Plural Sources Patents (Class 378/9)
-
Patent number: 9008268Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes a multi X-ray source which includes a plurality of X-ray focuses to generate X-rays by irradiating X-ray targets with electron beams, a detector which detects X-rays which have been emitted from the multi X-ray source and have reached a detection surface, and a moving mechanism for moving the multi X-ray source within a plane facing the detection surface. The X-ray imaging apparatus acquires a plurality of X-ray detection signals from the detector by causing the multi X-ray source to perform X-ray irradiation while shifting the positions of a plurality of X-ray focuses which the detector has relative to the detection surface by moving the multi X-ray source using the moving mechanism. The apparatus then generates an X-ray projection image based on the plurality of X-ray detection signals acquired by the detector.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2011Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masahiko Okunuki, Makoto Sato, Osamu Tsujii, Takashi Ogura, Hisashi Namba
-
Patent number: 9001962Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for medical imaging comprising rotating two X-ray source-detector pairs around an axis of rotation simultaneously to quickly acquire image data and form a computed tomography (CT) dataset. The sources can be configured to emit radiation from a plurality of discrete locations. The CT dataset can be utilized as a prior to reconstruct a three-dimensional image from subsequent bi-planar imaging with these source-detector pairs.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2012Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Triple Ring Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Tobias Funk
-
Patent number: 8995610Abstract: A CT scanning system may include a multi-pixel x-ray source, and a detector array. The multi-pixel x-ray source may have a plurality of pixels that are disposed along a z-axis, and that are sequentially activated so as to controllably emit x-rays in response to incident electrons. The detector array may have one or more rows of x-ray detectors that detect the x-rays that are emitted from the pixels and have traversed an object, and generate data for CT image reconstruction system. In third generation CT scanning systems, the number of detector rows may be reduced. Multi-pixel x-ray source implementation of saddle curve geometry may render a single rotation single organ scan feasible. Using a multi-pixel x-ray source in stationary CT scanning systems may allow x-ray beam design with a minimal coverage to satisfy mathematical requirements for reconstruction.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2008Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Analogic CorporationInventors: Zhengrong Ying, Sergey Simanovsky, Ram Naidu, Sorin Marcovici
-
Publication number: 20150078510Abstract: The present application provides a curved surface array distributed x-ray apparatus, characterized in that, it comprises: a vacuum box which is sealed at its periphery, and the interior thereof is high vacuum; a plurality of electron transmitting units arranged on the wall of the vacuum box in multiple rows along the direction of the axis of the curved surface in the curved surface facing the axis; an anode made of metal and arranged in the axis in the vacuum box which comprises an anode pipe and an anode target surface; a power supply and control system having a high voltage power supply connected to the anode, a filament power supply connected to each of the plurality of the electron transmitting units, a grid-controlled apparatus connected to each of the plurality of electron transmitting units, a control system for controlling each power supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2014Publication date: March 19, 2015Inventors: Huaping TANG, Chuanxiang TANG, Huaibi CHEN, Wenhui HUANG, Shuxin ZHENG, Huayi ZHANG, Yaohong LIU
-
Patent number: 8983024Abstract: A tetrahedron beam computed tomography system including an x ray source array that sequentially emits a plurality of x ray beams at different positions along a scanning direction and a collimator that intercepts the plurality of x-ray beams so that a plurality of fan-shaped x-ray beams emanate from the collimator towards an object. The system includes a first detector receiving a first set of fan-shaped x ray beams after they pass through the object, the first detector generating a first imaging signal for each of the received first set of fan-shaped x-ray beams and a second detector receiving a second set of fan-shaped x ray beams after they pass through the object, the second detector generating a second imaging signal for each of the received second set of fan-shaped x-ray beams. Each detector and source pair form a tetrahedral volume. In other embodiments, the system may also have more than two detectors arrays and/or more than one source array.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2011Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: William Beaumont HospitalInventors: Tiezhi Zhang, Xiaochao Xu, Joshua Kim, Di Yan, Alvaro Martinez
-
Patent number: 8965092Abstract: In a control method and a control unit to control a high-energy, tomosynthesis scan in a contrast agent-assisted dual-energy tomosynthesis, image data of a first tomosynthesis scan are evaluated in order to determine the respective greyscale values for all volume segments. A tube current-time product value for every greyscale value is stored in a memory. For every projection angle, a calculation unit can thereupon calculate a tube current-time product value and acquisition parameters and result with which the second high-energy tomosynthesis scan is controlled.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2012Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Mathias Hoernig
