Abstract: A method of providing a stereoscopic X-ray image is provided. The method includes acquiring X-ray images captured at respective rotation angles with respect to a part of a patient to be examined while rotating around the part to be examined, and in response to information regarding a viewpoint with respect to the part to be examined being input, using X-ray images at respective rotation angles corresponding to the viewpoint from among the acquired X-ray images to generate a three-dimensional (3D) X-ray image.

Abstract: A distributed X-ray source (3) and an imaging system (1) comprising such an X-ray source (3) are proposed. The X-ray source (3) comprises an electron beam source arrangement (19) and an anode arrangement (17). The electron beam source arrangement (19) is adapted to emit electron beams (24) towards at least two locally distinct focal spots (27) on the anode arrangement (17). Therein, the X-ray source is adapted for displacing the anode arrangement (17) with respect to the electron beam source arrangement (19). While the provision of a plurality of focal spots allows acquisition of projection images under different projection angles thereby allowing reconstruction of three-dimensional X-ray images e.g. in tomosynthesis application, a displacement motion of the anode arrangement (17) with respect to the electron beam source arrangement (19) may allow for distributed heat flux to the anode arrangement thereby possibly reducing cooling requirements.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging system is provided with an X-ray source (11), first and second absorption gratings (31, 32), and a flat panel detector (FPD) (30), and obtains a phase contrast image of an object H by performing imaging while moving the second absorption grating (32) in x direction relative to the first absorption grating (31). The following mathematical expression is satisfied where p1? denotes a period of a first pattern image at a position of the second absorption grating (32), and p2? denotes a substantial grating pitch of the second absorption grating (32), and DX denotes a dimension, in the x-direction, of an X-ray imaging area of each pixel of the FPD (30). Here, “n” denotes a positive integer.

Abstract: In a method for geometrically correct association of at least two 3D image data of a patient, a marker field that defines a reference and is dimensionally stable and can be imaged in an x-ray image, is fixed in a stationary position relative to the patient. An x-ray apparatus is brought into first and second 3D acquisition positions. In each of the 3D acquisition positions, the x-ray apparatus acquires first 2D x-ray images for the associated 3D image data in various positions. The first and second 3D acquisition positions are selected such that a second 2D x-ray image that includes an image of at least a portion of the marker field is acquired in at least one respective position. The respective attitudes of the 3D acquisition position and the 3D image data in the reference system are determined from the image of the marker field in the second 2D x-ray image. First and second image data are geometrically correctly associated with one another according to their respective attitude.

Abstract: A multiview x-ray scanning system for inspecting the 3D volume of an object has been presented. The method uses multiple x-ray sources and multiple x-ray beams. The object to be inspected is interposed in the trajectory of these beams and moved relative to these beams. The x-ray beams after passing through the object are detected by detectors that are interleaved to realize a compact design. In order that the interleaved detectors do not intersect, the location of detectors and sources is adjusted. Further, the design of detectors is such that they can be placed in close proximity to each other in order to realize a small footprint scanner having a high resolution.

Abstract: A method for detecting nuclear species in a sample by adaptive scanning using nuclear resonance fluorescence may comprise illuminating the target sample with photons from a source; detecting a signal in an energy channel; determining a scan evaluation parameter using the signal detected; determining whether the scan evaluation parameter meets a detection efficiency criterion; adjusting one or more system parameters such that the scan evaluation parameter meets the detection efficiency criterion; and comparing the signal in an energy channel to a predetermined species detection criterion to identify a species detection event. In another embodiment, detecting a signal in an energy channel may further comprise detecting photons scattered from the target sample. In another embodiment, detecting a signal in an energy channel may further comprise detecting photons transmitted through the target sample and scattered from at least one reference scatterer.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to biopsy needle guidance which employs an x-ray/gamma image spatial co-registration methodology. A gamma camera is configured to mount on a biopsy needle gun platform to obtain a gamma image. More particular, the spatially co-registered x-ray and physiological images may be employed for needle guidance during biopsy. Moreover, functional images may be obtained from a gamma camera at various angles relative to a target site. Further, the invention also generally relates to a breast lesion localization method using opposed gamma camera images or dual opposed images. This dual head methodology may be used to compare the lesion signal in two opposed detector images and to calculate the Z coordinate (distance from one or both of the detectors) of the lesion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing radiographic, stereoscopic and tomographic images of an object of interest. Examples of objects of interest are body parts of living beings, such as the human breast and the human chest. The apparatus includes a high-fluence rate x-ray source and a plurality of satellite x-ray sources operating at lower fluence rate than the high-fluence rate source. A controller controls the operation and locations of the sources, and the operation of a detector. The method provides procedures in which the operation of the high-fluence source and the satellite sources are individually controlled as to location and orientation relative to the object of interest. In some operations, one satellite source may be operating while another satellite source may be repositioning. By proper control, a reduced x-ray dose and reduced operating time can be attained, thereby improving image quality, patient care, and patient experience.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of continuous non-destructive examination of specimens by so-called radio-synthesis, which can be integrated into the process for managing the life cycle of said specimens. This method operates by means of at least one X-ray source and of at least one digital sensor forming a pair with said source, source and sensor moving along opposite and homothetic trajectories inside a motion space, for each real-time generation of at least one cross section of each specimen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system of material identification using binocular steroscopic and multi-energy transmission image. With the method, any obstacle that dominates the ray absorption can be peeled off from the objects that overlap in the direction of a ray beam. The object that is unobvious due to a relatively small amount of ray absorption will thus stand out, and the material property of the object, such as organic, mixture, metal and the like can be identified. This method lays a fundament for automatic identification of harmful objects, such as explosive, drugs, etc., concealed in a freight container.

