1225results about "Radiation beam directing means" patented technology

Apparatus and methods are disclosed for use within an image-guided surgical navigation system for the storage and measurement of trajectories for surgical instruments. An icon representing the real-time trajectory of a tracked instrument is overlaid on one or more pre-acquired images of the patient. At the surgeon's command, the navigation system can store multiple trajectories of the instrument and create a static icon representing each saved trajectory for display. The surgeon may also measure a planar angle between any two trajectories. The angle is computed in the plane of the image, and therefore will be computed separately for each image displayed. Furthermore, the surgeon has the option of computing and displaying the three-dimensional distance between two points defined by any two trajectories.

An X-ray tomosynthesis system as an X-ray diagnostic system is provided. The system comprises an X-ray generator irradiating an X-ray toward a subject, and a planar-type X-ray detector detecting the X-ray passing through the subject and outputting two dimensional imaging signals based on the detected X-ray. The system comprises a supporting / moving mechanism supporting at least one of the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector so that the at least one is moved relatively to the subject. The system also comprises an element setting a ROI position of the subject, an element for obtaining a plurality of three dimensional coordinates of pixels included in the ROI, a calculating element obtaining two dimensional coordinates of data in the two dimensional imaging signals for each of the two dimensional imaging signals detected by the X-ray detector, the data being necessary for obtaining pixel values of the three dimensional coordinates; and an element for obtaining the pixel value of each of the three dimensional coordinates by extracting the corresponding data of the two dimensional coordinates from the detected two dimensional imaging signals and adding the extracting data.

A positional relationship between image capturing means and a player is properly adjusted before a game is started. An image of a player P is captured by a camera unit 42, and from this image the head position of the player is recognized, so that the game proceeds based on the recognized result. At this time, the player image is displayed on the title screen, and the position where the head position of the player P should be located is displayed distinctively in the player image. As a result, the player P can properly adjust the positional relationship between the camera unit 42 and himself / herself before starting a game.

The invention relates to a method of position detection in X-ray imaging, and to a device for carrying out such a method by means of an X-ray apparatus, a detector device, including at least two detector elements, and an indicator device. The exact association of the X-ray image with the object imaged is very important notably for intraoperative imaging. Exact knowledge of the position and orientation of the components of the X-ray apparatus associated with the imaging system is required for this purpose. However, it is often problematic that the lines of sight of the position measuring system are obscured by attending staff or other apparatus. Therefore, in the device according to the invention the detector device is mounted on the X-ray apparatus and the indicator device is provided so as to be stationary on the object to be examined or stationary relative to the object to be examined. Also described is a method of position detection in X-ray imaging by means of such a device.

An apparatus and method for performing treatment on an internal target region while compensating for breathing and other motion of the patient is provided in which the apparatus comprises a first imaging device for periodically generating positional data about the internal target region and a second imaging device for continuously generating positional data about one or more external markers attached to the patient's body or any external sensor such as a device for measuring air flow. The apparatus further comprises a processor that receives the positional data about the internal target region and the external markers in order to generate a correspondence between the position of the internal target region and the external markers and a treatment device that directs the treatment towards the position of the target region of the patient based on the positional data of the external markers.

In a system, method and workstation, images of a first subject are acquired with an image signal acquisition unit, the position of the image signal acquisition unit is determined, the position of a second subject is determined and the position of the second subject relative to the image signal acquisition unit is also determined and an image of the second subject is mixed into an image of the first subject acquired with the image signal acquisition unit.

The invention is intended to always ensure a sufficient level of patient positioning accuracy regardless of the skills of individual operators. In a patient positioning device for positioning a patient couch 59 and irradiating an ion beam toward a tumor in the body of a patient 8 from a particle beam irradiation section 4, the patient positioning device comprises an X-ray emission device 26 for emitting an X-ray along a beam line m from the particle beam irradiation section 4, an X-ray image capturing device 29 for receiving the X-ray and processing an X-ray image, a display unit 39B for displaying a current image of the tumor in accordance with a processed image signal, a display unit 39A for displaying a reference X-ray image of the tumor which is prepared in advance, and a positioning data generator 37 for executing pattern matching between a comparison area A being a part of the reference X-ray image and including an isocenter and a comparison area B or a final comparison area B in the current image, thereby producing data used for positioning of the patient couch 59 during irradiation.

