Combined With Non-x-ray Imaging Patents (Class 378/63)
  • Patent number: 11826135
    Abstract: In a method and system for automatically positioning a region of interest of a patient for a medical imaging examination in an isocenter of a medical imaging apparatus, the region of interest of the patient is brought into a patient receiving region of the medical imaging examination for a position-determination measurement, a position-determination measurement is performed to capture position-determination image data, the position-determination image data is analyzed to determine a position of the region of interest of the patient from the position-determination image data, and the patient is automatically positioned such that the position of the region of interest of the patient coincides with the position of the isocenter of the medical imaging apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Harder
  • Patent number: 11793543
    Abstract: An automatic insertion device and method of using the same is provided. A vibrator and an extender are connected to a penetrating member and are both in electrical communication with a controller. A detector identifies a subcutaneous target for insertion and the insertion angle, distance and trajectory for the penetrating member are calculated. The vibrator provides vibrations to the penetrating member and the extender advances the penetrating member for insertion. The vibrator and extender are in electrical communication with one another during the insertion process and adjustments to the insertion speed are made based on feedback of vibrational load encountered by the vibrator during insertion, and adjustments to the vibrations are made based on feedback of insertion load encountered by the extender during insertion. Iterative samples are taken to constantly adjust the operation of one motor based on the operations and feedback from the other motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignees: Obvius Robotics, Inc., Baylor College of Medicine
    Inventors: Roger B. Bagwell, Ryan S. Clement, Maureen L. Mulvihill, Casey A. Scruggs, Kevin A. Snook, William E. Cohn, James Patrick Herlihy, Kenneth Wayne Rennicks
  • Patent number: 11786197
    Abstract: A CPU of a console comprises a color image acquisition unit, a distance image acquisition unit, a specification unit, and an estimation unit. The color image acquisition unit acquires a color image, in which a patient and a periphery of the patient are captured, from a visible light camera. The distance image acquisition unit acquires a distance image indicating a distance between a radiation tube and an object, from a TOF camera. The specification unit specifies a kind of the object in the color image. The estimation unit estimates intensity of radiation in an environment captured in the color image based on reference information including the distance image and a specification image as a specification result of the kind of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akihito Bettoyashiki, Ryo Imamura, Kazuhiro Makino, Takeyasu Kobayashi, Naoyuki Nishino
  • Patent number: 11678852
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a camera to capture a camera image of a target disposed on an examination table; an X-ray source to generate and radiate X-rays; a memory to store imaging protocols; a display; and a controller. The controller is configured to receive information regarding a selection of an imaging protocol, identify a position of an imaging region of the target based on the camera image, the imaging region corresponding to the selection of the imaging protocol and the camera image being acquired with the examination table at a first distance from the X-ray source, control the display to display the camera image of the target and an indicator indicating the imaging region on the camera image based on the identified position, and control the X-ray source to radiate the X-rays toward the target disposed on the examination table at a second distance from the X-ray source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ho Jun Lee, Geun Tae Bae, Ju Hwan Kim, Sung Nam Kim
  • Patent number: 11564647
    Abstract: A medical imaging apparatus is provided. The medical image apparatus includes an output unit; and a controller configured to control the output unit to display an image obtained by photographing an object and to display, over the image, a top indicator for setting a top limit for an area to be X-rayed and at least one guideline indicating a bottom limit for the area to be X-rayed according to the top indicator and the number of partial photographing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seung-hoon Kim, Si-won Park, Se-hui Kim, Do-hyeong Hwang, Sung-Jin Park
  • Patent number: 11478197
    Abstract: A medical imaging apparatus, and a sensor arrangement for acquiring at least one item of patient movement information during a medical imaging examination, have at least one sensor element and a support apparatus, with the at least one sensor element arranged on the support apparatus. The support apparatus has a positioning element for positioning the support apparatus and at least one strut-like support element on which the at least one sensor element is removably arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Beck, Daniel Nico Splitthoff, Steffen Schroeter
  • Patent number: 11382585