Abstract: There is provided a radiographic imaging device including: a radiation source that irradiates radiation and can move to a directly-facing position at which the radiation source directly faces the object of imaging in a directly-facing direction, a first diagonal incidence position that is at an angle to the directly-facing position, and a second diagonal incidence position that is at an angle at a side opposite the first diagonal incidence position to the directly-facing position; a radiation detector; and a control section that acquires radiologist information relating to an radiologist and, on the basis of the acquired radiologist information, selects one of the first diagonal incidence position and the second diagonal incidence position, wherein the radiographic imaging device captures radiographic images at the directly-facing position and at one of the first diagonal incidence position and the second diagonal incidence position selected by the control section.

Abstract: The stereoscopic effect of auxiliary lines for making a stereoscopic effect easy to figure out is matched with the stereoscopic effect of a subject included in a stereoscopic image when displaying a stereoscopic image using a radiological image. Auxiliary lines are added to two radiological images for displaying a stereoscopic image. The auxiliary lines are formed by arraying a plurality of grids so as to be viewed in the depth direction. The auxiliary lines are generated according to the compression thickness when compressing the subject to radiograph the subject, the radiographing technique, and the compression pressure when compressing the subject to radiograph the subject.

Abstract: Provided is a technique of making auxiliary lines easy to view when displaying a stereoscopic image using radiological images. Auxiliary lines are added on two radiological images for displaying a stereoscopic image, respectively. The auxiliary lines are made up of a plurality of grids appearing to be arranged in the depth direction, and, on the auxiliary lines that constitute a grid on a rear side, intersections with the auxiliary lines that constitute a grid on a front side and the near portion of the intersections are removed. In this way, the intersections of the grids can be viewed easily.

Abstract: In three dimensional X-ray imaging, a user interface is for search support with plural images, which are obtained by imaging an object upon applying X-rays thereto from an X-ray source. There is a display region for selecting two parallax images of one image pair among the plural images. Right and left buttons are for determining a direction to shift a view center of an image pair by selection from first and second directions in which an irradiation angle changes. A moving area image and line segment are for setting a small search area limited within an initial search area by considering the determined first or second direction, a first image pair specified previously, and a current second image pair in multi-stage binary search. Two parallax images of a third image pair are acquired from the small search area, to raise efficiency in search from the initial search area.

Abstract: A method and an X-ray device are disclosed for creating an X-ray projection image of a three-dimensional object under examination and for displaying the projection image. In at least one embodiment, pixel images are recorded from two different perspectives and a projection image is created by overlaying the two pixel images, wherein perspective-related offset of the mapping image pixels is taken into account, pixel-by-pixel, in relation to an imaging surface in the object under examination.

Abstract: In an X-ray imaging system, an X-ray source has a lightweight and small-sized X-ray tube. The X-ray tube is a fixed anode X-ray tube without having a target rotating mechanism. The X-ray tube uses a cold cathode electron source, which does not need a filament and a heater. An image acquisition control device moves the X-ray source to each of plural positions predetermined on a cross bar of a holder by control of a drive source of a shift mechanism. Whenever the X-ray source reaches each position, the X-ray source emits X-rays to an object, and a cassette detects the X-rays transmitted through the object to take an image. Based on data of taken plural images, tomographic image, which puts emphasis on a region of interest inside the object, is produced.

