Abstract: A data processing method for use in an imaging system is described. The method includes determining a special footprint of an unknown mixture of substances from a first region and using the spectral footprint to decomposition of second region.

Abstract: A computer tomography apparatus (100) for examination of an object of interest (107), the computer tomography apparatus (100) comprising detecting elements (123) adapted to detect electromagnetic radiation coherently scattered from an object of interest (107) in an energy-resolving manner, and a determination unit (118) adapted to determine structural information concerning the object of interest (107) based on a statistical analysis of detecting signals received from the detecting elements (123).

Abstract: A CT scanner for scanning a subject is provided, the scanner comprising: a gantry capable of rotating about a scanned subject; at least two cone beam X-Ray sources displaced from each other mounted on said gantry; at least one 2D detector array mounted on said gantry, said detector is capable of receiving radiation emitted by said at least two X-Ray sources and attenuated by the subject to be scanned; a first image processor capable of generating and displaying CT images of a volume within the subject; a second image processor capable of generating projection X-Ray images of said volume, wherein the images are responsive to X-Ray separately emitted by each of said at least two cone beam X-Ray sources; and a third image processor capable of generating and displaying fluoroscopic images composed of said projection X-Ray images, wherein said fluoroscopic images are spatially registered to said CT images.

Abstract: A radiation detection unit is disclosed for a computer tomograph, and a computer tomograph having a radiation detection unit is also disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the radiation detection unit for a computer tomograph includes at least one scattered radiation sensor, set up and arranged to measure scattered radiation.

Abstract: The present invention features incorporating an adaptive spectral filter into a confocal scanner optical arrangement or other suitable optical device to permit real time control of the fluorescence signal spectrum being monitored. This new arrangement would allow for better balancing of the fluorescence signals in the analysis of the array.

Abstract: A system and methods for identifying contents of an enclosure such as an air cargo container. A three-dimensional image indicative of at least one of the CT number and the density of contents of the enclosure is obtained using penetrating radiation such as x-rays. If one or more suspect regions are identified among contents of the enclosure, a collimated neutron beam is activated to traverse each suspect region and fluorescent emission from the suspect region is detected, allowing material within the suspect region to be characterized based at least on the detected fluorescent emission. Additionally, the collimated neutron beam may be employed for neutron imaging of the contents of the enclosure.

Abstract: A computer tomography apparatus for examination of an object of interest includes detecting elements adapted to detect electromagnetic radiation scattered from the object of interest in an energy-resolving manner. A combination unit is adapted to combine signals detected by different detecting elements such as to reduce the amount of data to be processed for determining structural information concerning the object of interest.

Abstract: In CSCT, by using a fan-shaped primary beam, combined with a 2D detector, single-slice transmission tomography and scatter tomography can be measured simultaneously. In such a System blurred scatter functions are measured unless a monochromatic source of radiation is used. According to the present invention, an energy resolving 1D or 2D detector System is proposed, which, in combination with a tomographic reconstruction, provides a good spectral resolution, even with a polychromatic primary beam. Furthermore, according to an aspect of the present invention, only one energy resolving detector-line is required to achieve the fall spectrum. Advantageous applications of the system and method according to the present invention are in medical imaging and material analysis, such as baggage inspection.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of generating metabolic images of an investigation region (3) of a body (1) by irradiating an X-ray fluorescence marker in that region and detecting the resulting X-ray fluorescence with a fluorescence detector (30). A fan beam (12) is used as a source of primary X-radiation, thus allowing the scanning of a whole body slice (3) in one step. The fluorescence image may be directly measured, e.g. by mapping voxels (104) of the investigation region onto pixels (134) of the detector (130) with the help of a pinhole collimator (132), or it may be reconstructed by procedures of computed tomography. Moreover, a morphological image may be generated by simultaneously recording X-ray transmission through the body (1).

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for combining information obtained from CT and Coherent Scatter Computed Tomography to better determine whether there are dangerous materials in the baggage or not. Hence, the attenuation coefficient and the diffraction pattern of the item of baggage are used to determine whether the baggage should be cleared.

