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.

Abstract: The invention relates to digital scanning imaging by electromagnetic radiation. To reduce the difference between the resolutions in, the scanning direction and the direction perpendicular thereto, pixels (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6) in the scanning direction are connected to counters (C1, C2, C3) through switching means (Sm1, Sm2, Sm3) which allow pulses to be directed to the counter of a neighboring pixel, in addition to its own pixel, for counting, whereby the reading area can be divided into a plurality of “partial pixels” and by suitably changing the switch positions, it is possible to follow the imaging scan as reading areas formed by the “partial pixels”.

Abstract: A monolithic detector uses a grid to block x-rays from inter-pixel regions such as are believed to cause electrical noise in the pixel signals.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained, electronic radioscopic imaging 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.

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.

Abstract: A method and system for an improved data acquisition system with an image detector array and an image processing system which finds a malfunctioning cell, interpolates a signal for the malfunctioning cell using neighboring channels of the cell, and corrects the interpolation with an error rate found in performing interpolations on neighboring rows with cells which are not malfunctioning. The image processing system may include a DAS and a reconstruction system. The step of finding a malfunctioning cell may be accomplished through a variety of methods, such as measuring discrepancies between a cell's and its neighboring cell's average readings over time and exposing the cells to x-rays which should produce similar readings in all the cells and comparing the cells' signals, looking for discrepancies. The step of interpolating and the step of correcting may take into consideration cells within the same projection view as the malfunctioning cell.

Abstract: An X-ray-tomographic imaging apparatus for obtaining image data on a predetermined tomographic section of a subject with efficiency and effectiveness by using a plurality of X-ray projection images achieved by a plurality of X-rays that is made incident on the tomographic section from different directions is provided. The X-ray-tomographic imaging apparatus comprises a solid-image pickup unit that can convert each of the X-ray projection images to a signal and read the signal by a non-destructive reading method and a control unit making the solid-image pickup unit accumulate the signals of the X-ray projection images and read the signals by the non-destructive reading method during the signal accumulation.

Abstract: An imaging system for high energy radiation direct conversion scan imaging includes a high energy radiation source and a semiconductor high energy radiation direct conversion imaging device arranged around an object position. The imaging device includes a plurality of imaging cells, each imaging cell comprising a detector cell and a readout cell for producing imaging cell output values representative of high energy radiation incident on the detector cell. The source member and/or the imaging device were arranged to move substantially continuously relative to each other for scanning an object at the object position. The readout cells are operated to read out the imaging cell output values at time intervals which substantially correspond to an object image point traversing half the distance of a detector region or cell in the scanning direction. Such a configuration provides for pixel level resolution during the scanning operation.

Abstract: A method and system of electronically detecting and measuring gravitational loads placed on an x-ray detector is disclosed. An x-ray detector incorporates an accelerometer that detects and provides an output as to the extent of gravitational loads or forces placed thereon. The accelerometer may also time and/or date stamp each recorded event such that a technician may determine when the x-ray detector was subjected to a particular load. A microcontroller/microprocessor may also compare a current reading of the accelerometer to a threshold and, based on the comparison, provide an audio or visual indication that the x-ray detector has been subjected to a potentially damaging gravitational load.

Abstract: A CT detector capable of energy discrimination and direct conversion is disclosed. The detector includes multiple layers of semiconductor material with the layers having varying thicknesses. The detector is constructed to be segmented in the x-ray penetration direction so as to optimize count rate performance as well as avoid saturation.

Abstract: A method for providing X-ray image data signals corresponding to a selected portion of a two-dimensional image at an enhanced image resolution. During selective exposure of an X-ray receptor to X-ray radiation corresponding to the subject image, image pixel data corresponding to the region of interest (used pixels) are read out with normal pixel data pixel discharge times and at the normal pixel data rate, while image pixel data corresponding to the region not of interest (unused pixels) are read out also with normal pixel data pixel discharge times and at either the normal pixel data rate or an increased pixel data rate. During such pixel data readout intervals, the X-ray radiation exposure can be continuous or selectively pulsed.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting x-ray exposure data in an x-ray detector include scanning pixels in an x-ray detector to determine exposure levels. The scanning may progress sequentially from a first edge to an opposite edge or may progress in an alternating fashion across the detector. The detector may include a data line split, where an object may be positioned between the data line split and an x-ray source. The scanning may then progress sequentially from at least one detector edge towards the data line split. In addition, a system for collecting x-ray exposure data in an x-ray detector is described. The system includes a detector, a plurality of data lines and scan lines, and a programmable logic device. The programmable logic device communicates at least one of a scan line driver module direction signal, an enable scan line driver module signal, and a cascade signal.

