With Solid-state Image Detector Patents (Class 378/98.8)
  • Patent number: 9354329
    Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray camera (100) for the high-resolution detection of X-rays (1), comprising a plurality of radiation detectors (10), each of which has a carrier substrate (11), a detector layer (12), and contact electrodes (13). The detector layer (12) contains GaN, lies on the carrier substrate (11), and has a thickness of less than 50 ?m. The contact electrodes (13) form ohmic contacts with the detector layer (12). The X-ray camera also comprises a retaining device (20) on which the radiation detectors (10) are arranged along a specified reference line or reference surface (21). The invention also relates to a method for capturing an image of an object (2, 3) being examined using X-rays (1), said X-ray camera (100) being used in the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen Deutsches Forschungszentrum fuer Gesundheit und Umwelt (Gmbh)
    Inventors: Stefan Thalhammer, Markus Hofstetter, John Howgate, Martin Stutzmann
  • Patent number: 9351701
    Abstract: There is provided a calibration apparatus used for a photon counting type of radiation detector. In this apparatus, a radiation condition of a radiation is set such that particles of the radiation (X-rays) which are incident on a plurality of detection modules are piled up over each other at a probability which is equal to or less than a predetermined value. Under the setting of this radiation condition, detection sensitivities for the radiation are made uniform among the plurality of detection modules. Using this uniformed result, the detection sensitivities for the radiation are further made uniform every channel of each of the pixels formed by circuit groups including the plurality of detection modules, discrimination circuits and data calculation circuits and every discrimination circuit in each channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: TAKARA TELESYSTEMS CORP.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Yamakawa, Daisuke Hashimoto, Hideyuki Nagaoka, Tatsuya Nagano, Masahiro Tsujita
  • Patent number: 9354330
    Abstract: A method for detecting radiation during the examination of a sample (1) comprises the steps of generating the radiation, more particularly X-ray radiation or proton radiation, by means of a source device (10), passing the radiation through the sample (1), and detecting the radiation by means of at least one photoelectric solid-state detector (20) containing a photoconduction section having a predetermined response threshold and a potential well section for taking up free charge carriers. The solid-state detector (20) is a GaN- or GaAs-based semiconductor detector and the potential well section contains a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG). A setting of the radiation is provided in such a way that the solid-state detector (20) is operated separately from the response threshold of the photoconduction section and in a sensitivity range of the potential well section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignees: Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen Deutsches Forschungszentrum fuer Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Technische Universitaet Muenchen
    Inventors: Stefan Thalhammer, Markus Hofstetter, John Howgate, Martin Stutzmann
  • Patent number: 9329280
    Abstract: A radiation image pickup apparatus includes a pixel array having pixels each including a conversion element and a switch element, a drive circuit for controlling the switch element between a conducting state and a non-conducting state, a detection unit for outputting a detection signal varying with the intensity of irradiation of the pixel array, and an arithmetic unit for calculating a start threshold value used to detect start of irradiation based on the signal output from the detection unit during a period when radiation is not emitted onto the pixel array in which the switch elements are sequentially set in a conducting state on a row-by-row basis by the drive circuit and the signal output from the detection unit during a period when radiation is emitted onto the pixel array in which the switch elements are sequentially set in a conducting state on a row-by-row basis by the drive circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshio Kameshima, Tomoyuki Yagi, Katsuro Takenaka, Sho Sato, Atsushi Iwashita, Eriko Sugawara, Hideyuki Okada
  • Patent number: 9313869
    Abstract: A radiation image detection apparatus includes a control unit, during a irradiation detection mode, stops supplying of an operating power to a data processing unit until irradiation of radiation is detected by an irradiation detection unit, and when the irradiation of radiation is detected by the irradiation detection unit, the control unit proceeds to a photographing mode and begins supplying the operating power to the data processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasufumi Takahashi, Naoto Iwakiri
  • Patent number: 9305969
    Abstract: A solid-state imaging device 1A includes a CCD-type solid-state imaging element 10 having an imaging plane 12 formed of M×N pixels that are two-dimensionally arrayed in M rows and N columns, N signal readout circuits 20 arranged on one end side in the column direction for each of the columns with respect to the imaging plane 12, and N signal readout circuits 30 arranged on the other end side in the column direction for each of the columns with respect to the imaging plane 12, a semiconductor element 50 for digital-converting and then sequentially outputting as serial signals electrical signals output from the signal readout circuits 20 for each of the columns, and a semiconductor element 60 for digital-converting and then sequentially outputting as serial signals electrical signals output from the signal readout circuits 30 for each of the columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventors: Motohiro Suyama, Akiomi Ujima, Kentaro Maeta, Hisanori Suzuki, Masaharu Muramatsu, Fumio Iwase
