Abstract: A medical image processing apparatus includes: a display unit; and circuitry configured to: acquire volume data including tissues, and set a first mask region and a second mask region which include a voxel to be rendered among a plurality of voxels included in the volume data; set a first plane which intersects both the first mask region and the second mask region; display a first image in which a first region formed by cutting the first mask region by the first plane and the second mask region are rendered; receive through an operation unit a first operation for setting a second plane which is parallel to the first plane and intersects both the first mask region and the second mask region; and display a second image in which a second region formed by cutting the first mask region by the second plane and the second mask region are rendered.

Abstract: An x-ray imaging apparatus and associated methods are provided to receive measured projection data in a primary region and measured scatter data in asymmetrical shadow regions and determine an estimated scatter in the primary region based on the measured scatter data in the shadow region(s). The asymmetric shadow regions can be controlled by adjusting the position of the beam aperture center on the readout area of the detector. Penumbra data may also be used to estimate scatter in the primary region.

Abstract: System and methods are provided for producing computed tomography (CT) images. In some aspects, a method includes obtaining medical image data sets acquired using the multiple energies of irradiating radiation and analyzing the medical image data sets for spatial and spectral features. The method also includes comparing the spatial and spectral features of the medical image data sets to identify similarities and using the similarities, weighting the medical image data sets to generate images of the subject having reduced noise compared to images of the subject produced from the medical image data sets without weighting.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present technology includes an acquisition unit, a generation unit, and a generation control unit. The acquisition unit acquires an image of a target object. The generation unit is able to execute each of a first generation process and a second generation process different from the first generation process as a generation process of generating a model of the target object on the basis of the acquired image of the target object. The generation control unit controls switching of execution of the first generation process and execution of the second generation process by the generation unit.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes an obtaining unit, an inference section, and a selection unit. The obtaining unit is configured to obtain a temporal subtraction image between a first medical image captured at a first point of time and a second medical image captured at a second point of time. The inference section includes a plurality of inference units, each for making an inference from the temporal subtraction image. The selection unit is configured to select, based on a region of interest in the obtained temporal subtraction image, at least one inference unit from the plurality of inference units in the inference section. In response to being selected by the selection unit, the at least one inference unit so selected makes the inference from the temporal subtraction image.

Abstract: A medical image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to sequentially obtain X-ray images. The processing circuitry is configured to sequentially generate average images by using the obtained plurality of X-ray images, in parallel to the obtainment of the X-ray images. The processing circuitry is configured to sequentially generate difference images by performing a difference calculating process between the X-ray images and the average images, in parallel to the obtainment of the X-ray images and the generation of the average images.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for recording a panorama dataset of an examination object by a movable medical x-ray device, to a medical x-ray device, and to a computer program product for carrying out the method. The medical x-ray device has an x-ray source, which emits a bundle of x-rays, wherein a first image segment, which maps at least one part of the examination object, is recorded at a first point in time. Position data is acquired, which maps the spatial position of the x-ray device at this first point in time. At least one further image segment along an imaging path is recorded after there has been a movement of the x-ray device, wherein the imaging path lies in one plane, wherein a central ray of the bundle of x-rays emitted by the x-ray source does not run in parallel to the plane in which the imaging path lies. Additionally, position data is acquired, which maps the spatial position of the x-ray device at the time of the recording of the at least one further image segment.

Abstract: A radiation imaging system is provided. The radiation imaging system comprises an irradiation control apparatus configured to control a timing of radiation irradiation by a radiation generating apparatus and a radiation imaging apparatus configured to communicate by at least one synchronous communication method to synchronize with the radiation irradiation. The irradiation control apparatus comprises a determination unit configured to determine an imaging mode that has been set and a synchronous communication method which can be supported by the radiation imaging apparatus, and a control unit configured to control, based on the determination result, the timing of the radiation irradiation by a synchronous communication method corresponding to the imaging mode.

Abstract: A medical image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry configured: to acquire a plurality of time series medical images; to determine a feature point in each of the plurality of medical images to calculate moving amounts of the determined feature point between the plurality of medical images; to set a weight coefficient with respect to each of the plurality of medical images, on the basis of the calculated moving amounts; and to perform an image processing process by using the plurality of medical images, on the basis of the weight coefficients.

