Abstract: [Problem] To provide a communication apparatus that makes a subject's voice more audible. [Means for Solution] A communication apparatus 60 has: a microphone 61 for receiving, during rotation of a rotating section 26, sound containing a voice of a subject 5 to be examined and noise caused by the rotation of the rotating section 26; a DSP 623 for executing filter processing for reducing said noise contained in the sound received by the microphone 61, wherein the DSP 623 determines a frequency of the noise caused by the rotation of the rotating section 26 based on a rotational speed vi of the rotating section 26, and sets a filter characteristic F(ti) for the DSP so that a frequency component of the noise contained in the sound is removed; and a speaker 63 for outputting the sound which contains the voice of the subject 5 and from which the frequency component of said noise has been removed.

Abstract: A radiation imaging control apparatus is provided that includes a camera imaging control unit configured to control a camera apparatus to image an implementation state of a radiation imaging examination, a subject body shape recognition unit configured to recognize a body shape in an imaging part of a subject by using a camera image imaged by the camera apparatus under a control of the camera imaging control unit, a specifying unit configured to specify a radiation imaging setting related to the radiation imaging examination by using the body shape in the imaging part of the subject recognized by the subject body shape recognition unit, and a selecting unit configured to select the radiation imaging setting specified by the specifying unit as setup information of the radiation imaging examination.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry acquires a body mark that schematically shows a positional relationship of a plurality of structures in a heart. The processing circuitry analyzes image data as analysis targets which are at least two structures in the heart of a subject, the image data being acquired by scanning the subject. The processing circuitry displays the body mark on a display together with analysis results of the at least two structures.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system and method includes acquiring ultrasound image data while moving an ultrasound probe, automatically identifying a plurality of segments of interest in the ultrasound image data, automatically applying temporal scaling to at least one of the plurality of segments of interest, and displaying the ultrasound image data as a panoramic view comprising a plurality of videos, where each of the plurality of videos is based on a different one of the plurality of the segments of interest, and where, based on the temporal scaling, each of the plurality of videos in the panoramic view takes the same amount of time to play.

Abstract: A rotary anode driving device includes a DC power supply, an inverter circuit which is connected to the DC power supply and includes a plurality of switching elements and, the inverter circuit generates an AC voltage from a DC voltage of the DC power supply, and outputs the AC voltage to a stator coil which generates a rotating magnetic field of an X-ray tube; a pulse width modulation (PWM) waveform generator configured to generate an AC voltage of two phases or three phases as the AC voltage from the DC voltage by performing PWM control of the switching elements of the inverter circuit; and a capacitor connected in series to an input side of a stator coil of at least one phase of the stator coil, the capacitor having an electrostatic capacitance constituting a series resonant circuit with the stator coil to which the capacitor is connected.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a system, comprising: an enclosure configured to enclose a vacuum; a cathode disposed within the enclosure; an anode disposed within the enclosure configured to receive a beam of electrons from the cathode; a motor disposed within the enclosure and configured to rotate the anode in response to a drive input; and a circuit electrically connected to the drive input, and configured to generate a phase signal based on a voltage of the drive input and a current of the drive input, the phase signal indicating a phase difference between the voltage of the drive input and the current of the drive input.

Abstract: A method for processing medical images includes analyzing a medical image to detect a medical condition from a list of medical conditions, wherein the list of medical conditions includes aortic dissection, pulmonary embolism, and coronary stenosis. Responsive to determining the medical image includes a first medical condition, the method generates a first report that includes information on a detection of the first medical condition. The method identifies, a medical specialist based on availability and medical expertise and sends to the identified medical specialist, the medical image and the first report for a decision on the detection of the first medical condition. Responsive to receiving the decision from the medical specialist, the method sends to a second electronic device, the decision, the medical image, and the first report.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical processing apparatus includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry adds incidental information including information regarding a kind concerning each of a plurality of regions in a heart to an analysis result of each of the regions. The analysis result is obtained by analyzing medical data. The processing circuitry determines a display position of the analysis result of each of the regions based on the incidental information.