-
Patent number: 8964942Abstract: Disclosed is a collimator assembly for a multi-radiation-source medical imaging system (e.g. CT) and a medical imaging system utilizing the collimator. According to some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a collimator assembly including at least two apertures, which apertures are adjustable substantially synchronously by one or more actuators.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2009Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Arineta Ltd.Inventors: Ehud Dafni, David Ruimi
-
Publication number: 20150049855Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for inverse geometry volume computed tomography medical imaging of a human patient. A plurality of stationary x-ray sources for producing x-ray radiation are used. A rotating collimator located between the plurality of x-ray sources and the human patient is also used. A rotating detector can also be used.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2014Publication date: February 19, 2015Applicant: TRIPLE RING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Tobias Funk, Joseph Anthony Heanue, Waldo Stephen Hinshaw, Edward Gerald Solomon, Brian Patrick Wilfley
-
Publication number: 20150030119Abstract: A multi-source radiation generator in which plural radiation sources are arranged in series includes a control unit that controls a dose of radiation emitted from each of the radiation sources depending on positions of the radiation sources, and reduces variation in a radiation dose resulting from differences in positions of the radiation sources by changing an irradiation time, an anodic current value of each of the radiation sources depending on a distance from each of the radiation sources to a subject.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Inventors: Miki Tamura, Kazuyuki Ueda
-
Patent number: 8942340Abstract: A tetrahedron beam computed tomography system including an x ray source array that sequentially emits a plurality of x ray beams at different positions along a scanning direction and a collimator that intercepts the plurality of x-ray beams so that a plurality of fan-shaped x-ray beams emanate from the collimator towards an object. The system includes a first detector receiving a first set of fan-shaped x ray beams after they pass through the object, the first detector generating a first imaging signal for each of the received first set of fan-shaped x-ray beams and a second detector receiving a second set of fan-shaped x ray beams after they pass through the object, the second detector generating a second imaging signal for each of the received second set of fan-shaped x-ray beams. Each detector and source pair form a tetrahedral volume. In other embodiments, the system may also have more than two detectors arrays and/or more than one source array.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2011Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: William Beaumont HospitalInventors: Tiezhi Zhang, Xiaochao Xu, Joshua Kim, Di Yan, Alvaro Martinez
-
Patent number: 8942782Abstract: An image display apparatus includes a first radiographic image acquirer for acquiring a first radiographic image captured in the scout image capturing process, a second radiographic image acquirer for acquiring a plurality of second radiographic images captured in the stereographic image capturing process, a first display controller for displaying the first radiographic image on a display unit, and a second display controller for displaying the second radiographic images on the display unit and, in case that the biopsy region is selected in the displayed first radiographic image, displaying, in the second radiographic images, respective guide lines passing through positions in the second radiographic images which correspond to the position of the biopsy region selected in the first radiographic image and extending parallel to or substantially parallel to a prescribed direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2010Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventors: Yuuichi Sakaguchi, Naoyuki Okada, Masataka Sugahara
-
Patent number: 8938045Abstract: A method of evaluating a reservoir includes a multi-energy X-ray CT scan of a sample, obtaining bulk density and photoelectric effect index effect for the sample, estimation of at least mineral property using data obtained from at least one of a core gamma scan, a spectral gamma ray scan, an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis, or an X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of the sample, and determination of at least one sample property by combining the bulk density, photoelectric effect index, and the at least one mineral property (e.g., total clay content). Reservoir properties, such as one or more of formation brittleness, porosity, organic material content, and permeability, can be determined by the method without need of detailed lab physical measurements or destruction of the sample. A system for evaluating a reservoir also is provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2013Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Ingrain, Inc.Inventors: Jack Dvorkin, Naum Derzhi, Elizabeth Diaz, Joel Walls
-
