Abstract: An Angiographic X-ray imaging system includes a detector for automatically detecting a transition between different phases of contrast enhanced blood flow in vessels of a portion of patient anatomy, in response to pixel luminance content of at least one image of a sequence of acquired images of the portion of patient anatomy. An X-ray imaging device uses the detector and information associating different sets of X-ray imaging device settings with corresponding different phases of contrast enhanced blood flow in vessels for automatically sequentially acquiring images in different phases using different imaging settings, in response to detection of transitions between different phases.

Abstract: There is described a method for a periodic and three-dimensional representation of a periodically variable structure. A number of rotation images is generated for this purpose. The required rotations relating to the same event of the periodic process are started at intervals offset by a defined angle. From the rotation images, new image series are assembled with which three-dimensional representations relating to different phase ranges of the period are reconstructed.

Abstract: For Respiration Correlated Cone Beam CT scanning, we have observed that improvements in the frame rate are in fact undesirable. We therefore propose a radiographic apparatus comprising a beam of radiation and a detector therefor, adapted to obtain a two dimensional image of the beam after passing through a cyclically varying object to be investigated, a processor adapted to review the images and select images at like points in the cycle, and a control means for the beam of radiation adapted to activate the beam periodically. The control means can activate the beam at a frequency of between 0.5 and 5 Hertz, more preferably between 1 and 3 Hertz, which corresponds (roughly) to a frequency that is between 6 and 10 times the frequency of the cyclical variation. It will assist if the selected point of the cycle is an extremity thereof, as the rate of change in these areas is at a minimum. Thus, slight mismatches between the two cycles will then have only a small effect.

Abstract: A deliverable four dimensional (4D) intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) planning method is disclosed, for delivery using a linear accelerator with a dynamic multi-leaf collimator (DMLC). A 4D computed tomography (CT) scan is used for segmenting tumor anatomy on a reference phase of periodic motion of the tumor. Deformable registration of the 4D CT data is used to generate corresponding anatomical structures on other phases. Preferably, the collimator for each beam position is aligned using the gross tumor volume (GTV) centroid motion corresponding to the periodic motion of the tumor, as determined from the two dimensional (2D) projection of a given beam position. A deliverable IMRT plan is created on the 4D CT image set in which the MLC leaf positions and beam on/off status can vary as a function of respiratory phase by solving a four dimensional optimization problem. The mechanical constraints of the MLC leaves are included in the optimization.

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.

Abstract: A motor controller determines a drive speed of a motor for driving a filter such that an area shifting cycle of the filter synchronizes with a cardiac cycle. The filter starts to rotate before radiation emission, and continues to rotate at a constant speed during two successive radiation emissions. An emission controller controls timing of two emissions in accordance with a phase of the filter. The area shifting cycle of the filter and the cardiac cycle are previously synchronized, and thus a high-performance filter switching device for switching or shifting the filter in synchronization with the emission timing becomes unnecessary. Adjusting the area shifting cycle of the filter in accordance with the cardiac cycle realizes two radiation emissions in two successive cardiac cycles. As a result, an exposure time is shortened.

Abstract: A dynamic image, of a quality required for diagnosis that does not increase the radiation dosage of a person being imaged, can be captured by a dynamic imaging system that includes an imaging console which has a control unit. The control unit analyzes at least one of the frame images captured at an initial state of dynamic imaging, calculates an index indicating the quality of the image, and calculates, by using the calculated index, an upper limit frame rate fsup such that the index indicating the quality of the frame image captured by the dynamic imaging is below a determined reference value. The frame rate used for dynamic imaging is determined according to the calculated upper limit frame rate fsup and a lower limit frame rate finf required to diagnose the dynamic state of the imaged region. An imaging device may image the person at the determined frame rate.

Abstract: A method for scanning a stream of objects includes continuously acquiring raw data of the stream of objects using an X-ray system, that includes a detector. The raw data of the stream of objects is rebinned into at least one two-dimensional sinogram. A leading edge and a trailing edge of a first object of the stream of objects is determined from the at least one two-dimensional sinogram and a three-dimensional image of the first object is reconstructed using the at least one two-dimensional sinogram.

