Abstract: Brightness information of, for example, an average value of brightnesses at an X-ray image of a first connected part when an electronic component is mounted onto only one face of a printed board is obtained. Binary images of an X-ray image of the board with the electronic components mounted to both faces are formed by an upper and a lower levels relative to the brightness information. The binary images are synthesized with each other so as to extract an image of only a second connected part. The image of only the second connected part can be obtained in this manner on the basis of the X-ray image of the double face-mounted board, so that an accuracy for connection inspection is improved. Also, a relationship between a density in the X-ray image of the connected part and a thickness of the connected part is obtained beforehand, based on which a plurality of thickness images are obtained for a plurality of X-ray images of different image storage times.

Abstract: This radiography process utilizes dual-energy rays and comprises, in order to differentiate bone, lean and fatty tissues at the same time, an improvement consisting in assessing the total length penetrated by each ray while correcting the errors which may be produced by internal gas pockets. One proceeds as follows: selection of certain rays which have not penetrated bone tissues; calculation of the thicknesses of lean and fatty tissues penetrated by these rays according to the two attenuations, the sum of these two thicknesses being the length of attenuation; estimation of the length of attenuation elsewhere, in particular by means of interpolations; and calculation of the thicknesses of the three categories of tissues penetrated according to this total length of attenuation and the two attenuations.

Abstract: A method of analysing a bone model, the bone model including an array of finite elements, the method including the steps of: i. simulating the application of a load to a selected plurality of the elements and ii. limiting the selected elements so that each moves an equal distance when the load application is simulated.

Abstract: The functional dependency of a first X-ray absorption value of density and atomic number is determined in the instance of a first X-ray spectrum, and at least the functional dependency of a second X-ray absorption value of density and atomic number is determined in the instance of a second X-ray spectrum. Based on a recording of a first distribution of X-ray absorption values of the object to be examined in the instance of a first X-ray spectrum, and on a recording of at least one second distribution of X-ray absorption values of the object to be examined in the instance of a second X-ray spectrum, the values for density and atomic number are determined by comparing the functional dependency of a first X-ray absorption value of the first distribution of X-ray absorption values with the functional dependency(ies) of the X-ray absorption values, which are assigned to the first X-ray absorption value, of the second and/or other distributions of X-ray absorption values.

Abstract: A process and osteodensitometry system using a dual-energy cone beam of X-rays is described. The system comprises an X-ray source capable of supplying a cone beam of X-rays with at least a first energy called the high energy and a second energy called the low energy, a two dimensional X-ray detector and electronic processor for processing images supplied by the detector. According to the process, a low energy image of a part of the anatomy of a patient, and a high energy image of the same part of the anatomy of a patient are acquired, and the images acquired at low energy and at high energy are matched before building up the map of bone densities of the part of the anatomy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for characterizing voids in test samples. An x-ray emission inducer scans a target such as a via on a test sample. A metallization or thin film layer emits x-rays as a result of the scan. The x-ray emission intensity can be measured and compared against a control measurement. The information obtained can be used to characterize a void in the scan target.

Abstract: The in vivo three component areal density composition of a patient along a transmitted x-ray beam is derived by raster-scanning a collimated x-ray beam across a bony region of the patient, with each point scanned at different energies, and using matrix equations with a priori spectra information to solve for the relative areal density of soft tissue, fat and bone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the calibration and alignment of an X-ray reflectometry (“XRR”) system for measuring thin films. An aspect of the present invention describes a method for accurately determining C0 for each sample placement and for finding the incident X-ray intensity corresponding to each pixel of a detector array and thus permitting an amplitude calibration of the reflectometer system. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for aligning an angle-resolved X-ray reflectometer that uses a focusing optic, which may preferably be a Johansson crystal. Another aspect of the present invention is to validate the focusing optic. Another aspect of the present invention relates to the alignment of the focusing optic with the X-ray source. Another aspect of the present invention concerns the correction of measurements errors caused by the tilt or slope of the sample.