Publication number: 20150016586Abstract: An IGRT system and methods are described embodiments of which perform selectively integration of x-ray source arrays, dual-energy imaging, stereoscopic imaging, static and source collimation, or inverse geometry tomosynthesis imaging to acquire or track a target during radiation treatment.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2014Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventors: Calvin R. Maurer, Jr., Mu Young Lee, Gopinath Kuduvalli, Petr Jordan, Prashant Chopra
-
Publication number: 20150003577Abstract: A method is disclosed for positioning a body region of interest of a patient in the isocentre of the imaging system of a computer tomograph or C-arm device. The method involves using the computer tomograph or C-arm device to record a topogram of the patient, determining a distance between the body region of interest and the isocentre from the topogram, and shifting a patient positioning device or the imaging system by this distance in order to move the body part into the isocentre. In the proposed method, the topogram is recorded in sections from various directions that are perpendicular to one another. The method enables the body region of interest to be positioned without the use of any external aids.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2013Publication date: January 1, 2015Applicant: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Peter Aulbach, Ute Feuerlein
-
Publication number: 20140369459Abstract: A mobile radiography apparatus has a moveable (e.g., wheeled) transport frame and an adjustable column mounted at the frame. A boom apparatus supported by the adjustable column can support an x-ray source assembly. Radiation or X-ray source assembly methods and/or apparatus embodiments can provide mobile radiography carts a capability to direct x-ray radiation towards a subject from one or a plurality of different source positions, where the X-ray source assembly includes a first x-ray power source and a second plurality of distributed x-ray sources disposed in a prescribed spatial relationship.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2013Publication date: December 18, 2014Inventors: David H. Foos, John Yorkston, Xiaohui Wang
-
Patent number: 8891726Abstract: When performing nuclear (e.g., SPECT or PET) and CT scans on a patient, an imaging system (10) includes three or more carbon nanotube x-ray sources (20) are circumferentially spaced along an arc of a rotatable gantry (16) that spans a distance larger than a maximum cross-sectional dimension of a section of a patient (14) to be imaged. The x-ray sources are sequentially pulsed to emit x-rays for scanning a section of a patient (14) including a volume of interest (VOI) (13). Only one source (20) is in an ON state at a time to create a duty cycle, which reduces cooling time for the respective sources as well as radiation dose to the subject. X-rays traversing the patient (14) are received at a flat panel x-ray detector (22) that has a width smaller than the maximum cross-sectional dimension, which further reduces the weight and size of the system (10).Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2009Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Herfried Wieczorek, Gereon Vogtmeier
-
Publication number: 20140321605Abstract: A CBCT system is described that includes a radiation source for emitting a cone beam of radiation in a beam direction towards an object, a detector for detecting the cone beam of radiation, and a positioner for moving the radiation source and the object according to a scanning trajectory. The system is operated according to a sampling pattern that includes intersections of the scanning trajectory and a reconstruction trajectory, wherein motion of the radiation source is substantially confined to a spherical shell. The positioner moves the radiation source at a speed higher than a highest speed of the object by a factor of at least 10. The largest angular discrepancy between any vector in a range of the scanning trajectory and the nearest sample of the scanning trajectory does not exceed 10°, preferably 6° and more preferably 3°.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2013Publication date: October 30, 2014Inventor: Moshe Ein-Gal
-
Publication number: 20140321606Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for X-ray imaging a human patient. A vacuum bell bonded to an X-ray radiation-permeable window that can emit X-ray radiation from a plurality of spots located 1 cm from its edge, a collimator, and a detector are used. A ring of stationary X-ray sources can also be used with a stationary collimator and a rotating slot collimator and detector. An X-ray beam can be aligned in an X-ray system by establishing a position of the beam with respect to a moving collimator at a number of points in time, monitoring the velocity of the collimator, navigating the beam to a calculated position of a hole in the collimator, and correcting the alignment of the beam based on the location of the beam on the detector.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 4, 2014Publication date: October 30, 2014Inventor: Tobias Funk
-
Patent number: 8873703Abstract: A CT scanner with scatter correction device and a method for scatter correction are provided. The method comprises positioning shields for shielding some of the CT detector elements from direct X ray radiation, while allowing scattered radiation to arrive at said shielded elements; measuring scatter signals from said shielded elements, indicative of scattered radiation intensity; and correcting for scatter by subtracting scatter intensity values estimated from said measured scatter signals from signals measured by unshielded detector elements.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2009Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Arineta Ltd.Inventors: David Ruimi, Olga Shapiro, Ehud Dafni
