Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining an image of an object. The apparatus comprises a radiation source and a series of two to five linear detectors spaced therefrom to define a scanning zone; means to cause an object to move relative to and through the scanning zone; a direct image generation apparatus to generate an image from the output of a linear detector; an intermediate image generation apparatus configured to generate at least one intermediate image from an adjacent pair of linear detectors, by processing the output of the pair of detectors and generating an image representative of an output intermediate between the two said detector outputs; the image apparatus adapted such that at least five and preferably at least six images are generated in total; an image display adapted successively to display such images and thus display the monocular movement parallax between the images.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating and displaying an image of an object comprising a radiation source and a series of at least two linear detectors capable of resolving incident source radiation spectroscopically spaced therefrom to define a scanning zone therebetween; means to cause an object to move relative to and through the scanning zone in use; an image generation apparatus to generate at least a first image from the output of a first linear detector, a second image from the output of second linear detector, and a third image, such that each such image includes a representation of spectroscopically resolved incident radiation; an image display adapted successively to display at least the first, second and third such images and thus display the monocular movement parallax between the images.

Abstract: A system for performing a virtual colonoscopy includes a system for generating digital images, a storage device for storing the digital images, a digital bowel subtraction processor coupled to receive images of a colon from the storage device and for removing the contents of the colon from the image and an automated polyp detection processor coupled to receive images of a colon from the storage device and for detecting polyps in the colon image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in an image-guided radiation treatment system for determining an in-treatment 3-D position of a patient and for registering the 3-D in-treatment position of the patient with a pre-treatment 3-D scan of the patient.

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: 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: A method for four-dimensional (4D) image verification in respiratory gated radiation therapy, includes: acquiring 4D computed tomography (CT) images, each of the 4D CT images representing a breathing phase of a patient and tagged with a corresponding time point of a first surrogate signal; acquiring fluoroscopic images of the patient under free breathing, each of the fluoroscopic images tagged with a corresponding time point of a second surrogate signal; generating digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRRs) for each breathing phase represented by the 4D CT images; generating a similarity matrix to assess a degree of resemblance in a region of interest between the DRRs and the fluoroscopic images; computing a compounded similarity matrix by averaging values of the similarity matrix across different time points of the breathing phase during a breathing period of the patient; determining an optimal time point synchronization between the DRRs and the fluoroscopic images by using the compounded similarity matrix;

Abstract: A stereoscopic-image generating system includes a radiation source, an image pickup device adapted to acquire information on a transmissive radiation ray transmitted through an object, the transmissive radiation ray being emitted from the radiation source, and a control device adapted to acquire presentation parameters of a presentation device which present a stereoscopic image based on the information on the transmissive radiation ray and to control a relative position of the radiation source with respect to the image pickup device in the acquisition of the information on the transmissive radiation ray based on the presentation parameters.

Abstract: To guarantee the ability to create stereo image pairs in real time, the invention relates a method for creating stereo image pairs of an object under examination with an x-ray system, featuring a recording unit comprising an x-ray detector and an x-ray source, with said recording unit being carried by an industrial robot and being able to be rotated around a center of rotation or around an axis of rotation is provided, in which a first x-ray image of the object under examination is recorded at a first angle of rotation of the recording unit around a center of rotation or an axis of rotation and subsequently a second x-ray image of the object under examination is recorded at a second angle of rotation of the recording unit around the center of rotation or the axis of rotation.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a radiation system (1) comprising an excentric gantry (100) arranged in connection with multiple treatment rooms (61-68) separated by radiation-shielding separating members (71-78). A movable rotation head (120) is connected to the gantry (100) and is able to move between, and direct a radiation beam (110) into, the treatment rooms (61-68). A simulator head (200-1 to 200-8) is preferably arranged together with the radiation system so it can be used in each respective treatment room (61-68). In such a case, while a first subject (40-1) is being irradiated in a first room (61), a treatment set-up procedure, including correct positioning of subjects (40-2 to 40-8) and irradiation simulation, can simultaneously take place for the other subjects (40-2 to 40-8) in the other treatment rooms (62 to 68).

