| Entries |
| Document | Title | Date |
|---|
| 20080198964 | CARDIAC GATING FOR DUAL-ENERGY IMAGING - Methods are provided for cardiac gating of multiple-energy projection radiographic imaging utilizing an apparatus that measures the patient's peripheral blood perfusion. The choice of methods is dependant on the patient's heart rate and the delays inherent in the imaging system. A first method allows for imaging during the diastole period of the current cardiac cycle. A second method provides an implemented delay to acquire the image during the diastole period of a subsequent cardiac cycle. The use of the apparatus that measures the patient's peripheral blood perfusion allows for an efficient and convenient means of cardiac gating while avoiding occlusion of diagnostically important anatomy. | 08-21-2008 |
| 20080253505 | X-RAY CT APPARATUS - For the purpose of X-ray CT imaging a heart of a subject with high image quality while reducing stress on the subject, once an optimal cardiac phase has been set by an optimal cardiac phase setting section | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080267344 | Signal Processing Unit for Producing Images - An exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a signal processing unit for producing images of an object under examination based on data signals of a tomography system, the signal processing unit comprising a processor and an input interface, wherein the input interface is adapted to receive measured data signals. Furthermore, the processor is adapted to generate a pulmonary gating signal based on said measured data signals and is further adapted to generate an image based on said measured data signals by using the pulmonary gating signal. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20080310583 | Cardiopulmonary Screening with Feedback From Analysis to Acquisition - In a medical screening workflow, a patient is disposed on a patient support ( | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080317196 | X-RAY CT APPARATUS - In X-ray CT imaging for scanning a subject in the same anatomical region with two kinds of X-rays having different energy distributions, for the purpose of reducing a subject's positional offset between two kinds of tomographic images representing the same slice by a simple control scheme while reducing stress on the subject, a cardiac cycle identifying section | 12-25-2008 |
| 20090003513 | Reconstruction Unit for Reconstructing a Fine Reproduction of at Least a Part of an Object - A reconstruction unit is provided for receiving a sequence of data sets, the data sets representing structural information of the object. The reconstruction unit performs receiving scheduling information related to the data sets of the sequence of data sets. Then reconstructing a sequence of coarse reconstructions of the object by using the sequence of data sets and the scheduling information. Afterwards a sequence of adapted models of the object is generated by adapting a respective model to each of the coarse reconstructions. Then a motion of a predetermined portion of each of the adapted models is determined and a specific data set of the sequence of data sets is selected, wherein the specific data set corresponds to the adapted model with the minimum motion of the predetermined portion. Finally the reconstruction unit performs reconstructing a fine reconstruction of at least the part of the object using the specific data set. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090022265 | MEDICAL IMAGING DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS - The medical imaging diagnosis apparatus includes: a region-of-interest setting unit configured to acquire an image of an examination target region in the body of a subject, and thus to set up, on the image, a region of interest, in which change in concentration of a contrast medium is observed; a calculator configured to calculate an average of CT values each representing the concentration of the contrast medium in the region of interest; an approximation unit configured to find an approximation for the region of interest on the basis of multiple CT values calculated by the calculator for the region of interest; and a comparison unit configured to compare a coefficient of the approximation with a value representing a setup condition beforehand stored, and to detect the timing of a definitive scan on the basis of the approximation which agrees with the setup condition within a predetermined range. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090022266 | MOTION CORRECTION FOR CT USING MARKER PROJECTIONS - A method of correcting for motion of a patient during a CT scan includes observing positions of radio-opaque markers in a series of two dimensional x-ray projections taken by a scanner. The markers are positioned on a patient in a fixed and rigid relationship, a CT scan is performed to obtain a three dimensional CT image, and an actual projected position of each of the markers in each two dimensional projection is determined. A motion data set is obtained based on the actual projected positions of the plurality of the markers. A final three dimensional CT image is reconstructed employing the motion data set. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090028289 | X-RAY CT APPARATUS - A CT value of an image within a region of interest is calculated with time. While the calculated CT value does not exceed a predetermined threshold value, a reconstruction mode used when an image is reconstructed from projection data is set to half reconstruction. On the other hand, while the calculated CT value exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the reconstruction mode is set to segment reconstruction. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090041180 | RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME - In a radiographic imaging apparatus capable of performing a first imaging in which radiographic imaging is performed with a first X-ray dose and a second imaging in which radiographic imaging is performed at a second X-ray dose that is less than the first X-ray dose, the timing corresponding to a particular phase of a periodically moving organ as a subject to be imaged is predicted, and the first imaging performed at the predicted timing and the second imaging performed a predetermined number of times before and after the predicted timing are repeated. Through this repetition, a shift between the timing of the particular phase that is recognized from images acquired through the execution of the first imaging and the second imaging and the predicted timing is detected, and the predicted timing is corrected based on the detected shift. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090052613 | THREE DIMENSIONAL IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND X-RAY DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS - A three dimensional image processing apparatus includes a storage unit storing data of images in different radiographing directions together with information concerning cardiac phases, a key image selection unit selecting key images from the images, a feature point designation unit designatting feature points on the selected key images in accordance with operation by an operator, and an image reconstruction unit reconstructing a three dimensional image from the images on the basis of positions of the designated feature points, wherein the key image selection unit selects, as the key images, a pair of images which are located at the same cardiac phase and whose radiographing directions are different by a substantially predetermined angle and images spaced apart from each other by an angle obtained by substantially equally dividing an interval between the pair of images by a predetermined number. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090052614 | Method for marking and visualizing an implant by way of an x-ray phase-contrast tomography examination and an implant - A method is disclosed for marking and visualizing an implant by use of an x-ray phase-contrast tomography examination. Further, an implant is also disclosed. In at least one embodiment, implants are used with specific characteristics which are as unambiguous as possible with regard to the phase shift generated by the implants in a phase-contrast tomography examination. In at least one embodiment, these specific characteristics can include the typical self-generated specific phase shift, typical differences in the specific phase-shift values, or typical spatial structures of materials with well-defined phase-shift values. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090060120 | X-RAY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY APPARATUS AND TOMOGRAPHIC METHOD - An X-ray CT apparatus detects a predetermined characteristic wave from each electrocardiographic waveform acquired from an electrocardiograph, predicts intervals with which the characteristic wave appears based on appearance times of the detected predetermined characteristic wave in each electrocardiographic waveform, and determines an X-ray irradiation start time based on the predicted interval time. After an instruction to start collection of X-ray intensity distribution data is received, if an appearance interval of a detected predetermined characteristic wave is within an acceptable normal-heartbeat range, it is determined as a normal heartbeat. If the appearance interval of the detected predetermined characteristic wave is outside the acceptable normal-heartbeat range, it is determined as an abnormal heartbeat. During a period after receiving the instruction to start the collection until reaching a time of starting the collection of X-ray detection information, when determined as an abnormal heartbeat, an X-ray irradiation start time is recalculated, and then determined. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090060121 | COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY DATA ACQUISITION APPARATUS AND METHOD - A computed tomography scanner includes a first ( | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090067570 | Computed tomography method and apparatus for a dynamic image of a moving site - When a repeatedly periodically moving site of a to-be-examined subject in a gantry is subjected to computed tomography and is reconstructed, the gantry is rotated in synchronization with the movement of the periodically moving site, and a dynamic image showing a transient phenomenon is obtained in which the periodic movement of the moving site has been stopped. As a result, the flow of a contrast agent or the like can be observed in a state of stopping the movement of an internal organ that moves repeatedly periodically. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090086885 | RADIATION IMAGE CAPTURING APPARATUS AND METHOD - A radiation image capturing apparatus for producing radiation image information of a subject by applying a radiation to the subject on which a fixed member is mounted, including a subject image information acquiring unit for acquiring subject image information of the subject including the fixed member, an imaging region identifier for processing the acquired subject image information to identify an imaging region of the subject with the fixed member mounted thereon, an irradiated region controller for controlling an irradiated region to be irradiated with the radiation in order to apply the radiation to the identified imaging region, and a radiation conversion panel for converting the radiation that has passed through the imaging region into radiation image information. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090141855 | CT scanner and method for helical scanning of an examination object which has at least one portion undergoing periodic motion - At least one embodiment of the present invention relates to a CT scanner and/or a method for helical scanning of an examination object which has at least one portion undergoing periodic motion. In at least one embodiment, the CT scanner includes at least one bearing apparatus, arranged along a system axis of the CT scanner, for bearing the examination object, two scanning systems which can rotate around the system axis and which are arranged coaxially, respectively having a focus from which a beam can be emitted and a flat-design detector array, arranged opposite the respective focus, including a multiplicity of distributed detector elements which can detect the rays of the beam, wherein projection data can be generated by the scanning systems which represents the attenuation of the rays while traversing the examination object, and wherein the bearing apparatus and/or the scanning systems can be displaced along the system axis, a first device/module, preferably an EKG, which can detect and store rest and movement phases of the examination object which has at least one portion undergoing periodic motion in the form of measurement data, and a second device/module which can, based on the measurement data and/or data derived therefrom, trigger and/or control a displacement of the scanning systems and/or the bearing apparatus along the system axis. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090141856 | STEP-AND-SHOOT CARDIAC CT IMAGING - The present invention is directed to a method and system of controlling rotation of a gantry to rotate at a rotational speed such that a desired relationship between center projection angles of neighboring partial scans is maintained. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090168950 | X-RAY CT APPARATUS AND X-RAY TUBE CURRENT DETERMINING METHOD - This invention is provided to determine a tube current at the imaging of the heart by an X-ray CT apparatus in such a manner that image noise becomes constant. Upon determining a tube current of an X-ray tube at the time that the heart is imaged by an X-ray CT apparatus, the tube current is determined based on an index related to image's noise and a BMI of a subject. The noise is at a central portion of an ascending main artery. Determining the tube current is conducted using a function with the BNI as a variable. The function is given in the form of a polynomial equation of the BMI. Each coefficient of the polynomial equation is a function of the index. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090168951 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING X-RAY EXPOSURE IN X-RAY CT SYSTEM - A method for controlling automatic X-ray exposure in an X-ray CT system includes establishing a correspondence table or function relationship between a ratio factor and an offset of a geometrical center of a scanned section, wherein the ratio factor represents a ratio of the projection area value when the geometrical center of the scanned section of a subject deviates from a rotation center to the standard projection area value when the geometrical center of the scanned section of the subject locates at the rotation center, scout scanning the subject, and calculating a “measured projection area value” and Projection Measure based on the scout scan data, calculating the offset of the geometrical center of the scanned section from the rotation center, substituting the offset into the correspondence table or function relationship to obtain a corresponding ratio factor, calculating the standard projection area value based on the ratio factor and the measured projection area value, and automatically determining by an automatic exposure function a tube current value required for exposure based on the calculated standard projection area value, the Projection Measure. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090175406 | Target tracking using surface scanner and four-dimensional diagnostic imaging data - A method and apparatus for tracking a pathological anatomy within a patient's body is described. A data model of a skin surface of the patient's body may be acquired using light reflected from the skin surface. The data model can be matched with skin surfaces reconstructed and/or interpolated from four-dimensional (4D) diagnostic imaging data, such as 4D CT data, to determine a temporal phase of the patient's respiratory motion. The identified temporal phase may then be used in conjunction with the diagnostic imaging data to identify a location of the pathological anatomy within the patient's body. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090202035 | X-RAY CT APPARATUS AND TOMOGRAPHY METHOD - An index-value detecting unit detects an index value that indicates a contrast medium density in a Region Of Interest (ROI) set on an image reconstructed during a scan. A switch-timing detecting unit detects an inflection point appearing on a curve that indicates temporal variations in the contrast medium density in the ROI, based on an index value detected by the index-value detecting unit. An imaging control unit then performs control so as to skip the rest of a scanning plan in execution and to start the next scanning plan when the switch-timing detecting unit detects an inflection point. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090232271 | RADIATION CT APPARATUS AND RADIATION CT METHOD - A region of interest information obtaining section obtains the size and position of a region of interest within a radiation image of a subject. A position calculating section calculates positions for a radiation source and a detecting panel that enable appropriate radiation imaging of the region of interest, employing the region of interest information. A moving section moves the radiation source and the detecting panel to the positions calculated by the position calculating section. Radiation images of the subject are obtained while rotating the radiation source and the detecting panel about a rotating axis that passes through a predetermined position at which the subject is placed. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090238325 | X-ray Imaging System for Performing Automated Imaging of Patient Anatomy - An X-ray imaging system performs automated imaging of patient anatomy. A collimator includes at least one portion of X-ray absorbent material automatically adjustable to alter the dimensions of a spatial cross section of an X-ray beam of radiation, in response to a control signal. A collimator controller generates the control signal in response to, determining one or more regions of the X-ray detector corresponding to a portion of patient anatomy to be X-rayed in response to X-ray absorbent markers indicating boundaries of the portion of patient anatomy during an initialization X-ray exposure for individual steps of the series of pre-programmed steps and determining different positions of the portion of X-ray absorbent material for corresponding individual steps of a series of pre-programmed steps in response to the determined regions. An X-ray imaging device automatically moves an X-ray detector and X-ray emitter combination relative to patient anatomy in a series of pre-programmed steps, in response to data representing the determined series of pre-programmed steps and user command. The X-ray imaging device automatically adjusts the position of the portion of X-ray absorbent material via the control signal. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090245457 | IMAGE GENERATION METHOD AND DEVICE FOR EMISSION COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY - A first γ-ray generating in a body, caused by a PET pharmaceutical, and a second γ-ray emitted from a γ-ray source and transmitting through the body are detected with a radiation detector. The emission image information (E image information), E | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090252285 | CT SCANNER USING INJECTED CONTRAST AGENT AND METHOD OF USE - A CT scanner includes a first X-ray beam source, and a second X-ray beam source. With such an apparatus, first source is used to monitor buildup of an injected contrast agent in a selected region of interest relative to a patient and at least the second source is used to perform diagnostic scanning when the buildup of the contrast agent reaches a desired level. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090274264 | Computed Tomography Systems and Related Methods Involving Localized Bias - Computed tomography systems and related methods involving localized measurements are provided. In this regard, a representative computed tomography system for analyzing a target is operative to determine, with a biased density value differing from an average density value for the target, a location of an interface of the target. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090310737 | METHOD FOR COMPUTER TOMOGRAPHY, AND COMPUTER TOMOGRAPH - According to the invention, there is provided a method of recording images of the heart in computer tomography, in which, in order to prevent movement artifacts, the images are reconstructed on the basis of similar movement states of the heart and different radiation intensities are used for different movement states. Also provided is a computer tomograph for recording images of the heart in computer tomography by means of time windows which exhibit similar movement states of the heart in order to prevent movement artifacts, said computer tomograph comprising a control device which controls a radiation source with different radiation intensities for different movement states. Furthermore provided is a computer program for a computer tomograph for recording images of the heart in computer tomography by means of time windows which exhibit similar movement states of the heart in order to prevent movement artifacts, and for controlling a radiation source with different radiation intensities for different movement states. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20100014629 | Method and apparatus for setting a dynamically adjustable position of an imaging system - The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for setting a dynamically adjustable position of an imaging system for providing an optimum view onto a moving object during a medical intervention. A time-resolved at least three-dimensional data record of the moving object is generated. A position of the imaging system for each period of time is determined from the time-resolved data record from which the optimum view onto a structure of interest of the moving object is produced and automatically setting a calculated position of the imaging system in real-time so that the optimum view onto the structure of interest can be shown at any time. Optionally prior to determining the position of the imaging system, a structure of interest of the moving object can be segmented with this structure being segmented for each period of time from the time-resolved data record. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100027736 | Method for producing tomographic images, control device, tomography unit and computer program product - A method is disclosed for producing tomographic images relating to different movement phases of a periodically moving object with the use of a tomography unit that includes a recording system that is arranged rotatably about a z-axis of the tomography unit, the recording system including an X-ray tube to which a tube current can be applied and a detector ( | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100040192 | IMAGE RECONSTRUCTION METHOD FOR HIGH-ENERGY, DUAL-ENERGY CT SYSTEM - Disclosed is an image reconstruction method in a high-energy dual-energy CT system. The method comprises steps of scanning an objection with high-energy dual-energy rays to obtain high-energy dual-energy projection values, calculating projection values of base material coefficients corresponding to the dual-energy projection values on the basis of a pre-created lookup table or by analytically solving a set of equations, and obtaining an image of base material coefficient distribution based on the projection values of base material coefficients. The method provides a solution for reconstruction with high-energy dual energy CT technology and thus a more effective approach for substance identification and contraband inspection, thereby bringing a significant improvement on accuracy and efficiency in security inspection. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100040193 | GATED COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY - A computed tomography system ( | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100054394 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMAGE RECONSTRUCTION - A method and system for image reconstruction of data acquired by a device such as computed tomography is provided. The method and system use a multi-stage statistical iterative reconstruction techniques to provide a three dimensional representation of the scanned object. In one embodiment, the first stage uses a projection-based reconstruction technique, such as Ordered Subset (OS) to converge on a solution for low frequency portion of the image. A subsequent stage uses a voxel-based reconstruction technique, such as Iterative Coordinate Descent (ICD), to converge on a solution for high frequency portions of the image. Systems and methods for reconstructing images from incomplete or partial projection data is also provided. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100074394 | X-RAY COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY APPARATUS, BREATHING INDICATION APPARATUS AND MEDICAL IMAGING APPARATUS - An X-ray computed tomographic apparatus includes a gantry | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100086099 | 3D MEDICAL ANATOMICAL IMAGE SYSTEM USING 2D IMAGES - A medical imaging system generates 3D anatomical images from acquired 2D anatomical images. The system includes a synchronization processor for providing a synchronization signal identifying a particular phase of heart operation of a particular patient. An image acquisition device acquires 2D anatomical images of a patient heart in angularly variable imaging planes over multiple different heart cycles at the particular phase of heart operation in response to the synchronization signal and in response to recorded data indicating imaging previously being performed at particular imaging plane angles. An image processor stores the recorded data to prevent imaging overlap at the particular imaging plane angles and to prevent unnecessary radiation exposure of the patient. The image processor processes 2D images acquired by the image acquisition device of the patient heart in multiple different imaging planes having relative angular separation, to provide a 3D image reconstruction of the patient heart | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100111247 | Computed tomography device with active adaptation of the measuring electronics - A computed tomography device (CT device) includes a user interface, via which the standard settings characterizing the CT measurement can be performed. At the same time, in a method and a computed tomography device for carrying out this method, filtering behavior of the filter electronics is adapted to the configuration of the standard settings by the system computer. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100124309 | XENON CT APPARATUS, METHOD OF DETERMINING ARTERIAL BLOOD RATE CONSTANT, AND METHOD FOR CALCULATING BLOOD FLOW - In a blood flow measuring apparatus, a data processor in a computer determines three parameters from a (ΔCT value of CT image data corresponding to) time-course change, consisting of a test region rate constant K, an arterial blood rate constant Ka, and a xenon partition coefficient λ. A blood flow f is determined using the determined rate constant K, and the xenon partition coefficient λ. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100142670 | X-RAY CT APPARATUS - According to the present invention, a subject is prompted to take breaths that are different at least in depth, and the subject's motion associated with respiration is captured. A timing when the subject is scanned is controlled according to the captured motion of the subject associated with respiration. A two-dimensional detector formed like a two-dimensional plane detects an X-ray beam having passed through the subject. Data is collected from the two-dimensional detector to acquire volume data on the subject. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100166140 | MULTI-TUBE X-RAY DETECTION - A computed tomography system ( | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100183116 | X-RAY IMAGE DIAGNOSING APPARATUS, AND CONTROLLING METHOD OF X-RAY IMAGE DIAGNOSING APPARATUS - An X-ray image diagnosing apparatus has a radiating unit, a placement unit, a detecting unit, a supporting unit, a moving control unit, an obtaining unit, a calculating unit, and a frame rate control unit. The placement unit is placeable an object. The supporting unit supports the radiating unit and the detecting unit in opposing relationship across the placement unit. The moving control unit relatively moves the supporting unit and the object on a longwise direction of the placement unit so as to perform an X-ray imaging at different imaging positions along the longwise direction. The obtaining unit obtains X-ray image by performing the X-ray imaging. The calculating unit calculates blood-vessel data on the basis of the X-ray image and calculates a frame rate on the basis of the blood-vessel data. The frame rate control unit configured to change the frame rate on the X-ray imaging. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100195787 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR GENERATING A CT IMAGE WITH A HIGH TIME RESOLUTION - A method and a device are disclosed for generating a CT image with a high time resolution using a computed tomography scanner which has at least two recording systems which are operated at different X-ray energy spectra. In at least one embodiment of the process, CT images are firstly reconstructed in each case from a semi-rotation with the two recording systems, with irradiated lengths of the contrast agent-enriched structures and the soft tissue being calculated therefrom. Subsequently, a common X-ray energy is assumed and artificial measurement data records are calculated therefor, using the knowledge of the irradiated lengths for both recording systems at the same common X-ray energy. The artificial measurement data of respectively a quarter-rotation per recording system is then used to calculate the final CT image with a high time resolution. The method affords the use of dual-energy scans without losing the high time resolution available in dual-source systems. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100208863 | PROSPECTIVE CARDIAC GATING IN COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY - A computed tomography scanner ( | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100322376 | RADIATION IMAGING APPARATUS AND METHOD - A plurality of radiation images of an object are acquired by iterating the steps of: beginning driving of a rotation driving unit at the time at which a breathing signal having been detected by a breathing sensor has come into a predetermined state, performing a radiation imaging operation with a set of a radiation source and a radiation detector at the time, at which the heart has come into a predetermined state, in accordance with a heartbeat signal having been detected by a heartbeat sensor within a rotation driving period, during which the rotation driving unit performs the rotation driving, and ceasing the rotation driving of the rotation driving unit at the time at which the breathing of the object has come into a state other than the predetermined state. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20110019791 | SELECTION OF OPTIMAL VIEWS FOR COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY RECONSTRUCTION - Methods of making iterative low-dose computed tomography (CT) efficient and applicable to clinical practice employ selection of optimal views for CT reconstruction. By optimizing the views for CT reconstruction, the method of the present invention can generate reconstructions at a pre-specified low radiation dose and/or in near real-time. A feature-oriented framework for a task-driven, object-driven, and dose-minimizing selection of X-ray views is provided, which can utilize models of features to be mapped. The models can be derived from a patient population to minimize the dose per exam and/or from a specific patient to minimize the dose per procedure. The method of the present disclosure can be incorporated into a CT system, or can be embodied in a data storage medium as a program. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110019792 | WAVEGUIDE AND COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY SYSTEM WITH A WAVEGUIDE - The invention relates to a waveguide ( | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110026666 | OBJECT LOCALIZATION IN X-RAY IMAGES - An x-ray system ( | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110033024 | CT CONE BEAM SCANNER - A CT scanner comprises at least one cone beam x-ray source assembly mounted on a gantry frame, the gantry frame rotatable about a rotation axis, the x-ray source assembly operable to emit a cone beam at an orientation with respect to the rotation axis, and a controller operable to adjust an orientation of the cone beam during a rotation cycle of the gantry, wherein the controller adjusts the orientation to radiate a substantially same volume of interest over the rotation cycle. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110051886 | SYSTEMS AND METHOD FOR SCANNING A CONTINUOUS STREAM OF OBJECTS - A method for scanning a stream of objects includes continuously acquiring raw data of the stream of objects using an X-ray system, that includes a detector. The raw data of the stream of objects is rebinned into at least one two-dimensional sinogram. A leading edge and a trailing edge of a first object of the stream of objects is determined from the at least one two-dimensional sinogram and a three-dimensional image of the first object is reconstructed using the at least one two-dimensional sinogram. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110075793 | Radiography apparatus - When a subject is irradiated with radiation, and the radiation that has passed through the subject is detected, body thickness information about the subject is obtained. Further, a slice image obtainment condition representing a range in which a slice image is obtained in the subject is set based on the body thickness information. Further, the slice image is obtained based on the slice image obtainment condition. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110096893 | METHOD FOR PREDICTING SPECIFIC CYCLE PHASES OF A BEATING HEART IN A PATIENT WITHIN THE SCOPE OF A CT EXAMINATION AND CT SYSTEM - A method and a CT system are disclosed for predicting specific cardiac cycle phases within the scope of a CT examination, wherein signal profiles of the heart are continuously recorded during the examination over a plurality of cardiac cycles, wherein times of successive cycle positions with the same characteristics are determined with the aid of the signal profiles and the successive cycle lengths of the cardiac cycles are determined with the aid of the determined times, wherein typical patterns in successive cycle lengths over a first number of past and successive cardiac cycles are sought after and a current or future cycle length is determined by recording cycle patterns in a second, smaller number of cycle lengths including their typical successive cycle length within the first number of current past cycle lengths, and predicting, using probabilistic methods, the cycle length that follows the last determined cycle pattern on the basis of the cycle patterns currently determined during the CT examination. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110110486 | 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. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110129059 | X-RAY IMAGE FORMATION DEVICE - CT imaging is performed twice (S | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110170658 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, X-RAY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY APPARATUS, AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - According to one embodiment, an image processing apparatus comprises a storage unit configured to store a plurality of volume data acquired by imaging a predetermined part of an object, the plurality of volume data corresponding to a plurality of phases, a calculation unit configured to calculate a spatial motion vector of each voxel included in each volume data by performing registration between the plurality of volume data, an image generation unit configured to generate an image representing a local motion of the diagnosis part using the motion vector of each voxel, and a display unit configured to display the image representing the local motion of the diagnosis part. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110182401 | RECONSTRUCTION OF LINEARLY MOVING OBJECTS WITH INTERMITTEN X-RAY SOURCES - A method and apparatus for performing computed tomography in medical imaging through reconstruction of a data set containing projections obtained during relative motions a container or body of interest with respect to an x-ray source and/or x-ray detector panel. Strobing of the data is implemented through one or more methods to include pulsing of the x-ray source, intermittent blanking of the x-ray detector panel, or intermittent processing of data collected from the detector panel to simulate blanking. The invention is utilized to significantly improve contrast by taking advantage of the pulsed nature of the source to implement three-dimensional reconstruction. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110222647 | X-RAY INSPECTION APPARATUS AND X-RAY INSPECTION METHOD - The X-ray inspection apparatus and method realize high-speed defect analysis inspection. The processing executed by the X-ray inspection apparatus includes executing high-speed imaging, creating an inspection image by executing reconstruction processing, and performing automatic inspection. If the object has passed automatic inspection, the processing executed by the X-ray inspection apparatus includes displaying inspection results. If the object has failed automatic inspection, the processing executed by the X-ray inspection apparatus includes switching the imaging conditions and performing imaging for defect analysis, creating an image by executing reconstruction processing for defect analysis, and outputting the image for defect analysis. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110228897 | X-RAY CT SCANNER AND CONTROL PROGRAM THEREOF - An X-ray CT scanner performs CT imaging twice on a single imaging site such that respiratory phases relative to rotation of a measuring unit (X-ray generator and X-ray detector) are inverted with respect to each other. For determining a start time of the second CT imaging, a respiration cycle and the like are calculated according to projection data acquired by the first CT imaging. Further, sinograms | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110261923 | METHOD AND APPARATUS TO FILTER X-RAY BEAMS GENERATED USING A CT APPARATUS WITH DISPLACED GEOMETRY - A method and apparatus are provided to filter x-ray beams generated using a CT apparatus or other x-ray based system with displaced acquisition geometry. A CT apparatus may be used having a source ( | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110268246 | METHODS, CIRCUITS, DEVICES, APPARATUS, ASSEMBLIES AND SYSTEMS FOR COMPUTER TOMOGRAPHY - Disclosed are methods, circuits, devices, assemblies and systems for performing Computer Tomography (CT)—for example of a periodically moving object such as a heart. According to some embodiments, there is provided a Computer Tomography scanner which includes an x-ray source adapted to generate an x-ray scan beam and a electromechanical assembly to which the x-ray source is mounted. The assembly may be adapted to move one or more electromechanical elements such that the scan beam is moved around the periodically moving object with a velocity profile having both constant and cyclically alternating rotational velocity components, and wherein the cyclically alternating velocity components are synchronized with the periodic motion of the object. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110280366 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND X-RAY CT SYSTEM - An image processing apparatus and X-ray CT system, having a tracheal bifurcation area extraction part, for extracting the tracheal bifurcation area from an X-ray image and a tracheal bifurcation identification part, for identifying the tracheal bifurcation from the tracheal bifurcation area. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110286574 | X-RAY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY APPARATUS - According to one embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes an X-ray tube, X-ray detector, acquisition unit, rotating mechanism, input unit, and control unit. The input unit repeatedly inputs trigger signals originating from a specific phase of a periodic motion of a body of a subject or a periodic motion of an organ of the subject. The trigger signals being supplied from a measuring device which measures the periodic motion. The control unit causes the X-ray tube to start generating X-rays on the basis of the input of a first trigger signal of the repeatedly input trigger signals, and causes the X-ray tube to stop generating X-rays on the basis of the input of a second trigger signal next to the first trigger signal in order to repeatedly scan the subject over substantially one period of the movement while a scan position is fixed. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110317806 | METHOD TO SELECT A VALUE OF A VOLTAGE TO BE SET AT AN X-RAY TUBE, COMPUTER TOMOGRAPHY APPARATUS AND DATA MEDIUM - A method is provided to select a value of a voltage to be set at an x-ray tube of a computer tomography for scanning a patient before an acquisition of x-ray projections of a body region of the patient so as to reduce the dose of x-ray radiation to be applied to the patient in the course of the scan. According to the method, the selection of the value of the voltage takes place under consideration of at least one item of information that can be learned from a topogram of the patient and at least one item of information about the patient that can be learned from a patient file of the patient. The invention also encompasses a computer tomography apparatus with a computer for the execution of the method, as well as a data medium on which is stored a computer program that can be executed on a computer device to perform the method. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20120020452 | MEDICAL IMAGE DISPLAY APPARATUS AND X-RAY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY APPARATUS - According to one embodiment, a medical image display apparatus includes an image storage unit configured to store data of a series of medical images constituting a moving image associated with an object, and a reproduction control unit configured to perform read control of the image storage unit to alternately and repeatedly reproduce and display some of the series of medical images corresponding to a partial period in one cycle associated with cyclic motion of the object in a forward direction and a backward direction. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120039433 | VARIABLE-SPEED COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY SCANNING - In one embodiment of the invention, a method for obtaining a tomogram of an anatomical structure is disclosed. In one step, an anatomical structure is scanned using a scanning source and a scanning detector. Both the scanning source and detector are connected to a gantry. In another step, the speed of the gantry is altered during the scanning process. Additionally or optionally the frame rate of the scan can be modified in such step. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the speed of the gantry is altered in synchronicity with the respiratory signal of a patient. Using such a method, a tomogram of an anatomical structure is obtained. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120082289 | DUAL-SOURCE CT DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SPIRAL SCANNING - At least one embodiment of the invention relates to a dual-source CT device with two focus-detector systems arranged on a gantry offset at an angle n and at least one embodiment relates to a method for spiral scanning and for the reconstruction of tomographic image data of a patient. In at least one embodiment, the detectors have a different z-width in the system axis direction and a computer system with a program memory with at least one computer program, by which during operation the dual-source CT device controls a spiral scanning of a patient and CT-image data is reconstructed from absorption data obtained from both unequally wide detectors, wherein in particular a spiral is controlled with a couch feed rate per rotation, which is greater than the maximum couch feed rate possible with the narrower detector. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120082290 | Method For Scanning A Heart With A Dual-Source CT Device And Embodiment Of A Dual-Source CT Device - A method is disclosed for CT scanning a heart with a dual-source CT device including detectors of different widths in a system axis direction and for reconstruction of tomographic image data. In at least one embodiment, at least two circular scans are performed at different z positions and the spacing in the z direction is chosen such that at least two first scan zones are produced which are scanned by way of a circular scan with two detectors and at least one second scan zone is produced which is scanned twice by one detector in two successive circular scans, wherein a dual-source reconstruction is performed in the first scan zones and a two-segment reconstruction is performed in the at least one second scan zone and finally a common tomographic image data set is produced. Further, at least one embodiment is directed to a dual-source CT device in which the detectors have different widths in the system axis direction. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120082291 | Method And CTDevice For Computer Tomographic Spiral Scanning Of A Patient - An embodiment of the invention relates to a method and to a CT device for computer tomographic spiral scanning of a patient in the region of a moving organ, in particular a beating heart, wherein a pitch is adjusted which is less than the maximum pitch, with which 180° image data can still be reconstructed. In at least one embodiment, during the scan the evaluated detector data with respect to its z width and position on the at least one irradiated detector are restricted as a function of the projection angle in such a way that an effective virtual detector with smaller z width and with a z speed profile, which differs from the z speed profile of the real detector, is produced respectively, and the moving organ is reconstructed on the basis of the detector data of the at least one virtual detector. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120106695 | DYNAMIC COLLIMATOR FOR WIDE COVERAGE AND LOW DOSE CARDIAC CT IMAGING - A CT scanner comprising a dynamic collimator disposed near an x-ray source and a controller configured to rotate the x-ray source about a subject, wherein imaging data is acquired from a single rotation of the x-ray source, the single rotation being divided into a first half-scan and a second half-scan. The controller is further configured to position the dynamic collimator after acquiring image data from one of the first half-scan and the second half-scan and simultaneous to commencement of acquiring image data from the other of the first half-scan and the second half-scan to obstruct a central portion of an x-ray beam emitted by the x-ray source during one of the first half-scan and the second half-scan. The CT scanner is further configured to reconstruct a CT image using the first set of imaging data and the second set of imaging data. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120114093 | System and Method for Automatic Tube Potential Selection for Dose Reduction in Medical Imaging - A method for CT imaging that utilizes an automatic tube potential selection for individual subjects and diagnostic tasks. The method quantifies the relative radiation dose of different tube potentials for achieving a specific image quality. This allows the selection of a tube potential that provides a reduced radiation dose while still providing CT images of a sufficient quality. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120155605 | X-RAY CT APPARATUS - An X-ray CT apparatus is provided. The X-ray CT apparatus includes an X-ray tube configured to apply an X-ray onto a subject, a scan device configured to rotate the X-ray tube about the subject to perform an X-ray CT scan, a first control device configured to switch an X-ray output of the X-ray tube from a first level to a second level smaller than the first level when the X-ray tube is placed at a first view angle, and configured to switch the X-ray output from the second level to the first level when the X-ray tube is placed at a second view angle, and a second control device configured to set the first view angle and the second view angle such that an X-ray exposure dose reduced by setting the X-ray output of the X-ray tube smaller than the first level becomes even on right and left sides. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120170709 | DYNAMIC COLLIMATOR FOR WIDE COVERAGE AND LOW DOSE CARDIAC CT IMAGING - A CT scanner comprising a dynamic collimator disposed near an x-ray source and a controller configured to rotate the x-ray source about a subject, wherein imaging data is acquired from a single rotation of the x-ray source, the single rotation being divided into a first half-scan and a second half-scan. The controller is further configured to position the dynamic collimator after acquiring image data from one of the first half-scan and the second half-scan and simultaneous to commencement of acquiring image data from the other of the first half-scan and the second half-scan to obstruct a central portion of an x-ray beam emitted by the x-ray source during one of the first half-scan and the second half-scan. The CT scanner is further configured to reconstruct a CT image using the first set of imaging data and the second set of imaging data. | 07-05-2012 |
| 20120224665 | METHOD TO REDUCE RADIATION DOSE DELIVERED BY IMAGING SYSTEM - In one embodiment, a method to reduce the radiation dose delivered by an imaging system is provided. The method comprises steps of selecting a virtual mask representation based on the shape of an organ to be masked, displaying the virtual mask representation on a scout image and manipulating radiation dose to be delivered so as to modify the virtual mask representation to obtain an optimum attenuation profile. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20120224666 | TOMOSYNTHESIS APPARATUS AND METHOD - An X-ray inspection system is mounted around conveyor ( | 09-06-2012 |