-
Publication number: 20140314199Abstract: A system and a method for acquiring image data of a subject with an imaging system are provided. The system can include a gantry that completely annularly encompasses at least a portion of the subject, and a source positioned within the gantry. The source can be responsive to a signal to output at least one pulse. The system can include a multi-row detector positioned within the gantry. The multi-row detector can be in alignment with the source and sets multi-row detector data based on the detected at least one signal. The system can include a flat panel detector positioned within the gantry. The flat panel detector can in alignment with the source and sets flat panel detector data based on the detected at least one signal. The system can include an image acquisition control module that determines which of the multi-row detector and the flat panel detector to use.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2014Publication date: October 23, 2014Inventors: Shuanghe SHI, Jason R. CHANDONNET, Matthew G. MOONEY
-
Publication number: 20140307846Abstract: A method of estimating chordal holdup values of gas, oil, and water (?G, ?O, ?W) for tomographic imaging of a three-phase flow through a volume, including: providing an X-ray source for irradiating through said volume and X-ray sensors for discriminating between a first and a second radiation bands, conducting first calibration measurements (IGS, IOS, IWS) of said first radiation band, conducting second calibration measurements (IGH, IOH, IWH) of said second radiation band, arranging a mixture of two or more fluids, irradiating said volume and conducting X-ray measurements (IS, IH) in said radiation bands, establishing a relationship between a function of holdup values f(?G, ?W) of at least gas and water and said X-ray measurements (IS, IH), searching holdup values (?G, ?W) that minimise said function of holdup values f(?G, ?W) under the constraints of the sum of said holdup values is more than or equal to zero and less than or equal to one, i.e. that 0??G+?W?1.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2012Publication date: October 16, 2014Applicant: Institute of Energy TechnologyInventors: Bin Hu, Christopher John Lawrence
-
Patent number: 8848862Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for inverse geometry volume computed tomography medical imaging of a human patient. A plurality of stationary x-ray sources for producing x-ray radiation are used. A rotating collimator located between the plurality of x-ray sources and the human patient is also used. A rotating detector can also be used.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2013Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Triple Ring Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Tobias Funk, Joseph Anthony Heanue, Waldo Stephen Hinshaw, Edward Gerald Solomon, Brian Patrick Wilfley
-
Publication number: 20140270054Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods that provide an X-ray interrogation system having a plurality of stationary X-ray point sources arranged to substantially encircle an area or space to be interrogated. A plurality of stationary detectors are arranged to substantially encircle the area or space to be interrogated, A controller is adapted to control the stationary X-ray point sources to emit X-rays one at a time, and to control the stationary detectors to detect the X-rays emitted by the stationary X-ray point sources.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventor: Stephen E. Sampayan
-
Patent number: 8830234Abstract: A method for generating time-resolved 3D medical images of a subject by imparting temporal information from a time-series of 2D medical images into 3D images of the subject. Generally speaking, this is achieved by acquiring image data using a medical imaging system, generating a time-series of 2D images of a ROI from at least a portion of the acquired image data, reconstructing a 3D image substantially without temporal resolution from the acquired image data, and selectively combining the time series of 2D images with the 3D image.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2014Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignees: Mistretta Medical, LLC, CMS Medical, LLCInventors: Charles A. Mistretta, Charles M. Strother
-
Publication number: 20140247917Abstract: A method is disclosed for x-ray CT scanning with a dual-source system, in which two radiation bundles are each delimited by diaphragms such that these radiation bundles are free of mutual points of intersection at least in the examination object. An embodiment of the invention also relates to a dual source CT system, including a controller configured to control radiation-delimiting diaphragms, which delimit and align the radiation bundles such that these run free of mutual points of intersection at least in the examination object.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2014Publication date: September 4, 2014Inventor: Thomas ALLMENDINGER
-
Patent number: 8823704Abstract: A method for generating time-resolved 3D medical images of a subject by imparting temporal information from a time-series of 2D medical images into 3D images of the subject. Generally speaking, this is achieved by acquired image data using a medical imaging system, generating a time-series of 2D images of a ROI from at least a portion of the acquired image data, reconstructing a 3D image substantially without temporal resolution from the acquired image data, and selectively combining the time series of 2D images with the 3D image. Selective combination typically involves registering frames of the time-series of 2D images with the 3D image, projecting pixel values from the 2D image frames “into” the 3D image, and weighting the 3D image with the projected pixel values for each frame of the time-series of 2D images.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2013Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignees: Mistretta Medical, LLC, CMS Medical, LLCInventors: Charles A. Mistretta, Charles M. Strother
