Linear Tomography Patents (Class 378/26)
  • Patent number: 11386200
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer having an isolated user computing unit for responding to a system seizing attempt by a malicious code and minimizing damage to a system. A computer according to a feature proposed by the present invention comprises: a security management computing unit for managing connected I/O devices and auxiliary memory device unit; and a user computing unit which is isolated from the I/O devices, communicates with the I/O devices via an intercommunication unit responsible for communication between the security management computing unit and the user computing unit, has a separate CPU and memory, and is connected to the security management computing unit. The security management computing unit manages the I/O devices, monitors and restores a system, and monitors and controls the user computing unit, and the user computing unit is isolated from the security management computing unit and executes a user program and a user OS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Inventor: Deok Woo Kim
  • Patent number: 10475217
    Abstract: An imaging system includes an imaging unit, a display unit, and at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to acquire a first type of diagnostic imaging information of the patient; reconstruct a first image using the first type of diagnostic imaging information; if a first stop criterion for terminating imaging is not satisfied, acquire a second type of diagnostic imaging information having an increased level of acquisitional burden; reconstruct a second image; if a second stop criterion for terminating imaging is not satisfied, acquire a third type of diagnostic imaging information having an increased level of acquisitional burden, wherein the patient is maintained on a table of the imaging unit during the acquisition of the second type of diagnostic imaging information, reconstruction of the second image, and acquisition of the third type of diagnostic imaging information; reconstruct a third image; and display the third image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gopal Biligeri Avinash, Steven Michael Zanoni, Saad Ahmed Sirohey, Vincent Adam, Maud Bonnard
  • Patent number: 9504437
    Abstract: An diagnostic imaging apparatus including: a correction table; a top panel height calculation unit configured to calculate a height of the top panel corresponding to the distance between the fulcrum of the top panel and the imaging position, from an image captured by continuous imaging of the subject; an imaging position estimation unit configured to estimate an imaging position of an image captured by a different imaging method from a method for the captured image based on the height of the top panel calculated by the top panel height calculation unit, the distance between the fulcrum of the top panel corresponding to the height and the imaging position, and the correction table; and an image correction unit configured to align the imaging position of the image captured by the different imaging method with the imaging position of the image captured by the continuous imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Noshi, Manabu Teshigawara
  • Patent number: 9239300
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an X-ray system and method for generating 3D image data. The X-ray system comprises a radiation detector, a movable X-ray tube assembly and a control unit, wherein in a working state of the system the radiation detector is detachably positioned in a spatially fixed manner and the X-ray tube assembly can be moved into relative positions relative to the radiation detector. Projection images recorded in the relative positions can be processed together with the coordinates of the relative positions using an iterative reconstruction technique or other image processing methods so as to obtain 3D X-ray images. The X-ray tube assembly is attached to a motor-driven movable stand arm and can be displaced using a control unit. The stand base of the movable stand can be positioned in a spatially fixed manner, so that it has a defined fixed position relative to the radiation detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignees: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V., Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin
    Inventors: Erwin Keeve, Fabian Stopp, Eckart Uhlmann
  • Patent number: 9060739
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a photographing device including a power transmission unit. The power transmission unit includes a frame unit which is connected to the second drive body, an adaptor unit which is connected to the frame unit and is selectively connected to the first drive body or the support body by external power, an actuating unit which operates the adaptor unit, and a power unit which transmits power to the actuating unit. According to the power transmission unit of the X-ray mammography device, since biopsy photography and tomography can be performed using only one power transmission unit, the weight and size of the rotating arm may be reduced, and the vibration and noise produced thereby may be reduced. Thanks to the simple operation mechanism of the power transmission unit, power loss may be reduced, and the durability of each component may be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Rayence Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae-Hong Kim
