Abstract: A method for reconstructing an image of an object includes scanning the object with a computed tomography (CT) system to obtain data, estimating a size of the object using the obtained data, using the estimated size of the object to perform scatter correction on the obtained data, and reconstructing an image using the scatter corrected data.

Abstract: A device for signal transmission in computer tomographs comprising a rotating part supported to be rotatable with respect to a stationary part. A transmission controller is provided on the rotating part for compiling, from video data of a video source and from control information of a control unit, serial data for transmission to the stationary part by means of a rotary joint. A receiving controller is provided in the stationary part for receiving the serial data transmitted by the rotary joint and for evaluating these data and communicating the control information contained therein to a control unit, and the video data to a data sink. The serial data generated by the transmission controller comprise data frames, and video data and control information each being transmitted in a data frame.

Abstract: Systems, processes and apparatus are described through which non-destructive imaging is achieved, including a process for variable binning of detector elements. The process includes accepting input data indicative of image quality goals and descriptors of an imaging task, as well as parameters characterizing a test subject, relative to non-destructive imaging of an internal portion of the test subject and determining when the non-destructive imaging system is capable of achieving the image quality goals using binning of more than four pixels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device arrangement for intraoral X-ray imaging comprising an X-ray source unit for generating X-radiation and an intraoral sensor placed in the mouth for X-ray imaging, which receives X-radiation for compiling X-ray image data. The device arrangement comprises a protective garment, which garment protects the patient from X-radiation passing the intraoral sensor, and in which protective garment is located an electronics unit for the X-ray image data received by the intraoral sensor. The X-ray image data is transmitted from the intraoral sensor to the electronics unit by means of first data transfer means comprised in the device arrangement, the device arrangement further comprising second data transfer means for transmitting data between the electronics unit located in the protective garment and the rest of the device arrangement.

Abstract: A method and system for using Threat Imaging Projection (TIP) technology, and the operator testing data that it generates, in order to certify x-ray inspection system operators and thereby assure an acceptable and uniform level of operator performance. In a preferred configuration, the operator views x-ray images of objects on a screening system equipped with TIP technology. When the operator believes that a threat item image appears on the screening system, the operator indicates such via an indicating means. The system is capable of recording, storing and transmitting individual operator performance data relating to proper detections, missed detections, and false alarms, i.e., when an operator indicates that a threat item image appears when no such image actually appears on the screening system. The system preferably contains a library of various threat item images, e.g., guns, bombs, knives, etc., which are classified according to type of threat and difficulty of detection.

Abstract: A method of and a system for spectral correction in multi-energy computed tomography are provided to correct reconstructed images, including high-energy CT images and Z (effective atomic number) images, for spectral variations, which include time variations on a scanner due to HVPS drift and scanner to scanner variations due to the beamline component differences. The method uses a copper filter mounted on the detector array for tracking the spectral changes. The method comprises: generating copper ratios; computing working air tables; calculating scales and offsets; and correcting high-energy CT images and Z images using calculated scales and offsets. The method further includes an off-line calibration procedure to generate necessary parameters for the online correction.

Abstract: An image-quality control system including a terminal connected to medical diagnostic imaging apparatus and a service center system for transmitting a maintenance report of the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus to the terminal. The terminal includes a first receiving unit for receiving a report transmitted from the service center system and a first transmitting unit for transmitting an image or image-quality parameters of the image. The service center system includes a second receiving unit for receiving the image or image-quality parameters from the terminal, an image-quality parameter database for storing the image-quality parameters, a determination section for determining if the stored image-quality parameters correspond with specified reference values, a report generating section for generating a report including the determination of the image-quality parameters, and a second transmitting unit for transmitting the generated report.

Abstract: Reliable and at the same time simple operation of a plurality of system components using only a single control element is guaranteed by means of the combination of a control lever (10) which can be swiveled manually and a rotational control unit (11) which can be rotated manually. Translatory control motions can be executed intuitively by means of swivel movements (16) of the control lever (10) and rotatory control motions can be executed intuitively by means of rotary movements (14) of the rotational control unit (11). The embodiment of the rotational control unit (11) in the form of a ring element surrounding the control lever (10), which can be can be adjusted by raising or lowering into different operating positions, associated in each case with a specific operating function, is particularly advantageous.

