Detectors for computed tomography scanners may include a cathode, a cadmium telluride material, a cadmium zinc telluride material, or a silicon material adjacent to the cathode, and an array of anodes located on a side of the cadmium telluride material, the cadmium zinc telluride material, or the silicon material opposite the cathode, A substrate may be located proximate to the array of anodes, anodes of the array of anodes electrically connected to the substrate. A microelectronic device may be located on a side of the substrate opposite the cadmium telluride material, the cadmium zinc telluride material or the silicon material. The microelectronic device may be electrically connected to the substrate with the microelectronic device mounted to the substrate in a flip-chip orientation. Electrically conductive elements may be located adjacent to the microelectronic device and electrically connected to the substrate.
Detectors for computed tomography scanners may include a cathode, a cadmium telluride material, a cadmium zinc telluride material, or a silicon material adjacent to the cathode, and an array of anodes located on a side of the cadmium telluride material, the cadmium zinc telluride material, or the silicon material opposite the cathode, A substrate may be located proximate to the array of anodes, anodes of the array of anodes electrically connected to the substrate. A microelectronic device may be located on a side of the substrate opposite the cadmium telluride material, the cadmium zinc telluride material or the silicon material. The microelectronic device may be electrically connected to the substrate with the microelectronic device mounted to the substrate in a flip-chip orientation. Electrically conductive elements may be located adjacent to the microelectronic device and electrically connected to the substrate.
A security lane for security checkpoint includes an x-ray scanner system, a conveyor system, and a side buffer. The x-ray scanner system may be configured to determine threat status of items at least partially based on image data of the item; The conveyor system may be configured to move items along a primary path and move items along a secondary path. The side buffer may be configured to move items on and off the primary path of the conveyor system, and to move items on and off the secondary path of the conveyor system.
B65G 47/46 - Devices for discharging articles or materials from conveyors with distribution, e.g. automatically, to desired points
G01V 5/226 - Active interrogation, i.e. by irradiating objects or goods using external radiation sources, e.g. using gamma rays or cosmic rays using tomography
4.
BYPASS OF ITEMS IN A SECURITY LANE OF A SECURITY CHECKPOINT
A security lane for security checkpoint includes an x-ray scanner system, a conveyor system, and a side buffer. The x-ray scanner system may be configured to determine threat status of items at least partially based on image data of the item; The conveyor system may be configured to move items along a primary path and move items along a secondary path. The side buffer may be configured to move items on and off the primary path of the conveyor system, and to move items on and off the secondary path of the conveyor system.
One or more examples relate to display-based review of image data. A method includes: setting an image renderer at least partially based on a display configuration for a display system; generating, via the set image renderer, 2D image data of a 2D image representing an item at least partially based on 3D image data of a 3D image representing the item, wherein the 3D image data of the 3D image representing the item is X-ray image data; and streaming, via a network connection, the 2D image data to the display system.
G06T 15/00 - 3D [Three Dimensional] image rendering
G06F 3/04845 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] for the control of specific functions or operations, e.g. selecting or manipulating an object, an image or a displayed text element, setting a parameter value or selecting a range for image manipulation, e.g. dragging, rotation, expansion or change of colour
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
auxiliary power units for supplying electrical power; mobile electric power generators; electric power generators for indoor use; electric power generators for magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and for computed tomography (CT) apparatus power switches; power controllers; power amplifiers; power inverters; high-voltage power supplies; semiconductor power elements; electric power converters; electrical power supplies; electric power distribution machines; radio frequency (RF) power delivery systems for semiconductor fabrication processes composed of radio frequency generators for supplying radio-frequency energy, radio frequency (RF) amplifiers, electric circuits, electric sensors, power controllers, and electrical interconnect cables; radio frequency (RF) amplifiers; integrated power systems composed of gradient power amplifiers, radio frequency amplifiers and power supplies; gradient power amplifiers; radio frequency power amplifiers; radio frequency signal generators; radio frequency power delivery systems composed of electric power converters
A computer tomography (CT) imaging system is disclosed. The CT imaging system includes a rotatable gantry and a lift. The rotatable gantry forms a bore defining an examination region. The rotatable gantry is oriented with a central axis thereof in a substantially vertical direction and is configured to scan one or more objects in a substantially horizontal plane. The lift is aligned with an opening of the examination region. At least a portion of the lift is sized to fit within the examination region and is configured to move the one or more objects into the examination region.
G01N 23/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or
G01N 23/046 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material using tomography, e.g. computed tomography [CT]
G01V 5/226 - Active interrogation, i.e. by irradiating objects or goods using external radiation sources, e.g. using gamma rays or cosmic rays using tomography
A computer tomography (CT) imaging system is disclosed. The CT imaging system includes a rotatable gantry and a lift. The rotatable gantry forms a bore defining an examination region. The rotatable gantry is oriented with a central axis thereof in a substantially vertical direction and is configured to scan one or more objects in a substantially horizontal plane. The lift is aligned with an opening of the examination region. At least a portion of the lift is sized to fit within the examination region and is configured to move the one or more objects into the examination region.
G01T 1/29 - Measurement performed on radiation beams, e.g. position or section of the beamMeasurement of spatial distribution of radiation
G01V 5/22 - Active interrogation, i.e. by irradiating objects or goods using external radiation sources, e.g. using gamma rays or cosmic rays
G01V 5/226 - Active interrogation, i.e. by irradiating objects or goods using external radiation sources, e.g. using gamma rays or cosmic rays using tomography
9.
Instrument catch for an instrument guide for a probe
An instrument catch for an instrument guide configured to attach to an ultrasound imaging probe to guide an instrument for a procedure. The instrument catch comprising a first inner wall, a second inner wall, a first end along a length, a second end along the length, a valley that extends along the length, and a port at an end of the valley. The first ends of the first and second inner walls along a height meet at the valley, protrude up from the valley, and extend in opposing directions forming a channel that tapers from opposing second ends of the first and second inner walls along the height to the first ends of the first and second inner walls.
A method may include generating, via radiation, an image representing an object; determining physical properties of the object; and associating determined physical properties of the object with one or more of: the image generated by the X-ray scanner system, a segmented image from the image generated by the X-ray scanner system, or a passenger identifier.
G01N 23/083 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and measuring the absorption the radiation being X-rays
G01G 11/04 - Apparatus for weighing a continuous stream of material during flowConveyor-belt weighers having electrical weight-sensitive devices
G01N 23/046 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material using tomography, e.g. computed tomography [CT]
11.
DETERMINING PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF ITEMS INPUT TO AN X-RAY SCANNER SYSTEM, AND RELATED SYSTEMS, METHODS AND APPARATUSES
A method may include generating, via radiation, an image representing an object; determining physical properties of the object; and associating determined physical properties of the object with one or more of: the image generated by the X-ray scanner system, a segmented image from the image generated by the X-ray scanner system, or a passenger identifier.
Radio frequency (RF) generators are disclosed. A RF generator may include a modulator configured to receive an arbitrary waveform and an RF carrier, and generate a pulsed radio frequency (RF). The arbitrary waveform may be generated via an analog signal generator external to the RF generator. Further, the RF generator may include an amplification stage configured to amplify the pulsed RF signal. RF generation systems and methods of generating a pulsed RF signal also disclosed.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
H03F 1/02 - Modifications of amplifiers to raise the efficiency, e.g. gliding Class A stages, use of an auxiliary oscillation
13.