Abstract: An x-ray diffraction system includes an x-ray source having a first interchangeable x-ray generating component, a second interchangeable x-ray generating component, an actuator and a controller operatively connected to the actuator. The first and second interchangeable x-ray generating components are interchangeable with one another. The actuator is operatively connected to the first and second interchangeable x-ray generating components.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical information processing apparatus including a medical information storage unit in which a piece of position information in a model image of a human body and a piece of medical information are stored, a first display control unit which displays a medical image, a specifying unit which specifies a focus position in the medical image, an extraction unit which converts a piece of position information of the focus position into a piece of position information in the model image and which extracts a piece of medical information corresponding to the piece of position information in the model image from the medical information storage unit, a second display control unit which displays the piece of medical information as a selection candidate, a selection unit which selects a piece of medical information, and a creation unit which creates an interpretation report by using the piece of medical information.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical drive having a motor with a rotor and a stationary stator, which has a coil arrangement, and having a motor controller for controlling the motor, with the motor controller being configured to pass current through the coil arrangement in order to produce an excitation field, with the coil arrangement having a plurality of coil winding sections, and with each coil winding section having a plurality of coil sections, wherein the polarity of at least one coil section of the plurality of coil sections of each coil winding section can be selectively reversed with respect to the other coil sections of the coil winding section. The drive is particularly suitable for use for an electrical tool.

Abstract: A method for detecting one or more motion effects in a diagnostic image obtains image data for the diagnostic image and identifies at least one region of interest in the diagnostic image. The probability of motion blur within the at least one region of interest is calculated according to a motion-sensitive feature of the at least one region of interest. The calculated probability for motion blur within the at least one region of interest is reported.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The invention concerns an X-ray generator with rotating anode for generating X-rays, comprising a fixed cathode, as well as a rotating anode which is arranged on a motor driven rotor, the cathode and the rotating anode being introduced into a vacuum tank.

Abstract: A travel stand for a mobile X-ray diagnostic machine with a laser detection system containing measurement devices to determine the position of the travel stand in a spatially fixed system of coordinates is provided. The measuring devices can operate by non-contact measurement techniques and that the position of the travel stand can be determined by techniques such as triangulation. An X-ray diagnostic machine with such a position detection system offers advantages in the 3D reconstruction from 2D X-ray projection images and in navigationally guided operations under X-ray monitoring.

Abstract: An X-ray tube apparatus (2) having an anode rotating mechanism for preventing damage of the anode (23) of the X-ray tube apparatus thereby to shorten the X-ray exposure waiting time. When the measured number of revolutions of a rotary anode is determined to be predetermined number from only the impedance or current information on the basis of both voltage information and current information on a stator coil (22) of motor constituent elements for rotating the rotary anode, a DC high voltage outputted from an X-ray high-voltage unit (1) is applied between the anode (23) and a cathode (24) of the X-ray tube apparatus, thus exposing a subject (130) to X-rays and imaging the subject. An X-ray generating device and a radiograph are also disclosed.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a radiotherapy irradiation system in which a calculation time required for calculation to be performed after restrictions are modified is shortened. The control apparatus includes a unit for setting an initial solution indicating an initial irradiated beam weight, a unit for inputting restrictions according to a prescription, and a unit for setting an evaluation function under the restrictions. The control apparatus further includes a unit for iteratively calculating the evaluation function until the evaluation function is minimized and determining an irradiated beam weight optimizing irradiation, and unit for outputting an optimal solution indicating an optimal irradiated beam weight to the irradiation system. After restrictions are modified, a new evaluation function is set under the modified restrictions. An irradiated beam weight is then determined for optimizing irradiation.

Abstract: A system including a user input device for controlling a position of medical equipment is described. In an example embodiment, the user input device is configured to be coupled to the medical equipment and is responsive to an operator input representation of a desired movement of the equipment. A processor determines a direction in which the operator desires the equipment to move based on a device output.