| 20120243655 | X-RAY CT APPARATUS - There is provided an X-ray CT apparatus that allows easy and correct confirmation of to which position a bed can be moved and which region can be imaged. | 09-27-2012 |
| 20120307964 | System for Medical Imaging Using Long Persistence Contrast Agents - A system acquires images in the presence of a contrast agent of relatively long persistence using a synchronization processor, image acquisition device and imaging controller. The synchronization processor provides an image acquisition trigger signal for acquiring images at a particular point within both a cardiac and a respiratory cycle in response to signals representing cardiac and respiratory cycles. The image acquisition device includes an assembly comprising a radiation emitter and detector rotatable about a patient for acquiring images of a portion of patient anatomy at different angles. The imaging controller initiates acquisition of data representing multiple images in the presence of a contrast agent of relatively long persistence by repetitively, initiating rotation of the assembly to an angle, acquiring an image at the angle in response to the trigger signal and incrementally increasing the angle. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20130039457 | X-RAY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY APPARATUS - According to one embodiment, an input unit repeatedly inputs a trigger signal originating from a specific cardiac phase from an electrocardiograph. An RR period determination unit determines whether the period between the input time point of the latest trigger signal, of repeatedly input trigger signals, and the input time point of an immediately previously input trigger signal is equal to or more than the preset first threshold, for each input of the latest trigger signal. A scan control unit terminates the generation of X-rays, if it is determined that the period is equal to or more than the first threshold. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130089176 | X-RAY CT APPARATUS - According to one embodiment, an X-ray CT apparatus includes a body thickness information acquiring unit, a threshold determining unit and an image generating unit. The body thickness information acquiring unit acquires information of a body thickness of an object. The threshold determining unit determines a threshold of an exposure dose according to the body thickness of the object. The image generating unit generates an image indicating a relationship between the body thickness of the object and the threshold and displays a generated image on a display unit. | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130101079 | Method For Controlling Radiation Dose and Intravenous Contrast Dose In Computed Tomography Imaging - A system and method for acquiring an image of a region of interest (ROI) of subject using a computed tomography (CT) system includes a) performing a scout scan of the subject using the CT system to yield scout data related to the ROI and b) determining an initial contrast volume form at least the scout data. The method also includes c) prescribing a scanning protocol to be implemented using the computed tomography system to image the ROI and d) determining a size of the subject about the ROI. The method further includes e) determining a computed tomography dose related to volume (CTDIvol) based on at least the size determined at step d) and f) adjusting the scanning protocol prescribed in step b) to match at least one of a desired radiation dose and a relative intravenous (IV) contrast dose to a reference CTDIvol. The method includes g) acquiring imaging data from the ROI using the CT system by using the adjusted scanning protocol. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130142303 | X-RAY IMAGE DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS - An X-ray image diagnosis apparatus according to embodiments includes: a table on which an examinee lies down; a table driving unit configured to move the table upward and downward; an imaging device configured to take a side image of the examinee by irradiating a side of the examinee on the table with X-rays and detecting X-rays transmitted through the examinee; and a controller configured to control the table driving unit so that the table driving unit moves the table upward or downward to make a center position of the examinee on the table in a thickness direction of the examinee coincide with a center position of the side image in an upward-downward moving direction of the table. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130182820 | DYNAMIC FILTER FOR COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) - An imaging system including a source ( | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130195240 | X-RAY CT SYSTEM - In the X-ray CT system according to an embodiment, a control means displaces and images imaging regions in the subject by controlling a top board driver and an imaging means such that the X-rays are projected onto the subject every time a top board is moved by a predetermined transfer amount. An acquiring means acquires projection data of the respective imaging regions. A reconstruction means, based on the projection data, reconstructs tomographic images for each predetermined size of a reconstruction region. In the scan control mode, the control means outputs the transfer amount corresponding to this mode to the top board driver. In the reconstruction control mode, the control means outputs the size of the reconstruction region corresponding to this mode to the reconstruction means. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130208851 | MEDICAL IMAGE DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS - Provided is a medical image diagnostic apparatus, including: a collection unit for collecting data by performing irradiation of X-rays to a body part of a subject who is moving a joint; a processing unit for processing the collected data to form a plurality of internal images indicating the body part of the subject; an input unit for inputting occurrence information indicating a biological reaction that accompanies movement of the joint; a display control unit for displaying information on a display unit; and a control unit for controlling at least one of the collection unit, the processing unit, and the display control unit based on the input occurrence information. | 08-15-2013 |
| 20130251096 | X-RAY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY APPARATUS - According to one embodiment, an X-ray CT apparatus includes units. The unit calculates an arrhythmia index. The unit selects a normal mode or an arrhythmia mode based on the arrhythmia index. In the normal mode, after the elapse of a predetermined delay time from the characteristic wave, projection data is collected along with X-ray generation. Upon detecting an arrhythmia, the X-ray generation is temporarily stopped. In the arrhythmia mode, after the elapse of the predetermined delay time, projection data is collected along with X-ray generation. Upon detecting an arrhythmia, an arrhythmia scanning procedure corresponding to an arrhythmia type is temporarily executed, and projection data is collected along with the X-ray generation. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130279644 | X-RAY CT SYSTEM - An X-ray CT system is provided that determines input imaging conditions based on the attributes of subjects that were measured by the apparatus itself and can prevent excessive radiation exposure due to human error. The X-ray CT system comprises a measurement unit, a part identification unit, a calculation unit, a comparison unit, and a notification unit. The measurement unit measures the attributes of a subject placed on a couch. The part identification unit identifies the part of the subject being imaged based on the measured attributes of the subject. The calculation unit calculates a radiation dose based on the identified unit being imaged. The comparison unit makes a determination by comparing the calculated radiation dose and the radiation dose based on the imaging conditions input for examination. The notification unit notifies the results determined by the comparison unit. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20140037046 | DYNAMIC PERFUSION IMAGING - A method includes scanning a region of interest, during a contrast agent based perfusion scan, at a predetermined temporal sampling rate during contrast agent uptake in the region of interest, and generating time frame data indicative of the scanned region of interest. The method further includes identifying a predetermined change in an amount of the contrast agent in the region of interest from the time frame data. The method further includes scanning the region of interest at a lower temporal sampling rate, which is lower than the temporal sampling rate during the contrast agent uptake, in response to identifying the predetermined change in the amount of the contrast agent in the region of interest. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140050297 | RADIATION IMAGING USING VERY SLOW ROTATIONAL TECHNIQUE - An imaging system includes a radiation source, a positioner configured to rotate the radiation source along an arc path at a rate less than 0.5 degree/sec, an imager in operative position relative to the radiation source, wherein the radiation source and the imager are configured to obtain a plurality of images while the radiation source is at different positions along the arc path, and a processor configured to determine a digital tomosynthesis image using a subset of the plurality of images. An imaging method includes generating a control signal to control a positioner to rotate a radiation source through an arc path at a rate less than 0.5 degree/sec, obtaining a plurality of images that are generated using radiation from the radiation source while the radiation source is at different positions along the arc path, and determining a digital tomosynthesis image using a subset of the plurality of images. | 02-20-2014 |
