Abstract: In order to improve ease of operation in an X-ray photographic system for performing X-ray photography (radiography) for taking a plurality of photographs (radiographs) when a photographic request is received from an external source; when photographs of a plurality of regions are to be taken, an examination system includes a device for changing the input photographic sequence of the regions to be photographed, a device for taking photographs in accordance with the changed photographic sequence, and a device for outputting the photographed results in a desired sequence.

Abstract: A technique for generating replacement values for defective pixels in a digital imaging system includes generating a base values for the defective pixels and a statistical characterizing values which provide consistent statistical relationships with other pixels. The base values may be computed as mean values of pixels surrounding the defective pixels. The statistical characterizing values may be selected to provide deviation from the mean values by a standard deviation of other selected pixels, such as pixels in the neighborhoods of the defective pixels. The technique avoids image artifacts due to inconsistent noise or other statistical characteristics in the pixel replacement values.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing and optimizing angiogram cine runs. The method for stabilizing involves reducing abrupt motion from the last frame to the first frame by refining the choice of the estimates of first and last frame indices provided by the user and by performing image registration so that a feature of interest is nearly in the same position between the last and first frame. According to another aspect, a network accessible system for storing and playing back angiographic images and presenting patient information is provided. The most diagnostically relevant subset of frames are extracted from selected cine runs and made available over a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet.

Abstract: An X-ray image display apparatus for exposing a subject to an X-ray to obtain an X-ray image of the subject, picking up the X-ray image, converting it to a digital video signal, performing necessary signal processing on the digital video signal in an image processor to obtain X-ray image data, and displaying, on a display device, an image of a display area included in the X-ray image and specified by an input device includes a display area detector for detecting display area data representing the specified display area, and a control circuit for outputting a control signal to control a collimator drive circuit and/or a filter drive circuit on the basis of the display area data detected by the display area detector and x-ray image data supplied from the image processor, thereby controlling the position of a collimator and/or a filter so as to display the image of the display area optimally.

Abstract: A driver drives an X-ray tube and a flat panel X-ray detector synchronously to scan sectional planes to be imaged of an object under examination. A back projection unit projects projection data detected in varied scan positions to predetermined lattice points of a three-dimensional lattice virtually set to the region of interest of the object radiographed. An image reconstruction is carried out to generate three-dimensional volume data of the region of interest. The three-dimensional volume data of the region of interest is generated quickly without repeating a radiographic operation.

Abstract: An X-ray system and method for use in a medical application to supplement or replace fluoroscopy. The X-ray system includes a display device, a gantry having an X-ray generator, a table having an X-ray sensor, and an X-ray control system connected to the display device, the gantry and the table. The X-ray control system includes user input for indicating the position of the next X-ray exposure. The X-ray control system receives X-ray data from the sensor, processes the data to form an X-ray image, displays the X-ray image on the display device and shifts the X-ray generator relative to the X-ray sensor. The amount and direction of shift is accurately determined using data from the previous X-ray image.

Abstract: A radiation detector noise reduction method includes the step of detecting incident radiation with a radiation detecting section, the radiation detecting section having a plurality of pixels arrayed in the form of a matrix, reading out the detection signal from the radiation detecting section through a readouting section, and correcting the readout detection signal with a correction section, wherein the correction step includes the first sub-step of correcting the detection signal on the basis of a first correction value corresponding to noise originating in the radiation detecting section, and the second sub-step of correcting the detection signal on the basis of a second correction value corresponding to noise originating in the readouting section, the second sub-step being executed before the first sub-step.

