For Plural X-ray Sources Patents (Class 378/92)
  • Patent number: 11896849
    Abstract: Subject positioning systems and methods are provided. A method may include obtaining first information of at least part of a subject when the subject is located at a preset position, and determining, based on the first information, a first position of each of one or more feature points located on the at least part of the subject. The method may include obtaining, using an imaging device, second information of the at least part of the subject when the subject is located at a candidate position. The method may further include determining, based on the second information, a second position of each of the one or more feature points, a first distance between the first position and the second position for each feature point of the one or more feature points, and a target position of the subject based at least in part on the one or more first distances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yifeng Wang, Yige Zhang
  • Patent number: 11839777
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a medical system. The medical system may determine a working phase of the medical system. The working phase of the medical system may include a positioning phase, a scanning phase, and/or a scanning completion phase. The medical system may determine a position of a target portion of an object in the medical system based on one or more images associated with the object captured by an imaging sensor. The medical system may further control an operation of a positioning lamp of the medical system based on the working phase of the medical system and the position of the target portion of the object in the medical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shenghua Sang, Xinyue Zhou, Yangyang Lin, Yiqi Huang
  • Patent number: 11826186
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises an acquisition unit for acquiring low-energy information and high-energy information from a plurality of images that are obtained by emitting radiation toward an object, a calculation unit for calculating an effective atomic number and a surface density from the low-energy information and the high-energy information, and a generation unit for generating an image that includes color information based on the effective atomic number and the surface density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Iwashita, Akira Tsukuda, Kosuke Terui, Sota Torii
  • Patent number: 11622739
    Abstract: Various embodiments discussed herein utilize a C-shaped imager to provide images with a minimal footprint, such as may be suitable in a surgical context. In addition the systems and methods described herein allow for suitable angular (i.e., azimuthal) scan coverage about the patient. To provide real-time 3D imaging, multiple X-ray tubes or a distributed X-ray source may be employed, coupled with an extended detector or multiple detectors. To reconstruct high-quality volumes, in some implementations reconstruction techniques may be employed that utilize pre-operative (pre-op) computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound (U/S), or other suitable modality images or data as prior information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gautam Parthasarathy, Bruno Kristiaan Bernard De Man, Ronald Andrew von Jako, Ross Christopher Stalter
  • Patent number: 11534118
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a stationary X-ray source for a multisource X-ray imaging system for tomographic imaging. The stationary X-ray source includes an array of thermionic cathodes and, in most embodiments a rotating anode. The anode rotates about a rotation axis, however the anode is stationary in the horizontal or vertical dimensions (e.g. about axes perpendicular to the rotation axis). The elimination of mechanical motion improves the image quality by elimination of mechanical vibration and source motion; simplifies system design that reduces system size and cost; increases angular coverage with no increase in scan time; and results in short scan times to, in medical some medical imaging applications, reduce patient-motion-induced blurring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, SRI International
    Inventors: Paul R. Schwoebel, John M. Boone
  • Patent number: 11484281
    Abstract: A radiation image imaging apparatus which generates an image from irradiated radiation, the radiation image imaging apparatus including: a communication unit which directly communicates by wireless communication with an information processing apparatus, which performs wireless communication, and receives installation setting information transmitted from the information processing apparatus to perform a predetermined setting at a time of an installation; and a hardware processor which performs the predetermined setting of the radiation image imaging apparatus in accordance with the installation setting information received by the communication unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Kentaro Hara, Naoki Hayashi
  • Patent number: 11369329
    Abstract: An abnormal site detection unit detects an abnormal site included in a medical image acquired based on radiation transmitted through a subject. A position specifying unit generates positional information for specifying a position of the abnormal site based on a feature point of the subject included in the medical image in a case where the abnormal site is detected in the medical image. An information generation unit generates additional imaging instruction information, including information that indicates a type of additional imaging based on the abnormal site and information that indicates the position of the abnormal site based on the positional information, for instructing at least one additional imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomonari Sendai