Abstract: It is possible to display a stereoscopic image in which a sense of depth in a stereoscopic image and a projection amount from a display screen are made uniform. A radiation image radiographing and displaying method irradiates radiation onto a subject from different radiographing directions by irradiation units to acquire radiation images in the radiographing directions detected by a radiation image detection unit, and displays a stereoscopic image using the acquired radiation images in the radiographing directions. The position of a subject is controlled such that the distance between the position of the end surface of the subject facing the irradiation units and the radiation image detection unit becomes a given distance, in a state where the position of the subject is controlled, the radiation images in the radiographing directions are acquired, and a stereoscopic image is displayed using the acquired radiation images.

Abstract: A stereoscopic image that is easily viewed by a patient and is capable of reducing the burden on the patient is displayed, and a stereoscopic image for interpretation which includes detailed image information and is viewed by, for example, a doctor is displayed. A radiological image displaying method that radiates radiation to a subject from the two different imaging directions, acquires two radiological images detected by a radiological image detector, and displays a stereoscopic image on a display unit based on the two acquired radiological images, and this method includes: performing image processing on the two radiological images to abstract image information included in the radiological images; and displaying a stereoscopic image based on two abstracted radiological images which are subjected to the image processing and a stereoscopic image based on two radiological images including the image information which is more detailed than that of the abstracted radiological images.

Abstract: Disclosed is a radiation image processing device that includes a storage unit; and a control unit that performs a control operation to associate a plurality of images of an object captured with radiation from different angles, with information about stereoscopic viewing conditions under which stereoscopic viewing has been performed with the plurality of images, the plurality of images associated with the information being stored into the storage unit through the control operation.

Abstract: S/N ratios of two radiological images with parallax are made equal. An angle between one of two radiographing directions and a direction perpendicular to a detection plane of a radiation detector is set to be larger than an angle between the other radiographing direction and the direction perpendicular to the detection plane of the radiation detector, and the amount of radiation is controlled such that the amount of radiation reaching the radiation detector from the one radiographing direction is equal to the amount of radiation reaching the radiation detector from the other radiographing direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a radiation image capturing apparatus including a storage unit that stores imaging site information associated with default image capturing angle information about a radiation image to be captured first among a plurality of radiation images of an object captured from different angles with a radiation ray emitted from a radiation source; a radiation source holding unit that holds the radiation source, with an angle of the radiation source being variable; a display unit that displays the default image capturing angle information associated with the imaging site information, the default image capturing angle information being displayed as initial image capturing angle information and variable information; a receiving unit that receives change information about the initial image capturing angle information; and a control unit that controls the radiation source holding unit to change the angle of the radiation source, based on the change information received by the receiving unit.

Abstract: A method for the superimposed depiction, on at least one screen, of overlapping recordings of a region to be imaged which is recorded in at least two recording steps, wherein multiple markers are fixedly provided in the region to be imaged, such that at least two recordings can be spatially produced, offset with respect to the markers, using an x-ray apparatus, wherein the recordings are registered relative to the marker, and the image data of accordingly registered recordings is mutually oriented by means of a common imaging protocol and depicted on the at least one screen in a superimposed way.

Abstract: Provided is a technique capable of reducing the burden on an examinee and improving imaging efficiency. A radiographic method includes: radiating radiation to a subject in different radiographing directions by moving a radiation source; capturing radiological images in the different radiographing directions using the emission of radiation; and acquiring an image using a modality that acquires an image related to anatomical information of the subject which is different from the radiological images during the movement of the radiation source from a predetermined radiographing direction to the next radiographing direction.

Abstract: To display a stereoscopic image enabling a viewer to appropriately view the entire image stereoscopically even when the inclination of a detection plane of a radiological image detector is changed depending on the radiographing directions of radiological images constituting a stereoscopic image. The inclination of a detection plane of a radiological image detector is changed depending on radiographing directions and a stereoscopic image is displayed using projected radiological images obtained by projecting radiological images detected on the inclined detection plane onto a plane perpendicular to a desired viewpoint direction of the stereoscopic image.