Radiation detectors for scanning systems, and related scanning systems
A radiation scanning system comprises a radiation detection sub-assembly, and a routing sub-assembly coupled to the radiation detection sub-assembly. The radiation detection sub-assembly comprises a first substrate electrically connected to the radiation detection sub-assembly, and a second substrate electrically connected to the first substrate. The radiation scanning system further comprises one or more radiation shields between the first substrate and the second substrate, and one or more semiconductor dice electrically connected to the second substrate on a side of the second substrate opposite the first substrate. Related radiation detector arrays radiation scanning systems are also disclosed.
One or more techniques and/or systems described herein provide a power coupling device, such as may be used to transfer power between a stator and a rotor. The power coupling device includes a support structure defining an opening. The power coupling device includes a core element including a ferrite material. The core element is received within the opening of the support structure. The core element defines a core channel. The power coupling device includes an inductive element that is received within the core channel. The power coupling device includes an attachment structure removably attached to the support structure. The attachment structure attaches the core element to the support structure. The core element is disposed between the support structure and the attachment structure.
Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems for generating a three-dimensional combined image is provided. A three-dimensional test image of a test item is combined with a three-dimensional article image of an article that is undergoing a radiation examination to generate the three-dimensional combined image. A first selection region of the three-dimensional article image is selected. The three-dimensional test image of the test item is inserted within the first selection region. Although the test item is not actually comprised within the article under examination, the three-dimensional combined image is intended to cause the test item to appear to be comprised within the article.
G01N 23/046 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material using tomography, e.g. computed tomography [CT]
A radiation scanning system comprises a radiation detection sub-assembly, and a routing sub-assembly coupled to the radiation detection sub-assembly. The radiation detection sub-assembly comprises a first substrate electrically connected to the radiation detection sub-assembly, and a second substrate electrically connected to the first substrate. The radiation scanning system further comprises one or more radiation shields between the first substrate and the second substrate, and one or more semiconductor dice electrically connected to the second substrate on a side of the second substrate opposite the first substrate. Related radiation detector arrays radiation scanning systems are also disclosed.
One or more example relate, generally, to generating radio frequency (RF) signals. An apparatus may include a signal generator, an amplification stage, and a feedback control loop. The signal generator may generate a pulsed radio frequency (RF) signal at least partially responsive to a digital pulsed waveform defined by one or more commands. The amplification stage may amplify the pulsed RF signal. The feedback control loop may be coupled to the amplification stage to regulate a power level of respective steps of the pulsed RF signal.
Embodiments of a multi-stage pixel architecture for radiation imaging, and related detectors and radiation imaging systems including the same are described. Embodiments of methods of performing synchronous read/integrate using pixels described herein are also described.
G01T 1/17 - Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular type of detector
H04N 25/30 - Circuitry of solid-state image sensors [SSIS]Control thereof for transforming X-rays into image signals
H04N 25/771 - Pixel circuitry, e.g. memories, A/D converters, pixel amplifiers, shared circuits or shared components comprising storage means other than floating diffusion
H04N 25/772 - Pixel circuitry, e.g. memories, A/D converters, pixel amplifiers, shared circuits or shared components comprising A/D, V/T, V/F, I/T or I/F converters
H04N 25/778 - Pixel circuitry, e.g. memories, A/D converters, pixel amplifiers, shared circuits or shared components comprising amplifiers shared between a plurality of pixels, i.e. at least one part of the amplifier must be on the sensor array itself
19.
Needle guide for ultrasound-guided freehand biopsy and/or ablation needle insertion
An instrument guide (334) is attachable to an ultrasound imaging probe (304) to guide a needle. The instrument guide comprises a length (404), a width (406) and a height (408), a coupler (336) configured to couple the instrument guide to the ultrasound imaging probe, and a single elongate needle guide slot (410) configured to guide placement of the needle for an ultrasound-guided procedure. In another instance, the instrument guide is attached to the probe via a coupler (336). A method includes attaching a needle guide to an ultrasound imaging probe, wherein the needle guide includes a single elongate needle guide slot configured to guide placement of a needle during an ultrasound-guided needle placement procedure, positioning the probe relative to tissue of interest, and placing a needle at the tissue of interest using the needle guide.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Conveyor lines for use in the field of security screening; roller conveyors for use in the field of security screening; staged and segmented conveyors for use in the field of security screening; roller conveyor systems for delivering bins to support items for scanning, conveying the bins and any items supported therein through security scanners, routing suspected bins for additional screening, delivering cleared bins for item retrieval, and returning the bins for reuse Downloadable and recorded software for controlling roller conveyor systems in the field of security screening; downloadable and recorded software for controlling roller conveyor systems for delivering bins to support items for scanning, conveying the bins and any items supported therein through security scanners, routing suspected bins for additional screening, delivering cleared bins for item retrieval, and returning the bins for reuse
21.
Prediction of extrema of respiratory motion and related systems, methods, and devices
Prediction of extrema in respiratory motion and related systems, methods, and devices is disclosed. A method of detecting extrema in respiratory motion includes generating a predicted motion trajectory of respiratory motion, identifying one or more extrema candidates of the motion of the patient responsive to the predicted motion trajectory, and selecting one or more of the one or more extrema candidates to be one or more predicted extrema of the respiratory motion of the patient. An apparatus includes an input terminal configured to receive a respiratory waveform signal and one or more processors configured to generate predictions of extrema of the respiratory waveform signal before occurrences of the extrema. An imaging system includes a gating signal generator configured to predict extrema of a respiratory waveform and an imaging device configured to capture images of a patient responsive to a respiratory gating signal from the gating signal generator.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Downloadable and recorded software for collecting, analyzing, and organizing data in the field of security screening; downloadable and recorded application programming interface (API) software for interfacing with third-party information systems in the field of security screening; downloadable and recorded software for displaying the results of security scans; downloadable and recorded software for controlling scanners, 3D scanners, X-ray security scanners, baggage, luggage, checkpoint and cargo scanners, scanners used to detect metallic objects, weapons, explosive devices and materials and other contraband, and security systems, namely, 3-D computed tomography (CT) systems for detection of objects; downloadable and recorded software for generating graphical representations of objects responsive to receipt of scanning data updating of computer software; cloud storage services for electronic files; consulting services in the field of cloud computing; providing temporary use of online non-downloadable software for collecting, analyzing, and organizing data in the field of security screening; electronic data storage and backup services in the field of security screening; application service provider featuring application programming interface (API) software for interfacing with third-party information systems in the field of security screening; providing temporary use of online non-downloadable software for displaying the results of security scans; software as a service (SaaS) services featuring software for controlling scanners, 3D scanners, X-ray security scanners, baggage, luggage, checkpoint and cargo scanners, scanners used to detect metallic objects, weapons, explosive devices and materials and other contraband, and security systems, namely, 3-D computed tomography (CT) systems for detection of objects; providing temporary use of online non-downloadable software for generating graphical representations of objects responsive to receipt of scanning data
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Passenger, parcel, baggage, luggage, and cargo scanners; x-ray apparatus for scanning passengers, parcels, baggage, luggage, and cargo; and scanners used to detect metallic objects, weapons, explosive devices and materials and other contraband.
24.
INSTRUMENT CATCH FOR AN INSTRUMENT GUIDE FOR A PROBE
An instrument catch (438) for an instrument guide (434) configured to attach to an ultrasound imaging probe to guide an instrument for a procedure. The instrument catch comprising a first inner wall (516), a second inner wall (518), a first end (506) along a length (L), a second end (504) along the length, a valley (520) that extends along the length, and a port (604) at an end of the valley. The first ends of the first and second inner walls along a height (H) meet at the valley, protrude up from the valley, and extend in opposing directions forming a channel (502) that tapers from opposing second ends of the first and second inner walls along the height to the first ends of the first and second inner walls.