Abstract: A weight (22) and height (24) of a patient who is to undergo a calcium screening examination in an x-ray diagnostic scanner (10) is used to calculate an appropriate x-ray dose in terms of tube current (mAs) for the calcium screening examination in accordance with the formula: mAs=c(BMI)2, where BMI is a patient's body mass index defined as: BMI=patent weight_(patient height)2.and C is a constant selected in accordance with a target required noise. In this manner, patients can be scanned with a minimum dose necessary to achieve the target noise, e.g., 20 HU. The images can be compared with earlier (and subsequent) images that have the same target noise.

Abstract: A detector system adapted for monitoring a radiation treatment system comprising a pulsed beam radiation source for treating a body with a given beam intensity and beam configuration, with pulse times and intervals between pulses less than 100 milliseconds, using at least one monitoring radiation source located inside or outside the body, the detector system comprising; a) a detector designed to detect radiation from the monitoring source, and subject to interference radiation from the beam source; and b) control circuitry that creates a data record of radiation received by the detector, to provide information about the body; wherein, when the detector detects radiation in real time during operation of the beam, the data record selectively excludes data for radiation received by the detector during the pulses, as opposed to data for radiation received by the detector between pulses.

Abstract: A medical x-ray detection device includes an x-ray detector operable to detect the presence of x-ray radiation in a medical environment, and a signal emitter operatively coupled to said x-ray detector. The signal emitter includes at least one active light-emitting signal device, wherein the signal emitter is operative to emit a signal corresponding to the presence of x-ray radiation.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for optimizing a radiation treatment plan for a radiotherapy machine providing independently controlled radiation along a plurality of rays j directed toward a patient and configured to account for the effects of patient motion. The method includes generating a probability distribution function quantitatively expressing patient motion, identifying a prescribed total dose Dip at the voxels i in a treatment area, assigning a fluence value wj for each ray j based on an iterative function, calculating an actual total dose Did produced each voxel i within the assigned fluence values and calculating an expectation value of the dose per energy fluence, dij based on the actual total dose Did and the probability distribution function.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an X-ray generating unit which generates X rays, an X-ray detecting unit which detects X rays transmitted through a subject, an X-ray exposure operating unit which is operated by an operator, and a system control unit which controls the X-ray generating unit in order to start the generation of the X rays from the X-ray generating unit at a time point when a heart rate phase of the subject reaches a specified phase after the X-ray exposure operating unit is operated.

Abstract: An X-ray computed tomographic apparatus includes a gantry 100 including an X-ray tube 101 which generates X-rays and an X-ray detector 103 which detects X-rays transmitted through a subject to be examined, a reconstruction device 114 which generates tomogram data on the basis of an output from the X-ray detector, a breath detector 203 which detects a respiration waveform representing a temporal change in respiration index value associated with the subject, a regular respiration waveform generating unit 207 which generates a respiration waveform with a regular respiration cycle which originates from the detected respiration waveform, and a gantry mount display 201 which displays the generated regular respiration waveform.

Abstract: A deliverable four dimensional (4D) intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) planning method is disclosed, for delivery using a linear accelerator with a dynamic multi-leaf collimator (DMLC). A 4D computed tomography (CT) scan is used for segmenting tumor anatomy on a reference phase of periodic motion of the tumor. Deformable registration of the 4D CT data is used to generate corresponding anatomical structures on other phases. Preferably, the collimator for each beam position is aligned using the gross tumor volume (GTV) centroid motion corresponding to the periodic motion of the tumor, as determined from the two dimensional (2D) projection of a given beam position. A deliverable IMRT plan is created on the 4D CT image set in which the MLC leaf positions and beam on/off status can vary as a function of respiratory phase by solving a four dimensional optimization problem. The mechanical constraints of the MLC leaves are included in the optimization.

