Four-dimensional reconstruction of regions exhibiting multiple phases of periodic motion

A method for four dimensional reconstruction of regions exhibiting multiple phases of periodic motion includes the operation of building one or more 3-D reconstructions using a set of 2-D projections. The method further includes the operation of deriving one or more 3-D model segments from each of the one or more 3-D reconstructions, wherein a plurality of 3-D model segments are formed thereby, and wherein each of the one or more 3-D model segments is derived from a single one of the one or more 3-D model segments. The plurality of derived 3-D model segments forms a 4-D reconstruction of the region of interest.

3D-originated cardiac road mapping

The present invention relates to 3D-originated cardiac road mapping. In order to improve the accuracy of the information provided to the user as navigation information, without any additional burden to the patient such as additional X-ray dose, a method is described comprising the steps of a) providing 3D+t image data of a vascular structure of an object; b) acquiring two-dimensional image data of the object, which object comprises the vascular structure, the 2D image data comprising at least one 2D image; c) projecting the vascular structure, thereby generating a plurality of mask images on the basis of a 3D+t image data; d) registering the at least one 2D image with one of the plurality of the mask images, wherein the registration comprises finding the maximum of a similarity factor between the mask images and the at least one 2D image; e) generating a combination of the at least one 2D image and a projection of the vascular structure on the basis of the 3D+t image data according to the ...

Adaptive road mapping

The invention relates to adaptive road mapping providing improved information to the user, comprising the following steps: providing pre-navigation image data representing at least a part of a vascular structure comprising a tree- like structure with a plurality of sub- trees; generating a vessel representation on the basis of pre-navigation image data; acquiring live image data of the object, which object comprises the vascular structure; wherein the vascular structure contains an element of interest; determining spatial relation of the pre-navigation image data and the live image data; analyzing the live image data by identifying and localizing the element in the live image data; determining a sub- tree in which the element is positioned, wherein the determining is based on the localization of the element and on the spatial relation; and selecting a portion of the vascular structure based on the determined sub -tree; generating a combination of the live image data and an image of the ...

Improved reconstruction for cone-beam computed tomography imaging with off-center flat panel detector

Computed tomography (CT) reconstruction includes reconstructing an axially extended reconstructed image from a measured cone beam x-ray projection data set (Pm), optionally having an off-center geometry. The reconstructing is performed for an extended volume (eFOV) comprising a reconstructable volume (rFOV) of the measured cone beam x ray data set that is extended along the axial direction. The projection data set may be weighted in the volume domain. Iterative reconstruction may be used, including initializing a constant volume and performing one or more iterations employing a first iterative update followed by one or more iterations employing a second, different iterative update. Alternatively, backprojection filtration (BPF) reconstruction may be used, including transforming the projection data set to a new geometry including finite differences between neighboring projection views and performing BPF using Hilbert filtering along a plurality of different directions and averaging the resultant ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IMAGE RECONSTRUCTION

A method and apparatus are provided to reconstruct projection data obtained from CT imaging devices with offset detector geometries. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided to reconstruct projection data obtained from CT imaging devices with offset detector geometries that includes the following steps: (i) matching projection data measured at opposing sides of the acquisition trajectory and splicing them together to generate a full, non-truncated projection data set; (ii) differentiation of the projection data; (iii) filtering the differentiated projection data with a filter, such as for example a Hilbert filter; (iv) applying redundancy weighting to the filtered projection data; and (v) back-projecting the redundancy weighted projection data to generate image data. 1. An imaging method , comprising the steps of:acquiring projection data of an object with an imaging apparatus comprising a detector which is offset from a center of rotation;matching at least one first projection from the projection data with at least one second projection from the projection data, wherein the at least one second projection is measured at an approximately opposing side of an acquisition trajectory from the at least one first projection;splicing estimated projection data derived from the projection data of the at least one second projection with projection data of the first projection to generate a full, non-truncated projection data set;differentiating the non-truncated projection data set with respect to the acquisition trajectory to generate differentiated projection data;applying a filter to the differentiated projection data to generate differentiated and filtered projection data;applying redundancy weighting to the differentiated and filtered projection data to generate differentiated, filtered and weighted projection data; andback-projecting the differentiated, filtered and weighted projection data to generate volumetric data indicative of the ...

RECONSTRUCTION FOR CONE-BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IMAGING WITH OFF-CENTER FLAT PANEL DETECTOR

Computed tomography (CT) reconstruction includes reconstructing an axially extended reconstructed image from a measured cone beam x-ray projection data set (Pm), optionally having an off-center geometry. The reconstructing is performed for an extended volume (eFOV) comprising a reconstructable volume (rFOV) of the measured cone beam x ray data set that is extended along the axial direction. The projection data set may be weighted in the volume domain. Iterative reconstruction may be used, including initializing a constant volume and performing one or more iterations employing a first iterative update followed by one or more iterations employing a second, different iterative update. Alternatively, backprojection filtration (BPF) reconstruction may be used, including transforming the projection data set to a new geometry including finite differences between neighboring projection views and performing BPF using Hilbert filtering along a plurality of different directions and averaging the resultant reconstructed images to generate the final reconstructed image. 1. A computed tomography (CT) reconstruction method comprising:reconstructing an axially extended reconstructed image from a measured cone beam x-ray projection data set acquired during rotation of an x-ray source in a rotation plane around an axial axis, the reconstructing being performed for an extended volume comprising a reconstructable volume of the measured cone beam x-ray data set that is extended along the axial direction; andgenerating a reconstructed image by selected axial truncation of the axially extended reconstructed image.2. The CT reconstruction method as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the extended volume includes at least a total volume in which the cone beam x-ray data set may have undergone absorption.3. The CT reconstruction method as set forth in claim 2 , wherein the reconstructing comprises:reconstructing the axially extended reconstructed image from an extended projection data set that ...

3D-ORIGINATED CARDIAC ROADMAPPING

The present invention relates to 3D-originated cardiac roadmapping. In order to improve the accuracy of the information provided to the user as navigation information, without any additional burden to the patient such as additional X-ray dose, a method is described comprising the steps of a) providing 3D+t image data of a vascular structure of an object; b) acquiring two-dimensional image data of the object, which object comprises the vascular structure, the 2D image data comprising at least one 2D image; c) projecting the vascular structure, thereby generating a plurality of mask images on the basis of a 3D+t image data; d) registering the at least one 2D image with one of the plurality of the mask images, wherein the registration comprises finding the maximum of a similarity factor between the mask images and the at least one 2D image; e) generating a combination of the at least one 2D image and a projection of the vascular structure on the basis of the 3D+t image data according to the registration; and f) displaying the combination as a guiding vessel tree projection. Thus improved cardiac roadmapping in form of a topographical roadmapping is provided since the roadmapping is based on three-dimensional data. 124. A device () for 3D-originated cardiac roadmapping , comprising{'b': '26', 'a processing unit ();'}{'b': '28', 'an interface unit (); and'}{'b': '30', 'a display ();'}{'b': '28', 'wherein the interface unit () is adapted to provide 3D+t image data of a vascular structure of an object; and to provide 2D image data of the object, which object comprises the vascular structure, the 2D image data comprising at least one 2D image;'}{'b': '26', 'wherein the processing unit () is adapted to project the vascular structure, thereby generating a plurality of mask images on the basis of the 3D+t image data; to register the at least one 2D image with one of the plurality of the mask images; wherein the registration comprises finding the maximum of a similarity factor ...

Adaptive roadmapping

The invention relates to adaptive roadmapping providing improved information to the user, comprising the following steps: providing pre-navigation image data representing at least a part of a vascular structure comprising a tree-like structure with a plurality of sub-trees; generating a vessel representation on the basis of pre-navigation image data; acquiring live image data of the object, which object comprises the vascular structure; wherein the vascular structure contains an element of interest; determining spatial relation of the pre-navigation image data and the live image data; analysing the live image data by identifying and localizing the element in the live image data; determining a sub-tree in which the element is positioned, wherein the determining is based on the localization of the element and on the spatial relation; and selecting a portion of the vascular structure based on the determined sub-tree; generating a combination of the live image data and an image of the selected portion of the vascular structure; and displaying the combination as a tailored roadmap. The element may be physical object, for example an interventional tool or device.

Cbct comprising a beam shaping filter

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a beam shaping filter ( 1 ) for use in a cone beam computed tomography system. The filter comprises a radiation attenuating element for positioning between an x-ray source of the cone beam computed tomography system and an object to be imaged. The radiation attenuation as function of position in at least a part ( 2 ) of the radiation attenuating element is rotationally symmetric with respect to a point of rotational symmetry ( 3 ).