A system for use during a medical or surgical procedure on a body. The system generates a display representing the position of two or more body elements during the procedure based on a reference image data set generated by a scanner. The system produces a reference image of a body elements, discriminates the body elements in the images and creates an image data set representing the images of the body elements. The system produces a density image of the body element. The system modifies the image data set according to the density image of the body element during the procedure, generates a displaced image data set representing the position and geometry of the body element during the procedure, and compares the density image of the body element during the procedure to the reference image of the body element. The system also includes a display utilizing the displaced image data set generated by the processor to illustrate the position and geometry of the body element during the procedure. Methods relating to the system are also disclosed.

The invention is intended to always ensure a sufficient level of patient positioning accuracy regardless of the skills of individual operators. In a patient positioning device for positioning a patient couch 59 and irradiating an ion beam toward a tumor in the body of a patient 8 from a particle beam irradiation section 4, the patient positioning device comprises an X-ray emission device 26 for emitting an X-ray along a beam line m from the particle beam irradiation section 4, an X-ray image capturing device 29 for receiving the X-ray and processing an X-ray image, a display unit 39B for displaying a current image of the tumor in accordance with a processed image signal, a display unit 39A for displaying a reference X-ray image of the tumor which is prepared in advance, and a positioning data generator 37 for executing pattern matching between a comparison area A being a part of the reference X-ray image and including an isocenter and a comparison area B or a final comparison area B in the current image, thereby producing data used for positioning of the patient couch 59 during irradiation.

A fiber optic force sensing assembly for detecting forces imparted at a distal end of a catheter assembly. The structural member may include segments adjacent each other in a serial arrangement, with gaps located between adjacent segments that are bridged by flexures. Fiber optics are coupled to the structural member. In one embodiment, each fiber optic has a distal end disposed adjacent one of the gaps and oriented for emission of light onto and for collection of light reflected from a segment adjacent the gap. The optical fibers cooperate with the deformable structure to provide a change in the intensity of the reflected light, or alternatively to provide a variable gap interferometer for sensing deformation of the structural member. In another embodiment, the gaps are bridged by fiber Bragg gratings that reflect light back through the fiber optic at central wavelengths that vary with the strain imposed on the grating.

Instrumentation, systems, and processes for tracking anatomy, instrumentation, trial implants, implants, and references, and rendering images and data related to them in connection with surgical operations, for example total knee arthroplasties (“TKA”). These instrumentation, systems, and processes are accomplished by using a computer to intraoperatively obtain images of body parts and to register, navigate, and track surgical instruments. Disclosed in this document are also alignment modules and other structures and processes which allow for coarse and fine alignment of instrumentation and other devices relative to bone for use in connection with the tracking systems of the present invention.

Embodiments of an X-ray diagnostic imaging system comprise a plurality of coded 2D and / or 3D markers associated with surfaces of system components. The position and coding of at least some of the coded markers can be determined by a position detection system. In some embodiments, a coded marker is assigned a reference point having a known position on the surface of the system component. The positions of the system components in space can be calculated based at least in part on a reference point network determined from the position of the individual reference points measured with the position detection system. In some embodiments, the coded markers represent information with a data matrix code (DMC).

A system and method for positioning a patient for radiotherapy is provided. The method comprises: acquiring a first x-ray image sequence of a target inside the patient at a first angle; acquiring first respiratory signals of the patient while acquiring the first x-ray image sequence; acquiring a second x-ray image sequence of the target at a second angle; acquiring second respiratory signals of the patient while acquiring the second x-ray image sequence; synchronizing the first and second x-ray image sequences with the first and second respiratory signals to form synchronized first and second x-ray image sequences; identifying the target in the synchronized first and second x-ray image sequences; and determining three-dimensional (3D) positions of the target through time in the synchronized first and second x-ray image sequences.

A method for delivering radiation therapy to a patient using a three-dimensional planning image for radiation therapy of the patient wherein the planning image includes a radiation therapy target. The method includes the steps of: determining desired image capture conditions for the capture of at least one two-dimensional radiographic image of the radiation therapy target using the three-dimensional planning image; detecting a position of the radiation therapy target in the at least one captured two-dimensional radiographic image; and determining a delivery of the radiation therapy in response to the radiation therapy target's detected position in the at least one captured two-dimensional radiographic image.