  • Patent number: 8965074
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a memory unit which stores data of a first projection image and data of a second projection image, which are associated with the same object and are captured in different imaging directions, a display unit which displays the data of the first projection image and the data of the second projection image, a designation operation unit which is configured to designate a plurality of points on the displayed first and second projection images, and an operation supporting unit which generates operation supporting information for supporting an operation of designating, by the designation operation unit, the plurality of points on the second image, which anatomically correspond to the plurality of points designated on the first projection image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Takuya Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 8948339
    Abstract: One object of this invention is to provide a radiation tomography apparatus for acquiring a tomographic image from a plurality of fluoroscopic images. The radiation tomography apparatus can acquire the tomographic image having superior visibility without being influenced by a shadow of a collimator appearing in the fluoroscopic image when radiation is applied only to a portion of an FPD through control of the collimator. In this invention, a boundary between a shadow area where the shadow of the collimator appears in the fluoroscopic image and a non-shadow area is identified, and the shadow area in the fluoroscopic image is complemented by the non-shadow area, etc., whereby a complement image is generated. Then the complement image is used for generating the tomographic image. According to this invention, an extremely dark area where the shadow of the collimator appears is removed and thereafter the tomographic image is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Daisuke Notohara, Kazuyoshi Nishino
  • Patent number: 8938045
    Abstract: A method of evaluating a reservoir includes a multi-energy X-ray CT scan of a sample, obtaining bulk density and photoelectric effect index effect for the sample, estimation of at least mineral property using data obtained from at least one of a core gamma scan, a spectral gamma ray scan, an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis, or an X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of the sample, and determination of at least one sample property by combining the bulk density, photoelectric effect index, and the at least one mineral property (e.g., total clay content). Reservoir properties, such as one or more of formation brittleness, porosity, organic material content, and permeability, can be determined by the method without need of detailed lab physical measurements or destruction of the sample. A system for evaluating a reservoir also is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Ingrain, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Dvorkin, Naum Derzhi, Elizabeth Diaz, Joel Walls
  • Patent number: 8923476
    Abstract: Some aspects include acquisition of a first plurality of projection images of a volume using a megavoltage x-ray source, each of the first plurality of projection images associated with a respective one of a first plurality of locations of the megavoltage x-ray source, acquisition of a second plurality of projection images of the volume using a kilovoltage x-ray source, each of the second plurality of projection images associated with a respective one of a second plurality of locations of the kilovoltage x-ray source, and performance of digital tomosynthesis reconstruction to generate a three-dimensional image of the volume based on the first plurality of projection images and the second plurality of projection images. The first axis may be perpendicular to the second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Ajay Paidi, Jonathan Maltz, Ali Bani-Hashemi
  • Patent number: 8737562
    Abstract: A body section radiographic apparatus for serially acquiring a series of fluoroscopic images while synchronously moving a radiation source and a radiation detecting device, and obtaining a sectional image of a subject from the series of fluoroscopic images. The apparatus includes, besides the radiation source which emits a beam of radiation and the radiation detecting device which is opposed to the radiation source and has a plurality of radiation detecting elements, a synchronous moving device for moving the radiation source and the radiation detecting device synchronously with each other, and a radiation grid disposed to cover a radiation detecting plane of the radiation detecting device for removing scattered radiation. The fluoroscopic images are serially acquired while moving the radiation grid relative to the radiation detecting device to change positions where radiation transmission unevenness of the radiation grid is projected on the radiation detecting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Daisuke Notohara, Kazuyoshi Nishino, Mikihiko Kato, Koichi Shibata
  • Patent number: 8675814