TOMOGRAPHIC X-RAY IMAGE RECONSTRUCTION

Cone beam computed tomography image acquisition protocols typically acquire a series of 2D projection images around a region of interest of a patient. The time required for a C-arm to travel around an acquisition orbit around the region of interest of a patient is non-trivial, and as a result, a patient being imaged may move during the acquisition. This is problematic because many computed tomography image acquisition algorithms assume that a patient is perfectly still during the acquisition time. If patient moves as the series of 2D projection images is being obtained, a 3D reconstruction will be affected by image artefacts. This application proposes to identify and to remove image artefacts caused by the relative motion of at least two rigid objects in the region of interest (For example, a mandible moving with respect to a skull during the acquisition). The at least two rigid objects have a more predictable motion characteristic, which may be used to correct 2D images of the input projection image sequence before a final reconstruction step. Accordingly, 3D images of a patient may be provided with fewer artefacts even when a patient moves during an acquisition. 1. An apparatus for tomographic X-Ray image reconstruction , comprising:an input unit; anda processing unit;wherein the input unit is configured to acquire, from an input projection image sequence, first and second 2D X-Ray projection data of a region of interest of an object acquired, respectively at first and second acquisition times;wherein the input unit is configured to provide (i) first 3D rigid object data of, or approximating, a first rigid object in a region of interest of a patient, and (ii) second 3D rigid object data of, or approximating, a second rigid object in a region of interest of a patient; andwherein the processing unit is configured to generate a first registration of the first and/or second 3D rigid object data to the first 2D X-Ray projection data, to generate a second registration ...

SPECTRAL IMAGING

An imaging system includes radiation source () that emits radiation that traverses an examination region and a portion of a subject therein and a detector array () that detects radiation that traverses the examination region and the portion of the subject therein and generates a signal indicative thereof. A volume scan parameter recommender () recommends at least one spectral scan parameter value for a volume scan of the portion of the subject based on a spectral decomposition of first and second 2D projections acquired by the radiation source and detector array. The first and second 2D projections have different spectral characteristics. A console () employs the recommended at least one spectral scan parameter value to perform the volume scan of the portion of the subject. 1. An imaging system , comprising:a radiation source that emits radiation that traverses an examination region and a portion of a subject therein;a detector array that detects radiation that traverses the examination region and the portion of the subject therein and generates a signal indicative thereof,a volume scan parameter recommender that recommends at least one spectral scan parameter value for a volume scan of the portion of the subject based on a spectral decomposition of first and second 2D projections acquired by the radiation source and detector array, wherein the first and second 2D projections have different spectral characteristics; anda console that employs the recommended at least one spectral scan parameter value to perform the volume scan of the portion of the subject.2. The imaging system of claim 1 , wherein the spectral scan parameter is a kVp value claim 1 , and the radiation source is configured to switch between at least two different kVp values claim 1 , a first kVp value which is used to acquire the first 2D projection and a second different kVp value which is used to acquire the second 2D projection claim 1 , wherein the first kVp value is less than the second kVp value ...

APPARATUS FOR VESSEL CHARACTERIZATION

The invention discloses an apparatus (), a system () and a method () for characterization of vessels and for vessel modeling. The cross sectional area (A) of the vessel is derived from pressure measurements (p, p) obtained by an instrument () from within the vessel. When multiple cross sectional areas (A, A) are derived for multiple reference positions (r, r) based on pressure measurements (p, p, p) along the vessel, a representation () of the vessel can be rendered, without requiring any imaging modality. Furthermore, the effect of the pulsatile blood flow on the elasticity of the vessel walls can be visualized, supporting assessment of a stenosis or an aneurysm formation along the vessel. 1. An apparatus for characterizing a vessel of a living being , the apparatus comprising a processor configured to:{'sub': 1', '1', '2', '2', '3', '3, 'receive from an instrument within the vessel a first temporal pressure measurement signal (p) at a first measurement location (l), a second temporal pressure measurement signal (p) at a second measurement location (l) and a third temporal pressure measurement signal (p) at a third measurement location (l) of a pulsatile blood flow within the vessel;'}{'sub': 1', '1', '1', '2, 'derive a first cross sectional area (A) for a first reference position (r) of the vessel based on the first and second pressure measurement signals (p,p);'}{'sub': 2', '2', '3', '1', '2', '1', '2, 'derive a second cross sectional area (A) for a second reference position (r) of the vessel based on the third pressure measurement signal (p) and one of the first and second pressure measurement signals (p,p), the first and second cross sectional areas (A,A) derived for subsequent phases (I-VI) of the pulsatile blood flow;'}{'sub': 1', '2', '1', '2, 'render a representation of the vessel based on the first and second cross sectional areas (A,A) and the first and second reference positions (r,r), the representation of the vessel comprising a sequence of ...

SPECTRAL IMAGING

An imaging system includes radiation source that emits radiation that traverses an examination region and a portion of a subject therein and a detector array that detects radiation that traverses the examination region and the portion of the subject therein and generates a signal indicative thereof. A volume scan parameter recommender recommends at least one spectral scan parameter value for a volume scan of the portion of the subject based on a spectral decomposition of first and second 2D projections acquired by the radiation source and detector array. The first and second 2D projections have different spectral characteristics. A console employs the recommended at least one spectral scan parameter value to perform the volume scan of the portion of the subject. 1. A method for spectral imaging , comprising:receiving first 2D projection having a first spectral characteristic;receiving second 2D projection having a second spectral characteristic, wherein the first and second spectral characteristics are different;spectrally decomposing the first and second data into at least two different components;determining a physical characteristic of the scanned subject based on the decomposed data;determining at least one spectral scan parameter value for a volume scan of the subject based on the determined physical characteristic; andperforming the volume scan of the subject using the at least one spectral scan parameter value.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first 2D projection corresponds to a first 2D projection scan of the subject performed at a first kVp value at a predetermined acquisition angle; and the second 2D projection corresponds to a second 2D projection scan of the subject performed at a second different kVp value at the predetermined acquisition angle claim 1 , wherein the second kVp value is higher than the first kVp value.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the at least one kVp value is equal to the first kVp.4. The method of claim 2 , wherein the at ...

SIGNALING OF AN AORTIC VALVE STATE

The invention relates to an apparatus configured to display an aortic valve image and an indicator when the aortic valve is in its open-state and/or when the valve is in its closed-state. The indicator is supposed to be in an overlay to the image of the aortic valve, such that a physician can see on the same display image the information needed to advance a guide wire or catheter through the aortic valve of a heart. This may prevent damaging ensures not to damage the aortic valve. The physician receives the relevant information, when the aortic valve is in its open-state and thus being in a state to be passed by the catheter. The information, whether the aortic valve is in its open-state or in its closed-state, corresponds to the systolic phase and the distal phase of the heart, respectively. The information, when the heart is in its systolic phase and when it is in the diastolic phase may be extracted from an ECG measurement. From the detection of these cardiac phases, the closed-state of the valve and/or the open-state of the valve can be estimated using general knowledge about flood flow during the cardiac cycle. 1. Apparatus for supporting an aortic valve intervention , comprising:an input interface;a processing unit; andwherein the input interface is configured to receive i) an image-data signal g representing an X-ray image of an aortic valve of a heart and ii) a time variant, body-surface signal b indicating a beat of the heart;wherein the processing unit is configured to determine a state of the aortic valve on the basis of a predefined signal course of the body-surface signal b;wherein the processing unit is further configured to generate a display signal component for signaling the aortic valve as i) open during a determined open state of the aortic valve, or ii) as closed during a determined closed-state of the aortic valve;wherein the processing unit is further configured to generate a display signal (d) representing a display image comprising the X-ray ...

STENOSIS THERAPY PLANNING

The present invention relates to stenosis therapy planning. A first volumetric data set is received by medical imaging of at least part of an artery comprising a stenosis. At least one two-dimensional image data (of the stenosis is received. A first arterial pressure drop is determined around the stenosis. A second volumetric data set is generated by registering the at least one two-dimensional image data with the first volumetric data set. A third volumetric data set is generated by simulating a geometry modification of the stenosis in the second volumetric data set and a second arterial pressure drop is estimated around the stenosis in the third volumetric data set. 1. A system for planning an arterial stenosis therapy comprising:a processor configured toreceive a first volumetric data set of at least part of an artery, said part comprising a stenosis;receive at least one two-dimensional data of the stenosis;receive first arterial pressure drop information, said first arterial pressure drop information being an arterial pressure drop around the stenosis;register the first volumetric data set with the at least one two-dimensional data to obtain a second volumetric data set;generate a third volumetric data set by modifying a geometry of the stenosis in the second volumetric data set; andestimate a second arterial pressure drop around the stenosis in the third volumetric data set.2. The system according to wherein claim 1 , the processor is configured to use the first arterial pressure drop as a starting point to estimate of the second arterial pressure drop.3. The system according to claim 1 , further comprising a display device; and wherein the processor is further configured to display the first arterial pressure drop and the second arterial pressure drop on the display device.4. The system according to claim 1 , the processor further configured to generate at least two third volumetric data sets claim 1 , each of the at least two third volumetric data sets being ...