Abstract: A laminography inspection system comprises an irradiation source, a plurality of linear image detectors defining an image plane, a fixed table for placement of a test object in a stationary position between the irradiation source and the image detectors, and a computing device for processing a plurality of images of the test object acquired from the image detectors. The irradiation source and the image detectors perform a plurality of parallel linear scanning passes across the area of the test object to acquire images of the test object under different viewing angles. Based on the acquired image data, the computing device determines a warp compensation and generates a cross-sectional image of a selected section within the test object.

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 system and method for stereoscopically imaging a patient at multiple locations with a radiation treatment system using a common imaging center.

Abstract: A method for automatically identifying defects in turbine engine blades is provided. The method comprises acquiring one or more radiographic images corresponding to one or more turbine engine blades and identifying one or more regions of interest from the one or more radiographic images. The method then comprises extracting one or more geometric features based on the one or more regions of interest and analyzing the one or more geometric features to identify one or more defects in the turbine engine blades.

Abstract: A system and method for stereoscopically imaging a patient at multiple locations in a radiation treatment system with variable imaging geometry to enable the delivery of radiation treatments from multiple ranges of treatment angles without obstructing the imaging system or the radiation treatment.

Abstract: Methods for generating a three-dimensional visualization image of an object, such as an internal organ, using volume visualization techniques are provided. The techniques include a multi-scan imaging method; a multi-resolution imaging method; and a method for generating a skeleton of a complex three dimension object. The applications include virtual cystoscopy, virtual laryngoscopy, virtual angiography, among others.

Abstract: Methods for generating a three-dimensional visualization image of an object, such as an internal organ, using volume visualization techniques are provided. The techniques include a multi-scan imaging method; a multi-resolution imaging method; and a method for generating a skeleton of a complex three dimension object. The applications include virtual cystoscopy, virtual laryngoscopy, virtual angiography, among others.

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 of the present invention 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. According to this invention, 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 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: In a binocular steroscopic scanning radiographic imaging method, X-rays emitted by the same radiation source are used. The X-rays pass through a double-slit collimator to form two X-ray beam sectors, which are symmetric or asymmetric and have an angle between them. The X-ray beam sectors, after penetrating through an object under detection, are received by the left and right detector array, respectively, then converted into electric signals to be inputted to the respective image acquisition systems, and received by a computer processing system for image processing and displaying. A system corresponding to the method comprises a radiation source, a beam controller, two mutually connected arms of detector arrays, image acquisition systems connected respectively to each of the detector arrays and a computer processing system.

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 (Pl, 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: An optic device, system and method for making are described. The optic device includes a first solid phase layer having a first index of refraction with a first photon transmission property and a second solid phase layer having a second index of refraction with a second photon transmission property. The first and second layers are conformal to each other. The optic device may be fabricated by vapor depositing a first layer and then vapor depositing a second layer thereupon. The first layer may be deposited onto a blank or substrate. The blank or substrate may be rotated during deposition. Further, a computer-controlled shutter may be used to alter the deposition rate of material along an axis of the optic device. Alternatively, the optic device may be moved at varying speeds through a vapor stream to alter the deposition rate of material.

Abstract: A non-diagnostic, stereoscopic x-ray tracking apparatus and method for tracking moving objects in the context of radiotherapy and radiosurgery includes using two x-ray tubes to alternately and repeatedly record x-ray images of an object along two different viewing lines through the target area of an irradiating apparatus. The viewing lines intersect at a known angle, wherein an extrapolated object trajectory is ascertained by determining surfaces and intersecting points. Further, a minimum transversal from the object trajectory onto a current viewing line is ascertained, wherein the three-dimensional position of the tracked object is approximated at the point at which the object trajectory meets the viewing line.

Abstract: This specification discloses a three-dimensional image pickup and display apparatus having a radiation source for applying a radioactive ray to an object, a photographing unit for photographing the transmission image of the object, and a control unit for setting three-dimensional display parameters for observing a three-dimensional image which conforms to a three-dimensional display output device. The control unit changes the position of the radiation source in conformity with the three-dimensional display parameters.