A system (502) includes an elongate ultrasound imaging probe (504) with a long axis and a top side that extends along the long axis. The elongate ultrasound imaging probe includes an elongate tubular handle (606; 1606), a head (1608), an elongate tubular shaft (608; 1610) between the elongate tubular handle and the head, and a transducer array (514) disposed in the head and configured to transmit in a sagittal plane, which is a plane that cuts through the long axis of the elongate tubular shaft, only in a direction extending out from the top side. The elongate tubular handle is both not centered on the elongate tubular shaft and not shifted down in the sagittal plane away from the top.
A radiation scanning system comprises a radiation detector configured to measure at least some radiation. The radiation detector comprises an arc portion exhibiting a semicircular shape, the arc portion comprising a plurality of facets on a side thereof, a detector module coupled to each facet, the detector module comprising a base portion comprising a first substantially planar surface in contact with the facet, a detector unit coupled to a second substantially planar surface of the base portion, the second substantially planar surface parallel with the first substantially planar surface, and a cooling structure in thermal communication with a side of the arc portion opposite the plurality of facets. Related radiation detectors and radiation systems are also disclosed.
A radiation scanning system comprises a radiation detector configured to measure at least some radiation. The radiation detector comprises an arc portion exhibiting a semicircular shape, the arc portion comprising a plurality of facets on a side thereof, a detector module coupled to each facet, the detector module comprising a base portion comprising a first substantially planar surface in contact with the facet, a detector unit coupled to a second substantially planar surface of the base portion, the second substantially planar surface parallel with the first substantially planar surface, and a cooling structure in thermal communication with a side of the arc portion opposite the plurality of facets. Related radiation detectors and radiation systems are also disclosed.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Passenger, parcel, baggage, luggage, and cargo scanners; x-ray apparatus for scanning passengers, parcels, baggage, luggage, and cargo; and scanners used to detect metallic objects, weapons, explosive devices and materials and other contraband.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
(1) Passenger, parcel, baggage, luggage, and cargo scanners; x-ray apparatus for scanning passengers, parcels, baggage, luggage, and cargo; and scanners used to detect metallic objects, weapons, explosive devices and materials and other contraband
30.
TWO-STAGE PIXEL DEVICE WITH ADAPTIVE FRAME GRABBING FOR X-RAY IMAGING WITH OR WITHOUT AUTOMATIC EXPOSURE CONTROL, AND RELATED SYSTEMS, METHODS AND DEVICES
Disclosed embodiments include an x-ray imaging system and method that includes a radiation source configured to generate radiation directed toward an object. A computing device may be configured to monitor a number of pixels and capture imaging data when at least some of the radiation passes through the object and impinges on the number of detectors enabling adaptive frame grabbing, which may optionally provide image data input for automatic exposure control (AEC) for exposure duration adjustment based on an AEC output. Such systems and methods may significantly simplify system implementation, irrespective of angular range, number of projection views and scan time in tomosynthesis and other three-dimensional x-ray systems, as well as for two-dimensional x-ray scans with variable exposure pulse duration.
G01T 1/29 - Measurement performed on radiation beams, e.g. position or section of the beamMeasurement of spatial distribution of radiation
G01N 23/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
(1) Passenger, parcel, baggage, luggage, and cargo scanners; x-ray apparatus for scanning passengers, parcels, baggage, luggage, and cargo; and scanners used to detect metallic objects, weapons, explosive devices and materials and other contraband
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Passenger, parcel, baggage, luggage, and cargo scanners; X-ray apparatus not for medical purposes for scanning passengers, parcels, baggage, luggage, and cargo; and scanners used to detect metallic objects, weapons, explosive devices and materials and other contraband
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Passenger, parcel, baggage, luggage, and cargo scanners; X-ray apparatus not for medical purposes for scanning passengers, parcels, baggage, luggage, and cargo; and scanners used to detect metallic objects, weapons, explosive devices and materials and other contraband
34.
Image fusion-based tracking without a tracking sensor
An ultrasound imaging system include a console with transmit circuitry configured to generate an excitation electrical pulse that excites transducer elements of a probe to produce an ultrasound pressure field and configured to receive an echo signal generated in response to the ultrasound pressure field interacting with tissue. The console further includes receive circuitry configured to convert the echo signal into an electrical signal, and an echo processor configured to generate a live ultrasound image based on the electrical signal into. The console further includes a tracking processor configured to extract, in real-time, a feature common to both the live ultrasound image and previously generated volumetric image data from at least the live ultrasound image, and register, in real-time, the live ultrasound image with previously generated volumetric image data based on the common feature extracted in real-time to create the fused image. A display displays the fused image.
N) protruding from the bottom side and intermittently arranged with non-zero gaps there between. The leg further includes an arm (226) protruding from the top side. A system (101) includes an ultrasound imaging system (100) configured with at least one probe (102) and a console (104), a cable (116) configured to electrically connect the probe and the console, a cart (106) configured to support the ultrasound imaging system, and a probe cable support (146) configured to support the cable.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Scanners; 3D scanners; x-ray security scanners; baggage, luggage, checkpoint and cargo scanners; x-ray apparatus for scanning baggage, luggage and cargo; scanners used to detect metallic objects, weapons, explosive devices and materials and other contraband; security systems, namely, 3-D computed tomography (CT) systems for detection of objects.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Scanners; 3D scanners; x-ray security scanners; baggage, luggage, checkpoint and cargo scanners; x-ray apparatus for scanning baggage, luggage and cargo; scanners used to detect metallic objects, weapons, explosive devices and materials and other contraband; security systems, namely, 3-D computed tomography (CT) systems for detection of objects.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
(1) 3D scanners; X-ray security scanners; 3D scanners and X-ray security scanners for use at checkpoints and on baggage, luggage, and cargo; X-ray security scanners for scanning baggage, luggage and cargo; 3D scanners and X-ray security scanners used to detect metallic objects, weapons, explosive devices and materials and other contraband; security systems, namely, 3D computed tomography (CT) scanners for detection of objects.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
(1) 3D scanners; X-ray security scanners; 3D scanners and X-ray security scanners for use at checkpoints and on baggage, luggage, and cargo; X-ray security scanners for scanning baggage, luggage and cargo; 3D scanners and X-ray security scanners used to detect metallic objects, weapons, explosive devices and materials and other contraband; security systems, namely, 3D computed tomography (CT) scanners for detection of objects.
40.
Scanning systems with dynamically adjustable shielding systems and related methods
Scanning systems may include a stator, a rotor supporting at least one radiation source and at least one radiation detector rotatable with the rotor, and a motivator operatively connected to the rotor. The stator, the rotor, the at least one radiation source, and the at least one radiation detector may be located within a housing. A conveyor system may extend through the housing and the rotor. A shielding system including a series of independently movable energy shields sized, shaped, and positioned to at least partially occlude a pathway along which the conveyor system extends may extend from an entrance to the housing, through the rotor, to an exit from the housing. A control system may be configured to cause the shielding system to automatically and dynamically move individual energy shields in response to advancement of one or more objects supported on the conveyor system.
G01N 23/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
G01V 5/00 - Prospecting or detecting by the use of ionising radiation, e.g. of natural or induced radioactivity
An apparatus includes a processor and a display. The processor includes a combiner configured to combine contrast data acquired with a same sub-aperture, for each of a plurality of sub-apertures, to create a contrast frame for each of the sub-apertures. The processor includes a microbubble detector configured to determine positions of microbubbles in the contrast frames. The processor includes a motion estimator configured to estimate a motion field based on frames of B-mode data for each of the plurality of sub-apertures. The processor includes a motion corrector configured to motion correct the positions of the microbubbles in the contrast frames based on the motion field and time delays between emissions for the sets of contrast data and the emission for B-mode data, for each of the plurality of sub-apertures, to produce motion corrected contrast frames. The display is configured to display the motion corrected contrast frames as super resolution images.