  • Patent number: 9285326
    Abstract: A computed-tomography apparatus that includes a CT scanner including an X-ray source and a detector covering respective angle ranges in the axial and transaxial planes of the CT scanner. The CT detector includes first detector elements disposed on a first surface to capture incident X-ray photons emitted from the X-ray source, and second detector elements sparsely disposed on a second surface different from the first surface, the second surface being farther away from the scanner than the first surface, the second detector elements being smaller in number than the first detector elements. Each of the second detector elements is reachable only by X-ray photons originating in a small angle range around a line connecting the X-ray source and a center of the surface of the detector element, the small angle range being determined by the predetermined distance separating the first and second surfaces and a size of the detector element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Gagnon, Yu Zou, Xiaolan Wang
  • Patent number: 9223033
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a scintillator array including a reflector disposed between the scintillator pixels, and methods of forming the scintillator array and radiation detector. In an embodiment, the reflector can be used in the scintillator array without an adhesive. In another embodiment, the reflector can be disposed in a zigzag pattern between the scintillator pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN CERAMICS & PLASTICS, INC.
    Inventor: Louis Perna
  • Patent number: 9204849
    Abstract: To achieve a radiation detection panel capable of outputting a signal for generating an accurate pixel signal regardless of the performance of a conversion unit, a detection circuit that outputs a signal used for generating a pixel signal includes a first output circuit that outputs a signal due to afterglow, and a second output circuit that outputs a signal including both a signal based on radiation emission and a signal due to afterglow. Transistors using an oxide semiconductor material for a channel formation region are used as some transistors included in the first and second output circuits. In the radiation detection panel having this structure, the signal (a first signal or a second signal) can be held in each output circuit; therefore, after all output circuits hold the signal (the first signal or the second signal), the first signal and the second signal can be sequentially output from detection circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Kurokawa, Takayuki Ikeda
  • Patent number: 9204855
    Abstract: A portable X-ray imaging apparatus has an electronic cassette and a console capable of receiving an imaging order. The console has a wireless communication section, a trigger signal obtaining section, a connection determining section, a switching section, and a delivery requesting section. The wireless communication section receives radio waves and connects itself to an access point (AP). The trigger signal obtaining section obtains a trigger signal while the mobile radiography unit stands still. At the time of obtaining the trigger signal, the connection determining section determines one of the APs as an appropriate AP based on field intensity. The switching section switches the connection to the appropriate AP. Then, the delivery requesting section transmits a delivery request for the imaging order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Keiji Tsubota, Naoyuki Nishino, Yasunori Ohta
  • Patent number: 9201149
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for radiation detection is herein described. The apparatus consists of two radiation-detection arrays: A primary radiation-detection array, based on scintillator-CMOS design, and a secondary radiation-detection array, mounted on the back of said primary array. A method of controlling the detection operation is described, where output of the secondary array is exploited for controlling the acquisition-start and acquisition-stop of the primary array. Further, the apparatus is equipped with fast memory for storage of correction tables, and with a processor for fast computation of the correction. A method of calibration is also describes with tables for: offset correction, gain correction, and for defect-pixel correction. These tables are evaluated by the fast processor and stored on the fast memory. A method of real-time evaluation of the signal corrections is described, which depends on the acquisition-start and acquisition-stop timings and which results a clean, artifact-free image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: CMT MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventors: Ami Ben Hayun, Alex Shtengel, Guy Hevel
  • Patent number: 9192350
    Abstract: A portable radiation imaging apparatus configured to wirelessly communicate with a radiation generation apparatus includes a radiation image sensor including a two-dimensional arrangement of a plurality of detection elements configured to detect a radiation generated by the radiation generation apparatus, a wireless communication unit configured to receive a generation condition of the radiation generated by the radiation generation apparatus, a storage unit configured to store the received generation condition and radiation image data obtained by the radiation image sensor in association with each other, and a housing configured to accommodate the radiation image sensor, the wireless communication unit, and the storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Taro Hiroike