  • Patent number: 10595921
    Abstract: A sliding cross-fluoroscopy auxiliary apparatus includes: a holder (1) and a lifting pillar (2) on the holder (1), wherein a supporting arm (3) is provided on a top end of the lifting pillar (2), and a telescopic shaft (4) is arranged inside the supporting arm (3); a first end of the telescopic shaft (4) is connected to a first driver (5), and a second end of the telescopic shaft (4) is connected to an A arc (6); the first driver (5) drives the telescopic shaft (4) to extend out, draw back or rotate; a second driver (7) is arranged at a joint between the A arc (6) and the telescopic shaft (4), and a B arc (8) is placed between the second device (7) and the A arc (6); the second driver (7) drives the B arc (8) to rotate along the A arc (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Inventor: Naixi Liu
  • Patent number: 10379233
    Abstract: An X-ray detector system includes a photon-counting detector with multiple detector modules including a respective power-consuming circuitry. At least some of the detector modules include a temperature sensor to monitor a temperature on the detector module and generate a temperature representing signal. A detector controller selectively switches, for at least a subset of the detector modules, the detector modules between an idle mode in which at least a respective part of the detector modules is powered off and an operational mode in which the detector modules are powered on. The power-consuming circuitries of the at least a subset of detector modules generate calibration data based on the temperature representing signals to correct for any temperature-induced changes to image data generated by the photon-counting detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: PRISMATIC SENSORS AB
    Inventors: Mats Danielsson, Staffan Karlsson, Xuejin Liu
  • Patent number: 9968313
    Abstract: A fluoroscopic system is disclosed with capability of differential exposure of different input areas of an image intensifier. The x-ray beam solid angle is limited by a collimator that is relatively near to the focal point of the x-ray tube, to occupy an area smaller then the input area of the image intensifier. Means to deflect the electron beam of the x-ray tube in two dimensions are constructed with the x-ray tube to provide scanning capability of the complete input area with full control on the motion function. The collimator may also be moved to control beam size and/or position at the image intensifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: CONTROL RAD SYSTEMS INC
    Inventor: Haim Zvi Melman
  • Patent number: 9551794
    Abstract: User-friendliness of a radiation imaging apparatus configured to reset a sensor array is improved. This invention is a radiation imaging apparatus including a two-dimensional sensor array. This apparatus includes a scan control signal generation circuit which controls the reset operation of the two-dimensional sensor array, a row number register which stores the row number of a line currently subjected to the reset operation at the time of detection of radiation irradiation, a scan control signal generation circuit which controls read operation after the completion of the radiation irradiation, and an image processing circuit which interpolates an image, of the image generated based on the signals read by the read operation, which corresponds to a line corresponding to the row number stored in the row number register, by using images of adjacent lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Akehiko Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 9390880
    Abstract: Provided is a method of driving multi electrical field emission devices. The method includes: respectively connecting first current control circuit devices for current path formation to a plurality of electric field emission devices; commonly connecting a second current control circuit device to the first current control circuit devices to commonly control the first current control circuit devices; and driving the first current control circuit devices at different timings when the second current control circuit device is driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Jin Woo Jeong, Yoon-Ho Song, Jun Tae Kang, Sungyoul Choi, Jae-woo Kim
  • Publication number: 20150078510
    Abstract: The present application provides a curved surface array distributed x-ray apparatus, characterized in that, it comprises: a vacuum box which is sealed at its periphery, and the interior thereof is high vacuum; a plurality of electron transmitting units arranged on the wall of the vacuum box in multiple rows along the direction of the axis of the curved surface in the curved surface facing the axis; an anode made of metal and arranged in the axis in the vacuum box which comprises an anode pipe and an anode target surface; a power supply and control system having a high voltage power supply connected to the anode, a filament power supply connected to each of the plurality of the electron transmitting units, a grid-controlled apparatus connected to each of the plurality of electron transmitting units, a control system for controlling each power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Huaping TANG, Chuanxiang TANG, Huaibi CHEN, Wenhui HUANG, Shuxin ZHENG, Huayi ZHANG, Yaohong LIU
  • Publication number: 20150078532
