Abstract: Disclosed herein are an image processing apparatus, a medical imaging apparatus, and an image processing method, which may intuitively and easily set an image processing parameter used to process a medical image to a user-preferred optimal value. The image processing apparatus includes a display unit configured to display a plurality of sample images to which at least one image processing parameter has been variably applied; an input unit configured to receive a selection of one from among the displayed plurality of sample images from a user; and an image processing unit configured to generate a plurality of new sample images to which the at least one image processing parameter has been variably applied based on an image processing parameter to be applied to the selected sample image when the user is not satisfied with the selected sample image.

Abstract: Systems and methods are shown for developing physics-based high resolution biomechanical head and neck deformable models for generating ground-truth deformations that can be used for validating both image registration and adaptive RT frameworks.

Abstract: An apparatus for cone beam computed tomography of an extremity has a digital radiation detector and a first device to move the detector along a circular detector path extending so that the detector moves both at least partially around a first extremity of the patient and between the first extremity and a second, adjacent extremity. The detector path has radius R1 sufficient to position the extremity approximately centered in the detector path. There is a radiation source with a second device to move the source along a concentric circular source path having a radius R2 greater than radius R1, radius R2 sufficiently long to allow adequate radiation exposure of the first extremity for an image capture by the detector. A first circumferential gap in the source path allows the second extremity to be positioned in the first circumferential gap during image capture.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus to exam a tissue sample, a female breast is compressed in an x-ray imaging apparatus and a biopsy procedure is conducted to extract a tissue sample from the compressed breast, with the extraction taking place using images generated by the x-ray imaging system. While the breast is still compressed, the extracted tissue sample is transported to a region outside of the extraction location that is irradiated by x-rays from the x-ray source of the imaging apparatus, and is irradiated at that region by the x-ray source in order to generate 3D data from a radiation detector that are used to reconstruct a data set of slice images from common projections of the extraction region and the tissue sample. The reconstructed slice images are then displayed.

Abstract: A mammography apparatus minimizes the displeasure experienced by a human during x-ray operations, the displeasure being generated by a low temperature of a portion of the mammography apparatus making contact with the human body. The displeasure is minimized by increasing and maintaining the temperature of the portion of the mammography apparatus. The mammography apparatus includes an x-ray generating unit to generate x-rays, and an x-ray detecting unit having a detector to obtain x-ray data by detecting the x-ray passing through a subject. The x-ray detecting unit includes a housing forming an outer appearance of the x-ray detecting unit, a thermoelectric element provided at an inside the housing, and is disposed such that a cooling unit faces a lower surface of the detector, and a heat pipe extends to an inner side surface of the housing from a heat generating unit of the thermoelectric element.

Abstract: A mammography apparatus is provided for detecting malignant cells in a breast, comprising an x-ray source and an x-ray detector that cooperates with the x-ray source for providing an x-ray image of said breast, and further comprising a paddle for flattening the breast by pressing it against said x-ray detector, and comprising a contact area measuring device for measuring a contact area between the breast and the paddle, wherein the contact area measuring device is embodied with at least a first laminate of an electrically insulating material and an electrically low resistance material, which first laminate is provided on a side of the paddle facing the breast, and wherein the electrically low resistance material is sandwiched between the paddle and the insulating material.

Abstract: In a mammography method and apparatus to generate a tomosynthetic x-ray image of a breast of a patient, two tomosynthesis scans are successively implemented with different x-ray energies. In one of the scans, a synthetic projection image is generated from at least two projection images acquired in this scan, this synthetic projection image corresponding to a projection at a projection angle at which a projection image has been acquired in the other scan. A difference image, used to reconstruct the tomosynthesis x-ray image, is generated from this synthetic projection image and the projection image acquired in the other scan. Alternatively, in each scan a synthetic projection image is generated from at least two projection images acquired in that scan. Each synthetic projection image represents a projection at the same projection angle. A difference image, used to reconstruct the tomosynthesis x-ray image, is generated from these two synthetic projection images.