Abstract: A method of creating a 2½D solid model picture in which a stereoscopic image is identified as a series of depth slices and the resulting slice data is built up to a 2½D model using appropriate computer software. The method compares a stereoscopic pair at a relative lateral position and identifies those points of coincidence so as to create a slice through the picture at a depth corresponding to that particular relative lateral position. The pair is then moved laterally relative to each one another by an amount equal to the minimum detectable parallax and the comparison is repeated as often as is required to identify points of coincidence at all parallax depths or slices of the stereoscopic picture. The 2½D solid model image is then built by using the obtained slice data.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring x-ray roentgenograms to a digital format for patient hospital or office records is provided. A high resolution digitizer interfaced with computer technology is used to scan each x-ray as it is delivered from the x-ray processor, to encode the x-ray with selected information such as the patient's name and medical record number, and to immediately print a hard paper copy to be included with the patient record. The hard paper copy can be a high resolution plain paper print out. The system can simultaneously store a digital representation of the x-ray picture in a computer readable format for easy access, and/or transmission to another site, at any time. Thousands of x-ray prints can be stored indefinitely on discs, saving vast amounts of storage space.

Abstract: In a method for determining row correction values for a digital image converter, with image points arranged in a matrix in rows and columns, in which a small part is protected against radiation by a covering, in order to form a dark reference zone, row correction values are formed by determining the differences of the image points in the dark reference zone in relation to their environment with defective pixels in the dark reference zone being determined and are suppressed in the determination of the row correction value.

Abstract: An x-ray diagnostic system, particularly for cardioangiography, has an x-ray and an x-ray image intensifier/video chain or other x-ray image converters, with the x-ray and the x-ray image intensifier being cyclically moved during the production of a number of successive images. The motion of the vessel due to the heartbeat is compensated with a cardiac motion compensation unit in a small image region having an abnormality to be investigated, particularly a stenosis.

Abstract: A system for correcting exposure signals generated by a matrix-addressed x-ray imaging panel by compensating for amplifier offset and gain artifacts in integrating read-out amplifiers connected to a matrix-addressed array of photosensors in an imaging panel. An average amplifier offset is calculated in a sequence of operations tinder control of a scan line controller and is applied to the exposure signals during normal operation of the imaging panel. A base gain calibration image is obtained periodically and is updated on a real-time basis by a real-time gain determined optionally whenever exposure signals are generated during normal operation of the imaging panel. The resulting real-time adjusted gain calibration image is divided into the amplifier offset adjusted exposure signals on a pixel-by-pixel basis to yield an exposure signal compensated for offset and gain on a real-time basis.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained, electronic radioscopic imaging system uses a pulsed X-ray source, a remote X-ray sensor, and a self-contained, display and controller unit to produce, store, and/or display digital radioscopic images of an object under investigation in low voltage imaging environments such as medical applications including mammography and tissue imaging, and industrial radiography of low-density structures, or the like. The radiographic system uses an X-ray converter screen for converting impinging X-ray radiation to visible light, and thus each point impinged on the screen by X-ray radiation scintillates visible light emissions diverging from the screen. An image sensor, i.e., a CCD camera, is configured to sense the visible light from the screen. An aspheric objective lens operable with the CCD camera spatially senses visible light within a collection cone directed outwardly from the image sensor. An emission modification lens layer, e.g.

Abstract: The invention described herein combines the structural digital X-ray image provided by conventional stereotactic core biopsy instruments with the additional functional metabolic gamma imaging obtained with a dedicated compact gamma imaging mini-camera. Before the procedure, the patient is injected with an appropriate radiopharmaceutical. The radiopharmaceutical uptake distribution within the breast under compression in a conventional examination table expressed by the intensity of gamma emissions is obtained for comparison (co-registration) with the digital mammography (X-ray) image. This dual modality mode of operation greatly increases the functionality of existing stereotactic biopsy devices by yielding a much smaller number of false positives than would be produced using X-ray images alone.

Abstract: An image receptor for an X-ray apparatus including a lead glass panel laminate that is directly coupled to at least one lens assembly with an optical adhesion material. Each lens assembly is directly coupled to an associated solid state image sensor by an optical adhesion material. Each solid state image sensor is in electrical communication with an integral mother board by way of a removable daughterboard. The motherboard includes through apertures for allowing the servicing of each lens assembly. The lens assembly includes a focus adjustment that allows a linear adjustment of the lens assembly while maintaining the electrical communication with the motherboard. The lead glass panel laminate further includes light directing properties in the form of at least one partitioning mask that is formed in its second surface. Each partitioning mask cooperates with light directing coatings that are applied to a top surface of a lead glass panel of the lead glass panel laminate.

