Patent US5668844A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5668844A
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Self-calibrated tomosynthetic, radiographic-imaging system, method, and device
Assignee: Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
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Filing: 1994-10-20
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Granted: 1997-09-16
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Expires: 2014-10-20
Abstract
Abstract A self-calibrating tomosynthetic x-ray system is provided. A calibrated device for recording radiographic images of a selected object irradiated by a source of radiation includes a first radiolucent radiographic recording medium in the form of a CCD device for recording a first projected radiographic image of the selected object. A second radiographic recording medium in the form of a CCD device is supported in fixed generally parallel position relative to the first radiographic recording medium to permit radiation from the source to pass through the first radiographic recording medium and to impinge upon the second radiographic recording medium for recording a second projected radiographic image of the selected object. A radiopaque fiducial reference in the form of a grid is supported in fixed position generally between the first and second radiographic recording mediums to permit a projected image of the radiopaque fiducial reference to be recorded on the second radiographic recording medium. Projected radiographic images of the object and the fiducial reference are then recorded at different arbitrary relative positions between the source of radiation and the object, the fiducial reference, and the recording mediums. An image of a selected object at a selected slice position through the object is synthesized from selected projected radiographic images of the object and the fiducial reference recorded by the calibrated device.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard L. Webber
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 08:46
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B6/00; A61B6/02; A61B6/025; A61B6/50; A61B6/51; A61B6/42; A61B6/4291
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 72
Claim 1
Independent Claim
141 words
A device for recording radiographic images of a selected object irradiated by a source of radiation comprising: (a) a support; (b) a first radiographic recording medium supported on the support for recording a projected radiographic image of the selected object; (c) a second radiographic recording medium supported relative to the support in fixed position relative to the first radiographic recording medium and at a selected orientation relative to the first radiographic recording medium for recording a projected radiographic image; and (d) a radiopaque fiducial reference supported relative to the support at a fixed position relative to the first and second radiographic recording mediums to permit a projected radiographic image of the radiopaque fiducial reference to be recorded on the second radiographic recording medium wherein the fiducial reference includes a frequency indicator for exhibiting a selected frequency pattern at the fiducial reference.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
141 words
A device for recording radiographic images of a selected object irradiated by a source of radiation comprising: (a) a support; (b) a first radiographic recording medium supported on the support for recording a projected radiographic image of the selected object; (c) a second radiographic recording medium supported relative to the support in fixed position relative to the first radiographic recording medium and at a selected orientation relative to the first radiographic recording medium for recording a projected radiographic image; and (d) a radiopaque fiducial reference supported relative to the support at a fixed position relative to the first and second radiographic recording mediums to permit a projected radiographic image of the radiopaque fiducial reference to be recorded on the second radiographic recording medium wherein the fiducial reference includes a frequency indicator for exhibiting a selected frequency pattern at the fiducial reference.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
49 words
The device in accordance with claim 1 wherein the first radiographic recording medium is radiolucent and is positioned relative to the second radiographic recording medium to permit radiation from the source of radiation to pass through the first radiographic recording medium and impinge upon the second radiographic recording medium.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device in accordance with claim 2 wherein the first radiographic recording medium is positioned generally parallel to the second radiographic recording medium.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device in accordance with claim 3 wherein the radiopaque fiducial reference is positioned intermediate the first and second radiographic recording mediums.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
109 words
The device in accordance with claim 1 wherein the first radiographic recording medium is radiolucent and is positioned relative to the second radiographic recording medium to permit radiation from the source of radiation to pass through the first radiographic recording medium and impinge upon the second radiographic recording medium and wherein the radiopaque fiducial reference is positioned intermediate the first and second radiographic recording mediums to enable the first radiographic recording medium to record a first projected image of the selected object and to enable the second radiographic recording medium to record the projected image of the radiopaque fiducial reference and a second projected image of the selected object.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device in accordance with claim 5 wherein each of the first and second radiographic recording mediums includes a CCD device.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device in accordance with claim 5 wherein said radiopaque fiducial reference includes a radiopaque grid.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device in accordance with claim 7 wherein the first and second recording mediums and the radiopaque grid are oriented generally parallel with one another.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device in accordance with claim 8 wherein each of the first and second radiographic recording mediums includes a CCD device.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
45 words
The device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said frequency indicator exhibits a selected frequency pattern at thhe fiducial reference so that the projected image of the fiducial reference can exhibit a different frequency pattern relative to the frequency pattern exhibited at the fiducial reference.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device in accordance with claim 10 wherein said frequency indicator includes a radiopaque grid.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
48 words