Abstract: A method for statistically reconstructing images from a plurality of transmission measurements having energy diversity and image reconstructor apparatus utilizing the method are provided. A statistical (maximum-likelihood) method for dual-energy X-ray CT accommodates a wide variety of potential system configurations and measurement noise models. Regularized methods (such as penalized-likelihood or Bayesian estimations) are straightforward extensions. One version of the algorithm monotonically decreases the negative log-likelihood cost function each iteration. An ordered-subsets variation of the algorithm provides a fast and practical version. The method and apparatus provide material characterization and quantitatively accurate CT values in a variety of applications. The method and apparatus provide improved noise/dose properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for registering a patient data set obtained by an imaging process in camera navigation-supported surgical operations, comprising the following steps: producing a patient data set by means of a tomographic scan or an imaging process for the body of the patient or a part thereof, applying at least one marker array, identifiable and trackable in the navigation system, to at least one solid body structure, preferably a bone structure, after the patient has been brought into an operating room and during treatment, in particular after the area to be treated has been exposed, producing one or more x-ray images of the area to be treated by means of an x-ray unit, the spatial position of said images in the navigation system being determined, updating, by means of a computer-assisted assignment, the register of the patient data set with the positional data obtained from the x-ray image, and detecting and re-registering movements or relative movements in the area to be treated by t

Abstract: The invention provides a technique for acquiring subsequent image data in a medical diagnostic context based upon analysis of initial image data. The initial image data is processed via a computer aided diagnosis algorithm to determine whether additional image data acquisition is appropriate. Subsequent acquisition processes may be performed on the same imaging system from which the initial image data originated, or a different imaging system. The imaging systems may also be of different modalities. The subsequent acquisition of image data may be performed automatically without operator intervention, or the prescribed subsequent acquisition sequence may be outputted by the system for execution upon command of an operator.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image processing system enables multiple users at distant locations employing ordinary personal computers to construct and observe three-dimensional images simultaneously. In a network environment, a three-dimensional image processing device acquires image data and incorporates it into three-dimensional voxels based on instructions from the computers. The device operates on the three-dimensional voxels using object space domain, opacity and color parameters to construct three-dimensional data and operates on the three-dimensional data using projection processing parameters to construct three-dimensional images. The system sets projection processing parameters for constructing three-dimensional images from three-dimensional data and displays three-dimensional images which may be routed to the various computers via the network.

Abstract: A computed tomography imaging system includes a source of a conical beam of radiation and a two-dimensional detector array arranged on opposite sides of an axis of rotation. Projection data is acquired in a conventional manner as the source and detector array make a full rotation about an object. A conventional half-scan image reconstruction algorithm is applied to the projection data at a plurality of different center-view angles to produce a plurality of sub-images. Image segments, which are centered in each sub-image along the axis of the respective center-view angle, are selected and combined to form a cross-sectional image of the object. The regions of each sub-image preferably are defined by a weighting function.

Abstract: A method and system for obtaining desired subsurface views of a patient target site are disclosed. The system includes a scan-data file for storing, in digital form, volumetric scan data of a surgical site of a patient, a pointer for indicating the position and orientation of desired views, and a display screen for placement near the patient target region. A computational device operatively connected to the data file, pointer, and display screen functions to reconstruct a 2-D shadowgraph images of the patient region from the position and orientation of the pointer. By moving the pointer to selected positions and orientations, the user can view optimal and desired shadowgraph images of the patient in real time.

Abstract: A digital image processing system for enhancing the image quality and diagnostic capabilities of conventional medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging systems and, more particularly, to an echocardiography workstation (10) which provides speckle reduction (200), edge detection, color quantitation (306), automatic diagnostic features. a built-in Help system for echocardiography, automatic quantitative analysis of left ventricular function, tomographic perfusion display (36), 3-D analysis, and report generation for improved analysis of echocardiograms.

Abstract: In a spiral scan cone beam computed tomography method and apparatus, the output data are divided into sub-segments being shorter than the length required for the reconstruction of a CT image. Segment images having inclined image plane relative to the system axis are reconstructed for the sub-segments. A signal reproducing the time curve of the periodic motion is acquired during the scanning. A z-position on the system axis and a time position with respect to the periodic motion are allocated to the segment images. Segment images belonging to a desired range of z-positions and a desired range of time positions are selected such that the corresponding sub-segments have an overall length adequate for the reconstruction of a CT image. The selected segment images are at least indirectly combined into a resulting CT image with respect to a target image plane.