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a camera to capture a camera image of a target disposed on an examination table; an X-ray source to generate and radiate X-rays; a memory to store imaging protocols; a display; and a controller. The controller is configured to receive information regarding a selection of an imaging protocol, identify a position of an imaging region of the target based on the camera image, the imaging region corresponding to the selection of the imaging protocol and the camera image being acquired with the examination table at a first distance from the X-ray source, control the display to display the camera image of the target and an indicator indicating the imaging region on the camera image based on the identified position, and control the X-ray source to radiate the X-rays toward the target disposed on the examination table at a second distance from the X-ray source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ho Jun Lee, Geun Tae Bae, Ju Hwan Kim, Sung Nam Kim
  • Patent number: 11207046
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for multi-modal medical imaging systems. In one embodiment, a medical imaging system comprises a first gantry including a first bore and a second gantry including a second bore each adapted to receive a subject to be imaged by the medical imaging system, with the first bore having a first isocenter line and the second bore having a second isocenter line, where the first isocenter line and second isocenter line are offset from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: GE Precision Healthcare LLC
    Inventors: Ken Efrati, Asaf Shtern
  • Patent number: 11141607
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for positioning a radiation source with respect to one or more regions of interest in a coordinate system. Such systems and methods may be used in emission guided radiation therapy (EGRT) for the localized delivery of radiation to one or more patient tumor regions. These systems comprise a gantry movable about a patient area, where a plurality of positron emission detectors, a radiation source are arranged movably on the gantry, and a controller. The controller is configured to identify a coincident positron annihilation emission path and to position the radiation source to apply a radiation beam along the identified emission path. The systems and methods described herein can be used alone or in conjunction with surgery, chemotherapy, and/or brachytherapy for the treatment of tumors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: RefleXion Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel Mazin, Akshay Nanduri
  • Patent number: 11116579
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus is provided for use in a medical procedure for image acquisition using a high-resolution imaging system, a three dimensional imaging system and a navigation system. A 3D imaging scan of an imaged portion of the surface of the patient is acquired using the three dimensional imaging system. Then, a first high-resolution imaging scan covering a first sub-portion of the imaged portion is acquired using the high-resolution imaging system, which is tracked by the navigation system. The 3D imaging scan and the first high-resolution imaging scan are combined to create an enhanced three dimensional image having contour lines to provide a visual representation of depth derived from depth information acquired from both the three dimensional imaging system and the high-resolution imaging system. Subsequent high resolution scans may then be stitched into the image and the updated image displayed in real-time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: SYNAPTIVE MEDICAL INC.
    Inventors: Siu Wai Jacky Mak, Arun Victor Jagga
  • Patent number: 11065475
    Abstract: A system and method include acquisition of a set of tomographic images of a patient volume associated with each of a plurality of timepoints of a first radiopharmaceutical therapy cycle, determination, for each of the plurality of timepoints, of a systematic uncertainty for each of a plurality of regions within the patient volume based on the set of tomographic images associated with the timepoint, determination, for each of the plurality of timepoints, of a quantitative statistical uncertainty based on the set of tomographic images associated with the timepoint, determination of a dose and a dose uncertainty for each of the plurality of regions based on the set of tomographic images, the systematic uncertainty and the quantitative statistical uncertainty for each of the plurality of timepoints, and display of a cumulative dose and cumulative dose uncertainty for each of the plurality of regions based on the dose and the dose uncertainty determined for each of the plurality of regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Michal Cachovan, Alexander Hans Vija
  • Patent number: 10940334
    Abstract: Systems and methods for radiation therapy. The methods comprise: acquiring an image of a treatment area using a Robotic Sculpted Beam Radiation Treatment System (“RCBRTS”); presenting, by a Mobile Computing Platform (“MCP”), the image in a GUI; creating a Real-Time Beam Sculpting Treatment Plan (“RTBSTP”) for the patient based on user inputs to MCP via GUI; verifying an expected effectiveness of RTBSTP using a virtual measurement component of GUI (where the virtual measurement component simultaneously provides distance measurements and radiation dose deposition measurements associated with the patient's anatomy and RTBSTP); verifying the final treatment plan using cross sectional 3D view and/or AR view; programming RCBRTS such that radiation therapy delivery will be provided in accordance with RTBSTP; setting RCBRTS so part of it will be inserted into a cavity formed during a medical procedure; and/or performing operations by RCBRTS to apply radiation to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: SENSUS HEALTHCARE, INC.
