Combined With Non-x-ray Imaging Patents (Class 378/63)
-
Publication number: 20090103678Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes a visible light imaging unit which captures an image of a visual field region with visible light, an X-ray irradiation unit which irradiates X-rays, an X-ray imaging unit which receives the irradiated X-rays and acquires a radiograph based on the X-rays, and a detection unit which detects an irradiated region irradiated with the X-rays based on the acquired radiograph.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2008Publication date: April 23, 2009Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masahiro Abe, Tsukasa Sako, Yuichi Nishii, Hideto Shiozawa
-
Patent number: 7519414Abstract: In an image post-processing method and apparatus for 3D visualization of 2D/3D fused image data for use in catheter angiography in an endovascular interventional procedure, upon forward movement of a micro-catheter through blood vessel in the interventional procedure, x-ray images are acquired from different projection directions and are subjected to a pattern recognition algorithm for edge-based segmentation of the image regions filled by the micro-catheter, with all remaining image regions being masked out. The segmented projection exposures are prepared by a 3D reconstruction algorithm to obtain an image data set for (pseudo-) three-dimensional representation of the micro-catheter. This image data set are intraoperatively registered and fused with an image data set acquired from an angiographic pre-examination for three-dimensional visualization of the vessel topography.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2004Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Matthias Mitschke, Norbert Rahn, Dieter Ritter, Michael Scheuering
-
Patent number: 7490985Abstract: An arrangement device including: a photography section, which photographs a first mark and a second mark in a state in which a semiconductor integrated circuit to which the first mark is applied and a member to which the second mark is applied, which member is to be used in combination with the semiconductor integrated circuit, overlap; and a movement section, which relatively moves at least one of the semiconductor integrated circuit and the member with respect to the other thereof on the basis of positions of the first mark and the second mark which have been photographed by the photography section.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2005Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventors: Brian Ormond, Tomoki Umezawa
-
Patent number: 7486769Abstract: A method and apparatus combining Gamma Resonance Absorption, Gamma Resonance Fluorescence, Gamma Induced Photofission, Dual Beam Gamma Energy Absorptiometry modality in a single system for contraband detection/identification. Such contraband detection systems utilize novel proton beam target devices capable of generating single or multiple monoenergetic gamma ray beams used in detection/measurement of contraband, for simultaneous detection of multiple target objects in a single scan.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2004Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Inventor: Joseph H. Brondo, Jr.
-
Patent number: 7477723Abstract: An optical camera 5 for photographing a fluoroscopy object W on a sample stage 3 is provided. Prior to a fluoroscopic operation, the sample stage 3 is driven, and the fluoroscopy object W is photographed in a plurality of postures by the optical camera 5, and optical images are stored in a storage device 14. Among the optical images stored in the storage device 14, an optical image O that is closest to an image of the fluoroscopy object W viewed from the fluoroscopy direction at current time is selected and displayed on a display 13 during the fluoroscopic operation. This enables intuitive grasping of the fluoroscopy direction, and intuitive grasping of the fluoroscopy position is also enabled by superimposing and displaying a marker M, which represents a position of an X-ray optical axis L, in addition to the optical image O.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2005Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Shimadzu CorporationInventors: Masayuki Kamegawa, Yoshio Kuni
-
Publication number: 20080279330Abstract: The present invention is designed to overcome the disadvantages of X-ray imaging having difficulty in high-sensitivity measurement and of optical imaging having difficulty in high-spatial-resolution measurement, when used for diagnostic purposes. The present invention provides an imaging apparatus including an X-ray tube, a detector having sensitivity to X-rays and light, and a processing unit that processes the result of detection. In the imaging apparatus, the processing unit processes, as a first signal, a signal detected by the detector during an irradiation period in which an X-ray source provides X-ray irradiation, and processes, as a second signal, a light signal detected by the detector during a period other than the irradiation period.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2008Publication date: November 13, 2008Inventor: Hironori Ueki
-
Patent number: 7436927Abstract: An imaging apparatus has an examination space in which a region of an examination subject to be examined can be positioned as well as an optical image acquisition sensor, which is provided to acquire a surface of the examination subject in the examination space and which is linked with an evaluation unit such that acquired surface data are provided as control information for controlling an image acquisition unit, in particular an x-ray device.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2007Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Eckhard Hempel
