Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080219532 | Geometry-dependent filtering in CT method and apparatus - A method is provided for processing an image. The method comprises identifying one or more contours or surfaces in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image generated from a set of projection data. The set of projection data is differentially processed based on the identification of those data points that largely define one or more contours or surfaces. An enhanced image set is reconstructed from the set of processed projection data. | 09-11-2008 |
20080247504 | DUAL-FOCUS X-RAY TUBE FOR RESOLUTION ENHANCEMENT AND ENERGY SENSITIVE CT - A CT system includes a rotatable gantry having an opening for receiving an object to be scanned, at least one x-ray source coupled to the gantry and configured to project x-rays toward the object, a detector coupled to the gantry and having a scintillator therein and configured to receive x-rays that pass through the object, and a generator configured to energize the at least one x-ray source. The system includes a controller configured to energize the generator to project a first beam of x-rays toward the object from a first focal spot position of an anode, the first beam of x-rays having a ray traversing a path through the object, acquire imaging data from the first beam of x-rays, position the at least one x-ray source such that a second beam of x-rays projected from a second focal spot position of the anode has a ray directed to traverse the path through the object, the second anode focal spot position different than the first anode focal spot position, energize the generator to project the second beam of x-rays toward the object, and acquire imaging data from the second beam of x-rays. | 10-09-2008 |
20080267476 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RECONSTRUCTING IMAGE VOLUMES FROM HELICAL SCAN ACQUISITIIONS - A method and computer-readable medium for reconstructing an image volume of an object scanned in helical mode is provided. The method and computer-readable medium include obtaining one or more helical views corresponding to an image volume of an object and determining a plurality of discretized focal lengths within an imaging plane of the reconstructed field of view comprising the image volume. The method then comprises generating a plurality of circular scan sinograms for the plurality of discretized focal lengths. The plurality of circular scan sinograms are generated by interpolating the helical views. The method then comprises selecting one or more circular scan sinograms from the plurality of circular scan sinograms, based on the plurality of discretized focal lengths, wherein the selection is performed within a backprojection operation, for one or more image points within the imaging plane, over one or more circular views. The method then comprises using one or more of the selected circular scan sinograms, in the backprojection of one or more of the image points over one or more of the circular views. The method finally comprises performing a backprojection for all the image points over all the circular views to generate a reconstructed image of the object. | 10-30-2008 |
20090003514 | INTEGRATED MULTI-SENSOR SYSTEMS FOR AND METHODS OF EXPLOSIVES DETECTION - An integrated, multi-sensor, Level 1 screening device is described, which system provides a next-generation Explosives Detection System (EDS) that enables high throughput, while drastically reducing false alarms. In exemplary embodiments, the present system comprises a non-rotational, Computed Tomography (CT) system and a non-translational, X-ray diffraction (XRD) system, both in an inline configuration. | 01-01-2009 |
20090074146 | X-RAY IMAGING SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USING AND FORMING AN ARRAY OF OPTIC DEVICES THEREIN - An X-ray imaging system is provided that includes a target for emitting X-rays and having at least one target focal spot, and an array of multilayer optic devices for transmitting X-rays through total internal reflection. The array of multilayer optics devices are in optical communication with the at least one target focal spot. Further, a method for imaging an object with an X-ray imaging machine is provided. Also, a method for forming a stack of multilayer optic devices is provided. | 03-19-2009 |
20090147910 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENERGY SENSITIVE COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY - An energy-sensitive computed tomography system is provided. The energy-sensitive computed tomography system includes an X-ray source configured to emit an X-ray beam resulting from electrons impinging upon a target material. The energy-sensitive computed tomography system also includes an object positioned within the X-ray beam. The energy-sensitive computed tomography system further includes a detector configured to receive a transmitted beam of the X-rays through the object. The energy-sensitive computed tomography system also includes a filter having an alternating pattern disposed between the X-ray source and the detector, the filter configured to facilitate measuring projection data that can be used to generate low-energy and high-energy spectral information. | 06-11-2009 |