Abstract: An x-ray detector comprises a plurality of detector units arranged in a detection surface. Individual detector units including a sensor element and read-out circuit. The sensor elements and the read-out circuitry are spatially separated transversely to the detection surface. X-ray shielding member is at least for a part arranged between individual sensor elements and individual read-out circuits, so as to shield the read-out circuits from x-radiation.

Abstract: Deterioration of a photoconductive layer is prevented, by suppressing the application of heat during connection of a second electrode with an external terminal. A solid state detector is constituted by: an external terminal, which is electrically connected to a voltage source for applying a recording voltage to the second electrode when recording image information at a charge accumulating portion; and a connecting member formed by a conductive elastic material, of which a first end is fixed to the external terminal, and a second end contacts the second electrode by elastic force.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a DC/DC power supply which supplies power to at least part of the apparatus, a photodetector array including two-dimensionally arranged photoelectric conversion elements, and a line selector and reading circuit which read signals from the photoelectric conversion elements for each row in the photodetector array as a unit. A line driving signal in the line selector is set to be synchronized with a reference clock for defining the oscillation frequency of the DC/DC power supply and have a period of an integer multiple of the reference clock. A sample/hold signal for determining the timing at which a signal read from the photodetector array is sampled/held is output at a predetermined phase timing of each period of the line driving signal.

Abstract: X-ray imaging systems are provided. A representative x-ray imaging system includes a gas detector that is configured to retain a volume of gas. The gas detector incorporates a first detection circuit corresponding to a first region of the gas and a second detection circuit corresponding to a second region of the gas. The first detection circuit is adapted to provide a first signal indicative of an intensity of x-rays radiating into the first region of the gas and the second detection circuit is adapted to provide a second signal indicative of an intensity of x-rays radiating into the second region of the gas. Methods and other systems also are provided.

Abstract: A radiographic apparatus includes a detection section including photoelectric conversion elements that detect radiation that has been transmitted through a subject. The apparatus has a substantially rectangular detection surface; and a housing that contains the detection section. The housing has a handle in an area along a longer side of the detection surface when viewed along a direction normal to the detection surface.

Abstract: An X-ray examination apparatus includes an X-ray source, an X-ray detector and an exposure control system. The exposure control system is arranged to control the X-ray source so as to perform a test exposure at a low X-ray dose and to perform an X-ray exposure at a higher X-ray dose. The X-ray detector applies a control signal resulting from the test exposure to the exposure control system and the X-ray source is adjusted on the basis of this control signal. The X-ray exposure produces an X-ray image and the X-ray detector supplies an image signal representing this X-ray image. The exposure control system is arranged to adjust the X-ray detector to a low spatial resolution during the test exposure and to a high spatial resolution during the X-ray exposure. The X-ray detector preferably includes a sensor matrix having sensor elements arranged in columns and rows. The spatial resolution is adjusted by deriving the control signal and the image signal from large and small groups of sensor elements, respectively.

Abstract: A computed tomography apparatus has a gantry with at least one x-ray tube and at least one detector. The x-ray tube and the detector are executed such that they can rotate around a system axis (z-axis), and the detector exhibits a width B in the system axis direction and a longitudinal length L in the circumferential direction of the gantry. At least one movable detector diaphragm is arranged that is moved in front of the detector as needed and thus partially covers the detector. A movement device enables movement of the detector diaphragm over the detector in the longitudinal direction of the detector.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a metal sorting device including an X-ray tube, a dual energy detector array, a microprocessor, and an air ejector array. The device senses the presence of samples in the x-ray sensing region and initiates identifying and sorting the samples. After identifying and classifying the category of a sample, at a specific time, the device activates an array of air ejectors located at specific positions in order to place the sample in the proper collection bin.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a scintillator array for a radiation detector of an imaging system includes fabricating a scintillator array including a plurality of scintillators arranged side by side, each of the scintillators separated from adjacent scintillators such that a gap is defined therebetween, each of the scintillators having a geometric shape defined by a plurality of external surfaces, fabricating a pre-formed reflector having a plurality of cavities defined therein, each cavity having a geometric shape substantially similar to each scintillator geometric shape, and coupling the scintillator array and the pre-formed detector such that each respective scintillator is positioned at least partially within at least one respective reflector cavity.