Abstract: A stereoscopic image radiographing apparatus performing both an equal-magnification radiographing operation and an enlarged radiographing operation displays a stereoscopic image with a magnitude of parallax suitable for both radiographing operations without changing two focal positions of radiation. Two radiological images are relatively moved and displayed in a parallax direction which is obtained by projecting an extending direction of a straight line connecting two focal positions onto the corresponding radiological image based on the angle formed by two radiographing directions of two radiological images constituting the stereoscopic image and the enlargement ratio thereof.

Abstract: A stereo x-ray inspection apparatus and a method for forming a three-dimensional image through volume reconstruction of an image acquired from the same are disclosed. The apparatus includes one x-ray generator and two detectors to acquire two images. The x-ray generator and detectors are arranged in the form of a right-angled triangle, to easily achieve mathematical development and analysis. One of the detectors, which does not just oppose the x-ray generator, is movable and rotatable, to acquire images under the condition that only one detector is moved in accordance with the size of an object, and thus to simplify control operation for the apparatus, so that a more accurate image from an object moving at high speed is acquired.

Abstract: There is provided a radiographic imaging device including: a radiation source that irradiates radiation and can move to a directly-facing position at which the radiation source directly faces the object of imaging in a directly-facing direction, a first diagonal incidence position that is at an angle to the directly-facing position, and a second diagonal incidence position that is at an angle at a side opposite the first diagonal incidence position to the directly-facing position; a radiation detector; and a control section that acquires radiologist information relating to an radiologist and, on the basis of the acquired radiologist information, selects one of the first diagonal incidence position and the second diagonal incidence position, wherein the radiographic imaging device captures radiographic images at the directly-facing position and at one of the first diagonal incidence position and the second diagonal incidence position selected by the control section.

Abstract: A radiographic imaging apparatus is provided with a generation unit, a radiation source, a moving unit, and an imaging control unit. The generation unit captures radiographic images based on beams of radiation that have been transmitted through an imaging target site and with which an imaging surface has been individually irradiated and generates sets of image information representing the captured radiographic images. The moving unit moves the radiation source such that irradiation with the beams of radiation is possible from different directions including a front direction. The imaging control unit controls the moving unit such that, in a case where the radiographic imaging apparatus performs stereo imaging, the imaging surface is irradiated with the beams of radiation from the front direction and from a direction of a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A radiographic image capturing system includes an image reconstructor for processing a plurality of radiographic images of a subject in order to reconstruct a radiographic tomographic image of the subject, and a monitor for displaying at least the radiographic tomographic image. The radiographic image capturing system also includes a region-of-interest setter for setting a region of interest of the subject on the radiographic images or the radiographic tomographic image, a radiographic image extractor for extracting, from among the radiographic images, two radiographic images for viewing the region of interest by way of stereographic vision, and a first stereographic vision display controller or a second stereographic vision display controller for controlling the monitor to display the extracted two radiographic images for stereographic vision.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for generating a panoramic image of a region of interest (ROI) which is larger than a field of a view of a radiation based imaging device, comprising, positioning markers along the ROI, acquiring a set of images along the ROI, wherein the acquired images have at least partially overlapping portions, aligning at least two separate images by aligning a common marker found in both images and compensating for a difference between a distance from a radiation source to the marker element and the distance from the radiation source to a plane of interest.

Abstract: A cardiac cavity region specifying part specifies the position of a cardiac cavity region represented in volume data. An image generation plane determining part determines an image generation plane that includes a rotation axis intersecting the cardiac cavity region. With a direction orthogonal to the image generation plane as a view direction, a first image generator generates three-dimensional image data that three-dimensionally represents a region excluding the cardiac cavity region, based on data excluding data included in the cardiac cavity of the volume data. A second image generator generates two-dimensional image data that two-dimensionally represents a region in the image generation plane, based on the data excluding the data included in the cardiac cavity region of the volume data. An image synthesizer synthesizes the three-dimensional image data with the two-dimensional image data. A display controller causes a display to display the synthesized image.

Abstract: A multiview x-ray scanning system for inspecting the 3D volume of an object has been presented. The method uses multiple x-ray sources and multiple x-ray beams. The object to be inspected is interposed in the trajectory of these beams and moved relative to these beams. The x-ray beams after passing through the object are detected by detectors that are interleaved to realize a compact design. In order that the interleaved detectors do not intersect, the location of detectors and sources is adjusted. Further, the design of detectors is such that they can be placed in close proximity to each other in order to realize a small footprint scanner having a high resolution.