Abstract: An optic device, system and method for imaging are described. The optic device includes a first solid phase layer having a first index of refraction with a first photon transmission property and a second solid phase layer having a second index of refraction with a second photon transmission property, the solid phase layers being situated between an output face and a non-flat input face. The first and second layers are conformal to each other. The imaging system includes a source of electrons and a target, with an array of the optic devices coupled thereto to form limited cone beams of X-ray radiation.

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: 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: A method and apparatus in an image-guided radiation treatment system for determining an in-treatment 3-D position of a patient and for registering the 3-D in-treatment position of the patient with a pre-treatment 3-D scan of the patient.

Abstract: A system and method for stereoscopically imaging a patient at multiple locations in a radiation treatment system with a variable imaging geometry to enable the delivery of radiation treatments from multiple ranges of treatment angles without obstructing the imaging system or the radiation treatment.

Abstract: A non-diagnostic, stereoscopic x-ray tracking apparatus and method for tracking moving objects in the context of radiotherapy and radiosurgery includes using two x-ray tubes to alternately and repeatedly record x-ray images of an object along two different viewing lines through the target area of an irradiating apparatus. The viewing lines intersect at a known angle, wherein an extrapolated object trajectory is ascertained by determining surfaces and intersecting points. Further, a minimum transversal from the object trajectory onto a current viewing line is ascertained, wherein the three-dimensional position of the tracked object is approximated at the point at which the object trajectory meets the viewing line.

Abstract: A calibration system is disclosed for a stereoradiographic device having an X-ray source and a vertical X-ray receiver, the calibration system includes a horizontal table which rotates between two reference positions that are separated by 90 degrees in a horizontal plane of the table. A vertical frame is fastened to the horizontal table and is symmetrical with an axis of rotation of the table, the frame accommodates a patient that remains stationary relative to the frame as the table is rotated between its two reference positions wherein corresponding X-ray photographs are taken. At least three markers made of radio-opaque material are firmly attached to the frame, one of the markers represents the origin of orthogonal X,Y and Z axes, a second of the markers is located at a predetermined point along the X-Y axes, the third marker located at a known distance along the Z axis, the markers defining respective distances Lx, Ly or H relative to the origin.

Abstract: A radiation therapy treatment machine that has a stereoscopic imaging system, which includes a rotatable open gantry on which is placed a first diagnostic radiation source, a first diagnostic imager, and a therapeutic radiation source.

Abstract: A surgical imaging system includes spaced-apart first and second x-ray sources mounted above a patient support surface. An x-ray detector mounted below the patient support surface generates first x-ray images based upon x-rays from the first x-ray source and second x-ray images based upon x-rays from the second x-ray source. These first and second x-ray images are used to generate a stereofluoroscopic image via a stereo display for a surgeon performing image-guided surgery. The stereofluoroscopic imaging system may be used in conjunction with robotic surgery. A surgical robot operatively controls a surgical tool in an area between the first x-ray source and the x-ray detector, and between the second x-ray source and the x-ray detector. The system may optionally include a first video camera mounted proximate the first x-ray source and a second video camera mounted proximate the second x-ray source.

Abstract: Methods for generating a three-dimensional visualization image of an object, such as an internal organ, using volume visualization techniques are provided. The techniques include a multi-scan imaging method; a multi-resolution imaging method; and a method for generating a skeleton of a complex three dimension object. The applications include virtual cystoscopy, virtual laryngoscopy, virtual angiography, among others.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for inspecting objects. The method includes obtaining a structural model of a first object, the model providing dimensions and material properties for the first object, inspecting a second object to provide inspection data for at least two views of a structure of the second object, comparing inspection and predicted data based on the structural model of the first object and a simulation of the inspection process, reconstructing stereographic data for the second object based on the structural model of the first object and contributions of the inspection data of the second object. In another embodiment, where there is a structural model of an object, the object can be subjected to a dynamic process and the object is inspected throughout the process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a magnification factor in a radiography device of the type comprising an X-ray source and means for acquiring images placed facing the source, the source and the means for acquiring images being mounted so as to rotate about at least one axis with respect to a support on which an object to be X-rayed is intended to be positioned. The method and the apparatus implementing the method comprises: acquiring at least two images corresponding to two different angular positions of the source and of the recording means with respect to the support; identifying on these images projections of at least one point of the X-rayed object; and determining the magnification factor of at least one of the images, first, as a function of the angular displacement of the source and of the recording means between the acquisitions of the images in question and, secondly, as a function of the positions on these images of the identified projections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for imaging during interventional or surgical procedures. In said method 2D fluoroscopy images (14a, 14b) of an area under examination are recorded by means of an X-ray fluoroscopy system and registered with previously recorded 3D image data (13) of the area under examination. The method is characterized in that two 2D fluoroscopy images (14a, 14b) are recorded in each case from a stereoscopic perspective as a 2D image pair, two 2D rendering images corresponding to the stereoscopic perspective of the 2D image pair are computed from the 3D image data (13), and the 2D image pair and the 2D rendering images are displayed stereoscopically as an overlay. The method and the device permit improved orientation for the operator in the area under examination.