Abstract: A method for testing a surface of a sample includes irradiating the surface at a grazing incidence with a beam of radiation having a focal region, whereby the radiation is reflected from the surface. At least one of the focal region and the sample is adjusted through a plurality of adjustment stages within an adjustment range so as to vary a location of the focal region relative to the surface. Respective angular profiles of the radiation reflected from the surface are measured at the plurality of adjustment stages, and the angular profiles are compared in order to select an adjustment within the range at which the surface is in a desired alignment with the beam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for mapping the relevant material properties of a log, such as knot location and extent. The outer shape of the log under bark is also revealed using this method, and the boundary between the heartwood and sapwood is accurately mapped. The apparatus includes three x-ray sources and arrays of x-ray detectors, for measuring the attenuation of the wood in the log. Deviations in attenuation are related to changes in density, which are indicative of knots and other defects. Accurate estimates of shape, density and knot location render improved sawing decisions at the headrig of a sawmill, which improve the yield of high quality lumber from a given log. The techniques may also be used in a system for sorting logs according to quality.

Abstract: An automatic segmentation module with an open architecture that automatically generates a contour of a target bone based on a digital image. In one embodiment, the digital image can include an extremity, such as a hand with three digits and a calibration wedge. The automatic segmentation module receives the digital image as an input, and automatically segments the target bone by utilizing an object-oriented approach. This approach extracts intermediate target objects and uses these intermediate target objects to refine or limit the search space in order to extract the final target object.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting and monitoring noncompliant interstate transportation of materials is disclosed. The method and system include providing a detection and monitoring network whereby multiple ports-of-entry are each equipped with a detection system that is in communication with a central computer. The detection systems are then used to detect levels of a material in vehicles passing through the ports-of-entry. The method and system further include associating the levels of material detected for each vehicle with the respective vehicle, and saving the vehicle material levels on a computer. The material levels detected at each port-of-entry are then uploaded to the central computer for monitoring and review.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for non-contacting morphomtry of three-dimensional surface of an object such as a human body in a shorter time period and with higher precision, wherein the present non-contacting morphometry of three-dimensional surface of an object involves a plurality of measuring video heads, Ai, Bi, Ci and Di and a controlling unit for controlling the measuring time of the measuring heads and for processing and storing the obtained data from the measurements.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an (x-ray) bone densitometer comprising a stand including an “L”-shape handle consisting of an a horizontal and a vertical plate capable of rotating between an horizontal position and a vertical position on the horizontal plate, a handle groove, a first guide pin and a second guide pin, and a stand groove; and a housing including an opening formed perpendicular in the center of the upper part (of said housing), the opening having one or more of the first and the second guide grooves for guiding the movements of first and said second guide pins, a stand settle groove for settling the stand when the stand is settled horizontally, and a stand erecting groove for supporting the stand when the stand is erected in slope.

Abstract: A multidiagnostic rectilinear scanner for conducting non-invasive diagnostic procedures of bodily tissue. Both transmission and emission studies are performed on a single scanner utilizing software modules for each kind of study. Dual energy x-ray and radioactive sources are used to perform radiographic and absorptiometry transmission measurements. A system and method of identifying regions of interest within tissue being scanned and recording the location of those regions provides an additional diagnostic capability.

Abstract: Results of a bone mineral density (BMD) measurement and a total score obtained by combining score values pertaining to the applicability of pre-defined risk factors are combined into a value indicating whether a person is at risk of osteoporosis.

Abstract: A density profiler for measuring a density profile of a medium including at least two liquids and gaseous phases includes an axially distributed source array providing at least 10 collimated ionising radiation beams; an axially distributed radiation detector array, each detector associated in use with one of the beams and producing an output signal in response to incident radiation; and an analysor for the detector output signals to determine the density of the medium traversed by the beams of radiation.