-
Patent number: 7427757Abstract: X-ray monochromators and electron probe micro-analysis (EPMA) systems using such monochromators are disclosed. A turretless x-ray monochromator may have a cassette of reflectors instead of a turret. The cassette stores a plurality of reflectors that can be inserted into a conventional Rowland circle monochromator geometry. A transfer mechanism selectively moves reflectors from the cassette to a reflector positioner. The use of the cassette allows each reflector to be placed closer to a source of x-rays, thereby allowing a larger solid angle for x-ray collection. An alternative x-ray monochromator uses a non-focusing reflector that can be fixed, scanned axially or scanned radially to provide large solid angle detection of x-rays at various energies with a single reflector.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2005Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignee: KLA-Tencor Technologies CorporationInventors: Gary R. Janik, Jeffrey A. Moore
-
Patent number: 7412028Abstract: A method for multi-modality imaging is provided. The method includes receiving a first signal from a detector operating in a first imaging modality, and receiving a second signal from the detector operating in a second imaging modality, wherein the first and second signals are received sequentially.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2004Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: GE Medical Systems, Israel Ltd.Inventor: Hernan Altman
-
Patent number: 7412027Abstract: A method of examining a patient is provided. The method includes aligning a patient table with a first examination axis, imaging a patient utilizing a first imaging modality while the patient is oriented along the first examination axis, aligning a patient table with a second examination axis, the second examination axis being different than the first examination axis, and imaging a patient utilizing a second separate imaging modality while the patient is oriented along the second examination axis.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2004Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Leonid Yakubovsky, Hernan Altman
-
Patent number: 7405407Abstract: A therapy system using an ion beam, which can shorten the time required for positioning a couch (patient). The therapy system using the ion beam comprises a rotating gantry provided with an ion beam delivery unit including an X-ray tube. An X-ray detecting device having a plurality of X-ray detectors can be moved in the direction of a rotation axis of the rotating gantry. A couch on which a patient is lying is moved until a tumor substantially reaches an extension of an ion beam path in the irradiating unit. The X-ray tube is positioned on the ion beam path and the X-ray detecting device is positioned on the extension of the ion beam path. With rotation of the rotating gantry, both the X-ray tube emitting an X-ray and the X-ray detecting device revolve around the patient. The X-ray is emitted to the patient and detected by the X-ray detectors after penetrating the patient. Tomographic information of the patient is formed based on signals outputted from the X-ray detectors.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2007Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Kazuo Hiramoto, Hiroshi Akiyama, Yoshihiko Nagamine, Alfred Smith, Wayne Newhauser
-
Publication number: 20080170660Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing luggage screening equipment operators is provides. A sequence of images of contents of luggage items derived from a device that scans the luggage items with penetrating radiation are received. The image generation device is characterized by introducing a certain distortion into these images of contents of luggage items. A display device is caused to display images derived from this sequence of images. Occasionally, the display device is caused to show a simulated threat in a luggage item by displaying a combined image derived based at least in part on an image in the sequence of images and a distorted threat image. The distorted threat image was derived by applying a distortion insertion process to a reference threat image wherein the distortion insertion process tends to approximate the certain distortion introduced in the images of contents of luggage items by the device that scans the luggage items with penetrating radiation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2007Publication date: July 17, 2008Inventors: Dan Gudmundson, Luc Perron, Alexandre Filiatrault, Aidan Doyle, Michel Bouchard
-
Publication number: 20080152084Abstract: A low-profile real-time x-ray detector has a visual sensor that provides a wide angle visual image of a location on an inspected part that is being x-rayed. Fish eye lenses in the visual sensor view a reflection of a part being inspected from a highly reflective surface mirror on an x-ray sensitive surface. The visual sensor may provide an exact visual replica of the area on the inspected part that is being x-rayed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Morteza Safai, Gary E. Georgeson
-
Publication number: 20080144769Abstract: Device for irradiation therapy with image monitoring, comprising a magnetic resonance device and an irradiating device, with the magnetic resonance device including a C-shaped magnet having a yoke and two lateral pole shoes and with the irradiating device being arranged for feeding radiation from the open side into the region between the pole shoes. A clean copy of the abstract that incorporates the above amendments is provided herewith on a separate page.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2007Publication date: June 19, 2008Inventor: Sebastian Schmidt