Abstract: A method for scaling a scattered ray intensity distribution in a multi bulbs X-ray CT apparatus configured to irradiate a subject with X-rays from a plurality of X-ray generation sections, respectively and configure a cross-sectional image of the subject by detecting the X-rays passing through the subject, the method includes: a first difference being achieved, the first difference being the difference between a real data of X-ray intensity achieved by passing of X-rays through the subject, the X-rays being radiated from the plurality of the X-ray generation sections, respectively and an opposed data of X-ray intensity achieved by passing of these X-rays through the subject at the same position in an opposite direction, a second difference between scattered ray intensity included in the real data and scattered ray intensity included in the opposed data being achieved, the being achieved including: estimating primary scattered ray included in the real data of the X-ray intensity achieved by passing of the X-ra

Abstract: Due to the provision of slit collimators an intensity of a fan beam is reduced significantly such that expensive high power x-ray tubes have to be used. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a high power tube may be used with a very long focus in combination with a focusing collimator. The tube can be a cheap fixed anode tube still with a high power of, for example, 15 kW due to the large focus. The collimator may ensure that the resolution of the reconstructed scatter function is not degraded. The illuminated slice thickness is increased which may allow for an isotropic spatial resolution.

Abstract: A detector module, in at least one embodiment, is disclosed for x-radiation or gamma radiation that includes one or more optical waveguide sections that are arranged next to one another in order to form one or more detector rows and are optically interconnected in serial fashion. The waveguide sections include one or more converter materials for converting incident x-radiation or gamma radiation into optical radiation and are designed in such a way that optical radiation of different wavelength is generated in respectively neighboring regions along the waveguide sections upon incidence of x-radiation or gamma radiation. The present detector module, in at least one embodiment, can be implemented cost effectively with a high number of detector rows, and is of very low weight.

Abstract: Systems and methods for x-ray imaging and scanning of objects are disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein can include providing an x-ray source configured to generate a plurality of individually-controllable x-ray beams, positioning an object to be imaged in a path for intercepting at least one of the x-ray beams, activating the x-ray source, detecting intensities of the emitted x-ray beams, and generating imaging data based on the intensities for constructing an image of the object.

Abstract: A system may include emission of megavoltage radiation from a megavoltage radiation source, acquisition of a first image using an imaging device while first megavoltage radiation is emitted from the megavoltage radiation source and while a plurality of elements is between the megavoltage radiation source and the imaging device, and determination of an amount of scatter radiation based at least on areas of the acquired image corresponding to the plurality of elements. In some aspects, at least one of the plurality of elements is substantially pointed toward a focal spot of the megavoltage radiation source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a computed tomography apparatus (CT apparatus) for imaging by means of radiation having traversed an object to be examined (that is, directly transmitted radiation), as well as by means of radiation scattered by the object to be examined, which apparatus includes a radiation source (S), a detector arrangement (16) and a device whereby the radiation (41a) having traversed the object to be examined can be blocked at least to an extent that the intensity incident on the detector arrangement (16) does not substantially exceed the intensity of radiation (41b) scattered by the object (13) to be examined and incident on the detector arrangement (16). The invention enables the detection of scattered radiation (CSCT mode) which is not affected by crosstalk from the transmitted radiation, even when the detector arrangement does not satisfy severe requirements as regards crosstalk properties and/or is configured as a single-row detector arrangement.

Abstract: Conventional CSCT may require a complex reconstruction involving a large number of calculations. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, additional collimators are used in combination with energy revolving detectors, which may allow that a CSCT image may be reconstructed by a simple superposition of images obtained from different viewing angles in a direct tomography data acquisition scheme. Advantageously, a reconstruction may be avoided. Advantageously, this may allow for an improved image quality while reducing an amount of calculations required for generating the output image.

Abstract: In CSCT, an exact reconstruction of a scattering function for each voxel is not known for polychromatic primary radiation. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a beam hardening compensation is performed prior to reconstruction allowing to perform a quasi-exact reconstruction on the basis of the primary radiation mean attenuation values are determined, from which an equivalent water thickness is derived. From the equivalent water thickness an energy shift is calculated, which is used to correct the initial mean energy of the scatter radiation. Furthermore, a CT reconstruction may be performed prior to a CSCT reconstruction allowing for a beam-hardening correction. Advantageously, this may allow for an improved image quality and an improved resolution of the scatter function.