Abstract: An method of computed tomography is disclosed herein. The method includes acquiring an axial dataset and acquiring a helical dataset as part of an acquisition protocol. A computed tomography system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A contraband detection system includes a first contraband detection apparatus designed to perform a first scan on an object and a second contraband detection apparatus positioned in-line with the first contraband detection apparatus to perform a second scan on the object. A computer is included in the contraband detection system and is programmed to cause the first contraband detection apparatus to perform the first scan and acquire object data therefrom. The computer is further programmed to identify one or more regions of interest (ROI) in the object based on the object data, cause the second contraband detection apparatus to perform the second scan on the one or more identified ROIs, and acquire object data from the second scan.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering radiation treatment to a moving target within a patient according to a preprogrammed treatment plan including determining a difference between a surrogate signal representing a physical characteristic associated with said patient's actual breathing pattern during radiation treatment delivery and a tracking signal representing a physical characteristic associated with said patient's expected breathing pattern during radiation treatment delivery, and regulating a speed of delivery of said radiation treatment based on said determined difference.

Abstract: A technique is provided for the temporal interpolation of a projection data set acquired of a dynamic object, such as a heart. The projection data set is acquired using a slowly rotating gantry and a distributed X-ray source. The projection data may be interpolated at each view position to a selected instant of time, such as relative to a cardiac phase. The resulting interpolated projection data characterize the projection data at each view location at any instant in time. The set of interpolated projection data may then be reconstructed to generate images and/or volume with improved temporal resolution.

Abstract: A cardiovascular x-ray diagnostic system capable of taking radiographs at different positions by moving at least one of a tabletop on which a subject is placed and a radiographic system equipped with an x-ray tube and an x-ray detector includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire a radiography position from a position of the tabletop and a position of the radiographic system; a reference position identification unit configured to identify a reference radiography position; and a radiographic unit configured to take radiographs by changing a radiographic parameter based on a current radiography position acquired by the acquisition unit and the reference radiography position.

Abstract: A rotation unit is supported to a device main body unit so as to rotate about a rotation supporting point. The rotation unit is rotated from a closure posture close to the device main body unit until a rotation limit position at 180 degrees. A magnet is fixed to the rotation unit at a position away from the rotation supporting point, and the device main body unit is provided with a detector capable of distinctly detect magnetic fields in two directions. When the rotation unit is rotated from the closure posture at a predetermined angle, a first open detection output is obtained form the detector and a display unit provided to the rotation unit is turned ON. The rotation unit is further rotated and when a second open detection output is obtained from the detector, the display content of the display unit is switched to be turned upside down.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system of controlling rotation of a gantry to rotate at a rotational speed such that a desired relationship between center projection angles of neighboring partial scans is maintained.

Abstract: The invention involves monitoring patient movement, in particular respiratory movement, of a patient (30) positioned on a couch (20) in connection with a radiation gantry (10). A 2D or 3D pattern (115) is projected onto the patient (30). At least a first portion of the pattern (115) is detected by a first detector (120) arranged on a first side of the gantry (10). At least a second portion of the pattern (115) is detected by a second detector (130) arranged on a second opposite side of the gantry (10). Pattern detection data is generated by the two detectors (120, 130) and is used for generating information representative of movement of the patient (30) on the couch (20). The information can be used, for instance, for prospective and/or retrospective gating.

Abstract: A method of prompting a patient includes informing a patient a relationship between a result of an activity being performed by the patient and a first target result to be achieved by the activity. A method of prompting a patient includes informing a patient a relationship between a time and a target result to be achieved by an activity. A method of prompting a patient includes informing a patient a relationship between a position of a portion of the patient and a first target position for the portion.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other modalities are described for (a) obtaining an indication relating to an emission module (which may be dangerous, e.g.) or its user (who may be untrained, e.g.) and for (b) configuring the module or causing an irradiation (for imaging, e.g.) in response to the indication.

Abstract: An x-ray-based radiation imaging apparatus (200) for use in imaging an object (201) can comprise a source of x-rays (202) having an output radiation intensity control input and a radiation intensity controller (207) operably coupled thereto. This radiation intensity controller can have a control output (209, 210) that is operably coupled to the output radiation intensity control input and an object information input (209). So configured, the radiation intensity controller can dynamically adjust radiation intensity as output by the source of x-rays as a function of information regarding the object itself.

Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus detects a predetermined characteristic wave from each electrocardiographic waveform acquired from an electrocardiograph, predicts intervals with which the characteristic wave appears based on appearance times of the detected predetermined characteristic wave in each electrocardiographic waveform, and determines an X-ray irradiation start time based on the predicted interval time. After an instruction to start collection of X-ray intensity distribution data is received, if an appearance interval of a detected predetermined characteristic wave is within an acceptable normal-heartbeat range, it is determined as a normal heartbeat. If the appearance interval of the detected predetermined characteristic wave is outside the acceptable normal-heartbeat range, it is determined as an abnormal heartbeat.

Abstract: The breast's radiation image taking apparatus and method set an imaging condition in association with a first region on a distal end side which is an imaging region spaced from a chest wall of a subject, take a first radiation image of the breast in the first region and take a second radiation image of the breast in a second region on a proximal end side closer to the chest wall than the first region under the same imaging condition as in the first region. The apparatus includes a radiation source, a breast support plane on which the breast is to be placed, a radiation-receiving plane for acquiring a radiation image of the breast, an imaging position switching device by which relative positions of the both planes are changed, an imaging condition setting device for setting an imaging condition and an imaging control device controls so that the first and second radiation images are taken in two positions on both sides.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system of controlling rotation of a gantry to rotate at a rotational speed such that a desired relationship between center projection angles of neighboring partial scans is maintained.

Abstract: An image system, notably an X-ray system and an ultrasound system, is provided in which images or sequences of images are generated and used to automatically change or optimize the operational behavior of individual image system components. Measurement fields are defined in the images of an image sequence by means of a data processing unit. Information is extracted from the measurement fields in order to adapt the system components. More specifically, in the course of a sequence of images the measurement fields are adapted or shifted in conformity with the motion of objects.

Abstract: A controller for an X-ray device and an X-ray device with such a controller are provided. The X-ray device includes an X-ray generator, connected to the controller and at least one camera, connected to the controller. The controller is embodied to receive image data of a patient or object from the camera. The controller includes an analytical module, embodied to analyze image data from the camera and to generate at least one control signal for control of the X-ray generator depending on the result of the analysis of the image data, transmitted thereto by the controller.

Abstract: An X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes an X-ray source, a high voltage generating unit, an X-ray detector detecting X-rays transmitted through a subject to generate projection data, a storage unit storing the projection data in association with electrocardiographic data of the subject, a setting unit setting a specific cardiac phase in accordance with an operator's instruction, a reconstruction unit reconstructing a tomogram based on projection data sets acquired in specific periods centered on the specific cardiac phase throughout cardiac cycles, a period extending unit extending the specific period on the basis of a heart rate fluctuation range of the subject, and a control unit controlling the high voltage generating unit to generate a relatively high dose of X-rays in the extended specific period and generate a relatively low dose of X-rays in a period other than the extended specific period.

Abstract: When a repeatedly periodically moving site of a to-be-examined subject in a gantry is subjected to computed tomography and is reconstructed, the gantry is rotated in synchronization with the movement of the periodically moving site, and a dynamic image showing a transient phenomenon is obtained in which the periodic movement of the moving site has been stopped. As a result, the flow of a contrast agent or the like can be observed in a state of stopping the movement of an internal organ that moves repeatedly periodically.

Abstract: For Respiration Correlated Cone Beam CT scanning, we have observed that improvements in the frame rate are in fact undesirable. We therefore propose a radiographic apparatus comprising a beam of radiation and a detector therefor, adapted to obtain a two dimensional image of the beam after passing through a cyclically varying object to be investigated, a processor adapted to review the images and select images at like points in the cycle, and a control means for the beam of radiation adapted to activate the beam periodically. The control means can activate the beam at a frequency of between 0.5 and 5 Hertz, more preferably between 1 and 3 Hertz, which corresponds (roughly) to a frequency that is between 6 and 10 times the frequency of the cyclical variation. It will assist if the selected point of the cycle is an extremity thereof, as the rate of change in these areas is at a minimum. Thus, slight mismatches between the two cycles will then have only a small effect.