20090147922 | MULTI-ENERGY IMAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD USING OPTIC DEVICES - A multi-energy imaging system and method for selectively generating high-energy X-rays and low-energy X-ray beams are described. A pair of optic devices are used, one optic device being formed to emit high X-ray energies and the other optic device being formed to emit low X-ray energies. A selective filtering mechanism is used to filter the high X-ray energies from the low X-ray energies. The optic devices have at least a first solid phase layer having a first index of refraction with a first photon transmission property and a second solid phase layer having a second index of refraction with a second photon transmission property. The first and second layers are conformal to each other. | 06-11-2009 |
20090245467 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF FAST SWITCHING FOR SPECTRAL IMAGING - A system includes a generator configured to output at least one voltage level and an x-ray source configured to generate x-rays directed toward an object. The system includes a module coupled to the output of the generator and to an input of the x-ray source and configured to switch or assist in switching an output to the x-ray source between a first voltage level and a second voltage level. | 10-01-2009 |
20100061512 | X-RAY SOURCE AND DETECTOR CONFIGURATION FOR A NON-TRANSLATIONAL X-RAY DIFFRACTION SYSTEM - A system and method for scanning objects using a non-translational x-ray diffraction (XRD) system is disclosed. The system includes a scanning area through which an object to be scanned traverses and a distributed x-ray source having a plurality of focal spot locations. The distributed x-ray source is affixed on the scanning area and is configured to emit x-rays towards the object as a series of parallel x-ray beams. A stationary detector arrangement is affixed on another side of the scanning area generally opposite the distributed x-ray source and is configured to measure a coherent scatter spectra of the x-rays after passing through the object. A data acquisition system (DAS) is connected to the detector arrangement and is configured to measure the coherent scatter spectra, which is utilized to generate XRD data and determine a material composition of at least a portion of the object from the XRD data. | 03-11-2010 |
20100277312 | IN-LINE HIGH-THROUGHPUT CONTRABAND DETECTION SYSTEM - A contraband detection system includes a first contraband detection apparatus designed to perform a first scan on an object and a second contraband detection apparatus positioned in-line with the first contraband detection apparatus to perform a second scan on the object. A computer is included in the contraband detection system and is programmed to cause the first contraband detection apparatus to perform the first scan and acquire object data therefrom. The computer is further programmed to identify one or more regions of interest (ROI) in the object based on the object data, cause the second contraband detection apparatus to perform the second scan on the one or more identified ROIs, and acquire object data from the second scan. | 11-04-2010 |
20100278296 | METHOD FOR ENERGY SENSITIVE COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY USING CHECKERBOARD FILTERING - Methods for energy-sensitive computed tomography systems that use checkerboard filtering. A method of enhancing image analysis of projection data acquired using a detector configured with a checkerboard filter includes disposing in a system a detector to receive a transmitted beam of X-rays traversing through an object, where the system is configured so the detector receives both high- and one of total- and low-energy projection data; receiving the high- and one of total- and low-energy projection data at the detector; and then estimating an effective atomic number of the object and/or processing the projection data so as to mitigate reconstruction artifacts. The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiment(s), and it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the appended claims. | 11-04-2010 |
20100296171 | OPTIMIZING TOTAL INTERNAL REFLECTION MULTILAYER OPTICS THROUGH MATERIAL SELECTION - An optic device includes a multilayer zone forming a redirection section for redirecting and transmitting photons through total internal reflection, each multilayer zone including a high index material having a first real refractive index n | 11-25-2010 |
20110081004 | SECONDARY COLLIMATOR AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - A method for making a secondary collimator that includes at least one plate having a plurality of slits defined therein includes determining a gap thickness between plate positions of the secondary collimator based on at least one dimension of the at least one plate and fabricating a base plate from a base plate blank. The base plate includes at least two slots being spaced apart by the gap thickness. The at least one plate is inserted into a first slot of the at least two slots to form the secondary collimator. | 04-07-2011 |
20110102430 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRESENTING TOMOSYNTHESIS IMAGES - A method and system for presenting images of an object of interest is provided. The method includes producing one or more cine loops of images from at least one of multiple projection views or multiple reconstructed 3D images including a 3D volume obtained from one or more beamlines. The method also includes generating at least one combined image including a first component and a second component wherein the first component and the second component each include one of a baseline image or the one or more cine loops of images. The combined image is generated via at least one of superimposing the first component and the second component, displaying the first component adjacent to the second component, and toggling between the first component and the second component. The method also includes displaying the at least one combined image. | 05-05-2011 |
20110142313 | METHOD FOR COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY MOTION ESTIMATION AND COMPENSATION - A method and system for motion estimation and compensation are disclosed. Initially, a set of one or more initial images is reconstructed using acquired imaging data. Further, one or more regions of interest are identified in this set of reconstructed initial images. At least a set of filters is applied to the identified regions of interest to generate a sequence of filtered images. Particularly, each of the filtered images in the generated sequence of filtered images includes data acquired near a different reference point. Subsequently, a motion path corresponding to each region of interest is determined based on one or more correspondences in the sequence of filtered images. | 06-16-2011 |
20110142314 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF INCREASING TEMPORAL RESOLUTION OF AN X-RAY IMAGE - A system, method, and apparatus includes a computed tomography (CT) system having a rotatable gantry, an x-ray source, a generator, a detector having pixels and positioned to receive x-rays, and a computer. The computer is programmed to acquire CT data representative of an object, determine a first subset of the CT data, determine a second subset of the CT data, and determine a difference between the first and second subsets of the CT data to identify a motion region in the object. The computer is also programmed to update image data reconstructed from a first portion of the first subset of the CT data and corresponding to the region and reconstruct an image based on the updated image data and non-updated image data. The non-updated image data is reconstructed from a second portion the first subset of the CT data. | 06-16-2011 |
20110206187 | HIGH FLUX PHOTON BEAMS USING OPTIC DEVICES - A system for producing at least one high flux photon beam is provided. The system includes two or more photon sources configured to produce photon beams, and at least one first stage optic device coupled to at least one of the photon sources and providing at least one focused photon beam through total internal reflection, wherein at least one of the photon beams and the focused photon beams are combined at a virtual focal spot. | 08-25-2011 |
20120155613 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ACTIVE RESONANT VOLTAGE SWITCHING - Methods and systems for active resonant voltage switching are provided. One active resonant switching system includes a voltage switching system having one or more active resonant modules to provide a switching voltage output. Each of the resonant modules includes a plurality of switching devices configured to operate in open and closed states to produce first and second voltage level outputs from a voltage input. The resonant modules also include a capacitor connected to the switching devices and configured to receive a discharge energy during a resonant operating cycle when switching an output voltage from the first voltage level to the second voltage level, wherein the capacitor is further configured to restore system energy when switching from the second to first voltage level. The resonant modules further include a resonant inductor configured to transfer energy to and from the capacitor. | 06-21-2012 |
20120155614 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PASSIVE RESONANT VOLTAGE SWITCHING - Methods and systems for passive resonant voltage switching are provided. One passive resonant switching system includes a voltage switching system having one or more passive resonant modules to provide a switching voltage output. Each of the passive resonant modules include switching devices configured to operate in open and closed states to produce first and second voltage level outputs from a voltage input. The passive resonant modules also include a capacitor connected to the one or more switching devices and configured to receive a system discharge energy during a resonant operating cycle when switching an output voltage from the first voltage level to the second voltage level, and to be recharged when switching from the second to first voltage level. The passive resonant modules further include a resonant inductor and an additional switching device. | 06-21-2012 |
20120163547 | INTEGRATED X-RAY SOURCE HAVING A MULTILAYER TOTAL INTERNAL REFLECTION OPTIC DEVICE - An integrated X-ray source is provided. The integrated X-ray source includes a target for emitting X-rays upon being struck by one or more excitation beams, and one or more total internal reflection multilayer optic devices in physical contact with the target to transmit at least a portion of the X rays through total internal reflection to produce X-ray beams, wherein the optic device comprises an input face for receiving the X rays and an output face through which the X-ray beams exit the integrated X-ray source. | 06-28-2012 |
20120243761 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ESTIMATING VASCULAR FLOW USING CT IMAGING - A system and method for estimating vascular flow using CT imaging include a computer readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program comprising instructions, which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to acquire a first set of data comprising anatomical information of an imaging subject, the anatomical information comprises information of at least one vessel. The instructions further cause the computer to process the anatomical information to generate an image volume comprising the at least one vessel, generate hemodynamic information based on the image volume, and acquire a second set of data of the imaging subject. The computer is also caused to generate an image comprising the hemodynamic information in combination with a visualization based on the second set of data. | 09-27-2012 |
20120307970 | MULTISPOT X-RAY PHASE-CONTRAST IMAGING SYSTEM - A phase-contrast imaging system and method. An embodiment of the invention includes a plurality of X-ray emitters for transmitting X-rays through an object to a detector. Adjacent X-ray emitters may be activated at different times to prevent confounding of X-ray striking on the detector. Each X-ray emitter can be operated independently to provide different flux outputs for reducing overall patient dose. | 12-06-2012 |
20120314928 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF INCREASING TEMPORAL RESOLUTION OF AN X-RAY IMAGE - A system, method, and apparatus includes a computed tomography (CT) system having a rotatable gantry, an x-ray source, a generator, a detector having pixels and positioned to receive x-rays, and a computer. The computer is programmed to acquire CT data representative of an object, determine a first subset of the CT data, determine a second subset of the CT data, and determine a difference between the first and second subsets of the CT data to identify a motion region in the object. The computer is also programmed to update image data reconstructed from a first portion of the first subset of the CT data and corresponding to the region and reconstruct an image based on the updated image data and non-updated image data. The non-updated image data is reconstructed from a second portion the first subset of the CT data. | 12-13-2012 |
20130226003 | FRACTIONAL FLOW RESERVE ESTIMATION - Approaches for assessing hemodynamic characteristics for an organ of interest are related. In one implementation, a fluid dynamics model may be provided with data derived from an anatomic imaging modality and blood flow information derived by ultrasound to derive the desired hemodynamic characteristics. In one such implementation, a fractional flow reserve is estimated. | 08-29-2013 |
20140005535 | FRACTIONAL FLOW RESERVE ESTIMATION | 01-02-2014 |
20140037049 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INTERVENTIONAL IMAGING - An imaging system including an integral computed tomography and interventional (CT/I) system that includes a large-area detector configured to acquire projection data corresponding to a field of view of the system from one or more view angles is presented. The system includes a computing device operatively coupled to the CT/I system and configured to process the acquired projection data to generate a 2D projection image in real-time, a 3D cross-sectional image of a region of interest in the subject, a combined image using the 2D projection image and the 3D cross-sectional image and/or control selective generation of the 2D projection image, the 3D cross-sectional image and/or the combined image based on one or more imaging specifications. The system also includes a display operatively coupled to the computing device and configured to display the 2D projection image, the 3D cross-sectional image and/or the combined image based on the imaging specifications. | 02-06-2014 |
20140169520 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DUAL ENERGY IMAGING - A method for processing projection data is provided. The method includes acquiring projection data of an object including a high-energy projection value and a low-energy projection value for each of a plurality of measurements, adjusting, for each measurement pair, the high- and low-energy projection values until a projection value difference between the high- and low-energy projection values is within a predetermined range of acceptable projection value differences, and generating an image of the object based on the adjusted high- and low-energy projection values. | 06-19-2014 |
20140185901 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR X-RAY IMAGING - An energy-sensitive system includes one or more processors configured to determine spectral attenuation curves for a first basis material and a second basis material, respectively. The one or more processors are configured to substitute a k-edge feature in the determined spectral attenuation curves with an approximation of the determined spectral attenuation curves lacking the k-edge feature. The one or more processors are also configured to construct a material decomposition model based on one of the determined or approximated first and second spectral attenuation curves. The one or more processors are additionally configured to decompose X-ray projection data into basis material projection data comprising first and second line integrals based, at least in part, on the model. | 07-03-2014 |