With Solid-state Image Detector Patents (Class 378/98.8)
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Patent number: 8842805Abstract: The present invention relates to an X-ray examination device and a corresponding method. A fast and periodical modulation of the X-ray flux within each detection interval is performed having a low X-ray flux at the beginning of the detection interval to ensure that no detection channel is overloaded. With increasing the X-ray flux particularly the peripheral detection channels will rum into saturation, which is detected. A saturated detector channel is stopped from further detecting radiation, and the time of effective radiation detection without saturation is measured for correcting those detection signals. From all detection signals, after any correction of detection signals from saturated detection channels, an X-ray image can be reconstructed.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2010Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventor: Roland Proksa
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Patent number: 8834022Abstract: A cassette carrier for containing a cassette incorporating a semiconductor radiation detector includes a rectangular recessed portion formed for containing the cassette with an irradiation surface exposed. The recessed portion is formed by a first frame that forms a side wall of one side thereof and includes a handle that a user holds, and a second frame forming a side wall of another side of the recessed portion. In the side wall formed by the first frame, an opening is provided in an opposite position opposing a connector unit of the cassette with the cassette attached to the recessed portion. The first frame has a space in communication with the opening, and connection/disconnection of an external cable to/from the connector unit is possible through the space with the cassette attached, and the space is large enough to contain an entire connector housing of the external.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2011Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takahiro Koyanagi
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Patent number: 8831173Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an X-ray tube, first detector, second detector, arm, sliding mechanism, tilting mechanism, and control unit. The X-ray tube includes an anode to generate X-rays upon receiving electrons. The first detector has the first pixel size. The second detector has the second pixel size smaller than the first pixel size. The arm pivotally supports the X-ray tube, first detector, and second detector. The sliding mechanism slidably supports the first and second detectors so as to irradiate one of the first and second detectors with the X-rays generated by the X-ray tube. The tilting mechanism tiltably supports the X-ray tube to change the size of an effective X-ray focal spot on the anode. The control unit controls the sliding of the first and second detectors by the sliding mechanism upon interlocking with the tilting of the X-ray tube by the tilting mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2010Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventors: Hisayuki Uehara, Reiko Hashimoto, Yoshiyasu Hayashi, Kunitoshi Matsumoto, Satoru Ohishi
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Patent number: 8824635Abstract: Detector modules for an imaging system and methods of manufacturing are provided. One detector module includes a substrate, a direct conversion sensor material coupled to the substrate and a flexible interconnect electrically coupled to the direct conversion sensor material and configured to provide readout of electrical signals generated by the direct conversion sensor material. The detector module also includes at least one illumination source for illuminating the direct conversion sensor material.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2011Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: John Eric Tkaczyk, Kevin Matthew Durocher, James Rose, Haochuan Jiang, Abdelaziz Ikhlef, Vladimir Lobastov, Daniel David Harrison
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Patent number: 8824636Abstract: The present disclosure provides a bi-directional image receptor assembly capable of receiving an image receptor in either a lengthways (or longitudinal) or crossways (or transverse) orientation, while maintaining the axis of an anti-scatter grid in a fixed position. The axis of the anti-scatter grid can be placed in a fixed orientation (such as a parallel orientation) to a subject's craniocaudal axis regardless of whether the image receptor is inserted in the lengthways or crossways orientation. Methods of using the bi-directional image receptor assembly in mobile radiography are also disclosed. The present disclosure further provides for an X-ray image receptor comprising a portion of an automatic position measurement system. Still further, the present disclosure provides for a cover comprising a reinforcing geometry that maximizes the strength of the cover while minimizing the thickness of the cover.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2012Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Inventors: Gary T. Barnes, David M. Gauntt, Roger J. Malcolm
