Abstract: Signal processing techniques are applied to digital image data to remove the distortion caused by motion of the camera, or the movement of the subject being photographed, or defective optics, or optical distortion from other sources. When the image is captured, the effect of relative motion between the camera and the subject is that it transforms the true image into a blurred image according to a 2-dimensional transfer function. The 2-dimensional transfer function representing the motion is derived using blind estimation techniques or by using information from sensors that detect the motion. The transfer function is inverted and used to define a corrective filter. The filter is applied to the image and the blur due to the motion is removed, restoring the correct image. Another embodiment uses the transfer function to avoid blur by combining multiple consecutive images taken at a fast shutter speed.

Abstract: A medical image display system is shown. The medical image display system includes, a fringe scanning type capturing apparatus or a Fourier transformation type capturing apparatus; an image processing section; a display section; and a control section. The capturing apparatus includes, an X-ray source; a first grating and a second grating; a subject table; and an X-ray detector. The image processing section generates a plurality of reconstructed images for diagnosis based on an image signal of a subject captured with the capturing apparatus. The display section displays at least two of the plurality of reconstructed images. The control section detects an abnormal candidate on each of the plurality of reconstructed images and controls display order of the plurality of reconstructed images displayed on the display section based on a result of detecting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to 3D mammography, in which individual images of a breast are taken at different projection angles and a 3D image subsequently synthesized from this image information. According to the invention, a breast to be imaged is arranged locked in a locking means (16, 17) and during the imaging process, the x-ray source (13) is continuously moved with respect to location of the breast and the breast is irradiated at a number of angular positions of the x-ray source (13). During an irradiation period of the imaging process, the locking means (16, 17) is turned as synchronized with the movement of the x-ray source (13). The imaging process preferably further includes such non-irradiation periods during which the locking means (16, 17) is turned in a direction opposite to that when turned as synchronized with the movement of the x-ray source (13) during an irradiation period.

Abstract: An x-ray source has multiple electron sources spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal direction that is defined as being parallel to the rotation axis of a rotating anode which is common to all of the electron sources. Each electron source emits electrons that strike the anode at respective strike points that are spatially separated from each other along the longitudinal direction, to produce respective emission centers, from which x-rays are emitted, each emission center being associated with respective ones of the x-ray sources.

Abstract: In a case where a series of operations of an imaging sequence are continuously performed when an imaging switch is continuously in ON state, if the imaging switch is turned into OFF state only for a given period and the given period is not more than a predetermined threshold value, control is exerted such that part of the operations of the imaging sequence is continuously performed.

Abstract: A laser device for projecting a position mark in the field of vision onto an object to be examined using a mammography unit is described, where the laser device can be adjusted in position together with a vertically adjustable compression plate of the mammography unit. The laser device may be arranged on the compression plate or on the compression plate support thereof. In the latter configuration, the laser device may remain attached to the mammography unit. The apparatus has application to biopsies.

Abstract: An imaging method, more particularly a mammography method, includes rotating a tissue region in the virtual domain. Projection recordings of a tissue region are generated by way of radiation emitted by an emitter, which radiation is captured by a detector after passing through the tissue region. Slice images are generated from the projection recordings. A slice image region corresponding to a partial tissue region is rotated virtually. The virtually rotating partial tissue region can be displayed as a set of virtual projections.

Abstract: A mammography apparatus has at least one x-ray source to emit x-ray radiation and an x-ray detector with a number of pixels. The mammography apparatus is designed so that the x-ray radiation is emitted into the breast tissue of a patient at a number of positions, and the x-ray radiation is detected by the x-ray detector after it has passed through the breast tissue. The positions have different distances from the shoulder-to-shoulder axis of the patient.

Abstract: The maximum possible vertices for a trajectory are determined with a device for mammography and an associated method, so that the subject to be exposed can be completely imaged on the detector in x-ray acquisitions.