Device for positioning a target volume (112) such, as a phantom or a patient in a radiation therapy apparatus, said apparatus directing a radiation beam (405) towards said target (112), characterized in that it comprises:—a target support (100) whereon the target is immobilized; a two dimensional radiation detector (103) fixed with fixations means (101, 102, 104, 106 107; 301, 302, 304, 305, 306; 208, 209) in a known geometric relationship to said target support (100), said radiation detector (103) being capable of detecting the position of intersection of said radiation beam (105) with said detector (103); correcting means for correcting the relative position of said beam (105) and said target support 100), based on said detected intersection position.

A readily relocatable X-ray imaging system for inspecting the contents of vehicles and containers, and a method for using the same. In a preferred embodiment, the system is relatively small in size, and is used for inspecting commercial vehicles, cargo containers, and other large objects. The X-ray imaging, system comprises a substantially arch-shaped collapsible frame having an X-ray source and detectors disposed thereon. The frame is preferably collapsible via a plurality of hinges disposed thereon. A deployment means may be attached to the frame for deploying the frame into an X-ray imaging position, and for collapsing the frame into a transport position.The collapsible X-ray frame may remain stationary during X-ray imaging while a vehicle or container is driven through or towed through an inspection area defined under the frame. Alternatively, the collapsible X-ray frame may be movable relative to a stationary vehicle or container during X-ray imaging.

Device for positioning a target volume (112) such, as a phantom or a patient in a radiation therapy apparatus, said apparatus directing a radiation beam (405) towards said target (112), characterized in that it comprises:—a target support (100) whereon the target is immobilized; a two dimensional radiation detector (103) fixed with fixations means (101,102, 104, 106 107; 301, 302, 304, 305, 306; 208, 209) in a known geometric relationship to said target support (100), said radiation detector (103) being capable of detecting the position of intersection of said radiation beam (105) with said detector (103); correcting means for correcting the relative position of said beam (105) and said target support 100), based on said detected intersection position.

A method of continuous real-time monitoring and positioning of multi-leaf collimators during on and off radiation exposure conditions of radiation therapy to account for target motion relative to a radiation beam is provided. A prediction algorithm estimates future positions of a target relative to the radiation source. Target geometry and orientation are determined relative to the radiation source. Target, treatment plan, and leaf width data, and temporal interpolations of radiation doses are sent to the controller. Coordinates having an origin at an isocenter of the isocentric plane establish initial aperture end positions of the leaves that is provided to the controller, where motors to position the MLC midpoint aperture ends according to the position and target information. Each aperture end intersects a single point of a convolution of the target and the isocenter of the isocentric plane. Radiation source hold-conditions are provided according to predetermined undesirable operational and / or treatment states.

A radiation applicator system is structured to be mounted to a radiation source for providing a predefined dose of radiation for treating a localized area or volume, such as the tissue surrounding the site of an excised tumor. The applicator system includes an applicator and an adapter. The adapter is formed for fixedly securing the applicator to a radiation source, such as a radiosurgery system which produces a predefined radiation dose profile with respect to a predefined location along the radiation producing probe. The applicator includes a shank and an applicator head, wherein the head is located at a distal end of the applicator shank. A proximate end of the applicator shank couples to the adapter. A distal end of the shank includes the applicator head, which is adapted for engaging and / or supporting the area or volume to be treated with a predefined does of radiation. The applicator can include a low energy radiation filter inside of the applicator head to reduce undesirable low energy radiation emissions. A biocompatible radiation shield may be coupled to the outer surface of the applicator head to block radiation emitted from a portion of the radiation probe, in order to shield an adjacent location or vital organ from any undesired radiation exposure. A plurality of applicators having applicator heads and radiation shields of different sizes and shapes can be provided to accommodate treatment sites of various sizes and shapes.

A method and apparatus for quality assurance of an image guided radiation treatment delivery system. A quality assurance (“QA”) marker is positioned at a preset position under guidance of an imaging guidance system of a radiation treatment delivery system. A radiation beam is emitted from a radiation source of the radiation treatment delivery system at the QA marker. An exposure image of the QA marker due to the radiation beam is generated. The exposure image is then analyzed to determine whether the radiation treatment delivery system is aligned.