An ultrasound imaging system includes a transducer array with a plurality of transducer elements configured to transmit an ultrasound signal, receive echo signals produced in response to the ultrasound signal interacting with structure, and generate electrical signals indicative of the echo signals. The system further includes a beamformer configured to process the electrical signals and generate radio frequency data, an in-phase quadrature processor configured to process the radio frequency data and generate in-phase quadrature data, and a frame processor configured to envelope detect and log compress the in-phase quadrature data, producing compressed envelope data. The system further includes a time gain compensation controller configured to continuously process the in-phase quadrature data and the compressed envelope data and continuously and automatically apply time gain compensation data to an envelope data image. The system further includes a rendering engine configured to display, via a display, the time gain compensated envelope data image.
A system includes a transducer array configured to produce a signal indicative of a received echo wave, receive circuitry configured to amplify and digitize the signal, sub-systems configured to process the digitized signal to generate an image including electronic noise from the system, and a system controller. The system controller is configured to retrieve a pre-determined noise level of an analog front end of the receive circuitry, configure the sub-systems, wherein each of sub-systems includes multiple processing blocks, and the configuring determines which of the processing blocks are employed and which of the processing blocks are bypassed for a scan, and determine a noise level for each of the employed sub-systems based on a corresponding noise model. The sub-systems include a processor configured to adaptively vary at least one of a gain and a dynamic range of the image as a function of depth based on the noise levels.
An instrument guide (334) is attachable to an ultrasound imaging probe (304) to guide a needle. The instrument guide comprises a length (404), a width (406) and a height (408), a coupler (336) configured to couple the instrument guide to the ultrasound imaging probe, and a single elongate needle guide slot (410) configured to guide placement of the needle for an ultrasound-guided procedure. In another instance, the instrument guide is attached to the probe via a coupler (336). A method includes attaching a needle guide to an ultrasound imaging probe, wherein the needle guide includes a single elongate needle guide slot configured to guide placement of a needle during an ultrasound-guided needle placement procedure, positioning the probe relative to tissue of interest, and placing a needle at the tissue of interest using the needle guide.
A transducer array (802) includes at least one 1D array of transducing elements (804). The at least one 1D array of transducing elements includes a plurality of transducing elements (904). A first of the plurality of transducing elements has a first apodization and a second of the plurality of transducing elements has a second apodization. The first apodization and the second apodization are different. The transducer array further includes at least one electrically conductive element (910) in electrical communication with each of the plurality of transducing elements. The transducer array further includes at least one electrical contact (906) in electrical communication with the at least one electrically conductive element. The at least one electrical contact concurrently addresses the plurality of transducing elements through the at least one electrically conductive element.
G01S 7/00 - Details of systems according to groups , ,
G01S 7/52 - Details of systems according to groups , , of systems according to group
G01S 15/89 - Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging
G10K 11/34 - Sound-focusing or directing, e.g. scanning using electrical steering of transducer arrays, e.g. beam steering
B06B 1/02 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy
B06B 1/06 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction
46.
MULTI-STAGE PIXEL ARCHITECTURE FOR SYNCHRONOUS READ/INTEGRATE RADIATION IMAGING, AND RELATED SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS
Embodiments of a multi-stage pixel architecture for radiation imaging, and related detectors and radiation imaging systems including the same are described. Embodiments of methods of performing synchronous read/integrate using pixels described herein are also described.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Scanners; 3D scanners; X-ray security scanners; Baggage, luggage, checkpoint and cargo scanners; x-ray apparatus for scanning baggage, luggage and cargo; scanners used to detect metallic objects, weapons, explosive devices and materials and other contraband; security systems, namely, 3-D computed tomography (CT) systems for detection of objects
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Scanners; 3D scanners; X-ray security scanners; Baggage, luggage, checkpoint and cargo scanners; x-ray apparatus for scanning baggage, luggage and cargo; scanners used to detect metallic objects, weapons, explosive devices and materials and other contraband; security systems, namely, 3-D computed tomography (CT) systems for detection of objects
49.
Scanning systems configured to inspect conveyed objects and related systems and methods
Scanning systems for performing computed tomography scanning may include a stator, a rotor supporting at least one radiation source and at least one radiation detector rotatable with the rotor, and a rotator operatively connected to the rotor to rotate the rotor relative to the stator. A conveyor system may include a respective conveyor extending through the rotor of the scanning system. A control system operatively connected to the scanning system and the conveyor system may be configured to cause the rotor, the respective conveyor, or both to operate at a first operating speed when a wear threshold of the at least one scanning system and the respective conveyor system has not been reached and to cause the rotor, the respective conveyor, or both to operate at a second, lower operating speed when the wear threshold of the at least one scanning system and the respective conveyor system has been reached.
Among other things, a radiation system is provided. The radiation system includes a stationary unit and a rotating unit that rotates about an axis relative to the stationary unit. A radiation source and a detector array are mounted to the rotating unit. A wheel mechanism at least partially supports the rotating unit and facilitates rotation of the rotating unit relative to the stationary unit. A lift unit is supported by the stationary unit and engages the rotating unit. When the lift unit is in a lowered position, the rotating unit is supported by the wheel mechanism and the lift unit is spaced a distance apart from the rotating unit. When the lift unit is in a raised position, the rotating unit is supported by the lift unit and the rotating unit is spaced a second distance apart from the wheel mechanism.
A probe includes an articulating member with at least two vertebrae elements sequentially arranged along a long axis of the elongate ultrasound imaging probe. The articulating member includes pivots located between the at least two vertebrae elements. The pivots are disposed off-center relative to the at least two vertebrae elements. The pivots are spatially oriented to provide a pivot point for a different articulation direction of a vertebra element. The probe further includes a plurality of guides, including at least one guide for each of the respective different pivot directions. The probe further includes an actuator with a set of controls, each control configured to actuate a different pair of the plurality of guides for controlling opposing articulation directions, wherein the actuator reduces stress induced on at least one of a pushed guide or a non-activated guide, wherein the stress is induced in response to the actuator pulling a guide.
A61B 1/00 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopesIlluminating arrangements therefor
A61B 1/267 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopesIlluminating arrangements therefor for the respiratory tract, e.g. laryngoscopes, bronchoscopes
52.
System and method for sampling frequency adjustment for radiation imaging system
Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems are described for setting a sampling frequency for a radiation imaging system. The radiation imaging system comprises a rotating gantry configured to rotate a radiation source and a detector array about an object to generate an image(s) of the object. A data acquisition system is configured to sample the detector array as views. One or more flag structures are arranged according to a partial arc segment (e.g., a structure less than a full 360 degree circle). One or more sensors are disposed on one of the rotating gantry or a stationary support about which the rotating gantry rotates. When a sensor encounters a flag structure, a current rotational speed of the rotating gantry is determined. A clock frequency is updated based upon the current rotational speed to establish a sampling frequency for the data acquisition system for sampling the detector array.
Among other things, one or more systems and/or techniques for visually augmenting regions within images are provided herein. An image of an object, such as a bag, is segmented to identify an item (e.g., a metal gun barrel). Features of the item are extracted from voxels representing the item within the image (e.g., voxels within a first region), such as a size, shape, density, and orientation of the item. Response to the features of the item matching predefined features of a target item to detect, one or more additional regions are identified, such as a second region proximate to the first region based upon a location of the second region corresponding to where a connected part of the item (e.g., a plastic handle of the gun) is predicted to be located. The one or more regions are visually distinguished within the image from other regions (e.g., colored, highlighted, etc.).