APPARATUS FOR VESSEL CHARACTERIZATION

A three-dimensional morphological vessel model () can be obtained by assigning diameters () along the vessel derived from a two-dimensional morphological projection () at locations in the three-dimensional model defined by the temporal locations () of a trackable instrument (). An apparatus (), a system () and a method () for use of the system () in characterizing the vessel of a living being () by rendering a three-dimensional morphological vessel model () are presented. 1. An apparatus , comprising:a processor, a tracking unit configured to measure location information of a trackable instrument in a vessel lumen of a vessel of a living being over time as the trackable instrument moves within the vessel lumen through a plurality of locations comprising a first location at a first time; and', 'an imaging unit configured to generate a projection image of the vessel;, 'wherein the apparatus is configured to be coupled to [ identify, within the projection image, first outer borders of the vessel lumen at the first location; and', 'determine, based on the projection image, a first distance between the first outer borders;, 'responsive to the trackable instrument being positioned at the first location of the vessel lumen at the first time, 'generate a three-dimensional (3D) model of the vessel that is different than the projection image; and', 'output, to a display in communication with the processor, a graphical representation of the 3D model,, 'wherein the processor is configured towherein a first portion of the 3D model is representative of the first location of the vessel lumen,wherein the first portion of the 3D model comprises a first diameter,wherein, to generate the 3D model, the processor is configured to assign the first distance determined based on the projection image to be the first diameter of the first portion of the 3D model.2. The apparatus of claim 1 ,wherein the plurality of locations comprise a second location at a second time, identify, within the ...

IMAGING SYSTEM FOR A VERTEBRAL LEVEL

The present invention relates to an imaging system () for a vertebral level, an identification method for a vertebral level, a computer program element for controlling such system and a computer readable medium having stored such computer program element. The imaging system () comprises a determination unit (), a definition unit (), an imaging unit (), and a processing unit (). The determination unit () determines a target vertebral level. The definition unit () defines an anatomical landmark of a spine. The imaging unit () provides a series of X-ray images along the spine based on the landmark. The processing unit () identifies the target vertebral level in at least one of the X-ray images. The processing unit () further stitches the X-ray images to a continuous panoramic image of the spine and identifies the target vertebral level in the panoramic image. 1. An imaging system for a vertebral level comprising:a determination unit,a definition unit,an imaging unit,a processing unit,wherein the determination unit is configured to receive pre-interventional image data and to determine a target vertebral level using the pre-interventional image data,wherein the definition unit is configured to define an anatomical landmark of a spine,wherein the imaging unit is configured to provide a series of X-ray images along the spine based on the landmark, andwherein the processing unit is configured to identify the target vertebral level in at least one of the X-ray images based on the determination using the pre-interventional image data.2. Imaging system according to claim 1 , wherein the processing unit is further configured to stitch the X-ray images to a panoramic image of the spine and to identify the target vertebral level in the panoramic image.3. Imaging system according to claim 1 , further comprising an input device configured to enable the determination of the target vertebral level and/or to enable the identification of the target vertebral level in the at least one ...

SCATTER CORRECTION FOR X-RAY IMAGING

An image processing system (IPS) and related method. The system (IPS) comprises an input interface (IN) for receiving an image (IM) of an object (OB) acquired by an imaging apparatus (IA). A kernel provider (KP) of the system (IPS) is configured to provide respective scatter kernels for at least two scatter types. A scatter correction module (SCM) of the system (IPS) is configured to perform a correction in the image based on the provided at least two kernels. 1. An X-ray image processing system , comprising:an input interface for receiving an image of an object acquired by an imaging apparatus;a kernel provider configured to provide respective scatter kernels for at least two scatter types; anda scatter correction module configured to perform a correction in the image based on the provided at least two kernels, wherein the at least two scatter types include a different number of scatter events, wherein one of the scatter types includes a single scatter event and the other scatter type includes multiple scatter events, wherein the kernel provider is configured to select or compute the at least two kernels differently, wherein the kernel provider is configured to provide at least one kernel for multiple scatter events based on a clipped signal gradient in a patch of the image by clipping image gradient values at a pre-defined threshold.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the kernel provider is configured to select or compute at least one kernel for a single scatter event based on at least one of signal strength and signal gradient in the patch.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the kernel provider is configured to provide the at least one kernel for multiple scatter events based on low-pass filtering the image and the signal strength or gradient in the patch.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the kernel provider is configured to provide the at least one kernel for multiple scatter events based on signal strength and/or signal gradient of the image.5. The system of ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MULTI-BEAM X-RAY EXPOSURE FOR 4D IMAGING

An interventional X-ray system is proposed, the system including a multi X-ray source unit positioned below a patient table. This ‘multiblock’ may comprise several x-ray sources with focal spot positions distributed along the x-y (table) plane. The x-ray sources are operable in a switching scheme in which certain x-ray sources may be activated in parallel and also sequential switching between such groups is intended. The switching may be carried out so that several images with different projection angles can be acquired in parallel. In other words, an optimal multi-beam X-ray exposure is suggested, wherein fast switching in one dimension and simultaneous exposure in the 2nd dimension is applied. 1. A system comprising:a plurality of radiation sources, anda radiation detector,wherein each of the radiation sources is arranged so as to emit radiation onto a sub-area of the detector,wherein a first group of radiation sources out of the plurality of radiation sources simultaneously emit radiation onto a first pattern of sub-areas of the detector, wherein the sub-areas of the first pattern do not overlap each other,wherein a second group of radiation sources out of the plurality of radiation sources simultaneously emit radiation onto a second pattern of sub-areas of the detector, wherein the sub-areas of the second pattern do not overlap each other,wherein the sub-areas of the first pattern overlap the sub-areas of the second pattern.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein sequential switching between the first group and the second group of radiation sources may be carried out.3. The system of claim 2 , further comprising a control unit configured to control a switching sequence of radiation emission from the groups of radiation sources.4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the radiation sources of the second group of radiation sources are arranged along the first direction of the matrix and are arranged with a distance from the radiation sources of the first group of radiation ...

Apparatus for Vessel Characterization

A three-dimensional morphological vessel model () can be obtained by assigning diameters () along the vessel derived from a two-dimensional morphological projection () at locations in the three-dimensional model defined by the temporal locations () of a trackable instrument (). An apparatus (), a system () and a method () for use of the system () in characterizing the vessel of a living being () by rendering a three-5 dimensional morphological vessel model () are presented. 1. An apparatus for characterizing a vessel of a living being , the apparatus comprising:a processor for processing measurement information,wherein the apparatus is configured to be coupled to:a tracking unit for measuring temporal location information of a trackable instrument in a vessel,an imaging unit for generating morphological projection information of the vessel;the processor is configured to:derive a first diameter of the vessel from the morphological projection information corresponding to a first temporal location of a distal portion of the instrument;derive a second diameter of the vessel from the morphological projection information corresponding to a second temporal location of the distal portion of the instrument; andgenerate a three dimensional morphological model by assigning the first and second diameters of the vessel in a three-dimensional morphological model of the vessel at two locations defined by a relative position between the first and second temporal locations of the distal portion of the instrument as the distal portion of the instrument moves from the first temporal location to the second temporal location.2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the morphological projection information of the vessel processed by the processor is derived from angiography.3. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the temporal location information of the instrument processed by the processor is derived from electromagnetic signals.4. (canceled)5. The apparatus according to ...

EFFICIENT MOTION-COMPENSATION IN CONE BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY BASED ON DATA CONSISTENCY

An image processing system (IPS), comprising an input interface (IN) for receiving a projection image from a plurality of projection images of a movable object (PAT) acquired along different directions by an imaging apparatus (XA), the projection images defined in a projection domain spanned by a radiation sensitive surface of the detector (D). The system includes a motion checker (MC) configured to operate in the projection domain to decide whether the projection image is corrupted by motion of the object during acquisition. 1. An image processing system , comprising:an input interface for receiving a projection image from a plurality of projection images of a movable object acquired along different directions by an imaging apparatus, the projection images defined in a projection domain spanned by a radiation sensitive surface of the detector;a motion checker configured to operate in the projection domain to decide whether the projection image is corrupted by motion of the object during acquisition; anda reconstructor configured to reconstruct an image including cross-sectional information of the object based on a decision by the motion checker.2. Image processing system of claim 1 , wherein the reconstructor is configured to reconstruct the image including the cross-sectional information of the object from the plurality of projection images claim 1 , wherein the projection image is ignored by the reconstructor if and only if the motion checker decides there is motion corruption.3. Image processing system of claim 1 , comprising a motion estimator configured to compute an estimate for the motion if and only if the motion checker decides there is motion corruption.4. Image processing system of claim 3 , a motion compensator configured to compensate for said motion based on the motion estimate to obtain a motion compensated projection image.5. Image processing system of claim 4 , the reconstructor configured to reconstruct the image from at least the motion ...

X-RAY IMAGING OF AN OBJECT WITH THREE-DIMENSIONAL LOCALIZATION OF AN INTERVENTIONAL DEVICE

The invention relates to an X-ray apparatus () and a method () for a depth localization of a catheter () within an object of interest (), arranged at an object receiving space () of the X-ray imaging apparatus. The X-ray imaging apparatus comprises an X-ray source () and an X-ray detector (). Between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector, at least one interferometer () formed by a phase grating is arranged. The X-ray detector is configured to detect X-ray radiation, which has been influenced by the phase grating and the object of interest and the catheter, which may also be arranged at the object receiving space and/or the object of interest. The X-ray detector is configured to provide a detector signal s. A signal component of the detector signal relates to a phase-contrast detector signal component, which may be calculated on the basis of the detector signal and may represent a visibility loss. It has been found, that a repective visibility loss signal component of the detector signal depends on a distance between the catheter and the phase grating. Accordingly, depth information for the catheter may be calculated on the basis of the visibility loss signal component of the detector signal. Correspondingly, a three-dimensional position of the catheter at the object receiving space may be calculated. It is to be noted, that the catheter may just be one example of an interventional device, which may be arranged at the object receiving space. As an effect, a three-dimensional tracking of the interventional device, in particular of the catheter, may be enabled from the X-ray detector signal. 1. An X-ray imaging apparatus , comprising:an X-ray source for generating an X-ray radiation;an X-ray detector;an object receiving space for arranging an object of interest for X-ray imaging, wherein the object receiving space is arranged between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector;an interferometer for creating an interference pattern, wherein the interferometer is arranged ...