    Inventors: Kalman Fishman, Yonatan Vainer
  • Patent number: 10881368
    Abstract: An X-ray device includes a camera to image an object and output the image of the object, a display member using a touch screen to display the image of the object output from the camera, and an X-ray irradiation region of the object, an X-ray irradiation region controller to control a region of the object to which an X-ray is irradiated, and a control member to enable the irradiation region controller to control the region of the object to which an X-ray is irradiated according to the X-ray irradiation region, when the X-ray irradiation region is determined, based on the image of the object displayed in the display member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Byeong Won Lee, Jae Hwa Moon
  • Patent number: 10874362
    Abstract: Systems and methods for digital X-ray imaging are disclosed. An example portable X-ray scanner includes: an X-ray detector configured to generate digital images based on incident X-ray radiation; an X-ray tube configured to output X-ray radiation; a computing device configured to control the X-ray tube, receive the digital images from the X-ray detector, and output the digital images to a display device; a power supply configured to provide power to the X-ray tube, the X-ray detector, and the computing device; and a frame configured to: hold the X-ray detector, the computing device, and the power supply; and hold the X-ray tube such that the X-ray tube directs the X-ray radiation to the X-ray detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Benson, Brian Girouard, Amine Belarbi
  • Patent number: 10760902
    Abstract: A measurement processing device used for an x-ray inspection apparatus that detects an x-ray passing through a predetermined region of a specimen placed on a placement unit to perform an inspection on the shape of the predetermined region of the specimen includes: a setting unit that sets a three-dimensional region to be detected on the specimen; and a sliced-region selection unit that sets a plurality of sliced regions on the region to be detected, calculates, for each of the plurality of sliced regions, an amount of displacement of the predetermined region that is required to detect the region to be detected when the plurality of sliced regions is regarded as the predetermined region, and selects a sliced region for the inspection from among the plurality of sliced regions on the basis of each of the calculated amounts of displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Nobukatsu Machii, Fuminori Hayano, Akitoshi Kawai
  • Patent number: 10750980
    Abstract: A medical image processing method performed by a computer, for measuring the spatial location of a point on the surface of a patient's body including: acquiring at least two two-dimensional image datasets, wherein each two-dimensional image dataset represents a two-dimensional image of at least a part of the surface which comprises the point, and wherein the two-dimensional images are taken from different and known viewing directions; determining the pixels in the two-dimensional image datasets which show the point on the surface of the body; and calculating the spatial location of the point from the locations of the determined pixels in the two-dimensional image datasets and the viewing directions of the two-dimensional images; wherein the two-dimensional images are thermographic images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: BRAINLAB AG
    Inventors: Hagen Kaiser, Stephen Froehlich, Stefan Vilsmeier
  • Patent number: 10652990
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cabinet x-ray incorporating voice command operation for the production of organic and non-organic images. The computing device receives audio data and determines, based on the audio data, a voice-initiated action. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a system and method with corresponding apparatus for commanding the cabinet x-ray unit to attain, manipulate and optimize images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: KUB Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Vikram Butani, Yan Chen, Chester Lowe, Roberto Velasco, Edwin Divakaran Maria-Selvaraj, Vignesh Mandalapa-Bhoopathy, Timothy Ely
  • Patent number: 10572994
    Abstract: Provided is a radiation imaging apparatus, which is configured to acquire a radiographic image, the radiation imaging apparatus including: an evaluation unit configured to evaluate the radiographic image based on a plurality of evaluation indices; a determination unit configured to determine priorities of the plurality of evaluation indices; and an output unit configured to output propriety information regarding whether the radiographic image is proper based on evaluation results of the plurality of evaluation indices and the priorities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shinya Katsumata