Abstract: A method and a system for obtaining a high-resolution image of a volume of a sample using laser imaging are provided. The method includes a step of probing the volume of the sample with a first excitation beam having an intensity profile of maximum intensity at a center thereof, thereby obtaining a positive image of the volume. The method also includes a step of probing the volume of the sample with a second excitation beam having an intensity profile of minimum intensity at a center thereof and defining a peripheral region of maximum intensity around the center, thereby obtaining a negative image of the volume. The method finally includes a step of subtracting the negative image from the positive image, thereby obtaining the high-resolution image of the volume of the sample. Advantageously, embodiments of the invention can be probe- and fluorescence-independent, and be conveniently retrofitted into existing laser imaging systems.

Abstract: There is provided a mammography apparatus capable of delivering a greater load when a breast is released than a load delivered when the breast is compressed by a compression paddle.

Abstract: An X-ray differential phase contrast imaging device (10) comprises an X-ray source (20) for generating an X-ray beam; a source grating (G0) for generating a coherent X-ray beam from a non-coherent X-ray source (20); a collimator (22) for splitting the coherent X-ray beam into a plurality of fan-shaped X-ray beams (28) for passing through an object (14); a phase grating (G1) for generating an interference pattern and an absorber grating (G2) for generating a Moiré pattern from the interference pattern arranged after the object (14); and a line detector (24) for detecting the Moiré pattern generated by the phase grating (G1) and the absorber grating (G2) from the fan-shaped X-ray beams (28) passing through the object (14).

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present system, an X-ray detector of an X-ray imaging system includes a communication module configured to receive a pre-shot image from a detection circuitry and receive one or more pre-shot parameters from a source controller of the X-ray imaging system. The X-ray detector further includes an analysis module configured to determine one or more image characteristics of the pre-shot image. The X-ray detector further includes a determination module configured to calculate one or more main-shot parameters based on the one or more pre-shot parameters and the one or more image characteristics. The determination module is further configured to send the one or more main-shot parameters to the source controller of the X-ray imaging system.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present system, a dual energy X-ray imaging system includes a communication module configured to receive a pre-shot image from a detection circuitry and receive one or more pre-shot parameters from a source controller of the dual energy X-ray imaging system. The dual energy X-ray imaging system further includes an analysis module configured to determine one or more image characteristics of the pre-shot image. The dual energy X-ray imaging system further includes a determination module configured to calculate a first and a second set of main-shot parameters based on the one or more pre-shot parameters and the one or more image characteristics of the pre-shot image. The determination module is further configured to send the one or more main-shot parameters to the source controller of the dual energy X-ray imaging system.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present, a method for acquiring an image is provided. The method comprises acquiring initial image data, identifying one or more regions of interest in at least one of the initial image data or in a first image generated from the initial image data. The method further comprises automatically deriving one or more scan parameters based upon the regions of interest, and acquiring second image data using the scan parameters.

Abstract: A phase contrast X-ray imaging system of an object includes an X-ray source, an X-ray detector arrangement, and a grating arrangement with a phase-grating structure and an analyzer-grating structure. The X-ray detector arrangement includes at least eight line-detector units parallel to each other in a first direction, the line-detector units extending linearly in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The phase-grating structure has a number of linear phase-gratings having a first part with first phase-gratings with slits in the first direction, and a second part with second phase-gratings with slits in a second direction different than the first direction. The analyzer-grating structure has a number of linear analyzer-gratings having a first part with first analyzer-gratings with slits in the first direction, and a second part with second analyzer-gratings with slits in the second direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing x-ray phase-contrast imaging using a conventional x-ray source and detector are provided. An array of x-ray focusing elements it provided and used to focus x-ray onto a pattern of multiple different focal spots. When an object is introduced into the beam path, the focal spots will be displaced based on the x-rays being refracted by the object. A refraction angle map is produced and used to generate a phase contrast image, such as an image that indicates the electron density distribution in the object. Multi-spectral imaging can be achieved by utilizing the chromatic aberration of the array of x-ray focusing elements and sweeping the detector through different focal planes associated with different x-ray energy levels or sweeping the peak voltage of the x-ray source for a fixed object-to-detector distance.

