Imaging Patents (Class 378/62)
  • Patent number: 8976928
    Abstract: This invention has one object to provide radiographic apparatus with a compensating filter that allows simple and accurate estimation of direct radiation to acquire a radioscopic image or a sectional image of excellent contrast. This invention includes a direct-ray attenuation-rate acquiring section for acquiring a direct-ray attenuation rate from a dose of direct radiation entering into a subject and a dose of direct radiation emitted from the subject. In this invention, a direct-ray attenuation rate is acquired on an assumption that a primary indirect-ray attenuation rate is equal to the direct-ray attenuation rate, the primary indirect-ray attenuation rate being a rate of decreasing a primary indirect-ray generated with the compensating filter that transmits the subject. Such configuration may achieve provision of X-ray apparatus that allows more simple acquisition of a fluoroscopic X-ray image or a sectional image without performing complicated calculations conventionally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Wataru Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20150063544
    Abstract: A method of removing residual charge from a photoconductive material includes applying a first voltage to the photoconductive material to form an electrostatic field during a collection operation in which x-rays are irradiated onto the photoconductive material; and applying a second voltage to the photoconductor to reduce an amount of residual charge therein during a removal operation, the second voltage being different from the first voltage. In one or more example embodiments, the photoconductive material may include Mercury Iodine (Hgl2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Young KIM, Sunil KIM, Jaechul PARK, Kangho LEE
  • Publication number: 20150063526
    Abstract: An X-ray image processing apparatus includes a storage unit, a transformed image generation unit, a scattered ray image generation unit, and a scattered ray reduced image generation unit. The storage unit stores a medical image. The transformed image generation unit generates a transformed image by transforming pixel values, of a plurality of pixel values constituting the medical image, which are higher than a reference value obtained based on a representative value of the plurality of pixel values into pixel values lower than the reference value. The scattered ray image generation unit generates a scattered ray image based on the transformed image and a scattering function. The scattered ray reduced image generation unit generates a scattered ray reduced image with reduced scattered rays by using the medical image and the scattered ray image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshimasa KOBAYASHI, Hisanori KATO, Shumpei OHASHI
  • Publication number: 20150063542
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging method includes obtaining first information including X-ray accumulation amount of an object; determining an imaging protocol for imaging the object based on the received first information; and acquiring an X-ray image of the object based on the determined imaging protocol. The first information including the X-ray accumulation amount of the object is obtained from a device of the object via a short range wireless communication or from an external database based on authentication information input received from the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun-young PARK, Se-won KIM, Yeon-ju LEE, Byung-sun CHOI
  • Publication number: 20150063541
    Abstract: An X-ray image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes a specifying unit and a decision unit. The specifying unit processes a first X-ray image based on an output signal from an X-ray detector influenced by the action of an electromagnetic field, and specifies noise characteristics unique to noise components which are contained in the first X-ray image and originate from the action of the electromagnetic field on the X-ray detector. The decision unit decides filter characteristics for reducing the noise components which are contained in the first X-ray image and originate from the action of the electromagnetic field on the X-ray detector based on the specified noise characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshimasa KOBAYASHI, Shumpei OHASHI
  • Publication number: 20150063528
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are an X-ray imaging apparatus and a method for controlling the same. The X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray generator configured to radiate first-energy X-rays toward an object, an X-ray detector configured to detect the first-energy X-rays which propagate through the object, an image processor configured to generate a first object image which correspond to the detected first-energy X-rays and to estimate a second object image which corresponds to second-energy X-rays based on the generated first object image, and a controller configured to control the image processor to repeatedly estimate the second object image by controlling the X-ray generator to repeatedly radiate the first-energy X-rays toward the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicants: SAMSUNG LIFE PUBLIC WELFARE FOUNDATION., SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seok Min HAN, Dong Goo KANG, Sung Hoon KANG, Young Hun SUNG, Myung Jin CHUNG
  • Publication number: 20150063543
