| Entries |
| Document | Title | Date |
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| 20080198963 | System and Method for Real Time Dual Energy X-Ray Image Acquisition - An improved system and method for using dual energy techniques for acquiring x-ray images in two and three dimensions is disclosed. An X-ray source and detector are mounted at opposite ends of a movable C-arm. A fast movement mechanism is provided to quickly and precisely move the C-arm and detector in stepped motion about a patient. Low and high energy X-ray images are taken at each discrete step point, followed by fast movement of the source and detector to a next position with respect to the patient. Motion artifacts are eliminated by taking the high and low energy X-ray images while the C-arm is stopped. High and low energy pulses are provided through the use of a filtration arrangement which is synchronized with the frame rate of the detector to thereby optimize image collection. The resulting pairs of images are superposed to enable high resolution viewing of the region(s) of interest. Mechanical motion of the C-arm is synchronized using fast robotics to apply the technique to 3-dimensional imaging. | 08-21-2008 |
| 20080240339 | ENERGY DISCRIMINATING DETECTOR WITH DIRECT CONVERSION LAYER AND INDIRECT CONVERSION LAYER - A diagnostic imaging system includes a high frequency electromagnetic energy source that emits a beam of high frequency electromagnetic energy toward an object to be imaged. An energy discriminating (ED) detector receives high frequency electromagnetic energy emitted by the high frequency electromagnetic energy source. The ED detector includes a direct conversion layer dynamically operable in a photon counting mode in one view and in an integrating mode in another view and an indirect conversion layer. A data acquisition system (DAS) is operably connected to the ED detector and a computer operably connected to the DAS. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080253503 | Ct-Imaging System - The present invention relates to a CT imaging system for imaging a substance, such as a contrast agent, present an object of interest, such as a patient. To provide a CT imaging system that involves limited technical efforts and costs but leads to a contrast enhancement and allows the imaging of a substance in object of interest, a CT imaging system is proposed comprising: a polychromatic X-ray source ( | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080253504 | Quantitative Material Decomposition for Spectral Ct - The present invention relates to a CT system for determining the quantitative material concentrations of the components, such as bone, blood, contrast agent, in a region of interest of an object, such as a patient. To provide a CT system which improves the quality and explanatory power of quantitative material decomposition, a CT system is proposed comprising: a scanning unit ( | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080260092 | X-RAY TOMOGRAPHIC IMAGING APPARATUS - For the purpose of providing an X-ray tomographic imaging apparatus for displaying a dual-energy image to facilitate diagnosis by an operator, an X-ray tomographic imaging apparatus ( | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080304618 | DIRECT CONVERSION ENERGY DISCRIMINATING CT DETECTOR WITH OVER-RANGING CORRECTION - A CT detector capable of energy discrimination and direct conversion is disclosed. The detector includes multiple layers of semiconductor material with the layers having varying thicknesses. The detector is constructed to be segmented in the x-ray penetration direction so as to optimize count rate performance as well as avoid saturation. The detector also includes variable pixel pitch and a flexible binning of pixels to further enhance count rate performance. | 12-11-2008 |
| 20080310582 | X-Ray System for the Creation of Diagnostic X-Ray Images Using Contrast Media - An x-ray system is disclosed including a selector for finding an optimum combination between the contrast medium and the energy spectrum of an x-radiation for a scan to optimize the noise-to-contrast ratio. A method for creating X-ray images is also provided. The x-ray images are created with the aid of contrast media by taking into account an optimal combination between the contrast medium and the energy spectrum of an X-radiation used for a scan. A method for the use of a lanthanide-containing complex to produce a contrast medium for optimizing the combination between the contrast medium and the radiation to obtain a maximum contrast-to-noise ratio in an X-ray image is also provided. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20090010380 | X-Ray Imaging Apparatus - According to this invention, subtraction images obtained by an energy subtraction unit | 01-08-2009 |
| 20090022263 | X-RAY CT APPARATUS AND METHOD OF GENERATING AN IMAGE - The present invention provides an X-ray CT apparatus for imaging an MD image having a better S/N. The X-ray CT apparatus for taking an image with one of two materials within a subject to be examined being fractionated, acquiring two sets of data corresponding to said two types of X-ray having different energy by scanning using said two types of X-ray, generating a first image based on the two sets of data with the pixel values made by weighted addition of two types of CT values corresponding to the two types of X-ray, generating a second image based on the two sets of data, wherein the other one of the two types of material being fractionated, and generating an image by weighted subtraction of the first image and the second image. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090022264 | STATIONARY X-RAY DIGITAL BREAST TOMOSYNTHESIS SYSTEMS AND RELATED METHODS - Stationary x-ray digital breast tomosynthesis systems and related methods are disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein can include an x-ray tomosynthesis system having a plurality of stationary field emission x-ray sources configured to irradiate a location for positioning an object to be imaged with x-ray beams to generate projection images of the object. An x-ray detector can be configured to detect the projection images of the object. A projection image reconstruction function can be configured to reconstruct tomography images of the object based on the projection images of the object. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090052612 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPTIMIZING A MONOCHROMATIC REPRESENTATION OF BASIS MATERIAL DECOMPOSED CT IMAGES - A system and method of a diagnostic imaging system includes a high frequency electromagnetic energy source that emits a beam of high frequency electromagnetic energy toward an object to be imaged, a detector that receives high frequency electromagnetic energy emitted by the high frequency electromagnetic energy source and attenuated by the object, a data acquisition system (DAS) operably connected to the detector, and a computer operably connected to the DAS. The computer is programmed to obtain CT scan data with two or more incident energy spectra, decompose the obtained CT scan data into projection CT data of two or more basis materials, reconstruct linearly weighted projections of the two or more basis materials, determine an optimized energy for the two or more basis materials within a region-of-interest (ROI), and form a monochromatic image of the projection CT data at the optimized energy using the two or more basis material projections. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090080596 | RADIOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT - The invention concerns radiographic equipment for forming an image of an interior of an object. The equipment comprises a source of X-ray or gamma-ray radiation having two or more energies and operable to irradiate an object to be scanned and a radiation source producing neutrons operable to irradiate the object. The equipment also comprises a radiation detector array having a plurality of pixels, each sensitive to and arranged with respect to the X-ray or gamma-ray radiation source and the neutron producing radiation source and operable to measure the intensity of each type of radiation transmitted through the object; means to process the intensity of each type of radiation, to determine the attenuation of each type of radiation having passed through the object, and to form an image indicative of the shape and composition of the object's interior. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090080597 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING MATERIAL DECOMPOSITION USING AN OVERDETERMINED SYSTEM OF EQUATIONS - A system and method of a diagnostic imaging system includes an x-ray source that emits a beam of x-rays toward an object to be imaged, a detector that receives x-rays emitted by the x-ray source and attenuated by the object, and a data acquisition system (DAS) operably connected to the detector. A computer is operably connected to the DAS and programmed to obtain a number of measurements of energy-sensitive CT measurements in excess of a number of materials to be resolved, decompose the number of measurements into individual materials as an overdetermined system of equations, and generate an image of the individual materials based on the decomposition. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090086884 | Method for recognizing and marking contrast agents in blood vessels of the lung with the aid of a CT examination and an image evaluation unit of a CT system - A method and an image evaluation unit are disclosed for recognizing and marking contrast agents in blood vessels of the lung with the aid of a CT examination using at least two different x-ray energy spectra. In at least one embodiment, the method includes scanning a patient at least in the region of the lung with two different x-ray energy spectra, with the patient having contrast agents in the blood stream; reconstructing an at least two or three dimensional tomographic display for each x-ray energy spectrum which reproduces the local spectrum-specific absorption properties of the scanned region, wherein a neighborhood is defined for a multiplicity of voxels for which an average ratio is calculated with the aid of the local absorption values of the at least two x-ray energy spectra, which neighborhood specifies a measure for the ratio of the proportion of contrast agent to the proportion of soft tissue in the neighborhood of the respectively considered voxel, and wherein, in the case of this ratio dropping below a threshold value, this voxel is considered to have reduced circulation and is marked in a tomographic display. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090092219 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING DUAL-SPECTRUM CT WITH FAST KV MODULATION AT MULTIPLE-VIEW INTERVALS - A CT system includes a rotatable gantry having an opening for receiving a subject to be scanned, a rotatable gantry having an opening for receiving a subject to be scanned, an x-ray source configured to project x-rays having multiple energies toward the subject, and a generator configured to energize the x-ray source to a first voltage and configured to energize the x-ray source to a second voltage, the first voltage distinct from the second voltage. The system further includes a controller configured to cause the generator to energize the x-ray source to the first voltage for a first duration, acquire imaging data for at least one view during at least the first duration, after the first duration, cause the generator to energize the x-ray source to the second voltage for a second duration, and acquire imaging data for two or more views during at least the second duration. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090092220 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR INSPECTION OF LIQUID ARTICLES - Disclosed are a method and a device for security-inspection of liquid articles with dual-energy CT imaging. The method comprises the steps of obtaining one or more CT images including physical attributes of liquid article to be inspected by CT scanning and a dual-energy reconstruction method; acquiring the physical attributes of each liquid article from the CT image; and determining whether there are drugs concealed in the inspected liquid article based on the difference between the acquired physical attributes and reference physical attributes of the inspected liquid article. The CT scanning can be implemented by a normal CT scanning technique, or a spiral CT scanning technique. In the normal CT scanning technique, the scan position can be preset, or set by the operator with a DR image, or set by automatic analysis of the DR image. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090097611 | X-RAY CT APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING X-RAY PROJECTION DATA - An X-ray CT apparatus includes an X-ray irradiation unit for applying X-rays based on a first X-ray tube voltage and X-rays based on a second X-ray tube voltage to a subject by being switched every one view, a projection data acquisition unit for acquiring projection data by which X-ray tube voltage information about the applied X-rays are identified, and an image reconstruction unit for identifying first energy projection data based on the first X-ray tube voltage, second energy projection data based on the second X-ray tube voltage, and transient energy projection data acquired upon switching between the first and second X-ray tube voltages based on the X-ray tube voltage information, the image reconstruction unit including a conversion processor that converts the transient energy projection data to another data using the transient energy projection data and performs image reconstruction using the data subsequent to the conversion process. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090122953 | X-RAY CT APPARATUS AND IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS - An X-ray CT apparatus includes an X-ray radiation unit which applies a first X-ray having a first energy spectrum and a second X-ray having a second energy spectrum different from the first energy spectrum to a subject, an X-ray data acquisition unit which acquires first X-ray projection data of the subject based on the first X-ray and second X-ray projection data of the subject based on the second X-ray, and an image reconstruction unit which determines information about a difference between the first X-ray and the second X-ray with respect to an image of the subject, segments the image into at least two pixel areas based on the difference information, and sets part of the segmented pixel areas to a dual energy image obtained by a weighted subtraction process based on X-ray projection data having a plurality of energy spectrums. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090129538 | METHOD AND SYSTEM OF ENERGY INTEGRATING AND PHOTON COUNTING USING LAYERED PHOTON COUNTING DETECTOR - A diagnostic imaging system includes an x-ray source that emits a beam of x-ray energy toward an object to be imaged and an energy discriminating (ED) detector that receives the x-ray energy emitted by the x-ray energy source. The ED detector includes a first layer having a first thickness, wherein the first layer comprises a semiconductor configurable to operate in at least an integrating mode and a second layer having a second thickness greater than the first thickness, and configured to receive x-rays that pass through the first layer. The system further includes a data acquisition system (DAS) operably connected to the ED detector and a computer that is operably connected to the DAS. The computer is programmed to identify saturated data in the second layer and substitute the saturated data with non-saturated data from a corresponding pixel in the first layer. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090129539 | COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY METHOD AND SYSTEM - A method of diagnostic imaging is disclosed herein. The method includes acquiring CT projection data at a first x-ray energy level and a second x-ray energy level. The method includes reconstructing a first image pair using a basis material decomposition algorithm and the CT projection data. The method includes displaying a first image from the first image pair. The method includes transforming the first image pair into a second image using image data from the first image pair. The method also includes displaying a second image. A CT system is also disclosed. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090135994 | System And Method For Creating Mixed Image From Dual-Energy CT Data - A system and method for creating a combined or mixed-energy image using both low- and high-energy CT data sets acquired using a dual-energy CT system. The low- and high-energy datasets are mixed using desired weighting factors to mimic a “single-energy” image. The low-energy dataset provides data with improved contrast enhancement, but with increased noise level. The high-energy dataset provides data with lower contrast enhancement, but with better noise properties. By combining the low- and high-energy datasets in accordance with the present method, the resulting mixed-energy images utilize the information of full dose of radiation used in the dual-energy scan. A plurality of weighting metrics can be selected, including patient size, dose partitioning, or image quality, to determine the desired weighting factors based on the weighting metrics. By selecting the proper weight factors, image noise can be reduced and/or the contrast to noise ratio can be increased in the mixed-energy image. | 05-28-2009 |
| 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 |
| 20090161814 | METHOD FOR CALIBRATING A DUAL -SPECTRAL COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) SYSTEM - A method for calibrating and reconstructing material density images in a dual-spectral computed tomography (CT) system | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090161815 | DUAL SPECTRUM X-RAY TUBE WITH SWITCHED FOCAL SPOTS AND FILTER - In three-dimensional computed tomography or three-dimensional rotational X-ray imaging, the acquisition of different spectral measurement data requires subsequent acquisition runs. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an examination apparatus is provided in which different spectral measurement data are acquired immediately one after another during the same acquisition run by performing a focal spot switching during data acquisition. This may reduce motion artefacts. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090168949 | System and method for inspecting containers for target material - A method for automatically inspecting a container for a target material using a computed tomography (CT) scanning system includes performing an initial radiographic scan of the container. Based at least partially on projection data generated during the initial radiographic scan, at least one location within the container is identified that requires CT inspection. A dual energy CT scan of the at least one identified location within the container is performed based on a single energy algorithm or a dual energy algorithm. The dual energy CT scan includes a low energy scan of the at least one identified location and a high energy scan of the at least one identified location. Based on dual energy scan information generated during the dual energy CT scan, a determination is made to confirm or clear an alarm corresponding to the at least one identified location within the container. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090180585 | X-RAY CT APPARATUS AND X-RAY CT IMAGING METHOD - An X-ray CT apparatus includes an X-ray generating section for generating X-rays with a plurality of X-ray tube voltages; a data collecting section for collecting, synchronously with a data collection signal, X-ray projection data from X-rays with each X-ray tube voltage switched by an X-ray tube voltage switching signal; and a control section for controlling a timed moment for switching of the X-ray tube voltage and a timed moment for start of data collection so that the timed moment for start of data collection at each X-ray tube voltage in the data collection signal is delayed relative to the timed moment for switching of the X-ray tube voltage to that X-ray tube voltage in the X-ray tube voltage switching signal by Δt | 07-16-2009 |
| 20090207966 | IMAGE ACQUISITION FOR DUAL ENERGY IMAGING - Acquisition techniques for dual energy (DE) chest imaging system. Technique factors include the added x-ray filtration, kVp pair, and the allocation of dose between low- and high-energy projections, with total dose equal to or less than that of a conventional chest radiograph. Factors are described which maximize lung nodule detectability as characterized by the signal difference to noise ratio (SDNR) in DE chest images. kVp pair and dose allocation are described using a chest phantom presenting simulated lung nodules and ribs for thin, average, and thick body habitus. Low- and high-energy techniques ranged from 60-90 kVp and 120-150 kVp, respectively, with peak soft-tissue SDNR achieved at [60/120] kVp for patient thicknesses and levels of imaging dose. A strong dependence on the kVp of the low-energy projection was observed. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090207967 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR QUANTITATIVE IMAGING OF CHEMICAL COMPOSITION TO DECOMPOSE MULTIPLE MATERIALS - The present invention provides a material decomposition method capable of determining the distribution of density and constituent material concentration throughout an imaged object. The concentration, in the form of a mass fraction, mass percent, weight fraction, or weight percent, is determined from CT images acquired at different energy levels. The ratio of attenuation coefficients associated with one energy level to attenuation coefficients associated with another energy level is determined and used as an index in a lookup table to determine the concentration of a given material throughout the imaged object. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090232269 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR NOISE ESTIMATION FOR MULTI-RESOLUTION ANISOTROPIC DIFFUSION FILTERING - A method for reducing noise in a computed tomographic (CT) image includes acquiring both a first set of projection views and a second set of projection views, wherein for each projection view in the first set of projection views there is an associated projection view in the second set of projection views representing the same object scanned at substantially the same time from substantially the same position. The method further includes reconstructing the first set of projection views and the associated second set of projection views to obtain a first image and a second image, respectively. Next, the first image and the second image are combined to obtain a noise map and an amount of noise in a product image is estimated utilizing the noise map. The method also includes filtering using the noise map to perform noise reduction. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090232270 | MULTI X-RAY GENERATING APPARATUS AND X-RAY IMAGING APPARATUS - A multi X-ray generating apparatus which has a plurality of electron sources arranged two-dimensionally and targets arranged at positions opposite to the electron sources includes a multi electron source which includes a plurality of electron sources and outputs electrons from driven electron sources by selectively driving a plurality of electron sources in accordance with supplied driving signals, and a target unit which includes a plurality of targets which generate X-rays in accordance with irradiation of electrons output from the multi electron source and outputs X-rays with different radiation qualities in accordance with the generation locations of X-rays. The generation locations and radiation qualities of X-rays from the target unit are controlled by selectively driving the electron sources of the multi electron source. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090268862 | ENERGY DISTRIBUTION RECONSTRUCTION IN CT - The reconstruction of the energy distribution at a detector with a detector element that consists of many small pixels, which count the number of photons above certain thresholds, is performed with a Maximum Likelihood analysis, according to an aspect of the present invention. Thus, the reconstruction scheme may use the redundancy in the measurement and may treat the Poisson statistics accordingly. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090304141 | X-Ray CT Apparatus - The photon counting type detector | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090310735 | NUCLEAR MEDICAL DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE - By simultaneously administering a chemical using a nuclear species releasing a single photon (a first chemical) and another chemical using a nuclear species releasing a positron to a subject, the cumulative distributions of the respective chemicals are monitored. A plural number of γ-ray detectors, which are circularly located, and a collimator covering some of the γ-ray detectors and rotates along the front face of the γ-ray detectors are provided. Also, an energy discriminating means for discriminating signals having a single photon γ-ray energy (first signals) from signals having annihilation γ-ray energy (second signals) among all of the signals detected by the detectors is provided. Further, the cumulative position of the first chemical is specified based on the signals corresponding to the γ-ray detectors covered with the rotating collimator from the first signals. On the other hand, the cumulative position of the second chemical is specified by determining the signal almost simultaneously observed form the second signals and the positions thereof on the detectors. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090310736 | ENERGY SPECTRUM RECONSTRUCTION - A computed tomography system includes an x-ray source ( | 12-17-2009 |
| 20100002828 | X-RAY DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS - X rays are emitted without injecting an angiographic contrast material, and a non-injection image acquiring device | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100061504 | CT IMAGING SYSTEM - The invention relates to a CT imaging system for determining the flow of a substance within an object, wherein the CT imaging system comprises a polychromatic X-ray source and an energy-resolving X-ray detector for obtaining detection signals depending on the X-ray radiation after passing through the object. A calculation unit ( | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100067647 | DOSE-SPARING TOMOGRAPHIC IMAGING - A system includes emission of a first plurality of radiation beams from respective ones of a first plurality of locations along a first arc, acquisition of a first plurality of projection images of a target based on the first plurality of radiation beams, emission of a second plurality of radiation beams from respective ones of a second plurality of locations along a second arc, acquisition of a second plurality of projection images of the target based on the second plurality of radiation beams, and generation of a three-dimensional image of the target based on the first plurality of projection images and the second plurality of projection images, wherein a density of the first plurality of locations along the first arc is less than the density of the second plurality of locations along the second arc. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100119033 | INTENSITY-MODULATED, CONE-BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC IMAGING SYSTEM, METHODS, AND APPARATUS - Disclosed are methods for reconstructing a three-dimensional image of an object's volume of interest using computed tomography that employs conical-beam, intensity-modulated projections of this object. In one embodiment, a plurality of collimating devices serves to modulate the aperture of the radiation source thereby acting to modulate the intensity of the source upon the object. Also provided are image processing devices, examination apparatus, as well as a computer-readable medium and a program element adapted and configured to perform aspects of the methods disclosed herein. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100135453 | Multi-material decomposition using dual energy computed tomography - A method for obtaining multi-material decomposition images is disclosed, the method comprising the steps of: acquiring an image pair from a dual energy computed tomography scan of an imaged object; selecting a material basis for multi-material decomposition of the image pair; applying a physicochemical model for the material basis; and performing multi-material decomposition using at least one constraint imposed by the physicochemical model. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100166139 | EFFECTIVE DUAL-ENERGY X-RAY ATTENUATION MEASUREMENT - It is described a method and a CT system for measuring dual-energy X- ray attenuation data of an object. The CT system comprises a rotatable holder, an X-ray source comprising two different X-ray focus points, and an X-ray detection device comprising a plurality of detector elements exhibiting different spectral sensitivities. The method comprises the steps of (a) adjusting the X-ray source such that it emits X-rays originating a first focus point, (b) acquiring first attenuation data separately with first detector elements and with second detector elements, (c) moving the X-ray focus discretely to a second focus point, and (d) acquiring second attenuation data separately with both types of detector elements. Thereby the two focus points are spatially separated from each such that a first beam path originating from the first focus point penetrates a certain voxel within the object and impinges on a first detector element and a second beam path originating from the second X-ray focus point penetrates the same voxel and impinges on a second detector element. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100189212 | METHOD OF PRE-RECONSTRUCTION DECOMPOSITION FOR FAST kV-SWITCHING ACQUISITION IN DUAL ENERGY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) - Fast kV-switching is a dual energy acquisition technique in computed tomography (CT) in which alternating views correspond to the low and high tube voltages. Its high temporal resolution and its suitability to a variety of source trajectories make it an attractive option for dual energy data acquisition. Its disadvantages include a one-view misregistration between the data for high and low voltages, the potentially poor spectrum separation due to the more-like a sine wave rather than the desired square wave in fast kV-switching, and the higher noise in the low voltage data because of the technical difficulty in swinging the tube current to counter the loss of x-ray production efficiency and loss of penetration at lower tube voltages. Despite the disadvantages, symmetric view matching according to the current invention substantially improves streaks and other artifacts due to the view misregistration, sufficient spectrum separation even in a sinusoidal waveform swinging between 80 kV and 135 kV, and contrast-to-noise for the simulated imaging task maximized at monochromatic energy of 75 keV. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100226474 | X RAY CT SYSTEM - The dual energy X-ray CT apparatus automatically optimizes a map for separation to achieve a high degree of separation accuracy and a reduction of dose. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100232565 | COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IMAGE ACQUISITION - A computed tomography acquisition geometry provides an increased field of view ( | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100232566 | X-RAY CT APPARATUS - Provided is an X-ray CT apparatus which can perform CT scan of multi-energy scanning at a high speed and can obtain an image having an excellent substance distinguishing ability. | 09-16-2010 |