An assembly for a system includes a rotatable drum defining a bore and configured for rotation about an object positioned within the bore, a support structure configured to support the rotatable drum during a rotation of the drum, a first radial air bearing disposed between the rotatable drum and the support structure and positioned proximate to a first distal end of the rotatable drum, and a second radial air bearing disposed between the rotatable drum and the support structure and positioned proximate to a second, opposite distal end of the rotatable drum. The first radial air bearing and the second radial air bearing are located at different longitudinal positions along a longitudinal axis of the rotatable drum and the first radial air bearing and the second radial air bearing are configured to levitate the rotatable drum relative to the support structure.
F16C 33/40 - Ball cages for multiple rows of balls
F16C 32/06 - Bearings not otherwise provided for with moving member supported by a fluid cushion formed, at least to a large extent, otherwise than by movement of the shaft, e.g. hydrostatic air-cushion bearings
An assembly for a system includes a rotatable drum defining a bore and configured for rotation about an object positioned within the bore, a support structure configured to support the rotatable drum during a rotation of the drum, a first radial air bearing disposed between the rotatable drum and the support structure and positioned proximate to a first distal end of the rotatable drum, and a second radial air bearing disposed between the rotatable drum and the support structure and positioned proximate to a second, opposite distal end of the rotatable drum. The first radial air bearing and the second radial air bearing are located at different longitudinal positions along a longitudinal axis of the rotatable drum and the first radial air bearing and the second radial air bearing are configured to levitate the rotatable drum relative to the support structure.
F16C 13/04 - Bearings with only partial enclosure of the member to be borneBearings with local support at two or more points
F16C 32/06 - Bearings not otherwise provided for with moving member supported by a fluid cushion formed, at least to a large extent, otherwise than by movement of the shaft, e.g. hydrostatic air-cushion bearings
A61B 6/00 - Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosisApparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
56.
Radio frequency generators, and related systems, methods, and devices
Radio frequency (RF) generators are disclosed. A RF generator may include a modulator configured to receive an arbitrary waveform and an RF carrier, and generate a pulsed radio frequency (RF). The arbitrary waveform may be generated via an analog signal generator external to the RF generator. Further, the RF generator may include an amplification stage configured to amplify the pulsed RF signal. RF generation systems and methods of generating a pulsed RF signal also disclosed.
H03F 1/02 - Modifications of amplifiers to raise the efficiency, e.g. gliding Class A stages, use of an auxiliary oscillation
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
57.
RADIO FREQUENCY GENERATORS, AND RELATED SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES
Radio frequency (RF) generators are disclosed. A RF generator may include a modulator configured to output a pulsed RF signal by modulating an RF carrier using a pulsed analog signal as a modulating signal. The modulating signal may be based on a file. The file may be received via a communication interface. The RF generator may further include an amplification stage configured to amplify the pulsed RF signal output by the modulator. RF generation systems and methods of generating a pulsed RF signal also disclosed.
Radio frequency (RF) generators are disclosed. A RF generator may include an analog signal generator configured to generate a pulsed analog signal responsive to a digital pulsed waveform defined by one or more commands. The RF generator may also include a modulator configured to generate a pulsed radio frequency (RF) signal by modulating an RF carrier using the pulsed analog signal as a modulating signal. Further, the RF generator may include an amplification stage configured to amplify the pulsed RF signal output by the modulator. RF generation systems and methods of generating a pulsed RF signal also disclosed.
A detector array for a radiation system includes a radiation detection sub-assembly, a routing sub-assembly, and an electronics sub-assembly. The routing sub-assembly is disposed between the radiation detection sub-assembly and the electronics sub-assembly and includes one or more layers of shielding material. For example, the routing sub-assembly may include a printed circuit board having embedded therein a shielding material configured to shield the electronics sub-assembly from at least some radiation. In some embodiments, the shielding material defines at least one opening through which a conductive element(s) passes to deliver signals between the radiation detection sub-assembly and the electronics sub-assembly.
A system (102) includes an ultrasound probe (104). The ultrasound probe includes a probe head (202), a handle (208), and an elongate shaft (226) disposed between and coupling the probe head and the handle. The probe head houses a transducer array (114). The elongate shaft includes a first portion (232) coupled to the probe head and a second portion (234) coupled to the handle. The second portion includes a first end region (238) coupled to the handle. The second portion further includes a second end region (236) extending above the handle and coupled to the first portion such that a line of site from behind the probe to the probe head is visually unobstructed by the handle.
Scanning systems may include a stator, a rotor supporting at least one radiation source and at least one radiation detector rotatable with the rotor, and a motivator operatively connected to the rotor. The stator, the rotor, the at least one radiation source, and the at least one radiation detector may be located within a housing. A conveyor system may extend through the housing and the rotor. A shielding system including a series of independently movable energy shields sized, shaped, and positioned to at least partially occlude a pathway along which the conveyor system extends may extend from an entrance to the housing, through the rotor, to an exit from the housing. A control system may be configured to cause the shielding system to automatically and dynamically move individual energy shields in response to advancement of one or more objects supported on the conveyor system.
G01N 23/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
G01V 5/00 - Prospecting or detecting by the use of ionising radiation, e.g. of natural or induced radioactivity
62.
Combined image generation of article under examination and image of test item
Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems for generating a three-dimensional combined image is provided. A three-dimensional test image of a test item is combined with a three-dimensional article image of an article that is undergoing a radiation examination to generate the three-dimensional combined image. A first selection region of the three-dimensional article image is selected. The three-dimensional test image of the test item is inserted within the first selection region. Although the test item is not actually comprised within the article under examination, the three-dimensional combined image is intended to cause the test item to appear to be comprised within the article.
G06K 9/00 - Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising printed or written characters or for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints
A61B 6/00 - Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosisApparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
G01N 23/046 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material using tomography, e.g. computed tomography [CT]
A system (502) includes an elongate ultrasound imaging probe (504) with a long axis and a top side that extends along the long axis. The elongate ultrasound imaging probe includes an elongate tubular handle (606; 1606), a head (1608), an elongate tubular shaft (608; 1610) between the elongate tubular handle and the head, and a transducer array (514) disposed in the head and configured to transmit in a sagittal plane, which is a plane that cuts through the long axis of the elongate tubular shaft, only in a direction extending out from the top side. The elongate tubular handle is both not centered on the elongate tubular shaft and not shifted down in the sagittal plane away from the top.
A61B 8/12 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves in body cavities or body tracts, e.g. by using catheters
A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
A61B 1/00 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopesIlluminating arrangements therefor
A61B 1/31 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopesIlluminating arrangements therefor for the rectum, e.g. proctoscopes, sigmoidoscopes
64.
SCANNING SYSTEMS CONFIGURED TO INSPECT CONVEYED OBJECTS AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Scanning systems for performing computed tomography scanning may include a stator, a rotor supporting at least one radiation source and at least one radiation detector rotatable with the rotor, and a rotator operatively connected to the rotor to rotate the rotor relative to the stator. A conveyor system may include a respective conveyor extending through the rotor of the scanning system. A control system operatively connected to the scanning system and the conveyor system may be configured to automatically and dynamically increase a rate at which the rotor moves, decrease a rate at which the respective conveyor moves, and/or adjust other system parameters when the control system enters a finer pitch mode and to automatically and dynamically decrease a rate at which the rotor moves, increase a rate at which the respective conveyor moves, and/or adjust other system parameters when the control system enters a coarser pitch mode.