Abstract: For the purpose of X-ray CT imaging a heart of a subject with high image quality while reducing stress on the subject, once an optimal cardiac phase has been set by an optimal cardiac phase setting section 30b and a target position in a subject to be scanned when the cardiac phase of the subject is at an optimal cardiac phase is defined at a target position defining section 30c, a transport-starting-cardiac-phase calculating section 30b calculates a transport-starting cardiac phase such that the target position is scanned at the optimal cardiac phase, using the optimal cardiac cycle, target position, scan start position, transport speed of an imaging table, and approach-run time for the imaging table. A scan control section starts transport at the imaging table 4 when the cardiac phase of the subject coincides with the transport-starting cardiac phase, and performs a helical scan with a helical pitch of one or more, for example.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an X-ray generating unit which generates X rays, an X-ray detecting unit which detects X rays transmitted through a subject, an X-ray exposure operating unit which is operated by an operator, and a system control unit which controls the X-ray generating unit in order to start the generation of the X rays from the X-ray generating unit at a time point when a heart rate phase of the subject reaches a specified phase after the X-ray exposure operating unit is operated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing a 3D x-ray image data record of a patient, in particular of the heart, by an x-ray imaging system connected to a measuring facility which monitors the breathing phases of the patient. The x-ray image system is automatically activated repeatedly when a predetermined breathing phase is reached and an image acquisition operation is carried out, during which a plurality of 2D x-ray images are recorded. An individual 3D image data record is reconstructed from the 2D x-ray images of each image acquisition operation and the different 3D image data records are registered in pairs in order to assign them in a correct positional and dimensional arrangement. Registration parameters are obtained during the registration. The 3D image data record is reconstructed from 2D x-ray images from all image acquisition operations using the registration parameters.

Abstract: A region of interest is set in a state in which a subject is positioned in front of a radiographic image detector. Further, judgment is made as to whether a defect region is present in the region of interest. If the defect region is present in the region of interest, a relative movement amount of at least one of the subject and the radiographic image detector is calculated. After the at least one of the subject and the radiographic image detector is moved by the calculated relative movement amount, radiography is performed to detect a radiographic image.

Abstract: The accuracy of combining positions of elongated images is improved at low cost, in a radiation imaging apparatus for generating elongated images having dimensions greater than a detectable range of a radiation image detecting means. A laser source is utilized. Displacement measuring means for measuring distances to targets by receiving a laser beam reflected by the subjects is provided. Positions that correspond to the ends of images in the movement direction of the radiation image detecting means are scanned in the direction perpendicular to the movement direction with the laser beam at each imaging operation. The displacement measuring means measures the positions of the ends of subjects in the laser scanning direction by receiving the laser beam reflected during scanning. An image processing means matches the combining positions of radiation images such that the ends of the subjects measured during each imaging operation are matched, and generates the elongated image.

Abstract: IVR-CT apparatus has an angio-image obtaining unit, an angio-image imaging direction obtaining unit, a CT-image obtaining unit, a blood vessel part extracting unit, a projected image generating unit and a display control unit. The angio-image obtaining unit obtains a required angio-image from multiple chronological angio-images. The angio-image imaging direction obtaining unit obtains a direction of imaging as incidental information included in data on the required angio-image. The CT-image obtaining unit obtains a three-dimensional CT-image corresponding to the required angio-image. The blood vessel part extracting unit extracts a blood vessel part in the three-dimensional CT-image. The projected image generating unit generates a three-dimensional projected image by projecting the blood vessel part, and a three-dimensional projected image corresponding to a direction of a projection after a manual operation operates the direction of the projection.

