| TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION Patent applications |
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| 20120137241 | MEDICAL IMAGE DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND OPERATION INFORMATION RECORDING APPARATUS - According to one embodiment, a medical image diagnostic apparatus includes a user operation input unit, operation information generation unit, and display unit. The user operation input unit accepts user operations for medical examinations. The operation information generation unit generates identification information of the input user operation in real time in response to the user operation input to the user operation input unit. The display unit displays the generated identification information and an information input column for the user operation on a screen image in real time. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120136248 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS, IMAGE GENERATING METHOD, AND IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS - An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus according to an embodiment includes: a movement information obtaining unit that obtains movement information by adjusting a reception signal received by an ultrasound probe, by using a gain; an image generating unit that generates a color image in which color pixels are allocated based on the movement information; an index calculating unit that calculates an index value indicating a distribution of the color pixels, based on two or more of the color images generated by the image generating unit; a gain selecting unit that selects a display gain by comparing the index values calculated with respect to two or more of the gains; and a controlling unit that controls the image generating unit so as to generate a color image in which color pixels are allocated based on the display gain and the movement information obtained from the reception signal. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120128265 | METHOD AND SYSTEM UTILIZING ITERATIVE RECONSTRUCTION WITH ADAPTIVE PARAMETERS FOR COMPUTER TOMOGRAPHY (CT) IMAGES - The CT imaging system optimizes its image generation by adaptively weighting certain parameters during the iterations in an iterative reconstruction algorithm. The projection data is grouped into N subsets, and after each of the N subsets is processed by the ordered subsets simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique (OSSART), the image undergoes total variation (TV) minimization process. During the iterative reconstruction algorithm, a combination of the parameters such as a total variation, a relaxation parameter and a step size parameter is assigned a respective value based upon the current value of the iteration. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120126812 | MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING APPARATUS AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING METHOD - First magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) three-dimensional heart image data includes a plurality of two-dimensional heart image data superimposed and having a resolution in at least one direction that is different from that in two other directions. A first axis is detected in the three-dimensional heart image data. A first vector is calculated as passing through the first axis and having at least a predetermined resolution and generated image data on a plane passing through the first axis and the first vector is generated from the first imaging data. A second axis is detected relating to the heart from the generated image data, the second axis being a higher precision axis than the first axis. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120123237 | MEDICAL IMAGING SYSTEM THAT REDIRECTS HEAT WASTE FOR PATIENT PALLET HEATING - According to certain embodiments, a medical imaging system includes an imager, a patient pallet, and a heating subsystem. The imager obtains measurement data of a patient. Further, the imager includes at least one electrical component that generates heat. The patient pallet supports the patient to be scanned by the imager. Further, the heating subsystem heats the patient pallet using the heat generated by the at least one electrical component of the imager. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120121145 | MEDICAL IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS - An apparatus handles a series of medical images. A time density curve generation unit generates time density curves respectively corresponding to pixels from the series of medical images. An approximation processing unit approximates a convolution between a specific time density curve of the time density curves and each of types of kinetic models to each of the time density curves upon adjustment of at least one parameter which each of the kinetic models has. A suitability index map generation unit generates types of suitability index maps respectively corresponding to the types of kinetic models based on approximation errors respectively corresponding to the pixels, which are obtained by the approximation processing unit. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120116206 | Automated non-contrast agent magnetic resonance venography - A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system uses an MRI system gantry, an associated controlling computer system and an operator input mechanism, with the controlling computer system including at least one programmed computer configured to effect an automated magnetic resonance venography (MRV) mode. Operator inputs are accepted to preset parameters defining at least one MRV process (i) for acquiring plural sets of image data and (ii) for subsequent interrelated subtractions between the acquired image data sets to produce an MRV image set. The image data sets are thereafter automatically acquired and interrelated subtractions are automatically performed to produce an MRV image data set. The MRV image data set (perhaps after MIP processing) is then output to at least one of (i) an image data memory, (ii) an image display, and (iii) a remote further computer site. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120113111 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSIS SYSTEM AND IMAGE DATA DISPLAY CONTROL PROGRAM - An ultrasonic diagnosis system that generates virtual endoscopic image data on a lumen of an organ of an object based on volume data acquired by three-dimensional scanning of the object, includes: a unit that sets a three-dimensional region of interest for the volume data; a unit that sets a center line of the lumen of the organ in the volume data based on the acquired volume data; a unit that detects a reference point at which a reference plane of the three-dimensional region of interest and the center line intersect with each other; a unit that sets a viewpoint and a view direction based on the reference point; a virtual endoscopic image data generating unit that processes the volume data based on the viewpoint and the view direction to generate the virtual endoscopic image data; and a display unit that displays the generated virtual endoscopic image data. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120108973 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND ULTRASONIC IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS - According to one embodiment, an edge information calculation unit calculates edge information based on a generated ultrasonic image. An edge filter unit generates a filtered image from the ultrasonic image by applying a filter having filter characteristics corresponding to the calculated edge information to the ultrasonic image. An edge enhancement unit generates an enhanced image from the filtered image by increasing the brightness value, of the filtered image, which corresponds to the edge information. A high brightness suppression unit generates a composite image of the enhanced image and the ultrasonic image in accordance with a compositing ratio corresponding to the brightness value of the enhanced image. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120106815 | DENOISING METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PRESERVING CLINICALLY SIGNIFICANT STRUCTURES IN RECONSTRUCTED IMAGES USING ADAPTIVELY WEIGHTED ANISOTROPIC DIFFUSION FILTER - Embodiments and processes of computer tomography perform tasks associated with denoising a reconstructed image using an anistropic diffusion filter and adaptively weighting an iterative instance of the diffused image based upon the product of a weight value and a difference between the iterative instance of the diffused image and the original image. In general, the adaptive weighting is a negative feedback in the iterative steps. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120104268 | APPARATUS FOR FINE-DELAY ADJUSTMENTS OF ANALOG SIGNALS IN POSITRON EMITTER TOMOGRAPHY SENSORS - A variable delay device is connected to a photosensor of a time-of-flight gamma ray detection system and includes a substrate on which a plurality of conductive pins are affixed. A first terminal connected to a first of the plurality of pins and a second terminal connected to the second of the plurality of pins are also affixed to the substrate. A jumper electrically connects the plurality of pins at a predetermined distance relative to the substrate, and a time delay of the variable delay device is determined based on the electrical path between the first and second terminals formed by the plurality of pins and the jumper. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120104263 | POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY SYSTEM WITH HYBRID DETECTION GEOMETRIES AND SAMPLING - A gamma ray detection system includes a plurality of detector modules having a same length, where each detector module is configured to detect gamma rays generated from positron annihilation events. A first detector module of the plurality of detector modules is shifted by a predetermined distance in an axial direction from a second detector module of the plurality of detector modules that is adjacent to the first detector module, where the predetermined distance is less than the length of the detector modules. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120104260 | METHOD AND APPARATUS TO FACILITATE CRYSTAL IDENTIFICATION IN A PET DETECTOR - A method for creating a look-up table includes arranging a mask configured to cover a subset of crystals of a plurality of crystals in a scintillation array. The method includes collecting a first set of data from at least one photosensor positioned to receive light generated by the scintillation array. The method further includes realigning the mask in a second position on the scintillation array to cover a second subset of crystals of the plurality of crystals. Further, the method includes collecting a second set of data from the at least one photosensor with the mask aligned on the scintillation array in the second position. Additionally, the method includes creating first and second flood histograms from the first and second sets of collected data, respectively. The method also superimposing the first flood histogram with the second flood histogram to create a superimposed flood histogram. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120104259 | APPARATUS FOR TIME TO DIGITAL CONVERSION - A time-to-digital converter device includes a first delay chain circuit that generates a first value corresponding to a time delay between a start signal and a stop signal. The time-to-digital converter device also includes at least one second delay chain circuits that generates a second value corresponding to a time delay between a delayed start signal and the stop signal. At least one delay element generates the delayed start signal by applying a predetermined delay to the start signal, and a combining circuit generates an output value based on the first and second values. In the time-to-digital converter according to the exemplary embodiments of the present advancements, the output value corresponds to the time delay between the start signal and the stop signal. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120095341 | ULTRASONIC IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND ULTRASONIC IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment acquires first and second volume data by scanning a three-dimensional region including the lumen of an object in a B mode and a blood flow detection mode with ultrasonic waves, sets a viewpoint and a plurality of lines of sight with reference to the viewpoint in the lumen, determines a line of sight, of the plurality of lines of sight, on which data corresponding to an intraluminal region, tissue data corresponding to the outside of the lumen, and blood flow data outside the lumen are arranged. The apparatus controls at least a parameter value attached to each voxel of the tissue data existing on the determined line of sight. The apparatus generates a virtual endoscopic image based on the viewpoint by using the first volume data including voxels whose parameter values are controlled and the second volume data. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120095327 | Non-contrast MRI signal acquisition - A first plurality of MR signals from a patient's tissue at respectively corresponding successive first time increments extending over a first time interval including a substantial majority of a subject's cardiac cycle is acquired and analyzed to define a second time interval, shorter than the first time interval, during the cardiac cycle whereat there is a relatively steep rise in signal magnitudes as a function of time (e.g., corresponding with systole and diastole events of the cardiac cycle). A second plurality of MR signals is then acquired from tissue of the patient at respectively corresponding successive second time increments during the second time interval, the second time increments being substantially shorter than said first time increments. Image data representing at least one contrast-free image of flowing fluid vessels is generated based on the second plurality of MR signals. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120095326 | Velocity measurement of MR-Imaged fluid flows - Velocity of MR-imaged fluid flows is measured. Data representing a measure of distance traveled by flowing fluid appearing in at least two MR images of a subject's tissue taken at different respective imaging times is generated. Data representing at least one fluid velocity measurement of the flowing fluid is generated by calculating at least one instance of distance traveled by the fluid divided by elapsed time during travel based on different respective imaging times. Data representing at least one fluid velocity measurement is then output to at least one of: (a) a display screen, (b) a non-transitory data storage medium, and (c) a remotely located site. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120095320 | MRI T1 Image-guided tissue diagnostics - An MR image especially useful for computer-guided diagnostics uses at least one programmed computer to acquire an MR-image of T1 values for a patient volume containing at least one predetermined tissue type having a respectively corresponding predetermined range of expected T1 values. A color-coded T1-image is generated from the MR-image by (a) assigning a first color or spectrum of colors to those pixels having a T1 value falling within a predetermined range of expected T1 values and (b) assigning a second color or spectrum of colors to those pixels having a T1 value falling outside a predetermined range of expected T1 values. The color-coded T1-image is then displayed for use in computer-aided diagnosis of patient tissue. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120093380 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEASURING AND COMPENSATING FOR PATIENT PALLET DEFLECTION - A PET imaging system includes a measurement subsystem, a data acquisition subsystem, and a reconstruction subsystem. The measurement subsystem detects deflection in a patient pallet, and generates deflection information based on the detected deflection. The data acquisition subsystem receives the deflection information from the measurement subsystem and PET measurement data corresponding to a plurality of coincidence events from a PET scanner, and communicates the received deflection information and PET measurement data to the reconstruction subsystem. The reconstruction subsystem includes a processor that reconstructs a PET scan image using the deflection information and the PET measurement data communicated by the data acquisition subsystem. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120093281 | MOTION WEIGHTING IN COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) WITH CONE ANGLE - Embodiments and processes of computer tomography perform tasks associated with weighting projection data based upon at least one motion index such as electrocardiogram gated reconstruction, view-based motion map and ray-based motion map. Other embodiments and processes of computer tomography perform tasks associated with weighting projection data based upon at least one motion index and another index that is associated with certain geometric characteristics of a cone beam. | 04-19-2012 |
| 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 |
| 20120091350 | PET DETECTOR SCINTILLATION LIGHT GUIDING SYSTEM HAVING FIBER-OPTICS PLATES - A positron emission tomography scanner system that includes detector modules arranged adjacent to one another to form a cylindrical detector ring. Each of the detector modules includes an array of scintillation crystal elements, a plurality of photosensors arranged to cover the array of crystal elements and configured to receive light emitted from the array of crystal elements, and a fiber optics plate arranged between the array of scintillation crystal elements and the plurality of photosensors, the fiber optics plate including a plurality of fibers configured to guide the light emitted from the scintillation crystal to the plurality of photosensors. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120091348 | SEGMENTED DETECTOR ARRAY - A radiation detector that includes multiple adjacent modular detector segments. Each segment includes an array of scintillation crystal elements, a light guide arranged adjacent to the array of scintillation crystal elements, and reflectors arranged around a periphery of the segment so that light produced by a scintillation event in the segment is substantially confined to the segment. In one embodiment, each segment is coupled to multiple photosensors, each photosensor receiving light from at least one of the segments. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120078105 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND ULTRASONIC IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS - According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprises a receiving unit which provides at least some of echo signals with reception delays that vary with ultrasonic transducers and adds each of the echo signals provided with the reception delays to acquire a reception beam includes a predetermined receiving direction and a reception focus and a control unit, the control unit controlling the transmission unit so that a transmission beam including a transmission direction and a transmission focus that are fixed is transmitted, the control unit also controlling the receiving unit by changing patterns of the reception delays and adding the respective patterns to at least some of the echo signals based on the transmission beam including the transmission direction and the transmission focus that are fixed in order to acquire reception beams different in receiving direction and reception focus. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120071763 | MEDICAL ULTRASOUND 2-D TRANSDUCER ARRAY USING FRESNEL LENS APPROACH - The embodiments of the array include at least one first annular-like area and at least one second annular-like area that are concentric with each other. The second annular-like area substantially surrounds the first annular-like area. The first and second annular-like areas each exclusively include either dedicated transmit elements or dedicated receive elements. In addition, certain embodiments include a disabled third area or a spot of Argo located inside the first annular-like area and does not perform either transmit or receive function. In certain other embodiments, the first annular-like area and the third annular-like area are immediately juxtaposed without a gap. In yet other embodiments, the first annular-like area and the second annular-like area are immediately juxtaposed without a gap. Any of these areas are optionally dynamic and or steered. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120071761 | MEDICAL ULTRASOUND 2-D TRANSDUCER ARRAY USING FRESNEL LENS APPROACH - The embodiments of the array include at least one first annular-like area and at least one second annular-like area that are concentric with each other. The second annular-like area substantially surrounds the first annular-like area. The first and second annular-like areas each exclusively include either dedicated transmit elements or dedicated receive elements. In addition, certain embodiments include a disabled third area or a spot of Argo located inside the first annular-like area and does not perform either transmit or receive function. In certain other embodiments, the first annular-like area and the third annular-like area are immediately juxtaposed without a gap. In yet other embodiments, the first annular-like area and the second annular-like area are immediately juxtaposed without a gap. Any of these areas are optionally dynamic and or steered. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120071760 | RECONFIGURABLE MEDICAL ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER ARRAYS WITH PREPROCESSING - The embodiments of the probe include a preprocessing unit that is directly connected to a first predetermined number of the receiving elements for preprocessing the channel signals to generate preprocessed channel signals as well as a switch unit that is connected to the preprocessing unit for connecting the preprocessed channel signals into a predetermined number of output channel signals. In the above embodiments, the second predetermined number is smaller than the first predetermined number. In addition, the embodiments of the probe also include an analog-to-digital converter connected to the switch unit for converting the output channel signals into digital signals, and a dynamic range of the analog-to-digital converter is related to a ratio between the second predetermined number and the first predetermined number. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120069954 | X-RAY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY APPARATUS, RADIATION DETECTOR, AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING RADIATION DETECTOR - An X-ray CT apparatus according to an embodiment includes an X-ray detector and a collimator unit. The X-ray detector detects X-rays that have passed through a subject. The collimator unit eliminates scattered radiation from X-rays that are incident on the X-ray detector. The collimator unit includes a plurality of collimator modules, a supporter, and a fixing unit. The plurality of collimator modules each includes a plurality of first collimator plates arranged in a grid along a channel direction and a slice direction that are orthogonal to each other. The supporter supports the collimator modules such that the collimator modules are aligned in a plurality of straight lines along the channel direction and in a plurality of straight lines along the slice direction. The fixing unit is provided to the supporter and fixes positions of the collimator modules in the channel direction and the slice direction. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120063663 | MEDICAL IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND MEDICAL IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - A medical image processing apparatus includes a vessel running data generating unit, a lesion site detecting unit, a vessel dominant region data generating unit, a lesion site dominant region data generating unit, and a diagnostic image data generating unit. The vessel running data generating unit generates vessel running data of a vessel. The lesion site detecting unit detects positional information of a lesion site in the vessel. The vessel dominant region data generating unit generates vessel dominant region data indicating a region dominated by the vessel in a region provided with nutrition. The lesion site dominant region data generating unit generates lesion site dominant region data indicating a region dominated by the lesion site in the region provided with nutrition. The diagnostic image data generating unit generates diagnostic image data by superimposing the vessel dominant region data and the lesion site dominant region data on morphological image data. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120060610 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR COOLING AN ULTRASOUND PROBE - The embodiments of the probe or the probe handle additionally include an integrally formed cooling structure with at least one dividing wall that is connected to an outer wall and an inner wall of the probe. The outer wall and the inner wall of the probe together form a medium flow space inside the probe, and the dividing wall divides the medium flow space into a continuous medium flow path where a predetermined medium travels to carry undesirable heat away from the probe handle. The undesirable heat is generated from electronic components and or an array of transducer elements in the probe handle. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120046541 | MRI USING HYBRID IMAGE - Magnetic resonance images (MRI) are generated by acquiring a plurality of N>2 image data sets for an imaged patient volume using respectively corresponding different data acquisition imaging parameters. At least one hybrid image data set X is generated for the imaged patient volume based on a combination of at least a subset of the plurality of image data sets. If desired, a further subtraction image (e.g., MRA) data set is generated based on a difference between the at least one hybrid image data set and another image data set, and the subtraction image data set, which may, depending upon implementation, optimize flowing fluids such as blood within arteries or veins, CSF, etc within the imaged patent volume, is output for storage or display as an MR image of the imaged patient volume. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120041949 | REPORT GENERATION SUPPORT SYSTEM - The report generation support system according to the embodiment comprises an input history recording part, operation history recording part, selection part, extraction part, and a display controller. The input history recording part records findings input at the time of generating a medical report and, by linking with an input start time and/or finish time of the findings. The operation history recording part records, as an operation history, the type of operation conducted on an image at the time of generating a report and the time when the operation was conducted by linking with the operated image. The selection part selects at least a part of findings in a report. The extraction part extracts a focus image in the selected findings, based on an input start time and/or finish time of the findings corresponding to the selected location, and the contents of the operation history of the corresponding time. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120039432 | EXPOSURE CONDITION PROCESSING METHOD OF X-RAY CT APPARATUS AND X-RAY CT APPARATUS - An exposure condition processing method for an X-ray CT apparatus according to the embodiment includes: a step in which a first X-ray emitting condition and a second X-ray emitting condition for the X-ray CT apparatus are input to a processor; a step in which the processor, based on the first X-ray emitting condition and the second X-ray emitting condition, acquires interval times for switching the first X-ray scanning with the first X-ray emitting condition, and the second X-ray scanning with the second X-ray emitting condition; a step in which the processor, based on the rotation speed of a gantry in the X-ray CT apparatus that is previously stored in a memory and the interval times, calculates the frequency of intermittent emission of an X-ray, with respect to the rotation speed of the gantry. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120035478 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND AN ULTRASONIC IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS - According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprises a decomposition unit, a filtering unit, a level control unit and a mixing unit. The decomposition unit hierarchically performs multi-resolution decomposition of the ultrasonic image data and acquires low-frequency decomposed image data with first to n-th levels and high-frequency decomposed image data with first to n-th levels. The filtering unit calculates a filter coefficient using the high-frequency decomposed image data and uses the filter coefficient to perform nonlinear anisotropic diffusion filtering on the low-frequency decomposed image data or output data and generate edge information on a signal. The control unit controls a signal level of the high-frequency decomposed image data. The mixing unit acquires ultrasonic image data by hierarchically performing multi-resolution mixing of output data of the filtering unit or output data from a next lower layer and output data of the high-frequency level control unit. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120032677 | SPATIAL INTENSITY CORRECTION FOR RF SHADING NON-UNIFORMITIES IN MRI - An MRI MAP prescan data from a predetermined imaged patient volume is decomposed to produce a transmit RF field inhomogeneity map and a receive RF field inhomogeneity map for the imaged patient volume based on a three-dimensional geometrical model of the inhomogeneity maps. At least one of the transmit RF field inhomogeneity map and the receive RF field inhomogeneity map is used to generate intensity-corrected target MRI diagnostic scan image data representing the imaged patient volume. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120032676 | Spatial intensity correction for RF shading non-uniformities in MRI - An MRI MAP prescan data from a predetermined imaged patient volume is decomposed to produce a transmit RF field inhomogeneity map and a receive RF field inhomogeneity map for the imaged patient volume based on a three-dimensional geometrical model of the inhomogeneity maps. At least one of the transmit RF field inhomogeneity map and the receive RF field inhomogeneity map is used to generate intensity-corrected target MRI diagnostic scan image data representing the imaged patient volume. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120030754 | SECURITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, MEDICAL DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MANAGING SECURITY - A security management system, comprising: an authentication unit for authenticating an operator of an operating terminal in order to determine whether the operator is permitted to log in or release a lock; a current operator information inquiry unit for inquiring for login status information and current operator information; an authority information inquiry unit for inquiring for authority information regarding the operator and that regarding the current operator; a lock unit for detecting an event, where a predetermined lock condition is satisfied, in the login status to allow the operating terminal to change to a lock status, and for allowing the operating terminal to change to an operable status in response to a login instruction or an instruction for a release; and a lock control unit for transmitting the instruction for a release to the lock unit when a predetermined condition is satisfied. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029337 | Medical image diagnosis apparatus and image data processing apparatus - A medical image diagnosis apparatus and an image data processing apparatus that diagnoses vascular invasion status of a tumor and decides the most appropriate therapy method for the tumor by extracting tumor candidate regions and vascular regions based on extensive volume data derived from covering a therapy target organ, and specifying an adjacent vascular region existing within a prescribed scope from a gravity center of a tumor. The tumor candidate regions and vascular regions are generated as 3D image data or MPR image data for submitting a recommended therapy method for the tumor by adding branch data of the adjacent vascular. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120020453 | X-RAY CT APPARATUS - An X-ray CT apparatus according to the embodiments has a rotation base that includes a plurality of units, including an X-ray generator that irradiates a subject with X-rays, and an X-ray detector that detects X-rays transmitted through the subject. It also has a pathway that communicates between the X-ray detector and at least one other unit excluding the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector. It also has an air supplier that supplies air in the other units to the X-ray detector via the pathway. It also has a temperature measuring part that measures the temperature in the X-ray detector. It also has a controller that performs control of the air supplier based on the measured result from the temperature measuring part. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120019251 | MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING METHOD, MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING APPARATUS, AND CONTROL DEVICE OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING APPARATUS - According to one embodiment, an MRI apparatus includes a signal acquisition unit, an image generating unit, a position acquiring unit, and a correction unit. The signal acquisition unit acquires a magnetic resonance signal produced from an object by applying a gradient magnetic field and an RF pulse in an imaging space where the object is placed. The image generating unit reconstructs image data on the object based on the magnetic resonance signal. The position acquiring unit acquires an imaging region as positional information in the imaging space. The correction unit brings a distribution of the gradient magnetic field close to a target distribution by transforming a waveform of the gradient magnetic field based on “the positional information and a time constant of an eddy-current magnetic field” to cancel the eddy-current magnetic field. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120014661 | MEDICAL IMAGE APPARATUS AND MEDICAL IMAGE ARCHIVING APPARATUS - A medical image apparatus according to the embodiments has a medical image utilization ,apparatus and medical image archiving apparatus. The former has an acquisition part that acquires a requested frame rate for cases in which medical images are movie displayed on its display, and an designating part that designates an attention point with respect to one of the medical images displayed. The latter has a transmission speed measurement part that measures the data transmission speed between the former and the latter, an extraction part that, based on the requested frame rate, the attention point and the data transmission speed, extracts the region including the attention point for each of the medical images, and a transmission part that transmits an image of the extracted region to the display. The display displays, as a moving image, the images of the region extracted by said extraction part at said requested frame rate. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120014513 | MEDICAL BED APPARATUS - A medical bed apparatus of an embodiment includes: a tiltable top board on which to place an examinee; a photographic mechanism configured to radiograph the examinee; an operation unit which is provided to a lateral side of the top board, and through which at least one of the top board and the photographic mechanism is operated by an operator; and a horizontally-holding mechanism configured to hold the operation unit horizontally when the top board tilts. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120010507 | ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER ARCHITECTURE HAVING NON-TRANSITORY LOCAL MEMORY STORAGE MEDIUM FOR STORING 2D AND OR 3D/4D IMAGE DATA - The embodiments of the probe additionally include at least one non-transitory local memory storage unit or medium for storing 2D and or 3D/4D imaging data that is received at the probe. The term, “non-transitory” memory storage units or medias is synonymous with “non-volatile” memory storage units or media and is used to distinguish the term from volatile electrical devices such as random access memory (RAM) or buffer memory (BF) that hold ephemeral electrical signals. Similarly, the term, “local” memory storage units or medium is used to distinguish the term, “central” memory storage units or media that are located in the processing unit to which the probe is connected. In contrast, the non-transitory local memory storage units or media are directly coupled or connected to the probe independent of the processing unit. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120004554 | ULTRASOUND PROBE AND ULTRASOUND IMAGING APPARATUS - The ultrasound probe according to the present embodiment comprises ultrasound oscillators configured to transmit and receive ultrasound waves, an intermediate layer configured to have greater acoustic impedance than the ultrasound oscillators, a backing material configured to support the ultrasound oscillators, and a buffer layer. The ultrasound oscillators, the intermediate layer and the backing material are disposed in that order of the ultrasound oscillator, the intermediate layer and the backing material. The buffer layer, which has smaller acoustic impedance than the intermediate layer and the backing material, is disposed between the intermediate layer and the backing material. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120004553 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND STORAGE MEDIUM - The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiments includes an ultrasound transmitting and receiving unit, a tomographic image generating unit, an analyzing unit, and an analysis result display controller. The ultrasound transmitting and receiving unit is configured to transmit ultrasonic beams in multiple directions and is configured to receive echo signals of the multiple directions. The tomographic image generating unit is configured to generate a tomographic image in accordance with each of the directions of the ultrasonic beams. The analyzing unit is configured to compare echo signals of corresponding spatial positions in the tomographic images generated by the tomographic image generating unit with respect to each of the directions of the ultrasonic beams, and is configured to perform an analysis based on the comparison. The analysis result display controller is configured to display the analysis result obtained by the analyzing unit onto the displaying unit. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120004552 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS, IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - According to one embodiment, an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes a change amount calculating unit, an estimating unit and a control unit. The change amount calculating unit is configured to calculate amount of change of a pattern of each of a plurality of local regions among a plurality of ultrasound images generated along time series based on a reflected wave of an ultrasound wave transmitted by an ultrasound probe. The estimating unit is configured to estimate a position of a rotation axis of a scanning cross-section in each ultrasound image based on the amount of change of the pattern of each of the plurality of local regions calculated by the change amount calculating unit. The control unit is configured to superimpose the rotation axis estimated by the estimating unit on each ultrasound image and displays the same on a monitor. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120001635 | MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING APPARATUS AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING METHOD - In one embodiment, an MRI apparatus includes a temperature measuring unit, a data storing unit, a pulse setting unit and an imaging unit. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20110320595 | MEDICAL INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE AND SOFTWARE DISTRIBUTING SYSTEM - This embodiment involves a medical information processing device comprising: a storage part; a configuration information storage part; a determination part; and a controller. The storage part stores a plurality of application programs. The configuration information storage part stores configuration information for an execution environment that is quality guaranteed, corresponding to the application program. The determination part, based on the configuration information, determines whether it is possible to run the application program. The controller, if it is determined at the determination part that the application program cannot be run, causes a function corresponding to this application program to be run on a server. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110320218 | MEDICAL IMAGE PROCESSING SERVER AND MANAGING METHOD FOR MEDICAL IMAGE PROCESSING SERVER - A medical image processing server, connected with terminals, has an access time obtaining unit, an update time obtaining unit, a determining unit and a data outputting unit. The access time obtaining unit obtains an access start time at which each of the terminals accesses medical image data selected by each of the terminals. The update time obtaining, if each of the terminals issues an update request for edited medical image data, obtains a last update time of the edited medical image data. The determining unit determines whether to generate updated data or copied data of medical image data edited by one of the terminals based on the access start time obtained by the terminal and the last update time obtained by another of the terminals. The data outputting unit outputs the updated data and the copied data based on identification information complying with a predetermined medical protocol. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110319764 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS - The ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus according to the embodiments transmits ultrasonic waves to a subject, generates an ultrasound image based on the signals received from the subject, and comprises sub arrays, a main array, an aperture diameter setting part, and a delay pattern setting part. The sub arrays consist of a plurality of ultrasound transducers that are two-dimensionally disposed, and have a fixed delay pattern during a single receiving period. The main array consists of sub arrays. The aperture diameter setting part sets the aperture diameter of the main array. The delay pattern setting part changes the delay pattern for each of the sub arrays depending on the aperture diameter. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110319761 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND ULTRASONIC IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS - According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprises a data acquisition unit configured to scan a region which includes at least part of a heart of an object and acquire ultrasonic data associated with the region, a curve acquisition unit configured to acquire temporal change curves of a wall motion parameter associated with a plurality of regions of the heart by using the ultrasonic data associated with the region to be scanned and a value acquisition unit configured to acquire an index value associated with cardiac wall motion by calculating a difference value of the wall motion parameter of two arbitrary regions, of the plurality of regions of the heart, at each phase in an analysis period by using temporal change curves associated with the two arbitrary regions, calculating a total sum of the difference values in the analysis period, and normalizing the total sum with a predetermined value. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110317805 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TOMOGRAPHIC RECONSTRUCTION UTILIZING CIRCULAR TRAJECTORY AND SCANOGRAM TO REDUCE ARTIFACTS - A computed tomography apparatus and method using line data estimated from circle data and scanogram data. An image of a subject is reconstructed using the circle data and the estimated line data. The circle data and scanogram data may be weighted in estimating the line data. The apparatus and method are useful in diminishing or eliminating streak artifacts in reconstructed images such as images including the spine. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110316537 | MRI APPARATUS AND MRI METHOD - A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a spectrum acquisition unit and a determining unit. The spectrum acquisition unit acquires a frequency spectrum of magnetic resonance signals from a metabolic product in a target region in an object. The determining unit determines the number of (a) integrations and/or (b) phase encodes of magnetic resonance signals for obtaining the frequency spectrum depending on a factor influencing the frequency spectrum. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110311023 | X-RAY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY APPARATUS - An X-ray CT apparatus includes an X-ray source configured to generate an X-ray; a scintillator configured to convert the X-ray into a fluorescent; a substrate including a plurality of photosensitive elements configured to convert the fluorescent into an electric charge; a temperature sensor formed on the surface of the substrate; a heat element formed on the surface of the substrate; and a controller configured to control a temperature of the photodiode by adjusting an electric current of the heat element. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110309252 | NUCLEAR MEDICINE IMAGING APPARATUS, AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE IMAGING METHOD - According to one embodiment, a nuclear medicine imaging apparatus includes a detector, a calibrator, and an image reconstruction unit. The detector includes a plurality of detector modules, each counting light originating from a gamma ray. The calibrator unit calibrates time information of all of the plurality of detector modules by calibrating time information for determining each detection time of a pair of detector modules based on each detection time of the pair of the detector modules which approximately coincidentally count annihilation gamma rays and a distance between the pair of detector modules in a state in which a point radiation source including a positron emitting nuclide is installed in each position near a plurality of predetermined detector modules. The image reconstruction unit reconstructs a nuclear medicine image using a time difference between detection times of annihilation gamma rays corrected based on time information calibrated by the calibrator. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110301467 | MEDICAL ULTRASOUND 2-D TRANSDUCER ARRAY ARCHITECTURE: SPOT OF ARAGO - An ultrasound device including a main processing unit, a probe part, an array, and an apodization unit that receives an ultrasound signal from the array, the signal having multiple channels, that determines a weight for each channel based on an apodization profile being one of ring-centered and edge-centered, and that multiplies the received ultrasound signal by the determined weight for each channel. The array includes a first area including a first plurality of elements having a first functionality, a second area including a second plurality of elements having a second functionality, and a third area including a third plurality of elements having a third functionality different from the first functionality. The second area further includes a fourth area having a number of elements that are switchable between the second and third types of functionality. The array also includes a dynamic spot including the third and fourth areas. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110299746 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND MEDICAL IMAGE DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS - An image processing apparatus and a medical image diagnosis apparatus comprise a creation unit, a designation unit, a measurement unit, and a display control unit. The creation unit is configured to create a virtual endoscopic image observed using a preset viewpoint position and a preset line-of-sight direction based on 3-dimensional image data. The designation unit is configured to analyze the 3-dimensional image data to designate a plaque portion and/or a calcification portion. The measurement unit is configured to measure information on spatial distribution of the plaque portion and/or the calcification portion designated by the designation unit. The display control unit is configured to perform control to display the virtual endoscopic image created by the creation unit and the information on spatial distribution measured by the measurement unit. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110299656 | MEDICAL IMAGING APPARATUS, CONTROL METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT - A medical imaging apparatus includes an X-ray imaging apparatus; and a nuclear medicine imaging apparatus. The X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray tube configured to emit X-rays for generating an X-ray CT image. The nuclear medicine imaging apparatus includes a detector configured to detect radiation for generating a nuclear medicine image. At least one of the X-ray imaging apparatus and the nuclear medicine imaging apparatus includes a determining unit configured to determine whether the detector detects the X-rays emitted by the X-ray tube, thereby determining whether there is a failure in the detector. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110299655 | RADIOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, CONTROL METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT - A radiographic apparatus according to an embodiment includes storage, a shape image capture unit, an image acquiring unit, a position acquiring unit, a conversion unit, and a positional relationship adjusting unit. The shape image capture unit captures the shape image of an examinee. The image acquiring unit acquires a shape image from the storage. The position acquiring unit acquires a position in the acquired shape image which corresponds to a region of interest. The conversion unit converts the position in the acquired shape image into a position in the captured shape image. The positional relationship adjusting unit adjusts the positional relationship between a detector and the examinee on the basis of the conversion result. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110298459 | MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING APPARATUS AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING METHOD - A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes an imaging condition acquisition unit and an imaging unit. The imaging condition acquisition unit acquires at least one of optimum amplitude and optimum phase of a radio frequency transmission signal so as to reduce a deviation of data in at least one region of interest set in an object. The imaging unit acquires image data by imaging according to an imaging condition including at least one of optimum amplitude and optimum phase. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110297835 | NUCLEAR MEDICINE IMAGING APPARATUS, CONTROL METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT - A nuclear medicine imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes a detector, a measuring unit, and an end control unit. The detector is configured to detect radiation for generating a nuclear medicine image. The measuring unit is configured to measure the number of times the detector detects the radiation. The end control unit is configured to control the detector to end the detection operation when the number of times measured by the measuring unit is equal to or less than a threshold value. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110297834 | MEDICAL IMAGE DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS AND IMAGE RECONSTRUCTION METHOD - In a nuclear medicine imaging apparatus as a medical image diagnosis apparatus according to one embodiment, a PET detector is configured to detect a gamma ray emitted from a nuclide introduced into a body of a subject. A PET image reconstruction unit is configured to reconstruct a nuclear medicine image (PET image) as a medical image from the gamma ray projection data created based on the gamma ray detected by the PET detector using successive approximation. A controller is configured to control the PET image reconstruction unit to change the parameter used in the successive approximation depending on information regarding the scanning region in the body of the subject. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110297833 | NUCLEAR MEDICINE IMAGING APPARATUS AND RADIATION THERAPY APPARATUS - A nuclear medicine imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes a gradation width storage, an estimating unit, and an image generating unit. The gradation width storage is configured to store the gradation width of an image determined by the temporal resolution of a detector. The estimating unit is configured to estimate the spatial position of a positron on the basis of the spatial position of a set of detectors and a set of detection times. The image generating unit is configured to allocate pixel value to pixels corresponding to the gradation width around the estimated spatial position such that a spatial resolution corresponding to the temporal resolution is reflected on a line linking the set of detectors, thereby generating an image. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110295124 | ULTRASONIC PROBE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic probe includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements, a first electrode, a plurality of second electrodes, a plurality of stacked flexible printed circuit boards, and a plurality of connection portions. The plurality of piezoelectric elements are arrayed. The first electrode is provided on the emitting surface side of the plurality of piezoelectric elements. The plurality of second electrodes are respectively provided on the rear surface sides of the plurality of piezoelectric elements. The plurality of stacked flexible printed circuit boards respectively include a plurality of terminals. The plurality of connection portions electrically connect the second electrodes to the terminals. At least one of the flexible printed circuit boards extends longer than the flexible printed circuit board serving as an upper layer. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110295118 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS AND IMAGE-INFORMATION MANAGEMENT APPARATUS - According to one embodiment, an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes an image memory, an output-information creating unit, and a control unit. The image memory associates and stores an ultrasound image and a first image that is set in accordance with a schematic image representing a portion imaged onto the ultrasound image and a positional image indicating a scanning position with ultrasound when creating the ultrasound image. The output-information creating unit creates a second image based on a shape of the first image stored by the image memory. The output-information creating unit then creates an image that image information extracted from the ultrasound image associated with the first image is superimposed onto the created second image, as output information. The control unit performs control of outputting the output information created by the output-information creating unit to an external device. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110293164 | X-RAY IMAGING APPARATUS - An X-ray imaging apparatus is configured to subtract a first X-ray image from a second X-ray image to generate a first subtraction image showing information on a blood vessel, calculate an amount of pixel shift between the first X-ray image and the third X-ray image, subtract the first X-ray image from the third X-ray image to generate a second subtraction image showing information on an insertion instrument, and combine the first subtraction image with the second subtraction image to generate a synthetic image by performing a pixel shift correction based on the amount of pixel shift. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110293155 | AUTOMATIC MOTION MAP GENERATION IN HELICAL CT - As an illustration of generating a motion map, although the cardiac CT is described for selecting an optimal phase, the disclosure is not limited to the cardiac CT. For the cardiac CT, the cardiac phase map is efficiently generated based upon helical scan data, and the optimal phase is selected within a reasonable time. At the same time, the optimal phase is accurately determined based upon complementary rays as indexes for minimal movement so as to select the projection data for minimizing artifacts in reconstructed cardiac images. The helically scanned data reflect motion within the same cardiac cycle or over the continuous cardiac cycles. The application of the complementary ray technique to the helically scanned data is accomplished by three-dimensionally determining a pair of the complementary rays in order to take into account motion within the same cardiac cycle or over the continuous cardiac cycles. The absolute sum of the differences for the top ray and or the bottom ray is determined in order to determine the amount of cardiac motion. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110291655 | FAILSAFE PROTECTION FROM INDUCED RF CURRENT FOR MRI RF COIL ASSEMBLY HAVING TRANSMIT FUNCTIONALITY - An electrically-controlled failsafe switch is included in an MRI transmit-and-receive RF coil assembly so as to protect it from induced RF currents in the event it is disconnected from an MRI system, but inadvertently left linked to strong MRI RF fields during imaging procedures using other RF coils. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110288413 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS CONTROL METHOD - According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is configured to execute an imaging mode of alternately executing a continuous wave Doppler mode of acquiring time-series Doppler data by performing continuous wave transmission/reception with respect to an object and a B mode of acquiring tomogram data represented by luminance by transmitting and receiving a pulse wave to and from the object, the apparatus includes a data acquisition unit configured to acquire continuous wave Doppler data and the tomogram data by alternately executing the continuous wave Doppler mode and the B mode while switching the modes, and a display unit configured to simultaneously display Doppler spectrum information generated based on the continuous wave Doppler data and a tomogram generated based on the tomogram data. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110282211 | ULTRASOUND PROBE - An ultrasound probe having a forced cooling system for circulating a liquid through a probe cable. The ultrasound probe comprised of a handle unit including a plurality of ultrasound transducers, a flexible cable connected to the handle unit and a connector unit coupled to the cable. The cable includes a plurality of electric signal lines and a cooling liquid circulation flow channel. The circulation flow channel is comprised of an outward path for transmitting the cooling liquid from the connector unit to the handle unit, and a return path for transmitting the cooling liquid from the handle unit to the connector unit. At least either one of the outward path or the return path is comprised of a plurality of thin tubes. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110282206 | DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING APPARATUS, DIAGNOSTIC ULTRASONIC APPARATUS, AND MEDICAL IMAGE DISPLAYING APPARATUS - The diagnostic imaging apparatus according to the present embodiments includes a display unit, an input unit, and a display control unit. The display unit includes a display area in which a medical image and a menu in relation to the medical image are displayed. The input unit receives input to the display area. The display control unit displays different menus in the display area in accordance with the input received by the input unit. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110282204 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS - According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprises an ultrasonic probe, an ultrasonic transmission/reception unit, an echo processing unit configured to generate complex data based on the echo signals, a phase shifting unit configured to shift a phase of each ensemble data constituted by N complex data associated with the same depth on the same ultrasonic raster in accordance with a reference phase, an interpolation processing unit configured to interpolate ensemble data associated with an interpolated raster between adjacent ultrasonic rasters based on the phase-shifted ensemble data, and an image data generation unit configured to generate image data based on the phase-shifted ensemble data and the interpolated ensemble data. | 11-17-2011 |
| 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 |
| 20110275937 | ULTRASOUND PROBE DIAGNOSING APPARATUS, ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS, AND ULTRASOUND PROBE DIAGNOSING METHOD - An ultrasound probe diagnosing apparatus which diagnoses an ultrasound probe having an array of a plurality of ultrasound transducing elements on the basis of how the ultrasound probe receives reflected ultrasound waves from a test object placed to face the ultrasound probe, includes a part which detects a posture of the ultrasound probe with respect to the test object by comparing reflected ultrasound signals received by at least some of the plurality of ultrasound transducing elements, and a presenting part which presents information based on the detected posture. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110274584 | AUTOMATIC ANALYZER - An automatic analyzer that dispenses a sample and a reagent in a reaction cuvette and measures the mixed solution, including a dispensing probe configured to suction the sample from the sample container and to discharge the sample into the reaction cuvette; a detecting unit configured to detect the sample in the sample container by the end part of the dispensing probe contacting the sample; and a washing unit configured to wash a wide range of the external surface containing a broad end part, rather than the end part of the dispensing probe, which keeps the suctioned sample in the sample container in a second downward suction position, rather than a first suction position detected by the detection unit, wherein the washing unit is configured to have a washing tube, wherein the dispensing probe enters into an upper part of the washing tube, and a pump that supplies the washing tube with cleaning liquid and makes the cleaning liquid flow up through the inside of the washing tube. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110271763 | ULTRASOUND PROBE DIAGNOSING APPARATUS, ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS, AND ULTRASOUND PROBE DIAGNOSING METHOD - An ultrasound probe diagnosing apparatus which diagnoses an ultrasound probe having an array of a plurality of ultrasound transducing elements on the basis of how the ultrasound probe receives reflected ultrasound waves from a test object placed to face the ultrasound probe, includes a part which detects a posture of the ultrasound probe with respect to the test object by comparing reflected ultrasound signals received by at least some of the plurality of ultrasound transducing elements, and a presenting part which presents information based on the detected posture. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110271762 | ULTRASOUND PROBE DIAGNOSING APPARATUS, ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS, AND ULTRASOUND PROBE DIAGNOSING METHOD - An ultrasound probe diagnosing apparatus which diagnoses an ultrasound probe having an array of a plurality of ultrasound transducing elements on the basis of how the ultrasound probe receives reflected ultrasound waves from a test object placed to face the ultrasound probe, includes a part which detects a posture of the ultrasound probe with respect to the test object by comparing reflected ultrasound signals received by at least some of the plurality of ultrasound transducing elements, and a presenting part which presents information based on the detected posture. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110270087 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSIS - An apparatus for ultrasonic diagnosis including a probe configured to transmit ultrasonic waves and to receive reflected ultrasonic waves, an image generator configured to generate an ultrasonic image based on the reflected waves, an image synthesizing unit configured to generate a synthetic image in which a puncture guideline, which indicates a passing line of a puncture needle inserted from a puncture adapter attached to the probe, is superposed on the ultrasonic image, a display area adjusting unit configured to adjust a display area of the synthetic image based on the passing line of the puncture needle, and a display controller configured to display the synthetic image on a monitor based on the display area adjusted by the display area adjusting unit. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110265571 | ULTRASOUND PROBE DIAGNOSING APPARATUS, ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS, AND ULTRASOUND PROBE DIAGNOSING METHOD - An ultrasound probe diagnosing apparatus which diagnoses an ultrasound probe having an array of a plurality of ultrasound transducing elements on the basis of how the ultrasound probe receives reflected ultrasound waves from a test object placed to face the ultrasound probe, includes a part which detects a posture of the ultrasound probe with respect to the test object by comparing reflected ultrasound signals received by at least some of the plurality of ultrasound transducing elements, and a presenting part which presents information based on the detected posture. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110265570 | ULTRASOUND PROBE DIAGNOSING APPARATUS, ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS, AND ULTRASOUND PROBE DIAGNOSING METHOD - An ultrasound probe diagnosing apparatus which diagnoses an ultrasound probe having an array of a plurality of ultrasound transducing elements on the basis of how the ultrasound probe receives reflected ultrasound waves from a test object placed to face the ultrasound probe, includes a part which detects a posture of the ultrasound probe with respect to the test object by comparing reflected ultrasound signals received by at least some of the plurality of ultrasound transducing elements, and a presenting part which presents information based on the detected posture. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110255659 | X-RAY CT APPARATUS AND X-RAY DETECTOR - An X-ray detector of an X-ray CT apparatus has a collimator, a plurality of scintillators, a light reflector and a plurality of photodiodes. The collimator has a threshold plate with a thickness Wc to eliminate scattered radiation from an X-ray. The plurality of scintillators emit light based on the X-ray. The light reflector is provided in a gap between adjacent scintillators of the plurality of scintillators. The plurality of photodiodes convert the light of each of the plurality of scintillators into the electric signal. The thickness Wc of the threshold plate mounted on the X-ray incident side of the adjacent scintillators, and a thickness Ws of the gap has a relationship shown in a following expression: Wc≧Ws. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110255658 | X-RAY CT APPARATUS AND X-RAY DETECTOR - An X-ray detector of an X-ray CT apparatus has a plurality of collimators, a plurality of scintillators, a plurality of photodiodes and a light guide. The plurality of collimators collimate an X-ray. The plurality of scintillators respectively emit fluorescence based on the X-ray from the plurality of collimators. The plurality of photodiodes respectively convert the fluorescence from the plurality of scintillators into the electric signal. The light guide has such a shape as to guide the fluorescence emitted from the plurality of scintillators respectively to the plurality of photodiodes while focusing the fluorescence toward the plurality of photodiodes. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110251491 | ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER AND ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS - An ultrasound transducer or an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus that includes a body configured to transmit and receive ultrasound waves, the body having a first color, an attachment portion having a concave shape or a convex shape, the attachment portion configured to attach to a convex portion or a concave portion provided on a puncture adapter, and at least one guide mark provided on the surface of body, the at least one guide mark having a second color different from the first color. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110248603 | ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER, ULTRASOUND PROBE, AND A METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCERS - An ultrasound transducer according to an embodiment has two-dimensionally arranged ultrasound vibrators. A wiring board block is a laminate of wiring boards which are arranged along the row direction in the arrangement. The wiring board has a first surface facing a rear surface of the ultrasound vibrators and a second surface on its opposite side. First connection parts are provided on the first surface corresponding to the arrangement, and are conducted with back electrodes of the vibrators. Second connection parts are provided on the second surface, and are provided corresponding to the first connection parts. Connecting leads establish conductivity between the first and second connection parts through a fourth surface which is perpendicular to the second and third surfaces. Electronic circuits are connected to the second surface of the wiring board block, and are conducted with the second connection parts. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110245675 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS, ULTRASONIC IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, AND MEDICAL DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING APPARATUS - According to one embodiment, there is provided an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a data acquisition unit configured to scan a three-dimensional region in a subject having a contrast agent injected therein over a predetermined period by using ultrasonic waves and to thereby acquire ultrasonic data concerning the three-dimensional region over the predetermined period, a volume data generation unit configured to generate first volume data in each time phase in an analysis period by using the ultrasonic data concerning the three-dimensional region over the analysis period in the predetermined period and to generate second volume data indicative of contrast agent temporal information about the analysis period and third volume data indicative of a contrast agent characteristic amount at each position in the three-dimensional region in the analysis period, and an image generation unit configured to generate a projected image by using the second volume data and the third volume data. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110245673 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS, IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - According to one embodiment, an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes an image creating unit, a motion-vector calculating unit, a corrected-image creating unit, and a control unit. The image creating unit creates a plurality of ultrasound images in time series; and the motion-vector calculating unit calculates a motion vector of a local region between two successive ultrasound images (a first image and a second image) in time series among the ultrasound images created by the image creating unit. The corrected-image creating unit then creates a corrected image corrected from the second image, based on a component of a scanning line direction of ultrasound in the motion vector calculated by the motion-vector calculating unit. The control unit then performs control so as to cause a certain monitor to display the corrected image created by the corrected-image creating unit. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110243418 | MRI mammography with facilitated comparison to other mammography images - An image processing method generates two-dimensional images, each of which are respectively in accordance with left and right breasts of a subject using three-dimensional image data of the left and right breasts. A comparison two-dimensional combined image is generated, wherein the left and right breast images are disposed symmetrically. The comparison two-dimensional combined image is displayed on a display unit. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110243298 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR X-RAY CT IMAGING - An apparatus for X-ray CT imaging including an X-ray irradiation unit configured to irradiate an X-ray toward a subject, an X-ray detector having a plurality of X-ray detection elements along a channel direction and a row direction, a couch on which the subject can be arranged, a rotation unit on which the X-ray irradiation unit and the X-ray detector are oppositely disposed and rotate around the couch, a controller configured to execute a helical scan while fluctuating an X-ray focal spot along a body axis direction of the subject by controlling the X-ray irradiation unit, and an image processing unit configured to generate a reconstructed image based on data acquired by the helical scan, wherein the controller is further configured to set a magnitude of fluctuation of the X-ray focal spot so that data acquisition loci of the helical scan do not overlap each other. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110230767 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE - An ultrasonic diagnostic device is characterized by being provided with a cooling mechanism for cooling an ultrasonic vibrator by circulating a refrigerant in a cable of an ultrasonic probe in which the ultrasonic vibrator is provided, a cooling abnormality detecting means for detecting the abnormal state of the cooling mechanism, and an operating means for, when the abnormal state of the cooling mechanism is detected by the cooling abnormality detecting means, performing a degraded operation in which the transmission/reception condition of the ultrasonic vibrator is changed according to the detected abnormal state. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110226957 | RADIOACTIVE RAY DETECTING APPARATUS, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME, AND IMAGING SYSTEM - According to one embodiment, a radioactive ray detecting apparatus includes: a scintillator that produces visible light from a radioactive ray; a light detecting portion including a light receiving element that generates an electrical signal on a basis of intensity of visible light; a first board; a first electrical connection unit that electrically connects the light detecting portion and a first surface of the first board to each other; a second board disposed to face the first board; a second electrical connection that electrically connects a first surface of the second board and a second surface of the first board being opposite from the first surface of the first board to each other; and a data acquisition device that processes an electrical signal transmitted from the light detecting portion through the first electrical connection unit, the first board, the second electrical connection unit, and the second board. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110224547 | ULTRASOUND IMAGE DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS AND DRIVE VOLTAGE SETTING METHOD FOR ULTRASOUND PROBE THEREOF - An ultrasound image diagnosis apparatus and a method for setting an ultrasound drive voltage by which appropriate probe motion parameters are established by individually estimating temperature changes which occur due to a plurality of heat sources existing within the probe. By individually storing or correcting relative temperature change data associated with motion parameters due to a plurality of heat source elements, an optimum driving voltage for the ultrasound transducers is set. Since a transmission drive voltage is larger than the conventional drive voltage can be set under a permissible probe temperature, image diagnosis can be improved. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110223061 | AUTOMATED ANALYZER - An automated analyzer according to an embodiment includes a probe. The probe has a step part configured to be provided between a lower shaft and an upper shaft, and to be formed such that the outer diameter changes. A descending controller lowers the probe from a predefined position that positions the step part above the liquid surface to an operating position that positions the step part below the liquid surface. A ascending controller raises the probe at a high speed from the operating position until immediately before the step part reaches the position of the liquid surface, subsequently raises the probe at a low speed until the step part passes through the liquid surface, and raises the probe at a higher speed than the low speed from immediately after the step part passes through the position of the liquid surface up to the predefined position. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110222649 | X-RAY CT APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD FOR X-RAY CT APPARATUS - An X-ray CT apparatus has an X-ray source, an X-ray detector, a temperature sensor, a data acquisition unit and a controller. The X-ray source generates an X-ray. The X-ray detector detects the X-ray. The temperature sensor detects a temperature of the X-ray detector. The data acquisition unit acquires data from the X-ray detector. The controller controls a temperature of the X-ray detector through adjustment of a workload of the data acquisition unit during a non-scanning time. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110218424 | MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a collection unit that applies a uniform static magnetic field to a subject and also applies a radio-frequency magnetic field and a gradient magnetic field to the subject in accordance with a predetermined pulse sequence to collect a magnetic resonance signal from the subject, an imaging unit that images the subject based on the magnetic resonance signal collected by the collection unit, a detection unit that detects a respiratory level of the subject, an informing unit that informs the subject of whether the detected respiratory level falls within an allowable range, and a unit that controls the collection unit and the imaging unit in such a manner that the magnetic resonance signal for imaging is collected and the subject is imaged based on the thus collected magnetic resonance signal for imaging when the detected respiratory level falls within the allowable range. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110206183 | X-RAY IMAGE DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS AND X-RAY IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - An X-ray image diagnosis apparatus includes an imaging unit that supports an X-ray generation unit and an X-ray detection unit in such a way that the units face each other and is possible to take an image of a subject placed on a top panel of a bed; a control unit that performs control in such a way that a step movement process of at least one of the imaging unit and top panel is carried out and images of the subject are taken at a plurality of stages; and an image processing unit that processes image data taken at a plurality of the stages. The control unit sets a plurality of regions of interest in an imaging area of the subject when an image is taken after a contrast medium is injected into the subject, measures a change of an image level in the region of interest to detect a flow of the contrast medium, and makes at least one of the imaging unit and top panel move to the next imaging stage based on the detection result. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110201936 | ULTRASOUND PROBE - An ultrasound probe according to one embodiment includes a plurality of ultrasound vibrators, a switching part, and an amplification part. The ultrasound vibrator transmits ultrasound and receives ultrasound echoes reflected within a subject. The switching part is configured to cause aperture movement of ultrasound beams by selectively switching signals from two or more of the ultrasound vibrators. The amplification part is configured to amplify signals from the switching part. The ultrasound probe receives signals from the plurality of ultrasound vibrators in a time-division manner by controlling the switching part. In addition, the ultrasound probe further comprises an impedance transforming part. The impedance transforming part is configured to be interposed between the ultrasound vibrator and the switching part, receive signals from the ultrasound vibrator at high impedance, and output such to the switching part at low impedance. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110194675 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMAGE DIAGNOSIS - An image diagnostic apparatus including a scan unit to repeatedly scan a subject to repeatedly acquire acquisition data related to the subject, a generation unit to generate medical images related to the subject based on the acquired acquisition data, a monitoring unit to monitor a change in the medical images based on a specified pixel value band having an upper limit and a lower limit, a controller unit to control timing of a predetermined action of the scan unit based on of the change in the medical images monitored by the monitor unit, wherein the predetermined action of the scan unit is at least one of changing a scan condition, stopping a scan, and outputting guidance to the subject. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110188627 | CT SCANNING TABLETOP AND X-RAY CT APPARATUS - According to one embodiment, a CT scanning tabletop includes a tabletop body and an aid. The tabletop body has a placement surface where a subject is to be placed, and is formed in a manner that an X-ray transmission loss by one end portion in a longitudinal direction thereof is smaller than an X-ray transmission loss by a portion of the tabletop body other than the one end portion. The aid is provided on the one end portion in a manner that the aid is attachable and detachable by moving in advancing and retreating directions toward and away from the placement surface, the aid is configured to hold a part of the subject. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110187370 | GRADIENT FIELD POWER SUPPLY AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING APPARATUS - According to one embodiment, there is provided a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus in which a gradient field power supply apparatus supplies currents to gradient field coils corresponding to spatial coordinate axis directions to form gradient fields in a static field space which change along the respective spatial coordinate axis directions, the gradient field power supply apparatus includes a transformer configured to supply power supplied to a primary winding to a current output circuit via a plurality of secondary windings, with the number of phases of the primary windings being equal to or a multiple of the number of phases of the secondary windings, and the secondary windings of the respective phases of output channels corresponding to the respective spatial coordinate axis directions being wound around the primary windings of the respective phases. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110187365 | MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING APPARATUS AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING METHOD - In one embodiment, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes an input unit and a direction setting unit. The input unit receives a setting operation to set a plurality of image taking regions within a position determining image, from an operator of the apparatus. The direction setting unit sets phase encoding directions for the plurality of image taking regions to be in the same direction as one another, regardless of setting operations performed by the operator via the input unit. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110181282 | Method and apparatus for designing and/or implementing variable flip angle MRI spin echo train - A variable flip angle (VFA) MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) spin echo train is designed and/or implemented. For example, a target train of detectable spin-locked NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) echo signal amplitudes may be defined and a corresponding designed sequence of variable amplitude (i.e., variable NMR nutation angle) RF refocusing pulses may be determined for generating that target train of spin echoes in an MRI sequence (e.g., used for acquiring MRI data for a diagnostic imaging scan or the like). Such a designed VFA sequence may be output for study and/or use by an MRI system sequence controller. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110181149 | ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER, ULTRASOUND PROBE, AND A METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCERS - In the ultrasound transducer of the present embodiment, front surface electrodes and rear surface electrodes are provided for a plurality of ultrasound vibrators. A circuit board is disposed on the rear surface side of the ultrasound vibrators, and connected to the rear surface electrodes. An electronic circuit is connected to the surface opposite to that of the rear surface electrodes side on the circuit board, and has signal paths to each ultrasound vibrator through the circuit board. A backing material is disposed on the rear surface side of the ultrasound vibrators, and is provided so as to sandwich between it and the ultrasound vibrators the circuit board and the electronic circuit. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110176745 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REDUCING ARTIFACT DUE TO TIME DELAY IN DATA ACQUISTION SYSTEM IN COMPUTER TOMOGRAPHY - The CT imaging system optimizes its image generation by substantially reducing artifacts caused by a known amount of readout time lag in the X-ray detectors or data acquisition system. Although each detector row takes the same amount of time to read out the signals, the time lag cumulates over the rows as each row is sequentially read out. The back-projection coordinates are correspondingly corrected based upon the above described delay. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110175613 | PROPELLER/BLADE MRI WITH NON-LINEAR MAPPING TO K-SPACE - A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and method acquires NMR signal data for a periodically rotated data acquisition region in k-space wherein the acquisition region is caused to have non-linear acquisition loci. As an example, the width of the data acquisition region at a point distant from the origin of k-space is made larger than at a point nearer the origin of k-space thereby more fully filling k-space with acquired NMR data even if the number of RF pulse shots is reduced and/or the number of data acquisition region positions is reduce. A magnetic resonance image is reconstructed based on the acquired NMR signal data in k-space. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110172537 | ULTRASOUND PROBE AND ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS - The present embodiment relates to an ultrasound probe having a first ultrasound vibrator group and a second ultrasound vibrator group, comprising a plurality of matrix switches and an adder. The ultrasound probe has a mode to send ultrasound to a predetermined observation point within a subject by the first ultrasound vibrator group, and to receive ultrasound echoes reflected within the subject by the second ultrasound vibrator group. The plurality of matrix switches extract, based on the distance between the second ultrasound vibrator group and the observation point, a plurality of ultrasound echoes having substantially the same phase from a plurality of ultrasound echoes output by the second ultrasound vibrator group. The adder adds the plurality of ultrasound echoes extracted by the plurality of matrix switches for each of the matrix switches and outputs them. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110172516 | MEDICAL IMAGE DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND MEDICAL IMAGE DISPLAY APPARATUS - A medical image diagnostic apparatus has an imaging unit that images volume data of a region-of-interest of an object, an extracting unit that extracts a characteristic point from the volume data; and, a generating unit that generates an observation sectional image from the volume data using the characteristic point and correlation parameters. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110170668 | X-RAY IMAGE DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD OF X-RAY IMAGE DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS - An X-ray image diagnostic apparatus has an X-ray irradiating unit, a receiving unit, a supporting unit, a registering unit, a calculating unit and a presenting unit. The X-ray irradiating unit irradiates an X-ray. The receiving unit receives the X-ray. The supporting unit supports the X-ray irradiating unit and the receiving unit to be opposed to each other, and the supporting unit is movable in a room. The registering unit registers in advance a target position after movement of the supporting unit. The calculating unit calculates a track of the supporting unit from a present position to the registered target position. The presenting unit presents the track until the supporting unit moves to reach the register target position. For example, the registering unit registers a target position coordinate and a target vertical axis rotation angle of the supporting unit as the target position. | 07-14-2011 |
| 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 |
| 20110166418 | MEDICAL IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR PROCESSING A MEDICAL IMAGE - The medical image processing device comprises a detection part, a storage part, an image generation part, and a display-control part. The detection part detects positions and directions of an endoscope. The storage part stores medical image data showing tubular tissues generated by a medical imaging device different from the endoscope. The image generation part generates virtual endoscopic image data showing the internal portion of the tubular tissues based on the medical image data having a position that is a predetermined distance away from the position of the endoscope as a viewpoint. The display-control part receives endoscopic image data showing the internal portion of the tubular tissues generated by the endoscope and displays an endoscopic image based on the endoscopic image data and a virtual endoscopic image based on the virtual endoscopic image data on a display part. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110164031 | NOVEL IMPLEMENTATION OF TOTAL VARIATION (TV) MINIMIZATION ITERATIVE RECONSTRUCTION ALGORITHM SUITABLE FOR PARALLEL COMPUTATION - The CT imaging system optimizes its image generation by frequently updating an image and adaptively minimizing the total variation in an iterative reconstruction algorithm using many or sparse views under both normal and interior reconstructions. The projection data is grouped into N subsets, and after each of the N subsets is processed by the ordered subsets simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique (OSSART), the image volume is updated. During the OSSART, no coefficients is cached in the system matrix. This approach is intrinsically parallel and can be implemented with a GPU card. Due to the more frequent image update and the variable step value, an image quality has improved. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110158487 | MEDICAL IMAGE DISPLAY DEVICE AND IMAGE DISPLAYING METHOD - A reference landmark extracting and pairing unit extracts reference landmarks from each of two three-dimensional medical images and forms reference landmark pairs, while a general landmark extracting unit extracts general landmarks. The landmark pair forming unit forms general landmark pairs using of a distance between each of the reference landmarks and the general landmarks, and also forms general landmark pairs from the remaining general landmarks using the distances from the general landmarks included in the general landmark pairs. A coordinate transformation parameter calculating unit calculates coordinate transformation parameters, based on the positional information of the reference landmark pairs and the general landmark pairs. A corresponding sectional view creating unit creates corresponding sectional views for the two three-dimensional medical images based on the coordinate transformation parameters, and by the display controlling unit the two corresponding sectional views are displayed on a displaying unit. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110155898 | APPARATUS AND ASSOCIATED METHODOLOGY FOR IMPROVING TIMING RESOLUTION IN GAMMA RAY DETECTION - An apparatus and associated method for gamma ray detection that improves the timing resolution is provided. A crystal of interaction in a scintillation crystal array emits scintillation light in response to interaction with a gamma ray. The scintillation light is detected by one or more photomultiplier tubes. Each photomultiplier tube that detects the scintillation light detects the light at a different time. The apparatus determines the location of the gamma ray interaction and uses the location of the interaction to generate correction times for each waveform generated by the photomultiplier tubes. The waveforms are corrected with the correction timings and combined to extract a time of arrival estimate for the gamma ray. Noise thresholding is also used to select waveforms having low noise for combination to extract the time of arrival estimate. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110152663 | MEDICAL IMAGE DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS, MEDICAL IMAGE DISPLAY DEVICE, PERSONAL INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A medical image diagnostic apparatus includes an input unit to input personal information of a subject, a communication unit to communicate with a personal information managing server for storing the personal information, and a judge unit to judge whether the personal information can be transmitted to a personal information managing server. The communication unit transmits the personal information to the personal information managing server and receives personally-identifying information for identifying the personal information in response to the personal information transmitted, when the judge unit judges that the personal information can be transmitted. A memory for examination information stores the personally-identifying information. | 06-23-2011 |
| 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 |
| 20110148413 | MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING APPARATUS - A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes a data gathering unit and an image generating unit, the data gathering unit gathers magnetic resonance data in a non-contrast manner by applying a first readout gradient pulse having a zero-order moment of 0 and a second readout gradient pulse having a zero-order moment of 0 and a first-order moment of a value different from a value of a first-order moment of the first readout gradient pulse to a region of interest including a fluid in motion, and the image generating unit periodically arranges first magnetic resonance data read out with the first readout gradient pulse and second magnetic resonance data read out with the second readout gradient pulse in at least one of a phase encoding direction and a slice encoding direction in a k-space to generate k-space data and reconstructs the k-space data to generate an image in which a fluid image and a static part image surrounding the fluid are spatially separated from each other. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110142196 | X-RAY CT APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD OF X-RAY CT APPARATUS - An X-ray CT apparatus has a plurality of projectors, a reception unit, a setting unit, a supporter, and a scan execution unit. The projectors each have a light source on a circumference having a same radius as a rotation radius of an X-ray focal point of an X-ray irradiator and each irradiate laser light having an irradiation range simulating an irradiation range of the X-ray. The reception unit receives an instruction for three-dimensionally sliding the projectors as one body. The setting unit sets a position of the projectors. The supporter supports a table and three-dimensionally slides the table by a difference between a position of a center of the circumference of the set projectors and a position of a rotation center of the X-ray focal point of the X-ray irradiator. The scan execution unit executes a scan with the table after the sliding as a scan position. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110137169 | MEDICAL IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, A MEDICAL IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD, AND ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS - A medical image processing apparatus that acquires a medical image and additional information associated with the medical image. The medical image processing apparatus reduces a display size of the medical image using a first size-reduction rate, and reduces a display size of the additional information using a second size-reduction rate. The medical image processes apparatus then combines the size-reduced medical image and the size-reduced additional information into a thumbnail composite image, and displays the thumbnail composite image. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110135177 | MEDICAL IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND MEDICAL IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - In a medical image processing apparatus according to an embodiment, an image inverting unit generates a first inverted image obtained by inverting a first medical image in a left-and-right direction of an examined subject and generates a second inverted image obtained by inverting a second medical image that is different from the first medical image in the left-and-right direction of the examined subject. A displacement detecting unit detects a displacement between the first medical image and the first inverted image. A registration unit generates, based on the displacement detected by the displacement detecting unit, a corrected image obtained by correcting the second medical image or a corrected inverted image obtained by correcting the second inverted image. A difference image generating unit generates a difference image between the second inverted image and the corrected image or a difference image between the second medical image and the corrected inverted image. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110129067 | X-RAY DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND X-RAY DIAGNOSTIC METHOD - According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes X-ray generators, X-ray detectors, high voltage generators, a switching device, an abnormality detection unit and a control unit. The high voltage generators are configured to apply voltages to the X-ray generators. The switching device is configured to switch outputs from the high voltage generators to the X-ray generators. The abnormality detection unit is configured to detect an abnormality in the high voltage generators. The control unit is configured to control the switching device to switch from an output from a high voltage generator of which abnormality has been detected by the abnormality detection unit toward a corresponding X-ray generator to an output from another high voltage generator toward the corresponding X-ray generator. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110129057 | METHOD FOR DETERMING A CORRECTION FUNCTION FOR CORRECTING COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC NUMBERS OF A SMALL TARGET OBJECT IN A CT IMAGE - A method of correcting target region in computed tomographic (CT) image, including the steps of obtaining a CT image of a patient; determining the size of a target object in the CT image; and correcting CT numbers of a portion of the CT image that corresponds to the target object, based on the determined size of the target object. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110121829 | MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING APPARATUS - A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes an imaging unit configured to carry out magnetic resonance imaging of a patient using a transmitting QD coil which allows at least one of phase and amplitude of a radio-frequency transmit pulse on at least one input channel of the transmitting QD coil to be adjusted independently of each other, and an adjustment unit configured to adjust at least one of the phase and the amplitude of the radio-frequency transmit pulse according to imaging conditions. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110121687 | ULTRASOUND PROBE - A flexible printed circuit board, interposed between an intermediate member and a backing material, covers an almost whole back face of the intermediate member and has first and second wiring patterns. A first electrode is interposed between the piezoelectric transducer and the intermediate member, extracted onto the side face of the intermediate member contiguous with one side face of the piezoelectric transducer, and electrically connected to the first wiring pattern. A second electrode is formed on the ultrasound transmission face of the piezoelectric transducer, extracted by being routed on the other side face of the piezoelectric transducer and a side face of the intermediate member contiguous with the other side face of the piezoelectric transducer, and electrically connected to the second wiring pattern. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110114845 | GAMMA RAY DETECTOR ELEMENTS WITH VARIABLE LIGHT GUIDE THICKNESS - A gamma ray detector module that includes at least one crystal element arranged in a plane, a plurality of light sensors arranged to cover the at least one crystal element and to receive light emitted from the at least one crystal element, and a light guide arranged between the at least one crystal element and the light sensors, the light guide being optically connected to the at least one crystal element. Further, the light guide includes a narrow portion that positions at least one light sensor of the plurality of light sensors closer to the at least one crystal element than other light sensors of the plurality of light sensors. In addition, the light guide may include an angled recessed portion that positions another light sensor at an oblique tilt angle with respect to the plane of the at least one crystal element. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110109316 | MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING APPARATUS, PHASE COMPARATOR, CONTROL UNIT AND COIL UNIT - According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes a control unit and a coil unit. The control unit generates a first clock signal, generates a data signal to indicate an operating condition, modulates the first clock signal by the data signal to obtain a modulated signal, generates a clock transmission signal including the modulated signal, and emits the clock transmission signal. The coil unit converts the clock transmission signal into an electric signal, detects the modulated signal from the clock transmission signal, generates a second clock signal synchronous with the first clock signal from the modulated signal, detects an MR signal generated in a subject, digitizes, synchronously with the second clock signal, the MR signal, detects the data signal from the detected modulated signal by using of the second clock signal, controls the operating condition of the coil unit to be the operating condition indicated by the data signal. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110103666 | X-RAY IMAGING APPARATUS - In an X-ray imaging apparatus according to an embodiment, a three-dimensional blood-vessel image collecting unit collects a three-dimensional blood vessel image. An X-ray image collecting unit collects an X-ray image. A composite-image creating unit then creates a three-dimensional projection image projected based on a state of the X-ray imaging apparatus from the collected three-dimensional blood vessel image, and creates a composite image of the created three-dimensional projection image and the X-ray image. A displacement determining unit then determines a displacement between an aneurysm on the three-dimensional projection image and the aneurysm on the X-ray image. Subsequently, a registration unit registers the composite image by using the determined displacement, and displays the registered composite image onto a display unit. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110103662 | METHOD FOR CIRCULAR SCAN RECONSTRUCTION IN COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY AND COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC DEVICE - A method of computed-tomography and a computed-tomography apparatus where the portion of the field of view of a subject were full scan data is available is reconstructed using a full-scan algorithm. In the areas where full scan data is not available, half-scanning is used. Data is also extrapolated from the full scan data. The extrapolated data overlaps a portion of the half-scanning data. The extrapolated data and the overlapped portion of the half-scanning data are feathered. The image is reconstructed using the full-scan, half-scan and feathered data. Corner regions in an image are exposed and reconstructed to produce more uniform z-coverage of the reconstruction field of view. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110101977 | MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING APPARATUS AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING METHOD - According to one embodiment, an MRI apparatus includes a probe unit and a control/imaging unit. The probe unit includes an probe, an converter, an compressor and a transmitter. The control/imaging unit includes a receiver, an expander and an reconstructor. The probe detects an RF echo signal generated in a subject by a magnetic resonance phenomenon. The converter digitizes the detected signal. The compressor compresses the digitized signal in accordance with a predetermined compression parameter to obtain a compressed signal. The transmitter generates a transmission signal to wirelessly transmit the compressed echo signal and sends the transmission signal to a radio channel. The receiver receives the transmission signal and extracts the compressed signal from the received signal. The expander expands the extracted compressed signal in accordance with the parameter to obtain the RF echo signal. The reconstructor generates a video signal regarding the subject on the basis of the obtained signal. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110092819 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS AND ULTRASOINC DATA ACQUISITION METHOD - According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe, a transmission/reception unit, an echo signal storage unit, a reception delay addition processing unit, a Doppler signal generating unit, and a focus position decision unit. The echo signal storage unit stores a plurality of echo signals obtained by the transmission/reception unit. The reception delay addition processing unit generates a plurality of reception signals corresponding to a plurality of reception focus positions by performing delay addition of the plurality of stored echo signals. The Doppler signal generating unit generates a plurality of Doppler signals corresponding to the plurality of reception focus positions from the generated reception signals. The focus position decision unit performs selection of a Doppler signal from the plurality of generated Doppler signals based on a blood flow characteristic and decides a reception focus position corresponding to the selected Doppler signal. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110092802 | Active implant communications with medical imaging scanner - A bi-directional communications link between an active implanted medical device (AIMD) and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine enables information to be exchanged to determine whether an operational mode of the AIMD and MRI is acceptable. For example, the bi-directional communications link enables information to be exchanged to determine whether the AIMD and MRI machine are acceptably operating within at least one operational limit. An operation of the MRI machine may be permitted if the operation is acceptably within the operational limit and may be stopped if not. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110092799 | Active implant medical device (AMID) and medical imaging scanner communications involving patient-specific AIMD configuration - A communications link between an active implanted medical device (AIMD) and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine enables an information exchange including data relating to a configuration of a lead of the AIMD as installed in the patient and/or an operational parameter limit of the MRI machine determined from the data. The data relating to the configuration of the lead in the patient may include a size and/or position of an effective loop area enclosed by the lead. The data relating to the configuration of the lead in the patient may include data corresponding to a pictorial representation, such as an x-ray of the patient having the AIMD, of the lead and at least part of the patient's body. An operation of the MRI machine may be stopped or a warning/alarm initiated if the operational parameter limit (e.g., maximum power limit of a gradient or RF field) determined from the data relating to the configuration of the lead in the patient is exceeded. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110080170 | MRI NON-CONTRAST TIME-SLIP ANGIOGRAPHY USING VARIABLY POSITIONED CINE SUB-SEQUENCE - A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system using an MRI gantry and controlling computer system includes at least one programmed computer configured to effect a cardiac-triggered time-SLIP (spatial labeling inversion pulse) MRI data acquisition sequence for imaging blood perfusion in imaged patient tissue and employing therewithin an MRI cine sub-sequence. The sub-sequence is positioned in the time domain to encompass at least part of a predetermined (e.g., diastolic) cardiac time interval of the patient. Processing acquired data from the time-SLIP data acquisition sequence generates a sequence of MRI cine frame images having respectively associated different effective BBTI (black blood time to inversion) time intervals. Identifying one of the MRI cine frame images as acceptable, thereby effectively also determines an appropriate BBTI time interval for the patient. The system then outputs a time-SLIP image based on the determined appropriate BBTI time interval to at least one of (a) a display, (b) a remote system or (c) a non-transitory storage medium. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110079723 | CONFIGURABLE COINCIDENCE PAIRING AND FILTERING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY - A method of processing positron emission tomography (PET) information obtained from a PET detector having a plurality of detector regions, each detector region having at least one detector module and a corresponding regional collector, the method including the steps of receiving PET event information for a single PET event, the PET event information including energy information and crystal position information of the single PET event; receiving non-detector event information; generating an event list that includes (1) a PET event entry, the PET event entry including a fine time stamp, the energy information, and the crystal position information, and (2) a non-detector event entry that includes the received non-detector event information; and transmitting the generated event list to a computer for off-line processing. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110079722 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCED SAMPLING VIA HELICAL SCANNING AND LIST-MODE RECONSTRUCTION IN POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY - A positron emission tomography (PET) scanner system, including a detector that acquires PET event information, the detector being configured to move during acquisition of the PET event information; a first motion unit that acquires first event information of a position of a patient bed, the patient bed being configured to move during acquisition of the PET event information; a second motion unit that acquires second event information of the detector; an event collector that generates an event list of events that includes the PET event information, the first event information, and the second event information; and a list-mode reconstructing unit that reconstructs an image by processing the generated event list. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110075898 | MEDICAL IMAGE INTERPRETING APPARATUS AND CURSOR-MOVING METHOD - In the medical image interpreting apparatus having a pointing device for moving a cursor, medical image, interpretation report, and cursor are displayed on a display screen, and initial movement information and information on the destination of movement of the cursor are linked and stored, via the pointing device when the cursor begins to move, said initial movement information relevant to the initial movement is retrieved to obtain the linked information on the destination of movement and the cursor is moved to the destination of movement indicated in the obtained information on the destination of movement. Due to this, just by slightly moving the cursor, the cursor jumps to the desired destination of movement, therefore, it becomes possible to omit an operation of the pointing device in between. Due to this, the operation load of the pointing device is reduced, thus preventing an operator's thought in creating an interpretation report from being destructed, and the enhancement in interpreting efficiency and the reduction of interpretation mistakes are achieved. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110071384 | MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING APPARATUS - A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes an acquisition unit that acquires first data in which a tissue of interest has higher signal intensity than a background and second data in which the tissue of interest has lower signal intensity than the background, with regard to images of the same region of the same subject, and a generation unit that generates, on the basis of the first data and the second data, third data in which the contrast of the tissue of interest to the background is higher than those in the first and second data. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110069810 | X-RAY CT APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THEREOF - In an X-ray Computed Tomography apparatus according to an embodiment, an angle determining unit determines an angle indicating a position of an X-ray radiation unit in a circular orbit at a moment to start radiation after a return of reciprocation, based on a time from a moment of completion of radiation in a movement to a certain direction until a moment to start radiation in a movement after the return, which is a time calculated from scanning conditions. A radiation control unit controls radiation by the X-ray radiation unit so as to start in accordance with the angle determined by the angle determining unit. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110064293 | RADIATION DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND IMAGE RECONSTRUCTING METHOD - According to one embodiment, a radiation diagnostic apparatus includes a photon-counting detector, a counting information storage unit, an image reconstituting unit, and a controlling unit. The detector performs counting on light derived from incident radiation. The counting information storage unit stores therein counting information based on the counting result of the detector. The image reconstituting unit reconstitutes a medical image by performing a back projection process on projection data that is generated by use of the counting information stored in the counting information storage unit. After the reconstitution of the medical image, the controlling unit performs control so that all or part of the counting information is maintained in the counting information storage unit. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110062340 | POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY DETECTOR ELEMENTS USING DIFFERENT SIZES OF PHOTOMULTIPLIER TUBES - A positron emission tomography detector module that includes an array of optically isolated crystal elements and photomultiplier tubes that receive light emitted from the array of crystal elements and are arranged to cover the array of crystal elements. The photomultiplier tubes include photomultiplier tubes having two different sizes arranged in various patterns that minimize the number of edges. The axial extent of each detector module is at least three times longer than the other axis of the detector module. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110060209 | INTRACORPOREAL MONITORING APPARATUS HAVING FLECTION - In one embodiment, an intracorporeal monitoring apparatus having a flection includes: a tip unit that receives an ultrasonic signal or light from inside a subject and converts the ultrasonic signal or light into an electric signal; a guiding unit that transmits the electric signal obtained by the tip unit; and a flection that is provided between the guiding unit and the tip unit, transmits the electric signal obtained by the tip unit to the guiding unit, and can be bent, the flection has a conductor that is curved and extensible, one or a plurality of layers of conductive tubes coating the conductor, and a layer of an insulating tube coating the conductive tubes. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110051884 | X-RAY TUBE AND X-RAY CT APPARATUS - An X-ray tube includes: a Wehnelt electrode having a dent inside; a filament arranged in the dent of the Wehnelt electrode and configured to emit an electron beam when electricity is passed therethrough; an anode configured to emit an X-ray in response to the incident electron beam; an electrode part configured by at least one pair of electrode members, the electrode members facing each other across a path of the electron beam, a voltage being applied to each of the electrode members; a voltage controller configured to control the voltage applied to the electrode part; and a shield member arranged in contact with the Wehnelt electrode and configured to cover part of the dent by a projecting part. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110049395 | RADIATION THERAPY EQUIPMENT - Radiation therapy equipment includes a multi-divided irradiation collimator leaf plates for setting irradiation field as approximately close to a target region as possible by avoiding backlashes due to a plurality of gears for driving a plurality of leaf plates. The plurality of leaf plates is respectively connected to a plurality of constant force springs that are coaxially supported by a pair of rotation shafts so as to be constantly forced in a closing direction. Each leaf plate is moved in an opening direction by rolling up a wire connected to the leaf plate. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110046485 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR GENERATING ULTRASOUND IMAGES - An ultrasound diagnostic imaging device has an optional-direction M-mode cursor set position information selector for selecting optional-direction M-mode cursor set position information, a memory, and an optional-direction M-mode cursor image generator. The memory stores optional-direction M-mode cursor set position information, associating it with the optional-direction M-mode cursor set position information selector. The optional-direction M-mode cursor image generator generates an optional-direction M-mode cursor image, based on the optional-direction M-mode cursor set position information that has been associated with the optional-direction M-mode cursor set position information selector that was selected. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110044525 | MEDICAL IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - An embodiment of the present invention provides a medical apparatus which displays an image of an object collected by using a first radiography system and a second radiography system, including: an image processing unit adapted to acquire a three-dimensional image; a projection direction input unit used to input a projection direction for at least one of the first radiography system and the second radiography system using the three-dimensional image; an imaging direction setting unit adapted to set an imaging direction for at least one of the first radiography system and the second radiography system based on the projection direction; and an interference checking unit adapted to determine whether interference between the first radiography system and the second radiography system will occur if one of the first radiography system and the second radiography system corresponding to the set imaging direction is moved. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110038452 | IMAGE DOMAIN BASED NOISE REDUCTION FOR LOW DOSE COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY FLUOROSCOPY - A method of computed-tomography and a computed-tomography apparatus in which x-ray projection data is acquired at a number of views for a scan of an object. Partial images are created from data for a desired number of said views. Full scan images are created from plural ones of the partial images. Non-overlapping time images are created from the full-scan images. Gradient images are also created. An improved image is created by weighting respective ones of the full scan and non-overlapping time images using the gradient image. The improved image has increased sharpness with reduced noise. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110037466 | Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and magnetic resonance imaging method - A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit which applies a labeling pulse to invert a spin included in a labeling region within part of a imaging region and then collects a echo signal from a time point when an inversion time has passed from the application of the labeling pulse, and a control unit, the control unit controlling the imaging unit so that the echo signal in the imaging region is collected a plurality of times with variations in the inversion time, the control unit also controlling the imaging unit so that a time ranging from a reference time point within a biological signal obtained from a subject to the application of the labeling pulse is a time determined in accordance with the inversion time. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110019793 | X-RAY CT APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING X-RAY TUBE - This embodiment is provided with a detector configured to detect an X-ray radiated from an X-ray tube, a reconstructing part configured to reconstruct an image from projection data based on the detection by the detector, an acquiring part configured to acquire a parameter indicating the status of a scan, a determining part configured to determine whether the parameter acquired by the acquiring part during the scan is included within a reference range, and a controller configured to change the size of a focal point of an electron beam to a different size depending on the determination result during the scan with reference to the result of the determination by the determining part. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110016306 | MEDICAL IMAGE DISPLAY SYSTEM AND MEDICAL IMAGE COMMUNICATION METHOD - A medical image display system according to an embodiment including a server that provides medical image display data and display/clinical applications and a terminal device that can access the server by way of a network, the system, configuring the medical image display data so that pieces of image display information of a plurality of types including medical image information and interface information for user operation are arranged in a multilayered manner; transmitting the pieces of image display information of a plurality of types to the terminal device from the server, assigning them to communication protocols of different types; synthetically combining and displaying the pieces of image display information of a plurality of types transmitted from the server with use of the terminal device; and generating operator information by utilizing the interface information for user operation displayed on the terminal device, and transmitting the operator information to the server by way of the network. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110013742 | X-RAY DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS AND A METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN X-RAY IRRADIATION REGION - An X-ray diagnosis apparatus and a method for controlling an X-ray irradiation region that can appropriately narrow down an X-ray radiation aperture so as to fit a configuration of a region of interest during acquisition of X-ray projection data for reconstructing tomography images of an object. Based on a plurality of 2D image data acquired through a preliminarily X-ray imaging, a 3D region of interest is set up on an examination target portion having a strong directionality. X-ray imaging of the 3D region of interest is performed by sliding and rotating a plurality of aperture blades in an X-ray collimator based on a projected figure of the 3D region of interest along successively renewed imaging directions around a periphery of an object. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110004595 | DIAGNOSTIC REPORT SEARCH SUPPORTING APPARATUS AND DIAGNOSTIC REPORT SEARCHING APPARATUS - According to embodiments, a diagnostic report search supporting apparatus and a diagnostic report searching apparatus each have a report registering part, a structuring processing part, a related-term analyzing part, a counting part, and a keyword extracting part. The structuring processing part extracts terms from a sentence written in a diagnostic report, and classifies the terms into predetermined kinds. The related-term analyzing part generates combinations each composed of two or more terms based on the plurality of terms having been extracted. The counting part counts the existence number of same combinations in the plurality of combinations, and extracts combinations whose existence numbers are a predetermined number or more. The keyword extracting part extracts a combination including a desired keyword, and extracts a term other than the desired keyword as a related keyword. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110002515 | MEDICAL IMAGE INTERPRETATION SYSTEM - In embodiments, a medical image interpretation system has at least a medical image storing part, a medical image referring part, a medical record storing part, a process controlling part, an information extraction processing part, an image region specifying part, and an image processing part. The process controlling part specifies a medical image and extracts a medical record of a patient of the medical image. The information extraction processing part classifies terms on a sentence written in the medical record into predetermined types to structure the sentence, and extracts a region term from the structured sentence. The image region specifying part specifies the range of images showing a region corresponding to the region term from the medical image and specifies the position and range of the region. The image processing part displays at least the region position and range in a visually recognizable manner. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20100331702 | ULTRASONIC PROBE AND ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS - According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic probe includes a probe unit and cooling unit. The probe unit is obtained by arranging, in a housing, a transducer unit which transmits and receives ultrasonic waves with an object to be examined, an electronic circuit unit which is connected to the transducer unit and performs electrical signal processing, and a heat transfer member which is made of a material having a heat transfer coefficient higher than that of the electronic circuit unit, and transfers heat of the electronic circuit unit to a housing surface. The cooling unit is detachably mounted on the housing of the probe unit, and cools the heat transfer member by passing a coolant in a channel formed inside the cooling unit. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100331693 | ULTRASOUND IMAGE DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS AND A CONTROL METHOD FOR MEASURING DIAGNOSIS PARAMETERS - An ultrasound image diagnosis apparatus that can display image data acquired at a plurality of measuring positions in panoramic image data and display measured results of diagnosis parameters for each of the measuring positions of the panoramic image data The panoramic image data is generated by combining a plurality of reference image data generated at a plurality of diagnosis target positions. The plurality of measuring positions is designated based on the latest reference image data composing the panoramic image data. Based on Doppler signals acquired through ultrasound transmissions and receptions to and from the plurality of measurement positions, image data is generated. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100331692 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS AND METHOD OF SETTING SOUND VELOCITY - In one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an image creating unit, an image-creation control unit and a display control unit. The image creating unit creates an ultrasound image from data created by adding a reflected wave signal of an ultrasound wave transmitted to an imaging target portion of a subject by using a reception delay time calculated from a set sound velocity set as a sound velocity in the imaging target portion. The image-creation control unit switches a set sound velocity set at a present moment in a variable range, and controls the image creating unit so as to create a plurality of ultrasound images each using a reception delay time corresponding to each of the set sound velocities to be switched. The display control unit controls display such that the ultrasound images created are displayed on a certain display unit. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100328313 | ADVANCED CLUSTERING METHOD FOR MATERIAL SEPARATION IN DUAL ENERGY CT - Three or more materials are advantageously separated from dual energy data by using a material separation technique. To effectively separate material clusters, a density plot is introduced to automatically render cluster separations. Initially, the projection data optionally undergo data-domain dual energy decomposition. Then, the image data is plotted in a vector plot whose axes are the low HU values and the high HU values. For a given data point in the vector plot, a number of data points is counted within in a region of interest surrounding the given data point to generate a density plot where each point now represents a density level surrounding the data point. Thus, clustering of a certain material is visualized by a predetermined color assignment scheme. Furthermore, special image processing methods such as Gaussian decomposition are used to improve the accuracy of material separation. In addition, the HSL color model may be used for better visualization and to bring a new dimension in material separation display. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100324424 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS, ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC METHOD AND DATA PROCESSING PROGRAM FOR ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS - An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a data acquisition unit, a correction unit and a display unit. The data acquisition unit acquires phase signals as Doppler data from a moving object in an object by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from the object. The correction unit performs global aliasing correction processing of the phase signals based on a continuity in a two-dimensionally phase change. The display unit displays phase signals after the aliasing correction processing. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100324413 | X-RAY DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM - In one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic system is provided. The system is provided with an X-ray irradiation section, an X-ray detection section, an image data generation unit, a position detecting unit and a control section. The X-ray irradiation section radiates an X-ray to an object to be diagnosed. The X-ray detection section detects the X-ray radiated from the X-ray irradiation section and transmitted through the object so as to generate X-ray transmission data. The image data generation unit generates image data based on the X-ray transmission data. The position detecting unit detects position of a catheter inserted into the object. The control section switches X-ray irradiation conditions to be irradiated from the X-ray irradiation section, based on positional data detected by the position detecting unit and electrocardiogram data of the object. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100312098 | MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING APPARATUS AND IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS - A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a first data acquisition unit, a second data acquisition unit and an image data generating unit. The first data acquisition unit acquires first data from a slice to be a target after a first delay time from a reference of a first heart rate synchronized with an electrocardiogram. The second data acquisition unit acquires second data from the slice after a second delay time from a reference of a second heart rate which is different from the first heart rate. The image data generating unit generates image data with image reconstruction processing using the first data and the second data. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100305450 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS - An apparatus has: an ultrasound probe that transmits and receives ultrasound waves to and from a subject and has an ultrasound transmission/reception surface; an acoustic coupler that has a different shape for each type and is attachable and detachable so as to cover the ultrasound transmission/reception surface; a generator that, based on the ultrasound waves received by the ultrasound probe, generates an image expanding in a depth direction from the ultrasound transmission/reception surface; and an analyzer that, based on presence/absence and shape of an acoustic coupler region within the image generated by the generator, identifies presence/absence of mounting of the acoustic coupler and a type of the mounted acoustic coupler. Consequently, the apparatus is capable of identifying the acoustic coupler though the ultrasound probe and the acoustic coupler are not provided with special structures. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100303197 | X-ray CT apparatus and a method for detecting magnetic pole position thereof - An X-ray CT apparatus includes a fixed gantry having a plurality of stator coils arranged in a circle and mounted on the fixed gantry. A ring-shaped rotation frame of the CT apparatus includes a plurality of rotor magnets facing the plurality of stator coils. The CT apparatus further has an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector situated on the rotation frame to face each other and a supporting unit configured to provide non-contact support of the rotation frame on the fixed gantry. A magnetic pole detection unit of the apparatus is configured to detect a magnetic pole position of the rotor magnet at a start-up time of the plurality of stator coils and a brake mechanism of the apparatus is configured to apply a brake load to the rotation frame when detecting the magnetic pole position and to remove the brake load after detecting the magnetic pole position. | 12-02-2010 |
| 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 |
| 20100298714 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND ULTRASONIC PROBE - When ultrasonic pulses are transmitted to the inside of an examined subject by driving transducer elements of which the quantity is Mx and that are arranged in a two-dimensional array within an ultrasonic probe, a signal selecting unit included in the probe selects, for each of the transducer elements, two adjacent driving signals each having a time delay closest to an accurate time delay (an ideal time delay) required to drive the transducer element, out of driving signals in as many channels as Mo (Mo<| 11-25-2010 | |
| 20100292577 | ULTRASOUND IMAGE DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS - An ultrasound image diagnosis apparatus executing lighting-on and lighting-off of a lighting device by detecting an identification (ID) data of a probe or an operation on an operation panel. The ultrasound image diagnosis also includes a lighting device configured to identify a usage state or non-usage state of the ultrasound probe by a lighting color. While an ultrasound examination is performed in a dimly-lit room, a visibility of an ultrasound probe connector can be increased. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100292570 | MEDICAL IMAGING APPARATUS AND MEDICAL IMAGING METHOD - An injection part injects a contrast agent into a subject. An image acquiring part images the subject with the contrast agent injected, and acquires a plurality of image data with different imaging times. A pixel value calculator obtains a pixel value within a region of interest set in each of the image data acquired by the image acquiring part, for each of the image data. An injection controller controls injection of the contrast agent by the injection part in accordance with the pixel value obtained for each of the image data. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100289813 | NUCLEAR MEDICAL IMAGING APPARATUS, IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - A two-dimensional look-up-table (LUT) storage unit stores a two-dimensional LUT in which each combination of two input values is associated with an output value for outputting a different color tone. A registration unit registers Positron Emission Tomography (PET) images of examination 1 and examination 2 by using X-ray CT images of the examination 1 and the examination 2; and an output-image creating unit acquires from the two-dimensional LUT an output value where input values are a combination of pixel values of corresponding pixels between the registered PET images, and creates an output image. Moreover, the output-image creating unit creates the output image from output values within a setting range specified on the two-dimensional LUT, among acquired output values. A display control unit controls display such that an output image or a composite image of an output image and an X-ray CT image created by a composite-image creating unit is to be displayed on a monitor. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100286525 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS - An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus of the present invention has: an image generator configured to execute transmission/reception of ultrasound waves to chronologically generate ultrasound image data of plural frames; a multiresolution decomposition part configured to hierarchically perform multiresolution decomposition on the ultrasound image data to acquire first-order to n | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100283779 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TOMOGRAPHIC RECONSTRUCTION IN MEDICAL IMAGING USING THE CIRCLE AND LINE TRAJECTORY - A method of reconstructing a volume image of an object includes receiving circle projection data collected by a detector along a circular path with respect to the object; receiving line projection data collected by the detector along a linear path with respect to the object; producing a reconstructed circle path volume image of the object from the pre-processed circle projection data using a reconstruction algorithm that includes a ramp filter; producing a reconstructed line path volume image of the object from pre-processed line projection data using a reconstruction algorithm that includes a Hubert filter; and combining the reconstructed circle path volume image and the reconstructed line path volume image to produce the volume image of the object. An apparatus and computer program product are also described. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100272344 | IMAGE DISPLAY APPARATUS AND X-RAY DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS - An X-ray perfusion-image creating unit creates an X-ray perfusion image indicating blood flow dynamics in a certain organ from an X-ray projection image of a subject given with a contrast agent. An image correction unit extracts thickness information indicating the thickness of a myocardium from a three-dimensional image taken by an X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) apparatus. Moreover, the image correction unit creates a corrected perfusion image in which the thickness of the myocardium in the X-ray perfusion image is corrected, based on the thickness information. A display unit then displays the corrected perfusion image. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100264320 | POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY APPARATUS AND NUCLEAR MEDICAL IMAGE GENERATING METHOD - In a case that a gamma ray has entered into a plurality of scintillators adjacent to each other simultaneously, a detector detects the gamma ray having entered simultaneously. A position calculator calculates the ratio of wave heights representing the energies of the detected gamma ray. The position calculator obtains a trajectory of such a gamma ray that a ratio of distances passed by the gamma ray inside the plurality of scintillators, respectively, coincides with the ratio of the wave heights. The position calculator obtains an intersection between the boundary of the plurality of scintillators and the trajectory, as a passing position of the gamma ray. A reconstructing part executes a back projection process with the trajectory passing through the calculated passing position as a projection position. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100260313 | X-RAY CT APPARATUS - An X-ray CT apparatus has: a plurality of X-ray detection elements arranged in a matrix form; a QV amplifier unit having a plurality of QV amplifiers; | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100259264 | DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM, DATA PROCESSING METHOD, DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING APPARATUS, AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING APPARATUS - A data processing system configured to process acquired image data (e.g., as part of a diagnostic imaging apparatus) uses a signal-power estimating unit for estimating signal power by using reference data containing data different from processing-target data and a data processing unit for processing the processing-target data by using a WF (wiener_filter) based on the signal power estimated by the signal-power estimating unit. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100244838 | RF coil assembly for MRI using differently shaped and/or sized coils - A radio frequency coil assembly is provided that includes a first radio frequency coil for receiving a magnetic resonance signal from a tested body; a second radio frequency coil for receiving a magnetic resonance signal from the tested body; and a third radio frequency coil for receiving a magnetic resonance signal from the tested body and having a shape that is different from that of at least one of the first and second radio frequency coils so as to increase local sensitivity in an image-picked-up region. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100244833 | MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING APPARATUS - In an MRI apparatus, a detecting unit that includes a thermographic imaging equipment and a normal imaging camera detects a change in temperature of an imaging space from outside of the imaging space. A judging unit judges whether the imaging space has a point at a temperature greater than a threshold TH, and if the judging unit judges the imaging space has such a point with a temperature greater than the threshold, the apparatus stops the sequence that applies a gradient magnetic field to the subject. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100240997 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS AND A CENTESIS SUPPORTING METHOD - An ultrasound diagnosis system and a centesis support controlling method by which positions and directions of a centesis needle traveling to a target region can accurately and easily be determined, including an MPR image data generating unit which generates target image data by setting a prescribed target MPR plane on volume data acquired through 3D scan over a 3D volume including a target region; a centesis needle MPR plane setting unit which generates centesis needle data indicating position and directions of the centesis needle, based on the acquired volume data; a crossing angle detection unit which detects a crossing angle between the target MPR plane and the centesis needle MPR plane including the centesis needle data; and a needling support data generating unit which generates needling support data by composing the target image data and the centesis needle data overlapped with centesis needle image data based on the detected crossin angle. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100239151 | B1 and/or B0 mapping in MRI system using k-space spatial frequency domain filtering - Frequency filtering of spatially modulated or “tagged” MRI data in the spatial frequency k-space domain with subsequent 2DFT to the spatial domain and pixel-by-pixel arithmetic calculations provide robust data that can be used to derive B1 and/or B0 maps for an MRI system. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100239146 | X-RAY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY SCANNER, DATA PROCESSING DEVICE, AND DATA PROCESSING METHOD - A rotation frame supports an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector to be rotatable about a rotation axis. A top plate support mechanism supports the top plate on which a sample is placed to be movable along the rotation axis. A scan controller drives the top plate support mechanism and the rotation frame so as to scan a plurality of scan areas either partially overlapping or being adjacent along the rotation axis with the X-rays. A reconstruction processor generates a plurality of volume data sets corresponding to the plurality of scan areas on the basis of the output from the X-ray detector. A boundary corrector corrects CT values of the plurality of volume data sets on the basis of CT value differences between the overlapping or adjacent portions of the plurality of volume data sets. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100239142 | B1 mapping in MRI system using k-space spatial frequency domain filtering - Frequency filtering of spatially modulated or “tagged” MRI data in the spatial frequency k-space domain with subsequent 2DFT to the spatial domain and pixel-by-pixel arithmetic calculations provide robust ratio values that can be subjected to inverse trigonometric functions to derive B1 maps for an MRI system. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100234735 | ULTRASOUND PROBE AND AN ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS - A tube has a hollow portion and at its tip end, a recess with an open window. A rotating member is held in the recess and is rotated about a central axis. A driving cable transmits a rotating force to the rotating member (or a feeding cable supplies an electric power to a drive part for rotating the rotating member). A piezoelectric vibrator is supported by the rotating member so as to swing its ultrasonic-wave transmitting/receiving surface about a swing axis that is orthogonal to the central axis. A permanent magnet is provided on one of the rotating member and the piezoelectric vibrator. An electromagnet is provided on the other of the rotating member and the piezoelectric vibrator so as to be opposed to the permanent magnet. And a power supply cable supplies, to the electromagnet, a current for swinging the piezoelectric vibrator. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100232573 | CARDIOVASCULAR X-RAY DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM - A cardiovascular x-ray diagnostic system capable of taking radiographs at different positions by moving at least one of a tabletop on which a subject is placed and a radiographic system equipped with an x-ray tube and an x-ray detector includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire a radiography position from a position of the tabletop and a position of the radiographic system; a reference position identification unit configured to identify a reference radiography position; and a radiographic unit configured to take radiographs by changing a radiographic parameter based on a current radiography position acquired by the acquisition unit and the reference radiography position. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100232567 | X-RAY CT APPARATUS AND X-RAY DETECTING APPARATUS THEREOF - A high-resolution X-ray apparatus and a high-resolution X-ray detecting apparatus includes a plurality of multi-slice X-ray detection packs held on the pair of guide rails by detachable tight fitting members. A detachable pressing board is provided on the pair of guide rails for fixing the plurality of detection packs so that edges of adjacent detection packs contact each other. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100222680 | ULTRASOUND IMAGING APPARATUS, IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT - An image-manipulation receiving unit receives an image manipulation by a user. A viewpoint/mark calculating unit calculates a viewpoint and a display position of a probe mark based on the image manipulation by the user. A mark-notation creating unit creates a probe mark, a front-back distinction mark, a line of indicating position just beneath probe center, a line of indicating scan area, and a quadrangular pyramid mark, as a mark. An image compositing unit then composites a color Doppler image with the marks, and displays them onto a monitor. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100215237 | MEDICAL IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND MEDICAL IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - A medical image processing apparatus is configured as follows. Namely the apparatus is provided with a first image generation unit which executes reconfiguration processing based on X-ray transmission data to generate a contrast blood vessel figure three-dimensional image data including a figure of a blood vessel in a subject having a contrast media injected thereto, a second image generation unit which executes reconfiguration processing based on the X-ray transmission data to generate a human anatomy figure three-dimensional image data including a figure of a human anatomy in the subject having no contrast media injected thereto, a black-and-white reverse processing unit which executes black-and-white reverse processing with respect to the contrast blood vessel figure three-dimensional image data to generate black-and-white reversed three-dimensional image data, and a combination processing unit which combines the human anatomy figure three-dimensional image data with the black-and-white reversed three-dimensional image data to generate combined image data. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100215149 | X-RAY DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS - An X-ray diagnosis apparatus includes a display-image creating unit that creates a display image from three-dimensional medical image data such that a display image of three-dimensional medical image data substantially matches up with an anatomical structure on an acquired image by the X-ray diagnosis apparatus. Moreover, the X-ray diagnosis apparatus includes a display-image changing unit that changes a display image so as to maintain consistency of an anatomical structure in accordance with change in acquiring conditions by the X-ray diagnosis apparatus. Furthermore, the X-ray diagnosis apparatus includes a display unit that displays a display image that is at least one of created and changed by at least one of the display-image creating unit and the display-image changing unit. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100215141 | X-RAY CT APPARATUS AND A METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE X-RAY CT APPARATUS - An X-ray CT apparatus includes an X-ray generator and an X-ray detector. The X-ray generator and the X-ray detector rotate about a subject. A controller controls the timing of exposing X-rays from the X-ray generator. The controller controls the collection timing for the projection data used by the X-ray detector and causes the X-ray detector to continuously collect the projection data at the specified collection timing. The controller causes additional information representing the state of exposure of the X-rays to be added to each projection data that has been collected by the X-ray detector at said specified collection timing. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100210007 | AUTOMATIC ANALYZER - Disclosed is an automatic analyzer that analyzes a component of a target layer of a test sample separated into a plurality of layers by transferring the component from an installed container, comprising: a dispensing probe that descends into the target layer and suctions the component; a detecting unit that detects the height of the layer surface of the target layer of the test sample; a calculating unit that calculates the depth from the layer surface of the target layer at which the total content of the component of the target layer reaches a target amount; and a controller that causes the dispensing probe to descend to the depth calculated by the calculating unit and suction the component. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100208864 | X-RAY CT SYSTEM, A RECORDING MEDIUM THAT STORES CONTROL PROGRAM FOR THE SAME AND A METHOD OF DETERMINIG AN IMAGE RESULT IN CASE OF CAPTURING CT IMAGES - An imaging-condition setting part that sets a plurality of CT-image imaging conditions, including an electric amount for driving and controlling an X-ray tube during CT imaging, based on a scout image that has been imaged by irradiating X-rays from the X-ray tube, to a subject on a top board, that has been stopped at least one of said first position and said second position; and a calculating part that judges whether there are any detection elements that are expected to detect an X-ray dosage exceeding a predetermined value and outputs the judgment result when the X-ray tube is stopped at least one of the first position and the second position relative to the subject on the top board and X-rays are irradiated from the X-ray tube through driving and controlling based on the electric amount. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100205485 | MEDICAL-INFORMATION COMMUNICATION-CONNECTION MANAGEMENT DEVICE AND A METHOD OF MANAGING A MEDICAL-INFORMATION COMMUNICATION CONNECTION - The present invention comprises a request sending part | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100204579 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC METHOD - An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has an ultrasonic probe, a control unit, a basic image generating unit, a differential image generating unit, and a composite image generating unit. The control unit controls the ultrasonic probe so as to sequentially perform, every scanning line of scanning lines in a scanning region, a transmitting and receiving under a first transmitting/receiving condition, a second transmitting/receiving condition, and a third transmitting/receiving condition. The basic image generating unit generates a first image based on the first transmitting/receiving condition, a second image based on the second transmitting/receiving condition, and a third image based on the third transmitting/receiving condition. The differential image generating unit performs a differential processing based on the first image and the second image to generate a differential image. The composite image generating unit performs a composite processing based on the differential image and the third image to generate a composite image. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100202675 | RADIATION DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS, X-RAY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY APPARATUS, AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - An X-ray image generating unit alternately generates X-ray images each obtained by radiating X-rays having a higher level of energy and X-ray images each obtained by radiating X-rays having a lower level of energy. Further, every time an X-ray image has been generated by the X-ray image generating unit, a dual energy subtraction image generating unit generates a dual energy subtraction image by using the X-ray image that has just been generated and the X-ray image generated immediately preceding the X-ray image. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100202585 | X-RAY IMAGE DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS AND X-RAY IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - An X-ray image diagnosis apparatus includes: an imaging unit that includes an X-ray generation unit and an X-ray detection unit, which are supported so as to be opposed to each other and rotatable about the body axis of a subject placed; a control unit that performs imaging for obtaining images within a predetermined angular range required for image reconstruction, the control unit rotating the imaging unit within a first angular range to perform a first imaging operation and then rotating the imaging unit within a second angular range to perform a second imaging operation such that a part of the first angular range and a part of the second angular range are overlapped with each other; and an image data processing unit that performs image reconstruction processing after compensating a displacement occurring between the images obtained by the first and second imaging operations. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100198073 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND CONTROLLING METHOD OF ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS - An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has a unit which sets a display region for displaying a 3D image, a unit which transmits and receives ultrasound waves, a unit which generates volume data, a unit, on the basis of the volume data, which sets an analysis region, a unit, on the basis of the data on the analysis region contained in the volume data, which analyzes a fluctuations in signal intensity over time, a unit, on the basis of the analysis result, which calculates a cardiac cycle, a unit, on the basis of the cardiac cycle and the volume data, which generates data set constructed by data with substantially equal cardiac cycle, and generates data sets corresponding to a plurality of cardiac cycles, and a unit which displays the 3D images based on the data sets as a moving image. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100195892 | MEDICAL IMAGE DATA PROCESSING APPARATUS AND MEDICAL IMAGE DATA PROCESSING METHOD - A medical image data processing apparatus includes: an imaging unit that has an X-ray tube for irradiating a subject with X-ray and an X-ray detector for detecting X-ray passed through the subject and scans the subject to collect raw data; a reconstruction unit that reconstructs image data from the collected raw data; a cutout unit that calculates, based on an image to be observed selected from the reconstructed image data, an imaging position of the image to be observed and cut outs, from the collected raw data, raw data existing within a previously set range including raw data constituting the image to be observed; and a storage unit that stores the raw data cut out by the cutout unit together with associated additional information. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100195887 | MEDICAL IMAGING APPARATUS, MEDICAL IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, ULTRASONIC IMAGING APPARATUS, ULTRASONIC IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF PROCESSING MEDICAL IMAGES - Based on medical image data acquired in each time phase included in a one-cycle interval, first tracking part tracks the position of a first region of interest set in a first time phase in each time phase and tracks the position of a second region of interest set in a second time phase in each time phase. Based on position information of the first region of interest and the second region of interest in each time phase, position correction part obtains position information of a region of interest in each time phase so that it passes through the position of the first region of interest in the first time phase and the position of the second region of interest in the second time phase. Motion-information calculator obtains motion information of a tissue based on the obtained position information. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100194388 | Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using spir and/or chess suppression pulses - A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes an imaging condition setting unit and an image data acquisition unit. The imaging condition setting unit sets an imaging condition applying first and second suppression pulses of which at least ones of types, center frequencies and frequency bands are different from each other. The first and the second suppression pulses frequency-selectively suppress at least one of fat and silicone. The image data acquisition unit acquires image data according to the imaging condition. | 08-05-2010 |
| 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 |
| 20100185094 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS, MEDICAL IMAGE DISPLAY APPARATUS AND MEDICAL IMAGE DISPLAYING METHOD - An ultrasound diagnosis system, a medical image display apparatus and displaying method that simultaneously acquires virtual endoscopy image data and multi-planar-reconstruction (MPR) image data of a diagnosing target region based on the volume data acquired from an object. Virtual endoscopy image data is generated by setting up a viewing point and a viewing direction on a volume data acquired from the object. A marker is provided on a target region of a lumen organ shown in the virtual endoscopy image data for setting up an observing direction. A reference line started from the volume data is set up along an observing direction. By comparing a voxel value of the volume data that is crossing to the reference line with a prescribed threshold value, a reference point where a surface of the diagnosing target region crosses the reference line is set up to the volume data. MPR image data is generated by extracting each voxel of the volume data corresponded to each of three MPR cross-sectional planes that are mutually orthogonally crossing at the reference point and displayed with the virtual endoscopy image data. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100185092 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS, POSITIONAL INFORMATION ACQUIRING METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT - The analysis image generating unit generates section images from volume analysis data that is collected by sending an ultrasound wave down to a region under the ribs. The right/left identifying unit identifies the right or left breast from cyclic motion components in the section images. The extending direction detecting unit analyzes plane-A images or plane-B images generated from the same volume analysis data, or a plane-C thickness-added MIP image, and detects the rib extending direction. The extending direction detecting unit also determines the position of the ultrasound probe based on the relative displacement of the extending direction. The body mark generating unit generates a body mark from the analysis results obtained by the right/left identifying unit and the extending direction detecting unit. The image synthesizing unit integrates the display image generated by the display image generating unit and the body mark, and displays it on the monitor. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100185091 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS, ULTRASOUND IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD, IMAGE DISPLAY METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT - As an ROI for display and an ROI for valve observation as well as a projecting direction are input, a volume-rendering processing unit creates a first image in the ROI for display through volume rendering processing, and the ray-tracing processing unit creates a second image in the ROI for valve observation through ray tracing processing. An image compositing unit then creates a composite image by compositing the first image and the second image, and the composite image created by the image compositing unit ( | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100183208 | IMAGE DISPLAY METHOD, MEDICAL DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING APPARATUS, AND MEDICAL IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS - Setting information in which a sequence with medical meaning is set as the sequence of viewing a plurality of medical image data is read from a portable medium. Moreover, in accordance with the sequence set in the setting information, a plurality of medical image data stored in the portable medium is replicated into a storage unit of a terminal device as replicated medical image data. Furthermore, before replication of all of the medical image data stored in the portable medium is finished, reception of an output instruction is started. Replicated medical image data corresponding to medical image data specified in the output instruction is then output to an output unit. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100183207 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND X-RAY DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS - An image processing apparatus includes a storage unit which stores data of X-ray projection images generated through a angiographic imaging sequence, a generation unit which, based on the data, generates a reference time density curve concerning a reference region which is set as a blood supply region, and time density curves concerning perfusion regions which are set as a blood supplied region, a measurement unit which measures delay times for which a contrast medium reaches the perfusion regions from the reference region, from relationships between the reference time density curve and the time density curves, a calculation unit which calculates, respectively for the perfusion regions, first indices expressing correlations of the time density curves to the reference time density curve within a period determined on the basis of the delay times, and a first image generation unit which generates a first image expressing spatial distribution of the first indices. | 07-22-2010 |
| 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 |