Scanning systems for performing computed tomography scanning may include a stator, a rotor supporting at least one radiation source and at least one radiation detector rotatable with the rotor, and a rotator operatively connected to the rotor to rotate the rotor relative to the stator. A conveyor system may include a respective conveyor extending through the rotor of the scanning system. A control system operatively connected to the scanning system and the conveyor system may be configured to automatically and dynamically increase a rate at which the rotor moves, decrease a rate at which the respective conveyor moves, and/or adjust other system parameters when the control system enters a finer pitch mode and to automatically and dynamically decrease a rate at which the rotor moves, increase a rate at which the respective conveyor moves, and/or adjust other system parameters when the control system enters a coarser pitch mode.
An ultrasound imaging system includes a transducer array configured to transmit an ultrasound pressure field and receive an echo pressure field for a contrast-enhanced scan, and generate an electrical signal indicative of the received echo pressure field. The system further includes a signal processor configured to process the electrical signal and generate at least contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) data indicative of nonlinear signal in the electrical signal. The system further includes a microbubble processor configured to process the CEUS data and generate microbubble data based on a predetermined contrast-agent microbubble size, shape and adjacency for microbubbles of interest. The system further includes a display configured to display a microbubble image indicative of the microbubble data.
Among other things, an anti-scatter collimator (200) includes a first anti-scatter structure (302) defining a retaining member (432). The retaining member includes a first protruding member having a top surface defining a first plane, and a second protruding member having a second top surface defining a second plane. The second protruding member is spaced apart from the first protruding member to define a groove (434). The retaining member includes a support member extending between the first protruding member and the second protruding member. The support member defines a bottom surface of the groove. The bottom surface of the support member is spaced a distance apart from the first plane and the second plane. A second anti-scatter structure (303) includes a septum disposed within the groove. The first protruding member, the second protruding member, and the support member maintain a position of the septum relative to the first anti-scatter structure.
A method includes receiving ultrasound echo signals produced in response to a pulsed ultrasound field interacting with anatomical tissue and flow of structure therein. The method further includes generating electrical signals indicative thereof. The method further includes beamforming the electrical signals producing beamformed data. The method further includes constructing a real-time image of the anatomical tissue with the beamformed data. The method further includes constructing a de-aliased color images of the flow with the beamformed data. The method further includes visually presenting the real-time image of the anatomical tissue with the de-aliased color images of the flow superimposed thereover.
An ultrasound imaging system includes a transducer array (202) with a plurality of transducer elements (206) configured to transmit a pulsed field beam into a scan field of view, receive echo signals produced in response to the pulsed field interacting with particles/structure flowing/moving in the scan field of view, and generate electrical signals indicative of the echo signals. The ultrasound imaging system further includes a beamformer (212) including multiple synthetic transmit aperture beamformers configured to process the electrical signals over a plurality of processing channels (312) into corresponding receive-beams of RF-data with a beam-level delay, channel-level delays, a beam-level gain and channel-level gains. The ultrasound imaging system further includes a velocity processor (216) configured to estimate a flow velocity of the structure flowing in the scan field of view from the RF-data. The ultrasound imaging system further includes a rendering engine (224) configured to display the flow velocity estimate on a display (226) with color-coding.
An ultrasound imaging system includes a transducer array (102) with a plurality of transducer elements (106) configured to transmit an ultrasound signal, receive echo signals produced in response to the ultrasound signal interacting with stationary structure and flowing structure, and generate electrical signals indicative of the echo signals. The system further includes a beamformer (112) configured to process the electrical signals and generate sequences, in time, of beamformed data. The system further includes a filter (118) configured to process the beamformed data, and remove or replace a set of frequency components based on a threshold, producing corrected beamformed data. The system further includes a flow processor (120) configured to estimate a velocity of flowing structure from the corrected beamformed data. The system further includes a rendering engine (224) configured to display the flow velocity estimate on a display (124).
An ultrasound imaging system includes a beamformer configured to generate 2-D images offset from each other based on sweeping motion of a transducer array during a 3-D ultrasound imaging procedure producing volumetric data. The ultrasound imaging system further includes a 2-D mask processor configured to generate a 2-D mask image for each of the 2-D images. Each of the 2-D mask images includes a contour of a predetermined structure of interest in the volumetric data. The ultrasound imaging system further includes a 3-D mask processor configured to segment the structure from the 3-D image with the 2-D mask images, generating a 3-D segmentation.
Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems are described for creating virtual channels in an imaging modality. The imaging modality comprises a plurality of charge integrating channels. Information yielded from two or more charge integrating channels during a same or similar acquisition view may be combined to yield a virtual channel that represents a portion of the detection surface substantially equivalent to an area comprised by the two or more charge integrating channels. In one embodiment, within a same acquisition view, some virtual channels may comprise a different number of charge integrating channels than other virtual channels. Also, different sets of virtual channels may be created for a same acquisition view to produce different images from a single set of data, for example, where there may be overlap between virtual channels such that the same charge integrating channel is comprised in more than one virtual channel.
G01N 23/046 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material using tomography, e.g. computed tomography [CT]
73.
3-D imaging and/or flow estimation with a row-column addressed 2-D transducer array
6) configured to produce second ultrasound data. The first and second 1-D arrays are configured for row-column addressing. The ultrasound imaging system further includes a controller (112) configured to control transmission and reception of the first and second 1-D arrays, and a beamformer (114) configured to beamform the received first and second echoes to produce ultrasound data, and an image processor (116) configured to process the ultrasound data to generate an image, which is displayed via a display (224).
Among other things, computed tomography (CT) systems and/or techniques for generating projections images of an object(s) under examination via a CT system are provided. The projection images of the object may represent a projection of the entire object or merely a portion of the object, such as a slice of the object. A surface about which the projection image is focused is defined and data yielded from a plurality of views of the object is mapped to the surface. In some embodiments, such a mapping comprises mapping data corresponding to a first view and yielded from a first detector cell to a first point on the surface, mapping data corresponding to the first view and yielded from a second detector cell to a second point on the surface, and/or mapping data corresponding to a second view and yielded from the first detector cell to a third point on the surface.
Among other things, an anti-scatter collimator is provided including a first layer defining a first retaining member at a first surface. A second layer defines a second retaining member at a first surface that faces the first surface of the first layer. A septum is disposed between the first layer and the second layer and physically contacts the first retaining member and the second retaining member. The first retaining member and the second retaining member maintain a position of the septum relative to the first layer and the second layer. The septum has a third attenuation coefficient that is greater than a first attenuation coefficient of the first layer and a second attenuation coefficient of the second layer. An end support is attached to the first layer and to the second layer. The end support borders an end of the septum.
Among other things, a guide unit and a radiation system including a guide unit are provided. The guide unit limits axial movement of a rotatable structure supporting a radiation source and a detector array of the radiation system. Embodiments of the guide unit include a frame member configured to be supported by a stationary unit that forms a portion of the radiation system. A guide wheel coupled to the frame member is configured to roll along a periphery of the rotatable structure of the radiation system as the rotatable structure supporting the radiation source and the detector array is rotated about an axis of rotation during operation of the radiation system. A wheel adjustment system coupled to the frame member linearly translates the guide wheel toward the periphery of the rotatable structure supported by the stationary unit of the radiation system.
G01V 5/00 - Prospecting or detecting by the use of ionising radiation, e.g. of natural or induced radioactivity
G01N 23/046 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material using tomography, e.g. computed tomography [CT]
77.