    Abstract: The present application provides an external thermionic cathode distributed x-ray apparatus, comprises: a vacuum box which is sealed at its periphery, and the interior thereof is high vacuum; a plurality of electron transmitting units arranged in a linear array and installed on the side wall of the vacuum box, each electron transmitting unit is independent to each other; an anode installed in the center inside the vacuum box, and in the direction of length, the anode is parallel to the orientation of the electron transmitting unit, and in the direction of width, the anode has a predetermined angle with respect to the plane of the electron transmitting unit; and a power supply and control system having a high voltage power supply, a focusing power supply; a transmitting control means and a control system; the electron transmitting unit having: a heating filament; a cathode connected to the heating filament; an insulated support enclosing the heating filament and the cathode; a focusing electrode, arranged at t
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Chuanxiang TANG, Huaping TANG, Huaibi CHEN, Wenhui HUANG, Huayi ZHANG, Shuxin ZHENG
  • Publication number: 20150030131
    Abstract: An X-ray radiation device comprises a plurality of X-ray radiation units, each having an X-ray tube for generating an X-ray, a drive circuit for driving the X-ray tube, and a trunk line connected to the drive circuit, and a controller having a control circuit for controlling the X-ray radiation units. The trunk lines of the plurality of X-ray radiation units are connected in series to the control circuit so that the drive circuits of the plurality of X-ray radiation units are connected in parallel to the control circuit. Since the trunk lines of the plurality of X-ray radiation units are connected in series to the control circuit, the X-ray radiation units can be connected to each other and are not required to be connected one by one to the controller. This makes it possible to increase and decrease the number of units without complicating their wiring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Norimasa Kosugi, Naoki Okumura, Tatsuya Nakamura, Toru Fujita, Tomoyuki Okada, Akiomi Ujima
  • Patent number: 8913813
    Abstract: Method and system for determining the spatial response signature of a x-ray detector comprising a photostimulable phosphor by generating a flat field image of the detector, generating a low-pass filtered version of the flat field image and background demodulating the flat field image by pixel-wise dividing it by means of corresponding pixel values in the low-pass filtered version.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Agfa HealthCare N.V.
    Inventors: Marc Cresens, Herman Van Goubergen
  • 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: 8855359
    Abstract: Method of removing the spatial response signature of a detector from a computed radiography image by adaptively filtering and spatially warping the characteristic response signature of the detector prior to demodulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Agfa HealthCare NV
    Inventors: Marc Cresens, Herman Van Goubergen
  • Patent number: 8824633
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a medical apparatus which displays an image of an object collected by using a first radiography system and a second radiography system, including: an image processing unit adapted to acquire a three-dimensional image; a projection direction input unit used to input a projection direction for at least one of the first radiography system and the second radiography system using the three-dimensional image; an imaging direction setting unit adapted to set an imaging direction for at least one of the first radiography system and the second radiography system based on the projection direction; and an interference checking unit adapted to determine whether interference between the first radiography system and the second radiography system will occur if one of the first radiography system and the second radiography system corresponding to the set imaging direction is moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Satoru Ohishi
  • Patent number: 8768030
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for reconstructing image data of an examination object from measurement data of a computed tomography system, the examination object having been irradiated simultaneously by a number of X-ray sources while the measurement data was being acquired so that different projections of the examination object associated with the number of X-ray sources were acquired simultaneously for each detector element. In at least one embodiment, different iteration images of the examination object are determined one after the other from the measurement data by way of an iterative algorithm, a computation operation being employed with the iterative algorithm, which is applied to the iteration images and takes the presence of the number of X-ray sources into account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Herbert Bruder, Karl Stierstorfer
  • Patent number: 8699657
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an examination apparatus and a corresponding method to realize a Spectral x-ray imaging device through inverse-geometry CT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Christian Baeumer, Gereon Vogtmeier
  • Patent number: 8681933
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes an X-ray tube to generate X-rays, X-ray detector to detect the X-rays transmitted through an object, top to place the object, rotation driving unit to rotate a rotating frame with the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector around the object, movement driving unit to relatively reciprocate the rotating frame and the top over a plurality of times along a long-axis direction of the top, and scan control unit to control the movement driving unit in the relative reciprocal movement such that moving loci of the X-ray tube corresponding to the respective forward movements are matched with each other and moving loci of the X-ray tube corresponding to the respective backward movements are matched with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Tatsuro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8442617
