| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
| 378009000 | Plural sources | 63 |
| 20100150304 | Radiation CT imaging apparatus - A plurality of radiation sources and a plurality of radiation detectors are integrated into a main imaging unit and a moving member is provided to the main imaging unit. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20130034201 | APPARATUS FOR X-RAY IMAGING FOR PROJECTION RADIOGRAPHY AND COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY, AND METHOD FOR X-RAY IMAGING - An X-ray imaging apparatus has at least one X-ray image system rotatable about an examination volume. The X-ray image system is controlled such that during a continuous rotation of the system, at least one 2D projection image is recorded. An image generation facility generates the 2D projection image from the measured data. The X-ray source includes an X-ray focus which can be changed in terms of position, which, during the recording of the 2D projection image, moves counter to the direction of rotation of the X-ray image system such that its spatial position in a fixed coordinate system does not change. The X-ray detector records several 2D partial images, from which the 2D projection image is calculated with the rotational movement of the X-ray detector being at least approximately compensated. The 2D projection images have significantly reduced image blur. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20090323889 | XRD-BASED FALSE ALARM RESOLUTION IN MEGAVOLTAGE COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY SYSTEMS - System and method for XRD-based false alarm resolution in computed tomography (“CT”) threat detection systems. Following a scan of an object with a megavoltage CT-based threat detection system, a suspicious area in the object is identified. The three dimensional position of the suspicious area is used to determine a ray path for the XRD-based threat detection system that provides minimal X-ray attenuation. The object is then positioned for XRD scanning of the suspicious area along this determined ray path. The XRD-based threat detection system is configured to detect high density metals (“HDMs) as well as shielded Special Nuclear Materials (“SNMs”) based on cubic or non-cubic diffraction profiles. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090116612 | MULTI-TUBE IMAGING SYSTEM RECONSTRUCTION - A tomographic apparatus ( | 05-07-2009 |
| 20120224667 | PATH PLANNING AND COLLISION AVOIDANCE FOR MOVEMENT OF INSTRUMENTS IN A RADIATION THERAPY ENVIRONMENT - Apparatus and methods for therapy delivery are disclosed. In one embodiment, a therapy delivery system includes a plurality of movable components including a radiation therapy nozzle and a patient pod for holding a patient, a patient registration module for determining a desired position of at least one of the plurality of movable components, and a motion control module for coordinating the movement of the least one of the plurality of movable components from a current position to the desired position. The motion control module includes a path planning module for simulating at least one projected trajectory of movement of the least one of the plurality of moveable components from the current position to the desired position. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20090046830 | Computerized tomography image reconstruction - Systems and methods include coordinated (KV) and megaelectronvolt (MV) computerized tomography (CT) imaging. KV and MV data are combined using a normalization process in order to generate CT images. The resulting CT images can include an improved signal to noise ratio in comparison to CT images generated using either KV or MV imaging alone. The coordinated KV and MV imaging process may be accomplished in significantly less time than using KV or MV imaging alone. This time savings has advantages in treatment verification. The MV projections are optionally generated using MV x-rays configured for x-ray treatment. In these cases the combined projections will reflect the treatment volume. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20130121459 | C-Arm System - A C-arm system includes a first floor-mounted C-arm, a second ceiling-mounted C-arm, and a recording space for an object that is to be examined. The C-arms and the recording space are arranged in relation to each other such that recordings of the object may be made by the C-arms in two different planes. The second C-arm is configured for an orbital movement about an angular range of at least 180 degrees. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20110280367 | X-RAY EXAMINATION APPARATUS AND METHOD - The present invention relates to an examination apparatus and a corresponding method to realize a Spectral x-ray imaging device through inverse-geometry CT. The proposed examination apparatus comprises: an X-ray source unit ( | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110311020 | Image diagnosis apparatus and method using X-ray - An image diagnosis apparatus and method may emit radiation to a target object, may compress the target object in response to the emitted radiation, and may collect a plurality of images with respect to the compressed target object in response to the emitted radiation. An elastic image with respect to the target object may be generated based on the plurality of collected images. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110311019 | MULTI-SOURCE ENCODED X-RAY IMAGING - A tomographic apparatus ( | 12-22-2011 |