FRACTIONAL FLOW RESERVE DETERMINATION

The present invention relates to a device () for fractional flow reserve determination, the device () comprising: a model source () configured to provide a first three-dimensional model (DM) of a portion of an imaged vascular vessel tree (VVT) surrounding a stenosed vessel segment (SVS) and configured to provide a second three-dimensional model (DM) of a pressure wire insertable into the vascular vessel tree (VVT); and a processor () configured to calculate a first blood flow (Q) through the stenosed vessel segment (SVS) with the pressure wire (PW) inserted into the vascular vessel tree (VVT) based on the first and the second three-dimensional model and to calculate a second blood flow (Q) through the stenosed vessel segment (SVS) without the pressure wire (PW) inserted into the vascular vessel tree (VVT) based on the first three-dimensional model (DM) and to determine a first fractional flow reserve value (FFR) to be measured with the pressure wire (PW) inserted into the vascular vessel tree (VVT) based on the first blood flow (Q) and to determine a second fractional flow reserve value (FFR) to be measured without the pressure wire (PW) inserted into the vascular vessel tree (VVT) based on the second blood flow (Q). 1. A device for fractional flow reserve determination , the device comprising:a model source configured to provide a first three-dimensional model of a portion of an imaged vascular vessel tree surrounding a stenosed vessel segment and configured to provide a second three-dimensional model of a pressure wire insertable into the vascular vessel tree, anda processor configured to calculate a first blood flow through the stenosed vessel segment with the pressure wire present in the vascular vessel tree based on the first and second three-dimensional model; to calculate a second blood flow through the stenosed vessel segment without the pressure wire present in the vascular vessel tree based on the first three-dimensional model only and to determine a first ...

Determining calcium content from spectral ct data

Present invention relates to devices and methods for determining a calcium content by analyzing cardiac spectral CT data. CT projection data ( 9 ), obtainable by scanning a cardiac region of a subject using a spectral CT scanning unit, is modelled ( 12 ) by applying a material decomposition algorithm to the projection data to provide a calcium-specific component. Tomographic reconstructions ( 13 ) of the projection data, to provide a first 3D image ( 8 ), and of the calcium-specific component, to provide a second 3D image ( 6 ), are performed. The first 3D image ( 8 ) is segmented ( 14 ) to provide an image mask ( 5 ) corresponding to a cardiovascular structure of interest, a part of the second 3D image ( 6 ) is selected ( 15 ) based on the image mask ( 5 ), and a calcium content is calculated ( 16 ) in the cardiovascular structure of interest based on the selected part of the second 3D image ( 6 ).

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTINUOUS TREATMENT OF A METAL STRIP

The invention relates to a device for continuous treatment of a metal strip (), in particular a metal strip consisting of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, or consisting of a non-ferrous metal or a non-ferrous metal alloy, said device comprising at least one temperature control device () through which the metal strip () is guided in a floating manner, and comprising at least one strip position regulation unit (), by means of which the position of the metal strip () can be controlled or regulated on the belt movement plane (E) and transversely to the strip running direction (B), wherein the temperature control device () has at least one entry-side heating section () and an exit-side cooling section (). The invention is characterised in that the strip position regulation unit () that works in a contactless manner has at least one contactless strip position detection element () and at least one linear motor () and is arranged within the heating section () or between the heating section () and the cooling section (). 1. In an apparatus for continuously treating a metal strip made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy or of nonferrous metal or a nonferrous metal alloy , the apparatus havingat least one temperature adjuster through which the metal strip is passed in a suspended form in a strip-travel direction, andat least one strip-position adjuster that can control with or without feedback the position of the metal strip in a plane of travel of the strip and transversely to the strip-travel direction, the temperature adjuster having at least one heating zone at an intake end and one cooling zone at an output end, the improvement whereinthe strip-position adjuster operates by a noncontact method and comprises:at least one noncontact strip-position detector andat least one linear actuator, and the strip-position adjuster is inside the heating zone or between the heating zone and the cooling zone.2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the heating zone has a plurality of ...

Calibration-free tomosynthesis

The present invention relates to tomosynthesis. In order to further facilitate and improve the generation of three-dimensional image data, an X-ray imaging system (10) for calibration-free tomosynthesis is provided. The system comprises an imaging arrangement (12) with an X-ray detector unit (14) and an X-ray unit (16) comprising a plurality of X-ray sources (18). The system also comprises an image processing unit (20), an object receiving space (22), and a moving unit (24) for providing a relative movement between the imaging arrangement and an object of interest arranged at least partially in the object receiving space. The X-ray sources are provided in a known spatial relationship; the X-ray detector unit and the X-ray unit are also provided in a known spatial detector-sources-relationship. The moving unit provides a relative movement between the object of interest and the imaging arrangement in order to provide a plurality of system-to-object positions. The X-ray unit is configured to provide X-ray radiation to the object of interest from a plurality of different directions for each system-to-object position in order to provide a plurality of subsets of views with different viewing directions. The processing unit is configured to determine positions of the object in relation to the imaging arrangement based on the subsets of views, and to calculate a three-dimensional geometric position for each view of the subsets of views, and also to calculate a three-dimensional tomosynthesis reconstruction volume from the plurality of subsets of views.

ANATOMY ADAPTED ACQUISITION WITH FIXED MULTI-SOURCE X-RAY SYSTEM

A system (SC) for controlling operation of a multi-focal-spot X-ray imager (IA). The system comprises a projection direction determiner (PDD) configured to determine a projection direction for an object (OB) to be imaged, based on a geometric structure of a model m(OB) for the object (OB). A selector (SX) of the system is configured to select, from the imager (IA)'s plurality of focal-spot-detector pairs (IPj) with different optical axes (OXj), at least one target pair whose optical axis corresponds to the determined projection direction. 1. An imaging arrangement , comprising:a multi-focal spot X-ray imager of the non-rotational type, having a detector and an X-ray source unit defining a plurality of focal spots, the source unit being configured so that the focal spots define, with the detector, imaging pairs having different optical axes.a projection direction determiner configured to determine a projection direction for an object to be imaged based on a geometric structure of a model m for the object; anda selector configured to select, from the plurality of imaging pairs, at least one target pair whose optical axis is within an angular margin Δα of the determined projection direction.2. Imaging arrangement of claim 1 , comprising an instruction module configured to instruct the imager to acquire an image of the object along the optical axis of the target pair.3. Imaging arrangement of claim 1 , comprising a model updater configured to update the model m claim 1 , the projection direction determiner then determining a new projection direction and/or the selector then selecting a new target pair.4. Imaging arrangement of claim 1 , where the determining of the projection direction by the projection direction determiner is based on any one or a combination of the following selection criteria: i) an amount of perspective foreshortening of the model or a part thereof in projection view claim 1 , ii) an amount of perspective overlap of features of the model in ...

Continuous-flow cooling apparatus and method of cooling strip therewith

The invention relates to a continuous flow cooling device (3) for cooling a metal strip (1), in particular a metal strip made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, having at least one strip flotation cooler (4), which has several upper nozzles (5) distributed along the strip travel direction (B), and several lower nozzles (6) distributed along the strip travel direction (B), wherein the metal strip (1) can be transported in a floating manner between the upper nozzles (5) and the lower nozzles (6), and the upper side of the strip as well as the underside of the strip can be supplied with cooling air in the process, and having several water cooling units (7), by means of which the metal strip (1) can be supplied with cooling water. This device is characterized in that the water cooling units (7) are integrated in the strip flotation cooler (4).

APPARATUS FOR VESSEL CHARACTERIZATION

The invention discloses an apparatus (), a system () and a method () for characterization of vessels and for vessel modeling. The cross sectional area (A) of the vessel is derived from pressure measurements (p,p) obtained by an instrument () from within the vessel. When multiple cross sectional areas (A,A) are derived for multiple reference positions (r,r) based on pressure measurements (p,p,p) along the vessel, a representation () of the vessel can be rendered, without requiring any imaging modality. Furthermore, the effect of the pulsatile blood flow on the elasticity of the vessel walls can be visualized, supporting assessment of a stenosis or an aneurysm formation along the vessel. 1. An apparatus for assessing a vessel of a patient , the apparatus comprising: receive, from an instrument positioned within the vessel, a plurality of pressure measurements corresponding to a plurality of locations within the vessel;', 'derive a first cross-sectional area for a first position of the vessel based on a first set of pressure measurements of the plurality of pressure measurements;', 'derive a second cross-sectional area for a different second position of the vessel based on a second set of pressure measurements of the plurality of pressure measurements;', 'generate a representation of the vessel based on the first cross-sectional area and the second cross-sectional area; and', 'output the representation of the vessel to a display in communication with the processor., 'a processor configured to2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to:receive morphological information of the vessel from an imaging unit; a morphological representation of the vessel based on the morphological information; and', 'the representation of the vessel based on the first and second cross-sectional areas and the first and second positions., 'generate a composite representation comprising3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured to derive ...