The device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said frequency indicator exhibits a selected frequency pattern at the fiducial reference so that the projected image of the fiducial reference can exhibit a frequency pattern having a phase shift relative to the selected frequency pattern at the fiducial reference.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device in accordance with claim 12 wherein said frequency indicator includes a radiopaque grid.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
59 words
The device in accordance with claim 1 wherein the radiopaque fiducial reference includes a displacement indicator at the fiducial reference for indicating a selected position of the fiducial reference so that the projected image of the fiducial reference can exhibit a displacement to a different position relative to the selected position of the displacement indicator of the fiducial reference.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
56 words
The device in accordance with claim 1 wherein the radiopaque fiducial reference includes a displacement indicator at the fiducial reference for indicating a selected size of the fiducial reference so that the projected image of the fiducial reference can exhibit a different size relative to the selected size of the displacement indicator of the fiducial reference.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
116 words
An apparatus for tomosynthesis of multiple object images of a selected object comprising: (a) an image detector positioned at a fixed position relative to the selected object for detecting said multiple object images; (b) a fiducial reference positioned at a fixed position relative to the selected object for producing multiple reference images on said image detector to yield composite images of said reference and object images detected upon said image detector; and (c) an image synthesizer for analyzing parameters related to positions and sizes of reference images of said composite images detected upon said image detector to produce image translation data, and for reconstructing a tomographic slice from said composite images and said image translation data.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
116 words
An apparatus for tomosynthesis of multiple object images of a selected object comprising: (a) an image detector positioned at a fixed position relative to the selected object for detecting said multiple object images; (b) a fiducial reference positioned at a fixed position relative to the selected object for producing multiple reference images on said image detector to yield composite images of said reference and object images detected upon said image detector; and (c) an image synthesizer for analyzing parameters related to positions and sizes of reference images of said composite images detected upon said image detector to produce image translation data, and for reconstructing a tomographic slice from said composite images and said image translation data.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said fiducial reference includes a metallic bead.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said image detector includes a CCD device.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
49 words
The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said image detector includes first image detecting medium for recording said multiple object images and a second image detecting medium supported in a fixed position at a selected angle of orientation relative to said first image detecting medium for recording said composite images.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said fiducial reference is positioned between said first and second image detecting mediums.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
55 words
The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said fiducial reference includes a reference frequency pattern for providing a reference frequency pattern image within said composite image so that said reference frequency pattern image recorded by said second image detecting medium can exhibit a different frequency pattern and a phase shift relative to said reference frequency pattern.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 21 wherein said parameters related to positions and sizes of the reference images of said composite images detected upon said image detector include said different frequency pattern and said phase shift relative to said reference frequency pattern.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 21 wherein said reference frequency pattern includes a grid.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
99 words
A system for tomosynthesis of multiple projected object images of a selected object comprising: (a) an image detector for detecting multiple projected object images at different relative positions to the selected object; (b) a fiducial reference located at a fixed reference position relative to the selected object for producing multiple projected reference images upon said image detector; and (c) an image synthesizer for analyzing parameters related to positions and sizes of the reference images detected upon said image detector to produce image translation data, and for reconstructing a tomographic slice from said object images and said image translation data.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
99 words
A system for tomosynthesis of multiple projected object images of a selected object comprising: (a) an image detector for detecting multiple projected object images at different relative positions to the selected object; (b) a fiducial reference located at a fixed reference position relative to the selected object for producing multiple projected reference images upon said image detector; and (c) an image synthesizer for analyzing parameters related to positions and sizes of the reference images detected upon said image detector to produce image translation data, and for reconstructing a tomographic slice from said object images and said image translation data.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
187 words
A method for synthesizing an image of a selected object at a selected slice position through the selected object from a plurality of images of the selected object comprising: (a) providing at least one recording means for recording images of the selected object; (b) providing at least one fiducial reference in fixed position relative to the recording means; (c) maintaining the selected object in fixed position relative to the recording means and the fiducial reference; (d) providing at least one imaging source for producing images of the object and the fiducial reference to be recorded on the recording means; (e) varying the relative positions between (1) the imaging source and (2) the object, the fiducial reference and the recording means; (f) recording images of the object and the fiducial reference on the recording means at different arbitrary relative positions between (1) the imaging source and (2) the object, the fiducial reference and the recording means; and (g) synthesizing an image of the selected object at a selected slice position through the object from selected images of the object and the fiducial reference recorded on the recording means.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
187 words