Abstract: The invention relates to a computed tomography method in which an examination zone is irradiated along a circular trajectory by a fan-shaped radiation beam. Radiation coherently scattered in the examination zone is measured by a detector unit, the variation in space of the scatter intensity in the examination zone being reconstructed from said measuring values. Reconstruction is performed by back projection in a volume which is defined by two linearly independent vectors of the rotational plane and a wave vector transfer.

Abstract: An optic device, system and method for making are described. The optic device includes a first solid phase layer having a first index of refraction with a first photon transmission property and a second solid phase layer having a second index of refraction with a second photon transmission property. The first and second layers are conformal to each other. The optic device may be fabricated by vapor depositing a first layer and then vapor depositing a second layer thereupon. The first layer may be deposited onto a blank or substrate. The blank or substrate may be rotated during deposition. Further, a computer-controlled shutter may be used to alter the deposition rate of material along an axis of the optic device. Alternatively, the optic device may be moved at varying speeds through a vapor stream to alter the deposition rate of material.

Abstract: Methods and systems for scanning a container for contraband are provided. In one aspect, a method includes scanning the container using computed tomography (CT) to identify a location of an item of interest, determining a nuclear resonance fluorescence (NRF) scan configuration based on the location of the item of interest, positioning the container in the NRF scan configuration, irradiating the item of interest, detecting gamma rays emitted from the item of interest to generate signals representative of the detected gamma rays, and analyzing the generated signals to determine a presence of contraband.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a 3-dimensional image of the internal organs invisible by the conventional method is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are imaging systems, methods, and computer program products that generate estimates of scattered radiation in tomographic imaging systems, such as cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) systems, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, a first group of projections is taken of an object with the radiation covering a wide band of the object, and a second group of projections is taken of the object with the radiation covering a narrower band of the object. The projections of the second group cover less of the object, but have less scattered radiation. The scattered radiation within the narrower band may be estimated from differences between projections from the first and second groups, or from representations thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are imaging systems, methods, and computer program products that generate estimates of scattered radiation in tomographic imaging systems, such as cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) systems, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, a first group of projections is taken of an object with the radiation covering a wide band of the object, and a second group of projections is taken of the object with the radiation covering a narrower band of the object. The projections of the second group cover less of the object, but have less scattered radiation. The scattered radiation within the narrower band may be estimated from differences between projections from the first and second groups, or from representations thereof.

Abstract: In order to model a fluoroscopic noise present in a radiography operation, two successive images of a same zone are used so that it is possible to pair the dots of the two images as a function of the zone of the space that they represent. The pairs of dots are grouped in sub-groups according to their gray level. For each sub-group, the mean standard deviation ? of the Pi(x, y)?Pi?1(x, y) values is computed. A sub-group is discriminated by eliminating the dots for which Pi(x, y)?Pi?1(x, y) is greater than the mean of the values Pi(x, y)?Pi?1(x, y) plus k times the mean standard deviation. These computations are repeated a certain number of times. Once the sub-group is discriminated, its centering is assessed. A sub-group is non-centered if its mean is greater than 1.5 times its mean standard deviation. Pairs of dots (v, ?) are then obtained. From these dots, an iterative regression is performed to obtain a model of noise according to ?(v)=?.?v+?.

Abstract: An optical CT scanner for small laboratory animals comprises a housing having a vertical through opening through which a test subject is passed through during a scanning session, the housing including a peripheral slot disposed around the perimeter of the opening; a movable horizontal table disposed through the opening, the table being split with a horizontal slot aligned with the peripheral slot; a light beam directed toward the peripheral slot and orbitable around the opening; a plurality of collimators directed toward the peripheral slot and orbitable around the opening together with the light beam; a plurality of main photodetectors to detect the light beam after passing through the test subject and the collimators; a perimeter photodetector adapted to provide perimeter data of the test subject during a scanning session; and a first computer programmed to reconstruct an image of the test subject from the output of the perimeter and main photodetectors.