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Patent number: 8809760Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a conversion unit including a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, each pixel including a conversion element, an output switch element, and an initialization switch element; an output drive circuit controls an output operation; an initialization drive circuit controls an initialization operation; and a readout circuit performs a signal sample-and-hold operation and a reset operation. A control unit performs termination of the output operation of a certain row and start of the output operation of another row after the termination of the reset operation, the start of the signal sample-and-hold operation after the termination of the output operation of the certain row and the start of the output operation of the other row, the start of the reset operation and the initialization operation after the termination of the signal sample-and-hold operation, and the termination of the reset operation after the termination of the initialization operation.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2013Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Katsuro Takenaka, Tadao Endo, Toshio Kameshima, Tomoyuki Yagi, Keigo Yokoyama, Sho Sato
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Patent number: 8804909Abstract: A method for regulating the acquisition of an analog input signal from a digital X-ray panel is provided. The method includes opening a switch disposed between an integrator and the digital X-ray panel prior to an integrator event or upon detection of a fault in the digital X-ray panel to decouple the integrator from the digital X-ray panel, wherein the integrator is configured to integrate the analog input signal from the digital X-ray panel. Also, a system for data acquisition is provided. Further, a method for fault protection of the digital X-ray panel is provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2011Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Naresh Kesavan Rao, Richard Gordon Cronce, German Guillermo Vera, Jianjun Guo
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Patent number: 8798235Abstract: A radiographic image capturing apparatus has a radiation source device including a radiation source for outputting radiation, 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, and an electric power supply limiting unit limiting a route for supply of electric power at least between the radiation source device and the detector device, and supplying electric power between the radiation source device and the detector device.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2011Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventors: Yasunori Ohta, Naoyuki Nishino, Haruyasu Nakatsugawa
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Patent number: 8798236Abstract: A radiographic image capturing apparatus has a radiation source device including a radiation source, and a detector device including a radiation detector. At least one of the radiation source device and the detector device includes an electric power supply limiting unit for limiting supply of electric power. The electric power supply limiting unit has an activator/deactivator for determining activation or deactivation of supply of electric power between the radiation source device and the detector device, based on a present position of a corresponding one of the radiation source device and the detector device, or based on distance between the radiation source device and the detector device, and an electric power supply activator for enabling supply of electric power between the radiation source device and the detector device, if the activator/deactivator determines activation of supply of electric power between the radiation source device and the detector device.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2011Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventors: Yasunori Ohta, Naoyuki Nishino, Haruyasu Nakatsugawa
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Patent number: 8798229Abstract: Detector modules and methods of manufacturing are provided. One detector module includes a detector having a silicon wafer structure formed from a first layer having a first resistivity and a second layer having a second resistivity, wherein the first resistivity is greater than the second resistivity. The detector further includes a photosensor device provided with the first layer on a first side of the silicon wafer and one or more readout electronics provided with the second layer on a second side of the silicon wafer, with the first side being a different side than the second side.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2011Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Wen Li, Naresh Kesavan Rao, Abdelaziz Ikhlef, Jeffrey Kautzer
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Patent number: 8792618Abstract: Embodiments of radiographic imaging systems; digital radiography detectors and methods for using the same can include radiographic imaging pixel unit cells that can include a plurality of N pixel elements that each include a photoelectric thin-film conversion element connected in-series to a conversion thin-film switching element, a conductor connected to the plurality of N pixel elements and an output switching element connected between the conductor and an imaging array output. Scan lines or row lines can extend in a first direction coupled to more than one pixel unit cell and data lines or column lines can extend in a second direction coupled to more than one pixel unit cell.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2011Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.Inventors: Ravi K. Mruthyunjaya, Timothy J. Tredwell, Jeff Hsin Chang
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Patent number: 8792612Abstract: A radiation imaging system includes a radiation sensor unit and a main control unit. The radiation sensor unit includes, a radiation sensor that detects a radiation image based on radiation that passes through an object, a sensor characteristics correction unit that performs sensor characteristics correction on the radiation image based on image reception characteristics of the radiation sensor, an image analysis unit that analyzes the radiation image in which the sensor characteristics correction has been performed and calculates an analysis parameter, and a transmission unit that transmits the analysis parameter as a gradation conversion parameter and the radiation image which has been subjected to the sensor characteristics correction to the main control unit. The main control unit includes a gradation conversion processing unit that performs gradation conversion processing on the radiation image which has been subjected to the sensor characteristics correction using the gradation conversion parameter.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2010Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shimpei Konishi