A method for synthesizing an image of a selected object at a selected slice position through the selected object from a plurality of images of the selected object comprising: (a) providing at least one recording means for recording images of the selected object; (b) providing at least one fiducial reference in fixed position relative to the recording means; (c) maintaining the selected object in fixed position relative to the recording means and the fiducial reference; (d) providing at least one imaging source for producing images of the object and the fiducial reference to be recorded on the recording means; (e) varying the relative positions between (1) the imaging source and (2) the object, the fiducial reference and the recording means; (f) recording images of the object and the fiducial reference on the recording means at different arbitrary relative positions between (1) the imaging source and (2) the object, the fiducial reference and the recording means; and (g) synthesizing an image of the selected object at a selected slice position through the object from selected images of the object and the fiducial reference recorded on the recording means.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method in accordance with claim 25 wherein the step of varying the relative positions between (1) the imaging source and (2) the object, the fiducial reference, and the recording means includes moving the object, the fiducial reference, and the recording means relative to the imaging source.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
67 words
The method in accordance with claim 26 wherein the step of moving the object, the fiducial reference and the recording means relative to the imaging source includes: (a) maintaining the imaging source in a fixed position; and (b) placing the object, the fiducial reference and the recording means on a conveyer for moving the object, the fiducial reference and the recording means relative to the imaging source.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method in accordance with claim 26 wherein the step of varying the relative positions between (1) the imaging source and (2) the object, the fiducial reference, and the recording means includes varying the relative positions in an arbitrary manner.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method in accordance with claim 25 wherein the imaging source includes a source of x-ray radiation.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method in accordance with claim 25 wherein the step of varying the relative positions between (1) the imaging source and (2) the object, the fiducial reference, and the recording means includes moving the imaging source relative to the object, the fiducial reference, and the recording means.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method in accordance with claim 25 wherein the step of varying the relative positions between (1) the imaging source an (2) the object, the fiducial refrence, and the recording means includes varying the relative positions in an arbitrary manner.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
216 words
The method in accordance with claim 25 wherein the step of synthesizing an image of the selected object at a selected slice position through the object includes: (a) selecting the respective recordings of images of the object and the fiducial reference recorded on the recording means for synthesizing the image at the selected slice. (b) determining for each selected recording the location of the image of the fiducial reference at a plane at the recording means; (c) selecting a reference location at the plane of the recording means; (d) determining for each selected recording the distance and path of each recorded image of the fiducial reference from the selected reference location; (e) determining for each selected recording the respective location of the image of the fiducial reference at the selected slice position such that the position of the image of the fiducial reference for each selected recording will correspond to the selected reference location for a predetermined slice position through the fiducial reference; and (f) shifting for each selected recording the images of the object and the fiducial reference recorded on the recording means to the selected slice position such that the image of the fiducial reference recorded on the recording means for each selected recording moves to its respective location at the selected slice position.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method in accordance with claim 32 including spatially averaging the images of the object and the fiducial reference which have been shifted to the selected slice position.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method in accordance with claim 33 including filtering the spatially averaged images.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method in accordance with claim 32 wherein the reference location at the plane of the recording device is selected as the center of gravity of the images of the fiducial reference recorded on the recording means for the selected recordings.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method in accordance with claim 32 including determining for each selected recording relative displacement of the image of the fiducial reference at the selected slice position.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method in accordance with claim 36 including for each selected recording adjusting the displacement of the image of the object at the selected slice position on the basis of the determined relative displacement.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method in accordance with claim 32 including determining for each selected recordings the magnification of the image of the fiducial reference recorded on the recording means.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method in accordance with claim 38 wherein the magnification is determined by comparing the size of the image of the fiducial reference recorded on the recording means relative to the actual size of the fiducial reference.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
89 words
The method in accordance With claim 38 wherein the fiducial reference includes a frequency indicator for exhibiting a selected frequency pattern at the fiducial reference so that the image of the fiducial reference recorded on the recording means can exhibit a different frequency pattern relative to the frequency pattern exhibited at the fiducial reference and wherein the magnification is determined by comparing the frequency pattern exhibited by the image of the fiducial reference recorded on the recording means with respect to the frequency pattern exhibited at the fiducial reference.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method in accordance with claim 40 wherein the frequency indicator includes a grid.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method in accordance with claim 38 including determining for each selected recording relative magnification of the image of the fiducial reference at the selected slice position based on the determined magnification of the image of the fiducial reference recorded on the recording means.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method in accordance with claim 42 including for each selected recording adjusting the magnification of the image of the object at the selected slice position on the basis of the determined relative magnification.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
202 words
