With Solid-state Image Detector Patents (Class 378/98.8)
  • Patent number: 7283608
    Abstract: Systems and methods for X-ray imaging are provided. The X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray source for generating X-rays. The X-ray imaging system further includes an X-ray detector configured to provide X-ray intensity variation information relating to the X-rays and corresponding to each of a plurality of detector cells of the X-ray detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: David Michael Hoffman
  • Patent number: 7283609
    Abstract: A CT detector includes a pixel having a single photodiode and multiple charge storage devices that are alternately stored and read out. The photodiode is a frontlit diode with a pair of capacitors that alternately store charge generated during data acquisition. Multiple pixels are connected to a single readout amplifier. Charge is continuously acquired from each photodiode and stored on the charge storage devices, but such readout is from a single charge storage device at a time. As such, each charge storage device is read out independently, but the charge storage devices are connected to a common readout channel or port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: George E. Possin, Jonathan D. Short, Wen Li
  • Patent number: 7279120
    Abstract: This invention provides novel cadmium tungstate scintillator materials that show improved radiation hardness. In particular, it was discovered that doping of cadmium tungstate (CdWO4) with trivalent metal ions or monovalent metal ions is particularly effective in improving radiation hardness of the scintillator material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Intematix Corporation
    Inventors: Shifan Cheng, Yi-Qun Li
  • Patent number: 7278784
    Abstract: A dental X-ray system includes a radiation source used to produce X-rays and disposed in an X-ray head. The system has an electronic sensor used to detect X-rays. The sensor can be detachably connected to a central unit of the X-ray system by a plug-in connection. The electronic control system for the sensor is integrated into a plug connected thereto by an external connection cable and is associated with the sensor, thereby enabling a simple exchange between two sensors. The system can include several sensors that can be operated parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Inventors: Alexander Hack, Uwe Zeller, Klaus Weber
  • Patent number: 7274768
    Abstract: An x-ray diffraction-based scanning method and system are described. The method includes screening for a particular substance in a container at a transportation center using a flat panel detector having a photoconductor x-ray conversion layer to detect x-rays diffracted by a particular substance in the container. The diffracted x-rays may be characterized in different ways, for examples, by wavelength dispersive diffraction and energy dispersive diffraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Green
  • Patent number: 7272207
    Abstract: Systems, processes and apparatus are described through which non-destructive imaging is achieved, including a process for variable binning of detector elements. The process includes accepting input data indicative of image quality goals and descriptors of an imaging task, as well as parameters characterizing a test subject, relative to non-destructive imaging of an internal portion of the test subject and determining when the non-destructive imaging system is capable of achieving the image quality goals using binning of more than four pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventors: Richard Aufrichtig, John Robert Lamberty, Paul Richard Granfors
  • Patent number: 7263165
    Abstract: A radiation imaging device includes a detector capable of detecting radiation from either a KV source or an MV source. The detector includes a photodetector assembly, a scintillator adjacent to a first side of the photodetector, and a metal plate adjacent to a second side of the photodetector. The detector may also include a second scintillator. The first side of the photodetector assembly is positioned toward the KV source for KV imaging, while the second side is positioned toward the MV source for MV imaging. The radiation imaging device includes a first gantry for the MV source and a second gantry for the detector. The KV source may be supported by either the first gantry or the second gantry. The second gantry includes a robotic arm for positioning the detector for imaging, and is configured for moving the detector (and the KV source) out of the MV beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Farhad Ghelmansarai
  • Patent number: 7262399
    Abstract: An automatic exposure control method for an image produced on a solid-state image sensing device in which intensity of radiation light irradiated to an object to be examined from a radiation source is feedback controlled. The solid-state image sensing device comprises a picture element producing part where electric charges generated by way of photo-electric conversion when receiving exposure, and a dark current measuring part where a dark current is generated and stored without receiving exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: J. Morita Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Hayashi, Kouichi Sonobe, Takahiro Yoshimura, Masakazu Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7261465