Abstract: A tilted needle biopsy assembly is provided for mounting on an x-ray system. Because the biopsy needle is angled relative to at least one of the detector and the x-ray source, x-ray imaging may be performed during the biopsy procedure without interference by the biopsy device. The angled biopsy needle additionally allows improved access to the axilla and chest wall of the patient. The stereotactic biopsy device of the present invention may be coupled to any x-ray system, whether upright or prone, including but not limited to mammography systems, tomosynthesis systems, and combination mammography/tomosynthesis systems. The system flexibly supports the use of any mode of image capture (i.e., scout, two dimensional mammogram, three-dimensional reconstructed volume) for either or both target visualization and target localization. With such an arrangement, a needle biopsy assembly having improved patient coverage is provided for use with a variety of different x-ray imaging platforms.

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: The pipe inspection method and apparatus can be used to implement rapid, tomographic inspection of a pipe set up at a narrow location. The pipe inspection method includes: a first step for scanning the pipe by translating a radiation source and radiation detector arranged opposedly to the pipe; a second step for the radiation detector to detect radiation that the radiation source has emitted, at given scanning distance intervals; a third step for creating a transmission image of the pipe, based on a radiation dose that the radiation detector has detected; and a fourth step for constructing a tomogram or stereoscopic image of the pipe, based on the transmission image. Thus, it is possible to provide the pipe inspection method and apparatus that can be used to implement rapid, tomographic inspection of the pipe set up at a narrow location.

Abstract: Disclosed is graphically representing each of a number of measurement data sets as a variation of at least one parameter, wherein each measurement data set results from a measurement, by: [A] selecting a plurality of the measurement data sets to be graphically represented, [B] graphically representing one of the selected measurement data sets as a primary measurement data set in a first graphical style, and [C] graphically representing each one of the at least one remaining selected measurement data sets as secondary measurement data set in a graphical style deviating in at least one feature from the first graphical style. Upon a first change request, a different one of the selected measurement data sets is graphically represented as the primary measurement data set in the first graphical style, and continuing with [C].

Abstract: A medical radiation apparatus has a beam source and a deflection apparatus, which can be activated by means of a data processing device according to a radiation schedule generated using a recording of tissue to be irradiated produced using a medical imaging diagnosis device, said data processing device being set up for data purposes such that characteristics of the radiation acting on the tissue according to different irradiation scenarios can be visualized in a common display.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for obtaining stereoscopic x-ray images. The method includes taking two digital x-ray views of the same object from differing positions. The included angle between the axes of the x-rays for each position generally coincides with that formed by a pair of eyes viewing the object, though larger angles can be used. The x-rays can be taken by two x-ray generators within a single housing or within separate but attached housings. The generators are spaced apart and aimed at the object to form the appropriate angle. Care is taken not to move the object. Preferably, the x-ray generators have dual collimators to take the views. In this case, the time between taking the two x-rays need only be as long as the image capture time of the sensor being used, which lessens the chance of the object moving.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for optimally positioning a region of interest of a subject for imaging by a CT scanner. The scanner provides a source of one or more X-ray beams, at least one of which is used for acquiring a CT image of the subject, a movable support for the subject, and a controller that controls the X-ray source. To position the region of interest of the subject, the controller operates to illuminate the subject with X-rays to acquire stereo image data for the region of interest and controls the position of the support responsive to the stereo image data.

Abstract: A biopsy apparatus has a biopsy needle, which faces a radiation reception surface of a radiation detector and is held obliquely to the radiation reception surface by a biopsy needle holding mechanism. The biopsy apparatus includes a radiographic image capturing apparatus for capturing two radiographic images. One of the two radiographic images is produced according to a scout image capturing mode or a stereographic image capturing mode, and the other is produced according to the stereographic image capturing mode.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for representing a sequence of images constituting a moving image by processing signals corresponding to the image. An object appearing in one image is identified in the sequence in a first perspective view, and the same object appearing in another image is identified in the sequence in a second perspective view. A view descriptor of the outline of the object in the first perspective view is derived and at least one additional view descriptor of the outline of the object in another perspective view is also derived. The two or more view descriptors are associated to form a descriptor which is a single indexable entity for the sequence of images.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for the simultaneous reconstruction of the three-dimensional vessel geometry and the flow characteristics in a vessel system. According to one realization of the method, vessel segments (41) of a parametric models are fitted to differently oriented X-ray projections (P1, Pk, PN) of the vessel system that are generated during the passage of a bolus of contrast agent, wherein the fitting takes the imaged contrast agent dynamics and physiological a priori knowledge into account. In an alternative embodiment, the vessel geometry is reconstructed progressively along each vessel, wherein a new segment of a vessel is added based on the continuity of the vessel direction, vessel radius and reconstructed contrast agent dynamics.