Abstract: A volume imaging system which progressively constructs, analyzes, and updates three dimensional models while acquiring cross-sectional data is described. The system constructs and displays three-dimensional renderings, and performs quantitative calculations in real time during the imaging system data collection process, displays interactive three-dimensional renderings in a traditional post-data collection process, as well as prescribes, archives, films, and transmits rendering procedures, parameters, renderings, measurements, and processed data, during data collection and post-acquisition.

Abstract: The multiple view angle X-ray stereoscopic imaging method of the present invention comprises the steps of: first, establishing the angle and distance indexes for all the pixel columns of a series of projected image data acquired along circular or spiral trace based on the X-ray imaging system parameters and data acquisition parameters, and sorting and storing the indexes so as to be retrieved fast; then, calculating the angle and distance parameters of pixels in the stereogram to be combined according to the selected observation viewpoint, direction of sight line, and parallax effect, and thereby looking up the stored indexes and the corresponding image data and implementing image combination. The method of the present invention provides a multiple view angle X-ray stereoscopic imaging display which can designate the position of viewpoint and direction of sight line, and adjust the parallax effect.

Abstract: A method of and system for locating a targeted region in a patient uses a CT imaging subsystem and a radiotherapy subsystem arranged so the targeted region can be imaged with the imaging system and treated with a beam of therapeutic X-ray radiation using a radiotherapy subsystem. The beam of therapeutic X-rays is in a plane that is substantially fixed relative to, and preferably coplanar with, a slice plane of the CT imaging subsystem so that the targeted region can be imaged during a planning phase, and imaged and exposed to the therapeutic X-rays during the treatment phase without the necessity of moving the patient.

Abstract: A method and system for constructing from volumetric CT or MRI scan data of a patient region, a virtual two-dimensional fluoroscopic image of the patient region as seen from a selected point in space are disclosed. In practicing the method, a plurality of rays are constructed between a selected view point and each of a plurality of points in an XY array, where at least some of the rays pass through the patient target region, the points in the XY array correspond to the XY array of pixels in a display screen, and each pixel in the display screen includes multiple N-bit registers for receiving digital-scale values for each of multiple colors. For each pixel element, a sum of all M-bit density values associated with voxels along a ray extending from the selected point to the associated pixel element is calculated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a means to augment or upgrade a traditional single beam 2D x-ray system to produce 3D stereoscopic output. The system utilizes the cross-sectional beam divergence of a single source x-ray unit to generate perspective information. This is achieved by scanning the object twice where the object is shifted parallel to the cross-sectional beam plane between scans. The resulting two scans can be displayed on a 3D stereoscopic viewing system to produce a 3D stereoscopic representation of the object thus revealing all three-depth dimensions. The invention includes a method of converting a 2D x-ray system to a 3D x-ray system requiring no changes to an x-ray generation portion, optics portion or sensing system portion of said 2D x-ray system. The method includes coupling a 3D stereoscopic image processor to a 2D processor and installing a mechanical shift system and coupling said shift system to said 3D stereoscopic image processor and a object carrying device.