| 20100124310 | DATA NORMALIZATION IN INVERSE GEOMETRY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY SYSTEM - A method for imaging an object in a computed tomography (CT) system with a plurality of sources comprising a first source and a second source, wherein the plurality of sources together with a detector array are mounted on a rotatable gantry, and wherein an intensity of the second source has unknown fluctuations is provided. Projection data is collected using the first source in a first gantry position. Projection data is collected using the second source in a second gantry position, wherein projection data from the first source in the first gantry position substantially overlaps projection data from the second source in the second gantry position. Data from the first source at the first gantry position is used to correct for source fluctuations of the second source at the second gantry position. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20110299653 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LAMINOGRAPHY INSPECTION - Imaging systems including a multiple focal spot x-ray source adapted to irradiate an object with a series of angularly displaced x-ray beams, one at a time, without substantial rotation or translation of the multiple focal spot x-ray source are provided. Such systems also includes a detector adapted to receive at least a fraction of the angularly displaced x-ray beams after being attenuated by the object to produce at least two x-ray projection images of the object. The imaging systems also include a processor adapted to shift and add the at least two x-ray projection images to bring at least two planes of the object into focus, one at a time. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20100034341 | X-RAY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY ARRANGEMENT - The aim of the invention is to produce an x-ray computed tomography arrangement in which there is no axial offset between the path of the focal spot and the x-ray detector arc. Said aim is achieved by: —arranging the x-ray detector arc and the target around the examination cross-section within a radiation plane such that the x-ray focal spots generated by the deflected electron beam of the electron beam generator lie within an axial plane, the radiation plane, along with the active detector elements; —disposing the x-ray detector arc behind the target in a radial direction such that each imaginary x-ray extending from a focal spot position on the target to a detector element of the x-ray detector arc penetrates the target, which lies in front of the point of incidence on the x-ray detector arc in the direction of radiation, in the area in which the target and the x-ray detector arc angularly overlap; —producing the target from a target member which is preferably made of a material that has a low atomic number and great heat storage capacity or thermal conductance; —applying an electron-decelerating material layer, preferably made of a refractory material that has a high atomic number, to the side of the target member which faces the electron beam. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100266097 | MULTI X-RAY IMAGING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR - An X-ray imaging apparatus includes a multi X-ray source which includes a plurality of X-ray focuses to generate X-rays by irradiating X-ray targets with electron beams, a detector which detects X-rays which have been emitted from the multi X-ray source and have reached a detection surface, and a moving mechanism for moving the multi X-ray source within a plane facing the detection surface. The X-ray imaging apparatus acquires a plurality of X-ray detection signals from the detector by causing the multi X-ray source to perform X-ray irradiation while shifting the positions of a plurality of X-ray focuses which the detector has relative to the detection surface by moving the multi X-ray source using the moving mechanism. The apparatus then generates an X-ray projection image based on the plurality of X-ray detection signals acquired by the detector. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20090285353 | Array CT - Embodiments of an Array CT scanning system for x-ray scanning objects (e.g., scanning airline baggage, packages, and cargo) can include a conveyor configured to transport baggage through a tunnel, a bottom mounted x-ray source configured to provide five fan beams through the tunnel, a side mounted x-ray source disposed at a height higher than the conveyor and configured to provide a fan beam through the tunnel, and a plurality of detectors disposed across the arcs of each of the fan beams. An image processing system can be configured to provide 3D type images of a scanned bag as a function of the information received from the detectors. The images can be derived through interpolation of the scan data. An operator can manipulate the image data and partially rotate the bag to discern objects located within. A side tray is provided to allow an operator to remove a suspect bag from an operational flow of bags. Image information can be stored for subsequent review. Multiple scanners can be networked together such that image and passenger information can be transferred to other workstations. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20100278298 | CT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PHASE-CONTRAST AND ABSORPTION IMAGING - A CT system is disclosed for phase-contrast and absorption imaging with a plurality of emitter-detector systems. In at least one embodiment, there are at least two emitter-detector systems and the at least two emitter-detector systems have a different distance between radiation focus and detector and there is a computational element for calculating phase-contrast images on the basis of the solution to the intensity transport equation. Moreover, at least one embodiment of the invention relates to a method for phase-contrast and absorption imaging using such a CT system by comparing attenuation images recorded at different distances of a detector from a multiplicity of projection angles by solving the intensity transport equation and reconstruction or comparison of two tomographic and three-dimensional image data records, reconstructed from projections, which were recorded at different distances. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100135454 | STAGGERED CIRCULAR SCANS FOR CT IMAGING - Certain embodiments provide staggered circular scans for CT imaging. In certain embodiments, a CT imaging system comprises a plurality of source-detector assemblies that are axially offset from one another and rotate about a rotation axis to provide staggered circular CT scanning. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20080317197 | RADIOLOGICAL IMAGING APPARATUS AND TRANSMISSION IMAGING METHOD - A radiological imaging apparatus includes an imaging apparatus having an opening for insertion of a bed thereinto, and an attenuation correction data creating device. The imaging has a plurality of radiation detectors disposed around the opening and a plurality of gamma ray generation units residing between the opening and the radiation detectors disposed at a position nearest to the opening and being placed in a longitudinal direction of the bed. Each γ-ray generation unit has γ-ray sources of single photon emission nuclear species and is arranged to externally radiate a γ-ray alternately from either one of the γ-ray generators toward the opening. The data creator prepares attenuation correction data based on a detection signal as output from the radiation detector due to the incoming radiation of γ-rays from the γ-ray generator. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20090052615 | IMAGING APPARATUS USING DISTRIBUTED X-RAY SOUCES AND METHOD THEREOF - An imaging apparatus is disclosed. The imaging apparatus comprises a multidimensional assembly that further comprises a plurality of x-ray sources that are individually addressable. The plurality of x-ray sources is further configurable to simultaneously emit x-ray spectra at different mean energies. Furthermore, the multi-dimensional assembly further comprises a plurality of x-ray detectors that are arranged to detect at least a part of the x-rays that are emitted from at least one of the x-ray sources. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20110228898 | INVERSE GEOMETRY VOLUME COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY SYSTEMS - The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for inverse geometry volume computed tomography medical imaging of a human patient. A plurality of x-ray sources for producing x-ray radiation are used. The gaps between the x-ray sources is less than 20 cm. A collimator located between the plurality of x-ray sources and the human patient is also used. A detector is also used. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20080260093 | Computer Tomography Apparatus with Multiple X-Ray Radiation Sources - A computer tomography apparatus ( | 10-23-2008 |
| 20110228899 | INVERSE GEOMETRY VOLUME COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY SYSTEMS - The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for inverse geometry volume computed tomography medical imaging of a human patient. A plurality of stationary x-ray sources for producing x-ray radiation are used. A rotating collimator located between the plurality of x-ray sources and the human patient is also used. A rotating detector can also be used. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20090316855 | Control Means for Heat Load in X-Ray Scanning Apparatus - The present invention is an X-ray scanning system having at least one multi-focus X-ray tubes spaced around an axis and arranged to emit X-rays through an object on the axis. The emitted X-rays are detected by sensors. Each multi-focus X-ray tube can emit X-rays from a plurality of source positions. In an exemplary scanning cycle, each of the source positions in each X-ray tube is used at least once and ordered to minimize the thermal load on the tubes. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20100002830 | STEREO TUBE COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY - A computed tomography system includes at least two x-ray sources ( | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100239064 | Methods, systems, and computer program products for multiplexing computed tomography - Methods, systems, and computer program products for multiplexing computed tomography are disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein can include illuminating an object with a plurality of x-ray beams from a plurality of viewing angles, wherein each x-ray beam has a distinct waveform; detecting the x-ray intensities of the plurality of pulsed x-ray beams as a function of time, and extracting individual projection image data from the detected x-ray intensities based on the distinct waveforms of the x-ray beams for combining the projection image data to generate three-dimensional tomographic image data of the object. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100254508 | METHOD AND DEVICE TO GENERATE PROJECTIONS OF THE INSIDE OF AN EXAMINATION SUBJECT - In a radioscopic method and device to generate projections of the inside of an examination subject that is located in an examination space of a data acquisition unit, a number of ray beams are generated that are directed toward the examination space and that each exhibit a fan angle in a rotation plane. The number of ray beams are rotated in the rotation plane in a rotation direction the examination space, while the fan angle is varied during the rotation. | 10-07-2010 |