Abstract: An information processing system implements an intelligent remediation system for security-related events. The intelligent remediation system comprises a classifier configured to process information characterizing the events in order to generate respective risk scores, and a data store coupled to the classifier and configured to store feedback from one or more users regarding the risk scores. The classifier is configured to utilize the feedback regarding the risk scores to learn riskiness of particular events and to adjust its operation based on the learned riskiness, such that the risk score generated by the classifier for a given one of the events is based at least in part on the feedback received regarding risk scores generated for one or more previous ones of the events. A user interface is provided to allow one or more users to supply the feedback regarding the risk scores.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for changing lesion classification data, the method including determining whether at least one mass is included in an image of an object, determining whether the at least one mass corresponds to a lesion by using first data including at least one first information, selecting a false negative (FN) mass which has been determined as not corresponding to the lesion among the at least one mass, based on a first input, and changing the first data to second data by using second information of the selected FN mass.

Abstract: MR imaging and intervention functions are localized within a single device. At least one integrated coil device (62,63,64,90) which has at least one RF coil (72,94,112,118), a housing (70,74,92,96,110,114) which encases the RF coil and provides an anatomically conformal surface, and a plurality of apertures. The integrated coil device slides along a guide rail system (66) to adjust the size of a patient anatomical imaging region (60). The apertures in the integrated coil device are available to secure tool holder grid plate inserts (67,116,130,131) or other interventional device guides. The inserts assist in holding the soft tissue for diagnostic imaging and provide support for biopsy/interventional instrument guides (140). The integrated MR imaging and interventional coil device works in combination with a prone patient support structure (20), an adaptive torso sling (55), and also features an open architecture design for improved patient access. The device also works for supine or side imaging procedures.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging system element (3) includes two compression elements (8a, 8b), which are movable relative to one another. An object (10) is introducible and compressible between the compression elements. At least one of the compression elements is adapted to alter its geometrical shape and/or alignment relative to the other during compression. At least one partly X-ray opaque marker element (24) is provided on one of the compression elements, which marker element is adapted to allow detection of an alteration of the geometrical shape of the respective compression element (8a, b).

Abstract: An ultrasound scanning assistance apparatus for diagnosis of a breast cancer is provided. The ultrasound scanning assistance apparatus includes a fixing container including a scan surface to scan an ultrasound transducer adapted to diagnose a breast cancer and a soft membrane to contact a surface of a human body; and a buffer fluid controller to control a hydraulic pressure of a buffer fluid filling the fixing container.

Abstract: A display device is described and includes a first display screen including a mask pattern of a pixel. The display device includes a second display screen including the mask pattern, wherein the second display screen is located further from a front of the display device than the first display screen, wherein the front of the display device is closest to a viewer. The display device includes a diffraction element configured to copy the mask pattern of the second display screen into one or more viewable copies in order to minimize moiré interference with the mask pattern of the first display screen.

Abstract: An X-ray photographing apparatus and a method of operating the X-ray photographing method are disclosed. The X-ray photographing apparatus includes an X-ray generator configured to generate an X-ray; an X-ray detector configured to detect the X-ray that is transmitted through an object; and a panel that is provided between the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector and configured to contact the object, wherein a distance between a center axis of the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector is maintained to be uniform during a time period, and a radiation angle of the X-ray generated by the X-ray generator with respect to the object changes over the time period.

Abstract: According to the present invention, improved methods and apparatus are provided for providing cushioning and other ergonomic surfaces on devices requiring the patient or tissue to be compressed, such as radiography machines, fluoroscopy units, mammography units and the like. In particular a radiolucent pad element is provided for releasable attachment to at least one surface of a compression device to be used under x-ray, for example, during mammography. The pad element of the present invention can be disposable or constructed to be reusable and in some cases may be applied directly to the patient's breast. Furthermore, a cushioned paddle is provided wherein the compression paddle and the cushion can be separately or integrally formed.