Abstract: An X-ray sensor signal processor including capacitors 114 for removing DC components (dark currents) from output signals of semiconductor sensors 21 to 2n detecting pulse-like X-rays passed through an object, and integrators (each of which is constituted by a combination of an operational amplifier 115, a resistor 116 and a capacitor 117) for integrating the output signals of the X-ray sensors after removal of the DC components by the capacitors 114. By this, a value proportional to the average number of photons in X-rays can be obtained even in the case where a small number of incident photons are given, and an X-ray CT system using the X-ray sensor signal processor.

Abstract: A radiographic imaging system includes an X-ray emitter, an X-ray detector, and a network. The X-ray emitter is actuatable to emit an X-ray beam centered about an X-ray beam axis. The X-ray detector has a generally planar configuration and is situated within the path of the X-ray beam to thereby generate an image when the X-ray detector receives the X-ray beam. The network couples at least one of the X-ray emitter and X-ray detector to a remote facility. The network provides the X-ray emitter and the X-ray detector with remote services from the remote facility. A corresponding method is also provided.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained, electronic radioscopic imaging system uses a pulsed X-ray source, a remote X-ray sensor, and a self-contained, display and controller unit to produce, store, and/or display digital radioscopic images of an object under investigation in low voltage imaging environments such as medical applications including mammography and tissue imaging, and industrial radiography of low-density structures, or the like. The radiographic system uses an X-ray converter screen for converting impinging X-ray radiation to visible light, and thus each point impinged on the screen by X-ray radiation scintillates visible light emissions diverging from the screen. An image sensor, i.e., a CCD camera, is configured to sense the visible light from the screen. An aspheric objective lens operable with the CCD camera spatially senses visible light within a collection cone directed outwardly from the image sensor. An emission modification lens layer, e.g.

Abstract: A method is proposed for compensating for the dark current of an electronic sensor having a plurality of pixels with an individual dark-current response, radiation for producing an image signal (BS) being directed from a beam source (3) onto a detector arrangement (4) containing the sensor, and a recording being taken with different clock-out rate (v) (integration time) by reading the detector signal (S) present in the pixels of the sensor, in which, before the beginning or after the end of the recording with radiation, the sensor is read out without radiation with at least two different clock-out rates (v1, v2) and at least two dark-current signals (DC1, DC2) are thereby picked up for each pixel, in which the dark-current signals (DC1, DC2) that have been read out are then used to calculate a dark-current value (DV) of individual pixels of the sensor as a function of the clock-out rate (v), and in which a correction is then made, using the dark-current value associated with each pixel, to the detector signal

Abstract: The invention relates to an image sensing apparatus and method which form an image by using radiation including visible light, X-rays, and the like (which is generically called light in the invention), and also relates to a -one- or two-dimensional image sensing apparatus such as a facsimile apparatus, a digital copying machine, a still camera, or a radiation image sensing apparatus, and an image sensing method. This image sensing apparatus uses a photo-electric conversion device. The image sensing apparatus has an image sensing means including a plurality of photo-electric elements arranged one- or two-dimensionally to obtain image information with a high S/N ratio by solving the problem that errors contained in the photographic output cannot be completely corrected because of the differences between the conditions set to obtain data to be used for correction and the conditions set for actual photographing operation.

Abstract: In order to provide a photoelectric conversion device of high S/N ratio or high resolution in which the outputs of sensor cells except any defective sensor cell can be made to have normal values, thereby to obtain data of higher precision, any switching element that does not operate normally is removed in a photoelectric conversion device wherein a plurality of sensor cells, in each of which a photoelectric element and a switching element are connected, are arrayed in two dimensions on a substrate.