Abstract: The present technique provides a variety of processing schemes for decomposing soft tissue and bone images more accurately from low and high-energy images acquired from an imaging system, such as a dual-energy digital radiography system using flat-panel technology. In particular, a pre-decomposition process is provided for spatially matching, or registering, low and high-energy images using warping registration prior to dual energy image decomposition, which creates the soft tissue and bone images. Accordingly, the pre-decomposition process reduces motion artifacts between the low and high-energy images, thereby improving image clarity of the decomposed soft tissue and bone images.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for analyzing x-ray images. In particular, devices, methods and algorithms are provided that allow for the accurate and reliable evaluation of bone structure from x-ray images.

Abstract: An X-ray computed tomography apparatus monitors the density of a contrast medium injected into a subject with a CT value by a preparation scan so as to adjust the main scan start timing. A guidance output unit outputs guidance to the subject. A control unit compares the CT value of tomographic image data obtained by the preparation scan with the first threshold, supplies guidance data to the guidance output unit to output the guidance to the subject when the CT value has reached the first threshold. The control unit compares the CT value of the tomographic image obtained by the preparation scan with the second threshold different from the first threshold, and starts executing the main scan or preparing the execution of the main scan when the CT value has reached the second threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the lateral yarn density distribution of a yarn uses selected X-ray radiation. Radiation absorption is determined in a number of narrow planes across the yarn and in two or more rotational orientations. The measuring takes place without any damage to or physical interference with the yarn.

Abstract: A method of performing bone densitometry, utilizing a dual-energy method, wherein the surrounding soft tissue in the volume of interest is accurately eliminated from the transmission images by means of a calibration procedure. The method utilizes an X-ray apparatus with a two-dimensional X-ray detector so as to perform data acquisition during one run.

Abstract: Non-invasive quantitative plain radiographic evaluation of bone in a bony locale of a body is performed by subjecting the bony locale to a broadband collimated x-ray beam having energy in the range of about 20 keV to 150 keV. Alongside the bony locale is a composite phantom. The composite phantom is comprised of at least two materials, superimposed on one another. An energy-selective multiple-film detector cassette containing at least two films is placed under the body and composite phantom to receive the transmitted x-ray beam. The films in the cassette are developed and digitally scanned to produce sets of composite phantom data and sets of bone data. The data sets are then numerically processed using interpolation whereby to generate the indicated estimate of bone status, namely, bone-mineral density. In an alternative embodiment, an independent measurement is made of the total tissue thickness, and the bone status is determined using interpolation based only on a single film.

Abstract: A conveyor (12) moves a workpiece (WP) past an x-ray source (14) to detect existence and location of any undesirable material included in the workpiece, such as bones, fat, metal, etc. Thereafter, the conveyor carries the workpiece further, wherein a cutter (22) segments the detected undesirable material from the workpiece into a segmented portion (SP) having a visually distinguishable shape, such as square, round, triangular, etc. A worker stationed downstream of the cutter along the conveyor may then easily spot the segmented portion (SP) in a distinguishable shape and offload the segmented portion from the conveyor, while leaving the rest of the workpiece (WP) on the conveyor for further processing. Alternatively, a pickup device (24) may be used to automatically offload the segmented portion from the conveyor. A computer (18) keeps track of the locations of the workpiece and the segmented portion at all times.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an (x-ray) bone densitometer comprising a stand including an “L”-shape handle consisted of an horizontal and a vertical plate capable of rotating between an horizontal position and a vertical position on the horizontal plate, a handle groove, the first and the second guide pins, and a stand groove; and a housing including an opening formed perpendicular in the center of the upper part (of said housing), the opening having one or more of the first and the second guide grooves for guiding the movements of said first and said second guide pins, a stand settle groove for settling the stand when the stand is settled horizontally, and a stand erecting groove for supporting the stand when the stand is erected in slope.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the lateral yarn density distribution of a yarn uses selected radiation in the X-ray spectrum wavelength. Radiation absorption is determined in a number of narrow planes across the yarn and in two or more rotational orientations. The measuring takes place without any damage to or physical interference with the yarn.