Abstract: Pairs of stereo Xray radiographs are obtained from an X-ray imaging system and are digitized to form corresponding pairs of stereo images (602, 604). The pairs of stereo images (602, 604) are adjusted (410) to compensate for gray-scale illumination differences by grouping and processing pixel groups in each pair of images. Distortion in the nature of depth plane curvature and Keystone distortion due to the toed-in configuration of the X-ray imaging system are eliminated (412). A screen parallax for the pair of stereo images is adjusted (414) to minimize depth range so as to enable a maximum number of users to view the stereoscopic image, and particular features of interest.

Abstract: The multiple view angle X-ray stereoscopic imaging method of the present invention comprises the steps of: first, establishing the angle and distance indexes for all the pixel columns of a series of projected image data acquired along circular or spiral trace based on the X-ray imaging system parameters and data acquisition parameters, and sorting and storing the indexes so as to be retrieved fast; then, calculating the angle and distance parameters of pixels in the stereogram to be combined according to the selected observation viewpoint, direction of sight line, and parallax effect, and thereby looking up the stored indexes and the corresponding image data and implementing image combination.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for precisely locating radioactive sources. A pair of visual cameras are oriented in directions so that they have all or part of their field of vision in common. The apparatus also includes an intermediate camera which is sensitive to the radiation to be measured. The visual cameras make it possible to define the position of the details of the environment by a triangulation method and another triangulation is carried out in order to know the position of the sources after having moved the apparatus. Photogrammetry software is used to accomplish these tasks easily.

Abstract: During the last ten years patents directed to luggage scanning apparatus began to appear in the patent art. Absent from the variety of approaches in the art is stereoscopic imaging that entails exposing two or more images of the same object, each taken from a slightly different perspective. If the perspectives are too different, that is, if there is too much separation of the X-ray exposures, the image will look flat. Yet with a slight separation, a stereo separation, interference occurs. Herein a system is provided for the production of stereo pairs. One perspective, a left or a right perspective angle, is first established. Next, the other perspective angle is computed. Using these left and right perspectives the X-ray sources can then be spaced away from each other.

Abstract: X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy systems and methods are provided. One system includes a source of x-ray radiation and an excitation optic disposed between the x-ray radiation source and the sample for collecting x-ray radiation from the source and focusing the x-ray radiation to a focal point on the sample to incite at least one analyte in the sample to fluoresce. The system further includes an x-ray fluorescence detector and a collection optic comprising a doubly curved diffracting optic disposed between the sample and the x-ray fluorescence detector for collecting x-ray fluorescence from the focal point on the sample and focusing the fluorescent x-rays towards the x-ray fluorescence detector.

Abstract: A radiographic imaging system (100) comprises an X-ray tube (110), a sensor plate (120), and a graphics engine (130). The tube (110) and the sensor plate (120) rotate synchronously about a patient (150) and expose a stereoscopic pair of images which are transmitted to the graphics engine (130). The graphics engine (130) determines (312) the geometry of the system (100). If (314) the pair of images are toed-in relative to each other, the graphics engine (130) converts (316) the images into a parallel geometry. Likewise, the graphics engine (130) also processes (320) the images for keystone distortion, if necessary. Simply flipping the images in the stereo pair distorts the depth of objects in the stereoscopic image. Instead of simply flipping the images, it is desirable to “go behind” the screen (412A) and look at the image from the back.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for showing three-dimensionally defined fiducial points in a video camera image involving monitoring of a spatial region by at least two cameras which can map invisible light, especially infrared light, and by at least one video camera, computer-assisted analysis of the image data of the cameras, using the three-dimensional data obtained by means of the invisible-light cameras to compute the spatial location of objects located in the monitored spatial region as mapped by the invisible-light cameras, and displaying the fiducial points assigned to the objects together with the video image; the invention also relating to an apparatus for implementing the method or for visually verifying the correct position of an object.

Abstract: During the last ten years patents directed to luggage scanning apparatus began to appear in the patent art. Absent from the variety of approaches in the art is stereoscopic imaging that entails exposing two or more images of the same object, each taken from a slightly different perspective. If the perspectives are too different, that is, if there is too much separation of the X-ray exposures, the image will look flat. Yet with a slight separation, a stereo separation, interference occurs. Herein a system is provided for the production of stereo pairs. One perspective, a left or a right perspective angle, is first established. Next, the other perspective angle is computed.