| 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 |
| 20100284509 | DUAL ENERGY IMAGING SYSTEM - A dual energy inspection system that generates X-rays with an electron beam scanned over targets. A switchable voltage source that can be change its voltage output may cause X-rays to be generated at different energies. This X-ray generation subsystem is controlled by a sequencer that provides beam steering and shaping control inputs that may be dependent on the voltage provided by the voltage source. In another aspect, the dual energy inspection system may use multiple types of detectors, each sensitive to X-rays of a different energy. A relatively small number of detectors sensitive to one energy level is provided. Nonetheless, dual energy measurements may be made on objects within an item under inspection by identifying points that, for each object of interest, provide a low interference path to one of those detectors. Measurements made with radiation emanating from those points are used for dual energy analysis of those objects. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100303196 | VOLTAGE MODULATION IN DUAL ENERGY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY - To prevent patients from being overexposed or underexposed, it has been attempted to modulate either voltage or current in conventional single energy CT systems. The voltage modulation causes incompatibility in projection data among the views while the current modulation reduces only noise. To solve these and other problems, dual energy CT is combined with voltage modulation techniques to improve the dosage efficiency. Furthermore, dual energy CT has been combined with both voltage modulation and current modulation to optimize the dosage efficiency in order to minimize radiation to a patient without sacrificing the reconstructed image quality. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100310036 | COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY METHOD AND APPARATUS - A method and apparatus of computed tomography includes accessing multiple-energy computed tomography data and decomposing the multiple-energy computed tomography data to generate a monochromatic image including an anatomical region. The method and apparatus also includes segmenting the anatomical region from the monochromatic image to create a segmented region and generating a composite image including the segmented region. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20110069808 | X-RAY MAMMOGRAPHY WITH TOMOSYNTHESIS - A method and system for producing tomosynthetic images of a patient's breast. An x-ray source that delivers x-rays through a breast immobilized and compressed between a compression paddle and a breast platform and form an image at a digital x-ray receptor panel. Multiple x-ray images are taken as the x-ray source and the receptor move relative to the immobilized breast. In one preferred embodiment, the x-ray source travels from −15° to +15°. The source can travel in an arc around the breast while the receptor travels linearly while remaining parallel and at the same distance from the breast platform. The sets of x-ray image data taken at different angles are combined to form tomosynthetic images that can be viewed in different formats, alone or as an adjunct to conventional mammograms. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110091009 | X-RAY DETECTOR METHODS AND APPARATUS - A method includes performing an x-ray focal spot deflection to generate two complete projections from two different channels of an x-ray detector, wherein the channels are purposefully different from each other in some respect other than being different channels. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110096892 | SPECTRAL CT - An imaging system includes a radiation source ( | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110135052 | DATA ACQUISITION - An imaging system includes at least one radiation generating component ( | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110150173 | X-RAY CT SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD FOR SAME - An X-ray CT system of an embodiment includes the following. An imaging region data acquisition part is configured to acquire a first imaging region and a second imaging region that have different widths from each other in the body axial direction based on a scanogram as imaging regions for performing scan imaging. An irradiation field control part is configured to obtain irradiation fields for the first and the second imaging regions, and control an irradiation field regulating part corresponding to the relative positions by a moving part so as to realize the irradiation fields obtained for each the imaging region. An X-ray control part is configured to control an X-ray generating part corresponding to the relative positions by the moving part so as to irradiate X-rays to the first and the second imaging regions for the scan imaging. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110228896 | Methods and Systems for Rapid Detection of Concealed Objects Using Fluorescence - This invention is directed towards finding, locating, and confirming threat items and substances. The inspection system is designed to detect objects that are made from, but not limited to, special nuclear materials (“SNM”) and/or high atomic number materials. The system employs advanced image processing techniques to analyze images of an object under inspection (“OUI”), which includes, but is not limited to baggage, parcels, vehicles and cargo, and fluorescence detection. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110255654 | System and method processing images in multi-energy X-ray system - An image processing system and method are provided to adaptively discriminate hard tissues and soft tissues of a target in a multi-energy X-ray system. The image processing system and method may minimize a decrease in a dynamic range (DR) for soft tissues affected by hard tissues in a target where the soft tissues and hard tissues are mixed. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110261922 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR INSPECTION OF LIQUID ARTICLES - Disclosed are a method and a device for security-inspection of liquid articles with dual-energy CT imaging. The method comprises the steps of obtaining one or more CT images including physical attributes of liquid article to be inspected by CT scanning and a dual-energy reconstruction method; acquiring the physical attributes of each liquid article from the CT image; and determining whether the inspected liquid article is dangerous based on the physical attributes. The CT scanning can be implemented by a normal CT scanning technique, or a spiral CT scanning technique. In the normal CT scanning technique, the scan position can be preset, or set by the operator with a DR image, or set by automatic analysis of the DR image. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110268245 | MULTIPLE BEAM LINE TOMOSYNTHESIS IMAGING - A method of imaging an object includes providing a stationary x-ray tube, that is configured to emit a cone beam of x-rays, wherein a line extending from the x-ray tube and through the object defines a tomographic angle and a beamline, further wherein the x-ray tube is configured to emits x-rays from several tomographic angles; providing a system controller configured to operate the x-ray tube; locating at least one flat-panel area detector opposite the x-ray tube, thereby defining a field of view, wherein flat-panel area detector(s) is configured to receive the emitted x-rays from the different tomographic angles, further wherein the detector(s) comprise an array of L×W detector elements; conveying the object along the path of travel; and selectively emitting x-rays from the x-ray tube in the tomographic angles through the object, wherein each beamline emitted from the x-ray tube impinges on a different portion of the flat-panel area detector. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110280365 | RADIOLOGICAL IMAGING APPARATUS - A radiological imaging apparatus of the present invention comprises an image pickup device and a medical examinee holding device that is provided with a bed. The image pickup device includes a large number of radiation detectors and radiation detector support plates. A large number of radiation detectors are mounted around the circumference of a through-hole and arranged in the axial direction of the through-hole. The radiation detectors are arranged in three layers formed radially with respect to the center of the through-hole and mounted on the lateral surfaces of the radiation detector support plates. Since the radiation detectors are not only arranged in the axial direction and circumferential direction of the through-hole but also arrayed in the radial direction, it is possible to obtain accurate information about a γ-ray arrival position in the radial direction of the through-hole (the positional information about a radiation detector from which a γ-ray image pickup signal is output). The use of accurate information about γ-ray arrival increases the tomogram accuracy. As a result, the present invention enhances the, tomogram accuracy, that is, the PET examination accuracy. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20120008735 | Imaging Methods for Image-Guided Radiation Treatment - Systems, methods, and related computer program products for medical imaging and image-guided radiation treatment (IGRT) are described. In one embodiment, an IGRT system selectively integrates x-ray source arrays, dual-energy imaging, stereoscopic imaging, static and dynamic source collimation, and/or inverse geometry tomosynthesis imaging to acquire and/or track a target during radiation treatment. Advantages include reduced patient x-ray dose and/or reduced treatment delivery margins. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120014499 | CT System - A CT system for scanning a patient is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the system includes a tube/detector system, which can be set by a control device in respect of tube voltage and/or dose power; a patient couch, which can be displaced in a controlled fashion at least in the direction of a system axis; and a computer system, which can control the CT system. In at least one embodiment, the system includes an evaluation unit for a prescribed logical decision tree, which is integrated into the computer system, and which determines examination and scan parameters for the CT system on the basis of the input of at least one patient parameter described in a parameter list and operates the CT system using these examination and scan parameters. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120014500 | Method And Computed Tomography Scanner For Carrying Out An Angiographic Examination - A method and a computed tomography scanner are disclosed for carrying out an angiographic examination of a patient, wherein the utilized computed tomography scanner includes at least one recording system mounted on a gantry such that it can rotate about a z-axis. Projection data is acquired from at least one prescribed angular position of the gantry for at least two different energies of X-ray radiation. The projection data is subsequently combined to form a resulting projection image by evaluating the projection data corresponding to the respective angular position, in which projection image at least one substance, which should be displayed selectively, is imaged with a high image contrast compared to the respective individual projection data. This procedure extends the field of application of the computed tomography scanner to projection-based angiography examinations, which were previously restricted to C-arm systems. 3D image reconstruction methods and projection methods can be carried out on opposite sides and with great flexibility during an examination, without the need for an additional modality. By using a multispectral technique, it is possible to contrast agent. The projection data at dispense with recording a native projection data record without the different energies are moreover acquired with no or little time offset, and so a computationally expensive and error-prone registration of the data records can be dispensed with. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120069952 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF SPECTRAL CALIBRATION AND BASIS MATERIAL DECOMPOSITION FOR X-RAY CT SYSTEMS - An imaging system includes an x-ray source that emits a beam of x-rays toward an object, a detector that receives high frequency electromagnetic energy attenuated by the object, a data acquisition system (DAS) operably connected to the detector, and a computer operably connected to the DAS. The computer is programmed to compute detector coefficients based on a static low kVp measurement and a static high kVp measurement, capture incident spectra at high and low kVp during fast kVp switching, compute effective X-ray incident spectra at high and low kVp during fast kVp switching using the captured incident spectra, scan a water phantom and normalize the computed detector coefficients to water, adjust the computed effective X-ray incident spectra based on the normalized detector coefficients, compute basis material decomposition functions using the adjusted X-ray incident spectra, and generate one or more basis material density images using the computed basis material decomposition functions. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120069953 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF NOTCH FILTRATION FOR DUAL ENERGY CT - An imaging system includes an x-ray source that emits a beam of x-rays toward an object to be imaged, a detector that receives the x-rays attenuated by the object, a spectral notch filter positioned between the x-ray source and the object, a data acquisition system (DAS) operably connected to the detector, and a computer operably connected to the DAS and programmed to acquire a first image dataset at a first kVp, acquire a second image dataset at a second kVp that is greater than the first kVp, and generate an image of the object using the first image dataset and the second image dataset. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120076258 | MULTIPLE MATERIALS FOR THE ENHANCEMENT OF SPECTRAL NOTCH FILTRATION IN SPECTRAL IMAGING - An imaging system includes an x-ray source that emits a beam of x-rays toward an object to be imaged, a detector that receives the x-rays attenuated by the object, a spectral notch filter positioned between the x-ray source and the object, a data acquisition system (DAS) operably connected to the detector, and a computer operably connected to the DAS and programmed to acquire a first image dataset at a first kVp, acquire a second image dataset at a second kVp that is greater than the first kVp, and generate an image of the object using the first image dataset and the second image dataset. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120087463 | PHOTON COUNTING AND ENERGY DISCRIMINATING DETECTOR THRESHOLD CALIBRATION - An imaging system includes an x-ray source, a detector that receives x-rays emitted from the x-ray source, a DAS configured to count photon hits in the detector that occur at photon energies above at least a low keV threshold, a medium keV threshold, and a high keV threshold, and a computer operably coupled to the DAS. The computer is programmed to vary each of the medium keV threshold and the high keV threshold over a continuous keV range during data acquisition to define low, medium, and high keV bins that are based on the low, medium, and high keV thresholds, obtain photon counts in the low, medium, and high keV bins in a plurality of keV threshold combinations, calculate a noise variance as a function of at least one of the keV thresholds, and identify a noise minimum and low, medium, and high keV thresholds that correspond thereto. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120093279 | MEDICAL IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, X-RAY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY APPARATUS, AND MEDICAL IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - According to one embodiment, a medical image processing apparatus includes an image storage unit, an estimation unit, a combination ratio determination unit, and a combined image generation unit. The estimation unit is configured to estimate an abundance ratio of one of a first and second substances to the other for each pixel based on attenuation coefficients of the first substance which correspond to a first and second energies, the attenuation coefficients of a second substance which correspond to the first and second energies, and pixel values of a first and second medical images. The combination ratio determination unit is configured to determine combination ratios of pixel values between the first and second medical images for each pixel based on the abundance ratios of the first and second substances and the attenuation coefficients of the first and second substances which are associated with a target energy. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120134462 | DENTAL AND ORTHOPEDIC DENSITOMETRY MODELING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A dental and orthopedic densitometry modeling system includes a controller with a microprocessor and a memory device connected to the microprocessor. An input device is also connected to the microprocessor for inputting diagnostic procedure parameters and patient information. X-ray equipment including an X-ray source and an X-ray detector array are connected to a positioning motor for movement relative to a patient's dental or orthopedic structure in response to signals from the microprocessor. The output consists of a tomographical densitometry model. A dental/orthopedic densitometry modeling method involves moving the X-ray equipment across a predetermined scan path, emitting dual-energy X-ray beams, and outputting an image color-coded to correspond to a patient's dental or orthopedic density. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120163530 | ANODE TARGET FOR AN X-RAY TUBE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE X-RAY TUBE - Anode targets for an x-ray tube and methods for controlling x-ray tubes for x-ray systems are provided. One x-ray system includes a field-generator configured to generate a field, an electron beam generator configured to generate an electron beam directed towards a target and a voltage controller configured to control the electron beam generator to produce an electron beam at a first energy level and an electron beam at a second energy level. The x-ray system also includes a field-generator controller configured to control a field to deflect at least one of the electron beams, wherein the electron beam, at the first energy level, impinges on the target at a first contact position and the electron beam, at the second energy level, impinges on the target at a second contact position. The at the first contact position and at the second contact position is configured to filter x-rays. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120207270 | METHOD, IMAGE DATA RECORD PROCESSING FACILITY, X-RAY SYSTEM AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR CORRECTING IMAGE DATA OF AN EXAMINATION OBJECT - A method and an image data record processing facility are disclosed for correcting image data of an examination object, which includes a first image data record obtained using a first X-ray energy and a second image data record obtained using a second X-ray energy. In this process, a corrected image data record is generated by subtracting from image point values at certain image point positions of the first image data record, image point values, which are assigned to the corresponding image point positions in the second image data record, multiplied by a weighting factor. The weighting factor here is selected as a function of the first X-ray energy used and the second X-ray energy used so that on subtraction a calcium component is removed from the image point values. A method for generating image data and an X-ray system having such an image data record processing facility are also described. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120213327 | ITERATIVE REDUCTION OF ARTIFACTS IN COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IMAGES USING FORWARD PROJECTION AND AN EDGE-PRESERVING BLUR FILTER - We present an iterative method for reducing artifacts in computed tomography (CT) images. First, a filter is applied to the experimental projection data that adaptively expands the detector element size in regions with low photon counts, until the desired number of photons are detected. The initial image is then calculated using an existing reconstruction technique. In each iteration, artifacts and noise in the current image are reduced by using an edge-preserving blur filter. Metal pixels (determined from the initial image) are replaced with smaller values. The resulting image is forward projected. Rays that go through metal are replaced with the forward projected values. Rays that do not pass near metal are kept at the experimental values. Filtered backprojection is then performed on the new projection data to determine the updated image. Finally, after the last iteration, metal pixels are copied from the initial image. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120300896 | METHOD AND COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY SYSTEM FOR GENERATING TOMOGRAPHIC IMAGE DATASETS - A method and a computed tomography system are disclosed for generating tomographic image datasets of a measurement object with multiple simultaneously operable sets of detector elements. In at least one embodiment, at least one first set measures incident radiation over the entire energy spectrum of the incident radiation in an integrating manner and at least one second set measures incident radiation in at least two energy ranges in a resolving manner, wherein furthermore by way of the integrating measurements, the energy-resolving measurements relating in each case to rays traversing a measurement object in a spatially identical manner are corrected and a tomographic image dataset of the measurement object is reconstructed at least from the corrected energy-resolving measurements. | 11-29-2012 |
| 20120314834 | FILTER FOR KVP SWITCHING SPECTRAL X-RAY SYSTEM - An apparatus for x-ray imaging of an object is provided. An x-ray source for providing alternating x-ray spectrums is placed on a first side of the object. A spectrum separation fixed filter is placed between the x-ray source and the object. An x-ray detector is placed on a second side of the object opposite the x-ray source. A controller controls the x-ray source and the x-ray detector. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20130003912 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ACQUIRING COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY DATA USING A MULTI-ENERGY X-RAY SOURCE - The subject matter disclosed herein relates to X-ray imaging systems, and more specifically, to multi-energy computed tomography (CT) X-ray imaging systems. In an embodiment, a multi-energy computed tomography (CT) imaging system includes an X-ray source that emits X-rays upon the application of a low stable bias, a high stable bias, and transitional biases between the low stable bias and the high stable bias. The imaging system also includes an X-ray detector configured to produce an electrical signal corresponding to the intensity of the X-rays emitted by the X-ray source that reach the X-ray detector. The imaging system also includes data processing circuitry configured to acquire a first set of data corresponding to the electrical signal produced by the X-ray detector only when the low stable bias or the high stable bias is applied to the X-ray source. The imaging system also includes a processor configured to process the first set of acquired data and construct one or more multi-energy CT images. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130022164 | DENTAL AND ORTHOPEDIC DENSITOMETRY MODELING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A dental and orthopedic densitometry modeling system includes a controller with a microprocessor and a memory device connected to the microprocessor. An input device is also connected to the microprocessor for inputting diagnostic procedure parameters and patient information. X-ray equipment including an X-ray source and an X-ray detector array are connected to a positioning motor for movement relative to a patient's dental or orthopedic structure in response to signals from the microprocessor. The output consists of a tomographical densitometry model. A dental/orthopedic densitometry modeling method involves moving the X-ray equipment across a predetermined scan path, emitting dual-energy X-ray beams, and outputting an image color-coded to correspond to a patient's dental or orthopedic density. | 01-24-2013 |
| 20130028371 | Method For Estimating Effective Atomic Number And Bulk Density Of Rock Samples Using Dual Energy X-Ray Computed Tomographic Imaging - A method for estimating effective atomic number and bulk density of objects, such as rock samples or well cores, using X-ray computed tomographic imaging techniques is provided. The method effectively compensates for errors in the interpretation of CT scan data and produces bulk densities which have lower residual error compared to actual bulk densities and produces bulk density—effective atomic number trends which are consistent with physical observations. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130121458 | COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD FOR THE SAME - A computed tomography apparatus and a method for controlling the same are provided. The apparatus is capable of switching between a high energy mode and a low energy mode at a high speed using a filter that rotates at a high speed. The computed tomography apparatus includes an X-ray generator which generates and irradiates X-rays toward a subject, an X-ray filter which includes at least one filter member, a driver which rotates the X-ray filter such that the filter members are selectively disposed in an irradiation path of X-rays generated by the X-ray generator, a detector which detects the X-rays that are transmitted to the subject, and a host apparatus which obtains X-ray images by using detected X-rays, separates the obtained X-ray images based on filter members to which the corresponding X-rays are transmitted, and reconstructs the images by using X-ray images of the identical filter member. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130182818 | X-RAY CT APPARATUS - An X-ray CT apparatus includes: a detector that detects X-rays that have passed through a subject; a data acquiring unit that, for each of predetermined energy bands, counts photons having an energy level included in the predetermined energy band, from among photons derived from the X-rays detected by the detector; an acquisition controlling unit that controls the data acquiring unit in such a manner that energy bands including energy levels which the photons representing substances that are not of interest have are each larger than an energy band including an energy level which the photons representing a substance of interest have, in accordance with an image taking condition under which an image taking process is performed on the subject; and an image reconstructing unit that reconstructs an X-ray CT image by using a counting result obtained by the data acquiring unit controlled by the acquisition controlling unit. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130182819 | Method Of Determining Reservoir Properties And Quality With Multiple Energy X-Ray Imaging - 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. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130223587 | PHOTON COUNTING TYPE X-RAY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CORRECTING SCATTERED RADIATION - A CT apparatus includes: a tube that produces an X-ray photon whose highest energy is higher than highest peak energy of characteristic X-rays; a detecting material; a unit that produces a first attenuation coefficient map which corresponds to a first energy region including the highest peak energy of the characteristic X-rays; a unit that transforms the first attenuation coefficient map into a second attenuation coefficient map of a second energy region; a unit that produces a scattered photon distribution of scattered X-ray photons on the basis of the second attenuation coefficient map; and a unit that produces data before reconstruction on the basis of the detected X-ray photon which corresponds to the second energy region, corrects and processes the data before reconstruction with the scattered photon distribution so as to produce corrected data, and reconstructs an image corresponding to the second energy region for which scattered radiation is corrected. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130272491 | NORMALIZED METRICS FOR VISCERAL ADIPOSE TISSUE MASS AND VOLUME ESTIMATION - A method and system for determining normalized metrics for visceral adipose tissue (VAT) mass and volume estimation. The normalized metrics including a VAT average cross-section determined by dividing a VAT volume by a height of the abdominal region of interest, and a VAT linear mass density determined by dividing the VAT mass by a height of an abdominal region of interest. | 10-17-2013 |