  • Patent number: 10517562
    Abstract: A mobile radiography system is disclosed, which includes a radiation source for radiating a plurality of beams; a detector for detecting the plurality of beams from the radiation source; a controller for determining an angular difference between the radiation source and the detector; and a positioning device mounted with the radiation source for recognizing a position of the detector relative to the radiation source based on the angular difference between the radiation source and the detector to align the radiation source to the detector. A method of aligning a mobile radiography system including a radiation source and a detector is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Jiajun Gu, Hao Lai, Li Tao, Hao Xu, Kun Tao
  • Patent number: 10507002
    Abstract: A system includes: a movable X-ray tube scanner; a range sensor movable with the X-ray tube scanner; an X-ray detector positioned to detect X-rays from the X-ray tube passing through a standing subject between the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector; and a processor configured for automatically controlling the X-ray tube scanner to transmit X-rays to a region of interest of the patient while the subject is standing between the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Vivek Kumar Singh, Yao-jen Chang, Birgi Tamersoy, Kai Ma, Susanne Oepping, Ralf Nanke, Terrence Chen
  • Patent number: 10492764
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes an acquisition unit, a selection unit, and a display control unit. The acquisition unit acquires a medical image accompanied by supplementary information indicating a site. The selection unit selects one of a plurality of instruction instruments each corresponding to a site. The display control unit displays the medical image, the instruction instrument, and an ultrasound image together on a display. Upon receipt of a change instruction to change either the instruction instrument or the medical image, the selection unit newly selects the medical image or the instruction instrument corresponding to the instruction instrument or the medical image after the change. The display control unit displays the instruction instrument or the medical image after the change, the medical image or the instruction instrument newly selected, and the ultrasound image together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Canon Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Oomori, Go Tanaka, Eiji Goto, Osamu Nakajima, Takayuki Gunji
  • Patent number: 10448906
    Abstract: The present invention provides a radiography device for producing an X-ray image of a tooth or a structure supporting the tooth. The radiography device of the present invention includes: an X-ray source for generating X-rays; a projection unit for projecting a user control mode image to the outside as user control information for controlling the X-ray source; and a control unit including an operation unit for user operation, and controlling the X-ray source according to the user control information selected through the operation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignees: VATECH Co., Ltd., VATECH EWOO Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Han Sung Lee, Tae-Woo Kim
  • Patent number: 10416102
    Abstract: A method is provided for performing an X-ray diffraction stress analysis of a sample such as a thin film, a coating, or a polymer. The sample has a surface with two perpendicular axes S1, S2 within a plane of the surface, and a third axis S3 perpendicular to the sample surface plane. An X-ray beam is directed at the sample surface at a relatively low angle with regard to the surface plane. X-ray energy is diffracted from the sample and detected with a two-dimensional X-ray detector at a plurality of rotational orientations of the sample about S3. The third axis S3 is maintained at a constant tilt angle during the entire X-ray diffraction stress analysis, thereby avoiding the significant error associated to the movement of a cradle track of a goniometer used for the X-ray diffraction stress analysis and on which measurements at a low 2? angle are highly sensitive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Inventor: Bob Baoping He
  • Patent number: 10410337
    Abstract: A system and method of inspection may include capturing image data by a stereo imaging device. A determination as to whether noise indicative of a transparent or specular object exists in the image data may be made. A report that a transparent or specular object was captured in the image data may be made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Datalogic IP Tech S.r.l.
