Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an electrostatic charge measurement tool and dedicated system having a probe configured to scan the surface of a target, and methods for taking the electrostatic charge measurements. In an aspect, the probe is a non-contact electrostatic probe that may be moveable across the surface of the target and be adjustable in its height from the surface of the target. In another aspect, the target is an electrostatic chuck or semiconductor wafer. In a further aspect, the electrostatic charge measurement system may perform insitu measurement of targets without removing them from their working environment.

Abstract: The primary collimator for a radiotherapy apparatus can be made up of several layers, each comprising several apertures, and each layer being moveable so as to select a specific aperture to build up the primary collimator shape. In this way, the shape of the primary collimator can be tailored and/or the beam filters incorporated into the primary collimator assembly. This saves space in the radiation head whilst also allowing filters to be easily interchanged.

Abstract: Provided is an image processing apparatus that automatically recognizes a plurality of organs to subsequently visualize the automatic recognition results in an easy-to-understand manner, and facilitate a modification of the displayed recognition results. The image processing apparatus (23) uses an image processing algorithm to perform an image processing of medical image volume data. The image processing apparatus (23) comprises an organ recognition algorithm executing unit (11) that applies an organ recognition algorithm to medical image volume data to generate and output, as an organ recognition result, structural information on the plurality of organs, and a recognition result displaying unit (32) that displays the organ recognition result.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for preprocessing and storing image attributes for the accelerated display of medical images in medical applications. In at least one embodiment, the method includes: assigning image attributes to a medical image, which are characteristic of a medical application which generates a specific visual display of the medical image; adjusting the medical image in accordance with the image attributes; storing the adjusted medical image together with the image attributes; calling up a further or the same medical application, which requires a visual display of the medical image; checking whether the required image attributes for the visual display correspond to the stored image attributes; calling up the stored, modified medical image in the case of a similar or identical correspondence of the image attributes; and visually displaying the recalled medical image.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for control of a navigation system for deploying a medical device within a subject, and for enhancement of a display image of anatomical features for viewing the projected location and movement of medical devices, and projected locations of a variety of anatomical features and other spatial markers in the operating region. The display of the X-ray imaging system information is augmented in a manner such that a physician can more easily become oriented in three dimensions with the use of a single-plane X-ray display. The projection of points and geometrical shapes within the subject body onto a known imaging plane can be obtained using associated imaging parameters and projective geometry.

Abstract: An angular analysis system that can be controlled to receive radiation at a defined angle from a defined focus region. The angular analysis system is used for level 2 inspection in an explosive detection system. Level 2 inspection is provided by a three-dimensional inspection system that identifies suspicious regions of items under inspection. The angular analysis system is focused to gather radiation scattered at defined angles from the suspicious regions. Focusing may be achieved in multiple dimensions by movement of source and detector assemblies in a plane parallel to a plane holding the item under inspection. Focusing is achieved by independent motion of the source and detector assemblies. This focusing arrangement provides a compact device, providing simple, low cost and accurate operation.

Abstract: A medical image processing apparatus includes: an abnormal shadow candidate detecting section for detecting an abnormal shadow candidate from a medical image in which a subject image is generated, with a judging logic which performs judgment with training data; a training data storing section for storing the training data used at a detection of the abnormal shadow candidate, so as to make the training data updatable; a displaying section for displaying the medical image and a detection result; an area designating section for designating an area to be registered as the training data on the medical image displayed on the displaying section; a data controlling section for having an image of the designated area stored in the training data storing section; and a logic correcting section for correcting the judging logic of the abnormal shadow candidate detecting section, based on the training data stored in the training data storing section.