Abstract: An optical CT scanner for small laboratory animals comprises a housing having a vertical through opening through which a test subject is passed through during a scanning session, the housing including a peripheral slot disposed transversely through the perimeter of the opening; a movable horizontal table disposed through the opening, the table being split with a horizontal slot aligned with the peripheral slot; a scanning head rotatable about the opening, the scanning head including a light beam directed toward the peripheral slot, the scanning head including a plurality of collimators directed toward the peripheral slot, the scanning head including a plurality of main photodetectors to detect the light beam after passing through the test subject and the collimators; a perimeter photodetector adapted to provide perimeter data of the test subject during a scanning session; an electrical circuit to amplify and digitize the output from the photodetectors; and a first computer programmed to reconstruct an image o

Abstract: A scanner system analyses data plotted in a scatter plot in accordance with user-specified criteria or statistical measures from the data population, to produce a scatter plot that displays in the plotted data the boundaries for the selection of out-lyer points and/or otherwise visually denotes in the plotted data which points are the out-lyer points. The scanner system analyzes the underlying data based on user-specified differential expression ratios, or based on criteria associated with the statistics of the data population, to produce out-lyer boundaries that are represented by diverging lines. Alternatively, the system may analyze the underlying data based on absolute expression levels, to produce boundaries that are represented in the plot by lines that meet at an identity line of slope 1.

Abstract: The present technique provides for the generation of density maps using one or more basis material decomposition tables or functions. The basis material decomposition tables or functions are generated by simulating the system response to various lengths of basis materials using component characteristics of the CT system as well as the attenuation coefficient for the desired basis material. Measured projection data may be processed using the basis material decomposition tables or functions to provide a set of density line-integral projections that may be reconstructed to form a density map or image.

Abstract: A method for surgical imaging and display including (i.) positioning a defined set of markers disposed in a pattern so as to be imaged in each pose or view of an imaging assembly, the set of markers being fixed in pre-determined positions in a rigid carrier, (ii.) securing a first tracking element against motion with respect to the rigid carrier so that determining a position of the first tracking element in a single measurement determines positions of all the markers of the set, and (iii.) identifying images of at least a subset of the markers in a first view.

Abstract: A system for surgical imaging and display of tissue structures of a patient, including a display and an image processor for displaying such images in coordination with a tool image to facilitate manipulation of the tool during the surgical procedure. The system is configured for use with a fluoroscope such that at least one image in the display is derived from the fluoroscope at the time of surgery. A fixture is affixed to an imaging side of the fluoroscope for providing patterns of an of array markers that are imaged in each fluoroscope image. A tracking assembly having a plurality of tracking elements is operative to determine positions of said fixture and the patient. One of the tracking elements is secured against motion with respect to the fixture so that determining a position of the tracking element determines a position of all the markers in a single measurement.

Abstract: A gadolinium oxysulfide phosphor for digital radiography represented by the following compositional formula, which mainly emits a green luminescence under excitation with radiation: (Gd1−x−y−z,Tbx,Dyy,Cez)2O2S wherein x, y and z are numbers which satisfy 1.2×10−3≦x≦1.9×10−2, 5×10−4≦y≦19×10−2 and 10−8≦z≦8×10−7, respectively.

Abstract: A scanner system analyses data plotted in a scatter plot in accordance with user-specified criteria or statistical measures from the data population, to produce a scatter plot that displays in the plotted data the boundaries for the selection of out-lyer points and/or otherwise visually denotes in the plotted data which points are the out-lyer points. The scanner system analyzes the underlying data based on user-specified differential expression ratios, or based on criteria associated with the statistics of the data population, to produce out-lyer boundaries that are represented by diverging lines. Alternatively, the system may analyze the underlying data based on absolute expression levels, to produce boundaries that are represented in the plot by lines that meet at an identity line of slope 1.