Abstract: A computer automated method for setting visualization parameter boundaries in a preset for displaying an image from a 3D data set applicable to magnetic resonance (MR) data, computer tomography (CT) data and other 3D data sets obtained in medical imaging is described. In one example the visualization parameter boundaries are color boundaries. A histogram of data values of voxels within a user-selected volume of interest (VOI) is generated and an analysis of a convex hull spanning the histogram is made to provide one or more visualization thresholds which divide the histogram into sub-regions. The sub-regions relate to different tissue types within the VOI and color boundaries are set based on the visualization thresholds for displaying the different tissue types in different colors. The method allows color boundaries in a preset to be set objectively and automatically so that images can be displayed consistently and with less user manipulation.

Abstract: A method for weighting projection data includes selecting a region that includes a plurality of projection data samples, dividing the region into a plurality of equally sized sub-regions, and weighting the equally sized sub-regions using a location dependent z-smoothing weighting function.

Abstract: A method for filtering projection data of a helical scan of an object includes acquiring projection data representing a helical scan of an object, generating a weighting function based on the acquired projection data, determining a scaling function for the weighting function, and determining a row-filtered weighting function based on the weighting function and scaling function.

Abstract: A method is used for checking the presentation quality of imaging systems for medical diagnostics with regard to ring artifacts. The method includes creating at least one test image and defining concentric circles in the test image around a rotational center that is fixed by the imaging system. The method further includes averaging the test image points, arranged along the respective circumferential lines of the circles in circumferential direction of the respective circle in order to create a ring profile in which ring artifacts are detected. Finally, the detected ring artifacts are compared to a pre-selected criterion for evaluating the visual detectability of the detected ring artifacts. The comparison of the detected ring artifacts to the pre-selected criterion is carried out by computing the visual signal noise for each ring artifact and comparing the computed signal noise to the pre-selected criterion.

Abstract: The present technique provides a variety of processing schemes for decomposing soft tissue and bone images more accurately from low and high-energy images acquired from an imaging system, such as a dual-energy digital radiography system using flat-panel technology. In particular, a modified decomposition process is provided to mitigate noise and to reduce contrast artifacts, such as blooming, while decomposing soft tissue and bone images from low and high-energy images.

Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus includes a pair of an involute gear and a magnetic sensor as a structure for detecting the rotation of the gantry rotary section in a non-contact fashion. The involute gear imparts a periodic change in the magnetic flux in the circumferential direction of a circle coaxial with the gantry rotary section. The magnetic sensor including the magnet and the magnetic reluctance (MR) elements detects the change in the magnetic flux caused by the rotation of the involute gear together with the gantry rotary section to generate a pulse signal conforming with the change in the magnetic flux. The pulse signal obtained from the magnetic sensor is supplied to the servo amplifier, the CT main control section, etc. via the signal processing unit.

Abstract: A system and method for producing three-dimensional representations of an object. A first series of projected images of the selected object is recorded in a first projection plane and a second series of projected images of the selected object is recorded in a second projection plane. The first and the second series of projected images are rendered at a common magnification. The first set of projected images is then integrated into a first three-dimensional volume and the second set of projected images is integrated into a second three-dimensional volume. The three-dimensional representation of the object is then produced by combining one projected image from the first set of projected images with one projected image from the second set of projected images. Alternatively, the three-dimensional representation is produced by merging the first three-dimensional volume with the second three-dimensional volume.

Abstract: A method for statistically reconstructing an X-ray computed tomography image produced by a single X-ray CT scan having a polyenergetic source spectrum and an image reconstructor which utilize a convergent statistical algorithm which explicitly accounts for the polyenergetic source spectrum are provided. First and second related statistical iterative methods for CT reconstruction based on a Poisson statistical model are described. Both methods are accelerated by the use of ordered subsets, which replace sums over the angular index of a sinogram with a series of sums over angular subsets of the sinogram. The first method is generalized to model the more realistic case of polyenergetic computed tomography (CT). The second method eliminates beam hardening artifacts seen when filtered back projection (FBP) is used without post-processing correction. The methods are superior to FBP reconstruction in terms of noise reduction.