  • Patent number: 9171878
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, detector and DAS includes an X-ray detector, a board, a DAS, and a plurality of X-ray shielding plates. The X-ray detector detects X-rays and generates an electrical signal corresponding to the detected X-rays. The board is coupled to the X-ray detector and includes a wiring pattern to extract the electrical signal from the X-ray detector. The DAS is coupled to the board and included an electronic part to perform signal processing for the electrical signal. The X-ray shielding plates are provided for the board to prevent the electronic part from being exposed to X-rays transmitted through the X-ray detector. A portion of the wiring pattern is placed between the X-ray shielding plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Yaoi, Takayuki Yamazaki, Michito Nakayama, Seiichiro Murai, Akihiko Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 9168016
    Abstract: A radiographic image capturing apparatus has a radiation source device including a radiation source for outputting radiation, and a detector device including a radiation detector for detecting radiation that is transmitted through a subject when the subject is irradiated with radiation by the radiation source, and converting the detected radiation into a radiographic image. At least one of the radiation source device and the detector device has an electric power supply limiting unit for limiting supply of electric power, and the electric power supply limiting unit controls supply of electric power between the radiation source device and the detector device, depending on timing of an image capturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasunori Ohta, Naoyuki Nishino, Haruyasu Nakatsugawa
  • Patent number: 9161729
    Abstract: An apparatus for X-ray photography includes a first X-ray source, a first driving device, and an image detecting device. The first X-ray source has a light emitting end, provided with a block element. The first X-ray source generates an X-ray beam, and the block element is used for constraining a projection field of the X-ray beam, so that the X-ray beam has a first boundary. The X-ray beam is cast onto an object, and the object has a reference center and an imageable area. The first driving device is used for driving the first X-ray source to rotate around the object within an angle range with the reference center of the object as a center, so that when the first X-ray source is located at a first position, the first boundary passes through the reference center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCH ATOMIC ENERGY COUNCIL, EXECUTIVE YUAN
    Inventors: Ho-Hui Hsieh, Meei-Ling Jan, Tien-Hsiu Tsai
  • Patent number: 9159765
    Abstract: A soft X-ray detection apparatus includes a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate has a plurality of detection units disposed thereon, each including a conversion unit and a circuit unit. The conversion unit is formed from, for example, a photodiode. The conversion unit collects electric charge generated upon incidence of soft X-ray radiation. A first conductive type (e.g., N-channel type) amplifier transistor is disposed in the circuit unit. The amplifier transistor serves as an amplifier unit that amplifies and outputs a signal supplied from the conversion unit. A first conductive type transistor is not disposed between the conversion units that are immediately adjacent to each other. Alternatively, transistors included in the detection units that are immediately adjacent to each other are disposed so as to be in close proximity to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hirofumi Totsuka
  • Patent number: 9144412
    Abstract: Among other things, a communication system and technique for transferring information between a stationary unit and a rotating unit of a computed tomography (CT) system is provided. A transmitter is configured to map digital data to an analog signal by selecting, from at least three signal configurations, a signal configuration associated with the digital data, and to generate an analog signal according to the selected signal configuration. A receiver of the communication system is configured to decode an analog signal by comparing characteristics of a signal sample to at least three possible signal configurations, and to identify a digital code word that corresponds to a signal configuration (of the at least three possible signal configurations) that matches characteristics of the signal sample. In this way, in a CT application, more than 1-bit of data may be communicated per analog signal, allowing more data to be communicated faster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Analogic Corporation
    Inventor: Louis R. Poulo
  • Patent number: 9128368
    Abstract: If a control unit of a radiation image capturing apparatus acquires dark image data before photographing and at the same time detects initiation of irradiation of radiation based on image data read out by carrying out a readout process of the image data, the control unit applies off-voltage to all the scanning lines and shifts to an electric charge accumulation mode, and after the irradiation is over, sequentially applies on-voltage to each of the scanning lines, causes the scanning lines to carry out readout process of main image data from each of radiation detection elements, and subsequently acquires offset data in a condition where radiation is not irradiated to correct the main image data read out by the photographing or main image data read out by a photographing carried out after the former photographing based on offset lag part calculated from the offset data and the dark image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventor: Hideaki Tajima