    Abstract: When a subject is irradiated with radiation, and the radiation that has passed through the subject is detected, body thickness information about the subject is obtained. Further, a slice image obtainment condition representing a range in which a slice image is obtained in the subject is set based on the body thickness information. Further, the slice image is obtained based on the slice image obtainment condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Sadato Akahori, Jun Enomoto, Eiichi Kanagawa, Yasunori Ohta, Noriaki Ida
  • Patent number: 8559593
    Abstract: A radiation source and a detection means are moved relative to each other, thereby moving the radiation source to a plurality of positions. A subject is irradiated with radiation from the plurality of positions to obtain a plurality of radiographic images of the subject. A slice image of the subject is reconstructed from the plurality of radiographic images. At this time, a first mode for moving only the radiation source or a second mode for moving both of the radiation source and the detection means is selected based on the condition of radiography, and the plurality of radiographic images are obtained in the selected mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Sadato Akahori
  • Patent number: 8335357
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a memory unit which stores data of a first projection image and data of a second projection image, which are associated with the same object and are captured in different imaging directions, a display unit which displays the data of the first projection image and the data of the second projection image, a designation operation unit which is configured to designate a plurality of points on the displayed first and second projection images, and an operation supporting unit which generates operation supporting information for supporting an operation of designating, by the designation operation unit, the plurality of points on the second image, which anatomically correspond to the plurality of points designated on the first projection image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Coporation
    Inventor: Takuya Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 8184765
    Abstract: A radiation source is moved, relative to a detection means, in a movement range that is calculated based on a desired slice angle with respect to a predetermined base point on a base plane that defines a range of obtaining a slice image of a subject. The radiation source is moved to a plurality of positions, and a plurality of radiographic images of the subject corresponding to the plurality of positions are obtained by irradiating the subject with radiation from the plurality of positions. Further, a slice image of the subject is reconstructed from the plurality of radiographic images. When the slice image is reconstructed, radiographic images to be used to reconstruct the slice image are selected based on a distance from the detection surface of the detection means to a slice plane on which the slice image is to be generated, and the desired slice angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Sadato Akahori
  • Patent number: 7945015
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes a multi X-ray generating unit in which multiple X-ray foci are disposed in two-dimensional form at a predetermined pitch in a first direction, and a slit unit having multiple slit members each disposed opposite to its respective X-ray focus. Each slit member has multiple slits arranged in the first direction, and each of the slits forms a slice-formed X-ray beam whose lengthwise direction is a second direction that is different from the first direction. The two-dimensional detection unit detects the X-ray intensity of the formed X-ray beams at the detection surface. The X-ray imaging apparatus executes X-ray imaging at multiple positions while moving the multi X-ray generating unit and the slit unit in the first direction by the amount of the predetermined pitch, while keeping the relative positional relationship therebetween, and reconstructs an X-ray image based on the obtained X-ray intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Osamu Tsujii, Keiji Tsuchiya, Masahiko Okunuki
  • Patent number: 7885378
    Abstract: An imaging method and apparatus is described in which distances between a source and an object are changed and projection images are generated at each of the different distances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel B. Kopans, Richard H. Moore
  • Patent number: 7796723
    Abstract: In a known type of tomosynthesis x-ray source and x-ray detector are linearly moved and x-rays images are taken for a large number of positions, the images being reconstructed to give a 3D image record. According to the invention x-ray source and x-ray detector are swiveled and a sequence of x-rays is subsequently taken again, x-ray source and x-ray detector again being moved in a straight line. One drawback of simple tomosynthesis with movement in a straight line is suppressed thereby, the drawback being that the quality of reconstruction is particularly poor in a certain direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Härer, Michael Zellerhoff
  • Patent number: 7708462