Abstract: In a method for examining a body region of an examination subject executing a periodic motion with a CT apparatus having a multi-line detector system in spiral mode, the X-ray source is activated and deactivated for the emission of X-rays substantially synchronously with the periodic motion so that the X-ray source is activated only during a phase of the periodic motion to be imaged with the CT apparatus.

Abstract: A medical apparatus for (radiation) diagnosis or therapy can be provided with moving parts 6. Such an apparatus must be provided with a collision detection device 26, 28, 30. A known collision sensor measures the supply current for the drive motor and hence induces a high degree of inaccuracy in the collision detection. According to the invention the force applied to the moving part (image intensifier 6) is measured directly on the relevant part so as to be compared with an expected value, an alarm signal being generated when a threshold value for the difference is exceeded. The expected value is calculated while taking into account all movement and acceleration parameters of the apparatus. The expected values can be calculated in advance and stored in a look-up table or can be calculated, preferably while using a model of the apparatus, during operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A rotation monitoring system (70) detects the rotational speed of an anode (10) of an x-ray tube during use. The system (70) includes a detector (72), which detects a pulse of secondary x-rays generated by the interaction of a stream (C) of electrons with a known defect (83) on a surface (84) of the anode. The detector may be position inside or outside a vacuum envelope (14) of the x-ray tube. The stream of electrons is supplied by a secondary source (80), separate from a main source (18) of electrons used to generate the primary or working x-ray beam (B) of the x-ray tube. A single pulse is detected with each rotation of the anode, providing a simple method of calculation of the anode rotation speed. Preferably, a feed back loop is used to correct the rotational speed of the anode so that overheating of the anode is avoided and the useful life of the x-ray tube is extended.

Abstract: In a method for image reconstruction in a computed tomography apparatus, whereby only the minimally possible projection angle range &agr;g(&bgr;) for the respective fan angle &bgr; is employed for all measured values S(&bgr;, &agr;) of the same fan angle &bgr;.

Abstract: A sensing coil affixed to the outside of an induction motor housing uses flux signals from the motor to measure motor speed. In particular, components of the rotor current are measured and compared to analysis from stator fundamentals and sidebands to determine the true rotor frequency which can then be used to determine the motor speed. A shield and/or a compensating coil can optionally be used to filter out extraneous signal noise.

Abstract: A method for reconstructing one or more non-axial image slices in a CT scanner, comprising: acquiring X-ray attenuation data over an axial range; and processing the attenuation data to determine CT values at a plurality of points along one or more surface corresponding respectively to each one or more non-axial image slices, wherein processing the attenuation data comprises back-projecting the data directly to the plurality of points along each of the one or more surfaces.

Abstract: A scanning and data acquisition method and apparatus for three dimensional (3D) computerized tomography (CT) imaging of an ROI in an object, wherein data is calculated on a plurality of line segments L formed in cone beam projection data acquired on a detector at a plurality of source positions. The endpoints of the line segments L formed in the data acquired at each of the source positions is determined by a data combination mask having its bounds formed by cone beam projection onto the plane of the detector of portions of the source scan path that are above and below the source position that acquired the cone beam data in which the data for the line segments L are being calculated.

Abstract: The present invention, in one form, is an apparatus for performing image reconstruction using data obtained by a four beam helical scan. In reconstructing an image, projection data arrays are generated. Such projection data is then weighted by weighting factors to generate a weighted projection data array. The weighted projection data array is filtered and back projected to generate an image data array. The image data arrays for the beams are then summed to generate a slice image data array.

Abstract: In a method for the post-processing of a tomogram, and a computed tomography apparatus operating according to this method, a universal computer is employed for post-processing of a reconstructed tomogram of a slice of an examination subject, the tomogram representing the entire field of measurement of the computed tomography apparatus or a segment of the field of measurement. The post-processing employs an adaptive ring suppression filter, in which the pixel values of a region comprising the entire tomogram or a part of the tomogram are subjected to, among other things, one or more median filterings, and an averaging, with the median filterings and the averaging take place along a number of directions of execution, and the calculation of the pixel values of the region takes place so that the pixel values of successive pixels in the each processing direction are calculated successively.

