of the first X-rays from the X-ray tube 125 positioned at a first position with an X-ray detector 70; a step of moving the X-ray tube from the first the position to a second position; a step of detecting a range of the second X-rays from the X-ray tube positioned at the second the position with the X-ray detector 70; a step (S64) of calculating quantity of adjustment of the X-ray tube 125 and the collimator 126 based on the detected ranges by the first X-rays and the second X-rays.

Abstract: A method of imaging a breast comprising (i) having a patient lie prone on a computer-controlled couch, which comprises a channel or left and right openings, and position the left or right breast of the patient in the channel or the left or right opening, respectively, and (ii) repeatedly imaging the breast using a scanning x-ray source while moving the couch down and up, such that the breast moves down and up in the field between the source of radiation and the detector, which method can further comprise constructing a three-dimensional image of the breast in its natural shape and analyzing the three-dimensional image of the breast; and a system for use in such a method.

Abstract: A particle beam irradiation system includes a particle beam irradiation apparatus, which is free of a gantry structure, having a particle beam irradiator for irradiating an affected area of a patient with a particle beam, the particle beam irradiator being housed in a chamber, a CT scanner installed in the chamber, for positionally confirming the affected area of the patient, a drive unit for moving the patient from a detection range to an irradiation range, a patient fixing device for fixing the patient in position, the device being mounted on the drive unit for rotation, and a housing unit having a structure housing the drive unit with the patient fixing device mounted and the CT scanner, the housing unit being rotatable about an axis perpendicular to a plane including a direction in which the particle beam is applied and a direction in which the drive unit moves.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing tomographic imaging of an object comprising means for conveying the object through a first imaging means and a second imaging means which are static relative to the conveying means and are comprised of at least one source and detector. The source illuminates the detector with a beam to obtain a tomographic slice with the tomographic slice of the first and second imaging means being coplanar. Between the two imaging means the movement involves a change of direction of motion of the object in the same plane as the tomographic slice whilst maintaining the objects orientation relative to the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method is proposed which allow for a simplified patient positioning based on the selection of a region of interest for the tomographic image of the dentition of a patient. The region of interest is selected on a previously acquired panoramic image of the dentition of the patient.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatic patient table positioning are provided. The method includes determining patient specific scan parameters and positioning the patient with the imaging scanner based on the determined patient specific scan parameters.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for determining a location of an object of interest for use in image calibration. Certain embodiments of a method include loading an image of at least a portion of a patient. The image includes an object of interest. The method further includes retrieving patient data related to the patient, and automatically generating a proposed height value of the object of interest in relation to a reference location. The proposed height value is generated by selecting a height value from a set of height values based on the patient data. In certain embodiments, the reference location is a positioning tabletop. In certain embodiments, the patient data includes patient height and/or patient weight, and the set of height values is indexed based on height and/or weight by gender.

Abstract: A method of computed tomography is disclosed herein. The method includes acquiring a first plurality of views during a first helical pass and acquiring a second plurality of views during a second helical pass. The method also includes generating an image based on both the first plurality of views and the second plurality of views.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for production of computer-tomographic scans via a CT system of a patient during an intervention with an instrument. An X-ray tube is moved on a rotation plane around the patient in order to produce a beam cone, and a detector with a plurality of detector elements measuring the radiation intensity after passing through the patient. Computer-tomographic scans are reconstructed from the measured values in a computation unit. The central direction of the beams of the scanning beam cone is set at an angle to the intervention axis, and at least one slice plane which differs from the rotation plane of the beam cone is displayed on a display.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for optimally positioning a region of interest of a subject for imaging by a CT scanner. The scanner provides a source of one or more X-ray beams, at least one of which is used for acquiring a CT image of the subject, a movable support for the subject, and a controller that controls the X-ray source. To position the region of interest of the subject, the controller operates to illuminate the subject with X-rays to acquire stereo image data for the region of interest and controls the position of the support responsive to the stereo image data.

Abstract: A patient positioning system for positioning a patient relative to radiographic equipment. The system includes: a 3D optical imaging system for optically scanning the patient, such 3D optical imaging system having a focal plane and providing, for each position on the object, data representative of the intensity of reflected energy received by the system from such position and data representative of distance from such position on the object to the focal plane; a table apparatus for supporting the patient and for moving the table relative to the radiographic equipment in response to positioning signals; and a processor responsive to data from the radiographic equipment and the data from the a 3D optical imaging system for producing the positioning signals. The system enables a method for displaying temporal changes in a patient positioned with a bore of radiographic equipment.