A system for synthesizing an image of a selected object at a selected slice position through the selected object from a plurality of recorded images of the selected object comprising: (a) at least one recording means for recording images of the selected object; (b) at least one fiducial reference held in fixed position relative to the recording means; (c) holder means for holding the recording means and the fiducial reference in fixed position relative to the selected object; (d) at least one imaging source for producing images of the object and the fiducial reference to be recorded on the recording means; (e) position varying means for varying the relative positions between (1) the imaging source and (2) the object, the fiducial reference and the recording means so that images of the object and the fiducial reference are recorded on the recording means at different arbitrary relative positions between (1) the imaging source and (2) the object, the fiducial reference and the recording means; and (f) an image synthesizer for synthesizing an image of the selected object at a selected slice position through the object from selected recordings of the images of the object and the fiducial reference recorded on the recording means.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
202 words
A system for synthesizing an image of a selected object at a selected slice position through the selected object from a plurality of recorded images of the selected object comprising: (a) at least one recording means for recording images of the selected object; (b) at least one fiducial reference held in fixed position relative to the recording means; (c) holder means for holding the recording means and the fiducial reference in fixed position relative to the selected object; (d) at least one imaging source for producing images of the object and the fiducial reference to be recorded on the recording means; (e) position varying means for varying the relative positions between (1) the imaging source and (2) the object, the fiducial reference and the recording means so that images of the object and the fiducial reference are recorded on the recording means at different arbitrary relative positions between (1) the imaging source and (2) the object, the fiducial reference and the recording means; and (f) an image synthesizer for synthesizing an image of the selected object at a selected slice position through the object from selected recordings of the images of the object and the fiducial reference recorded on the recording means.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system in accordance with claim 44 wherein the position varying means moves the object, the fiducial reference, and the recording means relative to the imaging source.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system in accordance with claim 45 wherein the position varying means includes a conveyer belt.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system in accordance with claim 44 wherein the imaging source includes a source of radiation.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system in accordance with claim 44 wherein the position varying means varies the relative positions in an arbitrary manner.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
196 words
The system.in accordance with claim 44 wherein the image synthesizer includes: (a) means for determining the location of the image of the fiducial reference at a plane at the recording means for each selected recording of images of the object and the fiducial reference recorded on the recording means; (b) means for selecting a reference location at the plane of the recording means; (c) means for determining for each selected recording the distance and path of each image of the fiducial reference from the selected reference location; (d) means for determining for each selected recording the respective location of the image of the fiducial reference at the selected slice position such that the position of the image of the fiducial reference for each selected recording will correspond to the selected reference location for a predetermined slice position through the fiducial reference; and (e) means for shifting for each selected recording the image of the object and the fiducial reference recorded on the recording means to the selected slice position such that the image of the fiducial reference recorded on the recording means for each selected recording moves so its respective location at the selected slice position.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system in accordance with claim 49 including means for spatially averaging the images of the object which have been shifted to the selected slice position.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
41 words
The system in accordance with claim 49 wherein the reference location at the plane of the recording means is selected as the center of gravity of the images of the fiducial reference recorded on the recording means for the selected recordings.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system in accordance with claim 49 including means for determining the magnification of the image of the fiducial reference recorded on the recording means for each selected recording.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
37 words
The system in accordance with claim 52 wherein the magnification is determined by comparing the size of the image of the fiducial reference recorded on the recording means relative to the actual size of the fiducial reference.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
88 words
The system in accordance with claim 52 wherein the fiducial reference includes a frequency indicator for exhibiting a selected frequency pattern at the fiducial reference so that the image of the fiducial reference recorded on the recording means can exhibit different frequency pattern relative to the frequency pattern exhibited at the fiducial reference and wherein the magnification is determined by comparing the frequency pattern exhibited by the image of the fiducial reference recorded on the recording means with respect to the frequency pattern exhibited at the fiducial reference.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system in accordance with claim 54 wherein the frequency indicator includes a grid.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
48 words
The system in accordance with claim 52 including means for determining for each selected recording relative magnification of the image of the fiducial reference at the selected slice position on the basis of the determined magnification of the image of the fiducial reference recorded on the recording means.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system in accordance with claim 56 including means for adjusting the magnification of the image of the object at the selected slice position on the basis of the determined relative magnification.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system in accordance with claim 49 including means for determining for each selected recording relative displacement of the image of the fiducial reference at the selected slice position.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system in accordance with claim 58 including means for adjusting the displacement of the image of the object at the selected slice position on the basis of the determined relative displacement.