-
Publication number: 20080135767Abstract: This device is a gamma imagery device including: a gamma camera (1) with an observation field (5), a gamma spectrometry detector (7) collimated with a collimator (6) with an observation field (8) extending around an axis (x2) and that is included in the observation field (5) of the gamma camera (1) beyond a given distance (d) from it; a laser pointer (9) with a line of sight (x3), this laser pointer being located close to the gamma spectrometry collimator (6), such that the line of sight (x3) is substantially parallel to the axis (x2) of the observation field (8) of the collimator (6) and intersects the observation field (8) of the collimator (9), means (1, 10) of localising a zone (12) pointed at by the laser pointer (9).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2005Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: Commissariat A L'Energie AtomiqueInventor: Christophe Le Goaller
-
Patent number: 7382851Abstract: A PET gantry and a CT gantry are placed in parallel such that the CT gantry becomes remoter to a common examination couch having a movable couch table top board mounted with a subject person and the CT gantry is made to be movable. The gantries are controlled by a control portion in a console. At first, the CT gantry is moved in a left direction to separate from the PET gantry so that whole body CT scan is carried out for the subject person in a direction from the leg portion to the head portion. Successively, the subject person is passed through a tunnel portion from the leg portion to the head portion by moving the couch table top board in a right direction in a state of considerably separating the CT gantry from the PET gantry to thereby carry out whole body PET scan.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2006Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Shimadzu CorporationInventors: Yoshihiro Inoue, Kohshiro Sugimura
-
Patent number: 7372935Abstract: The invention relates to a method for “truncation correction” in an x-ray system, i.e. a correction method during the reconstruction of projection images of an object recorded from different projection angles, if parts of the object do not lie in the field of view of each projection image. The surface of the object is thereby optically detected and used during the reconstruction of projection images to supplement the missing image data.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2006Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Philipp Bernhardt, Jan Boese, Marcus Pfister, Norbert Rahn
-
Patent number: 7369644Abstract: A circuit board inspection system combining an X-RAY inspection and a visual inspection comprises a transfer unit (3) that lands an inspected object (1) safely thereon and transfers the inspected object (1) to a predetermined position; a light generating unit (5) that is installed below the transfer unit (3) and emits a light having a predetermined wavelength to the inspected object (1); a light amplifying unit (7) that is installed on the opposite side of the light generating unit (5) to convert and amplify a predetermined light that transmits the inspected object (1) into a visible light; an optical unit (9) that optically illuminates the inspected object (1) to create a visual image; and a camera (11) that receives an X-ray image amplified through the light amplifying unit (7) or a visual image by the optical unit (9) to obtain information.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2003Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Mirtec Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jong-Won Kim, Dong-Hyun Lee, Seong-Cheol Hong
-
Patent number: 7352840Abstract: The present invention provides internal gain charge coupled devices (CCD) and CT scanners that incorporate an internal gain CCD. A combined positron emission tomography and CT scanner is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2005Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc.Inventors: Vivek V. Nagarkar, Sameer V. Tipnis
-
Patent number: 7332724Abstract: Method and apparatus for sensing and acquiring radiation data comprises sensing radiation events with a multi-modality detector. The detector comprises solid state crystals forming a matrix of pixels which may be arranged in rows and columns, and has a radiation detection field for sensing radiation events. The radiation events for each pixel are counted by an electronic module attached to each pixel. The electronic module comprises a threshold analyzer for analyzing the radiation events. The threshold analyzer identifies valid events by comparing an energy level associated with the radiation event to a predetermined threshold. The electronic module further comprises at least a first counter for counting the valid events.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Yaron Hefetz, Hernan Altman
-
Publication number: 20080031413Abstract: To perform a method for the reconstruction of a patient's body map, a detector has, in addition to the conventional sensors, an antenna placed in the direction of emission of the X-rays. At each position of the parts moving about the patient, electrodes of the antenna and the sensors simultaneously measure a distance between the patient's body and the detector. Means are used to carry out this reconstruction on the basis of the measured distances. The apparatus has means to achieve the following on the basis of this reconstruction: automatic control of the speeds of the moving parts of the apparatus, regulation of the X-ray dose and computation of the time of exposure to the X-rays.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2007Publication date: February 7, 2008Inventors: Bernard Bouvier, Eric Fivel-Demoret
