Imaging Patents (Class 378/62)
  • Publication number: 20150146851
    Abstract: A method includes moving a radiation source and a radiation detector along a scan path substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of a patient. A beam of radiation is emitted from the radiation source. The beam of radiation is detected at the radiation detector. The detected beam is processed so as to form a first image of a first area of the patient along the scan path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Wilson
  • Publication number: 20150146853
    Abstract: A radiation imaging device includes plural individual detectors defining an irregular rectangular active area responsive to x-rays and with different widths along a length of the active area. The individual detectors may be of different rectangular shapes and mounted on a motherboard. The motherboard may be formed of a first module mounting a first of two individual detectors and a second module detachable connected to the first module and mounting a second of two individual detectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: KONSTANTINOS SPARTIOTIS, TOM SCHULMAN, TUOMAS PANTSAR
  • Publication number: 20150146852
    Abstract: An X-ray detector capable of independently controlling a read-out rate for each region, an X-ray imaging apparatus having the same, and a method of controlling the same are provided. The X-ray detector includes a plurality of pixels which are two-dimensionally arranged and configured to output an electrical signal corresponding to incident X-rays, a plurality of gate lines configured to connect the plurality of pixels in a row direction, a plurality of data lines configured to connect the plurality of pixels in a column direction, a read-out circuit configured to read out the electrical signal generated by the plurality of pixels through the plurality of data lines, and a switcher configured to independently turn connections between the respective data lines in the plurality of data lines and the read-out circuit on and off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Young Hun SUNG, Jae Hak LEE, Dong Goo KANG, Jae Mock YI
  • Publication number: 20150146850
    Abstract: The management system of the X-ray detectors according to the embodiments detects X-rays irradiated from the X-ray generator when X-ray imaging is carried out, and includes an inspection unit and a validity period setting unit. The inspection unit inspects at least one of performance, function, and operation of an actual operation state of the X-ray detector. The validity period setting unit sets a validity period which is a criterion for determining whether the inspection results inspected are valid or not. The system is configured that the X-ray imaging is not performed on a subject when the inspection results are determined to be invalid based on the validity period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicants: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Seiichirou NAGAI
  • Publication number: 20150146849
    Abstract: Provided are a radiographic imaging apparatus and a method of controlling the same. The radiographic imaging apparatus includes a radiographic source configured to emit radiographic rays in a discontinuous eigen energy spectrum, a radiographic detector configured to receive the radiographic rays, convert the received radiographic rays into electrical signals, and count the number of photons having energy that exceeds a threshold energy, and a controller configured to adjust the threshold energy by comparing an energy spectrum of the detected radiographic rays with the eigen energy spectrum of the emitted radiographic rays from the radiographic source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ji Hoon KANG, Sang Min LEE, Min Kook CHO
  • Publication number: 20150146854
    Abstract: An x-ray imaging system for imaging a subject includes an x-ray source configured to project an x-ray radiation toward a portion of the subject and a panel detector positioned opposite the x-ray source relative to the subject and configured to receive x-ray radiation passing through the subject. The panel detector includes a scintillation layer converting x-ray radiation to light rays of a selected spectrum and a plurality of microelectromechanical scanners. Each microelectromechanical scanner includes a photodetector mounted on a corresponding movable platform and configured to detect light in the selected light spectrum. The panel detector includes a scanning control module configured to move each platform in a selected scan pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Louis J. BARBATO, Patrick A. HELM, Jigney SHAH
  • Patent number: 9042516
    Abstract: A system comprises a structure having particles embedded at a level within the structure, and X-ray imaging apparatus for capturing images of the particles at the level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James A. Grossnickle, Robert B. Greegor
  • Patent number: 9042517
    Abstract: To provide an X-ray imaging apparatus capable of easily adjusting the sensitivity or capable of easily extracting the amount of refraction of X-rays. An X-ray imaging apparatus irradiating an object to be measured with an X-ray beam from an X-ray source that generates X-rays of a first energy and X-rays of a second energy different from the first energy to measure an image of the object to be measured includes an attenuator and a detector. The attenuator attenuates the X-ray beam transmitted through the object to be measured and is configured so as to vary the amount of attenuation of the X-rays depending on a position on which the X-ray beam is incident. The detector detects the X-ray beam transmitted through the attenuator and is configured so as to detect the X-rays of the first energy and the second energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazunori Fukuda, Kazuhiro Takada, Taihei Mukaide, Masatoshi Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20150139392