| 20130287164 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DYNAMIC SPECTRAL FILTRATION - A CT imaging system includes a multi-position x-ray filter having a filter element configured to spectrally filter a beam of x-rays and a magnet structure configured to selectively generate a magnetic field to cause the filter element to move between filter and non-filter positions. A CT imaging system computer causes an x-ray source to emit x-rays at each of a first kVp and a second kVp and control the multi-position x-ray filter to position the filter element in the non-filter position during emission of the x-rays at the first kVp and in the filter position during emission of the x-rays at the second kVp. The computer causes current to be provided to the magnet structure so as to generate a magnetic field configured to move the filter element to the filter and non-filter positions at high frequency, into and out of a path of the beam of x-rays. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130294571 | X-RAY TUBE AND X-RAY CT DEVICE - Disclosed is an X-ray tube that has a simple configuration and is capable of irradiating multiple different X-rays while switching them at a high rate, as well as an X-ray CT device using the X-ray tube. The X-ray tube comprises first and second electron generators, a deflection means, and a target. The deflection means switches the direction in which first and second electron beams are transmitted between first and second directions. The target comprises first, second, third, and fourth surfaces. The first surface receives a first electron beam transmitted toward the first direction and irradiates a first X-ray toward the irradiation field. The second surface receives a second electron beam transmitted toward the first direction and irradiates a second X-ray toward a direction different from the irradiation field. The third surface receives a first electron beam transmitted toward the second direction and irradiates the first X-ray toward a direction different from the predetermined irradiation field. The fourth surface receives a second electron beam transmitted in the second direction and irradiates the second X-ray toward the irradiation field. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130301794 | Method And System For Multi-Energy Computer Tomographic Cuttings Analysis - A method and a system are provided to prepare a plurality of cuttings or other rock fragments or other porous media, such as cuttings from a drilling interval or multiple intervals, for computer tomographic scanning at the same time. A method and system also are provided to allow organization of mass quantities of cuttings or other rock fragments obtained from intervals of a well to more accurately categorize the cuttings to assist selections thereof for more detailed digital rock analysis, such as using SEM and FIB-SEM systems, are provided. A method and system also are provided to allow characterization of facies occurrence frequency of a depth interval using drill cuttings or other rock fragments. Computerized systems, computer readable media, and programs for performing the methods are also provided. | 11-14-2013 |
| 20130308745 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DUAL ENERGY CT IMAGE RECONSTRUCTION - A method and system for dual energy CT image reconstruction are provided. In one aspect, a fast kVp switching x-ray source is used during an imaging scan to produce a low energy x-ray beam for L consecutive projection angles, and then to produce a high energy x-ray beam for H consecutive projection angles, wherein L is substantially less than H. Various methods are provided for estimating the resulting undersampled data in the low energy projection data set and the high energy projection data set. The missing low energy projection data may be estimated from the known high energy projection data using any one of several disclosed structural propagation embodiments. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130329851 | DETECTION APPARATUS - The invention relates to a detection apparatus comprising a filter ( | 12-12-2013 |
| 20130343510 | METHOD OF RECONSTRUCTING IMAGE FOR POLYCHROMATIC X-RAY TOMOGRAPHY - Disclosed herein is a method for reconstructing an X-ray image, including selecting an initial value of a reconstruction value of an internal tissue of a target object, inserting the reconstruction value into a first relationship function to calculate simulation data of measurement data which is detected from X-rays which have passed through the target object, inserting the detected measurement data and the calculated simulation data into a first expression and a second expression for respectively determining a first constant and second constant as coefficients of a second relationship function of a relationship between the measurement data and the simulation data, in order to calculate the first constant and the second constant, and inserting the first constant and the second constant into a third relationship function which relates to the first constant and second constant and the reconstruction value in order to update the reconstruction value. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20140037045 | DUAL ENERGY CT SCANNER - A dual energy CT scanner includes an X ray source generating an X-ray beam, a stacked detector array for detecting radiation from the X-ray beam, the stacked detector array including a first layer of detectors and a second layer of detectors, wherein a packing density of detectors in at least a portion of the first layer is different than a packing density of detectors in a corresponding portion of the second layer, a data acquisition unit for sampling data from the detectors in the first and second layer; and an image reconstruction unit for reconstructing an image from data acquired from at least one layer of the stacked detector array. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140064441 | METHOD OF RECONSTRUCTION FROM MULTI-ENERGY CT SCAN AND DEVICE THEREOF - A method for collecting multi-energy CT data is provided. A method of reconstruction from multi-energy CT scan is further provided, in which data collection is performed on the first-class object at voltage values of m sampling points of the first-class voltage varied periodically, to obtain n sets of multi-energy first-class scan data { | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140072096 | CONTRAST-ENHANCED IMAGING OF OBJECTS - A contrast-enhanced imaging of an object is performed by an imaging device having a movable radiation source. A first projection image sequence of the object along a first trajectory over which the radiation source moves is recorded by radiation having a first energy spectrum. Subsequently, a second projection image sequence of the object along a second trajectory over which the radiation source moves is recorded by radiation having a second energy spectrum. A reconstruction of a three-dimensional subtraction image in relation to the different energy spectra is carried out by the first and second projection image sequence. In addition, a two-dimensional subtraction image in relation to the different energy spectra is reconstructed with the aid of the first and second projection image sequence. In this way, apart from a three-dimensional subtraction image, a two-dimensional subtraction image is also provided for better analysis of object characteristics. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140086382 | COMBINATION OF CONTRAST MEDIUM AND MAMMOGRAPHY CT SYSTEM WITH A PRESPECIFIED ENERGY RANGE AND METHOD FOR GENERATING TOMOGRAPHIC MAMMOGRAPHY CT IMAGES BY THIS COMBINATION - A mammography CT system is disclosed which includes an X-ray generator; and a first radiator-detector system. A contrast medium, including an opacifying element including an absorption peak in a first energy range, is useable for tomographic imaging of a female breast of a patient. After filtering, the X-rays with a prespecified tube voltage that form at an anode, are configured to emit an X-ray spectrum having a second energy range, wherein the radiator-detector system is configured to acquire a plurality of circumferential projections around the breast. The first energy range is a part of the second energy range and the second energy range includes an upper limit of less than 70 keV and a lower limit of greater than 20 keV. A corresponding method for generating tomographic mammography CT images is also disclosed. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140086383 | METHOD AND COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING BONE MINERAL DENSITY VALUES - A method is disclosed for determining bone mineral density values of an object. In an embodiment, the method includes acquisition of first two-dimensional projection overview image data of the object to be examined in an image detail with a first X-ray energy; acquisition of at least second two-dimensional projection overview image data of the object to be examined in an image detail with at least one different second X-ray energy; determining a bone overview image data record using the first and second projection overview image data; determining at least one specific evaluation region of the image detail using the bone overview image data record; and determining a bone mineral density value for the specific evaluation region of the image detail using the image data of the bone overview image data record in the specific evaluation region. A computerized tomography system for implementing a method is also disclosed. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140105352 | Dual-Energy Cone-Beam CT Scanning - A CT scanning apparatus includes a control apparatus arranged to cause a first rotation of a gantry and trigger an x-ray source to emit x-radiation at a first x-ray energy when an angular encoder reports that the gantry is at each of multiple predetermined angular locations, and cause a second rotation of the gantry and trigger the x-ray source to emit x-radiation at a second x-ray energy differing from the first x-ray energy when the angular encoder reports that the gantry is at each of the same predetermined angular locations. An image processing means receives the projection images and reconstructs them into a volumetric image. A support couch is provided for the patient, and to minimize the likelihood of movement artifacts, the support couch includes a patient immobilisation system such as an evacuatable bead bag, bite post, or stereotactic frames, or the like. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140119497 | Process And System For Preparation Of X-Ray Scannable Sample-Embedded Sliver For Characterization Of Rock And Other Samples - A method is provided to allow characterization of rock or other types of samples using a sliver that is prepared to have a sample and optionally a plurality of thin discrete reference objects encapsulated by hardened encapsulant that surrounds the peripheral edges of the sample and any reference objects. Systems for performing the methods are also provided. An x-ray scannable sliver also is provided as a single unit that has a thin discrete sample and a plurality of thin discrete reference objects encapsulated by hardened encapsulant that encases the peripheral edges of the sample and reference objects. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140161220 | X-Ray Scanners and X-Ray Sources Therefor - The present invention is directed toward an X-ray scanner that has an electron source and an anode. The anode has a target surface with a series of material areas spaced along it in a scanning direction. The material areas are formed from different materials. The electron source is arranged to direct electrons at a series of target areas of the target surface, in a predetermined order, so as to generate X-ray beams having different energy spectra. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140169519 | Cone-beam CT Scanning - Combined systems that rely on a single source able to switch between therapeutic emissions and diagnostic emissions for a cone-beam CT scanner can be improved by rotating the collimator during CT scanning to allow a wider maximum aperture. The detector can also be positioned in an offset manner so as to take best advantage of this aperture. The rotated position for a collimator with a rectangular aperture (such as a square) can be one in which a diagonal of the aperture lies transverse to the plane swept out by the beam axis during rotation of the mount. More generally, where the aperture has at least one straight edge, the predetermined position is one in which the straight edge lies at an oblique angle to the plane swept out by the beam axis during rotation of the mount. | 06-19-2014 |
| 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 |