-
Patent number: 7313221Abstract: The invention concerns radiographic equipment. The equipment includes a source of substantially mono-energetic fast neutrons produced via the deuterium-tritium or deuterium-deuterium fusion reactions, comprising a sealed-tube or similar generator for producing the neutrons. The equipment further includes a source of X-rays or gamma-rays of sufficient energy to substantially penetrate an object to be imaged and a collimating block surrounding the neutron and gamma-ray sources, apart from the provision of one or more slots emitting substantially fan-shaped radiation beams. Further included is a detector array comprising a multiplicity of individual scintillator pixels to receive radiation energy from the sources and convert the received energy into light pulses, the detector array aligned with the fan-shaped beams emitted from the source collimator and collimated to substantially prevent radiation other than that directly transmitted from the sources reaching the array.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2003Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research OrganizationInventors: Brian David Sowerby, James Richard Tickner
-
Patent number: 7309160Abstract: In order during an x-ray examination, despite a variable foreign magnetic field at the location of an x-ray tube to still enable x-ray images with image sections giving the same coverage to be generated, there is provision in accordance with the invention to compensate for the previously determined change to the foreign magnetic field at the location of the x-ray tube by a correspondingly controlled opposing magnetic field; Advantageously at least one compensating magnet is provided for this purpose which can be assigned to the x-ray tube and is controllable by a processing unit depending on this change.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2006Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Martin Kleen
-
Patent number: 7310407Abstract: An apparatus for imaging a field of view, according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises an x-ray source positioned adjacent to the field of view, a source mask located between the x-ray source and the field of view having at least one source aperture defined therethrough, and an emission detector, such as a gamma camera, adjacent to the field of view. The apparatus may allow substantially concurrent x-ray imaging and gamma imaging of the field of view.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2005Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Inventor: Jack E. Juni
-
Publication number: 20070263768Abstract: The invention relates to a detector arrangement 1 for imaging an object. The detector arrangement 1 comprises a support device 4, an X-ray source 3 and an X-ray detection device 2 attached to the support device 4 on opposite sides of the object 8. The X-ray detection device 2 is arranged to detect radiation transmitted by the X-ray source 3 for producing an X-ray image. The detector arrangement 1 further comprises an ultrasonography device 9 for sending ultrasound pulses into the object 8 and for receiving reflections of the pulses for producing an ultrasonographic image. The ultrasonography device 9 is attached to the support device 4. The X-ray detection device 2 and the ultrasonography device 9 are arranged to image the object 8 in a single scanning movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2006Publication date: November 15, 2007Inventors: Christer Ullberg, Tom Francke
-
Patent number: 7292673Abstract: A tomography apparatus that has a support device that can be displaced in a displacement direction for supporting a subject, and at least two acquisition systems disposed in succession in the displacement direction of the support device. The support device has a base that can be displaced relative to the floor and a support plate that can be displaced in the displacement direction relative to the base, such that data acquisitions at respective acquisition positions in the respective acquisition systems under essentially identical acquisition conditions are possible in a simple manner.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Hans-Jürgen Kröner, Michael Loser
-
Patent number: 7286632Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a degree of deflection in a breast compression plate. The mammography apparatus further includes an optical measuring device. The method and apparatus involve (a) providing a pattern on the breast compression plate, the pattern being imagable by the optical measuring device, and having a plurality of local pattern indicia; (b) adjusting the breast compression plate to a selected height; (c) imaging the breast compression plate using the optical measuring device to provide an image of the pattern, the image having a plurality of local image indicia including an associated local image indicia for each local pattern indicia in the plurality of local pattern indicia; and (d) for each local pattern indicia in the plurality of local pattern indicia, determining an associated local deflection of the breast compression plate from the associated local image indicia.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2003Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Ctr.Inventors: Jiwei Yang, Gordon Mawdsley, Martin Yaffe
-
Patent number: 7239908Abstract: Methods are disclosed for assessing the condition of a cartilage in a joint, particularly a human knee. The methods include converting an image such as an MRI to a three dimensional map of the cartilage. The cartilage map can be correlated to a movement pattern of the joint to assess the affect of movement on cartilage wear. Changes in the thickness of cartilage over time can be determined so that therapies can be provided. Information on thickness of cartilage and curvature of cartilage or subchondral bone can be used to plan therapy. Information on movement pattern can be used to plan therapy.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2000Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniversityInventors: Eugene J. Alexander, Thomas P. Andriacchi, Philipp Lang, Daniel Steines
-
Patent number: 7218704Abstract: An inspection system based upon an enclosed conveyance such as a van, capable of road travel, for inspecting persons or objects. The conveyance is characterized by an enclosing body, or skin. A source of penetrating radiation and a spatial modulator for forming the penetrating radiation into a beam, both contained entirely within the body of the enclosed conveyance, irradiate the person or object with a time-variable scanning profile. A detector module generates a scatter signal based on the scatter of penetrating radiation. A proximity sensor may be employed to generate a relative motion signal based on a relative disposition of the conveyance and the inspected object. An image is formed of the contents of the object based in part on the scatter signal and the relative motion signal. A detector, which may be separate or part of the scatter detector module, may exhibit sensitivity to decay products of radioactive material.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2005Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: American Science and Engineering, Inc.Inventors: William L. Adams, Alex Chalmers, Lee Grodzins, Louis W. Perich, Peter Rothschild
-
Patent number: 7198404Abstract: An apparatus, method and program storage device are provided for co-registration of multi-modal images in a three-dimensional environment, where the apparatus includes a source of excitation light, an electromagnetic-ray source disposed relative to the source of excitation light, an electromagnetic-ray transparent mirror having a first surface disposed towards the excitation light and a second surface disposed towards the electromagnetic-ray source, a target location disposed towards the first surface of the electromagnetic-ray transparent mirror for locating a target and receiving the excitation light and the electromagnetic rays, an electromagnetic-ray detector disposed on an opposite side of the target location relative to the electromagnetic-ray transparent mirror for detecting electromagnetic-rays transmitted through the target, a second electromagnetic-ray transparent mirror having a light-reflective surface disposed towards the target location, and a light detector disposed towards the light-reflectiveType: GrantFiled: March 30, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: Nassir Navab, James P. Williams
-
Patent number: 7193227Abstract: A therapy system using an ion beam, which can shorten the time required for positioning a couch (patient). The therapy system using the ion beam comprises a rotating gantry provided with an ion beam delivery unit including an X-ray tube. An X-ray detecting device having a plurality of X-ray detectors can be moved in the direction of a rotation axis of the rotating gantry. A couch on which a patient is lying is moved until a tumor substantially reaches an extension of an ion beam path in the irradiating unit. The X-ray tube is positioned on the ion beam path and the X-ray detecting device is positioned on the extension of the ion beam path. With rotation of the rotating gantry, both the X-ray tube emitting an X-ray and the X-ray detecting device revolve around the patient. The X-ray is emitted to the patient and detected by the X-ray detectors after penetrating the patient. Tomographic information of the patient is formed based on signals outputted from the X-ray detectors.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2005Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Kazuo Hiramoto, Hiroshi Akiyama, Yoshihiko Nagamine, Alfred Smith, Wayne Newhauser
-
Patent number: 7190991Abstract: The invention described herein provides systems and methods for multi-modal imaging with light and a second form of imaging. Light imaging involves the capture of low intensity light from a light-emitting object. A camera obtains a two-dimensional spatial distribution of the light emitted from the surface of the subject. Software operated by a computer in communication with the camera may then convert two-dimensional spatial distribution data from one or more images into a three-dimensional spatial representation. The second imaging mode may include any imaging technique that compliments light imaging. Examples include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computer topography (CT). An object handling system moves the object to be imaged between the light imaging system and the second imaging system, and is configured to interface with each system.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2004Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Xenogen CorporationInventors: Michael D. Cable, Bradley W. Rice, David Nilson
-
Patent number: 7162004Abstract: A PET gantry and a CT gantry are placed in parallel such that the CT gantry becomes remoter to a common examination couch having a movable couch table top board mounted with a subject person and the CT gantry is made to be movable. The gantries are controlled by a control portion in a console. At first, the CT gantry is moved in a left direction to separate from the PET gantry so that whole body CT scan is carried out for the subject person in a direction from the leg portion to the head portion. Successively, the subject person is passed through a tunnel portion from the leg portion to the head portion by moving the couch table top board in a right direction in a state of considerably separating the CT gantry from the PET gantry to thereby carry out whole body PET scan.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2005Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Shimadzu CorporationInventors: Yoshihiro Inoue, Kohshiro Sugimura
-
Patent number: 7149566Abstract: Systems and methods for the orientation of soft tissue such as breast tissue for enhanced accuracy of imaging and/or procedures such as a biopsy or excision are disclosed. The system for orientating and maintaining the orientation of soft tissue generally includes a frame defining an opening, the frame being configured to orient and immobilize an area of soft tissue positioned on one side of the opening, an attachment mechanism to secure the frame to an attachment region defined by the area of soft tissue or by a skin surface overlying the area of soft tissue, to facilitate orienting and immobilizing the area of soft tissue, and an imaging device to image the area of soft tissue. The opening may allow a probe of the imaging device or imaging energy transmitted by the imaging device to be movable therein for image scanning of the soft tissue. The probe, e.g., an ultrasound transducer can be rotated within the frame such that the probe scans at least either of two perpendicular directions within the frame.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2002Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: Manoa Medical, Inc.Inventor: Roberta Lee
-
Patent number: 7057389Abstract: A nuclear magnetic resonance diagnosing apparatus for continuously taking tomograms in a space formed between a pair of magnets includes a cylindrical table top support of a gantry side, a pair of magnets vertically arranged, a table top support of the gantry side being interposed between the pair of magnets; and a column for supporting at least the magnet arranged in an upper side between the pair of magnets. The column is formed so that between a gantry and an examining table body, a width between a bridge construction, which is provided between the column and the table top support of the gantry side, and the table top support of the gantry side may be smaller than an examination width L determined by lines R? passing through a center of the table top support of the gantry side perpendicular to a center line R.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2002Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: Hitachi Medical CorporationInventors: Seiji Kamimura, Ryosuke Fukami, Isamu Takekoshi, Masakatsu Iwasaki, Hitoshi Yoshino, Tsuneo Maeda
-
Patent number: 7026622Abstract: A radiological imaging apparatus of the present invention comprises an image pickup device and a medical examinee holding device that is provided with a bed. The image pickup device includes a large number of radiation detectors and radiation detector support plates. A large number of radiation detectors are mounted around the circumference of a through-hole and arranged in the axial direction of the through-hole. The radiation detectors are arranged in three layers formed radially with respect to the center of the through-hole and mounted on the lateral surfaces of the radiation detector support plates. Since the radiation detectors are not only arranged in the axial direction and circumferential direction of the through-hole but also arrayed in the radial direction, it is possible to obtain accurate information about a ?-ray arrival position in the radial direction of the through-hole (the positional information about a radiation detector from which a ?-ray image pickup signal is output).Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2004Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Shinichi Kojima, Takashi Okazaki, Yuuichirou Ueno, Kikuo Umegaki, Kensuke Amemiya, Kazuhiro Takeuchi, Hiroshi Kitaguchi, Kazuma Yokoi, Norihito Yanagita
-
Patent number: 7016465Abstract: An optical camera for photographing a subject held on a rotary stage is disposed on the rotation axis of the rotary stage. A computer calculates a region where CT imaging is possible around the rotation axis by using information relating to the positional relation of an X-ray source, an X-ray detector and the rotary stage in the direction of the optical axis of an X-ray, and information relating to the size of a light receiving surface of the X-ray detector. The region where CT imaging is possible is displayed being superimposed with a subject image photographed by the optical camera on an displaying unit, whereby the position of the subject at that time point can be easily compared with the region where the X-ray transmission data can be obtained.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2005Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Shimadzu CorporationInventor: Masayuki Kamegawa
-
Patent number: 6973162Abstract: A hybrid MR/x-ray scanner is disclosed that allows for the acquisition of x-ray as well as MR data in a single exam without requiring patient repositioning. As an MR scanner, the hybrid system is capable of providing images with soft tissue contrast, excellent 3D visualization, the ability to image in multiple scan planes, as well as the possibility of providing physiological information. The x-ray components of the hybrid scanner include a rotatable anode that rotates during data acquisition and is caused to rotate without introduction of unwanted magnetic flux to the MR magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2003Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Wayne F. Block, J. Scott Price
-
Patent number: 6973163Abstract: A radiography system and the machine readable medium storing program for accurately determining the type of the object taken by the radiography. The radiography system includes: a radiographic image receiving section for receiving the radiographic image of the object using the radiation; an optical image receiving section for detecting light from the object, and for receiving the optical image of the object; an object type determination section for determining an object type of the radiographic image received by the radiographic image receiving section based on the optical image received by the optical image receiving section; and an image storage section storing thereon the radiographic image received by the radiographic image receiving section in association with the object type determined by the object type determination section, and for storing the radiographic image and the object type, being associated with each other.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2004Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Satoshi Arakawa
-
Patent number: 6956925Abstract: A method of examining a patient is provided. The method includes imaging a patient utilizing a computed tomography imaging modality, the patient between the pencil-beam x-ray source and the x-ray detector, and imaging the patient between the pencil-beam x-ray source and the x-ray detector using a nuclear medicine imaging modality.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2004Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventor: David Michael Hoffman
-
Patent number: 6942385Abstract: In a method and device for positioning the level of a slice during the generation of a slice exposure of an examination subject with an x-ray examination device, a reference image of the exterior of the examination subject is recorded by a camera on a line of sight proceeding transverse to the direction of examination. The slice level of a subsequent slice exposure is determined using a slice level marking within the reference image.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2003Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Franz Fadler, Stefan Leidenberger
-
Patent number: 6928142Abstract: A diagnostic imaging system (20) comprising a computer workstation (26) for controlling the imaging system, interfacing with an operator and generating images. A coordinate system (100) is in data communication with the computer workstation. The coordinate system (100) is adapted to describe relative position of components in the diagnostic imaging system (20). A subject support (30) is describable within the coordinate system and an X-ray sub-system (22) is positionable around the subject support (30). Position sensors (44a) are operatively connected to the x-ray sub-system (22) and they provide signals to the workstation (26) indicative of the position of components of the x-ray sub-system (22) within the space represented by the coordinate system. A nuclear camera sub-system (24) is positionable around the subject support (30).Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2002Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Lingxiong Shao, Chuanyong Bai, Mary K. Durbin
-
Patent number: 6925319Abstract: An integrated, multi-modality imaging technique is disclosed. The embodiment described combines a split-magnet MRI system with a digital x-ray system. The two systems are employed together to generate images of a subject in accordance with their individual physics and imaging characteristics. The images may be displaced in real time, such as during a surgical intervention. The images may be registered with one another and combined to form a composite image in which tissues or objects difficult to image in one modality are visible. By appropriately selecting the position of an x-ray source and detector, and by programming a desired corresponding slice for MRI imaging, useful combined images may be obtained and displayed.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2003Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Graeme C. McKinnon
-
Patent number: 6922460Abstract: An explosives detection system which includes computed tomography (CT) and quadrupole resonance (QR) sensors for identifying particular explosive compounds present in passenger baggage. The CT sensor may be configured to automatically identify the presence or absence of bulk military, commercial, and sheet explosives during CT scanning of the baggage. Similarly, the QR sensor may be configured to responsively generate RDX and PETN signals during QR scanning of the passenger baggage. Using any of a variety of inspection protocols, the explosives detection system may generate an output alarm based upon data obtained from the CT and QR sensors.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2003Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: Quantum Magnetics, Inc.Inventors: Sondre Skatter, Timothy James Rayner, Todor Richard Petrov, Keith Alan Clark, Sauveur Chemouni, Kenneth Mann
-
Patent number: 6876723Abstract: A pump-probe scheme measures the rise time of ultrafast x-ray pulses. Conventional high speed x-ray diagnostics (x-ray streak cameras, PIN diodes, diamond PCD devices) do not provide sufficient time resolution to resolve rise times of x-ray pulses on the order of 50 fs or less as they are being produced by modern fast x-ray sources. Here, we are describing a pump-probe technique that can be employed to measure events where detector resolution is insufficient to resolve the event. The scheme utilizes a diamond plate as an x-ray transducer and a p-polarized probe beam.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2003Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of EnergyInventors: Peter M. Celliers, Franz A. Weber, Stephen J. Moon
-
Patent number: 6869218Abstract: This invention relates to a self diagnostic apparatus for a radiographic imaging system. The system includes a radiographic source and a camera, and the apparatus comprises: a scintillator positioned between the optical pathway of the radiographic source and the camera, and made of a material which fluoresces when struck by x-rays, including one in the group of terbium doped gadollineum oxysulfide or thallium doped cesium iodide; a resolution target located at the periphery of the scintillator and made of a material that passes at least shortwave ultraviolet light; an ultraviolet source positioned in line of sight of the scintillator and target; and, a control system for capturing a self-diagnostic reference image by activating the ultraviolet source, and activating the camera to take an image created by the visible light emitted by the scintillator material when illuminated by the UV light.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2002Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: Imaging Dynamics Company Ltd.Inventor: Robin Winsor
-
Publication number: 20040247076Abstract: An apparatus, method and program storage device are provided for co-registration of multi-modal images in a three-dimensional environment, where the apparatus includes a source of excitation light, an electromagnetic-ray source disposed relative to the source of excitation light, an electromagnetic-ray transparent mirror having a first surface disposed towards the excitation light and a second surface disposed towards the electromagnetic-ray source, a target location disposed towards the first surface of the electromagnetic-ray transparent mirror for locating a target and receiving the excitation light and the electromagnetic rays, an electromagnetic-ray detector disposed on an opposite side of the target location relative to the electromagnetic-ray transparent mirror for detecting electromagnetic-rays transmitted through the target, a second electromagnetic-ray transparent mirror having a light-reflective surface disposed towards the target location, and a light detector disposed towards the light-reflectiveType: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: Nassir Navab, James P. Williams
-
Patent number: 6828077Abstract: A method of mammography imaging includes exposing a patient to a peak voltage greater than 29 kVp. The film used in this method comprises a cubic grain silver halide emulsion layer on one side of the support and a tabular grain silver halide emulsion layer on the other side. The cubic grain silver halide emulsion layer comprises a combination of first and second spectral sensitizing dyes that provides a combined maximum J-aggregate absorption on the cubic silver halide grains of from about 540 to about 560 nm. The first spectral sensitizing dye is an anionic benzimidazole-benzoxazole carbocyanine, the second spectral sensitizing dye is an anionic oxycarbocyanine. The cubic grain silver halide emulsion layer also includes a mixture of gelatin or a gelatin derivative and a second hydrophilic binder other than gelatin or a gelatin derivative. The cubic silver halide grains comprise from about 1 to about 20 mol % chloride and from about 0.25 to about 1.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2002Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Robert E. Dickerson, William E. Moore, David J. Steklenski
-
Publication number: 20040240609Abstract: In a method and system for generating an x-ray exposure of an examination subject extending in a longitudinal direction and exhibiting, in a main projection direction, a geometry that is curved at least in sections, an x-ray source and an x-ray detector are respectively positioned and aligned appropriately with regard to one another and to the section to be acquired of the exposure subject in order to generate partial exposures along a curved course substantially adapted to the geometry of the exposure subject. The partial exposures of the sections subsequently are combined into an overall x-ray exposure of the exposure subject.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2004Publication date: December 2, 2004Inventor: Martin Spahn
-
Patent number: 6812700Abstract: Perturbations in a static magnetic field of magnetic resonance imaging apparatus are compensated by creating magnetic fields near an object creating the perturbations with the magnetic fields adjusted to offset the perturbations in the static magnetic field. In an embodiment where the perturbations are caused by an x-ray detector in a combined modality imaging apparatus, the coils are positioned to surround the x-ray detector and create magnetic fields in the static magnetic field outside of the detector which compensate for the perturbations caused by the x-ray detector.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2002Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniversityInventors: Rebecca Fahrig, Norbert J. Pelc, Steven Conolly