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which the presence of a portable detector in a parking mechanism of mobile digital radiography system is used to change the operating mode of the portable detector and a mobile X-Ray system. An existing mobile digital X-Ray imaging system may be retrofitted with parking sensor mechanism for determining the proximity of the portable detector to the mobile digital radiography system. Also provided is a method for controlling a mobile digital imaging system having a mobile X-Ray base and having a parking mechanism for holding a detachable detector. Upon detecting the presence of the detachable detector in the parking mechanism a control signal is generated to alter the speed of the mobile unit and the power consumption status of the detachable detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Butzine, Jon C. Omernick, Sabih Q Zaman
  • Patent number: 7260176
    Abstract: An X-ray sensor signal processing circuit and method used in an industrial X-ray CT apparatus for processing an output signal of a semiconductor X-ray sensor which detects a pulsed X-ray emitted from an accelerator and passed through an object to be inspected. The circuit includes a first resistor having one terminal connected to the X-ray sensor and an other terminal connected to ground, a first capacitor having one end terminal connected to a connection point of the X-ray sensor and the first resistor, an operational amplifier having an inverting input connected to an other terminal of the first capacitor, and an integrator having a second resistor and a second capacitor each connected to the operational amplifier in parallel. The circuit is configured so that at least bias conditions of the X-ray sensor and the first capacitor are returned to a steady state after irradiation of the pulsed X-ray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kamimura, Shigeru Izumi, Hiroshi Kitaguchi, Atsushi Yamagoshi, Katsutoshi Satoh, Noriyuki Sadaoka, Tarou Takagi, Kouji Kuwabara, Shouhei Numata
  • Patent number: 7260180
    Abstract: An x-ray examination apparatus comprises an x-ray source and an x-ray detector. The x-ray detector includes a photoconductor to derive electric charges from incident x-radiation and read-out elements which derive electrical pixel-signals from the electric charges from the photoconductor. A central group of the read-out elements is located in a central region of the x-ray detector and a peripheral group of the read-out elements is located in a peripheral region which surrounds the central region. The x-ray examination apparatus being provided with a selection system to select the central group of read-out elements so as to supply pixel-signals from the central group of read-elements to the output circuit. The selection system may include an encompassing electrode to drain electric charges from the peripheral group. Or the selection system shields the peripheral group from x-rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
    Inventor: Herfried Karl Wieczorek
  • Publication number: 20070183572
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for treating sleep disorders using an intra-oral appliance and to the fabrication of an intra-oral appliance that incorporates digital information into the process so as to increase efficiency and decrease cost. The method includes a data capture step and a fabrication step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventors: Arielle Drummond, Prakash Somasundaram, Minette Vaccariello, Jaewon Kang, Catherine Sun, Andrew Concilio, Jason DePerro, Andrew Petruska
  • Patent number: 7254214
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging device is equipped with a solid state detector, for recording image information by being irradiated with X-rays that bear image information and for outputting image signals that represent the recorded image information, and an X-ray dosage detector for detecting the dosage of irradiated X-rays. The X-ray dosage detector is provided between an X-ray source and the solid state detector, thereby enabling accurate measurement of the X-ray dosage, without being influenced by the solid state detector. In addition, the X-ray dosage detector is equipped with a photoconductive layer. Therefore, the X-ray dosage detector can be made thinner than conventional X-ray dosage detectors, which are constituted by a fluorescent plate, a light collecting field, a light transmitting plate, and a light shielding plate. Accordingly, decreases in resolution of images detected by the solid state detector can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Shoji
  • Patent number: 7252789