Brake Caliper

A brake caliper, for example a floating caliper, with a caliper housing and a guide element. The guide element fixed on one side to the caliper housing and moveably supported at a free end in a guide bushing. The guide bushing having a return mechanism that deflects with and returns the guide element to an initial position. The return mechanism also automatically adjusts when the guide element exceeds a predetermined amount of deflection.

VERTEBRAL FEATURE IDENTIFICATION

Minimally-invasive spinal inventions are often performed using fluoroscopic imaging methods, which can give a real-time impression of the location of a surgical instrument, at the expense of a small field of view. When operating on a spinal column, a small field of view can be a problem, because a medical professional is left with no reference vertebra in the fluoroscopy image, from which to identify a vertebra, which is the subject of the intervention. Identifying contiguous vertebrae is difficult because such contiguous vertebrae are similar in shape. However, characteristic features, which differentiate one vertebra from other vertebra, and which are visible in the fluoroscopic view, may be used to provide a reference. 1. A device for 3D characteristic vertebral feature identification comprising:an input unita processing unit; andan output unit;wherein the input unit is configured to provide processed 3D volume information representing a portion of a spinal column, wherein the processed 3D volume information is computed from a plurality of images obtained through the spinal column, and is acquired along a plurality of acquisition directions;wherein the processing unit is configured to generate 3D spinal model data derived from the processed 3D volume information, to select first vertebra information and second vertebra information in the 3D spinal model data, and to compute 3D characteristic vertebral feature information of the first vertebra by computing a 3D vertebral shape difference between the first vertebra information and the second vertebra information in the 3D spinal model data;wherein the input unit is further configured to provide target vertebral level information;wherein the processing unit is further configured to determine a patient viewing direction using the 3D characteristic vertebral feature information and the target vertebral level information,wherein the patient viewing direction is determined by searching for a viewing direction, which ...

Low mooney nitrile rubber thermoplastic elastomer composition with improved processability

The present invention relates to thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) based on low Mooney, optionally hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber and polyamides. The present invention also relates to TPVs based on low Mooney, optionally, hydrogenated nitrile terpolymers and polyamides. TPVs prepared according to the present invention have improved morphology, smaller rubber particle size, and improved processability compared to TPVs containing non-low Mooney, optionally hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber.

Low mooney nitrile rubber thermoplastic elastomer composition with improved processability

The present invention relates to thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) based on low Mooney, optionally hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber and polyamides. The present invention also relates to TPVs based on low Mooney, optionally, hydrogenated nitrile terpolymers and polyamides. TPVs prepared according to the present invention have improved morphology, smaller rubber particle size, and improved processability compared to TPVs containing non-low Mooney, optionally hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber.

Method and device for use in a suction / compressed air supply waste heat accumulating on a printing press

Printing press heat utilization process involves taking cooling air for vacuum pumps or compressors into circuit and cooling heated air in heat exchanger

The heat utilization process for a printing press (4) involves taking the cooling air for the vacuum pumps (3) or compressors (2) into a circuit. The heated exhaust air and heated cooling air from the vacuum pumps or compressors is cooled in a heat exchanger (8, 10, 11) and is used to heat the separate drying air.

Local motion compensated reconstruction of stenosis

The analysis of a stenosis of a coronary vessel in three dimensions requires a motion compensated reconstruction. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an examination apparatus for local motion compensated reconstruction data set is provided, wherein the local motion compensated reconstruction vectors relating to a start point and an end point of the stenosis.

Method for controlled braking of a door and device for applying said method

The invention relates to a method for controlled braking of an electrically powered lifting action in the event of a failure, such that at least one of the nominal values for “rotational direction” and/or “operating speed” and/or “door position” and/or “motor capacity” and/or “motor current” is ascertained and compared with an actual value, and such that a motorized braking process or motorized stopping process is triggered by a departure of the actual value from the nominal value that lies outside a predetermined range. In addition the invention relates to a device for applying said method.

angiographic image acquisition method, collimator control unit of an angiographic image acquisition device, angiographic image acquisition device and computer program product

Angiographic image acquisition system and method with automatic shutter adaptation for yielding a reduced field of view covering a segmented target structure or lesion for decreasing X-radiation dose in minimally invasive X-ray-guided interventions

The present invention refers to an angiographic image acquisition system and method which can beneficially be used in the scope of minimally invasive image-guided interventions. In particular, the present invention relates to a system and method for graphically visualizing a pre-interventionally virtual 3D representation of a patient's coronary artery tree's vessel segments in a region of interest of a patient's cardiovascular system to be three-dimensionally reconstructed. Optionally, this 3D representation can then be fused with an intraoperatively acquired fluoroscopic 2D live image of an interventional tool. According to the present invention, said method comprises the steps of subjecting the image data set of the 3D representation associated with the precalculated optimal viewing angle to a 3D segmentation algorithm (S 4 ) in order to find the contours of a target structure or lesion to be examined and interventionally treated within a region of interest and automatically adjusting (S 5 ) a collimator wedge position and/or aperture of a shutter mechanism used for collimating an X-ray beam emitted by an X-ray source of a C-arm-based 3D rotational angiography device or rotational gantry-based CT imaging system to which the patient is exposed during an image-guided radiographic examination procedure based on data obtained as a result of said segmentation which indicate the contour and size of said target structure or lesion. The aim is to reduce the region of interest to a field of view that covers said target structure or lesion together with a user-definable portion of the surrounding vasculature.

Device for the production and processing of composite materials

3d reconstruction of a body and of a body contour

The invention proposes a 3D reconstruction of a body and a body contour from transversally truncated projections using a polyhedral object model. Possible clinical applications arise in the field of guided biopsies on acquisition systems equipped with a flat panel detector, where truncated projections cannot be avoided in thorax and abdominal scan protocols. From, for example, a rotational run both a 3D volume reconstruction and a surface mesh reconstruction of a patient's shape is generated and then visualized simultaneously in order to help the physician guide the biopsy device and judge the distance from the patient's skin to the tissue of interest inside the reconstructed volume.

3D-originated cardiac roadmapping

A 3D-originated cardiac roadmapping device and method include providing 3D+t image data of a vascular structure of an object; acquiring 2D image data of the object that includes the vascular structure, where the 2D image data includes at least one 2D image. The method further includes projecting the vascular structure, thereby generating mask images based on the 3D+t image data; and registering the at least one 2D image with one of the mask images. The registration includes finding the maximum of a similarity factor between the mask images and the at least one 2D image. The method further includes generating a combination of the at least one 2D image and a projection of the vascular structure based on the 3D+t image data according to the registration; and displaying the combination as a guiding vessel tree projection.

Injectable bone-substitute material

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Knochenersatzmaterial, das eine weiche Matrix, lebende Zellen und eine aushärtende Matrix umfasst. Die Erfindung betrifft auch Verfahren zur Herstellung eines derartigen Knochenersatzmaterials und die Verwendung von nicht-keramischem Hydroxylapatit-Zement zur Herstellung eines Zellen enthaltenden Knochenersatzmaterials. Dieses kann in einem die Erfindung betreffenden geeigneten Spritzapparat minimal-invasiv in einen Knochendefekt injiziert werden.

Stereo x-ray tube based suppression of outside body high contrast objects

Injectable bone-substitute material comprising fibrin or fibrinogen and hydroxyapatite cement

The invention relates to a bone-substitute material, comprising a soft matrix, living cells and a curing matrix. The invention also relates to methods for producing a bone-substitute material of this type and to the use of non-ceramic hydroxyapatite cement for producing a bone-substitute material containing cells. Said bone-substitute material can be injected in a minimally-invasive manner into a bone-defect, using an injection device which is appropriate to the invention.

Confidence map for neural network based limited angle artifact reduction in cone beam ct

Image processing system (IPS), comprising an input interface (IN) for receiving an input image (IM) based on projection data (π) collected in a limited angle scan along different projection directions by an imaging apparatus (IA). A directional analyzer (DA) to compute a direction component for border regions in the input image. A directional discriminator (DD) is to discriminate border regions based on whether or not their direction component is along at least one of the projection directions.

Sprayable bone replacement material

The invention relates to a bone-substitute material, comprising a soft matrix, living cells and a curing matrix. The invention also relates to methods for producing a bone-substitute material of this type and to the use of non-ceramic hydroxyapatite cement for producing a bone-substitute material containing cells. Said bone-substitute material can be injected in a minimally-invasive manner into a bone-defect, using an injection device which is appropriate to the invention.

Apparatus for generating an image of moving object

Apparatus for vessel characterization

The invention discloses an apparatus (2), a system (1) and a method (100) for characterization of vessels and for vessel modeling. The cross sectional area (A1) of the vessel is derived from pressure measurements (p1, p2) obtained by an instrument (3) from within the vessel. When multiple cross sectional areas (A1, A2) are derived for multiple reference positions (r1, r2) based on pressure measurements (p1, p2, p3) along the vessel, a representation (20, 30) of the vessel can be rendered, without requiring any imaging modality. Furthermore, the effect of the pulsatile blood flow on the elasticity of the vessel walls can be visualized, supporting assessment of a stenosis or an aneurysm formation along the vessel.

Apparatus for generating an image of moving object

The present invention relates to an apparatus for generating an image of a moving object, wherein a movement of the object comprises a multiple of moving phases. The apparatus comprises a measured detection data providing unit (20) for providing measured detection data of the moving object, which have been detected by using a detection process and which are assigned to the moving phases. The apparatus comprises further a reconstruction unit (13) for reconstructing an image object of the object from the provided measured detection data and an adaptation unit (18) for adapting the image object for different moving phases such that simulated detection data are adapted to the measured detection data of the respective moving phase, wherein the simulated detection data are determined by simulating the detection process, which has been used for detecting the measured detection data assigned to the respective moving phase, with the image object.

medical imaging system and image processing method

resumo sistema médico para obtenção de imagem e método para processamento de imagem um sistema médico para obtenção de imagem inclui um processador (114) e uma memória (116) acoplada ao processador. a memória inclui um módulo de detecção óptica de formato (115) configurado para receber dados de detecção de formato a partir de um sistema de detecção de formato (104) acoplado a um instrumento médico (102). o sistema de detecção de formato é configurado para medir um formato e posição do instrumento médico. um módulo de geração de imagem (148) é configurado para detectar e remover digitalmente artefatos da imagem de instrumento médico a partir de uma imagem gerada com base em pelo menos o formato e a posição do instrumento médico conforme medido pelo sistema de detecção de formato. 1/1 medical imaging system and image processing method an medical imaging system includes a processor (114) and a memory (116) coupled to the processor. The memory includes an optical format detection module (115) configured to receive format detection data from a format detection system (104) coupled to a medical instrument (102). The format detection system is configured to measure a shape and position of the medical instrument. an imaging module (148) is configured to digitally detect and remove artifacts from the medical instrument image from an image generated based on at least the shape and position of the medical instrument as measured by the format detection system. 1/1

Anatomy adapted acquisition with fixed multi-source x-ray system

A system (SC) for controlling operation of a multi-focal-spot X-ray imager (IA). The system comprises a projection direction determiner (PDD) configured to determine a projection direction for an object (OB) to be imaged, based on a geometric structure of a model m(OB) for the object (OB). A selector (SX) of the system is configured to select, from the imager (IA)'s plurality of focal-spot-detector pairs (IPj) with different optical axes (OXj), at least one target pair whose optical axis corresponds to the determined projection direction.

X-ray imaging of an object with three-dimensional localization of an interventional device

Motion compensated ct reconstruction of high contrast objects

Cardiac CT imaging using gated reconstruction is currently limited in its temporal and spatial resolution. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an examination apparatus is provided in which an identification of a high contrast object is performed. This high contrast object is then followed through the phases, resulting in a motion vector field of the high contrast object, on the basis of which a motion compensated reconstruction is then performed.

Tracking system and marker device to be tracked by the tracking system for a medical procedure

A tracking system for tracking a marker device for being attached to a medical device is provided, whereby the marker device includes a sensing unit comprising a magnetic object which may be excited by an external magnetic or electromagnetic excitation field into a mechanical oscillation of the magnetic object, and the tracking system comprises a field generator for generating a predetermined magnetic or electromagnetic excitation field for inducing mechanical oscillations of the magnetic object, a transducer for transducing a magnetic or electromagnetic field generated by the induced mechanical oscillations of the magnetic object into one or more electrical response signals, and a position determination unit for determining the position of the marker device on the basis of the one or more electrical response signals.

X-ray system error tracking and calibration

Mechanical image acquisition systems (such as medical C-arms) frequently accumulate geometrical errors which must be calibrated out using a calibration phantom. A more frequent regime of system calibration implies a less frequent use of the C-arm for clinical applications. The present application proposes to identify common biases between the acquired projection frame sequences from the same mechanical image acquisition system in first and second acquisitions, and to compare this to expected calibration data of the mechanical image acquisition system to generate frame deviation measures. If a resemblance between the first and second sequences of frame deviation measures is obtained, one or more calibration actions are performed (such as alerting the user that calibration should be provided, and/or automatically correcting for the geometry deviation).

3d-2d adaptive shape model supported motion compensated reconstruction

A method for generating or reconstruction of three-dimensional (3D) images corresponding to a structure of interest (60) including: acquiring a plurality of image projections corresponding to a structure of interest (60); applying a shape model (66) at a selected 3D seed point (64); and adapting the shape model (66) to represent the structure of interest (60), yielding an adapted shape model. A system for generation and reconstruction of three-dimensional (3D) images. The system (10) includes: an imaging system (12) configured to provide projection data corresponding to a structure of interest (60); and a controller (50) in operable communication with the imaging system (50). The controller (50) is configured to: receive the projection data, (64); apply a shape model (66) at a selected 3D seed point (64); and adapt the shape model (66) to represent the structure of interest (60), thereby yielding an adapted shape model.

Improved reconstruction for cone-beam computed tomography imaging with off-center flat panel detector

Computed tomography (CT) reconstruction includes reconstructing an axially extended reconstructed image from a measured cone beam x-ray projection data set (Pm), optionally having an off-center geometry. The reconstructing is performed for an extended volume (eFOV) comprising a reconstructable volume (rFOV) of the measured cone beam x ray data set that is extended along the axial direction. The projection data set may be weighted in the volume domain. Iterative reconstruction may be used, including initializing a constant volume and performing one or more iterations employing a first iterative update followed by one or more iterations employing a second, different iterative update. Alternatively, backprojection filtration (BPF) reconstruction may be used, including transforming the projection data set to a new geometry including finite differences between neighboring projection views and performing BPF using Hilbert filtering along a plurality of different directions and averaging the resultant reconstructed images to generate the final reconstructed image.

Image reconstruction device and method

The present invention relates to an image reconstruction device and a corresponding method for reconstructing a 3D image of an object (7) from projection data of said object (7). In order to obtain 3D images having sharp high-contrast structures and almost no image blur, and in which streak artifacts (and noise in tissue-like regions) are strongly reduced, an image reconstruction device is proposed comprising: a first reconstruction unit (30) for reconstructing a first 3D image of said object (7) using the original projection data, an interpolation unit (31) for calculating interpolated projection data from said original projection data, - a second reconstruction unit (32) for reconstructing a second 3D image of said object (7) using at least the interpolated projection data, a segmentation unit (33) for segmentation of the first or second 3D image into high-contrast and low-contrast areas, a third reconstruction unit (34) for reconstructing a third 3D image from selected areas of said first and said second 3D image, wherein said segmented 3D image is used to select image values from said first 3D image for high-contrast areas and image values from said second 3D image for low-contrast areas.

Prediction of residues of plant protection agents in harvested products

The present invention relates to the prediction of residues of plant protection agents in plants or plant parts which are intended for human or animal consumption, preferably in vegetables and/or fruit. The present invention also relates to a method, a device, a system and a computer program product for predicting residues of plant protection agents.

Adaptive roadmapping

The invention relates to adaptive roadmapping providing improved information to the user, comprising the following steps: providing pre-navigation image data representing at least a part of a vascular structure comprising a tree- like structure with a plurality of sub- trees; generating a vessel representation on the basis of pre-navigation image data; acquiring live image data of the object, which object comprises the vascular structure; wherein the vascular structure contains an element of interest; determining spatial relation of the pre-navigation image data and the live image data; analysing the live image data by identifying and localizing the element in the live image data; determining a sub- tree in which the element is positioned, wherein the determining is based on the localization of the element and on the spatial relation; and selecting a portion of the vascular structure based on the determined sub -tree; generating a combination of the live image data and an image of the selected portion of the vascular structure; and displaying the combination as a tailored roadmap. The element may be physical object, for example an interventional tool or device.

Cbct comprising a beam shaping filter

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a beam shaping filter (1) for use in a cone beam computed tomography system. The filter comprises a radiation attenuating element for positioning between an x-ray source of the cone beam computed tomography system and an object to be imaged. The radiation attenuation as function of position in at least a part (2) of the radiation attenuating element is rotationally symmetric with respect to a point of rotational symmetry (3).

Confidence map for neural network based limited angle artifact reduction in cone beam ct

Positionsgeber sowie verfahren zur bestimmung einer position einer drehbaren welle

Efficient motion-compensation in cone beam computed tomography based on data consistency

An image processing system (IPS), comprising an input interface (IN) for receiving a projection image from a plurality of projection images of a movable object (PAT) acquired along different directions by an imaging apparatus (XA), the projection images defined in a projection domain spanned by a radiation sensitive surface of the detector (D). The system includes a motion checker (MC) configured to operate in the projection domain to decide whether the projection image is corrupted by motion of the object during acquisition.

Tomographic x-ray image reconstruction

An apparatus for image reconstruction that includes input circuitry configured to acquire, from an image sequence, first and second 2D projection data of a region of interest of an object at respective acquisition times; and provide first 3D object data of a first object in a region of interest and second 3D object data of a second object in a region of interest. The apparatus also includes a processor configured to generate a first registration of the first and/or second 3D object data to the first 2D projection data and a second registration of the first and/or second 3D object data to the second 2D projection data; provide a vector field defining motion of the second object relative to the first object between the acquisition times based on the registrations; generate corrected projection data using the vector field; and generate a motion-compensated image sequence based on the corrected projection data.