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Patent number: 8787527Abstract: A mammography apparatus includes a detector that detects X-rays transmitted through a breast, and an optically transparent or semitransparent pressing panel for pressing the breast. The apparatus further includes a near infrared ray source that provided between the X-ray source and the pressing panel and arranged in a two-dimensional shape in alignment with the pressing panel, and that is movable between a first position in close contact with the pressing panel and a second position outside an X-ray image capture region. Near infrared image capture is carried out using the near infrared ray source by causing the near infrared ray source to be in the first position, and the near infrared ray source is caused to retract to the second position when carrying out X-ray image capture using the X-ray source.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2011Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Osamu Tsujii, Masakazu Morishita, Masahiko Okunuki, Satoshi Shimizu
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Patent number: 8787526Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are described including implantable radiation sensing devices having exposure determination devices that determines exposure information based on the at least one in vivo measurand output.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2011Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Eric C. Leuthardt, Michael A. Smith, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
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Patent number: 8787528Abstract: A diagnostic device system has a weight-reduced rechargeable battery. When a portable radiographic apparatus and a portable X-ray source are carried to and used for imaging at a private home or a care home, the portable radiographic apparatus and the portable X-ray source are loaded on an automobile. When the charge amount of rechargeable batteries for operation housed in the portable radiographic apparatus or the portable X-ray source loaded on the automobile is low, or when there are plural destinations and the charge amount of the rechargeable batteries becomes low, a rechargeable battery for charging mounted on the automobile is used to charge the rechargeable batteries for operation while traveling. Because the rechargeable batteries for operation are charged while traveling, a large number of rechargeable batteries for operation does not need to be charged in advance, whereby the weight of the rechargeable batteries for operation can be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2011Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventors: Takeshi Kamiya, Yusuke Kitagawa, Yasunori Ohta, Haruyasu Nakatsugawa
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Patent number: 8781075Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards a method of changing wireless communication channels in a connected host and client system. For example, in one embodiment, the link quality of a connection is monitored by the host or the client. If the connection has a link quality below a predetermined threshold but remains intact, a channel switch request is sent, synchronization packages are exchanged between the host and client on the current channel, the channel of the system is changed to a new channel, and the system resumes communications on the new channel.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2011Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: James Zhengshe Liu, Kenneth Kump, Gireesha Rao, Chuande Liu, Craig Dennis
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Patent number: 8774357Abstract: The invention provides methods, systems and detector arrangements for scanning an object moving in a first direction that includes the steps of irradiating the object with radiation having a peak energy of at least 900 keV, providing a first detector region having a thickness of at least 2 mm and a second detector region having a thickness of at least 5 mm where the second detector region is arranged to receive radiation that has passed through the first detector region, and detecting the radiation after it has interacted with or passed through the object in order to provide information relating to the object.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2013Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.Inventor: Edward James Morton
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Patent number: 8757878Abstract: A system and method for temperature drift correction capability in a CT detector module is disclosed. A scintillator array of a CT detector module has a plurality of scintillator cells configured to detect high frequency electromagnetic energy passing through an object, with a plurality of photodiodes in a photodiode array optically coupled to the scintillator array to detect light output therefrom. A computer is provided that is programmed to measure a response of the plurality of photodiodes as a function of temperature, determine a transfer function indicative of the response of the plurality of photodiodes as a function of temperature, normalize the transfer function to a virtual operating temperature, measure a temperature of the photodiode array prior to a scan, determine a correction factor from the normalized transfer function based on the measured photodiode temperature and the virtual operating temperature, and apply the correction factor to the photodiode outputs.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2011Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Abdelaziz Ikhlef, Joseph James Lacey