    Abstract: A scintillator composition comprising a garnet represented by (M1-x-yNxAy)3(Al5-a-bCaDb)O12, where M comprises yttrium, or terbium, or gadolinium, or holmium, or erbium, or thulium, or ytterbium, or lutetium, or combinations thereof, where N comprises additives including a lanthanide, or an alkali metal, or an alkaline earth metal, or combinations thereof, where A comprises a suitable activator ion including cerium, or europium, or praseodymium, or terbium, or ytterbium, or combinations thereof, where C or D comprises lithium, or magnesium, or gallium, or an element from group IIIa, or IVa, or Va, or IIId transition metal, or IVd transition metal, or combinations thereof, where x ranges from about 0 to about 0.90, y ranges from about 0.0005 to about 0.30, and a sum of a and b ranges from about 0 to 2.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Venkat Subramaniam Venkataramani, Steven Jude Duclos
  • Patent number: 7254213
    Abstract: The relation relates to a method and a radiological imaging device. A subject (4) is illuminated by a luminous flux (1) generated by an X-ray source (2). This luminous flux (1) is a pulse having a duration tp shorter than 1 ms. The signals S derived from the interaction of the luminous flux (1) with the subject (4) are then detected by means of an X-ray detector (5) having a response time tr shorter than 0.1 ms. Applications possible in medical imaging (mammography, dental care, . . . ).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Universite Pierre et Marie Curie
    Inventor: Jacques Bourgoin
  • Patent number: 7248671
    Abstract: An X-ray diagnosis apparatus including an X-ray detector which has a plurality of detection elements. On the X-ray detector, there is a first area and a second area. A readout unit reads out an electric charge from a detection element on the first area before reading out the electric charge from a detection element on the second area. A display unit displays an X-ray image data which is created by the electric charge read out from the detection element on the second area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Seiichiro Nagai
  • Patent number: 7239685
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for managing power consumption of a medical imaging detector by the use of triggering signals, environmental condition data, and/or determination of a variable time interval triggering event that is unique for each power consumption state. Systems and methods are provided for managing power and temperature of a device, after receiving a request for a function to be performed by the device determining an “on” trigger component, an “off” trigger component, associated circuits for performing the received function, providing power to the associated circuits upon the occurrence of the “on” trigger component, and removing power to the associated circuits upon the occurrence of the “off” trigger component. Further, an instruction is described for determining and displaying a variable time interval that is indicative of a time to change from one state to a desired state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventors: Scott W. Petrick, Donald F Langler, Paul R. Granfors, Ken S. Kump, Aaron A. Haen, Jibril Odogba, Jason R. Ertel, David C. Neumann, John R. Lamberty, Ping Xue, Habib Vafi
  • Patent number: 7238945
    Abstract: The present invention is a directed to a CT detector for a CT imaging system that incorporates a segmented optical coupler between a photodiode array and a scintillator array. The segmented optical coupler also operates as a light collimator which improves the light collection efficiency of the photodiode array. The segmented optical coupler is defined by a series of reflector elements that collectively form a plurality of open cells. The open cells form light transmission cavities and facilitate the collimation of light from a scintillator to a photodiode. The cavities may be filled with optical epoxy for sealing to the photodiode array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David M. Hoffman, Michael F. Hoge
  • Patent number: 7236572
    Abstract: An economical X-ray apparatus that allows a rapid exposure of comparatively large-format digital X-ray images has an exposure unit, with which a predetermined surface segment of an exposure plane can be exposed with X-ray radiation, and a digital X-ray detector that is moved in the exposure plane, with the X-ray detector being continuously periodically driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Michael Maschke
  • Patent number: 7236564
    Abstract: A linear array detector (LAD) for scanning an object is provided. The detector includes a scintillator layer configured for generating a number of optical signals representative of a fraction of an incident X-ray beam passing through the object. The plane of the scintillator is parallel to the X-ray beam. The LAD further includes a two dimensional array of photo-conversion elements configured to receive several X-rays of the X-ray beams and configured to generate corresponding electrical signals. An arrangement of the photo-conversion elements is independent of the X-ray paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Forrest Frank Hopkins, Andrew Joseph Galish, William Robert Ross
  • Patent number: 7233004