Überwachungsverfahren für ein motorisch angetriebenes tor

Biologisches gelenkkonstrukt

Durch 3d-2d-adaptives formmodel unterstützte bewegungskompensierte rekonstruktion

Imaging procedure planning

A method includes generating with a processor (122) a three-dimensional subject specific model of structure of interest of a subject to be scanned based on a general three-dimensional model and pre-scan image data acquired by an imaging system (100) generating with the processor (122) an imaging plan for the subject based on the three-dimensional subject specific model.

Besser verarbeitbarethermoplastische elastomere auf basis nitrilkautschuk niedriger mooney viskosität

Spritzbares knochenersatzmaterial enthaltend fibrin oder fibrinogen sowie hydroxylapatit zement

Auslesen von optisch lesbaren codes

Die vorliegende Erfindung befasst sich mit dem technischen Gebiet der Kennzeichnung von Gegenständen mit optisch lesbaren Codes und dem Dekodieren der Codes. Ein solcher Code ist in eine Oberfläche eines Gegenstands eingebracht. Das Dekodieren des Codes erfolgt auf Basis einer transformierten Bildaufnahme des Codes. Die transformierte Bildaufhahme wird aus mindestens einer Bildaufnahme des Codes mit Hilfe eines Modells des maschinellen Lernens erzeugt. Das Modell ist trainiert, aus mindestens einer Bildaufnahme eine transformierte Bildaufnahme zu erzeugen, bei der das Auslesen des optisch lesbaren Codes zu weniger Dekodierfehlern führt als das das Auslesen des Codes in der mindestens einen Bildaufnahme. Gegenstände der vorliegenden Erfindung sind ein Verfahren zum Trainieren des Modells des maschinellen Lernens sowie ein Verfahren, ein System und ein Computerprogrammprodukt zum Dekodieren eines Codes mit Hilfe des trainierten Modells des maschinellen Lernens.

Generating a mapping function for tracking a position of an electrode

A mechanism for generating a mapping function for mapping measurements taken at an electrode within crossing electric fields to a position or positions within a multidimensional co-ordinate system. The values for coefficients of the mapping function are generated using a first machine-learning algorithm, which receives, as input, example measurements (or responses) of the electrode and provides, as output, values for the coefficients for the mapping function. There is proposed a method and processing system for carrying out this mechanism.

Vierdimensionale rekonstruktion von mehrere phasen periodischer bewegung aufweisenden regionen

Verfahren zur Flugweggenerierung

Calibration-free tomosynthesis

The present invention relates to tomosynthesis. In order to further facilitate and improve the generation of three-dimensional image data, an X-ray imaging system (10) for calibration- free tomosynthesis is provided. The system comprises an imaging arrangement (12) with an X-ray detector unit (14) and an X-ray unit (16) comprising a plurality of X-ray sources (18). The system also comprises an image processing unit (20), an object receiving space (22), and a moving unit (24) for providing a relative movement between the imaging arrangement and an object of interest arranged at least partially in the object receiving space. The X-ray sources are provided in a known spatial relationship; the X-ray detector unit and the X-ray unit are also provided in a known spatial detector-sources- relationship. The moving unit provides a relative movement between the object of interest and the imaging arrangement in order to provide a plurality of system-to-object positions. The X-ray unit is configured to provide X-ray radiation to the object of interest from a plurality of different directions for each system-to-object position in order to provide a plurality of subsets of views with different viewing directions. The processing unit is configured to determine positions of the object in relation to the imaging arrangement based on the subsets of views, and to calculate a three-dimensional geometric position for each view of the subsets of views, and also to calculate a three-dimensional tomosynthesis reconstruction volume from the plurality of subsets of views.

Kalibrierfreie Tomosynthese

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft die Tomosynthese. Zur weiteren Erleichterung und Verbesserung der Erzeugung dreidimensionaler Bilddaten wird ein Röntgenbildgebungssystem (10) für kalibrierfreie Tomosynthese bereitgestellt. Das System umfasst eine Bildgebungsanordnung (12) mit einer Röntgendetektoreinheit (14) und einer Röntgeneinheit (16), die mehrere Röntgenquellen (18) umfasst. Außerdem umfasst das System eine Bildverarbeitungseinheit (20), einen Objektaufnahmeraum (22) und eine Bewegungseinheit (24) zum Bereitstellen einer Relativbewegung zwischen der Bildgebungsanordnung und einem interessierenden Objekt, das wenigstens teilweise in dem Objektaufnahmeraum angeordnet ist. Die Röntgenquellen werden in einer bekannten räumlichen Beziehung bereitgestellt; die Röntgendetektoreinheit und die Röntgeneinheit werden ebenfalls in einer bekannten räumlichen Detektor-Quellen-Beziehung bereitgestellt. Die Bewegungseinheit stellt eine Relativbewegung zwischen dem interessierenden Objekt und der Bildgebungsanordnung bereit, um mehrere System-zu-Objekt-Positionen bereitzustellen. Die Röntgeneinheit ist dazu konfiguriert, Röntgenstrahlung zu dem interessierenden Objekt aus mehreren verschiedenen Richtungen für jede System-zu-Objekt-Position zu liefern, um mehrere Teilsätze von Ansichten mit verschiedenen Betrachtungsrichtungen bereitzustellen. Die Verarbeitungseinheit ist dazu konfiguriert, Positionen des Objekts in Bezug auf die Bildgebungsanordnung basierend auf den Teilsätzen von Ansichten zu bestimmen und eine dreidimensionale geometrische Position für jede Ansicht der Teilsätze von Ansichten zu berechnen und außerdem ein dreidimensionales Tomosynthese-Rekonstruktionsvolumen aus den mehreren Teilsätzen von Ansichten zu berechnen.

Verfahren zur Flugweggenerierung

Determining a distance between pairs of field-sensitive sensors of an interventional device

A mechanism for determining an inter-sensor distance between at least one pair of field-sensitive sensors of an interventional device. A minimization process is used to determine the inter-sensor distance, which minimizes and/or converges a difference between an estimated distance or estimated distances and a function-derived distance or function-derived distances by modifying the estimated distance(s). The function-derived distances are distances determining using a measurement-to-position mapping function that maps sets of measurements of field-sensitive sensors to positions in a spatial coordinate system.

Tomographic x-ray image reconstruction

Cone beam computed tomography image acquisition protocols typically acquire a series of 2D projection images around a region of interest of a patient. The time required for a C-arm to travel around an acquisition orbit around the region of interest of a patient is non-trivial, and as a result, a patient being imaged may move during the acquisition. This is problematic because many computed tomography image acquisition algorithms assume that a patient is perfectly still during the acquisition time. If patient moves as the series of 2D projection images is being obtained, a 3D reconstruction will be affected by image artefacts. This application proposes to identify and to remove image artefacts caused by the relative motion of at least two rigid objects in the region of interest (For example, a mandible moving with respect to a skull during the acquisition). The at least two rigid objects have a more predictable motion characteristic, which may be used to correct 2D images of the input projection image sequence before a final reconstruction step. Accordingly, 3D images of a patient may be provided with fewer artefacts even when a patient moves during an acquisition.

Tomographic x-ray image reconstruction

Cone beam computed tomography image acquisition protocols typically acquire a series of 2D projection images around a region of interest of a patient. The time required for a C-arm to travel around an acquisition orbit around the region of interest of a patient is non-trivial, and as a result, a patient being imaged may move during the acquisition. This is problematic because many computed tomography image acquisition algorithms assume that a patient is perfectly still during the acquisition time. If patient moves as the series of 2D projection images is being obtained, a 3D reconstruction will be affected by image artefacts. This application proposes to identify and to remove image artefacts caused by the relative motion of at least two rigid objects in the region of interest (For example, a mandible moving with respect to a skull during the acquisition). The at least two rigid objects have a more predictable motion characteristic, which may be used to correct 2D images of the input projection image sequence before a final reconstruction step. Accordingly, 3D images of a patient may be provided with fewer artefacts even when a patient moves during an acquisition.

Efficient motion-compensation in cone beam computed tomography based on data consistency

An image processing system (IPS), comprising an input interface (IN) for receiving a projection image from a plurality of projection images of a movable object (PAT) acquired along different directions by an imaging apparatus (XA), the projection images defined in a projection domain spanned by a radiation sensitive surface of the detector (D). The system includes a motion checker (MC) configured to operate in the projection domain to decide whether the projection image is corrupted by motion of the object during acquisition.

Sequential transmission of compressed medical image data

The application describes various embodiments of a medical system, a computer program, and a method related to sequential transmission of compressed medical image data. As an example, a medical system comprising a local memory storing local machine executable instructions and a local computational system. Execution of the machine executable instructions further causes the computational system to: receive a feature vector descriptive of medical image data, wherein the feature vector is configured to be input into a decoder neural network, wherein the decoder neural network is configured to output an approximation of the medical image data when receiving at least a part of the feature vector as input, wherein the feature vector comprises a ranking assigning an importance to elements of the feature vector; and sequentially transmit portions of the feature vector to a remote computational system via a network connection, wherein the portions of the features vector with a higher importance are transmitted first.