Abstract: A radiological imaging apparatus and method corrects fixed pattern noise (FPN) generated within the apparatus and suppresses increases in random noise attendant upon FPN correction to provide radiological imaging having improved reliability and image quality. The apparatus has a signal processing circuit that digitizes analog output from a read-out circuit, four FPN memories for storing four dark outputs, a light memory for storing a light output after X-ray exposure of a subject, a CPU for controlling the signal processing circuit as well as FPN and light memories, and a shift resister 7 controlled by the CPU. The method involves averaging multiple dark outputs and subtracting the FPN data average so obtained from the light output which includes the X-ray imaged to enhance picture quality. Since the FPN correction uses FPN data that has been averaged over multiple dark outputs, the method also suppresses random noise generated by the FPN correction for enhanced imaging accuracy.

Abstract: A medical examination suite is described. In one example embodiment, the suite comprises an exam room having a microphone and at least a portion of a medical imaging system therein. A microphone sensitivity zone is located in the exam room. The suite further comprises a control room adjacent the exam room and having a video monitor and controls for the imaging system therein, and an equipment room having a computer therein. The computer is coupled to the microphone and to the video monitor and controls for the imaging system.

Abstract: A thermographic infrared apparatus and method for seeing, and thus measuring, a foot inside of a shoe. The apparatus includes one or more thermographic instruments aimed at a base for capturing one or more thermographic images or fields of view of a shoe on the base and thus the heat transferred to the shoe from the foot. The apparatus further includes a display mounted above the base and aimed at the eye level of a person standing on the base such that the person can determine from the thermographic image how well the shoe or shoes fit. The method includes one or more of the steps of taking a thermal infrared image of a shoe on a foot, taking a thermal infrared image of a foot having no shoe thereon, taking a thermal infrared image of a shoe having no foot therein, taking a thermal infrared image from a first direction, taking a thermal infrared image from a second direction to capture surfaces hidden from the first direction, and then comparing one or more of the thermal infrared images.

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: The invention relates to an isokinetic gantry arrangement for the isocentric guidance of a particle beam (12), that can be rotated about a horizontal longitudinal axis (16) and has a beam optical system, symbolized by magnets (36, 38, 40), that deflects the particle beam (12) axially infected by a particle beam accelerator, radially and vertically relative to the horizontal longitudinal axis (16), with a largely rotationally-symmetrical primary structure (18) and a secondary structure (30) that holds the magnets (36, 38, 40) and is supported by the primary structure (18), with the secondary structure (30) having a rigidity that is designed so that the vertical displacements of the magnets (36, 38, 40) due to their weight are essentially of equal magnitude (isokinetic) in all the angle of rotation positions of the gantry arrangement (10), and a method for its design.

Abstract: Disclosed is a uniquely identifiable identification system incorporated into an X-ray testing apparatus or into this system, so that each operator (6) can log onto the operating system only with his or her own individual identification (4, 4.1). The identification (4, 4.1) is read and optionally rewritten by a counterpart device (3, 3.1) of the identification system. Upon leaving the operating system, the operator (6) is automatically logged off by way of removing the identification device (4, 4.1), or by way of exiting from a defined local area (N) around the X-ray testing apparatus, and the operating system is then ready for access by another operator (6).

Abstract: The invention relates to simulating 2D X-ray images from 3D CT data. A user can access a repository of CT data of a patient's anatomy 2 by using a computer network system. The CT data has been obtained by a CT scanning of the patient 1. Firstly, the user retrieves the CT image data 3 and a 3D image is generated 4. Secondly, the user may orient the CT image in any orientation desirable with respect to a virtual X-ray source and a virtual image plane. And thirdly, a 2D X-ray image is simulated 6 from the chosen viewpoint and shown to the user.

Abstract: A method for processing a fluoroscopic image includes generating a lag prediction model, scanning an object at a first radiation dosage with an imaging system including at least one radiation source and at least one detector array, and periodically updating the lag prediction model during the scan to generate at least one fluoroscopic image of the object.