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement which includes a radiation source (1) and a radiation sensor device (3) for forming image signals (Bn), the radiation sensor device (3) being associated with a read-out circuit arrangement (4) for the amplification/processing of image signals (Bn) read out, there also being provided at least one dosimeter (42) which is arranged to measure a radiation dose. The invention also relates to an X-ray examination apparatus and to a method for the processing of X-ray images. In order to realize an arrangement and a method whereby a high image quality can be achieved for the acquired images, it is proposed to apply a dose signal (Dn), produced by at least one dosimeter (42), to at least the read-out circuit arrangement (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
    Inventors: Augusto Nascetti, Michael Overdick
  • Patent number: 7233640
    Abstract: An optical mask layer for a CT detector is disclosed and is disposed between the photodiode array and scintillator array of a CT detector. The optical mask layer, which may extend along the x-axis, z-axis, or both, is designed to absorb and/or reflect light emitted the scintillators of the scintillator array. Through this absorption and/or reflection, transference of light photons from a scintillator to the photodiode corresponding to a neighboring scintillator is reduced. This reduction in cross-talk reduces artifacts in a reconstructed image and therefore improves the diagnostic value of the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Abdelaziz Ikhlef, Gregory S. Zeman, George E. Possin, Li Wen
  • Patent number: 7231014
    Abstract: A flat panel X-ray imaging system capable of acquiring images at multiple frame rates with multiple fields of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard M. Levy
  • Patent number: 7231018
    Abstract: According to a radiation imaging apparatus, any separate AEC sensor need not be prepared. Additionally, the apparatus main body can be made compact. To accomplish this, the radiation imaging apparatus has a first optical conversion element that converts incident radiation into an electrical signal, and generates image information on the basis of the electrical signal output from the first optical conversion element. Below a portion that is aligned to the gap between the first optical conversion elements, a plurality of second optical conversion elements which detect the incident amount of the radiation from the gap are formed. Exposure control for the radiation or control of the optical conversion elements is executed on the basis of the detection result by the second optical conversion element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshiko Morii, Masakazu Morishita, Osamu Tsujii, Minoru Watanabe, Takamasa Ishii
  • Patent number: 7227143
    Abstract: X-ray detecting devices and apparatus for analyzing a sample using the same are disclosed. A disclosed X-ray detecting device has an X-ray detector to detect X-rays emitted from a sample. The X-ray detector includes a collimator to collimate the X-rays, an electron trap to remove electrons included in the collimated X-rays, a window to transmit the X-rays and defining an interior space of the X-ray detector, a crystal to receive the X-rays which pass through the window and to generate a corresponding electric current, a field effect transistor to generate a signal in response to the electric current, and a vacuum pump to create a vacuum within the interior of the X-ray detector containing the field effect transistor and the crystal to suppress noise associated with at least one of the crystal and/or the field effect transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Dongbu Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyung-Duk Choi
  • Patent number: 7227926
    Abstract: An X-ray image radiographing system comprises an X-ray generator, a detection unit, a correction unit for performing a correction processing for the data outputted from the detection unit, and an output unit for outputting data processed by the correction unit. Moreover, it comprises a control unit for controlling the detection unit, the X-ray generator and the correction unit, a radiographing condition memory accessible by the control unit, a radiographing button for making a radiographing request to the control unit, a radiographing mode setting unit 106 for setting a radiographing mode in the control unit, and a photo timer having an AE function. The radiographing mode setting unit may be constituted of a workstation. Thereby, it is possible to provide an image radiographing apparatus and system capable of easily coping with a plurality of radiographing modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshio Kameshima, Tadao Endo, Tomoyuki Yagi, Katsuro Takenaka
  • Patent number: 7224770
    Abstract: X-ray apparatus has a radiation source operated by a voltage generator, a digital solid-state radiation detector and a control device controlling the operation of the apparatus. The control device determines a waiting time between two successive image acquisitions, dependent on at least one operating parameter for the radiation source set by the control device or by the voltage generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Martin Spahn
