Picker International, Inc.

Nicholas C Wislocki

Robert A Cecil

Anton Z Zupancic

Gregory S Breiding

Micheal J Petrillo

John D Geither

James M Kapcio

Robert C Gilbert

Susan L Fike

Robert Grisar

A CT scanner (10) non-invasively examines a region of interest of a patient to create an image representation that is stored in an image memory (14). Each pixel of the image representation has a relatively large number of bits of radiation intensity resolution, e.g. 14 bits or 16k levels, which is larger than the gray scale resolution of a conventional video monitor (24), e.g. 8 bits or 256 levels. A look-up table (38) digitally filters each pixel value with digital filter values to reduce the number of levels of each pixel value to the number of gray scale levels displayable by the video monitor. While the image is being displayed, the operator selectively adjusts the digital filtering to optimize the displayed image for the intended diagnostic purpose. During the vertical flyback or other non-display periods of the video monitor, a central processor (30) generates most significant bits of addresses that read digital filter longwords from a filter memory (44). A multiplexer (54) breaks each word into a plurality of filter values or bytes which are serially conveyed to the digital filter look-up table. A least significant bit address generator (62) generates the least significant bits of the address for each filter value concurrently with its conveyance to the look-up table. The multiplexer and least significant bit address generator are clocked at a faster rate than the central processor such that within one read clock pulse of the central processor, a plurality of digital filter values are loaded into the digital filter look-up table. In this manner, image filtering via look-up table in real time is enhanced through an improved, faster loading method.

High speed window and level function modification for real time video

Diagnostic scanner control console

Computerized tomographic scanner control keyboard

Computer control panel

A gantry (A) of a CT scanner system has an x-ray tube (10) and radiation detectors (14) which produce patient diagnostic data. An operator using a keyboard (20) or other manual controls operates the x-ray tube and other components of the gantry. The operator also causes a central processing unit (C) to process the diagnostic data with a selected algorithm to provide diagnostic information for display on a display (24). The same keyboard and displays are also utilized in routine service and repair processes. A system monitor (E) compares operating conditions sensed by sensors (50), such as operating temperatures and compares them with acceptable operating conditions. When the sensed conditions are unacceptable, a timer (60) is started and shuts down (68) gantry operation after a preselected duration. The operator can override (72) the timed shut down, but each such override is recorded (74) in permanent storage (32). The comparing means also compares software identification codes either for software selected on touch sensitive areas (76) of the display screen or from new software identifications read on a disk drive (22). If the identification of the requested or received software matches an authorized software identification, the software is utilized for diagnostic or service purposes. Other use of the software is blocked and the identification of any software sought to be entered is stored in the memory (32). To initiate a CT scan, a ready button (40) starts a timer (44) which enables a start button (42) to control the power to the CT scanner for a selected short duration, e.g. 30 seconds.

System safety monitor for CT scanners

A first electromechanical transducer (40) generates a first electrical signal indicative of rotation of a ball (A) relative to a first axis. A second electromechanical transducer (50) generates a second electrical signal indicative of rotation of the ball relative to a second axis. A third electromechanical transducer (60) generates a third electrical signal indicative of rotation of an annular ring (12) around the periphery of the ball, i.e. a third axis. A resolver circuit (D) converts the first, second, and third electrical signals into an indication of movement or position along the first, second, and third axes.

Multi-axis trackball

A system and method for monitoring progress of a radiographic exposure is disclosed. The system samples the cumulative radiation as an exposure progresses, and aborts the exposure if the rate of rise in cumulative radiation is insufficiently low to cause a good exposure. Similarly, the system will terminate an exposure early, at a properly timed out interval, even if the radiation accumulation rises excessively fast due to an erroneous system set up.

Exposure monitoring in radiation imaging

Growing community of inventors

North Royalton, OH, United States of America

Nicholas C Wislocki