Abstract: An apparatus for medical diagnosis and/or therapy which includes an electromagnetic proximity sensor (20-1, 20-2, 20-3, 20-4) which detects the presence of an object (for example, 28) directly in front of the sensor. By coupling the main drive directions 34-1, 34-2, 34-3 and 34-4 to the proximity sensors in such a manner that each main drive direction (for example, 34-4) substantially halves the exterior angle (.alpha..sub.4) between the two neighbouring proximity sensors (20-1, 20-4) and by inhibiting the displacement in the associated main drive direction (34-4) by these two neighbouring proximity sensors, it is achieved that all clearing movements remain possible and all movements leading to collisions are inhibited.

Abstract: A scanning and data acquisition technique for three dimensional (3D) computerized tomographic (CT) imaging of an object, wherein scanning at a plurality of positions along a source scanning trajectory causes an area detector to acquire cone beam projection data corresponding to a shadow of said object at each of scanning positions and Radon derivative data is calculated by processing line integral values from cone beam projection data. In order to improve the calculation efficiency of the Radon derivative calculation, calculation of the Radon derivative data uses a determination of the left and right boundaries of the shadow for each of the scanning positions, and calculates the Radon derivative data only using projection data from within the determined boundaries.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a rotor speed of an X-ray tube anode drive includes acquiring axial flux pickup data from the rotor, using the axial flux pickup data to provide a flux spectrum, and estimating the rotor speed by analyzing the flux spectrum. The step of acquiring axial flux pickup data can include situating an axial leakage flux pickup coil so as to pick up a flux signal from an X-ray tube anode drive rotor while the rotor rotates. An analog flux signal can be converted to a digital flux signal and a fast Fourier transform can be used to transform the digital flux signal into a flux spectrum. The flux spectrum can be used to estimate a drive frequency and a slip frequency and the speed can be estimated by subtracting the slip frequency from the drive frequency and dividing by the number of pole pairs of the X-ray tube anode drive.

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray apparatus, comprising a rotary-anode X-ray tube, a device for monitoring the rotational speed of a rotary-anode drive motor of the X-ray tube, a sensor circuit for determining an angle signal which is dependent on the phase angle between a reference voltage and a current associated with the motor, a comparator circuit for detecting the angle signal variation which serves as a criterion for the rotational speed of the motor, and also comprising a frequency changer. Thanks to the fact that there is provided a device for forming a brief keying signal so as to trigger a reduction of the frequency of the rotary-anode drive motor, the device is also suitable for induction motors in which only a small phase angle variation is measured between standstill and the operating rotational speed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray apparatus, comprising a circuit arrangement for accelerating and decelerating the rotary anode of a rotary-anode X-ray tube in which phase-shifted alternating voltages can be applied to the stator windings of the drive motor for the rotary anode in an acceleration mode and a direct voltage acts on at least one of the windings in a deceleration mode, and also comprising a control device for the acceleration mode and the deceleration mode.

Abstract: In order to compensate offsets in an X-ray irradiated field, an X-ray diagnostic system comprises: an X-ray source including a movable X-ray diaphram unit; an X-ray camera unit for radiographing a patient as an object; a holding means for holding the X-ray tube and the X-ray camera unit in opposition and maintaining sufficient operating space between them; a seeking means for seeking a offset in an X-ray irradiated field; a controlling means for controlling the X-ray diaphragm unit according to an output of the seeking means.

Abstract: A CT apparatus produces a trigger position signal having a programmable angular spacing, for triggering the acquisition of projections, from an encoder index pulse having a different fixed angular spacing. An estimation circuit estimates the time of occurrence of a next pulse in the trigger position signal by evaluating the timing of the encoder index pulses. The estimation circuit may be a phase-locked-loop or a set of lookup tables keyed to gantry position and speed.