    Abstract: A radiation detector may include: a first photoconductor layer including a plurality of photosensitive particles; and/or a second photoconductor layer on the first photoconductor layer, and including a plurality of crystals obtained by crystal-growing photosensitive material. At least some of the plurality of photosensitive particles of the first photoconductor layer may fill gaps between the plurality of crystals of the second photoconductor layer. A method of manufacturing a radiation detector may include: forming a first photoconductor layer by applying paste, including solvent mixed with a plurality of photosensitive particles, to a first substrate; forming a second photoconductor layer by crystal-growing photosensitive material on a second substrate; pressing the crystal-grown second photoconductor layer on the first photoconductor layer that is applied to the first substrate; and/or removing the solvent in the first photoconductor layer via a drying process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Seung-hyup LEE, Sun-il KIM, Young KIM, Chang-jung KIM
  • Publication number: 20150063540
    Abstract: An X-ray generator may comprise: an electron emission device comprising a plurality of electron emission units configured to emit electrons; an X-ray emission device configured to emit X-rays due to the electrons emitted from the electron emission device; and/or a parallel light extraction member configured to extract X-rays having directivity from among the X-rays emitted from the X-ray emission device and to allow the extracted X-rays having directivity to pass through the parallel light extraction member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Il-Hwan KIM, Yong-Chul KIM, Shang-Hyeun PARK, Tae-Won JEONG
  • Patent number: 8971484
    Abstract: The present subject matter relates to inspection systems, devices and methods for x-ray inspection of objects. A conveyor can move an object to be inspected through an inspection zone along a direction of travel, one or more multibeam x-ray source arrays can provide multiple collimated x-ray beams through the inspection zone along a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel, and one or more x-ray detector arrays can detect x-ray beams passing through the inspection zone from the x-ray source array. X-ray signals detected by the x-ray detector array can be recorded to form multiple x-ray projection images of the object, and the multiple x-ray projection images can be processed into three-dimensional tomographic images of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: XinRay Systems Inc
    Inventors: Moritz Beckmann, Frank Sprenger, Yuan Cheng, Jianping Lu, Derrek Spronk, George Zarur, Otto Z. Zhou
  • Patent number: 8971996
    Abstract: A medical imaging method and associated device for generating an image data record of a recording region of a patient, which region is influenced by a cyclical cardiac motion, in which an EKG signal is used to derive a series of recording pulses matched to the cardiac motion, by which pulses the imaging is actuated in a pulsed fashion. In at least one embodiment, a time window of a future recording pulse is calculated taking into account at least one dispersion parameter characterizing the variation in the cycle duration and a location parameter characterizing the expected value of the cycle duration, wherein the dispersion parameter is included into the calculation of the time window using a weighting determined on the basis of the location parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Thomas Flohr
  • Patent number: 8971488
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting an image of an object using a multi-beam imaging system from an x-ray beam having a polychromatic energy distribution are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method can include generating a first X-ray beam having a polychromatic energy distribution. Further, the method can include positioning a plurality of monochromator crystals in a predetermined position to directly intercept the first X-ray beam such that a plurality of second X-ray beams having predetermined energy levels are produced. Further, an object can be positioned in the path of the second X-ray beams for transmission of the second X-ray beams through the object and emission from the object as transmitted X-ray beams. The transmitted X-ray beams can each be directed at an angle of incidence upon one or more crystal analyzers. Further, an image of the object can be detected from the beams diffracted from the analyzer crystals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignees: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NextRay, Inc., Brookhaven Science Associates
    Inventors: Christopher A. Parham, Zhong Zhong, Etta Pisano, Dean M. Connor, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150055754
    Abstract: An X-ray inspection method which is capable of measuring a shape of an inspection object at a high speed in a non-destructive manner is provided. The X-ray inspection method includes: a simulation image generating process of generating simulation images of a plurality of transmission images having different shape parameters of an inspection object; an X-ray imaging process of capturing an X-ray transmission image transmitting the inspection object; and a shape estimating process of estimating a shape parameter of a simulation image whose evaluation value indicating a similarity with the X-ray transmission image satisfies predetermined conditions among the plurality of simulation images, as a shape of the inspection object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventor: Yasutoshi UMEHARA
  • Publication number: 20150055752
    Abstract: An X-ray exposure control device comprises: an X-ray detection element including a plurality of pixels for dose detection each detecting a dose during X-ray radiation; a region setting unit configured to set a use pixel region including pixels for use in dose detection from the plurality of pixels for dose detection during the X-ray radiation; a signal generating unit configured to generate a stop signal for stopping the X-ray radiation from an X-ray source according to the dose detected by each of the pixels for use in the dose detection within the use pixel region set by the region setting unit; and a transmission unit configured to transmit to the X-ray source the stop signal to stop the X-ray radiation as generated by the signal generating unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Tomoyuki TAKAHASHI, Masahiko YAMADA, Sadato AKAHORI
  • Publication number: 20150055750
    Abstract: An X-ray generator is capable of reducing invalid exposure caused due to wave tails, which do not contribute to the quality of an X-ray image, by preventing the wave tails from being supplied to an X-ray tube. An X-ray imaging apparatus includes the X-ray generator and a method of reducing the invalid exposure is implemented using the X-ray generator. The X-ray generator includes an X-ray tube to generate X-rays, and a high-voltage generator to supply a voltage having a pulse waveform to the X-ray tube. The high-voltage generator includes a high-voltage tank to generate a high voltage, a switch connected to an output terminal of the high-voltage tank and turned on or off, and a resistor located outside the high-voltage tank to receive a wave tail voltage having the pulse waveform and to consume power generated due to wave tails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun TAKAHASHI, Keun Su Chang
  • Publication number: 20150055751
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for adaptive exposure in imaging systems. An x-ray source for producing x-ray radiation and an x-ray detector for measuring amount of x-ray radiation passing through the human patient and striking the detector can be used. A tomographic image of the human patient or a tomosynthetic image of the human patient can be generated. Region of interest filtering and equalization filtering can be utilized. Filtering can be accomplished with a mechanical shield or shutter or with electronic control of the x-ray source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: TRIPLE RING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Tobias Funk, Steve Denis Burion, Augustus Percival Lowell, Kate LeeAnn Bechtel, Joseph Anthony Heanue, Brian Patrick Wilfley
  • Publication number: 20150055753
    Abstract: A console acquires a displacement amount of an X-ray source from a displacement amount detector. In the case where an electronic cassette having an image detector is not appropriately positioned with respect to a body part to be imaged, a position of the X-ray source is changed in accordance with a position of the body part to be imaged. A dose measurement field position determining unit specifies a current relative position between the X-ray source and the electronic cassette having the image detector based on a displacement amount. The dose measurement field position determining unit determines a position of a dose measurement field based on the specified current relative position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi TAJIMA
  • Patent number: 8965096
    Abstract: A radiation therapy device controller identifies a pixel on a straight line connecting a ray source and a sensor array, and calculates a luminance update amount candidate value for each identified pixel based on a ratio of a change amount for the pixel on the straight line indicating the living body to a sum of change amounts from a luminance value of a pixel corresponding to a correlated computed tomography image correlated with a computed tomography image of an update target of a luminance value of the identified pixel. Also, the control device calculates a luminance update amount of each identified pixel using the luminance update amount candidate value of each identified pixel calculated for a plurality of rotation angles, and updates the luminance value of each corresponding pixel of the computed tomography image of the update target using the luminance update amount of each identified pixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Yamada, Yasunobu Suzuki, Kunio Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20150049860
    Abstract: A system and method for single step and motionless x-ray phase contrast imaging. In one embodiment, a system for single step x-ray imaging includes a clinical x-ray source, a first coded aperture mask, a second coded aperture mask, and a photon counting spectral detector. The first coded aperture mask is disposed between the x-ray source and an object to be imaged. The photon counting spectral detector is disposed to detect x-rays passing through the object. The second coded aperture mask is disposed between the object to be imaged and the photon counting spectral detector. The system can provide, from a single acquisition step, an absorption image, a phase image, and differential phase image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: Mini Das
  • Patent number: 8958527
    Abstract: An imaging method performed by a device comprising an X-ray emitting source, a receiver positioned facing the source, and a support on which a subject or organ to be imaged is positioned, the method comprises defining a first set of orientations of the source and a second set of orientations of the source, and acquiring images at the defined orientations of the source, wherein if the first set of orientations comprises an orientation that the second set of orientations does not comprise, only one image is acquired at the orientation, and if both the first set of orientations and the second set of orientations comprise the same orientation, at least two images are acquired at distinct acquisition parameters at the orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Serge Muller, Sylvie Puong, Ann-Katherine Carton, Razvan Iordache
  • Publication number: 20150043715
    Abstract: A radiographic imaging device includes: a radiation detector including plural pixels, each including a sensor portion and a switching element; a detection unit that detects a radiation irradiation start if an electrical signal caused by charges generated in the sensor portion satisfies a specific irradiation detection condition, and/or if an electrical signal caused by charges generated in a radiation sensor portion that is different from the sensor portion satisfies a specific irradiation detection condition; and a control unit that determines whether or not noise caused by external disturbance has occurred after the detection unit has detected the radiation irradiation start, and if the noise has occurred, that stops a current operation of the radiation detector, and causes the detection unit to perform detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Takeshi KUWABARA, Yoshihiro OKADA, Haruyasu NAKATSUGAWA, Naoyuki NISHINO
  • Publication number: 20150043714
    Abstract: The present invention relates to simulated spatial live viewing of an object. In order to provide spatial information to the user with reduced requirements concerning to maintain a particular position e.g. with respect to a 3D display or to wear or activate additional components, such as 3D glasses, it is provided to generate an electron beam (38) from a cathode (32) arrangement towards a target area of an anode (34) and to control the electron beam such that the electron beam hits the anode at a moving focal spot (44), wherein the electron beam is controlled such that the focal spot moves at least in a first moving direction (46) transverse to a viewing direction (48). Thus, X-ray radiation (42) is generated by the electron beam impinging on the moving focal spot. Further, it is provided to detect X-ray radiation at least partially passing an object and to generate respective X-ray detection signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Heidrun Steinhauser, Michiel Wouter De Wildt
  • Patent number: 8953745
    Abstract: A solid-state image pickup apparatus 1A includes a photodetecting section 10A and a signal readout section 20 etc. In the photodetecting section 10A, M×N pixel units P1,1 to PM,N are arrayed in M rows and N columns. When in a first imaging mode, a voltage value according to an amount of charges generated in a photodiode of each of the M×N pixel units in the photodetecting section 10A is output from the signal readout section 20. When in a second imaging mode, a voltage value according to an amount of charges generated in the photodiode of each pixel unit included in consecutive M1 rows in the photodetecting section 10A is output from the signal readout section 20. When in the second imaging mode than when in the first imaging mode, the readout pixel pitch in frame data is smaller, the frame rate is higher, and the gain being a ratio of an output voltage value to an input charge amount in the signal readout section 20 is greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventors: Harumichi Mori, Ryuji Kyushima, Kazuki Fujita
  • Patent number: 8952335
    Abstract: Bias lines are provided for respective columns of pixels, and of a plurality of bias lines, bias lines provided at an interval of 10 mm are connected to a bias power source through a current detector. The remaining bias lines are connected directly to the bias power source without passing through the current detector. In each pixel, if electric charge is generated by a radiation detection element in accordance with the dose of irradiated radiation, a current flows in the bias line in accordance with the generated electric charge. The current detector detects the current flowing in the bias line, and a control unit detects, as the timing of starting irradiation of a radiation, when the detected current (current value) is equal to or greater than a threshold value, and starts radiographing of a radiological image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Keiichiro Sato
  • Patent number: 8953742
    Abstract: An acceleration sensor is installed in an electronic cassette. The acceleration sensor detects a shake. When magnitude of the shake, measured using the acceleration sensor, is greater than or equal to a shake detection threshold value, a judging circuit of a shake detecting section turns off a switching element. An operation switching section is disconnected from an irradiation detecting section that detects a start of X-ray irradiation. Thus, an irradiation detection function of the irradiation detecting section is disabled. After a predetermined time, the judging circuit outputs an ON signal to the switching element to turn on the switching element. Thereby, the irradiation detecting section resumes the irradiation detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Yutaka Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20150036801
    Abstract: A radiation generating apparatus 1 comprising a radiation generating unit 2 which emits radiation, and a movable diaphragm unit 3 which is arranged on the radiation generating unit 2, wherein the movable diaphragm unit 3 has restriction blades 18 which adjust a size of a radiation field, a light source 20 which emits visible light, and a reflecting plate 19 which reflects the visible light thereon and transmits the radiation therethrough, and simulatively shows the radiation field in a form of a visible light field by the visible light, wherein the light source 20 can be moved between a first position at which the light source 20 can simulatively show the radiation field by the visible light field, and a second position which is displaced from an irradiation path of the radiation which irradiates the radiation field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Yasuo Ohashi, Yoichi Ikarashi, Yoichi Ando
  • Publication number: 20150036800
    Abstract: Radiographic X-ray equipment includes a revolution driving device that causes an X-ray irradiating member and an X-ray imaging member to perform a revolving movement around a subject with a revolution center line as the center, and a main body control unit that controls the revolution driving device, a secondary driving device controlled by the main body control unit to cause the X-ray imaging member to perform a local movement different from the revolving movement, with a movement width in a predetermined direction, a storing means that stores electric power for the X-ray imaging member, and a supplying means that supplies electric power to the storing means. The X-ray imaging member and the storing means are connected to each other, and the secondary driving device causes the storing means and the X-ray imaging member to perform the local movement as a unit without moving relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: THE YOSHIDA DENTAL MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Terumi Takemoto, Takeshi Tomoe
  • Publication number: 20150036799
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus is provided having advantages of both C-shaped, G-shaped, and ring-shaped arm configurations. The device consists of a gantry that supports X-ray imaging machinery. The gantry is formed to allow two bi-planar X-rays to be taken simultaneously or without movement of the equipment and/or patient. The gantry is adjustable to change angles of the X-ray imaging machinery. Further, in some embodiments, the X-ray receptor portion of the X-ray imaging machinery may be positioned on retractable and extendable arms, allowing the apparatus to have a larger access opening when not in operation, but to still provide bi-planar X-ray ability when in operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Jun Zhang, Liu Cao, Shiyu Wei, Sean Zhu
  • Publication number: 20150036802
    Abstract: In a detection panel, plural pixels which receive X-ray and accumulate electric charge and plural measuring pixels which detect X-ray dose are provided on an imaging surface. The plural measuring pixels are arranged periodically with an interval. In a position facing to the imaging surface, there is a grid where X-ray absorbing sections and X-ray transmitting sections are arranged in a periodic alternating manner in a first direction. Since the arrangement period of the measuring pixels in the first direction is different from a fluctuation period of grid detection signals obtained when the grid is photographed by the detection panel, output values of the plurality of measuring pixels disperse and a fluctuation range of average values is suppressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi TAJIMA, Takeshi KUWABARA, Yusuke KITAGAWA
  • Publication number: 20150030128
    Abstract: A first and a second accumulated value calculating units re provided which, in a location where foil shadows by grid foil strips straddle pixels, identify this location based on geometry, and calculate straddle accumulated values of the foil shadows in the identified location. Even when the foil shadows by the grid foil strips straddle the pixels due to twisting and bending of the grid foil strips, such location is identified based on geometry and the straddle accumulated values of the foil shadows in the identified location are calculated. Therefore, even when changes are made in the pitches or pixel sizes of an X-ray grid and a flat panel X-ray detector (FPD), the foil shadows will be removed based on the straddle accumulated values. As a result, the foil shadows can be removed taking twisting and bending of the grid foil strips into consideration, and in a way to accommodate X-ray grids and FPDs of various sizes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shiro Oikawa
  • Publication number: 20150030126
    Abstract: An X-ray radiography system for differential phase contrast imaging of an object under investigation by phase-stepping is provided. The X-ray radiography has an X-ray emitter for generating a beam path of quasi-coherent X-ray radiation, an X-ray image detector with pixels arranged in a matrix, and a diffraction or phase grating, in which the X-ray emitter has an X-ray tube with a cathode and an anode. The X-ray tube is constructed in such a way that an electron ray beam originating from the cathode is associated with focusing electronics which produce, from electrons which are incident on an anode, at least one linear-shaped electron fan beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Marcus Radicke
  • Publication number: 20150030130
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for reducing image artifacts in X-ray image data includes dividing pixels of X-ray image data into a plurality of pixel value regions based on a pixel value of each pixel, wherein each pixel value region has a different range of pixel values. The method also includes generating calibrated X-ray image data for each pixel value region, wherein the respective calibrated X-ray image data for each pixel value region is generated using a different dose of radiation. Further, the method includes calculating a gain slope for each pixel value region based on the calibrated X-ray image data, and calculating a pixel gain correction for the pixels of the X-ray image data based on at least one of the calculated gain slopes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: James Zhengshe Liu
  • Publication number: 20150030119
    Abstract: A multi-source radiation generator in which plural radiation sources are arranged in series includes a control unit that controls a dose of radiation emitted from each of the radiation sources depending on positions of the radiation sources, and reduces variation in a radiation dose resulting from differences in positions of the radiation sources by changing an irradiation time, an anodic current value of each of the radiation sources depending on a distance from each of the radiation sources to a subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Miki Tamura, Kazuyuki Ueda
  • Publication number: 20150030129
    Abstract: A detection panel has a plurality of pixels for accumulating electric charge by receiving X-rays, and a plurality of detection pixels for detecting an X-ray dose in an imaging surface. The detection pixels are disposed periodically with leaving space. A grid, which has X-ray absorbing portions and X-ray transmitting portions alternately and periodically arranged in a first direction, is disposed in a position opposed to the imaging surface. Since an arrangement period of the detection pixels in the first direction is different from an arrangement period of the X-ray absorbing portions, an output value of each detection pixel is distributed and hence the average of the output values has a reduced variation range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi TAJIMA, Takeshi KUWABARA, Yusuke KITAGAWA
  • Publication number: 20150030127
    Abstract: In a multi-source radiation generating apparatus including a plurality of combinations of a cathode and a target, an extraction electrode is disposed for a plurality of cathodes in common. When a potential of the extraction electrode is constant, potentials for the cathodes are selectively switched between a cutoff potential which is higher than the potential of the extraction electrode and an emission potential which is lower than the potential of the extraction electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Shuji Aoki, Kazuyuki Ueda
  • Patent number: 8942346
    Abstract: Systems and methods for obtaining and displaying a collimated X-ray image are described. The methods can include providing an X-ray device having an X-ray source, a square or rectangular X-ray detector, and a collimator. The collimator can be sized and shaped to collimate an X-ray beam from the X-ray source that exposes a receptor region on the detector. The collimator can allow the X-ray image received by the X-ray detector to have any suitable shape that allows a relatively large view of the image to be displayed and rotated on the display device without changing the shape or size of the image as it rotated. In some instances, the collimator provides the image with superellipse shapes or cornerless shapes having four substantially straight edges with a 90 degree corner missing between at least two edges that run substantially perpendicular to each other. Other embodiments are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bret David Nicholson, David Barker
  • Patent number: 8942345
    Abstract: A method for obtaining a 3D image dataset of an object of interest is proposed. A plurality of 2D X-ray images are captured and a 3D reconstruction is carried out using filtered back projection. The projection parameters have been measured with the aid of a calibrating phantom, possibly using an interpolation or extrapolation of such measurements. A model of effect strings of the components in an X-ray imaging device is obtained, and the model parameters are identified based on imaging of a calibrating phantom. A projection matrix can then be calculated for any positions on any desired trajectories, without having to use imaging of a calibrating phantom at precisely that position and desired trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Frank Dennerlein, Oliver Hornung, Markus Kowarschik
  • Patent number: 8942347
    Abstract: The X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray generator to generate X-rays having at least two different energy levels and irradiate the X-rays onto a subject, a detector to detect the X-rays irradiated by the X-ray generator and transmitted through the subject, and a device to obtain images from the X-rays detected by the detector, to obtain bone image information and soft tissue image information of the subject, based on the obtained X-ray images, and to produce one image including the bone image information and the soft tissue image information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Min Kook Cho
  • Publication number: 20150023471
    Abstract: A double focal spot X-ray tube (104) is used to acquire a set of two images PI?, PI? for a given gantry position from slightly different view positions. The stereo or binocular disparity (BD) of imaged structures is used to estimate the object depth in view direction, which in turn is used to discriminate between objects inside IO and outside EO the body. Respective structures are virtually removed from the images PI?, PI?.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Cristian Lorenz, Michael Grass, Dirk Schäfer, Bernhard Johannes Brendel
  • Publication number: 20150023470
    Abstract: A C-arm mounting apparatus for an x-ray imaging device includes a C-arm, a C-arm holding unit, and at least one cage guide unit. The at least one cage guide unit is moveably arranged between the C-arm and the C-arm holding unit. The C-arm is moveably mounted on the C-arm holding unit. The at least one cage guide unit includes a plurality of rolling bodies and at least one rolling body cage. The small overlap between the C-arm and the C-arm holding unit may facilitate greater rotations about an isocenter. An x-ray imaging device includes a C-arm mounting apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Berthold Baumann, Wolfgang Neuber, Matthias Schirbl
  • Publication number: 20150023469
    Abstract: An irradiation field-limiting apparatus connected to an X-ray-generating apparatus includes a pair of first limiting blades defining a width of an opening through which radiation is to pass; a first opening width-adjusting mechanism including a first opening width-adjusting shaft operable to adjust the width of the opening by moving the pair of first limiting blades toward or away from each other; and a first opening center-adjusting mechanism including a first opening center-adjusting shaft operable to adjust a center position of the opening by moving the pair of first limiting blades in a same direction. The first opening width-adjusting shaft and the first opening center-adjusting shaft are coaxially arranged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Yasuo Ohashi, Takashi Shiozawa, Kazuyuki Ueda
  • Publication number: 20150023468
    Abstract: A portable x-ray system includes a light weight x-ray head including an x-ray tube and a high voltage (HV) tank, wherein the HV tank comprises a compact voltage multiplier configured to receive a low voltage signal and generate a high voltage signal based on the received low voltage signal. Also, the portable x-ray system includes a carrying case comprising low voltage power electronics coupled to the light weight x-ray head through a low voltage cable, and configured to send the low voltage signal to the light weight x-ray head. In addition, the low voltage power electronics is distributed in a predefined space in the carrying case in such a way that a weight of the light weight x-ray head is counter weighed by a weight of the low voltage power electronics to stabilize the portable x-ray system when the light weight x-ray head is rotated in one or more directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Yun Zou, Scott Stephen Zelakiewicz, Fengfeng Tao, Xi Zhang, Timothy Powers, Thomas Edmund Sjoberg, Marc Weasler, Denis Perrillat-Amede
  • Patent number: 8938046
    Abstract: A system for subsea imaging comprises a first plate having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a cavity formed in the inner surface. In addition, the system comprises a phosphor imaging plate disposed in the cavity. Further, the system comprises a second plate having an inner surface facing the inner surface of the first plate and an outer surface facing away from the outer surface of the first plate. Still further, the system comprises a seal member disposed between the inner surface of the first plate and the inner surface of the second plate. The seal member extends around the perimeter of the cavity and is configured to seal the phosphor imaging plate and the cavity from intrusion water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: James Hunter, Danny Lee Keck, James Rae Sims, Jr., Scott Avery Watson
  • Publication number: 20150016588
    Abstract: A positioner arm for positioning an imaging material, an imaging material holder, an aiming device or a combination thereof is disclosed that includes at least one positioning arm having a first end and a second end, wherein each arm comprises at least two fixed arm angles and wherein at least one angle is not a 90 degree angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: LOUIS ELIOT SCHWARZBACH
  • Publication number: 20150016589
    Abstract: A fluoroscopic system is disclosed with capability of differential exposure of different input areas of an image intensifier. The x-ray beam solid angle is limited by a collimator that is relatively near to the focal point of the x-ray tube, to occupy an area smaller then the input area of the image intensifier. Means to deflect the electron beam of the x-ray tube in two dimensions are constructed with the x-ray tube to provide scanning capability of the complete input area with full control on the motion function. The collimator may also be moved to control beam size and/or position at the image intensifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Haim Zvi Melman
  • Patent number: 8934604
    Abstract: In an image display apparatus of this invention, an image creation unit creates a plurality of cross-sectional images and a projected image from the volume data acquired at a CT volume data acquisition unit. The plurality of cross-sectional images and projected image are displayed on a monitor. When a specific point on the plurality of cross-sectional images displayed on the monitor is clicked at an operation unit, a line is displayed on the projected image displayed on the monitor according to the click.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Takuya Sakaguchi
  • Publication number: 20150010126
    Abstract: An X-ray apparatus for digital radiography has a rotating arm where the X-ray source and X-ray sensor cassette are oppositely mounted. The source has a primary collimator to adjust the X-ray beam size according to the selected imaging modality. The sensor cassette encloses a first X-ray detector for a first imaging mode, while a second X-ray detector usable for a second imaging mode is detachably mounted on the external side of the sensor cassette. The sensor cassette accommodates a second collimator to create a fan shaped X-ray beam for a third imaging modality. The sensor cassette has a linear motorized movement which is used for: aligning the X-ray beam with respect to the first and second detector; positioning the first detector in the first imaging mode to achieve an extended view; and scanning movement during the third imaging modality synchronized with the horizontal movement of a third X-ray detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: DE GOTZEN S.R.L.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Rotondo, Fabio Lissandrello, Claudio Giani
  • Publication number: 20150010131
    Abstract: In order to provide an X-ray apparatus and an X-ray image diagnostic apparatus that reduce uncomfortable feeling due to exhaust heat generated when air-cooling an X-ray tube device, the X-ray image diagnostic apparatus is comprised of an X-ray tube, the X-ray tube device 102 including the X-ray tube device housing that accommodates the X-ray tube, the X-ray detector 103 that detects an X-ray generated from the X-ray tube device, and the arm 101 that supports the X-ray tube device 102 and the X-ray detector 103 with them facing each other, the X-ray tube device 102 and the X-ray detector 103 are located respectively on an end side and the other end side of the arm 101, and the first air flow path 104 where air passed through the outer surface of the X-ray tube device housing 402 flows inside the arm 101 is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Kimitaka Arisaka, Atsushi Hibino, Tetsuji Sairaiji
  • Publication number: 20150010129
    Abstract: Selection of at least one measurement field of a measurement chamber formed with a plurality of measurement fields, for dose monitoring when making an x-ray recording of an object is provided. A subset of measurement fields from the plurality of measurement fields of the measurement chamber is predetermined by selecting an orientation of the object. Measurement fields not belonging to the subset of measurement fields are blocked for the selection. At least one measurement field is set for dose monitoring when making an x-ray recording of the object by selecting measurement fields from the subset of measurement fields.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Claus-Günther Schliermann
  • Publication number: 20150010130
    Abstract: A radiation imaging system comprises a radiation source and a radiation image detection device. The radiation image detection device has a solid state detector and a wavelength converting layer arranged in this order from a radiation-incident side. The wavelength converting layer detects radiation passed through the solid state detector and converts the radiation into visible light. The solid state detector detects the visible light and produces image data. The wavelength converting layer is a phosphor layer, being a single layer, in which at least first phosphor particles having a first average particle diameter and second phosphor particles having a second average particle diameter are dispersed in a binder. The second average particle diameter is smaller than the first average particle diameter. The weight of the first phosphor particles per unit thickness of the wavelength converting layer decreases with increasing distance from the solid state detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Haruyasu NAKATSUGAWA, Go SHIROZU
  • Patent number: 8929678
    Abstract: A method is provided for automatic contour filter positioning for medical X-ray imaging in an X-ray apparatus comprising a collimator and at least one movable contour filter actuated by a motor based positioning subsystem, wherein a digital image in a frame of rows and columns of pixels is rendered for processing and obtaining control data for applying a contour filter. The method comprises identifying exposure of subareas, preparing for filter positioning, and defining filter position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Tamás Újvári