Abstract: A radiographic image capturing device includes a subject table including a pressed surface against which a breast of a subject is pressed; and a compression paddle support portion including a first member and a second member, and to which a compression paddle is attached by sandwiching the compression paddle between the first member and the second member, and including multiple pressure sensors for detecting pressures applied to multiple sites of the attached compression paddle. At least one of the subject table or the compression paddle support portion is movable in a first direction that is toward and away from one another.

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.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses perform thickness compensation in anatomical images. The method according to one embodiment accesses digital image data representing an image including a breast; estimates thickness of the breast at multiple locations inside the breast using an image data characteristic and a reference tissue in the breast; compensates thickness of the breast using a thickness model; and refines compensation of breast thickness from the compensating step.

Abstract: A radiation imaging system includes a radiation imaging cassette and a console device. A communication mode between the cassette and the console device is switchable between a wired mode and a wireless mode. Due to shortage of a battery of the cassette, the communication mode is switched to the wired mode to start charging the battery and send image data from the cassette to the console device through a cable. The console device has first and second judging sections. The first judging section judges whether or not a charge level of the battery exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The second judging section judges whether or not radiography is in progress. If it is judged that the charge level of the battery exceeds the predetermined threshold value and the radiography is not in progress, a window that indicates permission for switching to the wireless mode is displayed on a monitor.

Abstract: A mammography unit having a mounting arm, on which a mounting for at least two X-ray receivers is rotatably disposed in such a way that one X-ray receiver at a time is positioned in an examination position inside an intended X-radiation field, while other X-ray receivers each remain in a reserve position outside the X-radiation field, is provided. The at least one reserve position is disposed on a side located in the X-radiation direction, relative to the mounting arm. In the case of two X-ray receivers, the X-ray receivers each form a lateral angle of between 45° and 90° with the axis of rotation of the mounting. By using a releasable connection of the mounting to the mammography unit, high modularity is provided.

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: A 2D mammogram image is synthesized from at least one of tomosynthesis projection images and/or the tomosynthesis reconstructed image data. In a simplest form, the mammogram may be synthesized by selecting one of the tomosynthesis projection images for display as a synthesized mammogram. Other methods of synthesizing a mammogram include re-projecting and filtering projection data and/or reconstructed data. The synthesized mammogram is advantageously displayed together with at least a portion of the reconstructed data to aid in review of the reconstructed data. The present invention thus provides a familiar image which may be used to facilitate review of a tomosynthesis data set.

Abstract: A breast imaging system leverages the combined strengths of two-dimensional and three-dimensional imaging to provide a breast cancer screening with improved sensitivity, specificity and patient dosing. A tomosynthesis system supports the acquisition of three-dimensional images at a dosage lower than that used to acquire a two-dimensional image. The low-dose three-dimensional image may be used for mass detection, while the two-dimensional image may be used for calcification detection. Obtaining tomosynthesis data at low dose provides a number of advantages in addition to mass detection including the reduction in scan time and wear and tear on the x-ray tube. Such an arrangement provides a breast cancer screening system with high sensitivity and specificity and reduced patient dosing.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically adjusting the gantry position to the breast height level of a patient. The automated height adjustment system for mammography imaging systems having a movable gantry associated with a fixed vertical support, comprises a tracking unit for tracking a patient's breast height level during patient's initial mammography procedure; and memory for storing the tracked breast height level along with the patient identification information. The system further comprises a processor configured to access the breast height level using the patient identification information during subsequent mammography procedures for the patient; and a drive mechanism capable of automatically adjusting the height of the gantry based on the accessed breast height level.

Abstract: A system for multi-mode breast x-ray imaging which comprises a compression arm assembly for compressing and immobilizing a breast for x-ray imaging, an x-ray tube assembly, and an x-ray image receptor is provided. The system is configured for a plurality of imaging protocols and modes.