A radiosurgery system is described that is configured to deliver a therapeutic dose of radiation to a target structure in a patient. In some embodiments, inflammatory ocular disorders are treated, specifically macular degeneration. In some embodiments, other disorders or tissues of a body are treated with the dose of radiation. In some embodiments, the target tissues are placed in a global coordinate system based on ocular imaging. In some embodiments, the target tissues inside the global coordinate system lead to direction of an automated positioning system that is directed based on the target tissues within the coordinate system. In some embodiments, a treatment plan is utilized in which beam energy and direction and duration of time for treatment is determined for a specific disease to be treated and / or structures to be avoided. In some embodiments, a fiducial marker is used to identify the location of the target tissues. In some embodiments, radiodynamic therapy is described in which radiosurgery is used in combination with other treatments and can be delivered concomitant with, prior to, or following other treatments.

A method and system for performing fluoroscopic imaging of a subject has high temporal and spatial resolution in a center portion of the captured dynamic images. The system provides for reduced X-ray dose to the patient associated with that part of the X-ray beam associated with a peripheral portion of the captured images although temporal, and in some embodiments spatial, resolution is reduced in the peripheral portion of the image. The system uses a rotating collimator to produce an X-ray beam having narrow wing portions associated with the peripheral portions of the image, and a broader central region associated with the high resolution center portion of the images.

A calibration cage for use in Roentgen Stereophotogrammetric Analysis (RSA), comprising a biplanar configuration of two compartments, each with a fiducial plate at the bottom and a control plate at the top and parallel thereto, the fiducial and control plates of one compartment being oriented at approximately 90° to fiducial and control plates of the other compartment such that a region of interest is positioned on one side of the fiducial and control plates of both compartments.

The present invention provides a method for determining a geometry of a scanning volumetric computed tomographic (CT) system having a rotation axis, a rotational plane, an x-ray source and a detector. The method includes scanning a phantom having a series of spatially separated discrete markers with the scanning volumetric computed tomographic system, wherein the markers are configured on a supporting structure of the phantom so as to permit separate identification of each marker in a collection of projection images. The method further includes locating images of the markers in each projection, using the located marker images to assign marker locations to tracks, and using the assigned tracks, determining a relative alignment between the detector, the source, and the rotation axis of the scanning volumetric computed tomographic system.

A system, tracker, program product, and methods to facilitate and verify proper target alignment for radiation delivery are provided. The system includes a radiation delivery apparatus having a radiation emitter, a rotating assembly controlled by a controller, and an application computer which provides treatment delivery instructions to the controller. The system also includes a trackable body having a trackable body reference point to be positioned adjacent a surface point of a patient to determine a position of such surface point. The system also includes an apparatus to track a trackable body which has a trackable body detector to detect a position of indicators carried by the trackable body and a trackable body determiner to determine a position of the trackable body reference point. The system also includes a target alignment analyzing computer having memory and target alignment analyzing program product stored therein to aid a user of the system to make and display various patient body-surface related measurements.

The invention comprises a system and method for creating medical images of a subject patient using a plurality of imaging devices, such as tomographic imaging scanners. The imaging devices each have a bore through which a patient is translated during scanning. The imaging devices can be moved apart to allow greater access to a patient between the bores.

A method for optimizing the radiogram image of a subject is provided. The method provides for showing the location of automatic exposure control sensors on the radiograms, along with alignment and targeting projections to optimize the radiation exposure of the subject. By displaying the location of the automatic exposure control sensors on the radiograms along with the image of the subject, the observers can determine whether the radiogram image was taken with appropriate subject alignment. This method also serves as an educational aid in training radiography technicians.

The inspection methods and systems of the present invention are mobile, rapidly deployable, and capable of scanning a wide variety of receptacles cost-effectively and accurately on uneven surfaces. The present invention is directed toward a portable inspection system for generating an image representation of target objects using a radiation source, comprising a mobile vehicle, a detector array physically attached to a movable boom having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is physically attached to the vehicle. The invention also comprises at least one source of radiation. The radiation source is fixedly attached to the distal end of the boom, wherein the image is generated by introducing the target objects in between the radiation source and the detector array, exposing the objects to radiation, and detecting radiation.