  • Patent number: 7221732
    Abstract: An imaging system and method for taking an image of an object. The imaging system comprises a mechanism that propels the object linearly in a direction of motion through an imaging region that has a top, bottom, front, and rear; an x-ray source located below the bottom, aligned with the front, and emitting an x-ray cone beam to the imaging region; and a plurality of x-ray detector assemblies, each of the detector assemblies including a linear row of detectors above and parallel to the top and perpendicular to the direction of motion, and a linear column of detectors outside of and parallel to the rear right side and extending at an angle to the direction of motion, wherein each of the detector assemblies defines an x-ray fan beam within the x-ray cone beam. A second system embodiment duplicates the x-ray source/detector assemblage and rotates the second assemblage by 90° around the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Martin Annis
  • Patent number: 7218705
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for offset correction of images from a flat panel detector. In some embodiments, the apparatus and method develops one or more offset maps, acquired during system idle, for the imaging system at a plurality of exposure windows. In some embodiments, exposure parameters acquired for the imaging system before image acquisition are used to select an offset map to subtract from subsequent X-ray images. In some further embodiments, executable instructions are disclosed for directing a processor to compile one or more offset map and exposure parameters to subtract based on a selected offset map noise elements from X-ray images and thereby minimizing the time between image acquisition and display of processed images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric
    Inventors: Ping Xue, Donald F Langler
  • Patent number: 7215732
    Abstract: A method for reconstructing image data from measured sinogram data acquired from a CT system is provided. The CT system is configured for industrial imaging. The method includes pre-processing the measured sinogram data. The pre-processing includes performing a beam hardening correction on the measured sinogram data and performing a detector point spread function (PSF) correction and a detector lag correction on the measured sinogram data. The pre-processed sinogram data is reconstructed to generate the image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Zhye Yin, Jong Chul Ye, Francis Howard Little, Forrest Frank Hopkins, Michael Chunhe Gong, Yanfeng Du
  • Patent number: 7203279
    Abstract: In the radiographic apparatus according to this invention, when a radiographic mode designator 16 designates a non-standard radiographic mode, a signal corrector 15 uses defect information stored in one of non-standard image defect information memories 18B–18E for correcting X-ray detection signals outputted from an FPD 2. Since the pixel defect information for non-standard X-ray images is acquired by a pixel defect information converter 19 through a conversion from defect information for standard X-ray images stored in a standard image defect information memory 18A, it is unnecessary to collect output signals for pixel defect information acquisition from the FPD 2 all over again. As a result, abnormal X-ray detection signals due to defects of radiation detecting elements may be corrected promptly, regardless of how the radiation detecting elements are assigned to the pixels in the X-ray images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Keiichi Fujii, Shoichi Okamura, Susumu Adachi, Shinya Hirasawa, Toshinori Yoshimuta, Koichi Tanabe, Shigeya Asai, Akihiro Nishimura
  • Patent number: 7203271
    Abstract: A system and method for imaging a volume having a detector including a first atomic species with an absorption edge at a first wavelength. The system also includes a source having a second atomic species for emitting an ionizing energy. The second atomic species has a characteristic emission peak that substantially matches the absorption edge of the detector. A filter may be provided for blocking ionizing energy from the source in regions other than a region proximate the characteristic emission peak. Effective imaging with a lower radiation dose may be achieved with the system and method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Pediatric Imaging Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Mark G. Benz, Matthew W. Benz
  • Patent number: 7203278
    Abstract: A radiation exposure recording device and radiography method are disclosed, where the radiation exposure recording device includes a radiation exposure recording medium, a housing that at least partly surrounds the radiation exposure recording medium, and a first detector that detects a radiation exposure. An output signal produced in response to the detecting of the radiation exposure can be provided, and the detection of and output of a signal in response to the radiation exposure is entirely automatic and independent of any manual processing of the radiation exposure recording device. Further, the radiography method includes providing a first radiation exposure recording medium, providing a first radiation exposure detector, and sensing an exposure of radiation at the first radiation exposure detector. Also disclosed is a circuit that can be retrofitted to existing radiography cassettes for detecting when the cassettes are exposed to radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Gary J. Wendt, Walter W. Peppler