Abstract: A method and system for producing tomosynthetic images of a patient's breast. An x-ray source that delivers x-rays through a breast immobilized and compressed between a compression paddle and a breast platform and form an image at a digital x-ray receptor panel. Multiple x-ray images are taken as the x-ray source and the receptor move relative to the immobilized breast. In one preferred embodiment, the x-ray source travels from ?15° to +15°. The source can travel in an arc around the breast while the receptor travels linearly while remaining parallel and at the same distance from the breast platform. The sets of x-ray image data taken at different angles are combined to form tomosynthetic images that can be viewed in different formats, alone or as an adjunct to conventional mammograms.

Abstract: A radiographic imaging device includes a compression plate, irradiation detection sections, and a correction section. The compression plate that compresses an imaging site of a subject between the compression plate and an imaging face of an imaging table, and that inclines with respect to the imaging face in accordance with the imaging site during the compression. The irradiation detection sections, each of which is provided at a different position on the imaging face and detects an irradiation amount of irradiated radiation. The correction section that corrects detection results from the plural irradiation detection sections using correction coefficients that are based on the thickness of the imaging site compressed by the compression plate and on the positions of the plural irradiation detection sections.

Abstract: Methods of imaging a breast comprising acquiring a sequence of image data sets having differing exposure parameters; and combining the image data sets into a mammography image having greater dynamic range than the dynamic range of any single component image data set. Disclosed methods may further comprise determining an exposure parameter of one or more component image data sets prior to acquiring the sequence of image data sets. The step of determining an exposure parameter of one or more component image data sets may comprise determining exposure duration or an exposure irradiation level. Also disclosed are mammography apparatus and systems to obtain images according to the disclosed methods.

Abstract: A radiation system includes a first radiation source and a first detector positioned opposite to each other configured to image a body portion, and a second radiation source and a second detector positioned opposite to each other configured to image a region of interest in the body portion. The first radiation source has a first spot size and the first detector has a first pixel size. The second radiation source has a second spot size and the second detector has a second pixel size. The first spot size of the first radiation source may be different from the second spot size of the second radiation source, and/or the first pixel size of the first detector may be different from the second pixel size of the second detector.

Abstract: A mammographic imaging system is optimized for use with a single fixed size flat panel digital image receptor. It accommodates compression devices (paddles) of varying sizes, and positions them properly in the field of view of the image receptor. When a compression paddle with size smaller than the field of view of the image receptor is used, the compression paddle can be shifted laterally in the direction parallel to the chest wall, so as to facilitate different views of different size breasts, and permit the image receptor to image as much of the desired tissue as possible. An automatic x-ray collimator restricts the x-ray illumination of the breast in accordance with compression paddle size and location in the field of view. An anti-scatter grid, mounted inside the image receptor enclosure, just below the top cover of the enclosure, can be retracted out of the field of view of the image receptor for use in magnification imaging.

Abstract: A method to show a predetermined volume segment of an examination subject by means of a tomosynthesis apparatus, and a correspondingly designed tomosynthesis apparatus, operate as follows. A radioscopy test is implemented in which x-rays with a defined radiation dose are generated by an x-ray source, the x-rays traversing the predetermined volume segment and strike a detector, and an intensity of the x-rays striking the detector is determined. A first radiation dose of x-rays is calculated to create a two-dimensional exposure depending on the determined radiation dose and the intensity. A second radiation doses of x-rays is calculated to implement a tomosynthesis depending on the determined radiation dose and the intensity. A tomosynthesis of the predetermined volume segment is implemented with x-rays that traverse the predetermined volume segment and strike the detector, the x-rays being generated by an x-ray source with the second radiation doses.