Abstract: A system for processing signals from a radiation detector with semiconductors. A plurality of elementary detectors are placed side-by-side along a detection surface or a detection volume in which radiation referred to as incident radiation is capable of giving up its energy in at least one interaction. The device includes the supplying in response to each incident ray, an amount of energy corresponding to the sum of the energies given up during each interaction induced by the incident radiation. This device may be used in medical imaging.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the management of the dynamics of a digitized radiological image of the type comprising a radiation source and a means of detection of the radiation source after it has crossed an object of interest, the means of detection capable of converting the radiation source into a digital electronic signal, including means for defining an intensity threshold from a so-called digitized input image, means for deducing therefrom an algebraic compensation image to raise the pixels of level below the threshold, and means for adding the input image and the compensation image, in order to obtain a compensated image which preserves the differences and the real relations between internal structures of the object of interest. The method and apparatus is useful in X-ray radiological imaging of internal organs of the human body.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adaptive fluoroscopic noise reduction (FNR) algorithm utilizing various data acquisition parameters to generate an estimation of the noise statistics and to predict a minimal object contrast associated with the object. The estimation of the noise statistics and the prediction of the object contrast are then utilized to adapt certain variables that are utilized by the FNR algorithm. The estimation of noise statistics and the prediction of object contrast may be adapted on a pixel-by-pixel basis by using a regional mean to obtain an adapted estimation of noise statistics and an adapted prediction of object absolute contrast. The variables of the FNR algorithm are then adapted based on the adapted noise statistics estimation and the adapted prediction of object absolute contrast.

Abstract: A computer tomograph detector for the detection of electromagnetic radiation transmitted by an object, which detector includes at least one detector row which consists of a plurality of detector elements, each detector element including a scintillator for converting radiation of a first energy level into radiation of a second energy level, as well as a photosensor for converting the radiation into an electrical current, each photosensor being associated with an amplifier element, is extended in such a manner that it can include a plurality of detector rows while the electronic noise is nevertheless reduced and at the same time a higher DQE is obtained; this is achieved by arranging a plurality of photosensors and the associated amplifier elements on the same substrate in integrated semiconductor technique.

Abstract: An X-ray examination apparatus includes an X-ray detector for deriving an image signal from an X-ray image. The X-ray detector has an essentially elongate X-ray-sensitive surface. The X-ray sensitive surface of the X-ray detector corresponds notably to a relevant part of the object to be examined.

Abstract: A sensor unit is provided with a battery and a charging terminal attached to the battery. The sensor unit is positioned near a battery charger for recharging when the radiography apparatus is in its standby position before X-raying an object.

Abstract: A medical network system comprising a multitude of reference terminals for referring to diagnosis images can be constructed at low cost and the reference terminals can carry out fast display equivalent to that by a high performance workstation for diagnosis. An image server is loaded with a web server, separately from a server (DICOM server) for providing image data based on a protocol specific to a medical system, so that a web connection to the image server becomes possible. An image processing server loaded with an image processing component for carrying out image processing for display is provided, separately from the image server. The reference terminals obtain image data and a display program from the image server via the web connection, cause the image processing server to execute image processing on the obtained image data, and carry out display alone of the processed image.

Abstract: A radiographic imaging apparatus and method for vascular interventions for acquiring very high resolution radiographic images over a small region of interest (ROI). The apparatus and associated method employs digital solid state x-ray image detectors for the medical imaging application of angiography. A mechanical arrangement, for example an arm attached to an existing large area x-ray detector, allows the small area ROI digital detector to be temporarily positioned over a region located by the standard large area imager so that additional very high resolution digital images may be obtained over the ROI.

Abstract: A short form intensifier is provided having a plurality of cameras each providing a portion of the image of the image intensifier to reduce the focal length and hence the distortion of each camera individually. The images may be collected to provide a single contiguous image. Multiple lenses may be associated with different correction factors in associated correction circuitry.