-
Patent number: 8804899Abstract: The present invention is an X-ray system having a source-detector module, which includes X-ray sources and detectors, for scanning an object being inspected, a scan engine coupled to the source-detector module for collecting scan data from the source detector module, an image reconstruction engine coupled to the scan engine for converting the collected scan data into one or more X-ray images, and a scan controller coupled with at least one of the source detector module, the scan engine, and the image reconstruction engine optimize operations of the X-ray system.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2010Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.Inventor: Edward James Morton
-
Patent number: 8798234Abstract: We provide a radiotherapy apparatus including a source of therapeutic radiation, a source of imaging radiation having an energy level less than that of the therapeutic radiation, a detector for radiation lying within the field of both the therapeutic radiation and the imaging radiation and able to image both, a first imaging circuit supplied with the output of the detector, a second imaging circuit also supplied with the output of the detector, a first pulse trigger circuit adapted to trigger the source of therapeutic radiation to produce a pulse of therapeutic radiation and to trigger the first imaging circuit to capture an output of the detector; and a second pulse trigger circuit adapted to trigger the source of imaging radiation to produce a pulse of imaging radiation and to trigger the second imaging circuit to capture an output of the detector.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2012Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Elekta AB (Publ)Inventor: Åke Claesson
-
Patent number: 8787518Abstract: A tetrahedron beam computed tomography system including an x ray source array that sequentially emits a plurality of x ray beams at different positions along a scanning direction and a collimator that intercepts the plurality of x-ray beams so that a plurality of fan-shaped x-ray beams emanate from the collimator towards an object. The system includes a first detector receiving a first set of fan-shaped x ray beams after they pass through the object, the first detector generating a first imaging signal for each of the received first set of fan-shaped x-ray beams and a second detector receiving a second set of fan-shaped x ray beams after they pass through the object, the second detector generating a second imaging signal for each of the received second set of fan-shaped x-ray beams. Each detector and source pair form a tetrahedral volume. In other embodiments, the system may also have more than two detectors arrays and/or more than one source array.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2011Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: William Beaumont HospitalInventors: Tiezhi Zhang, Xiaochao Xu, Joshua Kim, Di Yan, Alvaro Martinez
-
Publication number: 20140198893Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and apparatus for imaging a tissue specimen excised during surgery with a combined positron emission tomography (PET) and micro computed tomography (micro CT) scanner. The specimen is scanned with a CT imaging system of the combined PET and micro CT scanner. The specimen is also scanned with a PET imaging system of the combined PET and micro CT scanner. A PET image is constructed based on data acquired by the PET imaging system. A micro CT image is constructed based on data acquired by the micro CT imaging system. The micro CT image includes at least one visualization of a lesion marker.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2012Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Ramsey D. Badawi, Kai Yang
-
Publication number: 20140198894Abstract: A computed tomography system is disclosed, along with a method and computer program product. An embodiment uses such a spiral acquisition to reconstruct a spatial three-dimensional image of the examination region. The method also includes establishing a topogram of the examination region by parallel projection of the image along a projection direction. An embodiment of the invention allows distortion-free acquisition of a topogram, as a reconstructed spatial three-dimensional image can simply be projected in a parallel manner along a projection direction. An embodiment also allows multiple topograms to be established easily with just one acquisition, in that the reconstructed image of the examination region is projected in a parallel manner along different directions. An embodiment of the invention also allows particularly fast acquisition of a topogram, in particular in the clinical environment, as the rotating part of the gantry does not have to be stopped for the spiral acquisition.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2013Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Bernhard SCHMIDT, Martin SEDLMAIR
-