    Inventor: Alessandro Franchi
  • Patent number: 10240919
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making a numerical three-dimensional model of a structure from relatively soft and relatively hard parts, comprising of making by means of penetrating radiation a plurality of numerical sections of the structure located at a mutual distance and representing the absorption for the radiation, storing in a memory the numerical sections and constructing a numerical three-dimensional model of the structure on the basis of the numerical sections stored in the memory, wherein at least during making of the sections at least a part of the relatively soft parts of the structure is provided with a layer of contrast agent with an absorption coefficient for the radiation differing substantially from that of the relatively soft parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Inventor: Dirk Peter Leenheer
  • Patent number: 10206645
    Abstract: A method for imaging a target region in a subject is presented. The method includes selecting one or more tomographic angle sequences, acquiring one or more image sequences corresponding to the one or more tomographic angle sequences, where each image sequence has a corresponding tomographic angle sequence, deriving geometric information corresponding to one or more structures of interest in at least one of the image sequences, identifying visualization information, generating one or more displacement maps based on the geometric information, the visualization information, at least a subset of at least one of the one or more tomographic angle sequences, or combinations thereof, transforming at least a subset of images in the one or more image sequences based on corresponding displacement maps to create one or more transformed/stabilized image sequences, and visualizing on a display the one or more transformed/stabilized image sequences to provide a stabilized presentation of the target region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bernhard Erich Hermann Claus, David Allen Langan
  • Patent number: 10201717
    Abstract: A medical data processing method for tracking the position of a body surface of a patient's body, the method comprising determining, based on initial surface reflection data and reflection pattern registration data, body surface movement data describing whether the body surface has undergone a movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Brainlab AG
    Inventors: Kajetan Berlinger, Hagen Kaiser
  • Patent number: 10067207
    Abstract: A positron emission tomography (PET)-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus according to an embodiment includes a gantry having a static magnetic field magnet, a gradient coil, and a radio frequency coil, a PET detector, and a moving mechanism. The static magnetic field magnet generates a static magnetic field in a bore having an approximately cylindrical shape. The gradient coil is disposed on an inner circumference side of the static magnetic field magnet and applies a gradient magnetic field to an object disposed in the bore. The radio frequency coil is disposed on an inner circumference side of the gradient coil and applies a radio frequency magnetic field to the object. The PET detector detects gamma rays emitted from a positron-emitting radionuclide injected into the object. The moving mechanism causes the PET detector in the gantry along the axial direction of the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuya Okamoto, Takuzo Takayama, Hitoshi Yamagata
  • Patent number: 10016170
    Abstract: The invention provides a loading mechanism for x-ray tube. The loading mechanism for x-ray tube includes an x-ray tube, a swing element and a rotating element. The x-ray tube includes a focal spot location and an x-ray opening. The swing element includes a first rotating axis, and the first rotating axis passes through the focal spot location. The swing element rotates about the first axis to rotate the x-ray tube within a limit swing range. The rotating element is connected to the swing element. The rotating element has a second rotating axis, and the first rotating axis perpendicular to the second rotating axis. The rotating element rotates about the second rotating axis to drive rotate the x-ray tube and the swing element. In addition, the scanning system for three-dimensional image is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCH ATOMIC ENERGY COUNCIL, EXECUTIVE YUAN, R.O.C.
    Inventors: Sheng-Pin Tseng, Ho-Hui Hsieh
  • Patent number: 9989483
    Abstract: An imaging system for generating three dimensional image data using X-ray backscattering from one side of a structure is provided. The imaging system includes at least one X-ray source, at least one rotating collimator coupled to the at least one X-ray source, an X-ray detector, and a controller coupled to the at least one X-ray source, the at least one rotating collimator and the X-ray detector. The controller is configured to emit X-rays from the at least one X-ray source through the at least one rotating collimator towards the one side of the structure. Additionally, the controller is configured to detect backscattered X-rays from the one side of the structure, using the X-ray detector, at a plurality of depths within the structure. Additionally, the controller is configured to generate three dimensional image data of the structure based on the detected backscattered X-rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Gary E. Georgeson, Morteza Safai
  • Patent number: 9782140
    Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for imaging and treating a tumor of a patient using positively charged particles and X-rays. A mounting rail, supporting a scintillation detection system element and an X-ray detection system element, is alternatingly extended/retracted to position the required detection system element opposite a patient tumor position from an exit nozzle of a beam transport system connected to an accelerator of the positively charged particles, where the positively charged particles are alternatingly used to treat the tumor via irradiation. The mounting rail optionally rotates with rotation of the exit nozzle about the patient, such as with rotation of a support gantry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Inventors: Susan L. Michaud, Daniel J. Raymond, W. Davis Lee
  • Patent number: 9648256
    Abstract: A system for inspection of the undercarriage of a vehicle. The system may comprise a mobile unit or a stationary unit configured to fit in a space below the vehicle for gathering and transmitting data, images and or recordings, of the undercarriage of the vehicle. The system comprises at least one camera and preferably a plurality of cameras and at least one light source and preferably a plurality of light sources mounted on a device configured to fit in the space below a vehicle without hindering the inspection of the undercarriage of the vehicle. Photoelectric lasers or laser scanning systems may also be incorporated into the device. Data gathered by the cameras and/or laser systems can be transmitted to a controller and in some embodiments compared to standard data for recognition and potentially warning of an unexpected condition of the undercarriage without requiring physical human inspection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: BLACK DIAMOND XTREME ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventors: Brent Ramsey, Ray Schoenfelder, David Hail
  • Patent number: 9504436
    Abstract: A method for use in medical imaging of a patient including, with the patient immobilized with respect to an imaging reference frame, acquiring first digital imaging information including a first region of interest using a first imaging modality; processing the first digital imaging information to identify a feature for analysis; and using a second imaging modality to acquire targeted second imaging information for a second region of interest, the second region of interest corresponding to a subset of the first region of interest, wherein the second region of interest includes the feature for analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jasjot S Suri, Yajie Sun, Roman Janer
  • Patent number: 9433349
    Abstract: A stand-alone MR or hybrid PET-MR imaging system incorporating a surface stationary RF coil structure is disclosed. The imaging system includes a support assembly comprising a cradle to accommodate a subject and a bridge to receive the cradle and provide for translation therealong to enable an acquisition of imaging data. An RF coil structure is positioned between the bridge and the cradle, and includes a base portion, a cover portion, and an array of RF coil elements positioned on the cover portion. The cover portion includes contoured features that enable placement of RF coil elements in proximity to a subject and to provide a constant and uniform gap between the RF elements and the cradle. The RF coil structure also includes structural elements that support the cradle when rolling over the array of RF coil elements without deforming the RF coil elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Edward Emaci, Michael James Calloway
  • Patent number: 9117008
    Abstract: A display apparatus comprises an obtaining unit that obtains information associated with a human body to be examined, a forming unit that forms, based on information on a radiographing range of a radiographing apparatus with respect to the human body to be examined included in the obtained information, a graphic showing the radiographing range of the radiographing apparatus onto a body diagram of the human body to be examined; and a display control unit that controls a display unit to display the formed graphic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshio Iizuka, Hidehiko Morinaga, Akira Yoshino, Maiko Sato
  • Publication number: 20150146855
    Abstract: A medical image system includes: a storage unit which stores a first medical image; a selection unit which selects a medical image to be associated with a second medical image; a designation unit which designates an abnormal shadow candidate; a reception unit which receives the second medical image newly created; a determination unit which determines whether or not the first medical image selected is an image suited for association, and the abnormal shadow candidate designated and the second medical image received satisfy a predetermined condition; an association unit which stores the second medical image in association with the abnormal shadow candidate; and a monitoring unit which monitors the association, outputs a warning, and stores the abnormal shadow candidate or the second medical image in association with information indicating there is no second medical image or abnormal shadow candidate to be associated, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: KONICA MINOLTA, INC
    Inventor: Hitoshi FUTAMURA
  • Publication number: 20150085981
    Abstract: A method, an imaging apparatus and a computer readable medium are enabled for automatically registering medical images. The imaging apparatus may be an amended C-arm. The image acquisition apparatus has a primary x-ray source and at least one auxiliary x-ray source, a detector for receiving radiation of the primary and auxiliary x-ray source, and an interface to a registration unit. The registration unit computes a 3D/2D registration of a provided 3D image and at least two acquired 2D images. An output interface is configured to provide an output and to display the registered images on a monitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: JEFFREY SIEWERDSEN, YOSHITO OTAKE, ALI UNERI, J. WEBSTER STAYMAN