  • Patent number: 7193219
    Abstract: An intraoral sensor includes a radiation sensitive sensor array, an event detection circuit, and a transmitter. The radiation sensitive sensor array includes a scintillator which converts x-rays into visible light radiation, and a plurality of pixels sensitive to visible light radiation to capture an image upon the presence of incident radiation. The event detection circuit includes a current sensing device and is configured to generate a triggering signal indicating the presence of radiation incident on the sensor array based upon the amount of electrical current drawn by the sensor array. The transmitter is adapted to transmit via a wireless link signals representing an image captured by the sensor array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Schick Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Schick, Stan Mandelkern, Valeriy Armencha
  • Patent number: 7194064
    Abstract: A novel image capture device, system and method are disclosed for use in capturing dental images. A novel collimator tube includes one or more devices integrated within its wall, such as a radio frequency transmitter, a camera, a frame grabber, or a transilluminator light. The integrated devices are used instead of or in addition to an x-ray generator, which is coupled to the collimator tube. The camera is used to capture digital images. The camera is either a camera port for plugging in an external camera, such as an intra-oral camera, or is wholly contained within the collimator tube. The radio frequency transmitter transmits digital data to a remote computer. The frame grabber captures digital data for display on a display device. The transilluminator light can illuminate an area for digital capture. A novel receptor holder includes a docking port for docking a sensor that is used for digital x-ray capture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Interactive Diagnostic Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Razzano, Ronald C. Webb, Barry R. Margraf
  • Patent number: 7190759
    Abstract: Pin-based support structures for easily and precisely assembling CT detector components into individual detector modules are described, as are methods of making the same. The pins in these structures serve as the local reference points against which all other detector components (i.e., collimators, scintillator packs, diodes, electronic flex connectors, etc.) are aligned. The pins may also be used to quickly and easily attach the individual detector modules to the local detector reference frame and then to the global reference frame in a CT imaging system. These structures allow CT detector components to be more easily and economically assembled than previously possible. Furthermore, these structures are extensible in the Z-direction, allowing for longer Z-coverage with each rotation of the gantry, thereby allowing for full organ imaging in a single CT scan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Paul Michael Ratzmann
  • Patent number: 7187754
    Abstract: In an operating method for a medical installation, in particular an x-ray installation. In activation state of the medical installation, a control and evaluation device determines, upon input of a control command, a useful image of a subject. For this purpose, the control and evaluation device receives raw image of the subject acquired by a detector in a first detector mode, and determines the useful image therefrom on the basis of correction data. In a waiting state of the medical installation, the control and evaluation device updates the correction data for the first detector mode repeatedly after the expiration of a basic time interval since the last driving of the detector. For this purpose, the control and evaluation device receives raw data acquired by the detector and uses it to update the correction data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gerhard Hahm, Martin Spahn
  • Patent number: 7184518
    Abstract: In the method are repeated the stages of: exposing (6) a zone of a sample to the X-rays through a collimator, exposing only the parts of the sample placed between it and some secondary boards of a main board; obtaining (7) the data generated by exposure of the sample; and moving (8) the mobile support to another zone of the sample. Next, the data to obtain a complete digital image are processed. The device comprises a source of X-rays, a data-gathering device, a detection module which has a main board upon which are arranged secondary boards, a collimator fitted between the main board and the source of X-rays; and a unit for processing the data. A continuous image without size limitation is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Institut de Física D'Altes Energies