    Abstract: A patient table for a common imaging system including Magnetic Resonance and X-Ray retains the patient stationary in position prior to, during and subsequent to the imaging and includes a base, a patient support portion cantilevered from the base and a mattress. A safety system is provided for controlling the operation of the magnet and MR system and the X-Ray systems to allow effective safe operation and controls the movement of the magnet to the table and the movement of the X-Ray imaging systems to and from the table to locations where they do not interfere with the MR imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Imris Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon Scarth, Steven Robbins, Brendan Guyot
  • Patent number: 8428219
    Abstract: A radiation therapy device having a therapeutic radiation source and an imaging unit is provided. The imaging unit includes a plurality of diagnostic radiation sources, from which diagnostic X-ray radiation are directed onto an object to be examined, and a diagnostic radiation detector, with which the diagnostic X-ray radiation is detected after passing through the object to be examined. The plurality of diagnostic radiation sources are X-ray radiation sources that are based on carbon nanotubes. A radiation therapy device having a housing, in which a diagnostic radiation source, a diagnostic radiation detector, and a therapeutic radiation source that is rotated in one plane are arranged, is also provided. The diagnostic radiation source and the diagnostic radiation detector are arranged in the housing such that diagnostic X-ray radiation, which is directed by the diagnostic radiation source onto the diagnostic radiation detector, travels at an angle through the plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Werner Friedrich
  • Patent number: 8416919
    Abstract: One facilitates capturing samples as pertain to an object to be imaged by providing N pulsed sampling chains (where N is an integer greater than 1) where these sampling chains are in planes substantially parallel to one another and are substantially equidistant from adjacent others by a given distance. By one approach, the ratio of this given distance to a desired sample interval is approximately an integer that is relatively prime to N. So configured, a complete set of samples of the object can be captured by the sampling chains in a single pass notwithstanding that the object and the sampling chains are moving quickly with respect to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy R. Fox, David T. Nisius
  • Patent number: 8358737
    Abstract: An X-ray treatment apparatus comprises a low energy X-ray generator for detecting a marker, a marker sensor detecting a position of the marker fixed in the patient to a couch, and both low energy X-ray generator and the marker sensor are installed in the couch, a high energy X-ray generator for treatment, a X-ray sensor for treatment detecting the high energy X-ray for treatment. An X-ray treatment method using the X-ray treatment apparatus comprises the steps of detecting a position of a marker by the marker sensor, irradiating to a lesion the high energy X-ray for treatment, detecting the penetrated high energy X-ray for treatment by the X-ray sensor for treatment, modifying the beam profile, the dosage or/and the radiation direction of the X-ray for treatment according to the latest data of the sensors, performing the next radiation for the lesion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Accuthera Inc.
    Inventor: Eiji Tanabe
  • Publication number: 20130003928
    Abstract: Device and method for synchronously switching activating a first and second charge accumulation section (31, 32) for a duration of a first and second predetermined sub-frame and a first and second X-ray source until lapse of a predetermined time frame for each of the first and second charge accumulation section (31, 32) for the accumulation of a plurality of temporally distributed partial charges according to an origin of a respective one of the plurality of spatially distributed X-ray sources so as to establish a specific relation between the focal spot position and a rule for accumulating the respective partial measurements, e.g. temporally distributed partial charges, belonging to the same focal spot positions, and to keep the focal spot temperature low by only activating the focal spot for a limited time according to a sub-frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Rainer Pietig, Walter Ruetten, Christoph Herrmann
  • Patent number: 8306184
    Abstract: X-ray pixel beam array systems and methods for electronically shaping radiation fields and modulating radiation field intensity patterns for radiotherapy are disclosed. One exemplary pre-clinical system may include addressable electron field emitters (102, 104) that are operable to emit a plurality of electron pixel beams (106, 108, 110). Each electron pixel beam may correspond to an x-ray target (124) and x-ray pixel beam collimation aperture (136, 138) to convert a portion of energy associated with the electron pixel beam to a corresponding x-ray pixel beam (140, 142). Further, the x-ray pixel beam array collimator (130) forms a one-to-one correspondence between individual electron pixel beam and its corresponding x-ray pixel beam. One exemplary clinical system may include a high-energy electron source (1203), an n-stage scanning system (1210), x-ray pixel beam targets (1212), and an x-ray pixel beam array collimator (1214).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignees: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University