    Abstract: The present invention proposes a technique capable of accurately grasping position and angle of a radiation generator at the time of image capturing. At the time of obtaining a plurality of transmission images by detecting radiation emitted from a emitting generator and passing through a specimen via a predetermined member (for example, a diaphragm) by a detector for a plurality of times while changing a relative position relation and a relative angle relation of the emitting generator to the detector, an outer-edge shape of a radiation area irradiated with the radiation on a detection surface of the detector from the emitting generator is recognized. On the basis of the outer-edge shape of the radiation area and an inner-edge shape of a predetermined member, the relative position relation and the relative angle relation of the emitting generator to the detector are obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Koichi Fujiwara, Osamu Toyama, Sumiya Nagatsuka
  • Patent number: 7664222
    Abstract: A portable tomosynthesis imaging system is disclosed that includes a portable X-ray source assembly and a portable detector assembly. The source assembly may be coupled to a portable power supply and controller such that multiple projection X-ray images may be obtained at a site that is not accessible by conventional tomosynthesis imaging systems. Image data may be transmitted from the detector by wired or wireless communication. Tomosynthesis image reconstruction may be performed locally at the portable system or remotely by the transmission of raw or filtered image data from the portable system. The portable system is particularly well-suited to field deployment, such as at accident scenes, scenes of natural or other disasters, or in confined clinical settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventors: Kadri Nizar Jabri, Renuka Uppaluri, John Michael Sabol, Gopal Biligeri Avinash
  • Patent number: 7623905
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gabriel Haras, Rainer Raupach
  • Patent number: 7529336
    Abstract: A laminography inspection system comprises an irradiation source, a plurality of linear image detectors defining an image plane, a fixed table for placement of a test object in a stationary position between the irradiation source and the image detectors, and a computing device for processing a plurality of images of the test object acquired from the image detectors. The irradiation source and the image detectors perform a plurality of parallel linear scanning passes across the area of the test object to acquire images of the test object under different viewing angles. Based on the acquired image data, the computing device determines a warp compensation and generates a cross-sectional image of a selected section within the test object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Test Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Kuang Pu Wen, Shih-Liang Chen, Meng Kun Lee
  • Patent number: 7493001
    Abstract: A detector module, in at least one embodiment, is disclosed for x-radiation or gamma radiation that includes one or more optical waveguide sections that are arranged next to one another in order to form one or more detector rows and are optically interconnected in serial fashion. The waveguide sections include one or more converter materials for converting incident x-radiation or gamma radiation into optical radiation and are designed in such a way that optical radiation of different wavelength is generated in respectively neighboring regions along the waveguide sections upon incidence of x-radiation or gamma radiation. The present detector module, in at least one embodiment, can be implemented cost effectively with a high number of detector rows, and is of very low weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Stefan Popescu
  • Publication number: 20080285712
    Abstract: An imaging method and apparatus is described in which distances between a source and an object are changed and projection images are generated at each of the different distances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Daniel B. Kopans, Richard H. Moore
  • Patent number: 7418076
    Abstract: The presently described technology provides a tomosynthesis imaging system that comprises an x-ray tube and an anti-scatter grid. The x-ray tube is configured to emit x-rays from a plurality of positions during movement of the x-ray tube along a long axis of a mobile patient surface. The anti-scatter grid is configured to filter out scattered x-rays and includes a grid line parallel to the long axis of the mobile patient surface. The x-rays emitted from the plurality of positions are reconstructed into at least one image of at least one plane of a patient anatomy. The described technology is useful in emergency or trauma applications where a patient may be quickly and easily moved on a mobile patient surface to a position near an x-ray detector used in combination with the x-ray tube and anti-scatter grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Baojun Li, Renuka Uppaluri, Carson Hale Thomas, Gerald Paul Schulte, Gopal B. Avinash, Rowland F. Saunders, Tammy M. Merisotis
  • Publication number: 20080108895
    Abstract: A method and system for defining at least one of a plurality of acquisition and processing parameters in a tomosynthesis imaging system are disclosed herein. The method involves providing a user interface that allows a user to quickly and easily specify at least one desired characteristic of a reconstructed image. Based on the user-specified image characteristic, at least one of a desired set of acquisition and processing parameters for the tomosynthesis imaging system is automatically defined. The user interface interacts with a processor for deriving acquisition and processing parameters based upon image characteristics specified by the user using a user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: John Michael Sabol, Timothy Wayne Deller, Kadri Nizar Jabri