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging a breast of a patient has a gantry with a radiation source and a sensor, the source and sensor rotatable in an arcuate orbit about a central axis and within a plane of revolution, wherein the arcuate orbit spans more than 180 degrees and less than 360 degrees, and wherein the gantry has a gantry cover that is disposed to be in contact with at least the chest wall of the patient. The gantry cover has a central opening about the central axis for insertion of the breast that is to be imaged and a peripheral cutout portion that defines the end-points of the arcuate orbit and that provides a space for positioning a portion of the patient's anatomy.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and apparatus are disclosed for obtaining a phase-contrast digital mammography system and methods for same that can include an x-ray source for radiographic imaging; a beam shaping assembly including a filter or a tunable monochromator, a collimator, a source grating, an x-ray grating interferometer including a phase grating, and an analyzer grating; and an x-ray detector; where the source grating, the phase grating, and the analyzer grating are aligned in such a way that the grating bars of these gratings are parallel to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mammography.

Abstract: A method for use in medical imaging of a patient including, with the patient immobilized with respect to an imaging reference frame, acquiring first digital imaging information including a first region of interest using a first imaging modality; processing the first digital imaging information to identify a feature for analysis; and using a second imaging modality to acquire targeted second imaging information for a second region of interest, the second region of interest corresponding to a subset of the first region of interest, wherein the second region of interest includes the feature for analysis.

Abstract: A system and method for performing molecular imaging of an anatomy of interest is provided. The molecular imaging system includes a gantry, a first gamma camera coupled to the gantry, and a second gamma camera coupled to the gantry, the first and second cameras are positionable in an L-mode imaging configuration, the first and second gamma cameras are configured to immobilize an anatomy of interest there between in the L-mode configuration. The molecular imaging system is also configured to operate in an H-mode imaging configuration wherein the first and second gamma cameras are configured to immobilize an anatomy of interest there between in the H-mode configuration.

Abstract: A radiographic phase-contrast imaging apparatus obtains a phase-contrast image using two gratings including the first grating and the second grating. The first and second gratings are adapted to form a moire pattern when a periodic pattern image formed by the first grating is superimposed on the second grating. Based on the moire pattern detected by the radiographic image detector, image signals of the fringe images, which correspond to pixel groups located at different positions with respect to a predetermined direction, are obtained by obtaining image signals of pixels of each pixel group, which includes pixels arranged at predetermined intervals in the predetermined direction, as the image signal of each fringe image, where the predetermined direction is a direction parallel to or intersecting a period direction of the moire pattern other than a direction orthogonal to the period direction. Then, a phase-contrast image is generated based on the obtained fringe images.

Abstract: The present invention relates to 3D mammography, in which individual images of a breast are taken at different projection angles and a 3D image subsequently synthesized from this image information. According to the invention, a breast to be imaged is arranged locked in a locking means (16, 17) and during the imaging process, the x-ray source (13) is continuously moved with respect to location of the breast and the breast is irradiated at a number of angular positions of the x-ray source (13). During an irradiation period of the imaging process, the locking means (16, 17) is turned as synchronized with the movement of the x-ray source (13). The imaging process preferably further includes such non-irradiation periods during which the locking means (16, 17) is turned in a direction opposite to that when turned as synchronized with the movement of the x-ray source (13) during an irradiation period.

Abstract: A mammography system using a tissue exposure control relying on estimates of the thickness of the compressed and immobilized breast and of breast density to automatically derive one or more technic factors. The system further uses a tomosynthesis arrangement that maintains the focus of an anti-scatter grid on the x-ray source and also maintains the field of view of the x-ray receptor. Finally, the system finds an outline that forms a reduced field of view that still encompasses the breast in the image, and uses for further processing, transmission or archival storage the data within said reduced field of view.

Abstract: Systems and methods for biopsy guidance are provided. One system includes a gantry and a breast immobilization plate mounted to the gantry, wherein the breast immobilization plate is configured to be coupled with a biopsy unit. The biopsy unit includes at least one nuclear medicine imaging detector in an angled orientation with respect to the breast immobilization plate. The breast imaging system also includes a nuclear medicine imaging detector mounted to the gantry parallel to the breast immobilization plate, wherein the nuclear medicine imaging detector mounted to the gantry and the breast immobilizing plate are configured to immobilize a breast therebetween.

Abstract: A system is described for breast imaging that includes spatially registering sequential mammographic images of the same breast. The system includes a first compression member configured to contact a first side of a breast, a second compression member configured to contact a second side of a breast that is substantially opposite the first side. The system further includes a first image sensor, coupled to the first compression member and configured to detect a position of a first fiducial marker located at the first side of the breast, and a second image sensor, coupled to the second compression member and configured to detect a position of a second fiducial marker located at the second side of the breast.

Abstract: In a tomosynthesis system a static focal spot is moved in a direction opposite to and generally synchronized with the directional movement of an x-ray source and X-ray collimator blades are moved during each exposure in synchronization with the shifting of the static focal spot. The synchronized movement of the static focal spot, x-ray tube and collimator blades helps keep the effective focal spot fixed in space relative to the breast, detector or both during the entire duration of the exposure and keeps the x-ray field on the detector and breast static. The shifting collimator blades follow an oscillating pattern over the multiple x-ray exposures of a tomosynthesis scan.

Abstract: A multi-X-ray generating apparatus which has a plurality of electron sources arranged two-dimensionally and targets arranged at positions opposite to the electron sources includes a multi-electron source which includes a plurality of electron sources and outputs electrons from driven electron sources by selectively driving a plurality of electron sources in accordance with supplied driving signals, and a target unit which includes a plurality of targets which generate X-rays in accordance with irradiation of electrons output from the multi-electron source and outputs X-rays with different radiation qualities in accordance with the generation locations of X-rays. The generation locations and radiation qualities of X-rays from the target unit are controlled by selectively driving the electron sources of the multi-electron source.

Abstract: A stereotactic breast biopsy apparatus and system that may comprise an x-ray source, a digital imaging receptor, and a biopsy specimen cassette, wherein the digital imaging receptor is adjustably secured to the apparatus to permit an unobstructed illumination of the biopsy specimen and thereby produce biopsy x-ray images directly in the procedure room for immediate analysis. Some examples of the benefits may be, but are not limited to, a more rapid analysis of biopsy specimen digital images, post-processing image capability, and decreased procedure time and diminution of patient bleeding complications and needle discomfort.

Abstract: A patient support system for diagnostic and/or therapeutic radiologic procedures with geometric features that eliminate or reduce imaging artifacts created by the patient support is described. The artifact reducing features can be incorporated into an add-on patient positioning device, or directly within the standard diagnostic and/or therapeutic treatment table/couch. One possible configuration is to use a wave-like design of the portion of the patient support that remains in the radiation beam path where the anatomy to be imaged is located. Other configurations may include other geometric shapes or material distributions that serve the same purpose of eliminating artifacts in radiologic images.

Abstract: A system and method for molecular breast imaging (MBI) provides enhanced tumor analysis and, optionally, a real-time biopsy guidance. The system includes a detector head including a gamma ray detector and a multisegment collimator in a collimator frame. The collimator contains multiple collimation sections that have respectively different collimating characteristic and that are individually repositionable with respect to the detector. An image of the tissue acquired with the system may include spatially separate image portions containing image information about the same portion of the imaged tissue. A system of mounting the multisegment collimator in the detector head includes a collimator tray that is laterally moveable within the frame and/or slidable in and out of the frame.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a digital detector in which a detection array which detects radiation and readout elements are provided in separate respective housings, and a radiation apparatus which uses the same. The digital detector includes a first housing which includes a detection array and at least one second housing which includes at least one readout element, and the at least one second housing is mounted on the first housing.

Abstract: A biopsy apparatus includes a biopsy needle for insertion into an object to be examined in order to sample tissue of a biopsy region in the object, and a spatial range measuring section, which measures a spatial range within which the biopsy needle is capable of sampling the tissue of the biopsy region, based on an image of a phantom that simulates the object, which is captured after the biopsy needle has been inserted into the phantom and a portion of the phantom has been extracted.

