Abstract: An X-ray radioscopy device comprises: an image capturing unit that captures a moving image of an object that has been irradiated by X-rays; an analysis processing unit that performs different analysis processes in parallel on each frame that makes up the moving image and extracts, from each frame, a region of interest defined as a portion of the object subject to radioscopy by the X-ray irradiation; and a selection unit that performs an evaluation operation on the multiple regions of interest extracted based on the different analysis processes, and based on the result of the evaluation operation, selects and outputs a single region of interest from the multiple regions of interest extracted by the analysis processing unit.

Abstract: A method and a CT system are disclosed for carrying out a cardio-CT examination of a patient. The patient first is scanned using a first X-ray spectrum by way of at least two X-ray tubes at a first relative position, until the measurement data has been gathered from a determined heart phase for parallel projections over a range of in total at least 180° of projection angles. The patient is then scanned, without changing the position of the gantry, at the first relative position by way of at least two X-ray tubes using at least one second X-ray spectrum, until the measurement data has been gathered from a determined heart phase for parallel projections over a range of at least 180° of projection angles, upon which the next relative position between the patient and the gantry is moved to.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes applying an output of a substantially monochromatic x-ray beam source to a target tissue along a first path, tuning the output of the substantially monochromatic x-ray beam source, and applying an output of a substantially monochromatic x-ray beam source to a target tissue along a second path different from the first path. The energy of the output of the substantially monochromatic x-ray beam source at the target tissue substantially corresponds to a binding energy level of an electron shell in an atom within the target tissue along the first path. The tuning tunes the substantially monochromatic x-ray beam source such that an energy of the output of the substantially monochromatic x-ray beam source at the target tissue along the second path substantially corresponds to a binding energy level of an electron shell in an atom within the target tissue.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically adjusting parameters of an imaging machine are disclosed. The system comprises at least one sensor device to capture sensed characteristic information of a next person to be medically imaged. The system also includes a computer to receive the sensed characteristic information from the at least one sensor device and to generate adjustment data based on the sensed characteristic information. The system further includes a medical imaging machine to receive the adjustment data from the computer and to adjust at least one parameter of the imaging machine in response to the adjustment data.

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: System and method for XRD-based threat detection. An object is scanned with a first threat detection system. One or more alarm objects are identified. Data about the one or more alarm objects is passed from the first threat detection system to a second threat detection system and is used to move and/or to rotate the object in a predetermined ray path that decreases attenuation of scattered x-ray radiation. Also disclosed is a secondary collimator for XRD-based false alarm resolution in computed tomography {“CT”) threat detection systems. The secondary collimator comprises one or more slit apertures configured to provide a multi-angle capability that extends a range of momenta for which XRD intensities are measured for a predetermined range of photon intensities.

Abstract: A method for four-dimensional (4D) image verification in respiratory gated radiation therapy, includes: acquiring 4D computed tomography (CT) images, each of the 4D CT images representing a breathing phase of a patient and tagged with a corresponding time point of a first surrogate signal; acquiring fluoroscopic images of the patient under free breathing, each of the fluoroscopic images tagged with a corresponding time point of a second surrogate signal; generating digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRRs) for each breathing phase represented by the 4D CT images; generating a similarity matrix to assess a degree of resemblance in a region of interest between the DRRs and the fluoroscopic images; computing a compounded similarity matrix by averaging values of the similarity matrix across different time points of the breathing phase during a breathing period of the patient; determining an optimal time point synchronization between the DRRs and the fluoroscopic images by using the compounded similarity matrix;

Abstract: It is intended to provide an X-ray photography apparatus whereby lungs can be photographed in the desirable inherent size thereof. An X-ray photography apparatus, having: an X-ray radiation section for radiating an X-ray; an imaging section for detecting the X-ray having passed through an examinee; a memory section for storing maximum inspiration amount data of the examinee; an aspiration flow amount measuring section for measuring an aspiration flow amount of the examinee; and a control section for conducting data processing based on the maximum inspiration amount data of the examinee stored in the memory section and the aspiration flow amount of the examinee measured by the aspiration flow amount measuring section.

Abstract: A virtual 4D treatment suite includes a dose calculation module, a gating module, and a dose rate adjustment module. The 4D treatment suite may be used to virtually analyze the impact the motion of a target tissue has on therapy for a particular patient and a proposed treatment plan. For example, for a proposed treatment plan, the dose calculation module may calculate a dose that would be received by a target tissue and an associated dose temporal variation based on an identified movement of the target tissue relative to at least a portion of a treatment field. Based on the calculated expected therapy dose and dose temporal variation, the gating module may determine whether to implement a gating technique for the proposed treatment plan and/or the dose rate adjustment module may determine whether to adjust the dose rate of the proposed treatment plan.

Abstract: An X-ray unit according to the invention has a first arrangement (2) that is intended for the contactless and X-ray free measurement of first data of an object (1). A control unit (3) controls, on the basis of the first data of the object, a second arrangement (4) that measures X-ray data of the object by means of X-rays. With such an X-ray unit, first data 5 of the object can be obtained without using X-rays and control of the measurement of the X-ray data is made possible, with the result that, for the optimum quality of the X-ray data, only a minimum X-ray dose is applied to the object.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a radiation inspection system, such as an X-ray system, that can operate efficiently even in inclement weather conditions while being highly mobile. Thus the improved inspection system of the present invention is capable of operating in high temperature and corrosive environments and is designed to withstand moisture, dirt and/or dust from the articles of inspection as well.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for producing an image of the heart (5), in which the image is preferably three-dimensional and is reconstructed from a series of X-ray projection pictures from various projection directions. In this connection, the electrocardiogram (7) is recorded in parallel with the X-ray pictures and used by a data processing device (10) to control the picture-taking rate, the X-ray pulse duration, the tube current and/or the tube voltage of the X-ray device (1) in such a way that, during the phase to be displayed of maximum movement of the heart, the mean X-ray exposure rate is higher than during the other phases. The data processing device (10) may furthermore use the electrocardiogram to drive an injection pump (8) for the contrast agent in such a way that an approximately constant contrast display of the vessels is produced with minimum contrast-agent injection despite a variable flowrate in the vascular system.

Abstract: A device interface selectively acquires patient physiological parameter data. An acquisition processor acquires physiological data from a patient. A communication processor is coupled to an optical communication pathway for receiving a plurality of optical signals from a source. A conversion processor is electrically coupled to the acquisition processor and communication processor and converts a first optical power signal at a first frequency and received via the optical communication pathway using the communication processor, to a first electrical signal for providing power to said device 1interface. The conversion processor converts an optical control signal at a second frequency different from the first frequency and received via the optical communication pathway using the communication processor, to a second electrical signal for providing control data to the acquisition processor directing the acquisition processor to acquire at least one physiological parameter from a patient.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for generating, evaluating and distributing computer-tomographical 4D representations of the heart of a patient. The system includes a cardio CT appliance, where a first low-resolution reconstruction of cardio recordings in a multiplicity of cycle phases of the cardiac cycle and subsequent volume rendering of these cardio recordings for 3D representation and examination of the clarity of motion of the representation in the individual cycle phases are performed. This representation is used to select one or two cycle phases with a relatively reduced or even minimal lack of clarity of motion. High-resolution representations of the heart are reconstructed for these selected one or two cycle phases, with the computation and control unit transmitting only the high-resolution representations of the selected cycle phases with a relatively reduced lack of clarity of motion to the at least one workstation as still images, and the workstation being used to perform the evaluation.

Abstract: A method and an image evaluation unit are disclosed for recognizing and marking contrast agents in blood vessels of the lung with the aid of a CT examination using at least two different x-ray energy spectra.

Abstract: The present invention provides an X-ray imaging apparatus and X-ray controlling method which allows appropriate X-ray control irrespective of the type and position of a subject. The X-ray controller device for controlling the X-ray emission condition of the X-ray emitter device based on the image information of a fluoroscopic image sets within one frame of the fluoroscopic image a plurality of narrow regions and one single wide region encompassing these narrow regions, selects as the formal region, from within the plurality of narrow regions and the wide region, the region in which the subject is assumed to be present, or selects as the formal region the wide region if there is no region in which the subject is assumed to be present, then control the X-ray emission condition of the X-ray emitter device based on the image information in the formal region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method or x-ray device for creating a series of two-dimensional medical x-ray images to be related to each other in an evaluation of a patient with initially a first x-ray image and subsequently a further x-ray image being created, a deviation caused by a patient movement in each case between the further x-ray image and an x-ray image of the previously created x-ray images being determined and a relative position between an x-ray emitter and x-ray detector used to create the x-ray images and the patient being set in the sense of compensating for the patient movement depending on the relevant deviation, in order to guarantee over the entire extent of the series recording x-ray images which can be related to each other with few errors in an inexpensive manner despite movement of the patient.