Patent number: 8774351Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for X-ray imaging a human patient. A vacuum bell bonded to an X-ray radiation-permeable window that can emit X-ray radiation from a plurality of spots located 1 cm from its edge, a collimator, and a detector are used. A ring of stationary X-ray sources can also be used with a stationary collimator and a rotating slot collimator and detector. An X-ray beam can be aligned in an X-ray system by establishing a position of the beam with respect to a moving collimator at a number of points in time, monitoring the velocity of the collimator, navigating the beam to a calculated position of a hole in the collimator, and correcting the alignment of the beam based on the location of the beam on the detector.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2012Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Triple Ring Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Tobias Funk
-
Patent number: 8767909Abstract: The c-arm x-ray system according to the present invention presents a system that provides at least one x-ray beam projection and an auxiliary projection without the need to rearranging or move elements of the c-arm to avoid inaccuracies through mechanical deflection of the supporting c-arm. This is achieved by comprising a main x-ray source, and at least one auxiliary x-ray source with a lower continuously radiated power than the main x-ray source and mechanically coupled to the main x-ray source, which is formed as a cold carbon nanotube based field emitter.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2009Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventor: Gereon Vogtmeier
-
Patent number: 8768030Abstract: A method is disclosed for reconstructing image data of an examination object from measurement data of a computed tomography system, the examination object having been irradiated simultaneously by a number of X-ray sources while the measurement data was being acquired so that different projections of the examination object associated with the number of X-ray sources were acquired simultaneously for each detector element. In at least one embodiment, different iteration images of the examination object are determined one after the other from the measurement data by way of an iterative algorithm, a computation operation being employed with the iterative algorithm, which is applied to the iteration images and takes the presence of the number of X-ray sources into account.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2011Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Herbert Bruder, Karl Stierstorfer
-
Publication number: 20140177785Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for medical imaging comprising rotating two X-ray source-detector pairs around an axis of rotation simultaneously to quickly acquire image data and form a computed tomography (CT) dataset. The sources can be configured to emit radiation from a plurality of discrete locations. The CT dataset can be utilized as a prior to reconstruct a three-dimensional image from subsequent bi-planar imaging with these source-detector pairs.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2012Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: Triple Ring Technologies, Inc.Inventor: TOBIAS FUNK
-
Publication number: 20140177786Abstract: Various of the disclosed embodiments contemplate systems and methods that compensate for the limited dynamic range of certain X-Ray detector systems, such as CAT-Scan detector systems. In some embodiments, the system alternates between different photon emission flux values and then gives more consideration to an attenuation value associated with a more favorable detection flux. In this manner, different object densities may be accounted for and may be more properly imaged despite the particular characteristics of the X-Ray system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2012Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Uwe Wiedmann, Daniel David Harrison
-
Publication number: 20140153690Abstract: Systems, methods and non-transitory computer readable media for imaging. The system includes one or more radiation sources and detectors configured to transmit x-ray radiation towards a subject for imaging a dynamic process in a ROI of the subject and to acquire projection data corresponding to the ROI, respectively. The system also includes a computing device operatively coupled to one or more of the radiation sources and the detectors. The computing device is configured to provide control signals for performing one or more reference scans for acquiring reference data from a plurality of angular positions around the subject and for performing one or more tomosynthesis scans using one or more tomosynthesis trajectories for acquiring tomosynthesis data following the onset of the dynamic process. Additionally, the computing device is configured to reconstruct one or more images representative of the dynamic process using the reference data and/or the tomosynthesis data.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2013Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Bernhard Erich Hermann CLAUS, Jeffrey Wayne EBERHARD, David Allen LANGAN, Kedar Bhalchandra KHARE
-