  • Patent number: 9124864
    Abstract: Systems and methods for calibrating an array camera are disclosed. Systems and methods for calibrating an array camera in accordance with embodiments of this invention include the capturing of an image of a test pattern with the array camera such that each imaging component in the array camera captures an image of the test pattern. The image of the test pattern captured by a reference imaging component is then used to derive calibration information for the reference component. A corrected image of the test pattern for the reference component is then generated from the calibration information and the image of the test pattern captured by the reference imaging component. The corrected image is then used with the images captured by each of the associate imaging components associated with the reference component to generate calibration information for the associate imaging components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Pelican Imaging Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Mullis
  • Patent number: 9097811
    Abstract: A flat panel detector (FPD) includes an imaging panel having pixels arranged in a matrix, a gate driver for turning thin film transistors (TFTs) of the pixels ON and OFF, a radiation detecting section for detecting the start of x-ray radiation from the x-ray source, and a controller. The controller controls the gate driver to turn the TFTs ON periodically to reset dark charges of the pixels. Before starting a charge accumulating operation for accumulating signal charges for imaging, the controller controls the gate driver to turn the TFTs OFF so that the radiation detecting section may detect the start of x-ray radiation on the basis of charge leaks from the pixels. When the start of x-ray radiation is detected, the controller starts the charge accumulating operation while keeping the TFTs in the OFF condition. Thereafter, the TFTs are turned ON to read out the accumulated signal charges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Keita Watanabe
  • Patent number: 9091770
    Abstract: The present invention provides radiation detector, radiographic imaging device and radiographic imaging system that may detect irradiated radiation while maintaining quality of radiographic image. The radiation detector has: pixels having a sensor portion that generates charges in accordance with light converted from irradiated radiation, TFT switch that outputs, to a signal line, charges read-out from the sensor portion, and radiation detection TFT switch that is not connected to a signal line; and radiation detection pixels that have the sensor portion, the TFT switch, and radiation detection TFT switch that is connected to a signal line and that outputs, to the signal line, charges read-out from the sensor portion. The radiation detection TFT switches are connected to radiation detection scan lines, and ON/OFF states are controlled by scan signals that are outputted from a radiation detection control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Okada
  • Patent number: 9087370
    Abstract: A flow diverter is automatically detected from medical imaging data. The appearance of the flow diverter as represented in the data as well as the geometry or shape of the flow diverter is used in the detection. Using scoring for appearance relative to the centerline and cross-section of the centerline, the flow diverter is detected for increasing visualization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Reinhard Boese, Ursula Boese, Antje Schulte
  • Patent number: 9081243
    Abstract: A TFT substrate (100) is provided with TFTs disposed on a substrate (2), first insulating layers (24, 26) disposed above the TFTs, a lower layer transparent electrode (12) disposed above the first insulating layers (24, 26), a second insulating layer (28) covering the lower layer transparent electrode (12), and pixel electrodes (10) disposed on the second insulating layer (28), in which an auxiliary capacitance (Cs) is formed by means of the lower layer transparent electrode (12), the second insulating layer (28), and the pixel electrode (10). The TFT and the pixel electrode (10) are electrically connected via a contact hole (34) penetrating the first insulating layers (24, 26) and the second insulating layer (28). A connecting transparent electrode (14) is disposed within the contact hole (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Makoto Nakazawa, Mitsunobu Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 9075150
    Abstract: A projection radiographic imaging apparatus includes a scintillator and an imaging array. The imaging array includes a plurality of pixels formed directly on a side of the scintillator. Each of the pixels includes at least one photosensor and at least one readout element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Tredwell, Roger S. Kerr, Robert W. Kulpinski
  • Patent number: 9029793