    Inventors: Mokhtar Chmeissani, Enrique Fernandez
  • Patent number: 7180042
    Abstract: An image input apparatus which includes a detection section (10) to detect radiographic image from a recording member (4) having radiographic image information recorded thereon, and reads the detected radiographic image, the image input apparatus including: a creation section (17) to create a plurality of correction values for correction of unevenness on the image or radiography sensitivity, in which the plurality of correction values correspond to a plurality of detection regions; a storage section (17) to store the created plurality of correction values; and a selecting section (13) to select an optimal correction value upon image reading, wherein the optimal correction value is used for the image reading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Ito
  • Patent number: 7177387
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to scintillator module for a CT detector as well as an apparatus and method of manufacturing the same. The scintillator module is comprised of a scintillator array having a plurality of scintillators aligned in parallel with respect to one another. A collimator assembly includes a comb having a number of teeth and a plurality of collimator plates positioned proximate to the scintillator array. The scintillator array includes at least one indexing pin extending therefrom. The indexing pin engages the comb and is constructed to improve alignment of the scintillator array relative to the collimator plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Takashi Yasunaga, Brian Graves, Gerhardt E. Schweinert
  • Patent number: 7176477
    Abstract: A light irradiating device provided with line light sources is located in association with an image recording medium. The line light sources are located in parallel and at approximately identical pitches with respect to a scanning direction. A slit array plate having slits is located between the image recording medium and the light irradiating device. Each of the slits is located at a position corresponding to the position of one of the line light sources. The light irradiating device is controlled such that line light beams are radiated out one after another with different timing from the line light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuo Hakamata
  • Patent number: 7173251
    Abstract: There is disclosed a device for imaging radionuclide emissions comprising: a charge coupled device or CMOS active pixel sensor device; and a scintillator layer in direct contact with the charge coupled device or CMOS active pixel sensor device; in which the thickness of the scintillator layer is greater than 200 ?m, preferably greater than 400 ?m, most preferably about 500 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: University of Leicester
    Inventors: George William Fraser, Robert John Ott, John Ernest Wyper Lees
  • Patent number: 7172340
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray irradiating unit configured to irradiate an X-ray to an object, an X-ray detecting unit configured to detect the irradiated X-ray, an image creating unit configured to create X-ray image data based on data detected by the X-ray detecting unit, a moving mechanism configured to move the X-ray detecting unit to the object, a capacitance sensing unit, including an electrode which is positioned so as to cover at least part of a detection plane of the X-ray detecting unit, configured to obtain a capacitance value of the X-ray detecting unit by the electrode and a distance measurement unit configured to measure a distance between the object and the X-ray detecting unit based on the capacitance value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Satoshi Oota
  • Patent number: 7170974
    Abstract: An X-ray device (1) is provided including an X-ray source (8) and a first X-ray detector (9,100) for producing a first X-ray image data set of an examination object (P). A second X-ray detector (20) is provided for producing a second X-ray image data set of examination object (P) where the second X-ray detector (20) has a smaller detector surface (23) than the first X-ray detector (9,100). The second X-ray detector (20) may produce an X-ray image associated with the second X-ray image data set that has a higher local resolution than the X-ray image (12) associated with the first X-ray image data set. The second X-ray detector (20) may be movably connected with the first X-ray detector (9,100) so the second X-ray detector (20) maybe articulated upstream of the first X-ray detector (9,100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventors: Burkhard Groh, Volker Heer, Mathias Hömig, Bernhard Sandkamp
  • Patent number: 7170973
    Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray apparatus for forming X-ray images, which apparatus includes an X-ray detector (4) for the conversion of X-rays into electrical signals, a detector exposure unit (5) for the emission of electromagnetic radiation in dependence on how first and second exposure parameters, the value of the first exposure parameters being defined by the acquisition mode whereas the second exposure parameters are not defined by the acquisition mode, and also a control unit (13) for changing and controlling at least one second exposure parameter of the detector exposure unit upon a change of the acquisition mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Gipp, Hans-Aloys Wischmann, Falko Busse
  • Patent number: 7170041
    Abstract: An imaging system can include at least a two-dimensional array of pixels, an input device that includes a sensor that provides an electronic signal that represents to the image two-dimensional array of pixels, and a controller, the electronic signal is controlled by a controller so that the electronic signal is either stored in the first capacitor, or stored in the second capacitor. The electronic signal can also be controlled by the controller so that the electronic signal is either stored in the first capacitor during a phase of one of the control signals, or not stored in the first capacitor during a phase of another one of the control signals. The system permits a dynamic response time for properly managing frame times associated with a large number of pixels so that the images will not appear as blurry images when they are displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey Rahn
  • Patent number: 7164134
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for fabricating a high performance reflective material for use on scintillator elements in a computed tomograph (CT) imaging device. Adjacent scintillator elements are separated by gaps filled with a reflective coating layer. In one embodiment, the reflective coating layer consists of a surface level coating layer, an adhesion layer, a metallic reflective layer, and a top layer consisting of either a barrier coating layer or a polymeric encapsulant, or both. In another embodiment, the metallic reflective coating layer is applied to the scintillator element via an electroless metal deposition process utilizing a reducing agent and a metal complex. The CT reflectors formed by either embodiment have improved light output, minimized cross talk, higher geometric efficiency, and decreased performance degradation as compared with current CT reflectors that utilize organic binders and titanium dioxide fillers is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Chang Wei, Robert Joseph Lyons, Richard Louis Hart, Jaime Andres Echeverry, Wendy Wen-Ling Lin
  • Patent number: 7154994
    Abstract: Systems and methods of switching between data acquisition modes in an x-ray system are disclosed. The x-ray system includes a control device and a detector device, the detector device including one or more x-ray sensors. During changes in acquisition modes, responsibility for flushing the one or more x-ray sensors may be transferred from the control device to the detector device. When the detector device is ready to begin acquiring data in a new data acquisition mode, the responsibility is transferred back from the detector device to the control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith Gray
  • Patent number: 7147372
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting radiation including x-ray, gamma ray, and particle radiation for radiographic imaging, and nuclear medicine and x-ray mammography in particular, and material composition analysis are described. A detection system employs fixed or configurable arrays of one or more detector modules comprising detector arrays which may be electronically manipulated through a computer system. The detection system, by providing the ability for electronic manipulation, permits adaptive imaging. Detector array configurations include familiar geometries, including slit, slot, plane, open box, and ring configurations, and customized configurations, including wearable detector arrays, that are customized to the shape of the patient. Conventional, such as attenuating, rigid geometry, and unconventional collimators, such as x-ray optic, configurable, Compton scatter modules, can be selectively employed with detector modules and radiation sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventors: Robert Sigurd Nelson, William Bert Nelson
  • Patent number: 7145983
    Abstract: An X-ray analysis apparatus is disclosed, in which X-rays emitted from an X-ray source are applied to a sample and a two-dimensional CCD sensor detects the X-rays diffracted by the sample. The X-ray analysis apparatus has a 2?-rotation drive and a program. The 2?-rotation drive moves the two-dimensional CCD sensor. The program is executed to control the motion of the CCD sensor. The 2?-rotation drive rotates the CCD sensor around ?-axis that extends over the surface of the sample. The program synchronizes the transfer of charges in the CCD sensor with the motion of the CCD sensor driven by the 2?-rotation drive. Hence, data items for the same diffraction angle can be accumulated in the pixels of the two-dimensional CCD sensor. This achieves high-speed and high-sensitivity in detection of diffracted X-rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Rigaku Corporation
    Inventors: Takeyoshi Taguchi, Takeo Tajima