Abstract: A therapy system using an ion beam, which can shorten the time required for positioning a couch (patient). The therapy system using the ion beam comprises a rotating gantry provided with an ion beam delivery unit including an X-ray tube. An X-ray detecting device having a plurality of X-ray detectors can be moved in the direction of a rotation axis of the rotating gantry. A couch on which a patient is lying is moved until a tumor substantially reaches an extension of an ion beam path in the irradiating unit. The X-ray tube is positioned on the ion beam path and the X-ray detecting device is positioned on the extension of the ion beam path. With rotation of the rotating gantry, both the X-ray tube emitting an X-ray and the X-ray detecting device revolve around the patient. The X-ray is emitted to the patient and detected by the X-ray detectors after penetrating the patient. Tomographic information of the patient is formed based on signals outputted from the X-ray detectors.

Abstract: A photo-conductive layer for constituting a radiation imaging panel, which photo-conductive layer is capable of recording radiation image information as an electrostatic latent image, contains Bi4M3O12, in which M represents at least one kind of element selected from the group consisting of Ge, Si, and Ti. The photo-conductive layer may be formed with a coating technique or as a sintered film. The photo-conductive layer has a large effect of collecting formed electric charges and enhanced sensitivity, and is capable of yielding an image with good graininess characteristics.

Abstract: The invention provides a navigation method, located in the region of interest, that is designed to be used within a radiography unit including an X-ray source, recording systems placed in front of the source, and a support for the object to be radiographied.

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.

Abstract: There is described a radiographic imaging system to read radiation image stored in a radiation-image storing sheet. The radiographic imaging system includes a plurality of controllers, each of which has an image-display section; a plurality of radiation-image reading apparatus to read a radiation image stored in a radiation-image storing sheet so as to generate image data; and a network to link the plurality of controllers and the plurality of radiation-image reading apparatus; wherein the controller requests a radiation-image reading apparatus to transmit the image data, read by the radiation-image reading apparatus, to the controller.

Abstract: A therapy system using an ion beam, which can shorten the time required for positioning a couch (patient). The therapy system using the ion beam comprises a rotating gantry provided with an ion beam delivery unit including an X-ray tube. An X-ray detecting device having a plurality of X-ray detectors can be moved in the direction of a rotation axis of the rotating gantry. A couch on which a patient is lying is moved until a tumor substantially reaches an extension of an ion beam path in the irradiating unit. The X-ray tube is positioned on the ion beam path and the X-ray detecting device is positioned on the extension of the ion beam path. With rotation of the rotating gantry, both the X-ray tube emitting an X-ray and the X-ray detecting device revolve around the patient. The X-ray is emitted to the patient and detected by the X-ray detectors after penetrating the patient. Tomographic information of the patient is formed based on signals outputted from the X-ray detectors.

Abstract: A light irradiating device provided with line light sources is located in association with an image recording medium. The line light sources are located in parallel and at approximately identical pitches with respect to a scanning direction. A slit array plate having slits is located between the image recording medium and the light irradiating device. Each of the slits is located at a position corresponding to the position of one of the line light sources. The light irradiating device is controlled such that line light beams are radiated out one after another with different timing from the line light sources.

Abstract: A photodetector having a semiconductor conversion layer is described. The photodetector is configured to receive x-rays incident on its substrate with the substrate-side contact biased so that the lowest mobility carrier in the semiconductor conversion layer is collected by the substrate side contact.

Abstract: An X-ray image converter (2) for recording and evaluating information gained from X-ray investigations of persons (3), animals or objects is suggested, which comprises a carrier (4) of a material in which the impinging X-ray radiation causes detectable changes, as well as a method for recording X-ray images, wherein changes in charge carriers on the surface of a carrier (4) are determined for evaluation of the radiation from the object (3) being observed.

Abstract: A medical image radiographing system can improve the safety and reliability in the medical image radiographing by managing medical treatment acts of an operator while improving the security of a medical image radiographing apparatus. The medical image radiographing apparatus of the medical image radiographing system has an irradiation section to irradiate a subject with the radiations, an obtaining section to obtain identification information of a radiographer and a radiographing instruction, and a radiographing operation control section to control the irradiation section to perform a radiographing operation according to the radiographing instruction obtained by the obtaining section when the radiographer is authenticated according to the identification information of the radiographer obtained by the obtaining section.