Abstract: The present invention relates to network enabled analysis of x-ray images. Also described are devices comprising calibration phantoms; methods of using these devices; methods of formulating databases containing information regarding x-ray images; the databases themselves; and methods of manipulating the information and databases.

Abstract: A method for measuring a height of a bump formed on a work of substrate, the method comprising: irradiating X-rays having a predetermined wavelength and an incident intensity toward a first work of substrate which is the same as the above-mentioned work of substrate, but no bump is formed thereon, and detecting a first X-ray transmitted intensity at a position on which the bump is to be formed; irradiating X-rays having the same wavelength and incident intensity toward a material constituting the bumps and detecting a linear absorption coefficient of the X-rays; memorizing the first X-ray transmitted intensity and the linear absorption coefficient as known data; and irradiating X-rays having the same wavelength and the same incident intensity toward a second work of substrate which is the same as the above-mentioned work of substrate, but bump is formed thereon, and detecting a second X-ray transmitted intensity at a position on which the bump is formed; and determining the height of the bump from the second

Abstract: The present invention relates to network enabled analysis of x-ray images. Also described are devices comprising calibration phantoms; methods of using these devices; methods of formulating databases containing information regarding x-ray images; the databases themselves; and methods of manipulating the information and databases.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming and reading a radiation image of an object is provided. The method is performed by placing an object of which a radiation image is to be taken adjacent a platform that is positioned between a storage layer radiation screen and an electromagnetic wave radiation source such that radiation from the electromagnetic wave radiation source which traverses the object is absorbed by the storage layer radiation screen; forming a latent radiation image of the object on the storage layer radiation screen by causing the electromagnetic wave radiation source to emit radiation, a portion of the emitted radiation traversing the object and being absorbed by the storage layer radiation screen; and reading the latent radiation image of the object from the storage layer radiation screen.

Abstract: A metrology system and method for measuring the thickness of thin-films of semiconductor wafer. This system and method analyze x-ray reflectivity data to determine transmission characteristics of thin-film layers. Based on these transmission characteristics the thickness of the thin-layer can be determined. Unlike some prior systems and methods, the system and method herein does not determine the thickness of the thin-film layer based on a fringe pattern in reflectivity for the thin-film layer. The fact that the system and method herein does not rely the fringe pattern is particularly advantageous in situations where the thin-film layer is of thickness which makes it very difficult to resolve the fringe pattern in the reflectivity data.

Abstract: A nuclear density gauge and test method is provided for measuring bulk density, especially of a cylindrically shaped sample such as asphalt paving material. The gauge comprises a base; a sample holder carried by the base and having a surface configured for receiving and holding a first generally planar end of the cylindrically shaped sample; a plate mounted in proximity to said sample holder; and at least three sources of gamma radiation located in said plate adjacent the sample holder. The sources are positioned in spaced-apart relation from one another for emitting gamma radiation from at least three spaced-apart locations into said one end of the sample. Each of the sources comprises an isotope having a characteristic primary energy. A detector is mounted to the base and is positioned adjacent the opposite end of the cylindrically shaped sample for receiving gamma radiation which has penetrated the sample.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for precisely measuring the weight of mass material and a nucleonic weigher employing this method. It is characterized in that the coefficient K in the nucleonic weigher's weighing formula F=KLn(Ui/U0) is dynamically modified, based on the variations of the parameters including the flowrate, the position on the conveying device, and the piled shape of the weighed mass material and the scattering of gamma radiation, thus improving the measuring precision. The nucleonic weigher manufactured with a completely enclosed framework has the merits of high measuring precision, wide application, good stability, reliable safety, small maintenance, and low cost.

Abstract: A bone mineral density meter comprises first input device which enters a sound of speed in a bone; second input device which enters a weight of the person to be measured; third input device which enters fat free mass of the person to be measured; arithmetic device which computes the bone mineral density based on data from said first input device and data from said second input device and said third input device; and display which displays a bone mineral density value computed by said arithmetic device. The present invention allows a bone mineral density to be safely estimated, at a low cost, and with proper accuracy and without having to worry about exposure to X-rays.