Abstract: An image guided treatment is performed to treat a target. To perform the image guided treatment, measurement data indicative of target motion is acquired. A timing of one or more x-ray images is determined based on the measurement data. Treatment may be performed on the target using the position of the target.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, system, and means to detect motion of a subject by direct imaging on a treatment plane during a radiotherapy treatment, the method includes delivering a radiotherapy treatment beam to a volume of interest of the subject during a treatment time, acquiring image data during the treatment time associated with the delivery of the radiotherapy treatment beam by a direct imaging of a projection of the treatment volume of interest, providing a real-time display of the acquired image data, determining the occurrence of a motion in the volume of interest during the treatment time, determining the motion exceeds a pre-determined threshold, and outputting an indication the determined motion exceeds the pre-determined threshold during the treatment time.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic system has a display unit, a selection unit, a calculation unit and an imaging execution unit. The display unit displays images of a plurality of frames collected by a predetermined frame rate about an object. The selection unit selects an image of a particular frame from the images of the frames displayed on the display unit. The calculation unit calculates a delay time to the particular frame selected by the selection unit based on the frame rate. The imaging execution unit executes an imaging based on the delay time calculated by the calculation unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the density and other properties of a formation surrounding a borehole using a high voltage x-ray generator. One embodiment comprises a stable compact x-ray generator capable of providing radiation with energy of 250 keV and higher while operating at temperatures equal to or greater than 125° C. In another embodiment, radiation is passed from an x-ray generator into the formation; reflected radiation is detected by a short spaced radiation detector and a long spaced radiation detector. The output of these detectors is then used to determine the density of the formation. In one embodiment, a reference radiation detector monitors a filtered radiation signal. The output of this detector is used to control at least one of the acceleration voltage and beam current of the x-ray generator.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for an intelligent adaptive x-ray imaging system, in which the exposure conditions of the object to x-rays is dynamically controlled and optimized in real-time in order to provide the optimum diagnostic information. The arrangement splits the imaging beam into two separate fan beams that scan over the object in a single pass, where the first beam (scout) collects information from the object, that is analyzed to control the intensity or spectral quality or spatial distribution of the second beam (I-ImaS). The CMOS image sensors deployed in the arrangement are able to process detected information either on-chip or within a field programmable gate array, so as to compute a measure related to the diagnostic value of the information.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an X-ray scanning system having a plurality of detectors and a controller, where a) the controller is configured to receive and identify a minimum X-ray transmission level detected by at least one detector, b) the controller compares the minimum X-ray transmission level to at least one predetermined threshold transmission level, and c) based on said comparison, the controller generates an adjustment signal. The present invention further comprises an X-ray source, where the X-ray source receives an adjustment signal and is configured to adjust an X-ray pulse duration based on the adjustment signal.

Abstract: This invention is provided to determine a tube current at the imaging of the heart by an X-ray CT apparatus in such a manner that image noise becomes constant. Upon determining a tube current of an X-ray tube at the time that the heart is imaged by an X-ray CT apparatus, the tube current is determined based on an index related to image's noise and a BMI of a subject. The noise is at a central portion of an ascending main artery. Determining the tube current is conducted using a function with the BNI as a variable. The function is given in the form of a polynomial equation of the BMI. Each coefficient of the polynomial equation is a function of the index.

Abstract: A radiotherapy system including a collimator operable to shape and steer a radiation beam in at least one dimension, a turntable for supporting a patient thereupon adapted to rotate the patient about a rotational axis, the patient having a target therein for irradiation by the radiation beam, a detector adapted for measuring a position of the target relative to the radiation beam, and a processor adapted to receive target positional data from the detector, the processor being in communication with the collimator for causing the collimator to steer the radiation beam in a direction to the target.

Abstract: Methods are provided for cardiac gating of multiple-energy projection radiographic imaging utilizing an apparatus that measures the patient's peripheral blood perfusion. The choice of methods is dependant on the patient's heart rate and the delays inherent in the imaging system. A first method allows for imaging during the diastole period of the current cardiac cycle. A second method provides an implemented delay to acquire the image during the diastole period of a subsequent cardiac cycle. The use of the apparatus that measures the patient's peripheral blood perfusion allows for an efficient and convenient means of cardiac gating while avoiding occlusion of diagnostically important anatomy.

Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus irradiates a subject with a radioactive ray emitted from a radiation generation unit to capture a radiographic image based on a radioactive ray that has penetrated through the subject. The radiation imaging apparatus includes a histogram calculation unit configured to calculate a histogram resulting from pixel values of the radiographic image, and a radiation irradiation condition determination unit configured to determine radiation irradiation conditions for a radioactive ray to be emitted from the radiation generation unit in such a way as to flatten a distribution of the histogram.