  • Patent number: 7346198
    Abstract: An inter-image operation apparatus has temporal subtraction means for calculating a temporal subtraction image from two or more sets of base image data, and history data recording means for recording history data concerning the calculated temporal subtraction image in a database server and concurrently attaching the same history data to the data on the temporal subtraction image. The history data may include information identifying the two or more base images, the date of calculating the temporal subtraction image, the ID number of the patient, the name of the photographed portion of the patient, the photographing angle of the patient, etc. A desired temporal subtraction image may be immediately fetched from the database server by referring to the history data attached thereto if that temporal subtraction image had already been obtained, instead of recalculating that temporal subtraction image. Thus, the diagnostic process of comparing two or more images of an identical object can be carried out efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Akira Oosawa
  • Patent number: 7342993
    Abstract: A system for low dose x-ray imaging provides for dynamic generation of an x-ray beam with specific shape, and dynamic tracking of a detector with said beam. The detector is rotatable, and translatable along two orthogonal axes, and may mount with a circular detector tray, the tray rotating around a rotation axis. Specific detector shapes include an elongated rectangular matrix, for example with additional detector cells near the rotation center to provide an increased area of continuous detection. Dynamic low-dose x-ray tomosynthesis or limited-angle tomographic imaging is enabled via simultaneous x-ray tube and detector motions during examination, such as fluoroscopic examination of a human body. Data acquired at multiple projection angles is input to a 3D image reconstruction algorithm that provides a refreshed 3D data set during continuing examination. The system may thus also automatically track a point in three-dimensional space, for example continuously locating the tip of a catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventor: Guy M. Besson
  • Patent number: 7340032
    Abstract: A system for low dose x-ray imaging provides for dynamic generation of an x-ray beam with specific shape, and dynamic tracking of a detector with said beam. The detector is rotatable, and translatable along two orthogonal axes, and may mount with a circular detector tray, the tray rotating around a rotation axis. Specific detector shapes include an elongated rectangular matrix, for example with additional detector cells near the rotation center to provide an increased area of continuous detection. Dynamic low-dose x-ray tomosynthesis or limited-angle tomographic imaging is enabled via simultaneous x-ray tube and detector motions during examination, such as fluoroscopic examination of a human body. Data acquired at multiple projection angles is input to a 3D image reconstruction algorithm that provides a refreshed 3D data set during continuing examination. The system may thus also automatically track a point in three-dimensional space, for example continuously locating the tip of a catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: Guy M. Besson
  • Patent number: 7313219
    Abstract: To provide a radiation image pick-up device capable of obtaining a plurality of tomography images through single-time image pick-up, a radiation image pick-up method and a program. When a position controller moves an X-ray source to an optional tomography plane in an object to be detected in parallel and the X-ray source is present at geometric focuses set at equal interval, X rays are pulsatively generated by the X-ray source and detection of X rays by a radiation detector is performed by the total of n times. Moreover, a position controller moves the radiation detector in accordance with the movement of the X-ray source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tadao Endo
  • Patent number: 7203350
    Abstract: A method for displaying a computer-generated determination of the likelihood of malignancy in a mammogram lesion. The method requires providing a digitized image of a mammogram, displaying the digitized image, and selecting a region of interest directly on the displayed digitized image. The digitized image is then processed so that classifier data of the lesion in the user-selected region of interest are generated and displayed. A system for displaying a determination of the likelihood of malignancy in a mammogram lesion. The system includes a display for presenting a digitized mammogram and an input device in communication with the display for selectably indicating a region of interest on the displayed mammogram. The system also includes a processor for generating classifier data related to a characterization feature within the region of interest. The classifier data is presented on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Computer Aided Diagnosis Ltd.