Abstract: A method of performing bone densitometry, utilizing a dual-energy method, wherein the surrounding soft tissue in the volume of interest is accurately eliminated from the transmission images by means of a calibration procedure. The method utilizes an X-ray apparatus with a two-dimensional X-ray detector so as to perform data acquisition during one run.

Abstract: A thickness-measuring device comprising (i) an X-ray tube unit including an X-ray tube, (ii) an X-ray detector unit including an X-ray detector having a sensor, and (iii) a means for driving the X-ray tube unit and the X-ray detector unit back and forth, in synchronism with each other, widthwise of an object whose thickness is measured and which runs through a pathline between the X-ray tube unit and the X-ray detector unit. A mask is set above the sensor of the X-ray detector to cover it partly; accordingly, the light-receiving area of the light receiver of the X-ray detector is smaller than the whole area of the sensor. Thus, the measuring area per unit time is reduced effectively.

Abstract: The detector materials (8, 9) of a low energy detector (5) and a high energy detector (6) are coordinated with one another to permit better separation of lower and higher energy fractions of polychromatic X-ray (X′) radiation, and consequently, create a better determination of a material of an object through which the X-rays are passed. Thus, a negligible persistence in comparison with the integration time between two detector readings is achieved.

Abstract: Methods of imaging bone provide diagnostic information relating to arthritic conditions by comparing the relative bone density in areas closer to and further removed from a potentially arthritic joint with similar relative bone densities indicative of arthritic condition such as rheumatoid arthritis. The joint may be metacarpal, finger or toe joint.

Abstract: A conveyor (12) moves a workpiece (WP) past an x-ray source (14) to detect existence and location of any undesirable material included in the workpiece, such as bones, fat, metal, etc. Thereafter, the conveyor carries the workpiece further, wherein a cutter (22) segments the detected undesirable material from the workpiece into a segmented portion (SP) having a visually recognizable shape, such as square, round, triangular, etc. A worker stationed downstream of the cutter along the conveyor may then easily spot the segmented portion (SP) in a recognizable shape and offload the segmented portion from the conveyor, while leaving the rest of the workpiece (WP) on the conveyor for further processing. Alternatively, a pickup device (24) may be used to automatically offload the segmented portion from the conveyor. A computer (18) keeps track of the locations of the workpiece and the segmented portion at all times.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming and reading a radiation image of an object is provided. The method is performed by placing an object of which a radiation image is to be taken adjacent a platform that is positioned between a storage layer radiation screen and an electromagnetic wave radiation source such that radiation from the electromagnetic wave radiation source which traverses the object is absorbed by the storage layer radiation screen; forming a latent radiation image of the object on the storage layer radiation screen by causing the electromagnetic wave radiation source to emit radiation, a portion of the emitted radiation traversing the object and being absorbed by the storage layer radiation screen; and reading the latent radiation image of the object from the storage layer radiation screen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to network enabled analysis of x-ray images. Also described are devices comprising calibration phantoms; methods of using these devices; methods of formulating databases containing information regarding x-ray images; the databases themselves; and methods of manipulating the information and databases.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining dopant concentration in soot that constitutes at least a portion of a soot preform used to form an optical waveguide includes a weight-measuring device, a thickness-parameter-measuring device, a radiation source, a radiation sensor, and a determination device. The weight-measuring device measures the weight of the soot preform. The thickness-parameter-measuring-device measures a thickness parameter of the soot preform. The radiation source irradiates the soot with penetrating radiation. The radiation sensor detects intensity of penetrating radiation passing through the soot. The determination device determines a concentration of dopant in the soot based on the detected intensity of penetrating radiation and the measured weight and thickness parameter.