Abstract: In overlapping reconstruction for multi-slide spiral CT, adjacent slices of an object typically only have small differences. Based on this property, a progressive updating approach for volumetric ct image reconstruction includes a method and apparatus to use the well-known ordered subset expectation maximization (OSEM) formula or other iterative algorithms for spiral CT overlapping reconstruction. The imaging geometry is assumed to be single-slice helical/spiral scanning. To start with, a complete set of projections is synthesized via linear interpolation of data associated with opposite rays for reconstruction of the first slice. Then, new data are incrementally utilized for reconstruction of subsequent slices by updating the previous slice using the OSEM approach. To overcome accumulative errors, traditional reconstruction from a complete set of projections is performed when it is necessary as is determined by dynamically monitoring the relevant errors.

Abstract: This invention concerns the testing of the operational performance of X-ray facilities. It involves an image scanner having at least 16 bit greyscale capability to scan a processed X-ray film bearing a test image having known image features at known locations, to create an electronic version of the image. And a programmed computer to measure the optical density of selected of the known features of the electronic image, to calculate predetermined performance indicators, and to deliver a report of operational performance. It related in particular, but not exclusively, the performance of X-ray film processors. The invention includes a number of different aspects, including a test method and test system for testing the operational performance an X-ray facility, in particular an X-ray film processor.

Abstract: A method for facilitating a reduction in motion artifacts includes comparing two sequential scanned images to determine motion.

Abstract: To intraoperatively generate an updated volume data set in which a volume data set representing image information of biological tissue is reconstructed from a series of n 2D x-ray projections of the biological tissue, one version, in intraoperatively acquired m 2D x-ray projections of the biological tissue the 2D contour of the biological tissue is segmented and this is back-projected in the reconstructed volume data set. In another version, in the volume data set the 3D contour of the biological tissue is segmented and this is projected in intraoperatively acquired m 2D x-ray projections of the biological tissue. The 3D contour is virtually repositioned by projection in the m 2D x-ray projections in the volume data set, until its projection is substantially congruent with the image information of the biological tissue in the respective 2D x-ray projections. In both versions, a volume data set updated around the intraoperatively determined 3D contour of the biological tissue is generated.

Abstract: A technique is provided for minimizing or eliminating motion-related artifacts present in CT images due to the dynamic nature of the imaged tissue or the time-varying concentration of a contrast agent used for imaging. The technique allows for the selection of a region of interest that may encompass a structure of diagnostic interest. For projections acquired by the various rows of detectors in a multi-slice CT imaging system, the portions of the projections attributable to the projection of the region of interest within the detector are averaged for each view angle. The projections containing these averaged values are then combined with the projections which do not encompass the region of interest and the combined projection set may be reconstructed to form a CT image of the dynamic tissue. In addition, a smoothing step may be performed to interpolate projection values around the region of interest to smooth the visual transition to the unaveraged portions of the image.

Abstract: A method for detection and classification of nodules (N) in a tomographic image of an anatomical zone of a patient includes segmenting the image to identify therein a region of interest including at least one nodule, and classifying regions of the nodule as one of solid, part-solid, and non-solid.

Abstract: A technique is provided for reducing contrast variability in images produced by tomosynthesis. In particular, contrast variability in images produced by a radiation source which has a linear or elongated scan path is reduced. The technique filters the radiographic projections or the reconstructed image slices in a direction transverse to the scan-direction of the radiation source to reduce contrast variations related to the orientation of the structure and the scan geometry.

Abstract: A digitized tomosynthesis method for projecting a 3D volumetric image of an object onto a virtual projection plane that comprises an alpha blend plane subdivided into a rectangular array of pixel cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for analyzing x-ray images. In particular, devices, methods and algorithms are provided that allow for the accurate and reliable evaluation of bone mineral density and bone structure from x-ray images.

Abstract: A method and system for associating medical imaging data with a customized patient report. The system includes a memory for storing a plurality of patient specific attributes and a plurality of user defined rules, the attributes include patient specific medical image data. A stored program is configured to apply a rule to a corresponding attribute and allow an end user to at least one of create, edit, and add at least one of the attributes and the user defined rules. A processor operates with the stored program for processing to establish a conclusion to the rule. An output device is included and configured to generate the customized patient report having the conclusion in text format. The text in the conclusion is also end user configurable.

Abstract: An image reconstruction method for reconstructing cone or wedge-beam computed tomography projection data includes re-binning (50) the projection data to associate projection data having the similar angular orientation (&thgr;), weighting (60) projection data based on at least one of its angular orientation (&thgr;) and its location within a detector aperture (20), and reconstructing (66) the weighted projection data (64) to form a volume image representation (70). In one preferred embodiment, the weighting (60) includes distributing (56) re-binned projection data (52) associated with a selected image element which one of (a) has the same angular orientation (&thgr;) and (b) is angularly separated by integer multiples of 180° into a selected one or more of a plurality of parallel processing pipelines (60m), and combining (62) the outputs of the selected one or more parallel processing pipelines (60m) to produce weighted projection data (64).

Abstract: A method of analyzing a composition depth profile of a solid surface layer, wherein actually-measured intensity of photoelectrons emitted from the solid surface layer by irradiating the solid surface layer containing at least two or more species of element with X rays and photoelectron calculated intensity obtained by making a calculation assuming an elemental composition ratio for each of a plurality of sub-layers into which the solid surface layer has been temporarily divided are utilized to determine a composition depth profile of the solid surface layer, the method including a step of at least repeating an approximate calculation including: distinguishing a specified sub-layer such that the calculated intensity best converges to the actually-measured intensity in the sub-layers; and correcting an elemental composition ratio at least for the specified sub-layer so that the calculated intensity converges to the actually-measured intensity, thereby determining the composition depth profile of the solid surfa

Abstract: A method includes augmenting partially sampled field of view data using fully sampled field of view data.

Abstract: A gantry of an X-ray computer tomography apparatus comprises a base, two main posts mounted on the base at right angles, a ring frame tiltably supported by the two main posts, a rotation ring rotatably supported by the ring frame, an X-ray tube mounted on the rotation ring, and an X-ray detector mounted on the rotation ring, opposing to the X-ray tube. The props obliquely abut on the main posts to reinforce them.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for registering a patient data set obtained by an imaging process in camera navigation-supported surgical operations, comprising the following steps: producing a patient data set by means of a tomographic scan or an imaging process for the body of the patient or a part thereof, applying at least one marker array, identifiable and trackable in the navigation system, to at least one solid body structure, preferably a bone structure, after the patient has been brought into an operating room and during treatment, in particular after the area to be treated has been exposed, producing one or more x-ray images of the area to be treated by means of an x-ray unit, the spatial position of said images in the navigation system being determined, updating, by means of a computer-assisted assignment, the register of the patient data set with the positional data obtained from the x-ray image, and detecting and re-registering movements or relative movements in the area to be treated by t

Abstract: There is provided a method of constructing a three dimensional (3D) image of an object from a plurality of two dimensional (2D) views of the object, comprising the steps of filtering the plurality of 2D views of the object, and order statistics-based backprojecting the filtered 2D views into the 3D image of the object.

Abstract: A computing device in a three-dimensional imaging system utilizes a plurality of distance readings and reference readings from the at least one subject sensor to determine a subject location and a subject volume and establish a base-three dimensional map of a subject. A plurality of two-dimensional image exposures along with a plurality of associated reference locations are created by rotating an image source and an image receptor around an inner circumference of an imaging gantry. The plurality of two-dimensional image exposures is digitized to create a plurality of digital two-dimensional image exposures. The computing device receives the plurality of digital two-dimensional image exposures and the plurality of associated reference locations. The overlaying, interpolating, and pasting of the plurality of digital two-dimensional image exposures on the base three-dimensional map creates a base three-dimensional image exposure, which is displayed on a display device.