Abstract: This X-ray imaging apparatus includes a control unit for performing control to select one blood vessel image in which a blood vessel is clearly reflected from a plurality of blood vessel images stored in the storage unit when capturing a fluoroscopic image and performing control to display a superimposed image in which the selected blood vessel image and the fluoroscopic image are superimposed on the display unit.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray tube (1), an FPD (2), a holding unit (4) that holds the X-ray tube and the FPD, which face each other, a table (3) on which a subject is placed, and a control unit (5) that controls the movement of the holding unit so as to control an X-ray irradiation direction of the X-ray tube and an X-ray detection direction of the FPD in an interlocking response with a relative position of the table to the X-ray tube and the FPD or based on an operation during X-ray imaging, when the X-ray imaging apparatus performs the X-ray imaging while relatively moving the table with respect to the X-ray tube and the FPD.

Abstract: A radiation imaging system includes an imaging apparatus, an obtainment unit configured to obtain a usage mode of the imaging apparatus, a control unit configured to control the imaging apparatus to generate a radiation image and offset data, and an image processing unit configured to correct the radiation image by using the offset data. The control unit determines, based on a capability to suppress a temporal change of offset data according to the usage mode, whether to cause the imaging apparatus to generate the offset data between a start of imaging preparation and a start of radiation emission.

Abstract: In an X-ray imaging apparatus, an image processor concurrently displays, on an image display, a long image in which a frame indicating an imaging range of an imager is displayed and an X-ray image or a processed image containing position information that overlaps at least with position information of the frame.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes an input receiver, a template selector, and a tracker. The input receiver receives an input operation of a user. The template selector specifies at least one template out of a plurality of templates that are related to a shape of an object based on the input operation received by the input receiver. The tracker tracks the object in an image including the object by using the at least one template specified by the template selector.

Abstract: A medical information processing system according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to identify the position of a tissue from first medical image data represented by an image of a target site acquired before the tissue in the target site was collected and to obtain an image feature value of the tissue. The processing circuitry is configured to obtain an examination result of a pathological examination performed on the tissue. The processing circuitry is configured to bring the image feature value of the tissue into association with the examination result of the pathological examination.

Abstract: Imaging systems and methods are provided for detecting objects that may be hidden under clothing, ingested, inserted, or otherwise concealed on or in a person's body. An imaging assembly, e.g., X-ray source and X-ray detector, and mechanisms, e.g., a translational mechanism for vertically moving the imaging assembly, may be configured to reduce the overall form factor of such imaging systems, while still retaining an ability to perform full/complete imaging of a subject.

Abstract: The radiographic system including a plurality of radiation detection apparatuses which detect radial rays and a combining processor which generates a long-size image by combining a plurality of radiation images obtained from the radiation detection apparatuses further includes an image correction unit which corrects the defective region in which the radiation detection apparatuses overlap with each other in the long-size image.

Abstract: A method for representing a blood vessel including a thrombosed section of the blood vessel in a patient is provided. The method includes capturing a first volume data set after administration of a contrast agent, locating a proximal and/or distal end of the thrombosed section of the blood vessel with the aid of the first volume data set, and defining a data capture area for a second volume data set based on the proximal and/or distal end of the thrombosed section of the blood vessel that has been located. The method also includes capturing the second volume data set, segmenting the thrombosed section of the blood vessel from the second volume data set, capturing fluoroscopic images, and superimposing the segmented thrombosed section of the blood vessel with the fluoroscopic images.

Abstract: The radiographic system including a plurality of radiation detection apparatuses which detect radial rays and a combining processor which generates a long-size image by combining a plurality of radiation images obtained from the radiation detection apparatuses further includes an image correction unit which corrects the defective region in which the radiation detection apparatuses overlap with each other in the long-size image.

Abstract: A method of obtaining x-ray images includes controlling operation of an automatic injector to inject a contrast agent into a patient at a predetermined time, synchronizing operations of an x-ray imaging system with the operation of the automatic injector, and obtaining images of a region of interest of the patient during arterial and diffusion phases of the contrast agent.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method involving one or more sparse detectors are provided. A sparse detector may include an array of scintillator crystals generating scintillation in response to radiation and an array of photodetectors generating an electrical signal in response to the scintillation. A portion of the scintillator crystals may be spaced apart by substituents or gaps. The distribution of the substitutes or gaps may be according to a sparsity rule. At least a portion of the array of photodetectors may be coupled to the array of scintillator crystals. An imaging system including an apparatus that may include one or more sparse detectors is provided. The imaging system may include a processor to process the imaging data acquired by the apparatus or system including the one or more sparse detectors. The method may include preprocess the acquired image data and produce images by image reconstruction.

Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided a system configured to receive time series data collected by a first sensor. The time series data collected by the first sensor can be stored in a first data array associated with the first sensor. The first data array can stored proximate to a second data array that includes time series data collected by a second sensor. The first data array can be stored proximate to the second data array based on the first and second sensor being in a same sensor group. A query can be received to perform a processing algorithm on a subset of time series data. The subset can be generated by retrieving the first and second data array. The query can be executed by applying the processing algorithm to the subset of time series data. Related methods and articles of manufacture are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method involving one or more sparse detectors are provided. A sparse detector may include an array of scintillator crystals generating scintillation in response to radiation and an array of photodetectors generating an electrical signal in response to the scintillation. A portion of the scintillator crystals may be spaced apart by substituents or gaps. The distribution of the substitutes or gaps may be according to a sparsity rule. At least a portion of the array of photodetectors may be coupled to the array of scintillator crystals. An imaging system including an apparatus that may include one or more sparse detectors is provided. The imaging system may include a processor to process the imaging data acquired by the apparatus or system including the one or more sparse detectors. The method may include preprocess the acquired image data and produce images by image reconstruction.

Abstract: Image processing method or apparatus (IP) to transform a 3D image data set (DS) into a visually protected one (DSX). The 3D image set includes an object region (OR) and a background region (BR) that defines s silhouette of an imaged object (P). An inadvertent or malicious direct volume rendering of the silhouette (IF) of the object is prevented by applying a randomization operation to at least the background region (BR).

Abstract: The present invention relates to tracking an interventional device. In order to provide a facilitated and simplified real-time tracking of an interventional device, a medical imaging system (10) for tracking an interventional device is provided, that comprises an interface unit (12), and a processing unit (14). The interface unit is configured to provide first image data (18) of a first part of an interventional device, which first part is arranged outside an object. The first image data comprises 3D image data. The interface unit is configured to provide second image data (20) of a second part of the interventional device, which second part is a continuation of the first part, and which second part is arranged inside the object. The second image data comprises 2D image data.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method involving one or more sparse detectors are provided. A sparse detector may include an array of scintillator crystals generating scintillation in response to radiation and an array of photodetectors generating an electrical signal in response to the scintillation. A portion of the scintillator crystals may be spaced apart by substituents or gaps. The distribution of the substitutes or gaps may be according to a sparsity rule. At least a portion of the array of photodetectors may be coupled to the array of scintillator crystals. An imaging system including an apparatus that may include one or more sparse detectors is provided. The imaging system may include a processor to process the imaging data acquired by the apparatus or system including the one or more sparse detectors. The method may include preprocess the acquired image data and produce images by image reconstruction.

Abstract: A diagnostic imaging system utilizing a reduced crystal design pattern is utilized to image a subject and collect event data. The reduced crystal design pattern includes filled crystal locations and empty crystal locations. A processor accounts for empty crystal locations by selecting windows that include nearest neighbor filled crystal locations. The nearest neighbor filled crystal locations include event data which is averaged by the processor and assigned to the empty crystal location. A weighted average based on distance or event strength is incorporated.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical image processing apparatus includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry obtains time changes in intensity of image signals corresponding to a contrast agent or a blood flow based on at least one of time series contrast image data, time series non-contrast image data, and time series subtraction image data between the contrast image data and the non-contrast image data, generate color image data, having color pixel values based on the time changes in the image signals, according to a color scale, and display frames of the color image data sequentially on a display. The processing circuitry performs a loop playing of the frames of the color image data by sequentially shifting the color scale in a direction of a color phase change, at pixels of the color image data, until an instruction for stopping the loop playing is input from an input circuit.

Abstract: A method for determining the velocity of a fluid in a volume to be imaged of an examination object with the aid of an imaging method is described. Attenuation values are acquired based upon image data of the volume to be imaged, depending on location and time. A temporally and spatially delineated region is specified based upon the acquired attenuation data, in which the acquired attenuation data behaves approximately linearly. Subsequently, temporal and/or spatial gradients and/or a combination of a temporal and a spatial gradient are determined based upon the attenuation values associated with the temporally and spatially delineated region. Finally, the velocity of the fluid is calculated based upon the determined temporal and/or spatial gradients or from the combination of a temporal and a spatial gradient and from the temporal gradient. A fluid velocity determining device, non-transitory computer readable medium and a computed tomography system are also described.

Abstract: An X-ray fluoroscopic radiographing apparatus comprises a display unit that processes a received X-ray moving image and instantaneously displays the moving image; a storing unit that stores the received moving image as a non-processed raw image; an instructing unit that instructs the raw image to be referred to from the stored raw images; a second display unit that processes the instructed raw image and displays the processed raw image; a changing unit that changes the image process in the second display unit; a second storing unit that stores image process information obtained by the changing unit in association with the instructed raw image; a second instructing unit that instructs the raw image to be transferred from the stored raw images; and a transferring unit that executes the image process associated by the second storing unit to the instructed raw image and transfers the processed raw image to a destination.

Abstract: In a method, an evaluation computer, and a medical imaging apparatus for evaluating medical images of an organ system of an examination subject, wherein the organ system has a first side and a second side that are characteristically bilaterally symmetrical to one another, first and second medical image datasets of the organ system of the examination subject are acquired and processed to obtain a result image dataset by a global image data subtraction in which image components of the first and second medical image data are subtracted from one another, and a symmetry subtraction in which image components of the first side and the second side of the organ system are subtracted from one another within a medical image dataset.

Abstract: A medical imaging apparatus is provided. The medical image apparatus includes an output unit; and a controller configured to control the output unit to display an image obtained by photographing an object and to display, over the image, a top indicator for setting a top limit for an area to be X-rayed and at least one guideline indicating a bottom limit for the area to be X-rayed according to the top indicator and the number of partial photographing operations.

Abstract: An X-ray image acquiring unit, by irradiating a blood vessel through which contrast medium is passing with X-rays of equal intensity at first and second photographing angles, acquires first and second X-ray images. An absorption property acquiring unit acquires, from brightness of the contrast medium, an X-ray absorption property in a first image region corresponding to a portion of the blood vessel in the first X-ray image. An absorption property acquiring unit acquires, from brightness of the contrast medium, an X-ray absorption property of each of plural second image regions corresponding to a portion of the blood vessel in the second X-ray image as candidate corresponding image regions of the first image region. A similarity degree calculator calculates a similarity degree between the acquired absorption properties. A corresponding region determiner determines the second image region having the maximum similarity degree as a corresponding region of the first image region.

Abstract: The invention relates to detecting and tracking objects in a sequence of images. In particular, a method, software and system for tracking a non-rigid object in a plurality of images. Initially, a first set of parameters for a parameterized shape model are generated (410) based on a first image. Then a second set of parameters are generated (415) for the parameterized shape model by fitting the parameterized shape model to the object in a second image of the plurality of images. This fitting is according to (i) the one or more constraints defined independently of the object or (ii) the first set of parameters. Also, the first and second sets of parameters define a tracking of the non-rigid object between the first and second images.

Abstract: In an X-ray apparatus in which an FPD-4 moves independently of an X-ray tube, an X-ray irradiation area discriminator discriminates, for separate X-raying actions, X-ray irradiation area images from among X-ray images outputted from the FPD-4. An X-ray tube position sensor acquires position information P on the X-ray tube for the separate X-raying actions. A long image creator creates a long image by shifting the X-ray irradiation area images based on the position information, and splicing the X-ray irradiation area images together. Therefore, even when a relative position between the X-ray tube and FPD-4 is variable instead of being constant, the X-ray irradiation area images can be obtained reliably, and these can be spliced together with high accuracy. There is no need to uniform starting timing and moving speed of the X-ray tube and FPD-4, which simplifies control.