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Patent number: 8761340Abstract: A method is disclosed for acquiring a high speed dual-energy image pair using a pixilated digital detector. A single pixilated digital detector acquires and encodes two separate images in effectively one image, eliminating the need to read out a first image prior to acquiring a second image. The encoded information is then utilized to obtain two distinct dual-energy images which may be decomposed to form bone and soft-tissue only images.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2008Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.Inventors: John Yorkston, David H. Foos, Xiaohui Wang
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Patent number: 8755486Abstract: A front-lit detector includes a collimator, an X-ray to visible light converter configured to convert X-rays to visible light after the X-rays pass through the collimator to irradiate the X-ray to visible light converter, a visible light to analog signal converter configured to cover the visible light into analog signals, a substrate on which the visible light to analog signal converter is placed, and an A/D converter configured to convert the analog signals into digital signals.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2011Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology, LLCInventors: Zhiqiang Liu, Qinglei Li, Yu Zhou
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Patent number: 8750455Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 30, 2011Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventor: Kiyoshi Kondou
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Patent number: 8744044Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray irradiation unit which irradiates X-rays, a detection unit which detects the X-rays transmitted through an object, and a housing which contains the detection unit. The housing includes a first housing in which an X-ray transmission member which transmits the X-rays is placed in an incident range of the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray irradiation unit; a second housing which supports the detection unit while being spaced apart from the X-ray transmission member on an opposite side to an incident side on which the X-rays strike the X-ray transmission member; and a plurality of connecting members which connect the first housing to the second housing.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2010Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hidetomo Suwa, Masaaki Kobayashi, Tetsuo Watanabe
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Patent number: 8737566Abstract: An X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray image receiving unit configured to convert a spatial intensity distribution of X-ray radiation which has passed through a subject into image data, a wireless base station configured to perform wireless communication with the X-ray image receiving unit, and a control unit configured to limit a communication possible range of the wireless base station when imaging by the X-ray image receiving unit is controlled with respect to the communication possible range when image data captured by the X-ray image receiving unit is communicated.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2012Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hitoshi Inoue
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Patent number: 8731141Abstract: In a radiographic image acquiring apparatus, in the event that one radiation detection device is selected from among a plurality of radiation detection devices, each of which are capable of converting radiation into a radiographic image, the radiographic image acquiring apparatus includes an acquisition unit for acquiring all of the radiographic images from the plurality of radiation detection devices, including the radiographic image from the one radiation detection device, at a time when application of radiation with respect to a subject is carried out.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2011Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventor: Takeshi Kuwabara
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Patent number: 8718226Abstract: A tiled detector assembly (1000) and a method for making a tiled radiation detector (1000) is described. The innovative feature of this method is that the xyz misalignment of the detector tiles (304, 304?), the origin of various image artifacts, can be significantly reduced by accurate sizing and alignment of the detector tiles (304, 304?). Consequently, image quality, yield and reliability of as-produced tiled radiation detectors are considerably improved.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2009Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: TrixellInventors: Jorrit Jorritsma, Tiemen Poorter, Gerardus Franciscus Cornelis Maria Lijten, Johannes H. M. Van Roosmalen, Martinus Maria Sens, Timon Rutger Grob, Michael Johan Ferdinand Marie Ter Laak
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Patent number: 8712014Abstract: A method for adaptive frame scanning for pulsed x-ray imaging comprising the steps of: scanning lines on an image detector sequentially; receiving an indication that radiation is about to begin; waiting a fixed delay after the indication is received; suspending scanning after the fixed delay has lapsed; and resuming scanning of lines on the detector upon receiving an indication that radiation has stopped. By monitoring for completion of a frame a predetermined frame delay can be added before commencing the next line scan to accommodate jitter in the radiation pulse timing.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2010Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: PerkinElmer Holdings, Inc.Inventor: Farhad Ghelmansarai