Combination ultrasound / optical image for an image-guided procedure
A system includes an image guidance system with a memory with computer executable instruction, a processor configured to execute the computer executable instructions, and a display. The computer executable instructions cause the processor to: receive a three-dimensional model of vasculature from an ultrasound imaging system, receive a real-time optical feed of an interior of a cavity from an optical camera-based guidance system, receive a first tracking signal indicative of a first spatial location of a probe of the ultrasound imaging system, receive a second spatial location of the optical camera-based guidance system, and overlay the optical feed with the three-dimensional model based on the first and second tracking signals. The display is configured to visually present the optical feed with the three-dimensional model overlaid thereover.
A61B 34/20 - Surgical navigation systemsDevices for tracking or guiding surgical instruments, e.g. for frameless stereotaxis
A61B 1/313 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopesIlluminating arrangements therefor for introducing through surgical openings, e.g. laparoscopes
A61B 1/06 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopesIlluminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements
A61B 90/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups , e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
Provided are one or more systems and/or techniques for filtering noise from a space-variant image. For each of the plurality of pixels included in the space-variant image, a variance of the pixel is detected, and a variance reduction power is generated based on a relationship between the detected variance of the pixel and a target variance specified by a user. At least a first defined kernel is selected from a database populated with a plurality of defined kernels that are available to be selected for filtering the image data for the pixel. The image data for the pixel is recursively filtered during a plurality of filter iterations to cause the variance of the pixel to approach the target variance. The first defined kernel is applied to the image data for the pixel during at least one of the filter iterations.
A servo control module for a motion control system with a plurality of individual servo control modules. The servo control module includes a single axis servo drive. The servo control module further includes a set of input pins configured to receive motor state information of motors controlled by single axis servo drives of all of the other of the plurality of servo control modules over a dedicated inter-drive network each servo update cycle. The servo control module further includes a set of output pins configured to transmit the motor state information of a motor controlled by the single axis servo drive and the received state information over the inter-drive network of motors each servo update cycle.
G05B 19/414 - Structure of the control system, e.g. common controller or multiprocessor systems, interface to servo, programmable interface controller
G05B 19/4155 - Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by programme execution, i.e. part programme or machine function execution, e.g. selection of a programme
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS] or computer integrated manufacturing [CIM]
80.
Automated phase selection for ECG-gated cardiac axial CT scans
Provided are one or more systems and/or techniques for mitigating motion artifacts in a computed tomography image of an anatomical object. Extended scan data is received and includes projections and backprojections acquired for parallel rays emitted by a radiation source at different angular locations within a first range of source angles. The projections and the backprojections are compared to identify differences between the projections and the backprojections at the different angular locations. Movement of the anatomical object during acquisition of the extended scan data at the different angular locations is quantified, and short scan data is identified. The short set includes a subset of the extended scan data acquired at different locations within a second range of source angles where the quantified movement of the anatomical object is less than a movement threshold. The computed tomography image of the anatomical object is reconstructed from the short scan data.
Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems for generating a three-dimensional combined image is provided. A three-dimensional test image of a test item is combined with a three-dimensional article image of an article that is undergoing a radiation examination to generate the three-dimensional combined image. A first selection region of the three-dimensional article image is selected. The three-dimensional test image of the test item is inserted within the first selection region. Although the test item is not actually comprised within the article under examination, the three-dimensional combined image is intended to cause the test item to appear to be comprised within the article.
A61B 6/00 - Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosisApparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
G06K 9/00 - Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising printed or written characters or for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints
G01N 23/046 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material using tomography, e.g. computed tomography [CT]
A system includes a transducer array configured to produce a signal indicative of a received echo wave, receive circuitry configured to amplify and digitize the signal, sub-systems configured to process the digitized signal to generate an image including electronic noise from the system, and a system controller. The system controller is configured to retrieve a pre-determined noise level of an analog front end of the receive circuitry, configure the sub-systems, wherein each of sub-systems includes multiple processing blocks, and the configuring determines which of the processing blocks are employed and which of the processing blocks are bypassed for a scan, and determine a noise level for each of the employed sub-systems based on a corresponding noise model. The sub-systems include a processor configured to adaptively vary at least one of a gain and a dynamic range of the image as a function of depth based on the noise levels.
A transducer array (302) for an ultrasound imaging system (300) includes a row-column addressed 2-D array of transducer elements (304). The row-column addressed 2-D includes a first array of 1-D arrays of elements, a second array of 1-D arrays of elements, which is orthogonal to the first array, and a double-curved surface (306). In another aspect, an apparatus includes a transducer array with an array-wise addressable 2-D array with a curved surface. The 2-D array includes a set of 1-D column array elements and a set of 1-D row array elements. The apparatus further includes transmit circuitry (308) that conveys an excitation pulse to the transducer array, receive circuitry (308) that receives a signal indicative of an ultrasound echo from the transducer array, and a beamformer (314) that processes the received signal, generating ultrasound image data.
G01S 15/89 - Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging
G10K 11/30 - Sound-focusing or directing, e.g. scanning using refraction, e.g. acoustic lenses
G10K 11/34 - Sound-focusing or directing, e.g. scanning using electrical steering of transducer arrays, e.g. beam steering
G10K 11/32 - Sound-focusing or directing, e.g. scanning characterised by shape of the source
B06B 1/06 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction
N) protruding from the bottom side and intermittently arranged with non-zero gaps there between. The leg further includes an arm (226) protruding from the top side. A system (101) includes an ultrasound imaging system (100) configured with at least one probe (102) and a console (104), a cable (116) configured to electrically connect the probe and the console, a cart (106) configured to support the ultrasound imaging system, and a probe cable support (146) configured to support the cable.
An ultrasound imaging system includes an imaging probe including an array with a plurality of elements and a drive system configured to move the transducer array with a first pitch during data acquisition. A console includes a transmit circuit configured to excite the elements to transmit a first sequence of different sub-sets of the elements and then a second sequence, wherein the plurality of elements is offset from each other by a predetermined shift for the sequences. The console further includes a receive circuit configured to receive echo signals from the elements for the sequences. The console further includes a processor configured to beamform the received signals for the sequences and generate scanlines for the sequences and configured to combine pairs of scanlines across the sequences to produce a single sequence with a second pitch that is less than the first pitch.
A transducer array (802) includes at least one 1D array of transducing elements (804). The at least one 1D array of transducing elements includes a plurality of transducing elements (904). A first of the plurality of transducing elements has a first apodization and a second of the plurality of transducing elements has a second apodization. The first apodization and the second apodization are different. The transducer array further includes at least one electrically conductive element (910) in electrical communication with each of the plurality of transducing elements. The transducer array further includes at least one electrical contact (906) in electrical communication with the at least one electrically conductive element. The at least one electrical contact concurrently addresses the plurality of transducing elements through the at least one electrically conductive element.
G01S 7/00 - Details of systems according to groups , ,
G01S 7/52 - Details of systems according to groups , , of systems according to group
G01S 15/89 - Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging
G10K 11/34 - Sound-focusing or directing, e.g. scanning using electrical steering of transducer arrays, e.g. beam steering
B06B 1/02 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy
B06B 1/06 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction
87.
Item classification using localized CT value distribution analysis
Among other things, one or more systems and/or techniques for classifying an item disposed within an object are provided herein. A three-dimensional image of the object (e.g., a bag) is segmented into a set of item representations (e.g., laptop, thermos, etc.). An item is identified from the set of item representations based upon item features of the item, such as the laptop that could be used to conceal an item of interest such as an explosive. A region comprising a three-dimensional image of the item is divided into a set of sub-regions (e.g., a first sub-region encompassing a screen, a second sub-region encompassing a motherboard, etc.). The item is classified as a potential first type of item (e.g., an explosive laptop) when any sub-region has a number of voxels, with computed tomography (CT) values within a range of known CT values for a first type of item, exceeding a threshold.