Patent number: 8744160Abstract: Thread parameters for a threaded object are determined. Spatial reference systems (X, Y, Z) and (X?, Y?, Z?) are respectively identified for a position sensor and the threaded object. A transformation matrix describing a quadratic form representing the threaded object in (X, Y, Z) may be determined to relate the reference systems. For example, a sensor trajectory on the threaded object may be determined, along with measurement points on the threaded object. The measurement points may be selected so the matrix, evaluated on these values, has maximum rank. Position data at measurement points in the second reference system may be transformed into the first reference system, yielding first results. After coating the threaded object, position data at the measurement points may be acquired again and transformed into the first reference system, yielding second results. Comparisons between the first and second results may provide thickness of the coating and quality verification.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2011Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Tenaris Connections LimitedInventors: Nicolas Hernan Bonadeo, Sebastian Berra, Javier Ignacio Etcheverry
-
Publication number: 20140146937Abstract: There is described a method for generating a 3D representation of an object, the method comprising retrieving a 3D structure representative of the object and comprising a plurality of voxels each having a respective position therein, each one of the voxels being shaped to mimic a shape of at least a portion of a potential internal feature for the respective position; receiving a densitometry measurement comprising densitometry data of the object; assigning a density value to each one of the voxels using the received densitometry data, thereby generating a 3D model of the object; and outputting the 3D model.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2011Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIAInventor: Gary Stephen Schajer
-
Publication number: 20140140469Abstract: A system (100) includes a stationary gantry (102) and a rotating gantry (104), wherein the rotating gantry is rotatably supported by the stationary gantry. The rotating gantry (104) includes a primary source (110) that emits primary radiation and a detector array (116) having at least one row of detector elements (502) extending along a longitudinal axis. The primary source and the detector array are located opposite each other, across an examination region, and the primary radiation traverses a path (112) between the primary source and the detector array and through an examination region (106) and illuminates the at least one row of detector elements of the detector array, which detects the primary radiation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2012Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventor: Raz Carmi
-
Patent number: 8712135Abstract: A method for image reconstruction using projection data obtained by an asymmetric detector includes dividing the projection data into Regions 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Region 1 is an asymmetric region having detecting channels but no detecting channels symmetrical about a central channel. Region 2 is a transition region having detecting channels and there are detecting channels symmetrical about the central channel. Region 3 is a symmetric region having detecting channels and there are detecting channels symmetrical about the central channel. Region 4 is a transition region having detecting channels and there are detecting channels symmetrical about the central channel. Region 5 is a truncated region where there is no detecting channel. The method includes performing a view angle weighting on projection data in each of the five regions, and reconstructing a tomographic image of an irradiated subject from the weighted projection data.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2011Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Zhihui Sun, Jiaqin Dong, Shuqin Dong
-
Patent number: 8712006Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to a method and to a CT device for computer tomographic spiral scanning of a patient in the region of a moving organ, in particular a beating heart, wherein a pitch is adjusted which is less than the maximum pitch, with which 180° image data can still be reconstructed. In at least one embodiment, during the scan the evaluated detector data with respect to its z width and position on the at least one irradiated detector are restricted as a function of the projection angle in such a way that an effective virtual detector with smaller z width and with a z speed profile, which differs from the z speed profile of the real detector, is produced respectively, and the moving organ is reconstructed on the basis of the detector data of the at least one virtual detector.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2011Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Thomas Allmendinger, Thomas Flohr
-
Patent number: 8699657Abstract: The present invention relates to an examination apparatus and a corresponding method to realize a Spectral x-ray imaging device through inverse-geometry CT.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2009Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Christian Baeumer, Gereon Vogtmeier
-
Patent number: 8693638Abstract: An X-ray tube system comprising: at least one filament adapted to produce two electron beams when electrified; at least two anodes spaced from each other along a first direction that each comprises a face that receives an electron beams from the at least one filament at a focal point and produces x-ray cone beams responsive thereto, the x-ray beams being directed in a same direction perpendicular to the first direction; a collimator that collimates the cone beams such that the beams are asymmetric, with the side of each beam distal from the other beam having a smaller beam angle than the side proximal to the other beam.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2009Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Arineta Ltd.Inventor: Ehud Dafni
-