Abstract: A CT detector capable of energy discrimination and direct conversion is disclosed. The detector includes multiple layers of semiconductor material with the layers having varying thicknesses. The detector is constructed to be segmented in the x-ray penetration direction so as to optimize count rate performance as well as avoid saturation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a digital camera, an imaging device and a method for dental digital imaging. One sensor is used for tomographic imaging and at least one sensor is used for transillumination imaging. The sensors are arranged to overlap each other. This arrangement provides a multiple use and a relative inexpensive camera compared with the ones using one sensor with a large area. Additionally, it is possible to arrange at least two separate electric connection structures for the different imaging modes. Further, its connection arrangements can be arranged in such a way that the mechanical connection structures of the camera are separated from the electrical connection structures.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring and recording a time-varying radiation absorption profile of an object undergoing a change that causes such a variation, includes: a continuous radiation emission source; a plurality of radiation detectors; a signal-reversing switch, connected to the detectors; a plurality of signal integrators for each detector, the integrators for each detector being connected to their detector by the signal-reversing switch, with portions of the plurality of the integrators being combined in banks of integrators, such that the signal reversing switch simultaneously connects the detectors with only the integrators of one of the banks; a control unit, connected with the signal reversing switch, for switching the signal reversing switch; a pulse generator, connected to an input of the control unit; and a synchronous signal transmitter, connected to an input of the control unit, for resetting the signal reversing switch to the integrators of a first bank of integrators.

Abstract: Spatially patterned light-blocking layers for radiation imaging detectors are described. Embodiments comprise spatially patterned light-blocking layers for an amorphous silicon flat panel x-ray detector, wherein the spatially patterned light-blocking layer blocks light from a predetermined number of switching elements in the detector, wherein the predetermined number comprises less than all of the switching elements in the detector. These light-blocking layers may block light from each switching element in a predetermined arrangement of switching elements that are read out last, or in any other suitable pattern.

Abstract: A photodiode detector assembly for use with an ionizing radiation detector, the assembly includes a first layer having a first side and a second side and an array of backlit photodiodes disposed at the second side, and a second layer disposed proximate to and opposing the second side of the first layer. The second layer includes thru vias. Light rays entering the first layer at the first side and impinging the backlit photodiodes at the second side result in electrical signals at the thru vias of the second layer, thereby providing electrical output signals from the backlit photodiodes at a distance from the backlit photodiodes.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to enable photographing of a desired X-ray image in accordance with each of fluoroscopy, radiography of moving images in an area of interest and spot radiography by simplified operations, and to reduce an exposure dose to a subject. A correlation table is previously input before radiographing (S1), and is memorized (S2). A radiographer sets an irradiation field R to R1 (S3), and an X-ray aperture is opened by predetermined quantity (S4). An opening value is sent to a control part (S5), and X-rays irradiate a subject P on an irradiation condition of a tube voltage (V) and tube current (A) based on the correlation table (S6). The emitted X-rays pass through the subject, enter a planar X-ray-detecting element, then are read and converted to picture signals.

Abstract: An apparatus according to the invention includes a response coefficient to dose relationship memory for storing, in advance, a relationship of correspondence between intensities of an exponential function for impulse response and X-ray doses. The intensities of the exponential function determine conditions relating to an impulse response in a recursive computation performed to remove lag-behind parts from X-ray detection signals outputted from an FPD, thereby to obtain corrected X-ray detection signals. An impulse response coefficient setter sets an impulse response coefficient corresponding to an X-ray dose for an object under examination based on the relationship of correspondence between intensities of the exponential function and radiation doses. A time lag remover performs the recursive computation for time lag removal, with the intensity of an exponential function set to correspond to the X-ray dose for the object under examination.

Abstract: In a time-saving method for calibrating a digital X-ray detector (3) of an X-ray device (1), provision is made for a calibration image (K,M), which is intended for linking with an X-ray image (RB) taken by the X-ray detector (3), to be smoothed by applying a filter with regard to the pixel contrast.

Abstract: X-ray therapy EPI artifact reduction and control of imaging is provided. Scanning of images is synchronized with the pulse rate of the x-rays. The scanning period is longer than the pulse rate period, so artifacts are generated within the resulting images. Due to the synchronization, the pulse variation artifacts are aligned across multiple images. The synchronization and resulting alignment of linear artifacts allows for gain correction as a function of lines within the image. Such gain correction reduces or removes non-linearities associated with pulse rate variation.

Abstract: A detector for X-ray computer tomographs includes a plurality of detector modules which are mounted alongside one another on a frame. Each of the detector modules includes sensor elements for detection of the intensity of incident X-ray radiation. In order to simplify the production of calibration tables, a device for holding a pressure-contact apparatus, provided with a heating element, is provided on the detector so as to face away from the sensor elements.