Abstract: An x-ray examination apparatus comprises an x-ray image sensor matrix (1) for deriving an initial image signal from the x-ray image. The sensor elements of the x-ray sensor matrix convert incident x-rays into electric charges. These electric charges are read-out and converted into the initial image signal. Further a correction unit (2) is provided for correcting the initial image signal, notably for disturbances due to delayed transferred charges, that have been retained in the sensor elements for some time. The correction unit (2) is provided with a memory which stores correction values. Further the correction provided with a selection unit (5) for selecting appropriate correction values from the memory (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of imaging the blood flow as a function of time in an object (3) to be examined, which method includes the following steps:

Abstract: A system for compensating for capacitively coupled artifacts in signals generated by a matrix-addressed x-ray imaging panel including a matrix-addressed array of sensing cells connected to respective integrating read-out amplifiers. While all scan lines are de-energized, a plurality of induced signals output by each amplifier are read, accumulated and averaged by a processor to form respective average values. During normal image panel operation, while scan lines are energized, processor subtracts respective average values from image signals output by respective amplifiers. The result is rounded to obtain an integer value for an image signal corresponding to each amplifier that is compensated for capacitively coupled artifacts.

Abstract: Driving an X-ray imaging device by applying a high voltage signal to a photo-sensing layer, reading the stored charges that result from dark charges produced by the high voltage signal using a data reader such that stored charges are removed from the charging capacitors, performing X-ray irradiation such that X-ray induced charges are stored in a charging capacitor, and converting the stored charges to electrical signals, all while maintaining the high voltage on the photo-sensing layer. The driving method improves a contrast ratio caused by the dark charges and reduces signal variations caused by turning-off the high voltage before converting the stored charge into electrical signals. As the high voltage turned on and off only one once the driving time can be reduced.

Abstract: An x-ray fluoroscopic imaging system including a portable cabinet, a monitor having two video displays, a support arm, an articulated arm assembly connecting the support arm to the cabinet, a C-arm carried by the support arm assembly, an x-ray source and detector located at opposing locations on the C-arm, and a control panel mounted on the source or the detector, wherein the two displays are SVGA multiscan CRTs, mounted in a single rotating enclosure, which provide certain functions of the imaging system. A single driver interface is provided for the two displays for 100% synchronous operation of both displays to display images required by the fluoroscopic imaging system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an image processing method in which an original image is first decomposed into a series of detail images, with each of which there is associated a respective spatial frequency range, low contrasts being enhanced before assembly of a final image from the images which are produced by the decomposition and are subsequently modified. The modification of the detail images is performed in dependence on the relevant image value as well as in dependence on the mean image value and/or the variation of the image values in a window around the relevant pixel.

Abstract: A radiation source, which produces radiation, is located on one side of an object, two-dimensional image read-out device is located on the other side of the object, the two-dimensional image read-out device comprising stripe-shaped electrodes for reading latent image charges, which carry image information, and an operation for recording and reading out a radiation image of the object is performed. A grid plate is located between the object and the two-dimensional image read-out device, the grid plate guiding only the radiation, which comes from a specific direction, to the two-dimensional image read-out device. The operation for recording and reading out the radiation image of the object is performed in this state, and deterioration in image quality due to scattered radiation is prevented.

Abstract: The present invention, in one form, includes an imaging system having a x-ray source and detector array and a reconstruction algorithm. The algorithm removes overlapping structures from a patient scan so that enhanced images representing a moving heart are generated. More specifically and in one embodiment, an estimated background representing the overlapping structures is determined using the projection data. The estimated background is then subtracted from the projection data to generate filtered data. The filtered data is then used to generate an enhanced image so that cardiac calcification may be identified.