  • Patent number: 8942342
    Abstract: The techniques described herein provide a means for generating an x-ray image and ultrasound image depicting parallel planes of an object under examination and may be used in conjunctions with x-ray or ultrasound techniques known to those in the field (e.g., x-ray tomosynthesis, computed tomography ultrasound imaging, etc.). In one example, one or more x-ray images are spatially coincident to one or more ultrasound images and the images may be combined through spatial registration. It finds particular application to mammography examinations but may be used in other fields that use information from multiple modalities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Analogic Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel Abenaim
  • Patent number: 8874187
    Abstract: Treatment targets such as tumors or lesions, located within an anatomical region that undergoes motion (which may be periodic with cycle P), are dynamically tracked. A 4D mathematical model is established for the non-rigid motion and deformation of the anatomical region, from a set of CT or other 3D images. The 4D mathematical model relates the 3D locations of part(s) of the anatomical region with the targets being tracked, as a function of the position in time within P. Using fiducial-less non-rigid image registration between pre-operative DRRs and intra-operative x-ray images, the absolute position of the target and/or other part(s) of the anatomical region is determined. The cycle P is determined using motion sensors such as surface markers. The radiation beams are delivered using: 1) the results of non-rigid image registration; 2) the 4D model; and 3) the position in time within P.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Accuray Inc.
    Inventors: Euan Thomson, John Robinson Dooley, Gopinath Kuduvalli, James Wang, Eric Earnst, Chris Raanes
  • Patent number: 8867702
    Abstract: An optical image of a subject is acquired with a camera while the subject is disposed between a radiation output device housing at least two radiation sources and a radiation detecting device. Doses of radiation to be emitted from the at least two radiation sources are weighted based on the optical image, and weighted doses of radiation are applied from the at least two radiation sources to the subject. A radiographic image of the subject is acquired by detecting radiation that has passed through the subject with the radiation detecting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Naoyuki Nishino, Yasunori Ohta
  • Patent number: 8855266
    Abstract: An X-ray stress measurement apparatus having: a camera for producing an optical image of a sample; a display for displaying the optical image; an input device capable of inputting positions on a display screen; an X-ray source for generating an X-ray; a table for moving the sample; an X-ray detector for detecting an X-ray exiting the sample; a measurement program for determining the measurement positions of the sample on the basis of the positions indicated by the input device, and measuring the determined measurement positions of the sample; a stress computation program for computing the stress at the measurement positions of the sample on the basis of an output signal from the X-ray detector; and an image formation program for causing the optical image, the measurement positions of the sample, the absolute value of the stress, and the direction of the stress to be displayed on the same display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Rigaku Corporation
    Inventors: Shoichi Yasukawa, Tomoyuki Iwata
  • Patent number: 8842807
    Abstract: An X-ray moving image radiographing apparatus includes an X-ray detector configured to detect an X-ray transmitting through a subject to acquire a subject image, an image processing unit configured to process an X-ray radiographic image output from the X-ray detector, and a control unit configured to capture a mask image by selectively scanning X-ray focal positions of an X-ray source which has a plurality of X-ray focal points so that an X-ray incident angle varies with respect to a target point of the subject, and to capture a moving image after a predetermined work is performed on the subject by selectively scanning X-ray focal positions of the X-ray source similar to the scanning operation used to capture the mask image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Urushiya, Osamu Tsujii
  • Patent number: 8837673
    Abstract: In a method for correctly geometrically assigning x-ray images of a patient an optically operating recording device is attached to an x-ray device generating the x-ray images. A dimensionally stable marker surface which can be optically detected by the recording device and defines a reference system is fixed to the patient in a fixed relative position. The x-ray device is brought into a first and second recording position such that the recording device is directed toward the marker surface. In a recording position the x-ray device produces a first and second x-ray image of the patient and the recording device produces a first and second recording of the marker surface. The respective geometric position of the first and second x-ray image is determined in the reference system from the recordings. The first and second x-ray images are correctly geometrically assigned to one another in accordance with their position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Rainer Graumann