Publication number: 20140086384Abstract: The disclosure provides a Computed Tomography (CT) image acquisition device and a CT scan imaging system. The CT scan imaging system includes: an image acquisition device, which specifically includes a first image acquisition device (1A, 1B) and a second image acquisition device (2A, 2B) that are perpendicular to each other, wherein the first image acquisition device (1A, 1B) or the second image acquisition device (2A, 2B) includes: an X-ray tube (1A, 2A), which is used for emitting X-rays, and a detector (1B, 2B), which is arranged opposite to the X-ray tube in the vertical direction and is used for receiving the X-rays and obtaining projection data according to the X-rays; and an image processing device (4), which is used for acquiring a three-dimensional image through reconstruction of the projection data, wherein the three-dimensional image includes one or more tomographic images.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2011Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: BEIJING EAST WHALE IMAGE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Shiyu Wei, Xun Zhu, Yixiu Wang
-
Publication number: 20140079180Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide a tomography method and a tomography system capable of tomographic imaging targeted uniquely to the test object among subjects under test. The method involves performing a process of generating projection data about the region of interest by selecting one reference projection data set from a plurality of projection data generated in a tomography process using a plurality of X-ray energy levels and by subtracting from the reference projection data set the product of an attenuation coefficient and the transmission length of the material configuring any region other than the region of interest detected by detector elements of detectors, and performing an image reconstruction computing process to generate a tomographic or stereoscopic image of the region of interest through image reconstruction based on the projection data about the region of interest generated in the projection data generating process.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: HITACHI, LTD.Inventors: Yasushi NAGUMO, Noriyuki SADAOKA
-
Publication number: 20140079181Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for inverse geometry volume computed tomography medical imaging of a human patient. A plurality of stationary x-ray sources for producing x-ray radiation are used. A rotating collimator located between the plurality of x-ray sources and the human patient is also used. A rotating detector can also be used.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: Triple Ring Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Tobias Funk, Joseph Anthony Heanue, Waldo Stephen Hinshaw, Edward Gerald Solomon, Brian Patrick Wilfley
-
Patent number: 8670601Abstract: The invention relates to a tomosynthesis method by illuminating an object by means of an X-ray source (1) with a linear trajectory (2), the method comprising breaking down a volume of the object into N fanned out planes (P) formed between the linear trajectory (2) and a detecting plane (4) parallel to the linear trajectory, each fanned out plane of said N planes includes the linear trajectory; and performing anisotropic regularization on at least one fanned out plane (P).Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2003Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignees: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique, Centre National de la Recherche ScientifiqueInventors: Régis Guillemaud, Pierre Bleuet, Isabelle Magnin
-
Patent number: 8654119Abstract: A method for generating time-resolved 3D medical images of a subject by imparting temporal information from a time-series of 2D medical images into 3D images of the subject. Generally speaking, this is achieved by acquiring image data using a medical imaging system, generating a time-series of 2D images of a ROI from at least a portion of the acquired image data, reconstructing a 3D image substantially without temporal resolution from the acquired image data, and selectively combining the time series of 2D images with the 3D image. Selective combination typically involves registering frames of the time-series of 2D images with the 3D image, projecting pixel values from the 2D image frames “into” the 3D image, and weighting the 3D image with the projected pixel values for each frame of the time-series of 2D images.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2010Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignees: Mistretta Medical, LLC, CMS Medical, LLCInventors: Charles A. Mistretta, Charles M. Strother
-
Patent number: 8643642Abstract: A method for generating time-resolved 3D medical images of a subject by imparting temporal information from a time-series of 2D medical images into 3D images of the subject. Generally speaking, this is achieved by acquired image data using a medical imaging system, generating a time-series of 2D images of a ROI from at least a portion of the acquired image data, reconstructing a 3D image substantially without temporal resolution from the acquired image data, and selectively combining the time series of 2D images with the 3D image. Selective combination typically involves registering frames of the time-series of 2D images with the 3D image, projecting pixel values from the 2D image frames “into” the 3D image, and weighting the 3D image with the projected pixel values for each frame of the time-series of 2D images.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2009Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignees: Mistretta Medical, LLC, CMS Medical, LLCInventors: Charles A. Mistretta, Charles M. Strother