| 20140185741 | Multi-energy CT imaging system and Imaging Method - The present invention relates to a Computed Tomography (CT) imaging system, in particular to a multi-energy CT imaging system and imaging method. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140185742 | 3-DIMENSIONAL MODEL CREATION METHODS AND APPARATUSES - Disclosed are methods and apparatuses for creating a 3-Dimensional model for objects in an inspected luggage in a CT system. The method includes acquiring slice data of the luggage with the CT system; interpolating the slice data to generate 3D volume data of the luggage; performing unsupervised segmentation on the 3D volume data of the luggage to obtain a plurality of segmental regions; performing isosurface extraction on the plurality of segmental regions to obtain corresponding isosurfaces; and performing 3D surface segmentation on the isosurfaces to form a 3D model for the objects in the luggage. The above solutions can create a 3D model for objects in the inspected luggage in a relatively accurate manner, and thus provide better basis for subsequent shape feature extraction and security inspection, and reduce omission factor. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140205057 | DIFFERENTIAL PHASE CONTRAST IMAGING WITH ENERGY SENSITIVE DETECTION - For correcting differential phase image data | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140211910 | CORRECTION OF PROJECTION DATA IN RADIATION SYSTEM - Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems for correcting projection data representative of an object under examination to account for drift in a radiation system are provided. System drift is measured by performing a drift calibration on the radiation system. During the drift calibration, a temperature of the radiation system is measured and one or more calibration tables, such as an air table and/or offset table, are corrected based upon the measured temperature to derive a theoretical projection (e.g., indicative of measurements that are expected to be acquired from the radiation system during the drift calibration). The theoretical projection is compared to an actual projection acquired during the drift calibration to measure a degree of drift. Based upon the measured degree of drift, one or more correction factors are determined to correct and/or otherwise adjust for system drift in a projection respective of the object. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140233692 | Multi Energy X-Ray Microscope Data Acquisition and Image Reconstruction System and Method - A multi energy, such as dual-energy (“DE”), x-ray imaging system data acquisition and image reconstruction system and method enables optimizing the image contrast of a sample. Using the DE x-ray imaging system and its associated user interface applications, an operator performs a low energy (“LE”) and high energy (“HE”) x-ray scan of the same volume of interest of the sample. The system creates a low-energy reconstructed tomographic volume data set from the set of low-energy projections and a high-energy tomographic volume data set from the set of high-energy projections. This enables the operator to control the image contrast of selected slices, and apply the information associated with optimizing the contrast of the selected slice to all slices in the low-energy and high-energy tomographic data sets. This creates a combined volume data set from the LE and HE volume data sets with optimized image contrast throughout. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140233693 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR COUNT LOSS CALIBRATION OF PHOTON-COUNTING DETECTORS IN SPECTRAL COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IMAGING - A method for photon count-loss calibration in a computed-tomography (CT) scanner, including capturing incident X-ray photons via a plurality of energy-discriminating detectors, determining photon counts of the captured incident X-ray photons in a plurality of energy windows at each energy-discriminating detector, and adjusting the determined photon counts in each energy window for each energy-discriminating detector based on a pre-determined photon count-loss look-up table and the determined photon counts. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140233694 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ANGULAR RESPONSE CALIBRATION OF PHOTON-COUNTING DETECTORS IN SPARSE SPECTRAL COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IMAGING - A method for detector angular response calibration in computed-tomography (CT) comprising capturing incident X-ray photons, emitted from an X-ray source, via a plurality of energy-discriminating detectors, determining photon counts of the captured incident X-ray photons in a plurality of energy windows at each energy-discriminating detector, and adjusting the photon counts based on a pre-determined detector angular response calibration look-up table for a given view for each energy-discriminating detector at each energy window. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140254747 | X-RAY IMAGING APPARATUS, WEDGE FILTER APPARATUS, AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING WEDGE FILTER - According to one embodiment, a flexible wedge filter is arranged between an X-ray tube and an examinee to attenuate a dose according to an X-ray from the X-ray tube. The flexible wedge filter has a plurality of filter modules | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140301528 | COLOR X-RAY HISTOLOGY FOR MULTI-STAINED BIOLOGIC SAMPLE - Systems and methods are provided for staining tissue with multiple biologically specific heavy metal stains and then performing X-ray imaging, either in projection or tomography modes, using either a plurality of illumination energies or an energy sensitive detection scheme. The resulting energy-weighted measurements can then be used to decompose the resulting images into quantitative images of the distribution of stains. The decomposed images may be false-colored and recombined to make virtual X-ray histology images. The techniques thereby allow for effective differentiation between two or more X-ray dyes, which had previously been unattainable in 3D imaging, particularly 3D imaging of features at the micron resolution scale. While techniques are described in certain example implementations, such as with microtomography, the techniques are scalable to larger fields of view, allowing for use in 3D color, X-ray virtual histology of pathology specimens. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140307846 | Method of Estimating Chordal Holdup Values of Gas, Oil and Water for Tomographic Imaging of a Three-Phase Flow Through a Volume - A method of estimating chordal holdup values of gas, oil, and water (ε | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140307847 | AUTOMATICALLY OBTAINING OPTIMIZED OUTPUT DATA - A method and a system are disclosed for obtaining image data from inside an examination object from images of a computed tomograph. In an embodiment, the method includes accepting first measurement data of the examination object, acquired based on x-ray radiation of a first energy, and second measurement data of the examination object, acquired based on x-ray radiation of a second energy differing from the first energy; setting an optimized output of target image points on the basis of the first and second measurement data at the respective target image points, each as a function of local optimization parameter values of the target image points determined locally from the first and second measurement data in the area of the target image points, while deriving image point reproduction parameter values representing the optimized output; and determining the output data based on optimized output of the target image points. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140321603 | X-RAY CT APPARATUS, IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - An X-ray CT apparatus includes an image generating unit, a discrimination unit, a monochromatic X-ray image generating unit, a combined-image generating unit and a display unit. The image generating unit generates a plurality of reference material images corresponding to respective ones of a plurality of reference materials on a basis of pre-reconstruction data of multi-energy obtained by scanning a subject. The discrimination unit discriminates each of a plurality of materials contained in an imaging region of the subject on a basis of the plurality of reference material images. The monochromatic X-ray image generating unit generates a monochromatic X-ray image at energy determined by each of the plurality of discriminated materials. The combined-image generating unit combines a plurality of monochromatic X-ray images corresponding to the plurality of materials and to generate a combined image. The display unit displays the combined image on a display device. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140328450 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDUCING HIGH DENSITY ARTIFACTS IN COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IMAGING - An imaging system includes a rotatable gantry for receiving an object to be scanned, a generator configured to energize an x-ray source to generate x-rays, a detector positioned to receive the x-rays that pass through the object, and a computer. The computer is programmed to obtain knowledge of a metal within the object, scan the object using system scanning parameters, reconstruct an image of the object using a reconstruction algorithm, and automatically select at least one of the system scanning parameters and the reconstruction algorithm based on the obtained knowledge. | 11-06-2014 |
| 20140328451 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DYNAMIC CALIBRATION OF SPECTRAL CT WITH ROTATING X-RAY SOURCE AND STATIONARY ENERGY DISCRIMINATING DETECTORS - An apparatus and method for dynamically calibrating a computed-tomography (CT) scanner that includes a rotating X-ray source and a plurality of stationary energy-discriminating detectors configured to capture incident X-ray photons emitted from the X-ray source. A bowtie filter with a unique geometry and material composition is used to generate reference beams of a desired intensity. The apparatus includes a processor that is configured to remove a scattering background based on data obtained from the reference beams and compute a change in a predetermined calibration function. | 11-06-2014 |
| 20140369458 | CT IMAGING METHODS AND SYSTEMS - Disclosed is a CT imaging method and system. The method includes: CT scanning an object with a dual-energy CT system to obtain a first complete set of projection data in a first scan mode, and to obtain a second incomplete set of projection data in a second scan mode; reconstructing a first attenuation coefficient image of the object from the first set of projection data, and extracting, from the first attenuation coefficient image, prior structure information of the object indicating edge intensity; and reconstructing a second attenuation coefficient image of the object from the second incomplete set of projection data using the extracted prior structure information as a constraint. With the method using the prior structure information of the imaged object as a constraint in reconstruction, it is possible to dramatically reduce an amount of data required for reconstruction, and achieve satisfactory effects even with ill-conditioned problems of limited-angle and inner reconstruction. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140376686 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MULTI-SCANNER X-RAY INSPECTION - A method of analyzing a target item utilizing multiple scanners is disclosed. The method can include providing an item comprising a material. The method can further include acquiring a first set of scan data associated with the item using a first scanner, and acquiring a second set of scan data associated with the item using a second scanner. The method can further include generating a first set of transform data from the first set of scan data, analyzing the first set of transform data to identify a subset of the first set of transform data associated with a first region, and analyzing the second set of scan data to identify a subset of the second set of scan data associated with a second region. The method can also include generating a measure that at least a portion of scan data is consistent with a presence of a candidate material in the item, where the portion of scan data is selected from at least one of the set consisting of: the subset of the first set of transform data and the subset of the second set of scan data. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20140376687 | SYSTEMS FOR CHARACTERIZING ATHEROSCLEROTIC PLAQUE AND METHODS OF USING SAME - The present technology relates generally to systems for characterizing atherosclerotic plaque, such as a spectral CT system, and methods of using same. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20150016586 | IMAGING METHODS FOR IMAGE-GUIDED RADIATION TREATMENT - 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. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150063527 | CONVENTIONAL IMAGING WITH AN IMAGING SYSTEM HAVING PHOTON COUNTING DETECTORS - An imaging system ( | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150063528 | X-RAY IMAGING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME - Disclosed herein are an X-ray imaging apparatus and a method for controlling the same. The X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray generator configured to radiate first-energy X-rays toward an object, an X-ray detector configured to detect the first-energy X-rays which propagate through the object, an image processor configured to generate a first object image which correspond to the detected first-energy X-rays and to estimate a second object image which corresponds to second-energy X-rays based on the generated first object image, and a controller configured to control the image processor to repeatedly estimate the second object image by controlling the X-ray generator to repeatedly radiate the first-energy X-rays toward the object. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150063529 | X-RAY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IMAGING APPARATUS AND PHOTON COUNTING CT APPARATUS - Based on a plurality of detection data sets acquired by a data acquisition unit and correspond to respective tube voltages, an image generator generates a plurality of reference substance image data sets targeting respective reference substances contained in a subject. The image generator generates a correction data set for each of the plurality of tube voltages by applying, to a detection data set corresponding to each of the tube voltages, a correction coefficient for suppressing a discrepancy of an actual energy spectrum of the X-rays detected by an X-ray detector from a predetermined X-ray energy spectrum, and generates the plurality of reference substance image data sets based on a plurality of correction data sets corresponding to the respective tube voltages. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150071400 | METHOD AND X-RAY SYSTEM FOR DUAL-ENERGY SPECTRA CT SCANNING AND IMAGE RECONSTRUCTION - A method for dual-energy spectra CT scanning and image reconstruction of two tomographic image datasets from a higher-energy and a lower-energy x-ray energy spectrum is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, readings are taken with the different x-ray energy spectra during the scanning; the different x-ray energy spectra are also created at least by different acceleration voltages of the x-ray source; and the spatial distribution of the scanning x-rays per x-ray energy spectrum is undertaken randomly or pseudo-randomly (in the absence of a regular pattern). With the attenuation datasets thus obtained, reconstructions of two tomographic image datasets in accordance with a least one iterative CS reconstruction method are carried out and subsequently the reconstructed tomographic image datasets are stored and/or output and/or further processed. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150085970 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HYBRID SCANNING - A system includes a detector and a processing unit. The detector includes multiple pixels configured to detect computed tomography (CT) events and nuclear medicine (NM) imaging events. The CT events correspond to X-rays emitted from a X-ray source through an object to be imaged, and the NM imaging events correspond to gamma rays emitted from a radiopharmaceutical that has been administered to the object. The detector is configured for photon counting detection of the CT events and the NM imaging events. The processing unit includes at least one processor and at least one memory comprising a tangible and non-transitory computer readable storage medium. The processing unit is configured to, based on corresponding energy levels of the CT events and the NM imaging events, identify CT information corresponding to the CT events and identify NM information corresponding to the NM imaging events. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150103970 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING X-RAY PHASE CONTRAST IMAGES USING A CONVENTIONAL X-RAY IMAGING SYSTEM - Described here are systems and methods for generating x-ray phase contrast images from conventional x-ray attenuation data. X-ray attenuation coefficients generated over a range of x-ray energies are used to compute the x-ray phase signal up to a calibration constant. This calibration constant is computed from provided calibration data, which may be obtained using a dedicated x-ray differential phase contrast imaging system to measure the decrement of the refractive index of a calibration phantom. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150103971 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MULTI-ENERGY X-RAY IMAGING USING A POLYCHROMATIC SOURCE - A system and method for generating multi-energy computed tomography images of a subject using a polychromatic x-ray source with single spectrum includes acquiring a measure of a polychromatic spectrum of a polychromatic x-ray beam generated by the polychromatic x-ray source. The method also includes acquiring attenuation data generated by operating the polychromatic x-ray source, segmenting the attenuation data based on a plurality of component criteria to create plurality of segmented datasets, and generating template data from the segmented datasets. Using the template data and the measure of the polychromatic spectrum, polychromatic synthetic data is generated. Using the template data and each of the segmented datasets, component synthetic data is generated. Using the attenuation data, the polychromatic synthetic data, and the component synthetic data, a plurality of multi-energy images, including separable images weighted for each of the component criteria, is reconstructed. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150110239 | METHOD FOR ACQUIRING MORPHOLOGY OF A BREAST - An imaging method performed by a device comprising an X-ray emitting source, a receiver positioned facing the source, and a support on which a subject or organ to be imaged is positioned, the method comprises defining a first set of orientations of the source and a second set of orientations of the source, and acquiring images at the defined orientations of the source, wherein it the first set of orientations comprises an orientation that the second set of orientations does not comprise, only one image is acquired at the orientation, and if both the first set of orientations and the second set of orientations comprise the same orientation, at least two images are acquired at distinct acquisition parameters at the orientation, | 04-23-2015 |
| 20150117593 | METHOD FOR SPECTRAL CT LOCAL TOMOGRAPHY - A method for performing reconstruction for a region of interest (ROI) of an object is provided. The method includes designating the ROI within the object, the ROI being located within a scan field of view (FOV) of a combined third- and fourth-generation CT scanner, the CT scanner including fixed photon-counting detectors (PCDs), and an X-ray source that rotates about the object in synchronization with a rotating detector. Further, the method includes determining, for each PCD, as a function of view angle, an on/off timing schedule, based on a size and location of the designated ROI, and performing a scan to obtain a first data set from the rotating detector and a second data set from the plurality of PCDs, while turning each PCD on and off according to the determined schedule. Finally, the method includes performing reconstruction using the first and second data sets to obtain ROI spectral images. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150117594 | ESTIMATING MULTI-ENERGY DATA IN A RADIATION IMAGING MODALITY - Multi-energy imaging is afforded with a single detector array by generating a first data set, indicative of a first radiation energy spectrum, using a first set of cells of the array, and by generating a second data set, indicative of a second radiation energy spectrum, using a second set of cells of the array (e.g., where substantially more cells are in the first set than the second). The first data set is comprised of measured data from the first set of cells and estimated data that would have been yielded from the second set of cells had the second set been configured to detect the first energy spectrum. The second data set is comprised of measured data yielded from the second set of cells and estimated data that would have been yielded from the first set of cells had the first set been configured to detect the second energy spectrum. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150117595 | METHOD AND X-RAY SYSTEM FOR GENERATING A PHASE CONTRAST IMAGE - A method and an X-ray system are disclosed for generating a phase contrast image of an examination object. In an embodiment, the distribution of an electron density in the examination object is determined by defining energy-dependent attenuation values for X-radiation with at least two different X-ray energy spectra, phase-shift values are obtained from the previously determined electron density distribution, and a phase contrast image is generated from the calculated phase-shift values. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150131773 | SPECIMEN RADIOGRAPHY WITH TOMOSYNTHESIS IN A CABINET - A method and system for producing tomosynthesis images of a breast specimen in a cabinet x-ray system. An X-ray source delivers X-rays through a specimen of excised tissue and forms an image at a digital X-ray detector. Multiple X-ray images are taken as the X-ray source moves relative to the stationary breast specimen. In the preferred embodiment, the X-ray source moves in a range from about 350° to and including about 10°. The source may travel substantially along a path that generally defines an arc, or linearly, while the detector remains stationary throughout and the source remains substantially equidistant from the specimen platform. The set of X-ray image data taken at the different points are combined to form a tomosynthesis image that can be viewed in different formats, alone or as an adjunct to conventional specimen radiography. | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150139382 | X-RAY IMAGING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME - Provided are an X-ray imaging apparatus that is capable of tracking a position of an object of interest using a Kalman filter so as to reduce the amount of X-ray radiation exposure of a subject, calculating covariance indicative of accuracy of the tracing, and controlling a collimator so that the position of the object of interest and calculated covariance may be correlated with a position and an area of a region into which X-rays are radiated, and a method of controlling the X-ray imaging apparatus. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150146844 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SPECTRAL COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) WITH INNER RING GEOMETRY - Photon counting detectors are sparsely placed at predetermined positions in the fourth-generation geometry around an object to be scanned in spectral Computer Tomography (CT). An X-ray emitting source rotates radially outside the sparsely placed photon counting detectors. Furthermore, the integrating detectors are placed in the third-generation in combination to the sparsely placed photon counting detectors at predetermined positions in the fourth-generation geometry. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150297155 | PRE-OBJECT FILTER FOR SHAPING PROFILE OF RADIATION ATTENTUATION IN FAN-ANGLE DIRECTION - Among other things, one or more systems and/or techniques are described for shaping a profile of radiation attenuation in a fan-angle direction via a pre-object filter (e.g., a bowtie filter) based upon a profile of an object. For example, a pre-object filter may be at least partially rotated about a filter axis and/or may be translated in a direction parallel to a direction of conveyance of the object under examination to adjust a profile of radiation attenuation in the fan-angle direction. Further, in one embodiment, the profile of radiation attenuation may be reshaped during rotation of the radiation source about the object to adjust an amount of radiation attenuation in the fan-angle direction (e.g., to adjust a profile of radiation attenuation as a shape of the object changes from a perspective of a radiation source as the radiation source is rotated about the object). | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150297162 | X-RAY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY APPARATUS, MEDICAL IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND MEDICAL IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - According to one embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes an X-ray tube, collimators including through holes respectively collimating an X-ray and diffraction bodies provided in the holes respectively, diffracting the X-ray at an angle to an X-ray energy, X-ray detection elements provided at predetermined distances from the bodies, counting circuitry counting the number of photons originating from the X-ray, storage circuitry storing statistical information, corresponding to energy bins in the X-ray, concerning a count distribution of count values with positions of the elements, classification circuitry classifying the numbers of counted photons for the bins by using the information, reconstruction circuitry reconstructing a medical image to the bins based on the number of photons classified for the bins. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150301199 | PHOTON COUNTING X-RAY DETECTOR - The present invention relates to a photon counting X-ray detector and detection method that effectively suppress polarization even under high flux conditions. The proposed detector comprises a photon counting semiconductor element ( | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150305697 | X-RAY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY APPARATUS AND PHOTON COUNTING CT APPARATUS - A gantry includes an X-ray source ring and a detector ring. The X-ray source ring includes a plurality of X-ray sources arrayed circumferentially. The detector ring is provided next to the X-ray source ring and includes a plurality of X-ray detectors arrayed circumferentially. Each of the plurality of X-ray detectors detects X-rays from the X-ray source ring. At least one wedge filter is provided on the inner circumferential side of the X-ray source ring. A filter support member supports at least one wedge filter rotatable about the rotation axis. A filter driver drives the filter support member. An imaging controller controls the filter driver to rotate at least one wedge filter about the rotation axis in synchronism with generation of X-rays from the X-ray source ring. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150312998 | X-RAY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY APPARATUS AND PHOTON COUNTING CT APPARATUS - A gantry includes two X-ray source rings and a detector ring. Each X-ray source ring includes a plurality of X-ray sources arrayed circumferentially. The detector ring is provided next to the X-ray source ring and includes a plurality of X-ray detectors arrayed circumferentially. Each of the plurality of X-ray detectors detects X-rays from the X-ray source ring. A data collection circuit collects raw data corresponding to the intensity of the detected X-rays. A reconstruction unit reconstructs the collected raw data into a CT image based on digital data. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150313567 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IMAGING - Apparatus and methods for computed tomography (CT) imaging are provided. One method includes providing a patient table to move along an examination axis of a rotating gantry of a CT imaging system having at least one imaging detector. The imaging detector includes a pixelated detector array. The method further includes configuring the CT imaging system to perform an overlapping helical CT scan by controlling a speed of the moving patient table along the examination axis through a field of view (FOV) of the at least one imaging detector of the rotating gantry. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150323474 | Multi Energy X-Ray Microscope Data Acquisition and Image Reconstruction System and Method - A multi energy, such as dual-energy (“DE”), x-ray imaging system data acquisition and image reconstruction system and method enables optimizing the image contrast of a sample. Using the DE x-ray imaging system and its associated user interface applications, an operator performs a low energy (“LE”) and high energy (“HE”) x-ray scan of the same volume of interest of the sample. The system creates a low-energy reconstructed tomographic volume data set from the set of low-energy projections and a high-energy tomographic volume data set from the set of high-energy projections. This enables the operator to control the image contrast of selected slices, and apply the information associated with optimizing the contrast of the selected slice to all slices in the low-energy and high-energy tomographic data sets. This creates a combined volume data set from the LE and HE volume data sets with optimized image contrast throughout. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150371378 | MATERIAL DECOMPOSITION OF MULTI-SPECTRAL X-RAY PROJECTIONS USING NEURAL NETWORKS - A method of processing x-ray images comprises training an artificial neural network to process multi-spectral x-ray projections to determine composition information about an object in terms of equivalent thickness of at least one basis material. The method further comprises providing a multi-spectral x-ray projection of an object, wherein the multi-spectral x-ray projection of the object contains energy content information describing the energy content of the multi-spectral x-ray projection. The multi-spectral x-ray projection is then processed with the artificial neural network to determine composition information about the object, and then the composition information about the object is provided | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150374317 | PHOTON-COUNTING X-RAY CT APPARATUS AND PHOTON-COUNTING IMAGING METHOD - A photon-counting X-ray CT apparatus in an embodiment includes an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector, correction circuitry, and processing circuitry. The X-ray tube is configured to irradiate a subject with X-rays. The X-ray detector is configured to include an X-ray detection element that detects photons of the X-rays that the X-ray tube emits. The correction circuitry is configured to correct a count value observed by the X-ray detection element in each of a plurality of energy bins, based on at least one of the probability of escape in the X-ray detection element and the probability of crosstalk in the X-ray detection element. The processing circuitry is configured to generate a reconstruction image, based on the count values corrected by the correction circuitry. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150378047 | DETECTOR DEVICE, DUAL ENERGY CT SYSTEM AND DETECTION METHOD USING THE SYSTEM - The present disclosure discloses a detector device comprising a plurality of detector assemblies. Each detector assembly comprises at least one detection crystal units having a first energy response and those having a second energy response, which are both arranged along a first direction at intervals, each detection crystal unit having a first/second energy response including at least one detection crystals having a first/second energy response arranged along a second direction. The at least one detection crystal units having a first energy response and the at least one detection crystal units having a second energy response are, at least partially, alternatively arranged along the first direction when viewed from an incidence direction of the X-ray. The present disclosure also discloses a dual energy CT system having the detector device and a CT detection method using this system. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20160000396 | X-RAY CT APPARATUS AND IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS - The X-ray CT apparatus includes an X-ray tube, a high-voltage power supply, an X-ray detector and a processing circuitry. The processing circuitry reconstructs, as a first image, any of a monochromatic X-ray image and a polychromatic X-ray image on a basis of pre-reconstruction data acquired by scanning an object, the polychromatic X-ray image being taken in a first X-ray energy band. The processing circuitry reconstructs, as a second image, a polychromatic X-ray image taken in a second X-ray energy band wider than the first X-ray energy band on a basis of a pre-reconstruction data acquired by scanning the object. The processing circuitry identifies an area of a correction target in the first image as a correction area. The processing circuitry corrects the correction area in the second image on a basis of the first image. | 01-07-2016 |