Abstract: A flexible, durable, sanitary, adhesive-backed sheet is applied to the skin-contacting surfaces of a mammography bucky prior to commencing a mammography procedure, and is removed from the bucky once the procedure is complete, without leaving a residue behind. The sheet is made of a non-woven polymeric material that gives the sheet a fabric-like or cloth feel, and is substantially incompressible in response to forces applied during a mammography procedure. The sheet insulates the patient from the temperature differential between the patient's skin and the bucky surfaces. Additionally, the surface of the sheet is embossed with a texture, markings or raised features to enhance the fabric-like feel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically and dynamically modifying an image acquisition parameter for use in tomosynthesis breast imaging. A selected image acquisition parameter is modified in response to a measured characteristic of an imaged object such as a breast, and thus tailored to provide the highest quality image for the particular object. For example, image quality in a breast tomosynthesis system can be improved by dynamically varying motion and other acquisition parameters of the tomosynthesis system in response to physical characteristics of the breast to be imaged (determined during image acquisition), such as the breast thickness, density or composition.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for image reconstruction using combined PDE-constrained and simplified spherical harmonics (SPN) algorithm are presented herein. SPN equations can be used as the forward model in diffuse optical tomography (DOT) and employed in a PDE-constrained reduced space sequential quadratic programming (rSQP) optimization method to reconstruct spatially distributed optical properties, such as absorption, scattering, fat, oxygenated hemoglobin, de-oxygenated hemoglobin, fluorescent concentration, quantum yield, etc. The SPN algorithm with the PDE-constrained rSQP optimization method allows for DOT imaging that uses significantly less computational resources (e.g., time and random-access memory (RAM)) than methods employing the equation of radiative transfer (ERT). The techniques disclosed herein allow for more expeditious image processing as well as the potential for clinical diagnosis using DOT imaging.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for acquiring an optimal MEX image may include an X-ray source to generate an X-ray and to irradiate the X-ray, an energy identification detector to acquire a MEX image that is generated when the irradiated X-ray penetrates an object, and an optimal MEX processor to generate an optimal MEX parameter based on a characteristic of the object and to control at least one of the X-ray source and the energy identification detector based on the generated optimal MEX parameter.

Abstract: A method and system for integrating radiological and pathological information for cancer diagnosis, therapy selection, and monitoring is disclosed. A radiological image of a patient, such as a magnetic resonance (MR), computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), or ultrasound image, is received. A location corresponding to each of one or more biopsy samples is determined in the at least one radiological image. An integrated display is used to display a histological image corresponding to the each biopsy samples, the radiological image, and the location corresponding to each biopsy samples in the radiological image. Pathological information and radiological information are integrated by combining features extracted from the histological images and the features extracted from the corresponding locations in the radiological image for cancer grading, prognosis prediction, and therapy selection.

Abstract: A hybrid imaging system including a first imaging system configured to acquire low resolution anatomical data of a first field of view of an anatomical structure. A second imaging system is configured to acquire functional data of the first field of view of the anatomical structure. A reconstruction processor is configured to reconstruct the functional data based on attenuation data into an attenuation corrected image. In response to the attenuation corrected image showing regions of interest, with the first imaging system or another imaging system acquiring high resolution data of one or more portions of the first field of view containing the regions of interest. The reconstruction processor reconstructs the high resolution anatomical data into one or more high resolution images of the regions of interest.

Abstract: A method and system for acquiring, processing, storing, and displaying x-ray mammograms Mp tomosynthesis images Tr representative of breast slices, and x-ray tomosynthesis projection images Tp taken at different angles to a breast, where the Tr images are reconstructed from Tp images.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus automatically distinguishes between right and left breasts during mammography. The X-ray imaging apparatus includes: an X-ray assembly configured to press a breast, irradiate X-rays onto the pressed breast, and detect X-rays transmitted through the breast; two handles respectively provided in both sides of the X-ray assembly so that a patient is able to grip the handles, each handle including a sensor for detecting the patient's grip; and a controller configured to determine a position of a handle including the sensor that has detected the patient's grip, and to determine that a breast subject to mammography is a breast corresponding to the determined position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an X-ray imaging apparatus and a method for controlling the same. The X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray generator configured to radiate first-energy X-rays toward an object, an X-ray detector configured to detect the first-energy X-rays which propagate through the object, an image processor configured to generate a first object image which correspond to the detected first-energy X-rays and to estimate a second object image which corresponds to second-energy X-rays based on the generated first object image, and a controller configured to control the image processor to repeatedly estimate the second object image by controlling the X-ray generator to repeatedly radiate the first-energy X-rays toward the object.