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Patent number: 8705700Abstract: A portable radiation image capturing apparatus is described. In the portable radiation image capturing apparatus multiple image capturing elements are two-dimensionally arranged, the apparatus is provided with a current detecting means for detecting a current flowing in the apparatus, a read-out circuit having a power supply mode in which the charge generated in each image capturing element can be read out and converted into an electric signal and a stand-by mode in which charge is not read out and power is consumed less than in the power supply mode, and a control means for causing the read-out circuit to change from the stand-by mode to the power supply mode when detecting start of irradiation with radiation on the basis of an increase in the current value detected by the current detecting means while the read-out circuit is in the stand-by mode.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2009Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic, Inc.Inventor: Yoshihiko Eguchi
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Patent number: 8690426Abstract: A method of fabricating a portable x-ray detector includes coupling a gravity sensor to the portable x-ray detector and coupling a processor to the gravity sensor. The processor is programmed to receive an input from the gravity sensor, determine a physical orientation of the portable x-ray detector based on the received input, and generate an indication to reposition the portable x-ray detector. A portable detector and an imaging system including the portable detector are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2010Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: James Zhengshe Liu, Rowland Saunders, Kenneth Kump, Donald Langler, Roy Schley
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Patent number: 8690427Abstract: Methods for inspecting contents of a container. High-energy penetrating radiation collimated into a fan beam illuminates an inspected container from one side, while a plurality of detector plates are disposed on the opposite side of the container. Each detector plate has a plurality of detector modules, each of which, in turn, is disposed on a remotely activated alignment and has multiple detector elements. A controller governs the orientation of each of the plurality of detector plates based at least on the detector signal generated by its detector elements such that each detector element of each detector module of each detector plate may be aligned to within a specified fraction of the transverse dimension of the fan beam as measured at the exit slot.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2013Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: American Science and Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Richard Mastronardi, Jeffrey M. Denker, Peter Rothschild, Dan-Cristian Dinca, Aaron D. Pailes, David R. Blake, Domenic Martignetti
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Patent number: 8693635Abstract: An X-ray detector assembly includes an integrated circuit, which includes an array of detector elements and a readout circuit adjacent to the array and coupled to read charge out of the detector elements. A non-metallic shield is positioned over the readout circuit so as to prevent X-rays from striking the readout circuit.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2013Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Jordan Valley Semiconductor Ltd.Inventor: Alexander Krohmal
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Patent number: 8681939Abstract: A device for detection and identification of carbon- and nitrogen-containing materials is described. In particular, the device performs the detection and identification of carbon- and nitrogen-containing materials by photo-nuclear detection. The device may comprise a race-track microtron, a breaking target, and a water-filled Cherenkov radiation counter.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2011Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Alexander Ivanovich Karev, Valery Georgievich Raevsky, Leonid Zavenovich Dzhilavyan, Valery Dmitrievich Laptev, Nikolay Ivanovich Pakhomov, Vasily Ivanovich Shvedunov, Vladimir Ivanovich Rykalin, Louis Joseph Brothers, Larry K. Wilhide
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Patent number: 8675813Abstract: The solid-state imaging device comprises a photodetecting section having M×N pixel portions P1,1 to PM,N two-dimensionally arranged in a matrix of M rows and N columns. A pixel portion Pm,n of the photodetecting section includes a photodiode PD generating charge of an amount according to an incident light intensity and a reading-out switch SW1 connected to the photodiode PD. The photodetecting section includes plural dummy photodiodes PD1 arranged around one pixel portion without not completely surrounding the one pixel portion, and each dummy photodiode PD1 is provided in a region surrounded by any two pixel portions adjacent to one another.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2013Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.Inventors: Kazuki Fujita, Harumichi Mori, Ryuji Kyushima, Masahiko Honda