Abstract: A method of objectively quantifying assessments of joints having arthritis for purposes of assessment, diagnosis and treatment. The objective measurements utilize known imaging modalities including 3D scanning, thermal imaging, visible and near-infrared imaging and two-dimensional imaging to quantify swelling, heat distribution, erythema, and range or motion. The objective measurements can be combined in various ways to assess the extent of the disease and can be used to adjust treatment protocols.

Abstract: A method of assessing a body part includes obtaining two or more types of data through a combination of two or more of the following four imaging modalities: (1) obtaining surface topography data of the body part, (2) obtaining thermographic data of the body part, (3) obtaining range of motion data for the body part, and (4) obtaining spectral data of light reflected from the body part. The two or more types of data are integrated to allow them to be interacted with simultaneously, and the body part is assessed based on the integrated data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a digital system (1) for performing stereotaxic biopsies with a biopsy needle. The inventive system (1) comprises a series of devices which are used to: emit X-rays, detect and transform X-ray photons into electric signáis, position a tissue sample between the X-ray source and the detector, process the electric signáis, and genérate images. The system can also be equipped with a series of devices complementary to those mentioned above, as well as a means for positioning the aforementioned devices in two positions and obtaining images in two different orientations.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus and an image processing method. The image processing apparatus includes an image obtaining unit to obtain a plurality of X-ray images using a plurality of X-rays corresponding to each of a plurality of energy bands being different from each other, a first processing unit to generate a plurality of material images using the plurality of X-ray images, and a second processing unit to generate a high contrast X-ray image using at least one of the plurality of material images.

Abstract: A stereoscopic phase-contrast X-ray imaging system (1) comprises a stereoscopic radiation head (20) having at least one X-ray source (30, 31) providing a first (32) and second (33) X-ray beam in stereoscopic configuration onto an object (110). At least one detector (40, 41) detects the beams (32, 33) having passed through the object (110) and generates detection data. This data is processed by a phase-contrast stereoscopic reconstruction processor (60) to generate two 2D phase-contrast images (80, 82) of the object (110) collectively forming a stereoscopic image pair or stereo image providing high resolution 3D representation of the object (110).

Abstract: The present invention provides an X-ray generator for achieving stereoscopic imaging effect and an X-ray device using the X-ray generator (101) as the X-ray source. The X-ray generator (101) can emit X-rays alternately from two positions the space of which conforms to the requirement for achieving stereoscopic imaging effect of the human beings.

Abstract: A cardiac cavity region specifying part specifies the position of a cardiac cavity region represented in volume data. An image generation plane determining part determines an image generation plane that includes a rotation axis intersecting the cardiac cavity region. With a direction orthogonal to the image generation plane as a view direction, a first image generator generates three-dimensional image data that three-dimensionally represents a region excluding the cardiac cavity region, based on data excluding data included in the cardiac cavity of the volume data. A second image generator generates two-dimensional image data that two-dimensionally represents a region in the image generation plane, based on the data excluding the data included in the cardiac cavity region of the volume data. An image synthesizer synthesizes the three-dimensional image data with the two-dimensional image data. A display controller causes a display to display the synthesized image.

Abstract: Components (30) in the interior of an EUV lithography device for extreme ultraviolet and soft X-ray wavelength range are cleaned by igniting a plasma, adjacent to the component (30) to be cleaned, using electrodes (29), wherein the electrodes (29) are adapted to the form of the component (30) to be cleaned. The residual gas atmosphere is measured spectroscopically on the basis of the plasma. An emission spectrum is preferably recorded in order to monitor the degree of cleaning. An optical fiber cable (31) with a coupling-in optical unit (32) is advantageously used for this purpose. Moreover, in order to monitor the contamination in the gas phase within the vacuum chambers during the operation of an EUV lithography device, it is proposed to provide modules configured to initiate a gas discharge and to detect radiation emitted on account of the gas discharge. The contamination in the gas phase can be deduced from the analysis of the measured spectrum.