| 20140093031 | TOMOGRAPHIC IMAGING WITH ASYMMETRIC DETECTION - A recording unit is rotatable about an axis of rotation, and includes an X-ray emitter and detector to detect X-rays from a fan-shaped region. The fan-shaped region is asymmetrical in relation to a vertical to the axis of rotation, running through the X-ray detector wherein the two edges of the fan-shaped region, on rotation, in each case tangentially delimit a first projection region and a second projection region. The second projection region abuts the first projection region. A method includes recording projections of the two projection regions during a full rotation of the recording unit for the reconstruction of a first image of the first projection region in such a way that the projection angle intervals in each case exhibit the same start angle. It further includes reconstructing a second image of the second projection region to merge the two reconstructed projection regions to form one unitary image. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140119498 | METHOD FOR OBTAINING TOMOSYNTHESIS IMAGES - A method for obtaining tomosynthesis images of an object of interest using an imaging system, wherein the imaging system comprises an X-ray source arranged to facing a detector on which the object of interest is positioned. The method comprises acquiring a plurality of projected 2D images of the object of interest in a plurality of orientations identified relative to a perpendicular to the detector, wherein a zero orientation is closest to the perpendicular and applying at least one filter to the acquired projected 2D images to obtain filtered, projection images of the object of interest. The method further comprises determining a reconstruction slice of the object of interest from the backprojection of at least two of the filtered projections, the set of reconstruction slices being the filtered, reconstructed volume of the object of interest, wherein a filter used on the 2D projection images is an adaptive filter. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140133622 | MULTI-SECTOR COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IMAGE ACQUISITION - An approach is disclosed for acquiring multi-sector computed tomography scan data. The approach includes activating an X-ray source during heartbeats of a patient to acquire projection data over a limited angular range for each heartbeat. The projection data acquired over the different is combined. An image having good temporal resolution is reconstructed using the combined projection data. | 05-15-2014 |
| 20140146936 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GATED RADIATION THERAPY - A method and system for a gated radiation therapeutic system is provided. The method comprises performing a 4D-CT scan to obtain CT images, and processing the CT images to extract a characteristic signal, wherein the characteristic signal is associated with respiratory phases within the patient's breathing cycle and has a correlation relation with the external signal of the gated radiation therapy. The method further comprises controlling a radiation beam for the gated radiation therapy based on the correlation relation between the characteristic signal and the external signal. The system comprises a 4D-CT scanner for performing a 4D-CT scan to obtain CT images and a characteristic signal extracting component for processing the CT images to extract a characteristic signal. The system further comprises a radiation control component for controlling a radiation beam for the gated radiation therapy based on the correlation relation between the characteristic signal and the external signal. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140177784 | System and Method for Automatic Tube Potential Selection for Dose Reduction in Medical Imaging - A method for CT imaging that utilizes an automatic tube potential selection for individual subjects and diagnostic tasks. The method quantifies the relative radiation dose of different tube potentials for achieving a specific image quality. This allows the selection of a tube potential that provides a reduced radiation dose while still providing CT images of a sufficient quality. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140192951 | X-RAY CT APPARATUS AND OPTIMAL CARDIAC PHASE DETERMINING METHOD - In order to provide an X-ray CT apparatus and the like that can specify an optimal cardiac phase in a wide variety of cases, an X-ray CT apparatus collects X-ray information and electrocardiographic waveform data | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140192952 | MODULATING GANTRY ROTATION SPEED AND IMAGE ACQUISITION IN RESPIRATORY CORRELATED (4D) CONE BEAM CT IMAGES - A method of optimizing 4D cone beam computed tomography (4DCBCT) imaging is provided that includes using a scanner to generate projections of a target, where the projections are used to form a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan of the target, where the CBCT includes a 3D image of the target, and using an appropriately programmed computer to control rotation speed of a gantry and projection acquisition of the CBCT in real-time according to a measured patient respiratory signal, where the real-time acquisition of the CBCT forms an optimized 4DCBCT image set. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140219416 | X-RAY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY APPARATUS, MEDICAL IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, AND MEDICAL IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - An X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector, a volume data reconstruction unit, a lung field region specifying unit, a discrimination unit, an image generation unit, and a display unit. The volume data reconstruction unit reconstructs first volume data of a chest region of an object based on an output from the X-ray detector. The lung field region specifying unit specifies a lung field region of the object in the first volume data. The discrimination unit generates second volume data in which a low CT value region is discriminated from a region other than the low CT value region in the lung field region. The image generation unit generates an image representing a two-dimensional distribution concerning an existing ratio of the low CT value region to the lung field region based on the second volume data. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140355735 | X-RAY IMAGING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - Disclosed herein are an X-ray imaging apparatus capable of reducing a dose of radiation, and a control method thereof. The X-ray imaging apparatus includes: a gantry configured to rotate around an object, the object being placed on a table that is configured to be transported into a bore; a depth camera provided on the gantry, the depth camera configured to acquire a depth image of the object; an image processor configured to acquire thickness information of the object from the depth image of the object; and a controller configured to set a dose of X-rays to be irradiated to the object according to the thickness information of the object. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140376688 | Method And Apparatus That Automates Tube Current And Voltage Selection For CT Scans - A CT scanner and method of operating the CT scanner enables customized automated selection of tube current and peak tube voltage for a CT scan. The CT scanner receives data, each datum of which corresponds to a reference image quality (noise level at a certain tube voltage) for patient water equivalent diameter (“WED”) body size. The CT scanner then stores the noise level and patient WED, and a processor in the CT scanner generates a curve corresponding to acceptable noise levels as a function of water equivalent diameter. The CT scanner stores the curve in a memory associated with the scanner and the CT scanner is subsequently operated with reference to the curve stored in the memory. The tube voltage that can generate the reference CT scan quality (signal-to-noise ratio) with the lowest radiation dose to the patient is selected. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20150030118 | X-RAY CT APPARATUS - X-ray CT apparatus is provided which can easily decide on a reconstruction method based on imaging conditions. X-ray CT apparatus comprises: irradiation unit irradiating a subject with X-rays, detector configured to detect X-rays transmitted through the subject, and rotator rotating irradiation unit and detector around the subject, and for generating an image by receiving biological signals of the subject to perform synchronous imaging. The memory stores a threshold value. The calculator calculates, based on imaging conditions related to the synchronous imaging, detection data amount in which detection data amount detected by the detector is represented by a number of rotations of the rotator. The decision unit decides, based on detection data amount calculated by the calculator and the threshold value stored in the memory, on reconstruction process for implementing on the detection data. The processor implements reconstruction processes decided on the detection data, to generate the image. | 01-29-2015 |