| 20160022243 | X-RAY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY APPARATUS - An X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to an embodiment stores a plurality of reference count data indicative of energy spectra of X-rays, which are associated with a plurality of tube voltages or tube currents. Estimation circuitry estimates a tube voltage or a tube current at a time of X-ray irradiation, based on a comparison of energy spectra between second count data and each of the plurality of reference count data. Correction circuitry corrects first count data acquired together with the second count data, by using an energy spectrum calculated based on the estimated tube voltage or tube current. Reconstruction circuitry reconstructs medical image data, based on the corrected first count data. | 01-28-2016 |
| 20160056008 | System And Method For Multi-Source X-Ray-Based Imaging - An imaging module includes a plurality of cathodes and respective gates, each cathode configured to generate a separate beam of electrons directed across a vacuum chamber and each gate matched to at least one respective cathode to enable and disable each separate beam of electrons from being directed across the vacuum chamber. A target anode is fixed within the vacuum chamber and arranged to receive the separate beam of electrons from each of the plurality of cathodes and, therefrom, generate a beam of x-rays. A deflection system is arranged between the plurality of cathodes and the target anode to generate a variable magnetic field to control a path followed by each of the separate beams of electrons to the target anode. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160058404 | X-RAY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY APPARATUS, IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - An X-ray computed-tomography (CT) apparatus of an embodiment includes an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector, and processing circuitry. The X-ray tube is configured to generate an X-ray. The X-ray detector includes a plurality of X-ray detection elements configured to output a signal based on the X-ray entered therein. The processing circuitry is configured to derive a constraint condition by using at least one piece of projection data out of a plurality of pieces of projection data corresponding energy bins of which differ at least partially, calculate an effective length that is a total length for which the X-ray has passed through a region in which a material to be decomposed is present, and generate image data showing information about the material by using the projection data and the effective length. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160070008 | COUNT-WEIGHTED LEAST SQUARES PARAMETER ESTIMATION FOR A PHOTON-COUNTING DETECTOR - A method and apparatus for estimating a parameter vector including a plurality of parameters of a detector response model of a photon-counting detector. The method includes calculating a modeled spectrum based on an input spectrum and an initial value of the plurality of parameters. For each detector, a difference between the normalized photon count of the measured spectrum and the normalized modeled spectrum is calculated. A root mean square error (RMSE) between the measured and modeled spectra is obtained by squaring the normalized difference and weighting the normalized difference by a weighting factor. The parameter vector is updated until an optimum RMSE value is achieved. Upon determining optimal values of the parameter vector, measured data that is obtained via a patient scan is corrected based on the optimal parameter vector. | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160081637 | PHOTON-COUNTING APPARATUS - According to one embodiment, a photon-counting apparatus includes an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector, a support mechanism, setting circuitry and data acquisition circuitry. The X-ray detector is configured to repetitively detect an X-ray photon generated by the X-ray tube, and repetitively generate an electrical signal corresponding to the repetitively detected X-ray photon. The support mechanism is configured to support the X-ray tube to be rotatable about a rotation axis. Setting circuitry configured to set one of a time length of a readout period and a readout cycle per unit time for the electrical signal. Data acquisition circuitry is configured to count a count number of electrical signals from the X-ray detector in accordance with the set one of the time length and readout cycle. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160081641 | MULTI-DETECTOR IMAGING SYSTEM WITH X-RAY DETECTION - An imaging system is provided that includes a gantry having a bore extending therethrough; a plurality of image detectors attached to the gantry and radially spaced around a circumference of the bore such that gaps exist between image detectors along the circumference of the bore; an x-ray source attached to the gantry, wherein the x-ray source transmits x-rays across the bore towards at least two of the image detectors; wherein at least two image detectors detect both emission radiation and x-ray radiation. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160089091 | COMPUTED-TOMOGRAPHY APPARATUS INCLUDING DETECTORS WITH DIFFERENT SENSITIVITIES - A computed-tomography (CT) apparatus including a CT scanner including a rotating X-ray source, and a plurality of photon-counting detectors (PCDs) arranged in a fixed detector ring to capture incident X-ray photons emitted from the X-ray source. The plurality of PCDs includes a first plurality of first PCDs, each first PCD having a first collimator on a surface of the first PCD to block X-ray photons emitted from the X-ray source, the first collimator having openings of a first size, and a second plurality of second PCDs, each second PCD having a second collimator on a surface of the second PCD to block the X-ray photons emitted from the X-ray source, the second collimator having openings of a second size, the first size being different from the second size. | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160095560 | X-RAY CT APPARATUS AND MEDICAL IMAGE DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS - An X-ray CT apparatus according to an embodiment includes a detector, counted result collecting circuitry, count rate calculating circuitry, control circuitry, and image reconstruction circuitry. The detector includes a plurality of detection elements including a plurality of types of detection elements with different response characteristics to an X-ray dose, and outputs a detection signal according to an incidence of an X-ray photon to each of the detection elements. The counted result collecting circuitry collects counted results obtained by counting X-ray photons from detection signals output by the detection elements. The count rate calculating circuitry calculates a count rate from the detection signals output by the detection elements. The control circuitry selects a detection element based on the count rate and respective response characteristics of the detection elements. The image reconstruction circuitry reconstructs X-ray CT image data using the counted result obtained from the detection element selected by the control circuitry. | 04-07-2016 |
| 20160106386 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TASK-BASED DATA GENERATION AND WEIGHTING FOR CT SPECTRAL IMAGING - Various methods and systems for weighting material density images based on the material imaged are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for dual energy imaging of a material comprises generating an odd material density image, generating an even material density image, applying a first weight to the odd material density image and a second weight to the even material density image, and generating a material density image based on a combination of the weighted odd material density image and the weighted even material density image. In this way, the image quality may be improved without increasing a radiation dosage. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160128650 | Hybrid Detector Modules and Dynamic Thresholding for Spectral CT - A system and method that comprises an X-ray source configured to emit an X-ray beam; an object positioned to receive the X-ray beam; a detector configured to receive an attenuated beam of the X-rays through the object for measuring projection data from various orientations that can be used to generate spectral images in terms of energy-dependent linear attenuation coefficients, and a detector, as described above, comprising one or more energy-integrating detector elements and one or more photon counting detector elements in one or more detectors array or separate detector arrays. The photon counting detector elements may also use dynamic thresholds to define energy windows. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160131773 | POLAR EFFECT MODEL, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR PHOTON COUNTING DETECTOR IN MEDICAL IMAGING SYSTEMS INCLUDING COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY - An apparatus and a method are provided for calculating an output spectrum of a photon-counting detector based on an incident spectrum. The apparatus includes processing circuitry to determine a plane extending from a top face of the photon-counting detector that includes regions that all possible incident rays will transverse; divide the determined plane into subregions; calculate a detector response function for each of the subregions; determine an overall detector response function by summing the calculated detector response function for each of the subregions and normalizing the summation by an area of the determined plane; and calculate the output spectrum based on the overall detector response function and the incident spectrum. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160135774 | X-RAY CT APPARATUS, AND IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS - According to an embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to acquire first projection data that is based on a first spectrum representing an amount of radioactive rays in a unit of energy of the radioactive rays having passed through a subject and detected by a detector. The processing circuitry is configured to generate second projection data by correcting the first projection data based on a response characteristic of the detector. The processing circuitry is configured to operate reconstruction process to the second projection data. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160143603 | Imaging with Ramping - An apparatus for capturing images is described herein. The apparatus may include a generator to generate energy to be emitted at an imaging device. The apparatus may also include a controller, at least partially including hardware logic, to direct the generator to ramp energy emitted at the imaging device from a first energy level to a second energy level in a ramping waveform. | 05-26-2016 |
| 20160154121 | SPECTRAL IMAGING DETECTOR | 06-02-2016 |
| 20160157799 | COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME - A computed tomographic (CT) apparatus and for a method of controlling the same are provided. The CT apparatus includes an X-ray scanner configured to divide X-rays penetrating a subject by energy bands, and capture scout images of the respective energy bands. The CT apparatus further includes an image processor configured to generate substance images of substances of the subject, based on the scout images, and a display configured to display a substance image of the substance images. The CT apparatus further includes an input interface configured to receive a scanning region for the displayed substance image. | 06-09-2016 |
| 20160166221 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SPECTRAL CT IMAGING | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160171648 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GUIDED DE-NOISING FOR COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160195637 | Combining Multiple Energy X-Ray Imaging And Well Data To Obtain High-Resolution Rock, Mechanical, And Elastic Property Profiles | 07-07-2016 |
| 20160202364 | MORE EFFICIENT METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTOR RESPONSE CORRECTION AND MATERIAL DECOMPOSITION OF PROJECTION DATA OBTAINED USING PHOTON-COUNTING DETECTORS | 07-14-2016 |
| 20160374635 | METHOD AND APPARATUS OF SPECTRAL DIFFERENTIAL PHASE-CONTRAST CONE-BEAM CT AND HYBRID CONE-BEAM CT - DPC (differential phase contrast) images are acquired for each photon energy channel, which are called spectral DPC images. The final DPC image can be computed by summing up these spectral DPC images or just computed using certain ‘color’ representation algorithms to enhance desired features. In addition, with quasi-monochromatic x-ray source, the required radiation dose is substantially reduced, while the image quality of DPC images remains acceptable. | 12-29-2016 |
| 20170231584 | X-RAY IMAGING APPARATUS | 08-17-2017 |
| 20170231590 | CARDIAC RECONSTRUCTION FOR PHOTON COUNTING CT FOR HEART AND LUNG IMAGES | 08-17-2017 |
| 20170234811 | MULTI-ENERGY SPECTRUM X-RAY GRATING-BASED IMAGING SYSTEM AND IMAGING METHOD | 08-17-2017 |
| 20180021002 | SCATTER ESTIMATION AND/OR CORRECTION IN X-RAY IMAGING | 01-25-2018 |