Abstract: Apparatus and assembly for and associated method of monitoring a physical property of a material, such as the specific gravity of a processed meat product of the density, and hence weight, of tobacco in a cigarette rod, comprising: means (19) arranged to direct radiation (30) into a material having a physical property to be monitored; first sensing means (23) arranged to sense levels of residual measurement radiation passing from the irradiated material and to provide respective measurement signals representative of the sensed levels of residual measurement radiation; reference means (18) which is arranged to be located in the path of the radiation (30), optionally adjacent or within the material whose physical property is to be monitored, and which has radiation absorption characteristics corresponding to predetermined low and/or high radiation absorption characteristics of the material whose physical property is to be monitored; second sensing means (22) arranged to sense levels of residual reference radiat

Abstract: A DEXA bone densitometer produces estimates of future fracture risk from a current fracture data derived from a lateral image of a patient's thoracic and lumbar spine taken in a single scan, typically with the patient on her or his side, and from numerical bone mineral density measurements.

Abstract: A digital representation of a radiation image of an at least partially tubular object is obtained. An attenuation profile over a tangentially imaged wall of the object is taken from the digital image on a straight line. The attenuation profile is reflected in the direction of the center of the object and the attenuation profile is reconstructed to form a relative density distribution by means of a transmission tomography-projection reconstruction method in which the measured reflected attenuation profile is used for all record annular positions.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a trabecular index with a sawtooth-shaped rack which corrects an error in the trabecular index due to the characteristics of an image input device or radiographic conditions of an x-ray image when a bone mineral density is measured by setting up the trabecular index with trabecular patterns of a simple x-ray image. The present invention includes a method for calibrating the trabecular index with a sawtooth-shaped rack, wherein bone mineral density is measured with the trabecular index calculated from an x-ray image and an error in the trabecular index is calibrated by a method of calibrating the trabecular index, the method includes the following steps. A first step is preparing an x-ray image by radiographing a bone and a sawtooth-shaped rack together. A second step is attaining trabecular indexes from the x-ray image of the rack and the bone. And, a third step is calibrating the trabecular index of the bone with the trabecular index of the rack.

Abstract: At least two linear arrays of x-ray detectors are placed below a conveyor belt in a poultry processing plant. Multiple-energy x-ray sources illuminate the poultry and are detected by the detectors. Laser profilometry is used to measure the poultry thickness as the x-ray data is acquired. The detector readout is processed in real time to detect the presence of small highly attenuating fragments in the poultry, i.e., bone, metal, and cartilage.

Abstract: There is described a method and apparatus for measuring the volume of an object by means of penetrating radiation. The object is placed in an irradiation zone and measurements of amounts of radiation passing through respective areas of the object are made. From each measurement, a value representative of the “thickness” of the object at that area is derived, and by adding the representative values, a “volume” is calculated. The object is preferably moved through the irradiation zone, while radiation is measured by means of a linear array of sensors extending perpendicularly to the movement direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an in situ, low dose and noninvasive method and device for estimating bone mineral content of trabecular bones, particularly the calcaneus. The method of estimating bone mineral content involves measuring the intensity of X-rays backscattered from the calcaneus and estimating the calcium content from this intensity. In one embodiment the X-ray source is a small x-ray tube that provides a continuous energy spectrum of X-rays. The intensity of backscattered X-rays from the soft tissue covering the trabecular bone, preferably the calcaneus, is compensated for by directly measuring the thickness of the soft tissue. Alternatively the soft tissue thickness can be measured directly along with the bone mineral content from the backscattered X-rays by measuring intensity over an energy range and correlating these results with a model of backscattering from a trabecular bone covered with a layer of soft tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved thin layer nuclear density gauge comprising a gauge housing having a vertical cavity therethrough and a base, a first radiation detector located at a first position within said housing and adjacent to said base of said housing, a second radiation detector located at a second position within said housing and adjacent to said base of said housing, a vertically moveable source rod extending into said cavity of said gauge housing, a radiation source operatively positioned within a distal end of said source rod, at least one bearing operatively positioned to guide said source rod within said cavity, and means for vertically extending and retracting said source rod to a plurality of predetermined source rod positions so as to change the spatial relationship between said radiation source and said first and second radiation detectors. The source rod has a maximum radial movement of less than about 0.003 inch at each predetermined position.