| 20100310038 | COMPUTER TOMOGRAPHY APPARATUS - The invention relates to a computer tomography system comprising a support structure, more than one source of radiation, a detector array, and a grid, wherein the support structure defines a space to accommodate an object of interest which can be moved through the ring. The object of interest is radiographed by means of the sources of radiation which are located at the perimeter of the support structure and are movable along said perimeter. The sources are arranged displaced behind each other. The detector array is located at the perimeter of the support structure opposite the sources of radiation, and is movable simultaneously with the sources along the perimeter of the ring. The grid is arranged on the side of the detector array, orientated to the sources, to focus detector modules arranged on the detector array. By means of said CT system, improved radiographic images can be achieved from the object of interest. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20110129060 | RADIO TOMOGRAPHY IMAGING METHOD - A radio tomography imaging method according to the present invention includes: calculating a conversion function based on a transmission image picked up by using a radiation emitted from a first radiation source and a transmission image picked up by using a radiation emitted from a second radiation source; wherein a position of the second radiation source when the radiation has been emitted coincides with a position of the first radiation source when the radiation has been emitted, and one of the first and second radiation sources emits the radiation when the other emits the radiation, picking up a plurality of first reconfiguration transmission images and a plurality of second reconfiguration transmission images by using a plurality of first reconfiguration radiations and a plurality of second reconfiguration radiations simultaneously emitted from the first radiation source and the second radiation source; correcting the plurality of first reconfiguration transmission images and the plurality of second reconfiguration transmission images into a plurality of corrected transmission images based on the conversion function; and reconfiguring the plurality of corrected transmission images into three-dimensional data. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20090207968 | DUAL X-RAY TUBE GATING - A computed tomography system includes at least a first x-ray source ( | 08-20-2009 |
| 20110211665 | Gantry Image Guided Radiotherapy System And Related Treatment Delivery Methods - Systems, methods, and related computer program products for image-guided radiation treatment (IGRT) are described. Provided according to one preferred embodiment is an IGRT apparatus including a barrel-style rotatable gantry structure that provides high mechanical stability, versatility in radiation delivery, and versatility in target tracking. Methods for treatment radiation delivery using the IGRT apparatus include conical non-coplanar rotational arc therapy and cono-helical non-coplanar rotational arc therapy. A radiation treatment head (MV source) and a treatment guidance imaging system including a kV imaging source are mounted to and rotatable with a common barrel-style rotatable gantry structure, or alternatively the MV and kV sources are mounted to separate barrel-style rotatable gantry structures independently rotatable around a common axis of rotation. Methods for intra-fraction target tracking in a gantry-style IGRT system based on comparisons between a pre-acquired planning image and intrafraction x-ray tomosynthesis images and/or intrafraction cone beam CT (CBCT) images are also described. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110080992 | CONE-BEAM CT - An X-ray source system for a CT scanner includes a plurality of X-ray sources, wherein each X-ray source of the plurality is provided with a cathode from which an electron beam is emitted, an anode to receive the electron beam and at least one grid electrode, wherein the grid electrodes are configured to selectably block radiation from said X-ray sources; a high voltage generator for applying voltage to the plurality of X-ray sources, wherein each of the plurality of X-ray sources are configured to present substantially the same load to the high voltage generator; a grid modulator configured to apply voltage to grid electrodes of each of the plurality of X-ray sources in turn; and a controller for controlling the grid modulator so that only one of the plurality of X-ray sources emits radiation at any one time. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20100124311 | Tomographic image capturing apparatus - A tomographic image capturing apparatus includes a plurality of radiation sources movable along a predetermined path, for applying respective radiation to a subject at different angles and at different times while moving along the predetermined path, a dose adjuster for adjusting the radiation sources to equalize doses of the radiation emitted from the radiation sources, a radiation detector for detecting radiation transmitted through the subject while the radiation sources move along the predetermined path, and converting the detected radiation into respective items of radiographic image information, and a tomographic image generator for generating a tomographic image of the subject based on the items of radiographic image information converted from the radiation and detected by the radiation detector. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20110075794 | Method and Device for Generating a Three-Dimensional X-Ray Imaging - A method is provided for quickly and simply generating a three-dimensional tomographic x-ray imaging. Tomosynthetic projection images are recorded from different recording angles along a tomosynthetic scanning path and three-dimensional image data is reconstructed from the tomosynthetic projection images. The tomosynthetic projection images are recorded by a tomosynthetic x-ray device with a plurality of x-ray sources arranged on a holder at a distance from one another. Each projection image is recorded by a different x-ray source being fixed in one place during recording the tomosynthetic projection images. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20120201345 | Acquisition of Projection Images for Tomosynthesis - Some aspects include acquisition of a first plurality of projection images of a volume using a megavoltage x-ray source, each of the first plurality of projection images associated with a respective one of a first plurality of locations of the megavoltage x-ray source, acquisition of a second plurality of projection images of the volume using a kilovoltage x-ray source, each of the second plurality of projection images associated with a respective one of a second plurality of locations of the kilovoltage x-ray source, and performance of digital tomosynthesis reconstruction to generate a three-dimensional image of the volume based on the first plurality of projection images and the second plurality of projection images. The first axis may be perpendicular to the second axis. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20110211666 | CT SCANNING SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING MULTI-PIXEL X-RAY SOURCES - A CT scanning system may include a multi-pixel x-ray source, and a detector array. The multi-pixel x-ray source may have a plurality of pixels that are disposed along a z-axis, and that are sequentially activated so as to controllably emit x-rays in response to incident electrons. The detector array may have one or more rows of x-ray detectors that detect the x-rays that are emitted from the pixels and have traversed an object, and generate data for CT image reconstruction system. In third generation CT scanning systems, the number of detector rows may be reduced. Multi-pixel x-ray source implementation of saddle curve geometry may render a single rotation single organ scan feasible. Using a multi-pixel x-ray source in stationary CT scanning systems may allow x-ray beam design with a minimal coverage to satisfy mathematical requirements for reconstruction. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110150174 | MULTIPLE X-RAY TUBE SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - An imaging system includes a rotatable gantry having an opening therein to receive a subject to be scanned and configured to rotate about a central axis in a rotation direction. The imaging system also includes a first x-ray source coupled to the rotatable gantry at a first position, wherein the first position is offset from the central axis of the rotatable gantry by a first distance. Further, the imaging system includes a second x-ray source coupled to the rotatable gantry at a second position, wherein the second position is offset from the central axis of the rotatable gantry by a second distance, wherein the second position is offset from the first position in a direction coincident with the rotation direction, and wherein the second position is offset from the first position in a direction parallel to the central axis. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20080205583 | Radiation scanning of objects for contraband - Systems and methods for the radiation scanning of objects, including large objects such as cargo containers, to identify contraband. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20110261924 | ROTATIONAL X RAY DEVICE FOR PHASE CONTRAST IMAGING - The invention relates to a rotational X-ray device ( | 10-27-2011 |
| 20080219403 | Computed Tomography Facilitation Method and Apparatus - A first X-ray detector ( | 09-11-2008 |
| 20110176655 | System and Method for Tomosynthesis - A system and method for tomosynthesis, the method including emitting a respective imaging x-ray from each of a plurality of imaging x-ray sources disposed in a fixed relation with respect to one another, acquiring x-ray absorption projections of an object, each of the x-ray absorption projections associated with an imaging x-ray emitted by a respective one of the plurality of imaging x-ray sources, and performing digital tomosynthesis using the x-ray absorption projections to generate a cross-sectional image of the object. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20100183117 | X-RAY GENERATING APPARATUS AND X-RAY CT APPARATUS USING THE SAME - There are provided an X-ray generating apparatus capable of switching X-ray beams of high energy and low energy to each other at high speed, and an X-ray CT apparatus capable of performing high-speed and high-quality multi-energy imaging by using the same. The X-ray generating apparatus is constructed by an X-ray tube | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100020920 | X-RAY SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TOMOSYNTHETIC SCANNING - In an x-ray system and a method for tomosynthetic scanning of a subject, x-ray radiation is emitted from two x-ray sources that are panned relative to the subject during a tomosynthetic scan. The two x-ray sources each emit an x-ray beam, the respective x-ray beams being parallel to each other with regard to their beam directions proceeding toward the subject. X-rays from the two parallel beams attenuated by the subject are detected by a two-dimensional x-ray detector, that is substantially stationary during the tomosynthetic scan. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100246754 | X-ray Scanners - The present application discloses an X-ray scanner having an X-ray source arranged to emit X-rays from source points through an imaging volume. The scanner may further include an array of X-ray detectors which may be arranged around the imaging volume and may be arranged to output detector signals in response to the detection of X-rays. The scanner may further include a conveyor arranged to convey an object through the imaging volume in a scan direction, and may also include at least one processor arranged to process the detector signals to produce an image data set defining an image of the object. The image may have a resolution in the scan direction that is at least 90% as high as in one direction, and in some cases two directions, orthogonal to the scan direction. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20080247504 | DUAL-FOCUS X-RAY TUBE FOR RESOLUTION ENHANCEMENT AND ENERGY SENSITIVE CT - A CT system includes a rotatable gantry having an opening for receiving an object to be scanned, at least one x-ray source coupled to the gantry and configured to project x-rays toward the object, a detector coupled to the gantry and having a scintillator therein and configured to receive x-rays that pass through the object, and a generator configured to energize the at least one x-ray source. The system includes a controller configured to energize the generator to project a first beam of x-rays toward the object from a first focal spot position of an anode, the first beam of x-rays having a ray traversing a path through the object, acquire imaging data from the first beam of x-rays, position the at least one x-ray source such that a second beam of x-rays projected from a second focal spot position of the anode has a ray directed to traverse the path through the object, the second anode focal spot position different than the first anode focal spot position, energize the generator to project the second beam of x-rays toward the object, and acquire imaging data from the second beam of x-rays. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20100002829 | CONE-BEAM CT - Apparatus for CT cone beam scanning, comprising:
| 01-07-2010 |
| 20120014501 | REAL-TIME TOMOSYNTHESIS GUIDANCE FOR RADIATION THERAPY - The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for delivering radiation to a human patient or other mammal. A scanning electron beam x-ray source is used and the detector can be a photon counting detector. The area of the detector is less than the area of field of view in the patient. Tomosynthesis can be used to generate images and images can be produced rapidly in real time. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20090161816 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR X-RAY IMAGING - A technique is provided for imaging a field of view using an X-ray source comprising two or more emission points. The two or more emission points may be independently operated. Independent operation of the two or more emission points in performed in accordance with a list of commands that specifies the operation of the emission points. The list of commands, in one embodiment, is stored in a sequence buffer. In other embodiments, the list of commands is generated for a given usage, without being stored in a sequence buffer. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090028290 | Biplane X-ray system - In a biplane X-ray system, a robot is used for moving at least a pair comprising an X-ray radiation source and an X-ray detector. The robot can be a buckling arm robot bearing an X-ray C-arm. It is also possible for the X-ray radiation source and X-ray detector each to be suspended from the ceiling of the room by means of robot arms. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20120063565 | Method for collimating to an off-center examination sub-object - A method is proposed for collimating an off-center sub-object of an examination subject by a collimator of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus. The apparatus has a computed tomography imaging system having a first X-ray source and a computed tomography X-ray detector disposed opposite the first X-ray source having a number of individual detectors and an angiographic imaging system having a second X-ray source offset to the first X-ray source and a flat panel X-ray detector disposed opposite the second X-ray source with matrix shaped pixel elements. A 3D image of the subject is taken by the CT imaging system. The off-center sub-object is selected based on the 3D image. The position of the sub-object is determined for a shooting position of the angiographic imaging system according to the fixed relative disposition between the angiographic imaging system and the CT imaging system. The collimator is adjusted accordingly for collimating the off-center section. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120250820 | METHOD, IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE AND COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY SYSTEM FOR OBTAINING A 4D IMAGE DATA RECORD OF AN OBJECT UNDER EXAMINATION AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT WITH PROGRAM CODE SECTIONS FOR CARRYING OUT A METHOD OF THIS KIND - A method is disclosed for obtaining a 4D image data record of an object under examination using measured data from a computed tomography system in which projection data are accepted which were acquired by way of the computed tomography system at different imaging time points by way of an helical scan method following the administration of contrast medium to the object under examination). On the basis of the projection data, image data of the object under examination are then reconstructed and linked with the imaging time points to a space/time data record. Then, a parameterized 4D image data model is individualized with adaptation to the space/time data record by varying model parameters. An image processing device and a computed tomography system with an image processing device of this kind are also described. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120300897 | COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATING AND COUNTING DETECTOR ELEMENTS - A computed tomography system includes at least two simultaneously operatable sets of detector elements, with at least one first set of integrating detector elements being designed for integrating radiation measurement and at least one second set of counting detector elements being designed to disperse an incident radiation spectrum into at least two energy bins; and includes a computer system for controlling the CT system and at least once capturing the measurement data of the detector elements with a memory and computer programs contained therein. The computer system is provided with programming so that a first mode is provided for operating only the at least one first set of integrating detector elements and a second mode is provided for the additional or sole operation of the at least one second set of counting detector elements. | 11-29-2012 |
| 20100290584 | NUCLEAR MEDICINE SPECT-CT MACHINE WITH INTEGRATED ASYMMETRIC FLAT PANEL CONE-BEAM CT AND SPECT SYSTEM - When performing nuclear (e.g., SPECT or PET) and CT scans on a patient, a volume cone-beam CT scan is performed using a cone-beam CT X-ray source ( | 11-18-2010 |
| 20120128118 | X-RAY SYSTEM AND METHOD TO GENERATE X-RAY IMAGE DATA - An x-ray system to generate x-ray image data of a predefined volume segment of an examination subject has either an arc-shaped mount or an annular gantry, an x-ray emitter arrangement with multiple x-ray microemitters, an x-ray detector arrangement with multiple x-ray pixels arranged directly adjacent to one another, and a controller to activate the x-ray emitter arrangement and the x-ray detector arrangement. The x-ray emitter arrangement and the x-ray detector are situated opposite one another on the arc-shaped mount or the gantry. The x-ray system is designed for introduction of the examination subject between the x-ray emitter arrangement and the x-ray detector. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120163531 | TETRAHEDRON BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY WITH MULTIPLE DETECTORS AND/OR SOURCE ARRAYS - A tetrahedron beam computed tomography system including an x ray source array that sequentially emits a plurality of x ray beams at different positions along a scanning direction and a collimator that intercepts the plurality of x-ray beams so that a plurality of fan-shaped x-ray beams emanate from the collimator towards an object. The system includes a first detector receiving a first set of fan-shaped x ray beams after they pass through the object, the first detector generating a first imaging signal for each of the received first set of fan-shaped x-ray beams and a second detector receiving a second set of fan-shaped x ray beams after they pass through the object, the second detector generating a second imaging signal for each of the received second set of fan-shaped x-ray beams. Each detector and source pair form a tetrahedral volume. In other embodiments, the system may also have more than two detectors arrays and/or more than one source array. Each pair of source array and detector array forms a tetrahedral volume. Using multiple detector arrays and source arrays can increase field of view, reduce the length of detector and source arrays so that the imaging system is more compact and mobile. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20110182402 | IMAGING BREAST CANCEROUS LESIONS WITH MICROCALCIFICATIONS - A radiation system includes a first radiation source and a first detector positioned opposite to each other configured to image a body portion, and a second radiation source and a second detector positioned opposite to each other configured to image a region of interest in the body portion. The first radiation source has a first spot size and the first detector has a first pixel size. The second radiation source has a second spot size and the second detector has a second pixel size. The first spot size of the first radiation source may be different from the second spot size of the second radiation source, and/or the first pixel size of the first detector may be different from the second pixel size of the second detector. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20100172464 | METHOD OF AND SYSTEM FOR LOW COST IMPLEMENTATION OF DUAL ENERGY CT IMAGING - The disclosed CT scanner comprises at least one source of X-rays; a detector array comprising a plurality of detectors; and an X-ray filter mask arrangement disposed between the source of X-rays and detector array so as to modify the spectra of the X-rays transmitted from the source through the mask to at least some of the detectors so that the X-ray spectra detected by at least one set of detectors is different from the X-ray spectra detected by at least one other set of detectors. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20120257710 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ADVANCED X-RAY IMAGING SYSTEMS - The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for X-ray imaging a human patient. A vacuum bell bonded to an X-ray radiation-permeable window that can emit X-ray radiation from a plurality of spots located 1 cm from its edge, a collimator, and a detector are used. A ring of stationary X-ray sources can also be used with a stationary collimator and a rotating slot collimator and detector. An X-ray beam can be aligned in an X-ray system by establishing a position of the beam with respect to a moving collimator at a number of points in time, monitoring the velocity of the collimator, navigating the beam to a calculated position of a hole in the collimator, and correcting the alignment of the beam based on the location of the beam on the detector. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120257711 | Radiotherapy Apparatus - In radiotherapy apparatus comprising an imager for the MV beam and a separate kV imaging system, it is common for there to be significant artefacts in the kV image arising from the MV pulse. We disclose such a radiotherapy apparatus which is adapted to (i) cause the therapeutic source to emit radiation while keeping the diagnostic source inactive, (ii) read an image from the detector associated with the therapeutic source, (iii) cause the diagnostic source to emit radiation and while keeping the therapeutic source inactive, (iv) read an image from the detector associated with the diagnostic source, and (v) repeat as necessary. The control unit is preferably adapted to, at steps (ii) and (iv), read an image from both of the detectors, or to clear the “inactive” detector. The detectors are ideally flat-panel detectors, capturing a two-dimensional image. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120230464 | MULTI-SOURCE RADIATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTERWOVEN RADIOTHERAPY AND IMAGING - An arc radiotherapy and imaging system is provided which includes a first radiation source and a second radiation source. The first radiation source is suitable for treating a region of a patient, and the second radiation source is suitable for imaging the region of the patient. A control is also provided for automatically adjusting system operation, according to a defined schedule, between treating the region of the patient using the first radiation source and imaging the region of the patient using the second radiation source, thereby facilitating both treating and imaging of the region of the patient. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120269317 | MULTI-SOURCE CT SYSTEM - A multi-source computed tomography system has a first x-ray source and a second x-ray source that are respectively optimized for different imaging procedures and can be used simultaneously in the multi-source CT system. The first x-ray source can be optimized for higher power short-term operation and the second x-ray source can be optimized for lower power, longer term operation. | 10-25-2012 |
| 20110274238 | Computed tomography system - A computed tomography system is provided for allowing it to be deployed more effectively. The computed tomography system features an annular CT gantry with a central opening, a recording system that can be rotated within the gantry. The recording system has an x-ray source and an x-ray detector apparatus. It is possible to remove a part of the ring of the CT gantry from the ring at least partially so that there is a break in the ring, through which an examination object can be moved into the central opening. The computed tomography system is for phase contrast x-ray imaging. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20120087464 | MULTI-SOURCE LOW DOSE X-RAY CT IMAGING APARATUS - Some embodiments include a low-dose CT apparatus. Such an apparatus can comprise a plurality of x-ray sources disposed on a gantry and spaced apart along a z-axis. The sources may be configured to produce substantially overlapping fan beams, wherein overlap is substantially complete at a detector surface. Some embodiments also include a controller in electronic communication with the plurality of x-ray sources. The controller may be adapted to switch the plurality of x-ray sources between on and off states such that only one x-ray source is in an on state at any time. Furthermore, the controller circuit may be in electronic communication with at least one x-ray detector and may be adapted to synchronize the x-ray detector with the plurality of x-ray sources such that detected x-rays can be matched to an x-ray source. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20100202583 | Systems and Methods for Exact or Approximate Cardiac Computed Tomography - A computed tomography (CT) system has a composite scanning mode in which the x-ray focal spot undergoes a circular or more general motion in the vertical plane facing an object to be reconstructed. The x-ray source also rotates along a circular trajectory along a gantry encircling the object. In this way, a series of composite scanning modes are implemented, including a composite-circling scanning (CCS) mode in which the x-ray focal spot undergoes two circular motions: while the x-ray focal spot is rotated on a plane facing a short object to be reconstructed, the x-ray source is also rotated around the object on the gantry plane. In contrast to the saddle curve cone-beam scanning, the CCS mode requires that the x-ray focal spot undergo a circular motion in a plane facing the short object to be reconstructed, while the x-ray source is rotated in the gantry plane. Because of the symmetry of the mechanical rotations and the compatibility with the physiological conditions, this new CCS mode has significant advantages over the saddle curve from perspectives of both engineering implementation and clinical applications. | 08-12-2010 |