| 20150036793 | RADIOTHERAPY SYSTEM - A radiotherapy system acquires an image which is necessary for positioning of a patient for radiation treatment and enables grasping of a positional relationship of a target in a treatment radiation irradiated state, a radiation passing area and a critical organ. An X-ray imaging device is attached to the rotatable support device and configured to apply X-rays to the subject from plural directions while rotating around the subject to perform X-ray imaging. A target recognizing device recognizes a three-dimensional position of the target in the subject from X-ray images acquired by the X-ray imaging device; and CT image generating devices are configured to select, from the X-ray images acquired by the X-ray imaging device, the images in which the position of the target recognized by the recognizing device satisfies the treatment radiation irradiation condition for the motion tracking treatment to perform image reconstruction and generate a cone beam CT image. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150085971 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR THE AUTOMATIC SELECTION OF A SCANNING PROTOCOL - A method is disclosed for automatically selecting a scanning protocol for a tomographic recording of an X-ray image of a patient in that at least one patient-specific value is retrieved in the internal memory of a first computer. The patient-specific value can in particular be a measure of the anticipated X-ray absorption by the patient. The method includes automatically comparing the patient-specific value with retrievably stored reference values, wherein one scanning protocol can be associated with each reference value. Finally, a scanning protocol is automatically selected by way of the first computer using the comparison. Selection is simplified by automation of selection of the scanning protocol since no manual selection of the scanning protocol has to be made. Automatic selection of a suitable scanning protocol is also quicker than a manual selection. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150085972 | X-RAY IMAGING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray generator configured to transmit X-rays to an object, an X-ray detector configured to detect the X-rays transmitted through the object and convert the detected X-rays into electrical signals, a gantry in which the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector are installed so as to be opposite to each other, the gantry being rotatable about a bore, a controller configured to control a rotation of the gantry during bio-signal cycles of the object so that the gantry is rotated from different start positions whenever one of the bio-signal cycles is started, and an image processor configured to generate a 4D image of the object by applying a prior image-based compressed sensing image reconstruction algorithm to plural 2D projection images acquired from the electrical signals generated by converting the X-rays detected during the rotation of the gantry. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150092910 | Computed Tomography Scanning Apparatus, Gantry Rotation Control Device and Method Thereof - A gantry rotation control device for a computed tomography scanning apparatus The device includes a radiation dose determination unit for determining radiation doses of the X-rays that will be emitted to each site of the target object to be scanned, a minimum velocity determination unit for determining a minimum rotation velocity of the gantry according to a maximum radiation dose in the determined radiation doses, a maximum velocity determination unit for determining a maximum rotation velocity of the gantry according to the determined minimum rotation velocity, a rotation velocity determination unit for determining a rotation velocity of the gantry at any time during scanning of the target object according to the determined minimum rotation velocity and maximum rotation velocity, and a gantry rotation control unit for controlling the gantry to scan the target object while rotating according to the determined rotation velocity when the target object is to be scanned. | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150092911 | THORACIC DIAGNOSIS ASSISTANCE SYSTEM AND COMPUTER READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM - Provided is a thoracic diagnosis assistance system. The system includes, an imaging unit, an extracting unit, a region dividing unit, an analysis unit and a display unit. The extraction unit extracts a lung field region from the plurality of successive image frames generated by the imaging unit. The region dividing unit divides the lung field region extracted by the extraction unit into a plurality of sub-regions and correlates the sub-regions among the plurality of image frames. The analysis unit performs an analysis of the sub-regions to calculate an inspiratory feature quantity and an expiratory feature quantity and to calculate a value of a ratio of the calculated inspiratory feature quantity to expiratory feature quantity and creates a histogram of the calculated ratio value. The display unit displays the histogram. | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150139384 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING RADIATION FROM CT MEASUREMENT OF RESPIRATORY CYCLES AND CT SCANNER - A method for reducing radiation from CT measurement of respiratory cycles and a corresponding CT scanner. The method includes: determining a lying direction of a patient to be measured; and setting a tube position for a first respiratory cycle measurement of the patient according to the lying direction. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150313569 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SELECTING BOWTIE FILTER CONFIGURATION - An imaging system is provided including a selectable pre-object filter module, a detector, and a processing unit. The selectable pre-object filter module is configured to absorb radiation from the X-ray source to control distribution of X-rays passed to an object to be imaged. The selectable pre-object filter module has plural pre-object filter configurations providing corresponding X-ray distributions, and is selectable between the plural configurations to provide a selected pre-object filter configuration for a scan of the object. The detector is configured to receive X-rays that have passed through the object. The processing unit is operably coupled to the selectable pre-object filter module and the detector, and is configured to identify an anatomy to be imaged, determine a corresponding image quality and radiation dose for each of the plural pre-object filter configurations; and select the selected pre-object filter configuration based upon the determined corresponding image qualities and radiation doses. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150327830 | AUTOMATIC X-RAY EXPOSURE PARAMETER CONTROL SYSTEM WITH DEPTH CAMERA AND METHOD - An automatic X-ray exposure parameter control system and method for a medical equipment are disclosed. The automatic X-ray exposure parameter control system applies a first image pixel depth signal and a second image pixel depth signal of a target human body acquired by a depth camera to compute a thickness difference. An X-ray energy computation and conversion unit then searches a corresponding exposure parameter value corresponding to the thickness difference and supplies an exposure parameter. Then, a processor unit generates an X-ray energy control signal to control an X-ray energy generation unit to select and output one of a plurality of exposure parameters to the X-ray source generator to allow the X-ray source generator to generate an X-ray beam to the target human body. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150332485 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTINUOUS MOTION BREAST TOMOSYNTHESIS - A method of continuous motion digital tomosynthesis includes exposing an object to a programed intensity x-ray beam as an x-ray source travels a pre-determined path, accumulating a signal charge from the x-ray beam, recording the accumulated signal charge into a digital frame image representing raw baseline data, acquiring information on the source's and the detector's position when the recording occurs, compressing the raw baseline data into compressed views, where each respective compressed view is formed by combining the raw data readouts of the respective compressed view, and reconstructing a volumetric breast image by processing each respective compressed view with a reconstruction process function that incorporates the acquired position information and a spatial sampling corresponding to the compressed views. A system configured to implement the method and a computer-readable medium are also disclosed. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150342544 | X-RAY CT APPARATUS AND DISPLAY METHOD FOR CT IMAGE - An X-ray CT apparatus includes a table-top, an X-ray tube, a detector and a processing circuitry. The processing circuitry reconstructs a CT image based on a detection signal. The processing circuitry sets a field of view based on positions of a puncture needle and a puncture target on the CT image. The processing circuitry controls an X-ray irradiation coverage based on the field of view, the X-ray irradiation coverage being an area irradiated with the X-rays. The processing circuitry displays a CT image reconstructed in the field of view on a display, after the X-rays based on the X-rays whose irradiation coverage is controlled emitted and the detection signal is outputted. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20160029987 | GENERATION OF MASK AND CONTRAST IMAGE DATA IN A CONTINUOUS ACQUISITION - The present disclosure relates various approaches by which mask and contrast projection data may be acquired using a continuous projection acquisition process, without an interruption in acquisition or resetting of the system between the acquisition of the mask projection data and the contrast projection data. In certain implementations, the approaches described herein may be employed with a single-plane or multi-plane tomosynthesis system. | 02-04-2016 |
| 20160058405 | DOSE BASED X-RAY SCANNING - A method and device for X-ray scanning based on dose, comprising: receiving an X-ray dose for scanning set for a region of a subject to be scanned, selecting a scanning and reconstructing technology combination according to said pre-set X-ray dose for scanning wherein the demanded X-ray dose of the selected scanning and reconstructing technology combination satisfies said pre-set X-ray dose for scanning, and scanning said region and implementing a reconstruction accordingly with the selected scanning and reconstructing technology combination to obtain a resultant scanning image. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160151024 | RADIATION TOMOGRAPHIC APPARATUS | 06-02-2016 |
| 20160174926 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ADAPTIVE COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY ACQUISITION | 06-23-2016 |