Abstract: With a view to providing a radiographing plan assisting method which can easily prepare a radiographing plan by utilizing a user interface, it is made possible to select an anatomical region through a user interface, select through a user interface an anatomical area belonging to the selected anatomical region, select a radiographing protocol for the selected anatomical area through a user interface, and select a feature of the selected radiographing protocol through a user interface.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a storage unit which stores the data of a plurality of images in an angiography sequence, and a computation unit which generates a reference time density curve concerning a reference region set in a blood supply region to a blood supplied region and a plurality of time density curves concerning a plurality of local regions set in the blood supplied region on the basis of the data of a plurality of images, and computes a plurality of indexes respectively representing the correlations of the plurality of time density curves with respect to the reference time density curve.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for automatically setting an X-Ray strength based at least in part on the volume of an object. Lasers are used to measure distances to the object. Using the measured distances, a volume of the object to be X-Rayed is estimated. Using the estimated volume, an appropriate X-Ray strength is determined and an X-Ray machine is adjusted to provide X-Rays of that strength.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for measuring the signal-to-noise ratio of x-ray images and to adaptively control x-ray exposure in response to image quality and patient movement.

Abstract: A medical examination or intervention device that includes at least one component, in particular a C-arm, that can be moved under a user's control via a manual control device, as well as a collision monitoring device embodied for ascertaining an imminent collision and/or one having already occurred, with the control device having a haptic indicating means, controlled by the collision monitoring device, for indicating an imminent component collision and/or one having already occurred.

Abstract: An X-ray device which is especially applicable to the X-ray imaging for child at the age of 0-3 is provided. The X-ray device can use the X-ray tube (10) which uses the molybdemun target or rhodium target (12) to produce the soft X-ray by the tube voltage between 25 and 50 kV. The synchronous-exposing equipment contained in the X-ray device may identify the still status and the breath, pulse status suitable for exposure of the child, automatically select the optimal exposing time so that it can acquire a clear X-ray image through only one X-ray exposure, thus prevent the human body from the needless X-ray radiation caused by the multiple X-ray exposures, and also improve the service efficiency of the equipment.

Abstract: An x-ray imaging system that constantly evaluates and determines optimal image acquisition parameters, such as frame rate and pulse length, based on the application and motion detection during an x-ray acquisition scene, and applies optimal image acquisition parameters accordingly. The x-ray imaging method includes accessing previous image data and accessing present image data. Motion between the present image data and at least a portion of the previous image data is detected and the one or more image acquisition parameters are determined as a function of the detected motion.

Abstract: An X-ray detector for drive timing setting is provided outside an image taking region of a sensor unit. Thus, an X-ray image taking device is constructed such that a case structure is simple and a preferable image which is not affected by back-scattering can be captured.

Abstract: The invention relates to the association of a current (X-ray image) image of a body volume with one of several stored previous images, the ECG and the respiratory cycle being determined each time together with the images. Using this data, that one of the previous images is chosen which is closest to the current image in respect of cardiac rhythm and respiratory cycle. The resultant association yields a very high accuracy enabling superposed reproduction of the current image and the associated previous image.

Abstract: A radiographing system wherein, in the “Receiving” state of having received the radiographing order from one control terminal apparatus, an FPD does not receive other radiographing reservation, or in the “Receiving” state of having received the radiographing order from one control terminal apparatus, a management server does not receive any other radiographing order.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for imaging a portion of a body of a subject that moves as a result of cyclic activity of a body system of the subject and that also undergoes additional motion. An imaging device acquires a plurality of image frames of the portion. A sensor senses a phase of the cyclic activity of the body system. A control unit generates a stabilized set of image frames of the portion by identifying a given phase of the cyclic activity, and outputting a set of the image frames corresponding to image frames of the portion acquired during the given phase, and by image tracking at least the set of image frames to reduce imaged motion of the portion associated with the additional motion. A display displays the stabilized set of image frames of the portion. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and also an imaging system to compensate for patient motion when recording a series of images in medical imaging, in which a number of images of an area under examination of a patient (17) are recorded at intervals with an imaging system (1) and are related to one another.