    Inventors: Isaac Leichter, Philippe Bamberger, Boris Novak
  • Patent number: 7123683
    Abstract: An apparatus for radiographing an object using radiation from a movable radiation source, includes a detection unit which detects a radiation image of an object, a supporting unit which supports the object, and a control unit which controls a movement of at least one of the detection unit and the supporting unit, based on information of a position of the radiation source and a part to be radiographed of the object, such that a projection image of the part to be radiographed can be detected by the detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Osamu Tsujii
  • Patent number: 7016458
    Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining tomographic data of an object comprises a radiation source (50), a detector (42) comprising multiple line detectors (41), an object region (53) arranged in the radiation path between the source and the detector, and a device (54) for moving the source and detector relative the object, while each of the line detectors records multiple line images of radiation as transmitted through the object. The source emits radiation within a large angle to irradiate the object completely in one dimension (y), and the line detectors are sited in rows (71) and columns (72), wherein the line detectors in each row together define an opening angle (?) large enough to detect the object completely in the dimension (y).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Xcounter AB
    Inventor: Tom Francke
  • Patent number: 6970531
    Abstract: An imaging system for performing tomosynthesis on a region of an object comprises an x-ray source, motion controller, an x-ray detector and a processing unit. The x-ray source is positioned at a predetermined distance from the object and continuously moves along a linear path relative to the object. The x-ray source transmits x-ray radiation through the region of the object at a plurality of predetermined locations. The motion controller is coupled to the x-ray source and continuously moves the x-ray source along the path relative to the object. The x-ray source minimizes vibration in the imaging system due to continuous movement. The x-ray detector is positioned at a predetermined distance from the x-ray source and detects the x-ray radiation transmitted through the region of the object, thus acquiring x-ray image data representative of the region of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignees: General Electric Company, Duke University
    Inventors: Jeffrey Wayne Eberhard, Bernhard Erich Hermann Claus, Abdulrahman Abdallah Alkhalidy, James Talmage Dobbins, III, Devon James Godfrey
  • Patent number: 6960020
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for determining the position of the image of a target object or the position of the x-ray source in digital tomosynthesis, as the x-ray source is moved relative to the object so as to obtain multiple two-dimensional images of the object from multiple angles. At least one marker, characterized by a simple and known image pattern, is disposed between an x-ray source and a detector system. The shift in the image of the object, resulting from the movement of the x-ray source during tomosynthesis, is calculated to a desired resolution using the readily observable shift in the image of the marker. The x-ray source may be translated along a plane parallel to the plane of the detector system, or may be rotated about a fixed center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Analogic Corporation
    Inventor: Ching-Ming Lai
  • Patent number: 6940942
    Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining tomosynthesis data of an object (5) comprises a radiation source (1) emitting radiation (2) centered around an axis of symmetry (3); a radiation detector (6) comprising a stack of line detectors (6a), each being directed towards the divergent radiation source to allow a ray bundle (b1, . . . , bn, . . . , bN) of the radiation that propagates in a respective one of a plurality of different angles (?1, . . . , ?n, . . . , ?N) to enter the line detector; an object area arranged in the radiation path between the divergent radiation source and the radiation detector for housing the object; and a device (7) for moving the radiation source and the radiation detector relative the object essentially linearly in a direction (8) essentially orthogonal to the axis of symmetry, while each of the stack of line detectors is adapted to record a plurality of line images of radiation as transmitted through the object in a respective one of the plurality of different angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: XCounter AB
    Inventor: Christer Ullberg
  • Patent number: 6914958
    Abstract: A method is provided for acquiring digital x-ray images. Scan parameters designating slices of interest from a patient anatomy are identified. The travel distance and the speed of the x-ray tube and the detector are determined from the scan parameters. The patient is scanned in a first direction to obtain a first x-ray image utilizing a servo-tomo function based on the scan parameters. The image is saved in an image storage device and is displayed. The patient is scanned in a second direction to obtain a second x-ray image utilizing the servo-tomo function based on the scan parameters. The image is saved and displayed simultaneously with the first image in a multi-image format. After each scan, the operator may modify the scan parameters designating a slice of interest before initiating the next scan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventor: Alexander Ganin
  • Patent number: 6862337
    Abstract: A digital tomosynthesis system acquires a plurality of projection radiographs of an object and reconstructs structures of the object based on the acquired projection radiographs. The digital tomosynthesis system includes an x-ray source and a detector. The x-ray source emits a beam of x-rays, and moves in a linear trajectory relative to the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bernhard Erich Hermann Claus, Beale Opsahl-Ong, Mehmet Yavuz
  • Publication number: 20040264636
    Abstract: A digital tomosynthesis system acquires a plurality of projection radiographs of an object and reconstructs structures of the object based on the acquired projection radiographs. The digital tomosynthesis system includes an x-ray source and a detector. The x-ray source emits a beam of x-rays, and moves in a linear trajectory relative to the detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bernhard Erich Hermann Claus, Beale Opsahl-Ong, Mehmet Yavuz
  • Patent number: 6628745
    Abstract: A digital tomography system includes an electron source that provides a beam of electrons, and an electromagnet assembly that receives said beam of electrons and is configured and arranged to direct the beam of electrons along a selected path, wherein the assembly provides a redirected beam of electrons. The system also includes a target that is struck by the redirected beam of electrons and generates a cone of x-rays, and a slit collimator that receives the cone of x-rays and generates a fan beam. A first line of detectors is positioned to detect x-rays that pass through the object under inspection, and provide sensed signals indicative thereof to a controller that receives the sensed signals and forms a displayable image of a selected plane through the object under inspection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventors: Martin Annis, Richard Adler
  • Patent number: 6570954
    Abstract: An X-ray device for the formation of slice images of an object to be examined including an X-ray source, an X-ray detector, a transport device for moving the object during the acquisition of a series of X-ray projection images of the object in a movement plane situated parallel to the imaging plane, and a control device for controlling the acquisition of the X-ray projection images and the transport device. Slice images of the object are formed from the X-ray projection images by a tomosynthesis method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Volker Rasche, Erhard Paul Artur Klotz, Reiner Koppe
  • Patent number: 6370219
    Abstract: A self-modulated solid state laser comprises an intracavity optical waveguide that supports a multiplicity of lasing filaments each at a different optical frequency. At least two of the filaments temporally beat with one another so as to modulate the intensity of the laser output. In accordance with one embodiment of our invention, the waveguide supports a multiplicity of transverse modes, and the laser includes a mode mixing mechanism that mixes the energy of at least two pairs of the modes, each coupled pair generating a separate filament. In an illustrative embodiment, the filaments are mode locked and the laser output is modulated at a frequency on the order of 1 THz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: David Reese Peale
  • Patent number: 5943434
    Abstract: In a method for image reconstruction in imaging technology for the implementation of a fast convolution with the transformation length M while allowing slight over-convolution errors, each of p or 2p out of n measured projections of the length N are convolved with a modified filter kernel h (k) using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) simultaneously in one step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Karl Schwarz
  • Patent number: 5933472
    Abstract: A slice level display for x-ray systems has a projector arranged next to a patient-support plate which emits light beam directed onto a patient on the support plate, projector being coupled to a drive system in order to displace an x-ray radiator and an exposure cassette, seated under the patient-support plate, oppositely around the light beam axis as a pivot point of their connecting line. The x-ray radiator and the exposure cassette are displaceable via separate drives that are coupled with a control unit having a position sensor associated therewith. The position sensor supplies height position signals of the projector to the control unit which are used to calculate control signals for operating the respective drives for displacing the x-ray radiator and the cassette. The projector and a displacement mechanism therefor and the height position sensor are detachably securable to the patient-support plate as a structural unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Claudius Molz, Paolo Barzaghi, Gerhard Wurzer
  • Patent number: 5732119
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the automatic adjustment of exposure parameters in an imaging apparatus operating on linear tomographic principles and intended for the slice imaging of the region of denture and temporomandibular joints. The method includes a stage for measuring a radiation (8) transmitted through the skull and for adjusting exposure parameters on the basis of the measuring result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Instrumentarium Corporation