  • Patent number: 8831172
    Abstract: With filmless radiographic inspection of components by means of digital X-ray technology, an uneven surface geometry of the component is smoothened by defining a digital virtual smoothening layer for better, preferably automated, recognition of defects, where the digital radiation signals generated by an X-ray detector are overlaid with digitized surface measurement signals, so that a change in absorption and intensity of radiation due to the surface topography of the component, i.e. due to an uneven surface, is compensated for and only a density caused by internal material defects is represented in the X-ray image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
    Inventors: Karl Schreiber, Josef Geitner
  • Patent number: 8811570
    Abstract: An X-ray inspection system is mounted around conveyor (2). An X-ray source (12) and a number of X-ray detectors record X-ray images of an object (8) such as baggage moving along the conveyor. A visual recordal system (18,22) tracks the motion of the object along the conveyor to identify the location and orientation of the object as it moves along the conveyor. A tomosynthesis image of the object is calculated from the plurality of X-ray images using the location and orientation information from the visual recordal system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: UCL Business PLC
    Inventors: Robert Speller, Caroline Reid
  • Patent number: 8804905
    Abstract: The invention relates to a coordinate measuring apparatus (110) for measuring an object (3), comprising an x-ray sensory mechanism as a first sensory mechanism that is provided with an x-ray source (10) and at least one x-ray sensor (7) which detects the x-rays, and a second sensory mechanism such as a tactile and/or an optical sensory mechanism (8, 11; 9) that can be placed in the x, y, and/or z direction of the coordinate measuring apparatus in relation to the object. In order to be able to easily measure also large-size test objects, the x-ray sensory mechanism (7, 10) can be positioned in the coordinate measuring apparatus (10) according to the second sensory mechanism (8, 11; 9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Werth Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Christoph, Wolfgang Rauh
  • Publication number: 20140169527
    Abstract: A photoacoustic detector, a photoacoustic board and a detector using the photoacoustic board are provided. The photoacoustic detector includes a X-ray transmitter, a X-ray receiver, a light module and an ultrasonic module. The X-ray transmitter is configured to transmit a X-ray to irradiate the object. The X-ray receiver is configured to receive an image beam generated after the object is irradiated by the X-ray. The light module is configured to provide light for illuminating the object to generate a first sonic wave signal. The sonic module is configured to receive the first sonic wave signal, transmit an sonic wave toward the object, and receive a second sonic wave signal generated after the object is interacted with the sonic wave. Therefore, a X-ray image, an ultrasonic image and a photoacoustic image are obtained via the photoacoustic detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventor: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
  • Publication number: 20140153697
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are an X-ray imaging apparatus which recognizes a marker located at a part to be subjected to X-ray imaging from an image of a subject imaged by a camera and which controls a respective movement of each of an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector to a respective position which corresponds to the recognized marker, and a method for controlling the same. An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray tube which radiates X-rays toward a subject, an X-ray detector which detects X-rays which propagate through the subject, an imaging unit which generates an image of the subject, a recognizer which recognizes a part to be subjected to X-ray imaging from the image of the subject, and a position controller which controls a movement of the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector to a position corresponding to the part to be subjected to X-ray imaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Choong Hwan CHOI, Do Kwan OH, Woo Sup HAN
  • Publication number: 20140126699
    Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus has a camera installed on a gantry, and a method creates volume data of a subject through images of the subject photographed by the camera and calculates an optimum dose of radiation based on the volume data of the subject. The radiation imaging apparatus includes the gantry, and the camera installed on the gantry to photograph a subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Woong LEE
  • Publication number: 20140119510
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging system for generating space transfer functions has an X-ray machine, a check board and a host. The X-ray machine has an X-ray camera and an image camera to respectively take an X-ray image and a reference image for a calibration pattern on the check board. The host has a controller electrically connected to the X-ray camera and the image camera to receive the X-ray image and the reference image. The controller generates parameters and space transfer functions according to the X-ray image and the reference image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Show Chwan Memorial Hospital
    Inventors: Min-Liang WANG, Pei-Yuan Lee, Kai-Che Liu