Abstract: With a mammography PET apparatus, a supporting face includes a detector ring region, and a detector-outside region as an outside area of the detector ring region. The detector ring region is higher than the detector-outside region. An elastic lower-layer mat is disposed on the detector-outside region. An upper-layer mat, softer than the lower-layer mat, is disposed on the detector ring region and the lower-layer mat across a boundary between the detector ring region and the lower-layer mat. Accordingly, an edge of the lower-layer mat harder than the upper-layer mat is covered with the upper-layer mat, leading to alleviation of pain to a subject M caused by the edge of the lower-layer mat.

Abstract: Nuclear medicine (NM) imaging system including first and second NM cameras having camera surfaces that are configured to face each other while imaging patient tissue therebetween. The NM imaging system also includes an immobilization plate that is configured to be positioned between the first and second NM cameras and extend parallel to the camera surface of the first NM camera. The immobilization plate is movable to and from the camera surface of the first NM camera to compress the patient tissue, and the second NM camera is movable to and from the immobilization plate. The second NM camera is oriented with respect to a roll axis that extends parallel to the immobilization plate. The second NM camera is rotatable about the roll axis while the immobilization plate and the first NM camera have fixed positions with respect to each other with the patient tissue therebetween.

Abstract: A method and system for image acquisition workflow are provided. The imaging acquisition system is configured to implement an imaging acquisition protocol. Then imaging data is acquired according to the protocol. At least some identification information is entered during the imaging data acquisition. The entered identification information may be checked for errors during the imaging acquisition. The imaging data and identification information are then stored together. Identification information may include, for example, a patient's name and/or identification number, date of birth, sex, height, weight, race or ethnicity, and perhaps yet other information.

Abstract: In one example, a method of automatically enhancing a digital image having a smooth-boundaried foreground object. The method processes the image via gradient-based background segmentation at a first scale to generate a first mask. The first mask has a first accuracy. The first mask is used to generate a first background of the image which includes at least a portion of the smooth-boundaried foreground object. The method further processes the first background via gradient-based background segmentation at a smaller second scale to generate a second mask. The second mask has a greater second accuracy. The second mask is used with the first mask to generate a second background of the image which substantially excludes the smooth-boundaried foreground object. The image can be enhanced using the second background so as to preserve the smooth-boundaried foreground object.

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging a breast using an X-ray includes a support having a through-hole, a holder having a cylindrical shape, disposed in the through-hole of the support, and accommodating a breast of a patient, a linear X-ray generator disposed outside the holder and emitting an X-ray having a linear beam section that is lengthy in a vertical direction of the holder, a linear X-ray detector arranged outside the holder, and a rotation driver rotating the linear X-ray generator and the linear X-ray detector along an outer circumference of the holder.

Abstract: An X-ray detection board and a manufacture method thereof, and an X-ray detection device are disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention. The X-ray detection board comprises: a substrate; photoelectric conversion devices disposed on the substrate; a conversion layer disposed on the photoelectric conversion devices and configured to convert X-rays into visible light; and a packaging layer disposed on the conversion layer and having a plurality of transmission windows, wherein the photoelectric conversion devices correspond in position to the transmission windows, respectively, and wherein condenser lenses for condensing the light converted by the conversion layer are disposed on sides of the photoelectric conversion devices facing the transmission windows. A light condensing effect is improved by use of the condenser lenses such as microlenses so that more light can be projected upon the photoelectric conversion devices through the condenser lenses.

Abstract: A press plate includes: a press section that is disposed to face towards an imaging face of an imaging table and is resiliently deformable; and a reaction force section that is capable of supporting the press section from the opposite side to the imaging face, that has a variable support force, and that adjusts the reaction force arising in the press section by changing the support force to the press section. The press plate may further includes a reaction force adjustment mechanism that changes the support force of the reaction force section.

Abstract: Radioimaging methods, devices and radiopharmaceuticals therefor.

Abstract: A press plate includes: a press section that is disposed to face towards an imaging face of an imaging table and is resiliently deformable; and a movable support point portion that is movable and supports the press section at the opposite side to the imaging face so that a reaction force occurring at the press section is adjusted according to a position of the movable support point portion to support the press section. The press plate may further include: a support section that is disposed separated from the press section on the opposite side to the imaging face and with at least one end portion coupled to one end portion of the press section, wherein the movable support point portion is movable between the press section and the support section so that a deformation amount of the press section is adjusted by such movement.