Abstract: A gadolinium oxysulfide phosphor for digital radiography represented by the following compositional formula, which mainly emits a green luminescence under excitation with radiation:

Abstract: In order to acquire typical X-ray spectra by dividing automatically dividing contained matter and regions where the density thereof differs into groups in X-ray mapping analysis, measurement starts with the spectra database empty, a designated location within the sample is irradiated with a primary beam by the primary beam control means, the sample is irradiated with the primary beam for a fixed period of time in order to acquire a measurement spectrum, the X-ray spectrum obtained through measurement and X-ray spectra in the spectra database are compared by the X-ray comparison means, the X-ray spectrum obtained through measurement is added to the database when no matching X-ray spectra exists in the database, and measurement is repeated at a designated measurement point.

Abstract: A system employs a tracker and a set of substantially non-shadowing point markers, arranged in a fixed pattern or set in a fluoroscope calibration fixture that is imaged in each shot. The fixture is preferably affixed to the image detector of the fluoroscope, and tracking elements secured with respect to the fixture and at least one of a tool and the patient, provide respective position data irrespective of movement. A marker detection module identifies markers imaged in each shot, and a processor applies the known marker positions to model the projection geometry, e.g., camera axis and focus, for the shot and, together with the tracked tool position, form a corrected tool navigation image. In one embodiment an inverting distortion correction converts the tracked or actual location of the tool and displays the tool on the fluoroscopic image to guide the surgeon in tool navigation.

Abstract: An X-ray analysis device (1) having an X-ray source (2) for illuminating a sample (6) with X-radiation (4), a sample support for receiving the sample (6) and a detector (12,14) for detecting the diffracted or scattered X-radiation or fluorescent X-radiation (4′) emitted by the sample, wherein an X-ray optical construction element of semi-conductor material having a plurality of channels which are essentially transparent to X-radiation (4,4′) is provided in the path of rays between the X-ray source (2) and the detector (12,14), is characterized in that the X-ray optical construction element comprises a semi-conductor wafer (20;30a;30b;40;50) into which micropores (21;31;41) are etched which extend essentially in parallel in the direction of the rays and have diameters of 0.1 to 100 &mgr;m, preferably 0.5 and 20 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A computed tomography apparatus includes a scanning unit which is rotatable relative to an examination zone, about an axis of rotation extending through the examination zone, a radiation source for generating a radiation beam, a diaphragm arrangement which is arranged between the radiation source and the examination zone in order to form a fan beam traversing the examination zone from the radiation beam, and a two-dimensional detector arrangement including a plurality of detector elements and a part of the measuring surface of which detects primary radiation from the fan beam whereas another part of its measuring surface detects scattered radiation produced in the examination zone. Perfect acquisition of the momentum transfer spectrum is achieved in that a collimator arrangement with a plurality of lamellas is arranged between the examination zone and the detector arrangement.

Abstract: A condition, such as an electrical property, of a chamber of a heart is surveyed with a catheter having a condition sensor at its distal tip. A method for surveying the chamber includes the steps of acquiring a first image of the chamber containing topographical information, advancing the distal tip of the catheter into the chamber, acquiring a second image including a representation of the catheter distal tip in the chamber, displaying a superposition of the topographical information extracted from the first image with the second image to generate a displayed superimposed image, acquiring condition information at a point on the chamber displayed on the superimposed image on or near the topographical information, and acquiring condition information at one or more additional points sufficient in number and spacing to permit the generation of a survey map of the condition in the chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for scatter correction while forming a computed X-ray tomogram. The distribution of the scattered radiation is determined by means of the detector cells (7′) which, because of the measuring method carried out, are shielded from direct irradiation in a two-dimensional, multi-cell detector field (3). This distribution is used to perform a scatter correction in the neighboring, directly irradiated detector cells (7). Furthermore, scatter correction can be performed by means of a computer simulation of the scatter processes. To this end, use is preferably made of a Monte Carlo method and the effect of the geometry and the material composition of the measuring arrangement, of the patient size, of the irradiated tissue and the like, is taken into account.