G01N 23/046 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material using tomography, e.g. computed tomography [CT]
G01V 5/00 - Prospecting or detecting by the use of ionising radiation, e.g. of natural or induced radioactivity
G06K 9/00 - Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising printed or written characters or for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints
G06K 9/46 - Extraction of features or characteristics of the image
88.
Pre-object filter for shaping profile of radiation attenuation in fan-angle direction
Among other things, one or more systems and/or techniques are described for shaping a profile of radiation attenuation in a fan-angle direction via a pre-object filter (e.g., a bowtie filter) based upon a profile of an object. For example, a pre-object filter may be at least partially rotated about a filter axis and/or may be translated in a direction parallel to a direction of conveyance of the object under examination to adjust a profile of radiation attenuation in the fan-angle direction. Further, in one embodiment, the profile of radiation attenuation may be reshaped during rotation of the radiation source about the object to adjust an amount of radiation attenuation in the fan-angle direction (e.g., to adjust a profile of radiation attenuation as a shape of the object changes from a perspective of a radiation source as the radiation source is rotated about the object).
Among other things, one or more systems and/or techniques for visually augmenting regions within images are provided herein. An image of an object, such as a bag, is segmented to identify an item (e.g., a metal gun barrel). Features of the item are extracted from voxels representing the item within the image (e.g., voxels within a first region), such as a size, shape, density, and orientation of the item. Response to the features of the item matching predefined features of a target item to detect, one or more additional regions are identified, such as a second region proximate to the first region based upon a location of the second region corresponding to where a connected part of the item (e.g., a plastic handle of the gun) is predicted to be located. The one or more regions are visually distinguished within the image from other regions (e.g., colored, highlighted, etc.).
Among other things, a computed tomography (CT) imaging modality is provided. The imaging modality includes a radiation source that emits radiation. The imaging modality includes a detector array that detects at least a portion of the radiation. The imaging modality includes a rotating structure that rotates about an axis. The rotating structure includes a first support portion having a first shape. The rotating structure includes a second support portion having a second shape different than the first shape. The radiation source and the detector array are mounted to the second support portion.
A61B 6/00 - Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosisApparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
F16C 19/18 - Bearings with rolling contact, for exclusively rotary movement with bearing balls essentially of the same size in one or more circular rows for both radial and axial load with two or more rows of balls
F16C 33/61 - RacewaysRace rings divided formed by wires
91.
Detector array for a radiation system, and related system
A detector array for a radiation system includes a radiation detection sub-assembly, a routing sub-assembly, and an electronics sub-assembly. The routing sub-assembly is disposed between the radiation detection sub-assembly and the electronics sub-assembly and includes one or more layers of shielding material. For example, the routing sub-assembly may include a printed circuit board having embedded therein a shielding material configured to shield the electronics sub-assembly from at least some radiation. In some embodiments, the shielding material defines at least one opening through which a conductive element(s) passes to deliver signals between the radiation detection sub-assembly and the electronics sub-assembly.
Provided are one or more systems and/or techniques for mitigating motion artifacts in a computed tomography image of an anatomical object. Extended scan data is received, and includes projections and backprojections acquired for parallel rays emitted by a radiation source at different angular locations within a first range of source angles. The projections and the backprojections are compared to identify differences between the projections and the backprojections at the different angular locations. Movement of the anatomical object during acquisition of the extended scan data at the different angular locations is quantified, and short scan data is identified. The short set includes a subset of the extended scan data acquired at different locations within a second range of source angles where the quantified movement of the anatomical object is less than a movement threshold. The computed tomography image of the anatomical object is reconstructed from the short scan data.
A61B 6/02 - Arrangements for diagnosis sequentially in different planesStereoscopic radiation diagnosis
A61B 6/00 - Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosisApparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
G01V 5/00 - Prospecting or detecting by the use of ionising radiation, e.g. of natural or induced radioactivity
G01N 23/046 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material using tomography, e.g. computed tomography [CT]
A method includes obtaining reference imaging data. The reference imaging data is acquired at a first time and includes tissue of interest. The method further includes obtaining update imaging data. The update imaging data is acquired at a second time. The second time is subsequent to the first time. The method further includes identifying a difference between the reference imaging data and the update imaging data. The method further includes changing the reference imaging data based on the identified difference. The method further includes displaying the changed reference imaging data.
Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems for calibration of a radiation system to compute a gain correction(s) are provided. A calibration procedure is performed during which a portion of the detector array is shadowed by an object, causing the detector array to be non-uniformly exposed to radiation. A portion of a projection generated from the calibration procedure and indicative of radiation that did not traverse the object is separated from a portion of the projection indicative of radiation that did traverse the object, and a gain correction(s) is computed from the portion of the projection indicative of radiation that did not traverse the object (e.g., and is thus indicative of radiation that merely traversed air).
One or more techniques and/or systems described herein provide a power coupling device, such as may be used to transfer power between a stator and a rotor. The power coupling device includes a support structure defining an opening. The power coupling device includes a core element including a ferrite material. The core element is received within the opening of the support structure. The core element defines a core channel. The power coupling device includes an inductive element that is received within the core channel. The power coupling device includes an attachment structure removably attached to the support structure. The attachment structure attaches the core element to the support structure. The core element is disposed between the support structure and the attachment structure.
An ultrasound imaging system (102) includes a transducer array (108) with a two-dimensional non-rectangular array of rows (110) of elements, transmit circuitry (112) that actuates the elements to transmit an ultrasound signal into a field of view, receive circuitry (114) that receives echoes produced in response to an interaction between the ultrasound signal and a structure in the field of view, and a beamformer that processes the echoes, thereby generating one or more scan lines indicative of the field of view.
Among other things, a detector unit for a radiation detector array is provided. The detector unit includes a radiation detection sub-assembly including a scintillator and a photodetector array. A first routing layer is coupled to the photodetector array of the radiation detection sub-assembly at a first surface of the routing layer. An electronics assembly includes an analog-to-digital converter that converts an analog signal to a digital signal. A second routing layer is disposed between the A/D converter and the first routing layer. A shielding element is disposed between the A/D converter and the second routing layer. The shielding element shields the A/D converter from the radiation photons. The second routing layer couples the electronics sub-assembly to the first routing layer. A first coupling element couples the A/D converter to the second routing layer.
A micro channel device processing apparatus includes a heating/cooling chamber configured to receive at least a sub-portion of a micro channel device and a fluid control system that controls a flow of a heating/cooling fluid in the chamber. A method includes controlling a temperature of a sample carried by a micro channel device installed in a micro channel device processing apparatus via a heating/cooling chamber of the processing apparatus. A micro channel device processing apparatus includes a heating/cooling chamber configured to receive a micro channel device carrying a sample and means for controlling a temperature of the sample in the chamber.
An ultrasound imaging system includes a probe and a console. The probe includes an elongate shaft with a long axis, a transducer array disposed the shaft along the long axis and configured to generate signals indicative of received echoes, and a motor with a position sensor configured to rotate the shaft within a predetermined arc. The console includes a beamformer configured to process the signals from the transducer array and generate at least a volume of data for each sweep of the transducer array along the arc. The console further includes a display configured to display the volume of data.
A detector array is provided for detecting radiation photons. The detector array includes a phosphor screen that converts radiation photons into light energy. The detector array includes a photodiode array having a plurality of photodiodes that convert the light energy into electrical charge. A first photodiode of the plurality of photodiodes is spaced apart from a second photodiode of the plurality of photodiodes to define a non-detection region. The phosphor screen overlies the first photodiode, the second photodiode, and the non-detection region between the first photodiode and the second photodiode.
G01N 23/046 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material using tomography, e.g. computed tomography [CT]