Abstract: A method of determining a boundary of an obstacle which occludes an object in an image, is disclosed. At least one object in the image and a further image captured by a camera is determined. A plurality of regions in which the at least one object is detected, is determined from the images. Locations of edges of the plurality of regions are determined A common location is determined from the determined edges. The boundary of the obstacle is determined, where the boundary comprises a part of the edges at the common location.

Abstract: In this device and the associated method, a connection unit that can be attached to an arm bearing an x-ray source and an x-ray receiver is fashioned such that said connection unit compensates for a pivot movement of the arm so that a compression unit arranged at the connection unit remains stationary during a pivot movement.

Abstract: A system and method for performing DSA (digital subtraction angiography), which does not require a non-enhanced or “mask” image to be obtained.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an X-ray detection panel, an X-ray image generating module, an X-ray imaging apparatus, and a method of generating an X-ray image. The X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray generator configured to emit X-rays; an X-ray detection panel comprising a plurality of pixel groups, each pixel group configured to detect X-rays having an energy band and to convert the detected X-rays into electrical signals; and an image processor configured to acquire readout data from the electrical signals of at least one of the plurality of pixel groups, to calculate estimated data, and to generate an X-ray image by combining the readout data and the estimated data.

Abstract: A method for selecting a radiation shaping filter is disclosed, which modifies the spatial distribution of the intensity and/or the spectrum of x-rays of an x-ray source of an imaging system. In an embodiment, anatomical measurement data of an object under examination is recorded, from which with the aid of the imaging system image data is created. The radiation shaping filter is selected automatically on the basis of the recorded anatomical measurement data of the object under examination. An imaging system, in which a radiation shaping filter is selected, is further disclosed.

Abstract: A radiography comfort device may be selectively attached to a panel of a medical imaging device. The radiography comfort device includes a woven microfiber fabric and a first adhesive that are both radiolucent. The woven microfiber fabric has a first surface and a second surface on opposing sides of the woven microfiber fabric. The first adhesive is laminated to the second surface of the woven microfiber fabric. When the radiography comfort device is attached to the panel of the medical imaging device using the first adhesive, the first surface of woven microfiber fabric is presented for contact by tissue of an individual being imaged. Further, a pad can be laminated to a portion of the periphery of the fabric to provide an edge cushion when the comfort device is attached to the panel.

Abstract: A second form of image data is determined from a first form of image data of an examination object in a radiological imaging system. A set of a defined plurality of input pixels in the image data of the first form is determined. In addition, a set of target form parameters of a target form model with a defined plurality of target form parameters is prognostically determined by way of a data-driven regression method from the plurality of input pixels. The number of target form parameters is smaller than the number of input pixels. The second form of image data is determined from the set of target form parameters. There is also described a method in radiological imaging for determining the geometric position of a number of target objects in a second form of image data and an image processing workstation for determining a second form of image data from a first form of image data as well as an imaging device.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides an apparatus and a method. An intensity gradient between first and second optical image data of an optical image produced by an optical scanning device is determined. The first optical image data is a first optical image pixel and the second optical image data is a second optical image pixel. An intensity gradient image comprising a plurality of intensity gradient image pixels is determined, each intensity gradient image pixel representing the magnitude of an intensity gradient. One or more anomalies in the optical image in dependence on the magnitude of the intensity gradient being greater than or equal to a threshold value is identified.

Abstract: An image receptor support device having a more comfortable patient engagement side is described. The patient engagement side has a concave central portion, a rounded left portion and rounded right portion. A patient may more comfortably position their body against the interceptor support device and more effectively position a body part over and image receptor. An image receptor support device may be configured for mammograms, for example. An image receptor support device may comprise a comfort material such as a foam or elastomer that is compressible and not cold to the touch. A concave central portion may be centrally located between the left and right side or offset. In addition, the bottom surface of the patient engagement side may be recessed from the top surface. A patient engagement side may be configured to be a detachable interface with an existing image receptor support device.