Claim 65
Independent Claim
130 words
A system for synthesizing a tomographic image of a selected object at a selected slice position through the selected object, the system comprising: (a) a fiducial reference held in a fixed-position relative to the selected object; (b) an image projector for projecting object images of the selected object and reference images of said fiducial reference; (c) an image detector located at a fixed position relative to the selected object for detecting said object images and said reference images projected by the image projector; and (d) an image synthesizer for comparing parameters related to positions and sizes of reference images detected upon said image detector to parameters of the fiducial reference to produce image translation data, and for reconstructing the tomographic image from said object images and said image translation data.
Claim 66
Independent Claim
130 words
A system for synthesizing a tomographic image of a selected object at a selected slice position through the selected object, the system comprising: (a) a fiducial reference held in a fixed-position relative to the selected object; (b) an image projector for projecting object images of the selected object and reference images of said fiducial reference; (c) an image detector located at a fixed position relative to the selected object for detecting said object images and said reference images projected by the image projector; and (d) an image synthesizer for comparing parameters related to positions and sizes of reference images detected upon said image detector to parameters of the fiducial reference to produce image translation data, and for reconstructing the tomographic image from said object images and said image translation data.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
35 words
The system of claim 60 wherein said parameters related to positions and sizes of the reference images detected upon said image detector include a frequency pattern and a phase shift of said detected reference images.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 60 wherein said image projector comprises a source of radiation.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
78 words
The system of claim 60 wherein said image detector is located for detecting composite images of said object images and said reference images projected by the image projector and wherein said image synthesizer compares parameters related to positions and sizes of the reference images within the composite images to parameters of the fiducial reference to produce the image translation data and wherein the image synthesizer reconstructs the tomographic image from said composite images and said image translation data.
Claim 70
Independent Claim
111 words
A method of tomosynthesis of projected images of a selected object comprising the steps of: (a) positioning a fiducial reference at a fixed position relative to the selected object; (b) projecting object images of the selected object and reference images of the fiducial reference; (c) detecting said projected object images and said projected reference images at a fixed location relative to the selected object to produce image data; (d) comparing parameters related to positions and sizes of the detected reference images to parameters of the fiducial reference to produce image translation data; and (e) reconstructing a tomographic slice of the selected object from said image translation data and said image data.
Claim 71
Independent Claim
111 words
A method of tomosynthesis of projected images of a selected object comprising the steps of: (a) positioning a fiducial reference at a fixed position relative to the selected object; (b) projecting object images of the selected object and reference images of the fiducial reference; (c) detecting said projected object images and said projected reference images at a fixed location relative to the selected object to produce image data; (d) comparing parameters related to positions and sizes of the detected reference images to parameters of the fiducial reference to produce image translation data; and (e) reconstructing a tomographic slice of the selected object from said image translation data and said image data.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
76 words
The method of claim 64 wherein the step of projecting object images and reference images includes projecting composite images of the object images and the reference images and wherein the step of detecting said projected object images and said projected reference images includes detecting said composite images to produce composite image data and wherein the step of reconstructing a tomographic slice includes reconstructing a tomographic slice from said image translation data and said composite image data.
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| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-09-15 | 2005-03-17 | 2005-09-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-09-15 | 2009-03-17 | 2009-09-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |