Imaging Patents (Class 378/62)
  • Patent number: 9430832
    Abstract: For correcting differential phase image data 52, differential phase image data 52 acquired with radiation at different energy levels is received, wherein the differential phase image data 52 comprises pixels 60, each pixel 60 having a phase gradient value 62a, 62b, 62c for each energy level. After that an energy dependent behavior of phase gradient values 62a, 62b, 62c of a pixel 60 is determined and a corrected phase gradient value 68 for the pixel 60 is determined from the phase gradient values 62a, 62b, 62c of the pixel 60 and a model for the energy dependence of the phase gradient values 62a, 62b, 62c.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Koehler, Jens-Peter Schlomka
  • Patent number: 9424680
    Abstract: A method for reformatting image data includes obtaining volumetric image data indicative of an anatomical structure of interest, identifying a surface of interest of the anatomical structure of interest in the volumetric image data, identifying a thickness for a sub-volume of interest of the volumetric image data, shaping the sub-volume of interest such that at least one of its sides follows the surface of interest, and generating, via a processor, a maximum intensity projection (MIP) or direct volume rendering (DVR) based on the identified surface of interest and the shaped sub-volume of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Rafael Wiemker, Sven Kabus, Tobias Klinder
  • Patent number: 9411468
    Abstract: Techniques for identifying irregular objects in contact with, or in close proximity to, a touch-surface are described. An irregularity measure is determined based on the regions intrinsic characteristics (e.g., energy content) rather than on the shape (or pattern) of the pixels within the region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne Carl Westerman
  • Patent number: 9412184
    Abstract: The present invention relates to differential phase-contrast imaging of an object (108). When reconstructing image information from differential phase-contrast image data, streak- like artefacts (502) may occur. The artefacts (502) may substantially reduce legibility of reconstructed image data. Accordingly, it may be beneficial for removing or at least suppressing said artefacts (502). Thus, a method (400) for regularized phase retrieval in phase-contrast imaging is provided comprising receiving (402) differential phase-contrast image data of an object (108); generating (404) reconstructed image data of an object (108) and presenting (406) reconstructed image data of the object (108). The differential phase-contrast image and the reconstructed image data comprise a two-dimensional data structure having a first dimension and a second dimension. Generating reconstructed image data comprises integration of image data in one of the first dimension and the second dimension of the data structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Koehler, Ewald Roessl
  • Patent number: 9398885
    Abstract: The problem addressed by the invention is to always keep an imaging angle of an X-ray detector to an object constant before and after an imaging unit is moved. In order to solve the problem, a mobile X-ray diagnostic apparatus related to the present invention detects a rotation amount of a main body in a horizontal surface due to movement on a floor surface and controls rotation drive of the X-ray detector based on a detection result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichiro Suzuki, Takahiro Yurugi, Yasuo Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 9398677
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus producing distributed X-ray, and in particular to a cathode control multi-cathode distributed X-ray apparatus, which produces X-ray that changes focal position in a predetermined order by arranging multiple independent hot cathodes and controlling cathodes in an X-ray source device, and a CT device having said X-ray apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignees: NUCTECH COMPANY LIMITED, TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Huaping Tang, Chuanxiang Tang, Huaibi Chen
  • Patent number: 9375184
    Abstract: A method and system for prediction of respiratory motion from 3D thoracic images is disclosed. A patient-specific anatomical model of the respiratory system is generated from 3D thoracic images of a patient. The patient-specific anatomical model of the respiratory system is deformed using a biomechanical model. The biomechanical model is personalized for the patient by estimating a patient-specific thoracic pressure force field to drive the biomechanical model. Respiratory motion of the patient is predicted using the personalized biomechanical model driven by the patient-specific thoracic pressure force field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignees: Technische Universität München, Siemens Aktiengesellschaft, Siemens Corporation, Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Boettger, Francois Carnis, Dorin Comaniciu, Jerome Declerck, Bernhard Fuerst, Ali Kamen, Tommaso Mansi, Jingdan Zhang
  • Patent number: 9330456
    Abstract: A method of regularization of x-ray phase contrast imaging (XPCi) system measurement data includes obtaining air scan data of the XPCi system prior to the presence of an object undergoing imaging, performing Fourier analysis of the air scan data, computing air coefficients from the result of the performing step, obtaining object scan data of an object undergoing imaging on the XPCi system, regularizing the object scan data, and calculating at least one of absorption image data, differential phase image data, and dark field image data by using object coefficients. A system configured to implement the method and a non-transitory computer-readable medium are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jonathan Immanuel Sperl, Kinan Mahdi
  • Patent number: 9325913
    Abstract: A radiation detector is provided that provides fast sequential image acquisition. In one embodiment, the radiation detector a diode capacitor that is charged in response to a radiation exposure event. The charge stored in the diode capacitor is transferred to a separate storage capacitor, allowing a new charge to be generated and stored at the diode capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Ching-Yeu Wei, Jeffrey Wayne Eberhard, George Edward Possin
  • Patent number: 9323855
    Abstract: Processing a plurality of media items that are associated with a respective plurality of locations includes: obtaining the plurality of media items; selecting a first media item that defines a first region on a map; determining a first set of media items that are located within the first region; selecting a second media item that defines a second region on the map, the second media item being selected among media items that are not located within the first region; determining a second set of media items that are located within the second region; and processing the first set of media items and the second set of media items as distinct groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Facebook, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregor Hochmuth, Tim Van Damme, Philip McAllister, Kevin Systrom
  • Patent number: 9314212
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus, comprising: an X-ray imager including an X-ray beam generator for emitting an X-ray beam, an X-ray beam detector for detecting the X-ray beam to obtain an X-ray image of an object, and a main body unit in which the X-ray beam generator and the X-ray beam detector are installed; and a three-dimensional scanner arranged in the X-ray imager in order to obtain an image of the outer appearance of the object. According to the present invention, an X-ray image and an image of the outer appearance of an object, for example, an image of the skull and an image of the face, can be obtained at the same time, thereby minimizing image correction procedures for matching two images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: MORPHEUS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Heung-San Choi, Jin-Su Kim, Jung-Hoon Song
  • Patent number: 9310496
    Abstract: Provided are a calibration apparatus and method that may be used for setting a magnitude of an electric pulse based on a result obtained by imaging at least one imaging object, and that may be used for calibrating by mapping at least one photon energy corresponding to an absorption edge of at least one calibration object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung Hoon Kang, Dong Goo Kang, Sung Su Kim, Young Hun Sung, Hyun Hwa Oh
  • Patent number: 9301728
    Abstract: A mask-image-taking-time calculating section 36 (i) sets a first imaging-time, in a first mask image, in accordance with X-ray imaging-conditions, and (ii) calculates a second imaging-time, in mask images from the second, for a mask image to be taken next in accordance with the imaging-time and brightness of the mask image taken previously such that average brightness of the mask image taken previously and a mask image to be taken next is target brightness. A live-image-taking-time calculating section 38 calculates an imaging-time for a live image in accordance with an actual imaging-time for the mask image having X-rays applied thereto from an X-ray irradiating device in accordance with the first or second imaging-time. An image processor 6 calculates a subtraction image by difference between a reference mask image obtained through averaging two or more mask images taken in accordance with the first or second imaging-time and the live image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Katsuhiro Yabugami
  • Patent number: 9297772
    Abstract: The disclosure provides an apparatus for amplifying scattering intensity during tSAXS measurements. The apparatus includes an enhancement grating object and a placement mechanism. The enhancement grating object is positioned within a longitudinal coherence length of an incident X-ray from a target object. The placement mechanism is capable of placing the enhancement grating object with nanometer precision with respect to the target object in both a lateral and a longitudinal directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Wei-En Fu, Wen-Li Wu
  • Patent number: 9292911
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed relating to modifying an automatically predicted adjustment. In one embodiment, the automatically predicted adjustment may be adjusted, for example, based on a rule. The automatically predicted adjustment may be based on a machine learning prediction. A new image may be globally adjusted based on the modified automatically predicted adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Adobe Systems Incorporated
    Inventors: Sylvain P. Paris, Jen-Chan Chien, Vladimir L. Bychkovsky
  • Patent number: 9275439
    Abstract: A subtraction image is generated by performing subtraction between a mask image serving as a radiation image obtained by capturing an object, at least of a specific region of which does not include contrast medium, and a live image serving as a radiation image obtained by capturing the object which includes the contrast medium. The emphasis degree serving as the degree of emphasis processing for the subtraction image is determined based on at least either the mask image or live image. The emphasis processing is performed for the subtraction image based on the emphasis degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hideaki Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 9259200
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for obtaining a sequence of x-ray images are disclosed. An object of interest in a first x-ray image is detected and an area of interest, based on a predicted motion of the object of interest, is determined. A second x-ray image of the area of interest is acquired using spatial x-ray modification to control an x-ray to pass through a portion of a patient corresponding to the area of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Peter Mountney, Andreas Maier, Razvan Ioan Ionasec, Jan Boese, Dorin Comaniciu
  • Patent number: 9256938
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for determining primary and secondary escape probabilities for a large photon-counting detector without pile-up. A model for the detector with no pile-up is formulated and used for spectrum correction in a computed tomography scanner. The method includes computing primary K-escape and secondary K-escape probabilities occurring at a certain depth within the photon-counting detector. Further, a no pile-up model for the photon-counting detector is formulated by determining a response function, based on the computed primary and secondary K-escape probabilities and geometry of the photon-counting detector. The method includes obtaining a measured CT scan of an object and further performs spectrum correction by determining the incident input spectrum based on the response function and the measured spectrum of the large photon-counting detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Adam Petschke, Yu Zou
  • Patent number: 9247914
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus including: X-ray generation means that irradiates X-rays from the focus and that has a first portion changing so as to have a first change component and a second portion changing so as to have a second change component, which is different from the first change component; focus position detection means that detects a focus position when the X-rays are irradiated; focus position change amount estimation means that estimates the amount of change in the focus position at an arbitrary point of time with respect to the reference position of the focus using a first amount of change, which changes so as to have the first change component, and a second amount of change, which changes so as to have the second change component; and correction means that corrects the positions of the irradiation region of the X-rays so as to cancel the amount of change in the focus position estimated by the focus position change amount estimation means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: HITACHI MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasutaka Konno, Takashi Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 9239392
    Abstract: In the radiographic imaging device, a portion of a second effective imaging region at a first side or a second side of a sensor unit of a second radiation detection panel, and a portion of a first effective imaging region at a third side or a fourth side of the sensor unit of a first radiation detection panel, are overlapped in a radiation irradiating direction. A portion of a second effective imaging region at the third side or the fourth side of the sensor unit of the second radiation detection panel, and a portion of a third effective imaging region at the third side or the fourth side of the sensor unit of the third radiation detection panel, are overlapped in the radiation irradiating direction. The second radiation detection panel is disposed at a side opposite the radiation irradiating section side of the first radiation detection panel and the third radiation detection panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Kohei Gemma, Kohei Ota, Tetsuya Tsuji, Kentaro Noma
  • Patent number: 9234856
    Abstract: An apparatus for deriving X-ray absorbing and phase information comprises; a splitting element for splitting spatially an X-ray, a detector for detecting intensities of the X-rays transmitted through an object, the intensity of the X-rays changing according to X-ray phase and also position changes, and an calculating unit for calculating an X-ray transmittance image, and an X-ray differential phase contrast or phase sift contrast image as the phase information. The X-ray is split into two or more X-rays having different widths, and emitted onto the detector unit. And, the calculating unit calculates the X-ray absorbing and phase information based on a difference, between the two or more X-rays, in correlation between the changing of the phase of the X-ray and the changing the intensity of the X-ray in the detector unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Taihei Mukaide
  • Patent number: 9230703
    Abstract: Gratings for analyzing the interference image in interferometers for phase contrast X-ray tomography, comprising a carrier and grating webs produced from at least two different materials, method for producing the same and use thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: KARLSRUHER INSTITUT FUER TECHNOLOGIE
    Inventors: Juergen Mohr, Joachim Schulz, Elena Reznikova, Franz Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 9222899
    Abstract: An X-ray Talbot interferometer includes a first grating configured to diffract X-rays from an X-ray source and form an interference pattern, a second grating configured to block a portion of X-rays that form the interference pattern, and a detector configured to detect X-rays from the second grating. An inspection object is disposed between the X-ray source and the second grating. The second grating includes a first shield grating portion in which a shield portion and a transmissive portion are arranged periodically at a first period and a second shield grating portion. The first period is expressed as ps×n×Ls/(Ls+Lf), where ps denotes a size of pixels that the detector has, n denotes a positive integer, Ls denotes a distance from the X-ray source to the first shield grating portion, and Lf denotes a distance from the first shield grating portion to the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kimiaki Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 9194825
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a diffraction grating which diffracts electromagnetic waves from an electromagnetic wave source, a shield grating which shields a part of the electromagnetic waves diffracted by the diffraction grating, a detector which detects an intensity distribution of the electromagnetic waves through the shield grating, and an adjusting unit which adjusts the attitude of at least one of the diffraction grating and the shield grating on the basis of the detection result by the detector, wherein the adjusting unit divides the intensity distribution detected by the detector into a plurality of regions and adjusts the attitude of at least one of the diffraction grating and the shield grating on the basis of the intensity distributions of the plurality of regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidenosuke Itoh, Kentaro Nagai
  • Patent number: 9182361
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system includes a conventional, film-based X-ray machine and a digital imaging assembly. The X-ray machine includes an X-ray source and a bracket assembly configured to hold X-ray film. The digital imaging assembly is configured to be mounted on the bracket assembly of the X-ray machine. The digital imaging assembly includes a scintillation screen and a digital image sensor. The digital image sensor is coupled with one or more processors that is configured to receive user input that selects a mode of operation from between a still image capture mode and a video capture mode, receive digital signals from the digital image sensor, process the digital signals to generate digital X-ray image data in accordance with the selected mode of operation, and present the generated digital X-ray image data on a display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Ann Arbor Digital Devices Inc.
    Inventors: William J. O Neill, Brian T. O Neill, David C. Blake
  • Patent number: 9179883
    Abstract: In an embodiment of an X-ray image acquisition system, an X-ray image detector includes a detector layer having a matrix composed of x total pixels structured in such a way that in a direction standing perpendicularly with respect to the grating lines of the diffraction or phase grating, the total pixels are subdivided into y subpixels which can be driven and/or read out in groups in a readout process such that, in a first phase step, n subpixels are effectively combined into groups, with m subpixels of a total pixel between the groups not being captured, and such that, in subsequent K?1 phase steps, n subpixels are in each case combined again into groups until all necessary combinations of subpixels have been captured, with the combined subpixels being shifted in the analysis direction by an increment of p subpixels in each case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Martin Spahn
  • Patent number: 9177103
    Abstract: A system for processing multi-subject volumes comprises a volume input (1) for receiving an input volume image dataset (13) comprising a plurality of subjects scanned simultaneously. A metadata input (2) receives metadata (15) relating to individual ones of the subjects. A subject finder (3) identifies a plurality of portions of the input volume image dataset (13), each portion comprising one of the subjects. A volume image dataset generator (4) generates a plurality of separate volume image datasets (16), each separate volume image dataset (7) comprising one of the portions of the input volume image dataset. A metadata handler (5) associates the metadata (15) relating to a subject with the separate volume image dataset (7) comprising the portion comprising the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Yogish Mallya, Shivakumar Kunigal Ramaswamy, Narayanan Ayyakad Krishnan, Lyubomir Georgiev Zagorchev
  • Patent number: 9171365
    Abstract: Methods for improving the processing time, scalability, and resource usage for three-dimensional projecting-backprojecting rays with respect to voxels (pixels) and detector bins are provided. Specifically, improvements to a distance-driven technique, wherein the pixels and detector edges are projected on to a predetermined reference plane are disclosed. The methods balance the computational load of a system of parallel processors, which results in a balanced memory and cache access operations, while reducing the computational complexity of projection-backprojection techniques in scanning systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Russell Mareachen, Vincent Pierre
  • Patent number: 9161728
    Abstract: An X-ray diagnosis apparatus of an embodiment includes: an imaging unit that includes an X-ray tube which emits an X-ray to a subject, and an X-ray detector which detects an X-ray passing through the subject; an X-ray beam limiting unit that is disposed between the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector, has a plurality of collimator blades, and can be rotated; an image processing unit that generates a fluoroscopic image of a region of interest set by the X-ray beam limiting unit; and a control unit that individually controls the plurality of collimator blades in such a way that a long side of an opening formed by the plurality of collimator blades goes in a longitudinal direction of a target within the fluoroscopic image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichiro Watanabe, Teruomi Gunji, Manabu Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9164045
    Abstract: A method of phase imaging uses X-ray beams having edges overlapping with pixels. A phase image may be obtained from first and second images using one or more X-ray beam, the first image being measured with the first edge but not the second edge of each X-ray beam overlapping the corresponding pixel(s) and the second image being measured with the second edge but not the first edge overlapping the corresponding pixel(s). The gradient of the X-ray absorption function may be calculated and a proportional term included in the image processing to calculate a quantitative phase image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: UCL BUSINESS PLC
    Inventors: Peter Munro, Alessandro Olivo, Konstantin Ignatyev, Robert Speller
  • Patent number: 9155510
    Abstract: Described here are systems and methods for generating x-ray phase contrast images from conventional x-ray attenuation data. X-ray attenuation coefficients generated over a range of x-ray energies are used to compute the x-ray phase signal up to a calibration constant. This calibration constant is computed from provided calibration data, which may be obtained using a dedicated x-ray differential phase contrast imaging system to measure the decrement of the refractive index of a calibration phantom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: WISCONSIN ALUMNI RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventor: Guang-Hong Chen
  • Patent number: 9131912
    Abstract: A dual-energy X-ray imaging apparatus and a method obtain dual-energy X-ray images by sequentially radiating an X-ray of a first energy and a X-ray of a second energy to an object, with the intensity and the quantity of the second energy adjusted using brightness information of the first energy X-ray image for the object so that a precise X-ray image representing the characteristics of the object is obtained and a precise diagnosis is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Min Kook Cho
  • Patent number: 9113821
    Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus includes a radiation generation unit configured to radiate radiation to an object, a radiation detection unit configured to detect the radiation having passed through the object, an irradiation size detection unit configured to detect a size of an irradiation range of the radiation radiated by the radiation generation unit, a movement detection unit configured to detect a relative movement of the radiation generation unit and the radiation detection unit with respect to the object, and a control unit configured to control irradiation of the radiation to the object performed by the radiation generation unit. The control unit resumes, after a stop of the irradiation of the radiation, the irradiation of the radiation to the object performed by the radiation generation unit according to the relative movement detected by the movement detection unit and the size of the irradiation range detected by the irradiation size detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 9118635
    Abstract: An autonomous medical imaging system includes at least one autonomous imaging subsystem and at least one autonomous detection subsystem. The autonomous detection subsystem is configured to communicate with the autonomous imaging subsystem, and the autonomous imaging subsystem is configured to communicate with the autonomous detection subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Kadri Nizar Jabri, Rajeev Ramankutty Marar, Ferry Tamtoro, Gopal Biligeri Avinash, John Michael Sabol
  • Patent number: 9107637
    Abstract: There is provided an X-ray imaging apparatus which images a specimen. The X-ray imaging apparatus comprises: an X-ray source; a diffraction grating configured to diffract an X-ray from the X-ray source; an X-ray detector configured to detect the X-ray diffracted by the diffraction grating; and a calculator configured to calculate phase information of the specimen on the basis of an intensity distribution of the X-ray detected by the X-ray detector, wherein the calculator obtains a spatial frequency spectrum from the plural intensity distributions, and calculates the phase information from the obtained spatial frequency spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Chidane Ouchi, Naoki Kohara
  • Patent number: 9103922
    Abstract: An apparatus including a scintillator panel which absorbs X-rays radiated from an X-ray generator and converts the X-rays into visible light; an image detector including a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix array and charging the plurality of pixels with electric charges proportional to intensity of the visible light converted by the scintillator panel; a gate driver which selects a line in the image detector and applies a drive signal to pixels in the selected line; an automatic exposure request signal generator which generates an automatic exposure request signal as a trigger signal informing of X-ray radiation through detection of X-rays radiated from the X-ray generator; and a controller which controls a time point of performing an exposure operation depending on a state of the drive signal applied to the pixels of the selected line in response to the automatic exposure request signal is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: VIEWORKS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yong Hak Sung, Tae Gyun Kim
  • Patent number: 9105369
    Abstract: The present invention relates to differential phase-contrast imaging of an object. For increasing spatial resolution of an X-ray imaging system (2) the size of a detector pixel element (8) may be considered a limiting factor. Accordingly, it may be beneficial to increase the resolution of an apparatus (38) for phase-contrast imaging without further reducing the area of an individual pixel element (8). Accordingly, an apparatus (38) for phase-contrast imaging with improved sampling is provided, comprising an X-ray source (4), a first grating element G1 (24), a second grating element G2 (26) and an X-ray detector element (6) comprising a plurality of detector pixel elements (8), each detector pixel element (8) having a pixel area A. An object to be imagined (14) is arrangeable between the X-ray source (4) and the X-ray detector element (6). The first grating element G1 (24) as well as the second grating element G2 (26) are arrangeable between the X-ray source (4) and the X-ray detector element (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Thomas Koehler
  • Patent number: 9095553
    Abstract: A nonaqueous, single-phase vehicle that is capable of suspending an active agent. The nonaqueous, single-phase vehicle includes at least one solvent and at least one polymer and is formulated to exhibit phase separation upon contact with an aqueous environment. The at least one solvent may be selected from the group consisting of benzyl benzoate, decanol, ethyl hexyl lactate, and mixtures thereof and the at least one polymer may be selected from the group consisting of a polyester, pyrrolidone, ester of an unsaturated alcohol, ether of an unsaturated alcohol, polyoxyethylenepolyoxypropylene block copolymer, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the at least one solvent is benzyl benzoate and the at least one polymer is polyvinylpyrrolidone. A stable, nonaqueous suspension formulation that includes the nonaqueous, single-phase vehicle and an active agent, and a method of forming the same, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Intarcia Therapeutics Inc.
    Inventors: Catherine M. Rohloff, Guohua Chen, Andrew S. Luk, Rupal A. Ayer, Paul R. Houston, Michael A. Desjardin, Pauline Zamora, Stan Lam
  • Patent number: 9086536
    Abstract: Talbot imaging systems comprising a Talbot element, a phase gradient generating device, a light detector, and a processor. The Talbot element repeats a Talbot image at a distance from the Talbot element. The phase gradient generating device scans the Talbot image at a plane at the distance from the Talbot element by incrementally changing a phase gradient of a light field incident the Talbot element. As the Talbot image is scanned, the light detector captures time varying data associated with light altered by an object located at the distance from the Talbot element. The processor reconstructs an image of the object based on the time-varying light data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Shuo Pang, Changhuei Yang
  • Patent number: 9084543
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an X-ray source, an X-ray detector, a rotating mechanism, a control unit, and a reconstruction unit. The source irradiates an object with X-rays. The detector outputs projection data by detecting X-rays transmitted through the object. The rotating mechanism rotates the source and the detector around the object. The control unit acquires projection data, while making the rotating mechanism rotate the source and the detector, such that the number of views in a specific view angle range becomes larger than that in other view angle ranges. The reconstruction unit configured to reconstruct an image by using acquired projection data of each view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Tadaharu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9080858
    Abstract: A wavefront measuring apparatus includes an optical element forming a periodic pattern by light, a detector having pixels to detect the light, and a computer computing, based on detection results of the detector, wavefront information at positions in a wavefront of the light transmitted through or reflected by a specimen. The detector detects a first periodic pattern formed by the light, and a second periodic pattern formed by the light and shifted in phase from the first periodic pattern. The computer computes the wavefront information at one of the positions by using a result detected in a first pixel of the pixels when detecting the first periodic pattern, a result detected in a second pixel of the pixels when detecting the first periodic pattern, the second pixel being positioned within three pixels from the first pixel, and a result detected in the first pixel when detecting the second periodic pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeshi Kondoh
  • Patent number: 9078623
    Abstract: A multiple-energy X-ray imaging apparatus and a method obtain a plurality of X-ray images when the heart of a patient is in the same phase by measuring the electrocardiogram of the patient. A sensor is installed on a handle or a foot stool to measure the electrocardiogram when the patient grips the handle or makes contact with the foot stool without having to attach an electrode to the body of the patient, which removes the inconvenience in measuring the electrocardiogram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Min Kook Cho
  • Patent number: 9072894
    Abstract: Techniques for radioablation of sympathetic nerves include positioning a subject on a support in view of a volume imaging system and an ionizing radiation source; and collecting volume image data. Location of a treatment portion of a sympathetic nerve in the subject is determined based on the volume image data. Movement of the source is determined to apply a therapeutic radiation dose to the treatment portion based on the location of the treatment portion and relative location of the source to the volume imaging system. The source is operated to deliver the therapeutic radiation dose. An apparatus includes a mounting structure, an X-ray source and a shield. The source produces an X-ray beam with photon energy above one million electron volts (MeV) and not above six MeV. The shield is mounted in opposition to the source to block the X-ray beam with photon energies not greater than about six MeV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Robert K. Chin, Matthew Thomas Wheeler, Peter G. Maxim
  • Patent number: 9070531
    Abstract: Provided is an X-ray generator comprising an X-ray tube including a cylindrical body; an electron source in the body; a target at an end of the X-ray tube facing the electron source, the target generating X-rays by irradiation with electrons; a container in which the X-ray tube is arranged; insulating liquid filled between the X-ray tube and the container; and a holding member holding the body of the X-ray tube in the container, with a channel for the insulating liquid around the X-ray tube. The distance between the holding member and the end face at the end of the body in the direction in which the electron source and the target face is twice or more as large as the minimum width of the channel that is in contact with the outer surface of the X-ray tube at the end face side with respect to the holding member. This allows heat in the target to be quickly radiated, thus allowing X-rays to be generated stably for a long time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Ueda, Miki Tamura, Yoshihiro Yanagisawa, Yasue Sato, Koji Yamazaki, Takao Ogura, Shuji Aoki, Ichiro Nomura
  • Patent number: 9063055
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus for imaging a subject includes a diffraction grating configured to form an interference pattern by diffracting X-ray radiation from an X-ray source, a shielding grating configured to shield part of the interference pattern, a detector configured to detect the X-ray radiation passing through the shielding grating, and a moving unit configured to change an angle between each of the diffraction grating, the shielding grating and the detector and an optical axis, wherein the detector is configured to detect the X-ray according to a change in the angle between each of the diffraction grating, the shielding grating and the detector and the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Chidane Ouchi
  • Patent number: 9050056
    Abstract: Medical imaging is carried out by transmitting X-ray emissions through a subject, generating a first set of temporally separated images of an area of interest in the subject from the transmitted X-ray emissions, generating a second set of temporally separated images from the area of interest from a second source, and combining the sets to produce combined images of the area of interest. The method is further carried out by blocking the X-ray emissions from reaching the subject, updating the second set, combining the first set with the updated second set to produce updated combined images, displaying the updated combined images, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, iterating updating the second set, combining the first set with the updated second set, and displaying the updated combined images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventor: Matityahu Amit
  • Patent number: 9050059
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus has an electronic cassette, in which an FPD device receives X-rays applied by an X-ray source to a body, and stores charge according to a radiation dose of the X-rays, to create an image. A control unit controls the FPD device. A radiation sensor detects the radiation dose to be used for controlling the FPD device. A magnet as fastening device secures the radiation sensor removably in a radiation path between the X-ray source and the body. Also, an evaluation unit recognizes a start and end of application of the X-rays according to a dose signal from the radiation sensor, for the control unit to control the FPD device. A flexible support arm is disposed between the radiation sensor and the magnet, for keeping the radiation sensor in a changeable position relative to the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Kuwabara
  • Patent number: 9044197
    Abstract: A method for providing x-ray dose information is executed at least in part by a computer and includes obtaining two or more technique setup parameters for a pending x-ray examination for a patient, at least one dimensional distance parameter related to the x-ray system, patient information parameters identifying one or more physical characteristics of the patient, and identifying the patient anatomy that is to be exposed. The projected effective dose value are calculated and displayed according to the obtained technique setup, dimensional distance, patient information parameters, and patient anatomy information. A message is displayed to the operator related to disabling the pending x-ray examination according to the calculated projected effective dose value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel Richard, David H. Foos, Lynn M. La Pietra
  • Patent number: 9046466
    Abstract: Provided is an X-ray imaging apparatus having simple configuration and obtaining differential phase contrast images in two directions crossing each other without rotating the diffraction grating and the masking grating. The apparatus including: a diffraction grating diffracting X-rays; a masking grating masking portions rays and transmitting portions are two-dimensionally arranged to partially mask bright zones of the interference pattern; a moving device changing the relative position between the interference pattern and the masking grating; a detector detecting the intensity distribution of the X-rays transmitted through the masking grating; and a calculator calculating a differential phase contrast image or a phase contrast image of a subject, the calculator being configured to calculate the differential phase contrast image or the phase contrast image in each of two mutually crossing directions on the basis of results of detection performed a plurality of times by the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Chidane Ouchi
  • Publication number: 20150146848
    Abstract: Described here is a method for performing phase contrast imaging using an array of independently controllable x-ray sources. The array of x-ray sources can be controlled to produce a distinct spatial pattern of x-ray radiation and thus can be used to encode phase contrast signals without the need for a coded aperture. The lack of coded aperture increases the flexibility of the imaging method. For instance, because a fixed, coded aperture is not required, the angular resolution of the imaging technique can be increased as compared to coded-aperture imaging. Moreover, the lack of a radioopaque coded aperture increases the photon flux that reaches the subject, thereby increasing the attainable signal-to-noise ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Rajiv Gupta, Luis Fernando Velasquez-Garcia, Richard Lanza, Berthold KP Horn, Tayo Akinwande