Progressive compression for iterative 3d reconstruction in the cloud

A system (SYS-R) and related methods for reconstruction from projection imagery. The system comprises a receiver interface (IN) via which is receivable input data including plural frequency components at a given frequency level from plural frequency levels. The frequency components are previously obtained based on image analysis of plural projection images acquired by an imaging apparatus (IA). An order in which the frequency components are receivable is from lower to higher frequency levels. A reconstructor module (RECON) implements a reconstruction algorithm to reconstruct, based on the plural frequency components at the given frequency level, a version of a reconstructed image (V). The system (SYS-R) allows responsive reconstruction in particular when the projection components are received over a low bandwidth transmission channel.

Cbct simulation for ct-to-cbct registration and cbct segmentation

The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method for generating a simulated CBCT image based on a computed tomography image. A computed tomography image is converted into attenuation coefficients of the represented tissue, and the computed tomography image is forward-projected to a projection image based on scanner parameters of a simulated CBCT scanner. After the addition of artificial noise to the projection image representing noise detected by the simulated CBCT scanner, the projection image is back-projected with a reconstruction algorithm for the generation of a simulated CBCT image of the subject. The present invention relates further to a method for generating training data for training an artificial intelligence module based on the simulated images, and to methods for registering a computed tomography image to a CBCT image and for segmenting a CBCT image with an artificial intelligence module trained with training data comprising the simulated CBCT images.

Projection-based removal of high-contrast objects

A system (900) and method for automatic projection-based removing of high-contrast artificial objects from a medical image is provided. The method comprises performing a low-pass filtering (1100) to the two-dimensional image (100, 500, 1000) using a filter width range (1110) corresponding to structures of a line-shaped artificial object to generate a low-pass filtered intensity image and performing an evaluation of the Hessian matrix of each pixels of the low-pass filtered intensity image for locating and enhancing the structure of the line-shaped artificial object to generate a multi-scale filtered intensity image, wherein predefined scaling widths are used in order to avoid the locating and enhancing of larger structures.

Cbct simulation for training ai-based ct-to-cbct registration and cbct segmentation

The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method for generating a simulated cone-beam computed tomography image based on a computed tomography image. A computed tomography image is converted into attenuation coefficients of the represented tissue, and the computed tomography image is forward-projected to a projection image based on predetermined scanner parameters of a simulated cone-beam computed tomography scanner. After the addition of artificial noise to the projection image representing noise detected by the simulated cone-beam computed tomography scanner, the projection image is back-projected with a predetermined reconstruction algorithm for the generation of a simulated cone-beam computed tomography image of the subject. The present invention relates further to a method for generating training data for training an artificial intelligence module based on the simulated images, and to methods for registering a computed tomography image to a cone-beam computed tomography image and for segmenting a cone-beam computed tomography image with an artificial intelligence module trained with training data comprising the simulated cone-beam computed tomography images.

Image guidance for implanted lead extraction

Sequential transmission of compressed medical image data

Disclosed herein is a medical system (100, 300, 400) comprising a local memory (118) storing local machine executable instructions (130) and a local computational system (110). Execution of the machine executable instructions further causes the computational system to: receive (200) a feature vector (132, 134, 136) descriptive of medical image data (410), wherein the feature vector is configured to be input into a decoder neural network (142), wherein the decoder neural network is configured to output an approximation of the medical image data (146) when receiving at least a part of the feature vector as input, wherein the feature vector comprises a ranking (702) assigning an importance to elements of the feature vector; and sequentially (202) transmit portions (132, 134, 136) of the feature vector to a remote computational system (120) via a network connection (114), wherein the portions of the features vector with a higher importance are transmitted first.

Cbct simulation for training ai-based ct-to-cbct registration and cbct segmentation

The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method for generating a simulated cone-beam computed tomography image based on a computed tomography image. A computed tomography image is converted into attenuation coefficients of the represented tissue, and the computed tomography image is forward-projected to a projection image based on predetermined scanner parameters of a simulated cone-beam computed tomography scanner. After the addition of artificial noise to the projection image representing noise detected by the simulated cone-beam computed tomography scanner, the projection image is back-projected with a predetermined reconstruction algorithm for the generation of a simulated cone-beam computed tomography image of the subject. The present invention relates further to a method for generating training data for training an artificial intelligence module based on the simulated images, and to methods for registering a computed tomography image to a cone-beam computed tomography image and for segmenting a cone-beam computed tomography image with an artificial intelligence module trained with training data comprising the simulated cone-beam computed tomography images.

Fast vibration correction for images with metal objects in cbct

The present invention relates to vibration correction. A vibration artifact suppression method (100) is provided that comprises the following steps: a) reconstructing (110) a three-dimensional image of an object of interest based on projection data acquired with an X-ray imaging system, b) determining (120) whether the reconstructed three-dimensional image contains a metal object, and c) performing one of the following steps based on a result of the determination: c1) in response to determining that the reconstructed three-dimensional image contains a metal object, performing (130) a vibration correction method based on the metal object segmented in the reconstructed three-dimensional image; or c2) in response to determining that the reconstructed three-dimensional image contains no metal object, performing (140) a vibration correction method based on the object of interest segmented in the reconstructed three-dimensional image. With the vibration artifact suppression method, the number of iterations may be strongly reduced, leading to a significant speed up of the overall reconstruction time.

Method and apparatus for computed tomography image reconstruction

A method and apparatus are provided to reconstruct projection data obtained from CT imaging devices with offset detector geometries. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided to reconstruct projection data obtained from CT imaging devices with offset detector geometries that includes the following steps: (i) matching projection data measured at opposing sides of the acquisition trajectory and splicing them together to generate a full, non-truncated projection data set; (ii) differentiation of the projection data; (iii) filtering the differentiated projection data with a filter, such as for example a Hilbert filter; (iv) applying redundancy weighting to the filtered projection data; and (v) back-projecting the redundancy weighted projection data to generate image data.

Signalausgelöste eingreifende vorrichtungssteuerung

Ein System (SYS) zum Unterstützen eines medizinischen Verfahrens, umfassend eine Schnittstelle (IN) zum Empfangen mindestens eines medizinischen Eingangssignals, das einen Zustand einer Zielanatomie beschreibt.Ein Signalanalysator (SA) ist konfiguriert, um das medizinische Eingangssignal zu analysieren, um ein Zeitfenster für den Einsatz einer kardiovaskulären Vorrichtung (CL) zu bestimmen, die durch eine Einsatzvorrichtung (CAT) in Bezug auf die Zielanatomie eingesetzt werden soll.

Vertebral feature identification

Minimally-invasive spinal inventions are often performed using fluoroscopic imaging methods, which can give a real-time impression of the location of a surgical instrument, at the expense of a small field of view. When operating on a spinal column, a small field of view can be a problem, because a medical professional is left with no reference vertebra in the fluoroscopy image, from which to identify a vertebra, which is the subject of the intervention. Identifying contiguous vertebrae is difficult because such contiguous vertebrae are similar in shape. However, characteristic features, which differentiate one vertebra from other vertebra, and which are visible in the fluoroscopic view, may be used to provide a reference.

3d-2d adaptive shape model supported motion compensated reconstruction

A method for generating or reconstruction of three-dimensional (3D) images corresponding to a structure of interest (60) including: acquiring a plurality of image projections corresponding to a structure of interest (60); applying a shape model (66) at a selected 3D seed point (64); and adapting the shape model (66) to represent the structure of interest (60), yielding an adapted shape model. A system for generation and reconstruction of three-dimensional (3D) images. The system (10) includes: an imaging system (12) configured to provide projection data corresponding to a structure of interest (60); and a controller (50) in operable communication with the imaging system (50). The controller (50) is configured to: receive the projection data, (64); apply a shape model (66) at a selected 3D seed point (64); and adapt the shape model (66) to represent the structure of interest (60), thereby yielding an adapted shape model.

Efficient motion-compensation in cone beam computed tomography based on data consistency

An image processing system (IPS), comprising an input interface (IN) for receiving a projection image from a plurality of projection images of a movable object (PAT) acquired along different directions by an imaging apparatus (XA), the projection images defined in a projection domain spanned by a radiation sensitive surface of the detector (D). The system includes a motion checker (MC) configured to operate in the projection domain to decide whether the projection image is corrupted by motion of the object during acquisition.

Diagnostisches verfahren auf der grundlage von lipidmessparameter- modulations/effektorquotientenprofilen

Image guidance for implanted lead extraction

The present invention relates to a device (1) for providing image data during an extraction procedure for extracting a lead from the body of a subject using an extraction device (7). The device comprises an input (2) for receiving live x-ray projection image data of the lead during the extraction procedure and for receiving three-dimensional image data as acquired before the extraction procedure. A processing unit (3) determines a position of the extraction device (7) in the three-dimensional image data by detecting the position in the live projection image data during the procedure and correlates this position in the live projection image data with the position in the three-dimensional image data. An output (4) generates an image of a cross-sectional view of the lead and/or its surrounding body structure at the determined position based on the three-dimensional image data.