Abstract: A user interface for facilitating the input of films into a computer-aided diagnosis system is disclosed. The user interface includes a scanner which receives and scans the film-based images, and a film feeder which holds and transports them to the scanner. A touch sensitive display screen is provided to display status information to and receive instructions from an operator. The display screen displays miniature images of the films having color-coded borders so that the operator monitors the processing of the films. The interface also includes a bar code reader and allow the operator to conduct procedures for testing the scanner.

Abstract: A device for forming X-ray images, includes an X-ray source for generating an X-ray beam, a photoconductor for converting X-rays into a charge pattern, which photoconductor is provided on a rotationally symmetrically constructed rotatable carrier, a charging device for uniformly charging the surface of the rotating photoconductor prior to the X-ray exposure, a reading unit for converting the charge pattern on the surface of the rotating photoconductor into electric image values after an X-ray exposure, and a housing for the rotating parts which includes an area which is transparent to X-rays.

Abstract: A method of and device for forming X-ray images in which a charge pattern corresponding to the X-ray intensity generated on the surface of a photoconductor is line-wise scanned by a number of probes which detect the charge in respective adjoining scanning zones of the photoconductor containing a plurality of lines eliminates stripes occurring in the line direction in the image. This is accomplished by: a) formation of correction values (K.sub.n (x,y.sub.o)) for the pixels of the image line (y.sub.o) at the edges of the scanning zones of the probes (41), the absolute value and sign of the correction values being such that corrected image values (B.sub.kn (x,y.sub.o)) of the individual probes, resulting from the superposition of the correction values and image values (B.sub.n (x,y.sub.o)), correspond to the corrected image values of the respective neighboring probes; b) formation of intermediate values (Z.sub.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of generating X-ray images by means of a photoconductor which is provided on a conductive substrate and whose surface potential can be read by means of probes, and also relates to a device suitable for carrying out the method. In order to avoid image artefacts which could be caused by deviating sensitivities of the probes or by frequency-dependent distortions, after the charging of the photoconductor the substrate potential is varied during a test phase. Test data is generated which correspond to the spatial or temporal variation of the potential on the surface of the photoconductor; from this test data there is formed correction data which is stored in order to correct the image data of a subsequent X-ray exposure.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for producing X-ray images, which arrangement comprises an X-ray source (1) for the generation of an X-ray beam (10), a layer (41) sensitive to X-rays and situated on a cylindrical drum (4), and a read unit (5) for converting the X-ray image detected in the layer into electrical image values. In order to improve the X-ray images which can be produced by the arrangement an image processor (21) includes a module (212) for transforming the X-ray image (I) situated on the layer into an X-ray image (I.sub.v) situated in a virtual plane (12), and a module (211) for improving the uniformity of the modulation transfer function (MTF) over the X-ray image produced.

Abstract: A conductive coating on a thin glass strip senses the image signal on a selenium coated photoimaging plate as the plate is scanned with a laser beam. The glass strip is suspended over the surface of the plate with finger-like members. The finger-like members that support the strip are spring loaded downward toward the plate, but are suspended above the plate by a pressurized cushion of air. The strip bends to assume the surface profile of the plate, thus maintaining uniform spacing even though the plate may not be flat and may even have a varying profile along its length.

Abstract: An imaging belt, a dielectric recording sheet, a charger, a transcript roller, and first and second rollers are arranged in a casing. A latent image corresponding to a radiation transmitted image is formed on the imaging belt. At least a fluorescent layer which is sensitive to a radiation to emit light, and a photosensitive layer sensitive to the light emitted by the fluorescent layer are formed on a flexible substrate to constitute the imaging belt. The imaging belt is looped around the first and second rollers, and is driven to rotate. The dielectric recording sheet is rolled, and the latent image formed on the photosensitive layer of the imaging belt is transcribed onto the dielectric recording sheet. The charger charges the surface of the imaging belt at a high voltage. The transcript roller urges the dielectric recording sheet against the imaging belt. Then, the latent image formed on the imaging belt is transcribed onto the dielectric recording sheet.

Abstract: A plurality of electrometer probes scan the charge pattern of a photoconductor (1), the distance between the electrometer probes (6) and the photoconductor (1) being measured via an alternating voltage applied to the photoconductor (1). The alternating voltage is scanned by the electrometer probes and is filtered out to extract distance measuring signals. The output signals of all electrometer probes (6) are used for determining image values of the X-ray image, the output signals of at least some of the electrometer probes (6) also being used, via a suitable filter (23), for determining the distance measuring signals. An adjusting device adjusts the distance between the electrometer probes (6) and the photoconductor (1) continuously to a reference value, in dependence on the value of the measuring signals, during the scanning operation.

Abstract: A photoconductor for converting incident X-ray radiation into a charge pattern is on carrier constructed so as to be rotationally symmetrical with respect to an axis of rotation. A driving unit rotates the carrier and photoconductor about the axis of rotation. A charge reading unit which, after exposure to X-rays forming an X-ray picture, converts the charge pattern on the surface of the rotating photoconductor into electric picture values. Reduced picture exposure time (with the time for reading the photoconductor remaining equally low) is achieved in that the converter does not rotate during exposure to the X-rays for taking an X-ray picture.

Abstract: A plurality of electrometer probes (3, 4, 5, 6) scan charge patterns of a photoconductor (1) which is locally uniformly charged prior to the X-ray exposure and is discharged by the exposure in dependence on the intensity of the X-rays. The surface of the photoconductor is scanned after the exposure in order to determine the charge density, the electrometer probes (3, 4, 5, 6) forming for each pixel a pixel value which corresponds to the discharge at the relevant pixel to compensate for sensitivity fluctuations of the electrometer probes included is a calibration operation for the sensitivity of all electrometer probes in that two probes (3, 4, 5, 6) scan an identical section (a.sub.1 . . . d.sub.3) of the image, their relative sensitivity used for correcting the pixel values is derived from comparison of the resultant output signals of the probes (3, 4, 5, 6).

Abstract: A system for measuring the charge distribution on a photoreceptor plate which has been exposed to X-ray radiations to form an image of an object thereon is disclosed. The system comprises a transparent sensor electrode adapted to be positioned over the photoreceptor plate, means for scanning a pulsed laser beam through the transparent sensor electrode to discharge the photoreceptor surface charge pixel-by-pixel and so induce a corresponding voltage on the sensor electrode to be read by a suitable read-out device, such sensor electrode being of sufficient width so as to achieve good capacitive coupling with the region around the area to be discharged by the laser, and means for moving the sensor electrode or the photoreceptor plate step by step or continuously transversely of the laser scanning direction for reading out the image impressed on the photoreceptor surface.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a X-ray image by a photoconductor which converts X-rays into a charge pattern and which is uniformly charged prior to the X-ray exposure and is discharged during the X-ray exposure as a function of the intensity of the X-rays, the surface of the photoconductor being scanned to measure the charge density, for each pixel point there being formed an image value which is dependent on the discharge at the relevant pixel whereby dot-shaped artefacts in the X-ray image may appear.

Abstract: An image scanning apparatus for obtaining radiographic information from a detector system. The apparatus produces a video signal by optical readout of a latent image found in a detector system. The video signal is processed and displayed to provide radiographic information.

Abstract: A grid type substrate is constructed to support an X-ray sensitive material at one side of an electrophoretic display device. The grid structure may be X-ray absorbent material supported between X-ray transparent supports. Various arrangements of the X-ray absorbent grid may be provided.