    Abstract: An imaging device (6) for scan-imaging radiation includes an imaging cell array (3) comprising an array of detector cells generating charge in response to incident radiation (1) and an array of pixel circuits each pixel circuit associated with a respective detector cell. The pixel circuit includes circuitry for accumulating plural radiation hit on an associated detector cell and transfer circuitry shifting upon command the accumulated value of all pixels by one step in one dimension (e.g., row by row). The imaged object (2) moves at a speed VOPT (7) with respect to the radiation source and the imaging detector (or source and detector move at ?VOPT with respect to the object) on which the accumulated values are shifted are with VTDI (8). VTDI may equal VOPT in value and direction. Thus, a value is accumulated in a moving information package using multiple pixels (10) and referring directly to a location on the moving object. The accumulated values are read out along one edge of the pixel array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Konstantinos Evangelos Spartiotis, Stefan Jurthe, Markku Tapio Eräluoto
  • Patent number: 9031197
    Abstract: With the aid of discriminators on a picture element of an X-ray detector, digital outputs are generated that indicate energy intervals to which X-ray quanta are allocated. If this occurs for adjacent picture elements, a distinction may be made between true coincidences, in which k-fluorescence photons play a part, and random coincidences in which two primary quanta randomly strike adjacent picture elements. The energy of the primary quantum may also be at least roughly reconstructed in the case of true coincidences. An energy-triggering measurement may thereby be provided to the extent that different materials of a picture object should be distinguished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Martin Spahn
  • Patent number: 9025729
    Abstract: An FPD is provided with an ammeter for measuring current on a wired connection of a bias line that applies a bias voltage to pixels. A control circuit compares the measured value of the ammeter and a threshold value. When the measured value of the ammeter is equal to or larger than the threshold value, the control circuit judges that an emission of X-rays from an X-ray source is started. Until before the start of the X-ray irradiation is detected, the control circuit stops supplying electric power to a signal processing circuit, and turns on all TFTs. Once the start of the X-ray irradiation is detected, the control circuit turns off all the TFTs, and makes the FPD shift to a charge accumulation operation. Thereafter, the control circuit turns on a processing power source to start supplying the electric power to the signal processing circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Kondou
  • Patent number: 9014329
    Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus includes an X-ray source configured to generate an X-ray; a scintillator configured to convert the X-ray into a fluorescent; a substrate including a plurality of photosensitive elements configured to convert the fluorescent into an electric charge; a temperature sensor formed on the surface of the substrate; a heat element formed on the surface of the substrate; and a controller configured to control a temperature of the photodiode by adjusting an electric current of the heat element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoe Sagoh, Takayuki Yamazaki, Michito Nakayama, Atsushi Hashimoto, Takeshi Miyagi
  • Patent number: 9008269
    Abstract: A method for adjusting a field of view for exposure of an X-ray system is provided. The method comprises: capturing an image of a patient on an examining table of the system by an image sensor, wherein the image sensor is placed at a predetermined position in the system; displaying the captured image on a display for selection of a region of interest or a point of interest by a user on the image; automatically determining a target position of an X-ray source in response to the selection of the region of interest or the point of interest on the image, wherein a desired field of view for exposure covering the region of interest or the point of interest is obtained when the X-ray source is located at the target position; and automatically locating the X-ray source at the target position in response to the determination of the target position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventors: Jian Wang, Bin Ye, Yannan Huang, Yonghui Han
  • Patent number: 8983035
    Abstract: A flat panel detector has pixels for obtaining image signals and detective pixels for detecting the amount of incident x-rays. A signal processing circuit is of a pipeline-type, wherein first and second buffer memories are connected to the output of an A/D converter. In a dose detecting operation, the signal processing circuit repeats primary cycles alternately with secondary cycles of a shorter length than the primary cycles. In the primary cycle, a dose detection signal based on electric charges from the detective pixels is input in the first buffer memory and, simultaneously, a dummy signal is output from the second buffer memory. In secondary cycle, the dose detection signal is output from the first buffer memory and, simultaneously, a second dummy signal is input in the second buffer memory. On the basis of the dose detection signals, a start-of-radiation detector detects the start of x-ray radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Kentaro Noma, Kenji Nakamura, Naoto Iwakiri, Kouichi Kitano, Keita Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8983036