    Inventors: Sha X. Chang, Ying Wu
  • Patent number: 8295441
    Abstract: An improved x-ray tube that includes a plurality of cathodes in a region under vacuum is provided. Several wirelessly activatable elements, which are each assigned to a cathode or a group of cathodes, are arranged in the region under vacuum and make an electrically conducting connection of the cathode or the group of cathodes to a cathode control voltage line when receiving a control signal from outside of the region under vacuum. A system that includes the improved x-ray tube and several transmitter elements for the wireless activation of the wirelessly activatable elements is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Walter Beyerlein, Andreas Böhme, Markus Hemmerlein, Oliver Heuermann, Jürgen Oelschlegel, Peter Wehrle
  • Patent number: 8295438
    Abstract: A radiation image capturing system includes a plurality of image capturing apparatus for acquiring radiation image information of a subject by controlling radiation sources according to predetermined image capturing conditions, a controller for controlling the image capturing apparatus according to the image capturing conditions set therein, and a plurality of display devices associated respectively with the image capturing apparatus, for displaying radiation image information acquired from the image capturing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Daiki Harada, Yasunori Ohta, Naoyuki Nishino, Naoki Mochizuki, Wataru Ito, Yoshiro Kitamura, Eiichi Kito, Akio Sato
  • Patent number: 8270566
    Abstract: An object within a region is exposed to a first beam of penetrating radiation. The first beam of penetrating radiation is sensed on a side opposite the region from a source of the first beam. An attenuation of the first beam caused by passing the first beam through the object is determined, the attenuation is compared to a threshold attenuation. If the attenuation exceeds the threshold attenuation, a parameter of a second of beam of penetrating radiation is adjusted based on the determined attenuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: L-3 Communications Security and Detection Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Steven McNabb, Nicholas Danvers Penrose Gillett
  • Patent number: 8249216
    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: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Urushiya, Osamu Tsujii
  • Patent number: 8220993
    Abstract: Fan beams of radiation are output from a multiplicity of radiation sources. Radiation is output simultaneously only from a part of the radiation sources having irradiation ranges that neither overlap with each other nor are adjacent to each other. Image correction data corresponding to each group of radiation sources is obtained by sequentially outputting radiation to the radiographic image detector while the groups of radiation sources are sequentially switched without setting a subject. An effective area that has a value higher than a predetermined threshold value is determined for each image correction data. Radiation is sequentially output to the radiographic image detector in a state in which a subject is set while groups of radiation sources are switched. Radiation image data obtained based on the effective area, and which corresponds to each of the groups of radiation sources, is corrected based on the image correction data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Kenji Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8190235
    Abstract: A patient table for a common imaging system including Magnetic Resonance and X-Ray retains the patient stationary in position prior to, during and subsequent to the imaging and includes a base, a patient support portion cantilevered from the base and a mattress. A safety system is provided for controlling the operation of the magnet and MR system and the X-Ray systems to allow effective safe operation and controls the movement of the magnet to the table and the movement of the X-Ray imaging systems to and from the table to locations where they do not interfere with the MR imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Imris Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon Scarth, Steven Robbins, Brendan Guyot
  • Patent number: 8155272
    Abstract: In one aspect, an x-ray scanning device is provided. The x-ray scanning device comprises a target adapted to convert electron-beam (e-beam) energy into x-ray energy, a detector array positioned to detect at least some x-rays emitted from the target, and a conveyer mechanism adapted to convey items to be inspected through an inspection region formed by the target and the detector array, wherein the target and the detector array are rotated out of alignment with each other such that x-rays emitted from the target impinge on diametrically positioned detectors of the detector array without passing through near-side detectors of the detector array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: L-3 Communications Security and Detection Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Franklin Eilbert, Boris Oreper, Nikolay Rolshud
  • Patent number: 8024612
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining a configuration for a computer tomograph for the purpose of error diagnosis, a module, a computer tomograph and a system of appropriate design. The computer tomograph includes a multiplicity of detector modules. In at least one embodiment, a respective detector module is designed to have an identification device which is intended to provide a signature, the signature being uniquely associated with the respective module. The detector module transmits the measurement data it captures and its signature. The digital, electronic signature allows remote maintenance of the computer tomograph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Thomas Hilderscheid