Abstract: A system for capturing multiple intraoral images includes an intraoral sensor. The sensor includes a sensor array, a transmitter and a power source that provides power to the sensor array and the transmitter. The sensor is configured to be inserted inside a patient's oral cavity, capture an image upon the presence of incident radiation and transmit from within the oral cavity via a wireless link electrical signals representing the image. A base station positioned outside the oral cavity is configured to receive the electrical signals transmitted from the sensor. The sensor is capable of capturing transmitting to the base station electrical signals representing multiple intraoral images without requiring that the sensor be removed from the patient's oral cavity.

Abstract: Deterioration of a photoconductive layer is prevented, by suppressing the application of heat during connection of a second electrode with an external terminal. A solid state detector is constituted by: an external terminal, which is electrically connected to a voltage source for applying a recording voltage to the second electrode when recording image information at a charge accumulating portion; and a connecting member formed by a conductive elastic material, of which a first end is fixed to the external terminal, and a second end contacts the second electrode by elastic force.

Abstract: An X-ray light emitting phosphor film (22) such as a CsI film that converts an X-ray to light is formed on an input substrate (21) constituting an input part of an X-ray image detector. A surface portion of the X-ray light emitting phosphor film (22) is irradiated with high-energy light having a wavelength of 500 nm or less. The surface portion of the X-ray light emitting phosphor film (22) is locally sublimated and/or fused to be flattened by the irradiation with the high-energy light. The use of the high-energy light such as a laser beam makes it possible to efficiently and uniformly flatten the surface portion of the X-ray light emitting phosphor film.

Abstract: Deterioration of a photoconductive layer is prevented, by suppressing the application of heat during connection of a second electrode with an external terminal. A solid state detector is constituted by: an external terminal, which is electrically connected to a voltage source for applying a recording voltage to the second electrode when recording image information at a charge accumulating portion; and a connecting member formed by a conductive elastic material, of which a first end is fixed to the external terminal, and a second end contacts the second electrode by elastic force.

Abstract: A technique for compensating for a retained image includes employing bimodal readout of alternating light and dark images. The bimodal readout technique results from reading either light or dark frames more rapidly, allowing additional time to be allocated to the X-ray exposures occurring prior to the light frames or to the other reading operation. The bimodal readout may be accomplished by a binning procedure by which scan lines are binned and read, typically during dark frame readout. The images acquired from reading the dark frames may then be used to compensate for a retained image artifacts present in the image derived from light frames.

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.

Abstract: A radiation detecting cassette 1 includes a casing constituted by upper and lower shell halves 11, 12 and a frame 13 fixed therein; and a solid-state radiation detector 10 which is an image pickup device. Four corners of the solid-state radiation detector 10 are sandwiched by plate springs 41 and 42 both of which are fixed to the frame 13.

Abstract: The present invention is a directed to a non-pixelated scintillator array for a CT detector as well as an apparatus and method of manufacturing same. The scintillator array is comprised of a number of ceramic fibers or single crystal fibers that are aligned in parallel with respect to one another. As a result, the pack has very high dose efficiency. Furthermore, each fiber is designed to direct light out to a photodiode with very low scattering loss. The fiber size (cross-sectional diameter) may be controlled such that smaller fibers may be fabricated for higher resolution applications. Moreover, because the fiber size can be controlled to be consistent throughout the scintillator may and the fibers are aligned in parallel with one another, the scintillator array, as a whole, also is uniform. Therefore, precise alignment with the photodiode array or the collimator assembly is not necessary.

Abstract: A radiographic apparatus includes photoelectric converter elements for converting a radiographic image of an object into image signals and a shield member for shielding the photoelectric converter elements from scattered rays arising within the radiographic apparatus from radiation passing through the photoelectric converter elements. The shield member has a plurality of areas, in which at least one of a radiation transmittivity and a radiation scattering probability varies.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a segmented analog to digital signal conversion system is provided. The method includes segmenting a desired relationship between DAC output values and desired ADC input values into a plurality of segments. Each of the plurality of segments includes an offset value and a gain value. The method also includes computing the offset value and an offset coefficient for each of the plurality of segments, computing the gain value and an gain coefficient for each of the plurality of segments, and storing the offset value and the gain value for each of the plurality of segments in a memory unit for reference in converting an analog signal to a digital signal based upon the gain value and offset value.

Abstract: An X-ray image acquisition apparatus includes a panel having a first electrode, a second electrode, and a photoconductor secured between said first and second electrodes. The photoconductor has a thickness configured to absorb X-ray radiation at a high energy level. The first and second electrodes are configured to create an electric field for transporting charges created in the photoconductor to a pixel unit, thereby allowing charges to be efficiently collected when low or high energy X-ray radiation is used.

Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus includes a plurality of spaced apart imaging elements comprising each a plurality of pixels and an external terminal for external connection, wherein a lead constituting the external terminal is extended to the side portion opposite to a light receiving surface of each of the spaced apart imaging elements through a space between the adjacent imaging elements, a first planarizing layer is formed on the light receiving surface to be positioned at the same height as the external terminal or on the incidence side based on the height of the light receiving surface, and a wavelength converter is formed on the plurality of spaced apart imaging elements through a second planarizing layer formed on the external terminal and the first planarizing layer.

Abstract: A method and system of electronically detecting and measuring gravitational loads placed on an x-ray detector is disclosed. An x-ray detector incorporates an accelerometer that detects and provides an output as to the extent of gravitational loads or forces placed thereon. The accelerometer may also time and/or date stamp each recorded event such that a technician may determine when the x-ray detector was subjected to a particular load. A microcontroller/microprocessor may also compare a current reading of the accelerometer to a threshold and, based on the comparison, provide an audio or visual indication that the x-ray detector has been subjected to a potentially damaging gravitational load.

Abstract: An imaging assembly is provided including an x-ray source and a controller in communication with the x-ray source. A detector assembly is in communication with the controller, and includes a photodetector array in communication with the controller. A scintillator assembly is positioned between the photodetector array and the x-ray source. A collimator assembly is positioned in between the scintillator assembly and the x-ray source. An electroluminescent panel is positioned between the collimator assembly and the scintillator assembly. The electroluminescent panel is in communication with the controller and has an active condition where the electroluminescent panel generates radiation eliciting a response from the detector array.

Abstract: An offset data calculator has a normal offset data calculation function for calculating offset data based on data obtained from an X-ray flat panel detector while no X-ray is incident in each of the modes, i.e., an entire region fluoroscopy mode, a partial region fluoroscopy mode, imaging mode, etc. and storing the data in an offset data storage device, and additionally has a function for updating, upon calculation of new offset data in any of the modes, another mode offset data stored in the offset data storage device based on the new offset data calculated. Thus, from offset data acquired in any of the plurality of modes, it is possible to obtain the latest offset data in all the modes.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to implement a radiographic apparatus which can stably obtain a moving image at a high speed by suppressing a voltage variation in GND or power supply line and omitting the standby period for each frame. To achieve this object, during a period after electrical signals from conversion elements (S1-1–S1-3) in one control interconnection (G1) are transferred and read for each row by a driving circuit section (SR1) before electrical signals in the next control interconnection are transferred and read, the read-accessed conversion elements are refreshed for each row, thereby eliminating the necessity for preparing a refresh period in acquiring continuous moving images. In addition, since the conversion elements are refreshed for each row, the dark current (transient current) in the refresh mode can be made small as compared to a case wherein all the conversion elements are refreshed at once. With this arrangement, the voltage variation in GND or power supply line is suppressed.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnosis apparatus includes an X-ray tube for projecting X-rays onto a subject, a two-dimensional X-ray detector for detecting X-ray signals from the subject, an image processing unit for generating image signals to perform image display of an image represented by the X-ray signals received from the two-dimensional X-ray detector, and an image displaying unit for displaying the image. The X-ray diagnosis apparatus further has a noise eliminating unit for generating noise correction signals from the X-ray signal of two scanning lines that are adjacent to each other out of a plurality of scanning lines of the two-dimensional X-ray detector and for eliminating noise in an X-ray signal of the scan lines by using the noise correction signal.

Abstract: An imaging system is disclosed for use in low-light environments or environments where low-levels of such radiation is desirable. Examples of such environments are endoscopy, laparoscopy, mammography and night photography. In the case of radiation that is other than visible light, a radiation converter and method for fabricating same is disclosed. The radiation converter comprises a film of heavy scintillator (e.g. CdWO4) coated on a fiber optical window to efficiently convert the radiation into visible light. The visible light is passed into a signal amplifier employing a focussing electron-bombarded charge-couple device (FEBCCD) or a focussing electron-bombarded complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (FEBCMOS) to amplify the signal. Novel methods of performing three-dimension imaging using this system as well as removing the effects of high-speed movement are also disclosed.

Abstract: An adaptive opto-emission imaging device includes a detector having a detector face and a back surface. The detector detects radiation emanating from an object positioned in the direction of the detector face, and produces a radiopharmaceutical distribution profile of the detected radiation. An image capturing device such as a video camera provided at the detector face of the detector produces a live visual image of the object. A display device provided at the back surface of the detector displays the radiopharmaceutical distribution profile and/or the live visual image of the object. The adaptive opto-emission imaging device greatly reduces the amount of computation and time to provide real time image guidance, for example to physicians using the device to perform an image-guided surgical procedure.