Abstract: A diagnosis device, in particular an x-ray device, includes a patient couch which is rotatably mounted on a carrier device as well as a diagnosis unit, which is likewise mounted on the carrier device and can be moved along a longitudinal direction in parallel to the patient couch by a motor drive and an adjustment mechanism. A measuring device for measuring a measurement signal of a measured variable correlated with the drive force is provided in order to promptly identify a collision between the diagnosis unit and a patient mounted on the patient couch. A control unit is provided to evaluate the measurement signal. The control unit is designed in order to trigger a reaction when a predetermined value in respect of the measurement signal is exceeded.

Abstract: A method is for imaging with the aid of a multirow computed tomograph. A volume scan of an examination area of a patient is carried out, with the injection of a contrast medium, at a scanning speed in a scanning direction in order to reconstruct one or more images of the examination area. In the method, the scanning speed is adapted to the propagation speed of the contrast medium in the scanning direction. The method permits the contrast medium requirement to be reduced in the case of CT examinations with the administration of contrast medium.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray intensity designation unit which designates an emitted X-ray intensity of X-rays applied to a target, an X-ray exposure control unit which compares a predetermined recommended X-ray intensity with the emitted X-ray intensity designated by the X-ray intensity designation unit to determine whether the emitted X-ray intensity becomes equal to or more than the recommended X-ray intensity, and a warning generating unit which generates a warning signal indicating that the emitted X-ray intensity becomes equal to or more than the recommended X-ray intensity, on the basis of the determination made by the X-ray exposure control unit.

Abstract: A method includes automatically determining at least one gating signal based on a physiological signal from a subject being imaged by an imaging system, automatically determining, based upon prior analysis and knowledge of the imaging system's capabilities, a timing of each of a plurality of exposures within a single or multiple cycles of the physiologic signal, and performing the multiple acquisitions.

Abstract: A method is provided to image an organ of the human or animal body using and acquisition device rotating over an angle, in that the rotation speed of the rotating acquisition device is modulated dependent on a reference signal that represents a current movement state of the organ to be imaged. Additionally or alternatively, the measurement interval in which the acquisition of the organ ensures during the rotation can respectively be adapted using the reference signal to a cycle duration of the movement of the organ to be imaged. Moreover, a corresponding apparatus to implement such a method is provided.

Abstract: Dose distribution is measured in a patient-shaped phantom with high accuracy for radiation therapy treatment verification. A detector configuration in such a phantom and improvements in measurement methodology enable application of correction factors in an accurate way.

Abstract: A method and a tomography unit are disclosed for taking tomographic pictures of a patient's beating heart, in particular X-ray CT pictures. In such a method and tomography unit, only detector data or image data of a portion of the cardiac phase from one or more heart beats is used for taking a picture. Further, at least one pressure signal, produced by the mechanical cardiac pulse and varying temporally with the cardiac cycle, is used for determining the cardiac phase.

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 analyse 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: A system for dynamic treatment simulation for radiotherapy. Software is implemented on a computer system to perform dynamic simulation by displaying every segment of dynamic treatment beams on top of real-time fluoroscopic image sequences. Automated distortion correction of the fluoroscopic image due to the image intensifier is performed in real-time. A respiration phase indicator measures changes in circumference of the patient's chest through the movement of a radio-opaque marker that appears directly in the fluoroscopic images of the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for repositioning a patient in a diagnostic/therapeutic system, as well as to such a system, wherein a repeated, accurate repositioning is achieved by producing difference images from a reference image and a current image, each in two recording axes, which are independent of each other, and by subsequently minimizing the visible differences. The reference images are produced with the same camera setting as the current images.