Abstract: A method for computer assisted determination of values of correction parameters for positioning a medical device relative to a target structure or to a reference base. The method includes a numerical procedure that includes the steps of: i) automatic detection of the projection of a cylindrical reference means in a medical image and determination of a minimum of four characteristic landmarks within the projection of the cylindrical reference means; ii) generating a virtual geometric representation of the cylindrical reference means; iii) determining the virtual projection points representing the characteristic landmarks using a virtual geometric representation of the cylindrical reference means; and iv) iterative determination of the position and orientation of the cylindrical reference means by matching the virtual projection points of the virtual geometric representation of the cylindrical reference means with the characteristic landmarks of the projection of the cylindrical reference means.

Abstract: A method and system for tailoring an injection protocol to an individual patient, wherein the injection protocol is administered in connection with a diagnostic imaging procedure. The method includes: administering a test injection of a fluid including a contrast enhancing fluid into the patient at an administration site; performing a test scan of one or more regions of interest of the patient as the fluid propagates through the patient to obtain scan data; determining from the scan data an enhancement output from each of the one or more regions of interest at a plurality of points in time as a result of the propagation of the fluid through the patient; and determining the injection protocol for the patient based at least in part upon the enhancement output from each of the one or more regions of interest at each of the plurality of points in time.

Abstract: Provided is a bed positioning system for a radiation therapy system capable of capturing X-ray transparent images and CT images by rotating an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector around a subject on a bed, comprising: a transparent image registration system which generates a subtraction image from a first X-ray transparent image captured by the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector and a digitally reconstructed radiograph generated from a treatment plan CT image, corrects the first X-ray transparent image by use of a correction image generated by processing the subtraction image in a previously specified direction, and compares the first X-ray transparent image after the correction and the digitally reconstructed radiograph to determine a movement amount of the bed.

Abstract: A method of obtaining an X-ray image, the method including: obtaining a first image of an object; receiving a determination whether the first image includes an entirety of a region of interest (ROI); and obtaining a second image of the object, the second image including a portion of the ROI which is absent in the first image.

Abstract: In a reconstruction processing (S1), reconstruction processing is performed to list mode data to firstly capture a reconstruction image. Then, in a projection step (S2), the reconstruction image obtained in the reconstruction processing step is projected to capture a projection image. In a scatter component extracting step S4, low-frequency components are extracted from the projection image obtained in the projection step to obtain scatter components. Even when the data contains a missing region, the reconstruction processing unlikely to be influenced by the missing region suppresses the influence by the missing, and the resultant reconstruction image is projected. Consequently, the projection image having dummy data being interpolated to the missing region is obtainable. As a result, projection from the list mode data through the reconstruction image achieves the projection image with no missing data. Accordingly, precious estimation of the scatter components is obtainable.