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods/apparatus can transition a DR detector imaging array to low power photosensor mode where a first voltage is applied across the photosensors. Embodiments of methods/apparatus can provide an area radiographic imaging array including a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix at the imaging array where each pixel can include at least one electrically chargeable photosensor and at least one transistor, row address circuits, signal sensing circuits, and photosensor power control circuitry to maintain a first voltage across photosensors of the portion of the imaging array when the detector is between imaging operations. In one embodiment, photosensor power control circuitry can maintain the first voltage across the photosensors when a power consumption of the signal sensing circuits is less than 1% of the power consumption of the signal sensing circuits during readout of a signal from the portion of the imaging array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Tredwell, Jeff Hsin Chang
  • Patent number: 8976924
    Abstract: An X-ray detector of an X-ray CT apparatus has a collimator, a plurality of scintillators, a light reflector and a plurality of photodiodes. The collimator has a threshold plate with a thickness Wc to eliminate scattered radiation from an X-ray. The plurality of scintillators emit light based on the X-ray. The light reflector is provided in a gap between adjacent scintillators of the plurality of scintillators. The plurality of photodiodes convert the light of each of the plurality of scintillators into the electric signal. The thickness Wc of the threshold plate mounted on the X-ray incident side of the adjacent scintillators, and a thickness Ws of the gap has a relationship shown in a following expression: Wc?Ws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Yaoi, Seiichiro Murai, Akihiko Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 8964939
    Abstract: A radiation image acquiring system is provided. An X-ray image acquiring system irradiates X-rays to a subject from an X-ray source, and detects X-rays transmitted through the subject. The X-ray image acquiring system includes a first detector for detecting X-rays that are transmitted through the subject to generate first image data, a second detector arranged in parallel to the first detector with a dead zone region sandwiched therebetween, for detecting X-rays that are transmitted through the subject to generate second image data, and a timing control section for controlling detection timing of the second detector based on a dead zone width of the dead zone region so that first image data to be generated by the first detector and second image data to be generated by the second detector mutually correspond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventors: Toshiyasu Suyama, Tadashi Maruno, Toshihide Sasaki, Junichi Sonoda, Shinji Takihi
  • Patent number: 8953740
    Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray device comprising an x-ray sensitive camera for creating tomograms, especially panoramic tomograms. Means for creating 3D shots of a partial volume of the mandibular arch are also provided, said 3D shots being created especially by a second image receiver for creating a 2D shot and means for taking a plurality of 2D shots from different directions and creating a 3D shot therefrom, preferably according to conebeam technology with the associated reconstruction algorithms. The x-ray sensitive camera comprises a first x-ray sensitive image receiver for creating a tomogram, and a second x-ray sensitive image receiver for creating plane shots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Sirona Dental Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Norbert Erhardt, Werner Gunther
  • Patent number: 8953745
    Abstract: A solid-state image pickup apparatus 1A includes a photodetecting section 10A and a signal readout section 20 etc. In the photodetecting section 10A, M×N pixel units P1,1 to PM,N are arrayed in M rows and N columns. When in a first imaging mode, a voltage value according to an amount of charges generated in a photodiode of each of the M×N pixel units in the photodetecting section 10A is output from the signal readout section 20. When in a second imaging mode, a voltage value according to an amount of charges generated in the photodiode of each pixel unit included in consecutive M1 rows in the photodetecting section 10A is output from the signal readout section 20. When in the second imaging mode than when in the first imaging mode, the readout pixel pitch in frame data is smaller, the frame rate is higher, and the gain being a ratio of an output voltage value to an input charge amount in the signal readout section 20 is greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventors: Harumichi Mori, Ryuji Kyushima, Kazuki Fujita
  • Patent number: 8953744
    Abstract: An FPD, being offline from an X-ray source, detects X-ray irradiation from the X-ray source to detect an X-ray image. The FPD includes pixels arranged in two dimensions, scan lines corresponding to respective rows of the pixels, signal lines corresponding to respective columns of the pixels, and switching elements provided to the respective pixels to allow performing accumulation operation or readout operation. At least one of the pixels is used as a detection pixel to detect a start of the X-ray irradiation. First and second voltage signals are obtained successively through the signal line to which the detection pixel is connected. The start of the X-ray irradiation is judged based on a difference between the first and second voltage signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Keita Watanabe, Kentaro Noma
  • Patent number: 8937286
    Abstract: The present invention provides a solid scintillator comprising a rare earth oxide sintered body, wherein: an afterglow time, which is the time required for a light output from the solid scintillator to degrease from a maximum value to 1/e of the maximum value, is 200 ns or shorter. The rare earth oxide sintered body preferably has a composition represented by a general formula (1): LnaXbOc:Ce??(1), wherein Ln is one or more elements selected from Y, Gd and Lu; X is one or more elements selected from Si, Al and B; and a, b and c satisfy 1?a?5, 0.9?b?6, and 2.5??c?13, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Materials Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazumitsu Morimoto, Yoshitaka Adachi, Akihisa Saito, Eiji Oyaizu, Masaki Toyoshima
  • Patent number: 8934604
    Abstract: In an image display apparatus of this invention, an image creation unit creates a plurality of cross-sectional images and a projected image from the volume data acquired at a CT volume data acquisition unit. The plurality of cross-sectional images and projected image are displayed on a monitor. When a specific point on the plurality of cross-sectional images displayed on the monitor is clicked at an operation unit, a line is displayed on the projected image displayed on the monitor according to the click.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Takuya Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 8915647
    Abstract: In a method, with a current measurement, the history of the radiation exposure of the X-ray detector is taken into account with respect to the overall X-ray detector or subareas of the X-ray detector, in respect of a reduction in the measurement sensitivity produced as a result and a recovery of the reduction in the measurement sensitivity, and the determined measuring signal is corrected with a correction factor which is dependent on the history of the radiation exposure. Furthermore, an X-ray recording system includes a detector which includes a plurality of detector elements, which are read out in groups channel by channel and a read-out apparatus with computer-assisted device for correcting read-out detector data prior to a further processing of the detector data to form projective or tomographic images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Steffen Kappler, Johannes Kippes, Edgar Kraft, Daniel Niederlöhner, Thomas Reichel, Christian Schröter, Thomas Von Der Haar
  • Patent number: 8913714
    Abstract: A detector arrangement is disclosed for performing phase-contrast measurements, including at least two transducer layers arranged one behind the other, wherein at least the first transducer layer arranged in the radiation direction includes alternate sensitive areas having a high absorptance for the conversion of incident radiation quanta into signals and less sensitive areas having a lower absorptance in comparison thereto. Further, a corresponding X-ray tomography device and a method for performing phase-contrast measurements are also enclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thilo Michel, Peter Bartl, Gisela Anton
  • Patent number: 8908831
    Abstract: The present specification discloses a covert mobile inspection vehicle with a backscatter X-ray scanning system that has an X-ray source and detectors for obtaining a radiographic image of an object outside the vehicle. The system is configured to also simultaneously detect passive radiation. The systems preferably include at least one sensor for determining a distance from at least one of the detectors to points on the surface of the object being scanned, a processor for processing the obtained radiographic image by using the determined distance of the object to obtain an atomic number of each material contained in the object, and one or more sensors to obtain surveillance data from a predefined area surrounding the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Bendahan, Edward James Morton
  • Patent number: 8908829
    Abstract: Provided is an X-ray imaging apparatus and an X-ray imaging method that offer an alternative for a refraction contrast method. A first scintillator and a second scintillator are used, the first scintillator generating first fluorescent light when X-rays separated by the separating element are incident thereon, and a second scintillator generating second fluorescent light when X-rays separated by the separating element are incident thereon. The second scintillator has a fluorescence emission intensity gradient such that an amount of emitted fluorescent light changes in accordance with a change in a position at which the X-rays are incident.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masatoshi Watanabe, Taihei Mukaide, Kazuhiro Takada, Kazunori Fukuda
  • Patent number: 8897416
    Abstract: An, X-ray detector photographs an object by receiving an X-ray irradiated from an X-ray generator. The X-ray detector includes: a plurality of photo-detecting pixels, each of which includes a photodiode, which detects an X-ray and generates an electric signal corresponding to an amount of a transmitted X-ray, and a switching device which transmits the electric signal; a gate driver which supplies a gate pulse to the switching device for turning on the switching device; and a read-out integrated circuit (IC) which reads out the electric signals from the plurality of photo-detecting pixels; wherein the gate driver and the read-out IC initialize the plurality of photo-detecting pixels in response to an X-ray warm-up control signal causing warm up of the X-ray generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwan-Wook Jung
  • Patent number: 8891733
    Abstract: A system for eliminating image artifacts caused by electromagnetic interference (EMI) on a portable digital x-ray detector that is capable of non-contact wireless inductively coupled power transfer. An X-ray imaging system comprising a portable digital X-ray detector having detector circuitry coupled to at least one receiver coil, and a power source including a power supply coupled to a signal filter device and coupled to at least one transmitter coil, wherein the power source is coupled to a detector receptacle of the X-ray imaging system, and wherein the at least one receiver coil and the at least one transmitter coil are inductively coupled to each other when the portable digital X-ray detector is located within the detector receptacle of the X-ray imaging system to transfer power from the power supply to the detector circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Zhengshe Liu, Scott William Petrick, Luke Gerard Beno
  • Patent number: 8885795
    Abstract: A radiation detector includes an image data detecting unit that detects, as radiographic image data, charge information corresponding to applied radiation; a control unit that determines that radiation has been applied if a read value of the detected charge information is equal to or greater than a threshold value and controls the image data detecting unit to acquire radiographic image data corresponding to radiation that has passed through a subject; and a changing unit that changes the threshold value in accordance with temperature data of the image data detecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Jun Enomoto
  • Patent number: 8873714
    Abstract: This invention includes a radiation detector to detect the radiation transmitted through an object while being in a portable state or mounted on a detector holder, a control unit to control capturing of a radiographic image using the radiation detector, and a plurality of relay stations to relay wireless communication from the radiation detector. The detector holder includes a detection unit to detect the mounting of the radiation detector. The control unit determines the usage pattern of the radiation detector or the mounting of the radiation detector on a detector holder based on detection information from the detection unit or a connection request from the radiation detector, and selects one of the relay stations based on the determination result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tetsuo Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8861678
    Abstract: A system for eliminating image artifacts caused by electromagnetic interference (EMI) on a portable digital x-ray detector that is capable of non-contact wireless inductively coupled power transfer and capacitively coupled communication and data transfer. An X-ray imaging system comprising a portable digital X-ray detector inductively and capacitively coupled to a power source and communication device that is coupled to a detector receptacle of the X-ray imaging system when the portable digital X-ray detector is located within the detector receptacle to transfer power from a power supply of the power source and communication device to the portable digital X-ray detector and transfer communication and data between the power source and communication device and the portable digital X-ray detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Zhengshe Liu, Scott William Petrick, Luke Gerard Beno
  • Patent number: 8861680
    Abstract: A radiological image detection apparatus includes: a radiological image detection apparatus main body including a scintillator that converts into fluorescence radiation emitted by way of a subject and a photodetecting unit provided on a radiation entrance side of the scintillator; and a support disposed on a radiation entrance side of the radiological image detection apparatus main body to support the subject, in which the photodetecting unit includes a thin film portion that detects the fluorescence as an electric signal and a reinforcing member that is provided on another side of the thin film portion with respect to its side facing the scintillator; and the reinforcing member and the support are bonded together and remain in close contact with each other along a joint plane therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Naoto Iwakiri, Haruyasu Nakatsugawa
  • Patent number: 8851751
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit having an imaging unit power feeding mechanism configured to receive electric power from an external device; a pedestal including a pedestal power feeding mechanism configured to feed the electric power to the imaging unit; and a holder configured to position and hold the imaging unit so that a position of the imaging unit power feeding mechanism coincides with a position of the pedestal power feeding mechanism even if the imaging unit power feeding mechanism is moved with respect to the pedestal power feeding mechanism within a predetermined imaging plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kensuke Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8848872
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a digital radiography system which provides detachable and portable flat panel detectors (hereinafter, referred to as ‘electronic cassettes’) and transreceives data recorded in the electronic cassettes in on-line through a network. The digital radiography system includes bucky trays on which a plurality of portable electronic cassettes is detachably mounted, and a workstation connected with the bucky trays through communication to identify the plurality of portable electronic cassettes mounted on the bucky trays and to download pre-processing files of the identified electronic cassettes through the network or a portable storage device or to store files, generated by the plurality of electronic cassettes, in the storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Jong In Lee