Abstract: A method for reconstructing an image of an object utilizing a computed tomographic (CT) imaging system is provided. The CT system includes a radiation source and a multislice detector array on a rotating gantry, with the radiation source configured to project a beam of radiation through an object and towards the multislice detector array. The multislice detector array is configured to sense attenuation of the radiation passing through the object. The method for reconstructing an image includes helically scanning an object with a computed tomographic imaging system to acquire a plurality of views of projection data at a plurality of gantry angles and a plurality of cone angles, generating a plurality of cone angle dependent weights that are inversely correlated to an absolute value of a cone angle, and weighting the projection data using the cone angle dependent weights.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for treating the subject are provided, using which it is determined whether an equivalent uniform dose (“EUD”) associated with a particular dose distribution is greater than a first dose tolerance associated with a first structure within a subject. Also, a determination is made as to whether the EUD associated with the particular dose distribution is greater than a second dose tolerance associated with a second structure within the subject.

Abstract: A method of correcting the extrafocal radiation of an X-ray tube in image recordings with a computed tomograph, includes subjecting measured data, obtained from detector channels of at least one detector row in the computed tomography, to logarithmic manipulation and back projection in order to obtain the image recordings. The measured data, before the logarithmic manipulation and back projection, is subjected to convolution with a detector-channel-dependent convolution core EN(k), which is derived from a distribution of the extrafocal radiation on at least one detector channel of the computed tomograph or a computed tomograph of an identical type. The present method permits good correction of the extrafocal radiation without reference to the convolution cores to be used for the filtered back projection.

Abstract: In a method and an X-ray diagnostic installation for storing X-ray images, during a pulsed transillumination, new image datasets are produced averaging a number of temporally successive X-ray image datasets and the new image datasets are stored.

Abstract: To provide a radiation imaging method using a phase contrast method capable of imaging efficiently with high estimation accuracy of restoring phase. The radiation imaging method includes the steps of: (a) sequentially detecting intensity of radiation transmitted through an object at plural distances from the object in first order by using radiation having a first wavelength to obtain a first group of image signals; (b) sequentially detecting intensity of radiation transmitted through the object at plural distances from the object in the reverse order by using radiation having a second wavelength to obtain a second group of image signals; (c) restoring phase information of the radiation based on the first and second groups of image signals to obtain plural pieces of phase data; and (d) generating image data based on the plural pieces of phase data.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image of an object scanned with a plurality of cone-beam projections from a number of source positions is reconstructed using a method wherein intermediate transform functions are obtained from two-dimensional images of radiation attenuation in the scanned object. The intermediate transform functions are then filtered over the two-dimensional attenuation images using a moving-frame technique. The second-order radial derivative of the Radon transform can then be backprojected to generate an intermediate, locally-reconstructed, three-dimensional image. After repetition of this process, the plurality of intermediate, locally reconstructed, three-dimensional images are summed to obtain an ultimate, reconstructed, three-dimensional image of the object. In particular embodiments, the source and detector are displaced along helical paths and radiation scans of the object are taken at multiple positions along the paths.

Abstract: A digital image representation of a radiological image is acquired and applied to a display device connected to a computer and displayed. A measurement scheme is retrieved from the computer and activated. Measurements are performed on the displayed image under guidance of the activated measurement scheme.

Abstract: A scheme for enabling proper radiation sensing to be performed without establishing a synchronous connection by generating radioscopic and sensing timings of an image sensor, includes a timing prediction unit for predicting an x-ray pulse timing on the basis of a detection value of a first X-ray detection unit, and outputting the predicted radiation pulse timing, and a drive control unit for effecting drive control of a second X-ray detection unit on the basis of an output of the timing prediction unit, thereby making it possible to perform the proper radiation sensing without establishing the wired or wireless online synchronous connection.

Abstract: A fast method for divergent-beam backprojecion is proposed for generating an electronic image from a preprocessed divergent-beam sonogram, the sinogram being a collection of divergent beam projections. The method can include the following steps: subdividing the sinogram into multiple sub-sinograms; performing a weighted backprojection of said sub-sinograms, to produce multiple corresponding sub-images; and aggregating said sub-images to create the electronic image. The subdivision of the sinogram into sub-sinograms can be performed in a recursive manner. A dual of the proposed method provides a fast means for reprojecting an electronic image, i.e., generating a divergent-beam sinogram from the image.

Abstract: General scheme processes and systems for constructing algorithms for reconstructing images of objects that have been scanned in a spiral or non-spiral fashions with detectors. Application of the scheme requires finding of a weight function, which would lead to the required reconstruction algorithm. This general scheme can use a C-arm scan with the closed x-ray source trajectory and gives a new, theoretically exact and efficient (i.e., with the convolution-based FBP structure) reconstruction algorithm. The invention can also utilize the algorithms disclosed in an earlier application U.S. application Ser. No. 10/143,160 filed May 10, 2002, entitled: Exact Filtered Back Projection (FBP) Algorithm For Spiral Computer Tomography, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/312,827 filed Aug. 16, 2001, also fit into the general scheme.

Abstract: A method for statistically reconstructing images from a plurality of transmission measurements having energy diversity and image reconstructor apparatus utilizing the method are provided. A statistical (maximum-likelihood) method for dual-energy X-ray CT accommodates a wide variety of potential system configurations and measurement noise models. Regularized methods (such as penalized-likelihood or Bayesian estimations) are straightforward extensions. One version of the algorithm monotonically decreases the negative log-likelihood cost function each iteration. An ordered-subsets variation of the algorithm provides a fast and practical version. The method and apparatus provide material characterization and quantitatively accurate CT values in a variety of applications. The method and apparatus provide improved noise/dose properties.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for processing data enables to display a preview image rapidly in case of processing large volume of data. Index data are generated by rendering the large amount of bit map data and stored in addition to the three-dimensional bit map data. By means that the two-dimensional image resulted from the rendering process is made prepared in advance before accepting the user's command for display and edit, the preview of the content of the data can be displayed rapidly at real-time when the user issues the command interactively.

Abstract: A system comprising a plurality of apparatus, each equipped with at least one central unit including an internal clock, the internal clocks being synchronized. At least two of the apparatus receive signals and synchronize their respective internal clock with the signals. The signals can be a radio signal that can be from a satellite, such as a global positioning system. The apparatus may be an imaging apparatus or other devices used in medical technology.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for processing a target radiation image generated by radiation transmitted through a radiographic object, which has an image data transforming device for practicing image processing in such a manner that image characteristics of the target radiation image correspond to image characteristics of a radiation image for reference determined beforehand, on the basis of image characteristics obtained from the radiation image for reference.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel method for automatically inspecting, e.g., aluminium cast parts using a monocular sequence of X-ray images taken of the test piece in different positions. Known methods for the automatic detection of casting defects use modified median filters which estimate X-ray images that are free of defects using recorded X-ray images. These images are compared with each other and casting defects are detected when a particularly great difference exists between them. However, the configuration of each filter depends to a considerable extent on the size, shape and position of the constructional structure of the test piece. These characteristics of the test piece therefore have to be considered a priori. The invention provides a method enabling casting defects to be automatically detected in two steps. The method uses a single filter and no a priori knowledge of the structure of the test piece.

Abstract: A method for the reconstruction of a tomographic image of an object from measurements of scattering data resulting from probing waves. The scattering data is related to a forward scattering operator by an integral operator. The tomographic image is reconstructed by executing a prescribed mathematical algorithm, as determined with reference to the integral operator, on the scattering data.

Abstract: In a computed tomography method and apparatus, having a subject with a conical ray beam emanating from a focus and with a matrix-like detector array for detecting the ray beam, while the focus is moved on a spiral path around a system axis relative to the subject, and the detector array supplies output data corresponding to the received radiation. The output data respectively supplied during the motion of the focus on a spiral segment and having a length adequate for the reconstruction of a CT image are divided into output data with respect to sub-segments, with the length of each sub-segments being shorter than the length required for the reconstruction of a CT image. Segment images having an inclined image plane relative to the system axis are reconstructed for the sub-segments. A signal reproducing the time curve of the periodic motion is acquired during the scanning. A z-position on the system axis and a time position with respect to the periodic motion are allocated to the segment images.