Abstract: A C-arm X-ray system includes synchronized ECG gating for enhanced cardiac soft-tissue imaging. The system includes an X-ray source disposed on a C-arm for rotation in a circular path about a patient and configured to release X-ray radiation synchronously with an ECG-gating signal, an X-ray image sensor disposed on the C-arm in a fixed opposing position to the X-ray source and configured to rotate with the source and receive the X-ray radiation and an ECG unit for acquiring ECG data from the patient. The system also includes a digital image acquisition processor arranged in communication with the X-ray source, X-ray image sensor and ECG unit for acquiring 2D projection images at predetermined C-arm angulations in the presence of the ECG-gating signal and an image processor arranged in communication with the digital image acquisition processor to receive and process the series of 2D projection images and reconstruct a continuous 3D volumetric image of the patient's cardiac soft tissue therefrom.

Abstract: In order to achieve a particularly good image sharpness, in a method and apparatus for radiological imaging of an examination subject, a digital x-ray detector is arranged behind the subject and a scattered-ray grid is positionable between the subject and the x-ray detector. The scattered-ray grid is designed for reduction of the scattered ray proportion of x-rays penetrating the subject. If the thickness of the subject is below a defined thickness, the scattered-ray grid is removed from the beam path.

Abstract: A method is for taking tomograms of a patient's beating heart with the aid of a computed tomography unit. ECG signals of the beating heart are recorded. In order to reconstruct the cardiac tomograms, use is made of detector data that originate from a selected cycle area of the cardiac cycle. The cycle area from which the data for the reconstruction originate is selected automatically and individually per cycle, for at least one cardiac cycle, by use of pattern recognition.

Abstract: An X-ray computerized tomographic apparatus comprising a gantry which scans a patient with X-rays in order to acquire data on the patient, a decision unit which decides completion of the acquisition of the data on the basis of an electrocardiac waveform of the patient, and a scan controller which controls the gantry in order to end the scan or irradiation with the X-rays when the completion of the data acquisition has been decided.

Abstract: A bellows-based patient breath-hold monitoring and feedback system for use in intermittent mode CT fluoroscopy-guided biopsies of the lung or upper abdomen where respiratory motion is a problem. Breath-hold monitoring and feedback with the bellows system allows a patient to perform consistent breath-holds at a preselected level, which in turn, optimizes intermittent mode CT fluoroscopy-guided biopsies of the lung or upper abdomen by allowing target lesions to be reliably visualized.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for irradiating a target includes a radiation source (12) for generating a radiation beam and a multiple leaf beam adjuster (16) for collimating and adjusting the shape of the radiation beam from the radiation source (12) that would be projected on the target. An image detector (17) detects generates an image signal of the target. In response to the image signal, a control module (18) generate a beam adjustment signal for controlling the beam adjuster (16), thereby enabling the radiation beam from the radiation source (12) to track the movement of the target.

Abstract: The invention is intended to always ensure a sufficient level of patient positioning accuracy regardless of the skills of individual operators.

Abstract: The invention is intended to always ensure a sufficient level of patient positioning accuracy regardless of the skills of individual operators.

Abstract: A medical imaging system including an imaging device and a patient positioning area in close proximity to the imaging device. A protective bumper is attached to, and conforms to a shape of the imaging device. The system may also include a detection system that has a pressure sensing device.

Abstract: A scanning-based apparatus for obtaining tomosynthesis data of an object performing a periodic movement comprises a radiation source emitting radiation around an axis of symmetry; a radiation detector comprising line detectors, each being directed towards the divergent radiation source to allow a ray bundle of the radiation that propagates in a different angle to enter the line detector after having been transmitted through the object, and to be detected repeatedly therein; and a movement device provided for moving the radiation source and the radiation detector relative to the object linearly in a path orthogonal to the symmetry axis, and a distance which is sufficient for scanning each of the line detectors across the entire object. The movement device is provided to repeat the movement a plurality of times, each time with a different phase shift relative to the periodic movement of the object.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is a method for producing CT images of a patient's heart suitable for calcification scoring, in which the heart has a cardiac cycle. The method includes steps of acquiring data representative of a first scout-scanned CT image of physical locations of the patient's body including at least a portion of the patient's heart at phases ?1(L) of the cardiac cycle, acquiring data representative of a second scout-scanned CT image of the physical locations of the patient's body including at least a portion of the patient's heart at phases ?2(L) of the cardiac cycle different from ?1(L) at physical positions L of interest, and determining a difference image from the acquired data representative of the first scout-scanned CT image and the acquired data representative of the second scout-scanned CT image data. It is not necessary that ?1(L) and ?2(L) be constant as a function of position L.