Abstract: The invention relates to an image system and a method for supporting the navigation of interventional tools when performing imaging controlled minimally invasive interventions within the body of a patient in a predetermined intervention plane, which serves to improve the precision and reliability of interventional accesses that are required for performing a histological tissue sample removal under CT or MRT based image-oriented monitoring, or in the context of tumor therapy or pain therapy. Directional deviations, away from the intervention plane, of the actual course of an interventional tool from a predeterminable desired course are captured and presented for display by registering the shortened represented total length or a shortened represented partial length of this interventional tool in the 2D projection representation of a fluoroscopic radioscopy recording that was recorded in a 2D projection direction running normally relative to the intervention plane.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a digital chest x-ray image of a patient, executed at least in part by a computer system, acquires a standard dose radiographic image and a reduced dose radiographic image, wherein the standard dose radiographic image and reduced dose radiographic images are obtained at peak kilovoltage values that differ by at least 10 kVp. A bone-enhanced image is formed by combining data from the standard dose radiographic image and reduced dose radiographic images and bone structure is segmented from the bone-enhanced image. A processed image is formed by suppressing bone contrast from the standard dose radiographic image according to the segmented bone structure. The processed image is displayed, stored, or transmitted.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a radiotherapy apparatus generates counting data as a count value of photons included in a preset energy region based on an output signal from an observation detector. The radiotherapy apparatus generates medical image data based on the counting data.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus and control method thereof precisely designates an imaging region and reduces user fatigue by designating a segmentation imaging region using an image of a target object captured by a camera and automatically controlling an X-ray generator according to the designated segmentation imaging region. The X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray generator to perform X-ray imaging of a target object by generating and irradiating X-rays, an image capturer to capture an image of the target object, an image display to display the image captured by the image capturer, an input part to receive designation of a region for which segmentation imaging is to be performed on the image displayed on the image display, and a controller to control the X-ray generator to perform segmentation imaging with respect to the designated region.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image generation unit generates a first image during a large aperture period and a second image during a small aperture period. An image combining unit generates a composite image based on the latest second image and the specific first image. A display unit displays the composite image in real time. A determination unit determines whether to update the first image based on an index associated with the anatomical positional shift between the first image and the second image. A driving control unit enlarges a aperture to the large aperture, when the determination unit determines to update, and maintains the aperture at the small aperture, when the determination unit determines not to update.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of performing a combined surface reconstruction and registration of stereo laparoscopic images includes a computer system generating an intraoperative three-dimensional model of an anatomical area of interest and receiving a plurality of stereo endoscopic images of the anatomical area of interest from a laparoscope. The computer system performs a first stereo reconstruction process using the stereo endoscopic images to yield a first surface image corresponding to the anatomical area of interest and aligns the first surface image with a surface of the intraoperative three-dimensional model using a rigid registration process.

Abstract: A system for synchronous visualization of a representation of first input data and second input data in real time on single display unit is disclosed. The system comprises a control unit for receiving said first and second input data, said control unit being arranged for displaying a synchronous representation of said first and second input data on said display unit. A method for operating the system is also disclosed.

Abstract: Cardiac roadmapping consists in correctly overlaying a vessel map sequence derived from an angiogram acquisition onto a fluoroscopy sequence used during PTCA intervention. This enhanced fluoroscopy sequence however suffers from several drawbacks such as breathing motion, high noise level, and most of all suboptimal contrast-enhanced mask due to segmentation defaults. This invention proposes to reverse the process and to locally overlay the intervention device as seen in fluoroscopy onto an optimal contrast-enhanced image of a corresponding cycle. This drastically reduces or suppresses the breathing motion, it provides the high image quality standard of angiograms, and avoids segmentation defaults. This proposal could lead to a brand new navigation practice in PCI procedures.

Abstract: A medical image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes: an imaging unit configured to image an affected area in two directions using X-rays; a fluoroscopic image generating unit configured to generate two X-ray fluoroscopic images corresponding to the two directions, on a basis of imaging signals outputted from the imaging unit; a rendering image generating unit configured to project the affected area contained in three-dimensional image data acquired in advance, in two directions according to a same X-ray geometry as that used for imaging the X-ray fluoroscopic images, to thereby generate two affected area rendering images; and an image combining unit configured to combine the X-ray fluoroscopic images with the affected area rendering images for each corresponding direction, to thereby generate combined parallax images in two parallax directions corresponding to the two directions, and to output the two generated combined parallax images to a 3D display apparatus.

Abstract: A method for computer assisted determination of values of correction parameters for positioning a medical device relative to a target structure or to a reference base. The method includes a numerical procedure that includes the steps of: i) automatic detection of the projection of a cylindrical reference means in a medical image and determination of a minimum of four characteristic landmarks within the projection of the cylindrical reference means; ii) generating a virtual geometric representation of the cylindrical reference means; iii) determining the virtual projection points representing the characteristic landmarks using a virtual geometric representation of the cylindrical reference means; and iv) iterative determination of the position and orientation of the cylindrical reference means by matching the virtual projection points of the virtual geometric representation of the cylindrical reference means with the characteristic landmarks of the projection of the cylindrical reference means.