Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090196393 | Interior Tomography and Instant Tomography by Reconstruction from Truncated Limited-Angle Projection Data - A system and method for tomographic image reconstruction using truncated limited-angle projection data that allows exact interior reconstruction (interior tomography) of a region of interest (ROI) based on the linear attenuation coefficient distribution of a subregion within the ROI, thereby improving image quality while reducing radiation dosage. In addition, the method includes parallel interior tomography using multiple sources beamed at multiple angles through an ROI and that enables higher temporal resolution. | 08-06-2009 |
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 |
20100310037 | Multi-Parameter X-Ray Computed Tomography - The present invention relates to the field of x-ray imaging. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to methods, systems, and apparatus for imaging, which can be used in a wide range of applications, including medical imaging, security screening, and industrial non-destructive testing to name a few. Specifically provided as embodiments of the invention are systems for x-ray imaging comprising: a) a first collimator-and-detector assembly having a first operable configuration to provide at least one first dataset comprising primary x-ray signals as a majority component of its data capable of being presented as a first image of an object subjected to x-ray imaging; b) a second collimator-and-detector assembly having a second operable configuration or wherein the first collimator-and-detector assembly is adjustable to a second configuration to provide at least one second dataset comprising primary and dark-field x-ray signals as a majority component of its data capable of being presented as a second image of the object; and c) a computer operably coupled with the collimator-and-detector assemblies comprising a computer readable medium embedded with processing means for combining the first dataset and the second dataset to extract the dark-field x-ray signals and produce a target image having higher contrast quality than the images based on the first or second dataset alone. Such systems can be configured to comprise at least two collimator-and-detector assemblies or configurations differing with respect to collimator height, collimator aperture, imaging geometry, or distance between an object subjected to the imaging and the collimator-and-detector assembly. | 12-09-2010 |
20110105880 | METHODS FOR IMPROVED SINGLE PHOTON EMISSION COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY USING EXACT AND STABLE REGION OF INTEREST RECONSTRUCTIONS - The present invention provides systems, methods, and devices for improved computed tomography (CT) and, more specifically, to methods for improved single photon computed tomography (SPECT) using exact and stable region of interest (ROI) reconstructions. This technology can be extended across all tomographic modalities. Embodiments provide a method and a system for reconstructing an image from projection data provided by a single photon emission computed tomography scanner comprising: identifying a region of interest in an object; defining an attenuation coefficient and object boundary; computing the generalized Hilbert transform of the data through the defined region of interest and a known subregion; and reconstructing the image with improved temporal resolution at lower radiation doses, wherein the reconstructing comprises performing a reconstruction method that yields an exact and stable reconstruction. Embodiments also provide a method and a system for reconstructing an image from projection data provided by a single photon emission computed tomography scanner comprising: identifying a region of interest in an object; defining an attenuation coefficient and object boundary; and reconstructing the images by minimizing the high order total variation while minimizing the data discrepancy. | 05-05-2011 |
20110142316 | Tomography-Based and MRI-Based Imaging Systems - Tomography limitations in vivo due to incomplete, inconsistent and intricate measurements require solution of inverse problems. The new strategies disclosed in this application are capable of providing faster data acquisition, higher image quality, lower radiation dose, greater flexibility, and lower system cost. Such benefits can be used to advance research in cardiovascular diseases, regenerative medicine, inflammation, and nanotechnology. The present invention relates to the field of medical imaging. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to methods, systems, and devices for imaging, including tomography-based and MRI-based applications. For example, included in embodiments of the invention are compressive sampling based tomosynthesis methods, which have great potential to reduce the overall x-ray radiation dose for a patient. To name a few, compressive sensing based carbon nano-tube based interior tomosynthesis systems, tomography-based dynamic cardiac elastography systems, cardiac elastodynamic biomarkers from interior MR imaging, exact and stable interior ROI reconstructions for radial MRI, and interior reconstruction based ultrafast tomography systems are provided. | 06-16-2011 |
20110282181 | EXTENDED INTERIOR METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SPECTRAL, OPTICAL, AND PHOTOACOUSTIC IMAGING - The present invention relates to the field of medical imaging. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to methods, systems, and devices for imaging, including for tomography-based applications. Embodiments of the invention include, for example, a computed tomography based imaging system comprising: (a) at least one wide-beam gray-scale imaging chain capable of performing a global scan of an object and acquiring projection data relating to the object; (b) at least one narrow-beam true-color imaging chain capable of performing a spectral interior scan of a region of interest (ROI) of and acquiring projection data relating to the object; (c) a processing module operably configured for: (1) receiving the projection data; (2) reconstructing the ROI into an image by analyzing the data with a color interior tomography algorithm, aided by an individualized gray-scale reconstruction of an entire field of view (FOV), including the ROI; and (d) a processor for executing the processing module. The extended interior methods and systems for spectral, optical, and photoacoustic imaging presented in this application can lead to better medical diagnoses by providing images with higher resolution or quality, and can lead to safer procedures by providing systems capable of reducing a patient's exposure time to, and thus quantity of, potentially harmful x-rays. Embodiments of the invention also provide tools for real-time tomography-based analyses. | 11-17-2011 |
20110313298 | FIBER ARRAY FOR OPTICAL IMAGING AND THERAPEUTICS - The present invention relates to the field of optical imaging and therapeutics. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide minimally-invasive Fiberoptic Microneedle Devices (FMDs) for light-based therapeutics, which physically penetrate tissue and deliver light directly into the target area below the skin surface (FIG. | 12-22-2011 |
20120039434 | CARDIAC COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY METHODS AND SYSTEMS USING FAST EXACT/QUASI-EXACT FILTERED BACK PROJECTION ALGORITHMS - The present invention provides systems, methods, and devices for improved computed tomography (CT). More specifically, the present invention includes methods for improved cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) resolution using improved filtered back projection (FBP) algorithms, which can be used for cardiac tomography and across othertomographic modalities. Embodiments provide methods, systems, and devices for reconstructing an image from projection data provided by a computed tomography scanner using the algorithms disclosed herein to generate an image with improved temporal resolution. | 02-16-2012 |
20120063659 | EXACT LOCAL COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY BASED ON COMPRESSIVE SAMPLING - A system and method for tomographic image reconstruction using truncated projection data that allows exact interior reconstruction (interior tomography) of a region of interest (ROI) based on the known sparsity models of the ROI, thereby improving image quality while reducing radiation dosage. In addition, the method includes parallel interior tomography using multiple sources beamed at multiple angles through an ROI and that enables higher temporal resolution. | 03-15-2012 |
20120265050 | Omni-Tomographic Imaging for Interior Reconstruction using Simultaneous Data Acquisition from Multiple Imaging Modalities - Embodiments of the invention relate to omni-tomographic imaging or grand fusion imaging, i.e., large scale fusion of simultaneous data acquisition from multiple imaging modalities such as CT, MRI, PET, SPECT, US, and optical imaging. A preferred omni-tomography system of the invention comprises two or more imaging modalities operably configured for concurrent signal acquisition for performing ROI-targeted reconstruction and contained in a single gantry with a first inner ring as a permanent magnet; a second middle ring containing an x-ray tube, detector array, and a pair of SPECT detectors; and a third outer ring for containing PET crystals and electronics. Omni-tomography offers great synergy in vivo for diagnosis, intervention, and drug development, and can be made versatile and cost-effective, and as such is expected to become an unprecedented imaging platform for development of systems biology and modern medicine. | 10-18-2012 |