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Patent number: 8654926Abstract: An electronic cassette in a radiographic image capturing system includes a radiation detector for detecting radiation applied from an image capturing apparatus and transmitted through a patient, a contactless power receiver for receiving electric power supplied contactlessly from a power feeder and supplying the electric power to a battery, an A/D converter for performing an A/D conversion to convert analog radiographic image information generated based on the radiation applied to the radiation detector into digital radiographic image information, an end-of-A/D-conversion determining unit for determining whether the A/D conversion is finished or not, and a charging controller for stopping the power feeder from supplying electric power contactlessly after the image capturing apparatus has started capturing images until the end-of-A/D-conversion determining unit judges that the A/D conversion is finished.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2011Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventors: Yasunori Ohta, Naoyuki Nishino, Yutaka Yoshida, Keiji Tsubota, Masato Hattori, Naoto Iwakiri
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Patent number: 8641276Abstract: A sensor that is at least partially covered by a sheath, and a positioning arm that is electrically coupled to the sensor, and arranged outside of the sheath, such that a hygienic barrier is formed around the sensor. The sensor is used for filmless dental radiography and the positioning arm enables positioning of the sensor in a patient's mouth. The positioning arm includes a contact that pierces the sheath and establishes an electrical connection with the sensor when the positioning arm is coupled to the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2011Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Sirona Dental, Inc.Inventors: Mark Abramovich, Valeriy Armencha, Stan Mandelkern
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Patent number: 8625738Abstract: A radiation therapy and scanning system is provided. The radiation and therapy scanning system includes a therapy source adapted to deliver a predetermined dose of treatment radiation along an axis to a patient positioned in a scan field, a stationary scanning source producing an electron beam, and a detector positioned to partially circumscribe the scan field. The radiation therapy and scanning system also includes a target arranged concentric with the detector and located opposite the detector across the scan field, the target positioned at an angle ? to the axis such that when the electron beam impinges on the target the target transmits radiation through the scan field to the detector.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2009Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Telesecurity Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Douglas Perry Boyd, Samuel Moon-Ho Song
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Patent number: 8625741Abstract: A solid-state image pickup device 1 includes a photodetecting section 10, a signal readout section 20, a controlling section 30, and a correction processing section 40. In the photodetecting section 10, M×N pixel units P1,1 to PM,N each including a photodiode that generates charge of an amount according to an incident light intensity and a readout switch connected to the photodiode are two-dimensionally arrayed in M rows and N columns. A charge generated in each pixel unit Pm,n is input to an integration circuit Sn through a readout wiring line LO,n, and a voltage value output from the integration circuit Sn according to the charge amount is output to an output wiring line Lout through a holding circuit Hn. In the correction processing section 40, a correction processing is applied to respective frame data output from the signal readout section 20, and the frame data after the correction processing is output.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2009Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.Inventors: Ryuji Kyushima, Kazuki Fujita, Junichi Sawada
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Patent number: 8618492Abstract: A radiation image pickup device includes: an image pickup section having a plurality of pixels and generating an electric signal according to incident radiation, the plurality of pixels each including a photoelectric conversion element and one or a plurality of transistors of a predetermined amplifier circuit; and a correction section subjecting signal data of the electric signal obtained in the image pickup section to predetermined correction process. The correction section makes a comparison between measurement data obtained by measuring an input-output characteristic of the amplifier circuit in each of the plurality of pixels and initial data on the input-output characteristic, and performs the correction process by the pixel individually, by using a result of the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Michiru Senda, Tsutomu Tanaka, Tsutomu Harada
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Patent number: 8611501Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray sensor configured to convert an X-ray into an image signal, a drive control unit configured to perform wireless communication with an external device and control driving of the X-ray sensor, a power supply unit configured to supply power to the X-ray sensor and the drive control unit, and a display unit configured to display information differently in accordance with one of the state of transmission and reception in the wireless communication and the remaining battery level state of the power supply unit and in accordance with the driving state of the X-ray sensor.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2011Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kensuke Kobayashi
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Patent number: 8605862Abstract: In one embodiment, a digital X-ray detector is provided with a plurality of pixel regions. Each pixel region includes a first photodiode having a first area and a second photodiode having a second area equal to or smaller than the first area. The digital X-ray detector also includes a shielding structure that overlies the first and second photodiodes of each pixel region with the shielding structure shielding proportionally less of the first photodiode than of the second photodiode to provide the first photodiode with a first sensitivity and the second photodiode with a second sensitivity lower than the first sensitivity.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2010Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Paul Richard Granfors, John Robert Lamberty, Richard Gordon Cronce, Ping Xue, Marc Schaepkens, Aaron Judy Couture, Douglas Albagli
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Patent number: 8600005Abstract: An X-ray image acquiring system capable of improving the detection accuracy of a foreign substance contained in a subject is provided. An X-ray image acquiring system irradiates X-rays to a subject having a predetermined thickness from an X-ray source, and detects X-rays transmitted through the subject in a plurality of energy ranges. The X-ray image acquiring system includes a low-energy detector for detecting, in a low-energy range, X-rays having been transmitted through a region R1 extending in a thickness direction within the subject, a high-energy detector for detecting, in a high-energy range, X-rays having been transmitted through a region R2 extending in a thickness direction within the subject, and a timing control section for controlling detection timing of X-rays in the low-energy detector and the high-energy detector so that an inspecting region located at a predetermined site within the subject is included in the region R1 and the region R2.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2012Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.Inventors: Toshiyasu Suyama, Tadashi Maruno, Toshihide Sasaki, Junichi Sonoda, Shinji Takihi
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Patent number: 8594480Abstract: A rotating data transmission device for computer tomographs, for transmission from a rotating part to a stationary part that is rotatably supported relative to the rotating part, comprises at least one dielectric waveguide assigned to the rotating part, at least one first line coupler for coupling electrical signals into the at least one dielectric waveguide, and at least one coupler assigned to the stationary part for tapping electrical signals from the at least one dielectric waveguide. The dielectric waveguide is divided into at least two segments of approximately the same length, signals are coupled into the segments of the dielectric waveguides through a first line coupler to propagate in opposite directions, and ends of the segments distant from the line coupler are provided with terminations.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2006Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Schleifring und Apparatebau GmbHInventors: Nils Krumme, Georg Lohr
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Patent number: 8592774Abstract: A radiographic apparatus includes an x-ray detection sensor having a two-dimensional detector plane for detecting an intensity distribution of x-rays, a body internally containing the x-ray detection sensor, a supporting member having a supporting surface for supporting the x-ray detection sensor across the detector plane and which fixes the x-ray detection sensor to an inner bottom surface of the body, and a circuit board on which is mounted a circuit for reading out a detection signal from the x-ray detection sensor. Furthermore, in the radiographic apparatus, the supporting member forms a space between the supporting member and the inner bottom surface of the body in a peripheral portion of the supporting member. At least a part of the circuit board is arranged in the space.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2010Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hidetomo Suwa, Akio Saigusa, Tetsuo Watanabe
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Patent number: 8594274Abstract: In an imaging method and a tomosynthesis apparatus, a two-dimensional low-energy image of the predetermined volume segment is obtained after administration of a contrast agent, followed by a two-dimensional high-energy image and then a high-energy tomosynthesis of the predetermined volume segment is obtained with a high total radiation dose that is significantly higher than the low radiation dose. The two-dimensional low-energy image is subtracted from the two-dimensional high-energy image to generate a result with which the concentration of the contrast agent is visible. Additionally, in a time interval in which an enrichment or a washing-out of the contrast agent occurs within the predetermined volume segment, a tomosynthesis of the predetermined volume segment is automatically implemented to show the concentration of the contrast agent in the predetermined volume segment.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2011Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Mathias Hoernig, Thomas Mertelmeier
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Patent number: 8576986Abstract: An X-ray imaging method includes in a digital X-ray detector including an array of discrete picture elements each including a photodiode and a transistor, applying a first voltage to the transistors of the discrete picture elements. The method also includes preparing for acquisition of X-ray image data by sampling data from the discrete picture elements while applying a second voltage to the transistors of the discrete picture elements not then being sampled, the second voltage being more negative than the first voltage. The method further includes receiving X-ray radiation on the detector from a source. The method yet further includes sampling X-ray image data from the discrete picture elements while applying the second voltage to the transistors of the discrete picture elements not then being sampled.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2011Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: James Zhengshe Liu, Paul Richard Granfors, Kenneth Scott Kump, Ping Xue, Donald Fayette Langler, Brian John Kost