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an X-ray detector and the pixel layout. In order to provide a facilitated way of avoiding artifacts in images provided by X-ray detectors, an X-ray detector (10) is provided, comprising a pixel array (12) with a plurality of pixels (14), each of which comprises a sensitive area (16), a body structure (18),and an electric circuitry (20). The sensitive areas are attached to the body structure and the electric circuitry is provided to control and read out the sensitive areas and to connect the sensitive areas with a processing unit. The sensitive areas are configured to provide an electric signal representing X-ray radiation hitting the pixel. All pixels are provided in a pixel layout with a pixel layout scheme (22) where the sensitive area is a first part (24) of the pixel's surface that is contributing to the pixel's signal and a second part (26) of the pixel's surface is irrelevant to contributing to the pixel's signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: Koninkljke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Hanns-Ingo Maack
  • Publication number: 20150139389
    Abstract: A mobile digital fluoroscopy system comprises either a G-arm (18) stand (1) having two X-ray beam transmitter (21,23)/receiver (22,24) pairs arranged at right angles to each other or a C-arm having a single transmitter/receiver pair. Protective collimator shutter plates (1060) at each transmitter limit the X-ray irradiation area. These collimator plates are properly adjusted via servo motors prior to or during the operation, by fingertip movements, touching collimator representations on a touchscreen for each transmitter/receiver pair, to provide both protection to the surgeon and patient and sufficient fluoroscopic view to the surgeon of the operation site of interest in the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: Scanflex Healthcare AB
    Inventor: Markus Eklund
  • Publication number: 20150139391
    Abstract: A voltage multiplier 10 comprises a series of multiplier stages 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d. Each multiplier stage, for example 12b, comprises a first input 16b, a second input 14b, a first output 16c and second output 14c. The first and second outputs of a preceding multiplier stage are interconnected with first and second inputs of a subsequent multiplier stage. Furthermore, each multiplier stages, for example 12b, comprises two series connected diode elements D5, D6 having the same current conducting direction. The two series connected diode elements D5, D6 interconnect the first input 16b and the first output 16c. The second output 14c is coupled between the two series connected diode elements D5, D6. Each multiplier stage, for example 12b, comprises a buffer capacitor C6 interconnecting the respective first input 16b and the respective first output 16c.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Peter Luerkens
  • Publication number: 20150139394
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray source configured to radiate X-rays onto an object region, an X-ray detector configured to detect the radiated X-rays and obtain image frames of the object region based on the detected X-rays, and a filter configured to filter X-rays radiated from the X-ray source such that the X-rays incident on a region of interest (ROI) of the object region have a lower dose than a dose of X-rays incident on a non-ROI of the object region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dong-Goo KANG, Sunghoon KANG, Young Hun SUNG, Jaemock YI, Jae Hak LEE, Seokmin HAN
  • Publication number: 20150139395
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus and method are provided. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to an aspect includes an X-ray source configured to radiate X-rays onto a subject region, an X-ray detector configured to detect the radiated X-rays and obtain a plurality of frame images of the subject region, and an ROI filter located between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector, configured to move toward the X-ray source and the X-ray detector, and configured to filter the X-rays radiated from the X-ray source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae Mock YI, Dong Goo KANG, Young Hun SUNG, Jae Hak LEE, Seok Min HAN
  • Publication number: 20150139396
    Abstract: In an angiographic examination method to implement rotational angiographies, two x-ray projections of the examination subject are acquired from different acquisition angles, the x-ray projections are segmented to generate the outer contours of the examination subject in both x-ray projections, the outer contours of the examination subject are discretized in both x-ray projections, the coordinates of the focal points of the examination subject are calculated from these discrete points in both x-ray projections, the deviations of the coordinates of the focal points of the examination subject are determined, the deviations of the coordinates are evaluated, and the results of the evaluation are emitted as an output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Klaus Klingenbeck
  • Publication number: 20150139390
    Abstract: A digital X-ray sensor having a detection layer, and a collection layer formed by pixels in the form of a CMOS ASIC, wherein the sensor is provided with a “photon-counting” function and is suitable for radiological applications, so that the best arrangement is obtained between the image quality and the radiation dose absorbed by a subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Ronaldo BELLAZZINI
  • Publication number: 20150139398
    Abstract: In capturing an image of a grid by an image detector, a measurement pixel that is not in the position of a specific point having a maximum or minimum value of an output signal is referred to as a first measurement pixel, and a measurement pixel that is in the position of the specific point is referred to as a second measurement pixel. The disposition of the first and second measurement pixels are determined so as to satisfy the following condition: fG/fN?odd number, wherein fG is a grid frequency and fN is a Nyquist frequency of pixels; and in shifting the grid C times by one pixel, the number of the first measurement pixels is larger than that of the second measurement pixels at any time in the range of a cycle C of a repetition pattern appearing in the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi TAJIMA, Takeshi KUWABARA, Yusuke KITAGAWA
  • Publication number: 20150139399
    Abstract: The present invention provides a radiographic imaging device including: a detecting section that detects a dose of radiation that has been irradiated when imaging a radiographic image corresponding to irradiated radiation; and a determining section that determines whether the radiographic image is a valid image on the basis of the dose of radiation that has been detected by the detecting section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Jun ENOMOTO
  • Publication number: 20150139388
    Abstract: This disclosure presents systems and methods that synchronize an x-ray imaging system with the heartbeat of a patient. A patient's heartbeat is sensed with a cardiac monitoring unit, and a processing unit generates x-ray pulses that are synchronized with the patient's heartbeat. Based on the real-time heartbeat information, an x-ray imaging device can be operated to obtain x-ray images at various states of the cardiac cycle. The x-ray images taken over several cardiac cycles can be combined based on the relative state of the cardiac cycle in which the images were obtained to achieve high temporal resolution of a cardiac cycle. Additionally, x-ray images obtained at common relative states of the cardiac cycle can be combined to provide higher quality cardiac image or images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventor: James Zhengshe Liu
  • Publication number: 20150139397
    Abstract: Some embodiments include an imaging system. The image sensor array includes multiple image sensor sheets configured in an array grid. Each image sensor sheet of the multiple image sensor sheets can include a flexible substrate layer, and the flexible substrate layer can include a first flexible substrate side and a second flexible substrate side opposite the first flexible substrate side. Meanwhile, each image sensor sheet of the multiple sensor sheets can include multiple image sensors over the first flexible substrate side, the multiple image sensors can include multiple flat panel image detectors configured in a sheet grid, and the image sensor array can include an approximately constant pixel pitch. Other embodiments of related systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: Arizona Board of Regents, a body corporate of the State of Arizona, Acting on behalf of Arizona Stat
    Inventors: Joseph T. Smith, John Stowell
  • Publication number: 20150139393
    Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes a first support mechanism supporting a first X-ray tube which irradiates an object with first X-rays along a first direction, a second support mechanism supporting a second X-ray tube which irradiates the object with second X-rays along a second direction different from the first direction, a dose distribution generation unit generates a first and second dose distribution corresponding to the first and second X-rays respectively, a specifying unit specifying position states of the first and second support mechanism and operation states of the first and second X-ray tube, a display unit simultaneously displaying, with at least two different viewpoints in accordance with the position states and the operation states, a model on which the first and second dose distribution are superimposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicants: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichiro WATANABE, Takuya Sakaguchi, Masanori Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 9036886
    Abstract: A method is provided. The method includes acquiring a first dataset at a first energy spectrum and a second dataset at a second energy spectrum. The method also includes extracting a metal artifact correction signal using the first dataset and the second dataset or using a first reconstructed image and a second reconstructed image generated respectively from the first and the second datasets. The method further includes performing metal artifact correction on the first reconstructed image using the metal artifact correction signal to generate a first corrected image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jiang Hsieh, Brian Edward Nett, Pavaana Sainath, Debashish Pal
  • Patent number: 9036783
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for gain calibration is provided. The method includes sorting the calibration data of each pixel location from the offset-corrected X-ray image data into a sequence. The method also includes removing part of the calibration data from one end or both ends of the respective sequence for each pixel location. The method further includes averaging the calibration data remaining within each respective sequence to obtain an average pixel value for each pixel location. The method yet further includes generating a gain map based on the average pixel value for each pixel location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: James Zhengshe Liu
  • Patent number: 9036780
    Abstract: A method for recording a four-dimensional angiography data record using an x-ray facility with a C-arm is proposed. Projection images are recorded from different projection directions at different time points of the cardiac cycle. A number of three-dimensional reconstruction image data records assigned respectively to a time segment of the cardiac cycle are reconstructed from the projection images and combined to form the four-dimensional angiography data record by temporal assignment in respect of the cardiac cycle. At least one recording parameter describing the temporal sequence is selected when recording the projection images as a function of cardiac stimulation performed to ensure a stable heart rate during recording so that the recording of the projection images takes place in such a manner that it is synchronized with the cardiac cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Yiannis Kyriakou, Christoph Köhler
  • Publication number: 20150131781
    Abstract: A movable diaphragm unit is configured such that, when a restricting blade is moved away from a normal line extending from a center of a focal spot of X-ray to a first virtual plane including a detector plane, a moving distance of a crossing line of a second virtual plane including an end surface of the restricting blade and a third virtual plane including the focal spot with respect to a center of the focal spot becomes shorter than a moving distance with respect to the normal line of the end surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Yasuo Ohashi, Kazuyuki Ueda
  • Publication number: 20150131782
    Abstract: A workstation includes a receiver configured to receive identification information of an X-ray detector from the X-ray detector; a controller configured to set assign indicator information of the X-ray detector, based on the received identification information of the X-ray detector; an output unit configured to display the set assign indicator information of the X-ray detector; and a transmitter configured to transmit the set assign indicator information of the X-ray detector to the X-ray detector. The X-ray detector includes a transmitter configured to transmit the identification information of the X-ray detector to the workstation; a receiver configured to receive the assign indicator information from the workstation after the transmitter transmits the identification information of the X-ray detector to the workstation; and an output unit configured to display an assign indicator based on the received assign indicator information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jong-seo PARK, Woo-sup HAN, Sang-uk KIM
  • Publication number: 20150131780
    Abstract: An X-ray positioning apparatus according to the present invention is provided with an X-ray video device that generates second X-ray image data in which a respiratory signal of a patient and first X-ray image data are related to each other, a positioning computer that generates patient platform control data for controlling a patient platform, and a photographing trigger generation apparatus that outputs a photographing trigger signal to an X-ray tube; the X-ray positioning apparatus is characterized in that the photographing trigger generation apparatus generates the photographing trigger signal, in accordance with a first frame rate and a second frame rate that is higher than the first frame rate, and in that the positioning computer generates the patient platform control data, based on a reference image and one X-ray image selected from consecutively photographed images that are photographed at the second frame rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Takanori Tsunoo, Nobuhiko Ina
  • Patent number: 9031190
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes an X-ray sensor unit that detects X-rays, and a control unit that controls driving of an X-ray generator and the X-ray sensor unit. The control unit performs alignment imaging for imaging a still image of a subject. The still image is used as a reference for alignment of at least one of the X-ray generator and the X-ray sensor unit. After the alignment imaging, the control unit performs main imaging for imaging a moving image of the subject. The alignment imaging and the main imaging are performed under the same driving condition of the X-ray sensor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Osamu Tsujii
  • Patent number: 9031201
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes: an X-ray source including an electron source and a target, the target having a plurality of projections, each having an emitting surface; a diffraction grating configured to diffract X rays emitted from the X-ray source; and a detector configured to detect the X rays diffracted by the diffraction grating. Electron beams output from the electron source are incident on the emitting surfaces so that X rays are emitted from the emitting surfaces and are output to the diffraction grating. The X rays emitted from the emitting surfaces are diffracted by the diffraction grating so as to form a plurality of interference patterns. The projections are arranged such that bright portions of the interference patterns overlap each other and such that dark portions thereof overlap each other. Distances from the emitting surfaces to the diffraction grating are equal to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Genta Sato
  • Patent number: 9031191
    Abstract: A dynamic radiographing system enables determination of an evaluation value of the heart function of a subject by plain radiography. The dynamic radiographing system comprises a radiographing apparatus, an image processing apparatus, and a console for diagnosis. The radiographing apparatus dynamically radiographs the heart of a subject and creates radiographs in plural time phases (Step S1). The image processing apparatus calculates an evaluation value of the heart function by using the radiographs in plural time phases (Step S4). The console for diagnosis displays information on the calculated evaluation value on the display section (Step S5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Konica Minolta, Inc.
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Takeda
  • Patent number: 9031189
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus acquiring a differential phase contrast image of a test object without using a light-shielding mask for X-ray. The apparatus includes an X-ray source, a splitting element configured to spatially divide an X-ray emitted from an X-ray source and a scintillator configured to emit light when a divided X-ray beam divided at the splitting element is incident on the scintillator. The apparatus also includes a light-transmission limiting unit configured to limit transmitting amount of the light emitted from the scintillator and a plurality of light detectors each configured to detect the amount of light that has transmitted through the light-transmission limiting unit. The light-transmission limiting unit is configured such that a light intensity detected at each of the light detectors changes in response to a change in an incident position of the X-ray beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Taihei Mukaide, Takashi Noma, Kazunori Fukuda, Masatoshi Watanabe, Kazuhiro Takada
  • Publication number: 20150124929
    Abstract: An X-ray anti-scatter grid having thinner X-ray opaque layers, smaller X-ray opaque diameters, greater aspect ratio, lower weight and improved image resolution is disclosed. A method of forming the X-ray anti-scatter grid is disclosed that includes a set of hollow X-ray transparent glass capillary tubes that are fused together, with an X-ray opaque layer thick enough to block X-rays at a specified energy inside the capillary tubes. The capillary tubes provide the high aspect ratio and light weight, while the X-ray opaque layer is provided by a deposition process that has features similar to atomic layer deposition (ALD). The high aspect ratio and thin layers improves resolution and decreases image artifacts, and large area X-ray anti-scatter grids are provided by aligning the axis of the an X-ray opaque layers to the X-ray source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: Incom, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Minot, Joseph M. Renaud, Daniel C. Bennis, Michael A. Detarando
  • Publication number: 20150124930
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for pre-treatment verification of radiation dose delivery in arc-based radiation therapy devices using a time-dependent gamma evaluation method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL AG
    Inventors: FRANS VERHAEGEN, Mark Podesta, Sebastiaan Nijsten, Lucas Persoon, Christof Baltes, Stefan Scheib
  • Publication number: 20150124931
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cathode for an X-ray tube, an X-ray tube, a system for X-ray imaging, and a method for an assembly of a cathode for an X-ray tube. In order to provide a cathode with an improved and facilitated assembly, a cathode (10) for an X-ray tube is provided, comprising a filament (12), a support structure (14), a body structure (16), and a filament frame structure (18). The filament is provided to emit electrons towards an anode in an electron emitting direction (24), and the filament at least partially comprises a helical structure (26). Further, the filament is held by the support structure, which is fixedly connected to the body structure. The filament frame structure is provided for electron-optical focussing of the emitted electrons, and the filament frame structure is provided adjacent to the outer boundaries of the filament.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Marcus Walter Foellmer, Zoryana Terletska, Stefan Hauttmann
  • Patent number: 9025726
    Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus includes a differential phase image producing section, a phase unwrapping section, a statistical operation section, and a correction processing section. The differential phase image producing section produces a differential phase image in which pixel values are wrapped into a predetermined range ?. The phase unwrapping section performs a phase unwrapping process to the differential phase image. The statistical operation section obtains a mode from statistical operation of pixel values in each subregion segmented in the unwrapped differential phase image. Each subregion is a unit in which error caused by the phase unwrapping process is to be corrected. The correction processing section calculates, for each pixel, an integer “n” which allows a difference ? between the mode and a pixel value of each pixel to satisfy n???/2??<n?+?/2, and subtracts n·? from each pixel value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyasu Ishii
  • Patent number: 9025725
    Abstract: The apparatus includes: an X-ray source a multi slits element a first grating; a second grating; a driving section; a subject placing plate: and an X-ray detector, in which conversion elements to convert intensities of X-rays received thereby to electric signals, are arranged in a two-dimensional pattern so as to read the electric signals as image signals. The driving section moves the multi slits element relative to both the first grating and the second grating in a first direction orthogonal to a second direction of irradiating the X-rays, so that the X-ray detector repeats a processing for reading the electric signals converted from the intensities of X-rays received thereby, every time when the multi slits element moves at predetermined intervals so as to acquire the image signals representing Moire images captured at the predetermined intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic, Inc.
    Inventors: Junko Kiyohara, Kazuhiro Kido, Chiho Makifuchi
  • Patent number: 9022650
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus comprises an X-ray generation unit; a plurality of supporting members configured to support the X-ray generation unit; and an accommodation unit configured to accommodate the X-ray generation unit and the plurality of supporting members, wherein the accommodation unit is formed by bringing a first member and a second member into contact with each other, each of the plurality of supporting members is connected to the first member by a first connecting portion that is rotatable and to the X-ray generation unit by a second connecting portion that is rotatable, and a support height of the X-ray generation unit supported by the supporting members can be adjusted in accordance with a distance between the first member and the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Wataru Kaku, Yoshihiro Miyazawa, Hideki Hayashi, Takashi Ogura, Jun Murata
  • Publication number: 20150117603
    Abstract: The invention relates to a detector assembly for recording x-ray images of an object to be imaged, said object being located on a support plate of a table, wherein the table has at least one adjustable support foot for moving the support plate, comprising: a detector for detecting x-radiation and a positioning device for moving the detector relative to the object, wherein the detector can be moved into a plurality of recording positions that are spatially fixed with respect to the object and the positioning device can be fastened to the support foot in such a way that the positioning device is moved together with the support plate and the positioning device has at least one articulated arm, which can be moved with respect to at least one axis of rotation and/or one linear axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Erwin Keeve, Sebastian Engel, Fabian Stopp, Marc Käseberg, Eckart Uhlmann
  • Publication number: 20150117609
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a column supports the X-ray tube. A column includes a first sub column, a second sub column, a third sub column, a first connector, and a second connector. The first connector connects the second sub column to the first sub column and includes a first rotation axis parallel to a short axis of the tabletop. The second connector connects the third sub column to the second sub column and includes a second rotation axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis and a central axis of the second sub column. The third sub column supports the X-ray tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicants: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroki TONOTSUKA, Shunichiro NISHIGAKI, Seiichi NISHIZUKA
  • Publication number: 20150117605
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, an image processor includes a perspective image generator, a perspective image acquirer, a corresponding point acquirer, a first calculator and a display image generator. The first calculator updates the position of the one or more first corresponding point on the first perspective image, based on a difference in position between the first and second perspective images. The display image generator generates a first display image including the first and second perspective images, the one or more first corresponding points updated on the first perspective image, and the one or more second corresponding points on the second perspective image. The perspective image generator changes the first direction into a third direction based on the difference in position between the first and second perspective images, and generates an updated one, viewed in the third direction, of the first perspective image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Kyoka SUGIURA, Ryusuke HIRAI, Yukinobu SAKATA, Yasunori TAGUCHI, Takeshi MITA
  • Publication number: 20150117595
    Abstract: A method and an X-ray system are disclosed for generating a phase contrast image of an examination object. In an embodiment, the distribution of an electron density in the examination object is determined by defining energy-dependent attenuation values for X-radiation with at least two different X-ray energy spectra, phase-shift values are obtained from the previously determined electron density distribution, and a phase contrast image is generated from the calculated phase-shift values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Thomas Flohr, Rainer Raupach
  • Publication number: 20150117607
    Abstract: A console includes a display section. The console performs a focus display of the icon corresponding to the imaging order information regarding a currently-performed imaging, and when the imaging ends, moves the focus display of the icon to the icon of a next imaging. The console performs a focus display of the thumbnail image, and after a confirming process or when a predetermined time has passed, moves the focus display of the thumbnail image to a position at which the thumbnail image of the next imaging to be displayed on the display section. The console includes a first transition mode in which focus display transitions of the icon and thumbnail image are performed concurrently, and a second transition mode in which each of them is independently from each other. The transition mode of the focus display is capable of being switched between the first and second transition modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Naoki HAYASHI
  • Publication number: 20150117606
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus is provided. The X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray generator configured to radiate X-rays onto an object having a region of interest (ROI) and a non-ROI, a filter configured to adjust an X-ray dose of the X-rays incident on the ROI and the non-ROI, an X-ray detector configured to detect the X-rays transmitted through the object and convert the X-rays into X-ray data, and an image processing unit configured to obtain a frame image using the X-ray data, register the obtained frame image to a previous frame image, synthesize the frame image and the previous frame image, and generate a reconstructed frame image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae Hak LEE, Dong Goo KANG, Young Hun SUNG, Jae Mock YI, Ji Young CHOI, Seok Min HAN
  • Publication number: 20150117608