Abstract: A device for positioning a patient within an image volume of a cone-beam tomography system. The device includes a volume indicator adapted to indicate at least a front boundary of the image volume and having a horizontal indicator for horizontal alignment. The device also includes a head clamp adapted to position at least a portion of the head of the patient within the front boundary of the image volume indicated by the volume indicator.

Abstract: A method for generating Pairwise Active Appearance Models (PAAMs) that characterize shape, appearance and motion of an object and using the PAAM to track the motion of an object is disclosed. A plurality of video streams is received. Each video stream includes a series of image frames that depict an object in motion. Each video stream includes an index of identified motion phases that are associated with a motion cycle of the object. For each video stream, a shape of the object is represented by a shape vector. An appearance of an object is represented by an appearance vector. The shape and appearance vectors associated at two consecutive motion phases are concatenated. Paired data for the concatenated shape and appearance vectors is computed. Paired data is computed for each two consecutive motion phases in the motion cycle. A shape subspace is constructed based on the computed paired data. An appearance subspace is constructed based on the computed paired data.

Abstract: Methods and systems of acquiring images with a medical imaging device are provided. The method includes tracking a region of interest (ROI) location through a tracking system. Further, the method includes acquiring a first image of an object with the medical imaging device. In addition, the method includes indicating a virtual ROI location on the first image that corresponds to the ROI location. Further, the method includes moving the medical imaging device and determining the movement of the ROI location through the tracking system. The medical imaging system is moved, in order to acquire another image from a perspective that is different from that of the first image. In addition, the method includes correlating the movement of the ROI location with a shift of the virtual ROI location on the first image. Furthermore, the method includes shifting the virtual ROI location on the first image according to the correlation of the movement of the ROI location.

Abstract: The handlebars for a computed tomography (CT) scanner are handlebars disposed on the face of the gantry of a CT scanner. The handlebars are to be utilized by patients who might have difficulty adjusting their arms to an optimum position for a CT scan. The handlebars are arranged in different patterns on the face of the gantry to accommodate patients of different arm lengths and/or various degrees of impairment.

Abstract: An X-ray hybrid diagnosis system includes a single power supply, an X-ray radiography unit, an X-ray CT unit, and a single control console. The single power supply powers X-ray CR system having first X-ray tube and X-ray CT system having second X-ray tube. The X-ray radiography unit irradiates a subject with X-rays from first X-ray tube to obtain an X-ray radiographic image. The X-ray CT unit irradiates the subject with X-rays from the second X-ray tube and acquires projection data from a beam of the X-rays that has passed through the subject, to reconstruct an image using the acquired projection data, and to obtain a tomographic image. The single control console controls the X-ray radiography unit and the X-ray CT unit.

Abstract: An imaging section includes a radiation source that emits radiation, a detecting panel for detecting the radiation, and a rotating section for integrally rotating the radiation source and the detecting panel about a rotating axis. The radiation source and the detecting panel face each other with the rotating axis that passes though a predetermined position interposed therebetween. The imaging section sequentially images a subject placed at the predetermined position while rotating the radiation source and the detecting panel about the rotating axis, and image signals are read out for each imaging operation. A control section refers to a necessary readout region set by a setting section and controls a readout switching means such that image signals recorded in detection pixels within the necessary readout region are read out by a normal readout section, and image signals recorded in other detection pixels are read out by a high speed readout section.

Abstract: A method of acquiring and reconstructing a computed tomography (CT) image is provided. A first scan of the full field of view (FOV) is acquired. A second scan of a smaller target FOV is then acquired by using a collimator to narrow the X-ray beam width. The CT image is iteratively reconstructed by replacing a key-hole region of the full FOV projection data with the target FOV projection data. An exemplary embodiment comprises imaging a heart (target FOV) within a torso (full FOV) over multiple heart beat cycles. A computer readable medium is further provided, including a program configured to reconstruct a CT image using the key-hole method.

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 selectable mode of operation is disclosed for an X-ray computer tomograph for producing angiographical images. A patient accommodated on a couch is not moved relative to the measuring system in the z-direction, the entire area to be examined is irradiated at a prescribed first angle of rotation of the measuring system, and the X-ray radiation emerging from the area to be examined is detected isochronously using a matrix detector.

Abstract: A mobile CT imaging system comprising: a housing having a center opening; and a CT imaging unit mounted to the housing, wherein the CT imaging unit is adapted to scan anatomical objects located within the center opening and generate images of the same, wherein the CT imaging unit comprises: a rotatable drum assembly disposed within the housing, concentric with the center opening; an X-ray tube mounted on the rotatable drum assembly and configured to emit an X-ray beam; and an X-ray detector mounted on the rotatable drum assembly in alignment with the X-ray beam; wherein the X-ray beam is disposed in an “off-center” configuration, adjacent to an entrance of the center opening.

Abstract: A method for four-dimensional (4D) image verification in respiratory gated radiation therapy, includes: acquiring 4D computed tomography (CT) images, each of the 4D CT images representing a breathing phase of a patient and tagged with a corresponding time point of a first surrogate signal; acquiring fluoroscopic images of the patient under free breathing, each of the fluoroscopic images tagged with a corresponding time point of a second surrogate signal; generating digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRRs) for each breathing phase represented by the 4D CT images; generating a similarity matrix to assess a degree of resemblance in a region of interest between the DRRs and the fluoroscopic images; computing a compounded similarity matrix by averaging values of the similarity matrix across different time points of the breathing phase during a breathing period of the patient; determining an optimal time point synchronization between the DRRs and the fluoroscopic images by using the compounded similarity matrix;

Abstract: A urological x-ray workstation has an x-ray source and an x-ray receiver that are respectively supported on device retainers of a device carrier located at the longitudinal side of a patient positioning table such that they can be positioned opposite one another and independently of one another in various positions on an orbit proceeding around a common center in a working plane oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: In a computer tomography method an object region of the object being examined is determined in that projection beams that are linked with maximum attenuation are sought in cropped projection images. A central point of the object region is then determined and the object sections associated with the projection beams plotted on the central point. The object region can be at least approximately determined using the end points of the object sections.

Abstract: A surgical navigation system includes a CT scanner that takes a plurality of x-ray images of a patient. A patient tracker including locators is attached to the patient, and a registration appendage is removably secured to the patient tracker in a known position and orientation. The registration appendage includes radio-opaque markers arranged in a predetermined geometric pattern. The registration appendage is viewable in a CT scan in situations where the locators of the patient tracker are outside of a field of view of the CT scanner.

Abstract: A CT imaging system includes a gantry and a table in a movable relationship with the gantry. The CT imaging system also includes a controller configured to control relative movement between a subject disposed on the table and the gantry from a first data acquisition position to a second data acquisition position. The controller is also configured to determine a total scan time based on a first time for acquiring imaging data at the first data acquisition position and a second time for transitioning from the first data acquisition position to the second data acquisition position. The controller is also configured to disable data acquisition in an immediately subsequent cardiac cycle and re-enable data acquisition in the cardiac cycle following the immediately subsequent cardiac cycle if the total scan time exceeds one cardiac cycle of the subject. A method of CT imaging is also disclosed.

Abstract: In order to facilitate the optimal positioning of a patient resting on the couch of a C-arm computed tomography system, an input is received, via individual pixels or areas of pixels are selected in a predetermined image data set, thus enabling the area of interest to be highlighted. In addition, image data of the patient resting on the patient positioning couch is accordingly acquired. These two processes together make it possible to calculate the position, relative to the couch, of a marked-out point that is to coincide with the isocenter for the rotation of the C-arm, and from this at least one coordinate that serves to define the position of the couch can be derived. If this coordinate is displayed, a doctor performing the treatment can move the patient positioning couch to the appropriate position by hand.

Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus includes image reconstructing device which specifies a first imaging range, a second imaging range and a third imaging range located between the first imaging range and the second imaging range in association with each position on a body axis of a subject, image-reconstructs a tomographic image included in the first imaging range using a first projection data amount necessary for image reconstruction of the tomographic image, image-reconstructs a tomographic image included in the second imaging range using a second projection data amount less than the first projection data amount, and image-reconstructs a tomographic image included in the third imaging range using a third projection data amount less than the first projection data amount and greater than the second projection data amount.

Abstract: An X-ray CT examination installation, having an X-ray tube including a focus, that creates a fan beam or a conical beam which X-rays the whole of a detector at a fixed distance from the focus, and an examination carriage, for supporting an object to be examined, the carriage having an axis of rotation perpendicular to the fan beam, wherein the examination carriage can be fixed inside the fan beam close to an edge axis which meets the detector at the edge, and can be moved on a measuring line that centrally runs at an angle to a central axis which meets the detector. The invention also relates to a CT method of examining objects, in particular of various sizes, by means of an X-ray CT examination installation generally identified above.

Abstract: An inspection system is disclosed. The system comprises a CT apparatus. The CT apparatus includes a gantry, a radiation source connected with the gantry, a detection device connected with the gantry substantially opposite the radiation source, and a transfer device for transferring an object under inspection. The detection device comprises N rows of detectors arranged at predetermined intervals, where N is an integer greater than 1. With the inspection system according to the present invention, the CT apparatus can perform scanning imaging at a high rate to enable the CT apparatus and an scanning imaging device for obtaining a two-dimensional image of an object under inspection to simultaneously operate, thereby compensating each other's insufficiency.

Abstract: A computed tomography (CT) scanning system including a source operable to emit a cone beam of radiation toward an object, a detector operable to detect radiation emitted by the source and to produce detector values related to projections of an object attenuation, a turntable operable to rotate the object about a rotational axis, and a source mover operable to move the source so as to vary an angle between the cone beam and the rotational axis.

Abstract: The present invention is to easily associate X-ray projection data and scanning table z-direction coordinate information with each other. Using set parameters of the operations of a scanning gantry and a scanning table, the association of the X-ray projection data and scanning table z-direction coordinate information with each other is executed. Thereafter, image reconstruction is carried out based on the X-ray projection data to obtain a tomographic image. The operation set parameters are stored as part of the X-ray projection data. Alternatively, they are collectively stored even in the case of files separate from the X-ray projection data.

Abstract: A method and system provides medical image processing and 3-dimensional image construction of an examination subject. A user is enabled to selectively orient an x-ray imaging system having a variable 3-dimensional acquisition axis relative to an examination subject support for holding an examination subject. A non-planar image data acquisition path is set for the x-ray imaging system oriented around the variable 3-dimensional acquisition axis in response to user instruction. Acquisition of image data of the examination subject is initiated by the x-ray imaging system at a plurality of points along the non-planar image data acquisition path. A 3-dimensional image is constructed from the acquired image data such that any metal artifacts introduced by radio-opaque objects within the examination subject are minimized. The 3-dimensional image is displayed.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray imaging unit, rotating unit configured to rotate a subject about an axis of rotation relative to the X-ray imaging unit, supporting unit configured to support the subject, and a limiting unit configured to limit the range in which the X-ray imaging unit is moveable along the axis of rotation depending on the position of the supporting means relative to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining a first image, obtaining a second image, determining a deformation field using the first and second images, and determining a transformation matrix using the deformation field. A computer product having a set of instruction, an execution of which causes a process to be performed, the process comprising determining a deformation field using first and second images, and determining a transformation matrix using the deformation field. A system includes a computer-readable medium for storing a first image and a second image, and a processor configured to determine a deformation field using the first and second images, and determine a transformation matrix using the deformation field.

Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus is provided for reducing the amount of computation at image reconstruction thereby to shorten an image reconstruction time. The X-ray CT apparatus comprises a cradle which moves in a horizontal direction to convey a subject to a photography space, an X-ray detector comprising a plurality of detecting clement rows, for obtaining projection data by a helical scan when the cradle is moved under acceleration/deceleration and at a constant velocity, and backprojection processing device for performing a backprojection process on the projection data. When image reconstruction is carried out using the projection data acquired when the cradle is moved under acceleration/deceleration, the backprojection processing device assumes a virtual image reconstruction plane P? where the cradle is assumed to be moved at the constant velocity, with respect to an image reconstruction plane P of each view and backprojects projection data onto the virtual image reconstruction plane P?.

Abstract: System, apparatus and methods specialized for breast and related tissue radiation therapy and imaging of a prone patient but also usable for supine patient if desired or needed. A special treatment radiation source such as a LINAC unit generates radiation of types and energy ranges specifically matched to breast tissue. Any one or more of several imaging technologies may be used to localize the tissue to be irradiated and to generate information for therapy planning, adjustment, and verification.

Abstract: There are provided an X-ray CT system and an X-ray CT method in which a subject can be brought as close as possible to an X-ray source at all times while preventing interference of the subject with the X-ray source at the time of rotation, without confirmation by an operator by rotating a rotary stage before CT projection. A subject W placed on a rotary stage 3 is captured by an optical camera 6, and information about a shape, a size and a position relative to a rotational axis R, of the subject W, are acquired by image processing using captured data. Then, interference between the subject W and an X-ray source 1 is monitored on the basis of the information, or the rotary stage 3 is automatically positioned at a location where the subject approaches most closely to the X-ray source 1 without interference.