Abstract: A system for scanning an x-ray target in an x-ray imaging system with a charged particle beam. The system for scanning comprises deflecting the charged particle beam to re-illuminate the portion of the object to be imaged in a time period that is sufficiently small to prevent image blurring during image reconstruction. The system for scanning further comprises a scan processing system for processing x-ray transmissiveness information received as a result of a scanning pattern that re-illuminates an object.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained, electronic radioscopic imaging system uses a pulsed X-ray source, a remote X-ray sensor, and a self-contained, display and controller unit to produce, store, and/or display digital radioscopic images of an object under investigation. An X-ray image sensor configured to spatially sense X-ray radiation pulses includes a pixel clock generator, an integrating CCD camera imager operating in a progressive scan mode providing a discrete pixel readout cycle of sensed X-ray radiation pulses, a sample and hold circuit for sampling the discrete pixel readout responsive to the pixel clock, and an analog to digital converter for digitizing each pixel as the discrete pixel readout is sampled. A digital video transmission system controller board controls the X-ray source for acquiring digitized samples from the X-ray image sensor.

Abstract: An x-ray image forming method is disclosed. The x-ray image is captured employing a flat panel detector; from this panel detector, the x-ray image taken out in the form of image signals; employing a thermally developable photosensitive material comprising photosensitive silver halide grains, a non-photosensitive reducible silver source, and a reducing agent for the silver source, the above-mentioned image signals are converted into variation in light intensity and recorded onto the photosensitive silver halide grains; the x-ray image is obtained by heating in the presence of a non-photosensitive reducible silver source and a reducing agent for the silver source.

Abstract: A parallax-free X-ray imager in which a parallel X-ray beam is directed to a crystal for illuminating an entrance window is formed in a vessel filled with an ionizing gas in which primary electrons are generated. A spherical conversion volume chamber is formed by the entrance window and a first and a second parallel electrodes are adapted to generate electrical equipotential surfaces of spherical shape allowing the primary electrons to drift along corresponding radial field lines. A third electrode parallel with the second electrode is provided so as to form a gas electron multiplier structure consisting of a matrix of electric field condensing areas which are adapted to operate as an amplifier of the primary electrons through an avalanche phenomenon. A signal readout electrode is provided to allow a bi-dimensional readout in the absence of parallax readout phenomenon.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for management of X-ray imaging facilities and services including at least one digital X-ray imaging facility operative to provide digital images in response to X-ray exposures; a metering system associated with each of said at least one digital X-ray imaging facilities for metering the number of digital images produced thereby; and a service center, generating a billing output for each of the at least one digital X-ray imaging facilities in respect of the number of X-ray exposures provided thereby.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained, electronic radioscopic imaging system uses a pulsed X-ray source, a remote X-ray sensor, and a self-contained, display and controller unit to produce, store, and/or display digital radioscopic images of an object under investigation in low voltage imaging environments such as medical applications including mammography and tissue imaging, and industrial radiography of low-density structures, or the like. The radiographic system uses an X-ray converter screen for converting impinging X-ray radiation to visible light, and thus each point impinged on the screen by X-ray radiation scintillates visible light emissions diverging from the screen. An image sensor, i.e., a CCD camera, is configured to sense the visible light from the screen. An aspheric objective lens operable with the CCD camera spatially senses visible light within a collection cone directed outwardly from the image sensor. An emission modification lens layer, e.g.

Abstract: The unsharpness of a radiological image is estimated by four independent passes which recursively implement the same exponential function, and the unsharpness (Idk−1) estimated for the previous image (IMk−1) is subtracted from the current image (IMk).

Abstract: An x-ray detector, useful in x-ray imaging systems constructed from a single piece of silicon and a photon sensing crystal, and comprises a plurality of detector elements, each of the plurality of detector elements comprising a plurality of detector sub-elements. A plurality of x-ray detectors are arranged in a multi-dimensional array, each array of detectors tiered with respect to the next array of detectors. A compact electronics circuitry is also provided. The compact electronics circuitry is contained in each of the plurality of detector sub-elements. The compact electronics circuitry comprises a photon sensor, an amplifier, a discriminator and a digital-to-analog converter. Finally, a method for generating x-ray transmissiveness information is also provided.