  • Publication number: 20110176659
    Abstract: A tube for generating x-rays includes a cathode adapted to emit electrons, a target positioned to receive the electrons from the cathode on a surface thereof, an anode adapted with an aperture and positioned between the cathode and the target and configured to accelerate the electrons toward the target, and a rotating system adapted to rotate the target about an axis, the rotating system located in a position facing the surface of the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Carey Shawn Rogers, Richard Michael Roffers, Edwin L. Legall, Ron Kent Hockersmith, Ethan Westcot, Kenwood Dayton
  • Patent number: 7957502
    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. A first difference is 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro Manabe, Naruomi Akino
  • Patent number: 7940976
    Abstract: An X-ray image diagnosis apparatus and a method for generating three dimensional image data of a moving body based on a plurality of two dimensional pixel data of the moving body that are automatically collected at different angle positions, wherein a plurality of radiography angle positions is previously designated, and the two dimensional pixel data is generated in correspondence with data of an object, e.g., a waveform of an electrocardiogram, collected at a real time. Based on the vital data, rotating movements for collecting a plurality of pixel data are decided. When a plurality of two dimensional pixel data obtained in correspondence with a plurality of heart beat cycles, for example, is collected at a certain designated angle position, the radiography position is automatically moved to a next collecting angle position. A set of a plurality of two dimensional pixel data collected at the same phase of the vital data of the moving body is selected for generating three dimensional image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiro Ozawa
  • Publication number: 20110075809
    Abstract: A method for recording a projection dataset of a object to be recorded using a plurality of X-ray sources is provided, which X-ray sources are spaced apart from one another on average by an angle ? relative to an isocenter. A plurality of projection images from different recording directions are recorded in succession while activating the corresponding X-ray sources. Two X-ray sources are activated in succession having a spacing of at least 2 ? relative to the isocenter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Jan Boese, Frank Dennerlein
  • Patent number: 7916838
    Abstract: A Betatron having a toroidal passageway disposed in a cyclical magnetic field with a main electron orbit circumnavigating the toroidal passageway. Within the toroidal passageway is a first electrode that is spaced apart from a second electrode. The combination of the first electrode and the second electrode define a central space having a first opening and a second opening. A cathode is disposed within the central space. This cathode has a first electron emitter aligned to inject electrons through the first opening and a second electron emitter aligned to inject electrons through the second opening. Electrons injected in a proper direction are accelerated in the main electron orbit. At a time of maximum electron acceleration, the electrons are deflected and impact a target that generates x-rays on impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Luke T. Perkins, Christian Stoller, Sicco Beekman
  • Publication number: 20110051895
    Abstract: X-ray systems for use in high-resolution imaging applications with an improved power rating are provided. An X-ray source comprises at least one integrated actuator unit (206, 206?, 206a or 206b) for performing at least one translational and/or rotational displacement by moving the position of the X-ray source's anode (204, 204?, 204a? or 204b?) relative to a stationary reference position. This helps to overcome power limitations due to an overheating of the anode at its focal ?spot position (205). In addition to that, a focusing unit (203) for allowing an adapted focusing of the anode's focal spot (205) which compensates deviations in the focal spot size resulting from said anode displacements and/or a deflection means (211, 21 Ia or 21 Ib) for generating an electric and/or magnetic field deflecting the electron beam (202, 202a or 202b) in a direction opposite to the direction of the rotary anode's displacement movement may be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Gereon Vogtmeier, Rainer Pietig, Astrid Lewalter, Rolf Karl Otto Behling
  • Patent number: 7860288
    Abstract: A sequence of groups of projection images shows an object under examination comprising a vascular system and its environment. A computer determines a 2-dimensional evaluation image having a plurality of pixels based on combination images determined from the projection images of a group. The combination images have a plurality of pixels with pixel values. The sequence of the combination images shows the time characteristic of the distribution of a contrast medium in the object. The pixels of the evaluation image correspond to those of the projection images. The computer assigns each pixel, at least in a part area of the evaluation image, a type that is characteristic of whether the respective pixel corresponds to a vessel of the vascular system, a perfusion area or a background. It performs the assignment of the type on the basis of the time characteristic of the pixel values of the combination images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Philipp Bernhardt, Estelle Camus, Martin Hoheisel, Thomas Redel
  • Patent number: 7826594