Abstract: A method for scanning a beating heart with the aid of a spiral CT system and a cardio CT system are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, rhythm signals of the beating heart are recorded and stored in a temporally correlated fashion, and only detector data that originate from a selected cycle area of the cardiac cycle are measured in order to reconstruct the tomographic section image data or volume data, the scanning being carried out with a runup distance and a runout distance for the purpose of complete scanning of the subarea of the patient with the beating heart on the basis of the spiral scanning. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the requisite runup distance and runout distance is determined on the basis of the measured cycles of the current rhythm signal of the patient, and an appropriate program code is present in the cardio CT system.

Abstract: A cargo security inspection system inspecting an object moving through the system, including: a mechanical conveyance unit carrying, conveying, and defining a travel path of the object in the system; a radiation-generating unit generating ray beams for transmitting through the object; and a data collecting unit collecting transmission data about the rays having already transmitted through the object and processing the transmission data; wherein the travel path includes at least two linear sub-paths at an angle relative to each other; the data collecting unit includes at least two detector arrays receiving ray beams, each detector array corresponding to one linear sub-path, a receiving plane of each of the detector arrays disposed parallel to its corresponding linear sub-path; and in use, the radiation-generating and data collecting units remain stationary, and the object travels along its travel path and only translates on the at least two linear sub-paths without any rotation.

Abstract: An X-ray computed tomography scanning system for inspecting an object includes a platform configured to support the object. The platform is rotatable about an axis and movable in a direction parallel to the axis. At least one X-ray source is fixedly positioned with respect to the platform and configured to transmit radiation through the object. At least one X-ray detector is fixedly positioned with respect to the platform. The at least one X-ray detector is configured to detect the radiation transmitted through the object and generate a signal representative of the detected radiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system 10 for irradiating a breast 20 of a patient 22. The system 10 comprises a gantry 12 rotatable about a horizontal axis 14 and comprising a radiation source 16 for generating a radiation beam 18 and a detector 24 spaced from the radiation source 16, and a barrier 26 disposed between the patient 22 and the gantry 12. The barrier 26 is provided with an opening 30 adapted to allow a breast 20 passing therethrough to be exposed to the radiation beam 18. In some embodiments, the barrier 26 is provided with an opening 30 adapted to allow both the breast 20 and the tissue leading from the breast to axilla and the muscle tissue of the adjacent chest wall passing therethrough to be exposed to the radiation beam 18.

Abstract: A radiation therapy system that includes a radiation source that moves about a path and directs a beam of radiation towards an object and a cone-beam computer tomography system. The cone-beam computer tomography system includes an x-ray source that emits an x-ray beam in a cone-beam form towards an object to be imaged and an amorphous silicon flat-panel imager receiving x-rays after they pass through the object, the imager providing an image of the object. A computer is connected to the radiation source and the cone beam computerized tomography system, wherein the computer receives the image of the object and based on the image sends a signal to the radiation source that controls the path of the radiation source.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide for a system and method for assessing the accuracy of a surgical navigation system. The method may include acquiring an X-ray image that captures a surgical instrument. The method may also include segmenting the surgical instrument in the X-ray image. In an embodiment, the segmenting may be performed using edge detection or pattern recognition. The distance between the predicted location of the surgical instrument tip and the actual location of the surgical instrument tip may be computed. The distance between the predicted location of the surgical instrument tip and the actual location of the surgical instrument tip may be compared with a threshold value. If the distance between the predicted location of the surgical instrument tip and the actual location of the surgical instrument tip is greater than the threshold value, the user may be alerted.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing an x-ray shield means in an x-ray detection system. An x-ray inhibiting container for use in a computed tomography system is provided, the container comprising: a peripheral wall; and a bottom, wherein the peripheral wall and bottom define a receiving area, and a forward portion and a rearward portion of the peripheral wall comprise an x-ray inhibiting material.

Abstract: A high spatial resolution X-ray computed tomography (CT) system is provided. The system includes a support structure including a gantry mounted to rotate about a vertical axis of rotation. The system further includes a first assembly including an X-ray source mounted on the gantry to rotate therewith for generating a cone X-ray beam and a second assembly including a planar X-ray detector mounted on the gantry to rotate therewith. The detector is spaced from the source on the gantry for enabling a human or other animal body part to be interposed therebetween so as to be scanned by the X-ray beam to obtain a complete CT scan and generating output data representative thereof. The output data is a two-dimensional electronic representation of an area of the detector on which an X-ray beam impinges. A data processor processes the output data to obtain an image of the body part.