    Inventor: Panu Kopsala
  • Patent number: 5717732
    Abstract: A system is provided for acquiring data for use in constructing a CT image of an object having a region of special interest, the system generally including an x-ray cone-beam source and an array detector having first and second zones, the resolution of the first zone being greater than the resolution of the second zone. Relative movement is established between the source and the object along a first path of translation, to position the source in a succession of view positions with respect to the object. The detector is moved along a second path of translation, which is substantially parallel to the first path, to position the detector at a succession of detector positions, each corresponding to one of the view positions. At each view position, the source is operated to project the beam toward the object, the beam axis being directed to intersect both the geometric center of the region of special interest, and the center point of the first resolution zone of the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Kwok Cheong Tam
  • Patent number: 5031202
    Abstract: A tower structure (1) carries a pivotable swing arm (2) which has a geometric extension which deviates from the rectilinear between a first end at which the arm carries a holder (3) for an image-receptor accommodating cassette, and a second end at which the swing arm carries a beam source (5) and a counterweight (6). The structure includes a coupling means (2a) by means of which the arm can be coupled to a frame (16) of an examination table (14) comprising a table top which can be moved in two mutually perpendicular directions. When the coupling means is engaged, the tower structure and the examination table form a unit, with the image receptor located in a plane parallel with the table top (19) and slightly spaced therefrom. The cassette holder can be displaced linearly in the longitudinal direction of the table, to enable photographs to be taken with an angled beam path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Inventor: Carl-Eric Ohlson
  • Patent number: 4762999
    Abstract: A radiation image recording and read-out apparatus comprises an image recording section, an image reading section, an erasing section, a circulating and conveying means for conveying stimulable phosphor sheets from section to section and a radiation source which is provided opposed to the image recording section spaced therefrom by a predetermined distance. The circulating and conveying means is arranged to convey the stimulable phosphor sheet in the image recording section. The radiation source is arranged to be movable over the object in the image recording section. A motion control mechanism moves the stimulable phosphor sheet and the radiation source relative to each other in the image recording section substantially satisfying a linear law and a geometric law with respect to a desired cross section of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Saotome, Masamitsu Ishida
  • Patent number: 4665539
    Abstract: A method of forming tomographic images in cross-sectional tomography, in which a body is irradiated by a flat X-ray beam at different angles for successively forming a plurality of profiles on an X-ray screen or an X-ray detector, and a tomogram is constructed from the profiles, wherein the body and the X-ray detector are kept stationary and that, for forming the different profiles, the source of the flat X-ray beam is moved in a relatively short path extending on the side of the body remote from the X-ray detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: N.V. Optische Industrie "de Oude Delft"
    Inventor: Ronald J. Geluk
  • Patent number: 4665540
    Abstract: Apparatus for making sectional radiographs which allows for the operator to preset the scanning patterns to be followed by the apparatus during the making of a sectional radiograph. The operator positions the source or the image detector in at least one point on the path defining the desired scanning pattern. This position is measured and applied to an arithmetic device which derives therefrom reference values for driving the source and the image detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Heinz-Peter Kunert
  • Patent number: 4602378
    Abstract: Medical diagnostic X-ray table assembly including an X-ray source and detector. The entire assembly is mounted on a cantilevered horizontal transverse pivot for being raised and lowered or tilted as a unit. The table assembly is mounted eccentrically to the horizontal transverse pivot so the table can clear the floor when tilted to the foot down position, yet the table is low enough to be mounted easily by a patient.The X-ray source and detector means are each supported by a series of superposed carriages driven by lead screw drives, thereby allowing the source and detector to independently translate transversely, longitudinally, and toward or away from the patient support. The X-ray source is also mounted on a transverse axis for being pivoted. A novel hydraulic mechanism is provided for tilting the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1986
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Arnold L. Kelman, John F. Prendergast, Edward P. Stevens, George R. Lang