Abstract: In a radiographic image capturing apparatus, a biopsy region positional information calculator calculates a three-dimensional position of a biopsy region in an object to be examined based on two radiographic images which are acquired in a stereographic image capturing process, an irradiated field calculator calculates a new irradiated field covering the biopsy region based on the calculated three-dimensional position of the biopsy region and two angles at which a radiation source is disposed in the stereographic image capturing process, and a collimator controller controls a collimator to change the irradiated field of the radiation to the new irradiated field in a next stereographic image capturing process.

Abstract: A medical inspection apparatus includes a main body and an inspection module. The main body has at least two guide rails and at least two sliding blocks which are slidably coupled to the guide rails respectively, and the inspection module further includes at least one pivot, and each of the sliding blocks is pivotally connected to the inspection module with a pivot, so that the inspection module is capable of sliding on the sliding rail to regulate the height and rotating with respect to the pivot to regulate the inclination. Moreover, the main body has a first supporting component and a second supporting component, so that the combination of the first supporting component and the second supporting component can provide three-ended support for an inspected person.

Abstract: An x-ray tube is described that includes components for increasing x-ray image clarity in the presence of a moving x-ray source by modifying focal spot characteristics, including focal spot size and focal spot position. In a first arrangement a static focal spot is moved in a direction contrary to the movement of the x-ray source so that an effective focal spot position is essentially fixed in space relative to one of the imaged object and/or detector during a tomosynthesis exposure. In a second arrangement, the size of the static focal spot is increased, and the resulting increase in tube current reduces the exposure time and concomitant blur effect. The methods may be used alone or in combination; for example an x-ray tube with a larger, moveable static focal spot will result in a system that fully utilizes the x-ray tube generator, provides a high quality image with reduced blur and, due to the decrease in exposure time, may scan the patient more quickly.

Abstract: A apparatus particularly well suited for use in medical imaging includes radiation sensitive detectors (40, 50) which detect gamma radiation indicative of radionuclide decays in an examination region (30). The detectors (40, 50) are supported by generally c-shaped support (70) for rotation about a detector rotation axis (35). The support (70) is farther attached to a pivot joint (77) which allows adjustment of the detector rotation axis (35). The support (70) may also be translated in two degrees of freedom to so that the detectors (40, 50) orbit the examination region (20) in a non-circular orbit.

Abstract: A method and system for producing tomosynthetic images of a patient's breast. An x-ray source that delivers x-rays through a breast immobilized and compressed between a compression paddle and a breast platform and form an image at a digital x-ray receptor panel. Multiple x-ray images are taken as the x-ray source and the receptor move relative to the immobilized breast. In one preferred embodiment, the x-ray source travels from ?15° to +15°. The source can travel in an arc around the breast while the receptor travels linearly while remaining parallel and at the same distance from the breast platform. The sets of x-ray image data taken at different angles are combined to form tomosynthetic images that can be viewed in different formats, alone or as an adjunct to conventional mammograms.

Abstract: A compression unit of a mammography apparatus includes an arrangement to tension at least one compression band in a first fixing unit and second fixing unit arranged on both sides of a subject table.

Abstract: A system and method using an inflatable jacket over the compression paddle of a mammography and/or tomosynthesis system to enhance imaging and improve patient comfort in x-ray breast imaging.

Abstract: The X-ray phase-shift contrast imaging method and the system thereof are provided. The X-ray phase-shift contrast imaging method utilizes characteristic X-rays of high throughput irradiating at the target from different positions or with different focal positions so as to form different X-ray images. The X-ray images are compared to define the voxels and combined to obtain the 3-D X-ray image. By using X-ray phase-shift contrast for imaging the soft tissue, the level of the image contrast may be enhanced several orders of magnitude and the linear energy transfer of the high energy photon beam is greatly reduced. Hence, the radiation dose absorbed by the tissue may be greatly reduced.