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Patent number: 8563915Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a conversion unit including a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, each pixel including a conversion element, an output switch element, and an initialization switch element; an output drive circuit controls an output operation; an initialization drive circuit controls an initialization operation; and a readout circuit performs a signal sample-and-hold operation and a reset operation. A control unit performs termination of the output operation of a certain row and start of the output operation of another row after the termination of the reset operation, the start of the signal sample-and-hold operation after the termination of the output operation of the certain row and the start of the output operation of the other row, the start of the reset operation and the initialization operation after the termination of the signal sample-and-hold operation, and the termination of the reset operation after the termination of the initialization operation.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2010Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Katsuro Takenaka, Tadao Endo, Toshio Kameshima, Tomoyuki Yagi, Keigo Yokoyama, Sho Sato
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Patent number: 8558180Abstract: Among other things, one or more systems and/or techniques for integrating electrical charge yielded from an indirect conversion detector array of a pulsating radiation system are provided. The integration begins during a resting period between a first and second pulse and ends before the second pulse is emitted. Electrical charge that is measured during a resting period is integrated, while electrical charge measured during a pulse is not integrated. In this way, parasitic contributions caused by the direct interaction of radiation photons with a photodiode are reduced and a quantum efficiency of the indirect conversion detector array is increased, for example. Moreover, the period of integration can be adjusted such that a voltage gain related to the indirect conversion detector array can be varied to a predetermined level.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2010Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Analogic CorporationInventors: Ruvin Deych, Charles Shaughnessy
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Patent number: 8542795Abstract: An X-ray radiation detector (100) consists of an arrangement with photodetector elements (12) and a scintillator layer (14) on the same. It is assumed in an exemplary fashion that the scintillator layer (14) subjects an input signal, which describes an object to be imaged, to a convolution with a modulation transfer function. The effect of this can be cancelled, particularly by obtaining a test X-ray image in advance, with the aid of which this modulation transfer function, or a similar variable providing information on the modulation transfer function, is established. If use is made of photodetectors that are based on CMOS technology, use can be made of a particularly thick scintillator layer made of gadolinium oxysulfide, which absorbs a particularly large amount of X-ray radiation. High-contrast X-ray images are obtained in this fashion.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2011Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Philipp Bernhardt
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Patent number: 8542796Abstract: A radiation image capturing device is provided with plural pixels, a detection unit and a control unit. The pixels are each provided with a sensor portion and a switching element that reads out charges generated at the sensor portion and outputs the charges to a signal line. The detection unit detects the start of irradiation if electronic signals according to the charges satisfy a pre-specified condition for irradiation detection. After the start of irradiation of radiation is detected, the control unit acquires electronic signals corresponding to the charges and determines whether the acquired electronic signals include an electronic signal caused by noise. If the electronic signal caused by noise is included, the control unit controls a reporting unit so as to report this.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2012Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventor: Keiichiro Sato
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Patent number: 8532262Abstract: A radiographic image capture system includes a radiation detector, a radiation source, a generator, and a controller. The radiation detector includes plural pixels that generate electrical charges upon irradiation with radiation and that accumulate the electrical charges. The radiation source irradiates radiation onto the radiation detector. The generator reads the respective electrical charges accumulated in each of the pixels as electrical signals and generates image data. The controller causes the generator to read the electrical charges accumulated in each of the pixels at a specific frame rate in cases where continuous fluoroscopic imaging is performed, and, in a case in which a specific condition is satisfied, causes the radiation source to reduce the radiation amount being irradiated and causes the generator to perform thinned reading to read out the pixels one section at a time while extending the reading cycle of the electrical charges for each pixel.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2011Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventors: Naoto Iwakiri, Naoyuki Nishino, Yasunori Ohta, Haruyasu Nakatsugawa
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Patent number: 8532263Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 28, 2013Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tetsuo Watanabe