Abstract: A phosphor represented by the general formula (L1-x-y-z-dEuxCezM′d)2O2S (wherein L is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Gd, La and Y, M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Tb and Pr, M′ is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ca, Sr and Zn, and x, y, z and d are values falling in the ranges of 0.001≦×≦0.06, 0<y≦12×10−5, 0<z≦12×10−5, and 0≦d≦2.5×10−4) and manufactured by the hot hydrostatic pressing method. The phosphor has a high light permeability, a high luminous efficacy and a reduced after-glow. A radiation detector comprising a combination of this phosphor with silicon photodiode has an excellent wave length matching capability, is capable of obtaining a high luminous output, and is suitably used as an X-ray detector of an X-ray CT unit or the like.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating a high contrast image of a living subject includes an X-ray source capable of generating an X-ray beam having an energy between about 4 MeV and about 40 MeV, means for directing the X-ray beam generated by the X-ray source to a preselected area of the body of a living subject, and at least one scintillating detector capable of detecting photons which are generated as a result of the interaction of the X-ray beam with the body of the living subject.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for Compton scattering tomography employ a source of monoenergetic gamma rays and a detector capable of detecting the energy of scattered photons and determining the detector location both disposed on one side of an object to be imaged. Based on analysis of the measurement of the energy of the detected photons and the detector locations, a circle of possible scattering locations is determined as to each scattering event. By performance of a number of experiments as a function of detector location and energy, the density of the object can be reconstructed by filtering and back-projecting the data to yield an image responsive to variation in the density of the material of the object to be imaged.

Abstract: An energy window of a scintillation camera system is set to include only events which have been Compton-scattered within a slice of the body of a patient undergoing a SPECT examination. From events so acquired, a scatter image is reconstructed. The scatter image is processed to define therewithin a plurality of regions of constant attenuation coefficient. This information can be used during the normal image reconstruction process to eliminate artifacts caused by variation in attenuation coefficient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining the Compton profile of an object to be examined which is situated in an examination zone. The examination zone is irradiated by a monochromatic primary beam whose energy is chosen so that the attenuation of the primary radiation is due essentially only to the Compton Scattering. The scattered radiation is measured in an energy resolving manner and therefrom, as well as from the attenuation in the primary beam, the Compton profiles for the individual pixels in the examination zone are determined.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the production of tomographic images includes a flying spot scanner to form, from a beam of penetrating radiation, a pencil beam sweeping over a line in space to define a sweep plane. An object to be examined is supported so that the pencil beam intersects the object along a path passing through the object and a selected slice of the object. A line collimator is provided for filtering radiation scattered by the object, the line collimator has a field of view which intersects the sweep plane in a bounded line so that the line collimator passes only that radiation scattered by elementary volumes of the object lying along the bounded line. A radiation detector responds to that portion of the scattered radiation which is passed by the line collimator.

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray apparatus which allows for the determination of the elastically scattered X-rays and the evaluation of the information contained therein. Because the scattered radiation exhibits a pronounced maximum value as a function of the scatter angle and because the scatter angle at which this maximum value occurs depends on the material in which the scattered radiation is produced, X-ray images thus formed contain essential information concerning the chemical composition of the body examined.

Abstract: A computer-assisted tomographic image is overlayed with the visual indication of any regions representing a deviation from a norm. The overlaid region may indicate a deviation of the radiodensity in that region. The overlaid region may also indicate a deviation from an electrophysiological norm based on compressed spectral analysis of an electroencephalographic signal or evoked potentials represented by such a signal.

Abstract: A computer-assisted tomographic image is overlayed with the visual indication of any regions representing a deviation from a norm. The overlaid region may indicate a deviation of the radiodensity in that region. The overlaid region may also indicate a deviation from an electrophysiological norm based on compressed spectral analysis of an electroencephalographic signal or evoked potentials represented by such a signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for imaging a layer of a body to be examined. The body is irradiated by primary radiation, in response to which the layer emits scattered radiation. The apparatus comprises a diaphragm plate which is disposed outside the primary radiation beam. The diaphragm is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to its major surface, and it has at least one aperture which is disposed off of the axis of rotation. A detector or a superposition device is provided for measuring or superimposing the scattered radiation which passes through the diaphragm plate at different aperture settings. The primary radiation is stopped down to form a flat fan-shaped beam. The diaphragm plate is oriented parallel to the fan-shaped beam. Each aperture corresponds to an associated detector, which follows the rotation of the diaphragm plate. The input face of each detector extends parallel to the diaphragm plate.