    Abstract: A system and method for addressing individual electron emitters in an emitter array is disclosed. The system includes an emitter array comprising a plurality of emitter elements arranged in a non-rectangular layout and configured to generate at least one electron beam and a plurality of extraction grids positioned adjacent to the emitter array, each extraction grid being associated with at least one emitter element to extract the at least one electron beam therefrom. The field emitter array system also includes a plurality of voltage control channels connected to the plurality of emitter elements and the plurality of extraction grids such that each of the emitter elements and each of the extraction grids is individually addressable. In the field emitter array system, the number of voltage control channels is equal to the sum of a pair of integers closest in value whose product equals the number of emitter elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Yun Zou, Mark E. Vermilyea, Louis Paul Inzinna, Antonio Caiafa
  • Patent number: 7822180
    Abstract: A method includes automatically determining a specific mobile device to use from a plurality of mobile devices based on at least one of a battery metric, a patient procedure, and a location of the devices or of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Kevin Andrew Coombs
  • Publication number: 20100260317
    Abstract: X-ray pixel beam array systems and methods for electronically shaping radiation fields and modulating radiation field intensity patterns for radiotherapy are disclosed. One exemplary pre-clinical system may include addressable electron field emitters (102, 104) that are operable to emit a plurality of electron pixel beams (106, 108, 110). Each electron pixel beam may correspond to an x-ray target (124) and x-ray pixel beam collimation aperture (136, 138) to convert a portion of energy associated with the electron pixel beam to a corresponding x-ray pixel beam (140, 142). Further, the x-ray pixel beam array collimator (130) forms a one-to-one correspondence between individual electron pixel beam and its corresponding x-ray pixel beam. One exemplary clinical system may include a high-energy electron source (1203), an n-stage scanning system (1210), x-ray pixel beam targets (1212), and an x-ray pixel beam array collimator (1214).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: Sha X. Chang, Ying Wu
  • Patent number: 7813478
    Abstract: One provides (101 and 102) two or more X-ray sources (202 and 204) that are independent and discrete from one another. By one approach, these X-ray sources emit corresponding X-rays (203 and 205) using different voltage levels. In particular, these voltage levels can be sufficiently different from one another to readily permit different elements as comprise an object (201) being examined to be distinguished from one another. These X-rays are then emitted (106) from these sources and towards an object to be examined while causing relative motion (207) between such sources on the one hand and the object on the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: David Nisius
  • Publication number: 20100195796
    Abstract: Fan beams of radiation are output from a multiplicity of radiation sources. Radiation is output simultaneously only from a part of the radiation sources having irradiation ranges that neither overlap with each other nor are adjacent to each other. Image correction data corresponding to each group of radiation sources is obtained by sequentially outputting radiation to the radiographic image detector while the groups of radiation sources are sequentially switched without setting a subject. An effective area that has a value higher than a predetermined threshold value is determined for each image correction data. Radiation is sequentially output to the radiographic image detector in a state in which a subject is set while groups of radiation sources are switched. Radiation image data obtained based on the effective area, and which corresponds to each of the groups of radiation sources, is corrected based on the image correction data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kenji TAKAHASHI
  • Patent number: 7700820
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a process for controlling the quality of manufactured absorbent articles, the process including incorporating into an absorbent article at least a portion of a wetness sensing system that is configured to detect the presence of a substance, the wetness sensing system comprising at least one metallic conductive element; and passing the absorbent article in proximity to a foreign material sensor employing x-ray technology, the foreign material sensor adapted to detect the presence of foreign material to confirm whether foreign material has been incorporated into the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Darold Dean Tippey, Perry Allen Bush, Timothy Patrick Clare
  • Patent number: 7671342
    Abstract: X-ray portal imaging detectors have multiple layers, such as multiple layers of phosphor screens and/or detectors. Some x-rays that pass through one layer are detected or converted into light energies in a different layer. For example, one phosphor screen is provided in front and another behind that panel detector circuitry. Light generated in each of the phosphor screens is detected by the same detector circuitry. As another example, multiple layers of phosphor screens and associated detector circuits are provided. Some x-rays passing through one layer may be detected in a different layer. High energy x-rays associated with Megavoltage sources as well as lower or higher energy x-rays may be detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Ali Bani-Hashemi, Farhad A. Ghelmansarai