    Abstract: A method includes a obtaining an image of a center of a pelvis of a patient captured by an imaging device and analyzing the image of the pelvis center to determine whether or not the pelvis center is aligned with the imaging device using a computing device. When the pelvis center is not aligned with the imaging device, the method includes determining one or more alignment instructions for aligning the pelvis center with the imaging device by the computing device and transmitting the analyzed image of the pelvis center and the one or more pelvis alignment instructions to a user device in communication with the computing device. the user device executes a graphical user interface for displaying the analyzed image and one or more pelvis alignment instructions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Andrew B. Lytle, James J. Verner
  • Publication number: 20150119699
    Abstract: A system for triggering an imaging process, includes: a processing unit that is configured for: obtaining first information regarding a state of a device; processing the first information to determine if the state of the device satisfies a first pre-defined criterion; and generating a signal to cause an imaging process to begin based at least in part on a result from the act of processing. A system for triggering an imaging process, includes: a processing unit that is configured for: obtaining first information, the first information comprising dose information; processing the first information to determine if a first pre-defined criterion is satisfied; and generating a signal to cause an imaging process to begin based at least in part on a result from the act of processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Peter N. MUNRO, Stefan GRIMM, Raphael ZWIKER, Christof SIDLER
  • Publication number: 20150117604
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an X-ray tube with an active balancing arrangement, hi order to provide improved balancing for a minimized imbalance during operation, an X-ray tube (10) with an active balancing arrangement (12) is provided, comprising a rotating anode arrangement (14), a bearing arrangement (20, 22, 24), a driving arrangement (26, 28, 30) for rotating the anode arrangement, an imbalance detection arrangement (32), and active balancing means (34, 36, 38, 40, 42). The bearing arrangement is provided as a fixed bearing of the rotating anode arrangement for supporting the rotating anode arrangement. The imbalance detection arrangement is configured to detect an imbalance of the anode. The active balancing means are electro-magnetic balancing means configured to provide a magnetic field and to apply magnetic eccentricity forces to the rotating arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Wolfgang Chrost
  • Patent number: 9020097
    Abstract: There is provided a radiographic imaging system that has: a radiographic imaging device at which fluoroscopic imaging, that carries out capturing of radiographic images continuously, is possible; a radiation irradiating device that irradiates radiation in a pulse form with respect to the radiographic imaging device at a time of fluoroscopic imaging; and a controller that controls the radiation irradiating device such that radiation is pulse-irradiated at the radiographic imaging device with a proportion of an irradiation time period of radiation being set within a range of 12.5% to 80% with respect to each frame time period for capturing respective frame images according to a frame rate of fluoroscopic imaging, while capturing of radiographic images is carried out at the radiographic imaging device synchronously with the pulse irradiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Naoto Iwakiri, Naoyuki Nishino, Haruyasu Nakatsugawa, Yutaka Yoshida, Yasunori Ohta
  • Patent number: 9016940
    Abstract: A mobile patient positioning stand has a vertical rail allowing a shield structure to be moved up and down to different heights based on the height of anatomy of the patient desired to be imaged. The structure may be moved to position a shield of the structure at a height so that anatomy of a patient to be imaged is located within multiple image areas identified by markers on the shield. Then, an image detector holder and detector may be moved up and down to different heights behind the shield, based on the height of the markers. A source of radiation provides images at the multiple image areas. The multiple image areas may be connected by aligning stitching markers that may be on the shield, and are in the images. The aligning may be done by an automated computer software process that recognized patient anatomy and/or the stitching markers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Fujifilm Medical Systems U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Fabrizio
  • Publication number: 20150110247
    Abstract: A phantom material may be irradiated with varying energy x-rays to determine its phase shift properties. A determination of the difference between those phase shift properties and the phase shift properties of another material of interest can be represented and stored in terms of a polynomial function. The stored function can then be used in combination with a surrogate phantom shaped in the form of another object to obtain the phase shift properties of that other object as if it were made from the material of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Pavlo Baturin, Mark E. Shafer
  • Publication number: 20150110245
    Abstract: A method of obtaining an X-ray image, the method including: obtaining a first image of an object; receiving a determination whether the first image includes an entirety of a region of interest (ROI); and obtaining a second image of the object, the second image including a portion of the ROI which is absent in the first image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tae-kyun KIM, Sung-nam KIM, Jae-chool LEE
  • Publication number: 20150110246
    Abstract: The image processing apparatus includes a receiver for receiving a first image acquired by photographing scattered radiation of X-rays existing in a closed space and a second image acquired by photographing the closed space; and an image processor for generating a third image by combining the first image and the second image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Qin LIU, Eung-bum KIM